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Twelve Lessons
What if you had one year to bring your life back from the brink?
Stephanie Slater appears to have it all - the house, the car, the fairy-tale marriage and the new start she so desperately needed.
No one knows yet she is secretly living a lie, but with mounting debts, a cheating husband and an obsession with doing better than the Joneses, her perfect facade is about to shatter.
When her life begins unravelling at the seams Stephanie is given no choice but to turn to the one person she knows has seen through her fragile disguise.
As the cards are turned and the Twelve Lessons revealed, Stephanie wonders if she will ever be able to piece back the wreckage of her life in time?
When you really hit rock bottom, a psychic might be your only hope.....
Twelve months, Twelve lessons, one chance to rewrite destiny.......
Stephanie Slater appears to have it all - the house, the car, the fairy-tale marriage and the new start she so desperately needed.
No one knows yet she is secretly living a lie, but with mounting debts, a cheating husband and an obsession with doing better than the Joneses, her perfect facade is about to shatter.
When her life begins unravelling at the seams Stephanie is given no choice but to turn to the one person she knows has seen through her fragile disguise.
As the cards are turned and the Twelve Lessons revealed, Stephanie wonders if she will ever be able to piece back the wreckage of her life in time?
When you really hit rock bottom, a psychic might be your only hope.....
Twelve months, Twelve lessons, one chance to rewrite destiny.......
- GenresFiction
392 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 24, 2012
92 people are currently reading
579 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 23, 2013
This book read like a biography. Tackling the issue's of emotional abuse, strained relationships, psychics and financial hardship in just 300+ pages. I swear I thought I was reading the lifetime movie of the week! I agree with the other reviews I've seen as well, there is definitely a bit of Bridget Jones in Stephanie.
Stephanie Slater is a fake, a phoney. Struggling to keep up a certain persona in a life she hasn't even realized yet she dislikes; grappling at the shreds that hold together her chirade of a marriage that she has convinced herself is the real deal. Murphey's Law ya'll, whatever can go wrong will, and usually at the most inopportune moment! As the pieces of Steph's life begin to fall apart like dominoe's; she's left jobless, single, misaerable, practically homeless and her best friend is no where to be found.
A trip to a psychic sets Steph on a journey of self discovery and life altering events, to teach her 12 lessons as she slowly but surely learns the things that are most important in life.
I was blown away with the rawness of the story, as we follow Steph through her pitfalls and triumphs as she falls apart when the glass house she thinks she lives in is shattered. Then through the trials and tribulations of her divorce, DUI, finding a new home and (best of all) truely falling in love. As a survivor of spousal abuse I really was rocked with the reality that Spencer was able to convey with the character of Jay. How Steph had completely convinced herself how wonderful he was and that their marriage was perfect, even believing, I mean actually CONVINCING herself she was at fault when he left! Then the way she began to see him in a different light as she got control over her life, seeing his true character, Spencer captured that emotion and that storyline flawlessly.
This story has a happy ending!! I can't tell you what that is, you'll have to read for yourself. Spencer's writing is borderline overboard on descriptives and details occasionally throughout the story, but all in all this was a fun read with a happy ending and I loved it! I give this one 4/5 guys, but that's just my two cents!!
Stephanie Slater is a fake, a phoney. Struggling to keep up a certain persona in a life she hasn't even realized yet she dislikes; grappling at the shreds that hold together her chirade of a marriage that she has convinced herself is the real deal. Murphey's Law ya'll, whatever can go wrong will, and usually at the most inopportune moment! As the pieces of Steph's life begin to fall apart like dominoe's; she's left jobless, single, misaerable, practically homeless and her best friend is no where to be found.
A trip to a psychic sets Steph on a journey of self discovery and life altering events, to teach her 12 lessons as she slowly but surely learns the things that are most important in life.
I was blown away with the rawness of the story, as we follow Steph through her pitfalls and triumphs as she falls apart when the glass house she thinks she lives in is shattered. Then through the trials and tribulations of her divorce, DUI, finding a new home and (best of all) truely falling in love. As a survivor of spousal abuse I really was rocked with the reality that Spencer was able to convey with the character of Jay. How Steph had completely convinced herself how wonderful he was and that their marriage was perfect, even believing, I mean actually CONVINCING herself she was at fault when he left! Then the way she began to see him in a different light as she got control over her life, seeing his true character, Spencer captured that emotion and that storyline flawlessly.
This story has a happy ending!! I can't tell you what that is, you'll have to read for yourself. Spencer's writing is borderline overboard on descriptives and details occasionally throughout the story, but all in all this was a fun read with a happy ending and I loved it! I give this one 4/5 guys, but that's just my two cents!!
March 4, 2016
I'm torn on how I really want to rate this book. I would really like to give it 3.5 stars. The first 3/4 of the book I would rate a solid 4 stars, however, I did not like the ending at all. The book is about a woman (Steph) whose life is in a shambles (crappy husband, tons of debt) and meets a psychic at a party who tells her essentially that things are going to get bad for a while, but if she learns and completes 12 lessons it will all turn around.
I'll start with what I loved. This book was the perfect mix of self-help and fiction. There were great quotes and much from the 12 lessons can be adopted into the reader's personal life. I bookmarked several pages that I may go back to at some point. The book is full of inspiration for how the power of positive thinking can impact your life. I was also really drawn into Steph's story in the beginning. The first 3/4 of the book felt like realistic fiction and I found that appealing. I was really enjoying Steph's struggles and the growth she was making. Until...
When the love interest storyline started to play out the book went downhill fast for me. The book started with some realistic, in real life, type elements, but when it got to Steph's love interest, the book felt totally cliche, unrealistic, fantasy romance novel. I felt like this really cheapened the book. I would have like to have seen Steph continue to grow as an individual. There were several places in the book where she wants to be held and have someone to love and to feel complete...urrggghh! The book would have been a solid 4 stars if she could have learned to be complete on her own, before adding a man to the mix. Also, the way the love interest was added (don't want to give it away) was too coincidental and too "sweet". I get that it was her positive thinking and outlook that drew love to her, but it just seemed so rushed and thrown in.
**Possible Spoiler** Steph's love interest is engaged when they meet and a couple weeks from getting married...and what does he do on his wedding day?? Of course he leaves his bride to be and goes to find Steph and profess his love. This kind of killed the book for me.
I'll start with what I loved. This book was the perfect mix of self-help and fiction. There were great quotes and much from the 12 lessons can be adopted into the reader's personal life. I bookmarked several pages that I may go back to at some point. The book is full of inspiration for how the power of positive thinking can impact your life. I was also really drawn into Steph's story in the beginning. The first 3/4 of the book felt like realistic fiction and I found that appealing. I was really enjoying Steph's struggles and the growth she was making. Until...
When the love interest storyline started to play out the book went downhill fast for me. The book started with some realistic, in real life, type elements, but when it got to Steph's love interest, the book felt totally cliche, unrealistic, fantasy romance novel. I felt like this really cheapened the book. I would have like to have seen Steph continue to grow as an individual. There were several places in the book where she wants to be held and have someone to love and to feel complete...urrggghh! The book would have been a solid 4 stars if she could have learned to be complete on her own, before adding a man to the mix. Also, the way the love interest was added (don't want to give it away) was too coincidental and too "sweet". I get that it was her positive thinking and outlook that drew love to her, but it just seemed so rushed and thrown in.
**Possible Spoiler** Steph's love interest is engaged when they meet and a couple weeks from getting married...and what does he do on his wedding day?? Of course he leaves his bride to be and goes to find Steph and profess his love. This kind of killed the book for me.
April 4, 2013
When I first started 12 Lessons I really wasn’t sure about it. The main character was shallow and judgemental, and I took an instant dislike to her. Yet as the book went on I became completely hooked and realised that my early opinions were all part of the carefully constructed narrative and those early pages made her transformation all the more powerful. How can you make your reader dislike your protagonist at the beginning and adore her like a best friend by the end? You’d have to ask Kate Spencer that as she is the creator of a fascinating novel that tugs at your heartstrings and makes you consider the reality of your situation with no falsehoods allowed.
12 Lessons is about being honest with yourself about who you are and what you want in life. As Steph goes on this journey through heartbreak and financial ruin she finds a group of women who have been kicked to the curb by life, yet found the strength to pick themselves up and make the most of their situation. After she escapes her harmful marriage there is no eye rolling moment where she is whisked off her feet and saved by a handsome man. Step-by-step she had to save herself and only then do things start to go in the right direction. There are many teary moments along the way and others that make you feel genuinely glad for Steph, but there are also moments when I had to put the book down and think about my own life. This book has come along at a perfect time, when people don’t know what to do with their lives, or perhaps have been swept along a route that they never truly wanted. Spencer has created an insightful masterpiece here and whether you choose to open your mind to the 12 lessons or not, you are sure to learn something by the end of the book.
Review by Elizabeth Wright on behalf of BestChickLit.com
12 Lessons is about being honest with yourself about who you are and what you want in life. As Steph goes on this journey through heartbreak and financial ruin she finds a group of women who have been kicked to the curb by life, yet found the strength to pick themselves up and make the most of their situation. After she escapes her harmful marriage there is no eye rolling moment where she is whisked off her feet and saved by a handsome man. Step-by-step she had to save herself and only then do things start to go in the right direction. There are many teary moments along the way and others that make you feel genuinely glad for Steph, but there are also moments when I had to put the book down and think about my own life. This book has come along at a perfect time, when people don’t know what to do with their lives, or perhaps have been swept along a route that they never truly wanted. Spencer has created an insightful masterpiece here and whether you choose to open your mind to the 12 lessons or not, you are sure to learn something by the end of the book.
Review by Elizabeth Wright on behalf of BestChickLit.com
January 4, 2015
finally, the lessons of happiness that we didn't receive at birth!
a charming and essential step by step guide on how to achieve being our best self. written in a story form that delights as well as educates. .For young and old. It' s never to early or to late to find self worth and a happy life path.
a charming and essential step by step guide on how to achieve being our best self. written in a story form that delights as well as educates. .For young and old. It' s never to early or to late to find self worth and a happy life path.
September 15, 2014
Immediately I was hooked.
I really enjoyed this book, I could not put it down, I head to find out what happened next. Twelve Lessons was well written and I appreciated the humor laced within each lesson. I LOL many times while reading this story.
I really enjoyed this book, I could not put it down, I head to find out what happened next. Twelve Lessons was well written and I appreciated the humor laced within each lesson. I LOL many times while reading this story.
December 2, 2014
I loved this book! A MUST read!!What a wonderful way to teach the Law of Attraction! I have applied many of the "12 Lessons" to my life and to my amazement they have worked. Magical indeed... Bravo Kate Spencer!!
December 23, 2014
One of the best books I have read
I was so engrossed in this book I couldn't put it down. It explains a lot to me. What you put out to the universe you receive back, good or bad. I will continue reading the other book Kate listed at the end of this book
I was so engrossed in this book I couldn't put it down. It explains a lot to me. What you put out to the universe you receive back, good or bad. I will continue reading the other book Kate listed at the end of this book
March 4, 2015
Loved the book but..
I would give this lovely book 5 stars and a outstanding review but I can't. The many and I mean many grammatical errors are so bad, I can only give it 1 star. She's a wonderful author but she needs a much better editor.
I would give this lovely book 5 stars and a outstanding review but I can't. The many and I mean many grammatical errors are so bad, I can only give it 1 star. She's a wonderful author but she needs a much better editor.
February 15, 2013
Nice read and a bit scary...there is a little bit of Stephanie in me
August 28, 2014
loved this book,the journal is great too,every chapter of the novel even though it is fiction,contains an important life lesson,in fact I am re reading now to remind myself
January 31, 2016
A light hearted modern day Spiritual fairy tale,with twelve lessons that our heroine has to learn to bring her back from an emotional breakdown.
February 22, 2020
Steph's story of spiritual rags to riches is a light and fun read. From self loathing to self love, as she learns each lesson and makes the law of attraction work for her, it's amazing to see the changes that occur. It's a beautiful, feel good book.
December 10, 2017
Fantastic read. Great way to present a self help book.
October 8, 2018
A Great Way to Start a New Journey
I read this book as I was going through a rough patch and it gave me a clearer sense of direction
I read this book as I was going through a rough patch and it gave me a clearer sense of direction
November 13, 2018
Brilliany book. Very insightful. Couldn't put it down
November 24, 2018
Horrible typos in Kindle format, which greatly affected readability. Otherwise, the story is all about the Law of Attraction.
March 5, 2020
Fantastic
Needed the book in my life. I have been trying really hard to use law of attraction and the has inspired me
Needed the book in my life. I have been trying really hard to use law of attraction and the has inspired me
February 6, 2017
Having brought my own life back from the brink on several occasions, I felt that Kate Spencer’s book, Twelve Lessons would be a perfect read for me.
It’s very cleverly written as it fits into the personal development genre and yet it’s disguised as a contemporary romance. Stephanie Slater’s life falls apart at the seams, with one disaster after another landing at her feet. She attends a party where there is a Tarot reader who tells her that certain hardships are coming her way, but she refuses to believe such a charlatan. Stephanie is fine. Life is fine. Nothing could ever burst her bubble – could it?
I loved Stephanie. She is a fully rounded character, flawed and materialistic but deep down just a young woman who wants nice things. She makes the mistake of believing that what matters most in life is the image you project, the nice car you drive, and the beautiful house you live in. When everything starts to unravel, Stephanie is reminded of the Tarot reading.
I’ve owned a set of Tarot cards since the age of thirteen and use them on a weekly basis. I love the guidance they give me. I’ve even published an oracle guidebook because I believe in the power of motivation, spirituality, and personal development. As the story unfolds I can see the lessons Stephanie must follow quite clearly because I’ve walked the same path. From a New Age point of view, this book is incredibly insightful, and I understand the author has an online community based on the twelve lessons outlined in this novel. However, you don’t need to be a fan of spirituality, self-help, or the metaphysical to enjoy this book.
Interwoven with these powerful life lessons are characters that warm the heart, and a story of friendship, support, love, and determination.
For me, the first three-quarters of this book was a five star read all the way. Unfortunately, the romance in the later chapters was all a bit rushed and convenient, and I felt that the unique voice of the author was lost. The ending, although very well done, was a bit too fictional and ‘perfect.' Life tends not to sort itself out quite so seamlessly. I would have preferred a slightly grittier conclusion with the possibility of more lessons to come. Due to this, I chose to award four stars.
It’s very cleverly written as it fits into the personal development genre and yet it’s disguised as a contemporary romance. Stephanie Slater’s life falls apart at the seams, with one disaster after another landing at her feet. She attends a party where there is a Tarot reader who tells her that certain hardships are coming her way, but she refuses to believe such a charlatan. Stephanie is fine. Life is fine. Nothing could ever burst her bubble – could it?
I loved Stephanie. She is a fully rounded character, flawed and materialistic but deep down just a young woman who wants nice things. She makes the mistake of believing that what matters most in life is the image you project, the nice car you drive, and the beautiful house you live in. When everything starts to unravel, Stephanie is reminded of the Tarot reading.
I’ve owned a set of Tarot cards since the age of thirteen and use them on a weekly basis. I love the guidance they give me. I’ve even published an oracle guidebook because I believe in the power of motivation, spirituality, and personal development. As the story unfolds I can see the lessons Stephanie must follow quite clearly because I’ve walked the same path. From a New Age point of view, this book is incredibly insightful, and I understand the author has an online community based on the twelve lessons outlined in this novel. However, you don’t need to be a fan of spirituality, self-help, or the metaphysical to enjoy this book.
Interwoven with these powerful life lessons are characters that warm the heart, and a story of friendship, support, love, and determination.
For me, the first three-quarters of this book was a five star read all the way. Unfortunately, the romance in the later chapters was all a bit rushed and convenient, and I felt that the unique voice of the author was lost. The ending, although very well done, was a bit too fictional and ‘perfect.' Life tends not to sort itself out quite so seamlessly. I would have preferred a slightly grittier conclusion with the possibility of more lessons to come. Due to this, I chose to award four stars.
March 13, 2014
This was a fascinating read, very thought-provoking and ultimately uplifting. However... the typos drove me nuts, it was almost as if it hadn't been proofread properly (fussy, I know). Also (more importantly) the end portion of the book really flew into "too good to be true" territory - just a bit too much of a fairy-tale ending really. I like the ideas of the law of attraction, positive thinking etc, and there was even the odd line that I wrote down to add to my positive affirmations. So overall I found it a very useful and intriguing read. Despite being quite a small book, the print is small so it's longer than it first appears, and I felt I really wanted to absorb what I was reading, so I didn't exactly rush through it. I enjoyed it overall and feel I have learned a bit from it - even if that's just to be more positive in my outlook.
September 15, 2014
Although this book was fairly predictable and had far too many too good to be true endings, I enjoyed the book and the emphasis on positivity no matter what life throws at you. The 12 law of attractions are explained very well and I like the concept that in general, what you give out to the Universe comes back to you. Plus, no matter how bad your life seems applying these concepts really can and will improve your situation (although doubtfully to the degree in the book). I love the concept of letting go of anger and old resentments and focusing on forgiveness and moving forward. Overall, it is an engaging story with interesting characters. A quick read, but the 12 lessons you will want to re-visit over and over.
April 29, 2013
I really, really enjoyed 12 Lessons by Kate Spencer and thought this book was like a breath of fresh air. This book inspires second chances and I absolutely loved the upbeat, optimistic and hilarious vibe that it produced. I loved Stephanie from the get go and loved watching her transformational journey and honestly, I think it is something that we should all do every once in a while. This book is heartfelt and author Kate Spencer does a great job at crafting amazing characters with great heart and charisma that they just hop off the screen. This book is an absolute gem and I highly recommend it.
March 27, 2015
I had huge, huge hopes for this book. I've loved the quotes I've read from it. I'm a huge fan of Four Agreements. But little did I know it would be like reading Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series ... so not realistic, so Lifetime movie-ish (with less struggle). The only thing I found spiritual or worthy were the final section paragraphs of the "Twelve Lessons" - if thats what you're looking for, read the Four Agreements.
May 14, 2014
I absolutely loved this book.
Enjoyed the story while learning the lessons along the away. I know it isn't a true story, but why couldn't it be? Why can't we all live our lives making our dreams come true? Great introduction to the law of attraction and entertaining read.
Looking forward to reading & doing the companion journal!
Enjoyed the story while learning the lessons along the away. I know it isn't a true story, but why couldn't it be? Why can't we all live our lives making our dreams come true? Great introduction to the law of attraction and entertaining read.
Looking forward to reading & doing the companion journal!
Read
July 12, 2015I read it in two days. Apparently I attracted this book to me because I have some lessons to learn. Needless to say, I highlighted the hell out of this book. Great lessons in an interesting story. My only complaint would be the numerous spelling errors in the Kindle edition. I highly recommend it. In fact, I may have to give it another read.
July 31, 2016
A journey to happiness unfolds. At the beginning of the book you start with a leading character Steph that I find myself disliking, over the 12 lessons she becomes a person I would want to be friends with. It is a very interesting story, but on top of that there really are some good life lessons to be learned or reminded of.
Read
March 30, 2015A book that makes you think about your own life and decisions
Kate Spencer did a great job of putting you in the reality of how bad things can get but lifts you to another level of self evaluation. Step is a great main character, not perfect but you truly love her!!
Kate Spencer did a great job of putting you in the reality of how bad things can get but lifts you to another level of self evaluation. Step is a great main character, not perfect but you truly love her!!
July 11, 2015
Very moving
This book explains 12 important life lessons in an enjoyable easy to read story. The story progresses nicely as Steph transformed her life. I also purchased the journal and will be on my own transformation as I apply twelve lessons to my own life. Thank you Kate!
This book explains 12 important life lessons in an enjoyable easy to read story. The story progresses nicely as Steph transformed her life. I also purchased the journal and will be on my own transformation as I apply twelve lessons to my own life. Thank you Kate!
March 20, 2014
The life lessons were good.... too much unnecessary and demeaning sex in the story line.
July 21, 2014
I really enjoyed this book and found myself wanting to try out some of the lessons myself. Very uplifting and positive. The only thing that let it down were typos. there were quite a few..
February 4, 2015
Great book
Positively the best I've read in a while. Will make you do some real soul searching and want to begin tje lessons you've learned.
Positively the best I've read in a while. Will make you do some real soul searching and want to begin tje lessons you've learned.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews