12 | November | 2011 | Vic's Media Room

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Book Review: “Tea For Two” By Trish Perry

Trish Perry in her new book, “Tea For Two” Book Two in the Tea With Millicent series published by Harvest House Publishers takes us back to Millicent’s Tea Shop in Middleburg.

From the Back Cover: Counselor Tina Milano has been visiting Milly’s Tea Shop regularly for the past several months. She has many friends but no steady man in her life. Zack Cooper is a local farmer who provides Milly with fresh fruit and vegetables. As a single parent, Zack is doing his best to raise his teenage son and daughter on his own.

When the kids get in minor scrapes with the law, Milly gently encourages Zack and Tina to work together to draw the teens back before their rebellious natures land them in even hotter water. At first Tina sees the relationship in only a professional capacity, but soon her friends notice the luscious scent of romance in the air and decide to help things along.

“Tea For Two” is a romance but it is much, much more. Ms. Perry explores, through Zack, fatherhood by making him a parent out of his league with teenagers, but in a more difficult position as a single father. This story explores friendship and doing for others. “Tea For Two” is all about relationships and that is what makes this book a winner. I enjoyed this book a lot and am looking forward to the next one.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from Jeane Wynn at Wynn-Wynn Media for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Interview with Lauren Littauer Briggs – “The Art Of Helping”

November 12, 2011 at 7:26 am | Posted in Books | 2 Comments
Tags: Author Interview

Interview with Lauren Littauer Briggs

All of us want to offer comfort and support to someone who is hurting, but we often don’t know what to say or do. The Art of Helping—What to Say and Do When Someone is Hurting addresses 30 of the most common heartaches people face and takes away your fear of involvement by helping you understand what people are feeling and going through. From over 100 interviews and her own life experiences, author Lauren Briggs shares proven advice and offers practical help with a list of what to say— and do.

Why should I read The Art of Helping?

Do you know someone who is facing a crisis and wondered what you could do to help? Have you ever faced a difficult time and wished your family and friends knew what you were going through and knew how to help you?

I found that during my darkest hours, no one knew how much I was hurting, what I was going through or how they might help.

This is a book you’ll want to read before you need it—so that you will have ideas of what you can do and how you can respond—when you first hear the news. We want to help our family and friends through the hard times, but the right words or actions just don’t come to mind. The Art of Helping will give you the tools and enable you to turn thoughts into action.

How will The Art of Helping change me?

The Art of Helping is your go to book when life gets tough. It is a social Bible filled with concrete, tangible action items to empower you to make a difference at times when we would otherwise feel helpless. When people get this book in their hands, they always say, “How I wish I had this book when my friend needed help.”

What are some basic Do’s and Don’ts I need to know?

DON’T wait before you make contact.
DO Respond as soon as you hear the news.

DON’T SAY “If there’s anything you need, give me a call.”
DO Offer a specific thing you can do.

DON’T put pressure on yourself to do something you don’t like to do.
DO use your gifts and talents to help.

DON’T minimize what they are going through.
DO offer caring statements of acknowledgement.

DON’T ASK “When will you be your old self again? or Aren’t you over it yet?”
DO understand that once their life is touched by tragedy, they will never be their “old self” again. They will eventually reach a “new normal” but life will never be the same.

What are some of your favorite creative suggestions in The Art of Helping?

A mother of two young children picked up a hurting family’s laundry on Mondays, took it home and returned it all laundered and folded on Thursdays.
A man volunteered to come mow the lawn once a week and do some simple “honey do” chores.
My sons brought their game boy to the hospital for a friend going through chemo therapy. Every few days they would bring a different game to swap.

How can I learn more about The Art of Helping?

The Art of Helping is reshaping the way people reach out to others. To view more information, visit my website: www.laurenbriggs.com. You can follow me on Facebook as Lauren Littauer Briggs and on Twitter as @Laurenbrgs. The Art of Helping is available in e-book and paperback formats through Amazon.com. If you would like an autographed copy of The Art of Helping, email me at Laurenbrgs@aol.com.

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About the Author

Lauren Briggs has been referred to as a true “Renaissance Woman”; multi-talented, accomplished and credentialed in her professional, spiritual and every day life.

She is multi-faceted with interests in music, theater, literature and history and holds a degree in psychology. She has been happily married since 1975 to husband and business partner, Randy Briggs and is the mother of three energetic and talented adult sons, Randy Jr., Jonathan and Bryan. She loves gardening, music and fine dining, especially when the meals are created at home with her husband Randy.

Throughout her years of parenting, Lauren has maintained her interest in business as a communication and management consultant. She is a licensed Realtor specializing in the real estate needs of returning missionaries. Lauren’s professional interests are featured in the chapter on turning your talents, hobbies and interests into an enterprise in her sister Marita Littauer’s book, You’ve Got What It Takes.

Now that her children are adults, Lauren is also active in her husband’s retail business, Collector Galleries. Lauren sings in both church and community choral groups and has performed in community productions of “The Music Man”, “Fiddler on the Roof” and “My Fair Lady”. They reside in Redlands, California.

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I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for posting the author’s interview on my blog. This blog tour is managed by Christian Speaker Services (www.ChristianSpeakerServices.com).