"It's Not As Tough As You Think" by Rabbi Abraham J Twerski, MD

Spirituality meets self-help in this book.  As both a rabbi and medical doctor of psychiatry, Twerski is able to put everyday problems into perspective.  Each of the 100+ "chapters" are succinct--not more than a page or two.  Instead of preaching at readers, they offer entertaining and thought-provoking stories.  These stories illustrate key points that amount to the title.  Things are not as tough as we think.  Throughout the book, Twerski shows readers how to be grateful, wise, humble, happy, joyous, and confident.  Just when we think something is really awful, we need to put it in perspective and remind ourselves that it's not the end of the world.  By controlling our mood, outlook, and perspective, we are well on our way to stressing less about life's everyday upsets.

 

"The Natural Beauty & Bath Book" by Casey Kellar

Full of natural recipes and home remedies, this book is sure to delight.  From perfumes to lotions to creams and more, Kellar explains to readers not just why homemade cosmetics are wonderful but also how to make them at home.  Each chapter begins with an introduction highlighting key terms and methods.  There is even a part in the back of the book dedicated to "grandma's secrets" and how to store homemade beauty products elegantly.  I had fun reading this book and feel like it helped shed some light on how people generations ago handled beauty.  Want to bathe in honey and roses like ancient royalty?  Kellar will show you how.  Want to make your own perfume with scents you adore?  Kellar will show you how.  There are also plenty of full color images to help readers visualize the creative processes.

"The Feminine Soul" by Chana Weisberg

 

A remarkable read, this book explains to women the significance of their gender in Judaism.  Ever wondered why ladies light Shabbat candles?  Ever wonder why ladies tear off a piece of challah and discard it?  Ever had questions about the whole mikvah thing and "family purity"?  This book covers those topics and more.  In easy to understand language, Weisberg shows women the beauty and spirituality of their actions that only they can do.  There is also a section in the back of the book explaining feminine energy in kabbalah and how women have a unique role to play in ushering in the era of redemption (i.e.- a Uptonian era when there is no more war).  Short and to the point, this book can be read in a few days. 

"The Weekend Makeover" by Jill Martin & Dana Ravich

This fun book will help any woman transform her life thru bite-sized weekend makeovers.  Everything from diet to exercise to friends to clutter and more is covered.  The chapters include step-by-step instructions for what to do on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  Now no one can say they are too busy to make a change as everyone can find at least one weekend to dedicate to an important area of their life.  If readers follow the weekend makeovers listed in this book, they will find themselves happier, better dressed, more sociable, and organized.  They may also have rekindled romance with their partner and caught up with friends they hadn't seen in years.  As with most books written by two authors, there is a good balance of different personalities and views that keeps the book interesting.