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Sara Ella

November 7, 2014

10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know

Review and Giveaway!

About 10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know…

10truthsFrom ThomasNelson.com: When Kari Kampakis wrote a blog post in July 2013 titled “10 Truths Young Girls Should Know,” the post went viral and was shared more than 65,000 times on Facebook. Obviously her message strikes a chord with moms and dads across the country. This nonfiction book for teen girls expands on these ten truths and can reach the hearts of both moms and daughters.

About the author Kari Kampakis…

karikKari Kampakis is a newspaper columnist, blogger, and former children’s photographer from Birmingham, Alabama. Her writing has been featured on HuffPost Parents and reflects her passion for family and God. Learn more by visiting her website at www.karikampakis.com, or by following her on Facebook and Twitter.

Why I Liked 10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know…

A) Oh so relatable. I loved reading about Kari’s real life experiences. I felt like she could’ve been writing about me, the crush-crazy, teeny-bopper that I was anyway. I laughed out loud at her story about not wearing glasses in math class because she didn’t want the boy she liked to think she was a nerd. That was so me! I feel like Kari’s stories are perfect for both mothers and daughters. Moms, you all remember what the teen years were like. Daughters, trust me, this is a fun read. Not preachy or boring. Kari knows where you’ve been and relates like a girlfriend.

B) The quizzes and discussion questions. The little quizzes throughout the book reminded me of the quizzes I always liked to read in teen magazines when I was younger. I thought they were the perfect addition to a book for teen girls. The discussion questions at the end of each chapter are straightforward and real. Kari knows exactly what to ask and provides questions you really have to think about.

C) The design. The totally cute design really hooked me before I even knew what this book was about. I loved the colors and flowers. I also like that this book is thin, so it’s not intimidating for girls who may not be readers. 10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know is the perfect gift book. I highly recommend it for girls ages 12-16.

The Giveaway…

Thanks to Tommy Nelson Mommy I’m blessed to have the opportunity to give a paperback copy of 10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know to one reader. Simply tell me in the comments section below:

What is the most important thing your mom taught you growing up?

Record your entry via the Rafflecopter. Giveaway ends Sunday, November 30th. One random winner will be chosen and announced in my December Newsletter (so be sure to sign up via the form at the bottom right hand side of this page).  Thanks for entering! Until next time, happy reading!

Tommy Mommy Pinterest
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:

I received a copy of 10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know from Tommy Nelson Mommy. All views and opinions are solely and completely my own. I was not asked to write a positive review. I received no compensation other than a print copy of the book featured in this post, which is mine to keep or gift as I so choose. This post also contains affiliate links. To learn more, please read my fully policy.

 

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8 Comments

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Comments

  1. karikampakis says

    November 7, 2014 at 9:14 pm

    Sara Ella, thanks for this review! I’m honored and thankful to connect with you! One of my hopes for the book is that it might draw mothers and daughters closer together, and to see you recognize that is awesome. I love how your fun personality shines through in your writing. I wish you great success in your endeavors!

    Reply
    • Sara Ella says

      November 7, 2014 at 9:50 pm

      Hi Kari! Thank you so much for stopping by. I’m so honored! The review was easy to write because your book is just awesome. Thank you so much for the kind compliment about my writing. You really made my day! The same to you in your future endeavors. I look forward to seeing what you write next!

      Reply
  2. Julie Waldron says

    November 8, 2014 at 2:19 pm

    The most important thing mom taught me was to be true to myself.

    Reply
    • Sara Ella says

      November 8, 2014 at 3:34 pm

      That’s a great one, Julie! Thanks for sharing. Good luck in the giveaway:)

      Reply
  3. Joyce and Norm says

    November 8, 2014 at 11:30 pm

    My mom taught me a lot growing up…and she is still teaching me now! :p I love that she taught me to be best friends with my siblings.

    Reply
    • Sara Ella says

      November 10, 2014 at 6:05 pm

      Sibling bonds are so important, Joyce! I’ve learned that especially since my mom passed. It’s always a joy to see your comments. Good luck in the giveaway!

      Reply
  4. craftybooksheeps says

    November 10, 2014 at 5:13 pm

    Great review! I’ll have to mention this one to my Mom! 🙂

    Reply
    • Sara Ella says

      November 10, 2014 at 6:09 pm

      It was such a wonderful read, Laura! I really think you would like it <3

      Reply

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Sara Ella
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1st Place ~ ACFW Genesis Contest 2014 ~ YA Category

1st Place ~ ACFW Genesis Contest 2014 ~ YA Category

1st Place in the Young Adult Category for 2013!

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About Me

Once upon a time, Sara Ella brought dreams to life as a Disney cast member, wishing for the day she’d find her prince and live in a castle of her own. Now she spends her days homeschooling her three Jedi in training, braving the Arizona summers, and reminding her superhero husband that it's almost Christmas (even if it's only January). Sara is the award-winning author of The Wonderland Trials, Coral, and the Unblemished trilogy. She is old enough for fairy tales and believes happily ever after is never far away. Read More…

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🗓️ MARK YOUR CALENDARS! I have a full lineup of b 🗓️ MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

I have a full lineup of bookish events this spring! I’d love to see you at one or all of these:

@storyconusa | Salt Lake City, UT | February 27 & 28 | Workshops + Interrogate an Author + Book Signings

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@pvpllibrary Book Fest | Saturday,
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🍪 Food is my love language. Whenever we go out of 🍪 Food is my love language.

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If I’m going to Disneyland, I’m planning my day around which new cold brew I want to try and where I want to eat lunch. And if I’m going to a writing conference? You’d better bet I’m on the hunt for a Vanilla Coke and the best hotel cookies yet!

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I don’t know what I did to deserve you as my best friend all these years. But I do know that God brought you into my life because He knew my life would be richer and fuller and just all around better with you in it. He knew I would need someone to walk alongside me in good times and bad. Someone to encourage me during discouraging years like this one has been.

I have been so blessed to see you so much in 2025. Although we are states apart, when we are together it feels like no time has passed at all.

Here’s to the woman who inspires me as an author, speaks truth into me as a wife and mom, and reminds me that God never leaves us and that His plan and timing are perfect. I love you, Bestie! Many happy returns for the rest of 2025 and the year to come! My life is better because I know you.

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You know I’m always behind on the trends, but I co You know I’m always behind on the trends, but I couldn’t resist doing this one for Disneyland. 

I’m definitely dreaming of a Disneyland Christmas this year. 🎄 If anyone knows of someone giving away free tickets for a family of 5, send them my way! 😂

Fun fact about this date: December 18, 1971 was the first ever Candlelight Processional held at Magic Kingdom. 🕯️

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Did you see my unboxing reel for the painted edges of Glass Across the Sea? These editions are extremely limited as they are hand-painted by the very talented @hilltop_art . 🎨

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🎨 Painted Edges Unboxing & GIVEAWAY 🎁

I’m so thrilled to finally be holding these beautiful painted edges for Glass Across the Sea in my hands. Bethany @hilltop_art made my vision for the most beautiful lighthouse come to life! And the details are even more stunning in person. From the lighthouse to the fireflies and cherry blossoms, I couldn’t be more in love!

I want to give one of these gorgeous limited editions away for Christmas, along with some other goodies! 🎄

🎁 One U.S. winner will receive:

📖 A hardcover of Glass Across the Sea with Painted Edges

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✍️ When did you first start writing? This is a c ✍️ When did you first start writing? 

This is a common question I’ve received in various settings over the years. The easy answer is, “I’ve always been a writer.” And it’s true. English was my favorite subject all through school, and I’ve never not loved reading.

But when did I actually start taking novel writing seriously? When did I really begin believing that I could pursue it and reach my dreams of having a published book in my hands?

That happened in my 20s. When I had a baby on my hip, and my mom’s health began to rapidly decline. She’d always said I was a writer. It’s why my first book, Unblemished, is dedicated to her. But the truth goes deeper than that.

My mom’s lifelong dream was to open a coffee shop. I suppose it’s part of why I love this beverage more than any other. She wanted to create a place where people could fellowship, eat, laugh, and, of course, drink all the yummy coffee. But she passed away before that dream became a reality. 

She had always put off her own dreams for us kids. She sacrificed everything for us. As a mom of 3, what she did for us holds so much more meaning now. But she didn’t want me to wait. She said I could do both. That if I put off writing a book until I had time or my kids were grown, I never would.

I don’t know if that’s true. Lots of people write books later in life and are highly successful. But her hope for my future stuck with me, and so, after she passed, I made a promise to myself that I would write a book and get a publishing contract by my 30th birthday.

Many of you know the story—3 days before my 30th, I got the call. My dream publisher at the time wanted my trilogy. 🥹 And the rest is history!

Now I have 7 YA fantasy and fairy tale novels on the shelf, I have the most amazing family at @enclavepublishing , and I’m blessed with encouraging readers and writers all around me.

If you’re holding back from pursuing the thing you are passionate about, I’d encourage you to go for it.  Take the leap! My mom always said I’d write a book, and as always, she was right. ❤️

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🩷 Happy Small Business Saturday! When I first sta 🩷 Happy Small Business Saturday!

When I first started out on my writing and publishing journey, I never imagined my idea for a portal fantasy about a girl afraid to look in the mirror would lead to a decade of books, editing clients, mentees, and more.

I am truly grateful for every single manuscript I’ve had the privilege to edit. For every author I’ve mentored who has equally blessed me with encouragement and kindness. And this year especially, for every reader who took a chance by picking up Glass Across the Sea, and every Substack subscriber who has followed me on my new venture.

This year has ushered in many ups and downs. I’ve never seen so much grief and loss in the span of twelve months. I don’t know what the future holds for our family. I don’t know where God will have us in 2026. Every day brings its own struggles.

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👉 Tag your favorite small business in the comments so we can spread the support and follow them! Some of mine include:

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@gracebought 
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