Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

Spinach is to Popeye as Empathic Mastery: A 5-Step System to Go from Emotional Hot Mess to Thriving Success is to empaths. Author Jennifer Elizabeth Moore is the savior of our times, as individualism, socioeconomic development, social media, and work pressure have largely contributed to the decline of our ability to listen and emotionally connect; it proves draining for the empaths who live among us. This book is geared toward anyone who identifies as an empath as well as for those who wish to understand their nature. This guidebook is divided into two parts. The first gives an in-depth look at the nature of empathy and empaths, the science behind it, the common pitfalls, and how to avoid these. The second part teaches the Five Steps of Empathic Mastery: Recognize, Release, Protect, Connect, and Act, where you’ll find the tools necessary to manage your sensitivity and perform necessary adjustments.

Educational, encouraging, and highly engaging, this is the book that highly sensitive people need to navigate their way in a dynamic world that continuously changes under the demands of globalization and the way the pandemic has altered the way we go about our lives. As an experienced mentor and teacher for sensitive, intuitive women, Jennifer Elizabeth Moore meticulously explores cognitive, emotional, and compassionate empathy in theories and concepts that prove empathy can be properly managed. For those who don’t identify as empaths, it’s a skill that can be learned. While this is written with the female audience in mind, Moore’s engaging concepts that anchor both scientific and esoteric knowledge will strongly appeal to male empaths as well. You will like the way Moore presents empathy as a kind of superpower, an ability that the more you try to control, the more it causes you to underestimate yourself and overestimate ordinary solutions. Empathic Mastery is a highly recommended read for all the finely-tuned instruments that are empaths.

Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite

The Intuitive Detective is an enlightening memoir by Stacey Webb about how a young woman learns to trust her intuition and use it in her personal and professional life. The story consists of four parts namely Following the Bread Crumbs, Leading Towards My Purpose, Seeds are Planted, and Waking Up to My Power. This engaging memoir reveals fragments of her growing-up years, her career path, and her experiences highlighting the intuitive guidance she has learned to hone and use as she goes through a journey of self-acceptance and self-healing. Written to inspire us to make our journey to intuition development, she urges us to surrender to fear and embrace the discomfort. Working in the coroner’s office, as a police officer, a detective, and a mother of four, Stacey Webb leads an eventful life.

Stacey Webb’s The Intuitive Detective is an intriguing memoir detailing her fascinating journey to developing her intuition. As such, she reveals instances in her life when she listened to or ignored her intuition, and its consequences. The memoir is fascinating and the storytelling is engaging. Narrated in the first-person point of view, her story is highly credible. Focusing on one theme with supporting stories and details, the book is easy to follow and realistic. A master storyteller with an eye for detail, Stacey Webb inspires you to develop and trust your intuition. This is a collection of memories and experiences worthy of being told. Ultimately, it is a powerful story that could change the lives of many.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

The Scar of a Miracle by Monica Gonzalez is the heartbreaking story of a young pilot, Martin, who survived a plane crash after suffering multiple burns that saw him undergo a physical transformation and later on led him to a positive transformation; physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It is a story of love, faith, trust, courage, forgiveness, persistence, and healing, and will touch the hearts of all readers. Martin dreamed of being a pilot since childhood but the fire from this plane crash not only consumed his body but also his entire life. The book chronicles the various stages of his recovery along with his life story, how he survived the harsh consequences of the tragic crash, and how ultimately forgiveness, faith, and gratitude gave meaning to his entire existence. Martin's connection with an angel helps him over a difficult moment, which ends up making him a hero in the eyes of many people.

His angst, pain, recovery, and healing will leave readers teary-eyed, and the author gives glimpses into the spiritual aspects and realms that can actually help someone come out stronger from any challenges, adversities, grief, and pain. The story also helps readers to understand the meaning of immortality and soul transcendence, and the significance of the number 7. Martin also speaks about how the angels taught him that death brings life and pain brings possibilities, that absences bring company, and how they taught to be grateful by appreciating his family, friends, and acquaintances. The manner in which The Scar of a Miracle unfolds is fascinating. The spiritual undertones and Martin's experiences will leave readers awestruck. The fact that the narrative is based on a true story makes it even more inspiring. Martin's story is touching, positive, spiritual, and amazing. Martin's experiences and journey will help readers perceive life with a new outlook and realize how pain, struggles, and challenges are tests to self-discovery and connecting with the higher power and higher self.

Reviewed by Astrid Iustulin for Readers' Favorite

My Autobiographies by John Koenig is a book that, right from the title, makes you understand that things are out of the ordinary. Perhaps you too have reflected on the possibility of having lived other lives before this one. In this book, Koenig not only reveals his previous lives (and the current one), but he will invite you to reflect on yours and consider that certain character traits you have now may depend on what you have experienced in the past. Follow Koenig as he reveals his previous lives as Brother Thomas, a German scholar who committed suicide; Una, a mother with children; Robbie, the boy born into slavery before the Civil War; a royal household guard in ancient Egypt, and others.

Many have thought about writing their own autobiography, but I have never read any book where the same person tells about his many lives. My Autobiographies stands out for this reason, and whether you believe what John Koenig says or not, there is something extraordinary here. Analyzing past lives to try to clarify what goes on in the current one is an interesting perspective, especially for someone like Koenig, who has to reflect on many things. I liked the autobiographies very much because each tells something different; in addition, Koenig is very good at highlighting the character traits of the various figures that help him and us in this analysis. I recommend this book because it is enjoyable and can guide the reader with suggestions they do not often hear.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Trust Your Intuition: Shift Your Perspective is a work of non-fiction in the new age and motivational writing subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience and was penned by Robin Pollak. As its title suggests, this is a work that focuses on new age techniques for looking beyond the mere objective facts of any situation, but also connecting them with our intuition and the energies around us which we can feel every day if we are receptive to them. Packed with anecdotes from the author’s own life, Pollak explains how to reimagine ourselves more freely and trust ourselves wholly.

Authenticity can be a buzzword these days, but authors like Robin Pollak get what it means to be authentic and to live your truth every day. No matter what your belief system was when going into this book, there’s much to learn about trusting yourself and how you perceive and interpret the world. This can then be utilized to build a better life where you make more contented choices that align with your heart’s desires rather than the worldly expectations of you. The narrative style speaks volumes of the author’s inner wisdom and warmth, and the reading experience feels as if a dear friend is telling you their inspiring story of self-discovery. I also felt that there was a clear logic to the work which builds on its ideas and complexity, easing readers in gently and later intensifying the message to make it even more motivating. I would recommend Trust Your Intuition to readers seeking self-assurance and guidance at pressured times in their lives.

Reviewed by Gordon D. Durich for Readers' Favorite

Katherine Skaggs’ enlightening book Artist Shaman Healer Sage: Timeless Wisdom, Practices, Ritual, and Ceremony to Transform Your Life and Awaken Your Soul is a treat for the mind, body, and spirit. Shamanism is not only defined and explained but illustrated with transcendental works of art throughout. The concept and mystery of Divinity (God and other Higher powers) are thoroughly explored and the multi-cultural Shamanic teachings are woven in with a personal storytelling style. Each chapter in Skaggs’ beautiful book is a development of the studies of the Spirit, Native American legends, and other spiritual callings. As my niece is an “Urban Shaman,” I was intrigued by the content and I learned a great deal about the ancient and timeless truths and the universal spiritual practices and principles of the Shamanic path.

The search for the meaning of life is examined from a spiritual perspective in understandable language and is very well researched. The elaborate and rich colorful illustrations by Katherine Skaggs enhanced my experience of reading this fascinating book. Metaphysics and spiritual studies are something I have always been interested in and attracted to. Artistically, I liked the design of Artist Shaman Healer Sage and the way it “spoke” to me, as a reader. I enjoyed the journey through the chapters and the practical application they had in everyday experiences.

Reviewed by Manik Chaturmutha for Readers' Favorite

Return to the Absolute: Bridging the Gap between Physics and Consciousness by Calvin McCoard is a fascinating exploration of the concepts of physics and relating them to spirituality. The first section explains the concepts of quantum physics and electromagnetism in simple words. Terms like local balance and imbalance, duality, relativity, and the Absolute are put across in a way that will give readers a fresh perspective. The author explains that the concept of the Absolute and all things moving toward universal balance are fundamental to many belief systems and philosophies worldwide. He talks about some of the world’s oldest religions like Hermeticism, Buddhism, Taoism, Sikhism, Kabbalah, Islam, and Christianity. He also asserts that consciousness cannot be limited to biological entities. Instead, it is an all-encompassing force that permeates everything in the universe. Finally, he brings the conversation back to personal experiences from his everyday life.

The subject matter of the book is complex, but Calvin McCoard makes even abstract concepts easily understandable to the layperson. The vocabulary is straightforward and the illustrations are thought-provoking. The writing style is narrative, and readers are taken on a journey into the author’s life. The book does not force readers to accept a particular interpretation of the world. Instead, the author systematically begins by explaining universally accepted facts, principles, and concepts and then goes on to substantiate his arguments with evidence from various religions and philosophies. This book will be an exciting read for anyone inclined to ponder questions about human existence. I recommend Return to the Absolute by Calvin McCoard for its abstract illustrations, concise subject matter, and gripping premise.

Reviewed by Leonard Smuts for Readers' Favorite

The Ascended Master El Morya (also known as El Moyra in some circles) is a highly evolved being who is no longer incarnated. He is nevertheless accessible to seekers of the truth through psychic mediums, notably the late Madame Helena Blavatsky, whose work was distributed worldwide through the Theosophical Society. More recently author Tatyana Mickushina has been assigned this role. In this second edition of Morya, she has presented channeled material dictated to her during the period 2005 to 2015. The teachings are timeless and relevant, but the instruction and advice have become more pressing due to the long-anticipated transition to the New Age - in whatever form that may manifest. In this case, Master Moyra speaks very directly about the state of the planet and the need for humankind to embrace higher consciousness. It is a strident call to action, directed at those souls incarnated at this time who aspire to assist in the transition. We live in a world of illusion, distracted by material possessions and the need to earn a living. Against that background, the responsibility of raising human consciousness falls to those few chelas (disciples or students) who find themselves on the planet and who agreed to serve. It is not an easy path and requires aspiration, constancy, and devotion. God’s plan must be followed and we hold the detail in our hearts. We are cautioned to use discernment and reject false prophets. The message is clear – the standards set are high.

Moyra comes at a significant time in the spiritual evolution of the planet. Tatyana Mickushina has captured the essence of the Master's messages in an authentic and relevant manner. Many of the lessons channeled echo those of other Masters, which adds further credibility. A common theme in all of the channeled material - not unique to Moyra - is criticism of the chelas, who have not reached the required level individually, nor have they raised the collective consciousness. This places the transition process at risk. These earthly volunteers are needed, as the Masters may not intervene directly from the higher realms. This places the onus of human spiritual evolution in the hands of a few. The gulf between the Masters at their higher levels and those stuck in third-dimensional reality on earth is wide. Master Moyra himself acknowledges the fact that at best he may have a few hundred committed disciples under his care. Much work remains to be done and a sense of frustration permeates the more recent sessions. As is often the case, no timelines are given, but the tone of the teachings point to an imminent shift - ready or not. There are some jarring notes in the messages, but these relate to the opinion of the Master and are in no way a reflection on the quality of the channeling. The message remains one of hope, but little external evidence of a quantum leap exists, given the dense energies on the planet.

Reviewed by Astrid Iustulin for Readers' Favorite

Dreams are something that every culture pays attention to, but have you ever been curious about the meaning of your dreams? Or have you ever experienced moments of synchronicity and serendipity? What if these are ways to receive guidance? Thanks to Symbol & Synchronicity: Learning the Soul's Language in Dreams and Waking Life by Julie Loar, it will be much easier to understand all this. Here, curious readers will learn how dreams have been approached in the past and the current era and explore ancient oracles and dream temples. They will also discover information on symbols, synchronicity, and serendipity. Above all, they will have access to in-depth interpretations of their dreams thanks to the Seven Steps in Dreamwork process, which will make it possible to have insight into themselves and their lives.

Symbol & Synchronicity is a mind-blowing book for anyone who wants to learn how to interpret their dreams and wants to start receiving guidance when awake. I must confess that, at first, I was skeptical, but only because I expected a different, more superficial explanation. Julie Loar was very good at making me change my mind because she dealt with the subject thoroughly. This is why I liked the introduction in which she tells us about the past and science; it is what helps us skeptics to understand and become passionate about the topic. Also, I put the Seven Steps in Dreamwork process into practice as I read, and it revealed things about the dream I analyzed and about myself that I would have overlooked without it. I hope the same experience will happen to all who read Symbol & Synchronicity with curiosity and an open mind. This book deserves it.

Reviewed by Grace Masso for Readers' Favorite

The Unfakeable Code: Take Back Control, Lead Authentically and Live Freely on Your Terms by Tony Jeton Selimi instructs, motivates, inspires, and provides the tools readers need to transform their lives — and the word “transform” should be read in its strictest sense. In a world where people easily get used to “wearing masks,” it is as easy to lose the sense of self, get disillusioned about who one really is, and be stuck in a life that doesn’t befit one’s deepest desires and dreams. The author writes about the strength of being authentic and explores the different ways in which the masks we wear trump our desire for growth and success. He proposes an actionable guide to usher readers on the path toward personal growth, freedom, and success.

This book provides five powerful principles that equip readers with all they need to take the lead in their lives. Selimi articulates with mastery and confidence on strong and relevant themes like unmasking who we really are and mastering the language that allows us to redefine ourselves, the power of our choices and how it shapes our reality, trumping our emotions, transforming the sad experience of loneliness to purposeful leadership, and a lot more. This book is an eye-opener as it reveals how people give away their power and how they get stalled by the illusions they have grown up with. For fans of New Age literature, this book will be another important tool in their arsenal of everything dealing with success and personal growth. The Unfakeable Code: Take Back Control, Lead Authentically and Live Freely on Your Terms is well-researched and expertly written. Readers will have many “wow” moments as they begin to understand their negative scripting and what has been keeping them back while identifying actions that will bring them to where they want to be.