Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Embodying Soul: A Return to Wholeness: A Memoir of New Beginnings by Keri Mangis is a fascinating memoir that speaks about the author's understanding of having a loving relationship with her emotions and herself, thereby creating a strong beginning for a return to wholeness. We are introduced to Sëri in the Soul Realm, Rasa, her soul friend, and Endless Curiosity, her soul animal which is a silver-eyed wolf. Serene Voyager, whose Soul is known as just Sëri in the Soul Realm, is going through her journey before she decides to take another birth and go back to the Earth Realm. The Soul Realm is where every soul returns between human incarnations to experience healing, reflection, and guidance. Sëri is ready to go on the River of Forgetting, which was going to be her divinely selected path to the Earth Realm. In the Earth Realm, after many unsuccessful attempts at giving meaning to her life, Keri decides to make contact with her soul, Sëri. Have you ever thought about contacting your soul? Well, this memoir might help you do it.

The memoir is about self-discovery and shows readers how Keri peels away layers inside her to discover her internal realm which gives her full awareness about her humanness and remembered divinity. It is a realization of how when life is aligned with the soul, this leads to a life of peace and acceptance. The memoir is insightful and gives readers glimpses into the author's dialogues with her soul. The book is profound and will help readers look at life with a different perspective and work towards being in alignment with their life, embodying characteristics like softness, calmness, approachability, courage, humility, patience, and strength. The author weaves together the Earth Realm and Soul Realm and the characters there seamlessly, making the transition from the boundlessness of the Soul Realm to the confinement of the Earth Realm palpable.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

I Know Jesus Christ is Real by Melinda Deir-Boyette is a very personal and raw autobiography of the author’s life and her walk with her God and her savior. Coming from an impoverished background in Jamaica, she knew from an early age that despite her family circumstances - her father in prison and her mother with severe mental illness issues - she had a special relationship with God, seeing visions and receiving instructions from God at a very early age. Despite this contact, her walk with her God was anything but gentle, simple or straightforward. Growing up without attendant parents, the author found solace and comfort from not only her extended family but also from some of the more notorious criminal elements of Jamaica. Through all of the travails that assailed her and her siblings, she still kept her faith and her belief but would find herself not only regularly tested by circumstances but also commanded in certain directions that she neither understood nor had considered. This is the story of a young girl who grew into womanhood in an environment full of dangers and perils but somehow she always felt protected and safe under the direst of conditions.

I initially picked up I Know Jesus Christ is Real because I wanted to read a new perspective on this topic. As a believer in the power of the Universe and of love, rather than an individual savior per se, I was keen to see how Melinda Deir-Boyette’s beliefs and experiences dovetailed into my own. I was not disappointed and what became increasingly clear in reading this powerful and moving story is that Christianity and her belief in a redeeming savior have much in common with all philosophies. What impressed me about this account of the author’s life to date was the utter conviction and unshakeable belief she has in her convictions. The recounting of her many unusual and spiritual visions and experiences was fascinating and difficult for anyone to dispute. What I particularly appreciated was the fact she was not scared to take on the corrupted beliefs of so much of Christianity today and call it out for what I’ve always believed it was – hypocritical. Her chapter on tithing was so on-point I found myself nodding sagely at each sentence. Some might suggest that this is a religious book and would be enjoyed by those who truly believe; however, I would classify it as a philosophical autobiography that has much to commend it. For me, I love to see other people’s perspectives, their beliefs, and their stories and this book was right up my alley, as I’m sure it will be right up any thinking person’s alley. I truly enjoyed this dip into Christianity and can highly recommend it to all.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Stark Raving Zen: A Memoir of Coming Alive is a work of non-fiction in the spiritual and supernatural sub-genres, as well as a slice of life and memoir-style work by author Kristy Sweetland. Combining these different and very interesting concepts, the author offers an authentic look at otherworldly and spiritual shamanic experiences and, as such, this work contains some scenes which may be distressing to more sensitive readers. The book recounts the incredible experiences on a road trip that lasted only ten days but caused the author to recount her whole life to that point, and gave her powerful visions and a guiding voice from somewhere beyond our usual comprehension, willing her to survive, change and thrive.

Author Kristy Sweetland delivers a masterful and emotive work that combines some very powerful and fascinating out of the ordinary experiences with a reflective look at life, psychological trauma, and how we all have the strength and capacity to rise up and change, provided we know where to seek the right guidance. I felt for the author very deeply throughout, which is a testament to the book’s raw exploration of feelings, and the bold narrative style that lets us right into Kristy’s head as each moment unravels. It was a unique reading experience like no other. Overall, I would certainly recommend Stark Raving Zen: A Memoir of Coming Alive to anyone intrigued by the lesser-known paranormal and spiritual experiences of life, as well as those looking for a powerful, inspiring story of survival.

Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite

Quest for Eternal Sunshine: A Holocaust Survivor's Journey from Darkness to Light by Mendek Rubin and Myra Goodman is an inspiring memoir about the human will to survive. Mendek Rubin immigrated to America in 1946 at the age of 21. He had survived three years in Nazi slave labor concentration camps and had lost his parents and four siblings. Armed only with a sixth-grade education and not speaking one word of English, he had to rely on his brilliant and creative mind. Forty years later, his inventions revolutionized the jewelry and packaged salad industries. Even more impressive, he figured out creative methods to heal his emotional pain and achieved the ever-elusive peace of mind.

Myra Goodman's Quest For Eternal Sunshine is the story of a remarkable human being who survived one of the most horrendous events in human history, the Holocaust. What makes this story remarkable is that it is pieced together from his own unfinished manuscript that revealed his innermost thoughts. Unraveling in a little town in Poland called Jaworzno, it is a trip back to 1920s Europe where a prosperous Jewish family thrived and the little boy Mendek grows up in a loving family. World events will eventually turn his world upside down and his quest for eternal sunshine will begin. Myra Goodman writes without too much fanfare and the result is a story that truly inspires without trying hard to do so and this is what makes the book a remarkable read.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Secrets of the Secret by Jill M. Jackson is a profound and thought-provoking book for readers to understand the power of the Universe, how thoughts can manifest, and the Law of Attraction and other spiritual laws. The author uses fictional stories to complement the non-fictional concepts which give better clarity to readers about the deep revelations and understandings shared. Many readers will have read The Secret and appreciated the life-changing concepts mentioned, and this book is a good tool to delve deeper into the thoughts and meanings of the 'whys' of existence and what has to be accomplished during one's time on earth.

Secrets of the Secret by Jill M. Jackson has a lot of fascinating insights that will make readers contemplate the real reason for their existence on earth. She also discusses the other spiritual laws - soul contracts, past lives, and karma - which play an important role in people's lives. What helps readers connect with the author's words and her concepts is her willingness to share her painful story and experiences, which will enable them to handle their setbacks and grief and transform these into something positive.

The book is inspiring, motivating, and encouraging, and will help readers to change their thinking patterns by leaving the past behind while keeping their feet firmly planted in the present. Reading the book is a good way to delve into the inner self and understand 'aha' moments. The last chapters in the book throw light on online groups that support one another on a selfless level of love, understanding, sharing, and growth. It is also a good way to connect with the authentic self and the details on the Law of Attraction, destiny, free will, and other spiritual laws are informative.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

The Art of Surrender: A Practical Guide to Enlightened Happiness and Well-Being by Eiman Al Zaabi is an inspirational and uplifting book where the author describes universal wisdom by giving methods for dealing with today's accelerated and distracted world. The author's suggestions and tips come after having conversed with the soul and the collective self, and her concepts and practices will resonate deeply with readers. Every part of us and every part of our lives is looked at through this book as being useful, valuable, and precious, and the author also speaks about the power of surrender and how it helps us gradually to discover our life's purpose.

I found the book useful and helpful for readers to improve their lives and tread on a path which gives them peace and happiness. The concepts are simple and can be incorporated into daily living with ease. The book also encourages readers to examine their beliefs about God and the universe, explore both old and new beliefs, and trim those that don't resonate. The author's transformation is motivational and inspirational for readers to practice what is written in this book.

The book helps readers connect with reality, the world, and their inner selves. It helps readers to wake up from the meaningless existence they are leading and empower themselves by choosing their path. It also guides the soul to take its natural course and awaken, thereby letting all those who have decided to change to live a fulfilling and enriching life.

Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

Powerful, evocative, and permeated with spiritual energy, 365 Blessings to Heal Myself and the World: Really Living One's Spirituality in Everyday Life by Pierre Pradervand is a spiritual gem, a compendium of blessings for every single day of the year, each opening up a portal into the soul of humanity, a fresh view of divinity, each an immersion into the gentle love that creates, heals, nourishes, and empowers us and the world around us. This book is the perfect tool that helps readers create a new consciousness of wellness and it is incredible in that it reminds readers of their power to utter blessings upon themselves and upon the world.

It opens with a powerful blessing, one that speaks to me in a special way: “I bless myself sincerely and joyfully for being the utterly beautiful divine creature I am, at one with the Source of infinite Love.” Here is a blessing that reminds us of the beauty of who we are. While the blessings in this book allow us to speak healing and love into our human experience, they remind us of the power to transform life by developing an attitude that is God-like. In a world broken by evil, hatred and negative energy, Pierre Pradervand's writing reminds us that we are bigger than our pain, that we can transcend the darkness of our human frailty and rediscover the light of hope, that we can change perspective by communicating something positive in every day we live. Pierre Pradervand's 365 Blessings to Heal Myself and the World: Really Living One's Spirituality in Everyday Life is a gift to be received with gratitude and to pass on generously.

Reviewed by Charles Remington for Readers' Favorite

The Afterlife by Giulia Jeary Knap has the subtitle, Hereafter and Here at Hand, and an explanatory cover note: Three tried and tested methods to stay in touch with those who have gone before us. This goes a long way to explain what the book is about but does not expand on the wealth of guidance and information to be found in this relatively short volume. Part One of the book deals with extracts from numerous studies of near-death experiences, instances of clairvoyance and accounts of contacts with the deceased. In this section, the author presents a detailed picture of a world beyond our normal senses and vivid descriptions of life in the hereafter. There are numerous references to books, studies and research that have contributed to Ms Jeary Knap’s volume, backed up with links to websites and a bibliography for those who may wish to continue their research. In Part Two, the author goes on to describe several simple exercises which would put one in the frame of mind to make contact with departed loved ones - mostly gentle relaxation techniques that would not be beyond the reach of the general layperson. The author is fairly clear that she, along with most professional mediums, believes that any normal person can achieve contact with the deceased and her book sets out to explain how.

The Afterlife is a surprisingly clear and straightforward work on a subject often shrouded in mystery, prejudice and misconception. Considered taboo by many philosophies and religions, the majority of people shy away from contemplating or considering what (if anything) happens when we die. It is refreshing therefore to come across such a clear-eyed view of a subject which will concern every single one of us at some time or another. In this work, Ms Jeary Knap has managed to rekindle in me an interest which had laid dormant for many years and I am grateful for that. An excellent book on a difficult subject, which deftly avoids becoming creepy or mawkish. A great introduction for those with a casual interest and also a useful source for those looking for additional material or direction. I will certainly make a point of reading the author’s companion book: Looking Beyond the Fishbowl.

Reviewed by Renee Guill for Readers' Favorite

The Unbound Soul: A Visionary Guide to Spiritual Transformation and Enlightenment by Richard L. Haight is a spiritual self-help book. It’s Richard L. Haight’s memoir as he tells his stories of how he found enlightenment. He has traveled to the Amazon and Tokyo, just to name a couple of places where he found his path. He gives us some meditation techniques and tells us how they are to be used. He uses different religions to explain how he found his 'is'ness, as he calls it. He also explains how the mind and body work together to find the meaning of life, so to speak. Richard L. Haight even talks about the differences between Soul and Spirit to help guide you.

I thought Richard L. Haight’s The Unbound Soul covers a fascinating topic. I should put in a warning that he does talk about suicide and has a couple of strong language words in it, so if that bothers you, you might not like it. I loved how he told his stories. The Amazon one was my favorite; not sure I would have had that courage. The way he uses different religions like Christianity and Buddhism was a nice touch. I should warn you that you need to have a pretty open mind to read this; some of it may seem far fetched. But Richard L. Haight gives accurate accounts in great detail and gives reasons behind it. I am going to try his meditation techniques; I found them to be refreshing, compared to the usual ones. If you are soul-searching like I am, then I would definitely recommend this book; you might even have a couple of 'a-ha' moments like I did.

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

A first volume for a promising, refreshing, and inspiring series, Purpose - Volume I: Meditation on Love, Relationship, Fear, Death, Intuition, And Power by Noura is a ground-breaking self-help book that is both insightful and intelligently crafted, a book for readers who want to generously embrace life and find the peace and serenity that come with living with a purpose. In this guide, the author helps readers to understand their inner resistance to change and to reality, and what stands in their way of living life fully, touching brilliantly on important topics like forgiveness, the gift of difficult relationships, handling limitations and transforming them into opportunities, understanding the darkness that slowly steals into the human soul and mastering it, and a lot more.

This is a book that offers readers a powerful path to use meditation as a tool to transform their lives. The book is packed with information and startling revelations, insights into the beauty of meditation and what it takes to allow it to transform and enrich our lives. Noura’s writing is limpid and one can feel its graceful power moving through every word and every sentence she writes. The message goes straight to the heart of the reader. The author has the uncanny gift of making readers think about the reality, compelling them to see the inner meaning of things that could otherwise seem absurd. You will change the way you look at yourself, at others, and at life after reading Purpose - Volume I: Meditation on Love, Relationship, Fear, Death, Intuition, and Power. It’s a gift for people seeking a meaningful way of leading their lives.