Two Lane Gems Vol. 2 {Review with Insight from Author Theresa Goodrich}

Two Lane Gems Vol. 2 Takes Readers on the Great American Road Trip

You are dreaming about it and have your spots picked out. You are ready to pack up that car and hit that road for destinations known and unknown. You are ready for a great American road trip! However, today is not quite the day to start that trip -- yet. Fortunately, Two Lane Gems Vol. 2 by Theresa Goodrich will transport you on a road trip from Chicago to the Oregon Coast and back. Through the journey, you will experience well known sites including Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore, the Columbia River Gorge and Crater Lake. You will also visit other gems like stunning Smith Falls in Nebraska, a 1909 wooden carousel in Spokane, an Amish store looking for Bug Soother in Iowa and King’s Saddlery and King Ropes & Museum in Wyoming packed full of saddles of all designs, spurs, wagons and more.

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"F" Is For Finally: An A To Z Story Of The 2016 Cubs Postseason by Robert George

"F" Is For Finally: An A To Z Story Of The 2016 Cubs Postseason by local author Robert George voices the love and elation fans experienced as the Cubs broke their "curse" and triumphed during the 2016 postseason. Children will enjoy learning the alphabet while simultaneously learning about the winning team. The delightful rhythm keeps children and adults alike reading in anticipation just like fans watching games during the postseason.

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Introducing Winnie the Mini Horse and Heartland Mini Hoofs Charity

A lovely new children’s book, Winnie the Mini Horse by Andra and Morgan Ebert introduces children to the world of therapy mini horses and what it is like to face changes. The book helps children feel more comfortable when they are in a new situation and learn how to navigate new relationships and situations. The Ebert’s goal in writing Winnie the Mini Horse was to diminish the fear children have in change and to show them that change can be good. The book is really a lovely story and very accurately depicts some of the feelings we all have about change through the eyes of Winnie. The story of Winnie is very relatable for children and the beautiful illustrations quickly grab readers.

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Inspiration to Declutter: The Joy of Less by Chicken Soup for the Soul

Inevitably at some point in the day, I scurry about the house in a frenzy looking for some item or another. Of course, I swear that nothing is ever where it is supposed to be--which we know is not true. In the moment, the sea of books, shoes, clothing, toys and more can be overwhelming. Once said misplaced item is located, the urgency of reorganizing often can be forgotten. Good thing for The Joy of Less showing up in my mailbox!

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My Very Good, My Very Bad Dog by Chicken Soup for the Soul

Who can resist a good dog story? Dog stories are always sure to put a smile on my face! So, My Very Good, My Very Bad Dog by Chicken Soup for the Soul is a very welcome addition to my book collection. A lovely little volume with plenty of stories of Fido touching hearts, saving his person, teaching valuable lessons and just plain being entertaining.

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Raising Great Kids by Chicken Soup for the Soul

**Disclosure: I did receive a copy of this Chicken Soup for the Soul volume to bring you this review. All opinions are 100% my own. No compensation was received for this post.

For some reason this year, it seems like my daughter is taking longer and longer to leave school. As she gets older, she lingers more and more with friends. So, I end up having a bit of time to relax in the car while waiting for her. I bring along a book so I can sneak some reading in. Often, I grab a volume of Chicken Soup for the Soul. Recently, I have brought along Raising Great Kids.

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What Was It Like Mr. Emperor? and Bowls of Happiness Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to Shana our What Was It Like, Mr. Emperor? and Bowls of Happiness winner! Our winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond or the prize will be forfeited. Thank you to everyone that entered our giveaway!

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Think Possible by Chicken Soup for the Soul

**Disclosure: I did receive a complimentary copy of this volume for the purpose of a review. All opinions are 100% my own.

Positive thought can do wonders. Even if it doesn't lead to a miracle, staying positive and envisioning positive outcomes can bolster your esteem and help you navigate life's rough patches. Life can be tough when we just don't feel like we have what it takes and we feel that all the chips are against us. One of the more recent volumes of Chicken Soup for the Soul, Think Possible, is the perfect book to pick up when things just don't seem to be going your way. The collection of stories illustrate how thinking positive can change the course of your life, help you get through tough times and flourish as a person.

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Multicultural Children's Book Day with What Was It Like, Mr. Emperor? and Bowls of Happiness

**Disclosure: I did receive complimentary copies of these books in order to bring you this review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

Multicultural Children's Book Day is coming up on January 27 and I have two new reads about Chinese culture to check out for your little ones. Last year, we reviewed In the Forbidden City and were very impressed with the quality of the volume. So I was pretty excited to check out two new books in the series, What Was It Like, Mr. Emperor? and Bowls of Happiness. I am happy to unveil these new treasures to you---and I have a surprise at the end!

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Dreams and Premonitions: Chicken Soup for the Soul {Book Review}

Winter is the perfect time for catching up on reading. Every year, Chicken Soup for the Soul publishes a new selection of inspiring and motivating stories. My favorite volume each year is the one that focuses on messages from beyond. little whispers that inexplicably guide our actions in ways that change and quite possibly save our lives. So, I was eager to read this year's Dreams and Premonitions. And, yes, it did not disappoint!

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Volunteering & Giving Back by Chicken Soup for the Soul

**Disclosure: I did receive a complimentary book in order to bring this review you to. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

One of the more recent volumes of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Volunteering & Giving Back is equally motivational and inspirational. Additionally, it stands as a testament to the good works being done each and every day that often go unseen. If you are looking for a new passion or a new way to help, this volume is certainly full of plenty of ideas! With the holidays swiftly approaching, many of us began looking for ways to help the world and make life better for others. However, volunteers are needed all year and this volume will show you not only how inspiring volunteering can be but how much it really means those you are helping.

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New Liv on Life Adventure: Green is Good {Book Review}

**Disclosure: A complimentary book was received for the purposed of conducting an accurate review. All opinions are 100% my own.

Recently, I had the opportunity to read a new adventure from Liv on Life: Green is Good. Immediately, Liv's endearing character jumps off the page. Liv is an inquisitive, adventurous little girl that tells it like it is. Her most recent adventure has her visiting an organic farm learning more about healthy and nutritious vegetables.

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Made with Dad: From Wizards' Wands to Japanese Dolls, Craft Projects to Build, Make, And Do With Your Kids {Review}

**Disclosure: We received a copy of this volume in order to make an accurate review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

We love, love, love crafts in our household and are always scanning for new ideas and projects. Recently, we had the opportunity to review Made with Dad: From Wizards' Wands to Japanese Dolls, Craft Projects to Build, Make, and Do with Your Kids by Chris Barnardo and let me tell you, this book is a treasure!

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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Hope and Miracles {Book Review}

**Disclosure: We did receive a complimentary copy of this book in order to make an accurate review. All opinions are 100% my own.

One of the strengths of Chicken Soup for the Soul is its ability to pull together collection after collection of uplifting stories. My favorite volumes in the series are the ones that relate stories of messages from beyond. We all have had that feeling that someone that we lost is trying to speak to us. So, I always marvel when I read another account of someone who has received a message from beyond. Some of the stories are so unexpected but they always seem to charm and provide a feeling of comfort.

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Chicken Soup for the Soul for Moms and Kids

**Disclosure: Complimentary copies were received in order to conduct an accurate review. No compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

I read two recent volumes of Chicken Soup for the Soul and found that the two while unique pair well in a way. They each touch on bonds and inspirations that begin to motivate us in childhood. Thanks to Mom focuses on that special bond that we each have with Mom. Be the Best You Can Be provides inspiration and encouragement through childhood events and the eyes of children. Both really motivate from lessons that we learn in younger years that can still be carried on through our whole lives.

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Liv on Life: Going to the Park by Elizabeth Gorcey

 *Disclosure: We received a complimentary book in order to conduct an accurate review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% our own.

How many of us has had a 3-year-old bust out with a statement that is entirely profound and truly something we should listen to? Since she was 3-years-old, Olivia has been providing her mother, Elizabeth Gorcey, with spontaneous words of wisdom lovingly called "Livisms." These "Livisms" have inspired a new children's book series called Liv on Life. Well, the books are called children's books but I am sure that we adults can learn a thing or two from them.

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Reboot Your Life: A Chicken Soup for the Soul for People Navigating a Life Change

**Disclosure: As a Chicken Soup for the Soul blogger, we received a copy of this volume in order to bring you an accurate review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

Sometimes we need that extra little push, a little extra incentive to take that leap to change our lives. Often, we are inspired by circumstances and life hiccups that we could not predict--the birth of a child, the downsizing of a company, the death of a loved one, a chance meeting. Other times, this inspiration comes from a fire within us. Life changes and challenges are things we all share and we each approach them in different ways.

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Into the Night: A Magical Children's Book by Local Author Carrie Steinweg

**Disclosure: I did receive an electronic copy of Into the Night for the purpose of this review. No compensation was received and all opinions are 100% my own.

I have been very fortunate throughout my years as a blogger and social media connector to meet many truly talented people. I have been following Carrie Steinweg's blog Chicago Foodie Sisters for quite some time. I have always enjoyed her culinary adventures and the enthusiasm with which she exposes local restaurants. Carrie is certainly multitalented and is a published author. Awhile back, I reviewed Old 104 Rides Again which is lovingly written children's book using Old 104's unexpectedly valiant ride to teach lessons about fire safety, the important work of firemen and how we all can contribute to safety. The book was truly charming and I am so happy that Carrie has written a new children's book called Into the Night!

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The Power of Forgiveness {Chicken Soup for the Soul}

**Disclosure: We received a copy of this book in order to bring you this review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% our own.

Recently, I read Chicken Soup for the Soul's The Power of Forgiveness. We all have times when we have to let go of something holding us back whether it is something we have done, something someone else has done or we have had some type of loss. Anecdotes about overcoming these types of setbacks can often be among the most inspiring stories read.

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Touched by an Angel by Chicken Soup for the Soul {Review}

**Disclosure: We received a complimentary copy of Touched by an Angel in order to conduct an accurate review. No compensation was received and all opinions are 100% my own.

Don't you love stories that send a little shiver up your spine--but in a good way? You know, those little moments in life that can't be explained except through an act from the world beyond. Chicken Soup for the Soul's recent Touched by an Angel edition is a volume full of these stories. Each anecdote provides an uplifting message that will leave you comforted with a smile on your face.

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