Monthly Archives: April 2023

April 18, 2023 · 7:00 am

SoulQuest: Your Journey of Self Discovery: Simple Tools to Self Love by Veneta Shepherd (Book Review)

We KNOW that our life is short and precious, and yet, we spend most of our time feeling miserable about ourselves.

We’ve been conditioned to hide our true feelings, our very essence from everyone, including ourselves.

We think that we CAN’T love ourselves.

The truth is that we CAN; we just don’t know HOW to do it.

I believe that our main purpose in life is to learn about ourselves, and then share what we’ve learned with others.

We each have a responsibility to define and pursue our own version of a meaningful and fulfilling life through a continuous process of learning to love, accept, and trust ourselves.

SoulQuest is a series of prompts and exercises designed to shift your perspective on how you think and feel about yourself, and shows you how to create simple habits that nurture your spirit.

I am by no means saying “Do things my way.” What I’m hoping to accomplish is to help you trust yourself enough to do things YOUR way.

Ultimately, I want you to stop beating yourself the hell up, because… How’s that working for ya?

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

SoulQuest: Your Journey of Self Discovery is a series of prompts and exercises designed to shift your perspective on how you think and feel about yourself. It shows you how to create simple habits that nurture your spirit.

Veneta Shepherd states early on that they are not a therapist. The information and the exercises they’ve gathered are based on personal experience and research. Since a medical expert didn’t write the book, it appeared less clinical and more personal. I found myself tuning in to their words instead of zoning out. Which, we all know, we’ve done in the presence of a white coat issuing their opinion on certain matters. 

SoulQuest: Your Journey of Self Discovery covered multiple areas, such as self-love, fears, the importance of watching what you consume, and forgiveness. In each section, prompts (in blue-bolded text) ask you to complete different tasks. For instance, list your accomplishments (especially the small ones). Write down five things you are grateful for in the last 24 hours. Pick your favorite body part and shower it with love all day long. Write down your fears. Give up eating high-carb foods for 30 days and assess how your body feels. For carb lovers like myself, giving up carbs will be a real test of strength.

Each exercise will prove easy for some and hard for others; therefore, everyone will find some aspect of the book that pertains to their lifestyle and life goals. 

There were many affirmations in the book that stood out for me. “Your spirit, your SOUL is MUCH more powerful than your fears could ever be.” “Self love is not about perfection. We are not meant to be perfect. We are meant to love, and learn and grow and share.” And, “When you can allow yourself to BE vulnerable, you also allow yourself to FEEL your inner strength RISING.”

SoulQuest: Your Journey of Self Discovery offers you, the reader, the tools to achieve self-love: the most important love of all. They clearly state that self love is not narcissism. “Narcissist demands to be the center of EVERYTHING, requires constant proof of love and loyalty, and their need is NEVER satisfied.” Self-love is the opposite. “Self love is compassionate, generous, forgiving, honest, and unconditional.” 

When we truly love ourselves, we are then capable of loving others. The writer states, “BEGINNING the process of self love is not as complicated as you might think.” While some may disagree, there’s no harm in trying the exercises highlighted in blue. Remember, there is no such thing as perfect. If you stumble in the process, don’t give up on yourself. Try, try again. Praise your accomplishments, no matter the size. Be kind to yourself. Take responsibility for your OWN happiness and keep reminding yourself you are strong, brave, and deserve happiness. 

Finally, the writer has created a FREE workbook to guide you along your journey. The link is provided on page 3. 

I recommend every reader of my review to take a chance on the self-help book. We all deserve love – from others and (most importantly) from ourselves. 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author


I am the oldest of seven, Mom to five (three on the autism spectrum), and Grandma to four (so far). I became a second degree Black Belt at age 51, a widow at age 62, and published my first book at age 66, my second at 68. I treat myself to popcorn every night, and laughter is my love language.

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April 15, 2023 · 7:00 am

Gladiator (The Arena Book 1) by Casey Lea (Book Spotlight)

One Arena. One Love. ONE DAY.

Happy-ever-after is never guaranteed but that’s the gladiator’s mission. It wasn’t his plan to fight to the death, but plans change. When Harvesters steal his wife, he tracks them down. The hunt takes all of his money and most of his self-control, but she’s worth it. He joins her as a slave forced to fight for his life without hesitation.

His wife is a deadly warrior, so it’s too bad she doesn’t know him. Memory stripped and struggling to survive she has no interest in the fool claiming to be her husband. He’s just another target standing between her and freedom, but not for long. She’ll take down anything and anyone in her way.

Can the gladiator live long enough to win his wife’s love? Unlikely. It’s the end of the season and the final day of fighting. They’re about to enter the Carnival of Death which leaves only a single survivor.

One of them must die.

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A Beginning

I want to tell you my story—or at least my part in a much larger story. It may seem sad, but like all of us, this story is a work in progress.

                                                                                           The Old Man’s Journal

 

 

The man standing in darkness had no idea who he was. That realization hit like a fist in the gut—folding him forward to rest his hands on his thighs. His head ached and dizziness came with the movement, tipping him to one side.

His shoulder collected a cliff face. He let the rough rock hold him in place while his fingers explored the pain in his temple. He found a sticky mass cutting across his brow. It felt like a furrow that was damp in the middle, but dry and crusted around the edge. When he lowered his hand to inspect his fingertips, they looked dark in the low light.

It took him a long slow minute to realize they were wet with blood. His blood.

The man sucked in a breath. He was shocked to be hurt, but not surprised. The wound explained his amnesia, although little more. Was he a fighter? A criminal? Someone who courted danger, or an innocent who’d suffered an unprovoked attack? More importantly, was he still at risk?

A careful step let him turn to brace his back against the wall.

Sweat coated his bare skin and he tasted bile when he tipped his head back to rest it against the cool rock face.

The stars above were strange.

He took a long breath and held it until his panic settled.

The confusion still made him dizzy, but he ignored it to look around, gathering information. It was night-time, with no sign of dawn or dusk on the horizon. His fingers drifted carefully across the cliff supporting him until they found a straight line of something more brittle than rock. It flaked away under his touch, and he realized it was mortar. He was leaning against a wall made of massive blocks.

They scraped the man’s bare shoulders, and he was suddenly aware of the chill night air against his uncovered skin. He looked down and was relieved to find he wasn’t naked. He was wearing a leather vest with a cloak thrown back over bare shoulders, and trousers with reassuringly solid boots beneath.

There was a matching wall opposite, across a rough path. He was standing in an alley that felt more like a gully. It fell away to angle down toward a cluster of lights in the distance.

Where the hell am I? he wondered and shrugged. He was jumping ahead, but questions were like that. They tended to stack up quickly. He needed to start at the bottom of the pile. He drew a deep breath, and his voice was surprisingly steady. “Who the hell am I?”

“Your gene tag identifies you as a gladiator. You are seeking work in the arena on the slave-trading planet Vertigo,” a warm female voice said beside him.

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Meet the Authors

Casey Lea is the pen name for a mother and daughter creative duo, dedicated to sharing their passion for all things sci-fi and fantastical.

A doting grandmother with too much time on her hands took the opportunity to put pen to paper.  Her older daughter kindly placed the resulting scribblings in one of those new-fangled so-called “computing machines” and a writing partnership was born.

The Lea (pronounced Lee) half of Casey Lea now spends her days wrestling with words and her memory while reading aloud to any cat careless enough to settle nearby. Daughter Casey edits the results while wrangling her adorable offspring.

After a decade on the rollercoaster ride of indie publishing their shared passion for epic love and grand adventure, spiced with advanced tech and ancient magic, remains undimmed.

 

You can find us at:

Sci-fi Fantasy Authors / Caseyleabooks.com
Casey Lea | Facebook
 Casey Lea (@CaseyLeaBooks) / Twitter

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April 12, 2023 · 7:00 am

The Daring Brothers: An Epic Adventure by Dr. Charan Surisetty (Book Review)


The Daring Brothers: An Epic Adventure is a heart-pumping tale of two brothers, Jack and Alex, who leave their mundane lives behind to pursue their dreams of adventure and fame. As they set out to conquer a treacherous mountain and uncover its long-lost treasures, the brothers face countless obstacles and challenges that test their courage and strength. Along the way, they meet talking animals and encounter breathtaking wonders that push them to their limits. With every step, the brothers prove that they are made of sterner stuff and are unafraid to take risks to achieve their goals. This epic adventure will capture the imagination of young readers and inspire them to chase their dreams with unbridled determination.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

The Daring Brothers: An Epic Adventure is an exciting tale of courage and determination, perfect for young adventure seekers!

Jack and Alex long for adventure, fame, and fortune. Every day, they look up at the peak, towering over the village, and dream about climbing it. One day, they decided to make their dream a reality. They gathered up supplies and set off.

They knew their journey would pose challenges but were ready to face whatever came their way. They climbed steep cliffs and icy slopes. They battled harsh winds and frigid temps. With each step, they grew stronger. They persevered. 

Jack and Alex reached a point, a plateau that took their breath away. As they traveled on, the wonders didn’t cease. They met animals that shared stories and spoke of dangers ahead. Still, they were determined to fulfill their quest. 

When they met the guardian, their strength was truly tested. I was highly impressed with all the drawings in the story, but the guardian image was spectacular. It has movement and flow. You could see every crease in the creature’s skin. Its eyes were so real you almost expected them to glow in the dark. I applaud the artist’s skill. I also applaud Dr. Charan Surisetty for creating an adventure story that young readers will be captivated by. 

Children will cheer the boys on as they set off on their journey. They’ll be fascinated by the large animals they come across. And, of course, they’ll be on the edge of their seats when Jack and Alex face off with the unnatural beast. Parents will love every moment of the story and the message at its conclusion: “Adventure awaits those who see it, and courage follows those who embrace it.” 

Beasts come in all forms. The Daring Brothers: An Epic Adventure inspires children to find the courage to overcome obstacles, defeat their beasts. Remember, you are mightier than you think!

I agree with Amazon’s recommended reading of six to twelve years. 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Charan Surisetty: children’s book author capturing the bond between siblings. Inspired by my boys, my characters embark on fun adventures and learn life lessons. Join us on this journey of discovery and imagination! Check out my books on Amazon.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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April 10, 2023 · 7:00 am

Finding Common Ground: A Story of Brotherly Friendship: Growing up together, even when growing apart by Dr. Charan Surisetty (Book Review)


Finding Common Ground is a heartwarming and relatable story about the unbreakable bond between two brothers, Alex and Max. As they grow up, they discover that despite their differences, they always find common ground and stand strong together through the ups and downs of life. This beautifully illustrated book is a celebration of sibling love, and a reminder of the joy and comfort that comes from having a lifelong friend and supporter. With engaging storytelling and a touching message, this is a book that both children and parents will cherish.

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 I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Finding Common Ground is a heartwarming and relatable story about the unbreakable bond between two brothers. Alex and Max discover that despite their differences, they always find common ground and stand strong together through the ups and downs of life. 

As the brothers age, their interests begin to divide them. Space forms between them, literally and figuratively. They still love each other, but they lose their connection along the way. Instead of laughing with one another, they yell at each other. Fights brew, temps flare, and harsh words are spoken. Friends behave like enemies. 

Finding Common Ground focuses on siblings’ bond, but this story could’ve applied to any form of relationship. As people age, their interests change. Their viewpoints change as well. Most of us have said things in the heat of the moment that we regret. Alex and Max demonstrate that what’s broken can be fixed. Talk calmly. Listen. Apologize for mistakes. Learn from your mistakes. It won’t be easy, but a shattered relationship can be fixed if both parties are willing to try. 

I adored watching the brothers make up and sharing their interests with one another. Through storytelling, children learn to have an open mind regarding new experiences. It shows two brothers being there for one another during the most important moments of their life and helping each other through tough situations. Life will get hard, but they know (deep down) they can always count on the other to be by their side. 

As a mother, I teach my children to cherish their family and friends. I tell them to be apologetic when they’ve done wrong and accept a heartfelt apology in return. Again, this picture book is centered around two brothers, but the lessons conveyed pertain to any relationship. 

Amazon’s recommended reading age is 6-12. I would also recommend this book to four- and five-year-olds. They could follow the story and understand the beautiful message. The story was lovely, and so were the illustrations! 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Charan Surisetty: children’s book author capturing the bond between siblings. Inspired by my boys, my characters embark on fun adventures and learn life lessons. Join us on this journey of discovery and imagination! Check out my books on Amazon.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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April 7, 2023 · 7:00 am

Dazzling Daisy Playing Outside In The Four Seasons by Risa Bardo (Book Review)

Dazzling Daisy is a picture book about an energetic girl who likes to play outside in 4 seasons and different weather— a perfect gift for young children who are inspired by outdoor adventure.

Daisy is a dazzling and cheerful girl who is always smiling. She always finds something fun to do! Daisy enjoys many activities outside of her home with her family and friends. Each page is filled with colorful and imaginative illustrations. Every page introduces new ideas and provides an opportunity to expand vocabulary!

It is an educational and fun story book for children aged between 3 – 6 years old.

This story was created by Risa and Mike Bardo who were inspired by the love for their children. This story is meant to inspire children to re-engage with outdoor activities.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Dazzling Daisy Playing Outside In The Four Seasons begins with Ollie, a red-headed woodpecker, introducing Daisy to readers. With her parent’s permission, Daisy enjoys spending time outdoors. Rain, snow, cloudy, or full of sunshine, Daisy is ready to enjoy what each season offers. Michael D Bardo’s fun illustrations show Daisy zooming down a hill on her side and chasing after butterflies with a net. He drew Daisy at the beach and the park. These are outdoor activities that a lot of children have partaken in. 

Risa Bard wrote a lovely story explaining the four seasons in a fun and exciting way that children will understand and enjoy. Young listeners will learn that spring rains help flowers grow. They also learn a new and creative use of a rain poncho. 

Summer means warmer weather and more time spent outdoors: parks, beaches, and water toy fun. This time also means more clothing choices, which Daisy adores! Me too! 

Michael D Bardo’s illustrative introduction to fall was very creative. I like how he spelled out “FALL” using leaves. The color choices were spot on too! Through drawings and text, children will learn that fall brings a color change in our leaves and layered clothing. It is also the best time to roll around in leaves and harvest all the big fruits and vegetables. The last part is a fun fact that many children might not know. 

Dazzling Daisy Playing Outside In The Four Seasons finishes the story with winter. Michael D Bardo gave us another magnificent introduction to the season, too. Depending on where you live, winter might mean snow and cold temperatures. With snow comes snowpeople, sledding, and snowball fights. The artist drew out each activity beautifully.

No matter the weather or season, Daisy is always ready to make the most of her day with family and friends. 

Dazzling Daisy Playing Outside In The Four Seasons is an educational and fun storybook for children aged between 3 – 6 years old. The author wrote the story to inspire children to re-engage with outdoor activities. It will do just that! 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

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