Blog Archives
The Triumph of Love
A Celtic Yuletide Carol follows an enigmatic priestess who is mute due to trauma and meets a man with a dark past and his own trauma, and together, they start to heal. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
A Celtic Yuletide Carol is the story of Cardin–the youngest of three De Landuc brothers who are Breton knights– first introduced in my paranormal fantasy trilogy, The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven. I wanted to show Cardin’s struggle with alcoholism and gambling after the tragic death of his wife. I felt that a Celtic priestess with Druidic healing powers who had suffered her own trauma would be the one who could heal him (and herself in the process).
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
I used the tragedy in my own life as inspiration for the characters in A Celtic Yuletide Carol. I applied the suffering of my family to that felt by the protagonists in my novel.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to explore the themes of loss, suffering, redemption, family, loyalty, courage, music, healing, and the triumph of love overall within the context of a holiday setting–hence the title, A Celtic Yuletide Carol.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am currently writing Wolf of the Nordic Seas, book 2 of my Valiant Vikings series set in tenth-century Normandy. Book 1–Dragon of Denmark--was just published October 5th. I hope that Wolf of the Nordic Seas will be published in early 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Instagram | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Revisiting the Depths: Overcoming Fear and Finding Peace – A Journey of Transformation
Revisiting the Depths by Amy Tan pulls you into a captivating journey. Thirty years away from diving, and now she returns, diving deep into both the ocean and her own soul. Set on the picturesque Tioman Island, this memoir unfolds against a mesmerizing underwater backdrop. Healing, self-discovery, and transformation pulse through each page. Tan captures the serene beauty of the ocean, allowing readers to feel its tranquility. At the same time, she delves into the growth that arises from facing one’s deepest fears.
The writing doesn’t just tell—it immerses. Tan paints the underwater world with words, drawing vivid pictures of coral reefs, vibrant sea life, and the ocean’s eerie stillness. These scenes are not just visual treats but emotional contrasts. The narrative layers internal conflict over the serene scenes, elevating this from a simple diving memoir to a thoughtful meditation on life. Resilience and self-reflection emerge as key themes. For instance, when Tan describes the coral reefs, once vibrant but now dulled by climate change, the imagery doubles as a metaphor for her own struggles.
Tan’s personal history intertwines seamlessly with her diving experiences. Flashbacks to her early dives—darkened by the sternness of her instructor, Rick—add authenticity and vulnerability. These memories don’t just sit in the background; they resurface, haunt, and challenge her as she returns to diving. The book becomes less about the physical act of diving and more about reclaiming herself, proving that the fear and self-doubt of the past no longer define her. Tan’s raw honesty and her willingness to expose her vulnerabilities add depth and authenticity.
Revisiting the Depths is a work of art. It speaks to anyone who has ever grappled with fear, sought healing, or found peace in nature. Tan’s prose is eloquent, and her insights are profound. This memoir resonates, especially with those who appreciate narratives rich in emotion and reflection. It’s an especially compelling read for those drawn to personal growth, environmental concerns, and the spiritual connection with nature.
Pages: 76 | ASIN: B0DHL2Q6FX
Journey With Grief and Healing
Invisible Sun follows a man grappling with painful memories as he reels from grief following his brother’s suicide. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I lost a brother to suicide many years ago and was intrigued by the way everyone, including myself, who was impacted by his death, managed the incident differently. Often, it’s only when we are confronted with death that we stop to consider life. Invisible Sun is a conversation about the perspective of what life is and less about death.
I enjoyed the depth of the main character, Ian. What was your process to bring that character to life?
While this story is NOT autobiographical, I did reach into my own history for inspiration. I needed Ian to be a flawed but curious human who digs deep to ask difficult questions about his existence. I jokingly told a friend that Ian was my whipping boy. I constructed a dark, heavy, almost impossible world with extreme situations for him to explore in this novel. I asked him to make hard decisions and choices that were the opposite of what I would choose in my life. In the process of writing Invisible Sun, I learned a lot about my own journey with grief and healing.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your characters’ lives?
Vulnerability. While this is not an emotion per se, it is a state of emotional exposure that involves a willingness to accept the risk that comes from being open and willing to give and accept love.
What is one thing you hope readers can take away from Invisible Sun?
In the novel, a homeless man on the bike tells Ian, “Don’t waste your life! It’s a gift.” Life is not complete without its ups and downs, but learning to find contentment in this life is the most important thing we can do.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
In Invisible Sun, Andrew H. Housley probes mental illness and the painful consequences of choice. He questions brotherly bonds, belief systems, and interconnectedness with profound intricacy, immersing readers in a world where reality blurs. Housley’s storytelling peels back the human psyche, exposing raw emotions. This haunting tale captivates as a broken soul seeks solace and understanding, diving deep into a reflection on resilience and choices.
Will Ian find the truth he seeks, or will he be consumed by the shadows that threaten to swallow him whole?
How Healers Heal
Health and wellness extend beyond the mere absence of illness; they encompass a holistic approach that delves into the physiological, emotional, and mental dimensions of well-being. In her enlightening book, Dr. Shilpi Pradhan takes readers on a journey through the six pillars of lifestyle medicine, interweaving her personal transformation narrative with a scientifically backed approach to achieving optimal health.
The book How Healers Heal is a compilation of various health and wellness professionals’ perspectives. The amalgamation of these expert opinions showcases the potential of positive lifestyle shifts in preventing, treating, and reversing chronic diseases. The overarching message underscores the paramount importance of lifestyle modifications, not just as a preference but as a potent instrument for healing and rejuvenation.
Written in an engaging and accessible style, the author blends personal anecdotes with the broader implications of adopting lifestyle medicine practices in healthcare settings and personal lives. This harmonious blend serves as both an educational resource and a source of inspiration, motivating readers to take proactive steps towards a healthier lifestyle. Each recommendation provided is deeply rooted in scientific evidence, further enriched by the authors’ genuine passion and conviction in the transformative power of lifestyle medicine. It’s evident that Dr. Shilpi Pradhan’s fervor for promoting wellness, previously seen in Goodbye, Dry Eye!, resonates throughout this work, mirrored by the contributions of her fellow authors.
How Healers Heal speaks to a diverse audience keen on understanding and implementing the principles of Lifestyle Medicine. It is an invaluable resource filled with evidence-based insights and actionable advice on enhancing well-being through informed lifestyle decisions. Given the growing trend towards proactive wellness over merely combatting ailments, this book is poised to be a go-to reference for many.
Engaging, credible, and impactful, How Healers Heal is more than just a read; it’s an invitation to transform. As readers delve into the captivating stories and expert insights, they’re left with a renewed motivation to integrate these invaluable lessons into their daily lives. The resounding takeaway is clear: embracing lifestyle medicine is not merely an option; it’s a transformative journey to holistic well-being.
Pages: 497 | ASIN : B0CCLLDCZM
Winning: A Story of Grief and Renewal
Winning: A Story of Grief and Renewal, by Harriet Hodgson, is a moving memoir that delves into the author’s intensely personal journey. Hodgson’s brave narrative offers readers a raw exploration of the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies profound loss, but it also showcases the human capacity for resilience and healing.
Hodgson’s storytelling is both heartfelt and compelling, drawing readers into her world from the very first page. Her ability to convey the depths of her grief is nothing short of remarkable, making it easy for readers to empathize with her pain and sorrow. The book’s strength lies in its authenticity. Hodgson doesn’t hold back when describing the most challenging moments of her grief. She candidly discusses the physical and emotional toll that grief takes on her, from sleepless nights to the isolation and confusion she experienced. Her willingness to share these personal experiences is both courageous and reassuring for those who may be navigating their own journeys of loss and grief.
The title, Winning, aptly reflects the resilience and determination she displays throughout the book. One of the book’s outstanding qualities is the way Hodgson weaves practical advice and insights for those dealing with grief into her personal narrative. While I enjoyed the book, I feel that there were moments when the narrative felt somewhat repetitive, and some readers may find the pacing a bit slow. While the book offers an intimate look at the author’s journey, I would have loved to have had more insight into her emotional and psychological evolution.
Winning: A Story of Grief and Renewal, by Harriet Hodgson, is a heartfelt memoir that offers a powerful portrayal of one woman’s journey through the darkest moments of her life. Hodgson’s openness about her grief and the steps she takes to reclaim her life provide valuable lessons for anyone dealing with loss and searching for hope. This book is a must-read for those looking for a genuine and inspiring account of the human capacity to heal and find renewal in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Pages: 200 | ASIN : B0C2ZSLD29
Reverse Chronic Kidney Disease
Reverse Chronic Kidney Disease: How To Improve Kidney Function And Avoid Dialysis by Yaw A Boateng, MD, Ph.D., is a self-help book for anyone with chronic kidney disease who wants to improve their kidney function. This book also serves as an excellent manual for healthy people who wish to learn more about kidney health and how they can utilize the natural health remedies around them to maintain kidney health while helping with the prevention of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Many medical texts, articles, and publications emphasize the need for a healthy lifestyle to keep chronic, debilitating conditions and diseases like CKD at bay. However, the ambiguity in this medical advice is that there are rarely instructions on specific habits that must be dropped or adopted to promote healthy living. Furthermore, where such instructions exist, there is not enough information highlighting how these habits work to benefit general body health.
This 12-chapter book on CKD and how to reverse it by Yaw. A. Boateng introduces new health remedies to help reverse chronic kidney disease, a phenomenon considered impossible by many health practitioners. In addition, these remedies are considered new because they are widely under-utilized by medical practitioners. However, Boateng, with years of experience managing CKD patients, demonstrated that he had applied the techniques highlighted in this book to improve the conditions of his patients.
From the commonly known need to drink specific amounts of water daily to the less known use of baking soda, Omega-3 fatty acids, and even Vitamin D, these remedies proposed by Boateng in this book have scientific and medical research findings proving their effectiveness in reducing CKD and their potential to reverse chronic kidney disease without dialysis. Another unique quality of this book is how there are copious details on how the physiology of the kidney works. While the readers may have benefited more from a brief illustration of the renal anatomy and/or structure, it does not detract from understanding how the kidney works to maintain a healthy body.
Reverse Chronic Kidney Disease: How To Improve Kidney Function And Avoid Dialysis is eye-opening and comprehendible to the average reader as the medical terminologies contained therein are explained simply. Anyone can find great use of this informative book, whether you have CKD, know someone who does, or just want to learn how to prevent kidney failure in the first place.
Pages: 222 | ASIN : B0BL6QFBJB
LITERARY TITAN 