Tag: mental health

When the World Hurts by Liz Moyer Benferhat 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 Liz Moyer Benferhat shares the message of finding hope in desolate times and turning our pain into action in the book “When the World Hurts.”

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The Synopsis

Amazon #1 New Release

What if our pain isn’t the end but a beginning?

With breakdown on the rise—climate injustice, war, polarization, inequality—it’s easy to feel helpless. Overwhelmed. Collective pain isn’t just out there; it’s in your body. And if you’re like most people, you don’t know what to do about it.

But what if the pain we’re feeling—individually and collectively—isn’t proof of our demise, but a sign we’re awakening to something deeper as a society? What if your experience has a role to play?

When The World Hurts invites readers into a grounded, soulfully honest way of making sense of the world’s pain. It is a book about emotional healing that offers a simple yet radical idea: our emotions about the world are part of her change. Far from being obstacles, they’re doorways into collective wisdom. We just need the right tools to work with them.

Drawing from years of work at the intersection of sustainable development, systems thinking, and trauma-informed healing, Liz Moyer Benferhat presents a self-help guide to collective healing. She introduces her We Heal For All Circle model, a practice that helps people work with the emotional impact of change by connecting with themselves, each other, and the world through co-created wisdom.

When the World Hurts weaves together healing frameworks, social analysis, and storytelling to explore:

  • Why collective pain is on the rise and what it might point toward.
  • How to unearth wisdom within your grief for the world, and how to use it to play the role the world needs you to.
  • A deep dive into collective wounds to better understand yourself and others in our polarized times.
  • Tools that bridge inner work with outer action.

Whether you’re a burnt out activist seeking political self-help, a parent trying to stay hopeful for your kid, or simply someone who wants to do good in a world that’s upside down, this book is for you. It’s a shared space—a place to breathe, feel, and remember you’re not alone.

These pages won’t tell you how to save the world. But they will help you be in relationship with her, so you can listen more deeply to what’s being asked and be of service to the world’s transformation from the inside out.

The Review

In a world so divided and facing so many challenges, it is easy, when we are feeling stressed or scared about what may happen next, to feel alone and isolated. Yet the author’s book does such a beautiful job of creating a sense of community and love that resonates on an emotional level. The almost conversational tone and atmosphere the author creates with this book’s writing style cut through immediately for readers and allow them to relate to the author and their message very quickly.

The emotional journey readers are taken on is perfectly paired with the strong themes and messages this book offers. Not only are readers able to utilize excercises and moments of self reflection to engage in the author’s book, but the author showcases how the painful moments and experiences they live through both in their personal lives and what we as a society are experiencing right now are not necessarily a reason to despair and turn to hoplessness, but instead to see the winds of change in our world brewing and how that change can be the catalyst to heal these collective wounds and make a brighter future instead.

The Verdict

Hopeful, thoughtful, and engaging, author Liz Moyer Benferhat’s “When the World Hurts” is a must-read nonfiction book of inspiration, guidance, and heart. The author’s positivity and exploration of everything from political activism and parenthood to inner struggles will resonate deeply with readers, creating a book that is both helpful and healing. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Liz has worked in the sustainable development field for almost 20 years, so knows how much heart goes into caring about our world. Which is why she launched We Heal For All in 2018—to support fellow helpers and healers to have a healthier relationship with the world, so they can be conduits for these transformational times.

She does this through collective healing—both as a lens for making sense of the times we live in (“why is the world in so much pain?”) and as an embodied practice for what to do about it. Through writing, teaching, and beautifully co-creative community space, she offers language and tools for the inner dimension of social change, bringing healing-centered approaches into the mix.

Her offerings—Circles, courses, writings, and meditations—support people with the many normal feelings that come with being alive and attuned to our changing world. They’re the very tools she herself has needed as a longtime change maker, now shared to help others usher in the culture and consciousness shifts we’re at the precipice of. 

https://www.wehealforall.com/

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The Martial Art of Recovery: Self-Mastery Practices to Subdue Addiction and Achieve Mental Wellness by Eric Fisher 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 Eric Fisher shares a unique approach to combating addiction and mental health struggles using martial arts in the book “The Martial Art of Recovery.”

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The Synopsis

Addiction has been given various explanations – some regard it as a choice, a habit, a disease, a moral failure, brought on by traumatic experiences, or a combination.

The Martial Art of Recovery offers a unique metaphorical approach to treating addiction, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Techniques and concepts from American Kenpo, a martial arts style, intersect holistically with mental health and addiction treatment.

Striking self-sabotage begins with a single move.

The following is a brief summary of the book’s contents:

  1. Sixty-six American Kenpo martial arts techniques translated for addiction treatment.
  2. Ninety-eight martial arts terms have been translated and presented with practical examples to aid in addiction recovery.
  3. Techniques from the American Kenpo martial arts style are translated into coping skills and strategies for anxiety, depression, and trauma.
  4. A section that provides information, examples, and techniques related to the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual domains that play a role in the recovery process.
  5. The “Five Swords” for addiction treatment and mental health.
  6. How to view the addiction as “The Opponent.”
  7. How to practically apply martial arts techniques and concepts in daily life.

The Review

For such a unique and creative new take on the battle of addiction and mental health, the author’s book felt both relatable and driven in a way that people familiar with the struggle should be able to relate to. The book’s title may seem to indicate that martial arts is the key component to this technique. Instead, the author does a great job of using martial arts as a creative mindset and viewpoint, focusing on mentally transforming these struggles into external forces that can be combatted. 

The book’s slow, steady pacing and the author’s inspirational writing will stay with readers long after it ends. The haunting reality of addiction and mental health is not shied away from, but instead harmoniously brought together with the authors’ unique way of bridging the gap between recovery and martial arts mindsets and training. The book tackles not just the physical but also the mental in a healthy way. It even takes on philosophical, psychological/medical aspects as well, exploring the impact of grief and how the brain itself can be mapped and explored in depth.

The Verdict

The expressive, entertaining way the author writes and the heartfelt message of hope that the author’s writing and techniques promise make this a truly compelling must-read nonfiction book. The way the author incorporates everything from different fighting techniques to the other belts that martial artists earn, and how he relates these to mental health awareness, as well as the at times light and empathetic way he uses his voice, will keep readers hanging on to every word. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Eric Fisher is a certified counsellor based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He has over 13 years of experience working in outpatient and inpatient treatment settings in the US and Canada. Eric is a master practitioner of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), both of which are evidence-based treatments for trauma. Eric’s private practice, Recovery Arts Counselling, serves individuals, couples, and families locally and remotely. He also works as an associate for local clinics in the surrounding area. In the past, Eric has supervised master’s-level graduate students and counsellors early in their careers. Additionally, Eric has a black belt in two martial arts styles: American Kenpo and Wadō-ryū. Eric enjoys hiking and riding his bike outdoors, trying new foods, travelling near and far, and meeting people.

https://amzn.to/49ak0tJ

The Prodigal’s Son: Crackhead to Jesus Freak (Addiction Recovery Support Book 1) by S.E. Tschritter 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 S.E. Tschritter shares an honest and engaging look into the struggles of addiction and what role faith plays in that in the book “The Prodigal’s Son: Crackhead to Jesus Freak.”

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The Synopsis

At 1:30 a.m. Sam Evans received the phone call every spouse dreads. “Mrs. Evans, this is a sergeant with the police department. There’s been an accident.” Six hours later, she received another call. “Mrs. Evans, this is a nurse at the hospital. We found something on the cat scan.”

Instead of preaching that Sunday, Pastor Clint Evans went to jail with a BAC of .24, a cancer diagnosis, and a felony charge of fleeing police. The Prodigal’s Son: Crackhead to Jesus Freak chronicles a Christian’s lifelong battle against demons, addictions, and unworthiness. This story portrays a God who steals the show with a backlash of grace toward a man whom others branded “unredeemable.”

The Prodigal’s Son flings church doors open wide to the world’s misfits and challenges pew-squater saints to stop measuring their godly perfection against the dirty, homeless and addicted. From gutter to pulpit to ditch to grace to grave, The Prodigal’s Son speaks volumes of God’s furious love for the world’s castoffs.

#addiction #addictionsupport #alanon #alcoholicsanonymous #aa #alcoholic #addict #alcoholabuse #druguse #drugaddiction #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagrammers #booktok #best-sellers

This is a story of a pastor arrested for drunk driving. The affects of alcoholism on families is staggering. “My wife hid her addiction from me,” “My husband hid his alcoholism from me.” Millions of men and women are affected by drug addiction. Do you want to know how to find hope when battling addiction? Are you looking for support for spouses of addiction? If you just found out your husband’s an addict, or your wife’s an alcoholic and you’re grieving your spouses addiction, look no further than The Prodigal’s Son: Crackhead to Jesus Freak. Within the pages of this book, you’ll find hope with an addict spouse, learn how to handle your husband’s addiction, and close the cover knowing you are not alone.

The Review

What instantly drew me into this book was the author’s writing style. Bold, honest, and even at times gritty, the author unapologetically delved into this tense and heartbreaking reality of addiction to give readers a vivid image of what this does to both the addict and their loved ones uniquely. The juxtaposition of Clint’s role as a church leader and pillar in the Christian community with the imagery often used to depict addicts and how people think of those who suffer from it was powerful to behold, and the strong emotional response readers have to the author’s writing will become evident soon after starting this book.

The heart of this book was the balance between an honest response to addiction and spirituality, and how those who hold onto faith deal with these troubling moments in life. The author’s particular faith in Christianity takes a firm stand. Yet the author’s messaging and theme of this book go far beyond one specific faith, reaching out to readers of all religions and even non-religious readers such as myself, for addiction affects all people, not just one group over another. Paired with the health crisis that he faced and the emotional impact of the battles he fought through, readers will be heartily invested in this story.

The Verdict

Memorable, emotional, and compelling, author S.E. Tschritter’s “The Prodigal’s Son” is a must-read nonfiction memoir about addiction and faith. The insight, the author’s unique writing style and voice that exuded honesty, humor, and depth, and the heartfelt storytelling poured into this book will stay with readers long after the emotional final chapter. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Multi-award-winning author Sam. E. Tschritter (pronounced Shridder) specializes in articulating grief and loss, leading grievers toward hope and healing. Whether poetry, fiction, or non-fiction, Tschritter writes content that will stick with readers long after they close the cover. Her 20-plus years of leadership experience and contributions to over 40 books enable her to serve others, speaking truth with transparency, humor, and love. Tschritter grew up in Chicagoland and has also lived in Minnesota and Oregon, granting her widespread views of people all over the country. She currently resides in Simpsonville, South Carolina with her husband, their three teen and preteen daughters, cats named Pitter and Patter, and their Siberian husky whom she lost the vote to name Onomatopoeia. Nothing refreshes Tschritter’s soul like gardening. She gardens to work through plot holes, writer’s block, character development, and book ideas. Tschritter spends a great deal of time gardening. 

Read more at https://loveunedited.com or Linktr.ee/LoveSamEvans.

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Interview with Author Kimberly Yule

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

1)         Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing? 

I am married and have three grown children, who are my greatest accomplishment, and I am quite proud of them, too. I’m a retired Nurse Practitioner and worked in mental health, OB/GYN, Hormones & Wellness, and owned my own Regenerative Aesthetics business before retiring in 2021. I’ve had a love for writing since my younger years, when I began journaling. Being retired afforded me lots of time to get back to doing things I love, like writing and traveling. I call California, Texas, and the Caribbean home. If I’m not in one of those places, I’m traveling the world and finding things that inspire me. My best writing is done at the beach.

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2)         What inspired you to write your book?

In many ways, this story is very personal to me. I had a family member who went through some very tough mental health issues, and by the grace of God, was able to reach out for help. What bothered me the most was that we never knew they were having problems. I wanted to write a book that brings mental health to the forefront and lets people know that there is help.

3)         What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

I hope the reader finishes the book with a deeper understanding of how mental health affects people in many ways and that compassion or small gestures can be so powerful. Even if we don’t see it, people are carrying around grief, sadness, and quiet battles that they are fighting beneath the surface. Even in our darkest moments, connections and vulnerability with others can help to create unexpected pathways to healing. Let’s remove the taboo about mental health and make it a a subject that is comfortable to talk about.

4)         What drew you into this particular genre? 

Honestly, it was by accident. When the story came to me, I thought of my children, knowing how difficult life is for kids nowadays. I wanted to make an impact in the young adult age group that has a higher incidence of mental health issues. I felt like I could tell an important story from their viewpoint. The story is also a crossover to any age group that knows someone who suffers from mental health issues.

5)         5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why? 

It would be Briggs. The story only allows for a glimpse into his life and there is so much to learn from him. I would want to have an honest conversation with him about who he is and how his mental health affects him, which would allow for a better understanding of him as a unique person. I’d ask him to describe his pain and how it affects his thoughts. What do you wish you could admit without feeling judged? What’s one message you wish others who struggle could hear from you?

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6)         What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership? 

I would say Goodreads and Facebook

7)         What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there? 

The key is to believe in yourself and just start with writing down something. It took me a couple years to write my story. Maybe at first, I didn’t think I could do it. But the more I wrote, the easier it got, and slowly my story came together, as did the belief in myself that I could write.

8)         What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon? 

I plan to continue writing, as there are more stories of connection I want to tell. Travel is a huge source of inspiration for me. Every place I visit helps to spark new ideas, characters, and scenes. So yes, you will probably find me on a beach writing my next story.

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About the Author

Kimberly Fiese Yule believes life is better with sand between your toes, music in your ears, and a story that makes you feel seen. A mother of three, her greatest pride and joy, she is also a former women’s health nurse practitioner and a lifelong wanderer. Depending on the day, she calls Texas, California, or the Caribbean home, always finding inspiration in sunshine, connection, and the beauty of everyday moments.

https://www.instagram.com/kimberlyyule

https://kimberlyfieseyule.com/

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Your Happier Life Toolbox: How a Data-Driven Dad Cracked the Code on Happiness (And How You Can Too) by Billy Marshall 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 Billy Marshall shares the tools his data-driven mind discovered for a happier mindset in the book “Your Happier Life Toolbox.”

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The Synopsis

What if happiness wasn’t a mystery—but a skill you could master?

At 2 a.m., Billy Marshall—data-driven dad, boat owner, and accidental philosopher—Googled four words that changed everything: how to be happy.

The search didn’t give him an answer. It gave him a project.

Armed with a spreadsheet, two decades of business analytics experience, and a stubborn streak, Billy devoured over 200 episodes of The Happiness Lab podcast, cross-referenced decades of research, and distilled it all into something you can actually use: a complete happiness toolbox.

Inside, you’ll find 42 proven tools to:

  • Rewire your mindset with gratitude, optimism, and resilience
  • Build energizing daily habits for body and mind
  • Create deep, lasting relationships and a stronger community
  • Bust 37 common happiness myths holding you back

Each tool comes with the science behind it, real-life stories (messy attempts included), and action steps you can start today—no guru-speak, no fluff.

Whether you read cover-to-cover or pick a tool that fits your mood, Your Happier Life Toolbox will help you:

  • Feel more in control of your thoughts and emotions
  • Design a life that actually works for you
  • Strengthen your connections with the people who matter most


Happiness isn’t a destination—it’s a daily practice. And with this book, you’ll have everything you need to get started.

If a spreadsheet-obsessed dad from Jersey can do it, so can you.

At the Publisher’s request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

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The Review

What an insightful and engaging read. The author did an incredible job of writing a book that felt both practical and inspiring. The balance the author found between practical tools and the myths he proved false was outstanding to see. The author’s writing style was both honest and straightforward, speaking directly to the reader and conveying a sense of self that allows readers to put these tools into practice and guide their own happiness.

The scientific approach the author took in this self-help and improvement book was the hook that kept me invested in the guide. The way the author explores everything from reframing one’s mind and maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle to maintaining relationships through active listening and forgiveness, among other strategies, provides the reader with a distinct, straightforward path to follow and exposes ideas like the notion that material wealth makes a person happy. Even the role genetics plays in a person’s happiness made this book data-driven and insightful. 

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, engaging, and memorable, author Billy Marshall’s “Your Happier Life Toolbox” is a must-read nonfiction book of self-improvement. The detailed, heavy research the author poured into this book, and the tried-and-true methods that came of it, allow the reader to cultivate a happier, calmer mindset in a time when anxiety and chaos run rampant across social media and our lives as a whole. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Billy Marshall is the “data-driven dad” who cracked the code on happiness—using science.

He spent decades designing technical frameworks and data tools to help business leaders make smart, analytical decisions. But when faced with the messier puzzle of his own well-being—stuck on a question his degrees and decades hadn’t answered despite a loving family and outward success—he realized he needed a new framework for the most important project of all: his own life.

Faced with a 2 a.m. crisis, Billy asked a specific question: What does the science actually say about how to be happy? He wasn’t looking for abstract philosophy, but for evidence-based rules he could count on. He launched an intensive quest, analyzing over 100 peer-reviewed scientific studies and expert interviews. His mission was to find the linchpin—the core principles proven to move the needle on well-being.

The result is Your Happier Life Toolbox, a collection of 42 practical tools derived directly from this extensive research. Billy’s “no-fluff,” evidence-based approach proves that you don’t need a Ph.D. to apply the science of happiness; you just need the right tools.

When he’s not optimizing spreadsheets for joy, Billy can be found cruising the Manasquan River on his pontoon boat, organizing neighborhood cornhole tournaments, or trying (and sometimes failing) at DIY projects. He lives in New Jersey with his wife, Suzy, and their energetic golden retriever, Yeti, and is a proud father of five and grandfather of five.

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To Save One by Kimberly Fiese Yule 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 woman in grief begins a project to tackle mental health and help others in author Kimberly Fiese Yule’s “To Save One.”

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The Synopsis

Find solidarity in loss, friendship, and the fight to bring light into the darkest moments.

“A brave and tender story that speaks to the heart of every teenager, and every parent who loves one.”

When Evy loses her boyfriend to suicide, her life unravels in grief and unanswered questions. With the help of her best friend Henry and her classmate Chloe, who carries her own hidden struggle, Evy channels her pain into The Happy Face Project, a senior film that dares to talk openly about mental health.

What begins as a school project becomes something bigger: a mission to break the silence, to offer hope, and to save at least one life before graduation. Along the way, Evy, Henry, and Chloe discover that healing is found in music, courage, and in standing together when it matters most.

For anyone searching for connection and for every parent or educator who wants to better understand what today’s youth are facing.

A story of heartbreak and resilience, it offers both a mirror for young adult readers and a conversation starter for families, schools, and communities.

The Review

This was such a powerful and moving read. The author did an incredible job of delving into a subject that is both sensitive and heartbreaking, and did so with a reverence and care that truly resonated with readers. The powerful imagery that sets up each chapter’s scenery and tone is compelling, and the depth of world-building the author puts into the story itself speaks to the themes of this story, telling a story that weaves into the fabric of all of our lives. 

Ultimately, this story served as a testament to thought-provoking themes and empathetic characters. The tragic circumstances of Briggs’s story and how his loss impacted so many people in the story were equally on par emotionally as protagonist Evy’s exploration of grief and loss, and the raw moments of her grief that pop up throughout the book are truly relatable to anyone who has ever felt grief like that before. The honest and sympathetic portrayal of mental health and those who suffer from this subject matter, including both those who have become victims of this mindset and those who have been left behind as a result, all have a voice in this story and bring the emotional resonance that makes this story so engaging. 

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The Verdict

A compelling, engaging, and heartfelt YA drama, author Kimberly Fiese Yule’s “To Save One” is a must-read novel. The book also touches upon other themes naturally, including overall health struggles and the impact of a support system, as well as creativity in times of grief and how music can connect people. The book can be haunting at times, and definitely heartbreaking, and yet it is with a strong and compassionate voice that the author brings this rich story to life. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Kimberly Fiese Yule believes life is better with sand between your toes, music in your ears, and a story that makes you feel seen. A mother of three, her greatest pride and joy, she is also a former women’s health nurse practitioner and a lifelong wanderer. Depending on the day, she calls Texas, California, or the Caribbean home, always finding inspiration in sunshine, connection, and the beauty of everyday moments.

https://www.instagram.com/kimberlyyule

https://kimberlyfieseyule.com/

https://amzn.to/47L4hzk

The WellBalance Way by Troy W. Norris 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 Troy W. Norris explains the grounded science and essential steps behind the WellBalance method of personal growth in the book “The WellBalance Way.”

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The Synopsis

Discover the foundations for a flourishing life.

This essential guide introduces the science, structure, and philosophy behind the WellBalance Model. In a world overwhelmed by noise and pressure, it provides a clear, accessible, evidence-based framework for personal growth and resilience, with your formula to flourish through the wellsprings of wellbeing. Grounded in scientific evidence, the WellBalance Way explores how core elements like purposeful contributions, emotional strength, and social connection support sustainable and resilient wellbeing. You’ll learn how small, intentional changes can lead to powerful transformations and how to apply these in your own life. Whether you’re navigating a major life transition, feeling like something’s missing, or simply searching for a more grounded way to grow, this book provides a clear path toward lasting fulfillment and flourishing, rooted in science and designed for real life.

The Review

One of the first things that stood out about this guide and self-improvement book was the way the author curated the book to be read as a process, rather than all at once, really emphasizing the journey rather than the destination. The development of the WellBalance Life Lotus was a great visual representation of the journey, and the author’s writing style really speaks to both the educational value of the information and the emotional development the book encourages in the reader.

The idea behind this book is a powerful one, as it speaks not only to surviving in this world but also to finding a way to flourish in it. The author lays this out specifically through the promotion of a strong mind, a healthy body, and the maintenance of social connections, and then expands upon this with key scientific and detailed explorations of the topic. I especially enjoyed the passages on savoring and reflection in the book, which effectively emphasized the importance of taking time to appreciate small moments in everyday life and ensuring that you don’t let essential moments pass you by. 

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The Verdict

Insightful, compelling, and engaging, author Troy W. Norris’s “The WellBalance Way” is a must-read nonfiction book on empowerment, personal growth, and mental wellness. The blend of scientific and grounded information to support each element of this process, combined with the emotional and heartfelt connection readers form with both the author and the author’s method, will keep readers returning to this book time and again to continue on the path of WellBalance. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Troy W. Norris is a Harvard-trained scientist, published researcher, and founder of the WellBalance Institute for Positive Wellbeing. A certified life, health and wellness coach, Troy created the WellBalance Model to bring science-backed wellbeing practices into people’s lives, relationships and workplaces. With a background in precision medicine and digital psychiatry treatments, he recognized the need for better digital tools to personalize wellbeing interventions to match each person’s unique life situation. Troy’s research has been published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at leading scientific and industry conferences. Troy developed the WellBalance Method while navigating his own path from burnout and breakdown to fulfillment and flourishing.

https://www.troywnorris.com/

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Don’t Die Dad by Mark Woodley 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 father struggling with depression and separation must find himself in author Mark Woodley’s “Don’t Die Dad.”

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The Synopsis

Don’t Die Dad

A Separated Father’s Journey from Devastation to Peace and Acceptance

🔥 A raw, powerful memoir of fatherhood lost—and the relentless fight to rebuild a life worth living.

Ten years after separation tore his family apart and ripped him from daily life with his children, one father is drowning in silence—grieving, addicted, unmoored.

With nothing left but a pair of hiking boots and a sliver of hope, he sets off on a three-day solo trek through New Zealand’s Southern Alps. What begins as an escape becomes a reckoning—with his past, his pain, and the man he’s trying to become.

What you’ll find inside:

🛑 Addiction, anger, and the silent suffering of separated dads

👣 A decade-long transformation through nature, therapy, and soul-searching

💔 Honest reflections on love, loss, fatherhood, and identity

🌄 A mountain hike that mirrors the climb back to self

💡 Hard-won insights into peace, resilience, and letting go

For separated fathers.

For men told to “be strong” and “move on.”

For anyone who needs proof that healing is possible.

This isn’t just a memoir. It’s a lifeline.

If you’ve ever felt broken, forgotten, or lost in the dark—this book is for you.

The Review

Immediately, I was struck by the author’s honesty and the visceral depth of their dive into their most painful and personal moments. The book serves not as an educational or step-by-step guide for any father or parent facing separation or divorce for the first time, but instead serves as a beacon to those living that reality that, through that struggle, perseverance is possible. The raw emotions and experiences the author brought to life on the page were both relatable and heartbreaking to read. They allowed readers who have lived through similar experiences to have their hearts laid bare on the page.

The balance the author found between storytelling with their experiences both in the past and on that transformational hike, and the lessons and experiences that made that trip so vital to their future, made this a compelling read. The relatively steady pacing of the book’s narrative elements allowed readers the time to connect to the author’s message. What stood out was how the author didn’t spend time disparaging their ex-spouse. The author was able to explore the emotional highs and lows of this journey without vilifying the other parent in this equation, and the self-reflective nature of both of their actions made this feel truly balanced.

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The Verdict

Heartfelt, emotional, and captivating, author Mark Woodley’s “Don’t Die Dad” is a must-read nonfiction memoir. The honesty and the imagery the author infused into their writing allowed the reader to connect to the emotional elements of the author’s life, and yet still kept the reader engaged in the story of their life as well. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Mark Woodley – Father, Author, Entrepreneur, Advocate and Athlete

Mark Woodley is an Australian father, author, entrepreneur, GPS windsurfing competitor, and advocate for the rights and wellbeing of separated fathers. His memoir, Don’t Die Dad: A Separated Father’s Journey from Devastation to Peace and Acceptance, resonates deeply with men navigating the collapse of family, identity, and connection.

Mark’s story of fatherhood began like many—with joy and the dream of raising his children in a loving home. That dream shattered with a single text message, launching him into the chaos of legal conflict, emotional disconnection, and the grief of part-time parenting. Over the next ten years, he faced a collapse of self, a loss of purpose, and long stretches of silence from his children.

A self-employed professional in the health and nutrition industry and previous the cosmetic industry and advertising industry, Mark has spent over 30 years working with a variety of people and corporations. But business success couldn’t shield him from the emotional toll of separation. As his internal world crumbled, he returned to a teenage passion.

Windsurfing became his lifeline—restoring presence, physical resilience, and emotional strength. He went on to become a GPS Windsurfing Champion, proving his tenacity and reminding him that healing often begins with physical motion.

But the deepest transformation came through facing the shadows within: childhood trauma, addictions, emotional shutdown, and the ache of losing daily contact with his children. His journey through despair, recovery, and hard-earned clarity is captured in Don’t Die Dad, written over three symbolic days of hiking through New Zealand’s Southern Alps—a mirror to his decade of emotional reckoning.

Today, Mark is the founder of Separated Fathers Recovery, which hosts an online course: Always Dad: The Recovery Accelerator for Separated Fathers, a structured course grounded in lived experience, empathy, and growth.

Through his work, Mark champions legal reform, mental health support, and greater understanding of the father-child bond after separation. He looks to speak regularly on podcasts and panels about male vulnerability, rebuilding after crisis, and showing up with dignity—even when love is met with silence.

Mark lives in Perth, Western Australia and travels back to New Zealand regularly where Don’t Die Dad was written. He remains a present, committed father and a qualified voice for change—proof that from devastation, peace and acceptance is possible.

https://www.separatedfathersrecovery.com/

https://amzn.to/4pupuFA

The Shadow of Wealth: Mastering the Millionaire Mindset Through Shadow Work by Alex Brent 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 Alex Brent shares the psychological and emotional insights that lie hidden in a person’s mind, shaping their financial path in the book “The Shadow of Wealth.”

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The Synopsis

Some people have millions, while others live paycheck to paycheck, wondering what they’re doing wrong. It feels unfair, doesn’t it?

But lasting wealth isn’t just about working more. The most successful people have done something most never think to do — they’ve faced what’s hidden beneath the surface and taken control from the inside out.

What if the reason you’re not wealthy… lives in the shadow of your own mind?

There’s more than enough abundance to go around. And the untapped power to create the life you want is already within you — waiting to be unlocked.

This book is your key.


Mastering the Millionaire Mindset through Shadow Work leads you on a journey into the forgotten corners of your psyche — where beliefs, fears, and hidden emotional wounds quietly shape your financial destiny.

You’ll uncover the “shadow code” — the unconscious forces that block your success and drain your power. As you unravel them, you’ll begin to rewrite your story — not just with goals or affirmations, but with truth, courage, and radical inner transformation.

This isn’t just another “success manual.”


It’s an immersive, poetic initiation. A deeply personal journey where your shadow speaks — and for the first time, you listen.

As you meet the characters within and reveal buried truths, you’ll feel a shift. Not just in mindset, but in reality. This is where true wealth begins: from the inside out.

Most success books tell you what to do. This book shows you why you haven’t been able to do it — until now.


It’s not about more action. It’s about reclaiming your power.

You won’t just read this book — you’ll live it. And you’ll emerge different.

The shadow has waited long enough.

Click “Buy Now” and begin the journey. Your future self will thank you — in every currency.

The Review

What a truly insightful and engaging read. The author did an incredible job of laying out the inner struggles that a person faces, and that often prevent them from achieving the financial success they crave. The author takes a unique approach to discussing these problems; rather than using straightforward tactics and strategies, the author reveals how the deeper, more personal insecurities and self-sabotage that we often exhibit can be the cause of our own downfalls and struggles to achieve the financial freedom we crave.

What stood out to me was the way the author presented these ideas to the reader. Rather than merely coaching or preparing a strategy, the author lays out the lessons they learned from this shadow work by creating prompts and archetypes through characters that speak directly to the reader. From The Visionary and The Trickster to the Alchemist and the Shadow, these characters delve into the deepest parts of a person and their struggles, and then showcase the paths they take to achieve success directly. This creative and inventive narrative effectively conveys the lessons the author learned, keeping the reader engaged throughout.

The Verdict

Insightful, engaging, and memorable, author Alex Brent’s “The Shadow of Wealth” is a must-read blend of nonfiction inspiration, business strategies, and fictional prose and poetry. The creativity and inspirational narratives found within drive home the lessons and empowering nature of finding success that entrepreneurs, creative individuals, and coaches can utilize in their careers and journey moving forward. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

My name is Alex.

By day, I work in IT, but beyond my job, I have a deep passion for Jungian psychology and writing. I love expressing my thoughts and sharing powerful insights – and nothing lights me up more than hearing how those ideas have helped others grow or shift something in their lives.

I’m especially interested in the topic of wealth. And I’ll be honest – I feel no shame about it. Wanting more, desiring abundance, and striving to live your best life is a good thing. (Even if many of us were taught to feel guilty about it.)

At one point in my journey, I realized I was on a meaningful path toward building real wealth. That’s when I felt I had something valuable to share—something honest and hard-earned about how wealth is actually created.

But just to be clear: it hasn’t come from any magic trick or overnight success. It’s been the old-fashioned way – through years of working, creating, investing, and selling. It’s taken over 15 years, and the journey is still unfolding.

And honestly?

I believe it could have happened much faster if I had met my Shadow earlier.

Once I experienced the power of shadow work firsthand, I couldn’t keep it to myself. My creative side wouldn’t let me. I felt this undeniable urge to share what I had learned—in my own way, in my own voice.

https://shadow-of-wealth.com/