A Sister Who Cheats With Her Older Sister’s Boyfriend? Are You Ready For the Tea?

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*Note: This post contains affiliate links which means that I will receive a tiny commission for purchases made through the link. This is at no cost to you.*

Do my eyes deceive me?

They must be.

I can’t be seeing what’s right in front of me.

But I am.

My boyfriend is kissing my sister.

Here’s an excerpt:

It isn’t until we all get up to leave that I notice Caleb or someone that looks like him sitting at the back of the restaurant. I can only see the back of his head, so I’m not one hundred percent certain it’s him. But then I see the person sitting across from him say something that makes him laugh. He slightly tilts his head to the side and that’s when I see the woman’s face. It’s my sister, Brooke! My heart sinks farther than my stomach. The guy leans across the table to kiss her. I don’t remember her saying she’s dating anyone, but then again she rarely talks to me. I just hope the guy isn’t who I think he is.
Before I know it, I’m walking to the back of the restaurant where Brooke and this guy are seated. When Brooke looks up and sees me approaching, she looks frightened, as if she’s seen a ghost, and her smile fades. The guy turns around and looks directly at me. It’s Caleb.
I stop walking once I reach their table. I should be screaming and yelling at them, but I do none of those things. I’m feeling a combination of emotions at once, with a million thoughts running through my head. Caleb and Brooke? How long has this been going on? Was this occurring before I gave him my kidney? Why didn’t I notice something sooner? If I say what I’m thinking, I will do a lot more than just cause a scene. But I know I’m not leaving until someone gives me answers.
“Hazel,” Caleb begins, his voice shaky, “how much of that did you see?”
That’s not the right question to ask me at a time like this.
“Okay,” he says, his eyes darting from side to side. My guess is he’s trying to think of a lie to tell me. I don’t even bother to look at my sister, who I’m now putting at the bottom of the totem pole with Caleb.
“What the hell are you doing kissing my sister?” I snap at him.
“Can we go somewhere to talk, please?” he pleads.
“After everything I’ve done for you…” I shake my head in disbelief, feeling sick to the pit of my stomach at the betrayal.
I turn to Brooke. “I never did anything like this to you, so why would you do this to me?”
She doesn’t give me an answer and she avoids making eye contact with me. As she’s getting up to leave, I say, “Why are you leaving? Is it because you got caught?” She speed walks past me, not bothering to look back. I couldn’t care less about the curious stares we’re getting from onlookers.
My heart feels like it’s going to pop out of my chest. I take a deep breath, hoping I don’t have a heart attack because of his two-timing, trifling ass.
I walk back to the table where Violet, Damien, and Yuri are still sitting. Damien’s not looking at me; instead, his gaze is fixated in Caleb’s direction. I don’t bother to look over my shoulder to see if Caleb’s watching or not. At this point, I don’t care. I just want to get out of this place and put as much distance as I can between us.

Here’s the blurb:

Hazel, a recent college graduate, donates a kidney to save her ailing boyfriend only to discover he has been cheating with her younger sister. With two relationships in shambles, she moves out of her parents’ home and immerses herself in work. Then she meets the sexy next door neighbor who is willing to help her heal her heart. But will she let him?

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Torn Hearts by Valenciya Lyons Book Giveaway

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Hi everyone! I hope everyone has been staying well and is having a great holiday season. I am currently giving copies of my latest release, Torn Hearts.

Here’s the blurb:

“What the hell are you doing kissing my sister?”

Hazel, a recent college graduate, donates a kidney to save her ailing boyfriend only to discover he has been cheating with her younger sister. With two relationships in shambles, she moves out of her parents’ home and immerses herself in work. Then she meets the sexy next door neighbor who is willing to help her heal her heart. But will she let him?

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Torn Hearts by Valenciya Lyons

Torn Hearts

by Valenciya Lyons

Giveaway ends December 19, 2020.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter Giveaway

Book Review of Just Get Up and Manifest Your Inner Genius by Isaac Samuel Miller

*Note: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. This post contains affiliate links which means that I will receive a tiny commission for purchases made through the link. This is at no cost to you.*

 

Just Get Up and Manifest Your Inner Genius by Isaac Samuel Miller

 

Book Description:

Abandoned by his father at the age of seven, Isaac Miller embarks upon a thirteen-year journey to fight his way out of a life of crime, drugs, mediocrity, and poverty. Using his teenage imagination and work ethic as his guide, Isaac provides for his family, including his schizophrenic mother, and fights his way to becoming an entrepreneur at the age of seventeen. Through his story, Isaac demonstrates how you can start with nothing and still live your dreams. Just Get Up teaches you how to capture your own life’s dreams through exposing your inner genius. This guided tour of self-development will teach you how to unlock your life’s true treasures. It will appeal to all people seeking a real-life inspirational story of overcoming adversities. Along your journey you will find The Limelight Spot Effect, The 27-Month Plan, and The Octagon Way as you build your own success through his Just Get Up program. Isaac invites you to Just Get Up and tap into your unlimited potential as you discover your inner genius one chapter at a time.

 

My Thoughts:

Before reading this book, I would highly recommend you to grab pen and paper to take notes. I didn’t do that so I will be rereading this book a second time and take notes. This book has many questions and statements that will help you find out what your interests are and to get on the path to achieving your dreams. Isaac Samuel Miller writes about overcoming adversity and obstacles to manifest your inner genius. I love how in the book the author talks about his childhood of living in poverty and being abandoned by his father. It shows vulnerability and that no matter what obstacles you face in life, you can overcome and still achieve your dreams.

I firmly believe that this statement is true that the author includes in his book: “As a child, you had gifts given to you, and all you have to do is simply develop the gifts you were born with.” While I was in high school, I was on office staff. I answered phone calls and left messages for people who called the school. I did other tasks as well but the first task stood out to me the most. I graduated high school and went on to college and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Studies. Anyone who knows me from high school or even those close to me, know that I was a huge fan of Kimora Lee Simmons and her Phat Fashions brand and I wanted my own fashion brand. However, where I live there are not many jobs related to fashion unless you are a store manager or work as a sales associate in a clothing store. I began working in call centers and found that I actually enjoy it. I enjoy helping people. I am patient and I also know how to deescalate angry customers. That doesn’t mean I’m giving up on my fashion dream. Customer service is something that I learned I had a knack for. I didn’t know I would make a career out of it until after I graduated from college.
I also found the questions in the book to be very helpful. Please note: the questions I’m listing are not a list of all the questions contained in the book, just some of them.
1. What are my gifts?
2. What are some of the things I enjoy doing?
3. What are my strengths regarding my perception of others?
4. What are my weaknesses regarding people’s perception of me?
5. What are my strengths mentally, spiritually, socially, emotionally, physically, and financially? (If you’re lacking any necessary strengths in one of these domains, then set some goals to develop the strengths you will need in your weaker domains.)
6. What are your weaknesses in the six domains listed above? What positive things do you do every day to work on yourself?
7. Who do you know personally who is striving to be balanced in some or all of the six domains? (Search for individuals who are succeeding in one or all of the six domains and befriend them.)
8. Say this to yourself every day: “Someone’s perception of me is their opinion, but how I see myself is the only fact.” (Research someone who has accomplished what you desire to do, and learn from them. Also, start attending seminars and hire a motivational and personal development coach. Listen to my podcast show on my Youtube channel on Fridays at 1:30 p.m. central time zone and feel free to contact me for coaching by going to my website www. isaacsmiller.com)

 

Here are 3 of my favorite quotes from the book that I found motivational:

1)Your dream’s survival depends on you unleashing your will, and it will be obvious when you’re manifesting your inner genius because you won’t be able to stop.

2)The more you believe in your dreams, the more you will fight for your dreams.
When your belief in yourself becomes unstoppable, you won’t be able to stop until you’re living your dreams.

3)Failure is only a teaching experience to allow you to understand what you need to do differently so you can be successful.

Overall, I give this book 5 stars. I normally don’t read self-help books but this one really touched my heart. The story is moving. After reading it, I felt inspired and it made me want to Just Get Up! I highly recommend this story to any and everyone.

 

Find Out More About the Author and Where to Buy:

Author’s Website

Goodreads Page

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

 

Job Interview Questions and Answers: The Complete Process for Interview Preparation! Speaking Skills and Body Language for Winning Interview + 35 Powerful Interview Questions and Answers + Workbook Book Review

Job Interview Questions and Answers: The Complete Process for Interview Preparation! Speaking Skills and Body Language for Winning Interview + 35 Powerful Interview Questions and Answers +Workbook

By

Jordan Smith

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which mean I will receive a tiny commission for purchases made through my link.

 

Book Description:

Master your interviews and land that job with this powerful step-by-step guide!

Do you struggle with interviews? Never sure what to say or do? Wouldn’t it be great if there was a simple, proven plan for landing that dream job?

The interview is an essential part of the corporate world. It weeds out those wrong for the job and finds the best candidate – and far too often, we’re left on the wrong side of the pile. But now, inside this detailed guide you’ll find a breakdown of job interviews, and how you can drastically boost your chances of success.

Covering everything from body language, what to wear, and 35 questions you might be asked, this comprehensive, complete guide is guaranteed to massively increase your chances of landing that position – no matter the job you desire!

Here’s what you’ll discover inside:

  • A detailed Breakdown of the Interview – What You Need to Know
  • Understanding Your Career and Interviewee Goals
  • Body Language, How to Dress, What to Say, and More
  • “Knowing Your Enemy” – How to Prepare to Meet Your Interviewer
  • 35 Interviewer Questions and Their Respective Answers
  • Three Sample Interviews Dialogues
  • Powerful Workbook to Put this Advice into Practice
  • And Much More!

Plus, you’ll also find a free bonus chapter which shows you three different interview scenarios and how our fictional characters perform. So don’t let this opportunity pass you by – land that dream job and stop being on the wrong side of the pile!

 

My Thoughts:

I love that the author went into details about the different types of resumes. The chronological resume is one that I have personally used after establishing work experience. A functional resume is great for someone who doesn’t have a lot of work experience to list such as a high school or college graduate who are entering the workforce. For young people who do not have work experience, jobs such as babysitting, yard work, extra-curricular school activities, etc can be added to the resume.

Another important point that was made in the book was regarding appearance. Appearance means everything when you’re walking into a job interview. No one wants to interview someone who does not look the part of the job they are applying for. It’s important to “dress for the part.” It’s best to stick with dark colors for the clothing you wear to the interview. There’s also a list of dos and don’ts that many may find beneficial to save them from committing a fashion faux pas.

There are many different types of interviews from the traditional one on one interview where you’re interview on the jobsite to the behavioral interview. It’s best to find one which one you will have so that you may prepare. In my personal experience, I have found that after submitting an application, some jobs will send you a followup email letting you know which type of interview you will have. Others may not do this and, even if they do, I find that Glassdoor and Indeed are both helpful. Current and former employees of companies list their experiences on these job sites from interview questions to the experience with the company. This is a good way to get knowledge on not only the job interview process, but workers’ experiences with the job you are applying for. It can be easy to get caught up in the negative reviews on the sites, even if positive ones are listed. Please, keep an open mind and know that not everyone has the same experience. Your experience may be different from someone who posted the negative review.

The practice interview questions made me take a trip down memory lane as I’ve been asked some of these questions a couple of times. There is a “meaning’ and a “how to respond” under each of these questions in the book. I have included just the list of questions down below:

Practice Question 1: Tell me a little but about yourself.
Practice Question 2: Why should we hire you instead of someone else?
Practice Question 3: What are your technical abilities?
Practice Question 4: What type of work environment do you prefer?
Practice Question 5: How much interaction do you expect from your supervisor or boss?
Practice Question 6: Have you ever had to face a major obstacle in life or at work that you had to overcome?
Practice Question 7: What qualifies you for this position?
Practice Question 8: Is there something you have accomplished, whether on the job or outside of work, that you are proud of?
Practice Question 9: How do you overcome challenges?
Practice Question 10: What are some goals you have set for yourself?
Practice Question 11: How would you define hard work?
Practice Question 12: Can you show me some examples of your work?
Practice Question 13: Are you a team player?
Practice Question 14: How would you pitch our company to a prospective buyer?
Practice Question 15: What is your preferred working style?
Practice Question 16: What are the unique skills you have that make you a good fit for the job?
Practice Question 17: What was it that interested you the most and made you apply for the job?
Practice Question 18: Why do you want to leave your current employer?
Practice Question 19: What time do you like to get to work? Early? Right on time?
Practice Question 20: Is there something that we as an employer can help you improve on? A specific skill?
Practice Question 21: Have you ever messed up on the job?
Practice Question 22: If you were given the opportunity to start your own business, what would you do?
Practice Question 23: For the most part, do you get along with your co-workers? Have you ever had problems with co-workers?
Practice Question 24: What would you do if a deadline was looming on a job you were not sure you could finish it?
Practice Question 25: Do you think people like you?
Practice Question 26: What is probably the biggest decision you have ever had to make, whether on the job or in your personal life?
Practice Question 27: How are you at explaining complicated procedures?
Practice Question 28: Is there something you are looking forward to the most about this job?
Practice Question 29: What do you like to do when you are not working?
Practice Question 30: What would your past supervisors/bosses say if I asked them about you?
Practice Question 31: What do you consider your weaknesses?
Practice Question 32: What motivates you to work harder?
Practice Question 33: What are your greatest strengths?
Practice Question 34: How have you gone above and beyond on your past jobs?
Practice Question 35: Do you have any questions about the job?
Part 3 of the book takes you through sample interviews.
There is also a workbook at the end that includes 30 additional practice questions.

Overall, I highly recommend this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars. The information in this book will be useful to the high school and college graduate who are looking to enter the workforce all the way to the veteran who has been in the workforce for many years.

 

Find Out More About The Author and Where To Buy:

Goodreads Page

Amazon

 

 

Book Review of A Chance For Love

A Chance For Love By D.L. Biranen

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which mean I will receive a tiny commission for purchases made through my link.

 

Book Description:

Victoria Brown lost her father four years ago. Her stepmother and her stepsister are bent on making her life miserable. Turning her into a pitiful maid, they force her to live a modern day re-enactment of Cinderella. But they don’t know that where there’s a Cinderella, there’s a Fairy Godmother and a Prince Charming who would do anything to bandage the damage in her life.
When an arrogant new student shows up in class, Victoria hates him at first sight. She seeks to avoid him but finds herself partnering with him in solving a mystery revolving around a ghost. And against her will, sparks fly.
Life takes a turn that rips Victoria off her innocence and places her stepmother as her footstool. Once, she’d wanted a chance for love, but all she wants now is revenge. And not even her Prince Charming can stand in her way.
Will she follow her heart and let love win, or will she follow her head and be a slave of vengeance?

~ ~ ~

My Thoughts:

Following the passing of Victoria’s father, her step-mother and step-sister no longer feel the need to hide their feelings of hatred toward her. Her tiny frame is evident of the physical abuse she endures. Despite the mistreatment she faces from her stepfamily, she still longs for them to love and accept her. Victoria’s step-sister, Cynthia, does all that she can to try to harm Victoria and cause her to lose her school scholarship. Enter Raheem. He’s the new foreigner at the girls’ school and Cynthia’s dying to sink her claws into him. However, her usual tricks do not work on him. Instead, he has set his sights on Victoria. What begins as a friendship slowly turns to more. This story about young love will make you believe in love once more – if you already didn’t.

This book was beyond being a Cinderella story! I stayed up until 3 am trying to finish it. Once I started reading it, I couldn’t stop. It was the best story I’ve read in a long time. To say Victoria went through a lot would be an understatement. Her step-mother and step-sister both hated her and tried all they could to make her life as miserable as possible both at home and at school. The new boy in school, Raheem, is such a great match for Victoria. After everything that she’s been through with the passing of her mother and father, she deserves more happiness in her life. I was also pleased when I read that Raheem’s father made it back safely to his family. I will be reading the other books as well. And I would also love to see more books featuring Raheem and Victoria in the future.

Find Out More About The Author And Where To Buy

Author’s Website:  https://dlbiranen.blogspot.com/

Author’s Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/DLBiranenAuthor/

Author’s Goodreads Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16577299.D_L_Biranen

Barnes & Noble: A Chance For Love

Smashwords: A Chance For Love

 

 

Free Gifts For You 🎁

I am giving away my Unpopular in Love short story series today, July 22nd, only on Amazon. It’s about three best friends who never thought love would find them. Each girl has her own personal battles that she must go through. Along with a knight in shining armor to catch her if she lets her guard down. If you read it, please let me know what you think. Enjoy. 💋

Valenciya

 

Linden-Book Cover

 Linden (Unpopular in Love Book 1)

Luna-book cover

Luna (Unpopular in Love Book 2)

Autumn-book-cover-NEW

Autumn (Unpopular in Love Book 3)

 

Getting To Know The Characters Of Cami’s Decision

VLyons4700-72dpi-1500x2000 ~ updated 2017 book cover

Camila “Cami” Alderson is a sweet, sensitive, teenager who finds out she’s pregnant by her first love, River.

Kaci Alderson is Cami’s younger sister. She says whatever is on her mind and doesn’t take crap from anyone. She believes in firmly standing up for herself and what she believes in. She comes across as tough but has a soft spot for her sister.

Marissa Benson has been best friends with Cami since they were kids. They share all of their secrets with each other – or do they?

Skylar Caldarelli is Kaci’s best friend…who secretly has a crush on her.

River Miller was Cami’s first love. Even though they are no longer dating, he still has a soft spot in his heart for her.

Leena and Kelly Davidson are the queen bees of Crossroads High. And anyone who tries to stand in their way will be dealt with accordingly.

~ ~ ~

Dream Cast For Cami’s Decision:

Candice Patton as Camila “Cami” Alderson

Ashton Moio as River Miller, Cami’s ex-boyfriend

Paige Hurd as Kaci Alderson, Cami’s younger sister

Avan Jogia as Skylar Caldarelli, Kaci’s best friend

Jillian Rose Reed as Marissa Benson, Cami’s best friend

AJ Michalka as Leena Davidson, Cami’s bully

Olivia Culpo as Kelly Davidson, Leena’s younger sister

 

 

 

Free and Half-Priced Books From Crossroads Trilogy On Smashwords

Cami’s Decision, my first story in the Crossroads Trilogy, is free on Smashwords. As a part of the Annual July Summer/Winter Sale on Smashwords, books 2 and 3, Life After Natalie and A New Beginning are half-off. 😊

Cami’s Decision

Life After Natalie

A New Beginning

 

VLyons4700-72dpi-1500x2000 ~ updated 2017 book coverVLyons_Life After Natalie Book CoverVLyons4700-72dpi-new updated cover

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An Excerpt From Cami’s Decision

She felt someone bump into her as they walked past her. She slightly turned her head to the side and saw an evil grin on Leena’s face. “Oops, sorry,” she said in a very non-apologetic way.

Just then Kaci walked down the hallway and bumped into Leena nearly knocking her over into another fellow student. “Oops, sorry,” Kaci said to her with a frown. Her sister was pregnant for crying out loud. What was wrong with Leena Davidson? Did she have nothing better to do but bother people all day long?

“Why you little…”

“You do realize,” Kaci began, cutting her off, “that my sister is pregnant.”

Students were out and about trying to get to class and there were a few teachers around but none that were close enough to hear what was going on. Although Leena could’ve easily put Kaci in her place, she declined since they were out in the open around so many people.

“I don’t care if she’s pregnant,” she whispered to Kaci meaning every word of it.

“Well, then, I suggest you find someone else to mess with because if I ever see you doing that to her again I’ll put you ten feet under.”

A look of surprise came across Leena’s face. “Ten feet, huh?”
“Yeah that way even the dogs won’t find you,” Kaci whispered back to her and then grabbed Cami’s arm. Cami glanced back at Leena and saw a startled look on her face before that all too familiar grin appeared once again.