Month: October 2019

Book Review · Books

Book Connection

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Some books you just soak up. I noticed this book at a local used bookstore, but it was a tad pricy hardcover, so I resisted. When I saw it at the library my eyes lit up. I just finished The Path Made Clear by Oprah Winfrey. It was a gem filled with gorgeous photos, quotes and interviews with a wide range of individuals. Each section covers a different topic.

I’m not an Oprah groupie by any means, but this book she put together is so inspiring, convicting, educational and eye opening. I definitely want to secure my own copy so I can book tab it all over.

Thank you Oprah for opening your soul and allowing the world to see you fully as you are. You are a wonderful woman who blazes a path ahead for those of us learning to take our first independent spiritual steps.

Book Review · Books

The Painted Castle

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Do you love classic romance? If you do you’ll want to step into the worlds of Elizabeth, Amelia and Keira. The Painted Castle is a multi layered story about three different women and how an old English estate captures their hearts all because of a secret painting of Queen Victoria. Their stories span from the 1800’s to modern times. This novel is romantic and is mysterious in how all three women’s lives are intertwined.

This historical novel tackles different topics from a women’s place in society and how it’s changed, to how money can buy fancy things, but it can’t guarantee genuine love. Elizabeth, Amelia and Keira’s stories are in depth, unique and sweet. This book jumps back and forth between all three lady’s stories, but the end result is a story that will beg to be reread and lent out right away.

I received my complimentary copy of The Painted Castle by Kristy Cambron from Thomas Nelson Publishers, care of TLC Book Tours. The views are mine and of my own will. To find out more about the author, check out her website and to get your own gorgeous copy visit Thomas Nelson. This publisher discovers the best authors who churn out the most intriguing novels. Every time I read a novel from Thomas Nelson I’m more impressed then the last book I read from them. Thank you Mrs. Cambron for bringing to life Parham Hill Estate. Once you read this book you’ll want to book your trip to England.

Book Review · Books

Be (Extra)Ordinary: Ten Ways To Become Your Own Hero

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If you need a short book to grab when you need inspiration, advice, and a great memoir then I recommend this slim gem. I think this book would make a great gift for a high school graduate or college graduate.

Maryanne talks about her life struggles, triumphs and things that encourage her in ways she and us can be our own hero’s. Topics she covers are: vulnerability, uniqueness, generosity, kindness, weirdness, openness, bravery and balance. At the end of the book is a journal section with writing prompts.

I received my complimentary copy of Be (Extra)Ordinary: Ten always To Be Your Own Hero by Maryanne Christians-Mistretta care of KiCam Projects. The views and comments are mine, of my own accord.

Book Review · Books

The Source

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I’m not hugely into science, but I have been into reading books lately on the topic of the Law Of Attraction. This book not only explains the Law Of Attraction, but how science plays into their principles. The principles are: Abundance, Manifestation, Patience, Harmony and Universal Connection. Also, the author goes over how much more impressive our brains are and how we can consciously change our lives in so many simple ways. I have never thought of my brain as being elastic or agile.

This book is very brainy, but I’ve learned a lot. I think it’s helpful in showing the correlation between being aware of our physical, emotional and spiritual health and how it’s all interconnected with how it all helps our brain function to the max. I’ve previously read a bit on the subject of the Law Of Attraction and this book brings it even more to life from a scientific angle.

I received my complimentary copy of The Source by Tara Swart, MD, PhD from Harper One, care of TLC Book Tours. The views expressed are mine and of my own will. If you want to grab a copy click here. To find out more about the author, Tara Swart check out her website. If you love self-help books with a science theme then you’ll love this book. I’m definitely going to need to read this book again to highlight and notate a bunch.

Book Review · Books

Life At 8mph

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I dragged finishing Life At 8mph. I didn’t want this memoir to end. It was too, rich in life to have to get to the last page. This book will have you laughing about every page. The author has a way of describing a scene that is so vivid you just need popcorn while reading.

Peter was needing a new job and saw a job posting at his seminary. Little did Peter realize the adventure he was about to embark on part time. When he arrived to meet Richard he didn’t realize that Richard has Cerebral Palsy and is in a wheelchair. Richard didn’t let Peter escape with the, “I need to pray about if I should accept this job,” since Richard was a reverend of sorts, so he just offered they prayed together on the spot. This memoir is Peter’s journey helping Richard with seminary classes and day to day things. The adventures these two go on are hilarious, sobering and inspiring.

This book was so satisfying that I hope Peter will write a sequel. If you need a great book on the power of friendship then this is a wonderful book to splurge on, or gift to a new friend. Peter is not preachy, though there are Christian nuggets of wisdom sprinkled throughout this book.

I received a complimentary digital copy of Life At 8mph by Peter Bowling Anderson from KiCam Projects. The views expressed are mine and of my own choice. I can’t shut up about how much I love this memoir. Now all we need is Richard to write his memoir.

Book Review · Books

Lost Child

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I’ve read Torey Hayden books before. She is a child psychologist who writes books are about kids she’s helped who are extremely emotionally disturbed. This book I almost DNF’D 2x. Not because I wasn’t enjoying the book, but due to the shock factor of how the child of the story, Jessie talks and the subject matter. I’m also spiritually sensitive, so there were parts I almost felt spiritually attacked. I persevered to the end and I’m glad I did. This has to be the most EXTREME case of hers I’ve read.

I’ve never read a book about a person who has RAD: Reactive Attachment Disorder and Lost Child shows you what a child is like who has this disorder. The characteristics of this disorder are not for the faint of heart, or highly sensitive person. I’m an empath, hence why I reacted to the story stronger.

I received my complimentary copy of Lost Child by Torey Hayden from William Morrow, care of TLC Book Tours. The views are mine and of my own choice. This book is worth reading, though it should come with a warning on the cover with how graphic it can be. I still am a fan of Torey’s work and hope she’ll write another book soon. Thank you for sharing Jessie’s story and how lives can be changed when we choose to reach out and care.

Book Review · Books

Six Goodbyes We Never Said

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Two teens broken by loss and both struggle with anxiety in different forms. Dew uses a tape recorder to record different conversations and Naima counts the hexagons on her quilt to calm herself. One desperately wants to befriend the other, but trust is a commodity dolled out sparingly.

This novel deals with the loss of a parent and how it’s not easy to keep going, to allow other adults to take over the role of your parent. Dew is thrown into foster care where he acquires a sister, Faith. Naima lives with her grandparents after her stepmom leaves her there for the summer to visit like she does annually. Dew and Naima are neighbors. Can Naima be open to Dew’s friendship or will her anger at her dad for dying close her off to the help that is just a fence away?

The casts of characters in this novel are fun. I like how the author gave a fun nickname to Dew’s coffee shop boss as Sasquatch and his coworker Violet is a bubbly girl whose into new age. I also, think the name for the coffee shop is clever: Baked and Caffeinated.

I received my complimentary digital copy of Six Goodbyes We Never Said by Candace Ganger from St. Martin’s Press, care of NetGalley. The views are mine and of my own will. When I started this book I felt it was ok, but the deeper I got into the story of Dew and Naima the more I grew to love these two characters.