Joey's Thoughts

Before I begin this book review, I'd like to wish you a Happy Valentine's Day!!! I hope you have someone special to spend the day with. If not, treat yourself! You deserve it. Now, on to the review: I had the privilege of meeting Ashely Norris the author of "Little Millie Ford & Her New Skateboard" at a Holiday Gift Show. As an author myself, I meet many authors, and when I come across one like Ashely who has produced a fabulous book and who also comes across as a genuinely kind person, I like to brag on their work. Before you...

Life is busy. Work is always hectic. Home life is often demanding. Social life can be overwhelming. So, make sure to take time for yourself every once and a while. Find a nice, relaxing spot where you can be alone with your thoughts. Retreat!

Necessary Lies is my first experience reading a Diane Chamberlain novel, and I must say, I am impressed. I was first introduced to Diane Chamberlain when I was signing my own novels at a bookstore in Wake Forest, N.C. I have been meaning to read one of her novels for quite a while, and now I wish I would have started reading her books sooner. Chamberlain does a fabulous job building the characters and allowing the reader to get to know each one intimately (Ivy Hart and Baby William are ingrained in my mind). Diane was able to weave this...

At a recent event, I met a woman named Trudy who shared with me that she is the daughter of the late David Merwin Smith. Dave Smith played Major League Baseball as a pitcher with the Philadelphia Athletics in 1938 and 1939 before the war snatched him away from a game he loved. Hearing Trudy reminisce about her father reminded me of the baseball players of old who enjoyed the game in its purest form on historic fields like Firefly Field (A Field of Fireflies). It also helped me remember how great men stepped away from a sport they loved...

The Power of Habit: Why We Do What Do in Life and Business was a solid book on habits and how much our lives revolve around them. I found this book to offer a lot of practical information that can be applied to our everyday lives if we so choose. Like the author, I believe that we can change nearly any habit in our lives, but I think we often decide not to for one reason or the other. If you want to change some of your negative habits, read this book, or if you want ideas on how to...