Blog Archives
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
Shining Our Own Truth
Yoga and Your Hidden Soul Power is a warm and lively dive into the often-overlooked Niyamas of Yoga philosophy, presented through a mix of ancient wisdom, storytelling, simple exercises, and meditation practices.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about yoga and its total body benefits?
We commonly see Americans viewing yoga as a relative new workout that includes stretching, flexibility, and strength-building. Yes, yoga does all of that and more. The misconception is that yoga’s purpose is spiritual more than physical. Yoga is a 5,000-year-old comprehensive how-to-live philosophy that unites your soul with your Creator using specific scientific techniques and practices including meditation. Hatha yoga is what prepares your body for being able to sit still allowing you to get in touch with your intuition and higher consciousness.
Yoga’s total body benefits include a flexible spine so that your nerve impulses can flow freely. When the energy channels in your spine are restricted life-force will deplete in your organs and make them vulnerable to disease.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
People frequently tell us about their anxiety and depression, and their growing sense of social and spiritual disconnection, and lack of purpose. We all can see that loneliness, stress, weight gain, back pain, and fatigue are widespread. The wisdom in the Niyamas address these issues and we wrote about them wanting to share this wisdom with everyone who is interested in a new path to love, happiness, and abundance.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Yoga and Your Hidden Soul Power?
We hope readers feel encouragement, guidance, and more faith in themselves after reading Yoga and Your Hidden Soul Power. We worked to make the takeaway that we each create our own world while being connected to each other like a string of colorful party lights, shining our own truth in ever-new joy.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
Yoga and Your Hidden Soul Power offers a path beyond physical postures, guiding you through the transformative world of Yoga philosophy. Focusing on the Niyamas—ethical principles that promote conscious living—and Raja Yoga’s practices, this book uncovers the essence of mindfulness, meditation, and spiritual growth.
The wisdom of the Yoga Sutras and Eastern philosophy illuminates your journey toward self-improvement, holistic well-being, and spiritual transformation. Learn how yoga’s moral principles, combined with meditation and mindfulness practices, can connect you with your inner self, enhancing your life from within.
Why You’ll Love This Book:
● Deepen your practice by exploring the philosophy behind yoga, enriching your practice beyond asana.
● Cultivate mindfulness and embrace meditation techniques to reduce stress, quiet the mind, and increase self-awareness.
● Learn how the Niyamas guide you toward ethical action and conscious relationships.
● Discover Raja Yoga’s tools for personal growth and awakening spiritual awakening.
Whether you’re an experienced yogi or just beginning your journey, this book offers profound insights into yoga’s power for personal and spiritual transformation.
About the Authors:
The authors of Yoga and Your Hidden Soul Power are lifelong yogis with over 40 years of experience in practicing and teaching yoga. They have spent decades studying the spiritual and metaphysical aspects of yoga, specializing in Raja Yoga and the ethical practices of the Niyamas. Their teachings blend traditional Eastern philosophy with modern insights into mindfulness, psychology, and holistic well-being.
As co-founders of a yoga community, they have dedicated their lives to helping others discover the transformative power of yoga. Their work focuses on guiding individuals through personal growth, self-discipline, and spiritual awakening, grounded in conscious living and ethical principles.
Their mission is to empower others to live a life rooted in compassion, mindfulness, and purpose. Through this book, they offer practical wisdom and tools for navigating life’s challenges while maintaining inner peace and spiritual growth.
“We’ve spent over 40 years walking the yogic path, learning and living the principles of yoga. This book is our way of sharing the profound impact that yoga’s ethical teachings have had on our lives. We hope it inspires you to discover your hidden potential and live a more conscious, peaceful, and fulfilling life.”
A New Path to Love, Happiness, and Abundance Using Yoga’s Ancient Niyama Wisdom
At the heart of Yoga and Your Hidden Soul Power are the Niyamas, a set of ethical principles that provide a roadmap for living a mindful, ethical, and spiritually connected life. The Niyamas offer a framework for integrating yoga philosophy into daily life, supporting both spiritual growth and emotional balance.
Here’s a look at each principle:
● Purity (Saucha): Cleanse the mind and body, creating space for clarity and peace.
● Contentment (Santosha): Cultivate gratitude and satisfaction, regardless of external circumstances.
● Self-Discipline (Tapas): Develop resilience and focus through consistent, dedicated practice.
● Self-Study (Svadhyaya): Engage in self-reflection to gain deeper insight into your true nature.
● Surrender (Ishvara Pranidhana): Let go of ego-driven desires and trust in a higher power.
These teachings are not just theoretical; they are practical tools for navigating life’s challenges, fostering mindfulness, and supporting your journey toward spiritual enlightenment. By integrating the Niyamas into your daily life, you can experience profound transformation in both your inner and outer world.
Yoga and Your Hidden Soul Power: A New Path to Love, Happiness, and Abundance Using Yoga’s Ancient Niyama Wisdom
Yoga and Your Hidden Soul Power is a warm and lively dive into the often-overlooked Niyamas of Yoga philosophy, presented through a mix of ancient wisdom, storytelling, simple exercises, and meditation practices. Glenn Ballantyne and Bobby Hart set out to teach readers how self-discipline, self-study, contentment, devotion, and purification can bring authentic happiness and fulfillment. Using personal stories, beautiful illustrations, and clear, inviting language, they show how these old ideas can fit into very modern lives.
One of the first aspects that stood out to me was the book’s approachable and engaging tone. Rather than reading like a rigid yoga manual, it feels like an insightful conversation with two experienced and thoughtful guides, each drawing from decades of dedicated spiritual practice. The section where Glenn tells the story of being late for his high school dance because he got stuck spinning donuts in the snow made me laugh out loud. It perfectly sets up his larger point about how unconscious habits can steer our lives in the wrong direction. There’s a real emotional honesty here, no preaching, no pretending perfection, which makes the wisdom feel reachable rather than intimidating.
The second thing that stood out to me was the way they weave ancient and modern worlds together. The authors reference the Bhagavad Gita and ancient yogic practices but also talk about Steve Jobs, brain chemistry, and even teenage struggles with self-esteem. In “Your Vast, Unseen Storehouse of Potential,” they tell Steve Jobs’ adoption story as a way to show how hardship can lead to incredible innovation. That mix of old and new kept things fresh and alive for me. It also made the deeper message, about finding your purpose and connecting to your “hidden soul power,” feel very real and urgent, not like some distant, mystical ideal.
I really appreciated how actionable the book is. It doesn’t just inspire; it gives you things to do. Each Niyama section includes a meditation, a yoga pose, affirmations, and a self-reflection worksheet. Chapter 24, “Worksheet #3: Your Third Eye Visualization,” offers a fun, creative exercise that actually got me thinking differently about my personal goals. I’m usually skeptical of workbook sections in spiritual books, but here it felt natural and even exciting, like the authors were giving me little keys to unlock my own insight rather than handing down a list of chores.
Yoga and Your Hidden Soul Power is a joyful and encouraging book. It would be perfect for anyone who’s a little burned out on “pop spirituality” and wants something deeper but still easy to understand. Beginners to yoga philosophy will find it accessible, and even seasoned practitioners might find their spirits lifted by the humor, personal stories, and fresh perspectives. Personally, it made me want to dust off my meditation cushion, and more importantly, it made me want to believe in my own hidden soul power a little more.
Pages: 304 | ASIN : B0DHT1DQ8C
A Watcher of People
So I’ve Been Thinking is a series of short, real-life stories pulled from your own experiences that reflect on something we all wrestle with: family dynamics, personal growth, fear, nostalgia, bravery, and, yes, dessert. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I have been a watcher of people. What I have come to realize is that we are much more alike than we are different. By sharing these stories, I am hoping people find commonality and in that, see our neighbors, friends, and people we have yet to meet as friends.
What was the most challenging part of writing this book, and what was the most rewarding?
The hardest part was putting the stories together in a way that makes sense to the reader. The most rewarding part was rereading the stories from a reader’s perspective.
What is one piece of advice someone gave you that changed your life?
My mom taught me about self-love at a very young age. She said, “You can’t take care of others if you don’t fill your well and take care of yourself first.”
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
I hope the reader laughs, cries, smiles, and feels joy. I hope they continue to talk about the book long after they finish the last page.
Author Links: Facebook | Instagram | Website
So I’ve Been Thinking
Imagine sitting on a porch swing with a wise, funny friend who hands you a glass of wine and says, “Okay, listen to this…” That’s what reading So I’ve Been Thinking feels like. Judy Marano doesn’t lecture. She shares. She wonders. She pokes at life with a curious stick and invites you to do the same.
This book isn’t a self-help manual. It doesn’t come with five-point plans or bolded advice boxes. Instead, it’s a series of short, real-life stories pulled from Judy’s own experiences and written with an honest voice that’s both sharp and warm. Each essay reflects on something we all wrestle with: family dynamics, personal growth, fear, nostalgia, bravery, and, yes, dessert.
The stories start small, a paddleboard ride, a dance across campus, a Thanksgiving dinner flip-flopped in reverse. But somehow, each one blooms into something bigger. It’s less about what happened and more about what it all means. Judy has a way of turning everyday events into little wisdom bombs. Like the time she went to her first opera and walked out changed, not because of the music, but because she finally stopped letting fear run the show.
What made this book resonate with me is how normal everything is. You recognize these moments. They’re universal. The quiet ache of an empty holiday. The sweet chaos of raising kids. That quiet voice that says, “I don’t belong here,” and the louder one that finally replies, “Actually, I do.” The writing is conversational but thoughtful. No fluff. No filler. Just well-told moments that make you think without trying too hard. One minute you’re laughing, the next you’re staring out the window thinking, “Yeah… I’ve felt that too.”
There’s a lot of love in these pages, love for curiosity, for change, for letting go, for holding on. Judy doesn’t claim to have the answers, and that’s probably why the book works. She just asks the right questions. And she does it with grace, humor, and a touch of sass.
So I’ve Been Thinking is for anyone who’s trying to make sense of life’s messiness and magic without getting too serious about it. Read a chapter before bed, on a train, in between errands. It’s that kind of book, light enough to carry, rich enough to stay with you. Highly recommended if you like Anne Lamott, Nora Ephron, or just good old-fashioned real talk.
Pages: 143 | ASIN : B0DJMGB4RG
Your Definition of Success
In One Woman’s Guide to Life, you offer readers a mix of humorous anecdotes and actionable insights on life’s challenges. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I had a manager for a few years who really helped me to come out of my shell. I remember her telling me once “I want you to be able to say what you think, and sleep like a baby afterwards”. While that ethos is still a work in progress for me, she helped me to speak up and be more confident. Her style of encouragement is something I applied to my own team, and in turn, I’ve seen them sharing it with more colleagues. That was a rather long-winded way of saying that I wanted that very positive experience to ripple outwards to more people.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
That we’re here to live, learn, and be happy – as happy, peaceful, and content as we can be. That modern life is fast-moving, we’re inundated with information from multiple sources and details of other people’s lives. I think it’s important to be able to step out of that river of information sometimes, slow down, take stock, and remember that you’re more than enough just the way you are and it’s your definition of success that matters.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
You get one body. Look after it, listen to it, and don’t let stress get out of control. Your health and your relationship with yourself and others is what’s really important.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your experiences?
Don’t just be a passenger on the bus of your life. Get into the driver’s seat. And build in some fun stops along the way.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
This is one woman’s life lessons in short(ish), bite-sized nuggets. Everything from defining your version of success, understanding your fellow humans, reducing your bills, knowing how to ace interviews, right through to financing your retirement.
Whether you’re just starting your adult life, or you’re an experienced pro, there should be something that resonates.
Ultimately, it’s about being kinder to yourself, getting more out of life and cutting the rest of humanity some slack while you’re at it.
One Woman’s Guide To Life
One Woman’s Guide to Life is a warm and practical manual that feels like a heart-to-heart with a wise friend. Spanning topics from personal growth to finances and travel, the book offers readers an empowering mix of anecdotes, advice, and actionable insights. Taylor’s voice is clear and conversational, making even the most challenging life advice seem approachable. It’s less about lofty philosophies and more about real experiences with a dash of humor and charm.
What stood out to me immediately was Taylor’s chapter, “Stop Waiting to Live.” She challenges the common habit of postponing happiness for an uncertain future, urging readers to seize small joys today. Her practical suggestions like building regular “nice things” into your routine resonated deeply with me. It reminded me of how often I’ve delayed simple pleasures, waiting for the “right moment.”
The section on managing relationships, especially “It’s Okay That Not All Friendships Last a Lifetime,” felt refreshingly honest. Taylor acknowledges the bittersweet reality of outgrowing people and normalizes the necessity of letting go. It’s not a revolutionary idea, but the way she frames it makes it feel like a revelation. Her advice to assess whether a friendship is draining or enriching hit home for me and I found myself reflecting on some of my own connections with new clarity.
On a lighter note, her chapter, “The Art of a Good Conversation,” made me smile. Taylor likens a great chat to a tennis match, with an easy back-and-forth. Her advice to aim for a 50/50 split in talking and listening is golden, and it reminded me of my own habit of either dominating conversations or staying too quiet. This blend of practical tips and personal charm is what makes Taylor’s book such a gem.
One Woman’s Guide to Life is a delightful companion for anyone seeking guidance on living authentically. Whether you’re looking for strategies to streamline your daily routine, connect meaningfully with others, or embrace the beauty of aging, this book delivers. I’d recommend it to women at any stage of life who enjoy practical wisdom sprinkled with humor and heartfelt sincerity. Taylor’s reflections are bound to leave readers feeling seen, inspired, and just a little bit braver.
Pages: 225 | ASIN : B0CZ5LJ8KT
Un-Christmas: An Advent Study for Navigating Life’s UNs
The UN-Christmas offers a fresh perspective on Advent, turning the spotlight on life’s unexpected struggles. The “UNs”—like the unideal, unfair, and unexpected situations in life. Each chapter introduces a biblical figure who faced one of these UNs, connecting it with modern struggles. Through daily reflections, personal anecdotes, prayers, and interactive prompts, author Jackie Hardy crafts a unique guide for navigating Advent and beyond, emphasizing faith’s resilience.
Hardy’s storytelling approach is the book’s real charm. She introduces each character with an empathetic and personal tone that pulls readers in. Take Joseph, for instance, grappling with an “unideal” situation upon learning of Mary’s pregnancy. Hardy’s retelling brings Joseph’s emotions into focus, drawing parallels to her own experience during the 2008 housing crisis. This personal connection grounds her reflections, making the book feel as if it’s written for those who find faith challenging amidst adversity.
Day 19 centers on Tamar, whose story Hardy labels as “unstoppable.” Tamar’s resilience in the face of injustice is striking. She refuses to be dismissed or marginalized, fighting for her rightful place in her family line. Hardy brings Tamar’s bravery to life, depicting her as a woman who defies societal norms to secure justice and recognition. In exploring Tamar’s story, Hardy encourages readers to reflect on moments when they, too, might need to push past obstacles or stand firm against mistreatment. It’s an empowering chapter that highlights how faith can fuel determination.
It’s heartfelt and relatable and offers unique insights into well-known biblical stories, making it a great companion for the Advent season. The only minor drawback is that some readers might wish for more depth in biblical context, but overall, this book would be an inspiring read for anyone seeking a new way to experience Advent or needing reminders that they’re not alone in their “UN” moments.
Un-Christmas: An Advent for Navigating Life’s UNs is ideal for anyone who feels overwhelmed by life’s uncertainties and could use a relatable faith-based guide. Hardy’s candid reflections and interactive exercises make it a companion through the tougher seasons of faith.
Pages: 166 | ASIN : B0DJV99X96
LITERARY TITAN 