Every year I take part in a summer reading challenge, hosted by Written Magazine. It runs from June 26-September 26. It’s call 30 books in 90 days. I never finish. Not for lack of trying, but because my life is so hectic, especially for someone without a paying job.

I see many of my fellow readers, who are going to participate in the challenge are planning what they are going to read. I cannot do that. It just doesn’t work for me. I’m a pantser when I write, and that also pertains to my reading. However, I know the first few I will read, which I’ll share below.

As I read them, I will do my best to write a review, a quick jot of my thoughts, something…not quite sure how I want to do it as yet. I will also post my list as I go. I want to have an actual count of where I get to this year. My goal is to actually complete the challenge, it is every year, but I can tell from the beginning it wasn’t going to happen in the past. This year I have a better chance.

My (short) list:

These books are subject to change, especially, if it’s boring. That goes for every book I pick up. I am no longer afraid to throw a book to the side. I don’t have to finish everything I begin reading.

If you’re reading a good book share it with me, I may just go ahead and add it to my reading list.

Until next time

Happy Reading!

Jennifer

As the school year comes to an end, I’m trying to come up with little tidbits to leave the students with as they move to the next level of their education. On this past Wednesday, I had to get on my soapbox about sharing and not monopolizing the activities the teacher had made available to them. By now, one would believe/think that third graders knew how to share with each other. Not so much sometimes.

Well, today I had to climb back onto my soapbox again. This time I told them if nothing else I have ever said stayed with them to “remember to be confident in yourself.”

These students are smart as a whip. They don’t need to constantly hear that their handwriting is beautiful, they read wonderfully, or any of that. But I was compelled to say it today because of one little girl who always wants the compliments I am giving to others students.  I didn’t want her to walk around for the rest of her life living off of what others thought of her. I have bared witness to smart boy losing his confidence because of another smart boy. He told him that he was a loser because he was a nerd. I wear my nerd hat with pride and a puffed out chest. I digress.

Shortly, after I got off my soapbox, I went back to working on a project that I was doing for them, when my friend who I spoke to about confidence came over and said, “Mrs. Coissiere, you have beautiful eyes.” I told her no I don’t and immediately, she got on my soapbox and threw my words back into my face.

“Mrs. Coissiere, you have to believe in yourself. Say you have beautiful eyes even if no one agrees.”

I looked at her and I told her, I know I have beautiful eyes; always have. My issue is not that I don’t believe in myself, it’s that I don’t know how to accept compliments when they are given to me. I told her that’s something I need to work on and she needs to work on believing in herself.

She nodded and smiled with me in agreement.

Today a 9 year-old knocked me off my soapbox and schooled me just a little. I had to finally admit it’s hard for me to accept kind words or gesture from others.

I will leave you with the words of Lady Gaga “Born This Way.” I really like this song. The video is kind of long, but a message we should all embrace.

Until next time,

Happy Reading!

I took this picture a year ago to the date. I have a great appreciation, maybe obsession with the sky. I don’t know if it’s the shapes I can find in the clouds or the pictures that the stars create, but whatever it is affects me.

I don’t mean it affects me in a negative way. It’s a soothing type, calming affect. Even when the sky is over casted and looks angry as I don’t know what, I find it relaxing and reassuring.

When the sky is grey, I take it as a reminder that it’s ok to be angry or upset for a little while. Then we have to get pass the bleak dark clouds and move on to the next sunny day.

Who can resist smiling when the sun is shining? I know it makes me feel good.

The openness and limitless of the sky is the biggest reminder of people should always reach for the stars and beyond. We all can reach the goal we set for ourselves if we reach past the clouds (road blocks).

Remember Ms. Molly from Romper Room said to “stand on tippy toes.” Are you standing on tippy toes?

Until next time,

Happy Reading!

One of my all time favorite movies is The Color Purple. Within that movie is one of my favorite songs, God’s Trying to Tell You Something.

I believe that God has been trying to tell me something for the past few weeks or so. While reading, other authors’ work of fiction, I have seen the title or part the title of my next novel among their words. I saw it as recent as yesterday. I don’t think I’m going to stop seeing or reading these words all over the place until I get the book written and out to the public.

All I can do is chuckle to myself and say “God’s got jokes.” He is so persistent in his efforts to get me to do exactly what he wants me to do. I GET IT!

I hear him loud and clear. My kids have a few more days of school (seven to be exact, not counting today), and then I can devote some of my time to finishing something I started a year or so ago. I’m not sure if the way the characters were taking me is the correct one, however, I know there is a great pull on me to finish this particular story. (I have some others that will never see completion or the light of day. Some things should not be written.)

My one piece of advice, not worth more than a penny is…if you keep receiving signs about the same thing over and over again, then maybe God’s trying to tell you something.

“If I was you I’d say yes/speak Lord, speak to me/…/I can’t sleep at night/I wonder why/Maybe God’s trying to tell you (me) something.”

Is God talking to you? What is saying? Most importantly, are you listening?

Until next time,
Happy Reading!

(Imagine is courtesy of The Louie Report)

I often wonder who came up with this saying. I also use it quite a bit. In this moment of time it’s the perfect statement for how I feel. All three of my children will be going up one grade next school year. I had some doubts for a moment or two, because this has been one of the most challenging school year ever for me and my children.

Seriously, from the start of ADHD medications, name callings, children bullying, failed writing assessment tests to stolen cell phones; I wasn’t certain I was going to make it. I knew if I didn’t make it they wouldn’t either. Thank goodness prayers got us through it all.

Another holy mackerel moment happened last week. The teacher of the classroom I volunteer in asked me how quickly I can come up with a story. I was confident I could do it really quickly. That was on Wednesday morning. On Thursday, I got up and immediately had a story sitting front and center in my mind. I churned that baby out before I was ready to leave for school. I sent it to the teacher and she loved it. Now all we have to do is format it in the way that we need it to be. It needs to be a small book. Since I can format an 8.5 x 11 page into four equal quadrants and print the entire story on 11 pages, I know it’s small.

One more holy mackerel moment (boy do I have many). I received my Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education degree the first weekend in May. Well, truthfully I got it from the dean on the 12th, because I didn’t go to the graduation ceremony. I didn’t want to attend, but I will for certain be at my graduation when I receive my Bachelor’s. I hope my family will be there with me.

Yes, I’m still procrastinating, but I’m getting better.

Until next time,

Happy Reading!

Dear God, I understand now that you’ve got some jokes, however, I’m not laughing. I know it’s your test of my wills and faith, but some of these situations are almost ghastly. Please go easy on me for the next few months maybe even years. Your humble servant, Jennifer.

It’s 90+ degrees, here in Georgia, and my family began asking for me to turn on the AC from yesterday. Today, I made that attempt, only to fail miserably. It felt as though the house was getting hotter and hotter instead of cooling off. This is not a good thing, because it’s hot like I don’t know what up in here. There isn’t a breeze in sight. Two, we have invited people over our house for Memorial Day. And all of us up in here is going to have this place blazing, probably hotter than the grill we’ll be using. This heat is causing me to be lethargic and the headaches are no joke. That’s part of the reason why I am not laughing.

My next not so funny moment today…still makes me kind of grit my teeth thinking about it. Someone from the past decides to pop up today. When I saw the number on the display of the phone my blood began to boil under my skin. I grumble “Of all the days to surface from the pits of some place unpleasant, you choose my sons’s birthday. Un-damn-believe-able!” I wish it was April Fool’s Day, but not some much.

I will myself to continue on every day, even when I feel like giving up because life seems so unfair to me. I stay out of the black hole, better known as depression as best I can. I’ve been doing really good with this lately.

I pray like the dickens for everyone who I think needs a little extra prayer or a whole lot of prayer because they said they were in need of it. At times I forget to pray for myself. I have faith and believe God will get me through everything as long as I listen and follow.

I’ve never been a joker even when some have told me I should’ve been a comedian. Well, I’m usually very serious and speaking my mind.

If you can read these words and understand the meaning and the plea…pray that I find the humor in the test and the struggles; that way I can make it through all these tough times. The murky water is thick, but I really want to make it.

Until next time,

Happy Reading!

Have you ever been to the place where you are beyond tired? When you are one step away from being so exhausted that someone (anyone) will call the paramedics to take you to the hospital.

I have a few of those moments both mentally and physically.

I am tired of:

1. people minding my business and pointing out the things that I own. How is that any of your concern?

2. people not understanding that I am uniquely me and how I operate is not going to be how you operate. When did my life become yours and mine?

3. people telling me that I need to allow others to carry me because I never completely depend on anyone.

4. wasting my time to explain my mental space.

5. being told that because I am married I have it easy. What size shoes do you wear? Here are mine, you should try it on.

6. being called a know it all. When did knowing the correct answer to more than a few things classify a person as a genius?

7. my kids thinking their father should have more rest than me. That’s how I feel every time they walk pass him to come to me for something.

8. not getting enough sleep and still having to function and make sense like a normal human being. Don’t they have pills for this type of issue? (Seriously, I wouldn’t take them.)

9. people saying horrible stuff about President Obama. Where the heck were you when the other President was in office making poor decisions?

10. being a procrastinator. (This will be everywhere, so I can do better. Only one person can change this and that my dear is me.)

I could probably go on with the things that are draining me of all my energy. However, I am not a complainer. I guess I need to complain some to these people, maybe I will scare them off so they will leave me alone. Something to think about.

What are you tired of? Get it off your chest so it doesn’t drain you all the way to your core.

Until next time

Happy Reading!

I have been wanting to do a vision board for a very long time. Today I finally took the time to do it. My life has been stuck in one position for awhile now, and it was time to make things start to happen. I am reaching for things that are attainable and best of all…I did not place a time frame on when these things will be accomplished by. And some things will be ongoing over and over again until my life…well you already know. There are the areas that once I reach them, I will replace with something else I want to reach. I also have quotes that will help me to stay grounded, positive, and focused. This is now my desktop background on all my computers.

For the record, in the past I have failed at the whole resolution thing because I only had 365 days to get it done. Unlike the customary “New Years’ Resolution” I get to take my time and put thought into how I will achieve each and every thing on my board. I don’t want to feel overwhelmed or rushed in what I am trying to achieve in my life.

Have you thought about doing a vision board? If you have, what are some of the things you would place on the board? Share, please. And if there is something on my board you don’t quite understand, ask and I will gladly explain what it means towards my vision.

Until next time,
Happy Reading!

I read Family Pictures by Rachel Berry the end of 2009 and I’m still raving about it. The author did an awesome job.

Amazon Rating: 4 Stars

When I first received Family Pictures by Rachel Berry, the size of the book was a little intimidating. Who would not look twice at a 667-page book? Well, the size was big but the story was bigger. In all families, there is some sort of scandalous truth hidden within pictures others can see or the memories of those who witnessed it. Berry tells the story of the Lo-Verde family history from the viewpoint of Regal, Emma Jean, and a friend; the friend is eventually revealed but not before most of the family secrets are known.

Regal and her aunt, Emma Jean, are alike in a few ways. Regal sees a therapist to keep a handle on her life that keeps delivering her some curveballs. Emma Jean was in a mental institution once due to her hard childhood and adult life. These two women have a strong relationship with each other, even though Regal’s mother, Soul, speaks badly of Emma Jean every chance she gets. In Soul’s opinion her brother, Winston, could have done much better than that crazy woman.

As Regal made strides toward getting married, two women wondered what they could do to keep the nuptials from taking place. All it took was the content of a sealed envelope to change the plans of various members of the Lo-Verde family. Regal goes to get the answers she so desperately needs from Emma Jean. Will all the members in the family make it out of the despair unscarred? Will the stories Emma Jean tells Regal be enough for Soul to finally get her wish of getting her daughter to stay away from her crazy sister-in-law? Or, will the lives of the Lo-Verde family go on as though nothing has happened?

Every time I thought I had been shocked for the last time, something else was revealed that had my mouth wide-opened in awe. I enjoyed the complexity of the characters. They reminded me of any family because of the internal jealousies, hatred, and those members who feel the need to control everything. If the plot was not fast-paced and filled with much drama coupled with believable characters, I would have put the book down due to the lack of proper editing. If and when the story is properly edited it would move along even faster. I received Family Pictures for review from the author. I recommend this selection from Ms. Berry to readers who enjoy reading family drama with multiple twists and turns on almost every page.

Copy of this book was provided for review by the author.

Jennifer Coissiere

APOOO BookClub

SURVIVING MR. WRONG By Guest Blogger Shelia M Goss

As part of the Delilah When Love Deceives tour, I wanted to share with Jennifer’s readers a little information about my main character Delilah. Delilah makes the mistake of falling in love with her pastor, Rev. Samson Judges. Delilah hasn’t had luck with men in the past but feels her luck has changed when she meets Samson. In her eyes, Samson’s perfect and can do no wrong. Delilah feels if given the chance, Samson could grow to love her. She doesn’t care he’s already engaged to marry someone else.

How many times have we heard one of our friends complain about the man they are with consistently? In your mind, you’re probably thinking, “why don’t you just leave him alone?” For some, it’s easier said than done.

Are some women a glutton for punishment? Why do they continue in a relationship with a man that is apparently “not the one?” There is life beyond a dead-end relationship. I’m sure either we have experienced or know someone who has encountered a “Mr. Wrong.” There comes a time when a woman has to end a merry-go-round type of relationship. ‘ve come up with five sure ways to Survive Mr. Wrong.

1. To thine self be true.
Be honest with yourself. Ask yourself why are you staying when you should be leaving. Are you afraid to be alone? Do you think you won’t survive without a man in your life? It’s time to sit back and re-evaluate your life. Find out why are you so dependent on someone who may not have your best interest at heart. Only you can make the decision to leave and start anew.

2. Laughter is fuel for the soul.
Life is serious; however find time to enjoy life. Don’t let being with someone who is wrong for you rob you of your joy. When was the last time you laughed? I mean a real laugh that made your head hurt. Grant it, starting over can be hard, but it can also be rewarding. Get back in tune to what makes you happy. If all else fails, make a point of watching comedies and bring a little laughter into your life until having a smile on your face is an everyday thing.

3. Surround yourself with positive people.
Now this may be harder than you think. The saying “misery loves company” is so true. Some people close to you might not agree with your actions. Those are the ones you will need to keep at arms lengths as you go through your transition. Take an active role on having a positive attitude. Read and study your bible. Find positive affirmations and read them daily. Post them on your mirror in the bathroom, on your refrigerator, whatever you have to do to keep yourself in a positive frame of mind. Sign up for positive affirmations via email if you have internet access. For example, Jewel Diamond Taylor sends out daily affirmations and Joel Olsteen sends out daily scriptures via email.

4. Pamper yourself.
If there ever was a time for you to pamper yourself, NOW is the time. If you’re not already doing so and can afford it, treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure. In fact, why not go way out and treat yourself to a day at the spa. Get in tune with what your body and spirit needs. If you’re on a budget, there are plenty of things you can do for yourself at home. Take long bubble baths, light those candles and treat yourself to a candlelight dinner, Read the book you’ve been meaning to read. Pull out your favorite CDs and sing along. You’ll be amazed at how soothing music can be to the soul.

5. Don’t be a hermit.
You may feel like locking yourself in your room, but now is not the time to go into hiding. Yes. You need private time to access the situation and get back on track, but do not allow this period to deprive you of mixing and mingling with others. It goes back to surrounding yourself with positive people. Visit a friend or relative that you haven’t seen in awhile. Not saying you have to be a social butterfly, but why not open up your horizons and meet new people.

Here’s one positive affirmation to start you off on your journey of surviving Mr. Wrong:

I survived MR WRONG…anything else has to be a step towards making my life right.

Shelia M. Goss is the Dallas Morning News and Essence Magazine Best-Selling author of My Invisible Husband, Roses are Thorns, Paige’s Web, Double Platinum, His Invisible Wife, Hollywood Deception, Savannah’s Curse (March 2011) and the teen series The Lip Gloss Chronicles. Delilah is her tenth novel and first Christian fiction novel. To learn more, visit her website: www.sheliagoss.com, www.twitter.com/sheliamgoss or www.facebook.com/sheliagoss.

DELILAH is in stores everywhere or at an online retailer such as:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Borders

Black Expressions Book Club (Hard Cover only)

Review of Delilah:
Amazon Rating: 5 stars
StreetLitClique Rating: 5 stars
Temptation in a Dress

One of my all time favorite genres to read is Christian fiction. Naturally, when I saw Delilah by Shelia Goss, I knew it was one story I just had to read. The trailer looked interesting and the blurb piqued my interest; however, neither did the story any justice. Shelia Goss broke her foot off in this modern day version of Samson and Delilah from the Bible.

Delilah Baker is a woman who knows what she wants and will stop at nothing to have it. When her boss, William Trusts, asks her to help make sure he acquires a piece of prime property, Delilah never thought anything but business would take place. When she got familiar with Samson Judges, the pastor of Peaceful Rest Missionary Baptist Church, she thought her job would be easy to do. However, as she works diligently towards doing the job she is being paid for, Delilah finds herself in a compromising situation. In Samson’s presence Delilah felt things she never knew she would feel causing conflicting emotions. What will she do?

Samson has it all; a successful ministry, a supportive family, and his fiancé, Julia Rivers. He is a fair man, so when Julia and other members of his congregation warns him about Delilah, Samson tells them they are wrong. He sees the best in everyone, especially when it comes to Delilah. There is something about her that intrigues Samson. Is Samson wearing rose colored glasses? Or, is there really a good side to Delilah?

Ms. Goss kept me engaged within the world of Delilah and Samson. I talked aloud to the characters hoping to deter them from making the same mistakes over and over again. I enjoyed the main characters, however, I have to mention the spunk of Kelly Judges, Samson’s mother. She is a spitfire of a woman. I loved her. There were some twists I can honestly say I did not see coming. The biggest one left me with my mouth hanging wide open. Delilah is a book that will help people to become more familiar with the well-known Bible story. I recommend this book to readers of Christian fiction.

Jennifer Coissiere
StreetLitClique