Thomas Jefferson was well known for his fastidious recordkeeping and letter writing. Jefferson kept a garden book and recorded weather conditions daily, providing some of the best documentation in history. Jefferson kept all of his well organized papers, letters, and correspondence at Monticello. It is through these, Thomas Jefferson's own words, that the story of America's First Daughter can be told. And, what a story they tell! Gripping from the first sentence. 

     "The letters of a person, especially of one whose business has been chiefly transacted

      by letters, form the only full and genuine journal of his life."  

     ~THOMAS JEFFERSON TO ROBERT WALSH, MONTICELLO

I've always loved journaling. My high school English teacher had her students keep a journal, teaching us the importance of expressing our emotions and feelings on paper. It was a great way to release those things we keep locked deep inside. It helped me express myself and other times, after seeing my thoughts on paper, inspired me. That is exactly what Karen Salmansohn had in mind when she created this little happy journal. First, the journal itself is lovely. It makes me happy just looking at it. The bright and happy colors are an instant boost. Second, the daily "happiness" prompts allow me to focus on positive thoughts. Salmansohn filled the pages with prompts "meant to inspire you to reflect and focus on where the most joy, appreciation, and love can be found in your day (and your life)."

I choose to record my thoughts in the evening. This journal helps me focus on the positive aspects of my day and it certainly inspires me to look for the bright spots in my life and in others. I love this journal. It's helping see myself from a different perspective and in a better light. 

This Instant Happy Journal would make a great gift. It's the perfect size to fit in a larger purse or backpack, easy to carry around. Happen to write something truly inspirational and feel you must share, Karen would love to hear it! You can write to Karen at notsalmon.com, and tweet or Instagram an excerpt to @notsalmon (#instanthappy). 

**I was generously provided a copy from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest and fair opinion. Thoughts are my own. 

Williams based her third book on her clandestine relationship with the author William Faulkner. While there were some interesting portions to this story, I struggled most of the way through. Williams is a brilliant writer. Her descriptions are always vivid and crisp but the subject matter was kind of ho-hum. 

A young, naive woman writes to a famous author seeking direction and inspiration. Intrigued, famous author writes back and soon the two are involved in an affair.

Thanks to NetGalley and the book's publishers for sharing a DRC in exchange for an honest review. I'm sorry. I wish I could've liked this much more than I did.