Wakela Runen's World

  Disclaimer: I received this book free from Twigtale in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any form of compensation. Review When I was little, my parents had bought a set of books called the Read About Me series.  Each book had my name, pet’s name, friends’ names, and family members’ names.   I loved those books because each one was personalized with information about me.  Even though I had those books almost 40 years ago, I can still remember some of the stories from them. When my kids were small, there really wasn’t anything like that.  Now that my niece has a daughter, I came across Twigtale !  I was so ecstatic to find these books.  Each one has pictures that you have taken yourself and are interspersed in the story.  So not only is there information that you provide to them about the child, but actual pictures of the child as well.  These are definitely books that you will want to keep around.  When I got the opportunity to do a review, I talked to my niece

Everyone Prays: Celebrating Faith Around the World by Alexis York Lumbard My rating: 3 of 5 stars Disclaimer: I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any form of compensation. Description Religions from across the globe all share one important practice everyone prays! In this bright and simple concept book, young readers are transported around the world to discover just how important the act of prayer is to all of the major religions. With an appendix to help answer questions children might have, Everyone Prays offers young hearts and minds a chance to learn that, although people from other places and cultures may seem different, we all share the diverse world of faith and prayer. Review This was an illustrated book that depicts people from various cultures and religions praying. The sentence structure in the book makes it seem like this book is for very early stage readers. However, they used some words that early readers would

Disclaimer:  I received this book free from Midnight Ink in exchange for an honest review.  I did not receive any form of compensation. I had received the opportunity to review this book back in August.  And every time I passed by the book on my computer, I kept wanting to read it because it really sounded great.  However, I knew that I really couldn't publish a review until closer to the time of the book release.  So I kept waiting and waiting.  I finally gave in and read the book in September.  I just couldn't wait any longer. I am so glad that I didn't wait!  This book was incredible!  This is a dynamic debut book written by certified yoga instructor Tracy Weber.  Of course, I went ahead and typed up my review with a note to post it closer to the books release date. Kate Davidson is struggling to keep her yoga studio afloat.  She is barely making ends meet.  Then a homeless man, George, and his monster sized dog, Bella, start selling newspapers right in front of the shop

Description Tuck never knew death was so overrated . . .until he dies. When Dr. Angela Tucker hears a bump in the night, Oliver "Tuck" Tucker is in no mood to investigate. But he does. And before he knows what’s happening, Tuck is shot dead with his own spare service revolver. Returning as a ghost to the scene of the crime, Tuck has no idea who shot him and he sure doesn't know why his old partner has hidden a file in his office. Slowly harnessing his ghostly abilities, Tuck is able to communicate with Angela, an archaeologist, and together they try to piece together the truth. Was Tuck killed by a supposedly retired mobster or was the intruder looking for information related to Angela's archaeological dig? Review I have always loved a good mystery story, especially ones that are well crafted and have a touch of humor to them.  I don't like the overly serious ones.  Well, this book was definitely up my alley.  Not only was it a light hearted mystery, but it was

Disclaimer:  I received this book free from First Second Books in exchange for an honest review.  I did not receive any form of compensation. I love the fact that this Graphic Novel brings the story of Aphrodite to the masses.  It makes it easy enough for kids to understand one of the Greek goddesses.  The pictures were stunning. There were some issues with the copy that I had received.  It was a little difficult to read since some of the panels were two pages.  So reading it on an e-reader didn’t work out as nicely as it would have if I were reading it in a paper format.  So if you plan on getting this book, then definitely spend the extra dollars and get it in paper format.  You will be able to appreciate it much more. Aphrodite: Goddess of Love (Olympians): George O'Connor: 9781596437395: Books ISBN : 1596437391 ISBN-13 : 9781596437395

Disclaimer:  I received this book free from Cambridge University Press in exchange for an honest review.  I did not receive any form of compensation. One thing that I have always loved was good poetry.  I have been forever fascinated by the way in which ancient wordsmiths could spin phrases into such beautiful verses.  This book showcases Rudyard Kiplings talent in a way that no other can. 100 Poems:  Old and New houses 25 old well loved verses as well as 75 that had only been published once or twice in the past.  Most of the 75 "new" poems have not been seen in decades.  Many vanished with the magazines of yore. There were so many wonderful poems in this book that it was very hard to choose a favorite amongst them.  I know that I absolutely loved the poem entitled "The King".  This showcases how too many times we, as a collective whole, spend our time looking back towards days gone by instead of focusing on the shiny and new days we are experiencing now.  Kipling r

Description Hypatia was the most famous female spiritual teacher of ancient Alexandria. The mix of classical philosophies she taught to Pagans, Jews, and Christians in the fourth century forms the very foundation of Western magic and mysticism as we know it today. The Wisdom of Hypatia offers a progressive, nine-month program based on the teachings of this inspiring Pagan Neoplatonic philosopher. Discover how to bring purpose, tranquility, and spiritual depth to your life through exercises and techniques divided into three stages of wisdom: Epicureanism, Stoicism, and Neoplatonism. This virtual course in philosophy, well-being, and divine union is an essential and practical introduction to the ancient wisdom of the West. Review As a pagan, I have always been interested in ancient times.  Hearing that this book was not only based on classical philosophy, but also a woman philosopher I became very much intrigued. This book takes you on a 9 month journey into yourself through the use

Description Learn how to harness a calm focus and use it consciously as a tool to solve problems and create the life you desire. With a major emphasis on how to maintain a calm, observant state of mind, become more aware of your focus when approaching life situations and be better able to see other options in getting past difficulties. Some of the ideas and strategies you will learn have been used for thousands of years by great thinkers and problem solvers across the world. Distilled here as a simple and ready-to-use guide, discover helpful hints, age-old wisdoms, and exercises that can be applied to any problem to help you increase your range of thinking. Do away with your negative outlook, and bring better health and relationships into full view. Review There are so many books on the market that teach you how to live in the here and now through meditation or other means.  However, this was the first book that I have come across that not only addresses how to live in the present m

Mind, Body, Home: Transform Your Life One Room at a Time by Tisha Morris My rating: 5 of 5 stars Disclaimer: I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any form of compensation. Description Awaken to the energetic connections between you and your home. When you make conscious changes to your living space, you can transform your life and uncover your soul. Unlike other books of its kind, Mind, Body, Home presents your home as an integral component to holistic living. From foundation to roof, this essential guide correlates every component of your house with its physical, mental, or emotional counterpart in you. Your home becomes a reflection of you, and being more in tune with your home's energy will allow you to make positive changes in your life. Open the door to the heart of your home and discover a whole new way of seeing and living within it!   Review Most books that I have read about using Feng Shui to transform the ene

Disclaimer:  I received this book free from SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca in exchange for an honest review.  I did not receive any form of compensation. Delightfully wicked read!  Emily Greenwood has created characters that will have you laughing at their antics. This is the first book that I have read by Emily Greenwood.  She had previously written A Little Night Mischief.  I definitely want to get my hands on that book. Lily Teagarden has had a rough life.  Her mother died when she was only 12 and her father relied on her to run the household.  This led Lily to become a stick-in-the-mud.  Hal decides that it should be his mission to change that.   Even though Lily is very rigid in certain ways of thinking, other things she does will have you laughing hysterically.  I loved how she was covering for the Fiend so Hal wouldn't discover the truth.  Oh and let's not forget all the craziness involving Lily's diary. I read this book in just one sitting.  I hope that Emily plans on bring

Description Stress. It is everywhere around us. Even worse, it gets inside us: sapping our energy, undermining our health, and making us more vulnerable to anxiety, depression, and disease. Now, based on Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn’s renowned mindfulness-based stress reduction program, this groundbreaking book shows you how to use natural, medically proven methods to soothe and heal your body, mind, and spirit. By using the practices described within, you can learn to manage chronic pain resulting from illness and/or stress related disorders…discover the roles that anger and tension play in heart disease… reduce anxiety and feelings of panic…improve overall quality of life and relationships through mindfulness meditation and mindful yoga. More timely than ever before , Full Catastrophe Living is a book for the young and the old, the well, the ill, and anyone trying to live a healthier and saner life in today’s world. Jon Kabat-Zinn , Ph.D ., is the founding director of the Stress Reduction

Disclaimer:  I received this book free from Brack Books in exchange for an honest review.  I did not receive any form of compensation. Whether you are love history or a photography buff, this book is definitely one to pick up and cherish. This book takes a look at the White House photographers throughout the years.  Many of them have taken photographs that will always be burned in our brains as part of US history and culture.  Everyone has seen the iconic picture of Abraham Lincoln that was taken by Matthew Brady.  However, did you know that during the civil war, Brady was out in the thick of the battles with his "mobile" dark room and his camera attempting to capture that part of history on film.  Not only was he doing this, but Lincoln basically gave Brady the first ever press pass. This is just one example of behind the scenes history that you will learn while reading this book.  And let's not forget being able to see memorable pictures of each presidency since then.  

Disclaimer: I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any form of compensation. Anyone who has been following politics and social reform issues for the past decade is aware of the ongoing fight to legalize same sex marriages.  Not only in the US, but in other countries as well.  One of the biggest proponents for allowing this tidal wave of change is the media.  And not just mainstream media either.  Social media plays an important part as well. This book focuses on how the media has played an active role in allowing people’s views to come forward about same sex marriage and to help gas up the engines of change.  But this book is so much more then that.  It also showcases the Gay Rights movement from the very beginnings.  Some of the pieces that are portrayed in it are heart wrenching.  While others are heart warming.   If you ever wanted to read a history of the Gay Rights movement and how media played a role in its progress, then

Description A Merry Humbug Christmas features two holiday romance novellas from hilarious and heartwarming author Sandra D. Bricker. -- the perfect gift to yourself or someone else at this most wonderfully stressful time of year. In "Once Upon a Jingle Bell," A Bah! Humbug cruise to the Mexican Riviera is Joss Snow’s answer to this year’s quest to avoid the holidays completely; at least until she’s rebooked on a different kind of cruise altogether. Candy canes, holly wreaths, reindeer and ornaments seem to be stalking her on the 12 Days of Christmas holiday cruise extravaganza. An escape back to land is her only goal . . . until she meets a kindred spirit in rugged Irishman Patrick Brenneman, and then the game is on! Avoid Christmas festivities at all costs . . . except maybe for that one stop under the mistletoe. In "It Came Upon a Midnight Deer," Reese’s guilt over abandoning best friend Joss on their holiday tradition of avoiding all things Christmas is tru

  Disclaimer:  I received this book free from Henery Press in exchange for an honest review.  I did not receive any form of compensation. Oh how I wished I would have known about this series earlier!  The main character, Rose, was raised in a snooty upper class home.  She didn't like the lifestyle, so against her mother's pleas, she left it and started working as a waitress in a diner.  Through her job as a waitress, she has run into a wide range of interesting people. This book actually had two concurrent mysteries that Rose attempts to solve.  First and foremost is the mystery of who killed Delia.  The second is the case of who stole the replica Starfleet uniform that was autographed by William Shatner. Being a huge Star Trek fan (and yes, I dressed up in costume for conventions), the second case was a purely magical bonus for me.  I had previously belonged to the real StarFleet Fan Club and KLAW.  In the book they are SPuRTs and KAW.  But yes, I could definitely see many of

Description A feminist film critic’s thoughtful, outspoken memoir about transgender and family On a visit to New York, the brother of well-known film critic Molly Haskell dropped a bombshell: Nearing age sixty, and married, he had decided to become a woman. In the vein of Jan Morris’s classic Conundrum and Jennifer Finney Boylan's She's Not There, a transgender memoir, Haskell’s My Brother My Sister gracefully explores a delicate subject, this time from the perspective of a family member. Haskell chronicles her brother Chevey’s transformation through a series of psychological evaluations, grueling surgeries, drug regimens, and comportment and fashion lessons as he becomes Ellen. Despite Haskell’s liberal views on gender roles, she was dumbfounded by her brother’s decision. With candor and compassion, she charts not only her brother’s journey to becoming her sister, but also her own path from shock, confusion, embarrassment, and devastation to acceptance, empathy, and love.

Description Coming of age is never easy, but for Ember Mae Roberts and her twin sister, Lorrie Beth, it may boil down to a matter of life or death. Growing up in the mountains of West Virginia in the 1950's presents unique challenges for any child, but for talented young Ember Mae, it means bearing the burdens of an adult, as she quickly learns her expected role is that of her sister's keeper. When a schoolyard bully sets his brutal sights on a fragile Lorrie Beth, Ember Mae jumps to her defense. Terror abounds at every turn as the tormenting escalates. What begins as a normal rite of passage for children since the beginning of time ends in a final tragic confrontation that leaves Lorrie Beth shattered. Both sisters make a pact to keep a deadly secret in order to heal, but Lorrie Beth has always been weak. Ember Mae fears she’ll crack under the strain and bring their world crashing down around them. What Ember Mae doesn't realize is that she and Lorrie Beth aren't the

Disclaimer: I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any form of compensation. As both a Unitarian Universalist and a Celtic Pagan, I have always been interested in learning about the various other pagan pantheons.  I had already known the basics of Norse mythology.  However, this book discusses the various spiritual practices that someone who is Asatru would utilize.  I loved that there were simple invocations and prayers that you could use in your every day life.  I know for me, my Celtic Paganism isn’t something that I put on and off like a coat for special occasions.  It is part of my very fabric.  And I am sure that Asatru is the same for those who practice it as well.  So if you are like me and wish to learn more about this religion, then I definitely suggest this book as a first start.  It will give you all the basics and guidelines.  It will not go too in-depth as it is just an introduction, but you will glean much informa

Disclaimer: I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any form of compensation. Being a Celtic Pagan, Faeries and Elementals are nothing new to me.  However, I always love to read about other people’s thoughts on the Faerie Realm. Alexandra Chauran teaches how to talk to Faeries, how to see Faeries, how to work with Faeries, and even how to get rid of them if that is what you want. Plus she details quite a few different types of Fae from around the world.  The author provides various rituals, prayers, and salutations that can be used to address or work with the various Fae.  When she discusses the four realms of the Fae – fire, earth, water, and air – she provides exercises and meditations to be performed for each realm.  These help you to understand how you can utilize the Faeries and Elementals in your daily life. I especially loved the section on Dreams and Water elementals.  I have decided to include this in my regular practi

Disclaimer: I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any form of compensation. I go through phases when I read.  Recently, I have been in the cozy mystery phase.  These are the books that are really drawing me right now.  And thankfully I found this one. Beth Groundwater creates such likeable characters in this story.  Thankfully, you don’t have to read the first two books in this series.  I found myself right at home in book three with all these characters.  The plot was well developed and definitely well paced.  I couldn’t put this book down.  I had so much fun reading it.  I definitely want to get the first two books in the series.  And hopefully, there will be plenty more in this series.  I can’t see what Claire gets into next. A Basket of Trouble (A Claire Hanover Mystery): Beth Groundwater: 9780738727035: Books ISBN : 0738727032 ISBN-13 : 9780738727035