More Beauty Less Beast

I'm probably not the typical gal. I don't enjoy shopping and couldn't care less about the latest fads/fashion/frenzies. I don't even own a purse (the only exception was an all-black diaper bag when my kids were in the infancy age and needed baby gear.) If I can't fit what I need in my pockets, I probably don't need it in the first place. Be that as it may, I do try to at least look respectable when I go out of the house. So I guess I'm not totally immune to worries about my looks.

Along comes More Beauty, Less Beast, by Debora Coty. This handy dandy manual teaches women about managing both inner and outward beauty - and the accompanying attitude, or "beaut-i-tude" that goes with it. For most ladies, our self-image is just as important as how we think others think about us. And much of that is wrapped up in what we (and others) can see on the outside. In order to please, and to look pleasing, ladies to do some pretty crazy things.

But we focus on the wrong things when we neglect our 'inside' essentials and obsess over our 'outside' appearance. Inside out and upside down. True beauty isn't really about having flawless skin and a size 2 wardrobe. This book teaches that women should be nurturing our spirits and disciplining ourselves physically and mentally. Just as women love and appreciate beautiful things, we also loved to be appreciated for our beauty. But it's a far better thing to be loved for the beautiful people we are - in how we express our love to those around us, in our care for them, and in our words and actions to them - than to be admired for how well we look. It's not the pretty package that really counts, it's what’s inside that really matters.

More Beauty, Less Beast by Debora Coty is a great book for reminding us that the good stuff is worth working for!

~  Review by Judy Fedele  ~

I was given a copy of The Beautiful Wife by Litfuse Publicity 

in exchange for a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

More Beauty, Less Beast by Debora Coty | $150 Visa Cash Card Giveaway, "Divine Beauty" Facebook Party and Blog Tour

Welcome to the campaign for Debora Coty's latest laugh-out-loud release, More Beauty, Less Beast!

With the wit of Erma Bombeck and the wisdom of Dear Abby, Coty weaves a practical handbook into a fun, easy read. Patsy Clairmont calls Debora "delightful ... invigorating". Debora is celebrating the release of her new book by hosting the "Transform Your Inner Ogre Giveaway" (win a $150 Visa Cash Card!) and hosting the "Divine Beauty" Facebook party (3/22)! Details below.

"More Beauty, Less Beast is both spiritual retreat and much needed makeover, complete with one of my favorite aerobic activities - belly laughing!" ~Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Belle of All Things Southern and author of Sue Ellen's Girl Ain't Fat, She Just Weighs Heavy!

"Deb Coty is funny and wise. This is my favorite combination in any human being." ~Rachel St. John-Gilbert, author of Laugh Yourself to Sleep and The Well Lived Laugh

"In More Beauty, Less Beast, Debora Coty creatively and hilariously helps us tag that inner beast we all battle, then gives us practical ways to muzzle and tame the brute." ~Rhonda Rhea, Author of How Many Lightbulbs Does It Take to Change a Person?

"More Beauty, Less Beast, will revolutionize your thinking about the who, what, and how of beauty and fashion. ...Debora Coty is funny, insightful, and beautiful inside and out. And you are too!" ~Martha Bolton, Emmy and Dove nominated writer, author of 84 books of humor and former staff writer for Bob Hope

{More about Debora Coty}

Debora Coty is an occupational therapist, a piano teacher, and a   freelance writer. She's also involved in the children's ministry at her church and is an avid tennis player. Debora began writing to fill the void when her last child left for college, and it has since become a passion. Debora has a real knack for getting across sound biblical concepts with a refreshing lightheartedness as attested in her monthly newspaper column entitled "Grace Notes: God's Grace for Everyday Living." 

Visit www.deboracoty.com for more about Debora and her books.

{More about More Beauty, Less Beast}

With her own offbeat brand of wit and near-wisdom, inspirational humorist Debora Coty addresses heart needs of women struggling to tame that out-of-control inner beast that unexpectedly pounces, roaring and shredding, as it threatens to destroy the divinely beautiful princess hidden within. Whether jaded by emotional wounds, unrealistic standards, or lack of confidence, this laugh-out-loud, girlfriend-to-girlfriend encouragement will help women transform their destructive inner beast into the exquisite beauty they were always meant to be.

{More about the Transform Your Inner Ogre Giveaway}

Using Biblical advice and her trademark humor, Debora Coty urges women to conquer guilt and re-institute hope in More Beauty, Less Beast. Celebrate with Debora by entering to win a $150 Visa Cash Card!

One "beautiful" winner will receive:

• A $150 Visa Cash Card (Treat yourself to a spa day or weekend get-away!)
• A Debora Coty Library (More Beauty, Less Beast, Too Blessed Too Be Stressed and Everyday Hope)
• Chocolate (Every good thing begins with chocolate!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/22/12. Winner will be announced at Debora's "Divine Beauty" Facebook Party on  3/22. Debora will be hosting an evening of chat, fun beauty trivia, laughter, and encouragement - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and a book club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club and a live chat with Debora via Skype.) 

So grab your copy of More Beauty, Less Beast and join Debora and friends on the evening of March 22nd for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 22nd!

The Beautiful Wife: Book Review, Blog Tour and Facebook Party

I do not always feel like a beautiful person, much less a good wife or mother. After years of marriage one can take things for granted - on both sides. And one can feel unappreciated, or worse, feel almost invisible. Even when both partners in a marriage love each other, relationships can still get in that unavoidable rut of routine.


Being a wife is not easy. There are so many expectations from society, expectations we put on ourselves, not to mention those our husband has for us. But when we are able to view our lives in a different way - in a biblical perspective - it's a game changer. God does not see us as we see ourselves, nor does He condemn us for the faults and follies that accumulate in a marriage. He loves us unconditionally. He sees us as perfect, beautiful, and worthy. There is an unmistakable sense of peace that comes from throwing off all these 'outside' expectations and following the way the Lord defines marriage. It is liberating, in the highest sense.


This book gave me an opportunity to reflect and recharge so that I was able to view my marriage (and my 'marriage' relationship with the Lord) in a whole new light. The writing in this book coupled with the perfect scriptures really drew me in and made a solid impact on several different levels.


The Beautiful Wife by Sandy Ralya is the type of book that I would absolutely recommend as required reading to any woman about to get married - but just as likely to recommend to those already married. We all can use a little attitude adjustment from time to time! And I know I will pick this up again, and again, and again ... because it is a good way to stop and reflect on my life and my marriage. And if I want to be a beautiful wife (which I am!) I want to keep reminding myself to make the right kind of choices and have the right kind of outlook ... so my marriage will be rock solid, forever and for always.

~  Review by Judy Fedele  ~

I was given a copy of The Beautiful Wife by Litfuse Publicity 

in exchange for a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Want to read MORE? Here's the blog tour schedule! http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13457272/beautifulwife

_______________________________________________________

The Beautiful Wife by Sandy Ralya                                                                Kindle Giveaway and Facebook Party

Welcome to the campaign launch                                                                              for Sandy Ralya's The Beautiful Wife!

We are thrilled to tell you about these great resources from Kregel Publications and Sandy's minsitry, Beautiful Womanhood. To celebrate Sandy is hosting a fabulous Kindle Touch giveaway (2/15 - 3/7) and an encouraging Facebook party on 3/8. All the details below.

There was a time when Sandy Ralya's marriage was in trouble. While she eventually sought guidance from godly mentors and Christian counselors, she didn't forget the fear and isolation she experienced and knew other women were feeling the same. So in 2003 Sandy started Beautiful Womanhood, a marriage mentoring ministry, to help other women know they are not alone in their struggles. Being a wife has always been a difficult role to understand. It's not a one-size-fits all formula and with that in mind, Sandy has written The Beautiful Wife o that all women can benefit from her "messy" story and her insights into the value of marriage mentorship. 

"...An incredible handbook that every woman needs. I believe this book will be life-changing for many, many women and their marriages."  -Best-selling author Shaunti Feldhahn 

"Sandy Ralya candidly shares her experiences, others' personal stories, and God's wisdom to mentor women for great marriages." - Florence Littauer, speaker and best-selling author of Personality Plus 

"Simply and honestly, Sandy speaks to the real issues that wives deal with and gives practical guidance on how to become 'beautiful' in Christ." - Dan Seaborn, author and founder of Winning at Home

{About Beautiful Womanhood}

{More about Sandy}

Sandy Ralya is the founder and director of Beautiful Womanhood, a marriage mentoring ministry based near Grand Rapids, Mich. Her marriage testimony was the focus of a popular three-day interview on FamilyLife Today, TV's Walking by Faith, and Time Out for Women. Sandy is a sought-after speaker, presenting Beautiful Womanhood seminars to hundreds of women each year at MOPS groups, women's retreats, and church leadership conferences across the country and in Canada. Sandy and her husband Tom have been married since 1980, and have a growing number of grandchildren.  www.beautifulwomanhood.com

{More about The Beautiful Wife book, Prayer Journal and Mentor's Guide}

The Beautiful Wife uses these inspiring stories along with biblical principles to guide and encourage any wife looking for God's best in her marriage. The Beautiful Wife answers serious questions women have about their roles as wives. Discussing everything from romance and money to beauty, communication, and sex, Sandy challenges women to open up and share their journeys so that together they can see God's plan for their marriages. "It is my passion to help women discover God's heart for their marriage, just as the other women helped me," writes Sandy. "When women share with each other the details of their journeys with God as wives, it's a beautiful thing indeed." The Beautiful Wife has two companion resources - Prayer Journal and Mentor's Guide.

{More about The Beautiful Wife Kindle Touch Giveaway and Facebook Party}   Celebrate with Sandy by entering her Kindle Touch Giveaway!

One beautiful winner will receive:

• A Brand new Kindle Touch with Wi-Fi
• The Beautiful Wife by Sandy Ralya
• The Beautiful Wife Prayer Journal and Mentor's Guide by Sandy Ralya

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/7/12. Winner will be announced at Sandy's "Beautiful Womanhood" Facebook Party on 3/8. Sandy will be hosting an evening of chat, laughter and encouragement - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, prayer journals, gift certificates and a live chat with Sandy for your Bible study or small group!

So grab your copy of The Beautiful Wife and join Sandy and friends on the evening of March 8th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.                           Hope to see you on the 8th!

Alienation by Jon S. Lewis: Book Review and Blog Tour

If you love multi-armed aliens, fast-paced action, and teen-aged angst, Alienation by Jon Lewis has it. If you want a book that combines sci-fi with spy gadgets with a little surfer dude thrown in for good measure, it's in there. If you want a story that takes the comic book vibe and expands it into a novel - but wait, there's more - a whole series of novels ... Alienation's got your number. What's not to like?


Colt McAlister and his two best friends, Danielle Salazar and Ox Romaro are privileged to enter the C.H.A.O.S. military academy. But the transition is not an easy one: the world as we know it is changing and Colt is grabbling with all those changes and more. He's the classic reluctant hero, trying to come to terms with who he is in the universe and who everyone thinks he should be. The story weaves in lots of fun fantasy - school uniforms with nanotechnology that customize the fit to the wearer, electro-magnetic Hoverboards, and over the top simulation rooms, for starters. But there's also a great story with tons of danger, intrigue, and shape-shifting alien assassins.


Alienation is a sci-fi hit that caters to kids of all ages. Not that I'm telling my age or anything. But I, like, totally enjoyed the story! This is the second book in the C.H.A.O.S. series, and though I do wish I had read Invasion first - it was easy to dive into the story, cozy up to the characters, and run with the action. And now I can go pick up the first book and see what I missed. Then look forward to the next in the series!

~  Thank you to LitFuse Publicity for providing me with a complimentary copy of Alienation. This review reflects my own personal opinion of the book. ~
Judy L. Fedele

Join us for the Alienation Facebook party here!

Alienation by Jon Lewis | iPad2 Giveaway, blog tour and Facebook Party! 

C.H.A.O.S...

Welcome to the campaign for DC Comics author Jon Lewis' thrilling new novel in the C.H.A.O.S. series, Alienation! To celebrate Jon has teamed up with his publisher, Thomas Nelson, for the Alienation iPad2 Giveaway (1/19 - 2/17)!

This second installment in Lewis' series was inspired by the life of King David. As a boy, David started out as an underdog, but went on to overcome an unlikely beginning and high-level betrayal to become a respected warrior and national hero. Lewis says, "In Alienation I want readers to realize that like Colt, we all have a special calling. We just need to figure out what it is."  Young adults and fans of graphic novels will find Alienation and the C.H.A.O.S. series a thrilling read, which includes a graphic novel prologue and a sketchbook of characters.

Praise for the series:

"Flying motorcycles, shape-shifting aliens,
comic book superscience, and mind-control technology...a fun read...."
--Publishers Weekly


"Comic book characters come to life! ...Brisk pace, aliens and jet-packs--
Lewis is a veteran of the comic-book industry, and his plot is a domestic read-alike of Alex Rider."
--Kirkus Reviews

About the book:

After his parents were killed in a car accident, Colt McAllister was drawn into a world he thought only existed in comic books-one where mind control, jet packs, and flying motorcycles don't even scratch the surface. Along with his best friends Oz and Danielle, Colt is now training at the secret Central Headquarters Against the Occult and Supernatural academy. But strange accidents seem to follow him. . . even with the security of the school grounds. What first seems random soon turns deadly. But who is targeting Colt?

As the alien invasions increase in frequency and force, C.H.A.O.S resources are taxed to the limit and they're forced to utilize the new recruits. In the midst of battle, Colt will discover some startling revelations . . . about himself, his friendship with Oz, and why he has been chosen to defeat this alien attack against earth.

Watch the video trailer:

About the author:

Jon S. Lewis is the coauthor of the Grey Griffins trilogy (over 500,000 books in print) and the upcoming Grey Griffins Clockwork Chronicles. He also writes for the DC COMICS family of publishers. He resides with his family in Arizona. For more about Jon and the series, visit www.chaosnovels.com.

About the Alienation iPad2 Giveaway:

The invasion was only the beginning! Jon is celebrating the next adventure in his fast-paced series with an explosive giveaway!





One thrill-seeker will receive:

• iPad2 with Wi-Fi
• Copies of the C.H.A.O.S. novels, Invasion and Alienation

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. 
But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on February 7th.
Winner will be announced at the Alienation Facebook Party on 2/7. Jon will be hosting an Author Chat, giving away copies of the books and gift certificates to iTunes and Amazon.com! Don't miss a second of the intrigue!


Grab your copy of Alienation and join Jon on the evening of February 7th for an author chat, spy training (How much do you know about alien invaders?) and lots of giveaways.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 7th!