The Inner Camino by Sara Hollwey and Jill Brierley

The Inner Camino by Sara Hollwey and Jill Brierley is an excellent resource for someone who is looking to make a change in their life. If you are struggling to find out what you are meant to do, this may be the guide for you to take you on a journey to discover it.

Book Description

“Are you looking to make real and lasting change in your life? The Inner Camino offers a reliable method to support such change effortlessly, even when we feel imprisoned in situations that appear intransigent or hopeless. With easy to follow maps and a compass to re-orientate the reader in the direction of their true purpose in life the Inner Camino guides the reader on an inner pilgrimage. Along the path the reader learns to dream into hitherto undreamt visions for our world and ourselves. This guidebook is practical, unsentimental and packed with immediately applicable insights towards clearly identified and easily accessible goals. The Inner Camino takes the reader on a heroic journey of awakening within. It initiates an extraordinary expedition, both deep into our own psychology, and to the heights of our numinous potential, our mystical capacities. Between these two differing terrains, the Inner Camino follows the way-marks through our most creative source of wisdom, our Intuitive Consciousness.” – The Inner Camino

My Thoughts

The Inner Camino takes you on a journey of your intuitive consciousness helping you to see what it is that you truly want to do and are meant to do. It can awaken or re-ignite passions you never knew you had, or perhaps forgot you had. Only read it if you are serious about finding this for yourself.

This is a practical guidebook with easy resources to help guide you along your path to figuring out your purpose and reach your goals. It isn’t going to lead you on the wrong path because you know what you are meant to do deep down, but sometimes we are too afraid of it and push it really far down, and it takes a bit of a push (like with this book) to discover it again. I especially liked the section on “Chatter or Guidance” because sometimes that inner dialogue we have within ourselves isn’t always so positive, but this section helped me to push aside those negative thoughts and focus on the actual guidance.

Overall, I think that this is an excellent guide for anyone that wants to go on the path of awakening. I highly recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of The Inner Camino, Findhorn Press, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Animal Stars by Robin Ganzert and Allen & Linda Anderson

Animal Stars by Robin Ganzert and Allen & Linda Anderson gives us an inside look at the lives of famous animal actors. Learn what they do to get motivated to “work”, what they do off-camera, training tips, and much more!

Book Description

“When cameras roll and directors call, “Action,” some of the most dependable, funniest, and most enthusiastic actors stand poised on four legs, with ears alert. From Joey in War Horse to the wolves in Game of Thrones, what we see on screen is the result of meticulous preparation and professional teamwork. The eye-popping, heartwarming stories in these pages reveal the trainers, actors, directors, and, of course, dogs, cats, horses, penguins, deer, and other animals in all their behind-the-scenes glory. You’ll discover that some animal actors have diva tendencies and others have rags-to-riches backstories. American Humane Association certified animal safety representatives work carefully to ensure that no animals are harmed, as they have been doing for decades.

Animal stars have done it all — convinced us to eat more tacos, broken our hearts in war dramas, inspired us with enduring love and loyalty, kept us at the edge of our seats as they snarled in the shadows, mirrored human antics to make us roar with laughter, and, like Uggie (from The Artist), stolen the show on the red carpet. Who besides a monkey named Crystal could impress a brilliant comedian like Robin Williams in Night at the Museum? And animal stars will work for food, including only KFC original recipe for Casey the bear — no other fried chicken will do! 

These charming and sometimes hilarious stories will give you a new appreciation for the skill and patience it takes to teach nonhuman actors to perform on camera. Training tips from the pros and personal recollections of celebrities such as Julia Roberts, Hailee Steinfeld, and Steven Spielberg make this insider’s look at the lives and work of these incomparable stars as irresistible as the animals themselves.

A portion of the publisher’s proceeds from this book will aid American Humane Association.” – Animal Stars

My Thoughts

Animal Stars is the perfect book for animal lovers who also enjoy movies and TV shows which feature them. Find out what their lives are like off the screen, get tips from the pros on training them, and much more!

My favorite sections of the book included reading about the wolves Thunder, Harley, Shadow, and Cody (who appear in True Blood, Game of Thrones, The Vampire Diaries, and Teen Wolf) – only some of my favorite TV series right there! I also quite liked the section on famous cats (like Hermione Granger’s cat Crookshanks in the Harry Potter series) and Mr. Jinx in Meet the Fockers. I learned a few tips on training cats, too, but mine will never be nearly as trained as these famous felines.

I really enjoyed reading about all of the animal stars in this book. It is truly the purrfect book for an animal lover. I highly recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of Animal Stars, New World Library, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Christmas Spirit Essential Oil Blend

Christmas Spirit is a sweet, spicy blend of orange, cinnamon, and spruce essential oils that taps into the happiness, joy, and security associated with the holiday season. With Christmas Spirit on hand, simply open a bottle and start diffusing!

How to Use:
For aromatic use. Diffuse or sprinkle on logs in the fireplace, on Christmas trees, on cedar chips, pinecones, or on potpourri. Use all year round for feelings of the Christmas Spirit.

*Possible skin sensitivity. If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, contact your physician. Dilute before using on sensitive areas such as the face, neck, genital area, etc. Keep out of the reach of children. Avoid using on infants and very small children. 

For more info on Young Living and essential oils, check out my group's website at: www.essentialdreamers.com

Someone Else’s Love Story by Joshilyn Jackson

Someone Else’s Love Story by Joshilyn Jackson is a witty tale about love, loss, and the amazing aspects of life in-between.

Book Description

“Someone Else's Love Story is beloved and highly acclaimed New York Times bestselling author Joshilyn Jackson's funny, charming, and poignant novel about science and miracles, secrets and truths, faith and forgiveness; about falling in love, and learning that things aren't always what they seem—or what we hope they will be.

Shandi Pierce is juggling finishing college, raising her delightful three-year-old genius son Nathan, aka Natty Bumppo, and keeping the peace between her eternally warring, long-divorced parents. She's got enough complications without getting caught in the middle of a stick-up and falling in love with William Ashe, who willingly steps between the robber and her son.

Shandi doesn't know that her blond god Thor has his own complications. When he looked down the barrel of that gun he believed it was destiny: It's been one year to the day since a tragic act of physics shattered his world. But William doesn't define destiny the way others do. A brilliant geneticist who believes in facts and numbers, destiny to him is about choice. Now, he and Shandi are about to meet their so-called destinies head on, making choices that will reveal unexpected truths about love, life, and the world they think they know.” – Someone Else’s Love Story

My Thoughts

Someone Else’s Love Story is a novel that drew me in right away. It is as the title says, someone else’s love story – and I can’t write too much about that without giving the plot away (which I will not do). Seriously, it is a brilliantly written novel that is worth a read!

The author writes this story from two very different perspectives. Shandi is my favorite, she is funny, smart, a bit if a smart ass, and an extremely likeable character. Will is more logical and matter of fact. I like the yin and yang to this. The story also primarily takes place in the present, but it has flashes of certain events that took place in the past. Nothing too often to take the story out of their current reality, so it was done quite well.

I really enjoyed reading this novel because it was written in a different way than most books out there. It is a distinct style that the author perfected with this book, and the characters truly help to give it a life that will capture you in their world for the time you are reading it. I definitely recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of Someone Else’s Love Story, William Morrow, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Love Cycles by Linda Carroll

Love Cycles by Linda Carroll helps us to understand the different love cycles that we all go through with those we love. This is helpful for everyone to understand who is in a relationship or wants to be in one.

Book Description

“In Love Cycles, veteran couples therapist Linda Carroll presents a groundbreaking model of the five natural stages of romantic relationships — the Merge, Doubt and Denial, Disillusionment, Decision, and Wholehearted Love — and a guide for navigating through them toward lasting love. Love Cycles helps readers understand where they are in the cycle of their relationship and provides a clear strategy for how to stay happy and committed, even in difficult times.” – Love Cycles

My Thoughts

Love Cycles is a book that is great for anyone who wants to make their love genuinely last. The author understands the challenges that couples have in their relationship and how each stage or cycle they are in can make a relationship stronger.

The “Merge” cycle is where it all starts, this is similar to what I would have called the “honeymoon” phase. What comes next is not so fun though, it is the “Doubt and Denial” cycle which is where a lot of people give up on their relationship. This doesn’t have to happen though, and can actually make the relationship stronger – if you know how to handle it. Same goes for the “Disillusionment” phase. The “Decision” phase is where people decide what the future holds for the relationship (if it has lasted this long). From there is where the goal is – the “Wholehearted Loving” cycle.

Overall, I think this is a very insightful book about how to become our best self in a relationship to have a truly fulfilling and loving relationship with another. I highly recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of Love Cycles, New World Library, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Aromatherapy for the Soul by Valerie Ann Worwood

Aromatherapy for the Soul by Valerie Ann Worwood is a great reference book that combines aromatherapy with spirituality. If you are looking for an informative book which does this, this would be an excellent resource to add to your library for aromatherapy use.

Book Description

“Renew Your Essence through the Divine Power of Fragrance

Fragrances possess a unique ability to evoke emotions, memories, and visions. Since the dawn of time spiritual traditions as diverse as Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Shinto, and Buddhism have used fragrances to enhance the experience of the Divine. WithAromatherapy for the Soul, world-renowned aromatherapist Valerie Ann Worwood has created a comprehensive guide to the use of essential oils and aromas to enhance spiritual practice. 

Originally published as The Fragrant Heavens, this groundbreaking book draws equally upon the pioneering research of eminent scientists and the insights of leading spiritual teachers. Extensive charts and exercises demonstrate how to use fragrance in healing, prayer, and meditation and in conjunction with vibrational and energetic healing. This extraordinary guide covers more than seventy essential oils and will help you call upon the divine power of fragrance to enrich your spiritual journey.” – Aromatherapy for the Soul

My Thoughts

Aromatherapy for the Soul is a well-researched and well-written book. The charts, uses for the essential oils, aroma traditions of different cultures, how to use with prayer and meditation, and much more is included. The index is also of great help when you need to just grab the book to look up something quickly, making this an excellent resource to have on hand.

As with all of the books I’ve read from Valerie Ann Worwood, I was left with the enthusiasm for the subject and the desire to want to try out some of the suggested uses for the aromas. This is the type of book that any aromatherapy enthusiast should have on their shelf.

Overall, I think this is a very good book on aromatherapy used for enhancing spirituality. It doesn’t contain the recipes I was hoping for, but there are other books for that. I enjoyed reading through this book and will continue to use it for many years to come with aromatherapy. I highly recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of Aromatherapy for the Soul, New World Library, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Groom Says Yes by Cathy Maxwell

The Groom Says Yes by Cathy Maxwell is the final book in the Brides of Wishmore trilogy. Fans of the series and newcomers will enjoy this book that takes you back in time to the life of Sabrina Davidson.

Book Description

“New York Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell continues her dazzling series, The Brides of Wishmore

He had a noose around his neck and a price on his head . . .

Sabrina Davidson, dutiful daughter, avowed spinster, thought she'd secured a place for herself in Aberfeldy society— until her hard-earned acceptance of her fate is challenged by the arrival of Cormac Enright, earl of Ballin, trained physician, soldier of fortune, and convicted felon.

A prim and proper miss was the last thing he needed . . .

Mac is determined to clear his name, but first he has to find the man whose testimony sentenced him to a hangman's noose. Of course, Robert Davidson is missing and protecting Mac is Davidson's daughter, the most entrancing, frustrating, beguiling, stubborn woman Mac has ever met.

And it doesn't help that he has already tasted her kisses. Or that he has found in her a passion for life and adventure to rival his own.

Mac has turned Sabrina's world inside out—but what will happen when he leaves?

Or will the Groom Say Yes?” – The Groom Says Yes

My Thoughts

The Groom Says Yes is the third in the series that me and other family members I have passed these books on to all love. This is a great series to read, so if this is the first book you want to try out, I will warn you – you’ll want to go back and read the previous two!

Sabrina is a brilliantly written character that you want to cheer for and know what will happen with. Sabrina and Mac take on trying to solve a mystery about her father, but what they uncover may not be what they would have imagined. Sabrina and Mac are characters on an adventure in this novel, and the romance is sure to spring into flames, or will it fizzle out after the newness of it wears off? I’m not telling, you’ll have to read it to find out!

Overall, I enjoyed this series and this is my favorite book in the trilogy. It has ab it of everything, romance, adventure, humor, betrayal, and more! I definitely recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of The Groom Says Yes, Avon Historical Romance, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Alliance by Shannon Stoker

The Alliance by Shannon Stoker is the last installment of the Registry Trilogy. This time, Mia is back risking her freedom to help others gain theirs, and put an end to the Registry.

Book Description

“In this deadly endgame, the final move is hers . . .

In America, the Registry weds girls to the highest bidder and raises boys for its army.

Mia Morrissey escaped to make her life her own, and now that she has, she will risk everything so that everyone can be free.

Going undercover as part of a diplomatic mission, Mia returns to America. But life there is more dangerous than ever as the walls grow taller, and the forgotten country faces its most ruthless leader yet, Grant Marsden . . . a shadow from Mia's past. With the help of Andrew, Carter, and other members of the subversive group Affinity, she embarks on a perilous journey to defeat Grant, bring down the government, and destroy the Registry once and for all.

But when a terrible betrayal exposes the operation, Mia discovers that her enemies have used her—and so have her friends. Alone and frightened, she's uncertain of whom to trust—or whether the mission is worth the sacrifice.

With the fate of her friends and the future of her country on the line, Mia knows that her next step may be the last for her . . . and America.” – The Alliance

My Thoughts

The Alliance is a final in the “Registry” trilogy by the author. The conclusion to the series is definitely worthy of finishing the series, and shows real growth in writing skills from the author. I quite enjoyed reading it and look forward to reading more from the author in the future.

Mia Morrissey is a strong female character that I could see kicking some serious butt in a movie one day – just sayin’. She has become a very likable character in this series that is fighting for freedom, and has some hero complexes that would show well on the silver screen. The last book does not disappoint with her character or the story, and fans of the series will definitely enjoy reading this one, too.

Overall, I liked this series and the final novel the most in the trilogy. I definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good dystopian series.

* Thank you to the publisher of The Alliance, William Morrow, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton

The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton is a historical novel set in 17^th century Amsterdam. The obsession with wealth and acquiring more desirable objects is the societal influences that the story navigates around. However, the characters involved are just as intriguing as all of the glamour that surrounds them.

Book Description

“On a brisk autumn day in 1686, eighteen-year-old Nella Oortman arrives in Amsterdam to begin a new life as the wife of illustrious merchant trader Johannes Brandt. But her new home, while splendorous, is not welcoming. Johannes is kind yet distant, always locked in his study or at his warehouse office–leaving Nella alone with his sister, the sharp-tongued and forbidding Marin.

But Nella's life changes when Johannes presents her with an extraordinary wedding gift: a cabinet-sized replica of their home. To furnish her gift, Nella engages the services of a miniaturist–an elusive and enigmatic artist whose tiny creations mirror their real-life counterparts in eerie and unexpected ways...

Johannes's gift helps Nella pierce the closed world of the Brandt household. But as she uncovers its unusual secrets, she begins to understand–and fear–the escalating dangers that await them all. In this repressively pious society where gold is worshipped second only to God, to be different is a threat to the moral fabric of society, and not even a man as rich as Johannes is safe. Only one person seems to see the fate that awaits them. Is the miniaturist the key to their salvation...or the architect of their destruction?

Enchanting, beautifully written, and exquisitely suspenseful, The Miniaturist is a magnificent story of love and obsession, betrayal and retribution, appearance and truth.” – The Miniaturist

My Thoughts

The Miniaturist is a book that I really enjoyed reading. It is a historical novel that shows how the obsession with having more material wealth continues today, and that isn’t necessarily such a good thing. The characters are all interesting, even ones that I didn’t really like. I wanted to know what was going to happen next, and what would become of all those involved. It is definitely a good book to read over a weekend!

At only eighteen years old, Petronella moves to Amsterdam into the arranged marriage she had with Johannes. Not an ideal situation, but she had no real choice in the matter. Her new husband is not at all what she had imagined, and the people in this new city are not as friendly as she had hoped for. The one nice thing he did for her though was to give her a wedding present of a miniature version of their home. However, it isn’t furnished, so she finds a miniaturist to help re-create the furnishings in the home for it. When these new furnishings come, they are amazing – but then, new pieces not similar to ones in the home start to arrive, and strikingly accurate copies seem to magically appear in the home. Who is this miniaturist, and what does all of this mean? No spoilers here!

Overall, I think that this is an excellent debut book from an author to keep an eye out for in the future. I highly recommend it.

* Thank you to the publisher of The Miniaturist, Ecco, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Hanes Cotton Leggings Review

With the temperature outside falling, leggings are coming back into our wardrobes. For me, I love this time of year, and I have to admit, the clothing is a big part of it. For a large portion of my life, I lived in Florida where there is the Four H seasons: hot, humid, hurricane, and hell. Now that I a little bit further North, I can actually experience seasons changing and a wardrobe that actually corresponds to the seasons.

I was never a big fan of tights or leggings when I lived in Florida. However, I now absolutely love them and after some trial and error, I found a brand that is fantastic for both. Perhaps you have heard of Hanes? Yes, they are affordable, fashionable, and actually make products that last for more than one use.

The Hanes Cotton Leggings come in a variety of colors and sizes, so no matter what you are wearing, there is a pair of leggings that you could wear with it to keep your legs warm and your legs looking good. My favorite is the black legging. It is basic, but it seriously goes with 99% of my wardrobe.

I’ve washed my Hanes Cotton Leggings a few times now, and they are in perfect condition each time. Just be sure to use a machine washer, on cold, with similar colors, and use non-chlorine bleach if needed. To dry them, I just threw them in the dryer on low.

Overall, I really like these leggings and definitely recommend them to everyone who wants to stay warm and look great this time of year.

Thank you to Hanes for providing me with leggings for review for purposes of this article. All opinions and experiences expressed are my own.