Why We Procrastinate and How to Change

When we have so much to do, why do we still procrastinate? The opening chapter of this book presents current research that attempts to answer this question. The tone is conversational, so it’s not like reading a textbook, but it does give enough information to make the reader think about why they procrastinate. The chapter is succinct giving a lot of information in a short space. It makes the point that there is so much information available about why we procrastinate that the thought of tackling it can lead to more procrastination.

The book is structured around four sections: motivation, discipline, outcomes, and objectivity. The motivation section is tied in with our goals. What do you want to accomplish? Discipline presents ways to take action so that you can achieve your goals. Outcome has to do with the results of your actions, and objectivity presents ways to see reality more clearly.

In addition to theory, each section gives tools and exercises to help you end procrastination. The check points are helpful in assessing your progress. If you sincerely want to fulfill your dreams and stop putting off the tasks necessary to get what you desire, this book contains a wealth of information that will help you get there.

I received this book from Net Galley for this review.

Understanding What God Says in Dreams

Adults dream four to six times a night. Sometimes we remember the dreams; sometimes not. Because many people are fascinated by dreams there is a plethora of books, many new age books, on how to interpret dreams. LeClaire believes that many, but not all dreams come from God. The Bible is filled with dreams from Abraham and Jacob to Daniel and Paul, even Herod’s wife had a dream that played a part in Jesus’ crucifixion story.

The book discusses the various types of dreams and includes sections on dream symbols and interpretation. I liked the fact that in addition to biblical symbols, the author presented a section on cultural symbols. We often don’t think about it, but the same symbol can be interpreted differently in different cultures.

The author also includes descriptions of dreams and their interpretation. Even though we try to interpret our dreams, we’re unsure of how the information we glean should be used. I found the section on application of dream revelations to be particularly interesting. She gives examples of how to take advantage of dream information, but cautions against trying to force revelations into reality.

I recommend this book for anyone interested in dream interpretation with an emphasis on the biblical aspects of dreams.

I received this book from BookLookBloggers for this review.

Letting Go of the Past and Finding Love

Clara has lost another boyfriend because she can’t commit to a long term relationship. She has to move again and that means carting her Bluthner piano to yet another apartment. This time on the second floor. In the move, she hurts her hand and finally decides she’s had enough of a piano she doesn’t play. Time to sell it.

Katya a young girl in the Soviet Union is entranced by hearing a neighbor play the Bluthner piano. When the old man dies, he leaves the instrument to Katya who becomes a talented musician. She marries Mikhail, who becomes frustrated by his inability to provide for his family. He convinces her to move to California telling her that one day she will get her piano back.

This is not only the story of Clara and Katya. It is also the story of the piano One of the most interesting parts of the book is the author’s description of how the Beuthner pianos were created. The writing is beautifully done and pulls you into the story. There is a romance, but more it is the story of finding yourself and letting go of the past.

I enjoyed the book and recommend it if you enjoy well written romance that also explores the theme of artistic inspiration and how the talent and problems of the parents affect the children.

I received this book from First to Read for this review.

A Story of Betrayal and Forgiveness

Jessica is pregnant, although she didn’t find out until after her husband’s death. She has become something of recluse grieving for the death of her husband and daughter. Her grief is made worse because the day they died, he told her that he had been having an affair and wanted a divorce. Jessica reacted badly and now blames herself for the tragic accident in which they died.

Then her beloved grandmother, Frani dies. Frani’s final gift to Jessica is the Bible her father Andrew carried. Jessica has been avoiding her faith, but when she opens the Bible she finds a treasure in her great grandfather’s underlining and notes. Andrew, too, faced a crisis of betrayal.

Ridley has come to stay in his parents house next door to Jessica for the summer. He is suffering from a betrayal in his former job for a political candidate. He’s not looking to meet anyone, certainly not a pregnant neighbor, but he’s drawn to Jessica.

This is the story of two couples: Jessica and Ridley; Andrew and Helene. The story interweaves the relationships continuing Andrew’s story at the end of each chapter. I enjoyed both stories, but I found Andrew’s more interesting. The question of betrayal is central to the book. Both Jessica and Ridley feel let down by their loved ones or the people they trusted. However, until they meet each other, they are just feeling ill-used. I preferred Andrew’s story because he acted to resolve his situation and didn’t give up.

The book is easy to read and the characters likable. Although it is listed as Christian fiction, the struggles of the characters can be enjoyed by anyone.

I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for this review.

A Treasure Hunt Ends with a Long Dead Body

Alice Somerville and her husband Will are in the highlands looking for buried treasure. Her grandfather buried two rare motorcycles at the end of WWII. She has a map and with the help of Hamish, a highland crofter, has found the exact spot. With excited expectation they dig down, but before they uncover the motorcycles, they find a body riddled with bullet holes.

Since the body was killed in 1995, it is categorized as a cold case. DCI Karen Pirie, head of the Cold Case Unit, is given the assignment. As Pirie and her team struggle to solve the case, she has to deal with a new, insubordinate team member, and the animosity of her boss.

The story is not fast paced. Much of the action involves the relationships between Pirie, her team, and her superior. She is also is tracking two other cases, so the focus on the old murder is diluted by findings on the other cases. The novel reads more like a character study, or a police procedural where many cases are being followed.

The descriptions of the highlands are enticing. They make you see the area even if you’ve never been there. The character descriptions are realistic. Pirie is struggling with personal issues from the death of her lover, and the animosity of her superior.

I recommend this book if you enjoy an interesting location and a character driven story. The plot is good, but there are many digressions. The resolution is almost startling it comes on so rapidly at the end of the book.

I received this book from Net Galley for this review.

Romance and Caring at Christmas

Finn, once a successful chef, is now a cab driver hoping to make enough to keep a roof over his head. He’s not delighted when he’s sent to pick up Callie, an ancient, wheelchair-bound lady with dementia. He just wants to get rid of a troublesome fare, but Callie takes a liking to him. Soon she’s calling him for all her rides even if sometimes she forgets to pay him.

Sydney, Callie’s granddaughter, is a first year associate at a cutthroat legal firm. She’s done good work, but now the stakes are higher. The firm is planning to downsize. She’s told that she’s not on the list to be fired, but that is contingent on winning a lawsuit for a major client. The fact that’s it’s probably not winnable raises the stakes.

Callie wants to care for her grandmother, but she’s pressed on all sides feeling responsibility to both Callie and her law firm. Finn is a likable character. He doesn’t want to be saddled with the responsibility for Callie, but she reminds him of his mother, who he treated badly in her last days, and he can’t break his tie to Callie.

This is a heartwarming Christmas story. There is romance at the end between Sydney and Finn, but it’s not the main point of the story. This is a story about caring and responsibility and the rewards for doing what is right.

I highly recommend reading the Author’s Note at the end. She focuses on current research on what makes us happy and surprisingly, or perhaps not, finds major parallels to the Bible.

I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for this review.

Falling in Love at a Regency Christmas – with a Younger Man

Elizabeth, Lady Overfield, feels she is ready to marry again. Her first marriage to an abusive alcoholic ended badly, but that was years ago. She believes that her heart has healed, and she’s ready to try again. What she doesn’t count on is falling in love with Colin, Lord Hodges. He’s nine years younger than she and in Regency England that was simply not done.

Meeting at a Christmas gathering with Elizabeth’s family, they are drawn to each other, but the kiss when they tumbled from a sled is unexpected and devastatingly important. Unable to face defying convention, they both start the London season looking for other marriage partners, but it’s not as simple as it seems to disregard their attraction.

This is a rather delightful story of manners in Regency England. The background, including the strictures of society, are historically accurate. The characters include ones you love and the villains you love to hate. Colin and Elizabeth grow in understand and courage through the story. Other characters, such as Colin’s mother, show their true colors. You can’t help cheering when she’s forced to face reality.

The book has a restrained pace. There is considerably more conversation than action. However, the action that does occur is well within the confines of the period and upper class manners.

This is the fifth book in the Westcott series. I did find it difficult to keep all the characters straight in the beginning, but when Colin and Elizabeth became the center of the story, it was easier. If you like romance in the tradition of Jane Austen, this is a book you’ll enjoy. While it’s possible to read as a standalone, I think it would be easier to follow if you read more of the series.

I received this book from Net Galley for this review.