Now Here: A Journey from Toxic Boss to Conscious Connector

Now Here: A Journey from Toxic Boss to Conscious Connector by Dominique Farnan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A testament to the capacity of the human spirit to evolve...

"Now Here: A Journey from Toxic Boss to Conscious Connector" by Dominique Farnan offers an intimate narrative that unveils the depths of personal transformation. Farnan's outwardly successful life masked the turmoil within—a business owner, devoted wife, and mother, she battled the weight of emotional detachment as a high-functioning depressive.

The upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic became her pivotal moment, propelling her to confront her inner turmoil. Through the guidance of a coach, Farnan learned that authentic change necessitates confronting her internal struggles. This profound shift extended beyond her comfort zone, prompting her to recalibrate her thoughts and ultimately reshape her existence. The ripple effect was remarkable—a profound enhancement of her roles as boss, leader, spouse, and parent. Crucially, it brought her an elusive sense of peace and calm.

In "Now Here," Farnan shares her 2020 journey, illuminating the powerful transition that revolutionized her outlook and engagement with the world. Her narrative serves as a repository of life lessons spanning work, love, relationships, and spirituality, offering an invaluable guide to those craving change and revitalization. The book serves as a testament to the capacity of the human spirit to evolve, inspiring readers to pursue transformation and embrace the profound possibilities of the present. Highly recommended.


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With Eyes Wide Open: The Execution of Quentin Marshall by John W. Roberts

With Eyes Wide Open: The Execution of Quentin Marshall by JOHN W ROBERTS
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A miscarriage of justice that serves as a stark cautionary tale...

"With Eyes Wide Open: The Execution of Quentin Marshall" delivers a gripping narrative centered on Quentin Marshall, an African American wrongly accused of a heinous crime in the racially charged backdrop of 1950s and 1960s South Carolina. Through an array of intertwined monologues, the tale unearths not only the tragedy of Quentin's wrongful conviction but also the insidious influence of systemic racism on the collective actions and beliefs of individuals, often driven by good intentions. John W. Roberts' work goes beyond a mere miscarriage of justice; it serves as a stark cautionary tale, exposing the corrosive impact of prejudice and highlighting the transformation of an innocent man into a victim of societal indifference. The book masterfully captures the perspectives of both active participants and passive bystanders, illuminating the complexity of motivations that contribute to Quentin's tragic fate. Very highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.


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Reflections on Mountaineering: A Journey Through Life as Experienced in the Mountains

Reflections on Mountaineering: A Journey Through Life as Experienced in the Mountains by Alan V Goldman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The connection between life's challenges and mountain realities...

Presenting its enhanced FIFTH EDITION, "Reflections on Mountaineering: A Journey Through Life as Experienced in the Mountains" takes readers on a poignant journey through over a hundred narrative poems inspired by the art of mountaineering.

Author Alan V. Goldman, drawing upon an extensive three-decade climbing background, masterfully captures the essence of life through rhythmic rhymes and lyrical prose. These verses eloquently encapsulate the profound wisdom gained from both mountainous exploits and human connections.

The poems unravel the profound connection between life's challenges and mountain realities. Themes of awe, fear, and the allure of summits intertwine, bridging the gap between life's intricacies and the grandeur of peaks.

Goldman's words delve into the mystery of luck, fate, and chance, effortlessly intertwining everyday experiences with the crucible of mountaineering. These poetic lines breathe life into the pursuit of human potential against the backdrop of challenging heights.

From the triumph of conquering summits to the introspection that dwells within, the poems beautifully celebrate the delicate interplay between discipline, preparedness, and the exhilaration of surmounting obstacles.

"Reflections on Mountaineering" emerges as a resounding tribute to human enterprise, beckoning readers to embark on an expedition through the profound truths of life mirrored in the vast landscapes of mountains. In its fifth edition, this work continues to inspire climbers and enthusiasts alike, skillfully weaving significance into the acts of ascent and descent.

Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.

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THE VANDALS: Book 2 - Rampage Through Gaul

THE VANDALS: Book 2 - Rampage Through Gaul by Edmund Karlsson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A riveting historical account...

"THE VANDALS: Book 2 - Rampage Through Gaul" vividly chronicles the rise of the seemingly inconspicuous Asding Vandals from obscurity to a Mediterranean dominion that shook Rome's foundations. Author Edmund Karlsson weaves history's lesser-known tale, spotlighting the Vandals as pivotal agents in the Western Roman Empire's decline, particularly through the leadership of King Gaeseric. The book's second installment commences with the Vandals and Alans crossing the Rhine, unleashing havoc upon Mongontiacum and exploiting the chaos of Roman civil strife to establish themselves in Gaul. Collaborating with Romano-Briton General Gerontius, their campaign propels them through Aquitaine, devastating Burdigala en route, and ultimately crossing the Pyrenees. A riveting historical account, this book paints a captivating portrait of the Vandals' transformative journey through Gaul, reshaping the trajectory of an empire and reshuffling the pages of history. A great read that comes highly recommended.

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Legacy of Seven: Darkness Falls

Legacy of Seven: Darkness Falls by P. J. Flie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The second installment of the epic sci-fi action and adventure series...

"Legacy of Seven: Darkness Falls (Book 2)" by P. J. Flie transports readers to a captivating realm where magic intertwines with the remnants of technology, crafting an intricate tapestry of wonder and danger.

In this mystical world born from the ashes of science, young wizard Ondreeal's life is far from ordinary. Her mastery over magic is evident, yet her nights are haunted by elusive nightmares hinting at a troubling future. As she grapples with these unsettling visions, an unshakable compulsion guides her back to Bastion, a city of light and hope.

Within Bastion's protective embrace lies Sir Francis, the wise wizard of the north, who holds the key to Ondreeal's questions. Her journey to uncover the truth takes on a newfound urgency, for dark forces led by the enigmatic Zairoc threaten to unravel everything. Ondreeal's fate, intricately woven with that of Sir Francis and even the enigmatic robot CD-45, hinges on her ability to unearth her past and transform into a true wizard of light.

P. J. Flie's skillful storytelling immerses readers in a world where ancient magic dances with futuristic remnants, creating an enthralling atmosphere of mystery and anticipation. As Ondreeal races against time to unlock the secrets of her existence, a cosmic threat looms above, a message only Sir Francis comprehends.

"Legacy of Seven: Darkness Falls" is an exhilarating journey of self-discovery, bravery, and the enduring struggle between light and darkness. Flie masterfully crafts a narrative that will resonate with young and adult readers alike, leaving them eagerly awaiting the unfolding of Ondreeal's destiny—a destiny that holds the destiny of an entire world in its hands. Highly recommended.

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"Falls the Breath" by Melodie Ramone

Falls the Breath by Melodie Ramone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A hauntingly captivating and emotionally charged novel...

"Falls the Breath" by Melodie Ramone is a captivating and emotionally charged novel that weaves together the lives of both the living and the departed, transcending time and space.

In the summer of 1907, an aristocratic couple hailing from Vienna, Benjamin, and Theda Lett, arrive at Ellis Island with the aspiration of leaving their troubled pasts behind. Swiftly ingratiating themselves into Chicago's high society, they ambitiously construct Brimfield—an opulent estate aimed at rivaling the renowned Rockefellers. To safeguard their carefully cultivated image, they conceive their only child, Lorenzo. However, tragedy strikes eighteen years later when Lorenzo falls victim to a heart-wrenching murder, leading authorities to swiftly point the finger at Theda.

Lorenzo, who experienced a traumatic end to his life, reemerges as a poltergeist with hazy memories of his past life and the circumstances surrounding his passing. Trapped at Brimfield alongside his mother's ghost, he roams the estate, enveloped in anger and brooding. It is only until a fateful accident befalls quirky maid Mahoney Miller on the spiral staircase, transforming her into a ghost as well, that an unexpected and immediate connection sparks between the two. Together, they embark on an afterlife neither could have anticipated, seldom acknowledging the generations of people residing at Brimfield—until fashion designer Pauli Kotilla and his ex-supermodel wife, Tiffany, acquire the estate in 1982.

The tale takes a mesmerizing turn as the young Kotilla daughters, Samara, and Eleni, demonstrate the ability to perceive and communicate with the resident spirits, prompting enthusiastic embraces of the divide between the living and the dead. Eight years later, signs of instability surface when Samara becomes a teenage mother. With her son, Kevin, diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, Lorenzo is compelled to make the ultimate leap of faith, as everyone—both alive and in the afterlife—strives to summon the determination and unwavering love necessary to preserve Kevin's life.

Exploring themes of mental illness, bullying, and chronic disease, "Falls the Breath" narrates the compelling story of a family confronting daunting odds and the extraordinary phenomena that unfold when the worlds of the living and the deceased intersect. Highly recommended.

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Ghost Hunter: A Matter of Faith

Ghost Hunter: A Matter of Faith by Martin J. Best
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A promising first installment of the Ghost Hunter series...

"Ghost Hunter I: A Matter of Faith" by Martin J. Best presents a gripping and captivating paranormal thriller, delving into the extraordinary world of Mal, a resolute and isolated paranormal investigator. The book unravels an intriguing narrative as Mal searches for purpose and contentment amidst the shadows of his life, only to be confronted with a chilling turn of events when an ominous call beckons him to a haunting case.

Teena Maunder, an assertive single parent, finds her once tranquil abode entangled in an enigmatic and spine-chilling series of inexplicable occurrences. Seeking a resolution to her distressing plight, Teena reaches out to Mal, setting the stage for a high-stakes, otherworldly encounter. As the tension escalates, Mal must confront not only the eerie manifestations but also his innermost fears and insecurities, navigating uncharted territories of paranormal phenomena.

The novel masterfully intertwines hair-raising paranormal encounters with heartfelt emotions and budding romance. Mal's relentless quest to safeguard Teena and find love amid adversity adds profound depth and intricacy to the storyline, elevating the book to an emotionally charged and mesmerizing reading experience.

Martin J. Best's writing talent captivates readers, submerging them into a world where the boundaries between reality and the supernatural blur, leaving them on the edge of their seats throughout. The skillfully crafted plot maintains a well-paced momentum, while the richly developed characters and themes of bravery and resilience resonate deeply, making "Ghost Hunter I: A Matter of Faith" an essential choice for enthusiasts of paranormal thrillers.

Follow Mal as he embarks on this perilous expedition, seeking to ascend as an elite paranormal investigator. The book's intriguing twists and compelling storytelling leave readers yearning for more, eagerly anticipating future installments of the Ghost Hunter series. Highly recommended.


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