Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life by John R. Miles Review

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

Author John R. Miles helps readers unlock their full potential and reframe their past to find their inner power in the book “Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life”.

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Inside of you resides an intentional life without limits.

The time has come to awaken it.

Are you living intentionally, with purpose and passion? Are you embracing the flame that ignites within you, or are you evading it? Will your future self be proud of your story, or do you yearn for something more?

We all have personal limits that apply to different areas of our lives, such as creating abundance, making changes to our health or body, overcoming recurring patterns of self-sabotage, or simply believing in ourselves. However, we can tap into our unlimited potential when we push ourselves beyond these limitations. Once we let go of our doubts, we can begin to have faith in our new life. By intentionally acting as if it’s attainable, we can gradually transform into the embodiment of that belief.

John R. Miles—entrepreneur, award-winning podcast host, former U.S. Navy officer, and Fortune 50 senior executive—reveals his groundbreaking discoveries that allow you to reshape your past and create an empowered and limitless future through authentic and candid personal stories. Alongside these narratives are twelve science-based principles on mindset and behavior that Miles discovered by examining and interviewing successful professionals such as Marc Benioff, David Rubenstein, Katy Milkman, Bernie Marcus, Uri Levine, Marshall Goldsmith, Robin Sharma, Susan Cain, Shawn Springs, Thaddeus Bullard, Elon Musk, Susan Wojcicki, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Navy SEALs, astronaut Chris Cassidy, and General Stanley McChrystal.

In this book, you will learn how to:

  • Create a meaningful mission that will enhance your life’s purpose from Square founder Jim McKelvey
  • Identify the root causes of self-doubt and overcome fears that are holding you back from Oprah Winfrey
  • Transform the way you lead from General McChrystal and the Honorable Keith Krach, former Under Secretary of State
  • Unleash your potential by taking purposeful actions toward achieving your dreams from Astronaut Captain Wendy Lawrence
  • Transform the world around you by harnessing the power of adaptability from Jeff Bezos

With the help of the insights and strategies presented in Passion Struck, you can craft the life you truly desire and make it a reality.

Are you ready? It’s time to live life Passion Struck.

Take a Food Journey Around the World!

The Review

This was a well-researched and developed book. The author did an incredible job of crafting a process and journey that is relatable and successful. The author’s straightforward way of writing the book allows readers to approach his practices and techniques with an open mind and an understanding that anyone with a passion could understand.

The concept of passion-driven work and utilizing one’s purpose to drive one’s life professionally and personally made this a remarkable reading experience. Shedding the need to conform or do everything the same way others have and instead embracing our differences and intentions throughout our lives was prevalent in this read. The author’s words put the power and inspiration back in the reader’s hands and allow the reader to see the same passion and delivery found on the author’s podcast and his life experiences reflected on the page.

Metallica The Master Collection Banners

The Verdict

Author John R. Miles’s “Passion Struck” is a must-read nonfiction book that is remarkable, memorable, and engaging. The outline and production of this process that the author has found and how readers can apply it to their own lives made this a gripping read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your own copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

John R. Miles is the dynamic force behind Passion Struck®, captivating millions with his globally-renowned podcast and national radio show, making a significant impact as a thought leader in the fields of behavior change, health and wellness, the science of personal mastery, and self-leadership. His journey, from the U.S. Navy to senior executive roles in the Fortune 50, grounds his insights in real-world experience. He’s not just a voice on leadership and personal growth; he’s lived it, making his guidance and storytelling resonate authentically with his audience.

As an author, keynote speaker, and entrepreneur, John blends practical wisdom with relatable anecdotes, making complex ideas about health, wellness, and personal mastery both accessible and inspiring. His Podcast, Passion Struck, is one of the world’s leading shows and the #1 alternative health podcast, featuring engaging conversations with notable figures like Angela Duckworth, Seth Godin, Susan Cain, Robin Sharma, and Dr. Mark Hyman.

His latest work, “Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life,” delves into the heart of what it means to live a life fueled by passion and purpose. Drawing on insights from luminaries such as Oprah Winfrey and Astronaut Chris Cassidy, the book offers twelve science-based principles designed to awaken the dormant potential within us all. It’s a journey through overcoming self-doubt, catalyzing personal growth, and embracing a life lived with unwavering intention. It’s been honored as a 2024 must-read by the Next Big Idea Club and The Best Business Minds Book Awards for 2024.

https://passionstruck.com/passion-struck-book

The Passion Struck podcast, ranking in the top 0.01% podcats and the #1 alternative health podcast: Listen to the Passion Struck™ Podcast

Readers can take the Passion Struck quiz on www.passionstruck.com.

Per your request, here are my social handles:

Connect with John Miles

Official site: https://johnrmiles.com

Twitter @John_RMiles

Instagram @john_r_miles

Threads @john_r_miles

 TikTok  @john_r_miles

Facebook

LinkedIn

YouTube

Passion Struck

Official site: https://passionstruck.com

Pre-order my new book, “Passion Struck.”

What Would the Founding Father’s Tell Us Today? Political Dialogs Between 1789-2040 by Werner Neff Review

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

Author Werner Neff takes readers on a journey through history and into the future through the eyes of the founding father’s in the book “What Would the Founding Father’s Tell Us today? Political Dialogs Between 1789-2040.”

Advertisements

The Synopsis 

The book “WHAT WOULD THE FOUNDING FATHERS TELL US TODAY?” offers a reflection on American history, politics, democratic theories, and principles. Through fictional dialogues, it allows the Founding Fathers to express their views on what contributed to making America a model democracy, and what would ensure genuine freedom and prosperity for Americans today. The author asserts that democratic principles, as well as ethical and selfless leadership in service of the people, are essential pillars for achieving justice, equality, and prosperity for all.

The United States was established in the late 1700s as the first republic founded on modern democratic principles. The Constitution and the Bill of Rights were foundational texts that governed the country, with a system of checks and balances that separated power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The Founding Fathers drew inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, which greatly influenced the shaping of the American political system. The American model of modern democracy became a benchmark for other countries to emulate, and its principles were adopted by nations around the world.

Presently, we are facing challenges in upholding the democratic principles that our country was founded upon. We are witnessing a slow erosion of these principles, resulting in increasing inequality, poverty, and mistrust among our citizens. One of the ways in which our democracy is being distorted is through covert voting restrictions and gerrymandering, which are betraying the American people by denying them a fair and equal say in their government. These practices are a clear violation of the democratic principles that we hold dear and must be addressed in order to preserve the integrity of our democracy.

Metallica The Master Collection Banners

The Review

This was a genuinely creative and engaging use of history and creative storytelling. The author’s ability to trace readers back to the founding fathers and the creation of America’s foundation was remarkable to read. The use of dialogue amongst the founding fathers helped illustrate the dreams and goals of the America of old, and the way past cultures like Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire influenced the founding fathers in their creation of our democracy was inspiring to learn about.

Yet the creative way the founding fathers were brought into our present and the future made this book stand out. It was genuinely engaging to experience what these iconic figures would feel and how they would react to the political discourse and social unrest that our nation is living in right now. The author’s research and historical knowledge played into this dialogue among the historical figures really well, allowing readers to see through their eyes how far we’ve departed from their vision and what we can do to come together in the future.

Take a Food Journey Around the World!

The Verdict

Insightful, memorable, and thought-provoking author Werner Neff’s “What Would the Founding Fathers Tell Us Today? Political Dialogs Between 1789-2040” is a must-read nonfiction and historical book with a creative bend. The insight and knowledge readers will gain and the fascinating perspectives that these figures of the past hold for us and our present-day problems will keep the discussion flowing amongst readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Werner Neff received his Ph.D. in Political Science at the Freie Universität Berlin, and his Master’s degree in Economics at Universität St.Gallen, Switzerland. He earned his professional wisdom as an executive in the hospitality industry and later, as an executive at a large Swiss bank.

Neff, deeply passionate about democracy, political science, and economics, is now fulfilling on his long-time dream of researching about the origin, principles, and values of democracy. He concludes that the shift and erosion of political values have shaped the American social economy and the current gap between the wealthy and the working people. In the past ten years he has written several books on American democracy.

Neff, a Swiss citizen married to an American, is living in the mountains of Colorado, enjoying outdoor sports, classical music, and writing.

https://www.wernerneff.com

I Feel Your Stare: An Autobiography by Cheryl Gillespie Review

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

Author Cheryl Gillespie shares her story of overcoming health problems and segregation at a young age in her book “I Feel Your Stare: An Autobiography”.

Advertisements

The Synopsis

“I Feel Your Stare” will take readers from my early childhood diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and associated blindness, to an unwelcome enrollment in a segregated school, and a journey of navigating societal barriers, but with elements of hope, humour and positivity. I believe my story would be a good fit for those who work within the medical profession, to educators and parents seeking insight on how to support their children, or even for teens who may need a little inspiration.

Watermelon

The Review

What an emotional and insightful read. The author did a remarkable job of crafting this nonfiction read creatively, transporting the reader into the moments that defined the author’s life. The setting and atmosphere the author crafted through this very personal and emotional book allowed the reader to connect to the author’s message truly. 

The depth of honesty and engagement the author had in this book really solidified the author’s experiences and tone throughout this book. The way the author didn’t hold back on the memories and experiences throughout her life made this story shine. The health concerns really made me feel connected to the author, for while we all have our different struggles, I know what it is like to live with an illness that takes up so much of our lives. Yet, the inspiring way the author rises above those experiences and uses her struggle to overcome and grow more robust in the face of those adversities made this book really thoughtful and heartfelt.

Take a Food Journey Around the World!

The Verdict

Compelling, enlightening, and memorable author Cheryl Gilespie’s “I Feel Your Stare: An Autobiography” is a must-read nonfiction book that will resonate with many readers. The vulnerability and honesty of her story and the exploration of the author’s personal life and the social discussions that arise from that life, such as living with illnesses and facing discrimination in life, made this a truly engaging and personal read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

In her home province of New Brunswick, Canada, Cheryl Gillespie, along with her cat Mattie, will often be found basking on the backyard deck beneath the warm sunshine, the very spot where many of the chapters for “I Feel Your Stare” were written.

A childhood diagnosis of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, with associated blindness, coupled with physical and societal barriers, has proven only to strengthen her resolve. Following graduation from Fredericton High School, Cheryl advanced in her private studies through the Royal Conservatory of Music, attaining First Class Honours in piano, theory and history.

Today, well established in her teaching career, she takes pride in the education of her students, highlighted by a two-time provincial medal winner through Mount Allison’s Local Centre Examinations Department of Music. Through her active role within the Fredericton Music Teachers’ Association, Cheryl has built invaluable, longstanding friendships with her colleagues. In 1993, Cheryl was the recipient of the Stanley B. Cassidy Memorial Award, presented by the Fredericton Music Society, recognizing her dedication to excellence and personal achievements.

Cheryl’s first work for adults, “I Feel Your Stare” was preceded by her children’s book, “Tigger and Jasper’s New Home.”

William A. Richards Diaries of a Frontier Surveyor: In Nebraska and Wyoming by Lucia McCreery Review

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

Author Lucia McCreery shares detailed journals that document the life of surveyors in the late 19th century in the book “William A. Richards Diaries of a Frontier Surveyor: In Nebraska and Wyoming”. 

Take a Food Journey Around the World!

The Synopsis

These unique diaries give a vivid, you-are-there view of what surveyors went through during the westward expansion. Richards, who eventually becomes governor of Wyoming and commissioner of the U.S. General Land Office, tells his story, one day at a time.

The 1869 diary covers his life in rural Wisconsin and frustration with teaching – Going west to the growing frontier town of Omaha – His surveying apprenticeship laying out townships for settlement

The 1884 and 1885 diaries cover his exploration of Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin and his return to establish a homestead and begin the large-scale irrigation project that would finance the move.

Through all the uncertainty, dangers and hardships, Richards keeps his sly sense of humor as he reveals a sometimes enchanting, sometimes harrowing tale of adventure, guts, and accomplishment.

The occasional surveying terms are explained by Wyoming’s Dr. Herbert W. Stoughton and others, in footnotes and in essays in the appendix. Dr. Stoughton has overseen surveying and mapping projects throughout the world, and frequently consulted throughout the U.S. on 17th through 20th century historical surveying matters.

Enhancing the work are biographical articles, stories about surveyors’ returns to the remote boundaries, among them the 1990s remonumentation campaign that included the state boundary “corners” established by William and his brother Alonzo, plus relevant letters and Richards’s dramatic hunting stories.

The appendix features an essay and maps of Richards’s Nebraska surveys by Gene A. Thomsen, a Nebraska deputy state surveyor and historian.

55 illustrations and photos, 22 in full color – 30 maps and diagrams

For excerpts from the diaries, see https: //www.williamarichards.com/diaries-excerpts

Smiley Campaign

The Review

This was a powerful and informative read. The author’s ability to edit and bring to life the writings of the author’s ancestors as they worked to survey the wilds of the frontier. The attention to detail the author paid to the notes and experiences the author’s ancestors wrote down and the history of these experiences made this such an intriguing story.

The heart of this story rests in the balance between informative and personal writing. The ability of the author to lay out the events of the book in a professional matter and yet relate to the journey that the author’s relatives experienced added a depth of personal history that made the journal entries feel more profound. Surveyors’ impact on our history and the expertise brought to the surveyor field made this a much more informed book than ever.

Product Launch September 2022

The Verdict

Gripping, thought-provoking, and engaging author Lucia McCreery’s “William A. Richards Diaries of a Frontier Surveyor: In Nebraska and Wyoming” is a must-read nonfiction, history, and biography. The history and knowledge readers will gain from this book will keep them enthralled as they delve deeper into this informative read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Lucia McCreery holds B. A. in history and is a retired journalist. She is a great-granddaughter of W.A. Richards. 

Touring Guyana with Hemingway, Mick Jagger and Friends by Barry Robbins Review

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

Advertisements

Author Barry Robbins helps readers explore the beauty and culture of Guyana through the eyes of some of history’s most profound figures in the book “Touring Guyana with Hemingway, Mick Jagger and Friends”.

Grand Slam New York

The Synopsis

Embark on a one-of-a-kind journey through the heart of Guyana, guided by some of the most iconic figures in history and pop culture. “Touring Guyana with Hemingway, Mick Jagger and Friends” is an imaginative exploration that blends the allure of travel with the charm of historical and contemporary legends.

Join Ernest Hemingway as he leads you on a thrilling search for the majestic jaguar in the dense Iwokrama Rainforest. Soar above the breathtaking Kaieteur Falls with Amelia Earhart, experiencing the awe-inspiring beauty of one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls from her unique vantage point. Delve into the rich history and lore of Guyana’s famed El Dorado Rum with the infamous pirate Blackbeard, and uncover the secrets of the Amazon with Claude Monet, who finds inspiration in the serene beauty of the Victoria Amazonica water lilies.

This book offers more than just a tour of Guyana’s natural wonders and vibrant cities—it’s an adventure that intertwines the spirit of these legendary figures with the soul of a country rich in culture and natural beauty. Each chapter reveals Guyana through a different lens, making every page an adventure and every narrative a discovery.

Perfect for history buffs, travel enthusiasts, and fans of cultural exploration, “Touring Guyana with Hemingway, Mick Jagger and Friends” is a journey that transcends the boundaries of time and place, offering a fresh, exciting perspective on travel. Prepare to be transported to a world where the past and present merge, and the spirits of icons walk alongside you in the lush landscapes of Guyana.

Take a Food Journey Around the World!

The Review

This was a brilliant and thrilling travel guide meets fictional storytelling tale. The use of both historical and fictional characters to explore the many facets of Guyana was remarkable to see come to life on the page. The way the author captured the voice and tone of each person in the book was highly creative and expanded upon the knowledge and information for these influential sites in Guyana. I especially felt connected to the chapters with figures such as Indiana Jones, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Blackbeard. 

Yet it was the culture and history of Guyana itself that really took center stage. The figures behind these chapters helped bring special attention to the beauty, struggle, and heart of the people of Guyana, and the author’s use of imagery and powerful storytelling allowed these unique places to become alive in the reader’s mind. 

Smiley Campaign

The Verdict

This was the perfect travel-based book with a hint of fictional storytelling that allowed readers to become enthralled by the land of Guyana. The breathtaking imagery and atmosphere that the author develops through these characters and figures’ accounts of their experiences and the sense of wonder it creates in travelers looking to travel makes this a must-read for travel readers everywhere. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Barry Robbins is a celebrated author, having penned five notable satirical works that earned him three gold medal awards, and the first book in his ‘icons’ series. With a 26-year tenure as an accountant for an international firm under his belt, he took a bold leap, relocating to Finland’s tranquil shores. There, amidst its enchanting landscapes and in the company of his Finnish wife and two beautiful daughters, he found a renewed passion for storytelling and mastered the subtle intricacies of expatriate life (including, notably, the fine art of taking out the trash). Now, from his home in Florida, Barry crafts tales that are both engaging and thought-provoking, adding to his diverse literary canvas.

Isn’t She Great: Writers on Women-Led Comedies from 9 to 5 to Booksmart Edited by Elizabeth Teets Review

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

Advertisements

A collection of essays help shape the impact that cinema’s greatest female-led comedies have had in the book “Isn’t She Great: Writers on Women-Led Comedies from 9 to 5 to Booksmart”.

Beauty Awards 2022

The Synopsis

A love letter to women-led comedies.

Based on Elizabeth Teets’s program series called “Isn’t She Great” at the Hollywood Theater, this anthology is a collection of the most beloved female-centric comedies and the audiences who adore them. From 9 to 5 to Romy and Michelle to the iconic Elle Woods, the essays in this collection build on our devotion to these films and continue the conversation around funny women and how these characters have shaped so many talented writers.

As Elizabeth Teets reminds us, there is a specific power in a funny woman. A woman who dares to laugh at the world and at herself. These movies made us strong and smart and sexy (and bend and snap a lot). At the end of the day, we remind ourselves when the world only tries to let us have a little, a little money, a little confidence, a little joy to go out and get the whole enchilada.

Isn’t She Great is for anyone who loves movies and feels the glamour in pink. Cult cinema and film criticism will never be the same.

Take a Food Journey Around the World!

The Review

This was an insightful and powerful read. The honesty and relatability that each writer exuded in their essay were refreshing to read, and the detail that went into bringing each film’s story to the forefront was great to read, as it helped illustrate the power of the message each film brought to life amid all the humor and wit. 

Yet the impact on the writers themselves made this book shine. The way the authors were able to incorporate events and memories of their own lives and how they related to the films they spoke of made this a much more in-depth and heartfelt read. In particular, one essay that stood out was Michelle Theil’s “I Wanted to Bring it On,” an essay on the film Bring it On and its significance to her and so many other young women and people of color in general, which felt so compelling and engaging as a reader to get lost in.

Metallica The Master Collection Banners

The Verdict

Heartfelt, compelling, and engaging, “Isn’t She Great” is a mustered collection of essays on female-driven comedy films and their significance in these writers’ lives. The thoughtful approach to these films and the detailed way the films played out balance out the raw, emotional, and even humorous moments of these writer’s lives that made these films feel so impactful. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

Effective Video Marketing: How to Make Videos that Sell. Tips and Strategies by Erika MacDonald Review

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

Advertisements

Author Erika MacDonald shares the insights businesses and creators need to convert viewers into customers using video marketing in the book “Effective Video Marketing: How to Make Videos that Sell. Tips and Strategies”.

Metallica The Master Collection Banners

The Synopsis

“Why use video marketing?” you ask. Video marketing is a useful tool for businesses to drive website traffic, increase conversions, and refine brand awareness. Thanks to the rise of social media platforms and growing consumer demand, many customers rely on videos before making purchases. “Effective Video Marketing: How to make ‘videos’ that sell. Tips and strategies” examines the struggles of business owners in harnessing the power of an effective video marketing campaign. With an in-depth look at the strength of videos to add “the human element” to your online business, earning a huge ROI on marketing campaigns is easier than ever. The book explores video marketing in theory and practice by trying to merge the effect of videos on humans and how to make videos that truly deliver. You will also get quick tips, advice, and strategies for incorporating your videos into your marketing plan. Video marketing tools, as seen in this book, are diverse and varied; your choice will depend on your type of business.Written by a seasoned video marketer with valuable experience,“Effective Video Marketing: How to make videos that sell. Tips and strategies” gives online businesses the boost they need to create useful and engaging content. You will also find case studies from social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter and the magic formula that many marketers across different industries use to execute their strategies.

Take a Food Journey Around the World!

The Review

This was a well-written and well-informed book. The short yet informative read allows readers to understand how the visual medium speaks to us all and influences our conscious and also our subconscious thoughts. The impact that visuals have on everything from our behavior to the emotions we feel in any given moment is remarkable to comprehend, and the way the author brings this knowledge to the forefront of this book was unique to see unfold.

The depth of engagement the book holds for the reader is fantastic. The way the author shows readers how the use of video marketing not only the business side of things but the social aspect as well, diving into the use of video marketing and video content overall on social media platforms to drive viewers to the content we are most passionate about, helped bring readers together to understand better the strategies the author presented.

Product Launch September 2022

The Verdict

Memorable, informative, and engaging author Erika MacDonald’s “Effective Video Marketing” is a must-read nonfiction book and guide on using video marketing in the business world and its impact on us all. The author’s personable and knowledgeable tone, strikes in this book’s writing, as well as the short yet straightforward atmosphere the book takes on, will keep readers engaged throughout this entire read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Engaging New Media is the brainchild of Erika Mac Donald, an award-winning writer and producer with 15 years of experience in managing promotional production from concept to completion. She has partnered with renowned commercial and non-profit networks throughout her successful career, including Sirius Satellite Radio, MLB.com, PBS, and TruTv. 

Erika has also developed top-notch television, radio, and web promotional video content that has reached over 20 million viewers across the New York metro area.

Her vision for establishing Engaging New Media was sparked by her passion for connecting the masses to the resources they need to change their lives and community. With the support of her highly skilled team, she aims to help businesses and brands connect with their target audiences across multiple platforms, increase their community engagement and accelerate their growth. Our team consists of experienced professionals well versed in their trade, dedicated to helping you connect with your ideal audience.

Writing with your Muse: A Guide to Creative Inspiration by W.L. Hawkin Review

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

Metallica The Master Collection Banners

Author W.L. Hawkin shares her own personal experiences that allow her to find new inspiration and a muse that keeps the creativity alive in us all in the book “Writing with your Muse: A Guide to Creative Inspiration”.

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Writing with your Muse offers techniques, strategies, tools, tips, and stories to help you tap into creative inspiration. You don’t have to be psychic to be successful with these techniques, although that natural ability exists in all of us, and these techniques will help you develop your sixth sense. There’s even science to back it up. This book will help you if you hear words or see images but find it difficult to get the text on the page, you’ve written and published but are searching for something fresh and different, you have ideas but don’t know how or where to begin, you want to write but have no ideas, or you’re suffering from a bad case of writer’s block.

Take a Food Journey Around the World!

The Review

This was a compelling and engaging nonfiction read. The author did an incredible job of infusing her unique sense of gentle humor and honesty into the book, tapping into her own personal experiences to showcase how she could continue driving new ideas and a renewed sense of creativity forward. The way the author could tap into the interactive part of this book was enthralling to see come to life as well, as readers are invited to put the practices of this book into their own work. 

Yet the author’s balance between creative endeavors and an almost spiritual journey made this book sing. The book not only helps define what a muse is but showcases the common fears and beliefs that often hang over an author’s head and how brain waves and energy can impact the creative process if not processed correctly. The concept of writing being a creative and spiritual journey is such a unique idea, and the author thoroughly explores this in a way that draws readers and writers into the book more and more.

Matcha Green Tea by Purlisse

The Verdict

Remarkable, authentic, and enlightening author W.L. Hawkin’s “Writing with your Muse” is a must-read nonfiction book and self-help guide to writing. The heart and passion that drove this book are reflected beautifully in this narrative. The drive this book instills in the reader to put these practices into play in their own lives will keep readers coming back to this book repeatedly, very much in tune with other great books on writing like Stephen King’s “On Writing.” If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

W. L. Hawkin writes adventurous cross-genre fiction charged with “myth, magic, and mayhem” from her home in the Pacific Northwest.

Her urban fantasy series, the Hollystone Mysteries, features a coven of Vancouver witches who solve murders using their wits, ritual magic, and a little help from the gods. To Charm a Killer, To Sleep with Stones, To Render a Raven, To Kill a King, and To Dance with Destiny, follow stage magician and Wicca high priest, Estrada, as he endeavors to save his friends while working through his own personal issues.

Her standalone novel, Lure: Jesse & Hawk (2022) won a National Indie Excellence Award, a Gold Reader’s Choice award from Connections E-magazine, a Crowned Heart Review from InD’tale Magazine, and placed as a finalist in The UK Wishing Shelf Book Awards. Lure is a small-town romantic suspense story set on a Chippewa Reservation in the American Midwest near the fictional town of Lure River.

As an intuitive writer, Wendy captures what she sees and hears on the page and allows her muses to guide her through the creative process. In an upcoming book, Writing with your Muse: a Guide to Creative Inspiration, she explains her writing process and offers tips and techniques to help writers get their words on the page.

Wendy is a book reviewer and publisher with a background in Indigenous Studies and Humanities. Born in Toronto, Canada, she completed a BA in Indigenous Studies at Trent University, then moved to B.C. where she completed diplomas in Humanities at SFU and taught high school for several years.

She also spent a year as a relief lighthouse keeper, enjoying the rugged isolation of the West Coast, and blogging her adventures at http://lifeonthebclights.blogspot.com Her experiences color “To Render a Raven.”

An introvert, Wendy does most of her musing while walking her yellow lab through the forested trails of B.C. “I continue to explore my ancestry, often in my writing. I love nature, history, archaeology, myths and magic, and feel I was born in the wrong century. If I could, I’d travel back in time to experience cultures long since changed or vanished.”

Website—http://bluehavenpress.com

Twitter @ladyhawke1003

Instagram @w.l.hawkin

Pinterest.ca @W. L. Hawkin Author

Facebook @wlhawkin

Courage: Find Your Fire and Ignite Action in Your Life by Glenda Benevides Review

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

Author Glenda Benevides shares the lessons and experiences in her life that led to the power of courage and self-transformation in the book “Courage: Find Your Fire and Ignite Action in Your Life”.

Advertisements

The Synopsis

If you are alive and breathing, you are growing no matter what you believe or what is happening.

“Who am I?”

Ask yourself this ever-evolving, truth-seeking question every day and ponder it with curiosity. Embracing yourself as you are is a key factor in being able to move anything forward in this world as an empowered manifestation of the honest YOU.

Take the time to step back and reevaluate your life. This action will support your efforts to embrace your own thoughts, inspirations, and honest desires and sort out the inner monologue that is working against you. Look at your own truth and intentionally let go of others’ opinions.

The walls of fear take the wind out of the sails of courage. Own what are truly your feelings. Speak up and speak out with passion and fervor, and love who you are.

Metallica The Master Collection Banners

The Review 

The journey of self-discovery has never felt more alive and driven. The author does a superb job of writing in a way that speaks to the essence of transformation and resilience that we experience throughout our lives. The inspiration and hope the author brings to this book will keep readers engaged and motivated in their journey. 

The use of personal stories and the theme of courage really speaks to the authenticity and vulnerability that the author had in expressing her own story. The work that goes into sharing the importance of making connections with others and the need to balance our needs in life with the personal desires we all have allowed the reader to both connect with the author and become motivated to do the work themselves.

Watermelon

The Verdict 

Authentically motivated, heartfelt, and engaging author Glenda Benevides’s “Courage” is a must-read nonfiction and motivational read. The author’s journey’s quick pace yet powerful impact will speak volumes to readers about the power behind courage. If you haven’t yet, be sure to get your own copy of this incredible book today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Glenda Benevides an award winning, Recording Academy Voting Member, GRAMMY® considered artist is tireless when it comes to inspiring others to embrace their strength, listen to their heart, chart their course, feel inspired and dive into musical emotion. Like a wild tent revival preacher, Glenda’s sermon is empowerment, enlightenment and building bridges of understanding, all wrapped in powerful self-expression and freedom, that moves you from the head to the feet!  

Youtube: https://youtu.be/oCwucA_tLw0

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7iEMzMaMTNsw7uw1Ivq59S

Buy: https://glendabenevides.bandcamp.com