Category: reviews

The Twesome Loop by Mandy Eve-Barnett Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Four people find themselves brought together at an Italian Villa, where secrets of the past reveal to them connections they never thought possible in author Mandy Eve-Barnett’s “The Twesome Loop”.

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The Synopsis

Is it possible to change our destiny, break free from the echoes of our past lives? The Twesome Loop is an erotic romance novel with a reincarnation twist.

A picturesque Italian Villa holds a hidden past of a pact that cannot be broken – a secret untold. Passion, pleasure, and pain play their part as seemingly chance meetings reveal secrets and hidden agendas. One dark secret is coupled with a burning desire to extract revenge. It will see four guests re-living their past lives – for love, for lust, and for revenge.

Who will win and who will lose?

The Review

This was a very heated yet intriguing read. The author seemed to blend the erotic thriller genre with the historical romance genre, and the marriage of these two specific genres worked out so perfectly. The exploration of themes such as reincarnation, love, and whether or not that love can transcend time itself was beautifully woven into the fabric of this narrative, and the fast-paced story was perfectly accentuated by the great back and forth between the past storyline and the present. 

The tension and atmosphere of this read were brought to life brilliantly thanks in large part to the richly developed characters of this novel. The main cast of characters and their past counterparts really do an amazing job of highlighting the concept of reincarnation and showing the dangers of the past repeating itself in the present as a whole. The idea of people using marriage not for love but for monetary gain, those who are stuck in loveless marriages, and the passion and wildness that comes when true love is found were perfectly illustrated in each character’s unique interactions with one another in both time periods.

The Verdict

Suspenseful, entertaining, and captivating, author Mandy Eve-Barnett’s “The Twesome Loop” is a must-read erotic thriller/historical romance read. The heated passion when blended with the metaphysical aspect of reincarnation and the suspense of what happened to bring these four souls together again will have readers on the edge of their seats, making this a fun and engaging adult read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

The Rython Kingdom Review
Rython Legacy Review
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About the Author

Mandy currently lives in Alberta, Canada but is originally from England. Her background is diverse and gives her rich experience to utilize in her writing. Mandy has been a nursing professional, a business owner, and a sort after administration expert. She has traveled throughout Europe, parts of America and Canada and was born in Africa.

Mandy is passionate about writing to the point of obsession and she succeeded in becoming a published author in record time. Mandy’s venture into freelance writing has been successful and she regularly contributes to Strathcona Connect, an e-zine and the Never Been Better page in the Sherwood Park newspaper as well as well as holding the position of Secretary for her local writing group, Writers Foundation of Strathcona County. She is also Secretary of Alberta Authors Cooperative.

Writing in various genres, Mandy has been published in anthologies, on numerous websites as well as regularly blogging about her writing journey.

https://mandyevebarnett.com/

https://twitter.com/mandyevebarnett

The Decline of America: 100 Years of Leadership Failures by David D. Schein Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A long and thorough study into how the last 100 years of American history, and the presidents who presided over them, have not only impacted the United States but how they can be used as a roadmap to what the next 100 years looks like take center stage in author David D. Schein’s “The Decline of America: 100 Years of Leadership Failures”.

The Synopsis

“The Decline of America” offers a carefully documented analysis of the last seventeen U.S. presidents. These men, eight Democrats and nine Republicans, have shaped the last 100 years, not only for America, but for the world. Each president is profiled with unsparing scrutiny so we can see where it’s all gone wrong.

David Schein follows these critiques by proposing ways to improve America’s outlook for the next 100 years—before it’s too late.

The Review

The author did an incredible job of thoroughly researching and developing this book. The sheer volume of statistics and facts that the author was able to comb through and relate to the reader for these several presidents was the perfect balance of history and politics. The heart and passion for which the author writes are evident and yet are presented in a cool and collected manner that speaks to the topic of this book. 

The interesting and unique thing about this book is the different impact it will have on different readers. For instance, I myself am more democrat in my political views than republican, but I’ve always prided myself on taking in information from all sides of a conversation and being open to hearing all discussions being made. So it was very insightful and fascinating to see the author’s unique perspective and approach to certain administrations, and while I may not view them in the same light, I think this is relevant to how passionate we as a people can be in terms of politics. Yet the ability to listen and acknowledge our differences without animosity or ignorance is something everyone could stand to learn from, and it made this reading experience quite fulfilling. 

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, engaging, and insightful, author David D. Schein’s “The Decline of America: 100 Years of Leadership Failures” is a must-read book on history and politics in the United States. The thoughtful and well-researched book really challenges readers to see from others’ perspectives and take into account that everyone is going to have different interests and goals in the political arena, and our viewpoints on how an administration will perform or does perform are usually dictated by those perspectives. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Dr. David D. Schein is an author, professor, consultant and public speaker. He is a tenured Professor, the Director of Graduate Programs and the Endowed Chair of Management and Marketing at the University of St. Thomas’ Cameron School of Business. He is also the President and General Counsel of Claremont Management Group, a Human Resources consulting firm in Houston, TX. He often speaks on employment and consumer matters. 

Sword & Sorcery: Frostfire (Sword & Sorcery Book One) by Ethan Avery Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A young warrior growing up on the streets must find a way to save his friend from the jails meant for him, while a young woman studying magic struggles when she has no magic of her own in this fantasy-driven narrative studying class systems and destiny in author Ethan Avery’s “Sword & Sorcery: Frostfire”, the first book in the Sword & Sorcery series. 

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The Synopsis

Who’s right and who’s wrong is all a matter of perspective.

Erevan has a problem. He grew up on the unforgiving streets of Bogudos and has the scars to prove it. His friend, however, is stuck in jail because of his mistake. But when a suspicious courier offers him a chance to fix things, should he lift his sword to aid her cause?

Meanwhile, Aireyal has been accepted into the wealthiest and most prestigious magical school in all the land. There’s just one problem. She can’t do magic. But that’s far from the only secret within the walls of Darr-Kamo. And what she discovers might just change the world.

The Review

First and foremost, I absolutely loved the world building in this novel. The classic fantasy and magical elements that one hopes to find in these epic stories was paired so perfectly with the more in-depth and honest approach to class systems and how everyone brings a different and unique perspective to the same situation. I love the exploration of what “good and evil” truly means, which in epic fantasy stories can often be pretty cut and dry. Yet the author elevated this narrative to new heights, and created the right amount of tension and atmosphere to keep the story flowing smoothly and the action feeling intense while creating thought-provoking conversations on how people approach everyday topics of discussion.

The world-building was equally on par with the author’s amazing character development as well. Having not only multiple POVs but storylines running adjacent to one another helped showcase just how vast the world the author crafted was, and allowed the two main protagonists to shine brightly in their own stories. What was also so unique early on was seeing how each protagonist was like a mirror image of the other, with Erevan being more of an act first, think later kind of warrior, whereas Aireyal was more of the bookworm who would often get lost in her own mind. That allowed their individual metamorphosis throughout their narratives to feel equally powerful and great to read. 

The Verdict

Masterful, gripping, and entertaining, author Ethan Avery’s “Sword & Sorcery: Frostfire” is a must-read epic fantasy novel and the first in a brand new series readers won’t be able to get enough of. One of my top picks so far in 2022 for fantasy reads, the author found a great harmony between the world building without sacrificing character growth, and the ability to craft characters that reflected the dynamic and diverse nature of our own world and create new heroes that readers can become engaged with was just truly amazing to read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on April 22nd, 2022, or preorder your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Ethan Avery believes in the power of stories. As a child growing up in Ohio, they gave him a chance to see a bigger world, and to hear what life was like for people that didn’t look like him or believe what he did. And now years later, he hopes to do the same for others. For more information on Sword and Sorcery and what Ethan’s writing next, please visit www.storiesbyethan.com 

Amethyst (Ambrosia Hill Book 1) by Rebecca Henry Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young girl struggling with her identity and her parents impending divorce finds her birthright and power with the help of her aunts in author Rebecca Henry’s “Amethyst”, the first book in the Ambrosia Hill YA series. 

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The Synopsis

She was sent away because of her feelings for another girl. But what she discovered at her aunts’ lake house was a birthright of magic.

Thirteen-year-old Zinnia is about to turn fourteen when her life is flipped upside down. With her parents on the brink of a divorce, Zinnia is sent to spend the summer with her eccentric great-aunts at their lake house away from her home in Manhattan. Zinnia arrives at her aunts’ massive Victorian house with a heavy heart after a recent falling out with her best friend Charlotte, who betrayed her trust by showing the meanest and most popular girl in school a letter Zinnia wrote confessing her feelings for Charlotte. The aunts rely on practical magic, acceptance and old family friends to help heal their great-niece in more ways than one.

What Zinnia discovers on Ambrosia Hill is more than just her birthright to magic—she meets Billie, a girl who conjures feelings inside Zinnia that she can no longer deny.

Reader advisory: This book contains scenes of homophobia and mild peril.

The Review

I instantly fell in love with this story. The author did such an incredible job of crafting a unique and beautiful world that felt real and yet held incredible magic that kept the paranormal and fantasy elements of this narrative alive. The sheer volume of backstory and narrative the author was able to pour into this fairly quick read was breathtaking to behold, as were the little bits of mystery and suspense that the author peppered throughout the read, especially with a tease of future storylines in the next book in this series.

Yet it was the heartfelt character development that really played well in this story. The magic and wonder of the world the author crafted only elevated the emotional story of these characters, from the backstory and history of Billie, who brings a sense of edge and pain to her meeting with Zinnia. Then there is Zinnia herself, who not only struggles with the pain of her family falling apart due to her parents impending divorce but the struggles to feel accepted for her LGBTQ status. 

What I love about the story is that the author doesn’t portray Zinnia as someone in doubt necessarily of who they are, but struggling because she does know who she is and who she loves, and wants the world and those around her to accept her as she is. I feel there are so many people, especially teens, in this world who feel the same who could use an inspirational protagonist like Zinnia to connect with and follow, and I applaud the author for this amazing story development for the character.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, emotional, and magical, author Rebecca Henry’s “Amethyst” is a must-read novel of 2022 and the perfect first entry into this brilliant paranormal and fantasy YA series. The balance of realism and magic, along with the positive outlook on witchcraft and magic that is often overlooked in the world, made this world stand out, and the positive exploration of LGBTQ themes made this a home run in my book. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on April 26th, 2022, or preorder your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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A Very Vegan Halloween Cookbook Review
Hybrid Review
The Lady Raven Review
Louisiana Latte Review
Interview with Author Rebecca Henry

About the Author

Rebecca Henry is an American author living abroad in England. She is a devoted vegan who gardens, practices yoga, crafts, travels the world, and bakes. Rebecca’s favorite holiday is Halloween, and she is obsessed with anything and everything witchy! Besides writing fiction, Rebecca is also the author of her vegan holiday cookbook collection and green living lifestyle book. Her love for animals, baking with her family, having a plant-based diet, and cruelty-free, green lifestyle inspired her nonfiction novels. You can find all Rebecca’s books on Amazon.

https://www.rebeccahenryauthor.com/

Mrs. Varman by Sanjeeta Behera Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A loving and hard-working wife struggling to connect with her husband finds her world turned upside down after a chance meeting in author Sanjeeta Behera’s “Mrs. Varman”. 

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The Synopsis 

Julia is a versatile wife. She could relish a chicken burger with ease or lick her fingers off spicy chicken curry accompanied by frequent gulps of water when having them along with her husband Sachin. She loved to add variety to her cooking as well be it American, Chinese or Indian. She could acclimatize in a different cultural background, though not very different since Sachin was born and brought up in America with roots in India.

She could travel to anyplace with him as well, but not just because of her love for him, she loves to travel and explore herself. If all this doesn’t make you feel that she is versatile then wait till you reach the end of the Novel and explore the ups and downs in her life, her experiences and multiple characters that come to life in your way.

She travelled all the way to India along with Sachin. On the sweaty, tiring days of summer and on days that she would hanker for her husbands love she did feel low and discouraged. But she was able to get out of it. She couldn’t keep her hair on though at times during her highs or lows. She didn’t want to. She wanted to express it when happy and burst out in tears when not.

Vijay, especially notorious and ignorant what Lalbagh Colony would describe him as, got flattered by grace or sophistication. Within a shanty dwelling, he thought cutlery of silver was not out of reach, still he could fumble when his fake branded t-shirt just welcomed a real one.

He had a dramatic past and thinks that Julia can help him get what he was missing in his life.

Julia travels, explores, adjusts to different environments, learns a lot and this story will take you through her fascinating journey that includes a thrilling experience.

The Review

This was an incredibly well-balanced novel. The author did a great job of balancing out the intrigue and mystery of the narrative with the romance and the family drama of the character development. The rich atmosphere and setting the author crafted were expertly brought to life through the perfect combination of imagery and tone, conjuring up the varying settings in a way that made them almost a characters unto themselves.

The character development was truly the highlight of this narrative, mainly due to the great emphasis on culture and the cultural clashes and similarities that we all share. The back and forth travel between the U.S and India, as well as the backstories and cultures of the cast of characters, made situations experienced by many the world over feel fresh and unique, and drew me in as a reader. This also helped elevate the main mystery as it was revealed and became the glue that held the structural balance between this mystery and the humor and drama of the main characters.

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The Verdict

A memorable, heartfelt, and entertaining read, author Sanjeeta Behera’s “Mrs. Varman” is a must-read romance thriller of 2022. The unique cultural perspective and the fast-paced family drama and mystery help elevate this story of love, marriage, and what happens when relationships feel the strain of life and we struggle to find our true identity in life. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

https://twitter.com/Bsanjeeta05B

https://www.facebook.com/Sanjeetas-Hub-102569265741908/?ref=pages_you_manage

La Estrada: Season One-Episode 1 by Andrew D. Daily (Illustrated by Alex Vede) Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A mysterious portal leads to a missing child, and a mother who must work against powerful politicians and untold dangers to find her child before it is too late in author Andrew D. Daily’s “La Estrada: Season One-Episode 1”. 

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The Synopsis

La Entrada – Season One, Episode One is the first graphic novel of this epic series.

A child disappears when an other-worldly portal forms outside of Mexico City. To find him, his mother must partner with a renegade professor and face the politicians that stand in their way. The mysteries of La Entrada will shake their existence and alter the comforts of civilization.

This experimental graphic novel emulates television through black and white storyboard artwork. From the intense mind of Andrew D. Daily and brilliant digital illustrator Alex Vede, we are introduced to the beginning of a power clash not seen since the conquistador invasion of 1519.

The Review

This was such a fantastic and entertaining graphic novel. The author did a marvelous job of finding a way of translating an episode of television into graphic novel form. The rich culture and settings of this story felt vibrant and alive on the page, and the story flowed just as smoothly as an hour-long drama. The striking contrast of the sci-fi/paranormal elements of the overarching plot with the more twisted and nefarious plots of political corruption made the narrative come to life on the page. 

The heart of this story came down to character development. The interwoven stories of the people caught in this maelstrom of mystery and intrigue made the larger plot of suspenseful drama that much more emotionally investing. From a mother desperate to find her missing son to a professor shunned by his community for outlandish ideas and two political rivals sparring over who is to become the next Presidente of Mexico amidst this powerful and unexplainable event, each subplot revealed characters that could immediately carry this “show”. 

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging as a story, author Andrew D. Daily’s “La Entrada: Season One-Episode One” is a must-read graphic novel. The television landscape of this story and the artwork’s amazing capture of this style of storytelling from artist Alex Vede is a brilliant combination, and the heart and passion for which these characters bring this narrative to life were fantastic to read. A story deserving of a television narrative, the shocking twists and turns in the story, as well as the shocking final pages of this growing mystery, made this one graphic novel readers are not going to want to miss. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Andrew is a television writer, producer, and production manager living in Los Angeles, CA.

Shark Tank on ABC was his first big break in TV as an art department production assistant. He was quickly spotted for his administrative skills and found mentors in production management, where he climbed the ranks. The unscripted shows he has worked on include Miss Universe, Paradise Hotel, The Voice, and The Grammy’s. He has also worked on several scripted shows, including Blunt Talk, Dr. Ken, and Insecure, as well as digital content when he co-launched The Rock’s YouTube channel as a line producer and writer.

For its three-night live presentation, Andrew co-wrote O Little Town of Bloomington, a Christmas musical that sold out the Ambassador Auditorium in Pasadena, CA.

Before transitioning to full-time writing, he developed his craft by breaking down scripts minute-by-minute and writing over twenty pilots of his own. He created several Graphic Novels, including La Entrada, available through Amazon.

Follow him on Instagram: @dailyman

https://www.hawthorneent.com/

The Caregiver’s Journey: A Roadmap For Navigating Your Path by Pamela S. Showalter and Raylene Bell Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A balance of helpful tips and life experiences as a caregiver for a loved one take center stage in authors Pamela S. Showalter and Raylene Bell’s “The Caregiver’s Journey: A Roadmap For Navigating Your Path”.

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The Synopsis

The Caregiver’s Journey: A Roadmap for Navigating Your Path

The Caregiver’s Journey serves as a roadmap for anyone navigating the role of caregiver. Initially started as an effort to manage stress through journaling, the book chronicles the author’s experiences during the five years they served as caregivers for a loved one who lived hundreds of miles away. Realizing their hard-earned lessons could help smooth the path of those in similar situations by helping others avoid some of their mistakes, the chronological narrative is interspersed with tips and recommendations to help readers better understand their own caregiving paths, while its six Appendices and 11 Tables expand further on critical topics.

* Chapter “Takeaways” Reinforce Tips From The Narrative

* Detailed Information About Costs of Care

* Coping Tools For Caregiver Fatigue, Stress, And Burnout

* Tips For Patient Advocacy During Hospitalizations

* Appendices Serve as Quick Reference Guides

The Review

One of the hardest, most emotional things a person can do for someone they love, whether it be a parent, child, relative, or significant other, is to take on the responsibility of caring for and looking after them in their most vulnerable and painful moments. So many have taken on this task in particular those who are elderly and experiencing hardships and struggles with their health. The authors and their own stories are both unique and all too familiar to readers who have experienced similar situations, in particular with dementia. The way the authors were able to relay their unique experiences to readers and find the most honest and personal way to outline their experiences in a way to be helpful to those going through similar things now was amazing to read.

What struck such a chord was the emotional change that the authors and their words took as the journey with the late Margene took hold. The tone and presentation of the events changes from a more poetic and emotionally driven narrative to a more clinical and matter-of-fact examination of the final months with Margene. This not only reflects the painful loss that the authors experienced, but the very hard struggle as time both slows down and speeds up all at once. This actually works to help prepare readers who are hoping to learn more about what to expect from their own experiences, but more importantly, this book overall gives readers a place to feel seen and to feel less alone, finding an outlet to feel validated in their own experiences overall.

The Verdict

Heartbreaking, informative, and emotionally-driven, authors Pamela S. Showalter and Raylene Bell’s “The Caregiver’s Journey: A Roadmap For Navigating Your Path” is a must-read nonfiction story of love, loss, and the process of grief while caring for a loved one. The journey these authors take is not an easy one, and while no child ever hopes to see their parents in such a difficult position, the lessons and experiences these amazing writers share in this book will be a beacon of hope to readers who are gearing up to face this similar situation. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

After earning a BA in English from Vanderbilt University I worked in the corporate world for ten years eventually becoming a financial analyst at a Fortune 500 company. Those years taught me a couple of important lessons: first, my parents were right, I really COULD do anything I set my mind to and second, corporate life was not for me. So I headed back to school, earning an MA in Anthropology from Arizona State University followed by a PhD in Geography from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Teaching beckoned and after stints at the University of Toledo followed by Texas State University, I retired as an Associate Professor with numerous peer-reviewed articles and a co-edited book, “Geospatial Techniques in Urban Hazard and Disaster Analysis” under my belt. My retirement coincided with the start of what (we didn’t know at the time) would be a five-year journey caring for my spouse’s Mom. “The Caregiver’s Journey: A Roadmap for Navigating Your Path” sprang out of those years and was specifically created to provide information to other caregivers that could be used to smooth their paths.

Raylene Bell earned both her BS and MS in Speech Pathology from Texas Tech University (Lubbock). She spent over 40 years in that field working for hospitals, in management, as a consultant, as an expert witness, and in her own clinics. She recently retired from her position as President of the Central Texas Region of Cole Pediatric Therapy.

Sisters in the Storm by Linda Hoff Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Linda Hoff helps parents, in particular, mothers, who must take on the painful task of caring for their adult children as they develop a terrible mental illness and navigates the rough waters that journey will take them on in her book, “Sisters in the Storm”.

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The Synopsis

What do you do when your adult child receives a frightening and severe mental illness diagnosis that is progressive and incurable-and barely manageable? How do you support him or her without losing your own self to the disease? Sisters in the Storm is your coping tool. Written with love and extreme vulnerability, author Linda Hoff shares her journey of being a mom of a mentally ill adult child (MIAC) and guides you to navigate this rough road as only a seasoned veteran can.

The problems are numerous and never-ending: problems of finances, of living arrangements, of medication management, of medical authority, of your own mental equilibrium-and the issues of your breaking heart as you lose your formerly capable, enthusiastic child to the downward spiral of an incurable mental disease.

But you are not alone. You’re part of a sisterhood of mothers who are trudging the road together, supporting each other along the way, and emerging as changed but strong. Strong in their commitment to their child and strong in their commitment to themselves. Strong in their resolve to help their child and strong in their resolve to live their own full life. You are sisters-sisters in the storm. 

The Review

This was such an emotional and heart-wrenching yet hopeful read. The author does such an incredible job of delving into the heart of the journey that people take when caring for an adult child suffering from mental health awareness. The honesty and heart for which the author writes pour through on every page, and the way each chapter is crafted to take the reader through each stage of this process, no matter how painful, really showcases the author’s personal approach to the subject and the way in which readers are able to relate to this topic.

The thing that struck me the most was the author’s unique perspective. Rather than getting a professional psychologist’s POV or getting a more clinical approach to the topic, readers are treated to an honest, heart-to-heart conversation between a mother and the readers out there who need to hear this amazing author’s words. While not a parent, I am all too familiar with the effect mental health can have on both the people we love the most and those around them, and reading the author’s words and their experience with this topic was something that was not only identifiable but emotionally connective as well.

The Verdict

A memorable, tragic, yet emotionally connected and engaging read, author Linda Hoff’s “Sisters in the Storm” is a must-read book on mental health awareness and the journey parents must take to seek help for and care for their adult children suffering from said illness. The focus not only on caring for her child but finding a way of caring for herself and finding a way back to finding her new normal in life was a breath of fresh air in regards to this topic, and the emotional and heartfelt journey chronicled here is something readers will not want to miss. Be sure to grab your copy on May 1st, 2022! 

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Not only has Linda Hoff survived the storm, she has created a life of balance, joy, and purpose for herself and her mentally ill adult child (MIAC.) In her debut book, Sisters in the Storm, Linda shares her struggles, heartache, and lessons learned over the last ten years as she navigated through her son’s unexpected schizophrenia diagnosis. Linda shares a home on the outskirts of Saint Louis, Missouri with a friend and fellow mom of a MIAC, two dogs, and two cats. She visits her son regularly and loves to spend time in nature, traveling, reading, and enjoying time with her four grandchildren.

The Seven Graces of Ageless Aging: How to Die Young As Late in Life As Possible by Jason Elias Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Jason Elias takes readers on a journey into what it means to be a member of the elderly community and how to show the world their continued value and worth to the world as a whole in the book, “The Seven Graces of Ageless Aging: How to Die Young As Late in Life as Possible”. 

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The Synopsis

The Seven Graces of Ageless Aging synthesizes and simplifies the components of conscious aging into a primer for individuals who are concerned about their own aging process and for those caring for the elderly who seek an enlightened understanding of how all of us may approach aging more consciously and, gracefully. In short, these Seven Graces can serve as stepping-stones toward attaining emotional or spiritual wholeness as we age.

Elderhood can be a time of reckoning, a time to look inside, to wonder where we have been, and where we are not going.The message of The Seven Graces of Ageless Aging is less about how to live a long life, and more about supporting vitality, being present, finding meaning and purpose, and sustaining a youthful heart-well into old age.

To shed light on this reckoning, I have interviewed and highlight the stories of a dozen individuals in their late seventies, eighties, and nineties, and one over one hundred. They are mentors, clients, and close friends. Each of these remarkable individuals, in his or her way, has refused to accept the timeworn script that equates old age with decrepitude. Instead, they have chosen to rewrite the script and embrace old age with dignity and grace. Listening carefully to their stories and insights inspired me and quieted my own fears about aging. They have become my Pathfinders, modern-day sages, who share their wisdom and experiences throughout this book.

In essence, as our Pathfinders show us, aging need not dictate dismal decline. When we debunk the negative preconceived notions of aging, we can even reverse the aging process. The studies cited in this book, along with the Pathfinders’ collective, lived experience and my 50 years in the healing arts, offer solid guidelines, practical resources, and inspiration for those who want to learn how to follow Dr. Ashley Montagu’s advice and die young as late in life as possible.

The Seven Graces of Ageless Aging include:

Rewriting the Script: reframing what it means to grow old;

Finding Your Tribe: honoring the importance of good relationships;

Practicing Mindfulness: learning techniques that enable us to live in the moment (the eternal NOW);

Awakening Joy through Simplicity and Humor: living a simple, appreciative, and accepting life;

Pursuing Your Passion: clarifying a long-dreamed vision or unrealized idea and practicing it;

Moving and Being Moved: exercising sensibly on a regular basis to prevent stagnation and enhance mental, emotional and physical vigor, acuity, and creativity;

Nurturing Your Body, the Temple of the Divine: giving your body the essentials it needs to thrive (clean air, nourishing food, pure drinking water, and loving relationships). 

The Review

One of the first things that I noticed about this book that readers are going to love is that this is the kind of book that becomes interactive with time. The author does an incredible job of building a book that causes readers to make notes, earmark pages, and keep tabs to come back time and time again as certain pieces of advice or steps the author has outlined become relevant to the reader’s life. The thorough and thoughtful way the author presented these chapters was well balanced with the personable and warmth of both the author’s words and the interviewees who participated to share their wisdom and views on life as we get older. 

I absolutely loved the duality of this book’s audience, as it not only speaks to older generations about how to not give in to any given narrative on how they are supposed to live their lives in their “golden years”, but also speaks to younger generations on how to live life to the fullest at all times, to find the people or community that will allow us to be our best selves, and to stop focusing on “perfection” as an ideal and instead learn to love ourselves and those around us as they are. The way the author is able to give tribute and honor to each interviewee and share these stories while accomplishing the goal of laying out these 7 goals makes this such a memorable read.

The Verdict

Honest, thoughtful, and engaging, author Jason Elias’s “The Seven Graces of Ageless Aging: How to Die Young As Late in Life As Possible” is a must-read book. The personal and memorable way the author was able to blend the stories of these incredible people with the lifelong lessons that readers can turn to time and again made for an absolute heartfelt read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Jason Elias has had a lifelong passion for healing. His earliest memories include watching his Greek Jewish grandmother concoct herbal remedies and poultices in the kitchen of his boyhood home in Brooklyn. He would emulate his beloved elder by healing his family and neighbors with grass cuttings and sugar. As a young man, he studied psychology, acupuncture, and both Chinese and Western Herbal Medicine. His passion led him to study with many master teachers in New York City, California, the Philippines, Japan, China, India, and England.

Jason has been in private practice for more than 40 years, working with clients of all ages. He is the author of four previous books: Feminine Healing: A Woman’s Guide to a Healthy Body, Mind, and Spirit (Warner Books) ISBN: 9780446672719, Chinese Medicine for Maximum Immunity: Understanding the Five Elemental Types for Health and Well-Being (Three Rivers Press) ISBN: 9780609802731, The A to Z Guide to Healing Herbal Remedies (Dell Books) ISBN: 9780517149331, Kissing Joy As It Flies: A Journey in Search of Healing and Wholeness (Five Element Healing Press) ISBN: 9780996654203. For more information about his work, contact: http://www.fiveelementhealing.net