Tag Archives: nonfiction

Happy Book Birthday for Celia Bonaduce’s Smooth @pumpupyourbook @CeliaBonaduce

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We’re thrilled to announce the release of Celia Bonaduce’s new book, SMOOTH: LIFE HACKS TO GET YOU SMOOTHLY THROUGH CHEMO today! To help celebrate, we are asking our readers if you can please pretty please pick up a copy at Amazon and come back and tell us how you liked it? Or, leave a review while you’re there! 
 

Congratulations, Celia, on your new release, Smooth: Life Hacks to Get You Smoothly Through Chemo!






Is Now Available in Paperback!
 




Title: Smooth: Life Hacks To Get You Smoothly Through Chemo
Author: Celia Bonaduce
Publisher: BookBaby
Pages: 100
Genre: Nonfiction

When cancer got in the way of Celia traveling for her day job as a field producer on the hit HGTV show, House Hunters, she did not let it stop her creativity. While the road to her first nonfiction book was anything but SMOOTH, it was a path that Celia felt compelled to explore. This collection of life hacks comes from Celia’s own experiences living through chemo.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3pmQoFa

 


One test had led to the next and then the next. I’d had two mammograms, an ultrasound, and a biopsy. So when the call came, I was ready.

“Hi, Celia…” my doctor said, her voice trailing off. “It’s cancer.”

“Yeah,” I said, picturing my life as a novelist and a TV producer grinding to an immediate halt. “My village would have to be missing its idiot for me to not have suspected this.”

So then I did the breast cancer thing—lumpectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation. I learned a lot about breast cancer (for example, that mine was Stage 1-B triple-negative breast cancer). But here’s a secret: while there are lots of books out there about women’s personal stories during their breast cancer journeys, when you’re going through it, you don’t give a rat’s ass about anyone else’s story. You just want to know how to get through it yourself.

This isn’t a personal retrospective, nor is it a medical journal. But I do have some recommendations I’d like to pass along—just some ideas that might make your life easier during this most stressful of times. All the products mentioned are my personal favorites from my own chemo adventure. No company has endorsed, sponsored, or bribed me. The photographs of the products are beautiful and professional looking because my beautiful and professional friend Justine shot them.

As you start your journey, you will wonder where you will get the mental as well as physical strength to voluntarily show up for chemo month after month. But you will find that strength or that strength will find you. I hope these tips will make your trip easier.

Because it’s all about you.

As it should be.

 

About Celia Bonaduce



Celia Bonaduce is an award-winning novelist, podcast writer, and television producer. Celia spent fifteen years as a producer-director in lifestyle programming on shows that include ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and HGTV’s House Hunters and Tiny House Hunters. As a novelist with Kensington Publishing, Celia has written three trilogies: the Venice Beach Romances, the Fat Chance, Texas series, and the Tiny House Novels. The Tiny House Novel series won top honors with a Grand Finalist nod from the New Apple Official Selection, first place in the Book Excellence Awards and Gold from both the National Federation of Press Women and the Elite Choice Awards. Celia is also a co-author of A Texas Kind of Christmas, an Amazon #1 Best Seller in Historical Romance that took Gold from the National Federation of Press Women.

Website: https://www.celiabonaduce.com

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/CeliaBonaduce

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CeliaBonaduceAuthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celiabonaduce

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/celia-bonaduce
 
 


 




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Review – Reader Giveaways by Jeff Bennington @TweetTheBook

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Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I grabbed Reader Giveaways by Jeff Bennington back in 2015. I don’t know if that was before or after I started following his website, The Kindle Book Review. The book is basically an introduction to his website and how he runs the giveaways, which I participate in faithfully. It is a great example of self promotion while also offering the reader a chance to win some wonderful giveaways. Would I buy it? Probably not. But seeing it is free, I say, if you aren’t already following Jeff Bennington’s websites, give it a shot.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
2 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Reader Giveaways Rock!

If you like the idea of getting an entry into a drawing for Amazon gift cards or a Kindle Fire every time you buy a new title, you need to read this FREE ebook. Reader Giveaways: How you can win Amazon products from your Kindle Fire or digital device is a simple and informative guide that explains how easy it is for YOU to win Amazon gift cards, a Kindle Fire, an Amazon Prime membership, or up to a $500 Amazon shopping spree (during the Holidays) with just a few clicks on your digital device. These “Reader Giveaways” are designed for readers who enjoy their Amazon shopping experience and want to add a little excitement to the way they buy their books. It’s easy, fun, and a cool way to meet new authors. But the best part is winning!


NOTE: This booklet is short, and it will lead you to the author’s website where they giveaway Amazon gift cards and Kindles on a weekly basis (see Winners Page). This is not hype–it is a fact. The website is NOT an amazon affiliate. All our winners are real people just like you. The booklet/guide/whatever you want to call it, will also show you a few other giveaway sites. So if you want to enter giveaways strictly designed for readers, get this book!

Don’t delay. New reader giveaways are starting soon!


NOTE #2: The independent websites and reader giveaways listed in this book are NOT associated with Amazon in any way. 


Grab a FREE copy now and you could start winning today!

ABOUT JEFF BENNINGTON

I’m the bestselling author of REUNION, Twisted Vengeance, Creepy and The Indie Author’s Guide to the Universe.

I live in Central Indiana with my wife, four children and two stray cats. I obsess over details, dream strange dreams and teach a creative writing course for a homeschool co-op. Look for my upcoming paranormal thriller, Act of Vengeance, coming in late 2011.

I grew up in Saginaw Michigan, moved to Aurora, Ohio in 78′ and finally settled in Central Indiana where I met my wife and graduated from Indiana University. I’m an occasional runner, life long drummer, and household handyman. Over the years, I’ve done everything from working on an assembly line, installing HVAC units, teaching Sunday school, to running my own business. But through it all, I’ve always loved to write.

In 2006, something finally clicked when I heard the calling to begin writing novels – and write I did. Like many writers, I have a book or two that the world may never read, so don’t ask about those. It is my hope, however, that the ones you do read will be good, inspiring you to think about life.

Website / Twitter / Facebook / The Kindle Book Review / The Kindle Romance Review

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Review & Blog Tour – Her Alibi by Mary L Schmidt @pumpupyourbook MaryLSchmidt

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“Her Alibi is another example of where reality trumps fiction and Schmidt must be commended for finding the courage to pen this book.” 

– Readers Favorite

 

Title: Her Alibi
 Author: Mary L. Schmidt
 Publisher: M. Schmidt Productions
 Pages: 76
 Genre: Forensic Memoir / Forensic Psychology

MY REVIEW

Her Alibi by Mary L Schmidt is one of those books that jump out at me. It may be only 76 pages in print, but the evil that oozes off the pages is endless. How could a mother do the things Marguerite does to her children? A psychopath wants what they want, regardless of the cost to others. Mary is one of those people whose inner strength keeps them moving forward, sharing their past so others may know they can have a future too.

I grew up in the sixties, so I can see how child abuse would go untreated. We had a big family, six children and my parents. The haircuts are familiar, as are the clothes. We entertained ourselves a lot, but never did I feel the need to hide from my mother. I remember The Beatles, The Monkeys and playing Cats Cradle, and the occasional treat.

I want to thank Mary L Schmidt for having the courage to share her story.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

ABOUT HER ALIBI

Visions of her Cherokee grandmother, Cordie, flashed through Mary’s mind as her mother, Marguerite, informed her that her stepfather shot himself and was in the hospital. Oh no! Did she use me last night? She’d never use her scapegoat! No, she couldn’t! Even Marguerite wouldn’t sink that low! Or would she? Marguerite had always been abusive and vile to most people, and especially to her children and husbands, but would she shoot Paul? Chills raked Mary and triggered her shuddering. Was she more shocked that her mother shot her stepfather with murderous intent, or that she left Mary as her alibi?

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3mKRbOw 

Barnes&Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/her-alibi-mary-l-schmidt/1142118167 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62218232-her-alibi  

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/her-alibi/id6443334045 


Book Excerpt  


“Chills raked Mary and triggered her shuddering. Was she more shocked that her mother shot her stepfather with murderous intent, or that she left Mary as her alibi?”

Before I get to this shooting, I want to fill in background so that you understand sociopathic people and the rage they can present to another person or persons. My mother was a sociopath. Her rage was uncontrolled, and she acted fast, aggressively, and with vengeance. It’s important for the reader to have a full background.    

As I grew up, I wanted to believe that my mother was a good mother, but sadly that never happened, she never was. My mother, Marguerite, always seemed to think that she was the best mother, perfect even, but not all mothers are made the same as I found out from a very young age. 

I remember my second Christmas at age two years. We had a cedar Christmas tree with lights and tinsel.  Somehow, I found some small, glass Christmas lights and I had them in my hands. No one stopped me. Possibly no one noticed. I took my pretty treasures and sat behind the heating stove in our small house on North Grand Avenue. For some reason only a two-year-old would understand, I put one of the light bulbs in my mouth and bit it down. I broke the glass, and I didn’t get hurt, and I thought oh that was a cool sound and so I broke the other one in my mouth! My mother, older brother and sister were in the same room, and my mother found me bleeding from my mouth behind the heating stove. She went into a ballistic rage! I was in trouble. She beat my butt and yelled at me all the way to the hospital in Lyons, KS, and she was quiet only while my stomach was pumped. No glass was left inside me, and I had one little cut on my tongue, and no stitches needed. I will never forget her rage at me, and that is probably why I remember the incident. 

More…




About the Author

Mary L. Schmidt writes under her given name and a pen name, S. Jackson, along with her husband Michael, pen name A Raymond. She grew up in a small Kansas (USA) town and has lived in more than one state since then. At this time, Mary and her husband split their time between homes in Kansas and Colorado as they love the mountains and off-road four-wheeling. Traveling is one of their most favorite things to do and Mary always has a book to read on her Kindle. Books are one of her favorite things. When she was younger, it seemed like every time she turned around, a new library card was needed due to the current one being stamped complete. Diving into a good book made any day perfect and you would be surprised at the number of books she read over and over. 

As a child, Mary drew paper dolls, and clothes for them, using watercolor as her medium when painting scenes, especially flowers. She continued with art in high school exploring a wide variety of mediums such as jewelry making, ceramics, leather works, drawing, painting and more! Her creative loves to be an amateur shutterbug and she has an online art gallery. 

In college, she went into the sciences, and received a bachelor’s degree in the Science of Nursing. Throughout her nursing career, Michael assisted Mary in her work with The American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, Cub and Boy Scouts, and sponsored children alongside his wife on music trips. Mary’s nursing career was highly successful, and she hung up her nursing hat in December 2012. 

Mary and Michael love to read, fish, play poker, go Jeeping, and travel, especially to visit their grandson, Austin, and granddaughter, Emma. 

Website:  www.whenangelsfly.net  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaryLSchmidt

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MMSchmidtAuthorGDDonley 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/mschmidtphotography/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/marylschmidt/

Art Gallery: https://www.deviantart.com/mschmidtartwork/gallery



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The Spotlight Is On Face Value by Christine MacDonald @thatgalkiki @iReadBookTours

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Book Details:

Book Title:  Face Value: From Working the Pole to Baring My Soul by Christine Macdonald
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction (18+),  320 pages
Genre: Memoir
Publisher:  Wordee
Release date:  Mar 8, 2023
Content Rating:  R: Story of days of stripping to now better life.   
Book Description:

Face Value: From Working the Pole to Baring My Soul is Less Than Zero meets Miami Vice but with more make-up and hairspray. It is the story of a beautiful, free-spirited, wide-eyed little girl from the island of O`ahu who has no childhood memories before the age of nine. What trauma could have erased her early life, she may never know. What she does know is that for as far back as she can remember these events influenced her unusual life. Christine tells her story with raw, honest, relatable, and no holds barred writing, taking us through the pain of her adolescence compounded by a rare skin disease that left her face permanently disfigured. Her darkest moments include drug addiction and dancing nude on stages in Waikiki. In Christine’s personal story, we experience life behind the tropical island backdrop of coconuts and palm trees, falling headlong into the underground world of adult entertainment where Christine spent nearly a decade trying to find her self-worth.
BUY THE BOOK:
Wordee
Amazon ~ B&N ~ Bookshop 
Kobo ~ Lehmanns ~ Walmart

Meet the Author:

Macdonald is a Los Angeles-based author who grew up on the Hawaiian Island of Oʻahu. At 13, she was diagnosed with Acne Conglobata, a rare and severe skin disease that left over 80 percent of her face scarred. Adding to her trauma of an emotionally and psychologically neglected childhood, it led her to Hawaii’s underworld as an exotic dancer in Waikiki. For the first time, she felt beautiful and partially fulfilled her dream of becoming a Fosse dancer. Through her writing, Macdonald uses her voice, a unique blend of cutting-edge truth, and self-deprecating humor to inspire others to release their shame and tell their story. She is public about her struggles with addiction and mental illness—and her road to recovery. It is her passion to speak to people with self-esteem issues and, rather than judge them for their choices, help them find value in embracing what they consider to be their flaws.

connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook  ~ instagram



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The Spotlight Is On Been There Got OUt by Lisa Johnson & Chris Barry @BeenThereGotOut @iReadBookTours

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Book Details:

Book Title:  Been There Got Out: Toxic Relationships, High-Conflict Divorce, and How to Stay Sane Under Insane Circumstances by Lisa Johnson and Chris Barry 
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction (18+)  
Genre: Self-Help
Publisher:  Wordeee
Release date:  Mar 7, 2023
Content Rating:  PG-13 + M: Self-help book for adults going through a divorce.   
Book Description:

Been There Got Out offers practical advice for anyone suffering from or struggling to get out of a relationship with a narcissist or other toxic personality types. Packed with practical facts, tips, and advice, this book covers everything from identifying the problem, committing to take action and legal/custody battles to navigating a co-parenting relationship with a hostile spouse.
BUY THE BOOK:
Author Website ~ Wordeee
Amazon 
add to goodreads

Meet the Authors:

Lisa Johnson is the co-founder of Been There Got Out, a high-conflict divorce coach and certified domestic violence advocate who has successfully represented herself through scores of court appearances. Her case was published in the Connecticut Law Journal in March 2021 and is now being used as a legal precedent. Her live testimony helped pass Jennifer’s Law in Connecticut, the third state in America to expand its legal definition of domestic violence to include “coercive control.” She and Barry, the male half of Been There Got Out, coach people in high-conflict relationships, divorce, custody battles, and co-parenting hell so they have the chance of the best outcome in family court and beyond. They also offer a weekly Legal Abuse Support Group for those dealing with narcissistic opponents in legal matters.

Chris Barry is a certified high-conflict divorce coach and the co-founder (and male half) of Been There Got Out. He developed the Been There Got Out podcast, and manages BTGO’s website, YouTube channel, Facebook page, and all the background technology they use to run the business. He also specializes in writing high-conflict parenting plans.

connect with the author: website ~ instagram ~ facebook ~ twitter   



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Giveaway – Race Against Time by Claire Eckard @ireadbooktours #claireeckard #nonfiction

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Book Details:

Book Title:  Race Against Time by Claire Eckard
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction (18+),  192 pages
Genre: Creative Non-Fiction 
Publisher:  Cedar Fort Press
Release date:  Jan 10, 2023
Content Rating: G for all readers 



Book Description:

Flash was a pony that had fallen between the cracks-too small for most to ride, even for a Hackney pony, and too feral to be shown. What he needed was a person as small as he was-who had the guts and the patience to give a wild pony a chance. Then along came a little girl with a sensitive soul and a big heart.

Kyla Law was just nine years old when she met Flash, and neither of them could have anticipated that their partnership would make history.

In an inspiring true story of family, faith, and perseverance, Kyla and Flash’s relationship mirrors the journey we must all take in life: one of highs and lows, successes and failures-theirs just happens to be along a hundred-mile historic trail in the Sierra Nevada mountains-the setting for the most famous endurance race in the world. From the moment they met, to the moment they crossed the finish line, their tenacity exhibits pure spirit: the human spirit, the Holy Spirit, and the fire-in-the-soul kind of spirit that helps us climb mountains and cross rivers, literally and figuratively.

This story is about a girl and her pony, and how in one amazing day they inspired an international community, as Flash became the smallest horse to ever finish the Western States One-Hundred-Mile, One-Day Ride-the Tevis Cup.



Meet the Author:

Claire Eckard is an award-winning author and songwriter who lives in Arizona. Claire loves to write inspirational stories, both fiction and non-fiction that have an impact on the reader. Often her books revolve around the amazing bond between animals and humans. She grew up in England and is obsessed with clotted cream teas and the tranquil English countryside of her youth. Claire is a frequent speaker at schools, events, bookstores and on various podcasts. More information on Claire and links to her latest projects can be found at www.claireeckardauthor.com.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~instagram ~ goodreads ~ bookbub




RACE AGAINST TIME Book Tour Giveaway



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Giveaway – Two Floors Above Grief by Kevin M O’Connor @ireadbooktours

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Book Details:

Book Title:  Two Floors Above Grief: A Memoir of Two Families in the Unique Place We Called Home by Kevin M. O’Connor
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction (18+),  318 pages
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir
Publisher:  18th Floor Publishing
Release date:  November  2022
Content Rating:  PG for two languages use and use of F-word.   
Book Description:

As a child in the 1950s, Kevin O’Connor knew his house was different than those of his friends. A stately, three-story, nineteenth century Victorian. His bed tucked next to a stage in a former ballroom. His uncle and aunt lived with their three daughters on the floor below. A large electric organ stood stately in a corner of the first-floor mortuary business. Stacked caskets and an embalming room filled the basement.

Nobody had a house like his.

Set from the 1920s to ‘80s, Two Floors Above Grief is full of fascinating details and anecdotes about his upbringing as a funeral home child, brought to vivid life through a compelling collection of letters written by various family members who lived and worked together at the O’Connor Funeral Home in Elgin, Illinois. Blending the twenty-four-hour business of death and its constantly ringing phone with joy experienced through music, radios, pets, backyard basketball games, co-parenting, faith, and celebrations, O’Connor offers a reflective tale affirming the love of family and embracing life.
BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon ~ BAM
Indiebound ~ Bookshop.org
add to goodreads


Meet the Author:

Kevin O’Connor enjoys chronicling the stories of families and friends through tracing genealogical histories and writing. His prior writing includes a dissertation, personal letters, articles, anthologies, and presentations delivered at conferences, seminars, and webinars. He brings people together personally and professionally. Collaborating with friends and relatives, he plans family and class reunions.

He sings and performs in theaters and is active with SMART Ride, a bicycling group that rides annually from Miami to Key West, raising funds for HIV awareness, treatment, and education. Kevin was an elementary teacher, principal, professor, and curriculum coordinator in California, Illinois, and Florida from 1973 to 2020. He authored content and provided training in areas including support for substitute teachers, LGBTQ advocacy, and Sexual Health/Family Life.

Kevin resides in Ft. Lauderdale with his husband, Leon. Their family includes five sons and seven granddaughters.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ linkedin ~ goodreads 

Two Floors Above Grief by Kevin M. O’Connor Book Tour Giveaway



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Giveaway – Standing Strong by Tina Brandau @ireadbooktours

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Book Details:
Book Title:  Standing Strong: The Real Life Story of Overcoming Adversity and Becoming Unstoppable in Life and Business by Tina Brandau
Category: Adult Non-Fiction (18+), 154 pages
Genre: Memoir / Self-Help / Inspirational
Publisher: Red Sky Publishing
Publication Date: May 3, 2022
Content Rating: G: no bad language no sex etc
Book Description:

Is it possible to stand strong regardless of what life throws at you?

Standing Strong is a vulnerable, candid, and dramatic look into a forty-year-old woman’s journey when she found herself in the midst of a long healing process after a sudden and unimaginable accident. The doctors said she would never again function beyond that of a young child. Tina shares the story, the steps she took, and the life lessons she learned, including the unique view of the world she experienced along the way. No one gets out of this life unscathed, everyone faces stresses, challenges, setbacks, and adversity. Can you stand strong regardless of what life throws at you? Yes! Let Tina Brandau share with you the system, principles, and practices she used to help you see that anything is possible.

Become unstoppable . . . and stand strong!
BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon
add to goodreads
Meet the Author:

Tina Brandau is the premier life, leadership, and business “Success Coach.” She is an author, international speaker, coach, and founder of Success Coaching Solutions as well as a business executive of thirty years, wife, mom, lifelong learner, and serial entrepreneur. She believes the biggest challenge in life is to become all that you have the possibility of becoming.

For Free Tools visit www.livestandingstrong.com

connect with the author: website ~ goodreads



STANDING STRONG Book Tour Giveaway



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Review – Taking Myths To The Mat: Integrating Yoga Mythology Into Your Asana Teaching by Sandra Sluberski

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Amazon / KindleUnlimited / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Seeing I am not Sandra Sluberski’s target audience for Taking Myths To The Mat: Integrating Yoga Mythology Into Your Asana Teaching with fabulous and colorful illustrations by Cecilia Engvall, I was very surprised how much I got out of it. I have loved myths and legends, it seems forever, and have read numerous fiction and nonfiction books about god and godesses.

Taking Myths is a companion novel to the YACEP (Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Program. I found it fascinating, even though I am no teacher. Sandra Sluberski fills the book with many resources and insights that she is very happy to share with everyone.

I find Sandra Sluberski’s bio fascinating and urge you to check it out. Even though Taking Myths is not aimed at me, I found so many fascinating and useful thoughts that will stick with me. Such as:

Keep in mind that yoga mythology is really all about one concept: all beings and all things are part of a great universal one-ness

I’m sure many of us remember The Beatles, John Lennon and Maharishi Maresh Yogi. John Lennon wrote the lyrics for I Am A Walrus and incorporated a mantra: Jai guru deva om, which means Hail to the divine teacher or Gory to God the divine. How about The Little Engine That Could: I think I can I think I can. A football slogan can be a mantra: Go Blue Wolverines, Roll Tide Roll…Even our calendar has a connection to mythology. I highly recommend checking that out for yourself. I also found the fun fact below awesome:

The logo of The Rolling Stones is based on Kali’s tongue. See, fascinating information in an unexpected source. That is why I try to keep an open mind when reading books. I never know where those hidden gems will come from and every book, to me, has something to offer.

I based my rating on how easy it was to follow the book, though it is aimed at teachers of the craft, how Sandra shared so many resources that can lead us to gods and goddesses, myths and legends, nature and nurture, music and form…and so much more that may have us using those resources to learn more about life and what is waiting to be explored.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

AMAZON SYNOPSIS

Bring your yoga class sequencing to a new level with the inclusion of yoga mythology! This book gives you the methodology for creating single-asana inclusions, longer partial-class sequences, and and entire one-hour YM themed vinyasas, utilizing ancient yogic myths and fascinating stories. Three different approaches to YM presentations are discussed, along with samples of sequence planning notes. Commonly-asked questions regarding YM and spirituality are also addressed, and a practice guide is given for seven essential mantras which any instructor can easily include to enhance the YM experience for their students. This book is also the companion to the YACEP (Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Program) course of the same name, available at the Online Yoga School (www.courses.onlineyoga.school).

ABOUT SANDRA SLUBERSKI

Dr. SANDRA BOYSEN SLUBERSKI is an RYT-500 and E-RYT 200 yoga instructor through Yoga Alliance, as well as a YACEP (Yoga Alliance Contiuing Education Provider), teaching at both the Online Yoga School through the Yoga & Ayurveda Center, and at The Hochstein School in Rochester, NY, in addition to her own business at SBS Yogaworx (www.sbsyogaworx.com). Introduced to yoga in 2010, she completed teacher training in 2021 through the Yoga & Ayurveda Center under the guidance of Steph Bal-Mitchell, earning additional certification in Yin, Restorative and Chair Yoga, as well as in Ayurveda studies. She offers themed yoga workshops, with currently over a dozen available, and more than 60 Yoga Mythology 1-hour sessions, all available on the OYS Virtual Studio site (https://courses.onlineyoga.school). She’s the creator and lead trainer of OYS’s YACEP course, “Taking Myths to the Mat: Integrating Yoga Mythology into Your Asana Training,” released in August 2022, and released the companion book by the same title as a paperback on Amazon and an eBook on Amazon Kindle.

She’s also a Kirtan leader who trained with Mike Cohen through the Kirtan Leadership Institute in Boulder, CO. She records monthly 1-hour Kirtan satsang/sessions, teaching mantras and bhajans (meditative devotional chants), using harmonium, singing bowls and cajon percussion. She’s also a Brand Ambassador for The Ohm Store (www.theohmstore.co), a fair-trade global supplier of singing bowls.

Sandra holds the D.M. and M.M. degrees in voice performance from Florida State University’s College of Music, and is currently in her 23rd year on the voice faculty at The Hochstein School, which honored her with the Faculty Service Award in 2013 and the Faculty Excellence Grant in 2019. She provides voiceover talent for commercial and media venues through SBS Vocalworx (www.sbsvocalworx.com) and West Rush Media LLC (www.davesluberski.com), and is listed for booking on Backstage (https://www.backstage.com/u/sandra-sluberski/). Her audiobook narration of “Stories of Food and Life” by Mariuccia Milla is available through Amazon.

She’s married to Dave Sluberski, professor of audio recording for film/animation/gaming at the Rochester Institute of Technology’s School of Film & Animation/MAGIC Spell Studios, and broadcast audio recording engineer for the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. When not on the mat or behind a mic, Sandra enjoys her pet Silkie hens, or works on cars in the garage with Dave, who enjoys being married to a yogini.

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Giveaway – DAWGS: A True Story of Lost Animals and the Kids Who Rescued Them by Diane Trull with Meredith Wargo @ireadbooktours

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GUEST POST

8 Reasons to Adopt a Senior Pet

There’s no denying that puppies and kittens are ridiculously cute. But training one of these adorable fluffs of fur can take a lot of time and energy. If you’re thinking about adding a pet to your family, consider adopting a senior animal.

While some adopters might express concern about the life-span issue when adopting a senior pet, the good news is that animals are living longer, higher-quality lives. But even with today’s advances in veterinary medicine and improved nutrition, there’s no way to determine how long our pets will live. What is known, though, is that senior pets still have a lot of love to give and are grateful for a second chance.

If you’re still unsure about adopting a senior animal, consider these benefits:

  • Senior pets generally have had some training, both in obedience and house manners.
  • Senior pets are less destructive.
  • Older dogs have been socialized and know what it takes to be part of a pack.
  • Senior pets are great company for older or less active people.
  • Older cats will be less rambunctious than kittens, who are frequently active, curious and into everything.
  • Senior animals are a known commodity, so you know what you’re getting in terms of size, shape, and personality.
  • Senior dogs are instant companions, ready to go on a long walk or to be the snuggle buddy or workout partner you need from the get-go.
  • Adopting an older pet makes a statement about compassion and the value of all life at all ages.

Book Details:

Book Title:  DAWGS: A True Story of Lost Animals and the Kids Who Rescued Them by Diane Trull with Meredith Wargo
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction (18+),  256 pages
Genre: Narrative Non-Fiction 
Publisher:  Citadel Press – Kensington Publishing Corp.  
Release date:  March 2020
Content Rating: This non-fiction book is rated PG. There is one scene in which the shelter was broken into and several puppies were killed. The author does not go into any gory details, but this information may trigger some sensitive readers. 



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