Conquering Your Goliaths: A Parable of the Five Stones - Kathryn Elizabeth Jones (Review, Author interview & Giveaway!)

********** Contest Closed ********** 

5 Stars!

ABOUT THE BOOK -

David gathered 5 smooth stones to meet and defeat Goliath. What did these stones represent and how can you use them to conquer Goliaths in your own personal quests? Ms. Virginia Bean will show you how.

Travel with her on her own personal journey. See what she does. Learn how she grows. Discover what she becomes.

“Conquering your Goliaths—A Parable of the Five Stones” is for anyone desiring to travel beyond mediocrity, pain and fear. Learn of the great power within you, a power given to you from God, a power that must ultimately be unleashed to conquer the Goliaths in your own life. Come to an even deeper understanding of God and what he wants for you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - 

“I have been a published writer for 25 years and have published in the following areas:

Fiction: YA, Adult books.

Nonfiction: Narratives, short stories

Journalism: Newspaper, Magazine and Online (including blogs and business writing)

Children: Short stories

My first book, “A River of Stones,” was published in 2002.

My favorite tool is the pen. Though computer keys get the words down quicker and easier, I like to put pen to paper, smell the ink, see the words as they are developed and renewed by new phrases or thoughts.

I have been married 30 years and enjoy teaching and working with youth and children-including my own three girls,three grand-daughters and grandson.

My dream is to get my many children’s books published!”

MY REVIEW -
This is like a whole series of selfhelp books all rolled up neatly into 104 pages and disguised as a fiction story! Very clever indeed! You could read this book and not even know that you are learning something. I found myself highlighting and taking notes all through the book, but also really enjoying the story.

This is a short book that could be easily read in a day, but I took 3 days to read it. Why? - well it wasn't slow that's for sure. It was because I didn't want to miss anything! I didn't want to read it too fast and not remember or "get" what it was about. It is kind of like a puzzle story where you have to put it all together and ask hmmm what does she mean by this? It was really fascinating. I definitely took something away from reading this. This is a book I will keep on my nook for future reference!

But don't get me wrong... I said cleverly disguised as a fiction story - because you won't even realize you are learning something! It is very sweet, heartfelt, entertaining and inspirational, with a touch of mystery and magic.

When Ms. Virginia Bean looses her job she goes on a journey with God and discovers what she has inside her that she didn't even know was there. When she meets God he gives her 5 stones (like the 5 stones David used to conquer Goliath). These stones represent exactly what you need in all of life's quests - Listening, Trust, Optimism, Tenacity, and Constancy. Only when Virginia fully develops all these qualities will she be ready to face what life has to throw at her. And life does throw her a few Goliaths!

All of these qualities ( Listening, Trust, Optimism, Tenacity, and Constancy) are traits that everyone needs in their everyday life, not just when trying to find a new job, but when struggling with a relationship, moving, buying a new house, trying to deal with the death of a loved one, anything really that you need help moving on with. Read this first - as a story. But then keep it with you as a reference book for how to use what God gave you for your life.

I would like to thank the Author - Kathryn Elizabeth Jones with all my heart for sending me this wonderful book!
Please visit Kathryn at her website - HERE
This book is available on Amazon - HERE

THE INTERVIEW -
While you yourself are Mormon (I am a Christian myself), I find that your book seems very "non-denominational", I think people from every faith, or really no faith could enjoy and get something from this book! Was that carefully intended? Who is this book targeted for? And what do you want people to get from it? 

Yes, the book is very “non-denominational” and this was my plan. I wanted everyone to be able to read it and gain from the insights within. We often get so hung up on how our religion makes us different from others out there instead of speaking about what connects us as Christians. As for readers with “really no faith” I hadn’t considered how they might benefit, but your point is well taken. We can all learn from the story of Ms. Virginia Bean and improve our life. The book is targeted for women, but I believe all adults (and young adults) will enjoy the messages given. The thought of reaching closer to God and learning from him is my greatest desire for readers. We can’t do it alone and he is there to help each one of us.

Are you a motivational speaker, or have you ever thought of being one? LOL I really don't know if you are or not, but you should be! I would go listen to you!  

Yes, I am a motivational speaker, and I am glad you asked! I have just finished a guidebook, “Conquering your Goliaths using the Five Stones.” In my workbook, hands-on growth experiences are offered; from writing experiences, to going out into the community, to opportunities for change through prayer and communion with God. The guidebook can be used in one of three ways; (1) as a workbook to be read and applied alone, (2) in a class situation created by the individual as an opportunity to share, or (3) as a tool in an Idea Creation Workshop offered by me. The guidebook should be available early February.

I have been speaking to groups about writing and journaling for about 10 years and am very excited to share more of my insights from “Conquering your Goliaths.”

What urged you to write a book like this? One that is so thought provoking, yet mystical in a way.  

My nephew is on a mission for our church. One day he emailed my husband about this great idea he had about Goliath and the five stones he had gathered to face Goliath in battle. My husband told me about it. I knew instantly that this idea needed to be shared; I also began to see that my own life’s experiences had prepared me for such a journey with Ms. Virginia Bean. I have been a scripture journal writer for many years and have had profound experiences with God as I have sought for his light and truth. These truths I have recorded in my journal. When I am down, or deeply struggling, I can return to my journal and re-discover his words to me.

What are your plans for the future? Do you have a book on the back burner? 

Yes! I always have multiple projects on many back burners! My young adult fiction novel, “Ark of my Dreams,” should be out this year along with “Scrambled,” my first cozy mystery for adults.

Who inspires you most? In life? And in writing? 

Inspiration that comes from God is the most rewarding experience for me, and I count on him on a daily basis to help me out. The good thing about God is that he’s never too busy, never takes a vacation, never appears to be having a nap, or any of the other variables that happens to us humans. In writing, especially in this book, I found him near my side and I almost felt as if what I was writing was being dictated to me.

I am also inspired by nature and by people who also choose God in their lives.

You mentioned Children's books that you would like to get published. Tell me a little about those. And what kinds of books do you read with your own children?

I have about a dozen children’s books waiting for an illustrator and publisher. I enjoy books by Max Lucado and C.S. Lewis. Both Lucado and Lewis are inspirational writers who believe in God and his power.

My three girls are grown, but I do have four grandchildren. I love to read books by new authors and those that lead to questions afterwards. Questions are key to getting answers and I believe children should learn about the power of questions at a very young age. My granddaughter, Becka, enjoys the book, “Chew like a Dinosaur,” a book I published for my family a few years ago using photos of my grandchildren and pictures of various animals we can be like. I would LOVE to publish this book!

And last - What Authors do you read? Do you have a few favorite books?

C.S. Lewis is my all-time favorite, especially the book, “Mere Christianity.” I also have many of Max Lucado’s children’s books on my bookshelf. My favorite: “You are Special.” I also LOVE, LOVE, “Where the Wild Things Are,” by Marice Sendak.

THE GIVEAWAY!

Kathryn has agreed to give a copy of her book to one lucky person! I will choose the winner using random.org and send the winner's email address to her so she can contact you herself. 

* To win a copy of this amazing book, please fill out the form below.

* Please US & Canada only.

And please only enter once!

* Winner will be chosen on Jan 31st

* Winner will have 48 hrs. to respond.