Finding Home by Jim Daly

Jim Daly's book Finding Home was compelling. Although he never suffered physical or sexual abuse the other things he and his family endured were still things that no one should never have to endure.
The fact that he grew up as a hopeful boy is remarkable to me.

Every day people give up over less than Jim endured on one of his bad days. The part of the book that really resounded in me was his account of his mother's death. I suppose the reason was that my own sister died and left five children, the youngest being six and eight years old. I saw my nephews in that chapter as they suffered over their loss. No one could take the place of their mother. The difference was that Jim and his siblings had no one to hold them and tell them that all would be well.

His narrative rang true in that he wrote the way a boy thinks. Boys can squeeze out joy in the middle of hard times as long as they have access to a bicycle or a ball and bat. This book emphasises the importance of people stepping in to make a difference in the lives of people that cross our path. Coaches, teachers, pastors, and friends are necessary for kids. We must be there to lend a listening ear and wise council. This book is a "must read".

CD Albums for Elk's Resolve Have Arrived!

The CD Albums for Elk's Resolve arrived at my house yesterday. They are priced at $19.99 for the 4 CD set. If you would like to order a set now, please go to elainelittau.com or wait until July 7th and order from a bookstore or online worldwide.

Those of you who have purchased the book know that a free audio download comes with each book. I have wondered then, "who in the world would buy a CD set"? Maybe you don't want the hassle of downloading or don't particularly want to get the cds and stuff...I don't know, but you have an option now.

I hope you are enjoying Nan's Journey and Elk's Resolve. If you would like to leave a review, I have that option available on elainelittau.com. I really would appreciate it if you would log onto amazon.com and leave a review for them there. It does make a difference. Thank you for your encouragement.

Jon and Kate Plus 8

I have to admit that over the years Jon and Kate + 8 has been a favorite television show of mine. I realize that "reality tv" is usually not reality, but watching those little kids grow up has been fun. The situation Jon and Kate are in is very sad to me. The thought that comes to mind everytime I see anything about them is that they need prayer. Prayer is the one thing I can to that will help them. I don't have to know the details of their need. God knows and that is enough.

"Put Your Dream to the Test- 10 Questions to Help You See It and Seize It" by John S. Maxwell

“Put Your Dream to the Test – Ten Questions to Help You See It and Seize It” by John C. Maxwell outlines practical steps to achieve the goal you set for your life. Some of the things I took away from reading this book are that in order to see your dream fulfilled you must have a clear idea of what your dream is, what success of the dream looks like, and what implementing the dream will cost. This is no “breeze through” book. This book has lists of questions the reader needs to work through with pen in hand. Most of these questions can only be answered after much thought and prayer. In that way it works as a handbook for success. There are many great examples of success, leadership, passion, perseverance, determination, talent, and results that inspire and help the reader to connect the dots. John Maxwell has given many years of his life to training and inspiring people to use their abilities to better their lives. This book is an extension of his work. The reader will be able to determine if their idea is actually wishful thinking or a real live dream that can bring personal satisfaction and inspire people.
Elaine Littau, author of “Nan’s Journey” & “Elk’s Resolve”

When Love Blooms by Robin Lee Hatcher

Yesterday I finished reading "When Love Blooms" by Robin Lee Hatcher. The book is a beautiful story set in the 1800s. Emily ready to carve out a life of her own and takes a job as a governess to two young girls at a ranch located in the Stanley Basin of Idaho. She had spent the last several years tending to her sister and nieces and nephews and was well equipped to take on a nine-year-old and five-year-old as well as their ailing mother. She never expected much from their father."When Love Blooms" takes on issues of selflessness, neglect, and perseverance. I really enjoyed being introduced to the believable characters and situations. I look forward to reading more of Robin Lee Hatcher's books. This book is published by Zondervan, copyright 2008 and may be purchased at your favorite book stores.

Dear Mom -Everything Your Teenage Daughter Wants You To Know But Will Never Tell You by Melody Carlson

I just finished reading "Dear Mom, Everything Your Teenage Daughter Wants You To Know But Will Never Tell You" by Melody Carlson. It was an eye-opening read. It was written from a teen-age girl's perspective and I have to admit that it was spot on even though my teen age years were back in the 70's. It brought back a lot of memories of the confusion and social pressure of those formative years. I am sure that the pressures have amped up quite a bit since my teens.

It deals with how to give your daughter a compliment that she will actually believe. How to nurture confidence by your actions toward her. She is watching you so be authentic. Why do teen girls actually need those certain designer jeans. Proper protocol for dealing with your teen's friends and bad influences. How to ask her about everything. It is a must read and devour book for mothers of teen-age girls. Get it at http://randomhouse.com

Enduring Justice by Amy Wallace

I just finished reading "Enduring Justice" by Amy Wallace. It was a very good read. It took me places that were uncomfortable for me in that it exposed many of the ugly attitudes of people toward other people. Racism is never pretty. It leads the heart and mind into places that are despicable.
"Enduring Justice" was much like watching an episode of Law & Order Special Crimes Unit. The subject matter is repulsive but necessary to change the apathy that can occur when we determine to look the other way. This book made me examine myself to be certain that none of the dark feelings of racism were acceptable to me...ever!
The technical law enforcement areas of the book seemed very real and the love interest and family connections rang true. It was an intense story. To order a copy go to http://randomhouse.com/

Friends and Family

Mother's Day has come and gone. It is a bitter-sweet time for me. I think of my sisters who have passed away and the daughters and sons whose hearts ache because they do not have their mother with them for the holiday. I think of my own mother now gone. I think also, about my own failures as a mother. The cards my sons and daughters-in-law send me are so sweet and kind. I know that I do not live up to the kind words. I determine in my heart to do better this year to show my love to them.

Family and friends are very important to me. With the love expended on them comes heartache. I hurt for them when they are misunderstood or hurt. It costs me something to love the way I am supposed to love. The Scripture says to 'rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep'. I do. It is worth it.

50 Marketing Tips for First-Time Authors

I am not a "hot shot" author. In the past 1 1/2 years I have tried everything that I have read on the internet and in books about how to get the word out about my book(s). Well, some things were just too expensive to try.

Some of the things I tried that I spent a bit of money on didn't really pay off. Some things that cost nothing brought a lot of sales...There was no way for me to know before this trial and error I have been through.

I have "met" a number of authors via email and have discussed some of these ideas in personal emails. I want to help people get the word about their books out.

Why do I want to do that?
Well, I needed someone to help me. One person who was a great help was Leon Mentzer with his book "Amen". It is a good book on marketing. Mine is all marked up. I urge you to buy it. First time authors sometimes have no idea what to do. I know I didn't. There are things you can start doing while your book is going through all the hoops to become a book. The truth is: We aren't in competition. People who will like some books won't like mine. Some people who like mine won't like another genre. Some people read all of them.

While my list is not every last thing you can try, it is a good start for those looking for a few free or cheap ideas. It is just a list. It is free. Go to my website and ask for it. elainelittau.com.

Mama's Got a Fake I.D. How to Reveal the Real You Behind All That Mom by Caryn Dahlstrand Rivadeneira

Mama's Got a Fake I.D. How to Reveal the Real You Behind All That Mom by Caryn Dahlstrand Rivadeneira takes me back quite a few years. I guess I learned the lessons Caryn teaches in her book fairly early in my motherhood days. I was 25 when I went on a ski trip with the church youth group. At the last minute Terry could not go with me and told me that since I jumped through all kinds of hoops to have our two little boys taken care of, I should go and just enjoy myself. My oldest son was three and his younger brother was one at the time. It was a very hard separation for me. I had never been away on my own since I was in Bible college.

One of the teenagers sat beside me on the bus as we travelled farther away from my children. She asked me about myself. I started by telling her about my children...and husband. She let me know in short order that she had asked me about myself, not my family. What were my hopes and dreams? What were my goals? To be honest my goal at the time was to get both boys potty trained, but I knew that wasn't what she was getting at.

I sat on that bus ride and contemplated my life. From that experience I read many books and articles and dreamed many dreams. I decided to become a multidimensional person. My kids were happy about it because Mama was a happy woman.

This book is good for the young woman/mother who needs guidance in finding herself and having permission go forward with her talents and goals.