Review: Healing Reimagined

Healing Reimagined: Reconnecting Traditional Healing with Modern Medicine

By Karl Ching DDS 

A few days before reading this book, I had an annoying and distressing incident with an elderly relative in the hospital. I felt incredibly let down by the lack of care and attention on the part of the hospital, not to mention empathy because the patient had dementia and couldn't adequately express her needs. But, after reading Healing Reimagined, I felt a sense of hope that there are healthcare workers who are determined to try and not only improve our current state of healthcare but also to change it in ways that lead to a better understanding of a patient's needs.

I appreciated Dr. Ching's focus on finding balance and creating a path to wellness and wholeness. The discussion about indigenous shamanic systems of healthcare that focus on getting to know the individual and, over time, help heal not just an ailment but identify the root issue or issues causing the trouble was especially interesting. Also, I found the indigenous belief that plants communicate fascinating.

Although I am not a healthcare worker, I am sure that this is a book that anyone in the profession will find beneficial. In this day and age, where doctors and nurses have only a few minutes to consult with a patient, Dr. Ching's tips and suggestions for understanding and creating better relationships through enhanced awareness and communication will not only be valuable but, to me, seem long overdue.

Dr. Ching's work and analysis have also made me more aware of the type of patient I tend to be, an aspect that I had never given much thought to in the past. And perhaps more importantly, this book illustrated concrete ways to approach my relationship with a doctor or healthcare provider by being open, transparent, and aware of the needs I'm expressing both consciously and unconsciously. All of which should contribute to better overall care and attention.

I also enjoyed the chapter about how the brain functions and retains knowledge, although a few illustrations would have been welcome. The sections that focus on childhood trauma and how that affects our memory in later life were also illuminating. The examples throughout this well-written book were clear and easy to follow, making it an engaging read. And while I think we can all appreciate how much we have benefited from modern scientific medicine, it seems a shame that we can so readily forget and discount traditional approaches to healing that have served humanity for generations. Hopefully, this book will encourage others to look at both examples and connect them when possible to help find the true meaning of balance, awareness, and healing.

This review was written by me for City Book Review.

Review: The Ambassador Joseph P. Kennedy

 

The Ambassador

Susan Ronald

The Ambassador is a fascinating look at Joseph P. Kennedy's time as Ambassador in London between 1938 and 1940. Appointed by President Roosevelt, it was clear from the start that Kennedy had only his own interests at heart. As WWII approached, he remained overwhelmingly against the United States getting involved. Even when the administration moved closer and closer to helping the Allies, Kennedy railed against the situation's futility. In the end, his inability to support the British government and his continued bluntness and self-interest caused a rift not just between himself and President Roosevelt but also with British politicians who wondered what he was still doing in their country.

As I read this, I was surprised by his pro-fascist tendencies and his tendencies to view everything through the lens of economic advancement. His eldest son Joseph seemed to harbor the same views as his father. His lack of diplomatic skills and unwillingness to support his own administration's policies seemed almost incomprehensible to me. He often made statements on his own without going through the approved channels. In some ways, he reminded me of another recent pseudo-politician who either refused to follow protocols or dispensed with them when not in his own interests.

I especially enjoyed the look back at The Ambassador's early life and that of his wife. Rose seems to have been a distant mother to her nine children, which I hadn't expected to be the case. But perhaps times were different then. I found Kathleen or Kick as she was known to be a fascinating person. She managed to chart her own course, even if it didn't turn out to be as happy as she planned. All in all, this was a well-written and researched book that was enjoyable to read.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder

 Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder

Joanne Fluke

When Mayor Bascomb of Lake Eden, Minnesota, is confronted by Hannah Swensen's sister Andrea about something her husband Bill, the town's Sheriff, did, she loses her temper. The mayor is found dead later the same day, and Andrea is a prime suspect in his murder. Of course, Hannah knows without a doubt that Andrea couldn't kill anyone. Between baking cookies for her cafe, she and friend Norman try to help local police officers, Mike and Lonnie, find out what happened. They will have their hands full considering how many people disliked the mayor.

Fans of this series will be pleased that Fluke has again produced a cozy, culinary delight that brings together family, friends, community, and an emphasis on sisterly love. Hannah is her usual thoughtful self, eager to help protect her family and catch a killer. Plus, there are enough recipes included throughout to keep fans happy. I couldn't help but feel that this book needed more backstory. Particularly regarding the death of Ross and why Hannah moved out of her condo. Without more of a recap or explanation, I almost felt I needed to go back and read a previous book to catch up with the story. Otherwise, this is a fun and light cozy mystery.

This review was written by me and originally published by City Book Review.

Review: A Good Drink

 A Good Drink

Shanna Farrell

Have you ever wondered what's in your cocktail or drink? Or where the ingredients that go into the alcohol are produced or grown? In A Good Drink, Farrell examines the world of distilling and brewing, questioning why customers aren't more interested in the origins of the drinks they are consuming. With the increasingly popular farm-to-table movement and increasing interest in how and where our food is produced, it has become easier to identify the region, state, or actual farm where something is grown. Not so, where beverages are concerned. Partly because the crops that go into making whiskey, rum, and beer, like corn, barley, and cane sugar, are commodity crops often produced on a large scale basis and shipped around the world. So it isn't easy to pinpoint the origin. Also, alcohol and spirits in the U.S. are regulated by the Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau and not the Food and Drug Administration, where rules are different, allowing producers to use color additives more regulated in our food supply. But some producers and consumers want to change the status quo, and Farrell introduces us to a number of them in this book. Providing an interesting and insightful look into the challenges and hurdles they face as they try to change the industry.

A Good Drink made me think a lot about the sustainability of mono-crop production and the environmental issues that create changes in our agricultural system. The next time I have a cocktail or glass of whiskey, I will be more likely to wonder where and how it was produced. Hopefully, this book will make others more aware and interested in the future sustainability of spirits and how awareness may make us all more discerning customers in the future.

Thanks to Island Press for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.

A Good Drink will be published on September 16, 2021.

Review: Hot to Trot An Agatha Raisin Mystery

Hot to Trot

MC Beaton

Agatha Raisin doesn't want to admit that the marriage of her friend and once-lover Sir Charles Fraith is getting her down. She might be over him romantically but she can't stand the bride-to-be. An obnoxious upstart as far as she's concerned. After an unsuccessful attempt to crash the wedding, she tries again to attend a masked ball uninvited. The only trouble is, as she's leaving, albeit, after an altercation with the new wife Mary, that very same woman is found dead in the stables. Now both Agatha and Charles are suspected of murder. It will be up to Agatha to get them both out of another mess. But before she can do that, she'll have to confront her feeling about her ex-husband James who's recently returned to the village as well.

I absolutely adore this series. And I loved Hot to Trot. Agatha is her usual cranky self in this installment, but she's also lovable, vulnerable, and loyal to the core where her friends are concerned. Mrs. Beaton had a writing style that brought new meaning to the cozy novel with fun, compelling mysteries full of enticing, charming settings, and a raft of characters you couldn't help but love. Sadly, Mrs. Beaton passed away in 2019.

This review was written by and originally published by City Book Review.

Review: The AOM System: Manifestation Mastery in 30 Days!

The AOM System: Manifestation Mastery in 30 Days!

Sterling Mire

What is the AOM system, you ask? According to Sterling Mire, it's the art of manifestation. If you follow the principles of the law of attraction but feel you have difficulty putting it into practice, Ms. Mire has developed a system to help set you on the path to manifesting your desires. She starts by explaining why it's necessary to clear your past ideas, the ones that have been holding you back. This is done by writing release letters to those who have caused you to see yourself negatively or prevent you from being your authentic self. You are encouraged to develop a twelve-month plan by imagining what you want to experience in your life and an action plan that will nudge you toward your goals. By following her tips for creating your day and reviewing it often, you should see signs of change in thirty days.

The best thing about this book is that Ms. Mire makes this a fun and easy process to follow. She provides excellent tips to help you incorporate her plan into your day. The numerous examples and stories from clients she has helped are inspiring. I plan to take a second look at this one and try implementing her suggestions to see what I can create.

This review was originally written by me for City Book Review. 

Review: Creativity: A Short and Cheerful Guide

 Creativity

A Short and Cheerful Guide

John Cleese

According to John Cleese, creativity is something one can learn. In this short, fun, and yes, very cheerful guide, he provides tips for encouraging and practicing creativity. The first tip is to let your unconscious mind do most, if not all, of the work for you. Use it to play with ideas and thoughts, just like children do when playing or daydreaming. Secondly, he gives some more specific tips and tasks, such as writing what you already know about or thinking about how your mood will affect the creative project or endeavor you are working on because it will likely affect the outcome. And perhaps most importantly, don't worry about making mistakes or about the result. Just start something creative and see what happens. You might be surprised.

This well-written, little gem of a book would make a wonderful gift for anyone hoping to boost their creativity. It's one of those things you can turn to when you need a little pick me up. It's short, in fact, almost a bit too short for me. By the end, I found myself wishing for more tips and anecdotes from this talented author. Nevertheless, it covered an engaging theme, offering sage advice.

This review was written by me for City Book Review.

Review: Shelter in Place

 Shelter in Place

Nora Roberts

One summer evening in Portland, Maine, the unthinkable happened. Gunmen opened fire in a shopping mall. In an instant, many were dead, and those who survived were traumatized and haunted by the incident. Some of the survivors connected with each other and attempted to go on with their lives, but others felt they had a mission to find out more. Why did it happen, and who was really behind the violence. Essie McVee is one of them. She was the first police officer on the scene, and she can't put the event behind her. Reed Quartermaine is a young man who helped others, and this would lead him, with the help of Essie, to become a police officer. After losing a friend in the incident, Simone Knox struggles to find her identity until she takes up art and sculpting. The survivors are getting their lives back together when someone starts killing them off one by one. To find the killer and learn more about how the incidents are related to the mall shooting, Reed and Essie will have to work overtime. But they are determined to put a stop to all the violence.

Shelter in Place is a page-turner, delving deep into the characters' lives and actions as they try to process traumatic events and move forward. This one is well-written with a bit of mystery, romance, and enough action to keep fans turning pages right up until the end.

Review: True Raiders

 

True Raiders

Brad Ricca

1n 1909, a group of men, including Captain Montague Parker and Cyril Foley set out on a secret adventure. With the aid of a cipher developed by a Finnish Professor Valter Juvelius, they intended

to discover the ark of the covenant. Their plans included digging and clearing the Hezekiah tunnels in Jerusalem and any other areas that might yield treasure. Previous work had been conducted in the same place some twenty years before by Charles Warren but, the new explorers thought they now had more information thanks to Dr. Juvelius. And Mr. Ricca tells the story behind the story of their search and the mysteries, adventures, and misadventures that ensued. He also includes the stories of characters who helped aid the group during their quest to find forgotten treasure.

Overall, this is a good look back into the past showing how myths become legends and rumors can cause unexpected events. And while I thought the book rambled a bit in parts and included characters who seemed to play a minor or passing role in the expedition, it was still interesting and well-written. I think the end of the book was particularly interesting as it explained to some extent what happened to the central characters after the expedition ended.

Thanks to St. Martins Press for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Growing Big Dreams

Growing Big Dreams

Robert Moss

If you are interested in using your dreams and imagination to become more creative and in tune with your inner self, then Growing Big Dreams is a book for you. The author reveals twelve ways for readers to have more lucid dreams, connect with those dreams, heal the past through dreams, and create a future by finding a story within.

Every chapter is devoted in some way to helping you develop and understand your dreams. Even if you are in what he terms a dream drought, you will see that you can dream more vividly and recall more about your dreams by following his tips and exercises. He also seeks to help you understand recurring dreams and what they may be telling you about your life. I especially enjoyed chapter nine, where the author covers how we can use our dreams to manifest our desires and wishes for the present and future.

Before trying some of the exercises he suggests, I was a little skeptical that I would be able to have more lucid dreams or that I could recall them. But, I was pleasantly surprised by the results. Throughout the book, the author combines stories from his travels, seminars, and course participants, as well as enough exercises to encourage anyone to dream big.

This review was written by me originally for City Book Review.

Review: Dead On The Delta

 

Dead On The Delta

Sherry Knowlton

Alexa Williams has accompanied her boyfriend Reese, to Botswana, where he's filling in for an Africa Trust colleague, a group dedicated to wildlife research. Alexa is thrilled to be helping out in the bush with the lion study and, she's also participating in a commission dedicated to creating better anti-poaching legislation. Her law background and work on sex trafficking enforcement have given her access to some interesting Botswana personalities as a result. Everything is going well until poachers begin targeting Botswana's elephant population. At Noka Camp, where Alexa and Reese are working, they get a first-hand look at the devastation the poachers are causing, making Alexa more determined to help the commission pass appropriate laws to curb such violence. But Botswana politics may not be a straightforward as they appear, leaving Alexa vulnerable to unseen forces.

Dead on the Delta presents an accomplished female character who is professional, curious, and passionate about her work, and at the same time vulnerable in a way that made me want to get to know her. I found myself rooting for her the whole way through this story. I also loved the fact that the author examined lots of social and environmental issues and the challenges African nations, especially Botswana, face trying to balance the needs of its people and its wildlife treasures. And to make it all the more exciting, she was able to incorporate adventure and a bit of romance to make this a fascinating and well-layered story. The landscape descriptions were marvelous and so well written that I felt I was almost there. In fact, that was one of the things I appreciated most about this book. I was right there in the thick of things, not just with Alexa and Reese but with the other characters as well.

I think chapters twenty-two and twenty-three made this book really work for me. By the time I had read this far, I was starting to wonder if Alexa and Reese would discover anything about the real poachers, although I was having my own suspicious by this point. But, the unexpected events that happened in these chapters propelled the story forward and made my heart beat a little faster. The further unexpected twists and turns that came with two of the main characters were simply icing on the cake for me. I have to say that one of the main reasons I was drawn to the book was for the African setting. The fact that it had a great cast of characters and a fantastic female lead meant that I not only loved it but, now I want to read the other books in the Alexa Williams series as well, even if they aren't set in Africa.

This review was written by me originally for City Book Review.

Review: Cries From The Cold

Cries From the Cold

Bernadette Calonego

Detective Calista Gates of the Vancouver RCMP is recovering from a violent assault when she learns she's being transferred to a small coastal town in Labrador. The thought of cold, ice, and snow is not encouraging, but she doesn't have a choice if she wants to keep her career afloat. Upon arrival, she is quickly caught up in a cold case. The remains of a local girl Lorna Taylor who went missing three years ago, have appeared in a wooden box with strange markings. Now Calista has to prove to her new team of colleagues that she can hold her own in the investigation. But, before she can do that, another body is found; this time, it's a prominent chef planning to help with a charity dinner for the local medical clinic. In a small town like Port Brendan, secrets are rife, and gossip is sustenance for the isolated locals which means Calista will have to dig deep to uncover the killer. But will she be quick enough to keep the town and herself safe?

Cries From The Cold is a riveting story that kept me glued to the pages. It's full of mystery, adventure, and engaging characters. I loved Calista Gates. Despite her difficulties and the setbacks she's experienced, she's still a fighter. I felt like I was able to look over her shoulder throughout the investigation. And, getting to see the points of view of some of the other main characters gave this story a lot of depth which helped me feel like I was a part of all the scenes. I'm hoping there will be more in this series to come because I can't wait to find out more about Calista's somewhat mysterious past and that of her ex-husband back in Vancouver as well. All in all, this was a fun and satisfying read.

Thanks to the author for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

 

Review: The Fabric of Civilization

The Fabric of Civilization

Virginia Postrel

In The Fabric of Civilization, Postrel traces the history of textile development back to its earliest roots. As readers will discover, fabric and cloth have not only changed the world but when they have been altered or improved, the world has also changed with them. Fabric touches our lives in so many ways. It might be via the garments we wear or the trade links and technological inventions they helped to develop. Even though we often take it for granted, there is no way to imagine our society without it.

In this fascinating, well-written, and researched work, Postrel examines how fibers were first used with the development of thread, and how that lead to the development of different types of cloth and the dyes that make them attractive. She also traces the role of traders who opened up routes for the exchange and dissemination of ideas that resulted in new technologies worldwide. I found her section on current and future textile development especially interesting. With work going on to improve textiles and their performance, we will undoubtedly see more innovations in the future that could change how we use fabric. Anyone interested in the untold story of cloth will no doubt find this book both interesting and educational.

This review was written by me originally for City Book Review.

 

Review: All The Lonely People

All The Lonely People

Mike Gayle

Hubert Bird is alone. After his wife died and his daughter moved to Australia for a job, he lost touch with most of his friends, and he hardly ever goes out. Instead, he spends his time alone with his cat while he invents stories about imaginary friends to tell his daughter Rose over the telephone. He doesn't want her to think he's lonely. One day his new neighbor, Ashleigh, needs help and Hubert reluctantly agrees to babysit while Ashleigh goes to a job interview. This one act changes the course of his life, and he soon learns that not only does he have new friends but a new purpose in life as well.

I loved All The Lonely People, and especially its main character Hubert. I couldn't help but hope all the good things he deserved would come his way. I enjoyed this novel's back and forth structure, which gave me the chance to learn about Hubert's experience as an immigrant and his life with his wife Joyce as they set out to start a family and the hardships and hurdles they had to overcome. Mr. Gayle has a lovely writing style that makes this a story that is sad, funny, charming, and utterly absorbing. It gives one hope that all will be well if we open the door and let someone in once in a while. I'm so glad I got to read this one.

Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

 

Review: The Sicilian Method

 

The Sicilian Method

Andrea Camilleri

One night while Mimi Augello is visiting a lady friend, her husband arrives, and Mimi has to escape through the window. As he makes his way down to a lower balcony, he decides to exit through another apartment. That's when he discovers a corpse lying on a bed. He goes straight to Inspector Montalbano to report what he's found. They decide to wait until the death is reported.

When they get a call the next day about a body, both are surprised to find another body, a local play director who moonlights as a money lender. After investigating, they can't decide if his death is related to the unorthodox methods he uses to audition actors or money lending activities. Montalbano is happy to have the help of a new and beautiful forensic employee, Antonia. He's fallen head of heels for her but, will they be able to find the time to catch a killer? And what about the other body? Will they investigate?

The late Camilleri was a master at creating sympathetic and exciting characters as well as showcasing his beloved Sicily. Just when you think you know Montalbano, he falls in love with someone other than his long term partner Livia. This was a Montalbano like I hadn't seen before, vulnerable to the charms of an unpredictable younger woman. But thankfully, still, a kind, caring, and loyal servant to the people of Vigata.

This review was written by me for City Book Review.

Review: Wolf Kill

Wolf Kill

Cary J. Griffith

When Williston Winthrop dies, there are numerous people on the scene able to identify the body. But, his son Clayton who now goes by the name Sam Rivers isn't one of them. Sam, a wildlife specialist with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, hasn't been back to his boyhood home in Northern Minnesota in twenty years. He left after an altercation with his father and didn't return even when his mother passed away. Now the time has come for him to face up to his past and the ghosts he left behind. And, he wants to retrieve a few things his mother left hidden for him.

As soon as he arrives in town, he senses things aren't all they seem. The friends from his father's hunting club have inherited everything, and they aren't keen to have the son return to the area. Then Sam is asked by the local sheriff to look at his father's farm, where some calves have been killed in the barn by wolves. Sam isn't convinced it's the work of wolves. But he will have to work quickly if he wants to gather any evidence before members of the hunting club intervene. Will this incident lead him to discover more mysteries? He sure hopes so because he is convinced that his father is taunting him even from the grave.

Wolf Kill is a riveting, atmospheric tale full of double-dealing and deception. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. The characters and the rugged landscape were so well developed that I felt like I'd been on an outdoor adventure. I hope there will be more Sam Rivers' mysteries to come.

Thanks to Adventure Publications for allowing me to read this Advanced Readers' Edition in exchange for an honest review. Wolf Kill will be published in June 2021.

 

Review: Fossil Men

 

Fossil Men

Kermit Pattison

In 1994 a research team headed by University of California, Berkeley Professor Tim White discovered ancient fossilized bones in the Afar region of Ethiopia that were believed to be our oldest ancestor. Ardipithecus ramidus, who came to be known as Ardi, was a female who lived 4.4 million years ago. What made the find so impressive was the fact that Ardi was one million years older than the now-famous Australopithecus afarensis known as Lucy, who was discovered in 1974.

Not everyone agreed with the team's findings at first. And Pattison's brilliant account highlights the numerous conflicts resulting from jealousy, personal animosities, scientists with huge egos, changes in the institutional and academic environments, and resentments caused by the fact that outsiders were often not allowed to see the fossils in question. All of this was compounded by the team's challenges working in a politically volatile region, beset with civil war, tribal war, and bureaucratic difficulties.

If you have ever been interested in the origins of humankind, Fossil Men is a must read. It's a brilliant multi-layered account that showcases the history, politics, and the people who make it their business to search for our elusive ancestors. It is by far the most informative and insightful book I've read this year.

This review was written by for City Book Review.

Review: Welcome Home

 

Welcome Home

Myquillyn Smith

Welcome Home aims to provide tips for hosting and decorating in what the author terms a cozy minimalist style. The best thing about it is the fact that she doesn't encourage you to run out and buy more stuff. She thinks shopping your own home for things you already have will help you create a cozy inviting place to live and host friends and family.

I'm happy that this book made me realize that decorating or creating a cozy home doesn't have to be difficult, complicated, or costly. With the tips within, you should be able to incorporate seasonal changes that make a space more cozy and enjoyable without adding loads of trinkets or store-bought items. The author suggests hosting a gathering that guests will remember by focusing on the mood, the food, and the people. Her signature plan is to prepare two foods from scratch and one special drink, presented in a fun and entertaining way for guests.

Overall, this was a book I enjoyed. It was well written and had some lovely photos as well as a beautiful cover. But I did find it a tad repetitious. Luckily the author provides a lot of personal stories and suggestions from her own experiences.

This review was written by me for City Book Review.

Review: Elizabeth I's Last Favourite

Elizabeth I's Last Favourite

Sarah-Beth Watkins

Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, was to become Queen Elizabeth I's, last favorite courtier. His step-father Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, had also been a favorite of the queen. Devereux had big ambitions, and as Ms. Watkins explains, he rose to hold numerous positions, not least of which was a seat on the Privy Council. He was to become Lieutenant and Governor-General of Ireland in 1599 before falling out of favor. Up until this point, he had been able to flatter the queen, but it seems the aging monarch had had enough of his antics. His failures in Ireland and unwillingness to follow the Queen's commands were to be the last straw.

By all accounts, Devereux seems to have been a man in search of fame and glory, much of it on the battlefield, where things didn't always go his way. Whenever the queen was displeased, he seemed to have a way of flattering her or feigning sickness to win her sympathy. He also flaunted her requests and often took matters into his own hands, like when he knighted men on the battlefield against protocol. Although the queen often seemed infuriated by his actions, more often than not, she ended up turning a blind eye to his transgressions and shenanigans.

I have to say that I wasn't drawn to Devereux as a person. He seemed very egoistical and manipulative, but perhaps that was necessary to survive the intrigue and jealousies that plagued the Tudor court of the time. I did enjoy reading this account of his life and learning about the love-hate relationship he kept up for years with the aging queen. At times they reminded me of a pair of squabbling teenagers. Ms. Watkins does an excellent job of making Tudor history come alive. That is perhaps what makes this such an enjoyable and fascinating read.

Thanks to Chronos Books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Review: Brat: An '80s Story

Brat: An '80s Story

Andrew McCarthy

This memoir details the life and road to fame of actor Andrew McCarthy, best known for work in films such as St. Elmo's Fire and Pretty in Pink. It's a candid look at his struggles both as a student and actor. He details how he came to terms with life in the limelight, which he seemed unprepared for by the accounts in the book. He struggled with alcoholism and a tendency towards isolation which didn't help in an industry that thrives on self-promotion. I enjoyed learning about his later work, of which I was mostly unaware.

All in all, this was a fascinating look back at a time in Hollywood that focused on coming of age films. I couldn't help but wonder what some of the other actors of this period would make of McCarthy's memories and interesting account of his experience.

Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Review: Ignite Your Light

 

Ignite Your Light

Jolene Hart

Are you looking for a way to get more energy in your life? If so, Ignite Your Light has many useful tips, inspiration, and recipes to help you do just that. Jolene Hart focuses on the differences between a dim light and positive light. She will help you discern the difference between the two and, ultimately, get more positive light moving through your day. Changing your energy levels will allow you to feel better and glow from the inside out. And the best part about the process Hart describes is that you don't need a lot of money to follow her advice.

I love the fact that this book is divided into sunrise, daylight, sunset, and moonlight. I knew right away that I needed to incorporate tips and tricks the Hart presents to awaken more positive energy during sunrise, especially since that sets the foundation for the day. I found useful advice for other times of the day as well. For example, just turning off devices and relaxing with friends or family or taking a long relaxing bath at the end of the day can have positive benefits for your health and mind. Ignite Your Light is a well written, easy-to-follow guide that I will continue to consult whenever I need a little bit of inspiration.

This review was written by me for City Book Review.

Review: The Paris Model

 

The Paris Model

Alexandra Joel

When Grace Woods wants to escape her life in Australia in the 1950's she heads to Paris, where she's got a job working as a mannequin in the famous fashion house of Dior. She's thrilled about the chance to work with Dior but, she's got other plans as well. Grace is also searching for her biological father, who left Australia during the second world war and never returned. She feels sure he's still alive somewhere, and France is the last place she can trace him to before he disappeared. But before she can find him, her life will be changed in ways unimaginable as she experiences adventures she's never dreamed of before coming to the City of Lights.

The Paris Model started off a little slow, but it picked up its pace, and I found myself thoroughly taken in by the story of a woman looking for independence but finding love, adventure, and a new home on a continent far from the one she knew as a child. This one is peppered with well-known events and famous figures, making it a fun book to read.

Thanks to Harper Perennial for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review: The Universe Is Talking to You

 

The Universe is Talking to You

Tammy Mastroberte

Do you ever wonder if the universe is talking to you when you think of something in your mind, and it suddenly shows up? It could be a book someone mentions more than once that you want to read, and on your way to work, you pass a billboard with the same book advertised, and you wonder if it is a sign. Well, Tammy Mastroberte thinks it is not only a sign, but that life is filled with symbols and synchronicity if you know how to slow down and recognize them.

She provides useful exercises, prayers, meditations, and visualization tips throughout this book to help you find more magic in your life. I loved learning about how to unblock thoughts by understanding the role of the Reticular Activity System (RAS). It filters thoughts between the subconscious mind and the conscious mind. With practice, one can turn the focus towards positive ones.

Whether you want to see signs from loved ones who have passed away or seek answers to current issues in life, Mastroberte guides you through the process with her personal story. She has learned to incorporate many techniques into her daily routine that allow her to feel connected to the universe. By following her lead, you will come to see how magical the universe can be.

This review was written by me and published by City Book Review.

Review: Scripting the Life You Want

 

Scripting The Life You Want

Royce Christyn

What is scripting? It is basically writing down how you want your day to unfold. The author suggests making a list of your wants and beliefs, which include some mundane things that you already know will happen. Some or all of these things are incorporated into your daily script. Which is like writing a journal account of your day as you want it to occur. This is followed by an evening entry into a nightly journal where you write down what actually happened. By using the examples and tips, the author gives you should see your daily script align with your nightly journal in a short time.

I love that the author presents a simple way to bring about changes in our day-to-day lives quickly. If you are drawn to the theory of the law of attraction but have trouble manifesting your desires, this book might help. The author writes with a passion and enthusiasm that inspired me to write my first daily script. This helped me focus on the day ahead. However, he does go into a lot of scientific information about how and why he thinks this works, which I'm not sure I needed.

Nevertheless, this guide is good at showing you how to incorporate scripting into your life. All you need is a pen and paper.

This review was written by me and originally published by City Book Review

Review: The Readers' Room

The Readers' Room

Antoine Laurain

Violaine LePage is the editor and manager of the readers' room for a French publishing house. She has decided to publish a book entitled Sugar Flowers, but no one seems to know who the author is. Violaine gets some messages that suggest the author is aware of her past. If that isn't bad enough, events in the book, particularly several murders, begin to look like real murders. The police now want to know who wrote the book, and if he or she is a serial killer. But is Violaine really in the dark? Does she know who the author is? And how much does the author know about Violaine's past?

I love Antoine Laurain's work, and The Readers' Room is no exception. It is beautifully written and cleverly told. The story has a little bit of everything including a love story, a mystery, and enough about the literary world to entertain the most discerning reader. His characters are always so much fun, and the way he draws on the world of books in this one is marvelous. He never fails to add a touch of the magic to his work. After this riveting story, I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

This review was written by me and published by City Book Review. 

Review: The Death of Amy Robsart

The Death of Amy Robsart

An Elizabethan Mystery

Sarah-Beth Watkins

Amy Robsart, the wife of Robert Dudley, was found dead on 8 September 1560. She had apparently fallen down the stairs at Cumnor Place, where she was living. Robert Dudley was Queen Elizabeth I's Master of the Horse, and it was rumored that they were very close. Some even speculated that she wanted to marry him. However, due to his family's history, he wasn't particularly well-liked by others close to the Queen. Perhaps because of this, rumors about Amy's death began to surface. Even though, her death was ruled an accident at the time many continued to suspect foul play.

Ms. Watkins examines the history of the rumors and looks at what or who might have had a role to play in Amy's death if it wasn't an accident. One thing is for sure; it wasn't Dudley himself because his whereabouts were accounted for on the day of his wife's death. But he didn't attend the elaborate funeral fanning the flames of rumors. As Watkins explains, many resented Dudley's closeness to the Queen and his increasing influence at court. They included the Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Sussex, and the Queen's chief adviser, William Cecil. Maybe they hoped to discredit him. While we may never know what really happened, it seems clear that the Elizabethan court was rife with intrigue, and this book goes some way to showing how treacherous life could be during the Queen's reign.

Thanks to Chronos Books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Review: All The Devils Are Here

 

All The Devils Are Here

Louise Penny

Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, of the Sûreté du Québec, and his family are in Paris. His daughter Anne is awaiting her second child. Unfortunately, Armand's godfather, billionaire Stephen Horowitz, is hit by a van while crossing the road on the way to dinner. The Gamache family is sure it was no accident and, Armand is determined to find out what's behind the incident. He just doesn't know he's stepping into something much bigger than even he could have imagined. Can Armand trust his old friend Claude Dussault, the Prefect of Police in Paris, to help find answers, or will his friend betray his trust? Luckily, he has his son-in-law, Jean-Guy, who was recently his second in command at the Sûreté in Montreal on his side.

Fans of Penny will not want to miss this one. The setting has moved from Three Pines deep in the Quebec forest to the City of Lights. Her eye for detail and atmosphere means this one leaves the reader feeling that Paris is at their fingertips. Frankly, to my mind, this author gets better with every book she writes. If you are like me, you will be glued to every page. I can't wait to see what she does next.

This review was written by me and originally published by City Book Review.

Review: Searching for Family and Traditions at the French Table

 

Searching for Family and Traditions at the French Table

Carole Bumpus

Inspired to learn more about French cooking and traditions, Carole's friend Josiane agrees to be her tour guide as they try to uncover French home cooking secrets and recipes. They are both inspired by the tales told by Josiane's mother, Marcelle, of growing up in Brittany. With a sense of adventure and the hope of uncovering more of Marcelle's family history, they travel through Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Normandy, Brittany, Loire, and Auvergne. Along the way, they stay in farmhouses, hotels, and family-owned Chateaux where Carole, welding her trusty notepad and recorder, is keen to investigate the lifestyle and history of those they encounter as well as indulge in the region's cuisine.

There are some wonderful descriptions throughout about food, markets, and local celebrations. Plus, readers will be happy to know that some of the recipes mentioned and collected along the journey are included at the end of the book. This warm and inviting memoir will appeal to food lovers and history buffs alike. The two women examine how it was to live during a time of war, especially the Second World War, and how families managed to keep traditions alive even during tough times. As this book points out, family traditions help keep French home cooking entwined in everyday life.

This review was written by me and originally published by City Book Review.

Review: For Whom the Book Tolls

For Whom The Book Tolls

Laura Gail Black

When Jenna Quinn arrives in Hokes Folly, North Carolina, to stay with her uncle Paul and help out around his antique bookstore, she finds him dead at the bottom of the stairs inside the store. To make matters worse, the police suspect Jenna had something to do with the death. Jenna is already trying to move on from a troubled past so, she doesn't need the police breathing down her neck. On top of trying to find a killer, she also has to decide if she wants to stay in the small town and run the bookstore uncle Paul left her.

For Whom The Bell Tolls started a bit slow, but as I read on, the action picked up, and the story turned out to be quiet exciting. It's full of delightful characters and enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing who the murderer could be right up to the end. Hopefully, there will be more to come in this series.

This review was written by me and originally published by City Book Review.

 

Review: Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You)

 

Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You)

Justin McElroy, Travis McElroy and Griffin McElroy

Have you ever thought about starting a podcast? Or maybe just wondered what's involved in the development of one. If so, you might be interested to know that the McElroy brothers, co-creators of podcasts that include My Brother, My Brother, and Me, have created a guide that covers every aspect of how to create one.

They cover all the essentials in this book, such as developing your idea, coming up with a good title, and structuring your show. They also discuss the tools you will need and explain what to do after you have recorded your first episode. They have useful tips for making it audience friendly and cover issues that deal with post-production, such as advertising and growing your audience.

The best thing is that they do all this with wit and humor, making this both an entertaining and informative book to read. If you are interested in podcasting, this is one you will not want to miss.

Thanks to Harper Perennial for allowing me to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Embrace Your Southern, Sugar!

Embrace Your Southern, Sugar!

Julia Fowler

I feel fortunate to have started the New Year with a book that made me laugh out loud! This one had me remembering things from my past that I'd plum forgotten. But don't worry, you don't have to be a Southerner to enjoy this little gem. Just grab a glass of sweet iced tea, sit back (preferably on a front porch if you have one), and let Julia tell you all about what makes Southerners tick. Be it hospitality, health, the weather, or sports; she's pretty much covered it all in Embrace Your Southern, Sugar!

With humor and wit, she manages to capture not just what she adores about this unique region of the country but why she's so happy and comfortable with her own country roots. The only thing I was missing as I read this one was a slice of pecan pie. But Julia thought of that as well and included not one but two family recipes for this southern classic.

Thanks to LibraryThing and Gibbs Smith Publishing for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Review: Feel Better in 5

Feel Better in 5

Dr. Rangan Chatterjee

Feel Better in 5 is all about making small changes in your daily routine that lead to lasting results. The book is divided into three sections: Mind, Body, and Heart. Within each area, Dr. Chatterjee presents what he calls "health snacks" designed to make you feel better throughout the day. By devoting five minutes three times a day to his suggestions and exercises, you can create a new routine that will positively benefit your mind, body, and heart. By finding time in the day that works for you, whether it is before your day begins or at the end of the day, these tips are designed to have a ripple effect in your life. Once you start to feel good, you will want to incorporate more of the exercises into your day; at least, that's the idea. And I'm happy to say that there are many interesting options listed throughout the book. I enjoyed the physical exercise snacks the most.

If, like me, you are one of those people, who start diets and exercise programs only to give up a few days or weeks later, Feel Better in 5 presents a new way of addressing health and fitness. It's easy to follow and it doesn't require a lot of time or willpower. As far as I'm concerned, that makes this one a winner.

This review was written by me and originally published by City Book Review.