Online Book Reviews

Keeping up with all the new books that are published everyday, it can be difficult to make good reading choices. After all, there are only so many hours we have to read so precious few books.

Following the recommendations of reviewers at major book lists like the New York Times, don't always tell you about that special book that didn't make it to the Top Ten List.

So many new books are being published every day by first time or unknown authors. How do you know which books to choose?

Online book reviews are a great place to start. There are social book clubs popping up everywhere online where authors gather to talk about the great gem they just finished reading and can't wait to talk about! So if you join some of these online book review sites and exchange information about your favorite authors and books, you'll grow your reading list in no time!

We'll be reviewing some of these latest book review sites and letting you know which ones we like best.

"Major Dream: From Immigrant Housemaid to Harvard PhD" is the memoir of Jin Kyu (Suh) Robertson, PhD. When reading Robertson's memoir, you'll soon realize that her life is the true representation of the "American Dream." Absolutely nothing was too great for her to overcome - and she succeeded in both life and career despite the oppressive obstacles she faced.

The beginning story of "Major Dream" begins with Jin receiving her PhD from Harvard at the age of 57 - not exactly the age of most college "students." It was an extraordinary moment in her life and one that she shared with family and friends who supported her. It was also the culmination of everything she had accomplished in her thirty-five years of being in America.

Harvard degrees and the level of success that Jin has received as an International motivational speaker and writer didn't come easy for this Korean immigrant who began her life in America as a housemaid. She was twenty-two years old, spoke no English and after purchasing a one-way ticket, had only $100 to her name - plus crushing debts to pay.

Born in 1948 in a small Korean fishing village named Wollae, Jin was pretty much isolated from the world. Her parents had never been to school and the family lived in abject poverty. Jin's father was a forced-laborer in a coalmine and Jin provides enough of her family's background for readers to visualize how denigrating their lives were.

"Major Dream" is truly remarkable in that it tells the story from beginning to present day of a young woman who succeeded against all odds and who ran the gamut from factory worker, waitress and housemaid to become a Major in the United States Army, Harvard graduate, a popular inspirational/motivational speaker and bestselling author.

Jin's story in "Major Dream" will appeal to every one of all ages who desire to live happier and more fulfilled lives. Immigrants to America, students, people who are trying to build careers or businesses and military personnel will especially find inspiration in "Major Dream"'s pages.

Jin is quite popular on the motivational speaking circuit, but somehow found time in her busy schedule to write her memoir, "Major Dream", and currently is the host of a radio talk show on the Voice of America/World Talk Radio called "American Dreams: The Sky Is the Limit."

"Major Dream" is an engaging read that will have you hooked from the beginning page and keep you mesmerized to the end. Jin's story has been lauded by critics as "one of the most profoundly affecting memoirs of the decade." Her incredible success proves that people really can create the lives they desire.

Regardless of background and hurdles to be faced, readers will find hope from "Major Dream: From Immigrant Housemaid to Harvard PhD", and realize that if Jin Kyu Robertson, PhD can do it, it's possible for anyone to achieve the American Dream.

Lauren S. Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This review covers Major Dream: From Immigrant Housemaid to Harvard Ph.D., by Jin Kyu Robertson, Ph.D.

Article Source: EzineArticles: Major Dream - A Memoir For The Decade by Lauren S. Smith

Uproot U.S. Healthcare: To Reform U.S. Healthcare was written by someone who should know how to reform the system. Deane Waldman, MD MBA is both a practicing physician, as a pediatric cardiologist, and a speaker on healthcare reform.

In Uproot U.S. Healthcare, Waldman engages the reader in more of a conversation than a lecture and at the end of the book, you should come away with a clear understanding of what will really save our healthcare system.

You'll discover that a cure for the currently sick system doesn't lie in the hands of the political system or even a money fix - but in each and every one of us who can and do vote. Uproot U.S. Healthcare was written specifically to inform U.S. citizens about how to make their votes count to cure our ailing system.

With all the books, blogs and talking heads who shout out opinions about how to fix our healthcare system, Waldman's book is a refreshing change. He has experienced the system first hand and has dealt with management and strategy issues within his own organization.

After experiencing the problems and seeing the results of a broken system, he realized that business knowledge and experience is a good way to understand the woes of the healthcare system and will also lead the way on how to eventually fix it.

Waldman wants the average U.S. citizen to understand that they simply can't wait for Washington to do something - we have to pull together and do it ourselves. Eventually, we'll all need the benefits of a healthcare system that really works, and the time is "now" to uproot the U.S. Healthcare system as it stands today and plant new, stronger roots.

Dr. Waldman devotes over half the pages in Uproot U.S. Healthcare to the "diagnosis" of the illness within our system before he actually addresses the "treatment." This is a logical method and one that all doctors tend to take with their human patients.

One truth that Waldman brings out in his book is that if we don't act now to fix the U.S. healthcare system, it won't be available in the future. If the current trend of rising costs, costly errors, a shortage of nurses and doctors, people who don't have and can't afford health insurance and lawsuits are allowed to continue, we'll never have a health care system that works.

The new roots of the healthcare system must be based on what the public wants - not what our misguided politicians want. Uproot U.S. Healthcare: To Reform U.S. Healthcare, by Deane Waldman, MD MBA, is an excellent and informative read and a real eye-opener to those who believe that the general public has no say about what happens to our healthcare system.

Lauren S. Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This review covers Uproot U.S. Healthcare: To Reform U.S. Healthcare, by Deane Waldman, MD MBA.

Article Source: EzineArticles: What You Can Do to Reform Healthcare by Lauren S. Smith

Third in the Lily Sampson series, The Scorpion's Bite is another archaeological thriller written by Aileen G. Baron. As in Baron's novel, The Torch of Tangier, Lily is the archaeologist who is purposely placed by the OSS in the Middle East during World War II to do more than dig around ruins.

Lily's job is to perform an archaeological survey of Trans-Jordan amid assassination plots and battles over oil. Behind the scenes, Lily and her associate, Gideon Weil, are called upon to protect the Trans-Jordan pipeline and sabotage the pipeline that ran through Syria and delivered oil to the Axis.

As if those tasks weren't enough to keep them busy, they're also directed to prevent the assassination of King Faisal, the eight-year old King of Iraq. The Scorpion's Bite takes a piece of history and turns it in to a spellbinding novel based on real events.

The Scorpion's Bite takes place in the turbulent year of 1943, when the world is very much engaged in war. The place is the eerie and vast Trans-Jordanian desert - where Lawrence of Arabia once roamed and ruins are left behind from an empire once ruled by the ancient Nabateans.

Lily and her archaeologist associate, Gideon Weil, become stranded deep within the Wadi Rum when their Bedouin guide is suddenly and mysteriously murdered. Their plight becomes even more complicated when Weil is accused of the murder and Lily must struggle to clear his name.

When Baron began the research for the third book in her series, she found that there had been two oil pipelines during World War II that supplied the Allies with much needed oil. This pipeline ran through Haifa - the other pipeline directed oil to the Axis and went through Tripoli.

Baron also found that there was a real Axis plot to kill the young King of Iraq so that they could easily take over the oil fields while the area was in turmoil. Another historical truth in The Scorpion's Bite is that there was an archaeologist named Nelson Glueck who performed an archaeological survey for the OSS.

Aileen G. Baron actually completed the Negev Survey that Glueck had begun for her dissertation and modeled her character, Gideon Weil, after this legendary archeologist. Glueck was once featured on the cover of Time Magazine for his incredible and event-changing work in the Middle East.

The Scorpion's Bite is based on real and historical events. Aileen G. Baron is a former archeologist and professor who knows her stuff and has taken great pains to research places and events in her book to make sure they're true and accurate.

Lauren S. Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This review covers The Scorpion's Bite by Aileen G. Baron.

Article Source:EzineArticles: History Buffs and Suspense Aficionados Will Love The Scorpion's Bite by Lauren S. Smith

Award winning children's author, Donna M. McDine, has written a book targeted to kids from 8 to 12 years old that teaches about our American history during the turbulent time of slavery. The Golden Pathway is a beautiful example of what children's literature can be when presented in an interesting and artistic manner.

Illustrations in The Golden Pathway are especially thought provoking and will no doubt encourage visual thinking, conversation and a desire to find out more about this riveting time in history. McDine tells the story beautifully about the Underground Railroad and a young boy who overcomes his abusive past to help a slave flee to freedom.

The courage that David, and the slave, Jenkins, display will serve to give courage to all preteens, especially those who must deal with bullies at school every day or an abusive situation at home. Children will understand David's agony as he clamps his hands over his ears to cover the screams that shattered the silence of the night.

The screams continue as a result of David's father using his belt to whip slaves into submission. One night, David vows to overcome his fears of what his own father might do to him and defy the times in which he lives to help a man escape the bonds of slavery for a new life.

As the white child of a slave owner, David puts himself in horrible jeopardy by helping Jenkins to escape from a hostile environment and escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad's network of assistance.

In the author's note at the end of The Golden Pathway, McDine explains to her readers how various code words were used to help slaves reach freedom. For example, "conductors" were used to describe individuals who helped slaves reach freedom by giving them shelter along the way.

Donna M. McDine has won many awards for her writing in the children's literature genre. Her love and interest in American history led her to pen The Golden Pathway and chronicle the Black experience and the Underground Railroad.

McDine also wrote "The Hockey Agony" and "Powder Monkey," which are currently on contract with Guardian Angel Publishing Company. She's currently a Publicist Intern for The National Writing for Children Center and the Children's Writers' Coaching Club.

The Golden Pathway, by Donna M. McDine will teach children how people can come together and overcome seemingly impossible odds and learn a bit about American history and how to deal with a situation of bullying and abuse.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names.

This review covers, The Golden Pathway by Donna M. McDine.

Article Source: EzineArticles: The Golden Pathway - A Kid's Story About the Underground Railroad by Lauren S. Smith

Never Diet Again - The Art of Feeling Full
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lauren_S._Smith]Lauren S. Smith

Dr. Michael Snyder has written a book that he hopes helps readers learn how to gauge their "fullness" levels so they never have to diet again. FULL: A Life Without Dieting tells you why diets don't work and if you do rely on them it becomes a roller coaster of weight gain and loss.

Snyder is well qualified to write this groundbreaking book. For 15 years, he's been a full time practicing bariatric surgeon and has seen patients go through radical procedures, hoping to transform their lives and lose unwanted pounds for health or cosmetic reasons.

Following these patients and their life-long struggles with weight has made an impact on Dr. Snyder and FULL: A Life Without Dieting offers new hope by teaching scientific principles that he's learned throughout the years.

Contrary to popular belief, the struggle with weight doesn't end with a bariatric procedure. As Snyder followed his patients, he realized that the same old eating patterns are hard to die, and that more must be done to help people realize when they're really FULL, and learn to stop eating at that point.

FULL: A Life Without Dieting is the result of Synder's research into the subject of dieting and sustaining weight loss. This book offers a new approach to the subject of dieting and, once read and understood, it can prevent die-hard dieters from ever considering dieting again.

Those readers who have 80 or more pounds to lose have tried diets that just added more weight in the end - or are contemplating surgery -- will be amazed and delighted with the perspective offered in FULL: A Life Without Dieting. The book can be especially helpful to women, who seem to struggle with their weight more than men.

In FULL, you'll learn how to once and for all stop being obsessed with food and eating. It teaches you how to be happy when you eat and not feel guilt when you have a fast-food meal or piece of dessert. Snyder's principles outlined in the book teach you how to manage your appetite so you'll know when your hunger has been satisfied and it's okay to quit eating.

Fullness, rather than appetite becomes the focus of your eating experiences and you'll learn how to "take advantage of the 5 intentional steps of digestion to gain effortless control of your dietary behaviors without resorting to self-discipline or willpower."

FULL: A Life Without Dieting is the first weight loss book to offer an insider's perspective from the experience of a gastric bypass surgeon and in a way that anyone can understand. Snyder's book is full of helpful ways for you to recognize the cues (both visual and physiological) that will end the diet cycle, eat what you want -- and still lose weight.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names.

This review covers, Full: A Life Without Dieting by Michael Snyder, M.D.

Article Source:EzineArticles: Never Diet Again - The Art of Feeling Full by Lauren S. Smith

The Conspiracy: An Innocent Priest, written by Monsignor William McCarthy, is the biography of a man who was falsely accused of the molestation of two young sisters and his struggle to overcome one of the worst injustices that could happen to an innocent man.

McCarthy's story is about what happened to him after being accused in 2003 and how faith helped him overcome depths of despair, disappointment and degradation that this injustice brought into his life.

Monsignor McCarthy was on the eve of his retirement from a career as priest and pastor that had brought him accolades and recognition throughout his life. The Conspiracy is the result of McCarthy keeping a detailed journal for years following the accusation, and it chronicles his exile from the church, friends and everything that had once made his life enjoyable.

McCarthy was in agony about the accusation and the horrific changes it wrought in his life. A time that was supposed to be happy and reflective was turning into sadness and despair. The unfairness of it all weighed heavily on the Monsignor's mind and he found that he had to pull deeply from his abiding faith to get through those horrific times.

In The Conspiracy, McCarthy tells the story of how an anonymous complaint was accepted as the truth by his friend of 40 years - and a bishop of the church. The hierarchy of the church began their steps that would attempt to put blight on McCarthy's stellar career and condemn him for the rest of his days.

After being accused, the Monsignor spent the following five years attempting to prove his innocence - both to the church and the community who condemned him. When his friend of 40 years and bishop of the church deserted him, he only had his faith to cling to.

Readers will find inspiration and strength from McCarthy's words in The Conspiracy. You'll learn how one man found a faith deeper than he knew existed and how it worked to overcome an accusation that was both unfair and unwarranted.

The Vatican finally reinstated Monsignor McCarthy into the church, but the scars from the false accusation will last forever. If anything good came out of his experience, it's the culmination of this excellent book, The Conspiracy. Anyone who goes through an experience that alters your life and tests your beliefs will draw strength from it.

Monsignor William McCarthy was born in County Cork, Ireland and moved to the United States after be ordained in the priesthood in 1963. During his career, McCarthy chose to take courses in marriage counseling and theology and rose to the rank of Monsignor in the church. The Conspiracy: An Innocent Priest is McCarthy's first book.

Lauren S. Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This review covers The Conspiracy: An Innocent Priest by Monsignor William McCarthy.

Article Source: EzineArticles: An Innocent Priest's Struggle to Clear His Name by Lauren S. Smith

The Jerusalem Cycle: The Gathering of Heroes, Villains & Oracles, is a political thriller of a novel based on the problems that currently affect the ancient city of Jerusalem today. André John Haddad writes about the present turmoil in Jerusalem and what might happen if the city isn't saved from itself.

Haddad's new novel is the story of Hedrick Zimmer, who at 88 years of age is closing in on the end of his life - but before the chapters close, he wants to help save his beloved Jerusalem from the dire future it faces if predicted events aren't prevented from happening.

Zimmer, together with the son of an old associate and a woman who could have made him forget his vows to the church, begin a mission consisting of clandestine operations designed to deter cataclysmic events that could lead to the downfall and certain destruction of Jerusalem.

Louise Margoe Destrey helps Zimmer recognize "hot-zones" of violence, such as the Congo, Brazil, Colombia and the Middle East. Destrey is head of a Boston consulting firm that puts together a group of professionals who are adept at predicting the future - and together they will present Zimmer with the stunning results of what they've discovered.

Zimmer realizes that the predictions from Destrey's group are real threats and wonders if any type of political influence, money, diplomacy or even military intervention can prevent them from happening and destroying Jerusalem.

The plan that Zimmer devises is unique and just might work if he can quell the mindset of millions before the clock runs out and it's too late. The Jerusalem Cycle will keep readers frantically turning pages to find out if history can be changed and those in power can come to an understanding that will save Jerusalem.

As a cleric, André John Haddad was always interested in Jerusalem from a historical point of view and its "central role in the world's existence." Recent past events in the Middle East makes Jerusalem's future even more perilous and Haddad realizes that unless a medium is found that can change mindsets, Jerusalem's future could be disastrous.

What will be said about Jerusalem in the future? No one really knows, but the fabled city and how it has affected the history of the human race is significant and incredibly interesting. Jerusalem lies in a region filled with turmoil and strife and is at a crossroads of its future.

André John Haddad has told a very believable tale in The Jerusalem Cycle: The Gathering of Heroes, Villains & Oracles, weaving past history and predictions of the future into a thriller that will make you think - and also be on the lookout for more works from Haddad.

Lauren S. Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This review covers The Jerusalem Cycle by André John Haddad.

Article Source: EzineArticles: The Jerusalem Cycle - A Political Thriller About a City On the Brink of Disaster by Lauren S. Smith

Sondra Wright has written a book that's not only for women, but also for the men who love them. 40+ and Fabulous: Moving Forward Fierce, Focused, and Full of Life!, is a book that every woman nearing 40, over forty - or way over 40 can use to find ways to reinvent herself.

Midlife comes as a shock to some women, especially those who have depended on their beauty to open doors and feel good about themselves. But, aging comes with a price. Beauty begins to fade and some may develop problems from living large or just aging, in general.

Wright has built a thriving business in the health and wellness industry and her focus has been on helping women - especially those over forty - reinvent themselves mentally, spiritually, emotionally, physically and financially.

Women revealed their innermost fears and desires to Wright and time after time, she noticed age was an obstacle that prevented these vibrant and intelligent women from fulfilling their desires. 40+ and Fabulous is Wright's way at putting what she's learned out there for more women to access.

40+ and Fabulous is written differently from most "self-help" books. Wright enlists the words of other, dynamic women to get her point across - that you can be vibrant and vivacious at any age. The featured women's ages range from the forties to into the seventies and each offers tips and insights into how they approach life and are living it to the fullest.

These women cover the changes taking place in over forty women that can make them see themselves as unworthy, dumb or unconfident. The changes can include huge roadblocks such as an illness, divorce, loss and grief -- or more subtle changes such as sagging boobs.

Women can learn to see themselves differently, and reading 40+ and Fabulous can be the catalyst to those new beginnings. The witty collection of stories will make you think as you laugh at how these women made lemonade out of lemons and reinvented their own lives.

A male perspective is included in 40+ and Fabulous, making it different and more insightful than most books that target self-help for women. These men offer their own thoughts about the women in their lives and how they view the aging process.

At the end of each personal excerpt in 40+ and Fabulous, Sondra has included an area where you can jot down your own thoughts called, "What Golden Nuggets Did You Get from This Treasure Chest of Wisdom?" When you finish the book, these areas act as a journal about your thoughts and feelings and you'll want to revisit them again and again.

Reading 40+ and Fabulous should help every woman (and some men) take the challenge to reinvent their own lives. One witty quote from Wright's book especially rings true - "If it droops, work it out or fix it, and go on with life."

Lauren S. Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This review covers 40+ and Fabulous by Sondra Wright.

Article Source: EzineArticles: Learn How to Be 40+ and Fabulous! by Lauren S. Smith

Pink Noise: A Posthuman Tale takes place in a Plasma Universe is a futuristic story of intelligent beings without consciousness and self-awareness. Could this be possible? Author, Leonid Korogodski makes you think that it could really happen -- that our human consciousness could possibly be a direct result of evolution.

Just in case you've never heard of Plasma Cosmology, Korogodski describes it as being in direct contrast to the "established" approach to cosmology. In Pink Noise, Korogodski attacks the concept of "dark matter" as absurd and skillfully explains Plasma Cosmology's theory. Within the story lies the understanding of what Plasma Cosmology really is.

Pink Noise is a novella that tells the story of several generations of cosmologists and astrophysicists whose careers are in danger because of extremely expensive projects that they're heavily involved in. The money to fund these projects was taken directly from the taxpayers, and if discovered, the scientists would suffer the end of their careers.

Readers of Pink Noise are drawn in to the story of Nathi, one of the most prominent and well-respected neurological doctors of the time. Nathi is a posthuman, having lost his brain five centuries ago.

Nathi is called upon to save a girl in a comatose condition, and when he finds that her brain damage is beyond belief, he "maps" his own mind directly into her brain so that he can restore the damaged area. In doing so, he finds that she holds a Wish Fairy - a cyber being whose function is to kill the Wish - a virus wielded on humans by the appointed cyber Wizard orders.

The plotting and planning by Nathi to discover a way out of his and the girl's predicament will have readers on the edge of their seats, and the war that ensues in the darkness of the Martian polar night is a battle of the future - a future that only great minds like Leonid Korogodski can imagine.

Nathi's battle against the cyber wizard and his legions must be fought in both the physical world that we all know about - and the deep recesses of the mind that is both unknown and possibly sinister.

For science fiction buffs, you should know that Pink Noise differs from other books on the Singularity. Pink Noise doesn't adhere to the idea that digital AIs might become superior to humans and that a complex mind requires consciousness.

Leonid Korogodski's mind-boggling book, Pink Noise: A Posthuman Tale is a novel worthy of the prestigious, Hugo Award. It's fast-paced and scientific in nature and will bring readers from the place of skepticism to asking themselves, "Could this really happen?"

Lauren S. Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names.

This review covers Pink Noise: A Posthuman Tale of Plasma Cosmology by Leonid Korogodski.

Article Source: EzineArticles by Lauren S. Smith: Pink Noise: A Posthuman Tale of Plasma Cosmology

Dr. Keith Maitland, who believes in living in the positive, has written a book that could change the way you're living your life and put you on the path to success in all areas. Live In the Positive, 5 Keys to Changing Your Life Forever, is purposely designed and written to free you from negative beliefs, actions and reactions to stress and problems that come your way.

Think, for a moment, about what your life could be if you were no longer plagued by frustration, anger and fear. Maitland's techniques can help you master those relentless stresses that can keep you from achieving all you can and becoming all you want to be.

Dr. Maitland wears many hats in his full life including that of a chiropractor, Kinesiologist and life coach - despite the fact that his previous years could have easily kept him down in the dumps. He was diagnosed with dyslexia at an early age, failed high school, and had periods where he was unemployed and even bankrupt.

Despite all the trials and tribulations in Maitland's life, he rose to every challenge, earning two college degrees and excelling beyond anyone's expectations by utilizing the techniques that you, too, can learn in his book, Live In the Positive, 5 Keys to Changing Your Life Forever.

After years of studying and pursuing personal and spiritual growth and self-improvement in any form, Maitland realized that he knew things and had developed techniques for improving lives that others didn't know. He began to write about his journey - and now, you can take advantage of the knowledge Maitland has gleaned from his work.

To live life in the positive rather than the negative takes persistence, it's true, but if you meditate for awhile on how negativity has ruined so many opportunities and so much happiness for you in the past, you'll realize how much time has already been wasted.

Your future life's journey can be much different than your past if you take the time to develop the techniques that Maitland teaches in Live In the Positive, 5 Keys to Changing Your Life Forever. Watch your health, relationships and overall outlook on life improve with every day that passes.

Maitland has been through some trials and tribulations in his own life that he had to overcome. Counseling didn't seem to be the answer for his clients or in his personal life, and it was beginning to affect him both physically and emotionally.

Keith Maitland's journey to change is now chronicled in his new book, Live In the Positive, 5 Keys to Changing Your Life. What he learned can help you to change the negative and concentrate on the positive - and that will, in turn, help you live life to the fullest.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names.

This review covers Live in the Positive, 5 Keys to Changing Your Life Forever by Dr. Keith Maitland.

Article Source: EzineArticles: 5 Key Points for Changing Your Life Forever by Lauren S. Smith

The Thanksgiving Coat: Inspire Acts of Kindness, Happiness and Healing, written by Elizabeth Hoadley and illustrated byher talented 5-year daughter, Kailee, is a fine example of what level that teaching and learning can rise to.

This inspiring and motivational children's book is based on a true story that began with Kailee's visit with her mother to a food bank to provide much needed food to underprivileged families. After a call from Kailee's school asking her to spearhead donations to a local food bank, Elizabeth Hoadley took her daughter to the grocery store to select the food that they would give.

Kailee was full of questions for her mother - "Who would get the food?, Were there children involved? Did the children have toys to play with, a bed to sleep in and a coat to keep them warm?" The Thanksgiving Coat is a direct result of Kailee's probing questions and her concern about the children who might be hungry and cold.

The Thanksgiving Coat speaks to the values and beliefs that we should all develop and pass on to our children. But, Hoadley is very specific about how to sensitize our children to the issues of homelessness and hunger without scaring them.

Because of the urgent call for help from the food bank, Hoadley was able to join with Kailee in creating a way to reach out to others who didn't have as much as they did and needed help. Children will learn the lesson of giving and gratitude when they read The Thanksgiving Coat, and it may inspire them to create their own methods of giving.

Kailee is no stranger to illustrating and publishing books. Beginning at the age of 2 years, the creative and giving little girl has illustrated several books, including Balloon Wishes, which inspires hope and healing following the passing of a loved one.

At 4-years old, Kailee illustrated Roses and Rainbows which inspires health and healing in a child. Hoadley helps Kailee by writing the words in the books after collaborating with Kailee about the messages she wants to promote.

Hoadley's books have been described as a combination of Seuss and Shel Silverstein. Through hers and her daughter's creations, she strives to bring out the full potential in children and to promote mother/daughter bonding.

Hoadley has written several books on her own - all inspirational teaching books for parents. Books such as Aspire to Inspire, promotes true goodness in children and others teach self-esteem and self-reliance through stories about social issues.

The Thanksgiving Coat, Inspire Acts of Kindness, Happiness and Healing, by Elizabeth Hoadley and illustrated by her daughter, Kailee, should be a "must have" in both school and home libraries.

Lauren S. Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names.

This review covers The Thanksgiving Coat written by Elizabeth Hoadley and illustrated by her daughter, Kailee.

Article Source: EzineArticles: A Book That Inspires Acts of Kindness in Children by Lauren S. Smith

If you're wondering what you can give a child that will make the most positive difference in his or her life, you can begin by giving a gift that will teach them diversity. Matthew Gollub has been writing children's books for years and each one teaches how life is different for each and every one of us. Some of his books have become classics and The Jazz Fly 2, The Jungle Pachanga is destined for that same path.

Matthew Gollub's book comes with its own audio CD that lets your child listen to the story including a variety of sounds such as percussion, piano, bongos and saxophone. The music is irresistible to children ages four and up and you'll delight when you see your child wiggle, jump and dance along with the creative songs.

The story is narrated by Gollub himself and written in English. It is also peppered with Spanish phrases that make the Latin jazz music come to life - along with the little insects featured in the book.

Jazz Fly 2 is the long awaited sequel to The Jazz Fly. In Gollub's newest offering, the fly and his band need a ride to a tropical "pachanga" (dance party), but are very much aware of the dangers lurking just outside.

The fly must find the correct Spanish words to chant for the spider monkey, macaw and sloth before they will help him get to the Pachanga safely. It's a rollicking story that your children will love and want to play or read over and over again.

If your child decides to read the book and leaf through the pages, he or she will delight in the colorful illustrations and clever characters. They'll see new words in Spanish and crazy words such as "Skiddily Bop!" as they read along.

It's somewhat odd to have a sequel to a child's book, but Gollub thought it was called for when he began to receive requests for one. The original Jazz Fly book - which also comes with an audio CD - has been a best seller and many wrote that it was their favorite children's book.

Gollub came up with a way to write the sequel in a way that would expand his young readers' musical horizons and reading abilities. The original Jazz Fly introduced "scat" language and be-bop jazz, so Gollub decided to add some Spanish words and Latin jazz to the new book.

The result, The Jazz Fly 2, The Jungle Pachanga, is a delightful read and a cleverly put together story that kids from 4 to 94 will love. Matthew Gollub is witty and original and keeps on producing a product that rises above the last. The book is a well-deserved winner of the International Book Awards.

Lauren S. Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names.

This review covers Jazz Fly 2 by Matthew Gollub

Article Source:EzineArticles: Bring Some Diversity Into Your Child's Life by Lauren S. Smith

Blood, Money, Power, written by author, Michele Marie Tate, is a fictional, historical saga, based on a true story. It's a tale similar to those that shout at us from news headlines every day - how greed and political power has led to fraud and even murder.

Tate takes her readers back to the gilded times of William Randolph Hearst, Charlie Chaplin, Marion Davis and Gloria Swanson. Everything was gay and the champagne flowed freely at the many parties where celebrities and the wealthy rubbed elbows. But, beneath the gold and silver goblets lies a struggle of power and greed that no one talks about.

Tate did her research on the times and true characters revealed in Blood, Money, Power and even though the main characters in the book are fictional, they mix and mingle with some of the wealthiest and most powerful people of all time.

Blood, Money, Power follows the Preston family bloodline for three generations, and at the head of the family, Otto Preston emerges as a less than ethical, but powerful attorney who is determined to create a lasting legacy. Preston also has the baggage of an extremely painful past and must work hard to expunge it from his mind.

The Prestons move in and out of the Hearst castle in California, experiencing all the folklore that made it famous. They meet movie stars and business legends - some of the most powerful and wealthy in the world. Travel to Thailand unveils more intrigue and mystery as the characters become embroiled in a fight for truth, justice - and love.

Tate's new book has it all - illegal drug and diamond trades, the mafia and demonic people who think nothing of murdering for money and power. Amber and Charles are two characters in Blood, Money, Power who become involved in the seedy part of the tale through no fault of their own. They're deeply in love, but secrets from the past threaten to end what they've found together.

Political corruption through three generations is also reflected in Blood, Money, Power and that same corruption seems to be prominent in today's headlines. The epic tale is based on a true story that is actually still being investigated, and you'll be surprised at the "real" people who are on the edge of this powerful story.

Readers who love a good mystery, sprinkled with real and fictional characters, won't be disappointed in Michele Marie Tate's first book in a series that continues in her next book. The Preston bloodline will both intrigue and pique your interest in this powerful family. Blood, Money, Power will make you long to see who finally wins out and if justice will prevail.

Review by Lauren S. Smith, who is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This review covers Blood, Money, Power by Michele Marie Tate.

Article Source: EzineArticles: An Epic Tale of Power and Greed by Lauren S. Smith

Arms Akimbo: A Journey of Healing, written by Audrey Roth, is the story of a terror-filled childhood and the aftermath of pain and healing. Roth chronicles her life from a childhood of sexual abuse and incest to the recovery process that led her to write this book for others.

From the age of three years old, Roth was repeatedly molested by her own father. As traumatic as this always is to a small child, Roth found ways to survive the pain and emotional distress. With the help of diverse groups of support, Roth was able to work through the healing process that all child-victim survivors must eventually face.

In Arms Akimbo, Roth tells of the various groups in her life that helped her heal. For example, from a spiritual standpoint, Rabbi Kleinbaum convinced Roth that she didn't have to embrace the Judaism of her parents, but could create the role that religion was to have in her life.

Artistically, a community called Mudflat in Massachusetts opened their arms and led Roth to find creativity in the molding of clay with her hands, while her mind worked through the pain in her heart.

Psychologically and emotionally, Roth gives credit to therapists such as Evelyn Schroeder, who was also a friend and mentor and supported Roth through her father's death and sorting through devastating memories. During late night phone calls to friends and supporters, Roth poured out her damaged heart and soul and the result was a network of love that helped her see that she had true value.

During the writing of Arms Akimbo, Roth also had the help and support she needed from friends, professionals and family members who believed in her writing and encouraged her to keep writing. The memories that Roth extracted during the journey of writing her book were painful, but she kept on going through tears of angst.

Roth describes her childhood existence as living in a "Jekyll and Hyde" home, where her father could be loving and nurturing when he was sober, but was another personality when he was drunk. From the outside, Roth's family looked ideal - a mother whom everyone thought was perfect and a father who was always the "life of the party." But, inside the family was another story. Alcoholism and child molestation were the dark little secrets within the family and were never spoken of.

As the years marched on, Roth realized that something was wrong - that emotionally, she felt as if a volcano was about to erupt. When she had her daughter, she knew that something had to be done and she began the journey of healing that was to take her into the deep recesses of her mind to face the demons that lived there.

Arms Akimbo: A Journey of Healing, written by Audrey Roth is an incredible story that can be a beacon of light for others who have gone through similar childhood traumas.

Review by Lauren Smith, editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names.

This review covers Arms Akimbo by Audrey Roth.

Article Source: EzineArticles: A Memoir of Childhood Terror - A Story of Healing by Lauren S. Smith

Peter Hoffmann takes the 50s era from innocence to intrigue and injects it with some steamy sex scenes that you won't be able to get out of your mind. Carnal Weapon is a novel that has it all - including a plot that will keep its readers turning pages and wanting more when they reach "the end."

Hoffmann's new novel will capture your interest from prologue to the final chapter -- and in between, you'll have the delicious moments of reading about the twists and turns that took place in 1950s era America. If you thought of the 50s as an age of innocence, think again. Things weren't as wholesome as they appeared, according to Hoffman.

In Carnal Weapon, we see the "weapon" emerge as Alice Mercer, a French industrial spy who was trained by a renowned madam from Hanoi in ways to seduce a man - and keep him seduced. The spell she casts on rising Wall Street attorney, Jack Preston, jeopardizes his dreams of marrying his virgin sweetheart and mesmerizes him into revealing the names of investor clients.

When Jack is arrested for insider trading, he begins a spiraling journey downward that becomes a quagmire of deception, lies and revelations of his steamy and shocking forays into Alice's bedroom. Public hunger for more juicy gossip turns the tabloid media into everyone's secret "must-read" and reporters clamor for more even as their papers are put into a "porn" classification and banned from sales.

This turn of events creates a black market for tabloids and people begin waiting in long lines in order to purchase them at a premium price. Hoffmann reveals the 50s to be less "proper" than people originally thought, and a new light is cast on an era when staid characters such as President Eisenhower played such a big part in this "age of innocence."

Hoffmann believes that a book is much better than a movie for getting into the thoughts, dreams and aspirations of the characters -- and the characters in Carnal Weapon prove him true. As readers delve into the minds of Hoffmann's players, they'll be amazed at how truly human they are, even though many readers might never have imagined the level of ecstasy and passion they're reading about.

You'll know the intimate motivations for each character in the book and observe how sex takes on the role of exposing agendas and vulnerabilities. Alice weaves her magic skillfully in Carnal Weapon, taking Jack on a journey that only a highly trained courtesan could achieve - a journey that Jack never dreamed of - much less thought he'd be a part of.

Peter Hoffmann is a skillful wordsmith who takes readers of his new book, Carnal Weapon, on a journey of sex and intrigue - and an artful look at an era we might not know as well as we think we do.

Review by Lauren S. Smith, editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names.

This review covers Carnal Weapon, by Peter Hoffmann.

Article Source: Ezine Articles: Carnal Weapon - From Innocence to Intrigue by Lauren S. Smith

Human Resource professionals have long been the butt of workplace jokes and cartoons. It's difficult to rise above that sort of typecasting, but there is a new book out that might help. From Gatekeeper to Trusted Advisor: Success Strategies for Today's HR Professional, written by Andria L. Corso, may be just what HR professionals need to learn how to develop trust and communication skills with employees.

From Gatekeeper to Trusted Advisor is a blueprint for success if you're a human resource professional who wants to become more than a negative force to employees. Rather than dreading a meeting with you, you want employees to enjoy and even pursue advisory time and be unafraid to express their opinions.

Part of the path to become a trusted advisor to employees concerns behavior and another part is about policies that you put into place. Corso is the principal owner of a successful consulting firm - C3 - Corso Coaching & Consulting and developed the strategies for her new book after she read an article about why employees hated HR people.

She realized that despite all of the efforts to turn around the opinions about HR professionals, the goal had yet to be reached. All the books about HR skills, competencies and management styles haven't worked to change the reputation and negative feedback of employees in the workforce.

Corso has written a comprehensive guideline that includes templates, checklists, forms and tip sheets that readers can use to develop their own methods or follow the yellow brick road of Corso's methods. You'll be able to download each of these forms from Corso's online website after purchasing the book. Whether you're an HR professional or a business leader, you'll want to keep it handy on your desk and refer to it periodically.

Find out how to build credibility and how to blend HR departments with other departments in the business so that you all have the same goals and objectives. You'll also learn behavior patterns and practices that will change the way employees view your profession and transform you into a trusted advisor rather than a negative gatekeeper.

You'll learn how to stop being perceived as a roadblock and to begin the steps that will turn you into a trusted advisor who is appreciated and respected for the leadership they bring to the business.

From Gatekeeper to Trusted Advisor: Success Strategies for Today's HR Professional, should be a must-read for HR professionals and business owners or leaders who have an HR team. Corso skillfully leads you through samples of a variety of industries and explains how HR professionals are being viewed - and why employees have developed these viewpoints - whether negative or positive.

Reivew by Lauren Smith, who is the editor for the Virtual Book Review Network and reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This review covers From Gatekeeper to Trusted Advisor by Andria L. Corso.

Article Source: Ezine Articles: A Success Guidebook for HR Professionals by Lauren S. Smith

Some of us seem to be in a constant state of despair - and it's no wonder - with the events of the nation and the world, happiness is a state of mind that seems to have disappeared forever. David Fox, M.D., learned how to live a great life the hard way and now he shares his experiences and medical expertise with others in his new book, Comfort, Healing and Joy: Secrets to Living a Magnificent Life.

Fox is a physician who has been caring for expectant women for years - so, it should come as no surprise that the actual writing process of Comfort, Healing and Joy took nine months from conception to realization. It's a skillfully written self-help book for people searching for their own paths to healing unhappiness and getting on with the business of life.

It's sometimes difficult to find happiness in a world filled with rampant unemployment, terrorist threats and constant reports of lack of integrity and honor in people we're supposed to trust and look up to. Each of us must find our own way to tune out the bad and concentrate on the good in life. Fox offers some great methods to do just that.

Comfort, Healing and Joy contains pearls of wisdom from a number of sources - some, conventional - some, not. There's psychological help, proven methods such as cognitive therapy and meditation and even some words from the wise world of Buddhism and great motivational literature.

Dr. Fox shares some of his past with readers - a past that wasn't easy for a young man - but, that he found a way to overcome and accomplish great things. He states in his book, "The emotional cards were stacked against me," and goes on to tell, how at age 17, he decided that he wasn't going to give in to the depressive mood that haunted him, but search for ways to overcome it.

The book that resulted from Fox's lifelong journey is one that he wrote with the unselfish motive of helping others who may be limited from a perceived notion of limitations, lack of self-esteem and feelings of unworthiness. Fox's writing skills lead you through ways of dealing with life's challenges and you'll find encouragement and inspiration when you read of his personal examples of triumph.

Fox defines depression as an awful, nasty illness and you'll read about how Fox confronted the darkest recesses of his soul and came out the conqueror. His journey will give readers hope that they, too, can catch some of those rays of happiness, despite whatever turmoil you may have to face on a daily basis.

Comfort, Healing and Joy: Secrets to Living a Magnificent Life, by David Fox, M.D., doesn't offer a quick fix to all your woes. Sometimes we all have to work at finding happiness. But, it's an insightful read about how we can all live a richer and more meaningful life.

Review by Lauren Smith, who is the editor for the Virtual Book Review Network and reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This review covers Comfort, Healing and Joy by David Fox, M.D..

Article Source: Ezine Articles: A Get-Real Book for Those Who Desire Lifetime Happiness by Lauren S. Smith

When you've got time to curl up on the sofa and remain uninterrupted for awhile, pick up Kris Sedersten's new book, Mojo - a mystery-thriller with mind-griping paranormal overtones. In "good versus evil" thrillers, Mojo is one that you won't want to put down until you turn that very last page - and you might discover that you've been holding your breath for awhile.

Scottie Brown is haunted by disturbing nightmares, and even glimpses apparitions when the sun is out. Scottie feels that he must find answers for these tormenting visions and begins the experience of a lifetime. Set in the mojo-city of New Orleans and a haunted, Louisiana plantation, this fast-paced paranormal mystery-thriller contains dark family secrets, unholy prophecies and what might result in a deadly outcome for everyone on Earth.

Sedersten weaves a tale that demonstrates to readers that having faith in a greater power can lead us safely through the worst nightmares - real or unreal. Scottie is a college student in New Orleans who brings in a team of paranormal investigators, friends and a psychic medium to help him research his deceased ancestors and soon discovers deadly secrets and obstacles that could change his life drastically.

Readers who love a great ghost story will love every ghost and ghoul in Mojo - an action-packed tale of the spiritual world that will make your hair stand on end. The media today is full of movies and books that regale stories of the paranormal and many are difficult to believe, but Sedersten combines reality with the afterlife in a way that's totally believable. That's what makes it so scary.

One reason that Sedersten became fascinated by the paranormal was the video, "Haunted Nebraska," which was produced by the Midwest Paranormal group. The video was based on actual paranormal evidence caught on tape and that contained strange noises and unexplained shadows. "Haunted Nebraska" chronicles a real event and mystery that remains unsolved.

Sedersten became enthralled with the idea of writing a story that involved making contact with a ghost or spirit who has transitioned to the other side. She found it disturbing, but strangely comforting at the same time. Sedersten's research led her to a creative surge that resulted in writing the book, Mojo.

Mojo has more twists and turns than the streets of New Orleans. There is a spiritual message, but the book never becomes "preachy." Sedersten presents her ghosts and ghouls descriptively and believably and all of her characters (including the spooks) become very much alive on the pages. As you follow Scottie and his team in his quest to solve the puzzle, you certainly won't be bored and you'll want to know more about this author and her future books when you turn the final page.

Review by Lauren Smith, who is the editor for the Virtual Book Review Network. Smith reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This review covers Mojo by Kris Sedersten.

Article Source: Ezine Articles: A Thrilling New Book With Mojo

Kelly A. Harmon's new thriller/fantasy novel, Blood Soup, is a story of murder, betrayal and determination to get what they want no matter what the price or whose lives are ruined. Lovers of suspense and fantasy novellas will be enthralled with the plot and characters of Blood Soup.

The story is set in medieval times in the fictional kingdom of Borgund. King Theodicar is hoping for news that his pregnant Queen, Piacenza, will produce a male heir as a future ruler. Harmon is great at setting the scenes, and readers will have no problem picturing themselves in a fantasy world where choices must be made that will determine the fate of the world.

In the beginning, Piacenza's nurse, Salvagia, casts runes that project a message much different than what King Theodicar is hoping to hear: "A girl child must rule or the kingdom will fall to ruin." The result of the birth is a dilemma for King Theodicar and the choice he must make will determine the future of Borgund.

King Theodicar's fateful decision about who will become heir to the kingdom of Borgund will set the tone for the remainder of the novel. The consequences of his decision will rain death and destruction on the kingdom that are inevitable -- as predicted in the prophesies - and these consequences will last for decades.

If you like to read of magic and witchcraft, you'll enjoy the character of the nursemaid, Salvagia, whose casting of runes predict the demise of Borgund, unless a woman rules the kingdom. There is mysticism galore in Blood Soup - enough to fascinate every reader and make them hunger for more.

Blood Soup is an absorbing story with characters that are compelling and complex and Harmon's storytelling abilities will transport you to medieval times where your very senses will explode with the sights, sounds and smells of the time. In a world and time where males ruled, the fact that a female becomes a rising star in the kingdom is a twist that will delight readers - especially those who lean toward feminist beliefs.

As a suspenseful thriller, Blood Soup will make you shiver with fear. It is a story about the plight of women, which will make you indignant. As entertainment it will make you happy that you chose the book. From the graphic and gruesome cover to the characters inside the book that are manipulative, scheming and treacherous, Blood Soup is fast-paced and will pull you into a world where the consequences are dire for anyone who goes against authority.

Harmon is an award-winning writer who is known for writing medieval fantasies. She's also written other works such as Black Dragon, White Dragon and The Dragon's Clause. Blood Soup won the Silverlark Publishing Novella Contest even before publication. She began her writing career as a journalist, but enjoys her new found interest in writing short stories and novellas.

Review by Lauren Smith, who is the editor for the Virtual Book Review Network and reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This review covers Blood Soup, by Kelly A. Harmon.

Article Source: Ezine Articles: Blood Soup Is Compelling and Absorbing by Lauren S. Smith

Are you looking for purpose in your life, but everywhere you search there are stumbling blocks that keep you always one or two steps away from finding what you need? The Three Insights, written by author/speaker, Tim Pond, is a thought-provoking read that's both inspiring and entertaining. The Three Insights contains fictional elements, but has a message that teaches us what our lives could be if we searched for purpose rather than immediate satisfaction with material things.

Pond has infused The Three Insights with spiritual, ideology, psychology and philosophy and readers will surely gain strength from its message. The book opens with the main character, Jack, busily preparing for a business meeting while multitasking by checking emails and Internet golf reports. His thoughts are broken by knowledge that tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day, and although it's nice to see people, the talk always turned to memories of events that had happened without him.

Jack had missed out on the memories of family happenings because he was busy collecting "things" for himself and his family. He'd developed a successful business in Silicon Valley and eventually sold it to reap a healthy profit and then retired. But, after years of working 50 to 70 hours per week and building his business, he couldn't merely twiddle his thumbs. Jack quickly became obsessed with golf, travel and online poker to take up his time and his mind.

As a result of his previous work efforts and now, the time he spent with other pursuits, his family and friend relationships were distant, at best. In fact, he rarely spent quality time with his kids and wife - and he had no real friends - only acquaintances.

But, all this was about to change on the day Jack prepared to give a speech at that night's Rotary meeting when he's struck with a heart attack. If given a second chance at life, would Jack change his ways and make other choices or would he do everything the same? The story of how Jack reacts to his second chance at life is the premise of The Three Insights.

On the cusp of death, Jack begins a series of meetings in heaven with a wise mentor - St. Peter - who instills in Jack the formula for living a happy, meaningful and fulfilled life. The Three Insights transforms from an entertaining read to a lesson about how to gain more meaning in your own life and find the true purpose for which you were put on this earth.

The Three Insights is an illuminating book, filled with surprising and profound elements that will make readers think twice about their own purposes in life, what is everyone's common purpose and what is their true self in the scheme of the universe.

There is an old adage, "No one on his deathbed ever wished he'd spent more time at the office." Reading The Three Insights, by Tim Pond, will make you think about what you would do if given a second chance to live your life over again.

Lauren S. Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network. Smith reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names.

This review covers The Three Insights by Tim Pond.

Article Source: Ezine Articles: The Three Insights - A DNA for Purposeful Living by Lauren S. Smith

Grief facilitator and spiritual coach, Linda Lambert Pestana, has added a new book to her repertoire. Voices of the Heart: A Journey of Faith, Hope & Love, promises to make readers laugh and cry as they savor stories of the incredible journey she's taken through life thus far. A huge sense of personal empowerment is sure to occur after reading the book and you'll better understand that the choices you make in a lifetime can either be healing or hurtful.

Linda found her own way in life by answering three insightful questions - Who am I? Where am I going? and What do I want out of life? Each experience in life brings us closer to finding the answers to those questions. Linda writes about her experiences with life and death, faith and hope, love and doubt and grief and insecurity - everything that each of us must deal with.

When Pestana is in her teaching mode, she's at her best, and even though Voices of the Heart is a story of her own journey, Linda makes it both personal and universal. Linda encourages us to remember that the life we're living isn't a dress rehearsal and we only have this one time around.

As you take that journey, you'll find out much about yourself and what you must do to live life to the fullest. Fear to make choices about your life, regrets about the choices you've made and a marked lack of self-esteem are sure signs that you're not listening to the voices of your inner heart. When you finally learn to set yourself free - really free - only then can you listen to your inner heart voice.

A quote from Voices of the Heart reads, "Go where it hurts. Step into the broken places of pain, fear and confusion." Linda Lambert Pestana did this when she revisited her childhood - in fact, from the time she was born. She reveals that she was born the fifth child in a family who didn't want her and later, although she felt loved - she never felt lovable.

One of the lessons contained in Voices of the Heart is that what you dwell on is what you become. You can choose to dwell on the bad choices you've made or the bad things that have come your way or you can learn from this earth school and choose to move forward in light. Whatever has happened to you in the past can be overcome by simply viewing yourself differently.

Pestana compares writing of her journey in Voices of the Heart to walking naked across the pages. Baring old wounds and revisiting unwanted emotions and happenings was difficult, but healing occurs by becoming introspective and listening to that voice coming from your heart. If you can accomplish that, you too can be healed and live life with more vitality and spirit than you ever thought possible.

Voices of the Heart: A Journey of Faith, Hope & Love, by Linda Lambert Pestana will spur you on to taking your own journey down memory lane and listen to your own voices telling you how to live your best life.

Review by Lauren Smith, who is the editor for the Virtual Book Review Network and reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This review covers Voices of the Heart, by Linda Lambert Pestana.

Article Source: Ezine Articles: What Is Your Heart's Inner Voice Telling You? by Lauren S. Smith

Tom McLaughlin's new book, Borneo Tom, could be a travel guide through Southeast Asia - but it's also much more than that. You'll get the entire scoop on what it's like to travel through Borneo, Malaysia and Southeast Asia, live among the orangutans and develop a serious relationship through it all.

The sketches in Borneo Tom help to tell the tale of how a middle-aged, retired science teacher decided to take off and blaze new and never-before tried experiences. After caring for his parents during the years before their end of life, Tom impulsively decided to move to Borneo and travel through Southeast Asia. What happens next will captivate you.

His daring may seem a bit radical to some, but to Tom it's part of his personality and adventurous spirit. After getting to know people of the Islamic faith in Southeast Asia, McLaughlin decided to write Borneo Tom to try and educate people and reduce the bigotry and prejudice against them. Tom writes about his experiences with people of the Islamic faith and portrays them in a different light than the mainstream media.

The plight of the orangutan is also featured in Borneo Tom. Efforts to help these magnificent creatures are mentioned in the book, and McLaughlin has even designated a portion of the proceeds from the book to benefit this worthy cause. The illustrations of orangutans in Borneo Tom portray them and how they interact with humans in a hilarious way that will endear them to readers and make them want to learn more.

Illustrations sometimes make a book and the ones in Borneo Tom will make readers smile and create a true picture in their own minds about the life McLaughlin lived during his time traveling through Southeast Asia. A man called Waterfront Niki created the sketches. Niki lives near the Sarawak River in Borneo and on the walkway there, he sketches portraits for tourist of all nations and has gained fame throughout the region for his work.

Borneo Tom is for anyone who always wanted to escape the norm and try something new - a new culture, new relationship, scenery and way of life. It took courage and determination to make such a lifestyle change work, and Borneo Tom proves that Tom McLaughlin succeeded in his quest.

McLaughlin found love with a local girl in Southeast Asia and a miracle occurred when she became pregnant in spite of the vasectomy Tom had gotten a few years before. The story of their newly found love permeates the book and turns Borneo Tom into a travel guide/love story/life changing tale.

Review by Lauren S. Smith - editor for the Virtual Book Review Network. Smith reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names.

This review covers "Borneo Tom," by Tom McLaughlin.

Article Source: A Humorous Look at Traveling and Living In Southeast Asia by Lauren S. Smith (Ezine Articles)

We're all fascinated with the unknown. Recent movies that involve paranormal activity have made huge impacts on the media scene and most of us can't wait for the next one. Caridad Piñeiro's 25th novel, Stronger Than Sin, deals with the paranormal in a way that brings romance into the mix and creates a story with passion and intense drama.

Readers familiar with Piñeiro's work might recognize Dr. Liliana Carerra, whom Piñeiro brings forward from Sins of the Flesh, the first book in her SINS series. Dr. Carerra is a heroine blessed with caring, loyalty and inner strength. She's sexy, but strong, passionate, yet determined - and when she meets Jesse Bradford, Liliana knows that she must help him find the right path for his life.

Jesse is a former star football player who is enamored with all the trappings, including fame and power. It's interesting to follow Jesse in his quest to return to the family values with which he was raised and to set his priorities straight. He's a strong hero who needs a strong heroine - he gets that and more in Dr. Liliana Carerra.

Family values also come into play in Stronger Than Sin, and with Jesse, Piñeiro explores what happens when celebrity status hits a person, changes him into an arrogant and selfish man and what transpires when he attempts to return to the values and integrity he grew up with.

The fact that Dr. Carrera almost died because of this evil group of Wardwell scientists makes her even more determined to help Jesse overcome the effects of Wardwell's experimental gene therapy of which Jesse has fallen a victim. When Liliana first sees Jesse, he has an unbelievably stunning body and superhuman powers, but she knows that it came with a wicked price.

Liliana and Jesse come together with all the passion and lust of a romance novel - Jesse is captivated by her compassion and her erotic touch. Yet, all around the couple is evil and they can't escape having to deal with a diabolical force that's determined to destroy whatever stands in their way in order to complete their malicious plot.

Stronger Than Sin makes you realize what might happen when a group of illegal scientists come together to round up certain patients they can use as guinea pigs in a diabolical plot to inject non-human genes into their bodies. It's science at its most terrifying and Piñeiro uses all of her writing talents to make readers stop and think about genetically altered human beings and what might happen if these amended humans had supernatural powers to use against mankind.

In Stronger Than Sin, Piñeiro continues with her original theme in the SINS series of science gone horribly wrong. She weaves the tale superbly and believably because she bases the premise on actual science. What is told in Stronger Than Sin could really happen in this day of genetically modified organisms.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network and reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names.

This book review covers "Stronger Than Sin," by Caridad Piñeiro.

Article Source: A Paranormal Romance That Will Leave You Breathless by Lauren S. Smith (Ezine Articles)

Are you always finding excuses to order pizza or go out for a meal? That can get pretty expensive, but in today's hectic world, you don't always have energy to spend preparing a meal that everyone will enjoy. Let's Cook Tonight: Real Food, Real Flavor, Real Easy, written by Gigi Centaro, provides easy and fun recipes that your whole family is sure to have fun making and even more fun eating!

Let's Cook Tonight is not a cookbook for those who love to cook and are always perusing cooking websites for new recipes and techniques. It's for those who avoid the kitchen at all cost - living on takeout and expensive restaurant meals.

Now is the time for Let's Cook Tonight. More people these days have to cook because of economic reasons or simply to offer their families healthier meals. But, where do you start? How do you begin to stock a kitchen with staples you'll need for almost every meal? Let's Cook Tonight will get you started - and you may even have fun and develop a confidence in cooking that you didn't know was possible.

All the years that some of us have successfully avoided the kitchen are now coming to a fast halt. We may be extremely successful in our careers, but most cookbooks look as if they're written in a foreign language and we're intimidated by the whole process. But, now, there's Let's Cook Tonight - and we can look at cooking as a whole new adventure in our lives.

Gigi Centaro proves that cooking is easier than you think and that the advantages of cooking good and nutritious meals for your family outweighs the work involved. Let's Cook Tonight contains humorous stories and recipes, written in a way that's easy to understand. You'll quickly realize that the health benefits of learning to cook are enormous - but, better yet - the memories created while preparing and sharing a meal are priceless.

You'll learn how to lessen the stress of shopping for and preparing a meal and that it doesn't take a great deal of time, once you know how. You'll also learn how the freezer can be your best friend. Simply prepare enough food for two meals during one cooking session and pop the other meal into the freezer for later.

Let's Cook Tonight isn't merely a recipe cookbook. Centaro provides shopping lists for the recipes that constitute an entire meal. You don't even have to think when you shop - each meal's quantity and quality has been thought out beforehand. You'll know exactly how much prep and cook time is involved too.

Let's Cook Tonight: Real Food, Real Flavor, Real Easy, by Gigi Centaro, takes all the guesswork and stress out of preparing great and tasty meals for you and your family. Who knows - maybe you'll actually come to love the art of cooking!

Review by Lauren Smith - editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names.

This review covers "Let's Cook Tonight," by Gigi Centaro.

Article Source: Get Passionate About Cooking - Even If You Don't Like to Cook! - Ezine Articles

Rain Dance: A Novel, written by Joy DeKok, is the story of two women - one who cannot have children and the other, pregnant and determined to have an abortion so that nothing will hold her back from a planned law career. The two women, Jonica and Stacie, meet in a doctor's office, where they both have an appointment.

Stacie has made an appointment to terminate her pregnancy. Jonica is there for a totally different reason. She's been coming to the doctor for fertility treatments and now she's decided to end them and deal with the fact that she won't ever have children of her own. She and her husband have spent thousands of dollars on the treatments, only to have their hopes dashed each month.

Stacie's openness about having an abortion shocks Jonica to the core and even after the two parted, she finds that she can't forget Stacie. Stacie couldn't forget Jonica and her dilemma either and the two women meet again, this time confronting each other about their beliefs. After the confrontation, a strange and fragile friendship begins as the two women face their own hypocrisies and mistaken beliefs. Jonica and Stacie discover they actually have similarities and enough common ground for a friendship.

Rain Dance communicates a strong message in this world where views on abortion can be stark black or white. It shows that we can work together without being confrontational or by using guerrilla tactics to change another's belief system. Readers of Rain Dance will be delighted as they follow Jonica and Stacie reaching out to each other to form a friendship that will change both of their futures.

Sometimes we go through life rejecting that which we don't understand. Rain Dance is a call to everyone - especially women - to reach out to others and support their choices, even if we have a hard time understanding them. While abortion is legal, it's highly condemned by many churches and it's a choice that seems unfathomable to infertile couples. Rain Dance shows plainly why condemnation isn't something we should engage in.

Healing and hope is the main message of DeKok's book, Rain Dance, and it will open readers' eyes about the hypocrisy in their own beliefs. Only when we face our own hypocrisies will we be able to help others and get on with our lives without being judgmental. Rain Dance helps us see and better understand the fiery issue of abortion - both from a political and a personal standpoint.

Whether you're pro-life or pro-choice, you'll enjoy the touching story of Rain Dance. It may not change your opinion on the touchy subject of abortion, but you'll most certainly come away with a better understanding of both sides.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names.

This review covers "Rain Dance," by Joy DeKok.

Article Source: A Story of Two Women - And the Choices They Made, Ezine Articles

David A. Cleinman's new book, Principle Destiny, has all the action you'd expect from a story about a woman who's battling against immeasurable odds to regain power and status that's been taken away from her by her own father - the tyrant, King Jessett.

Alyssa is a princess who was exiled to a community within Landing (Alders) and lived her life as a farm girl, waiting for a chance to take back the rights her father had stolen from her. Her father is a tyrant king, constantly threatened with coups and unrest - so, to calm the masses he created a challenge system. The challenge was a thousand-mile endurance race against his, son, Prince Tobias, and the winner will inherit the kingdom.

If only Alyssa could win the race against her brother, Tobias, she would regain her rightful title and the keys to the kingdom, which she would restore to order. Only eight months remain until the day the race begins, and Alyssa has secretly been training for the challenge. She knows that participating in the race will leave her vulnerable to vengeful and hateful enemies of the kingdom and that she could die in the process - but she would rather risk it than see her kingdom being torn apart.

Principle Destiny is a story of age-old struggles between family members, political sides and misuse of power. When one young woman determines to win back what is rightfully hers, against all odds, it makes for a powerful story. It's odd in adventure novels to have made a woman the fierce competitor in the action, but Cleinman has done it with verve.

Alyssa is a very believable character, going through trials and tribulations that women in real life won't need to tackle, but the principles she believes in can transfer to every woman today. Alyssa has human flaws similar to those we must all face in life. She has a stubborn streak that she inherited from her father, the king and that can be a fatal flaw if she gives in to it.

Principle Destiny contains life lessons that every woman can use to fulfill her own dreams and desires. Male readers can also take away lessons that they may not find in male role models or mentors.

The theme of Principle Destiny has three major truths that run concurrently like thread in a tapestry - love and honor, self-sacrifice and greed. Emotional, political and power struggles in Principle Destiny make the book an interesting story of human behavior.

Principle Destiny, by David A. Cleinman, entertains by taking the reader on an adventurous roller coaster that leaves them breathless and frantically turning pages until the last page of the last chapter. Young readers will love the book for its fast paced action and everyone will admire how the characters come alive on the pages.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names.

This review covers "Principle Destiny", by David A. Cleinman.

Article Source: The Woman Who Would Be King, Ezine Articles

The Sobering Truth: What You Don't Know Can Kill You, written by Jeff Herten, M.D., is, indeed, a sobering book - but also an interesting one - about the author's fight for his life through the devastating effects of alcohol addiction. Herten was a highly functional alcoholic during a time period of over 30 years. He drank heavily, yet was perfectly able to get up, go to work and lead a productive and successful lifestyle.

Dr. Herten brings acute awareness to the fact that alcohol is the largest and most harmful social ill in the United States today. Alcohol can affect you emotionally and physically, whether you're personally abusing it or know or love someone who's addicted. It can destroy lives - as it almost destroyed Dr. Herten's life.

When you read some of the side effects of alcohol consumption, you'll be horrified - and immediately sobered. As Dr. Herten explains in great detail, overuse of alcohol can bring on deadly cancers of the colon, liver, breast and esophagus, rot the bones, corrode the stomach lining, suppress your immune system and erode your memory.

Besides the debilitating physical aspects of alcoholism, there can also be mental problems that arise in your own life or in a loved one who is affected by the disease. The Sobering Truth is a blunt and straightforward account of Dr. Herten's personal battle with alcohol and includes many case studies that will open your eyes to the "sobering" truth about alcohol abuse.

The Sobering Truth explores what happens when an alcoholic first realizes that he or she is in serious trouble, how alcohol changes your personality, eventually makes you drunk and what happens when your body and mind begin to die from acute alcohol poisoning and chronic alcohol poisoning.

Alcoholism can ruin the lives of both old and young. Teenagers are especially vulnerable to the constant brainwashing in the media that drinking alcohol can be sophisticated and make you feel "grown up." One wasted moment can change a teen's life forever, and they need to be made aware of the sobering fact that drinking can bring untold destruction into their lives.

Dr. Herten is extremely qualified to write about this troubling addiction. Not only was he a highly functioning alcoholic -- he also has the medical expertise to explore and report on the physical, psychological and social effects of alcoholism. Whether you have a problem with alcoholism or not, you'll be amazed and shocked at how it can affect - and ruin lives.

The Sobering Truth: What You Don't Know Can Kill You, by Dr. Jeff Herten, may just be the wakeup call you or a loved one needs to turn a life around and return to a path that's ultimately more freeing than the prison you find yourself in when you're addicted to alcohol.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This book review covers "The Sobering Truth," by Jeff Herten, M.D.

Article Source: Ezine Articles: The Sobering Truth About Life As an Alcoholic by Lauren S. Smith

Santa and the Little Teddy Bear, written by author and illustrator, Peter John Lucking, combines fantasy with fiction in this delightful tale of Christmas. Lucking weaves a tapestry of fun and history that captures the imagination and frees the spirit for adults and children alike.

Lucking wrote Santa and the Little Teddy Bear in the style of other Christmas classics such as those written by Dickens and Hans Christian Anderson - with a twist that will bring tears of joy and laughter. When you take a ride with Santa and the Little Teddy Bear, you'll experience exotic places filled with emerald isles and steamy swamps while singing along with the reindeer.

Teddy Bear has a wish of being a very special Christmas gift for some lucky child and as he and Santa search for his new home, Teddy makes new friends, learns a lot about Christmases past, including the nativity, gains self-esteem and lives a life never imagined in his wildest dreams. Lucking brings the bear to life as he explains cultures and strange creatures on a magical Christmas ride.

Lucking uses his expertise as a wordsmith to pull from his own vast travel experiences and various cultures of the world to explain traditions with song and dance. Kids and adults will sing along around the world and beyond as Santa and the Teddy Bear stop in to visit and learn. The book is thought provoking about how we progress as human beings - from our very beginning as a baby to how we grow as we search for enlightenment.

The first chapter of Santa and the Little Teddy Bear takes place in a toy shop where there is an eerie quiet among the toys. The day had been hectic with shoppers clamoring to find the perfect Christmas gift for a special child. The bear could only watch as his friends were grabbed up before him - but at the end of the day, he was left on the shelf.

Little Teddy Bear knew in his heart of hearts that he could bring joy and laughter into a child's life, but he was getting discouraged. In the second chapter of Santa and the Little Teddy Bear, Santa magically appears to take the bear on the journey of his life and to show him the real meaning of Christmas and how cultures the world over celebrate this special event.

Peter John Lucking bases his story on other Christmas classics he enjoyed as a child and, as an extra bonus, he inserts Christmas carols in the story so that kids and adults will enjoy singing along as they read and learn about the true meaning of Christmas. The book can be read time and again by grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles and to be brought out each year as a tradition that will continue forever.

Santa and the Little Teddy Bear is beautifully illustrated and peppered with Christmas carols that everyone can sing and enjoy. It's a book full of action-packed adventures and one that you'll want to read with your child again and again.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This review covers "Santa & the Little Teddy Bear," by Peter John Lucking.

Article Source: Ezine Articles: A Teddy Bear Searches For a New Home With Santa! by Lauren S. Smith

Some novels simply entertain and others contain a powerful message in the story line and characters. In his debut novel, A Wind In Montana, Mitch Davies tells a story about teens coming of age and how they accept responsibility for their lives.

A Wind In Montana is a compelling tale of two teenagers, Rory Coleman and Victoria Beach, high school students at the same school, who struggle with making the right decision for themselves. As each of them nears adulthood, they become more concerned with the future and setting goals that will bring them happiness and fulfillment.

Rory has to plot his own course since his parents aren't interested. He chooses to pursue a profession in chemistry, applies for a chemistry scholarship, and determines to do everything he can to achieve it. Along the path, Rory finds that even though he has a plan, there are obstacles that could prevent him from realizing his goals.

Victoria's struggles are different from Rory's. Her father is very involved with Victoria's life plans and has decided that she should become a professional musician. Her band teacher agrees - Victoria is talented and should make the most of it. Victoria has other plans for her life though, and when she turns her attention away from music to other subjects her father and teacher team up to convince her that she's doing the wrong thing.

Together, Rory and Victoria attempt to follow their dreams, despite the opposition and obstacles in their paths. A Wind In Montana contains a lesson for all teens about to enter adulthood - that disappointment and setbacks are going to occur no matter how determined they are and that they need to develop skills along the way that will help them deal with them effectively.

There are so many major decisions facing teens today - social, sex, parents, other influencing adults and school work - and there's no guarantee that their plans will succeed, even if they make the so-called 'right' decisions. A Wind In Montana explores how two teenagers struggled with their own, unique decisions and how the choices they made affected their lives.

The problems that Rory and Victoria have to deal with are the same that effects today's teens. Their problems are different than the ones their parents had to face and no matter how hard parents try to push in one direction, they have to learn to let go, releasing them to make their own mistakes - or successes.

Mitch Davies' book stands out among today's teen books that deal with fantasy situations. A Wind In Montana is a real story about real people facing real-life situations. It's entertaining and also helps readers think about their own lives - and offers various ways to handle situations that may arise.

Review by Lauren Smith

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - http://www.virtualbookreviewnetwork.com reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. For more information, visit: http://VirtualBookReviewNetwork.com. The review covers A Wind in Montana by Mitch Davies.

Article Source: Teens Learn Life's Lessons in "A Wind In Montana"

Ronald Lewis Weaver, Senior Producer of popular daytime soap opera, The Bold and the Beautiful, knows a few things about forbidden romances and how to make a plot interesting with twists and turns. His first book, Soul Mate, is the story of a forbidden love attraction between a student and teacher and of mutual dreams and interests that convince the two that they truly are soul mates and destined for a future together.

Claudia de la Rosa is a Latino high school English teacher, thrust into the glamorous world of the Beverly Hills school system. When Claudia meets student, Lance Van Arden for the first time, she doesn't understand the odd connection she feels toward him, but she soon discovers that he feels the same way.

Lance's writing talents are obvious to Claudia and she realizes that he could become a published author if he just had someone to mentor him along the way. She becomes the mentor he needs, and as they spend more time together, they try to deny the mutual attraction that would be so wrong according to the rules set by society.

Eventually, neither can refute that they are, indeed, soul mates - and, amid whispers and accusations, they stick to feelings that their relationship has some greater purpose. Another student, Marco Cerasuolo, enters the drama, bringing a twist to the story with his psychic powers and spirit guides named Daniel and The Bear.

The predicament of student and teacher romances has been in the news quite a bit lately, and Weaver's novel, Soul Mate, explores the inner mindset of two people when they're fighting a society that frowns on this type of romance. Claudia and Lance must deal with judgmental and hostile people who are out to break up this pairing at all costs.

If their relationship is to succeed, they must find their own peace in a world full of turmoil. As a couple, they know it's going to be difficult beyond measure. Apart, it would be hell, so they must find a way to rise above the fray and live their lives as a couple despite being told that their relationship is an abomination.

Although their relationship is erotic, Claudia and Lance look beyond their physical attraction to each other and attempt to find a purpose in their union. That purpose is made apparent when they discover a connection on another plane of existence with the help of their friend and psychic leader, Marco.

The struggle of these two soul mates is poignant and inspirational. Soul Mate, written by a master of romantic plots - Ronald Weaver - will delight readers of romantic fiction, inspirational books and those who have psychic and spiritual interests.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - http://www.virtualbookreviewnetwork.com - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. For more information, visit: http://VirtualBookReviewNetwork.com. This review covers, "Soul Mate," by Ronald Lewis Weaver.

Article Source: A Novel of Forbidden Romance Between Teacher and Student

Ever since Bugs Bunny appeared, munching on a crisp, delectable carrot, we've known that bunnies know how to eat healthy. Camelot's Kitchen, a new cookbook filled with innovative and delicious salad recipes inspired by - a rabbit named Camelot. Shoreh Pirnia is the founder and creator of Camelot's Kitchen and Rane Sevin is a gifted artist who created the illustrations and has worked in screenwriting, music and films.

Meeting Camelot preceded Pirnia's venture into the world of creative salads and later, writing a cookbook about them. Camelot's life story began pretty dismal. He was sold to a little horror of a child at Easter and promptly locked up in a rabbit hutch and left outside in the backyard. For his meals, he was only given "Rabbit Chow," little bullet-shaped pellets that had no taste or texture.

But, as we know from our hero, Bugs, rabbits are cunning -- and after a few weeks of miserable existence in the backyard hutch, Camelot escaped. He barely made it across busy streets, but he eventually arrived in a lovely garden where he met the woman who was to change his life and write a cookbook called Camelot's Kitchen based on his favorite things to eat.

Camelot taught Shoreh how to make innovative salads with the most unusual combination of spices, fruits, nuts and veggies that turned plain, tasteless salads into culinary delights. As Camelot dictated his preferences, Shoreh wrote Camelot's Kitchen, one recipe at a time, transforming "rabbit food" into creations that would win a Top Chef contest.

Camelot's Kitchen is chock full of beautiful and incredibly artistic backgrounds and images that make the book a visual sensation as well as a taste sensation. Rane Sevin played a crucial role in bringing Camelot's Kitchen to life with her artistic creations. Sevin's and Pirnia's joint venture to write a cookbook from a rabbit's point of view can teach us all how to enjoy a healthier diet that doesn't have to be boring.

Anyone reading Camelot's Kitchen can feel the love Shoreh Pirnia has for her furry little rabbit friends and see by the recipes contained in the book that she also has a passion for salads - and a passion for helping others to develop healthy eating habits. Shoreh believes the time has come for individuals and families to shun fast foods and other foods that pollute our systems and evolve into a state of mind that embraces healthy foods.

Camelot's Kitchen is a wonderful vehicle that can be used to inspire children and show them how to adopt a healthy diet and lifestyle. When the children get excited about eating healthy, parents and other adults will jump on the bandwagon - and who better to lead the revolution than a bunny named Camelot.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - http://www.virtualbookreviewnetwork.com reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. For more information, visit: http://www.virtualbookreviewnetwork.com.

This review covers Camelot's Kitchen by Shoreh Pirnia.

Article Source: A Unique Cookbook - Inspired By a Rabbit

Freedom can come in many different ways. For Roushi Pazouki, freedom came in the form of writing a first novel based on her own true story. Watch Me: Based On a True Story follows the inspiring life of a young Iranian girl as she escapes from heartache and begins a new life in America at nineteen years of age.

Roya is driven by love toward a young man named Omid. But, a tragic misunderstanding causes Omid to break their engagement, and a heartbroken Roya realizes that she, and she alone, is responsible for making her hopes and dreams come true. When Roya's father sends her to America, she begins a whole new life - first, learning English, obtaining a college degree and starting off on a career path that would take her to the top rung of her profession.

Roya's inspiring journey is based on the real life of author, Roushi Pazouki, who also had to overcome dreadful obstacles during her lifetime in order to achieve the accomplishments of today. Roya and Roushi had to learn to ultimately believe in themselves despite the criticism and personal roadblocks thrown their way.

In her book, Watch Me, Pazouki tells a story of how people from different cultures relate to each other and shows the similarities that we, as human beings, share - despite our differences. All cultures will relate to being criticized for appearing or speaking differently, but in the end we all want to achieve our lives' goals. Roushi Pazouki spins a vivid tale of how she did it through an amazing character named Roya.

Middle-eastern cultures have saturated the news in the past few years, but seldom do we hear from women of the Middle East - Iran, especially. Pazouki provides new insight into women's lives in that country and shows how their hopes and dreams aren't really different from those of us in Western cultures.

Roya may have been broken and downtrodden in Iran, but she carries her hopes and dreams across the ocean with her, determined to overcome anything that tried to keep her from success. Her favorite phrase becomes, "Watch Me!" when people try to tell her she can't do something or achieve anything for one reason or another.

Watch Me: Based On a True Story, by Roushi Pazouki, is not only an interesting read, but an informative and inspiring book in which we'll all see a part of ourselves. It's brutally honest in its simplicity, and also explores the dynamics of relationships from different generations and backgrounds. Readers will laugh in some parts and cry in others - and at the end, you'll come away with a new understanding of the importance of freedom.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - http://www.virtualbookreviewnetwork.com reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. For more information, visit: http://www.virtualbookreviewnetwork.com. This book review covers Watch Me by Roushi Pazouki.

Article Source: Watch Me - An Inspiring Story of Love and Determination

Author, entertainer, artist, designer and MOW (Mysterious Older Woman), Constance Feathers, has written a "bizarre memoir" that reveals her take about how to live life to the fullest. Secrets of A Mysterious Older Woman: Or, Don't Face the Facts, tells the story of a life well lived by a woman who ought to know. Feathers views life as a "virtual cabaret show, with intermissions," and now she's encouraging every woman to live life to the fullest - and she tells them how to do it.

Secrets of A Mysterious Older Woman is hilarious, filled with advice about how to ignore society's rules - living life to the fullest without being tagged by society as weird or rebellious. You'll follow Constance through a life well lived - titillating your own life by her true story of an affair with a count and their fairy-tale marriage in a castle in Switzerland.

Feathers never follows the rules of society and approaches every day with an anticipation of good things to come - and they do. She's a true alchemist when it comes to finding the gold in tough situations. When she finds herself going through a distressing mid-life divorce, Constance puts a cabaret show together.

The show was called Constance Feathers' One-Woman Extravaganza With Comedy, Song & Dance. During one performance an eccentric French count was in the front row and fell head over heels in love with the star of the one-woman show. A torrid affair ensued and the couple trotted off to live in the count's 200 year old barn - haunted by, of all things - cows.

What follows is hilarious comedy and an amazing romp through adventures and misadventures. After the bloom of love began to fade, Constance and the Count found they had very little in common. At first, the Count didn't speak English and Constance didn't speak French - so they spoke "body language." After they both learned the other's language, they had nothing to speak of. So, as Constance says, "C'est la vie!

There are more than 30 MOW enticing secrets found in Secrets of a Mysterious Older Woman, the most important of these being, "Don't Face the Facts." This means that every woman should ignore society's rules while living her life in exactly the way she wants, ignoring the labels and categorizing.

Women readers will learn valuable tips about how to remain desirable throughout their entire lives, how to avoid hurting the feelings of younger men and much more. The captivating photos and interesting art add humor and reality to Secrets of a Mysterious Older Woman - bringing it to life in a most innovative way.

Secrets of a Mysterious Older Woman: Or, Don't Face the Facts reads like fiction, but is actually the incredibly uplifting life story of Constance Feathers, a true MOW who has definitely lived life on her own terms - and now shares that hilarity with us.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. For more information, visit: http://www.virtualbookreviewnetwork.com]http://VirtualBookReviewNetwork.com. This review covers Secrets of a Mysterious Older Woman by Constance Feathers.

Article Source: A Mysterious Older Woman Reveals How to Live Life To the Fullest

Sometimes a new author emerges onto the writing scene with a first book that has the makings of becoming a bestseller right off the bat. With Das Medallion: "The Locket," Kathryn Scarborough has written a book that has all the potential to do just that.

Das Medallion is a historical suspense that's full of intrigue and sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. It's a story of dreams and memories that revolve around one of the most terrorizing eras in history - Hitler's Third Reich. The historical details that are peppered throughout the book are just enough to intrigue, but not bore the reader.

The story of Margaret Richardson comes alive in Das Medallion when her dream is revealed. It's the dream of a little girl speaking a language that Margaret doesn't understand. Then, Margaret discovers that the dream is actually filled with suppressed memories of herself as a little girl living in war-devastated Germany.

Inevitably, Margaret meets a Dutch general - Pieter Van Leeuvan -- and together, they attempt to solve the puzzle of Margaret's young life. What they uncover is so damning that it could topple Germany's present government. The subsequent truth becomes excruciatingly painful to Margaret, but she knows she must persevere and get to the bottom of the emotional ruins of her life.

One of the memories Margaret brings to the forefront of her childhood is good - the memory of a grandmother who loved her. But there are also nightmare images of abandonment and murder that haunt her dreams -- and now, every waking moment. Margaret knows she must find answers before she can let the past go and build a future with Pieter.

Margaret desperately needs to find out why her father has lied to her for forty years. Why the mystery behind the woman in a photo that shows her at the side of Adolph Hitler? The woman looks so much like Margaret - could it be her mother? What was her connection to Hitler and could the truth destroy Margaret's emotional well-being?

Readers who love historical fiction, especially the World War II era, will find Das Medallion a fascinating read. Those who love suspense and mystery tales will also enjoy the book and have fun putting the puzzle together as the story unfolds.

Scarborough will soon launch the "prequel" to Das Medallion, which involves Margaret as a child living in the shadow of Nazi Germany as it crumbles under the advancing Soviet army. The book is called Deception and it will be Volume 1 of the Das Medallion series. The series promises to become an exciting choice for romance and historical fiction readers.

Das Medallion: "The Locket," was named "choice pick for literary fiction readers" by Midwest Book Reviews and sets up the blossoming career of an emerging author - Kathryn Scarborough.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - [http://www.virtualbookreviewnetwork.com]reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. For more information, visit: [http://VirtualBookReviewNetwork.com]http://VirtualBookReviewNetwork.com. This review covers Das Medallion: "The Locket," by Kathryn Scarborough.

Article Source: Romance, Mystery, and Intrigue - Das Medallion Has It All

Martian Legacy: The First Manned Space Flight to Mars, Their Discoveries and the Danger They Brought Home, is a new science fiction thriller written by author, Fred Lane. Critics have called Lane's book "an ingenious romp into the near future" - and he truly weaves a tale that brings the reality of Mars exploration into a believable reality.

The third decade of the twenty-first century dawns with a landing on Mars where Air Force Pilot, Lieutenant Colonel Harold T. Kane has toppled over in a Martian crater while maneuvering one of the land rovers and now finds himself upside down and frustrated. But, the rover is eventually turned right-side up and Harry continues the mission with a fellow crew member, Dr. Karen Hansen. The mission involves collecting Mars samples and returning safely to Earth.

The crew will be heroes when they return to Earth and the samples are cleaned and identified. Unbeknownst to them, this sample load contains dangers to the population of earth - and, as the story unfolds, a contemporary doomsday scene evolves. Everything we've always feared about germs and other deadly micro-organisms from space is coming true.

It's our worst nightmare, becoming reality in a way that will take Earth back to the Dark Ages and end civilization as we know it. The Martian Legacy brings into reality the possible future risks of nanotechnology - and, as a life-ending epidemic scourges the world, there comes about a change in attitude about technology and the hazards and problems it presents.

You'll want to continue reading Martian Legacy to find out what happened to the second crew left behind on Mars and continuing the search for amazing discoveries like ancient civilizations and extinct creatures of a sort we've never dreamed of on Earth except in science fiction books and movies.

Lane is expert at explaining scientific findings in a way that the layman can understand. Another area of expertise for this author is the ability to tell an appealing human story that will grip the reader and draw him in to the story until the hair-raising end.

Martian Legacy tells a fictional story about the first manned trip to Mars and the consequences it brings back to Earth. With all the science fiction stories out there, it's difficult to come up with a scenario that will keep readers turning pages and in awe of what they're reading. Lane has accomplished that and more with his new book. It's an inventive and innovative story that's never before been told - and readers will definitely be looking for a sequel in the near future.

Martian Legacy: The First Manned Space Flight to Mars, Their Discoveries and the Danger They Brought Home, by Fred Lane, is the stuff that blockbuster movies are made. Readers will keep thinking about the book long after they've finished it - and looking for a sequel to find out what happened to those mysterious civilizations on Mars.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - [http://www.virtualbookreviewnetwork.com]reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. For more information, visit: [http://VirtualBookReviewNetwork.com]http://VirtualBookReviewNetwork.com. This review covers Martian Legacy by Fred Lane.

Article Source: Martian Legacy - The Red Planet Has Never Felt So Close

Mystery isn't a common thread in most fantasy novels, but in Bloodline: Alliance, author, LR Saul manages to weave a tapestry that's sure to satisfy the most discerning readers of both fantasy and mystery fiction. Bloodline: Alliance is the first of two books in the series. Its sequel, Bloodline: Covenant, will soon be available.

Bloodline: Alliance is a fantasy novel that delivers a message of injustice and how it can virtually destroy people - or an entire world. In our own world, we know that injustice exists and every word or description we hear conjures up an image -- whether good or bad. But in fantasy, words can be used that have no meaning to us.

For example, Saul creates a race of people in her book called "Korzekans." The image you create in your mind of these people is totally created by Saul in her use of words and development of characters. She develops the race and you come to your own conclusions. That's difficult to do in the real world, where our images and ideas of race are built from several different factors such as environment, media and life's experiences.

Saul's latest book catapults fantasy into a serious genre that delivers an important and powerful message. If you've never read fantasy and have made a judgment that keeps you from reading it, you should give Bloodline: Alliance a chance. The combination of mystery and situations that make you feel and question your beliefs is a powerful force that will make you want to read more.

Through the medium of fantasy, Saul sends a message that can be used in real life to help us discern if what we're thinking is based on unrealistic judgments or what our eyes and ears are telling us. Bloodline: Alliance entertains as much as it teaches, taking us on a magic carpet ride into a world we've never visited or experienced - and, unlike most fantasy novels, also gives us the unexpected, the mystery and the unrevealed.

Bloodline: Alliance will leave readers breathless with more twists and turns than "The Da Vinci Code," and the characters will live on in their minds long after the last page is turned. Readers of Saul's books should use her themes as metaphors in their own lives and the challenges we face on an every-day basis.

Saul's newest book, Bloodline: Alliance, may be a fantasy novel, but it doesn't merely whisk you away to an "unreal" world and leave you there to escape. Saul's first book in her two book series gets in the readers' heads and make them feel what the characters are feeling. They come to life and live in the readers' minds as most fantasy novels don't even attempt to accomplish.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This review originally appeared at EzineArtilces and covers Bloodline: Alliance by LR Saul.

There's Something About Daniel: A journey with my son through complexity, life and love, written by Robyn Stecher, is both candid and compelling - a story of a mother's love and how she embraces the unexpected arrival of a child with special needs. Stecher never allowed the challenges that Daniel's life presented to cause either of them suffer.

Instead, Stecher continued to pursue a career in the highly competitive world of entertainment and eventually became one of the most sought after entertainers in movies and television. Stecher's journey was peppered by other traumatic incidents in her life including a ruined marriage, loss of a sister to cancer, the challenges of returning to work after her son's birth and parenting Daniel - special needs and all.

Failure wasn't an option for Stecher and she continued to persevere in a most remarkable and successful way. There's Something About Daniel is the story of how a new mother opens her heart and mind to a special needs child. The stories in the book demonstrate a mother's unwavering love for her child and faith as strong as a rock that the future would hold happiness for them both.

The reader will follow Daniel through the early years of learning to walk, his adventures on the playground, in school and as a young man as he copes with the challenges of life. Always at his side is his mother, who champions his every cause and only sees what Daniel can do rather than what he can't accomplish.

Stecher says in There's Something About Daniel, "From the first time I laid eyes on my son, I saw only possibilities...I was willing to embrace the unexpected, and have faith - in that for which there was no evidence. The quote is confirmation of the mindset that carried Stecher through the daunting, yet unknown, tasks ahead of her when Daniel was born.

There's Something About Daniel is a read that anyone can thoroughly enjoy and find inspiration, motivation and knowledge about living life with a child who has special needs and challenges. The book is filled with the essays of life experiences that she and Daniel shared and truly captures the spirit of who this remarkable woman is.

In reading the book, the message comes across that God must have ultimately chosen Robyn Stecher to be Daniel's mom. Her love for Daniel was endless as was her willingness to climb the highest mountain or swim the deepest sea for her child. Her main goals for Daniel was that he fulfill his true potential by become a strong and capable man and would leave the world a better place.

There's Something About Daniel: A journey with my son through complexity, life and love, is a remarkable story about two remarkable people who truly will leave our world a better place.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - [http://www.virtualbookreviewnetwork.com]reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. For more information, visit: http://VirtualBookReviewNetwork.com. This review covers There's Something About Daniel by Robyn Stecher.

Article Source: Embracing the Unexpected - Parenting a Child With Special Needs

Mary's Son: A Tale of Christmas, written by Darryl Nyznyk is a wonderful and poignant story of the numbing fears of youth and an inspiring read that reinvents the real Christmas story and crowns it with a modern twist.

Sarah Stone is the eleven-year-old heroine in Mary's Son. She lives a privileged life in an elegant mansion, but is angry about the non-existent relationship with her father. Enter the boy from the other side of town. His name is Jared Roberts and he barely exists in a slum area of town named the "Sink." Jared also belongs to a gang of children who also live hard lives of broken families and a street-smart existence. He's as angry about his fate as Sarah is about hers and his "plan" will change both of their lives.

Jared is planning a robbery of Sarah's mansion that will take place just before Christmas. He envisions that the robbery will help others see him for the "master-mind" that he is. Now, enter a strange little man named Nicholas into Sarah's and Jared's lives. His presence is worrisome to others who surround the children, but Nicholas means well and attempts to lead Sarah and Jared from their anger and plans for revenge.

Unsuccessful in his attempts to dissuade Sarah and Jared from destructive futures, Nicholas "kidnaps" the two and transports them to another place in time where a Christmas of long-ago demonstrates the real meaning of Christmas and changes their lives forever.

Mary's Son speaks to youth in a way that they can relate to and understand. Nyznyk demonstrates how the ancient story of Christmas and the birth of Christ can be significant in modern times. Nyznyk writes the story in a way that teaches children and teens about what Christmas really means and how that meaning has become lost in the media version of expensive gifts, shopping and spending.

Readers of Mary's Son will experience emotions that bring back memories of what they felt when they first read or saw "A Christmas Carol" by Dickens or the movie, "It's a Wonderful Life." It's a reminder that the real story of Christmas does exist and that we can successfully communicate to our children that it's okay to love God and your neighbor as you love yourself.

What a delight to read a story that helps us step away from partisanship, anger, sarcasm, sniping and hatred. In Mary's Son, Nyznyk puts Christ back into Christmas by reminding us of our real values and how only by returning to these intrinsic values will we ever save a society that has ventured so far from them.

Nyznyk's characters endure all of the problems that modern youth must face in today's world - isolation, peer pressure and anger, just to name a few. Mary's Son: A Tale of Christmas, written by Darryl Nyznyk, provides hope of overcoming the hurdles they face. It's a book that you should definitely put on your Christmas list for a favorite young person in your life.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - http://www.virtualbookreviewnetwork.com reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. For more information, visit: http://VirtualBookReviewNetwork.com. This review covers Mary's Son: A Tale of Christmas" by Darryl Nyznyk.

Article Source: Mary's Son - A Tale of Christmas - An Inspiring Read

What do you do when your child comes home from school and asks questions about God versus what he learned today in science class? It's normal for kids to question beliefs and values and it's difficult to counter the information that's being fed to them every day in public schools.

Christian educator, David Millette, has written a brave new book, Today in Science Class: Ben's Big Bang Botheration, that will help children and parents in the quest to retain Christian values in the home.

Ben's Big Bang Botheration is the first in the Today in Science Class series and deals with the issue of Creation and the Big Bang theory. Middle school student, Ben, loves science and has always enthusiastically studied class subjects. But lately, Ben's teacher has been presenting the theory that everything on earth just happened and wasn't created by God. These teachings are completely opposite from those that his parents and church says are true - and Ben wants answers.

Out of Ben's questions and search for the truth comes an understanding that God is the most logical explanation for the creation of our universe. Children who read Ben's Big Bang Botheration will be engaged in lively thoughts and conversations throughout the book and will begin to understand the concepts presented in school and at home.

The first half of each Today in Science Class book is written in story form and dedicated to children readers. The second half is specifically written to help parents and teachers understand what children of middle-school and teenagers are being taught in our schools and how to counteract the influence of those teachings.

Millette's premise is that parents must become their children's primary educators and be prepared to teach them why the theories they're being taught in school aren't correct. This can't be done through brow-beating or a "because I said so..." attitude. Parents must be armed with facts and the educated ability to sit down with their children and have meaningful conversations about God.

Millette has laid an impressive foundation in the first book of the Today in Science Class series - Ben's Big Bang Botheration. When a child believes the first five words of the Bible: "In the beginning, God created...," he has all the foundation he'll need to withstand the concepts and theories presented to him throughout his education process - and beyond. That's the focus of Milette's series.

David Millette's books may be the answer to our worries about the persuasion that schools have in our children's lives and a guide as to how we can maintain a stronger influence to help them grow into Christian men and women. Today in Science Class: Ben's Big Bang Botheration, is an excellent resource for parents and each future book will address a particular theory presented in schools and guidance for parents when their children come home with questions.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - [http://www.virtualbookreviewnetwork.com]reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. For more information, visit: http://VirtualBookReviewNetwork.com - This book review covers Today In Science Class: Ben's Big Bang Brotheration by David Millette.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Today-in-Science-Class---Instilling-Christian-Values-in-Todays-Children&id=4912435] Today in Science Class - Instilling Christian Values in Today's Children

Principle Centered Living: 9 Reasons To Maintain Your Values in a Pressure-Filled World, written by Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams, is a book for our times. It explores the only question that truly matters - both in business and in life - "what is the best way to live?" Living an ethical life, void of distorted ways of thinking can keep us from falling victim to temptations and pressures of life and ruining our opportunities for business success and lasting relationships.

Seemingly small indiscretions can compromise our ethical existence. Lying, exaggerating, yielding to temptation, making a decision that's illegal in our society or making a snap decision that goes against our better judgment are all apt to compromise both our business and personal ethics.

Principle Centered Living can help us identify and learn how to clarify indiscretions and compromises in our lives, how to create alternatives to these ethical dilemmas and commit to the ethical principles outlined in the book.

In a world that's sometimes lacking integrity, Williams' book is a shining star that can lead us along the path to success, both in business and personal situations. Principle Centered Living will help us identify problem areas in our lives that may tempt us to compromise both at home and work.

We'll also learn to recognize when we're beginning to make up our own rules that might be contrary to the principles we want to follow. Principle Centered Living will help us protect ourselves from common snares that might catch us unaware, help us generate simple and creative solutions to life's dilemmas -- and we'll learn how to use daily reminders to keep us on track for what we want to accomplish.

The scope of Principle Centered Living includes nine major reasons that we should "Maintain Our Values in a Pressure-Filled World." They are: principles, faith, family, health, leadership, friends, business, finances and time. These reasons are the backdrop of what our lives are all about and unless we follow a principle-driven life, they can all fall apart.

Dr. Williams maintains that if we "stick to our God-given Biblical principles and live a principle-centered life, we will be blessed." When we're pressured to make choices that go against our better judgment, we may cross the line to unethical choices. This has been the reason for the downfall of sports idols, corporations, mortgage lenders and banks in the recent past and can cause the collapse of what we want to achieve in life - if we let it.

Principle Centered Living: 9 Reasons To Maintain Your Values in a Pressure-Filled World by Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams can help us restore balance and purpose in your life by teaching the God-given principles outlined in the Bible and so relevant for our life and times.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - [http://www.virtualbookreviewnetwork.com]reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. For more information, visit: http://VirtualBookReviewNetwork.com - This review covers Principle Centered Living by Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Explore-the-Best-Way-to-Live-With-Principle-Centered-Living-Guidelines&id=4887576] Explore the Best Way to Live With Principle Centered Living Guidelines

The Thinker's Thesaurus: Sophisticated Synonyms for Basic Words, by Peter Meltzer, goes beyond the realm of what we think a "thesaurus" should be by providing us with a level of useful words that exceeds what we've become used to in a normal thesaurus. The thesaurus that most of us are accustomed to suggests words that can be boring and repetitive. Meltzer gives us words contained in recent media, books and hundreds of newspapers and magazines to whet our appetite for more useful and dynamic words.

This unique thesaurus is not only informative, but entertaining - especially to those of us who are died in the wool "word addicts" and love to look up words for the simple enjoyment of it. If you're a writer, you'll use The Thinker's Thesaurus to move to a new, higher level of writing by using these incredible words in your poetry or prose.

The Thinker's Thesaurus takes us into modern times - far from the day of Peter Mark Roget in 1852. Roget decided to write a thesaurus himself, since he couldn't find one already published. Roget grouped words by related ideas and as a result earned a place in history as a lexicographical expert.

Others have written their own versions of a thesaurus, but most of the words in them are as common and dated as the original words and so, when writers are stuck and needing help with that one word to complete a thought or sentence, they were out of luck. Now, with Meltzer's "thinker's thesaurus," writers or word addicts can find sparkling words that can make the others almost obsolete.

Peter Meltzer's book, The Thinker's Thesaurus, is unique in three interesting ways:

1. This thesaurus provides sophisticated synonyms for the sophisticated writer, word addict, or those who simply want to sprinkle some glitter into their writing.

2. The Thinker's Thesaurus contains examples (not made up, but actually part of current writing) of almost all of the synonyms presented in the book.

3. You'll find words that you're probably unfamiliar with, but that will intrigue you in an entertaining way. Meltzer thought to insert a "clarifier" feature into the words' explanations so that you'll also have the benefit of choosing the most "target-centered" word rather than using a word that's merely near what you want.

If you're a little skeptical that words can be sophisticated and entertaining, have a look at Peter Meltzer's new book, The Thinker's Thesaurus: Sophisticated Synonyms for Basic Words. Meltzer's thesaurus was the Book Sense Pick of the Month of the American Booksellers Association and earned the award tenfold.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - [http://www.virtualbookreviewnetwork.com]reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. For more information, visit: http://VirtualBookReviewNetwork.com. This book review covers The Thinker's Thesaurus by Peter E. Meltzer.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Thinkers-Thesaurus---Indeed!&id=4851782] The Thinker's Thesaurus - Indeed!

Author, Francine Craft has forged new paths in romantic fiction with her new novel, Dying on the Edge: A Romantic Voodoo Mystery, by touching on subjects such as voodoo (Francine spells it Voudou, as it's spelled by Alfred Metraux, a Swiss anthropologist who wrote 'Voodoo In Haiti'). Although set in a city that could be New York, the crux of the novel comes from the potent and magical land of Voodoo - Haiti.

Frank Ryman is the detective in Dying on the Edge - a light-skinned black man - who's hot on the trail to find the murderer of Maggi French, a famous and beautiful actress. When Maggi's body is found, it's surrounded by her own birds - white doves - further intriguing Ryman as he becomes heavily involved in sorting through the villains, victims and friends of the deceased actress in an attempt to find her murderer.

Dying on the Edge explores the past life of Maggi French, a dangerous beauty and sorceress who uses Voodoo to get what she wants - even if it means destroying the marriages and lives of those around her. Maggi's attempts to control everyone in her life causes them to mistrust and dislike her, but most feel powerless to do anything about it. Thus, most of the people in Maggi's circle become suspects in her murder.

Detective Ryman discovers that Maggi was deeply in love with billionaire, Kurt Wilder, a movie producer of international fame. He was also in love with her, but in time began to pull away from Maggi and incur her wrath. Maggi finds the intense power of Voodoo a useful instrument to carry out her plan of luring Wilder away from his wife and family and have him for her own.

Ryman begins to learn as much about his own life and relationships as he does about Maggi's life and the events that led to her murder. Ryman's girlfriend, a beautiful and seductive lawyer, becomes intertwined with the murder mystery he's investigating, providing even more intrigue and conspiracies into an already cliff-hanger of a novel.

In a hunt filled with twists and turns, Maggi's fiery and mysterious personality is uncovered like so many veils on a mystifying object and Ryman realizes that he's dealing with powers far beyond what he usually experiences in his detective work. The details in the book are incredibly accurate, showing Craft's knowledge and meticulous research of Haiti and the machinations of Voodoo.

Dying on the Edge: A Romantic Voodoo Mystery, is filled with shocking situations, romantic and emotional love so intense that it finally pushes the heroine, Maggi, over the edge. Dying on the Edge is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats, turning pages and searching for other works by Francine Craft.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - [http://www.virtualbookreviewnetwork.com]reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This review covers Dying on the Edge by Francine Craft.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?An-Intriguing-Novel-of-Mystery,-Romance-and-the-Power-of-Voodoo&id=4732382] An Intriguing Novel of Mystery, Romance and the Power of Voodoo

Author, Richard Fast, has come up with an ingenious way to help you drop a bad habit of your choice in only 29 days and replace it with a habit that you really want. Fast's new series is made up of four unique books:

29 DAYS...to your perfect weight
29 DAYS...to your life without cigarettes!
29 DAYS...to saving money and financial independence
29 DAYS...to becoming a great listener and communicator

You can purchase one or all of the books in the series - and you can get, "29 DAYS...to a habit you want" as an ebook at no charge or read it online at the website. This e-book isn't sold separately from the books in the series, but is available for you to get started right away on learning how you can make a change in only 29 days.

Not only that, each book you purchase comes with an online coach that interacts with you twice a day for a full 29 days. Simply register online after you purchase a book in the series and repeat the course as often as you like.

Using the principles that you'll learn in the habit books can help you change your thoughts and behavior patterns to lose weight, quit smoking, save money and/or listen and communicate.

The concepts are simple, but the way Fast explains them helps you to truly understand why and how you think as you do. You'll learn how thoughts create the lives we currently live, how to change those thoughts to get benefits rather than repeating the same old destructive habits, and how these changes will affect our lives in a positive way.

For example, in the 29 DAYS...to your perfect weight, Fast will teach you how to change your thinking process about fat - and almost effortlessly reach your perfect weight.

29 DAYS...to your life without cigarettes, explains how you can change your mindset from thinking you're "giving up" smoking to "getting" endless benefits and how that new mindset can get rid of the destructive desire to smoke.

You'll develop a new understanding of saving money in 29 DAYS...to saving money and financial independence. In this book, Fast teaches you how to take a small amount of money and manage it into a large amount of money.

Everyone wants to be a better listener and communicator, and in the book, 29 DAYS...to becoming a great listener and communicator, Richard Fast helps you learn the skill that so many of us long for, but have never mastered.

Choose all or one of the books from Richard Fast's 29 DAYS series and you'll be well on your way to replacing bad habits with one you'll enjoy and be proud of.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This review covers the "29 Days to" series by Richard Fast.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Book-Series-That-Can-Help-You-Change-a-Habit---Permanently!&id=4775851] A Book Series That Can Help You Change a Habit - Permanently!

Recently, the media has focused its attention on the sex-capades of Tiger Woods and Jesse James, ushering in a whole new interest in sex addiction and sex therapy. Author, Judith Sage's new book, FREE SEX. EXPENSIVE THERAPY: The Adventures of a Woman in Search of Connection, casts new and informative light on the subject with a twist about how your past can figure in to sex therapy - and the transformation that needs to happen.

Whether you need sex therapy yourself, are trying to understand a loved one's addiction to sex or are merely curious about why such successful, seemingly "all together" people would risk everything for flings that mean nothing - FREE SEX. EXPENSIVE THERAPY is a book that will give you an inside look at the realm of addiction, childhood trauma and recovery.

Transformation is the theme of the book, and Sage writes with a surprising touch of humor - even though the subject deals with the sadness of addiction and betrayal. In Chapter One (Ruby Slippers) of FREE SEX. EXPENSIVE THERAPY, Sage explores her own past and years of searching for security through self-destructive behavior patterns.

As Judith says in the first chapter, "So I smiled when I was sad or hurt. I said, "I do," when I should have said, "Not yet." I took in strangers' bodies when I should have run for safety. I swallowed strong prescriptions when all I needed was a dose of pure common sense." Sage's story is poignant as it documents her transformation from childhood innocence to confusion and perils - and finally her emergence into a true state of consciousness.

It's an amazing feat that Sage peppers FREE SEX. EXPENSIVE THERAPY with a sense of humor -- a refreshing touch to an otherwise heart-wrenching story of "a woman's search for connection." Sage states that her "path was so illogical that it became path-o-logical," and when you read about the journey she had to take, it's understandable how she chose the destructive coping mechanisms that became such a part of her life.

The death of Sage's father, only six weeks before her birthday party (where he was to perform magic tricks), and the strange way her mother attempted to cope with his death, was to change Sage's personality into one that she observed mimicked in her mother - good cheer and denial. Sage hid her sadness and confusion and through the years and even began to fool herself.

It wasn't until Judith wrote her first book, "The Joy Around You," that she noticed the warning signs that she was "coming undone." She finally realized that the disembodiment she felt during sexual experimentation was a dead end street and began the transformation process that was to save her life and sanity.

FREE SEX. EXPENSIVE THERAPY: The Adventures of a Woman in Search of Connection by Judith Sage will make you cry - and laugh - and give you a new understanding of how past experiences can affect your present mindset and lead you down a dead-end path.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This review covers FREE SEX. EXPENSIVE THERAPY by Judith Sage.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Sexual-Addiction-Can-Be-a-Family-Affair&id=4676464] Sexual Addiction Can Be a Family Affair

Cheryl Dellasega has long been considered an expert on the topic of female bullying and has written five nonfiction self-help books and a fiction series for teenage girls. Her expertise includes everyday challenges facing women today. She's appeared on various radio and television shows such as The Today Show and Good Morning America and has written numerous articles for magazines such as Redbook, Cosmopolitan and Glamour. Continuing in this role of helping girls and women, Dellasega has now released her first book in a series of three - The Heavenly Host Book 1: The Testings of Devotion.

The Heavenly Host Book 1 is a work of fiction about an old theme - good versus evil - but, in Cheryl's book, angels become heroes. These brave angels are sent to stop the threat from former archangel, Lucifer, as he goes about his work on earth to destroy mortals for all time. Sophia, Senior Servant of the Heavenly Host, leads the effort to help humans overcome the vast temptations that Lucifer offers.

Sophia is armed with The Testings of Devotion, but even with that strong power on her side, she soon finds how alluring the pleasures of earth can be. Even angels find it difficult to withstand Lucifer's pull, and Sophia wonders what fate befell her predecessor - whom everyone is mysteriously silent about. But, luckily for Sophia, the archangel, Gabriel is there to encourage her, sometimes with a special message from the Almighty Divine.

Lucifer has his own hands full with trying to stop a rebellion from Grigori, offspring of the original fallen angels, who also want power. At the moment when Sophia most doubts her ability to complete the assignment, she comes face to face with Lucifer and realizes who is actually being tested.

The Heavenly Host Book 1 will be an interesting read for those interested in angels and the spiritual warfare between good and evil. Even though the book is a fictional work, the fall of Lucifer is Bible-based -- and The Heavenly Host Book 1 shows that God doesn't wish us evil or bring it into our lives - that He surrounds us with angels to help us keep temptation from ruining our lives.

You'll learn that angels are really warriors for God and battle with Lucifer, the fallen angels and nihilism every day. Dellasega's book is based on the Biblical fact that the devil indeed roams the earth, seeking to bring troubles and sorrow to the humans that God made and loves. And, you'll learn that God has his own army of angels to help Him fight Lucifer's trouble-making army.

The Heavenly Host Book 1: The Testings of Devotion, skillfully written by Cheryl Dellasega, will please readers who have read her other books and make them eager to read the next book in the series. The book is a new twist on spiritual fiction and the first in an extremely promising series of three.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This review covers The Heavenly Host Book 1 by Cheryl Dellasega.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Of-Angels-and-Other-Heavenly-Hosts&id=4596090] Of Angels and Other Heavenly Hosts

Church used to be where people turned during times of strife and trouble. Now, many people are repulsed by the church and all that it represents. Going to church has become a frustrating experience and people are turning away at alarming rates. Why? Ray Barnett's first book, The Gathering: The simplicity, power and effectiveness of God's first-century pattern for the church, explores why churches have become an ineffective means of turning people to God and making lives and communities better and more enjoyable.

Barnett contends that this exodus has been caused by a lie - a lie telling us that the clergy, Sunday meetings and leadership hierarchies are straight from the scripture. In The Gathering, Barnett attempts to explain what the Bible really does say about how the foundation of a church should be structured and offers a recommendation about how we can move toward a truer way to worship.

In The Gathering, you'll learn how we've left the roots of what the church once was and digressed into a format where clerics give oratorical addresses to a silent audience. We've become a gathering of passive listening and coming to be entertained rather than worship God. Architecture is also an important part of the church attracting new members. Greater and more expensive churches are being built at an alarming rate - all funded by the indulgent members.

The Gathering systematically explores what an early church meeting might have looked like and what the Bible teaches about meetings, goals, leadership issues and women's roles in the church. After reading The Gathering you'll wonder how we could have strayed so far from what Jesus intended the church to be - and the example He set when He walked the earth.

The Gathering lays out a step by step plan about what our church is supposed to encompass - according to the Bible. Barnett believes that the Bible is a book that instructs us about life in the church, where we're supposed to meet and how leadership should be structured. Rather than simply criticizing the church, The Gathering draws on anecdotes and life's experiences to compare our western churches to those in emerging and persecuted countries.

There are many books that take on the task of projecting an opinion about what's happened to the church and criticizing the leadership, but none before The Gathering have managed to return to the Bible teachings and explain how God intended it.

Ray Barnett reveals the traditional church in The Gathering: The simplicity, power and effectiveness of God's first-century pattern for the church, and shows how people who are frustrated with the church can find their voices again and develop an understanding of how God wants the church to look and be. Many of these issues have never before been discussed, but as more is uncovered and conversations begin, Barnett's hope is that reformation can begin and worshipers can return to their roots.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This review covers The Gathering by Ray Barnett.

Carol Kline's new book, Streetwise Spirituality: 28 Days to Inner Fitness and Everyday Enlightenment, is an intellectually stimulating book with fresh ideas about how to bring spiritually down to Earth and relate to it in today's lifestyle. Kline teaches from the premise that Earth is a school and everything is spiritual if you know how to look at it.

When you learn how to bring the inner and outer states of mind into alignment, you'll be able to see "Earth school" through a spiritual lens rather than live trying to conform to everyone else's expectations. You'll learn how to decipher between something bad for you versus something good for you. For example, if you're in an abusive relationship, you need to know what you and the abuser are getting out of the relationship - and how to turn it around.

Streetwise Spirituality discusses what love is and isn't and how to find love and nurture it so that you'll have deep and lasting relationships rather than loving for the wrong reasons. Kline explains clearly and succinctly how grief is misunderstood and how it can actually become a valuable emotion in our lives.

Some chapters in Kline's book contain lessons and exercises that you'll find easy to adapt into your everyday life. Streetwise Spirituality will become a life-manual that you'll refer to again and again as questions pop into your mind. There are chapters on difficult relationships, feelings, professional and personal disasters and true stories that will put a new spin on the blame and shame game we play every day.

Kline's book, Streetwise Spirituality is a 28-day workbook that teaches you the fundamental skills you need to plow through life's constant hits of disappointment and frustration and how to make lemons into lemonade by discovering your own spiritual center of gravity. You'll find that your deep source of wisdom comes from "the place where ordinary events take on extraordinary meaning."

As you turn the pages of Streetwise Spirituality, you'll begin to understand how "invisible" emotions like anxiety, frustration and stress can be used for inner growth and abundance. You'll be better able to grasp why you're experiencing difficulties, pain and disappointments and learn how to develop patience and perseverance to see it through.

Carol Kline is an author, lecturer and the journal editor the American Chiropractic Association and listed in "Who's Who of American Women." Formerly, Kline was a TV talk show host and anchor. She works hard to help women understand that society's formula for happiness and fulfillment isn't necessarily the criteria that will bring you inner peace and a fulfilling life.

As Carol Kline says about Streetwise Spirituality: 28 Days to Inner Fitness and Everyday Enlightenment, the book is "the owner's manual you'll wish you had from birth."

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This book review covers Streetwise Spirituality by Carol Marleigh Kline.

What if the missing and final text of the Dead Sea Scrolls was found today? It's believed that this final message would confirm or denounce religious beliefs and practices for the entire world, so it stands to reason that some organizations and powers would put up a battle surpassing all others. Laurence B. Brown's novel, The Eighth Scroll, creates that scenario and the result is a provocative and thrilling fictional account of the chaos that might ensue if the final scroll in the Dead Sea puzzle was found.

Brown's story is based on the premise that a Roman Catholic scholar who's working on the Dead Sea Scroll Project hides one of the scrolls because of its heretical message. Time goes by, and years later a prominent archeologist on an archeological dig finds a mysterious reference to the hidden scroll. Thus begins the search and before it's over, some will die and some will disappear.

World-famous theologian and Brown's main character, Michael Hansen, knows that if The Eighth Scroll is revealed, the devastating information inside could cause a religious upheaval such as the world has never known. Now that he possesses important clues to the scroll's location, he's out to find it. Traveling from the United States to England and then to the Middle East, Hansen begins a fight for his life.

Michael has already lost his archaeologist father and the only woman he'd ever loved because of the scroll and now he's fleeing the Mossad, the CIA, and the Italian Mafia - the secret weapon of the Vatican. When he does find The Eighth Scroll, Michael knows it will be as devastating as predicted if exposed - but Michael must expose it and do so before his enemies find and eradicate him.

Brown creates a believable scenario of what could happen today if such a discovery was revealed. In the manner of The Da Vinci Code, Michael Hansen unlocks one puzzle after another and finds himself in the middle of a war that has already left several dead and others mysteriously silent.

If The Eighth Scroll of the Dead Sea Scrolls was actually discovered, its existence might very well shake religion as we know it to the bones - especially if it turned out to be the true gospel of Jesus or James - an actual historical document that would validate Jesus as a prophet. Judaism's very existence might be looked upon as invalid, while orthodox Christianity might receive a jolt from which they'd never recover.

The Eighth Scroll will take you far back to ancient times and the history of Nero burning Rome. You'll also learn about the struggles of certain religions to keep certain information silent and the lengths they went to ensure their agendas are safe. Laurence B. Brown combines history with powerful plot, characters and today's reality to create the perfect read for those who enjoy thrillers, mysteries and suspense.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network and ]reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This review covers The Eighth Scroll by Laurence Brown.

P.L. Blair, author of fantasy/detective novels, has written her fourth book in the Portal series, Sister Hoods. Readers will be delighted to discover intrigue and mystery in a world of nymphs, satyrs and a herd of unicorns in - of all places - magical woodlands on the Texas coast. Characters, Kat and Tevis, form a band of heroes in an attempt to save the woodlands from devastation -- and their inhabitants from becoming homeless.

All of Blair's books are based on the perception that there are magic worlds adjacent to our own which exist in "portals." Before time as we know it existed, the portals were open and free, permitting their inhabitants to access the "real" world. Our ancestors were at liberty to hang out with wizards, elves, trolls, hobgoblins, thus creating the legends that we know of today.

If you've read Blair's Portal books, you know that her characters, Kat (a human) and her partner, Tevis (an elf) are detectives with the Corpus Christi, Texas police department and go about solving crimes caused by magic gone awry. In Sister Hoods, Kat and Tevis catch up with magical nymphs who have just robbed a bank.

Why did the nymphs need to rob a bank for money? Because the woodlands in which they live are being threatened by forces they must deal with - or lose their home. If they don't do something about the situation, a wyvern will be released when the woodlands are destroyed. Wyverns are the less intelligent relative of dragons, and their sole requirements are to sleep, breed and eat. Wyverns will eat anything - but, they prefer humans!

It's clear to Kat and Tevis that something must be done to help the woodland creatures, but what and how will lead them into a run of fantasy and mystery they never expected. The woodlands they must save are a wondrous land of magic that turns out to be ancient, powerful and dangerous in a way that could threaten the world in which humans live.

The plot thickens as Kat and Tevis realize that the woodlands are also threatened by a developer who wants to bulldoze these fragile lands and build condominiums. Even worse - the developer is backed by a group of menacing wizards who would like to seize the land and its magic and use it for their own sinister purposes.

Sister Hoods will appeal to a wider group of readers than simply fans of fantasy novels. Those who enjoy detective, mystery and suspense novels will also find Sister Hoods a wild and thought-provoking read. The Portal series books focus as much on building characters and interactions between the characters as it does on plots, and readers will find that the characters in Sister Hoods will remain in their minds long after the book is closed.

It's easy to see why readers of Blair's books range from children to senior citizens. There's something for everyone in the magical land that lies somewhere between fantasy and reality, and the action-packed and mysterious drama keeps readers wanting to keep turning pages until the surprise ending.

Fantasy novels are evolving into a cross-genre that everyone can enjoy, and Sister Hoods, by P.L. Blair is a book that has something for fantasy, detective, mystery and intrigue fans -- and anyone else who wants a well-written and entertaining read.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This book review covers Sister Hoods by P.L. Blair.

Vince Mastroianni's new book, Revolving Doors: A Man and His Dog's Search for the Perfect Housemate, is a humorous, yet inspirational account of one man's - and one dog's - attempts to begin a new life and find the "perfect housemate." Mastroianni peppers his book with real-life experiences that are so bizarre, you know they can't be made up.

Readers - especially baby boomers -- who have gone through a divorce or have begun a new life in another place - either in life or geographically - can relate to Mastroianni's struggle to begin again and to find someone to share life with. Sandy, Mastroianni's golden retriever, brings humor and understanding to the real situations that we must face when slashing through the brambles of one life while searching for another.

Some of Mastroianni's experiences are hilarious, like his forays to the beach house, shared with a few zany others who were also looking to escape reality. Through the good times and bad, crazy and sad, Sandy stuck by his side and was the rock he leaned on during his failing 'training' marriage and his subsequent attempt to find the "perfect housemate."

You'll laugh at the uproarious account of Mastroianni's 1998 search for a buried case of 1982 Chateau Latour during an FYI treasure hunt contest conducted by Forbes Magazine. He won the contest and celebrated the victory with the staff of Forbes in their New York City corporate headquarters wine cellar.

There are touching stories about Vince and his dog, Sandy, and the traumas of letting go of a loved one, material things and of having to share some things when you just want to move on with your own life. You'll experiencing Vince and Sandy bonding in a way that benefits them both - Sandy, having lost his mistress meets new and interesting human friends and Vince, leaning on Sandy for companionship and even wisdom.

Mastroianni's book, Revolving Doors, is filled with humorous, yet problematical stories and people who eventually grow up - but getting there is a journey that most of us can relate to. Mastroianni's book is like having a great conversation with a good friend that you've known all your life and that you've both had experiences you can relate to.

Revolving Doors: A Man and His Dog's Search for the Perfect Housemate, is a light and short read - but will make you laugh and give you hope and inspiration (if needed) that you can begin life over again, no matter how deep the hurt and how far your search takes you. Vince Mastroianni and Sandy finally find their 'perfect housemate' in the form of Maria (a.k.a. "The Contessa") and now lives happily in Arlington, Virginia, where he's avidly pursuing his new hobby - writing.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This book reviews covers Revolving Doors by Vince Mastroianni.

Sometimes we learn the most when we least expect it. The Instant: The Little Book of Death is an intriguing little book that will capture the imagination and provide food for thought for quite a long time after reading. Merih Turkdogan provides a novel insight into death or near death experiences that will seem very real to readers. There are thought-provoking scenarios that might have never been imagined before reading the book.

The Instant begins with a very ordinary Austrian accountant, Herr Zimmermann, whom we come to know a little about just before he dies - in a split second. We know his thoughts as he goes through an experience that only happens once to each of us. We follow Zimmermann as he goes through the rainbow and takes notice of the millions of color shades within it.

As he continues his journey through the rainbow, Zimmermann realizes that there was so much more he could have learned while he was alive - but now it's too late - he's dying and is only learning this amazing skill during the very few seconds he has left.

Zimmermann discovers that there are housekeeping rules he must learn before he travels to the other side and that seasons can actually be bartered. When he meets William Shakespeare, Zimmermann finally understands (and feels) what "to be or not to be" means and is bombarded with questions he should have, but never did, bother to ask during his lifetime.

Herr Zimmermann meets many characters as he continues on his death journey - one, Cosmic Beggar, is deemed to be the only hope for humanity's survival and for future successes in our upcoming lives. The Cosmic Beggar even has an era named after him - The Age of the Cosmic Beggar.

Other characters Zimmermann meets include Santa Claus, James Allen and the Devil. Turkdogan also includes other characters that you've probably never hear of, such as Delivery Genie, Dwarf of a Million Smells, Ghost in a Bottle, the Set Dresser and Starlight Gypsy.

Even though Herr Zimmermann was an ordinary human being in real life, his death brings him into contact with characters and ideas that are extraordinary. He thinks that he's yin and yang simultaneously, but he also feels complete for the first time in the life that's about to end.

Absurd as the story may sound, Turkdogan manages to tickle the imagination and make the reader think, "What if," we started examining life and death and what might be on the other side? Would we really wish we'd asked more questions and attempted to find the answers to age-old matters that we wondered about all our lives?

Merih Turkdogan's first book, The Instant: The Little Book of Death, makes us contemplate what it might feel like to die - and perhaps it will make us think about what else we can do to make Earth and our lives here better and more fulfilling.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This review coversThe Instant: The Little Book of Death by Merih Turkdogan.

Erotic Intelligence: Igniting Hot, Healthy Sex While in Recovery from Sex Addiction, written by Psychologist, Alexandra Katehakis, gives readers a peek into the minds of those recovering from sexual addiction. For example, we learn that recovery doesn't mean that all sex must end - rather, that sex-addicts can indeed have active and healthy lives - that include sex.

Erotic Intelligence provides a practical guide for those people (and their partners) recovering from sexual addiction. They'll learn how to get back on a safe and healthy path that will lead to self-fulfillment and trust while coming to terms with their sexuality issues.

Katehakis offers information about "the four cornerstones of intimacy" that are vital in order for sex-addicts to recover in a healthy manner while releasing the pain of the stories behind the sexual addition. The four cornerstones are:

%u2022 Self-Knowledge - A crucial cornerstone for building recovery from sexual addition. The sex-addict must be comfortable with who he is at the end stages of recovery.
%u2022 Comfort and Connection - Normalcy is extremely important in the recovery of a sex-addict. Comforting his own anxieties and being able to connect with a partner without reacting to negative feelings is essential.
%u2022 Responsibility and Discernment - Assertiveness and taking responsibility for their own actions are positive steps in sexual-addiction recovery.
%u2022 Empathy with Emotion - Sex-addicts often have problems in dealing with others' emotions and empathizing with others' feelings. Developing these aptitudes help enormously in the recovery efforts.

Without the knowledge of these four cornerstones of intimacy, true intimacy can never be fulfilled for sex-addicts and their partners. Erotic Intelligence erases any doubts from the sex-addict's mind that he or she can build a life on these cornerstones -- finally reach a place where relationships are possible through authentic relating and conscious loving.

Honesty, intimacy and spirituality are part of the plan that Alexandra Katehakis presents in her book, Erotic Intelligence. Her informed understanding of the challenges that sex-addicts face in their recoveries makes the book a powerful guide that is sure to give hope for the future to those recovering from sexual addiction.

Erotic Intelligence: Igniting Hot, Healthy Sex While in Recovery from Sex Addiction, by Alexandra Katehakis allows the recovering sex-addict to continually explore relationships and love in a realistic manner that will bring about an understanding of the reality of love - and what it really means.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - [http://www.virtualbookreviewnetwork.com]reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This book review covers [http://www.thecenterforhealthysex.com/eroticintelligence/book/]Erotic Intelligence by Alexandra Katehakis.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This book review covers Erotic Intelligence by Alexandra Katehakis.

Author, James Norris, has written a tell-all book filled with information that men (and women) need to know about the prostate and those other parts that are seriously connected to it. But don't think that Norris' book, To Pee or Not to Pee is a boring medical report. It's entertaining and informative - filled with amusing historical accounts beginning with the first man, Adam, and chronicling "peeing" problems that stem from prostate maladies.

Cures for prostate problems are also discussed - from the time of the Babylonians, when prostates weren't even known of, through the times of the brilliant Venetian anatomists - one of whom discovered the prostate gland. Prostate cancer wasn't identified until 1853, but curative methods were poor and men didn't have much of a chance to survive once the cancer was detected. So eventually, medical experts took the approach that "if you can't cure it, get rid of it."

In 1904, Dr. Hugh Young performed the first perineal prostatectomy and after that progress was steadily made to refine treating the prostate without having to resort to chemical castration or removal of the gland. Norris' book, To Pee or Not to Pee, is full of facts and descriptions, but he does it in a way that keeps the readers turning pages and likely laughing out loud.

Beware that Norris uses words that are seldom used in medical reports. Rather than "penis," Norris uses more colorful versions of the same word, such as willie, cojones, Mr. Happy, dick and pecker. It definitely catches your attention - and keeps the book from becoming just another boring medical account about the demise (or NOT) of an extremely important part of a man's inner workings.

Although the book reads like a good satire or comedic writing, Norris manages to get across that the prostate has much to do with other ills of the "plumbing" and "recreation area" between men's legs. Norris certainly did his research in a big way and you'll learn about medical breakthroughs both available now and the possibility of future treatments.

One of the chapters in To Pee or Not to Pee, Upside, Downside, addresses both the downside and the upside of drugs that are now available and explains how the testing for treatment of the prostate gland is accomplished. Abiraterone is one of the new drug treatments that Norris discusses. Although the drug isn't available now, except through clinical testing, it promises to be a breakthrough treatment of cancerous prostates by blocking key hormones that cause the cancer.

Norris does a fantastic job of explaining the inner workings of the prostate and how certain abnormalities in it can affect a man's urinating and sexual capabilities. To Pee or Not to Pee makes you smile and also helps you to learn about the complex system made up of those "parts down there."

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This reviews covers To Pee or Not to Pee by James Norris.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lauren_S._Smith

Brett James' debut novel, The Deadfall Project, takes you on a journey through countries, car chases and spy-thrilling situations that will keep you tied to your beach chair or comfy recliner until you've turned the final page.

The Deadfall Project is modern in scope, but contains the spy and suspense techniques of the great mystery-thrillers of the 40s. As James himself, described his book - it's "the evolution of the spy in fiction." Brett's main character in The Deadfall Project - Grey Stark - has lived through the turmoil of the iron curtain and must now deal with car bombs and other modern weapons of destruction.

Stark is a CIA agent who is back in the fray after a couple of decades of retirement, tracking a mysterious bomb that has the power to flatten an entire city in mere seconds. You'll experience tension as NATO troops gather at Iran's border and ride with Stark and his ex-wife as they zip across France in an attempt to find answers that might prevent a devastating war.

The chase becomes mind-boggling when Stark discovers that he's also being hunted - by a top-level gunman, intelligence agencies, a playboy terrorist - and his own boss who would do anything to keep the Deadfall Project secrets from the public. There's something familiar about the power struggle between agencies in the book and the real-life struggles in our own country.

Whether reading James' vivid descriptions about a car chase through a Parisian neighborhood or mentally feel the punches when he describes a wild fist fight in Marseilles, you'll experience a whole new sense of action and excitement in The Deadfall Project.

James' novel is entertaining and highly observant of the times in which we live. The Deadfall Project provides insight into the international intelligence community and those wars behind the scenes that make all the difference in world situations. James skillfully combines excellent research on the locations in his book with the actuality of current events so that you think you were actually there.

Twists and turns in The Deadfall Project will keep your eyes glued to the page. They're the stuff of which great spy novels are made. If you happen to be reading James' new book on a long airplane jaunt or a subway ride, you'll wish the trip wouldn't end until you read the final page. You won't want to be disturbed from your "trips" through Paris and all of France as the hero battles time, terrorists and the United States government in an attempt to find the bomb.

James' descriptions are rich and colorful, but won't bog you down - and the plot is daring and exciting to read about. It's an action-packed and intriguing thriller that will give you chill bumps while you read it and satisfaction when you put it down. All in all, The Deadfall Project is about a new way of thinking about old problems and super powers that we've been facing for years - with weapons that just don't work anymore.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - ]reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This book review covers The Deadfall Project, by Brett James.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Deadfall-Project---A-White-Knuckled-Ride-of-a-Novel&id=4393597] The Deadfall Project - A White-Knuckled Ride of a Novel

Minder: A Ganzfield Novel, written by Kate Kaynak, tells a story that will blow your mind when you delve into the mind of Maddie Dunn, a telepathic sixteen year old girl who must learn how to control her awesome powers before someone gets hurt - or worse.

The novel opens in Ganzfield, a top secret training facility that teaches Maddie and others like her how to take command over their innate abilities that could lead to devastation. It's not an easy job, and Ganzfield isn't an easy place to be, but Maddie knows she needs to harness her thoughts so they don't lead to burning down buildings or controlling other peoples' thoughts.

Even though Ganzfield isn't the perfect place for a sixteen year old, Maddie doesn't mind being there as much as she minded being in her former home of New Jersey - especially when she meets the man of her dreams.

Readers of the Twilight Series will enjoy Minder - even though there are no vampires, werewolves, fairies or fallen angels. Minder is a young-adult, paranormal romance based on actual places and happenings. Readers will learn that superpowers aren't near as much fun or exciting as they appear to be in movies such as X-Men and Fantastic Four.

As Maddie discovers -- supernormal powers can get in the way of living life and being successful. Then, there's always the fear of burning something down or channeling a dislike for something into its ultimate destruction. Maddie struggles to learn about and keep her powers under control, and realizes that she must succeed in that endeavor if she achieves success in other areas of her life.

Minder is classified as fiction, but Kaynak used real information for some of the story behind the book. For example, Project Star Gate was an actual government psychic spy program - and there really was a "Ganzfeld" experiment into Extra-Sensory Perception. The hair on your neck will rise with the chills you get as you read how Ganzfield trains its "students" to harness and use the powers of their psychic abilities.

Kaynak also used the real town of Chatham, New Jersey (her own home town) as the home town for Maddie, and loosely based the high school in Chatham on her own. Ganzfield is based on a real village near North Conway, New Hampshire - an area where Kaynak's ancestors have lived since the 1700s.

Even the cover art in Minder was carefully chosen carefully by Kate Kaynak. Based on a century old Gestalt psychological test, the white vase depicted on the cover appears to be the silhouettes of two faces. The symbolization is that there are more souls in Ganzfield than the people that are seen at first glance.

Minder: A Ganzfield Novel is the first book in a series from Kate Kaynak, and readers will more than likely be breathlessly awaiting her next effort.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This book review covers Minder, by Kate Kaynak.

Lucy Rosen, also known as the "queen of networking," has written a book that will revolutionize how business men and women think about having an "ordinary" conversation with "ordinary" people. Fast Track Networking: Turning Conversations Into Contacts is a compilation of all the tricks of the networking process that Lucy has learned throughout her career.

Rosen founded Women on the Fast Track when she moved from New Mexico to New York in the 1980s. Through rose-colored glasses, she set out to conquer the world with a passion to connect people on a professional basis - especially women. Rosen recognized that if her business was to be successful in the tough Manhattan business world, networking was going to be an essential part of the plan.

In the 1980s, there were few options for businesswomen who wanted to network with others. There was not only a glass ceiling to deal with - but, also a glass door - an obstacle to meeting the people that would help make her business successful. Fast Track Networking will teach you how to listen to conversations, glean everything you can out of them and then put what you've learned into positive actions.

You'll learn how to develop your own group of networkers that will be your "inner circle" and also how to formulate the outer circle of networking contacts that can make an amazing difference in your career or business path. Fast Track Networking includes stories that will make you laugh and others so horrific they'll make you cringe.

Rosen includes networking tips, techniques and tools from some of the most successful entrepreneurs and business men and women in the United States. It's like learning real estate methods from Donald Trump - go to the best if you want to be successful at what you do. If you're in a career or job that you hate, you can take these valuable tools that Lucy Rosen offers and change your direction in life.

An eye-opening piece of information that Rosen offers in Fast Track Networking that's also an inspirational message is the story of why geese fly together in a V formation. Scientists discovered that the flapping of each bird's wings creates an "uplift" for the bird behind it, adding about 71% to the flying range of every bird in the formation.

When you think of these birds in the context of people who have common goals and directions, it makes sense that when people come together in groups and share valuable information, they're more likely to reach their destination more quickly - and much easier than if they traveled alone in their efforts.

Fast Track Networking: Turning Conversations Into Contacts, written by the queen of networking - Lucy Rosen - can help you turn each and every one of your conversations into business possibilities.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This book review covers Fast Track Networking by Lucy Rosen.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lauren_S._Smith

If you could attract one thing in your life right now, at this moment in time -- what would it be? Author, Hope Bradford's new book, Beneficial Law of Attraction: The Manifestation Teachings will give you hope and the tools you need to attract whatever you desire into your life.

Bradford provides clear and concise steps and techniques in Beneficial Law of Attraction that teaches and inspires you to "effectively utilize ego's focusing abilities to optimize those forces within you that are crucial to success." You'll learn that your thoughts and dreams are all you need to harness the power of the universe to bring what you need and desire.

You'll also learn how to develop one of the most potent mind forces available - focused intent - and how to manage and maximize what Bradford calls, "your Seven Innate Forces." Bradford skillfully provides powerful insight about how to utilize the "Six Beneficial Law of Attraction Steps to Success" to bring you personal prosperity and ultimate happiness and success in all your endeavors.

Bradford takes the information and help from the innovative and highly successful best-seller, "The Secret" and takes it to the pinnacle of understanding how forceful and effective our minds can be when we learn to focus complete attention to attract what's always been there. In Beneficial Law of attraction, Bradford also introduces a new concept that you'll learn has an amazing effect on your life - sound and vibration.

Besides providing the steps and techniques you'll need to attract prosperity and happiness from the universe, Bradford also presents a wealth of information about three beliefs that can prevent you from achieving the success you deserve. She combines teachings of spirituality and self-help with the rules and practice involved in the universal law of attraction in a way that will make you experience a "light bulb moment" about how it all works together and how you can use it in your own life.

You'll learn about Kuan Yin's "love and forgiveness" principles, realizing that without them, your mind's power is impossible, and Bradford adeptly helps you to see how love and forgiveness impacts your beliefs and perceptions - of yourself and the world. After reading Beneficial Law of Attraction, you'll be able to plainly see and understand how the ego can be exhausting to your body and mind and can prevent you from the love and forgiveness stage of your life that will set you free.

Beneficial Law of Attraction: The Manifestation Teachings, by Hope Bradford, is a powerful extension of "The Living Word of Kuan Yin," a book that Bradford wrote with Lena Lees in 2006. After you've read Bradford's book, you'll realize that love and abundance are always there and are yours for the asking if you simply, "Let Magic Happen!".

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This book review covers Beneficial Law of Attraction, by Hope Bradford.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lauren_S._Smith

Constellation Libra: Life After Earth is a moving new saga from author, Skylar Pharaon, about how the human race may evolve if the Earth yields to global warming - and how humanity might react when they face the challenges that this new earth will bring. As the earth becomes uninhabitable, humans look toward the stars and planets to find the answers and mankind becomes caught up in a stirring drama of having to look for someplace else to live.

Pharaon's story begins "the new world order" that occurs after astronomers discovered a planet eight times the mass of Earth in Constellation Libra. By the year 2099, global warming has cast a shadow across the Earth that human beings realize can't be overcome. They look toward the huge planet in Constellation Libra as a possible alternative to the planet where life began for them.

Manhatten, Miami and many more of the most beautiful places on Earth have long since passed into the rapidly rising sea levels of the oceans, and populations of the lower regions of Earth have migrated to higher grounds to survive. By the year 2277, the Earth's population had moved to the only place they could find that would support human life -- far from the sun's solar system and in another galaxy called the Red Dwarf Star System - or Constellation Libra.

Skylar Pharaon draws from her vast knowledge of Astronomy and her numerous travel experiences to Earth's most beautiful corners to write a book that's sure to begin a following of eager fans wanting more. Constellation Libra is more than a science fiction novel. Readers will be introduced to some true facts about global warming and its impact on our planet. They'll also learn about actual new planets that have recently been discovered in our vast solar system and the possibility of habitable planets.

What will happen if planet Earth succumbs to global warming? Will we have the technology it would take to move the entire population to another planet - and what would our new government look like? It's daunting to think about coming together with the many and varied regions on Earth to begin a new society on another planet, but Skylar Pharaon will certainly make her readers think as they embark on a journey that might very well happen in the future.

Although Constellation Libra is a fictional place, with fictional characters, you'll be drawn into the story as it addresses present day problems and what they may hold for future generations of earthlings as we struggle to survive after global warming has its way with our environment.

If you like science fiction, you'll love how Pharaon weaves real-life morality issues with all the "what ifs" that could happen if our planet became an unwelcoming dot in the universe and we had to look for another place to live. Constellation Libra: Life After Earth addresses some of the most serious issues of our times in a way that both entertains and makes us think twice about the decisions we're making.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This book review covers Constellation Libra by Skylar Pharaon.

Expert real estate investors, Rick McKinnon and Leslie Quinsay, have a property portfolio that proves anyone can still make a fortune by investing in real estate. McKinnon's and Quinsay's new book, R3: Real People with Real Strategies for Real-Estate Investing: Developing the Mindset for Success, explains their strategy in words that even a layman can understand and shows you how their proprietary strategies can work even in today's unstable economy.

The three "Rs" of real estate investing include Real people (with the right attitudes), Real strategies (for investing in this or any other real estate market) and the basics of smart investing (how to make the actual decisions that will build your wealth). Rick's and Leslie's book is a fascinating read - peppered with personal tidbits and incredible insights that will change your thinking about purchasing real estate to ensure your financial success.

Rick and Leslie are friends, business partners and co-authors who inspire each other to succeed. Together, they've written R3: Real People with Real Strategies for Real-Estate Investing in an effort to help others achieve what they know is possible from their own successes. Rick is president of Real Estate Investment Solutions, a consulting firm that focuses on helping others identify real-estate investment opportunities. Leslie is president of Meridian Commercial Investments Inc. and her expertise is the acquisition, management and development of real estate and turning them into excellent investments.

Together, McKinnon and Quinsay have written a unique and informative "how-to" book that can teach anyone the strategies for developing a winning mindset necessary for successful real estate investing. Unlike most how-to books, R3: Real People with Real Strategies for Real-Estate Investing doesn't read like a text book. Rather, it's a book that not only focuses on the successes to be had - but also mistakes that can happen and how you can learn from them.

When it comes to any type of investing, the more knowledge you have access to - the better chance you'll have for success. In Quinsay's and McKinnon's book you'll learn the advantages of "property passion," building a mindset that will bring you success, how to build your portfolio and where the best investment bargains can be found.

Rick and Leslie also include chapters in R3: Real People with Real Strategies for Real-Estate Investing about how to evaluate property and what to look for in financing and joint ventures. Property and tenant management are important aspects of real estate investing and McKinnon and Quinsay give you a clear cut plan for success in those areas.

You'll also learn how to build a team of success-oriented people to help you achieve your dreams of financial triumphs. And R3: Real People with Real Strategies for Real-Estate Investing: Developing the Mindset for Success doesn't leave you there. Rick McKinnon and Leslie Quinsay provide clear cut directives in their book that will put you on the path of growing wealth beyond your dreams.

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Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This review for a new book titled "R3: Real People with Real Strategies for Real-Estate Investing: Developing the Mindset for Success", by authors Rick McKinnon and Leslie Quinsay, explains their real estate investing strategy in words that even a layman can understand.

We've heard of bombs on planes, suicide bombers, anthrax and car bombers. A new fictional thriller puts an incredible and unheard of spin on terrorists and what they might be up to that will make the hairs on your neck stand up. The Ovary Wars, written by Mike Hogan, effectively documents a type of bloodless terrorism targeting - American women.

In Hogan's book, American women are becoming permanently sterilized by a method unknown to everyone except an evil foreign power. As the nation's population dramatically declines over a four month period, the American economy begins to collapse and chaos ensues. Everyone is puzzled why women can't become pregnant and are discovering that they've become sterilized by a process they had no part in.

A deadly type of silent terrorism, originating from an unknown, but lethal power, is obliterating America's future - and no one knows how. From a state of overpopulation to almost non-existent, births become so rare in America that new form of crimes are being committed - drugs are rampant, baby-selling becomes a popular black-market affair, female immigrants are selling their eggs and ruthless criminals are selling fertility lists.

As America falls into the greatest and deadliest depression the world has ever known, people become desperate and would do anything to find a way out - even commit murder. In The Ovary Wars, terrorists have found the perfect way to destroy a population - prevent them from being born - and it seems as if their plan is going to work.

The Ovary Wars follows a cunning professor, Kirby Wadsworth, as he develops a means of controlling the world's population by sterilizing young women of child-bearing age in a way that they won't have a clue about what happened to them - until it's too late. The idea is devious and evil, but Kirby succeeds in a way that even he didn't know was possible.

Hogan also follows the lives of the Rosenbloom family as they fall from wealth to poverty. Steve and Joan Rosenbloom lived in a beautiful, professionally decorated home, befitting a prominent doctor's salary and status in the city. They had produced the obligatory two children, John and Carol and were busy planning trips, purchasing objects of jewelry, art and "things" for their home when the strange decline of births began to fill the media and caught their attention.

The new situation of decreasing population was catching everyone's attention. All of the Rosenbloom's once prosperous friends were beginning to suffer financially and emotionally from the downturn in the economy caused by the severe loss of future inhabitants.

Mike Hogan has spun a tale of intrigue and cleverly introduced a possible new terrorist threat in our midst in his first book, The Ovary Wars. Readers will hate to put the book down until they know the ending to this captivating story of our times.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This book review covers "The Ovary Wars" by Mike Hogan.

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Recently, we were given the opportunity to review a book written by a young author. When we received it, I noted how beautifully done it was. While often the case - we see beautifully written and illustrated books all the time - but how often do they originate from a 10-year-old? "Sewing a Friendship", written by a creative and talented young girl named Natalie Tinti is such a book.

The book formed in Natalie's mind from her own experience when she noticed that many of her classmates and friends were lonely, unhappy and depressed. Natalie came to realize that these kids, including herself, had extremely different opinions and attitudes about the same experiences -- the experiences that make us who we are and how we act toward others.

Natalie's story provides incredible insight about what makes kids interact with others the way they do. Why are bullies, bullies - and why are some kids cruel in ways that hurt and demoralize others who don't deserve it at all? Developing friendships is an area that Natalie Tinti has researched in her own life. In her book, Sewing a Friendship, she tells what great things can happen if kids go that extra mile in giving others a chance.

Tinti's characters in Sewing a Friendship are colorful and creative personalities. In her "Introduction of Characters," Natalie presents an overview of the characters in her book, including her grandma and grandma's dog, Dogon. Each character has different talents and likes and dislikes. Jonsy Jipsy loves to sing and belly dance, Sokron Blossom lives in a neat and tidy world and loves to read fashion magazines. Meeka likes brain games - the more numbers involved, the better -- and Nina is happy with her life and the music it brings her.

All but one of the characters seems happy with their lives. One of the girls, Kiki Shaver, was sad living a small home with her aunt and uncle. She had no friends and didn't know how to make them. When four girls invite her into the circle of their friendship, it's no wonder that Kiki is hesitant and apprehensive. She doesn't want to be hurt.

The story continues as the five girls become a team in an attempt to win a fashion show. How four girls invite and accept a "not so likeable" girl into their lives skillfully acquaints the readers with the characters and the dilemmas that confront them as they invite a hesitant Kiki into their circle and begin to "sew a friendship" that they'll all benefit from.

Today, it seems that almost every news headline begins with a child's suicide - or murder - because of being bullied, not having friends or family to discuss issues with and feelings of low self esteem. What's causing this rash of senseless tragedies? If more ten-year-olds were as insightful as Natalie Tinti, perhaps more kids would invite the outcasts into their circle of friends and lives would be saved as well as pointed in another direction.

Natalie Tinti finds her voice in Sewing a Friendship - and demonstrates a talent that's rare for such a young girl; especially one who wants to help kids realize that they can help others and accomplish remarkable things that can change the world when they set their minds to do it. Recommended reading for all YA fans.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This book review covers Sewing A Friendship by Natalie Tinti.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lauren_S._Smith

Gina Lake's new book, Loving in the Moment: Moving from Ego to Essence in Relationships explores how to recognize and develop meaningful relationships in today's world of doubt uncertainty and lack of trust. Moving from an ego-based life to compatible relationships with others isn't easy and you must understand the factors that will sustain loving partnerships and friendships with other human beings to be successful.

Lake goes beyond the illusions of romance and what a relationship should be and gets right to the core of what it means to embark on a path with another person, be it relative, matrimonial or friendships. Gina teaches in a clear and succinct way that will help you accept who you are, live in the moment and confront issues such as anger, money, infidelity, sexual problems and other disagreements or incompatibilities within a relationship.

Loving in the Moment is a spiritual-based book that will move you beyond what your ego tells you to think -- to a point in your life where you'll discover that growth and contentment with the right person or people can bring you more happiness than you ever imagined.

Gina Lake, M.A. is a prolific writer on the subject she loves most - helping others to bring contentment and joy into their lives by living and loving in the moment they're given. Her master's degree is in Psychology (counseling) and she's spent the last two decades of her career assisting others in their spiritual growth and commitments. Lake has also written Radical Happiness, Living in the Now, Return to Essence, What About Now?, Anatomy of Desire, Embracing the Now and Getting Free.

All of Lake's teachings and books are targeted to an audience that searches for peace and tranquility in their lives and who strive for the ultimate experiences that life has to offer. Besides her plethora of books, Gina Lake conducts seminars and happily speaks to organizations about living in the NOW.

If you enjoy the teachings of Eckhart Tolle, Byron Katie, Marianne Williamson and Wayne Dyer, you'll enjoy and learn from what Gina Lake has to add to their universal appeal in her own book, Loving in the Moment. You'll find out that judging people from your ego's point of view isn't as accurate as initially accepting a person for what he or she is and basing the relationship from that point on.

Loving in the Moment: Moving from Ego to Essence in Relationships, by Gina Lake, will give you an entire new prospective on how to see the divine in others - and how to cultivate it in yourself. It's a book that you'll refer to time and again and one that you'll be anxious to recommend and give to friends and family.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. This book review covers Loving in the Moment by Gina Lake.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lauren_S._Smith


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f you're tired of trying to find what you want at a busy local book store, then an online book store may be just the answer. Many of these sites have just the books you are looking for; popular books and rare finds, at reasonable prices and free shipping included with some purchases. Online book stores have just as much or more for sale than the local book stores, and you make better use of your time and save gas too! No one enjoys taking the time to drive to the book store, fighting the crowds, and not coming home with what was the purpose of the trip in the first place! If you call ahead and the clerk tells you the computer says it's in stock, don't always count on it being there when you go to pick it up. It might be just your luck that there is only one copy of the book, but it isn't on the shelf where it's supposed to be. Can't find it, now what?

Online book stores have new and used books for sale, best sellers, rare books, calendars, posters, audio and video recordings, music, bookmarks, gifts for book lovers, and much more! Students can find required and recommended text books, both new and used, at online book stores that specialize in academia and the needs of students. University book stores can sometimes have outrageously high prices for books that most students are only going to use for a semester and then sell back at the end of the term. Online book stores are a great resource for students to find the textbooks they need at affordable prices, perfect for the poor starving student. If you are a comic enthusiast, there are online comic book stores too that carry large selections of popular comic book series, as well as rare and out of print collectors' editions.

Shop online book stores for the best selection, best prices, and best shipping rates available. You can still go to the local Barnes & Noble or Borders book stores and browse at your favorites while you sip a latte, and then go home and check out online book stores and do a little comparison shopping. You should be able to find most anything you are looking for at a number of online book stores, from the comfort of your home while enjoying your coffee in your pajamas. You surely can't beat that, unless you would prefer to sit and browse surrounded by a bunch of strangers; not my cup of tea!