Reviewed by Sylvia Heslin for Readers' Favorite

In the book Defeating Depression: The Calm and Sense Way to Find Happiness and Satisfaction, author Leo J. Battenhausen explains how his many different techniques can help to conquer, overcome and restore a life that is wrought with despair and depression. One of the main techniques that he uses that lays a foundation for all of his other techniques, is the use of a term that that he calls Calm and Sense. With this approach, a person learns more positive ways to handle life’s stresses, difficulties, and life’s setbacks in a more empowering way. Author Leo J Battenhausen also goes through s of what can cause and lead someone to depression. He gives case studies on clients of his that sought his help with their depression and their relationship problems. By doing this, author Leo J. Battenhausen shows compassion, and lets the readers know and understand that they are not alone on their journey to seek help and recovery in dealing with depression.

Defeating Depression by author Leo J. Battenhausen has to be one of the most remarkable and the most profound self-help books that I have ever read on depression in my life time. I too have had to struggle with major depression for most of my life and I have read many books on the subject. This book by far as been more helpful with its clear, concise, practical, and no nonsense approach to defeating and beating depression than any other book that I have come across throughout the years. And not only does this book cover all of the basic ways to overcoming depression, it also gives readers precise details on what a person needs to lead a life of emotional prosperity and not a life that is based on misery and suffering. I loved how the author uses the analogy that life is happening right now- and that life isn’t a dress rehearsal, it’s the show! Every day is show time, and the time to act is now. There are just so many things that I loved about this book. I can only say that anyone who has ever dealt with depression, despair, or the pangs of loneliness in relationship matters needs to own a copy of this book, and I wished that author Leo J. Battenhausen had written this book long before now.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Shawna Savage, author of Psycho Girl, shares her story of abuse. Her grandmother told her she did not need a man. Her advice was to get a job and support herself. Her mother lived in an abusive marriage and blamed herself. She labels herself as an Alpha Female, but I'm not sure I agree with that label. I see an Alpha Female as one who is aggressive, stands up for herself, does not let anyone abuse her. Yet, Shawna was abused. Her first husband John raped and beat her. She moved to Stone Mountain and met Dino. He stalked her for over a year and a half, raped her and broke her wrist. Next was Vinnie; he abused her repeatedly, but she'd had enough and went after him. The police took her to jail when they saw a large scratch on his cheek. More relationships and more abuse followed. Shawna Savage turned her life over to God. Through "positive spirituality," she has improved her life.

Shawna Savage is brutally honest in sharing her life with others. I admire Shawna and the way she has taken charge of her life. The first part of this small book focuses on her abusive relationships. The last part begins to share how her life changed once she turned to God. She includes a list of behaviors associated with sexual addiction. She also offers a list of things not to say when confronted by a man filled with rage. She discusses how Christians are desensitized to sin. We slowly let it seep in, accepting more and more over time.

Shawna Savage writes in a simple, easy to understand style. At times the reader will shed tears, and at times she will laugh. Savage has a unique way of telling a story and drawing the reader in. She manages to make light of what must have be a horrendous situation. Ms. Savage has made changes in her life, changes we should all make.

Reviewed by Joy Hannabass for Readers' Favorite

This book is a Beginner's Guide to Fibromyalgia and will help those who have just been diagnosed with the disease or those who think they might have the disease. It is estimated there are twelve million sufferers of this disease, so if you are not one of these, chances are you will know someone who is affected by it.

Fibromyalgia is not a disease that can be diagnosed as easily as some diseases, nor is there any one treatment that will work on all people suffering with it. Symptoms, as well as the treatments, may vary with each person, but the cause of Fibromyalgia is unknown.

Pati Chandler has written this little guide book to tell what Fibromyalgia is and to help one know the symptoms, how to get medical help, what to tell the doctor, and what medicines will be given. She also describes the aggravators, and what to do to help calm them down. She gives lots of resources to research Fibromyalgia to find what will work for the reader, and then she tells her story of having Fibromyalgia.

This is a great book for those just diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I chose this book to review because I have Fibromyalgia, and wanted to learn more about it. The book is full of helpful information. With each chapter she breaks it down into the dos and don'ts, treatments and medications, and things to try to see what works for you.

There are several things I really like about the book.

One is the author's research, enabling us to have a wealth of information and resources at our fingertips. I like the Bountiful Resources chapter near the end. She breaks down resource categories and gives websites, for each, explain what you will find in each, and the doctors and people associated with the website. She also has a list of books and videos that are helpful.

Another thing that helped me was the chapter on her journey with Fibromyalgia. It made me realize I am not alone in my journey, and that the things I feel are real, not something I imagine, like so many people think.

The last thing I like is the chapter on End Notes. In this chapter, she takes each chapter in the book and gives websites for everything she talks about in each chapter.

In this small book, she has made it possible for people like me with Fibromyalgia to find anything I need, all from this one little book. I just can't say enough about it!

Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite

Tanya Guerrier’s book "Free Gifts Every Day" is an uplifting and inspiring read. She purports going beyond having religion to having a relationship. God is our creator; he gave us life. We severed the connection to God and he has offered us the way to reconnect. We have a direct line to God. It is better than a cell phone. We never get an answering machine, wrong number, or busy signal. Guerrier explains the purpose of prayer and how to utilize it. God meets all of our needs, we do not have to worry; we just have to submit to him. Guerrier continues by sharing the multitude of gifts God has showered upon us. There are several poems strewn throughout this book.

I found this book easy to read and understand. It would make a great gift for someone you care about. The cover is well done with a gold bow and red roses. It “combines the wisdom of Jesus, Buddha, the law of attraction and other beautiful teachings, wrapping them into one compelling message.”

Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite

What flavor ice cream are you? Steff Deschenes compares human personalities to ice cream flavors. According to Deschenes, everyone falls into one of three categories: chocolate, vanilla or other flavors. She believes chocolates and vanillas should never fix. The exotic flavored people are handy when we feel daring but they are not something we’d want every day.

I prefer chocolate ice cream, especially, dark chocolate. Does that make my personality chocolate? Ummm, I’m not sure. Vanilla ice cream is good if you pour hot fudge sauce all over it.

What makes this book so good is the anecdotes. Deschenes shares memories, and more than a bit of herself. Her style is tongue-in-cheek, easy reading.

I love ice cream... chocolate, black walnut, butter pecan, toffee, chocolate, and, did I mention, chocolate. The cover naturally caught my attention. The text is well organized. The plot is well done. I would consider this book more of a memoir than a self-help, either way, it is worth reading.

Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite

When our life is out of balance, we are unsure of what to do next, where to turn, and how to continue. We often feel as though we are on the edge of a cliff and we could easily for off. Too often, we let one aspect of our life take over our life. Work, relationships, sexuality, spirituality all have a place in our life but cannot be the total of our life. The Edge encourages readers to evaluate their life and assists in finding balance.

TD Kruser offers frank discussion of life altering influences. He does not stop with helping readers find balance he explains why we need balance. He uses his own experiences as examples. He also encourages listening to others regardless of differences. Kruser shares poems and quotes to strengthen his point of view. I’ve read a lot of self-help books. This is one of the best.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Many women face breast cancer. Kimberly Fairchild was only thirty-five years old when she was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. I’d Give My Left Boob For That…Oh, Wait, I Already Did is her story, her pain, emotions, struggle and triumph. She offers readers a very honest look at her life.

Three years ago a dear friend of mind heard the words no woman wants to hear, “You have breast cancer.” Her mother died of breast cancer only 3 years early. I witnessed the pain, heartache, fear, emotional upheaval she faced as she fought for her life. She is a three year cancer survivor. I am very proud of the way she fought.

Fairchild’s experiences can be invaluable to readers. She offers insight, hope and encouragement. All women should read this book.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

MK Mueller offers readers a change of attitude. Mueller defines attitude as “FGH: Forgiveness of the past, Gratitude for the present and Hope for the future.” She has developed the “8 High-Ways Process to a positively powerful life.”

1. Get the picture
2. Risk
3. Full Responsibility
4. Feel All Your Feelings
5. Honest Communication
6. Forgiveness of the Past
7. Gratitude for the Present
8. Hope for the Future

The concept is simple. However, many people are stuck in a pattern. They are angry and sad and they cannot believe that they can be positive and still be angry and sad. They’ve lost sight of their dreams or they are afraid to take the risk. They are not prepared to accept responsibility for their own decisions and actions.

Mueller continues by offering other formulas such as: (CBA Formula) Conceive it, Believe it, Achieve it, (SMART) Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-Based, and (BIG) Bold, Innovative and Grand.

I tend to be a positive person…most of the time. When my attitude is negative everything around me looks dark and gloomy. When I’m down I search for ways to get positive again. I will certainly remember the 8 High-Ways.

8 To Great is easy to understand. The suggestions are simple and easy to follow. You will be thinking, why didn’t I think of that? Perk up, think positive and get a new outlook on life by reading and practicing 8 To Great.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

"Have Your Been Royally Screwed?" may sound like a comical title, but this is a very serious topic. Most of us can answer this question with a resounding YES! Myron Z. Bernstein is a consumer advocate. Did he plan to be one? I am not sure, but I don’t think so. I think he became an advocate out of necessity. Everyone needs to be an advocate. Despite the term “Customer Service”, few companies care about you. Their goal is to make money--even if they means cheating you. Bernstein exposes the abuses and the schemes behind warranties, insurance, contractors, rebates, and a number of other consumer “services.”

The reader will be shaking their head “yes” while reading some of the examples in this book. Myron is sharing situations most readers have faced. The difference between most consumers and Myron is--HE FIGHTS BACK--and he WINS. I admire Bernstein’s tenacity. Have Your Been Royally Screwed? Is filled with wisdom and expertise. The next time I deal with a customer service representative, I will be armed with Bernstein’s strategies and techniques.

Bernstein writes in an interesting, easy-to-read style. I felt as though I was sitting across the table, sharing a cup of tea with a good friend as he shared his vast knowledge with me. Don’t be victim to customer service again, purchase you copy at Amazon.