Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus More


Review: Before You Say I Do by Benjamin Berkley

Posted by Teddyrose@1 on February 25, 2013
Posted in Book ToursBooks Read in 2013Non-Fiction  | 3 Comments

Book Description:

Publisher: Frederick Fell Trade (September 15, 2009
Category: Non-Fiction, Self-Help (Legal)
Available in: Print, 240 pages

Learning from the mistakes of a failed first marriage and telling yourself you will do better the next time around is like saying if you lose a football game you’ll win the next one.  You will but only if you learn some new plays before you go back on the field.  Presented   by an attorney who has seen all the warning signs, “BEFORE YOU SAY I DO, AGAIN!” will teach those new plays to avoid coming up on the losing side again.

Note, book shelves are filled with warm and fuzzy titles authored by psychologists and family counselors.  Their message is to teach how to listen to each other and improve the relationship.  “BEFORE YOU SAY I DO, AGAIN!”is not a how to book to get back together or to stay together.  Instead it takes the gloves off and provides insight as to the issues one must consider before walking down the aisle a second time.  Tackling a serious subject, but presented in a sometimes whimsical fashion, “BEFORE YOU SAY I DO, AGAIN!” puts the brakes on the wedding ceremony and provides the reader with the questions that must be answered before she drives down the path of destruction.

In addition,   it provides information regarding the legal consequences of a failed second marriage. “BEFORE YOU SAY I DO, AGAIN!” is a “tell it is like it is guide”   to avoid an impending disaster.

My Thoughts:

Boy do I wish this book would have been around when I was younger.  I was only 19 when I got married and it was for all the wrong reasons.  I was very shy at the time and lacked self confidence.  That was a recipe for disaster for me.  The guy I married ended up being very abusive.

My parents and siblings knew something was wrong and when one of my older brother’s came to town for a visit, he got it out of me.  With my family’s support, I got out of it. I had to quit my job because he kept showing up there but that ended up being a good thing.  I decided to go back to university and little by little my confidence grew.  I was finally living totally in my own apartment, something I never thought I could.  Eventually I even moved to a Canada from the U,S. for a great job.

The thing is, I believe that if I hadn’t gone through that horrible experience, I wouldn’t be who I am today.  I’ve been here in Canada for over 20 years now.  16 years ago I married a Canadian.  I was never going to marry again.  I found my independence and no one was going to take that away from me.  However, I did agree to lived with Bill and a year later agreed to marry him.  We did some relationship workshops together, which really help.  Today, he is still the love of my life.

What I didn’t know then is that I was following some of the advice of Before You Say I do Again by Benjamin Berkley.  Believe me, it is sound, no nonsense advice that anyone can follow.  Though the book is directed at women, men can certainly benefit from it too. I also recommend it for people thinking about getting married for the first time.  In fact, I think it should be required reading!

I highly recommend Before You Say I Do Again by Benjami Berkley!  In fact,  today is the last day of my giveaway to win a copy for yourself.  Go enter the giveaway, here.

About Benjamin Berkley:

Benjamin Berkley is the author of four self-help books:  ”My Wishes, Your Plan for Organizing Your Family’s Needs” (Sourcebooks, June, 2006)   “The Complete Executor’s Guide” (Sourcebooks, June 2007)   “Winning Your Social Security Disability Case” (Sourcebooks, February, 2008) and “Before You Say I Do Again, A Buyer’s Beware Guide to Remarriage.” (Frederick Fell Publishers, September, 2009). “Against My Will” (Fell Publishers, September, 2012) is Benjamin Berkley’s fifth book and debut novel.

And though writing is his passion, for over 34 years he has conducted a busy law practice in which he has seen many interesting clients come through his door.  One in particular, an older woman with white hair, the kindest smile, and an amazing story became the inspiration for one of his characters for “Against My Will.”   Berkley lives in southern California with his wife Phyllis and their cat Riley.   He has two grown children and is always bragging about his most beautiful grandson and granddaughter.

Buy Before You Say I Do, Again at:

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Copyright 2007-2010: All the posts within this blog were originally posted by Teddy Rose and should not be reproduced without express written permission.

The Fiction Writer’s Hand Book is a powerful tool for writers, new and seasoned.  I am giving away one print or ebook copy to a lucky winner, thanks to the author, Shelly Lowenkopf.


Book Description:


Publisher: White Whisker Books, November 16, 2012
Category: Non-Fiction, Writing, Publishing
Tour Dates: Feb 18-March 15, 2013
Available in: Print, Kindle, & Nook  336 pages


The Fiction Writer’s Handbook is the definitive volume to explain the words and phrases that writers and editors use when they talk about a work. In the highly competitive publishing world, today’s writers need to stay ahead of the competition and make every sentence count. This book will help new writers who need an understanding of the writing process, and for seasoned writers, it is a powerful tool.


Praise for The Fiction Writer’s Handbook:


“Knowing how editors choose one work over so many others would give any writer an advantage. To that end, Lowenkopf, a longtime writer, editor, and educator, delivers the fiction-writing guide he has always longed for–one that can be applied to the practical goal of every aspiring writer: getting published… VERDICT: An invaluable insider’s take on what editors look for when sifting through the slush pile.” –Henrietta Thornton-Verma, Library Journal


“The effect is also similar to falling down a rabbit hole. To put it plainly, it’s a tool that anyone who loves to learn more about the craft of writing won’t be able to put down, an indispensable addition to any writer’s library.” –-Marc Schuster, Small Press Reviews


“Shelly Lowenkopf has cooked up literary gumbo for all writers. Once you’ve sampled it, you won’t be able to stop coming back for more.” –Ehrich Van Lowe, author of bestseller Boyfriend From Hell


“It’s encyclopedic in its erudition, yet as practical as a toolbox. It’s also the masterwork of a brilliant mind, which has devoted itself to its subject and its students. Finally, as Sinatra might put it, it’s simply a kick in the pants.” –Gerald Locklin, poet

“The Fiction Writer’s Handbook is one of those rare reading experiences–insightful, unusually useful, and wise.” –Gayle Lynds, author of bestseller The Book of Spies


About Shelly Lowenkopf:


Shelly Lowenkopf taught in the University of Southern California’s Master of Professional Writing Program for 34 years, has taught at the annual Santa Barbara Writer’s Conference since 1980, and has been guest lecturer in many schools and conferences. He is currently Visiting Professor at the College of Creative Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara, with classes in noir fiction, the modern short story, genre fiction, and developing a literary voice. Lowenkopf has served as editorial director for literary, general trade, mass market, and scholarly book publishers, seeing over 500 books through the editorial and production process. His own short fiction has appeared widely in the literary press.


Buy The Fiction Writer’s Handbook at:


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the Tour:

So Many Precious Books  Feb 19  Spotlight & Giveaway
Angler’s Rest Feb 20 Review & Giveaway
Dizzy C’s Chick Book Feb 21 Review
Dizzy C’s Chick Book Feb 22  Guest Post & Giveaway
Cozy Little Book Journal & Bookish Elf Feb 26 Review
Bloggin Bout Books Feb 27 Review & Giveaway
Dr. Bill’s Book Bazaar Feb 28 Review
Alive on the Shelves Mar 1 Guest Post
Angela Shelton Mar 4 Review & Giveaway
Teena in Toronto Mar 5 Review
Book Lover’s Library  Mar 6 Review
Book Lover’s Library Mar 7 Guest Post
Reviewing Shelf Mar  11 Review
Every Free Chance Mar 11 Guest Post
Broken Teepee Mar 12 Review
Frugal Experiments Mar 13 Review & Giveaway
Joy Story Mar 14 Review
Copyright 2007-2010: All the posts within this blog were originally posted by Teddy Rose and should not be reproduced without express written permission.

Giveaway Winners Galore

Posted by Teddyrose@1 on February 17, 2013
Posted in My Past Giveaways  | 2 Comments

Thanks to everyone who entered the following giveaways! Winners, please reply to the email I sent you today within 48 hours to claim your books. After 2 days you will be disqualified and a new winner will be picked. Rafflecopter picks all winners using Random.org. 

Thanks again to the author, Hy Conrd for making this giveaway possible.

The Winner is:
Lisa G.







Thanks again to the author, Khanh Ha for making this giveaway possible.

The Winner is:
Margaret C.







Thanks again to the author, Rebecca Graf for making this giveaway possible.

The Winner is:
Beth C.







Thanks again to the author, Patrick Thibeault for making this giveaway possible.

The Winner is:
Clenna E.






Thanks again to Kaitlyn McCrystal of Touchstone Publicity/Simon & Schuster, Inc for making this giveaway possible.

The Winners are:
Pamela W.
Julia H.





Thanks again to  Kelsey McBride PR for making this giveaway possible.

The Winner is:
Julia H.





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Copyright 2007-2010: All the posts within this blog were originally posted by Teddy Rose and should not be reproduced without express written permission.