Book Review: Timeout! To Retreat, Review, & Renew by PJ Campagna

Timeout! To Retreat Review & Renew A practical 3-Step Strategy To Advance Your Life, Relationships & Businesses "THE playbook for happily-ever-after!" Timeout! To Retreat, Review & Renew was created, in part, at the request of family, friends, and colleagues who have observed and been curious about our personal annual timeout as a couple: the time we set aside each year from our daily routine to focus on our personal and professional relationships-with each other, and the world to which we are both individually connected. Our annual timeout has provided the "breather" for us to re-couple and move forward with a renewed sense of purpose, respect and joy-together. TIMEOUT! To Retreat, Review & Renew is about the insights and practices we've gained and developed along the way. It's also about defying the odds when it comes to melding families, businesses and strong-willed personalities...like us, and maybe, like you! These techniques have assisted us in creating a richer, happier, and more playful life together and we hope they'll add richness to your life too. TIMEOUT! A 3-Step Success Strategy Retreat... Slow down the pace; Smile more; Stress less! Review... Assess goals and challenges; Dream big; Reflect on possibilities! Renew... Map out the Bliss; Plan for prosperity; Celebrate your union! For more info: Timeout@RetreatReviewRenew.com

PJ Synergy LLC

PJ Synergy LLC is a personal development organization founded by Phyllis and Jerry (PJ) Campagna whose mission is to enhance and synergize human potential toward the realization of personal and professional goals.  PJ Synergy LLC is the publisher of the book Timeout! To Retreat, Review & Renew as well as related seminars and workshops.

Phyllis Campagna

Phyllis Campagna is the owner of Excelsis Performance Strategies, a professional development firm. Phyllis is a pioneer in the emerging profession of coaching, having coached businesses and individuals for over twenty years. As a Chartered Business Coach™ (ChBC™), she holds the most advanced designation available to business coaching professionals through the Worldwide Association of Business Coaches (WABC). Phyllis’ coaching strategies are summarized in her company slogan: Focusing Internal Truths Toward External Goals; guiding her clients in finding more effective ways to meld their personal beliefs with professional goals.

Phyllis has a BA in applied behavioral science from National Louis University. In addition to being a Chartered Business Coach™ through The Worldwide Association of Business Coaches, she is certified in both business and executive coaching through the former National Association of Business Coaches, has completed advanced mediation training through the Divorce Mediation Institute, and is proud to be a member of the Worldwide Association of Business Coaches, the International Coach Federation, the National Association of Professional Organizers, and Leadership Illinois (Alumni- Class of 2002).

Phyllis has served in 20+ other business and civic leadership positions during the past thirty years, including: Rotary President, Rotary Lieutenant Governor, Illinois CUSD 300 Board of Education, and volunteer mentor for Women Unlimited.

When she isn’t pursuing her passion for business, Phyllis loves to spend time with family and friends, travel with her husband, and indulge in her hobbies of genealogy, dancing, and collecting holiday movies.

View my profile on LinkedIn.

Jerry Campagna

Jerry Campagna is the President of The MOST and MST Latino, Inc., a change management, capacity building, and Latino marketing/ management firm based in the Chicago suburbs. Jerry’s varied experiences as a Latino media and segmentation marketing expert, entrepreneur, and national sales executive gives him a unique set of talents in “orchestrating” target marketing and management initiatives for both corporate and nonprofit clients.

The former publisher of Reflejos Newspaper (Paddock Publications), Jerry led his team in the growth of the monthly tabloid, culminating in a weekly format with over 100,000 copies distributed throughout the Chicago suburbs, now the largest suburban bilingual publication in the United States. Campagna has been recognized by numerous marketing and publication organizations, including the Newspaper Association of America, the American Press Institute, and the National Association of Hispanic Publications, for his innovative approaches within the Latino community in the areas of circulation, editorial, and marketing—Latino Style.

Jerry has co-founded a number of nonprofit leadership development programs, including: The GoodGuys Inc., an at-risk youth development life skills program; the Suburban Minority Business Council, a marketing and management development organization; and the AGUILA Leadership Program, a leadership development program for aspiring adult Latino leaders.

Jerry has also served as a board member with numerous community organizations, including: the Boys and Girls Club, the Chicago Headline Club, the National Association of Hispanic Publications, the Elgin Community College Foundation, and the Harper Community College Foundation.

One of Jerry’s proudest professional moments was being recognized with an Honorary Degree from Harper Community College in 2004, acknowledging his contributions and leadership in the Chicago suburban Latino community.

View my profile on LinkedIn.

www.retreatreviewrenew.com

My Review:



Favorite Famous Quote - "The most precious gift we can offer anyone is our attention."~Thich Nhat Hanh

Favorite Quote from Book - "What you say is not nearly important as how you say it."

Best Acronym - VIBE - V=values, I=Intentions, B=Beliefs, E=Environment.


Everyone has relationships. We deal with them every single day of our lives. Whether it's with our husbands, wives, children, or business associates, we deal with some sort of relationship with another human being. Timeout! To Retreat, Review, & Renew is a blueprint for success no matter the type of relationship you face.

How on earth will they ever make it as a couple? How many times have you thought that very question when looking at friends that have new relationships? Two people from completely different backgrounds, little in common. Phyllis and Jerry had this asked about them, and they even thought it about themselves at one point. BUT...they knew there was something they loved about each other, that each had something to compliment one another. How did they make it all these years and still stay together?

A Timeout!

Within these pages you will find advice on the best ways to communicate in all of your relationships. From reading the first sentence, I started implementing their steps. My husband and I have taken their advice and finding it works great! I love the ideas they gave, not only for us as a couple, but as parents and business owners as well. The book comes complete with tools and links for amazing resources that if you follow and really take heed, you may just find that a Timeout! is exactly what you need to analyze and communicate with other people.

They by no means tell you how to live your life, but instead offer ways to make it all it can be. The Campagna's have written an easy to follow plan that you just won't be able to say no to. I highly recommend this book for anyone that wants to learn how to live life with less stress, and that wants to communicate effectively with others.

Author Betty Collier Stops In - Book Review & Giveaway

Today I chat with author Betty Collier.  Betty wrote Living Inside the Testimony,  a testimony of her journey through life so far.  I had the pleasure of interviewing Betty,  plus I reviewed her book.  My review will be after the interview,  and you get a chance to win yourself a copy of this wonderful book.  Actually,  Betty is offering 2 copies of her book and I am offering a copy of her book.  So there will be 3 lucky winners.  *Rules below.*

BK: Thank you so much for being with us today Betty.  I am so happy you took time to stop in and chat with us today.  Please tell us a little about yourself......

BC: On the back of the book, I wrote that I am a wife, mother, daughter, sister, nurse, author, and child of the King. That summarizes my life and everything else that I am involved in. My number one priority is to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And as the bible instructs us, everything else comes after that. Of course my family is my number one priority on this earth. I have been married to the absolute love of my life for 24 years, and we have 2 boys, ages 16 and 11. That in itself is a full-time job, just keeping up with the 3 of them. I am also a full-time RN; I work as a nurse case manager during the day, and share the journey inside my testimony as an author whenever I can - morning, noon, and night.

BK: What inspired you to pen your first title?

BC: I wrote the book after being divinely inspired by the Lord to share my testimony with others. The book is obviously based on my faith, and I wrote it well aware that not everyone would share my faith, but I am sharing my faith with anyone who chooses to believe. I never wanted to be an author, and if you had asked me prior to January 2009 if I would ever write a book, my answer would have immediately been "absolutely not." I never had a desire to write a book, so you're likely wondering why I wrote it and why I am trying to share it with others now. Perhaps my honesty will make you wonder if the book is even worth purchasing. However, this one thing I do know...I am an author. I became one overnight, and in fact, I know the exact night it happened. It was after midnight when January 9, 2009 turned into January 10th, the night I dreamed about this book.  I am confident that if you allow me to share my journey with you, you will understand perfectly, but only if you have the faith to believe.

BK: How long have you been writing?

BC: I think I was an undercover author for many years prior to realizing my gift as an author. I have always been a writer, but never formally confessed it until this book which I wrote in 2009.

BK: What was the hardest part about writing this particular novel?

BC: The hardest part was actually finding the time to write. Writing was easy and came very naturally. The ideas and thoughts flooded my mind, and I had to find time to keep up with what I was thinking and get everything down on paper.

BK: Have any dreams been realized as a result of your writing?

BC: Absolutely. As I share my journey, I get feedback from readers that they too have been living inside testimonies, and they are encouraged and inspired after realizing their journeys have been prepared uniquely for them by the ultimate MASTER PLANNER.  Believers as well as non-believers enjoy the book because it offers hope in the future, and forces you to take a look at your past and realize that it really wasn’t you that was in control of it anyway. It is a dream come true for readers to not only enjoy the book, but to really understand my message.

BK: Is there a message in your novel you want readers to grasp?

BC: My purpose in writing was to simply encourage and inspire readers to discover that we all live inside testimonies meant to be shared with others, but I have been just as encouraged and inspired by readers comments. It confirms my original belief that the Lord wanted me to share my journey of faith. I hope to help readers discover the inspiration that lies within each of us because we can all help inspire and encourage others.

BK: Where do you hope to take your writing in the future?

BC: My plans are simply to share my journey with others, and I will go wherever this book takes me in order to do that. This is only the beginning. Although I had no prior plans to write a book, after literally becoming an author overnight, I know that this is something that I will never give up now. I am passionate about my story, and it’s my desire to reach as many people as I can to inspire and encourage them. There is more to come, but I will have to wait on divine inspiration to figure out what that is.

BK: What advice do you have for writer's just starting out?

BC: All of us have something to share with others, and if we would simply take the time to begin the writing process and stay committed to it, we could all write something to share. Don’t give up on your ideas and your dreams. Just keep writing.

BK: Anything else you would like to share with us today?

BC: As a result of writing this book and sharing my journey with others, I have been given a fabulous opportunity to host an internet radio talk show based on the message in my book. Beginning November 15, 2010, I will host Living Inside The Testimony on webtalkradio.net. Here’s a sneak peak at the show’s description: Get ready to remember this name: LIVING INSIDE THE TESTIMONY. Your life is never going to be the same.  Host Betty Collier and her guests live each and every day inside the testimony.  They will help you discover the inspiration that lies within all of us and prepare you to share it with others.  Hear incredible stories of faith, hope, humor, romance and love, offering a source of inspiration and encouragement.  Join Betty on this truly incredible journey of faith as if you, too, have been touched by an angel.

*Rule Number 1 to win a copy of Betty's Book,  Living Inside The Testimony*

Readers can visit my website, www.livinginsidethetestimony.com or www.webtalkradio.net for more info.
Also, I’m having a contest during this interview. For the first 2 people who go to my facebook page at www.facebook.com/livinginsidethetestimony, click , and then post a comment that they read this interview on your page, I will send them a complimentary copy of my book.

BC: Thank you so much for this interview. I have truly enjoyed it, and I appreciate you taking the time to be part of my virtual book tour.

BK: You are so welcome Betty.  Thanks again for stopping in.  You are quite the amazing lady.  So now for my review of Betty's book.  YAY!

About Living Inside The Testimony:

It's like watching a Lifetime Movie...You'll go to bed and dream about the real-life characters in the book...

It's a beautiful, heartfelt love story...

It's funny, amusing, and entertaining...

It's very emotional and inspirational...

You'll laugh on one page and cry on the next...

It's all about God's amazing love and abundant blessings...

And it's all true, straight from the heart of the author who has been on an incredible journey!

Living Inside The Testimony (the book) is a collection of anecdotes compiled by author Betty Collier. In reading these stories, you will share in her journey and experience the inspiration, faith, hope, humor, romance, and love she experienced. The stories in Living Inside The Testimony revolve around Betty’s experiences with her family, friends, and other individuals who have contributed, often unknowingly, to the path God has chosen for her. You will hear the story of how Betty fell in love at age fourteen (with her future husband), about her husband’s near-death experience with emergency brain surgery a week before high school graduation, their experiences in New York a week prior to 9/11, and the frustrating ordeal she and her husband overcame when trying to build their dream home. Betty attributes her success and her great love to God, and she shares with readers how God has orchestrated her life’s path every step of the way. Betty’s prayer is that you will see and feel Proverbs 3:5-6 come alive and speak to your heart as you take a walk with her, inside her testimony. She hopes you enjoy the journey and discover that we all live inside testimonies meant to be shared with others.

My Thoughts: 

First of all I just love this cover.  It's a beautiful portrayal of what is between the pages.  The book itself,  I loved too.  Betty wrote as if she was actually sitting at a kitchen table chatting over coffee,  telling you the story of her life,  and all the blessings that come with it.  From finding her true love in high school,  the ups and downs that were presented to marrying him when they both thought they would never be together again,  to the birth of her children,  getting her dream home,  and ending with the question,  "What Must I Do To Be Saved?"

There was humor where at times I found myself laughing with Betty and times that she truly moved me and I found myself feeling so proud of her.  This wasn't a book of preaching the gospel,  but of pure inspiration.  Betty has made herself available at the end of her book should anyone have any questions,  or feel led to accept Jesus into their lives.  I love how Living Inside The Testimony was written and I think Betty has accomplished what she has set out to do....simply to share and inspire.  Well done Betty! 

*Now for my rules and your chance to win yet another copy of Living Inside The Testimony :).:*

First,  stop into to Betty's facebook and friend her,  like her,  and leave her a comment that you were here.

Then -

Say hello to Betty and tell us where you draw daily inspiration in a comment,  and leave your email with it.

No need to follow my blog,   though it would be greatly appreciated (please,please,please).  Share this great interview with others for an extra entry,  leave me the link where you shared it with your comment.

Thank you all for stopping in and meeting Betty Collier.  I am planning a new weekly giveaway so stay tuned for that too :).  Have a happy week everyone.

Interview with David Fingerman and Review of Silent Kill - Virtual Book Tour

Today I am doing an interview with author David Fingerman,  plus giving a review of Silent Kill,  a much anticipated post.  Sorry it's late David,  we lost our kitten and our pit and youngest son are so upset.  I had to make a flyer and put it around town lol.

Anyways,  welcome to Walker's Muse David.   I loved Silent Kill!  David is also giving away a signed copy of Silent Kill at the end of his tour,  so leave David a comment to gain an entry and visit his website for his schedule,  or view the Calendar Of Events page for authors on tour.

BK:  Please tell us a little about yourself.

DF:  I've lived in Minnesota my entire life. I love this time of year and am not a fan of summer. Me and heat don't get along. I got severely sunburned years ago when I went to Miami during spring break. My ideal weather is cloudy, 60 degrees, and a good wind. My ideal day is writing in a dimly lit room while listening to my old LPs (vinyl is the way to go, man). Despite rumors to the contrary, I'm really quite sane (clinically speaking). 

BK:  What inspired you to pen your first title? 

DF:  Inspiration for my first published short story, "Autumnal Equinox" came from a Loreena McKennett song, All Souls Night. Inspiration for "Silent Kill" came from so many years of sitting in the courtroom. One gets to see the best and worst of human behavior and emotion. It's something I strive to capture in my writing. 

BK:  How long have you been writing? 

DF:  Pretty much since I learned how. But serious writing, since the early 90s, at least that's when I sent out my first short story in hopes of getting it published. (On a side note ~ it never happened. It's now collecting dust in my file drawer. I think there's a moral in there somewhere about perseverance.) 

BK:  What was the hardest part about writing this particular novel? 

DF:  I had written a lot of short stories and had the mindset that a novel is just a really long short story. It's a totally different thought process. Honestly, I didn't know what I was doing at the beginning (some would say that I still don't). Then there's the research. I'm somewhat lazy when it comes to research, but the deeper I got into the "Silent Kill" the more research I had to do. 

BK:  Have any dreams been realized as a result of your writing? 

DF:  Just having a book published is a thrill. I certainly don't mean this as a slap to self publishing ~ there are so many advantages to going that route, and I have the utmost respect for authors that do (I've gone that route too), but for me there was a certain validation that someone in the publishing business thought my work was good enough to put into print. 

BK:  Is there a message in your novel you want readers to grasp? 

DF:  Stay in school and don't take drugs. KIDDING! Messages? Absolutely not! I just want to tell an entertaining story that will stay with the reader long after they put the book down. But seriously ~ stay in school and don't take drugs. 

BK:  Where do you hope to take your writing in the future? 

DF:  The New York Times bestseller list and movie rights would be just ducky.

What advice do you have for writer's just starting out? 

Write every day and write because it's a passion. Join a writers' group. Develop a thick skin. If you can't take criticism (and unfortunately, not all of it will be constructive) you're probably in the wrong line of work. 

BK:  Anything else you would like to share with us today? 

DF:  Follow my virtual book tour and leave comments. At the end of the tour I'll be drawing a name and sending the winner an autographed copy of "Silent Kill." 

Oh yeah ~ stay in school and don't take drugs. 

LOL.  Great advice David.  Awesome that you are doing a giveaway too.  So please be sure to leave David a comment for your chance to win.  

Now for the Review :). 

http://bkwalkerbooks.weebly.com

Silent Kill by David Fingerman was an excellent mix of mystery and suspense.  From the first page Fingerman holds nothing back.

Louise Miller is a female cop that gets a lot of hassle from her fellow officers.  Her brother Andrew is a new cop in a different precinct.

When Mark Lone Bear,  her friend and fellow officer turns up missing,  Louise puts in all effort to find out what happened to him.

Throughout the investigation,  her brother who is getting broken in as a rookie,  stumbles upon a development in Louise's case,  Mark Lone Bear and his car.

When two more people end up missing,  Andrew and Louise work to find answers to Mark Lone Bear's murder and the kidnappings.  The closer they get to finding the murderer,  the more danger that befalls upon those they love and care for.

Was Mark Lone Bear mixed up in something he shouldn't have been that led to his death?  When one more kidnapping hits Louise a little too close to home,  will she save all three before they end up dead too?  Find out in Silent Kill.

Fingerman did an excellent job in his first full length murder/mystery.  Full of suspense and with an imagination that will leave you wanting more,  this is one title you will want to get your hands on.

The perfect mix of crime,  mystery and suspense,  I couldn't put it down until I knew what happened in the end.  I give Silent Kill ***** (5) Stars,  BK Walker.  http://bkwalkerbooks.weebly.com


Learn more about David Fingerman by clicking the book cover. 

Purchase at Amazon,  Barnes and Noble and Fictionwise.

---

BK Walker Books - All Rights Reserved