B2B Book Review & Giveaway: The Swiss Cheese Theory of Life! by Judith A. Belmont, MS & Lora Shor, MSW

I have to be honest and tell you that this is the first "self-help" book I've ever read. Now my definition of the self-help genre, is anything that fits into the bettering of oneself category, whether it be spiritually, mentally, or physically. I personally feel that most of them tend to be a little too Zen hippie for me. So when I received this book for review, I was a little skeptical but open minded. This has been a tough year for Hubby and I physically, mentally, and financially so anything that offers some insight on how to deal with it, is a good thing.

I feel when you plan on following the advice and suggestions of books like these, that it's important for the people offering it be qualified and knowledgeable and both these ladies are. Judith A. Belmont, MS, is a national speaker and corporate wellness trainer with 30+ years of experience as a psychotherapist. Lora Shor, MSW, is a national health and wellness speaker, an international corporate work/life consultant to Fortune 500 companies, and a psychotherapist. She has worked with a lot of huge companies such as Wells Fargo/ Wachovia, Pfizer, and Morgan Stanley to name a few. So you can see why I was able to be open minded about the book.

The book uses Swiss Cheese as a metaphor for life. The holes, which define Swiss Cheese, represent life's imperfections, obstacles, and disappointments. The Swiss Cheese Theory of Life! helps us to accept theses "holes" and to learn and grow from them. I both enjoy and appreciate the metaphor this book uses, but I found all the cheeseisms a little cheesy. As I read through the book, I could relate to most of the examples and suggestions and found that I have a lot more negativity or stinky cheese in my life than I realized or want and will try some of the methods presented. I'll especially pay close attention to the section on procrastination and organization! I was surprised at how much I took from this book, and have changed my opinion of this genre and will be looking at more from it, after all, I'm not perfect but I'm a work in progress!

Want a copy? Then enter win your own copy of The Swiss Cheese Theory of Life! Here are the rules for the giveaway:

• Open to US & Canada residents only.
• Mandatory entry must be completed first for extra entries to count.
• Leave all user names pertaining to the task.
• Leave the correct number of comments for each task. If it says 3 entries, leave three comments.
• All entries must contain your email
• Winner must respond within 48 hours to claim prize, or another winner will be drawn. Winner will be selected by a random number generator provided by Random.org
• Giveaway starts 1/28/12 and ends at 11:59 pm CST 2/4/12.

Good luck to everyone!

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* I did not receive monetary compensation for this review. I did receive a copy of the book for review purposes. All opinions are my own and unbiased.

B2B Book Review & Giveaway: Facing Demons by Ashley Sanders

'Amidst the darkness of turmoil there is hope.'

Facing Demons is the story of four broken souls who are all struggling with different personal demons in their lives. Even though the enemies mat be different, the pain and desperation they feel is very similar. Each heading down the path of self-destruction, they end up in a rehabilitation program called Another Chance at Life. It is here where surprising friendships are made and demons are battled head on. The following is quoted from the back cover:

'Blake Solomon had never before heard such heart-wrenching

stories until now. Jason gang-member, Rebecca a child prostitute,

Matthew an African refugee, and Felicity a reckless rich kid, make

up the newest group at Blake's Anchor Beach Rehabilitation Clinic.

Each have seen more than their share of tragedy and have reached

a point of desperation where all hope seems lost. Leaving behind

worlds tainted with drugs and alcohol, violence and abuse, self-harm,

and street-life is easier said than done. Unexpectedly, these four young

lives collide in extraordinary circumstances as they attempt to salvage

any glimmer of strength and self-belief they have left.

Blake's battle to save all four from paths of certain self-destruction

is the toughest he's ever faced. Is a quick fix all he has to offer before

feeding them back to the lions? Or will he keep his promise in helping

them to face their demons?'

This was a very thought provoking and intense book for me as I have struggled with my own demons. I could completely empathize with the characters, and it made me wish that I had had the help and support they were given. It makes you see that no matter how bad things seem, there is always hope. Facing Demons is Ashley Sanders first published novel and he has more in the making. He is currently working on Prequels to Facing Demons, which explores the lives of the main characters before they meet one another. I will definitely be keeping my eyes open for it.

Now, I'm super excited to announce that I've got a giveaway to offer- my first giveaway ever! I have been given an extra copy of Facing Demons to giveaway to one of my readers! Here are the rules:

• Open to the US & Canada residents only.
• Mandatory entry must be completed before extra entries or all entries will be disqualified.
• Leave the correct number of comments for each task. If it says (+3 entries) leave 3 separate comments.
• All comments must contain your name, you email address, and any usernames for the task. This is for verification and so that I may notify you is you win.
• Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond to claim the prize. Winner will be selected using a random number generator provided by Random.org. If after 48 hours I have not heard from the winner a new winner will be selected using the same method.
• Giveaway starts on 1/8/12 and ends 1/15/12 at 11:59 CST.

Good Luck to All!!

Giveaway Tasks

Mandatory: Follow me publicly on GFC. (+3 entries)

Extra Entries

• Follow me on Twitter (+2 entries)
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That's it, easy as pie!

* I was provided a book to review and keep as well as financial compensation. All views are strictly my opinion and unbiased.*