Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Cards From Khloe’s Flower Shop by Isabella Louise Anderson

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As the owner of a successful florist shop, Khloe Harper trusts her instincts. She has a strong bond with her family and friends, but after being betrayed by her last love, she's kept herself at arms’ length from romance. When dashing entertainment attorney Derek Thomas walks into her store, Khloe’s interest is piqued. What at first seems like a business relationship quickly turns into romance, and Derek slowly plucks away the petals she’s been hiding behind. Just as Khloe lets down her guard, she discovers that Derek may not be worthy of her love after all. Frumpy Connie Albright has a faux fascination with an imaginary man named Walt, thinking that by sending herself flowers from him she’ll feel less out-of-place with the “mean girls” she works with. When she comes face to face with her possible prince charming and thinking she might have a happy ending, when a truth is revealed, she wonders if she’ll ever have a Cinderella story. A recently widowed senior, Gabby Lewis, isn't ready to give up on love—which means releasing herself from survivor's guilt and taking a chance on finding happiness and companionship again. After signing up for an online dating site for senior citizens, much to her surprise, she’s matched with Harry, an energetic and loving man, who quickly eases himself into her heart. Will Gabby take the leap of falling in love again, knowing it’s possible to have two loves of her life? As each woman’s story develops through flowers and cards sent from Khloe's shop during the Fall months, they begin to learn that love can only truly blossom when you trust your heart.
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**Find “Cards From Khloe’s Flower Shop”:

Amazon-US (Kindle and paperback) * Amazon-UK * Amazon-Canada * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * Goodreads

BioPicAbout the author: Isabella grew up with a book in her hand, and to this day nothing haschanged. She focuses her time on featuring other writers on her blog, Chick Lit Goddess, along with organizing Goddess Book Tours, and is a member of the Romance Writers of America. She lives in Dallas with her husband, enjoys spicy Mexican food, margaritas, gin on the rocks (with a splash of lime). She loves spending time with family and friends and cheering on the Texas Rangers. Not only is Isabella an author, she’s also a Scentsy consultant and hoarder. Isabella is the author of The Right Design and Cards From Khloe’s Flower Shop. Her short story, “Meet Me Under the Mistletoe,” was featured in Simon & Fig’s Christmas anthology, Merry & Bright. She’s currently working on another book.   **Contact: Website * Chick Lit Goddess Website * Facebook * Goodreads * Instagram – Isabella Louise Anderson * Instagram – Chick Lit Goddess * Pinterest * Twitter * Sign up for her Newsletter

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Sunday, February 26, 2017

Communicating in the Workplace


     Information overload is a common problem in the workplace. This can be especially true for a new employee. When I went back to work at an insurance agency after taking a hiatus to raise my children, everything had changed.  There was a completely new computer system, new procedures, and even a new dress code. Because I already had a background in sales and was familiar with insurance, I was thrown right into my position. The computer system was completely new to me, and I often felt like I was drowning in information. There were no written instructions. The person in charge of training me showed me a few things here and there when they had time, choosing the things they felt were the most important. Whenever a new situation came up, I had to go to someone for help again. After a few weeks, I got the hang of the system, but it was a challenge. One of the things that helped me deal with the information overload, was to make my own training manual that outlined the step by step process of each of the tasks I needed to master.  I added to it regularly. The next time someone was hired, it was my turn to train them. In addition to offering hands-on help, I gave them my manual, and they said it made it much easier to adjust to our computer system. 

     The person presenting this information to me originally did the best they could with what they had to work with. Training wasn’t usually their department, and they had other work to handle as well. The management at the office could have handled this situation much better. There should be people especially assigned to training, and specific steps and manuals they can use to help with this process.  If the company was more organized, the training process would go smoothly, creating less frustration for employees and better performance.

     There are many other techniques that can be used to help prevent information overload in the workplace. The first step is to make sure that you stick to one topic at a time. Jumping from one thing to another causes unnecessary confusion. It is also important that you clearly state your objective. Keep your message simple and to the point. Choose one format, such as video, PowerPoints, or charts, and stick with that throughout. Before giving your presentation, go over the information, and cut out anything that is unnecessary or confusing. Keep things short and to the point, and summarize your key points effectively at the end of the presentation ("Elearning Industry", 2013).

     Four important design elements of business documents are consistency, balance, restraint, and detail.  These are powerful tools in any form of communication, but are especially relevant when using an electronic or mobile setting. Be sure to use the same margins and word fonts consistently throughout your project. Use the white spaces between margins to provide contrast and balance.  Underlining or bold print can be used to emphasize important points. However, you must use some restraint and limit the techniques you use so your audience isn’t overwhelmed.  If you use noisy backgrounds or a font that is too small, it may be difficult to read.  Keep your work consistent and detailed, and always stay on point (University of Phoenix, 2017).

     Another important step in business communication is proofreading. You should always read over your work several times before presenting it to your audience. First, wait at least a few hours before proofreading because you are more likely to find mistakes. Always make certain to use a spell check program, but be aware that this isn’t foolproof. If you use the wrong word, but spell it correctly, spellcheck may miss this. If you have any doubts about the spelling of a word, look it up in a dictionary. Also, make certain to check for run-on sentences, sentence fragments, and incorrect tenses ("Small Business Chron", 2016).

     In addition to looking for grammatical errors, also double check your facts for accuracy. If possible, have a co-worker look your presentation over. A second pair of eyes may catch a mistake or an inconsistency that you missed. If this isn’t possible, see if you can find a text-to-speech program. This type of software will read your work back to you. It’s much easier to catch mistakes when you hear them. If you don’t have access to the software, try reading your work out loud to make certain it flows well.

     At times, you may find you need to adapt your presentation to suit your audience. The first step is understanding their needs and expectations. You should consider their demographics, language, and experience. If you see that you’re losing their attention, there are a few things to consider. Make certain you’re using a conversational tone that is both professional and friendly. Choose your words carefully, using plain language, but powerful words. Also, consider your setting, and choose a pleasant environment. While it is necessary to keep your audience engaged, remember the importance of business ethics. Never exaggerate facts just to make your presentation more exciting. The key to a good presentation is to inform, persuade, or initiate a conversation, so keep these goals in mind.  Basically, you must try to see things from their point of view, and prepare your presentation in a way that will appeal to your audience (University of Phoenix, 2017).

     If you’re working with a team, interpersonal communication is imperative. Each team member should clearly communicate their goals and objectives for the project, and take the time to understand the perspectives of each person involved. Everyone has their own opinions, and sometimes compromises must be made.  It’s also important that each team member learn to develop their listening skills.  Everyone on the team has a unique voice and essential skills to offer to the group. Listen to what each team member has to say. Even when there are disagreements, try to keep an open mind and never reply with anger or criticism.

     In closing, communicating in the workplace is a crucial part of any career. By taking the time to consider the needs of your audience and work closely with your team mates, you are sure to succeed in all your endeavors.




References
eLearning Industry. (2013). Retrieved from https://elearningindustry.com
University of Phoenix, (2017). Business Communication Essentials. Phoenix, AZ: University of Phoenix.

Small Business Chron. (2016). Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com

Monday, February 20, 2017

#Free Copy of Demon on Amazon



When Justyn and Rebecca set off for the New York School of Performing Arts, they think their dreams are about to come true. To their dismay, they aren't in high school anymore, and the competition is steep. Rebecca must compete against accomplished singers for a role in the production of Demon Barber, including a stunning Gothic diva with her sights set on Justyn. It doesn't help that things keep disappearing from their apartment or that Rebecca's father refuses to accept that Justyn is an essential part of her life. Yet, all this seems minimal in comparison to the serial rapist terrorizing the campus. Consumed by fear and obsessed with revenge, Rebecca and Justyn start living the story of Sweeney Todd-both on and off the stage.


 

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Get Falling Star (Jersey Girls Book 1) #Free on Amazon




Drew DiPalma feels like he's living a lie.

He's had it with his Hollywood persona, the high-maintenance women, and his sleazy agent. To escape the madness, he flees to a tourist town he'd often visited as a child. He never expected to find love on that little island. Then he stumbles upon Lainey alone on the swing set of a deserted beach.

After a dozen internet dating disasters, Lainey Riccardo has given up on romance--until she meets a West Coast hunk who has no trouble winning her heart. But Lainey only knows him as Drew, not the Oscar-nominated actor who's constantly scandalized in the tabloids.

When she learns the truth, will the small town Jersey girl be able to accept Drew's fast-paced life? Or will the truth drive her away forever?


Sunday, February 12, 2017

Chick- Lit Book Blast $10 Sephora GC #Giveaway Valentine's Day

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"Sassy, sexy, endlessly entertaining, and full of laughs (as well as some heart-wrenching moments), Blogger Girl is one of those books that keeps you up at night because you can't wait to see what happens next." - Tracie Banister, Author of Mixing It Up What happens when your high school nemesis becomes the shining star in a universe you pretty much saved? Book blogger Kimberly Long is about to ?nd out. A chick lit enthusiast since the first time she read Bridget Jones's Diary, Kim, with her blog, Pastel is the New Black, has worked tirelessly by night to keep the genre alive, and help squash the claim that "chick lit is dead" once and for all. Not bad for a woman who by day ekes out a meager living as a pretty, and pretty-much-nameless, legal secretary in a Manhattan law ?rm. While Kim's day job holds no passion for her, the handsome (and shaving challenged) associate down the hall is another story. Yet another story is that Hannah Marshak, one of her most hated high school classmates, has now popped onto the chick lit scene with a hot new book that's turning heads--and pages--across the land. It's also popped into Kim's inbox--for review. With their ten-year reunion drawing near, Kim's coming close to combustion over the hype about Hannah's book. And as everyone around her seems to be moving on and up, she begins to question whether being a "blogger girl" makes the grade in her offline life.


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Buy on Amazon / iBooks / Nook / Kobo

“A great chick lit book: a strong and confident heroine, a sexy boyfriend you can crush on, supportive friends, and plenty of conflict leading to comical results, culminating in a very satisfying ending.” – Erin Brady, Bestselling Author of The Shopping Swap Feisty New Yorker Kimberly Long runs the most popular chick lit book blog on the web, loves playing house with her sexy lawyer boyfriend, Nicholas, and is finally pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming a published author. At first glance, her life is worthy of five pink champagne flutes. But is there more to the story than meets the eye? After hearing the phrase “chick lit is dead” more times than she’s read The Devil Wears Prada, Kim is driven to desperate measures, seeking advice from up-and-coming chick lit author, Hannah Marshak, her high school nemesis and resident “mean girl.” As if Kim doesn’t have enough on her plate balancing her secretarial duties with her blog, Pastel is the New Black, shrugging off the growing pile of agent rejections, and keeping her best friend from turning green over Kim’s budding friendship with Hannah, Nicholas is so blinded by his career ambitions, he doesn’t see that their home sweet home could use more than a dash of sugar. This is the year when all of Kim’s dreams—professional and romantic—are supposed to come true, but will her story have a happily ever after or will Kim end up unpublished and all alone?

Buy on Amazon / iBooks / Nook / Kobo

author_photo_1401About the author A born and bred New Yorker, Meredith Schorr discovered her passion for writing when she began to enjoy drafting work-related emails way more than she was probably supposed to. After trying her hand penning children’s stories and blogging her personal experiences, Meredith found her calling writing chick lit and contemporary women’s fiction. She secures much inspiration from her day job as a hard-working trademark paralegal and her still single (but looking) status. Meredith is also the co-founder of BookBuzz, a live author/reader event held annually. She is a loyal New York Yankees fan and an avid runner. Novelista Girl is her fifth novel.

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Enter to win a $10 Sephora Gift Card from Author Meredith Schorr. Open to US residents 18+

Saturday, February 11, 2017

Get Hyde #Free on Amazon




Rebecca Hope has looked death in the face twice and lived to tell her tale. She and the love of her life, Justyn Patko, land a summer internship at a local dinner theater, performing the musical Hyde. While they are excited about their first paid acting gig, they soon find themselves surrounded by more experienced cast mates, jealous of their success. As if the tension isn't bad enough, they soon discover that the business might be a front for something much more sinister. When Justyn is accused of a crime that she knows he would never commit, Rebecca must decide if she wants to follow her head or her heart. While trying to prove his innocence, she makes a shocking discovery of her own. Everyone has something to conceal in the grand finale of the Dark Musicals Trilogy. Rebecca has to look beyond the façade to discover the true Hyde or face her final curtain call.


Oak Grove Suspense Series Book Blast

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Vengeance (Book 1 in the Oak Grove Suspense Series)
When Dr. Shayla Thorn moves back to her home town of Oak Grove, she is determined that this will be a new start for her and her son. But when Dylan’s father insists on righting the wrongs of their past, she’s torn between what she knows is right and what her heart wants. But the one thing she never expected was for her life to be thrown into utter chaos.
Ryan Jacobs, former FBI agent and lead detective for Oak Grove and its surrounding areas, is determined to win Shayla’s heart and make up for the mistakes they made in the past. He won’t take no for an answer, but everything begins to unravel when he is called to the scene of a brutal crime almost identical to a slew of murders he solved long ago.
It doesn’t take long for the pair to give into what their hearts want, but when an old nemesis seeks revenge on Ryan, everyone's life is in danger. Will Ryan find the culprit in time to save the love of his life or will she fall victim to a vicious killer's vengeance?

Buy on Amazon. Available on Kindle Unlimited




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Penance (Book 2 in the Oak Grove Suspense series)
Judson Hardenbergh's life was perfect, that is until tragedy changed the course of his life. When a fire claims his family, he gives up on everything. Will moving back to his home town of Oak Grove save him from himself or drive him into deeper despair?
For Ryan Jacobs, Oak Grove’s Chief of Police, it’s been smooth sailing since the abduction and murders that plagued the town, and almost cost him his family. Though Mathis is still at large, Ryan is confident that he’ll be able to catch him before he strikes again.
When one of Ryan’s high school friends, Judson Hardenbergh, is accused of murder, he must jump into action and determine if ‘Jud’ is capable of committing this horrible crime. What he finds is that this case is more complicated than he imagined and that penance comes in many forms.
adBBJBZjReese Stephens was born in the Appalachian Mountains, but was raised all over the East Coast. Since getting married Reese has settled back into her Appalachian roots, and currently lives on a small farm with her husband and three children. She has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Education, and is currently homeschooling her two school aged children. She considers herself a naturalist. She loves learning about and using natural remedies and essential oils to keep her family and herself healthy.
Writing was something Reese never thought much of, until she and her family went through several traumatic events. A friend advised her to keep a journal, but she just couldn’t put into words how she felt, so she turned to the world of creative writing. It didn’t take long for her to discover her passion there. Reese is currently working on publishing the first book in her Oak Grove Suspense series, Vengeance which will be out this fall. The second in the series, Penance, is expected to be released spring 2017. In addition to writing crime suspense she also writes paranormal romance. Her first story in this genre is called The Reluctant Prince, expected release is late 2017. You can, however, read the first few chapters of it on Wattpad or her Website for FREE. Social Media Contacts: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReeseAStephens/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReeseAStephens Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reeseastephens/ Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/ReeseStephens Website: https://reeseastephens.com/

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Book Blast and Free Ebook - Pleasures: A Nova Scotia Murder Mystery (Nova Scotia Murder Mysteries Book 3)

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Tourists discover a young woman dead on the shore. The third full novel in an Atlantic Maritime series finds Mandy’s brother begging her to catch his girlfriend’s killer. When she learns the murdered girl was a college student by day and exotic dancer by night, the pool of suspects fill an ocean. When all the evidence points to her brother, can Mandy and Aaron find the real murderer before it’s too late? Buy on Amazon / iBooks / Barnes and Noble / Kobo     With an overactive imagination and a love for writing, Laura Stapleton decided to type out her daydreams and what-ifs in order to share her lovable characters and their worlds with readers. She currently lives in Kansas City with her husband, daughter, dog, and a few cats. When not at the computer, you’ll find her in the park for a jog or at the yarn store’s clearance section.

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 Find Laura online at https://twitter.com/LauraLStapleton, https://www.facebook.com/LLStapleton, and at http://lauralstapleton.com. Subscribe to Laura’s newsletter and keep up on the latest updates and new releases.   Get the first book in the series for FREE when you opt in to Laura's newsletter through Instafreebie HERE
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Welcome to the first full novel in an Atlantic Maritime series soaked in romance and murder. When a family friend of Mandy Hays washes up on shore, everything points to homicide. But how, when he was alone on a fishing trip? Her sexy neighbor, Dr. Aaron Nicholson, knows much more than he can say. As the evidence piles up, all of the victim’s family and closest friends seem guilty. Need to know more? Grab your copy of this “enticing page turner!” today.