Bertha-Size Your Life! Is a book of personal transformation that reads like a series of entertaining and humorous stories. Bertha, a zany redhead, mysteriously appears in the narrator's life during a walk in the park. Quicker than a man can hand off a baby with a dirty diaper, she has moved into the narrator's empty nest and the fun begins. You never know what Bertha will think up next from flying a hot air balloon to singing to her begonia, she's always up to something. Bertha delights in standing on her soapbox while dispensing down-home wisdom and perky advice, explaining The Law of Attraction in a refreshing, humor-filled, practical way that has the reader going aha! instead of humph! Throw in a conniving nemesis, an antagonistic cat, lime green spandex and high-heels and you've got a book that's sure to tickle your funny bone and leave you wearing your thinking cap as you read and reread each vignette. "What I adore about Bertha is how free she helps me feel. I read her words of wisdom and I grin, then I look out at the world with more spunk, hope and a hell yes I can! attitude. Let Bertha do the same for you. I promise, you'll thank me." Jennifer Louden, best-selling author, The Woman's Comfort Book and The Life Organizer A zany collection of linked short stories that offers advice, humor, and a contagious zest for the good life. Carroll, a life coach, created the emblematic character Bertha—an in-charge, colorfully attired, redheaded woman whose mission is to live to the fullest—after becoming an empty nester and reaching a crossroads in her own life. These stories' unnamed narrator lives in the same neighborhood as Bertha, and one day, after a chance encounter, she impulsively invites her new friend to move into her home as her roommate. Thus begins a series of wild adventures that involve a nagging acquaintance called Rita, an adversarial cat, a discouraging, sluggish relative named Bruce, and others. Over the course of the book, the narrator learns that Bertha's motto is "I choose"—how to react, how to love, how to view herself, and how to move on. The narrator absorbs Bertha's quips and learns how to apply them to her own life, and so, too, will readers. Amusing and delightful stories such as "Monkey Grass," "Mouse Ears," and "Pink Flamingos" keep readers on their toes as Bertha shares everyday affirmations while tackling new activities; at one point, she sings a song to her begonia whose only lyric is "I'll begonia before you get home." The book is apparently a self-help guide disguised as a work of fiction, and although it's aimed at adults, it's written in the appealing style of such childhood favorites as the Junie B. Jones or Judy Moody series. It may not be the ideal choice for readers searching for professional guidance, but it works well for those wanting lighthearted, comical reminders not to take life too seriously. Bertha is a magnetic character who inspires joy, laughs, and confidence. Some stories feel repetitive and overlong, but readers will move through them quickly and find themselves asking at the end, "What do I choose to create?" Collins' occasional full-color ink-and-watercolor illustrations of Bertha reflect the story's events. A fun-loving, witty book of life lessons. - Kirkus Reviews Writing  Bertha-Size Your Life!  was one of the most delightful things I have ever done.  Originally, I was going to write a somewhat typical book incorporating Law of Attraction principles for women experiencing empty nest but Bertha had other ideas...she wanted a book of her own...and that's exactly what she got! Bertha is one of those characters who get in your head and your heart. From zany outfits to downhome advice--she has it all. What do: Bertha, Grandma Minnie Mae, Rita & Lizzie, lime green spandex capris, a purple tube top, open-toed high-heeled sandals, red hair, black cat-eye glasses, the cat, and pink flamingos have in common? Bertha-Size Your Life! the first work by author, Jane Carroll introduces her readers to all of the above plus so much more. She chronicles the many life-adventures of Bertha and her friends. Bertha-Size Your Life! is a fast read, a must read, that leaves the reader feeling uplifted and positive. There is an introspective infusion incorporated into each chapter that leaves you with the realization that Bertha's life experiences parallel our own much of the time. Each chapter is a joyous encounter in the pursuit of life. "Bertha has the unique ability to handle life with a can-do attitude. A book with an attitude best describes Bertha-Size Your Life!" ~Candace Miller Jane Carroll originally received her bachelor's degree in nursing... way back in the day... but has always been interested in various ways of healing, especially for women. After becoming a certified life coach, her life was taken over by a zany character named... Bertha. Bertha quickly became the focus of three Amazon Bestsellers, dispensing wisdom and giggles from her mysteriously av