Category: reviews

All Money Ain’t Good Money: A Jinx Curry Mystery Book 1 by Tracey Lampley 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 private investigator must discover the whereabouts of a missing granddaughter of a congressman in author Tracey Lampley’s “All Money Ain’t Good Money: A Jinx Curry Mystery Book 1”.

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The Synopsis

The Private Investigator

As a novice private investigator, Jinx Curry could f*ck up a wet dream. But as an experienced PI, she hates her job. The single mom spends her days spying on cheating wives and husbands, but she aches for more importance.

When her boss, Capricorn Hayes, finally assigns Jinx a missing persons case involving a congressman’s missing granddaughter, Jinx jumps at the chance. Not only to solve it, but to earn the fifty-thousand-dollar bonus that would pay her bills, and get a menacing creditor off her back.

But the investigation proves more dangerous and costly than Jinx believes. After an unknown individual in a black Corvette nearly runs Jinx down and begins stalking her, Jinx has to sacrifice her relationship with her daughter by sending Arielle to live with her father. Can Jinx find the congressman’s daughter while surviving her stalker? Or will this job be her last?

The Players


Deebo: He’s the scintillating rapper who may be secretly married to the missing teen. A marriage revelation infringes on the rapper’s rising-star status. Did Deebo off his wife to preserve record sales?

Bam: He’s Jinx’s childhood friend who loaned the sleuth a boatload of money. With Jinx unable to repay the loan, has Bam decided to make an example out of Jinx for lack of repayment?

Elena: She’s the missing person. Perhaps Elena doesn’t want to be found. Will she kill Jinx to prevent the sleuth from exposing her location?

Young Calloway: He’s the Georgetown Law School dropout and only grandson of Congressman Calloway. After Jinx discovers the rivalry between Elena and Young Calloway, Jinx also uncovers Young Calloway’s dark past. Has Young Calloway decided to eliminate Jinx to cover up his crimes?

Congressman Calloway: Up for re-election, the congressman cannot afford a family scandal. Did he hire Jinx to find Elena to coverup the young teen’s possible murder? If so, has he decided to eliminate Jinx to clean up the family mess?

The Review

A rich and mesmerizing mystery, the author perfectly balances the dynamic character developments with the unfolding mystery of this young woman’s disappearance. The protagonist is a strong yet vulnerable heroine who evolves and grows over time during this story in a way that feels real and honest about the situation. The action and intrigue that go into this narrative allow the mystery to unfold at a great pace, never revealing too much too soon.

The author was able to incorporate so many different themes into this story. From racism and corruption to family dynamics and vengeance, the story managed to not only bring readers into the investigation but also mirror the main story with Jinx’s personal growth and the threats she faced in her own life. The tension that built over time and the empathy that the protagonist brought to the investigations made her instantly engaging to readers.

The Verdict

Memorable, adrenaline-filled, and thrilling author Tracey Lampley’s “All Money Ain’t Good Money” is a must-read mystery thriller and a perfect introduction to Jinx’s private investigation series. The narrative twists and turns and Jinx’s shocking final moments will have readers clamoring for more. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

When she is not writing, Tracey Lampley loves attending and watching sporting events such as WNBA, NBA, college football and NFL football. Currently Tracey is completing her MA in Creative Writing at Southern New Hampshire University. She already holds an MS in Publishing from Pace University and a BA in English/Technical & Scientific Communication from Miami University of Ohio. She resides in the metro Atlanta, Georgia area with her pooch Neo and near her daughter Asia.

You can follow the author at:

Website: https://traceylampley.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracey.lampley.12

X/Twitter: @bookmistress1

Instagram: tralam4156

Purchase a copy of All Money Ain’t Good Money on

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/All-Money-Aint-Good-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0CW1DW3SX

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/all-money-aint-good-money-tracey-lampley/1145537634?ean=2940179752004

Blog Tour Calendar

August 12th @ The Muffin

Join us as we celebrate the launch of Tracey Lampley’s novel All Money Ain’t Good Money. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of her book.

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

August 14th @ Words by Webb

Stop by for today’s review of All Money Ain’t Good Money – a Jinx Curry Mystery.

https://www.jodiwebbwriter.com/blog

August 16th @ My Beauty My Books

Want a fun read for the weekend? Check out the spotlight on All Money Ain’t Good Money by Tracey Lampley.

https://mybeautymybooks.com

August 17th @ Writer Advice

Novelist Tracey Lampley shares her thoughts on the value of planting a red herring.

https://www.writeradvice.com

August 19 @  Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews

Let’s take a peek at the life of an author with today’s interview of Tracey Lampley.

https://lisahaselton.com/blog

August 21st @ Chapter Break

Tracey Lampley, who writes about private investigator Jinx Curry, posts about why we all love a flawed protaganist.

Chapterbreak.net

August 22nd @ Knotty Needle

The Knotty Needle will be reviewing All Money Ain’t Good Money by Tracey Lampley.

http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/

August 22nd @ Book Room Reviews

Stop by for a surprise guest post by Tracey Lampley, author of All Money Ain’t Good Money.

http://www.bookroomreviews.com/

August 24th @  Author Anthony Avina

Learn how Tracey Lampley made the Leap from Novella to Novel in today’s guest post plus a review of All Money Ain’t Good Money by Anthony Avina.

https://authoranthonyavinablog.wordpress.com

August 28th @ Create Write Now

In today’s spotlight, learn more about the first Jinx Curry mystery: All Money Ain’t Good Money.

https://www.createwritenow.com/journal-writing-blog

August 30th @ Choices

Tracey Lampley, author of All Money Ain’t Good Money, is telling us the six authors she’d like to invite for a dinner party in today’s guest post.

http://madelinesharples.com

August 31st @ A Wonderful World of Words

Novelist Tracey Lampley writes about what her life was like before she began writing today at Wonderful World of Words.

https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com

September 3rd @ StoreyBook Reviews

Drop by for a review of All Money Ain’t Good Money by Tracey Lampley.

https://www.storeybookreviews.com

September 4th @  Author Anthony Avina

Enjoy Anthony Avina’s review of All Money Ain’t Good Money by Tracey Lampley.

https://authoranthonyavinablog.wordpress.com

September 5 @ Word Magic

Tracey Lampley, author of All Money Ain’t Good Money, is writing about life with her canine buddy Neo.

https://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com

September 6th @ A Story Book World

Looking for a new novel? Today’s spotlight is on All Money Ain’t Good Money by Tracey Lampley.

https://www.astorybookworld.com

September 7 @ Boys’ Mom Reads!

Tracey Lampley’s All Money Ain’t Good Money is reviewed today by Karen of Boys’ Mom Reads.

https://karensiddall.wordpress.com

September 9th @ Nikki’s Book Reviews

Along with a review of All Money Ain’t Good Money, author Tracey Lampley will be posting about what she likes best about Live Sports Events. 

http://nikkitsbookreviews.wordpress.com

September 12th @ Reading Is My Remedy

Struggle with what your characters should say? Author Tracey Lampley’s guest post is about writing realistic dialogue. They’ll also be a review of her novel All Money Ain’t Good Money.

https://readingismyremedy.wordpress.com

September 14th @ That’s So Nitra

Learn the difference between Macro editing and Micro editing with the help of Tracey Lampley.

https://nenitraanna.wordpress.com

September 15th @ Boots, Shoes and Fashion

In today’s interview, learn more about Tracey Lampley, author of the first book in the Jinx Curry mystery series: All Money Ain’t Good Money.

https://bootsshoesandfashion.com

Delightmares by Michael S. Gatlin 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 teen in the early 90s helps punk gurus form a mock religion in author Michael S. Gatlin’s “Delightmares”.

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The Synopsis

It’s 1994. Kurt Cobain has just died. Nineteen-year-old poet and ex-carnie Martin Hemlock has moved to Nashville, where he quickly befriends His Assholiness Pope Jas and Chuckie The Plague. Martin helps these two punk-rock gurus start a faux religion: The First Interplanetary Church of The Immaculate Deception. The goal is to make a mockery of all organized religions, and begs a question—is nothing sacred worth a damn?

As the church grows in size and infamy, recruiting more followers of Chuckie called Plaguists, religion turns to war on two fronts. Martin must navigate Nazis, preachers, and murderous Vanderbilt kids in Cadillacs, all while giving outrageous sermons and throwing the wildest parties imaginable. On top of all that: will Martin ever sell enough acid to make it back to Chicago?

Jack Kerouac meets Charles Manson in this wild story from Michael S. Gatlin.

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The Review

What a compelling and thoughtful read! The author perfectly captured the fervor and issues that many organized religions face in their practices and beliefs. The satire and wit that the author’s writing style brought to life on the page were vibrant and alive, perfectly capturing the book’s tone and setting of the 1990s. 

The character development and themes of the narrative really stood out. The protagonist’s journey and the way this mock religion explodes allow the exploration of religion, the politics of this era (and, in reality, our modern day as well), and human sexuality and how society treats it to become prominent in the story. The atmosphere of rebellion and striking out against organizations came through.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, compelling, and engaging author Michael S. Gatlin’s Delightmares is a must-read satirical novel. The narrative’s twists and turns and the protagonist’s insightful, humorous, and shocking commentary on such powerful themes make the book one that readers will return to many times. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Michael S. Gatlin is a fifty year old pirate, still surfing the seas of adventure. He owns and operates Owl & Whale, a bitters / cocktail consulting company in Portland Maine. He moved there from New York City where he owned and operated the restaurant / bar Verlaine on the Lower East Side. He moved to New York from Montana where he cleared trails for the National Park Service. After high school Michael joined a traveling carnival and drove from Vancouver to Quebec City operating a reverse bungee jump ride known as The Ejection Seat. After that he helped start a mock religion known as The First Interplanetary Church of The Immaculate Deception. His first book has just been published. Delightmares is about his time spent in Nashville helping that gang of punk rock misfits assemble a faux cult. 

Delightmares

https://www.instagram.com/delightmares_

The Chronicles of the Chosen Undead: Volume 1: The Gifts of the Dark God by Fred Darkness 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. 

An undead warrior becomes the figure of a dark prophecy that will determine the fate of humanity in author Fred Darkness’s “The Chronicles of the Chosen Undead: Volume 1: The Gifts of the Dark God”.

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The Synopsis

The Chronicles of the Chosen Undead: Book 1 – The Gifts of the Dark God

At the beginning of time, the God of Light created the souls of men using the sparks of the Primeval Flame. Millennia have passed since then, and almost all the gods have perished in their battles, leaving humanity weak and corrupt.

A dark prophecy unfolds as the world descends into chaos. Radamant, a malevolent sorcerer, serves the Checkrops, three eternal demons assassinates the last emperor of Heidal and seizes the Primeval Flame. With this stolen power, the daughters of the God of Darkness unleash a plague of the undead, turning the dead into monsters that prey on the living.

In this epic fantasy adventure series, the Primeval Flame’s light fades, and humanity’s survival hangs by a thread. Amidst this turmoil, an undead named Rhys rises. Cursed with a scarlet-eyed demon within his soul and devoid of memories from his past life. He knows only his name, which means “Chosen one” in the ancient language of the gods.

The three Keras, goddesses who control the fate of humanity, summon Rhys but remain unable to decipher the enigma of his curse. Ancient legends speak of an undead who will one day determine the fate of the world. Is Rhys destined to be this figure? What path will he choose in this dark fantasy saga?

The Chronicles of the Chosen Undead: Book 1 – The Gifts of the Dark God takes readers on a journey through a dystopian fantasy world teeming with sorcery, magic, and eternal conflict. Fans of dark souls-inspired books and epic fantasy series will be enthralled by Rhys’s quest against immortal demons and dark forces. This fantasy action adventure book series promises a gripping tale of cursed destinies and magical realism, where the darkest paths may lead to the brightest light.

Will Rhys be the one to fulfill the dark god prophecy? Can he save the world, or will he doom it to eternal darkness? Embark on this harrowing fantasy sword quest and discover the fate that awaits in this spellbinding fantasy novel series.

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The Review

The first thing that popped into my head as I began reading this novel was how atmospheric the narrative was. The fantasy realm this story takes place in, and the descriptive nature of each piece of scenery and action immediately brings the reader into the book, developing a haunting and cinematic quality in the author’s writing that makes the reader feel as if they were watching this on the big screen as the next epic dark fantasy series.

The dynamic action of this series and the rich character development were the highlights of this narrative. Readers get varying perspectives, especially between Rhys and Jude, two characters who find themselves on epic yet personal journeys and unknowingly share a connection neither is aware of. The haunting monsters and villains of this world, as well as the powerful themes that rounded out this story, made the overall novel chilling yet engaging enough to keep readers hooked until the epic final chapter. 

The Verdict

Author Fred Darkness’s “The Chronicles of the Chosen Undead: The Gifts of the Dark God” is a must-read dark fantasy story about power, destiny, and the balance between light and dark that the universe tends to have. The novel’s thrilling twists and turns, the poetic and profound themes that these characters embody, and the memorable action will keep readers eager for the next entry in this author’s epic new fantasy series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Fred, an engineer by profession, found solace in writing after the heartbreak of losing the woman he loved. Despite his career in managing industrial plant construction projects, Fred’s passion for storytelling led him to write his first novel at eighteen. Over the years, he penned six more, all without publication. What started as a vague idea inspired by Dark Souls blossomed into a seven-volume saga, written in just two and a half years. Writing became Fred’s refuge, a way to escape his pain. Reluctantly sharing his story, Fred hopes readers will find the same solace and adventure in his books.

https://www.freddarkness.com

https://www.tiktok.com/@freddarkness/video/7410390227082169632?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7349394142050731563

Cora’s Christmas Challenge: A Magical Story of Friendship, Festive Fun, and the Spirit of Giving by Sally Kashner 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 young girl learns a valuable life lesson during the holidays in author Sally Kashner’s “Cora’s Christmas Challenge: A Magical Story of Friendship, Festive Fun, and the Spirit of Giving”.

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The Synopsis

CREATE TREASURED CHRISTMAS MEMORIES WITH YOUR FAMILY

Cora’s Christmas Challenge is the perfect children’s Christmas book for kids ages 4-8, combining the magic of the season with valuable life lessons. Join Cora on her festive adventure as she discovers the true meaning of kindness, friendship, and teamwork.

This heartwarming tale promises to inspire, educate, and entertain. Embrace the spirit of giving with Cora and spread the message: “Cora Can, and So Can You!”

Perfectly nestled under the tree, this book is a holiday treat that will foster bonds that last a lifetime. It’s the gift of a story—one that you and your child will want to revisit year after year, making it a beloved part of your family’s holiday tradition.

More than just a captivating story, this book includes engaging supplementary materials like an activity and coloring book, a teaching guide, an audiobook, and an e-book. These additions ensure a richer reading experience and extend the learning, making Cora’s Christmas Challenge perfect for both home and classroom use.

This season, give a gift that brings warmth to the heart and joy to the home. Let Cora’s Christmas Challenge be the beginning of memories you’ll treasure forever.

The Review

This was a refreshing, fun, and heartfelt read. Children and parents alike will be drawn to this narrative, which captures the magic and wonder of the holidays and a snowy day in general and the rewarding feeling that kindness and friendship can have on a person, an important message for children to learn at an early age.

The illustrations from Remesh Ram were breathtaking. Equal parts artwork and children’s animation, they just jumped off the page with striking color. The book’s interactive nature, with the “find the squirrel” element, really allowed children to delve into the story, and the themes of friendship and kindness through adventure and Christmas tradition made this one book parents will want to return to with their kids time and time again.

The Verdict

Interactive, heartfelt, and fun author Sally Kashner’s “Cora’s Christmas Challenge” is a must-read children’s book and holiday adventure. The joy and emotion the protagonist exudes will prove inspirational and beautiful to children. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating; 10/10

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About the Author

Sally Kashner’s approach to children’s literature is deeply rooted in her teaching days when she made literature come alive for her students. Today, she aims to ignite a similar enthusiasm for reading in young readers through stories that blend whimsy with learning opportunities. Each of her books invites children to explore new worlds, promoting discovery and growth.

Beyond crafting stories, Sally is committed to helping English Language Learners find their voice and assisting teenagers in preparing for college. Her dedication extends to improving literacy and supporting social-emotional learning (SEL).

Through her narratives, Sally encourages a love of reading, aiming to enhance literacy skills while fostering emotional and social development. She believes in the power of stories to empower and teach, ensuring that her books are more than just entertainment—they’re a vehicle for real-world learning and personal growth.

For young adventurers eager to explore the depths of their imagination and learn along the way, Sally Kashner’s books are a gateway to the wonders of childhood and beyond.

https://www.coracancollection.com

The Ascension (Callum Walker Book One) by J.M. Shaw 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. 

An introverted young man discovers he has gained new powers and becomes embroiled in a war between two evil and powerful brothers in author J.M. Shaw’s “The Ascension”, the first book in the Callum Walker series.

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The Synopsis

A magical war is brewing. While humankind is blissfully unaware, two evil brothers, a sorcerer and a necromancer, are marshaling deadly supernatural forces and armies of mythical creatures in a bid to destroy one another. The triumphant warlord will be free to impose their dominion over Earth’s natural world and a coexisting magical realm concealed from human knowledge behind an ethereal veil.

Meanwhile, Callum Walker is an introverted young man born with gifts that he struggles to understand. As monsters begin wreaking havoc in his city, Callum is compelled to use his unmastered arcane abilities to combat the growing menace. Unfortunately, the scheming warlords notice his vigilante escapades, and both see Callum as a potential threat.

While coming to terms with his extraordinary powers, Callum discovers a hidden world of magic and a cryptic prophecy that proclaims he will end the warfare now breaching the veil. However, Callum soon finds himself pursued by the agents of both factions, plus those seeking personal sanctuary or offering to help.

Ultimately, Callum Walker must overcome his fears and doubts if he hopes to survive, let alone bring the conflict to an end.

The Review

What a magical and powerful read. The author immediately draws the reader in with both personal internal conflict for the protagonist and terrifying supernatural and magical threats to the world. The action is adrenaline-fueled, and the imagery the author uses brings the visceral nature of the fighting and the creatures that make up this magical world to life in a very cinematic way. The pacing is fast-paced, drawing the reader in early on and laying out the wealth of mythos the author cultivated for this series. 

The heart of the narrative resides in the character developments that bring this story to life. Not only did I immediately resonate with Callum’s story and personal struggles, especially as an introvert with social anxiety myself, but the wide cast of characters gave readers multiple perspectives that captured the chaos of the war between the two evil brothers and the skewed perspectives their allies have of one another, adding to Callum’s growing problems throughout the narrative.

The Verdict

Memorable, thrilling, and entertaining author J.M. Shaw’s “The Ascension” is a must-read dark fantasy meets horror novel and the perfect first entry into this new series. The twists and turns in the novel and the powerful imagery that keeps the reader engaged with this story and the characters involved will drive readers to want more and more from this fantastic author. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

J. M. Shaw lives in Airdrie, Alberta with her husband and two young children. She has a background in x-ray technology, psychology, and personal training, as well variable personal interests in martial arts, airsoft, and running. A diagnosis of autism for herself and both her sons has begun an incredible journey of understanding, acceptance, and life-long learning. She has immensely enjoyed writing creatively for more than thirty years, and with many novels in various degrees of completion. The Ascension is her debut novel in the Callum Walker series.

https://jmshawauthor.com

The Girl Who Changed The World by Machiel Hoek 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. 

In author Machiel Hoek’s ” The Girl Who Changed The World, ” a young girl’s journey to make small changes that change the world will inspire readers to learn the power of thoughts and small actions on the greater scale of the universe.

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The Synopsis

Dive into “The Girl Who Changed The World,” where Lisa’s journey of self-discovery unravels the mysteries of life, guided by her enigmatic grandfather and the secrets he holds.

Explore the balance of ancient wisdom and modern insights as Lisa navigates through the complexities of truth and reality, reshaping her understanding of herself and the world around her.

In this book, you will:

  • Discover the power of thoughts and actions to shape your reality.
  • Learn the importance of balance between doing and being in life.
  • Explore the transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
  • Uncover the secrets of fulfillment and personal growth.
  • Embrace a narrative that celebrates the influence of feminine energy in changing the world.

The Girl Who Changed The World weaves a tapestry of inspiration and allegory, appealing to readers of all ages with its message of empowerment and transformation. This book challenges perceptions and invites readers on a journey of self-reflection and empowerment.

Embark on a journey of discovery and empowerment and discover the power within you to shape your reality!

The Review

What a delightful, impactful read. The author does an incredible job of weaving together a heartfelt story of a young woman discovering her impact on the world and our power to shape reality as we see it. The emotional connection shared between Lisa and her grandfather and the philosophical and equally emotional conversations that spark this book’s journey will resonate with young readers and anyone looking for a more spiritual or intellectual journey through life.

The author’s creativity in developing a fictional story that can be used as a guide through a mental, spiritual, and emotional journey of self-made this a compelling narrative. The lessons taught throughout these characters’ stories were incredible, from each person having their own “reality” to learning to forgive yourself and others, following your dreams, and more, and the impact we can have on one another was remarkably demonstrated throughout this story.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and insightful author Machiel Hoek’s “The Girl Who Changed the World” is a deeply personal and inspiring read. The metaphysical YA novel melds ideas of philosophy and spirituality together eloquently. The twists and turns in the actual story and the relatability of the characters only serve to emphasize the events of this narrative. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Live life forward in confidence, afterwards everything will fall into place. In other words, It all makes sense, everything is correct. I live and do business from this vision. I like to keep it simple, because it doesn’t have to be complicated. Improving the world is something I like to contribute to.

It’s the deeper layers in life that intrigue me. What drives us and why do we do things the way we do? Over the years I have received my answers to these questions and with this I help people, entrepreneurs, on their way to a life based on trust and relaxation.

Originally I come from the analytical financial world, the people around me always liked it if I could give them new insights when they got stuck on personal / business issues. As a partner at a real estate company and at my current company, I have always been able to use my connecting and coaching skills in conflicts or misunderstandings to bring parties closer together for good cooperation. From my vision that the world is a mirror of yourself, we always come to very enlightening insights and solutions.

It often turns out that private and business overlap, can strengthen each other, but can also weaken if there is an imbalance in one of the two.

From all the training I have done in the field of personal development, coaching and mediation, I have developed my own approach. From all this knowledge, wisdom and life experience, my book ‘The girl who changed the world’ also emerged.

At IT ALL MAKES SENSE, Jennet and I both look at how we can make your life lighter and more relaxing together with you.

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What’s Eating Our Kids? A Parent’s Guide to Food Allergy, Intolerance and Toxicity by Julie A. Wendt, MD 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 Julie A Wendt, MD, shares the causes and solutions for severe food allergies and how they can impact you as a parent in the book “What’s Eating Our Kids? A Prent’s Guide to Food Allergy, Intolerance, and Toxicity”.

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The Synopsis

What’s Eating Our Kids? A parents’ guide to food allergy, intolerance, and toxicity

What is eating our kids? More and more of us parents are asking that question. There has been a steep increase in the number of allergic reactions and in the number of patients who can no longer tolerate food without absolute misery. Have you, as a loving parent, ever felt helpless in your struggles to figure out your child’s food allergies, reactions, and aversions? Do you wonder why this is happening? Most importantly, I hope you haven’t given up, because this book will help guide you or your child to the relief you’ve been waiting for.

You are not alone: I’m an allergy parent too. I have been through my son’s severe eczema as a baby, dealt with a multitude of his allergies as a boy and young man, and managed the lactose intolerance of my teenage daughter. Whether you’re a new or an experienced allergy parent, the emotional stresses and strains of managing your family’s allergies are really challenging.

What’s Eating Our Kids? contains information key to understanding the causes of your suffering: food allergy, intolerance, and toxicity. I break down the most common (and some not-so-common) food reactions and walk through the symptoms, specific medical conditions, and the diagnosis, testing, and treatment process.

I wrote this book to guide parents and allergic children to and through proven solutions that will ease their allergies, reactions, and the stress. You can live a normal life, even with severe allergies.

The Review

This was a thoughtfully curated and insightful read. The author did an incredible job of educating readers while writing in a way that allowed readers to understand the presented information. The details the author poured into this book cover the basics of food allergies, recognizing the symptoms surrounding food allergy reactions, and so much more.

The author hit on one particular allergy my family is accustomed to: Celiac disease. So often, gluten-free food is made the butt of a joke, as many people have used this particular food as a fad diet in social circles. Yet the truth is so many people with Celiac Disease have terrible allergies to gluten, and the most significant impact comes from the effect it has on the person’s gastrointestinal tract, making understanding this allergy so important. 

ELDP

The Verdict

Engaging, thoughtful, and insightful author Julie A. Wendt, MD’s “What’s Eating Your Children?” is a must-read nonfiction book. The information and re-readability that readers will find when returning to this guidebook time and time again will help readers understand the illnesses and allergies that can impact those closest to them, especially their children, and how to help those individuals when facing the complex problems that can arise from triggering that allergy. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Dr. Wendt earned B.S. degrees with honors in biochemistry and biology from the University of Illinois, a degree in microbiology and immunology from Vanderbilt University, and her M.D. from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. She completed her residency and fellowship at Rush University.

In private practice since 2005, Dr. Wendt has published a great deal of research. She has received the American Medical Association Physician’s Recognition Award, a Patient Choice Award, and is noted as one of America’s Top Physicians. Dr. Wendt is a former President of the Arizona Allergy and Asthma Society.

Mind Your Steps: A Thought Walk Meditation Practice by James Steed 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 James Teed explains in “Mind Your Steps: A Thought Walk Meditation Practice” how to shed negative unconscious thoughts and bring humor and happiness into one’s life.

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The Synopsis

Buddha said every movement begins with a thought. If so, then each step you take begins and ends with a thought, which means by walking you are going from one thought to another thought. What’s going on between the thoughts?

Buddhism has a mindfulness practice known as walking meditation. While walking and trying to remain mindful of each step (thought), you discover you have a dramatic soap opera of unhelpful extraneous internal messed-up conversations going on with yourself, with others, and with the universe. These intrude upon your peace of mind and derail your mindful attention to your steps (life).

Mind Your Steps shows you how to call them out of your unconscious mind and gives your the tools to neutralize them by labeling them while acknowledging their presence or self-administering CT and CBT approaches to challenge or correct them before replacing them back into your unconscious mind and walking on, thereby harnessing the power of your unconscious to improve your daily life. Mind Your Steps presents an easily applied self-help approach to anxiety, depression, and other forms of mental and emotional discomfort.

Regular 40-minute practice of this surprisingly simple manual stops self-sabotage and introduces humor and happiness into your life.

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The Review

This was a compelling nonfiction read on meditation and the power of walking. The average reader can ascertain the physical benefits of walking, but the depth and detail the author goes into regarding the mental and psychological benefits, as well as the spiritual benefits, that walking can have on a person’s mind was so enthralling that it was easy to get lost in it. 

The fast pace of the book and the educational aspect of the book melded with the author’s background and experiences perfectly. The techniques the author describes in this particular meditation, from learning the “I Know” method of confronting negative thoughts to retraining your unconscious thoughts to become more beneficial and less detrimental by utilizing the spaces between thoughts in much the same way thoughts are dealt with in between steps in a walk; the author gives readers a fresh new perspective on mental health and meditation as a whole.

The Verdict

An insightful, engaging, and memorable book, author James Steed’s “Mind Your Steps” is a must-read nonfiction book on mental health, meditation, and the balance between spirituality and psychology. The use and practice that the author gives readers to be able to learn these techniques will have readers returning to this guide time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

James Steed is an author, professor, editor of medical and scientific research, designer, and human potential consultant. He holds advanced degrees in Art Education, Chinese, and Language Education as well as multiple certificates in neurolinguistic programming, intuitive and Ericksonian hypnotherapy, and insight meditation. Having helped clients and students overcome their obstacles and reach their goals for more than 30 years, he is now semi-retired and devoted to helping the world by publishing books on various topics and uploading audio programs that benefit humankind on Insight Timer and other platforms as well as his pages: zen-x com tw and thesilentmutiny com. His hobbies include permaculture, food forest farming, and advocating for social, economic, and environmental justice.

The Lost Art of Magic: Tome I by Jonni Jordyn 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 teen girl unlocks and releases magic back into the world and faces the dark forces who will kill to have it all to themselves in author Jonni Jordyn’s “The Lost Art of Magic: Tome I”.

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The Synopsis

Magic has been lost for centuries, and when 16-year-old Destiny stumbles upon it, she accidentally unlocks it for all the descendants of the ancient clans, but some of them want it only for themselves and are willing to kill to keep it.

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The Review

What a powerful and unique magical novel. The narrative takes off immediately, showcasing a deadly war between witches and their ancient enemies. The protagonist, Destiny, makes a strong impression as she revels in releasing her magical gifts, a first in centuries, and yet stays true to herself, forging her path forward despite her ancestors’ and grandmother’s insistence on learning the ancient ways. The even pacing allows the world-building and mythology the author has established to take hold, enveloping the narrative with creativity and heart.

The imagery of the author’s writing style and the rich storytelling that the author brought to life on the page were superb. The action and chaos that erupt upon Destiny unlocking magic keep the adrenaline flowing, and the character development is so dynamic on the page, from Destiny’s strong protagonist role to her connection to characters like Blake or Marvalaine to the vile villain who will stop at nothing to claim her power. 

The Verdict

Heartfelt, compelling, and entertaining author Jonni Jordyn’s “The Lost Art of Magic: Tome I” is a must-read magical fantasy and supernatural adventure. The narrative’s twists and turns and powerful themes of good versus evil create a new and buzzworthy series that will keep fans on the edge of their seats for book two. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on September 13th, 2024 or preorder your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Jonni Jordyn, born in Oakland, Ca, started out playing music at age two, and moved on to singing and acting in grade school. High School introduced writing and film making followed by drawing and photography in college. In other words, she had a VERY LIBERAL arts education.

Jonni published some poetry and some india ink drawings in literary magazines while in college, won critical acclaim for her acting in a cabaret theater, but was faced with a decision to pick out the arts she wanted to pursue.

Of all the available opportunities, music and song writing won the first round when she found herself performing with legendary stars of the sixties and seventies.

Round two began years later, after leaving California for Arizona. It all started with a blank piece of paper and the question, “how can I possibly write more than eleven thousand words for a single story?” A valid question which was followed up a year later with, “How did I ever write 160,000 words?”

Now, the writing comes much easier, but still there are questions like, “How will I ever get all these ideas written down?” followed closely by, “How many times can I edit the same book?”

Jonni currently lives in Colorado with her bird.