Cami Checketts's Blog, page 28
October 9, 2015
Connie Sokol
The Echo Ridge Christmas Anthology (available here for the introductory price of 99 cents!) has been a wonderful project and experience. I've absolutely loved getting to know this four amazing authors and honestly they've become some of my closest friends. Authors live in their own little worlds and it's really nice to chat with people who know how it feels to have your head in the clouds with your characters but still try to live in real life with your family and friends (who have no clue why you're half-nuts).
Because I adore these ladies so much, I wanted to give you all a chance to get to know them better too. I've put together a spotlight of each woman and I'm going to post them over the next couple of weeks.
Today, I'm sharing a little bit about my friend, Connie Sokol. I have to say that when we first started collaborating with Echo Ridge I had no idea that we had a celebrity in our midst. Rachelle Christensen mentioned that Connie could head up the marketing and I jumped right in to say that I'd be happy to help out as I did a lot of the marketing for Christmas in Snow Valley. When I researched Connie and saw that she was famous, and knew a hundred times more about marketing than I did, I was a little embarrassed. She was so sweet about it and kept claiming she was nobody special. Read on to see how special she is.
Bestselling Author Connie Sokol.
Connie Sokol is a mother of seven, (that alone should win her an award!!) and a favorite local and national speaker for over fifteen years. She is a TV core contributor “Studio 5 with Brooke Walker” and a national blogger for www.ksl.com . She is one of seven female hosts of The Living Room, an online value-based radio show where they dish on life, loving, and learning ( www.fromthelivingroom.com ). (AKA total celebrity!) Mrs. Sokol is a bestselling author who has written 14 books, including her fiction: Christmas Kisses: An Echo Ridge Anthology, and Caribbean Crossroads; and her nonfiction: What Every 6th Grader Needs to Know, Faithful, Fit & Fabulous, Simplify & Savor the Season, Create a Powerful Life Plan, and 40 Days with the Savior. (See what I mean about talent!) Mrs. Sokol marinates in time spent with her family and eating decadent treats. For her TV segments, blog, podcasts and more, visit www.conniesokol.com . You can connect with Connie at the following links: www.fromthelivingroom.com--Downloads Website , Twitter , Facebook
On the lighter side
I asked Connie to tell me five random thoughts about herself or her Echo Ridge story and this is what she said:
The idea was born at a writing conference speaker's table with Rachelle, Christina, and myself
My husband is from upstate New York, where the story is based
Although I've penned 13 other books, this is my first novella
I write in between raising seven kids -- I have to add that I am impressed she can find an between in there!! :)
I'm originally from Scotland and this year traveled back to Europe for two fabulous weeks! (This one surprised me!)
Snippet
Sharing a brief sample of Connie's writing from Soda Fountain Christmas is always a treat. Here you go, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
“Bravo,” Cecilia glanced at her file folder. “Beautiful speech. I can’t imagine how many times you ran through it but it’s not going to happen. I’ve already called in the heavy artillery.”
“The what? Who?” Not another “sure-bet” one-time hire.
“A marketing genius, graduated summa cum laude from Yale, and works in a marketing agency in my old downtown.”
“As in New York?”
“Yes, that downtown. He knows how to make the numbers really crunch and that’s what we need this Christmas, Miss Kenworth. Or the store, you, and every employee here is done.” She leaned closer, taking off her reading glasses. “No touchy-feely Hallmark campaign is going to save this sinking ship or get the numbers we need. And certainly not a Kenworth’s poster-child-turned-marketing assistant. Do I make myself clear? Tayton Wells is the answer to our problems, with a fat bonus waiting at the end of the rainbow to ensure success.”
Before Keira could respond to the rudeness, Cecilia looked past her shoulder to the reception area and smiled. “Ah, there’s Tayton now. My noon appointment,” she emphasized clearly.
Keira turned to the three people waiting in the sofa and table area. A dark-haired broad-shouldered man sat in semi-profile to her, texting on a phone. His briefcase lay on the coffee table in front of him. Keira pressed her lips together. Rich, “downtown”, and ready to glam-up her father’s beloved store right out of memory.
Not this time.
Keira spun on her heels and marched over to him though his head remained down.
“Mr. Wells, Keira Kenworth. Excuse me for being frank but I have to be absolutely clear up front. I’m sure our little hick city of Echo Ridge can’t compare with the savoir faire of say, 5th Avenue, but there’s one thing you should know.” She glanced back at Cecilia, who stood in a rare moment of open mouth and no sound. So what if she was fired. She’d think about that later.
The man looked up from his phone and glanced around the room as if to be sure she spoke to him. Keira glanced at Cecilia but plowed on.
“That’s right, I’m talking to you. No Neiman-Marcus suit ideas will make a bigger impact on our store than the old-fashioned strategy of creating a family-friendly place to shop. A place that connects people. A worthy cause that fills their hearts, not just their gift lists. I can guarantee”—okay, that was stretching it, but in for a penny…--“that not one of your bottom-line glitzy concepts are going to fly in this town. Not long term. It doesn’t work that way here.” Her voice rose. “And I will work night and day to prove that the heart of Christmas is the real secret to saving this store.”
Pause.
Shirley smacked her gum. “Oh, sugar, that’s a whopper speech right there.”
Keira’s chest heaved slightly while standing her ground.
The man smiled—or was it a smirk? Then he stood up, all six foot six tall of him. He smiled openly as he appraised her. “For the record, I’m not—”
Another man suddenly stood next to Keira. “Are you looking for me?”
A deep baritone voice. Like warm rushing water. Keira turned to her right. A well-built dark-haired man in a nice-fitting burgundy jersey and snug jeans stood with a hint of a smile. “I’m Tayton Wells.”
“You? But I—” Keira willed her face to remain neutral but could feel the tinge of red spreading from her cheeks to her earlobes.
Glancing back at the original man, he stuck out his hand. “Drew Stirling. Remember me?”
“Wait, Drew? As in our Echo Ridge basketball legend? I didn’t recognize you in a suit. I mean, not wearing sweats.”
Articulate, Keira.
Tayton stepped slightly in front of Drew, necessitating their handshake to break. Though tall, Tayton only rose to his shoulders. “I apologize for the confusion between people. As for business attire, the driver ran late so we didn’t have time to stop at the resort first. Are we meeting with Ms. Grange right now?”
“Not we. Just you.” Cecilia had walked over to them. “Drew, I’ll be with you soon, touch base with accounting. Tayton, in here. Keira, go make yourself useful.” With that she turned on her red heels and entered her office.
Dismissed. The redness in Keira’s face burned. Drew grabbed his briefcase and with a nod and smile headed toward the open office door. Tayton feigned gentlemanly interest in his duffel bag while Keira shook off the embarrassment, holding her work folder close to her chest.
He stood. “Sounds like we’ll meet later then.”
“Apparently.” She shrugged. “Possibly.” Turning to go, she looked back, surprised to find him watching her. “I meant what I said, Mr. Wells. If we have to go toe to toe, I’m in the ring.”
He watched her for a moment longer than he should have then nodded with the start of a smile. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Not knowing what to do with that, Keira walked through the open door and into the nearest restroom to calm down. She forced herself not to beat her hands on the door.
What an utter failure of a morning.
Because I adore these ladies so much, I wanted to give you all a chance to get to know them better too. I've put together a spotlight of each woman and I'm going to post them over the next couple of weeks.
Today, I'm sharing a little bit about my friend, Connie Sokol. I have to say that when we first started collaborating with Echo Ridge I had no idea that we had a celebrity in our midst. Rachelle Christensen mentioned that Connie could head up the marketing and I jumped right in to say that I'd be happy to help out as I did a lot of the marketing for Christmas in Snow Valley. When I researched Connie and saw that she was famous, and knew a hundred times more about marketing than I did, I was a little embarrassed. She was so sweet about it and kept claiming she was nobody special. Read on to see how special she is.
Bestselling Author Connie Sokol.
Connie Sokol is a mother of seven, (that alone should win her an award!!) and a favorite local and national speaker for over fifteen years. She is a TV core contributor “Studio 5 with Brooke Walker” and a national blogger for www.ksl.com . She is one of seven female hosts of The Living Room, an online value-based radio show where they dish on life, loving, and learning ( www.fromthelivingroom.com ). (AKA total celebrity!) Mrs. Sokol is a bestselling author who has written 14 books, including her fiction: Christmas Kisses: An Echo Ridge Anthology, and Caribbean Crossroads; and her nonfiction: What Every 6th Grader Needs to Know, Faithful, Fit & Fabulous, Simplify & Savor the Season, Create a Powerful Life Plan, and 40 Days with the Savior. (See what I mean about talent!) Mrs. Sokol marinates in time spent with her family and eating decadent treats. For her TV segments, blog, podcasts and more, visit www.conniesokol.com . You can connect with Connie at the following links: www.fromthelivingroom.com--Downloads Website , Twitter , Facebook
On the lighter side
I asked Connie to tell me five random thoughts about herself or her Echo Ridge story and this is what she said:
The idea was born at a writing conference speaker's table with Rachelle, Christina, and myself
My husband is from upstate New York, where the story is based
Although I've penned 13 other books, this is my first novella
I write in between raising seven kids -- I have to add that I am impressed she can find an between in there!! :)
I'm originally from Scotland and this year traveled back to Europe for two fabulous weeks! (This one surprised me!)
Snippet
Sharing a brief sample of Connie's writing from Soda Fountain Christmas is always a treat. Here you go, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
“Bravo,” Cecilia glanced at her file folder. “Beautiful speech. I can’t imagine how many times you ran through it but it’s not going to happen. I’ve already called in the heavy artillery.”
“The what? Who?” Not another “sure-bet” one-time hire.
“A marketing genius, graduated summa cum laude from Yale, and works in a marketing agency in my old downtown.”
“As in New York?”
“Yes, that downtown. He knows how to make the numbers really crunch and that’s what we need this Christmas, Miss Kenworth. Or the store, you, and every employee here is done.” She leaned closer, taking off her reading glasses. “No touchy-feely Hallmark campaign is going to save this sinking ship or get the numbers we need. And certainly not a Kenworth’s poster-child-turned-marketing assistant. Do I make myself clear? Tayton Wells is the answer to our problems, with a fat bonus waiting at the end of the rainbow to ensure success.”
Before Keira could respond to the rudeness, Cecilia looked past her shoulder to the reception area and smiled. “Ah, there’s Tayton now. My noon appointment,” she emphasized clearly.
Keira turned to the three people waiting in the sofa and table area. A dark-haired broad-shouldered man sat in semi-profile to her, texting on a phone. His briefcase lay on the coffee table in front of him. Keira pressed her lips together. Rich, “downtown”, and ready to glam-up her father’s beloved store right out of memory.
Not this time.
Keira spun on her heels and marched over to him though his head remained down.
“Mr. Wells, Keira Kenworth. Excuse me for being frank but I have to be absolutely clear up front. I’m sure our little hick city of Echo Ridge can’t compare with the savoir faire of say, 5th Avenue, but there’s one thing you should know.” She glanced back at Cecilia, who stood in a rare moment of open mouth and no sound. So what if she was fired. She’d think about that later.
The man looked up from his phone and glanced around the room as if to be sure she spoke to him. Keira glanced at Cecilia but plowed on.
“That’s right, I’m talking to you. No Neiman-Marcus suit ideas will make a bigger impact on our store than the old-fashioned strategy of creating a family-friendly place to shop. A place that connects people. A worthy cause that fills their hearts, not just their gift lists. I can guarantee”—okay, that was stretching it, but in for a penny…--“that not one of your bottom-line glitzy concepts are going to fly in this town. Not long term. It doesn’t work that way here.” Her voice rose. “And I will work night and day to prove that the heart of Christmas is the real secret to saving this store.”
Pause.
Shirley smacked her gum. “Oh, sugar, that’s a whopper speech right there.”
Keira’s chest heaved slightly while standing her ground.
The man smiled—or was it a smirk? Then he stood up, all six foot six tall of him. He smiled openly as he appraised her. “For the record, I’m not—”
Another man suddenly stood next to Keira. “Are you looking for me?”
A deep baritone voice. Like warm rushing water. Keira turned to her right. A well-built dark-haired man in a nice-fitting burgundy jersey and snug jeans stood with a hint of a smile. “I’m Tayton Wells.”
“You? But I—” Keira willed her face to remain neutral but could feel the tinge of red spreading from her cheeks to her earlobes.
Glancing back at the original man, he stuck out his hand. “Drew Stirling. Remember me?”
“Wait, Drew? As in our Echo Ridge basketball legend? I didn’t recognize you in a suit. I mean, not wearing sweats.”
Articulate, Keira.
Tayton stepped slightly in front of Drew, necessitating their handshake to break. Though tall, Tayton only rose to his shoulders. “I apologize for the confusion between people. As for business attire, the driver ran late so we didn’t have time to stop at the resort first. Are we meeting with Ms. Grange right now?”
“Not we. Just you.” Cecilia had walked over to them. “Drew, I’ll be with you soon, touch base with accounting. Tayton, in here. Keira, go make yourself useful.” With that she turned on her red heels and entered her office.
Dismissed. The redness in Keira’s face burned. Drew grabbed his briefcase and with a nod and smile headed toward the open office door. Tayton feigned gentlemanly interest in his duffel bag while Keira shook off the embarrassment, holding her work folder close to her chest.
He stood. “Sounds like we’ll meet later then.”
“Apparently.” She shrugged. “Possibly.” Turning to go, she looked back, surprised to find him watching her. “I meant what I said, Mr. Wells. If we have to go toe to toe, I’m in the ring.”
He watched her for a moment longer than he should have then nodded with the start of a smile. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Not knowing what to do with that, Keira walked through the open door and into the nearest restroom to calm down. She forced herself not to beat her hands on the door.
What an utter failure of a morning.
October 8, 2015
My Home Can Be a Holy Place
Lily is a young girl who is helping to make her home a holy place.
Through Lily's story, told by Kristen M. Oaks and illustrated by award-winning Latter-day Saint artist Dan Burr, we are invited into Lily's home to share time with her family.
Children will love seeing how Lily and the other children contribute to the spiritual environment of their home through their everyday activities. We seem them praying, working together, eating dinner as a family, reading the scriptures, counseling together to make good decisions, participating in family home evening, sharing the gospel with friends and family, and learning to love one another. They love the Lord and feel His Spirit in their home.
This delightful book shows readers of every age how homes can becomes holy places in which children grow up in the Lord.
The website www.HomeCanBeAHolyPlace.com is designed to be a living document. It develops the themes introduced in the book and is enriched by contributions from reader to reinforce teachings, expand ideas, and inspire children and parents to make their home a holy place.
Deseret Book * Amazon
My Review:
I loved this sweet book. It made me want to try harder to make my home a holy place for my boys. I've met the author, Kristen M. Oaks, and she is so lovely and full of the spirit. The book definitely has her voice - kind and filled with the light of Christ. I'm so happy to have this book on my living room table and be able to share it with my boys as we try to make our home a holy place.
I couldn't resist pasting in a couple of pages from the book. I especially love the entire family on Mom and Dad's bed reading the scriptures.
September 29, 2015
The Cokeville Miracle - DVD Giveaway and Review
On May 9, 1986, in the small, ranching community of Cokeville,
Wyoming, David and Doris Young took an elementary school
hostage for several hours before detonating a bomb inside a
classroom that held every teacher and student in the school.
In the wake of the madness, Ron Hartley, whose children were
inside the classroom, must fight his skepticism and unbelief
as he hears eyewitness accounts from the students about
miraculous, heavenly intervention during the crisis. When
tragedy strikes . . . what do you see?
Buy The Cokeville Miracle
Amazon * Deseret Book * Seagull Book
My Review:
I loved this movie. I was afraid that it would be hard for me to watch the little children be threatened. It ripped my heart out, but it was very tastefully done. I cried, a lot, but I also laughed, and most of all I was inspired. If you haven't seen it, watch it! If you have seen it, what did you think?
Win a free copy from Deseret Book below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
September 24, 2015
Book Deadlines
I've been going nuts trying to write two Christmas books, prepare for a marathon, start a new lacrosse season, and just the natural craziness of raising four boys. Sometimes I feel like I'm in an alternate reality keeping straight the characters in my book with real life. Kind of awkward when you call your son or husband the wrong name :)
Both my Christmas books are due in the next few days then hopefully while I run the St. George Marathon I'll get the plotting done for Spring in Snow Valley which I'm supposed to have a first draft done on October 10th. Hmm, going to be late on that one.
How's everything going for you? Is fall insanely busy for you or has the school schedule and being home a little more made life more manageable? Hope you all have a fabulous day.
Both my Christmas books are due in the next few days then hopefully while I run the St. George Marathon I'll get the plotting done for Spring in Snow Valley which I'm supposed to have a first draft done on October 10th. Hmm, going to be late on that one.
How's everything going for you? Is fall insanely busy for you or has the school schedule and being home a little more made life more manageable? Hope you all have a fabulous day.
September 17, 2015
Goodreads Book Giveaway
Win one of two print copies through a fun Goodreads giveaway. Click below to enter. You can also pre-order the ebook for only $.99. Yay for awesome, cheap books.
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Goodreads Book Giveaway
Christmas Kisses
by Cami Checketts
Giveaway ends October 31, 2015.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
Enter Giveaway
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Goodreads Book Giveaway
Christmas Kisses
by Cami Checketts
Giveaway ends October 31, 2015.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
Enter Giveaway
September 8, 2015
Slow Cooked Molasses Roast
If you're like me, a busy mom with a career, you set goals every school year to help you keep priorities in line and manage the everyday chaos. If you've made a goal to have family dinners, check out the recipe for Molasses Roast. It will slow cook in your crockpot while you tackle your to-do list and help with homework.
Another goal I've set is to get a jumpstart on the holidays. With that in mind, I'd like to let you know about a new release, Christmas Kisses: An Echo Ridge Anthology, which is now up for preorder at the special price of just 99 cents. The set includes five wonderful romances all based around Kenworth's Department Store at Christmas time. By pre-ordering the book now, you lock in the discount price and guarantee deliver of the book on November 3rd. Keep reading for a sneak peek at each book in the set and I hope you have a wonderful start to the new school year.
Christmas Kisses is a collection from five bestselling and award-winning authors.
Set in the snowy town of Echo Ridge in upstate New York, these inspirational romances are sure to delight while you sip cocoa by the fire and listen to Christmas carols.
***Pre-order now for only $.99***
Amazon * Barnes and Noble * Kobo * iTunes * Smashwords
Add it to Goodreads
Win amazing books by each of the authors. Enter below to win - nine different books will be given to nine lucky winners.
Slow Cooked Molasses Roast
Serves 6
The first time I made this roast, I ended up eating a good portion while standing over the slow cooker with a fork. Do not be afraid of the molasses, it creates a gorgeous color and takes the meat to a deep flavor that will have your family hovering around the kitchen in anticipation. I serve it alone or on toasted bread.
Ingredients
1 (3-4 pound) pork roast
½ cup molasses
½ cup pickle juice
1 tablespoon Grey Poupon
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon cilantro
1 teaspoon red pepper
Directions
Place the roast in a slow cooker.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the molasses, pickle juice, grey poupon, onion powder, cumin, cilantro, and red pepper. Pour over the meat and turn the meat several times to coat well. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the roast is cooked through.
Christmas Makeover by Cami Checketts Amazon bestselling author
Chelsea Jamison has been infatuated with Drew Stirling longer than she's loved playing basketball, high-top sneakers, and the Knicks. Unfortunately, all Drew sees is the kid who kicked his trash in the high school free throw contest and not the girl whose heart breaks into a fast dribble when he's near.
Drew makes an unexpected visit home to Echo Ridge and their friendship picks up where they left off as they scheme to make a teenaged boy's Christmas dreams come true. When Chelsea realizes she's fallen for her best friend, she wonders if there is any hope of a relationship with Drew or if she's stuck in buddy-status for life.
www.camichecketts.com * https://www.facebook.com/CamiCheckett...
The Candy Counter Heiress by Lucy McConnell Amazon bestselling & award-winning author
Someday Reese Gates will own The Candy Counter at Kenworth's; but someday can't come fast enough when the manager threatens to bring in a national candy provider. Reese secretly takes matters into her own hands hoping to save her parents from additional worry and prove herself capable of running the company. Her deception deepens as she ropes computer guru Andy Edwards into helping her expand the business. Reese wanted to shake things up, but she wasn't planning on her heart getting caught in the mix by Andy's stolen kisses. If she can hold it together until after Christmas, then she can reveal her successful online company and her feelings for Andy. Unfortunately for Reese, even the best laid plans can melt like chocolate.
https://lucymcconnell.wordpress.com/ * https://www.facebook.com/ChristinaDym...
Soda Fountain Christmas by Connie E. Sokol Amazon bestselling author
Keira Kenworth has one focus this holiday season: save her father's old-time department store from bankruptcy. She is not focused on Tayton Wells, the tall, dark, and genius marketing guru from downtown New York, hired to make it happen. He is as doubtful that her nostalgic connect-the-town ideas will succeed as she is about his numbers-first plan. However, it's not just their different approaches that cause sparks to fly. Working together on a fast deadline to save the store before Christmas, the unspoken connection between them grows. But will the tough decisions they face drive them back to their separate worlds, or will they lead to the beginning of love?
www.conniesokol.com * https://www.facebook.com/8basics?_rdr=p
One Winter Night by Heather Tullis Amazon bestselling author
Jonah Owens thought moving to Echo Ridge to open his art gallery would solve all of his problems. The need to sell his grandma's house adds an unexpected complication. It would be easier if his neighbor didn't have all those farm animals.
Kaya Feidler's family has owned their land for nearly a hundred years--long before the neighbors were there. There's no way she's giving up the animal therapy business she's been struggling to make profitable. She gets a temp job helping Jonah in the gallery. Spending time together is a recipe for romance, but can they overcome their own hangups to be more than friends?
http://heathertullis.com/ * https://www.facebook.com/HeatherTulli...
Hope for Christmas by Rachelle J. Christensen Amazon bestselling & award-winning author
Anika Fletcher hates Christmas--its promises of good tidings and hope for the future are as tinseled as the ornaments on Kenworth's Hope Tree. Despite her feelings, Anika wants to maintain her daughter's faith in the magic of the season and gladly accepts a second job working with the handsome Carlos Rodriguez to restore Kenworth's old fashioned soda fountain. Carlos is no stranger to hard times and slowly shares his life of light and joy with Anika as they work together. Just as her fragile soul begins to feel hope again, an ill-timed act of charity changes everything. Anika isn't sure who she can trust or if hope is worth nurturing--especially at Christmas when it's easy to enjoy a kiss and believe love can last longer than the season.
www.facebook.com/rachellechristensena... * http://rachellechristensen.com/
a Rafflecopter giveaway
September 3, 2015
Back to School
For me, fall feels like a time of renewal. I know the leaves will start to turn color and the grass will die off, but school starts in the fall and that is a time of new beginnings. For great information on Getting Back to the Basics at Back-to-school time, check out the article below written by Connie Sokol.
Crazy that Christmas is also just around the corner. I'm so thrilled this holiday season to be part of Christmas Kisses: An Echo Ridge Anthology , which is now up for preorder at the special price of just 99 cents. The set includes five wonderful romances all based around Kenworth's Department Store at Christmas time. By pre-ordering the book now, you lock in the discount price and guarantee deliver of the book on November 3rd.
***Pre-order now for only $.99***
Christmas Kisses is a collection from five bestselling and award-winning authors. Set in the snowy town of Echo Ridge in upstate New York, these inspirational romances are sure to delight while you sip cocoa by the fire and listen to Christmas carols.
Amazon * Barnes and Noble * Kobo * iTunes * Smashwords
Add it to Goodreads
Don't forget to enter to win nine different books through the Rafflecopter below.
Get back to basics at back-to-school time by Connie Sokol
Back to school--it's that magical time of year (for children or for parents?) When you make a few quick changes to routine, purpose and appreciation, the summer-to-fall transition can be smoother and happier.
De-stress one system
Rather than overhaul your home before school starts (was that even a goal?) organize fall one system at a time. Consider the one that bothers you most — kids’ lunches, entry way coming and going, school papers — and tackle that one first. For example, school papers can be contained in folders, magazine holders, trays, clipboards, etc.
Use the system that works best for you. I’ve used all of them and found a fit combining three: kids put to-do homework in a folder, graded homework in a tray and long-term project information in their clipboard. This may seem complex, but for whatever reason it works!
Find your focus
If you have children heading back to school, they’re going to experience mental and emotional growth (we hope). Happily, you get to, too. Consider what helps you experience “joyful contribution,” meaning, something small or big that helps you feel creative, fulfilled or joyful.
For example, on a small level of this a few years ago, my daughters and I loved tmake flower cookies: chocolate chip cookie dough pressed in a flower mold, then baked with a lollipop stick and tied with a bow. We would take these to friends and neighbors, and it absolutely brought us joy (and licking the bowl was joyful too …).
As you decide on something joyful, perhaps a medium-level adventure would include going back to school too, like a friend of mine. She is a mom doing an online program so that with little children at home, it’s more doable for her schedule. In this way, she can continue progressing toward her ultimate educational goal of receiving a college degree.
If it resonates, something on a larger scale might be a purposeful project. A few years ago, a friend of mine noticed that in the neighborhood the kids played on a solitary large rock. While fine, she wanted them to have something more interesting and that allowed more children to gather and play. She partnered with another friend, involved the community, garnered donations, and after several months had created a beautiful and functional play area. Later she shared that on a city celebration day, she looked over at the children all playing happily on the play area and felt a surge of joy.
Notch up marital appreciation
In his excellent book "The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work," Dr. John Gottman shares a simple but powerful appreciation exercise. Using a list of character traits (he has a list of about 70, but you can create your own) have each spouse choose three positive traits of the other spouse. Jot down experiences where those traits were observed. Each spouse then takes a turn sharing a trait of the other spouse and sharing the related experience. This takes perhaps five to 10 minutes tops, but it’s the gift that keeps on giving.
If you like, expand that exercise to your family. We did this a few nights ago, with each child drawing a sibling’s name and then sharing three great qualities about that sibling, and one related experience. Despite the teenage boys’ obvious I’d-rather-get-my-wisdom-teeth-pulled response, they actually shared positive comments to the other person’s just as obvious delight.
Enjoy this back-to-school time by “attending” to three different but joy-giving areas.
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=1009&sid=...
Christmas Makeover by Cami Checketts Amazon bestselling author
Chelsea Jamison has been infatuated with Drew Stirling longer than she's loved playing basketball, high-top sneakers, and the Knicks. Unfortunately, all Drew sees is the kid who kicked his trash in the high school free throw contest and not the girl whose heart breaks into a fast dribble when he's near.
Drew makes an unexpected visit home to Echo Ridge and their friendship picks up where they left off as they scheme to make a teenaged boy's Christmas dreams come true. When Chelsea realizes she's fallen for her best friend, she wonders if there is any hope of a relationship with Drew or if she's stuck in buddy-status for life.
www.camichecketts.com * https://www.facebook.com/CamiCheckett...
The Candy Counter Heiress by Lucy McConnell Amazon bestselling & award-winning author
Someday Reese Gates will own The Candy Counter at Kenworth's; but someday can't come fast enough when the manager threatens to bring in a national candy provider. Reese secretly takes matters into her own hands hoping to save her parents from additional worry and prove herself capable of running the company. Her deception deepens as she ropes computer guru Andy Edwards into helping her expand the business. Reese wanted to shake things up, but she wasn't planning on her heart getting caught in the mix by Andy's stolen kisses. If she can hold it together until after Christmas, then she can reveal her successful online company and her feelings for Andy. Unfortunately for Reese, even the best laid plans can melt like chocolate.
https://lucymcconnell.wordpress.com/ * https://www.facebook.com/ChristinaDym...
Soda Fountain Christmas by Connie E. Sokol Amazon bestselling author
Keira Kenworth has one focus this holiday season: save her father's old-time department store from bankruptcy. She is not focused on Tayton Wells, the tall, dark, and genius marketing guru from downtown New York, hired to make it happen. He is as doubtful that her nostalgic connect-the-town ideas will succeed as she is about his numbers-first plan. However, it's not just their different approaches that cause sparks to fly. Working together on a fast deadline to save the store before Christmas, the unspoken connection between them grows. But will the tough decisions they face drive them back to their separate worlds, or will they lead to the beginning of love?
www.conniesokol.com * https://www.facebook.com/8basics?_rdr=p
One Winter Night by Heather Tullis Amazon bestselling author
Jonah Owens thought moving to Echo Ridge to open his art gallery would solve all of his problems. The need to sell his grandma's house adds an unexpected complication. It would be easier if his neighbor didn't have all those farm animals.
Kaya Feidler's family has owned their land for nearly a hundred years--long before the neighbors were there. There's no way she's giving up the animal therapy business she's been struggling to make profitable. She gets a temp job helping Jonah in the gallery. Spending time together is a recipe for romance, but can they overcome their own hangups to be more than friends?
http://heathertullis.com/ * https://www.facebook.com/HeatherTulli...
Hope for Christmas by Rachelle J. Christensen Amazon bestselling & award-winning author
Anika Fletcher hates Christmas--its promises of good tidings and hope for the future are as tinseled as the ornaments on Kenworth's Hope Tree. Despite her feelings, Anika wants to maintain her daughter's faith in the magic of the season and gladly accepts a second job working with the handsome Carlos Rodriguez to restore Kenworth's old fashioned soda fountain. Carlos is no stranger to hard times and slowly shares his life of light and joy with Anika as they work together. Just as her fragile soul begins to feel hope again, an ill-timed act of charity changes everything. Anika isn't sure who she can trust or if hope is worth nurturing--especially at Christmas when it's easy to enjoy a kiss and believe love can last longer than the season.
www.facebook.com/rachellechristensena... * http://rachellechristensen.com/
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Crazy that Christmas is also just around the corner. I'm so thrilled this holiday season to be part of Christmas Kisses: An Echo Ridge Anthology , which is now up for preorder at the special price of just 99 cents. The set includes five wonderful romances all based around Kenworth's Department Store at Christmas time. By pre-ordering the book now, you lock in the discount price and guarantee deliver of the book on November 3rd.
***Pre-order now for only $.99***
Christmas Kisses is a collection from five bestselling and award-winning authors. Set in the snowy town of Echo Ridge in upstate New York, these inspirational romances are sure to delight while you sip cocoa by the fire and listen to Christmas carols.
Amazon * Barnes and Noble * Kobo * iTunes * Smashwords
Add it to Goodreads
Don't forget to enter to win nine different books through the Rafflecopter below.
Get back to basics at back-to-school time by Connie Sokol
Back to school--it's that magical time of year (for children or for parents?) When you make a few quick changes to routine, purpose and appreciation, the summer-to-fall transition can be smoother and happier.
De-stress one system
Rather than overhaul your home before school starts (was that even a goal?) organize fall one system at a time. Consider the one that bothers you most — kids’ lunches, entry way coming and going, school papers — and tackle that one first. For example, school papers can be contained in folders, magazine holders, trays, clipboards, etc.
Use the system that works best for you. I’ve used all of them and found a fit combining three: kids put to-do homework in a folder, graded homework in a tray and long-term project information in their clipboard. This may seem complex, but for whatever reason it works!
Find your focus
If you have children heading back to school, they’re going to experience mental and emotional growth (we hope). Happily, you get to, too. Consider what helps you experience “joyful contribution,” meaning, something small or big that helps you feel creative, fulfilled or joyful.
For example, on a small level of this a few years ago, my daughters and I loved tmake flower cookies: chocolate chip cookie dough pressed in a flower mold, then baked with a lollipop stick and tied with a bow. We would take these to friends and neighbors, and it absolutely brought us joy (and licking the bowl was joyful too …).
As you decide on something joyful, perhaps a medium-level adventure would include going back to school too, like a friend of mine. She is a mom doing an online program so that with little children at home, it’s more doable for her schedule. In this way, she can continue progressing toward her ultimate educational goal of receiving a college degree.
If it resonates, something on a larger scale might be a purposeful project. A few years ago, a friend of mine noticed that in the neighborhood the kids played on a solitary large rock. While fine, she wanted them to have something more interesting and that allowed more children to gather and play. She partnered with another friend, involved the community, garnered donations, and after several months had created a beautiful and functional play area. Later she shared that on a city celebration day, she looked over at the children all playing happily on the play area and felt a surge of joy.
Notch up marital appreciation
In his excellent book "The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work," Dr. John Gottman shares a simple but powerful appreciation exercise. Using a list of character traits (he has a list of about 70, but you can create your own) have each spouse choose three positive traits of the other spouse. Jot down experiences where those traits were observed. Each spouse then takes a turn sharing a trait of the other spouse and sharing the related experience. This takes perhaps five to 10 minutes tops, but it’s the gift that keeps on giving.
If you like, expand that exercise to your family. We did this a few nights ago, with each child drawing a sibling’s name and then sharing three great qualities about that sibling, and one related experience. Despite the teenage boys’ obvious I’d-rather-get-my-wisdom-teeth-pulled response, they actually shared positive comments to the other person’s just as obvious delight.
Enjoy this back-to-school time by “attending” to three different but joy-giving areas.
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=1009&sid=...
Christmas Makeover by Cami Checketts Amazon bestselling author
Chelsea Jamison has been infatuated with Drew Stirling longer than she's loved playing basketball, high-top sneakers, and the Knicks. Unfortunately, all Drew sees is the kid who kicked his trash in the high school free throw contest and not the girl whose heart breaks into a fast dribble when he's near.
Drew makes an unexpected visit home to Echo Ridge and their friendship picks up where they left off as they scheme to make a teenaged boy's Christmas dreams come true. When Chelsea realizes she's fallen for her best friend, she wonders if there is any hope of a relationship with Drew or if she's stuck in buddy-status for life.
www.camichecketts.com * https://www.facebook.com/CamiCheckett...
The Candy Counter Heiress by Lucy McConnell Amazon bestselling & award-winning author
Someday Reese Gates will own The Candy Counter at Kenworth's; but someday can't come fast enough when the manager threatens to bring in a national candy provider. Reese secretly takes matters into her own hands hoping to save her parents from additional worry and prove herself capable of running the company. Her deception deepens as she ropes computer guru Andy Edwards into helping her expand the business. Reese wanted to shake things up, but she wasn't planning on her heart getting caught in the mix by Andy's stolen kisses. If she can hold it together until after Christmas, then she can reveal her successful online company and her feelings for Andy. Unfortunately for Reese, even the best laid plans can melt like chocolate.
https://lucymcconnell.wordpress.com/ * https://www.facebook.com/ChristinaDym...
Soda Fountain Christmas by Connie E. Sokol Amazon bestselling author
Keira Kenworth has one focus this holiday season: save her father's old-time department store from bankruptcy. She is not focused on Tayton Wells, the tall, dark, and genius marketing guru from downtown New York, hired to make it happen. He is as doubtful that her nostalgic connect-the-town ideas will succeed as she is about his numbers-first plan. However, it's not just their different approaches that cause sparks to fly. Working together on a fast deadline to save the store before Christmas, the unspoken connection between them grows. But will the tough decisions they face drive them back to their separate worlds, or will they lead to the beginning of love?
www.conniesokol.com * https://www.facebook.com/8basics?_rdr=p
One Winter Night by Heather Tullis Amazon bestselling author
Jonah Owens thought moving to Echo Ridge to open his art gallery would solve all of his problems. The need to sell his grandma's house adds an unexpected complication. It would be easier if his neighbor didn't have all those farm animals.
Kaya Feidler's family has owned their land for nearly a hundred years--long before the neighbors were there. There's no way she's giving up the animal therapy business she's been struggling to make profitable. She gets a temp job helping Jonah in the gallery. Spending time together is a recipe for romance, but can they overcome their own hangups to be more than friends?
http://heathertullis.com/ * https://www.facebook.com/HeatherTulli...
Hope for Christmas by Rachelle J. Christensen Amazon bestselling & award-winning author
Anika Fletcher hates Christmas--its promises of good tidings and hope for the future are as tinseled as the ornaments on Kenworth's Hope Tree. Despite her feelings, Anika wants to maintain her daughter's faith in the magic of the season and gladly accepts a second job working with the handsome Carlos Rodriguez to restore Kenworth's old fashioned soda fountain. Carlos is no stranger to hard times and slowly shares his life of light and joy with Anika as they work together. Just as her fragile soul begins to feel hope again, an ill-timed act of charity changes everything. Anika isn't sure who she can trust or if hope is worth nurturing--especially at Christmas when it's easy to enjoy a kiss and believe love can last longer than the season.
www.facebook.com/rachellechristensena... * http://rachellechristensen.com/
a Rafflecopter giveaway
September 1, 2015
Christmas Kisses: An Echo Ridge Anthology
Christmas Kisses is a collection from five bestselling and award-winning authors.
Set in the snowy town of Echo Ridge in upstate New York, these inspirational romances are sure to delight while you sip cocoa by the fire and listen to Christmas carols.
***Pre-order now for only $.99***
Release Date: November 3rd
Amazon * Barnes and Noble * Kobo * iTunes * Smashwords
Add it to Goodreads
Win amazing books by each of the authors. Enter below to win - nine different books will be given to nine lucky winners.
Christmas Makeover by Cami Checketts Amazon bestselling author
Chelsea Jamison has been infatuated with Drew Stirling longer than she's loved playing basketball, high-top sneakers, and the Knicks. Unfortunately, all Drew sees is the kid who kicked his trash in the high school free throw contest and not the girl whose heart breaks into a fast dribble when he's near.
Drew makes an unexpected visit home to Echo Ridge and their friendship picks up where they left off as they scheme to make a teenaged boy's Christmas dreams come true. When Chelsea realizes she's fallen for her best friend, she wonders if there is any hope of a relationship with Drew or if she's stuck in buddy-status for life.
www.camichecketts.com * https://www.facebook.com/CamiCheckett...
The Candy Counter Heiress by Lucy McConnell Amazon bestselling & award-winning author
Someday Reese Gates will own The Candy Counter at Kenworth's; but someday can't come fast enough when the manager threatens to bring in a national candy provider. Reese secretly takes matters into her own hands hoping to save her parents from additional worry and prove herself capable of running the company. Her deception deepens as she ropes computer guru Andy Edwards into helping her expand the business. Reese wanted to shake things up, but she wasn't planning on her heart getting caught in the mix by Andy's stolen kisses. If she can hold it together until after Christmas, then she can reveal her successful online company and her feelings for Andy. Unfortunately for Reese, even the best laid plans can melt like chocolate.
https://lucymcconnell.wordpress.com/ * https://www.facebook.com/ChristinaDym...
Soda Fountain Christmas by Connie E. Sokol Amazon bestselling author
Keira Kenworth has one focus this holiday season: save her father's old-time department store from bankruptcy. She is not focused on Tayton Wells, the tall, dark, and genius marketing guru from downtown New York, hired to make it happen. He is as doubtful that her nostalgic connect-the-town ideas will succeed as she is about his numbers-first plan. However, it's not just their different approaches that cause sparks to fly. Working together on a fast deadline to save the store before Christmas, the unspoken connection between them grows. But will the tough decisions they face drive them back to their separate worlds, or will they lead to the beginning of love?
www.conniesokol.com * https://www.facebook.com/8basics?_rdr=p
One Winter Night by Heather Tullis Amazon bestselling author
Jonah Owens thought moving to Echo Ridge to open his art gallery would solve all of his problems. The need to sell his grandma's house adds an unexpected complication. It would be easier if his neighbor didn't have all those farm animals.
Kaya Feidler's family has owned their land for nearly a hundred years--long before the neighbors were there. There's no way she's giving up the animal therapy business she's been struggling to make profitable. She gets a temp job helping Jonah in the gallery. Spending time together is a recipe for romance, but can they overcome their own hangups to be more than friends?
http://heathertullis.com/ * https://www.facebook.com/HeatherTulli...
Hope for Christmas by Rachelle J. Christensen Amazon bestselling & award-winning author
Anika Fletcher hates Christmas--its promises of good tidings and hope for the future are as tinseled as the ornaments on Kenworth's Hope Tree. Despite her feelings, Anika wants to maintain her daughter's faith in the magic of the season and gladly accepts a second job working with the handsome Carlos Rodriguez to restore Kenworth's old fashioned soda fountain. Carlos is no stranger to hard times and slowly shares his life of light and joy with Anika as they work together. Just as her fragile soul begins to feel hope again, an ill-timed act of charity changes everything. Anika isn't sure who she can trust or if hope is worth nurturing--especially at Christmas when it's easy to enjoy a kiss and believe love can last longer than the season.
www.facebook.com/rachellechristensena... * http://rachellechristensen.com/
a Rafflecopter giveaway
August 20, 2015
Reviewers Needed
I'm working with a fabulous new publicist, Kelley from The Book Stalker, and she has been stressing the need for more reviews on my books on Goodreads, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. If any of you would be willing to post reviews to these sites and share those reviews to Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, I would be happy to send you a free ebook copy of any of my books. Please contact me - camichecketts(at)gmail(dot)com and let me know which book you would be interested in reviewing.
Thanks!
Thanks!
August 19, 2015
Freetown
Caught in the middle of a brutal civil war, six Liberian missionaries in Monrovia flee the widespread violence of their native country. Their destination: Freetown, Sierra Leone. With the help of local Church leader Phillip Abubakar (Henry Adofo), the missionaries make the difficult journey only to have their troubles compounded by a rebel fighter bent on killing one of their own. Based on true events, Freetown is a thrilling and inspiring story of hope and survival.
Amazon * Deseret Book * Seagull Book
My review:
As you all know, I'm a book lover and only watch one or two movies a year. Movies don't usually capture my attention, but this one definitely did. I was clutching my hands together and sitting upright through the entire movie. It was uplifting, terrifying, and touching. The only problem I had with the movie was I couldn't understand some of the dialogue with their accents. I would suggest using closed captions so you don't miss anything because there were funny lines in addition to the intense and tear-jerking moments.
Win your own copy of Freetown by entering the Rafflecopter giveaway below.
Thanks for stopping by!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
