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 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 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.

Reviewed by Arya Fomonyuy for Readers' Favorite

One Love: Divine Healing at Open Clinic by Ruth Anderson is the best spiritual book I have read this year. Yes, I have never read anything so inspiring apart from the Bible. Ruth Anderson brings in a completely new way of looking at the realities of life, love, and death, a refreshing testimony of life beyond the tomb. In this moving memoir, the author unveils secrets about the power we carry within us, the power to connect with the spirit world, and to hone our sixth sense to perceive that which the eye cannot see. She shares her experience of energetic healing, underlining the part played by her Spirit Guides to heal spirits and the living. This is a powerful story about the intersection of our mortality with the Divine and the positive connection we share with others.

I was pulled in from the very beginning and intrigued by the author’s childhood experience. She explores her family mechanics and moves on to show how interconnected we are, stressing our ability to unlock the healing energy we carry within us. Her writing feels like magic, sweet like drippings of the honeycomb, but it is what it reveals that captivated me the most. It opens a door for the reader to look beyond the material and enter into a field of energy that is both healing and empowering. One Love: Divine Healing at Open Clinic is a bold witness to Divine Love and to what we are called to be. The author struck powerful chords in me and I am sure I won’t look at life the same way again. A wonderful revelation and a very inspiring and uplifting message.

Reviewed by Arya Fomonyuy for Readers' Favorite

The Fearless Path: What a Movie Stuntman's Spiritual Awakening Can Teach You about Success by Curtis Rivers is a non-fiction, inspirational book that will change the way readers look at life, reality, and themselves. In this book, the author shares his wonderful stories, surprising readers with powerful lessons from his personal experience. One of the top Hollywood movie stuntmen, the author shows readers how he was able to walk past the fear that held him back to reach deeper levels of inner freedom and go after what really mattered to him. Follow the author in a life-changing trek across the mysterious eastern mountains, drink from the wisdom he shares and learn from the incredible lessons he offers.

The writing is crisp and upbeat and the reader will enjoy the way the author weaves his personal experiences into the writing. This is a book that will have a strong appeal for readers who are seekers and dreamers, people who experience the unhappiness of not pursuing their dreams, and those who want to make a difference. The author integrates deep spiritual insights into the work, showcasing the law of attraction in a way that makes it very easy for readers to understand. The Fearless Path: What a Movie Stuntman's Spiritual Awakening Can Teach You about Success will uplift your spirits and make you believe in yourself again. It will offer the tools that you need to reinforce your sense of self-worth and build your self-confidence. Curtis Rivers’ work is a gift for readers, a must-read for anyone who wants to beat fear and achieve success in life and business.

Reviewed by Alyssa Elmore for Readers' Favorite

Are you tired of moving from one healing modality to the next? Are you ready to truly make The Law of Attraction work for you now? Things Are Going Great In My Absence: How to Let Go and Let The Divine Do the Heavy Lifting (10th Anniversary Edition 2016) by Lola Jones is a spiritually based book that breaks down LOA, showing the student how to bypass energetic healings by helping them connect directly with divine energy, making all other spiritual healing modalities unnecessary and obsolete. Many people have heard of the Law of Attraction, The Secret, and Abraham Hicks, but few actually know how to bring all of the knowledge together to create the lives of their dreams. By learning how to accept all of our emotions, and feel them authentically, we can then release them, instantly raising our vibrations to a higher frequency, thereby resolving lifelong issues. Many LOA modalities don't work because the student is not taught how to first release old, worn-out, outdated stories and perceptions before trying to raise their vibrational frequency. Discover how to stay in "the vortex", stop endless mind chatter, and begin to live life on your terms. Are you ready to embrace your bliss?

Things Are Going Great In My Absence by Lola Jones is a exquisitely illustrated spiritual self-help book. I admit that I was a little put off by the author's claims that this book may be the only spiritual book one would need. However, after reading it, I agree with the author. It deliciously blends humor, spirituality, and emotional maturity into bite-sized increments, making it easy for beginner to novice students to follow along. If you are done trying to heal multiple lives, deep emotional wounds, addictions, bad habits, and trying to manifest your desires, then don't lose hope. This book explains what works, what doesn't, and how to bring it all together to give you the best desired outcome possible. I recommend this book to healers, coaches, and anyone seeking to change their lives forever.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Claiming Your Power Through Astrology: A Spiritual Workbook is a nonfiction New Age religion and spirituality book written by Emily Klintworth. The author is a professional astrologer whose initial interest in the field was sparked by an old volume she found in the 1920s bungalow she and her husband had purchased. Her mentor and friend, Nancy Murdock-Gulliksen, helped her hone her knowledge of the art and science of astrology, sharing her personal insights into reading and simplifying what can be an overwhelming amount of information. Klintworth guides the reader step-by-step in first preparing and then exploring their personalized Natal Chart. She then assists them in reaching an understanding of their place in the cosmos based on that chart. She provides a link to her website to obtain a free Natal Chart Navigator, and she works directly with the reader to fill in, and understand, each aspect of that chart. Each chapter covers a subject and concludes with exercises for the reader to work with. Klintworth also includes copies of her own chart exercises for reference. In the second section of the book, she explains how the alignment of the planets can influence one’s life, and she shows how, using the Natal Chart, one can best use those influences to better one’s life.

Emily Klintworth’s nonfiction New Age religion and Spirituality book, Claiming Your Power Through Astrology: A Spiritual Workbook, is a fascinating and well-organized guide to understanding astrology and the impact it has on one’s life. I’ve often marveled at the insights I discovered courtesy of the astrology sections found in newspapers, but found getting deeper into the subject to be rather intimidating. In Claiming Your Power Through Astrology, Klintworth takes the reader by the hand and shares her knowledge in the most efficient and powerful way -- by having the reader actually perform each step of the process. Her instructions are concise and easy to follow and having her samples to look at made short work of any questions I may have had. As I progressed through the book, I began to see how much better it could be to actually work out your own chart rather than rely on an astrologer, and I enjoyed seeing how the knowledge gained can help one’s understanding of feelings, actions and relationships. The second section of the book answered questions I had had about the influence of Saturn, Mercury and the Moon and dispelled some incorrect popular assumptions. This is not a fast, nor is it an easy workbook to go through, but it’s well worth the effort put into learning more about astrology and accessing the self-knowledge you can gain from it. Claiming Your Power Through Astrology: A Spiritual Workbook is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Carla Trueheart for Readers' Favorite

I could tell right away that The Word Search Oracle: Yoga for the Brain was going to be a fun and unique book. Never before have I seen such a book, with word search puzzles, secret messages, and even more for the reader to enjoy! This fun and inspirational book begins with an introduction about the authors and the book, then discusses some of the aspects, including oracles -- what is an oracle? -- and how to use the book. The word search puzzles are set up in a pleasing way, and these puzzles gradually get harder as the reader progresses. Basically, you are not only doing a regular word search puzzle, but are looking for a secret message that goes along with a theme. Some of the many themes included are ambition, courage, imagination, trust, faith, and happiness. There are so many! Authors Cristina Smith, Rick Smith, and Darity Wesley did a superb job with layout and the overall positive vibe of the book.

What I enjoyed most was that The Word Search Oracle: Yoga for the Brain was not just a word search puzzle book, but also packed with facts and information. There were write-ups about the human brain, fearlessness, trusting intuition, and much more. Sitting down with the book is a great way to relax and stretch those brain muscles. I can see why the puzzles are considered “yoga for the brain!” The themes held my attention. I was pleased that there was an answer key at the back of the book, and I enjoyed my time highlighting the words throughout. This book is highly recommended for those looking for puzzles, relaxation, inspiration, and enjoyment!