Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Few women climbed the ladder to top leadership positions in societal institutions and corporations in the past. However, in recent years, society has gone through a long-awaited and much-needed change concerning opportunities for career-driven women to assume leadership positions. Monique de Maio overcame blatant misogyny, sexism, and discrimination in the 1980s and 90s to establish herself as a successful businesswoman. In The 7 Secrets to Creating a Life You Love, she provides aspiring women leaders of tomorrow with a step-by-step framework to help them find success and fulfillment in their careers. This book will teach you how to manage your time with intention, identify your priorities, delegate tasks, discern your own value to an organization, deal with adversity and shape your own reality, create internal and external narratives, find the perfect work-life balance, and much more.

Using anecdotes from her own life experiences and stories by women from various backgrounds, Monique de Maio offers readers an easy-to-read guidebook to help them derive the best out of their careers and find fulfillment in their lives. With The 7 Secrets to Creating a Life You Love, you will learn to practice self-love and positive thinking alongside fostering an environment and mindset that sets you on the path toward success. According to the author, every 'micro-moment' matters, as they lead to macro outcomes. The book's content is very well-organized; de Maio's meticulous attention to detail ensures a smooth reading experience, and you can grasp everything without a hitch. In between the chapters, you will find self-help exercises to practice some of the key talking points of the related chapter. I highly recommend this book to career-oriented women readers.

Reviewed by Amy Raines for Readers' Favorite

The Zen of Dancing in the Rain: Becoming One with the Storm is written by Aurita Maldonado. As a child, teen, and graduate, Aurita had such a passion for life, and her energy knows no bounds. She decides to join the service and is sent to Iraq after the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. The true horrors of war become clearer during a brief leave from her tour. A serious illness threatened to ruin her body and claim her life. Her own strength and passion for life allowed her to walk out of the hospital even though the doctors were sure her legs would never function properly again. Her drive to press on and engage in extreme activities helped her to stave off the very illness that should have consumed and killed her.

The Zen of Dancing in the Rain is an inspirational story that is a testament to how the human spirit cannot be conquered so easily. Aurita Maldonado’s courage is nothing short of amazing as she faces down every problem life throws at her as if it were her last fight. I couldn't put this book down. I applaud the bravery it took for her to put the events of her life into a book such as this. There is no doubt that many people can benefit from reading about the life-altering events that drove Maldonado to push on and thrive rather than give up. I recommend this story to anyone who enjoys reading about true life experiences that have an amazing impact on the reader.

Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

Naked in the Now: Juicy Practices for Getting Present by Marijke McCandless is a refreshing and insightful guide that invites readers on a transformative journey of self-discovery and mindfulness. McCandless presents a playful yet profound approach to reconnecting with vitality and embracing the present moment, offering diverse practices designed to foster authenticity and inner peace. The book is structured into chapters that explore various facets of self-awareness and emotional well-being, each accompanied by practical exercises and reflections. From cultivating self-compassion and mindfulness to nurturing intimate relationships and embracing vulnerability, McCandless provides readers with the tools and guidance to navigate life's challenges with grace and authenticity.

The author’s emphasis on vulnerability and self-acceptance stands out. McCandless encourages readers to let go of societal conditioning and embrace their true selves, free from judgment and shame. Through practices like "Naked Reverence" and "Inner Striptease," readers are invited to explore the depths of their being and cultivate a profound sense of self-love and acceptance. Naked in the Now draws inspiration from spiritual traditions and teachings to weave elements of meditation, divination, and mindfulness throughout the book. Whether practicing "Breath of the Beloved" meditation or engaging in tarot readings for self-reflection, readers are encouraged to explore these practices with an open mind and heart, allowing for deep insights and personal growth. The book emphasizes practicality and accessibility, and McCandless recognizes that many readers may feel overwhelmed by the prospect of incorporating mindfulness into their daily lives. The author also offers simple yet powerful practices that can easily be integrated into even the busiest schedules. Whether it's a five-second presence exercise or a sensory awakening ritual, readers are empowered to find what works best for them and embark on their journey of self-discovery. This book was eye-opening for me —packed with insight, wisdom, and practical exercises.

Reviewed by Jennie More for Readers' Favorite

On The Other Side: Memories of a Past Life by Adria Sanders explores the memories of the author's past life in the early 20th century. She shares visions of a life she lived in Cuba before her reincarnation as her current self, Adria. The book starts with vignettes that reveal parts of the complete story to follow in the subsequent chapters. Although a memoir of her past life, as experienced through her dreams, the book is also a passionate romance. It is the story of a couple who fell in love and worked daily on discovering and rediscovering each other as they moved through life. The love between Rico and Ani is mesmerizing and the kind of ideal romance that many people can only dream of having. Apart from the romance, cultural and political turmoil also feature throughout, with Ani and Rico at the center of it.

On The Other Side by Adria Sanders is deep, candid, and engaging. Sanders's unique writing style is unlike anything I have read before. There are many short sentences and quick transitions between words thought and words expressed, or transitions in dialogue from one character to another. Initially, this style can be perplexing, but as I became accustomed to it, I appreciated the urgency and emotiveness this added to scenes and dialogue. It helped me envision the picture. The leading characters, Ani and Rico, were spellbinding. Adria did a spectacular job in bringing the leading characters to life. I enjoyed reading this book; the writing is creative, and the story is captivating, tragic, and beautiful.

Reviewed by Leonard Smuts for Readers' Favorite

Few success stories read like this one. From a shaky start in life as a member of a biker gang that was rough company and had brushes with the law, Dale Arenson turned his life around to follow his passion for aviation. The Lucky One: From Outlaw Biker to Airline Pilot and Beyond, Book 2 continues the theme that began with his first memoir, Outlaw Biker, describing how he quit his dead-end job in 1979, shrugged off a failed marriage, rejected suicide as an option, and returned to biking for a short time. The author takes readers through the difficult path to becoming a qualified airline pilot, starting at the most basic level before obtaining an instructor’s rating to earn pocket money. From then on, it was an increasingly steep learning curve to achieve commercial and multi-engine ratings, while building up flying hours by doing charter and ferry work and fire control spotting. Flying can be dangerous unless you have situational awareness and focus. Fire fighting from the air poses additional challenges in the form of dangerous conditions such as unpredictable air currents, as well as rugged terrain and mechanical failures. As implied by the title, luck can play a role. Commercial airlines only recruit experienced pilots, but the rewards are considerable once that level is attained.

The book is inspirational, not only for aspirant airline pilots but also for those who need to face difficult life choices to achieve their dreams. The account is refreshingly honest, strikes a positive tone throughout, and does not apportion blame to others. The Lucky One is filled with incidents, accidents, near-misses, and anecdotes involving the author and the interesting array of characters that the industry attracts. It describes flying everything from single-engine light aircraft, through vintage piston engine machines, to jet-powered executive transports and airliners. The story brings readers up to 1986 when Dale Arenson applied to join a major airline – his original goal. It takes time, effort, skill, and money to reach the required standard, but Arenson looks beyond financial reward to satisfy his driving ambition. This book will appeal to all aviation enthusiasts, as well as those looking for motivation outside the conventional self-help mold. The book is rounded off with a comprehensive glossary. It is highly recommended and the author is set to continue his journey with a third volume.

Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite

The Aspiring Agent: From Overworked Rookie to Real Estate Rockstar by Martha Melendez and Steve Stark is an indispensable guide for newcomers to the real estate industry. Drawing on Martha's extensive 18+ years of experience, the book offers practical insights and strategies to transform rookies into top performers. Readers will discover invaluable tips on generating business, maximizing efficiency, and nurturing client relationships. From choosing the right brokerage to managing transactions with finesse, Martha and Steve cover every aspect of succeeding in real estate. With its wealth of insider knowledge and expert guidance, The Aspiring Agent equips readers with the tools they need to thrive in the industry, making it essential reading for anyone looking to carve out a lucrative career in real estate. Its emphasis on efficiency, client relationships, and practicality ensures that readers not only learn what to do but also how to do it effectively, setting them on the path to real estate excellence.

The Aspiring Agent's actionable advice and real-world examples make it a standout among other books on real estate. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned professional, this is a must-have resource for achieving success in the competitive world of real estate. What sets The Aspiring Agent apart are its standout features and the unique approach it takes to real estate success. Unlike other books in the genre, it doesn't just offer generic advice—it provides specific, actionable strategies backed by Martha's extensive expertise. Martha Melendez and Steve Stark teach readers how to streamline their processes and maximize their time, allowing them to achieve more in less time. Additionally, the focus is on client relationships. Martha and Steve stress the importance of building strong connections with clients and becoming their trusted advisors, which is crucial for long-term success in real estate.

Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers' Favorite

Richard V. Battle reveals the forty-three lessons he penned in December 1997 to his six-month-old son, John. In his book, The Unopened Present, Battle reinforces spiritual truths he learned from life experiences. The author was unaware that his son would never see the letter, as he died a few months later, but Battle presents it as a gift to his readers. He expands on the lessons he wrote for John, adding scriptures from the Bible and applicable stories to enhance the message. After each point, he provides space for you to relate the lesson to your life and reflect upon it later.

John may never see the words his father penned for his benefit, but others may embrace the lessons and live a more fruitful life. Richard V. Battle presents true gems to his readers, and they apply to any generation. Quotes from the Bible, football coaches, and other successful figures strengthen his messages and support the value of each topic. As a mother of seven children, the description of his book grabbed my attention and his words resonated with me. It's beautiful that he can share his son's story through his work, inspiring and motivating others the way he would have encouraged his late son. Battle passes on wise lessons others may want to extend to their children or young relatives for guidance. The Unopened Present would be a perfect gift for them to pass to those they will leave behind when God calls them home.

Reviewed by Munir Muhammad for Readers' Favorite

The Destination Birth by Alexander Wage Bisset is a literary masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of conventional thought and invites readers to embark on an extraordinary philosophical journey. Bisset's prose is nothing less than poetry in motion, weaving intricate concepts into a tapestry of profound ideas that challenge and expand the mind. At its heart, The Destination Birth is a deep exploration of the enigmatic nature of birth and existence. Bisset's writing is contemplative and poetic, inviting readers to ponder the profound questions that surround the concept of birth and its significance in the grand scheme of life. Bisset challenges conventional notions of birth as a beginning, suggesting that it might be an arrival at a predetermined point in the continuum of existence. It prompts readers to reconsider their preconceived notions about life, birth, and destiny. It encourages readers to reflect on their own existence, the purpose of life, and the interconnectedness of all things.

Bisset's work is a testament to the enduring power of literature to provoke introspection and contemplation. It challenges us to question our assumptions about life and invites us to explore the depths of our own consciousness. The Destination Birth is a philosophical treasure trove, filled with wisdom and insights that will continue to reverberate in the minds of readers long after they have turned the final page. It is a rare gem that reminds us of the profound mysteries of existence and the limitless potential of the human mind. The book is a must-read that will leave an indelible mark on your soul. Alexander Wage Bisset has crafted a work of art that will be celebrated and cherished for generations to come.

Reviewed by Jennie More for Readers' Favorite

Speaking With the Heart by Dr. Heather Browne, PsyD, LMFT provides insights on how to save your marriage. Browne gets to the heart of communication, stripping it down to its essentials. With each chapter, you become more aware of yourself, your strengths, your shortcomings, your past, and how all this affects your relationship. This newfound self-awareness enables you to hear and see your partner in a different light, and you realize that you have been talking and listening wrong all along. Browne insists that marriage does not need to end in divorce if both parties are committed and choose each other daily. This book includes insightful revelations and exercises to help couples reconnect. Browne empowers couples to work toward love, compassion, and respect.

Speaking With the Heart by Dr. Heather Browne is a candid and captivating must-read for all married couples to help them create or maintain open lines of communication. Browne’s tone is warm, caring, and supportive, like the friend you always call at the end of a distressing day. She makes you feel as if there is always a solution, and she provides it with solid reasoning that is bound to win over anyone, even those entirely against counseling. Her suggestions are feasible and not time-consuming. It is an easy-to-read and well-structured book. Even though the target audience is married couples, you can apply these communication techniques to any relationship. I certainly recommend it, especially for those facing troubles with finances, money, or intimate issues. It is memorable and enlightening.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

The Game: Winning by Virtue One Move at a Time by HRM Princess Merrilee of Solana looks at the role of love in daily life, urging a reevaluation of concepts such as God, forgiveness, and sacrifice for greater clarity. Princess Merrilee speaks on overcoming ego resistance and leans into personal growth through love and patience as the key to spiritual enlightenment and fulfillment. Self-awareness, self-discipline, and ethical behavior, including boundary-setting and respectful relationships, are deemed crucial for success. Princess Merrilee uses virtues likened to chess pieces—Honor as the King and Faith as the Queen—to illustrate the importance of integrity and spiritual insight. She also proposes a five-gate framework for evaluating individuals—Physical Beauty, Personality, Intelligence, Character, and Spirituality—where true spirituality is seen as a deep, internal connection rather than external practices.

HRM Princess Merrilee of Solana does a wonderful job of merging relatable experiences with genuine spiritual insight to challenge and redefine our understanding of love and self-growth. The Game stands out for its actionable framework and its thorough and thoughtful dive into all that she presents. Princess Merrilee's writing is clean and concise, and she does well in inviting readers to suspend their preconceptions and try to embrace a path of self-awareness and virtue. I felt particularly drawn to her argument that the true mastery of love requires a deep and disciplined approach to personal conduct. She also keeps it real in with firm assertions such as that trust, once lost, is difficult to regain, and that recognizing when the relationship is beyond repair is essential. Overall, The Game is a refreshing blend of philosophy, faith, titular analogies, and practical wisdom, making it a worthwhile read for anyone seeking to enhance their spiritual and personal life. Recommended.