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Recommend this book:
 by Denis Hachey is an inspirational fiction novel that would appeal most to a mixed audience of young adults and adults who enjoy a story while also learning about the mind. As a child, David developed a negative mindset that led to him blaming others for his struggles, failings, and...){kind=link}
A Mind to Mind Conversation
Change Your Mind, Change Your Life
Denis Hachey
2020 Silver Medal
161 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Sefina Hawke for Readers' Favorite
A Mind to Mind Conversation (Change Your Mind, Change Your Life) by Denis Hachey is an inspirational fiction novel that would appeal most to a mixed audience of young adults and adults who enjoy a story while also learning about the mind. As a child, David developed a negative mindset that led to him blaming others for his struggles, failings, and the wrath that is directed at him. This mindset led to David living a life filled with negative emotions until an accident lands him in the hospital. The accident and the hospitalization that follows present David with a chance to change his life for the better. Are you ready to follow David, and his mentor Aunt Sally on the journey of his subconscious mind?
A Mind to Mind Conversation (Change Your Mind, Change Your Life) by Denis Hachey is a well-written book with a thought-provoking cover image that practically begs to be read. As a graduate psychology student, this book was of great interest to me with how it explored the mind through a fictional lens. This unique method of exploration really appealed to me as David’s story made me feel a personal connection to David. This helped me to better retain the information I learned about the mind. I personally found the facts about a negative mindset and the importance of a positive mindset matched up with what I have learned in positive psychology, yet the author made the topic much more interesting than my professor did. Overall, I enjoyed this book from both an entertainment and educational perspective!
A Mind to Mind Conversation (Change Your Mind, Change Your Life) by Denis Hachey is an inspirational fiction novel that would appeal most to a mixed audience of young adults and adults who enjoy a story while also learning about the mind. As a child, David developed a negative mindset that led to him blaming others for his struggles, failings, and the wrath that is directed at him. This mindset led to David living a life filled with negative emotions until an accident lands him in the hospital. The accident and the hospitalization that follows present David with a chance to change his life for the better. Are you ready to follow David, and his mentor Aunt Sally on the journey of his subconscious mind?
A Mind to Mind Conversation (Change Your Mind, Change Your Life) by Denis Hachey is a well-written book with a thought-provoking cover image that practically begs to be read. As a graduate psychology student, this book was of great interest to me with how it explored the mind through a fictional lens. This unique method of exploration really appealed to me as David’s story made me feel a personal connection to David. This helped me to better retain the information I learned about the mind. I personally found the facts about a negative mindset and the importance of a positive mindset matched up with what I have learned in positive psychology, yet the author made the topic much more interesting than my professor did. Overall, I enjoyed this book from both an entertainment and educational perspective!
Recommend this book:
Cycle
Jay Amberg
2020 Bronze Medal
183 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Lee Ashford for Readers' Favorite
“The Cycle” by Jay Amberg is a very different, but very interesting, type of book. I am not sure how to classify it, but I think it should be required reading for a lot of people, from students to corporate CEO’s. The 'Cycle' Jay is writing about is, in its simplest form, the life cycle. But it is also much more than that, expanding its frame of reference to include the planetary cycle of existence. It is a book told in four parts, from the perspective of a Redwood tree, a Monarch butterfly, a Wolf pack and a Sperm whale. Each of these diverse perspectives begins at birth, of either the narrating organism, or its offspring. As they narrate their “typical” lives, they also relate evolutionarily recent intrusions into their lives, which have had, or are having, a negative impact on their respective existences.
The Redwood tree discusses the “recent” sound of chainsaws drawing nearer to it each year, although it does not know they are chainsaws. It DOES know post-storm runoff has become more violent and dirty each year, to the point of undercutting some of its kin. The Monarch begins as an egg, and narrates it entire life cycle up to the point at which it migrates to its wintering grounds in a Mexican forest, only to find that the forest is no longer there. The Wolf matriarch’s tale is by far the longest, beginning with her having just given birth to another litter. She relates all the hardships they encounter, including the death of a high percentage of the pups she has birthed during her reproductive life span. Intrusions by a “giant black bird” (actually a helicopter) impact the clan by discharging scientists who study them. Finally, the Sperm whale concludes the story by expressing how human interaction over the past several hundred years has had escalating impacts on not just Sperm whales, but on the ocean itself, and even the planet as a whole. This book is not fiction, beyond the talking trees and animals. However, the message of the book is an important one which we humans all need to become aware of. I highly recommend this book for all who intend to spend their life on planet Earth.
“The Cycle” by Jay Amberg is a very different, but very interesting, type of book. I am not sure how to classify it, but I think it should be required reading for a lot of people, from students to corporate CEO’s. The 'Cycle' Jay is writing about is, in its simplest form, the life cycle. But it is also much more than that, expanding its frame of reference to include the planetary cycle of existence. It is a book told in four parts, from the perspective of a Redwood tree, a Monarch butterfly, a Wolf pack and a Sperm whale. Each of these diverse perspectives begins at birth, of either the narrating organism, or its offspring. As they narrate their “typical” lives, they also relate evolutionarily recent intrusions into their lives, which have had, or are having, a negative impact on their respective existences.
The Redwood tree discusses the “recent” sound of chainsaws drawing nearer to it each year, although it does not know they are chainsaws. It DOES know post-storm runoff has become more violent and dirty each year, to the point of undercutting some of its kin. The Monarch begins as an egg, and narrates it entire life cycle up to the point at which it migrates to its wintering grounds in a Mexican forest, only to find that the forest is no longer there. The Wolf matriarch’s tale is by far the longest, beginning with her having just given birth to another litter. She relates all the hardships they encounter, including the death of a high percentage of the pups she has birthed during her reproductive life span. Intrusions by a “giant black bird” (actually a helicopter) impact the clan by discharging scientists who study them. Finally, the Sperm whale concludes the story by expressing how human interaction over the past several hundred years has had escalating impacts on not just Sperm whales, but on the ocean itself, and even the planet as a whole. This book is not fiction, beyond the talking trees and animals. However, the message of the book is an important one which we humans all need to become aware of. I highly recommend this book for all who intend to spend their life on planet Earth.
Recommend this book:
The Calling
Unleash your true self
Priya Kumar
2020 Honorable Mention
166 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite
The Calling: Unleash Your True Self by Priya Kumar is an inspirational book that fans of The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho and The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma will enjoy. Arjun is on the point of a divorce and feeling as though nothing works in his life. After an accident, an unusual encounter sets him on a spiritual odyssey into the heart of the Himalayas on the counsel of a sadhu. His life is about to change as the experience strips him of burdens, leaving him face to face with the most essential: his purpose. At the start of the story, he is a man who goes through a serious breakdown: dislocated shoulder, injuries to the head, a broken neck, kidneys that are failing, blocked valves in the heart, and other imperfections that the sadhu sees. But can this journey mend him?
This is a story told in a unique voice that is both compassionate and compelling. It is the voice of wisdom. In this book, Priya Kumar teaches readers about the power of facing their truth, of looking at their own self with courage. The Calling: Unleash Your True Self is a story that proposes a path to unveiling one’s purpose in life and how to find the courage to embrace it. The story is filled with insights about life and a spiritual depth that ushers readers into a new kind consciousness, prompting them to look past the ordinary things of life and to tap into their spiritual source to find their strength and purpose. This book will change the way readers see themselves and life. It is both entertaining and enlightening, written in prose that is fluid and in a tone that draws the reader in irresistibly.
The Calling: Unleash Your True Self by Priya Kumar is an inspirational book that fans of The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho and The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma will enjoy. Arjun is on the point of a divorce and feeling as though nothing works in his life. After an accident, an unusual encounter sets him on a spiritual odyssey into the heart of the Himalayas on the counsel of a sadhu. His life is about to change as the experience strips him of burdens, leaving him face to face with the most essential: his purpose. At the start of the story, he is a man who goes through a serious breakdown: dislocated shoulder, injuries to the head, a broken neck, kidneys that are failing, blocked valves in the heart, and other imperfections that the sadhu sees. But can this journey mend him?
This is a story told in a unique voice that is both compassionate and compelling. It is the voice of wisdom. In this book, Priya Kumar teaches readers about the power of facing their truth, of looking at their own self with courage. The Calling: Unleash Your True Self is a story that proposes a path to unveiling one’s purpose in life and how to find the courage to embrace it. The story is filled with insights about life and a spiritual depth that ushers readers into a new kind consciousness, prompting them to look past the ordinary things of life and to tap into their spiritual source to find their strength and purpose. This book will change the way readers see themselves and life. It is both entertaining and enlightening, written in prose that is fluid and in a tone that draws the reader in irresistibly.
Recommend this book:
Finding James
Nancy Blaha
2020 Finalist
304 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Tiffany Ferrell for Readers' Favorite
Karen hasn’t been back to her hometown in South Carolina since her twin brother killed himself years earlier. Getting a call from her alcoholic mother on the day she finds out her husband has been seeing another woman, she heads back to the place where she grew up to see the father that abandoned her and her brother when they were kids. Karen immediately is confronted by her memories of the past and the people she left behind. From an ex-boyfriend that decided to let her go rather than make the journey to California, to the best friend who didn’t care to keep in touch after her brother James’ death, Karen tries to keep her feelings in check during this brief visit.
I enjoyed reading Finding James by Nancy Blaha. I thought it was a very realistic storyline and a plot with very relatable characters. It was really easy to get into the story and feel the heartbreak Karen was feeling about her husband and then finding out about her father. It’s a lovers' triangle, but it has a very unique and different approach which made it easier for me to enjoy. Romance typically isn’t my genre, but I found myself enjoying Finding James and following Karen's journey back to her hometown and the road bumps and issues she faces finally coming home to see her sick father. I think Nancy Blaha has created a wonderful story of heartache, first love, and forgiveness. It’s a book I would recommend and I cannot wait to read more of the author's work.
Karen hasn’t been back to her hometown in South Carolina since her twin brother killed himself years earlier. Getting a call from her alcoholic mother on the day she finds out her husband has been seeing another woman, she heads back to the place where she grew up to see the father that abandoned her and her brother when they were kids. Karen immediately is confronted by her memories of the past and the people she left behind. From an ex-boyfriend that decided to let her go rather than make the journey to California, to the best friend who didn’t care to keep in touch after her brother James’ death, Karen tries to keep her feelings in check during this brief visit.
I enjoyed reading Finding James by Nancy Blaha. I thought it was a very realistic storyline and a plot with very relatable characters. It was really easy to get into the story and feel the heartbreak Karen was feeling about her husband and then finding out about her father. It’s a lovers' triangle, but it has a very unique and different approach which made it easier for me to enjoy. Romance typically isn’t my genre, but I found myself enjoying Finding James and following Karen's journey back to her hometown and the road bumps and issues she faces finally coming home to see her sick father. I think Nancy Blaha has created a wonderful story of heartache, first love, and forgiveness. It’s a book I would recommend and I cannot wait to read more of the author's work.
Recommend this book:
Angels on Overtime
A Divine Romantic Comedy
Ann Crawford
2019 Bronze Medal
188 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite
In Angels on Overtime by Ann Crawford, Jack and Emily are two very unhappy people. Both of their relationships are in crisis but it seems they have resigned themselves to a life of monotony and misery. That is until angels Brooke and David volunteer to travel to Earth and help them discover each other and achieve all of their dreams. The only difficulty is getting the ill-fated humans to listen to their advice and take notice of all the spiritual signs thrown in their path. As the hapless duo seems determined to continue with their miserable existences, Brooke and David and the other assigned angels have to work overtime to bring them together. When Jack's and Emily's lives continue on a downward spiral, the angels realize that desperate measures are needed to make them aware that heaven can be found on Earth after all and that good fortune can manifest itself in an instant.
Angels on Overtime by Ann Crawford is such an excellently written comedy romance with a unique perspective. I loved the angels and the dialogue between each other. There were so many laugh out loud moments as they worked tirelessly to bring Jack and Emily together. I thought the angel characters were diverse and not the usual stereotypical angel personalities you would expect. The comedy was interjected with some quite endearing moments, especially between Emily and her mother. The subject of manifestation and law of attraction is something that I am very interested in, and the author covered the topics perfectly. Having a clear intention of what you want, and the importance to focus on the positive not the negative was also relayed in a very clear but entertaining manner. Jack's and Emily's increased awareness that they were creating their own reality was developed slowly and realistically too. I loved this particular quote from the novel: “Love and remember. Love and wake up. That’s all these humans have to do. And you’d be amazed how many mountains they put in their own way.” The whole message was so spiritually uplifting and inspiring that this book is definitely going to be recommended to my friends.
In Angels on Overtime by Ann Crawford, Jack and Emily are two very unhappy people. Both of their relationships are in crisis but it seems they have resigned themselves to a life of monotony and misery. That is until angels Brooke and David volunteer to travel to Earth and help them discover each other and achieve all of their dreams. The only difficulty is getting the ill-fated humans to listen to their advice and take notice of all the spiritual signs thrown in their path. As the hapless duo seems determined to continue with their miserable existences, Brooke and David and the other assigned angels have to work overtime to bring them together. When Jack's and Emily's lives continue on a downward spiral, the angels realize that desperate measures are needed to make them aware that heaven can be found on Earth after all and that good fortune can manifest itself in an instant.
Angels on Overtime by Ann Crawford is such an excellently written comedy romance with a unique perspective. I loved the angels and the dialogue between each other. There were so many laugh out loud moments as they worked tirelessly to bring Jack and Emily together. I thought the angel characters were diverse and not the usual stereotypical angel personalities you would expect. The comedy was interjected with some quite endearing moments, especially between Emily and her mother. The subject of manifestation and law of attraction is something that I am very interested in, and the author covered the topics perfectly. Having a clear intention of what you want, and the importance to focus on the positive not the negative was also relayed in a very clear but entertaining manner. Jack's and Emily's increased awareness that they were creating their own reality was developed slowly and realistically too. I loved this particular quote from the novel: “Love and remember. Love and wake up. That’s all these humans have to do. And you’d be amazed how many mountains they put in their own way.” The whole message was so spiritually uplifting and inspiring that this book is definitely going to be recommended to my friends.
Recommend this book:
 by G.F. Cantrell is a captivating tale about love: past loves, new loves, self-love. Intelligent and optimistic Maggie Chisholm knows she’s in big trouble from the moment she lays eyes on her new contractor, Finn. Their easy-flowing conversations are full of humor and depth, something she can’t imagine having wi...){kind=link}
Natural Disasters, A Love Story
G.F. Cantrell
2019 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Kristy Volchko for Readers' Favorite
Natural Disasters (A Love Story) by G.F. Cantrell is a captivating tale about love: past loves, new loves, self-love. Intelligent and optimistic Maggie Chisholm knows she’s in big trouble from the moment she lays eyes on her new contractor, Finn. Their easy-flowing conversations are full of humor and depth, something she can’t imagine having with her controlling, tyrannical husband, Martin. In fact, he’s the complete opposite of Finn’s down-to-earth ways, which only confirms what Maggie has been avoiding for so long; another dreaded divorce. Unable to stop thinking of one another, the two are filled with the giddiness and joy of newfound love, but also hesitation, as they wonder if they’re in way over their heads. Could they have really found the greatest love either of them has ever known? Told from both perspectives, their accounts of how each encounter bonds them further and further into the depths of their souls are quite different. Does true love and happily-ever-after exist? Or will they discover that it just might mean something different to everyone?
Natural Disasters is a thought-provoking read that drew me in from the first paragraph. Many married adults find themselves in these types of unforeseen circumstances, and I loved that it wasn’t based on a group of twenty-somethings, but actually seasoned, experienced adults who’ve been through divorces, raising children, health issues, and, yes, dealing with contractors when renovating your home. Well-written, full of twists, and I liked that it was told from both characters' viewpoints. (And we all know that men and women think very differently!) I’m always happy to read books that support self-love and lifelong happiness. Five stars.
Natural Disasters (A Love Story) by G.F. Cantrell is a captivating tale about love: past loves, new loves, self-love. Intelligent and optimistic Maggie Chisholm knows she’s in big trouble from the moment she lays eyes on her new contractor, Finn. Their easy-flowing conversations are full of humor and depth, something she can’t imagine having with her controlling, tyrannical husband, Martin. In fact, he’s the complete opposite of Finn’s down-to-earth ways, which only confirms what Maggie has been avoiding for so long; another dreaded divorce. Unable to stop thinking of one another, the two are filled with the giddiness and joy of newfound love, but also hesitation, as they wonder if they’re in way over their heads. Could they have really found the greatest love either of them has ever known? Told from both perspectives, their accounts of how each encounter bonds them further and further into the depths of their souls are quite different. Does true love and happily-ever-after exist? Or will they discover that it just might mean something different to everyone?
Natural Disasters is a thought-provoking read that drew me in from the first paragraph. Many married adults find themselves in these types of unforeseen circumstances, and I loved that it wasn’t based on a group of twenty-somethings, but actually seasoned, experienced adults who’ve been through divorces, raising children, health issues, and, yes, dealing with contractors when renovating your home. Well-written, full of twists, and I liked that it was told from both characters' viewpoints. (And we all know that men and women think very differently!) I’m always happy to read books that support self-love and lifelong happiness. Five stars.
Recommend this book:
The Harsh Truths
a ONE chapter book
W.T. Hamilton
2019 Finalist
145 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
The Harsh Truths by W.T. Hamilton isn't your run-of-the-mill novel but is a uniquely inspirational story that explores the secrets of failure and success. In the tradition of The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, the author of this book presents an enigmatic character, Peter, a struggling entrepreneur who wants success. Peter seeks the help and counsel of a friend and what follows is a journey that unveils truths about what it takes to win and why many fail. The protagonist is forced to look at himself, at the reality before him, and at the challenges that lie between him and his dream.
In The Harsh Truths, W.T. Hamilton shares powerful secrets about success and unveils the code that will help readers find their path to success. The book is intriguing and filled with uncomfortable truths. It is well imagined and written in a style that is both accessible and engaging. Peter is the character that I identified with the most. He is overwhelmed and literally going under. But an unexpected intellectual journey opens his eyes to life-transforming truths. The message contained in this slim yet compelling narrative is challenging and the author adopts a style that enables readers to enjoy both the relationship between the characters and the art of communication. A gold mine for those who are looking for what it takes to succeed in life and business. A page-turner, packed with wisdom and insight.
The Harsh Truths by W.T. Hamilton isn't your run-of-the-mill novel but is a uniquely inspirational story that explores the secrets of failure and success. In the tradition of The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, the author of this book presents an enigmatic character, Peter, a struggling entrepreneur who wants success. Peter seeks the help and counsel of a friend and what follows is a journey that unveils truths about what it takes to win and why many fail. The protagonist is forced to look at himself, at the reality before him, and at the challenges that lie between him and his dream.
In The Harsh Truths, W.T. Hamilton shares powerful secrets about success and unveils the code that will help readers find their path to success. The book is intriguing and filled with uncomfortable truths. It is well imagined and written in a style that is both accessible and engaging. Peter is the character that I identified with the most. He is overwhelmed and literally going under. But an unexpected intellectual journey opens his eyes to life-transforming truths. The message contained in this slim yet compelling narrative is challenging and the author adopts a style that enables readers to enjoy both the relationship between the characters and the art of communication. A gold mine for those who are looking for what it takes to succeed in life and business. A page-turner, packed with wisdom and insight.
Recommend this book:
Lights on the Sea
Miquel Reina
2019 Silver Medal
272 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Jane Finch for Readers' Favorite
Lights on the Sea by Miquel Reina tells the story of Mary Rose and Harold Grapes who live high up on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea. Threatened with eviction from their home because of safety concerns, Mary Rose and Harold contemplate what life can hold for them if they have to leave their beloved home, which holds the memories of their lost son, Dylan. Fate intervenes and, after a violent storm dislodges the house, they find themselves adrift and alone. The currents and tides take them towards a cold and inhospitable place and they are certain they have met their end, until fate again intervenes. Just when their very lives are at stake, what they encounter causes them to reevaluate their whole life’s purpose.
This is an incredibly moving book, encompassing not only a simple yet awesome story, but weaving in the value of hopes and dreams, of the desire to survive the most unrelenting elements, and the need to fight for one’s very existence. More than that, this book makes the reader consider their view of life, their aspirations, what is really important, and to have the courage to admit when we get it wrong. The author, Miquel Reina, has really crafted a whole bucket full of life lessons from a fable, including appreciation for the life one has, having the courage to strive for one’s dreams, to consider that those dreams may be stifled by sadness, to hold your head up and carry on, and not to be afraid to fail. But more than that, this is a book about coping with the loss of a loved one. The emotions are real and gut wrenching and life changing. Every reader will relate to Mr. and Mrs Grapes and be rooting for their happiness. Incredible writing from an inspiring author.
Lights on the Sea by Miquel Reina tells the story of Mary Rose and Harold Grapes who live high up on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea. Threatened with eviction from their home because of safety concerns, Mary Rose and Harold contemplate what life can hold for them if they have to leave their beloved home, which holds the memories of their lost son, Dylan. Fate intervenes and, after a violent storm dislodges the house, they find themselves adrift and alone. The currents and tides take them towards a cold and inhospitable place and they are certain they have met their end, until fate again intervenes. Just when their very lives are at stake, what they encounter causes them to reevaluate their whole life’s purpose.
This is an incredibly moving book, encompassing not only a simple yet awesome story, but weaving in the value of hopes and dreams, of the desire to survive the most unrelenting elements, and the need to fight for one’s very existence. More than that, this book makes the reader consider their view of life, their aspirations, what is really important, and to have the courage to admit when we get it wrong. The author, Miquel Reina, has really crafted a whole bucket full of life lessons from a fable, including appreciation for the life one has, having the courage to strive for one’s dreams, to consider that those dreams may be stifled by sadness, to hold your head up and carry on, and not to be afraid to fail. But more than that, this is a book about coping with the loss of a loved one. The emotions are real and gut wrenching and life changing. Every reader will relate to Mr. and Mrs Grapes and be rooting for their happiness. Incredible writing from an inspiring author.
Recommend this book:
The Walls of Lucca
Steve Physioc
2019 Gold Medal
508 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Kathryn Bennett for Readers' Favorite
The Walls of Lucca by Steven Physioc takes us back in time to Italy during the First World War. A love story set in tense times while the fascist government of Mussolini is on the rise. Isabella Roselli, a young woman who has spirit and is also spiritual, works to bring down barriers that separate families. Isabella was orphaned and was raised by convent sisters who help her grow into the wonderful young woman she is. Her gifts include an ability to grow things and cook, all coupled with a kind heart. Many in Lucca are also inspired by Isabella’s kind heart for anyone who is hurting. Some of the lives she touches include Franco, a soldier who can't escape the horrors of war, and Angelina, a mother of four who has been widowed by the war.
I love a good historical romance and when you dive into one that is set during one of the worst times in history, you know you will get something that is full of a variety of emotions. Whether the backdrop is right in the war or right after, there are so many feelings and emotions, horror, and the strength it takes to get through and everything else. This book ticks all of those boxes for me. Author Steven Physioc has really managed to find the perfect balance of romance and real life. On a personal level, when I am reading a story I need it to feel as if it could be real in order to really enjoy it.
Isabella is the type of character I immediately understand and feel a connection with. She has had a tough start in life, but rather than allowing it to control her and turn her into a person soured by it, she thrives and turns into someone who spreads love and kindness. I don't want to spoil the story, but I can say if you love a good romance and a good solid story, you will enjoy this one for sure. Isabella has such a fantastic spirit, the kind of girl I could see myself being. Again, to me that makes the best type of book when you feel like you are walking with the characters. I can't wait to read the next book.
The Walls of Lucca by Steven Physioc takes us back in time to Italy during the First World War. A love story set in tense times while the fascist government of Mussolini is on the rise. Isabella Roselli, a young woman who has spirit and is also spiritual, works to bring down barriers that separate families. Isabella was orphaned and was raised by convent sisters who help her grow into the wonderful young woman she is. Her gifts include an ability to grow things and cook, all coupled with a kind heart. Many in Lucca are also inspired by Isabella’s kind heart for anyone who is hurting. Some of the lives she touches include Franco, a soldier who can't escape the horrors of war, and Angelina, a mother of four who has been widowed by the war.
I love a good historical romance and when you dive into one that is set during one of the worst times in history, you know you will get something that is full of a variety of emotions. Whether the backdrop is right in the war or right after, there are so many feelings and emotions, horror, and the strength it takes to get through and everything else. This book ticks all of those boxes for me. Author Steven Physioc has really managed to find the perfect balance of romance and real life. On a personal level, when I am reading a story I need it to feel as if it could be real in order to really enjoy it.
Isabella is the type of character I immediately understand and feel a connection with. She has had a tough start in life, but rather than allowing it to control her and turn her into a person soured by it, she thrives and turns into someone who spreads love and kindness. I don't want to spoil the story, but I can say if you love a good romance and a good solid story, you will enjoy this one for sure. Isabella has such a fantastic spirit, the kind of girl I could see myself being. Again, to me that makes the best type of book when you feel like you are walking with the characters. I can't wait to read the next book.
Recommend this book:
Paradise Bound
Rafaële Désiré
2018 Honorable Mention
300 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Ray Simmons for Readers' Favorite
Paradise Bound is one of the most balanced and well written romance novels I have ever read. Not only does Rafaële Désiré know a lot about the Yin and Yang of romance, but she knows a lot about life. The characters are so real you expect them to walk out of the pages and introduce themselves. The protagonist is Dr. Natalie Dorel, a beautiful, strong, caring woman just finishing her residency at a Paris hospital. Never have I seen the spiritual and emotional cost of being a physician written so well. Natalie is brilliant and she has attained her lifelong dream. She has it all, including a good man, so what’s wrong? Rafaële Désiré shows us page by page.
Paradise Bound is all the more impressive because it is Rafaële Désiré’s first novel. I am in awe. I love how the reader is shown the value of art. Like Natalie, a lot of us get caught up in things that are concrete and are expected of us, to such an extent that we neglect the spiritual side. This can be costly and very difficult to understand or correct. Everything in Paradise Bound teaches us the value of life and love. When a story can teach so much and be so entertaining, I consider it a success and I look for that author’s name in my future trips to the book store. Great dialogue, realistic people and situations, and a perfect rendition of the fights, misunderstandings, and hidden fears that come between friends, family, and lovers make Paradise Bound a compelling read. If you love romance, pick it up and start it, one Friday night when you’re not working the next day.
Paradise Bound is one of the most balanced and well written romance novels I have ever read. Not only does Rafaële Désiré know a lot about the Yin and Yang of romance, but she knows a lot about life. The characters are so real you expect them to walk out of the pages and introduce themselves. The protagonist is Dr. Natalie Dorel, a beautiful, strong, caring woman just finishing her residency at a Paris hospital. Never have I seen the spiritual and emotional cost of being a physician written so well. Natalie is brilliant and she has attained her lifelong dream. She has it all, including a good man, so what’s wrong? Rafaële Désiré shows us page by page.
Paradise Bound is all the more impressive because it is Rafaële Désiré’s first novel. I am in awe. I love how the reader is shown the value of art. Like Natalie, a lot of us get caught up in things that are concrete and are expected of us, to such an extent that we neglect the spiritual side. This can be costly and very difficult to understand or correct. Everything in Paradise Bound teaches us the value of life and love. When a story can teach so much and be so entertaining, I consider it a success and I look for that author’s name in my future trips to the book store. Great dialogue, realistic people and situations, and a perfect rendition of the fights, misunderstandings, and hidden fears that come between friends, family, and lovers make Paradise Bound a compelling read. If you love romance, pick it up and start it, one Friday night when you’re not working the next day.
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