Tag: spirituality

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.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-prodigals-son-samantha-e-tschritter/1148969284?ean=9798990103641

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Black Legend: An Empire Burns by Rickard B. DeMille 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 man torn between two worlds must navigate faith versus cultural survival in author Rickard B. DeMille’s “Black Legend: An Empire Burns.”

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The Synopsis

One man. Two faiths. A culture on the brink of annihilation.

Yucatán, 1562. When Diego, a Mayan turned Catholic priest, returns to his homeland with his mentor, zealous Franciscan friar Brother deLanda, he is torn between the two worlds that made him. Trained to see his native traditions as heresy, Diego struggles with his past while serving the very Church that suddenly seeks to erase it.

Rumors of human sacrifice surface in the town of Mani, and deLanda launches a merciless campaign to purge the region of “paganism.” Arrests mount. Ancient books and sacred relics are gathered. Diego’s own brother and wife are imprisoned, labeled rebels.

In a single night, the spiritual and intellectual legacy of the Ancient Mayan Empire is burned to ash.

As deLanda’s crusade spirals into tyranny, Diego must choose: uphold the Church that gave him purpose, or defy it to rescue those he loves and preserve a civilization being burned out of history.

Black Legend is a powerful historical novel of faith, betrayal, and the cost of cultural survival. Perfect for fans of The Name of the Rose, Silence, and The Power of the Dog.

The Review

This was a tense and compelling read. The author did an incredible job of capturing the tension and the heavy atmosphere of the cultural clashes that came with the conflicts between the Mayan and the Church, while also bringing the rich setting of the Yucatan and both the mysterious jungles and developing Catholic cities to life in vivid detail using powerful imagery in the writing style. The dialogue between the characters really underscores that tension, and highlights the challenges that arose, and the attention to detail the author gave to the history of the era was perfectly captured.

The driving force of this narrative was in the duality of the protagonist, Diego, and the spiritual conflict that arose not only in him but in his people as well. The horrible realities of the erasure of Mayan culture and the violence it sparked were artfully depicted here. The often difficult journey between the faith one is born into and the faith one is brought into was felt in every agonizing obstacle and choice Diego had to make along the way. His connection to his family and friends in the Mayan people and his admiration for the Church leaders who converted him sparked both intrigue and heartache in the divide between these two peoples, and made for a thought-provoking discussion.

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The Verdict

Compelling, engaging, and thoughtful in delivery, author Rickard B. DeMille’s “Black Legend: An Empire Burns” is a must-read historical fiction novel. The twists and turns and the chilling atmosphere that hangs between these characters and the dynamic character arcs and history that are brought to life make this a thrilling historical fiction read that shines a light on a vastly underappreciated moment in history that needs to be recognized. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Rick DeMille was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he lived until attending Brigham Young University. After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish, he became a commissioned officer in the Marine Corps, and spent three years on active duty and three years in the active Reserves.

Then, one day, he wrote a Y2K guide and everything changed. A life-long interest in writing was revived, and that interest became a passion.

Rick wrote everything. Beginning with several short stories, which were published online by websites such as BeWrite.com, won several contests and were eventually placed in an anthology from Magellan Books. From there, he tried his hand at flash fiction and also wrote several screenplays.

His plays placed in the 2005 SouthWest Writer’s competition and in 2010 he placed in the Writers’ Digest screenplay contest, but his passion was still for novelized fiction.

In 2010, he began work on his first novel, HELLFIRE, which, since being released, has been a Top Ten Best Seller in Canada, Australia, Brazil, Germany, and France.

Rick DeMille continues to grow and develop his writing talents and looks forward to all the new projects the future has in store.

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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/

Believe Nothing, Know Nothing: The Lightworkers’ Ultimate Survival Manual by Jean-Claude Koven 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 Jean-Claude Koven shares a new understanding of cosmic spirituality in the book “Believe Nothing, Know Nothing: The Lightworkers’ Ultimate Survival Manual.”

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The Synopsis

Discover Your Cosmic Truth.

Did you ever suspect Earth was not your real home and you wanted to know more about your true lineage?

Are you ready to awaken to your divine purpose and embrace the extraordinary mission that brought you here? Join your fellow Lightworkers—Starseeds, Indigos, Wanderers, and other cosmic souls—on a transformative journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and spiritual evolution.

In this groundbreaking guide, Jean-Claude Koven unveils humanity’s hidden history, revealing a provocative narrative of extraterrestrial engineering and manipulation that challenges everything you’ve ever believed. With profound insights and practical tools, this book is your compass to navigate the illusions of the matrix and unlock the truth of your cosmic origins.

Break Free from the Ego’s Hold

Learn powerful techniques like the revolutionary exercise to transcend ego-driven limitations and align with your higher self.

Unveil the Hidden Forces Shaping Humanity

Dive deep into the unseen cosmic influences that have shaped humanity’s existence and uncover your role–as a being from a higher level of consciousness–in this grand design.

Step into Your Lightworker Power

Whether you’re an awakened soul or just beginning your spiritual journey, this manual provides practical exercises and profound wisdom to guide you through the challenges of awakening and ascension.

Perfect for those who feel like strangers on this planet, Believe Nothing, Know Nothing offers a lifeline for Lightworkers to remember their cosmic heritage, rise above earthly illusions, and fulfill their soul’s mission.

Are you ready to transcend the ordinary, embrace your divine power, and light the way for humanity’s future?

The truth is within you—unlock it today.

ABN Lifestyle

The Review

This was a thought-provoking and engaging read. The author presents a unique concept of a much more cosmic and metaphysical spiritual nature to the world than the institutions established throughout human history would have people believe. The thoroughness with which the author delves into the spiritual journey and path that lightworkers are on was insightful and thought-provoking, allowing the reader to delve into this discussion with eyes wide open.

The aspect of the book that spoke to me was the idea that what people think of when they think of God is merely a creation born out of a collective consciousness, something my paranormal investigative team and I have discussed before as part of the quantum consciousness. The amount of detail and philosophical discussion the book engages the reader in allows for a challenge to institutional ideas of spiritualism and finds a means of connecting scientific nature with spiritual discussion that readers can genuinely connect with.

Spring 2023

The Verdict

A thrilling and educational guide to a new school of thought for spiritualism, author Jean-Claude Koven’s “Believe Nothing, Know Nothing” is a must-read book that will expand the mind and question everything. The exploration of ideas like the holographic universe theory or quantum consciousness invites readers to truly commit to electing their awareness and explore a healthy amount of history, philosophy, science, and mythology simultaneously. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Jean-Claude Koven, a renowned writer and speaker, currently resides in a serene mountain village in the southern Andes Mountains of Ecuador. His profound insights into spirituality and metaphysics have been widely recognized. He was a featured weekly columnist for the United Press International’s Religion and Spirituality Forum and the author of the critically acclaimed book Going Deeper: How to Make Sense of Your Life When Your Life Makes No Sense. This book was the recipient of the Allbooks Reviews editor’s choice award and the USABookNews award for the best metaphysical book of the year.

While Jean-Claude knew from a very early age that he wasn’t quite like other humans in his family, it wasn’t until very recently that the full extent of his lineage was revealed to him along with the information he was asked to include in Believe Nothing, Know Nothing – The Lightworkers’ Ultimate Survival Manual in the expectation that this material may help humanity – along with the ensnared 100 million lightworkers who came to free them – awaken from their mind-controlled slumber. This book received the prestigious Books for Humanity Award.

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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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.

Toy & Treat of the Month

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 Mastery Guide of Tarot Reading: Practical Tips and Techniques for Channeling the Mystical Powers of the Cards by Aleena T. Grant Review + Guest Blog Post

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 Aleena T. Grant shares the hidden meanings and ways of reading Tarot cards in the book “The Mastery Guide of Tarot Reading”.

The Synopsis

Unlock the power of the Tarot and transform your life with The Mastery Guide to Tarot Reading for beginners. Discover the hidden messages within each card and tap into your intuition to gain insight and enlightenment.

  • Gain practical tips and techniques for mastering the art of divination
  • Dive into the depths of the collective unconsciousness and experience the transformative power of the Tarot
  • Enhance your intuitive abilities and learn to read for yourself and others

In The Mastery Guide to Tarot Reading, you will discover:

  • Practical methods for interpreting card meanings
  • A detailed analysis of the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana
  • Techniques for mastering various spreads
  • Solutions for common issues encountered while reading
  • Ways to enhance your Tarot practice
  • How to read for others and offer guidance

Plus, a user-friendly manual in the back of the book provides a quick reference guide for all 78 tarot cards, including their corresponding meanings and interpretations for suits, court cards, numbers, symbolism, and colors, making your reading experience effortless and enjoyable.

Fall Promos

The Review

Aside from my passion for writing and reading, I am also a paranormal enthusiast, working as a paranormal investigator, podcaster, and researcher. I’ve always wanted to learn more about Tarot and how it can be applied to everyday life. This author does an incredible job of making Tarot accessible to mainstream audiences, delving into the history of Tarot in its various formats over the centuries and exploring what each card, both the Major and Minor arcana, means. An early passage even delved into Carl Jung’s exploration of collective unconsciousness and how past experiences and memories can be stored genetically from generation to generation. As a believer in high strangeness and synchronicity, Jung’s explanations ring true in this book.

The emphasis the author pays toward using one’s intuition when reading and interpreting the cards was great to read, as trusting one’s intuition in these situations and putting the meanings of these cards into that context helps in learning the meanings and power of each card. For instance, confronting the imagery of The Hanged Man card can demystify and take away the scary scenery people often feel and instead show the true meaning of embracing change and facing the fears that usually hold us back from change. The author also explores different ways of reading the cards, using different spreads, and even embracing the energy of different decks while also bringing scientific data to help with the card interpretations for those less inclined to the spiritual side of things.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, insightful, and engaging author Aleena T. Grant’s “The Mastery Guide of Tarot Reading” is a must-read nonfiction book on Tarot and spirituality. The knowledge and practical meaning behind these cards and how they can be applied to everyday life was enlightening, and the book serves as the perfect reference guide to return to 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

Aleena T. Grant draws inspiration from the fields of spirituality, new age practices, mind-body connection, and divination. Through her first book, The Mastery Guide of Reading Tarot, Grant is carving out a position in the realm of spiritual literature.

With a combination of personal experiences, research, and self-education, Grant shares her knowledge and understanding of the art of tarot reading. Her background is unique, shaped by her life journey, which adds a deep sense of genuineness to her writings.

In addition to being an author, Aleena is also a devoted tarot reader. Her work is deeply personal and resonates with those seeking guidance and enlightenment. Through her writing, Aleena strives to empower individuals to access their inner intuition, connect with higher planes, and unravel the enigmas of the universe.

In a world filled with doubt and ambiguity, Aleena T. Grant’s work shines as a guiding light for those on a quest for spiritual understanding and personal growth.

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Best Practices for Cleansing and Charging Your Tarot Deck

By Aleena T. Gant

As a beginner, Tarot can be overwhelming. My debut book, The Mastery Guide of Tarot Reading, is a helpful guide to the process of Tarot reading. First, it’s essential to recognize that your Tarot deck is an influential instrument for divination and a reflection of your energy. To ensure honest and perceptive readings, it is necessary to cleanse and energize your deck consistently. Following this process, any lingering energies from previous readings are cleared out, and your cards are filled with new, positive vibrations.

There are various ways to purify and energize your Tarot deck, each with its own advantages. Some standard methods include:

Smudging with Sage

Ignite a bundle of sage and allow the smoke to envelop each card, concentrating on your intentions to purify and rid the deck of any negative energy, visualizing the negative energies dissipating. Sage is known for its effectual purifying abilities and can effectively eliminate harmful energies.

Moon Bathing

Set your deck on a windowsill or an outdoor surface on a night with a full moon, allowing the moonlight to work its magic. The moonlight will naturally cleanse and charge your cards with its ethereal energy. This technique is particularly effective for decks with a powerful connection to lunar cycles and intuition.

Crystal Charging

Choose a purifying crystal, such as clear quartz or selenite, and rest it on your deck for a few hours or overnight. These crystals possess the power to absorb any negative energies and imbue your cards with positive, magnifying vibrations.

Shuffling and Knocking

Hold your deck and shuffle the cards while focusing on your intention to cleanse and charge your cards. Finally, with a gentle knock on the deck three times, it quickly releases trapped energy between readings.

Breath Cleansing

Take a moment to inhale deeply with your deck held in your hands. As you release your breath, imagine a powerful beam of bright, white light surrounding your deck of cards, cleansing them of lingering negative energies. Repeat this process three times or until you feel the deck is thoroughly cleansed.

Now, to perform the cleansing and charging ritual. Follow these actionable steps:

  1. Find a quiet, peaceful space where you won’t be disturbed.
  2. Set your intention to cleanse and charge your deck, focusing on the purpose of this ritual.
  3. Choose your preferred cleansing method (smudging, moon bathing, crystal charging, shuffling and knocking, or breath cleansing).
  4. Once you’ve completed your chosen cleansing method, hold the deck in your hands and infuse it with your positive energy. Visualize your intentions for accurate, insightful readings flowing into the cards.
  5. Express gratitude for your deck and its role in your spiritual journey.
  6. Store your deck in a safe, sacred space, such as a silk pouch or wooden box, to maintain its cleansed and charged state.

Keep in mind that effective cleansing and charging rely on your intention and focus. While you use your deck, you will grow a stronger bond and knowledge of its distinct energy. Regularly cleansing and charging your Tarot deck will ensure your readings remain accurate, insightful, and free from unwanted energies.

For more helpful tips and techniques, buy my new book, The Mastery Guide of Tarot Reading, out now!

Testament by Eli Felix 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 Eli Felix reimagines the story of creation and God from a fantasy perspective as the relationship between mankind and spirituality comes to fruition in the novel “Testament.”

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The Synopsis

‘Sometimes placing faith in people is admitting that people make mistakes and that you are willing to forgive them for it’ – TESTAMENT.

‘I say even destiny is a choice. Those who choose destiny should never let go.’ – TESTAMENT

‘Love is like time that flows. It consumes you before you know.’ – TESTAMENT

God created Man for a purpose, to live on Earth and enrich his soul throughout lifetimes of experience so that he may be allowed entry into Heaven. Feminine residents of Heaven demanded representation and God was forced to allow, paving the way for Women. Now, to oversee God’s ambition, residents live amongst them, creating a system for them. But where there is light, there is darkness. Over the ages a battle between the light and darkness ensues and God will stop at nothing to get his way even if he has to defy his own creation!

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The Review

This was definitely one of the more unique reads in the fantasy and spirituality genres that I’ve read. Exploring not just the cosmic impact on humanity but the idea of consciousness as a whole was so fascinating to behold. The powerful imagery and redefined look at ideas like Heaven, Hell, and the Universe as a whole, giving physical weight to these settings in a way that hasn’t been done before, made this such a powerful narrative to get lost in.

Not only were the world-building and themes of spirituality and consciousness so well done in this novel, but the character development was also spot on. From the historical and biblical figures on Earth, including Jesus, Peter, Mary, Caligula, and Nero, to more grand characters such as the living embodiments of Love, Song, Dance, Life, Death, and Fear, illustrated the grand mythos the author built. Love became not only a physical character but a theme for which all creation and cosmic function rested, showcasing God not just as an all-knowing creator but as a warrior and family man seeking to make things right.

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The Verdict

Creative, thought-provoking, and entertaining author Eli Felix’s Testament is a must-read fantasy novel. The ideas and concepts the author plays around within this narrative, including creating a strong female voice and representation in the fight for equality and acknowledgment even as far back as the creation of the universe and showing the power that Love can have on even a figure like God, made this a memorable story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Eli Felix is a fitness enthusiast and a model railroader with a passion for writing. He holds an MA degree in Finance and Investment from the University of Nottingham, UK, and had dabbled in different career paths before spending a few years painstakingly creating Testament—a brilliant conceptualized journey into a world of fantasy, right and wrong, good and evil, light and darkness. This is his first foray into publishing.

https://www.elifelix.com

Why Are You Sick?: Practical Tools For Wellness by Francie Soito 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. 

Bookbaby.com helping independents – whether authors, publishers, musicians, filmmakers, or small businesses – bring their creative efforts to the marketplace.

Author and Reiki Master Francie Soito help guide readers to discover the origins of the pain in their life and how we are connected to our energy selves in the book “Why Are You Sick?” Practical Tools For Wellness”.

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The Synopsis

Why Are You Sick? Practical Tools For Wellness

Are you tired of being told it’s all in your head? And even though you feel awful, doctors are telling you there is nothing wrong with you? You are not alone! For nearly a decade, Reiki Master Francie Soito, saw similar patterns in her clients who struggled to find the source of their problems. Using her high-tech market research skills, Francie began to draw patterns between physical illnesses and the emotional and mental root causes behind them. Join Francie as she illustrates the mind-body connection like never before and learn about your energy body, chakras and most importantly, gain the practical tools on how to be well and whole again.

Step 1: Identify the point of impact

Where in your body are you experiencing pain or are you storing your stress? It will be the first thing that comes to mind. You might have more than one place pop up, just focus on the one that comes up first. If you have cancer, where did the first tumor originate? For example, if you have breast cancer the answer would be in your heart area, if it is sinuses it would be in your nose, if it’s back pain it would be lower, middle or upper back. If you have an all over body disorder like a blood disorder, inflammation, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, etc. start with the root chakra and work your way up.

Step 2: Pinpoint the source

Ask yourself what was going on in your life at the time the pain, stress first started or you received your diagnosis? What was going on in your life two years leading up to the first symptom? Take notes on the first things that come into your head. Examples to look out for are major life events like a death, job loss, divorce, car accident, relocation, break-up, etc. When you think about these events do you feel your body change physically? And if so, is it in the spot that you are having issues?

Step 3: Find the corresponding chakra

Match that part of your body from Step 1 with the Chakra Illustration Figure . Does the description of that chakra resonate with your feelings from Step 2 above?

Step 4: Jump to that chakra chapter

Step 5: Follow the steps to healing

Use the examples and the tools in the chakra chapters to help you be whole again.

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The Review

This was a thought-provoking and insightful guide. The author did an amazing job of balancing out the personal stories that put her on the path of Reiki and the instructional moments that guided the reader toward the issues they are facing in life and the corresponding chakras they are associated with. The relatability and the emotional connection the author is able to make to the material in the book helped keep the reader engaged with the guide. 

The way the author is able to connect spirituality and energy work to modern-day health concerns was truly thoughtful. As someone with multiple autoimmune diseases, it was interesting to see how the author was able to relate each chakra to various areas of the body and how the chakras connected to those areas as well. The way the author was able to relay the history of Reiki and energy work was so fascinating as well. 

The Verdict

Memorable, captivating, and engaging, author Francie Soito’s “Why Are You Sick?: Practical Tools For Wellness” is a must-read nonfiction book on health and spirituality. The enlightening way the author is able to relay this guide to readers and the emotional weight of the impact this will have on readers with health struggles who are searching for new ways of confronting their health issues and connecting to a higher energy self in the process made this an amazing book to read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Intuitive Empath / Healing Facilitator / Teacher / Author

Francie Soito has been practicing and teaching professionally since 2009. She has personally given over 2,000 healing sessions and has worked in medical clinics, cancer centers and homeless shelters. She teaches all levels of Reiki including additional workshops on Psychic Development, Mediumship, Angels, Chakras and more.

Francie is an Usui/Holy Fire II/Karuna® Reiki Master, a Certified Doreen Virtue Angel Card Reader™, an EFT Level 1 Practitioner, a Light Language Practitioner and a psychic medium. She has studied Mediumship with Leanne Thomas, Gordon Smith, Simone Key and Tony Stockwell. Francie completed year-long programs on Advanced Spirit Worker and Psychic Detective with Tony Stockwell.

She is also the author of Why Are You Sick? Practical Tools for Wellness.

Francie has a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from UC Berkeley where she studied Sociology, Anthropology and Physics.

Francie worked for nearly two decades in market research and data strategy for such high-tech companies as Macromedia, Yahoo and Facebook. She holds a patent for her work in data segmentation, is an author and public speaker.

She has been married for over twenty five years to the love of her life Mark. Francie has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, plays the drums, guitar and is the mother of three furry babies and lives walking distance from the Pacific Ocean in coastal California. You can reach her at http://www.franciesoito.com