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The Savior/Shadow Principle: A Self-Help Technique and Philosophy Using Archetypes
The book is both a personal memoir and a guide to a self-help technique the author calls the Savior/Shadow Principle. It blends mythology, psychology, and spirituality, drawing especially from the figures of Hekate and Jesus. McAfee takes readers through her journey from traditional Christianity into ChristoPaganism, then back into a reimagined Christianity. Along the way, she shares how she developed a meditative practice that uses archetypes of light and shadow to encourage self-honesty, growth, and healing. The book weaves in Jungian psychology, mythological parallels, and personal reflection, while offering readers practical ways to explore their inner lives through story and symbol.
I didn’t expect the writing to be so approachable. The author’s voice is warm, even when she’s discussing heavy topics like shame, fear, or midlife crises. She doesn’t hide behind theory or pretend to be an expert. Instead, she writes like someone who’s been in the dark, stumbled around, and finally found a lantern worth sharing. That sincerity resonated with me. At times, the language wanders, especially in sections heavy with history or myth, but that wandering matches the subject. The whole book is about exploration, so the digressions feel more like trails branching off a main path rather than distractions.
I loved the emotional undercurrent. I could feel the author’s vulnerability, her wrestling with faith, and her refusal to gloss over contradictions. That gave the philosophy weight. When she described Hekate lighting the way through shadow, or Jesus pulling someone into the light, it didn’t read like fantasy; it read like a relatable metaphor.
This isn’t a book for someone who wants a neat formula or a rigid system. It’s for seekers. It’s for people who are tired of shallow answers and who want to dig into the messy mix of spirituality, psychology, and story. If you’ve ever felt caught between belief systems, or if you’re curious about how myth and archetype can help uncover truth about yourself, this book has something to offer. It’s personal, heartfelt, and comforting.
Pages: 174 | ASIN : B0F8PLQMJB
It’s Never Personal: Weaving Psychology, Neuroscience, and Ancient Wisdom Through a 5-Step Process to Finally Let It Go
Vicki Kennedy’s It’s Never Personal is a heartfelt and practical guide to understanding why we take things personally and how to let go of that burden. Through her five-step “Never Personal Process,” she blends neuroscience, psychology, and ancient wisdom into a pathway for real emotional freedom. The book moves between personal stories, client experiences, and clear, accessible explanations of concepts like attachment theory and the mind-body connection. At the end of each chapter, reflective questions invite the reader to dig deeper, making the book part manual, part mirror. It’s not just theory, it’s a lived approach to releasing shame, resentment, and self-criticism, and finding the peace that comes with truly seeing that “it’s never personal.”
What struck me most was the openness and warmth in Kennedy’s writing. She doesn’t hide behind clinical distance. She shows her own struggles, moments of feeling unworthy, rejected, or invisible, and how she worked through them. This made the book feel like a conversation with a trusted friend who also happens to have a lot of professional wisdom. I found myself pausing to think about my own raw spots, the times I’ve rushed to forgive without healing, and how often my mind leaps to negative conclusions without evidence. Her examples, whether about a casual slight or a deep betrayal, hit that sweet spot of being specific enough to feel real, but universal enough to resonate.
I also appreciated how she bridged the gap between emotional healing and spiritual growth without slipping into abstract mysticism. Her tone is grounded and compassionate, and she has a knack for taking big ideas like flow states, shadow work, and generational patterns and making them simple without making them shallow. She’s equally willing to quote neuroscience research and the Tao Te Ching, and she makes both feel relevant. Some passages challenged me to face uncomfortable truths about my own defensiveness and judgment. Others left me feeling lighter, more hopeful. By the time I finished, I could see my own patterns a little more clearly and felt more willing to try her process in real life.
I’d recommend It’s Never Personal to anyone who finds themselves replaying conversations in their head, holding grudges they wish they could drop, or feeling too easily bruised by others’ words and actions. It’s ideal for those already in therapy or on a personal growth journey, but it’s also accessible to someone just beginning to wonder why certain hurts linger. If you’re ready to let go of the weight you’ve been carrying, whether it’s been a few weeks or a few decades, this book offers both the map and the encouragement to take those steps.
Pages: 139 | ASIN : B0F9B51HNT
When Your Partner Dies: Moving Forward and Finding Love and Happiness Again
Millard Hiner’s When Your Partner Dies is part memoir, part guidebook, and part gentle pep talk for anyone who has lost a spouse. Drawing from his own experience after the death of his wife Sharon, Hiner walks the reader through the raw early days of loss, the unpredictable stages of grief, and the tangle of emotional, social, and financial changes that follow. The book blends heartfelt personal stories with practical checklists, self-assessments, and ideas for honoring a partner’s memory, before gradually turning to the delicate subjects of moving on, dating again, and even blending new families. His message is clear: grief is unique to each person, but with time, care, and honesty, life can hold joy again.
I found the writing deeply personal and refreshingly unpretentious. Hiner doesn’t hide from the messy truths of widowhood, like how anger, guilt, and even relief can mix together in ways that feel wrong but aren’t. The prose is simple and warm, and the anecdotes carry a weight that advice alone never could. At times, the practical sections, especially the financial checklists, feel almost jarring next to the raw emotional passages, but in a way, that contrast mirrors the reality of loss: you’re mourning one moment and calling the insurance company the next. His ability to offer comfort without slipping into cliché struck me as one of the book’s greatest strengths.
While some themes, such as allowing yourself to feel or seeking support, are revisited, this repetition can serve as gentle reinforcement for readers who may need to hear those ideas more than once. I also found myself wishing for a bit more exploration of the emotional complexity involved in finding love again, as it’s such a delicate and layered subject. Even so, his warmth, kindness, and faith in second chances come through clearly, and the sincerity behind his words is never in question.
I felt as if I’d been guided by a friend who’d walked the path before me, pointing out both the potholes and the places where wildflowers still grow. When Your Partner Dies is for anyone supporting a grieving friend, or even for those years past a loss but still carrying the ache. It would especially resonate with people who need both the heart-level reassurance that they aren’t alone and the practical road map to manage the chaos that follows a partner’s death.
Pages: 140 | ASIN : B0CWMDKVQS
“I Just Want to Be Happy”: How to Get More of the Life You Want (And Less of the One You Don’t)
I Just Want to Be Happy by Heidi McKenzie is a refreshingly practical guide to enhancing mental well-being and embracing happiness in daily life. Grounded in research and brimming with actionable advice, the book delves into overcoming loneliness, cultivating positive habits, practicing gratitude, and tapping into the transformative power of nature and expressive writing. McKenzie seamlessly combines relatable anecdotes with science-backed strategies, crafting a roadmap to a more meaningful and joyful existence. From the serenity of birdwatching to the reflective practice of journaling, the book inspires readers to challenge negative thought patterns and make lasting, impactful changes.
Dr. McKenzie doesn’t just throw facts at you, she makes them stick. She discusses how singing can boost mood and reduce anxiety. I loved her personal anecdote about a roommate whose voice filled their loft with joy. This chapter was a standout for me because it made happiness feel accessible, even on the hardest days. The concept of behavioral activation, “just doing it,” resonates as a no-nonsense strategy to break free from inertia.
The book also shines in how it reframes common barriers to happiness. Dr. McKenzie’s exploration of hobbies was eye-opening. Her honesty about being “hobby-impaired” at one point in her life made me laugh and reflect. The story of her client, Holly, who “failed” to make bad pottery but ended up with a charming bowl, felt like a gentle nudge to embrace imperfection. It’s inspiring to think that hobbies don’t require talent, just curiosity and the willingness to try. This chapter reminded me that the pursuit of joy doesn’t have to be serious business.
Dr. McKenzie’s candid story about a neon-green jumpsuit and the subsequent mortification it caused was a perfect setup for her advice on overcoming the fear of judgment. The practical steps she outlined, like intentionally doing something “foolish,” were both hilarious and transformative. It made me reflect on how much I’ve let fear hold me back. Her advice to lean into discomfort, whether it’s through exposure therapy or reframing worst-case scenarios, felt actionable and empowering.
I Just Want to Be Happy is an invaluable resource for anyone feeling stuck or striving to create a more fulfilling life. McKenzie goes beyond fleeting happiness, guiding readers toward sustainable habits and deeper personal growth. Her insights are both accessible and empowering, making this book a must-read for anyone on a journey of self-improvement.
Pages: 170 | ASIN : B0DN2K2HXN
When I Accept Myself
Laura Linn Knight’s When I Accept Myself offers a transformative toolkit for nurturing your inner child and cultivating a vibrant, positive mindset. This inspiring self-help guide equips readers with four practical tools for healing and embracing their perfectly imperfect selves. Enhanced by Sara Tomate’s cheerful illustrations and Knight’s engaging personal anecdotes, the book invites readers to embody love, kindness, and self-empathy while fostering growth and self-acceptance.
One of the book’s standout principles is its emphasis on reframing mistakes. Rather than allowing errors to spiral into self-hate and shame, Knight encourages readers to see them as opportunities for positive change and empowerment. This practice not only fosters self-awareness but also paves the way for genuine growth and rejuvenation. The book’s affirmations—simple, impactful, and written in the first person—are a cornerstone of its appeal. By speaking directly to the reader, these affirmations feel deeply personal and adaptable to individual struggles. As someone grappling with the weight of external expectations, I found solace in Knight’s reminder. Knight’s prose is concise yet profound, offering clear, actionable guidance for those eager to embark on a journey of personal transformation. Her wisdom is further complemented by Tomate’s vibrant, colorful illustrations, which create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The book’s thoughtful formatting and upbeat design perfectly align with its message of reconnecting with one’s inner child, making the experience both enjoyable and impactful. When I Accept Myself delivers its healing messages with remarkable efficiency, blending accessible language, relatable stories, and delightful visuals. Knight’s empowering insights have inspired me to embrace cheerfulness and prioritize my own desires over external demands, and even the act of reflecting on this shift fills me with a sense of joy. For adults struggling with happiness, presence, or self-contentment, this book offers a beacon of hope and actionable solutions.
In a world overwhelmed by conflict and negativity, books like When I Accept Myself remind us of the profound impact of kindness, self-awareness, and self-love. Imagine a world with fewer bullies, less hostility, and more confident, content individuals. Laura Linn Knight’s work is a step toward that brighter future, making it an invaluable addition to the self-help genre.
Pages: 77 | ASIN : B0DMVKC2SJ
You Are the Boss of You: Cultivate the Mindset and Tools to Live Life on Your Terms
You Are the Boss of You is an introspective guide for reclaiming personal power and healing. Shauna Brittenham Reiter combines her personal struggles with trauma and mental health with a toolkit of practical strategies. The book weaves her story of resilience with lessons on setting boundaries, healing trauma, self-soothing, and redefining self-worth. Each chapter explores a key aspect of personal growth, from softening perfectionism to honoring sleep, with actionable advice for creating a life aligned with your deepest desires.
One thing I appreciated about the book is its honest vulnerability. Reiter’s willingness to share her journey, like the forty-day fast that landed her in a psychiatric ward, is not only brave but creates a strong connection with the reader. The chapter on healing trauma resonated with me, where she unpacks how unresolved childhood experiences echo into adulthood. Her perspective on recognizing these patterns and gently confronting them is relatable and encouraging. The anecdotes make you feel like you’re sitting with someone who has “been there” and genuinely wants to help.
I also found the writing style straightforward and powerful. The chapter on boundaries, for instance, dives into why we often say “yes” when we mean “no” and how that erodes our self-respect over time. Her examples of practicing saying “no,” like declining a party invite without overexplaining, are simple but effective. It hit home for me because I tend to overcommit and then regret it. Her guidance felt like a friend reminding me to put myself first without guilt.
Chapter 9, “Advocating for Yourself,” stood out to me as one of the most empowering sections of the book. It struck a perfect balance between relatable examples and actionable advice, encouraging readers to take control of their own narratives. What I liked most about this chapter was its focus on the emotional and psychological blocks that prevent people from standing up for themselves and the practical strategies Reiter offers to overcome these challenges.
You Are the Boss of You, by Shauna Brittenham Reiter, is an empowering read. It would resonate with anyone navigating trauma recovery, struggling with boundaries, or simply seeking a more fulfilling life. Reiter’s raw honesty, paired with practical tools, makes this a great book for readers ready to reclaim their agency and live authentically. If you’re ready to become “the boss of you,” this book is worth the read.
Pages: 288 | ASIN : B0DBVN56ZG
In Search of You; How To Find Joy When Doing More Isn’t Doing It Anymore
In Search of You, by Kasey Compton, is a deeply introspective memoir that explores the journey of self-discovery through the lens of childhood memories, intergenerational trauma, and personal growth. Compton’s raw and unfiltered narrative offers readers a candid look into her life, revealing her struggles and triumphs in a way that feels both personal and universal. This is not just a recounting of past events but an invitation for readers to reflect on their own lives, seeking greater understanding, healing, and self-appreciation.
Compton’s writing style is engaging and conversational, effortlessly drawing readers into her world. Her vivid descriptions bring memories to life—whether it’s the distinct smell of cigarette smoke in a beat-up Oldsmobile or the serene, sun-drenched afternoons spent in her grandmother’s garden. These sensory details make the past feel alive and immediate, pulling readers into the emotional landscape of her story. Structurally, the book alternates between past and present, a technique that mirrors the therapeutic process of revisiting and reprocessing formative childhood experiences. This narrative style adds emotional depth and allows readers to experience Compton’s vulnerability as she works through her memories.
The memoir is not only personal but profoundly brave. Compton tackles heavy, complex themes such as parental absence, emotional neglect, and the lingering effects of trauma. Through her therapeutic journey, she uncovers how these early experiences have shaped her adult identity. Her recollections are often poignant and, at times, heartbreaking, especially as she reflects on her mother’s struggles with depression and her own yearning for emotional connection. The inclusion of dialogues between Compton and her therapist offers readers an insightful look into the therapeutic process, providing a unique structure that allows readers to witness her real-time thoughts and emotions as she navigates her past. Compton delves into her mother’s and grandmother’s lives, exposing how trauma reverberates through families, adding layers of complexity and depth to the narrative. This generational perspective enhances the memoir’s emotional resonance, making it a rich exploration of how we are shaped by both our histories and our efforts to break free from them.
What makes In Search of You particularly powerful is Compton’s honesty. Her willingness to share her most painful experiences is both unsettling and empowering. The emotional weight of the story is palpable, and readers will feel her courage as she unpacks her past and strives to heal. This balance of pain and hope is what makes the book so impactful. While Compton revisits her wounds, she also demonstrates the power of healing and reclaiming one’s sense of self, making the book not only cathartic but also uplifting.
In Search of You is a compelling memoir that masterfully blends personal narrative with psychological insight. Compton’s writing is intimate and captivating, drawing readers into her world as she reflects on her past and works toward healing. This book is an excellent choice for anyone interested in mental health, self-discovery, and the journey of healing from trauma. As Compton breaks the cycles of the past and emerges more in touch with herself, readers are encouraged to embark on their own journeys of introspection and transformation.
Pages: 272 | ASIN : B0C7TF273M
Celebrate Success in Various Ways
The Success Guidebook is a self-help book designed to help readers find their definition of success and teach them the steps they need to achieve their idea of success. What inspired you to write this book?
I was inspired to write The Success Guidebook because of my own personal journey and experiences and over the years as a master coach, I see patterns with my clients reaching out for help with the topics of change and success.
I think it is time for people to know they are already wildly successful. For example, I think Taylor Swift would want us each to know how amazing we are. Right now, she’s probably one of the most, if not the most, monetarily and chart-topping, successful young women on the planet. But that’s her success. What’s your success? Since we can’t all be Taylor Swift, for example, it’s time we start redefining success for our own authentic selves, as this one-size-fits-all-concept is not only outdated but unworkable. We’re all different with different needs and different things that make us unique. Success for me is different than success for you and different for those you know. It’s time we celebrate success in various ways. Success is so much more than data or dollars.
As the CEO and founder of Best Ever You, a multimedia company dedicated to personal development and empowerment, I felt a strong desire to share my insights and strategies for achieving success with others. I want to help people go inward, upward, and outward to see it, be it, and do it and to fully understand how you can live life most authentically and aligned to you. Also, I’d love to see people maintain and sustain your vision for what success looks like for you personally and professionally and feel proud and valuable rather than searching and seeking thing after thing and always feeling less than.
I have a passion for helping people reach their full potential and live their best lives, which served as the driving force behind writing this book. I want to help people be and feel successful without the overwhelming drive for whatever society defines as “success” that so often overrides so many aspects of our personal lives. I help people create a life where personal and professional success live together.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I teach my clients about gratitude, compassion, change, and success. These are four concepts that I always want to share in my books through my own personal stories, contributors, or through the exercises that help a reader implement what they’ve learned. This book is the 2nd in the Guidebook Series. The first was The Change Guidebook – How to Align Your Heart, Truths, and Energy and Find Success in All Areas of Your Life. This guided readers through the Ten Points of Change.
In the Success Guidebook, I guide readers through the Ten Factors of Success. I developed these factors during my many years of working with clients as a master coach and founder of The Best Ever You Network. They are the proven tactics of creative action to help you visualize, actualize, and amplify excellence and success—and make them last. Whether you are dreaming big to achieve the awesomeness within or making a pivot, this process can be used time and time again to achieve the results you seek.
My goal is to help you master the Ten Factors of Success so that you have the tools to actualize your dreams and goals to amplify professional and personal success. These factors can help you navigate, overcome stubborn obstacles, and harness the power to courageously move forward with clarity, a renewed purpose, and the confidence to build a life of bold and infinite possibilities.
One of the things that stood out to me about your book is that it does not define success; instead, it teaches readers how to identify their own version of success. How did you come up with the exercises that you teach readers to help them find their paths?
Prior to becoming an author and owning Best Ever You, I spent many years as a corporate trainer in the financial services industry. I have an extensive background in developing courses and training materials for people of all ages. I am always learning more in the field of teaching and coaching people and my mentors Gary Kobat and Barbara Wainwright also check my work, make suggestions, and guide me. I’m very grateful for their help. I have always really loved the idea of journaling and completing exercises like this as I think they reinforce learning, not only the materials but more about yourself as well. I also wrote them, so they don’t take up a huge amount of time to complete but are still thought-provoking. I didn’t include anything that I didn’t personally take the time to complete and find value in doing so.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from The Success Guidebook?
My books are here to help us all be more confident and never feel alone or like you’re the only person going through feeling the way we feel at times. I’ve tackled two huge topics in my books: change and success. These are topics where people generally feel fear or feel less than or not enough. The topics are confidence crushers, and I want people to feel anchored and centered in their confidence and knowledge. I hope my books are added to your Best Ever You Toolbox and they help you harness your power and move toward a life with unlimited possibilities. I seek to give people their power back and place it in their hands. It’s time to move forward with clarity, renewed purpose, and personalized confidence to build a life of bold, brave, and infinite possibilities.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Author Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino, master life coach and founder of The Best Ever You Network has long espoused that we must redefine success for our authentic selves—a one-size fits-all-concept is not only outdated but unworkable. Success is so much more than data or the dollars in our bank account. True success is reflected in the smiles that brighten our faces and the peace that settles in our hearts. It’s the gratitude we seek in all things and the intention and actions being our very best in each moment.
In The Success Guidebook, readers will find inspiration, motivation, and a pathway to live their best, most fulfilling life. By implementing Elizabeth’s unique Ten Factors of Success—the behaviors consistently exhibited by people who stand out and behave with world-class excellence—readers will learn how to finally overcome the stubborn obstacles that have stood in their way and harness the power to move forward with clarity, a renewed purpose, and the personalized confidence to build a life of bold, brave, and infinite possibilities. Included are profiles of 20 people who exemplify these principles. Here’s the secret: You don’t need to be on a national or international platform to be world-class. You can have it right in your own home, to be and feel successful in each and every moment of your life. This book will help you learn how to tap into world-class behaviors and get the results you desire—at last.
LITERARY TITAN 