Blog Archives
Your Words Your Love
Louise Bélanger’s Your Words Your Love is a heartfelt collection of poems and photographs that intertwine themes of faith, love, and personal reflection. Each piece is a glimpse into the author’s spiritual journey, exploring the depth of human connection with God and the nuances of everyday emotions. From meditations on obedience, as seen in “First Glance,” to transformative forgiveness in “The Unwanted Guests,” the book shares poems that inspire and challenge the reader.
Bélanger doesn’t sugarcoat the struggles of faith; instead, she meets them head-on with raw honesty. In “There’s Room,” the author extends an open invitation to the Kingdom of God, painting it as a space of boundless inclusion. The metaphor of an invisible door resonated with me. It’s both poetic and relatable, reminding readers that spiritual journeys are personal yet universal. The simplicity of her language makes profound truths accessible, which I found refreshing.
I also loved the way the book balances introspection and storytelling. “The Box” is a standout piece, where mirrors and self-absorption become metaphors for isolation. The narrative builds into a powerful call for generosity and humility, turning the poem into a parable of transformation. The imagery is vivid, yet the message is simple enough to linger long after the page is turned. Similarly, “Dominoes” poetically explores the ripple effects of God’s actions, portraying life as a carefully orchestrated masterpiece. The poem’s rhythm mirrors the falling dominoes, creating a sense of motion that captivated me.
The blend of hope and vulnerability in poems like “Come Sit Close to Me” makes this book more than just a spiritual exploration. Bélanger’s candid plea for divine love and solace feels like a prayer shared among friends. The accessibility of her emotions and her willingness to bare her soul make the book feel intimate. Each poem, no matter its theme, is a reminder of God’s unfailing presence and a nudge toward deeper faith.
I recommend Your Words Your Love to anyone seeking spiritual encouragement or a thoughtful exploration of Christian faith. Whether you’re a long-time believer or just curious about connecting with something greater, this book has something to offer. Its gentle guidance, combined with beautiful poetry and evocative imagery, makes it an uplifting companion for moments of reflection or prayer.
Pages: 136 | ASIN : B0DM2R13G4
Everything From Nothing
Everything From Nothing, by S.E. Elwell, tackles one of the most profound mysteries of existence: why does anything exist at all, rather than nothing? This thought-provoking book delves into the origins and purpose of the universe, offering a compelling theory that revolves around the interaction between infinite potential and absolute nothingness. Through this lens, the author explores the natural laws that gave rise to our reality, emphasizing the vital role that order plays in maintaining the structure of the cosmos.
The concept of infinite potential is presented as a boundless source of possibilities, yet Elwell argues that without a framework of order—embodied in the laws of physics—this potential would lead to chaos rather than the structured universe we observe. The book deftly explains how these laws prevent disorder, enabling the universe to evolve in a meaningful way. Consciousness, another key theme, is portrayed as an essential aspect of this grand cosmic unfolding. Elwell suggests that life’s challenges—suffering and competition, for instance—are not only necessary but fundamental to the growth of consciousness. These forces drive evolution and adaptation, shaping the complexity and self-awareness found in living beings.
What makes this work truly engaging is its deep dive into the continued evolution of consciousness, which the author describes as an ongoing and dynamic process. Far from static, the journey of consciousness is portrayed as a path toward ever-greater complexity, with no clear end in sight. Reading this book was an eye-opening experience. It introduced me to new concepts, from the evolution of awareness in living organisms to the possibility of higher dimensions influencing our existence. Elwell’s exploration of the infinite source behind the universe opened my mind to endless possibilities.
The philosophical reflections on the nature of awareness and its origins offer a rich intellectual landscape for those curious about the deeper mysteries of existence. That said, I feel the book’s dense philosophical and scientific discussions may feel somewhat overwhelming to readers unfamiliar with these topics. Some of the theories could be difficult to grasp for those without a strong background or interest in philosophy and science. Despite this, it’s refreshing to hear a fresh perspective on the origins of the universe.
For readers with a passion for these subjects, Everything From Nothing offers a fascinating and educational journey. Elwell’s work is an ambitious and enlightening exploration of existence, perfect for readers who enjoy reflecting on the big questions about life, the universe, and everything in between.
Pages: 86 | ISBN : 978-1399918442
Keep Pushing Forward
In My Journey as an Author, you share your experiences navigating the many obstacles on your way to becoming a published author. Why was this an important book for you to write?
It started out as a way to track my accomplishments. To be able to go back and review where I started to where I ended up. My own positive reinforcement to keep pushing forward even when self-doubt whispered, I didn’t have what it takes. Writing is also therapeutic. It allows me to voice my inner voice. I had a lot of material to work with and one day it struck me, why not just write a memoir? The most important aspect of my memoir was being able to voice my thought process into crafting each of my fiction novels in The Dark series.
I appreciated your willingness to share the low points you endured. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
The hardest thing I wrote about was my personal life. I’m generally a private person and don’t like to go into too much personal detail, but it was necessary to add because it was very much a part of my writing journey that layers did get incorporated into my fiction stories.
What is one piece of advice you wish you had been given at the outset of your journey to becoming published?
I wish I had been more aware of how reviews work in the publishing world, and how others profit off of reviews using it to their benefit for financial gain in order to “sell” more books. It’s appalling. Reviews can either make you or break you. If someone has a vendetta against an author or a business, no matter how big or small that business is, they can write a bad review as a way of manipulation.
What do you hope readers are able to take away from your experiences?
I hope readers take away that, if you have a dream, no matter what dream that is big or small, never give up on it. Push through the self-doubt. Push through all the voices telling you that you can’t do something. Dare to bend the rules. Dare to be the original you.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Website | Amazon
This book provides insight into everything authors will need to know about publishing, the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Sharing Their Journeys
Working Mothers Inspiring Others is a collection of stories from 18 working mothers from many walks of life in which they share both their parenting challenges and triumphs. Why was this an important book for you to write?
When I returned to work after having my own children, I found myself questioning how others were managing it all the time. The struggle is real when you have young children and still want to have a thriving career, and I couldn’t find anything that shared the raw honesty of what it is really like. So, I decided to create the resource myself. I am all about supporting and uplifting others, and this book does exactly that.
You have pulled together a wonderful collection of inspiring stories. What was the collaboration process like with the co-authors?
It has been amazing. There have been lots of relationships and collaborations created from the co-authors in the book. They have all been very supportive and equally as passionate about the messages we are delivering from chapters.
I appreciated the candid nature with which these stories were told. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
I think I speak for all the co-authors when I say–it’s always hard to share the deepest insights of ourselves. The fear of judgment, of loved ones or others reading what we really think and feel and that causing any form of criticism or misunderstanding. A feeling that mothers are all too familiar with, and I am incredibly proud of all the co-authors for pushing themselves out of their comfort zone and sharing their journeys in such an honest and vulnerable way.
What do you hope readers take away from this collection?
I hope that mothers take away the confidence to make what they want and need to happen. There is no easy way to juggle a career and motherhood, but there are always ways we can operate better. I hope mothers know they are not alone in whatever stage of the motherhood journey they are in, and this book creates the support and understanding that many mothers need.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
How do they handle the endless demands, the societal pressures to ‘do it all,’ and the guilt of feeling stretched too thin?
Here’s the truth: You’re not alone.
Author Sarah Maconachie shares her own journey and the stories of 17 other remarkable women who’ve faced these exact challenges. When Sarah returned to work as a mum of three, she was hit hard by the push-and-pull of wanting a fulfilling career while also being present for her children. She’s now the founder and CEO of Work Hard Parent Hard, a platform dedicated to supporting parents in redefining their purpose and finding fulfillment without losing themselves to exhaustion and guilt.
If you’ve ever found yourself overwhelmed, wondering if it’s possible to balance a career you love with the joy of motherhood, this book is your lifeline. Through the personal and powerful stories of career-driven mums—CEOs, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and more—you’ll see just how possible it is to flourish in both your professional life and your role as a mother.
Meet the inspiring women: Sarah Maconachie, Vicky Wren, Tracey Vermaak, Stacey Webb, Cheryl Edwardes, Tania Gomez, Sarah Coleman, Kerry McNamee, Carla Lombardo, Lisa Younger, Ashley McGrath, Nicola Veal, Leisa Van Geest, Fiona Yue, Kate O’Hara, Sandra Morell, Alicia White, and Michelle Travis.
From navigating challenging childhoods and single parenthood to overcoming career transitions and realising that personal development can be the most essential aspect to success as a working mum – these women have each found ways to create balance. They have challenged societal norms and the status Quo, realising what they feel they ‘should’ do isn’t always the right way for them, and they have created their version of balance that works to thrive in their careers without sacrificing their role as a mother.
What you’ll take away from Working Mothers Inspiring Others:Raw, Real Stories: This isn’t your typical ‘how-to’ parenting book. It’s filled with the honest truths of working mums who’ve been through the highs and lows, offering a look into what worked well, what didn’t, and what they’d do differently.
Relatability & Support: Finally, feel truly seen and heard. These stories reflect your own struggles and victories. You’ll walk away feeling less alone, with a new sense of belonging to a community.
Balance Strategies That Work: These mums have tried, tested, and honed approaches that have allowed them to thrive at work and at home. Each story is packed with tips and strategies you can try.
Empowering Takeaways & Worksheets: You’ll find actionable advice, hands-on worksheets, and steps you can use to make positive changes in both your work and home life.
Inspiration to Embrace Both Roles: This isn’t about just getting through the chaos—it’s about flourishing. This book is for mums who want to feel empowered, balanced, and confident in their dual roles as dedicated mothers and driven professionals.
Are you ready to feel seen, to gain new strategies for creating balance, and to be inspired to redefine what ‘having it all’ looks like for you? Working Mothers Inspiring Others is here to support and uplift you through every twist and turn of your own journey as a working mum.
Plus! Check out the companion book, Working Dads and Balancing Acts, where 20 dads share their own real and honest journeys.
Everything From Nothing
S.E. Elwell’s Everything From Nothing delves into the profound questions surrounding the origin of the universe and life itself. With a focus on the Big Bang theory, the book examines how the cosmos emerged from a state of nothingness to the complex reality we inhabit today, perfectly encapsulated in the book’s title. Drawing on decades of research in both science and philosophy, Elwell presents his own theories on the source behind the Big Bang. He explores how this origin may be intricately tied to the existence of life and the universe, proposing that life is a conscious manifestation of what he calls the “infinite source of potential.”
I appreciated how Elwell doesn’t bog the reader down with scientific jargon but explains complex ideas, such as the relationship between “nothingness” and an “infinite source,” in a way that feels conversational. The writing style itself is straightforward and easy to follow, but I found that sometimes the philosophical leaps felt too speculative without enough grounding in evidence. That said, Elwell is clearly aiming to inspire readers to look beyond what is empirically provable, and on that level, the book succeeds in being both provocative and engaging.
The discussions on consciousness and purpose are where the book really shines for me. Elwell argues that consciousness is not just a biological phenomenon but part of a larger unfolding of infinite potential. This idea, while ambitious, was fascinating to contemplate. The suggestion that all of nature is “self-aware” to some degree made me reflect deeply on the interconnectedness of all things. The notion that the universe is evolving toward a higher, more self-aware state resonated with me, even if it remains speculative. I appreciated the intellectual curiosity that drives these arguments.
Everything from Nothing is a thought-provoking read for anyone curious about the origins of existence and the possibility of a higher purpose. While some of the claims might feel more philosophical than scientific, Elwell does an admirable job weaving the two disciplines together. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy contemplating the “big questions” and are open to a blend of science, metaphysics, and spiritual insight.
Pages: 86 | ASIN : B0DPMYSN8B
The Christmas Letter
Pat Wahler’s The Christmas Letter shines as a beautifully crafted, heartwarming novella that weaves the spirit of Christmas into the tapestry of real-life struggles. This touching story introduces us to Zoe Kendrick, a teacher on the brink of burnout, trying to balance the demands of her job, a sick friend, two young children, and an often-absent husband. As the weight of her responsibilities grows, she finds herself merely trying to keep her head above water. Yet, with Christmas approaching—a season rich with the promise of miracles—hope begins to flicker when Zoe encounters a stranger in an elevator. Although quirky at first glance, this stranger’s warmth and wisdom bring unexpected comfort to Zoe, rekindling her hope.
Despite its brevity, this story holds an abundance of depth. Wahler’s writing is rich and evocative, painting emotions vividly so readers can almost feel what each character experiences. Every interaction is thoughtfully detailed, from subtle gestures to deeper connections that reveal the resilience of friendship. One striking example is Zoe’s relationship with her friend Viola. Although Viola’s presence in the story is brief, the strength of their bond and mutual understanding is undeniable, a friendship most of us would be lucky to have. Set against the festive backdrop of Christmas, the story brims with holiday warmth and wonder while delving into relatable adult themes like marital strain and personal sacrifice. Wahler skillfully balances the enchantment of Christmas with realistic issues, crafting a narrative that resonates with readers while preserving its magical atmosphere.
The Christmas Letter is a compelling reminder of the courage it takes to face life’s challenges and the strength found in meaningful connections. This novella is perfect for those seeking a gentle nudge to appreciate the unique bonds that lift us and bring warmth to our lives.
Pages: 39 | ASIN : B0DKB6TQFP
Ready, Set, Thrive – Essential Life Skills for Teens
Ready, Set, Thrive is a guidebook aimed at helping adolescents develop the practical and emotional skills needed to navigate the complexities of teenage life and beyond. It covers topics like communication, decision-making, financial management, and self-care. The book’s goal is to arm teens with the necessary tools to manage their academic, personal, and social lives while fostering a sense of independence and confidence. Each chapter dives into specific life skills, offering actionable advice and relatable examples to equip young readers with the means to thrive during their formative years.
The writing style is engaging and conversational, making it an easy and enjoyable read. What stood out to me was the relatable language the author uses. The author often compares life to a video game, which likely resonates with a younger audience. The section on “The Value of Life Skills” introduces this concept brilliantly, using analogies like “your weapons are life skills” in place of traditional tools. This kind of relatable and friendly tone makes challenging concepts like financial literacy and decision-making seem more accessible.
I also appreciated how the book covers more than just the typical academic and career success topics. For instance, Chapter 9 on “Mastering Personal Hygiene and Self-Care Habits” dives into the importance of self-care during the teenage years, which I found refreshing. It emphasizes how crucial self-care is for mental health, saying, “None of your achievements will matter if you are unhealthy enough to enjoy them.” That struck a chord, especially considering how many teens are bombarded with external pressures to succeed without being reminded to care for their well-being.
While the book is full of actionable advice, I think some of the strategies might feel overwhelming to a teen just starting out. For example, the chapter on time management introduces techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix and the Pomodoro Method, both great tools, but it might be more effective to offer a simpler, more digestible approach before diving into more complex frameworks.
Ready, Set, Thrive is a solid pick for teens who want practical advice presented in an approachable and relatable manner. I think the book would be perfect for high schoolers preparing for the next phase of life or even younger teens looking for ways to handle everyday challenges with more confidence.
Pages: 248 | ASIN : B0DGY1CJ3L
Conscious Life Purpose: Live a Meaningful Life by Making a Difference for Greater Happiness, Love, and Success
Conscious Life Purpose: Live a Meaningful Life by Making a Difference for Greater Happiness, Love, and Success, by Kashonia Carnegie, PhD, offers a profound exploration of how conscious change can infuse your life with meaning, success, and happiness. Dr. Carnegie’s insightful guide delves into the distinction between leading a meaningful life in a traditional sense, such as that of a doctor and living a life rooted in your conscious life purpose. The book is thoughtfully divided into four parts. The first section introduces the concept of a meaningful life versus a conscious life, setting the stage for a deeper journey. Subsequent sections provide practical guidance on finding your conscious path, identifying your strengths and talents, and engaging in activities that align with your true purpose. By the end, you’ll be equipped to design a future that resonates with the insights gained throughout the book.
Dr. Carnegie’s approachable and supportive tone makes the journey feel like a personal growth experience with a trusted mentor. Each chapter begins with a summary and a preview of the topics to come, ensuring a clear understanding of the book’s progression and objectives. One of the highlights of the book is the author’s personal anecdotes, such as her experiences teaching MBA leadership classes. These stories illustrate how her value exercises have profoundly impacted her students, helping them realize what truly makes their hearts sing.
The exercises included in the book are both brilliant and engaging. Readers are encouraged to actively participate, with activities like listing potential career paths that align with their talents and strengths. These exercises are designed to provoke thoughtful reflection and practical application. Dr. Carnegie’s deep dives into various subjects, including astrology, numerology, and the Japanese tradition of Ikigai, are particularly enlightening. The chapter on Ikigai, for instance, offers unique insights into how discovering your Ikigai can differ from others’ experiences, highlighting the personal nature of this journey.
Conscious Life Purpose: Live a Meaningful Life by Making a Difference for Greater Happiness, Love, and Success is a practical and thought-provoking book from start to finish. I highly recommend it to anyone feeling lost or unsatisfied in their current profession, as well as to those still deciding on their career path. By engaging with the book and its exercises, you will gain a deeper understanding of yourself and be empowered to follow a path that truly aligns with your conscious life-purpose.
Pages: 329 | ASIN : B0D35NGHR5
LITERARY TITAN 