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Nurturing the Mystic Within
Nurturing the Mystic Within follows Catherine S. Tuggle’s journey to understand the message that arrived through a vivid dream. The dream delivered five simple words. Those words shook her ideas about God, fear, and love, and eventually inspired her to explore belief, trauma, and spiritual healing. Through autobiography, psychology, and a reinterpretation of the Genesis story, she builds a pathway that helps readers uncover the fears that shape their reality and block their ability to perceive life as Paradise. Much of the book focuses on the unconscious roots of fear, the formation of beliefs, and the personal exercises she developed to help dissolve the veil that hides unconditional love.
Tuggle’s writing blends intimate storytelling with big ideas; she writes plainly and openly. She doesn’t try to sound like a guru. Her willingness to expose painful memories gives the book a raw honesty that made me trust her voice. I found myself wincing at the childhood scenes. The moment Agnes threw the valentines on the floor, or the wrenching knife incident, forced me to stop for a breath. Those stories aren’t there for drama. They serve the purpose she claims for them. They show how beliefs take root long before we know the meaning of the word belief. I felt myself wishing she had lingered a little less on theory and more on lived moments, because her lived moments are where the book shines.
I also found myself moved by her interpretation of Genesis. I appreciated how she questions long-held assumptions without attacking them. The way she ties Adam and Eve’s fear to our own unconscious habits made the old story feel surprisingly fresh. The shifts between memoir, theology, and psychology come a little fast, but the blend mostly worked for me. I liked the sense of searching. I liked watching her move from confusion to clarity. The dream sequence she shares in the preface kept me thinking about the idea that love is all that exists. It sounds simple on the surface, almost too simple, and yet the book spends hundreds of pages showing just how hard it is to believe that in everyday life.
I would recommend Nurturing the Mystic Within to readers who enjoy spiritual memoirs, especially ones that grapple with fear, trauma, and the desire for inner peace. It would also suit people who like gentle psychological insight wrapped in a story rather than textbook-style instruction. Anyone who has ever felt trapped inside old beliefs or puzzled by the tension between the world’s harshness and the idea of a loving presence will find something worth holding onto here.
Pages: 216 | ASIN : B0G2DLBVHQ
Life-Changing Journeys
Awakening Stories is a collection of personal essays written by twenty-three individuals who share their spiritual and emotional transformations. What was the inspiration behind putting together this collection of stories about personal awakening?
After navigating my own spiritual transformation over the past ten years and listening to the stories of others, I recognized a pattern. People often felt alone, sometimes crazy, as if no one else could possibly understand what they were going through. Since these types of experiences are so unique— deeply personal and often traumatic—it is important that we break the stigma and mystery surrounding spiritual awakenings. This anthology covers a variety of themes and experiences in the hope that readers will find at least one story that resonates, realizing that they are not alone and are always supported.
What was your process to collect the stories, and how did you decide what to include in this anthology?
For this anthology, I sought out authors from diverse demographic backgrounds who had successfully navigated a variety of life-changing journeys. I wanted readers to see themselves in those stories, to know that they are not crazy, not alone, and that there is light at the end of the tunnel. The authors who said “yes” to this project recognized the importance of sharing; they were willing to be vulnerable in order to assist others. They felt called to this project, and I am in gratitude for their contribution.
Did you find anything in your research of this book that surprised you, or that you found especially moving?
What surprised me, truly, was the authors’ courage—their willingness to tell their stories boldly and revisit sometimes painful memories. Even those who didn’t experience a “dark night of the soul” had navigated events that were challenging for them to integrate, such as an NDE, UFO encounter, or out-of-body experience. As the anthology editor, I was moved by their strength and tremendously grateful for their gift to humanity.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Awakening Stories?
My hope is that readers who have navigated (or may, in the future), their own spiritual transformation will find advice, refuge, and strength in these stories…that they will recognize themselves in the words of our authors and know that, though the ride might be bumpy, the outcome will be beautiful.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Living an Honest Life
Where Truth Lies Waiting follows a woman who has a traumatic accident that leaves her suspended between life and death, and develops a sixth sense, allowing her to hear the thoughts of those who visit her. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for the setup of this story can be traced to my childhood. I was always fascinated with how people’s actions did not always match their spoken words. Say and do could be very different things. With this preoccupation, I always wondered what it would be like to know what people thought and how different it would be from what they shared verbally. As I got older and self-reflected, I realized that this “sixth sense” could be as harmful as it could be helpful in really knowing a person deeply.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
I feel that most people are pleasers. They will tell you what they think you want to hear. Honesty, on the other hand, does not flow as freely from people. I would also say that most people aspire to be good and do good. But being and doing good usually require sacrifice and giving. It is not always easy, and that is when things get interesting. In my opinion, the “what ifs” are what drive good fiction.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One theme that is at the forefront of this novel is living an honest life. Honesty applies not only to others but to one’s own self and it can change over time, given how each of us changes and evolves. Forgiveness fits perfectly into this theme as there is bound to be a need for forgiveness as each of us searches for our own truth.
Another theme that was important for me to explore was the possibilities of what happens to us when we die. Our culture works hard at preserving youth and seeking longevity. Most people I know would not find a conversation about death and dying a very desirable topic. We tend to run from the one true fact that we are guaranteed in life: We will all die. Exploring it in fiction offers a safe space to imagine and consider, even for a moment.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
This is my third novel. At this point, I have been encouraged to write a sequel for my second novel, Three Days in Amsterdam. I am mulling that idea around. These three novels were written with a specific purpose. In all honesty, I am waiting to be inspired because that makes the pen flow with a fluidity that is magical. I strive for that magical inspiration always.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
See Tina Now. She lies in a hospital bed, her broken body tethered to life by tubes and machines. Suspended between life and death, Tina’s spirit lingers in a space where memories resurface, and questions arise.
Feel Tina’s struggle as she confronts the cracks in her once-ideal life. Her only connection to the world is her sight-until an unexpected sixth sense emerges, allowing her to hear the unspoken thoughts of those who visit her bedside. What begins as fascination soon turns unsettling, as their inner truths challenge everything Tina assumed she knew about her relationships and herself.
Piece by piece, Tina must rely on the raw, unfiltered thoughts of her visitors to uncover the mystery of how she ended up in this shattered state. Each memory offers a clue, shedding light on hidden truths and unresolved conflicts from her past.
In the end, as the cause of her tragic circumstances become clear, Tina gains a profound understanding- but it’s far from what she expected.
Tanja Davia’s third novel, Where Truth Lies Waiting, takes readers on an extraordinary journey into the liminal space between life and death. It explores the fragile balance of perception and truth, the weight of our choices, and the seemingly random events that shape our life. Yet, as Tina begins to wonder-are any of these events truly random?
From Anxiety to Awakening
Jake Yanitz Rubin’s From Anxiety to Awakening isn’t your average self-help guide. It’s a deep, soul-poking journey that flips the script on everything we think we know about anxiety. Rather than trying to fix it, Rubin argues that anxiety is not an enemy to conquer but a messenger, pointing us toward truth. The book flows through eleven core “Insights” that gradually dismantle the illusions we’ve been conditioned to believe, guiding the reader from fear and overthinking into clarity and presence. Rubin’s style blends spiritual philosophy, blunt truth-telling, and heartfelt reflection.
Rubin’s writing is raw and beautifully defiant. He doesn’t mess around with the usual surface-level affirmations. He dives straight into the guts of what makes us anxious—our thoughts, our conditioning, our ego’s obsession with control—and dares us to look at it all with brutal honesty. He challenges. And at times, yeah, it stings. But it resonated with me. I especially appreciated his dismantling of meditation as a cure-all. That part had me nodding because I’ve sat through too many “just breathe through it” sessions that only made the noise in my head louder. Rubin gets that. And he offers something more radical: a call to stop identifying with our suffering and start seeing it as the wake-up call it really is.
There were moments when the language leaned close to the mystical. I feel the references to “Infinite Awareness” and “the illusion of separation” might be tough to chew for readers more grounded in psychology than spirituality. But even then, Rubin has a knack for snapping you out of skepticism with a one-liner so cutting and clear it stops you in your tracks. His metaphors—especially the wild horse for the untamed mind—are vivid and stick with you. And his personal vulnerability keeps things from ever feeling preachy. You can tell he’s lived this.
If you’re someone who’s tired of being told to manage your anxiety and you’re ready to look at it through a whole new lens—one that’s equal parts fierce and freeing—then From Anxiety to Awakening is for you. It’s not a quick fix, and it’s not a comfort blanket. It’s a mirror. It’s a flashlight. It’s a dare. And if you’re willing to read it with your heart open, it might just change everything.
Pages: 404 | ASIN : B0F4F3WTKN
The Kingdom of Magic and Mystery: 7 Castles of Revelation, Inspiration and Creativity to Activate Joy and Freedom
Cynthia James’s The Kingdom of Magic and Mystery is part storybook, part spiritual workbook, and part love letter to the creative soul. Structured around seven imaginative “castles”—Magic, Art, Dance, Design, Relationships, Water, and Animals—this book invites readers on a metaphorical and meditative journey through creativity, connection, and healing. At each castle, readers are offered lush descriptions, guided imagery, reflection prompts, and hands-on activities that blend fantasy with deeply personal exploration.
Reading this book felt like walking into someone’s dreamscape—softly lit, colorfully wild, and wildly affirming. James has a gift for storytelling. Her words come alive in a way that feels like you’re being gently pulled by the hand into her magical kingdom. I loved the Castle of Magic in particular, where she writes about Lady Seraphina and the whispering walls, and then flips the script and reveals her personal struggles with hiding her intuitive gifts as a child. It’s not all glitter and stars—there’s depth here, a reckoning with pain, self-doubt, and the process of reclaiming creativity as power. She does the same in the Castle of Art, reflecting on how school shame stunted her belief in her artistic self. Yet now, she writes songs without reading music.
What really surprised me was how interactive and practical the book is. It’s not just whimsical musing. Each castle includes guided imagery, journaling templates, meditations, and even rituals—like lighting a candle or talking to a tree—that are simple but honestly moving when you try them. I found myself pausing often to do the exercises, and the prompts are thought-provoking in the best way. At one point, after a visioning prompt in the Castle of Design, I uncovered a part of me I hadn’t checked in with in a long time: my inner kid who used to draw buildings and dream of architecture. That spark came back. This book isn’t trying to be academic or polished—it’s heartfelt, imaginative, and deeply personal. And that’s what makes it work.
The Kingdom of Magic and Mystery is for the seekers—the people who feel a little stuck, a little tired, a little disconnected from their magic. It’s for artists, dreamers, and even skeptics who just need someone to tell them, “Yes, there’s more in you.” I’d recommend this to anyone craving a reset that’s not about hustle, but about heart. It’s a warm, vibrant read that doesn’t lecture—it invites. It opens doors.
Pages: 174 | ASIN : B0F1P9YCZP
Anasazi Vision
Anasazi Vision is a novel that blends personal transformation, spirituality, and adventure, all wrapped in the vast landscapes of the Four Corners desert. The protagonist, True, embarks on a journey that is both physical and deeply spiritual. Through encounters with ancient wisdom, self-discovery, and the teachings of Indigenous cultures, she is guided toward understanding her own purpose and the larger cosmic balance of life. The book is part fiction, part memoir, and part channeled storytelling, making it a unique, immersive experience.
The opening chapter, where True describes her mother’s unemotional nature compared to her own deeply sensory experience of the world, is striking. It sets the tone for a journey that is about feeling, listening, and understanding—both internally and externally. The writing is poetic at times, almost meditative, yet it remains grounded in real, tangible emotions. There’s an honesty in the way the author wrestles with personal doubts and triumphs, which makes the book resonate beyond its spiritual themes.
The spiritual elements are fascinating but also challenging. The book delves into ideas of energy, intuition, past lives, and communication with guides and ancestors. At times, it feels like a deep dive into esoteric knowledge, which might not be for everyone. However, what keeps it from becoming preachy is True’s questioning nature. She doesn’t simply accept everything at face value; she grapples with it, doubts it, and ultimately finds her own meaning. One of the most powerful moments comes when she realizes she has been chosen to hear the Earth’s message—a concept both thrilling and overwhelming.
Another highlight of the book is its setting. The Four Corners desert isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a character in itself. From the vision quests to the discovery of an ancient solstice site, the descriptions make the desert feel alive. The book beautifully captures the idea that nature is both teacher and guide. Even when the narrative slows, the deep connection between True and the land keeps the story engaging.
Anasazi Vision is for readers who enjoy introspective journeys, spirituality, and a touch of adventure. If you’ve ever questioned your path, felt a pull toward something bigger than yourself, or wanted to explore the wisdom of ancient traditions, this book will speak to you. It’s not a casual read; it demands reflection and openness. But if you’re willing to lean in, it just might point you toward your own True North.
Pages: 419 | ASIN : B0DLT1MH9N
How We Tell the Story
Landed: A yogi’s memoir in pieces & poses is a deeply personal exploration of identity, culture, and the search for belonging. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I’ve been writing about identity, culture, home, and the search for belonging for years. It was as if I was obsessed or possessed. I wrote in longform narrative, personal essay, compression, flash, circular structure, acrostic, prose poem, you name it. Writing it in full, in book-length form, helped get it out of my system. To see my way to the finish line. To take the final steps in my journey from point A to point B and to move on, beyond.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Shortly after returning to Israel in 2011, I began a blog called Open to Israel for my yoga students, family, and friends in the US, Jewish and not Jewish. I wrote about celebrating the holidays, about sending my son to the army, about voting in my first election, about navigating the bureaucracy. I wanted to show what life was like here in this tiny, complicated, misunderstood country. The more I wrote, the more I sensed my mission: to show life in Israel for people who don’t know or understand its complexities, its history, its importance, and its presence. To show, as Martha Engber writes in her review of my book, the lightness, darkness, and in between rainbow colors.
In addition, I write about change and choice, freedom, and selfhood. There is so much we cannot control in the world, but we do control how we tell the story.
What was the most challenging part of writing your memoir and what was the most rewarding?
Hands down, the structure was the most challenging part of this book. The story of my seven-year journey written in seven long sections—in present, past, and [yoga] poses—was obvious because seven is significant in both yoga and Judaism. I chose to tell the narrative in present tense and through poses but jumped back in time, in the past tense (indicated with year and place), thematically. Between each of the seven-year sections is a short scene about learning the seven chakras or spiritual energy channels in yoga, beginning from the root/pelvis and ending at the crown of the head, as learned in class with my first teacher, Rodney Yee, in Oakland, California circa 1996. I was convinced the structure could be the death of the manuscript and wasn’t sure how to revamp it.
After Vine Leaves Press sent me an offer of publication, I felt understood, seen, and validated. That seemingly convoluted structure was redeemed. My greatest reward. It worked.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
Decades ago, when working in Paris and immersing myself in French, I learned the idiomatic expression “être bien dans sa peau,” literally translated as to be comfortable in one’s skin. At some point in my intense, new relationship with a Frenchman, I lost my sense of self. Only 23, I lost my way, my voice, my identity. And from that point on, I no longer felt comfortable in my own skin.
Home is a given for many people. But for me, it felt shaky. My one takeaway for readers is how important it is to stay true to yourself, your core, your home.
On a side note, I want to share that in today’s world—a completely different one from when I started writing about Israel—I sign my emails with “The region where I live is fragile. Please treat my words with care.” Thank you for reading my work.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
American-born Jennifer traces her journey—both on and off the yoga mat—reckoning with her adopted country (Israel), midlife hormones (merciless), cross-cultural marriage (to a Frenchman) and their imminent empty nest (a mixed blessing), eventually realizing the words her yoga teachers had been offering for the past twenty-three years: root down into the ground and stay true to yourself. Finally, she understands that home is about who you are, not where you live. Written in experimental chapterettes, Landed spans seven years (and then some), each punctuated with chakra wisdom from nationally-acclaimed Rodney Yee, her first teacher.
Landed: A Yogi’s Memoir In Pieces & Poses
Landed: A Yogi’s Memoir in Pieces and Poses, by Jennifer Lang, is a deeply personal exploration of identity, culture, and the search for belonging. Lang, torn between the United States and Israel, grapples with feeling like an outsider in both places, constantly navigating the expectations of each. Her struggle is mirrored within her family, where two opposing approaches to their Jewish heritage—one modern and flexible, the other more traditional and rigid—create an ongoing internal tug-of-war.
This memoir traces Lang’s journey as she seeks to find herself in the space between these conflicting worlds. Drawing on both her writing and yoga practice, she embarks on a quest to discover which culture and location she can truly call home. Lang delves into her personal history and the challenges of being caught between two distinct yet intertwined identities through a series of essays and reflections. Lang’s writing shines in its portrayal of the complexities faced by Jewish women—whether in their connection to Israel, to their families, or to their own sense of self. Her storytelling is both witty and introspective, weaving in moments of self-discovery alongside the backdrop of yoga poses that serve as metaphors for her emotional journey. She offers readers a poignant look at life in Israel, vividly depicting both the beauty and the turmoil that coexist there. Her compassion for the land and its people is evident, as is her keen awareness of the personal and political struggles that shape daily life. Throughout the memoir, Lang’s internal conflict is palpable, inviting readers to reflect on their own definitions of home and belonging. The raw honesty with which she portrays her emotional and spiritual battles allows the reader to connect with her on a deeply personal level. Her reflections serve as an inspiration to anyone navigating the difficult balance between familial obligations and self-discovery, encouraging others to look inward and consider what truly feels like home.
While Landed will likely resonate most with women both younger and older, it offers valuable insights for anyone striving to find peace within themselves amid external pressures. In a world where societal and familial expectations often overshadow personal growth, Lang’s memoir paves the way for self-exploration and empowerment, making it a must-read for those seeking to prioritize their own journeys of self-discovery, regardless of age or circumstance.
Pages: 267 | ASIN: B0DB97P6FP
LITERARY TITAN 