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Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Blog Tour- YOU'RE NOT LAZY by Georgia Homsany With An Excerpt & #Giveaway!

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the YOU'RE NOT LAZY by Georgia Homsany Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About The Book:

Title: YOU'RE NOT LAZY

Author: Georgia Homsany

Pub. Date: January 25, 2024

Publisher: Georgia Homsany

Formats:  Paperback, eBook

Pages: 151

Find it: Goodreadshttps://books2read.com/YOURE-NOT-LAZY 

Did you know the average person has 60,000 thoughts per day? Even more surprising is that 80% of those thoughts are negative! How do our words impact how we show up in the world?

In “You’re Not Lazy,” Georgia dives into the impact our words have on our self-esteem, showing us how self-talk is killing our self-worth. Learn why we seem to focus on the bad and the typical “lies” we tell ourselves, such as “I’m so lazy,” and how we can reframe self-talk to boost confidence to live a more empowered life.

 

 

Excerpt:

INTRO

This book is meant to de-bunk things society conditions  us to think and feel. It’s meant to inspire us to live our  best lives with child-like awe and wonder without us  giving a damn what we think we’re supposed to do or  feel. Above all, it’s meant to teach us to love ourselves  and how our words are more powerful than we’ll ever  know. 

I like to read books and listen to podcasts that educate  me. I always say my two genres are 1) psychology and 2)  business. Unless I’m learning how to do something that  can teach me about my work or self-growth (a.k.a. – self help books… P.S. I hate that phrase!), I’m uninterested.  

“Don’t you love getting caught up in a novel? Or lost in  fiction?” (I’m picturing my friend Allison and her love for  fiction and getting lost in a book.) Nope, not me. I hate  to read. Eek, did I just say that out loud? I did. I have to  be honest, but here I am, writing a book. Why? Because  I believe in the message. 

My eighth-grade teacher, Miss Donohue, would always  say, “Knowledge is power.” Despite being someone who  struggles with recollection, this is something that stayed  with me. (Knowledge in this context is awareness.)  Through therapy, I’ve learned that you can’t make  change without awareness. After all, how can you make  a change when you don’t even know there is a problem  or are willing to admit it?

So, in honor of Miss D and her lesson of “knowledge is  power,” this book is meant to educate you in the ways  you want it to. I am not in the position of telling people  what to do or judging them. Trust me, I am in the  wellness business, and there are plenty of lifestyle  choices someone could call me out on as a fraud. But I  am human, and I make choices, and I will never make  only good choices. That is okay, and the same goes for  you. This book is about giving yourself grace. You are the  one capable of deciding what to improve upon when it  comes to you, not others. 

Before we get into things, I want to tell a story…  

I was on a plane back from Los Angeles when a friend  (let’s call her Donna) asked me to accompany her to a  work conference. I booked the trip at the last minute  because I was frustrated with a new side job I had  started, which was a lot of manual labor. I had been  working hard, and I felt I deserved some time away. I  love California and hadn’t been so far that year. I  envisioned myself sitting poolside with a cocktail, feeling  like a luxury. Dining out at the best restaurants and  “treating myself.” The trip didn’t go as planned. Nothing  went wrong, per se, but there was a strike going on, and  our hotel in Beverly Hills was replaced with a conference  hotel downtown in a not-so-charming area. The swanky  pool turned into a family pool with kids yelling, and I  spent a good amount of time working from a hotel room  (depressing). 

Disclaimer: I realize this is a first-world problem here,  but stay with me. 

My flight wasn’t cheap, but I opted for one with a layover  because it saved me $200. That return flight got delayed,  and I had to re-route since I would’ve missed my  connection. Then that flight got delayed, and it took me  about 13 hours to get home to Raleigh from LA (normally  a 5 ½ hour flight). Most people would be livid, having a  fit, but I kept calm. ‘I have nowhere to be,’ I thought. I  was planning on that day being a travel day, and so it  was. Granted, it was longer than anticipated, but who  cares? I’d be sitting at home vs. in an airport… Not the  end of the world, and it’s what I signed up for by trying  to save money! (I’ll also add that I ended up in two  middle seats in the back of the plane on both my flights  to LA. If that doesn’t say luxury, I don’t know what does!  Thanks, United.) 

As an occasional journaler and someone working on  manifesting more, I wrote in my journal that day: ‘I  manifest flying first class consistently someday.’ Then I  added another line with more intention: ‘I will be a first 

class flier.’ 

Yeah, that’s right, girl,’ I thought to myself. You tell the  universe what you want! (I also wrote after that  sentence: ‘I will be an author.’ ) 

So, my point in telling you this stems from the book I was  reading at the time, The Universe Has Your Back, by  Gabrielle Bernstein. Things started happening for me  when I started reading this book. Coincidence? Or was I taking in (perhaps even subconsciously) all of the  messages? I could sum up the main takeaway of the book  in one sentence: “No matter what you’re feeling (fear,  anger, etc.), just change that to say, ‘I choose love.’” It’s  a good reminder to get yourself back to a good headspace  (I almost said headplace – thank you, second glass of  sparkling wine on the plane as I write this). 

When I booked the trip to LA, I thought I might be meant  to meet someone on that trip or even on the plane. When  writing this, I was 41–42 years old, single, and giving  myself opportunities to meet people in real life because I  wasn’t a fan of dating apps.  

There is likely a bigger reason I made the decision to go  since, when Donna first mentioned it, I winced that it’d  only be 2 to 3 days going all the way across the country.  And even though spending time with Donna in California  was attractive enough, the unattractiveness of the short  duration was surpassed by my gut telling me to go.  

As I was stuck in airport #2 on the way back, I thought,  ‘Hmmm. This trip wasn’t what I anticipated, but that’s  ok. I thought maybe I was meant to meet someone  unique, perhaps a new client or love interest… But as I  sit here, on the plane, writing this book, I wonder if this  is where I was meant to be.’ 

Part of how I justified the trip to myself (not that I  needed to, but why do we feel the need to justify  spending money on things?) is I told my best friend that  I would use the plane time to work on my book. On a  plane, you have minimal interruptions. Plus, you are inspired by going to a fun place, and that excitement  created an optimal environment for me to write. 

On the plane ride to LA, I wrote zero. Not one word. Not  because I was watching Netflix on my laptop but because  I was catching up on work from my other jobs and trying  to sleep since I had been up since 3:30 am taking an early  flight (due to booking a flight that had a layover).  

[Question: What is the opportunity cost if I had spent  money on a better flight that could have led to me writing  on the flight? Something to think about, but I digress  since this isn’t an economics book.] 

Anyway, I made up for it on the return flight. So, back to  Gabby and her book. I’m nearing the end of her book,  and the last chapter is all about being a beacon of light.  Her words are making me warm and fuzzy, to the point  where I’d like to quote her because I feel responsible for  passing on this message to you.  

Gabby says: “I write these books to have an impact on  your life so that you can have an impact on the world. As  each individual lights up their life, the world becomes  brighter. While I want all my readers to learn how to  manifest their desires, thrive in their careers, and enjoy  wildly incredible relationships, what I want most from  you is to be the light. I perceive myself as a can opener  who is here to crack you open to your highest potential  to serve the world with your joy.” 

This warmed my heart so much. Clearly enough that I’m  directly quoting her in my book. I include this because I think so many of my readers would probably think to  themselves, ‘That can’t be me. I’m definitely not a light!’ or some other negative, self-deprecating comment.  That’s why I’m here. To make you aware so you can  understand how you are a light.  

We have to blow off the dust of that light and get an  energy-efficient bulb to bring us into the current day  frequency so we can shine so bright that we see that light  in daylight and darkness. 

 

 

About Georgia Homsany:

Georgia Homsany, Founder & CEO of Daily Dose Wellness, began her career in Marketing & Brand Management, before creating her own corporate wellness company. After spending over 15 years in Corporate America, Georgia started Daily Dose to provide virtual "wellness breaks" to give employees the time needed to prevent burnout and promote positive mental health.

She is a self taught, wellness guru with a business background and completed courses on “Managing your Mental Health during COVID,” "Digesting Nutrition" and "Yoga Psychology". She is a member of Raleigh Metro SHRM and is responsible for writing RMSHRM’s Wellness Blog. She recently published her first book- You're Not Lazy- Change Your Words to Change Your Worth to help people build their confidence through the power of self-talk.

Georgia is a New Jersey native and holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Scranton and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Boston University. She is trained in level 2 Reiki, loves yoga, oysters, wine and is an avid traveler.

Subscribe to Georgia's Newsletter!

Website | Instagram | YouTube | Goodreads | Amazon

 

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of YOU'RE NOT LAZY, US Only.

Ends July 16th, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

6/24/2024

Rockstar Book Tours

Excerpt

6/25/2024

Two Chicks on Books

Excerpt/IG Post

6/26/2024

MoonShineArtSpot

Excerpt

6/27/2024

Daily Waffle

Excerpt

6/28/2024

The Momma Spot

Excerpt

6/29/2024

Lady Hawkeye

Excerpt/IG Post

Week Two:

6/30/2024

Fire and Ice

Excerpt/IG Post

7/1/2024

Dark Fantasy Reviews

Excerpt

7/2/2024

amysbookshot82

IG Post

7/3/2024

GryffindorBookishnerd

IG Review

7/4/2024

Edith's Little Free Library

IG Review/LFL Drop Pic/TikTok Post

7/5/2024

Paws.Read.Repeat

Review/IG Post

7/6/2024

Karma Zee Readz

Review/IG Post

Week Three:

7/7/2024

Brandi Danielle Davis

IG Review/TikTok Post

7/8/2024

Michelle, The Book Critic

Review/IG Post

7/9/2024

Country Mamas With Kids

Review/IG Post

7/10/2024

One More Exclamation

Review/IG Post

7/11/2024

Dana Loves Books

Review/IG Post/TikTok Post

7/12/2024

two points  of interest

Review

7/13/2024

Ainun Farhan Zahra

IG Review


Monday, June 24, 2024

Blog Tour- ENNEAGRAM IN MARRIAGE by @ChristaMHardin With An Excerpt & A #Giveaway! @ReadBakerBooks

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the ENNEAGRAM IN MARRIAGE by Christa Hardin Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About The Book:

Title: ENNEAGRAM IN MARRIAGE

Author: Christa Hardin

Pub. Date: October 3, 2023

Publisher: Baker Books

Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 288

Find it: Goodreadshttps://books2read.com/ENNEAGRAM-IN-MARRIAGE 

Most books exploring the Enneagram are focused on understanding oneself. But how does the Enneagram lend insight to our relationships? Specifically, your relationship with your spouse and the unique pairing you share?

In this incredibly practical and easy-to-understand book, counselor and psychologist Christa Hardin combines her expertise in psychological assessment and marriage and family counseling to explore all 45 possible Enneagram pairings in relationships. She calls it the Enneagram Glow--the unique, mutual influence of two types in intimate relationship across the seasons and shifts that every couple experiences. She helps you learn to

· understand your partner's emotions and reactions
· extend more grace to your partner and yourself
· have productive conversations that foster connection
· build a legacy together with intention

You've never read a relationship book or an Enneagram book like this before! Discover how you and your partner can build on your shared gifts, overcome the shadows, and shine a bright and beautiful light on each other and everyone you encounter.

 

 

Excerpt:

 

 

About Christa Hardin:

Christa Hardin (MA, Wheaton College) has counseled and coached couples all over the globe for two decades. Founder of Reflections Counseling Center, LLC, Christa hosts the popular Enneagram + Marriage podcast, which has over 1 million downloads and has helped thousands of couples find refreshment, joy, balance, and connection together. Christa uses the Enneagram and other research-based marriage tools to give couples deeper insight into their strengths and shadows and to help them determine how they can shine brightest in the world together. She lives with her husband and children in Florida.

Subscribe to Christa's Newsletter!

Website | Twitter | Facebook Group | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Pinterest | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of ENNEAGRAM IN MARRIAGE, US Only.

Ends July 13th, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

6/24/2024

Two Chicks on Books

Excerpt/IG Post

6/25/2024

MoonShineArtSpot

Excerpt

6/26/2024

Daily Waffle

Excerpt

6/27/2024

The Momma Spot

Excerpt

6/28/2024

Lady Hawkeye

Excerpt/IG Post

6/29/2024

Edith's Little Free Library

IG Review/LFL Drop Pic/TikTok Post

Week Two:

6/30/2024

Paws.Read.Repeat

Review/IG Post

7/1/2024

Karma Zee Readz

Review/IG Post

7/2/2024

Oh Hey Books

IG Review

7/3/2024

Brandi Danielle Davis

IG Review/TikTok Post

7/4/2024

Books With a Chance

Review/IG Post

7/5/2024

@heyashleyyreads

IG Review/TikTok Post

7/6/2024

Fire and Ice

Review/IG Post

Week Three:

7/7/2024

GryffindorBookishnerd

IG Review

7/8/2024

Country Mamas With Kids

Review/IG Post


Blog Tour- THE LEGENDARY MO SETO by @AYChanWrites With An Excerpt & A #Giveaway! @SimonKIDS

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the THE LEGENDARY MO SETO by A.Y. Chan Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About The Book:

Title: THE LEGENDARY MO SETO

Author: A.Y. Chan

Pub. Date: June 4, 2024

Publisher: Aladdin

Formats:  Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 320

Find it: Goodreadshttps://books2read.com/THE-LEGENDARY-MO-SETO

A fast-paced, high-kicking debut that’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon meets Stand Up, Yumi Chung as a young taekwondo artist uses an ancient book to help save her dreams—and her father.

Twelve-year-old Modesty “Mo” Seto dreams of being a taekwondo champion. Even though her mom disapproves, Mo can always count on her dad, who is her number one fan and biggest supporter. Lately, Mo has been on a losing streak, and it doesn’t help that she keeps losing to her archnemesis, Dax, who’s much bigger than her. If only she were faster, stronger, not so petite. Mo can’t even lean on her dad like usual with how distracted he’s been lately.

When Mo learns about the chance to audition to star alongside her idol and legendary martial artist and movie star Cody Kwok, she knows this her chance to prove to her dad, to the world, and to herself that she can compete with anyone, no matter her size. Unfortunately, Dax is auditioning, too. As Mo and her nemesis progress to callbacks, someone attempts to sabotage the movie set and Mo’s dad disappears—and both events seem linked to a mysterious book, the Book of Joy.

The book contains information on Xiaoxi Fu, a secret dance-like martial art developed by Mo’s ancestral grandmother. Armed with these secret moves and an unexpected ally, Mo embarks on a high-octane adventure to rescue her father, save the movie, and discover an unexpected joy in being small.

Reviews:

"Action-packed prose mimics the cinematic high-intensity atmosphere of a classic martial arts film, while Mo’s desire to connect with her father acts as a driving force in this adrenaline pumping series opener." ― Publishers Weekly

"Chan has created a brave, athletic girl whose realistic struggles with her identity and what she’s capable of will resonate. Readers will find themselves rooting for Mo’s success and enthralled with the relatable characterization that fills the pages. An exciting mystery-adventure story that packs a punch." ― Kirkus Reviews

 

Excerpt:

Book excerpt:

Chapter 1

I Am Fierce

 

I may be small, but I am fierce. At least that’s what I keep telling myself. Over and over again. Fierce.

“Charyeot,” the taekwondo tournament referee says in Korean. Attention.

I snap my arms to my sides.

“Kyeong-nae,” the ref says. Bow.

I turn to face my opponent, Dax Washington. His dark skin glistens with sweat. We dip our heads.

I look up to see Dax towering over me, his eyes stormy.

It suddenly occurs to me how much “fierce” sounds like “fears.” Not that I’m scared or anything. I’m not.

“Sijak!” The ref throws up his hand. Begin! Immediately Dax’s large fists hammer down like a hailstorm.

Well, maybe I’m a little worried.

Dax lunges. I block his front kick with my forearm. I flinch and reel back. The ref blows his whistle, but Dax doesn’t stop. I barely have time to move before—oof—another kick nails me in the elbow.

Okay, fine. I’m totally panicking.

What would Cody Kwok do? My martial arts hero would never show any sign of weakness. And neither will I.

I quickly rearrange my face to neutral.

I kick and punch, and strike and shift. We volley back and forth, each landing some blows, blocking others. Dax’s heel smashes into my elbow, and I let out an involuntary shriek.

The whistle blows, twice this time. Finally Dax falls back. If I were refereeing, I’d give him a penalty. But all this ref says is, “Excessive force warning, Mr. Washington. Remember to use control.”

At least he gives Dax a You should know better look.

And Dax should know better. He’s been in my tae kwon do class twice a week, every week, since we were five. And now that we’re twelve and junior black belts, he really has no excuse.

“Yes, sir. Sorry, sir.” Dax smiles at the ref and bows his apology. He sounds sincere, but I know his phony voice.

And when the ref looks down to reset his scoring box, Dax pulls a Jekyll-and-Hyde, his smile turning into a sneer.

“You’re so gonna lose,” he says, low enough that only I can hear. “’Cause . . .”

He bends his knees so he’s several inches shorter—though even in this position, he towers over me.

I feel a tiny rip in my chest, like when a balloon is pinched but doesn’t pop, that slow leak of air—hisss.

Dax knows how to hit where it hurts. Junior-level sparring is based on age and belt level, not on size. Even after vitamins, and broccoli, and jumping jacks for a year, I’m still only four-foot-six-and-a-half. Mom says the women in her family are late bloomers, but she’s barely four-foot-nine, so I’m not holding my breath.

Why do I have to be so small? The familiar thought bursts through like a weed after a rainstorm. I used to destroy Dax all the time, but ever since his growth spurt at the end of last summer, he’s beat me in the fall, winter, and spring tournaments.

That’s three. Three tourneys.

Silver is great too. Variety is the spice of life, Dad would say, as if losing gold isn’t a big deal. But in the days and weeks after, he’d be more subdued and make me train twice as long every day. Kick harder, Mouse. You must beat him next time, Mouse. Because being the best really does matter to him. A lot.

It matters to me, too. Today’s tourney, the Dost Valley Cali-wide Mid-Year Taekwondo Championship, takes place right at the start of summer, and it is the biggest one of the year. I’ll show Dax.

And—I glance at the bleachers—I’ll show Dad.

“Get him, Mouse.” Dad’s ringing voice reaches my ears. There he is in the front row, as usual, standing out in his bright red polo shirt, dancing his embarrassing dad-dance shuffle thing, hollering his nickname for me. Mouse. Short for “Mousey,” which is what I called myself back when pronouncing my name, Modesty, was impossible for a toddler. He’s been traveling a lot for work the past few months, but he promised he’d be here for my big tournament, and he is.

“Bop,” Dad yells. “Pow.” He throws what looks like an awkward boxer’s jab and nearly topples over onto my mom, sitting, prim and proper, in her flowery dress, clutching my squirming two-year-old brother, Justis. I wince, but I also can’t help smiling.

Dad’s a jokester. With his thick hair and round, clean-shaven face, he looks much younger than thirty-nine. He’s not a tall guy, but he’s broad shouldered with a bit of a belly, and he has a boomingly loud voice, so he tends to stand out.

He’s also my greatest fan.

The ref calls us to attention. “Score is tied. Next point wins. Clean strikes.” He looks pointedly at Dax. Dax scowls, but nods.

The spectators, the sounds, everything around me fades away. It’s just me and my opponent. I pound my gloves softly together like I’m giving them fist bumps. The leather is torn and indented from years of heavy use, but I would never dream of replacing them. Don’t let me down, old friends.

I need to attack first, attack fast, attack with everything I’ve got.

I’m fierce.

The ref drops his hand. Dax lunges at me straightaway, an eclipse blotting out the sun.

I leap to the side, avoiding a flurry of fists. My heart pounds into my rib cage. I launch a roundhouse combination kick, but Dax brushes it away. No points.

      Dax advances slowly and steadily, a snake stalking its prey. I stare into his eyes. A flicker to the left could give away a left axe kick a moment before it’s launched. Or a bead of sweat falling into his eye might divert attention long enough for me to attack.

      And there it is! Dax glances at something to his side.           

I’m just about to spring, when I hear it.

Frenzied music punctuated by a series of doggy yelps. I recognize it instantly. The theme song to my favorite Cody Kwok movie, Shih Tzu Ninjutsu. (What happens when the most feared ninja assassins in the world are actually a group of shih tzu puppies, and the only warrior skilled enough to outsmart them is severely allergic to dogs?)

Dad’s ringtone.

My foot freezes, and it all rushes back to me. The hundreds of people packed into the bleachers. The kiyahs from fighters in other matches. The sharp scent of sweat.

I turn slightly. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Dad, phone against his ear. He says something to Mom before striding quickly to the nearest exit.

“Yaaaaaah,” Dax hollers, leaping into a push kick. The force sends me stumbling. I try to step around him, but he’s too big, too wide. He corners me, forcing me to the very edge of the ring. I have nowhere to go.

Fears.

My eyes flicker to Dad just as he walks through the gym door. He doesn’t look back.

What was that old Chinese proverb he used to say whenever I felt scared?

When backed against a wall, a tiger learns to fly.

Is Dad backed against a wall like I am now? Is that why he’s leaving? He promised he’d watch my fight. . . . Under my toes I feel the plastic tape outlining the ring.

Fly, Mo!

      But my feet remain rooted to the ground.

      The next thing I see is Dax’s fist tearing toward my face.

 

 

 

About A.Y. Chan:

A. Y. Chan grew up in Canada’s Greater Toronto Area reading all the middle grade and young adult books she could get her hands on. To this day, those remain her favorite genres. After achieving her black belt in Taekwondo, she explored other martial arts, such as Wing Chun, Hapkido, and Muay Thai. These days, she continues her martial arts training some mornings, writes in the afternoons, takes long walks to muddle out plot points, and falls asleep reading.

Subscribe to A.Y. Chan's Newsletter! Scroll to the bottom of the page.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads |  Amazon

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of THE LEGENDARY MO SETO, US Only.

Ends July 23rd, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

6/24/2024

Two Chicks on Books

Excerpt/IG Post

6/25/2024

The Literary London Life

Excerpt

6/26/2024

Lady Hawkeye

Excerpt/IG Post

6/27/2024

Country Mamas With Kids

Excerpt/IG Post

6/28/2024

Little Red Reads

Excerpt/IG Post

 Week Two: 

7/1/2024

@_snarkysharky

IG Post

7/2/2024

Log Cabin Library

Review

7/3/2024

@katemageau

Review/IG Post/TikTok Post

7/4/2024

@blueeez_away

IG Review

7/5/2024

heyashleyyreads

IG Review/TikTok Post

 Week Three: 

7/8/2024

MissReidReads

Review

7/9/2024

onemused

IG Post

7/10/2024

avainbookland

IG Review

7/11/2024

The Story Sanctuary

Review

7/12/2024

@stargirls.magical.tale

IG Review

 Week Four:

7/15/2024

Kim's Book Reviews and Writing Aha's

Review/IG Post

7/16/2024

Edith's Little Free Library

IG Review/LFL Drop Pic/TikTok Post

7/17/2024

The Momma Spot

Review

7/18/2024

nerdophiles

Review

7/19/2024

@pagesforpaige

IG Review


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