Daisy

First of all, the blurb:
Motherhood is not for the faint of heart. And no one knows that better than Daisy. Raising two kids as a divorced, single mom, Daisy has faced each and every one of the obstacles in her life with courage and determination.
Now with her oldest daughter ready to have a baby of her own, her youngest daughter ready to graduate from high school, and her new husband, Paul, ready to embrace the life of an empty-nester, Daisy feels like she might finally be able to check "motherhood" off her list of things to do.
Except life often has a mind of its own. When, at the age of forty-six, Daisy suddenly finds herself facing a very different future than the one she had planned—and an uncomfortable evaluation of the past she thought she understood—she realizes that there is still some growing up she needs to do.
Looking for a distraction to escape the growing tension at home, Daisy joins the Newport Ladies Book Club, where she meets Paige, Athena, and Olivia—unlikely friends who offer encouragement and support when Daisy's perfectly crafted life is turned upside-down.

If you are unfamilliar with this series, this is the second book, and though it is technically a "stand-alone," the books all work together to tell the whole story.

Daisy speaks to all of us who aren't perfect mothers, and feel serious guilt about it. When she's just about to be an empty-nester, she finds out that she is expecting. Yikes! It puts a strain on her marriage, her co-worker, and her relationship with her kids. She finds out that this new developement is like seeing her life through a magnifying glass, and she doesn't like what she sees.

I was so touched by the way Josi explored the complicated relationships in Daisy's life. It was so honest. Nobody is the mother they wish they were, and Daisy realizes that she has the chance to try again and be the mom she always wanted to be. The problem is that she has a lot of growing up to do. I ached with her as she agonized over her situation, and I cheered when she triumphed over the things that held her back. This book is an excellent example of the fact that we never stop growing, and no matter how old or set in our ways we are, there is always room to re-evaluate and improve.

I loved it, and I highly recommend it.

Daisy is on of four stand-alone books, by four different authors, in the Newport Ladies Book Club series. Readers will be able to participate in a virtual book club that features recommendations and discussion guides. Join the club at josiskilpack.com or The Newport Ladies Bookclub

Million Dollar Diva

So, as the oldest daughter of an enteprenuer and CEO of his own company, learning about finances was nothing new to me. I've basically had that stuff drilled into my brain my entire life. As I picked up Tristi's book, I quickly discovered, however that Million Dollar Diva was different than all of the multitudes of self-help tapes, financial seminars, investment planning, and various other money-management tools that I've been exposed to throughout the years.

Tristi takes us along in her back pocket as she visits with a financial planner in an attempt to figure out a debt-consolidation strategy. 

Instead of just giving her advice, or a plan, she is given tools and taught the theory behind the principles of wealth, interest and debt.

I was prepared for a boring finance 101 class, but I was pleased to discover that, as this book was written for women, the authors addressed the basic  emotions behind money.  As a woman, this made total sense to me. There is a certain euphoria that comes from a new purchase, as well as an overwhelming sick feeling that debt brings.  Bills and money matters don't only affect us mathematically, the feelings that money brings along with it bleed over into every aspect of our lives--marriage, health, spirituality, etc.

Million Dollar Diva is an empowering book.  I am so impressed with Trist's openness and willingness to lay it all out.  The yucky humiliation of debt and the hopelessness it brings with it, are all exposed as she shows step by step how she makes a goal to dig her way out. Once a plan is in place, we feel empowered along with Tristi as she starts to make a plan, and learns how to implement it.

I recommend Million Dollar Diva to any woman, whether you are just starting out in life, or trying to figure out how to build a nest egg.

Tristi is offering her book free on her website: http://www.milliondollardiva.com  You just pay the shipping.  See, you're making good financial decisions already.  This offer is only good until June 15, so if you want it after then, here is the link to buy it:http://www.amazon.com/Million-Dollar-Diva-Money-Millionaire/dp/097943405X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335017881&sr=8-1