'Secrets of a Giant Killer: Lesson from the Life of David for the 21st Century' by Dr. Steve Ball

Book Blurb:

Secular and Biblical history records the existence of giants that once roamed the earth. From Ancient Greek Mythology to British Archeologist, giants have fascinated scientist, anthropologist and historians alike. What is it about giants that we don’t know? The spiritual significance of giants will amaze you. They still exist to this day – that is in the supernatural realm…

Available on Amazon

Also available at http://metrotab.net/e-store/

Author Bio:

STEVE BALL …Pastor, Motivational Speaker, Life Coach, Entrepreneur & Author.

Dr. Steve Ball and his wife, Reita, are the Founders and Lead Pastors of Metropolitan Tabernacle, a non-denominational, spirit-filled, diverse church in Chattanooga, Tennessee with 30+ nationalities represented in the congregation.

Dr. Ball has spent a lifetime building and developing relationships in all sectors of society, both public and private. His leadership skills have been recognized by national and international, private and government organizations. He specializes in building bridges between people from all walks of life. His international connections allow him the privilege of bringing people together for a more excellent tomorrow. He is a highly sought after speaker.

Dr. Ball mentors and networks with “spiritual sons and daughters” across America and around the world. He also facilitates the Metro Tab Fellowship of Ministers (MTFM) for those with a desire to connect to this dynamic ministry.

Book Tour Blast! 'Ridiculously Happy!: The Secret to Manifesting the Life & Body of Your Dreams' by Carol Whitaker

Ready to live your very best life? Actually, the secret to becoming absolutely, ridiculously happy is already being conveyed to you every moment of every day. And, it’s coming right from within you. Now, life transformation coach Carol Whitaker can teach you how to tap into the positive potential of your physical and emotional well-being, and by doing so, achieve your lifelong dreams.

Ridiculously Happy! The Secret to Manifesting the Life and Body of your Dreams is Whitaker’s groundbreaking, step-by-step approach to changing the course of your life. By empowering you to claim your God-given birthright to have a meaningful, blissful existence, the author encourages you to simply embrace your own unique magnificence to manifest dreams.

Placing equal emphasis on both mental and physical positive energy, this comprehensive book shares strategies to harness the power of the Law of Attraction. By letting go of negative energy and thinking intentionally about the way you live your life, you will not only set yourself on a road to vitality, abundance, and deep satisfaction, but you will become your own cheerleader to stay the course. If you believe you can be ridiculously happy, Carol Whitaker’s illuminating, actionable book will show you the way.

The road to becoming ridiculously happy begins right here. And, you already have what it takes to forge the life of your dreams. Life transformation coach Carol Whitaker is here to guide you through her proven process, so you can claim your divine right to utter joy. All you need to do is to embrace what you already possess.

Ridiculously Happy! The Secret to Manifesting the Life and Body of your Dreams will move you to accept nothing less than the exhilaration to which you are entitled. By offering you new insights and techniques to gain mastery over your emotional and physical health, this revolutionary method will help you retrain your own energy so that its positive influence can work to shape your destiny. For unbounded, lifelong happiness, simply open this book. It will open your world to a whole new way of being.

Buy on Amazon | B&N | Website | Audible

About the author:
Carol Whitaker is the author of Ridiculously Happy! The Secret to Manifesting the Life & Body of Your Dreams. Carol is a highly sought after Life Transformation Coach and Lifestyle Fitness Coach, she is well known for the amazing transformations she creates in her clients’ lives. Carol is dedicated to empowering women around the world to love and believe in themselves fully. Carol is a Motivational Speaker and is passionate about inspiring and motivating women to create and manifest the life and body of their dreams. Carol is an ongoing featured expert on national media and online websites. Carol is a happily married mother of 3.

Connect with Carol on Facebook to receive her health, fitness & happiness tips and by following her on Twitter.

Visit CarolWhitaker.com to learn more about her services along with tools and secrets to discover how to transform your life to be ridiculously happy & fit today.

See more about Carol on Linkedin.

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'My Life Interpreted' by Wanda Octave

Blurb - 

My Life Interpreted is a refreshing look at spirituality through your every day tasks. Every aspects of our lives contain lessons and insights that we never even thought of. This book is funny, down to earth and extremely entertaining. Thought provoking, with one ‘Aha’ after another and simple enough that even a young adult or late teen can enjoy. Makes a great gift this holiday season. Highly recommended!

Available as ebook and paperback!

Bio - 

A former marketing professional, Wanda Octave worked in the fields of banking, real estate, and tourism before fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a writer. She currently resides on the tranquil Caribbean island of Saint Lucia, with her husband Simon and daughter Kelci.


Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Life-Interpreted/424218667598103

'Illuminating Crystal (White Bird Series #1)' by PB Morlen #FREE 12/10-12/14

Eighteen-year-old Crystal Blue was born to illuminate humanity. When she finds an ancient manuscript in the basement of a bookstore, an intense transformation activates the eleventh layer of her DNA in preparation for the mission she was born to fulfill: she must travel the world and unveil the secret and sacred knowledge held by indigenous groups, knowledge that will illuminate humanity, secrets that dark forces have killed to keep hidden. The transformation harnesses her with unique powers, but also makes her vulnerable to these dark forces that now seek to destroy her. But there's a problem; Crystal doesn't want to go. 

Illuminating Crystal - Book One in the White Bird Series By PB Morlen

Read an excerpt:

BOOK ONE

THE BLUE CRYSTAL

Crystals hold the highest vibration in the mineral kingdom. The blue crystal, a powerful and rare specimen discovered in remote areas of the world which only a half dozen cases of discovery have been reported holds the highest.

Three of these specimens' whereabouts are known: NASA keeps one, the Vatican another and one particularly large specimen sits in a remote museum; the rest are as yet unaccounted for.

There is another one, however, that will never be found. Scientists speculate that the inner core of the earth is a primarily solid sphere they are wrong. A giant blue crystal, smaller than the moon but more beautiful than the sun, makes up earth's inner core: The spirits of the ancients dwells there and they wait for the blue serpent, the one who has the power to release them.



PROLOGUE

A WALK IN THE STARS

The sky was full of stars. Their bright light illuminated the path that the beautiful woman walked on. The colorful light emanating from her was even brighter than the stars as she glided effortlessly through the mist, and her soft-white gossamer gown billowed around her slender, regal form. A large blue serpent with iridescent scales wove its way alongside her, every so often disappearing into the mist. Over her head flew a great white bird, its wings stirred the air softly and gently brushed her face in its passing. She looked up and smiled fondly. And then, with a mighty downward thrust of its great wings, the white bird soared high up into the night sky and disappeared.

Six women and one man waited for the woman to arrive to complete their gathering. He stood with the sisters in a circle and watched the seventh sister, Akasha, appear out of the milky white mist; he thought she was the brightest and the loveliest of them all. Even though he'd known her for many, many years, the sight of her still took his breath away. She was an angel of the highest order.

Her smile lit up her lovely face as she greeted them one by one. She took her place at his side, he sat first and the sisters followed. 

They all shared their thoughts. Speaking was not necessary for them.
 
He heard her lovely voice in his head. "Adamas," Akasha's eyes sparkled and her lips lifted in a smile, "my sisters and I have decided that it is I who will be leaving."

Adamas hung his head; he did not want the sisters to witness his grief. He knew her departure was imminent, necessary and expected. 

"The call has gone out," she cast her eyes upon all of her sisters, "and we have answered."

"Must you really go?" He wished it was not her that would leave, but another sister.

"It was my name that was called," she said softly.

"Do not forget that my name was also called," Adamas said.

She smiled and nodded her head. "We knew this time would come."

"But I did not know it would be you." He hung his head once more. He no longer wished to look upon her face. 

"You will forget your name upon your arrival, and you will not remember who you are. The energies are heavier than they once were – the veil is heavy and thick. Your light will diminish."

"Yes," she smiled, "I know. It seems like only yesterday that I visited the blue planet. They called for us then, we answered the call, and then we returned home. This time it will be different. This time I travel alone and I may not return."

He knew this,they all did, it was expected of one of the sisters, and it would be her.

"The ancients will soon be leaving the blue planet and the care of earth will now be up to the humans," Akasha said. "I do not travel to teach or to lead. This time I travel to witness something never seen in the history of the humans and to help anchor in the new energy they will most certainly need. The humans have passed the test and they are ready." 

She looked at each of her sisters. Their beautiful colors streamed off them, casting rainbows in the air. She looked at her beloved Adamas, the one her heart loved the most. "You cannot help me, Adamas," her voice was but a whisper. She knew what he was thinking.

"I do what I please," he responded.

Her twinkly laugh rang through the still air and the stars danced. "You may not find me, I am quite cunning. Besides, you will only be a distraction." 

She walked towards him and took both his hands.  He gripped her hands tightly. "I will do what I must. I will not distract you," he said.

"I made a promise long ago and now it is time to make good on that promise. And, Adamas, I am of the sky and you are of the sun." Her blue eyes sparkled. "Together our energies will be too great for the planet to bear."

"I will give up my greatness. It is what I wish."

The sister, Alectra, interrupted their silent conversation. "You cannot govern what Adamas does, Akasha. He was a priest of Telos, do not forget that. The blue planet will remember him“ he may return at any time. It is because of you that he has stayed with us so long."

He looked at her and nodded his head. It was time he returned. Besides, he had his own promise to keep. 

Alectra said, "Akasha must travel alone, Adamas." 

"That is why I must go." He set his chin stubbornly. "I will protect her."

"No!" Akasha's blue eyes flashed. "I do not need your protection. I am one of the seven sisters," her gaze softened, "I only need his love," she whispered, smiling softly at the man whom she adored and had loved since the beginning of time.

"Know this," said Athena. "There is a time for the reacquainting of love. Now is not that time. Now is the time for Akasha to visit the blue planet. She will forget who she is and will have to remember her greatness“ just like the others,“ that is why she has been called. It is a time of great awakening for the humans. They will need her light." 

The sister Anastasia stood and smoothed the folds of her long, green dress. "The energies of the blue planet are very strong, Adamas. Akasha's spirit is not of the earth, and neither is yours. But your spirit is tied to many lifetimes on earth; Akasha's spirit was only on earth for a short time. If you go, you must not let your emotions misguide her. If you do, she may turn away from her purpose. You must not let that happen."

Aurora joined in. "Find those that you love the most and keep them close, Akasha, the serpents will find you and so will he. The ancients must leave so they may set their energy in one of the new earths. They cannot give you the aid that they once did. Look to the heavens, Akasha, for it will be there you may seek counsel."

The wind picked up and the colors emanating from the seven sisters began swirling together. The man watched his beloved Akasha close her eyes and raise her arms high over her head. Her bright light leapt out of the array of colors and soared upward and in a blink she followed and then she was gone. 

"Remember," Astra said to the man who looked to the sky, "our sister is strong, but her love for you is stronger. Do not interfere with her task as you fulfill your own journey's agenda. Remember what Akasha said, you are of the sun, she is of the sky. If your energies become reconnected, it could prove to be dangerous to those who live upon the blue planet."

He thrust his chin. "I said I would give up my greatness so that I could be close to her. I will do what I must."

The sisters nodded their heads; they knew what he spoke of.

"Once you have made your choice you cannot change it, Adamas," Alcoyne said. "Are you sure this is what you want?"

He nodded his head. 

"You will have less than half your strength," Aurora said gently. "You will not be allowed to gain it back until your mission is done. And she may be gone by then."

"If I can be near her, then I choose this. I have made up my mind."

Once again the sisters nodded their heads. And slowly out of the white mist the blue serpent slithered slowly forward. Adamas smiled at his friend whom he knew would follow. After all, it was time for her to travel to the blue planet as well.

"We will be watching you, Adamas," Alectra said. "We will be watching you both."

He watched as all the sisters exploded into six colorful beams of light and danced into the night sky.

And then, for the first time in hundreds of years, the man sought out the energies of earth. He immediately felt the tug of her seductive energies; he remembered the feeling quite well. He knew the life he must live; he had an agreement to keep. Out of love for his Akasha, he prepared to give his power to the sun and return to Tara, the beautiful blue planet. 

The man looked down and saw the large blue serpent winding its way between his feet. He smiled and nodded his head at the beautiful reptile whose multitude of blue-hued scales shimmered magnificently. Then he watched the serpent disappear into the mist; he knew he would see her again.

With arms upraised and eyes to the sky he called out the name of his ancestors. To them he gave his greatness, he knew that he, like her, would have to forget who he was so that he could experience the remembering. After all, it is what humans have to do in order to evolve. 

And then he felt himself begin to tear apart, and in one last fiery display, he threw the sun's power out of his hands and gave himself up to the energies of Gaia.

In a shower of sparks the man transformed into two beams of blue light and disappeared into the night sky.

---

Are you ready for your next journey?
Yes.
This is the one we have been waiting for.
Yes.
Remember

Available on Amazon

Download for FREE 12/10-12/14

Author Bio:
PB Morlen’s thirty-year journey through life’s ‘mystery schools’ taught her to trust her own voice, listen to her heart and pursue her dreams: simple secrets to a magical life. And now she has a story to tell, a grand adventure where dreams are most common and divine secrets are unveiled.

'Change Your Life Overnight' by Suresh Chandra Raj

A collection of potent and inspiring quotes that speak to a deep and primal part of the human conscious. These thought-provoking quotes are designed to lift and to inspire, with meanings, interpretations and a plan of action accompanying each one.

These quotes are filled with positive messages important to the author and to the human psyche; emotions such as love, gratitude, self-reflection and success. The author invites you to delve deep, to understand their meanings and discover your own potential, to inspire and awaken your true divine nature.

Available in ebook and paperback

**Currently rated 5 out of 5 stars!**

'President Fionn' by Christine Mary Flemming FREE 11/29-12/1

'See this fella? He was named after Fionn mac Cumhaill, king of the ancient Irish warriors! He'll be the next President of America; indeed he will!'

A piece of historical irish fiction set in 1930's Ireland, Fionn Connolly is an eight year old boy with the imagination to move mountains. He lives in the Liberties, in South West Dublin, Ireland with his mother and his older sister, his father having absconded to America some time ago. Naming him after Fionn Mac Cumhaill hero of Irish legend, Fionn's grandfather has big plans for him, hoping that he will have the courage to make the trip to America that he wishes he'd made himself. His Grandfather dreams of Fionn one day becoming President of the United States of America, which leads to the young boy gaining the nickname President Fionn. Fionn's childhood innocence is shattered by a horrifyingly violent incident at school, which transforms not only the life of Fionn, but everyone around him, leaving them scattered in all directions.

Fionn returns to Dublin in 1963, a different man. Damaged from his childhood experience, he leads a solitary, ordered life, his only act of daring the purchase of a motorcycle. Bruised by his attempt to romance the enigmatic Teagan and held back by his shyness, Fionn is reluctant to begin a romance with the striking young, mother Bridget. His quiet world does not last, with the return of members of his family to Dublin and the hysteria surrounding the historical event of visit of President Kennedy to Ireland in June of that year. Unable to cope with his family's problems and how they look to him to solve them, Fionn takes off on his motorbike and embarks on a fantastical adventure around Ireland, as he follows President Kennedy on his tour of Ireland and this adventure of a lifetime changes his life forever.

Reviews from Goodreads:

"Interesting subject and great characterizations. "President Fionn" is filled with lively, colorful characters who illuminate a fascinating time in Irish history (and world history!). Spanning 30 years, from Dublin during the depression to the swinging 60s. Fionn is an Irish boy (dubbed 'president' by his doting grandfather) surrounded by the turmoil and upheavals of the mid-twentieth century. Though a dreamer by nature, Fionn can't help but become caught up in the times and is especially fascinated with President John F Kennedy, who he follows hoping to be noticed by the great man.

What a wonderful tale of Irish life, the love and pain that comes with close families, and the dreamer that we all want to love. Christine Mary Flemming has written a tale of hope for the future and entanglement with the past that will resonate with readers. I look forward to reading more of her books!

I found this story extremely emotional, filled with highs and lows. It's the story of a young Irish boy and the hardships (mostly family-related) he faces while growing up. The book doesn't fall into common tropes or predictable events... it simply reflects real life... the characters and dialogue are equally believable and rich. It's a brilliant novel that you'll think about long after you've finished reading it"

"This book has amazingly been both heartbreaking and heartwarming. It takes you on a road down tragedy and the struggle of a soul to survive that tragedy, with unexpected and at first unwelcome help from the family he tried so hard to forget. The path Fionn takes leads him not only to discover the flaws and illusions he has created about himself, but about the people around him. Set in 1930s and 1960s Ireland was a historical breath of fresh air, both fascinating and enlightening. The characters will enthrall you, as you see how their lives unfold and how Fionn overcomes his past to realize his childhood dream. I would highly recommend this book to anyone, and hope to see more from Christine Mary Flemming in the future."

Available on Amazon

Also available on Amazon UK

Currently rated 5 out of 5 stars!
Download it for FREE 11/29-12/1

About the author:

Christine Mary Flemming worked as a local journalist and has a degree in Art History and Philosophy, studying at Reading University. She has also undertaken Post-Graduate study in Philosophy of the Mind and Political Philosophy.

​ 'The Lifewatcher' is her first book. ​

Christine lives in London and in her free time walks Bertie, her little dog, who is a big fan of the outdoors, reads, cooks, spends time with her family and visits museums, theatres and galleries and is a member of 'The Culture Seekers.' She is also a big movie fan.

Fan page - https://www.facebook.com/ChristineMaryFlemming

Website: http://cmflemming254.wix.com/author

'The Secret Diary of Sarah Chamberlain' by Sarah Norkus

The Secret Diary of Sarah Chamberlain
by Sarah Norkus

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Fifteen year-old Emily Grace (Em) discovers a secret hiding place under a wooden plank in the attic of an old house in Petersburg owned by the Ladies Benevolent Society. It conceals a 150 year old diary belonging to Sarah Chamberlain, the previous owner of the house. Turning to the last entry, Em’s interest is piqued by the mention of the missing confederate gold and a murder mystery. She slips the diary into the pocket of her capris.

A week later, Em finishes the diary. Emotions well up inside her as she rereads the last page. The diary holds no clues to the location of the gold. But it is clear that Sarah believes that her husband, Robert, was murdered by the guards in charge of the Union prison where he was being held. Tears slide down Em’s cheeks as she thinks about the senseless murder of the man Sarah loved. She slips the diary back in her pocket planning to return it to the attic while helping her mother clean the old house in Petersburg.

While scrubbing black scuffmarks off the kitchen floor in the Petersburg house, Em has an emotional meltdown. She shouts her list of grievances, including Robert’s murder, before God. Em ends her tirade by saying that since God has done nothing to help her or Sarah she doesn’t believe he really exists. Almost immediately, she is overcome with vertigo and passes out.

Slowly regaining consciousness, Em looks around in confusion. The kitchen has been replaced by a nineteenth century parlor.

Read an excerpt:

Em struggled her way back to consciousness. Moving her cheek on the floor, she puzzled at the sensation. Linoleum was supposed to be smooth and hard, not soft. She slowly opened her eyes and blinked at a table leg about a half an inch from her nose. Wiggling on her belly away from the table leg, Em placed her hands flat and prepared to push herself up. Her eyes widened. Her hands were on either side of a large, red rose embroidered into a rug. She jerked in shock, banging her head on the bottom of a wooden table.

“Ouch,” Em said, rubbing the top of her head.

After scooting backward so she wouldn’t hit her head again, Em sat up and looked around the room. Gone were the sink and the shiny, new chrome faucets. Gone, too, were the refrigerator and stove. In fact, the whole kitchen had disappeared, along with the worn linoleum. “That’s no great loss; in fact, that’s the best part of this crazy dream I’m having,” Em thought.

Em’s brows knitted together. She must be dreaming, although she couldn’t remember ever having the sensation of touch in a dream. Her fingers rubbed across the pile of the rug.

On the ledge over the fireplace, which was no longer bricked in, sat a clock. It ticked rhythmically and showed the time to be ten o’clock. To the right of the fireplace was a beautiful needlepoint chair. Two dark wood chairs faced each other, their cushions upholstered in a floral pattern. One rested to the left of the fireplace, the other was next to the doorway. Each chair had a walnut wooden table next to it, with an oil lamp on each. Against the far wall was a settee, the cushion a slightly worn dusty rose. The walls were painted a moss green. The heavy drapes on the windows next to the fireplace matched the settee. Chills ran down Em’s spine. It all looked so real.

Turning around to look behind her, Em saw the antique writing table that had been sent out to be restored. A small dark wooden chair perched between the drawers. Trembling, Em pushed herself up off the floor on shaky legs. She tentatively touched the smooth surface of the writing table.

“Mom!” Em screamed.

A door slammed and Em heard footsteps.

But instead of her mother, the biggest black man she had ever seen filled the doorway. He wore a stained and faded white shirt and calf-length brown work pants. His feet were bare and covered in dirt. His short cropped hair looked like a gray Brillo pad. He held a long-handled, curved knife. Em took a step backward, lost her balance, and fell, hitting her head on the mantle of the fireplace. Pain exploded in her head. She crumpled to the floor.

**My thoughts**

This is the kind of book that I would have eaten up in elementary school and middle school. It is a time travel mystery, taking place during my favorite historical period, the Civil War. I also always dreamed of being lucky enough to come across a diary, hidden somewhere in a house. Actually, anything hidden in an old house, artifacts, hidden passageways, etc., was always a dream. Add to that, a secret wish to go back in time, and Emily is in my dream situation.

Emily has several struggles, though, making her question her faith, while also feeling a strong desire to make things right in the past. Her trip back in time is a gift, a sort of reawakening for her, while sending a good message to the reader, without being overly preachy.

I know I said that this book is one that I would have enjoyed at a much younger age, but I think many adults will also enjoy it.


Book links

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Sarah tells readers that writing is in her blood, literally. Her father was a writer and editor of the horse racing magazine, The Horseman and Fair World. And her cousin, Stephen Ambrose, wrote many historic military books, including Band of Brothers, which became a miniseries on HBO.

Getting a late start, Sarah didn’t pen her first book until she was forty-eight. “I was too busy globe-trotting with my army husband and raising two daughters.” But she is quickly making up for lost time with five manuscripts completed and three published books in the last eight years: the creative non-fiction, The Eleventh Summer, a general fiction, Until The Wind Changes, and a Christian historical fantasy, The Secret Diary Of Sarah Chamberlain. “I tend to be all over the map genre-wise, writing whatever sparks my imagination.”

Sarah is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the National Society Daughters of American Revolution, Toastmasters International and the American Red Cross. She grew up in Lexington, KY, but now resides in Colonial Heights, VA with her retired military officer husband, Michael.

Website www.sarahnorkus.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SNKUSBOOKS
Twitter @snkusbooks


Sarah will award a $20 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Follow the tour for more chances to win!

'Greetings From Above: Proof of Life After Death' by K.M. Ryan

Love never dies, and "Greetings From Above" relates 106 true personal short stories of after death communications and personal encounters between deceased loved ones and those left behind. It seeks to provide comfort, healing and hope to people who have lost loved ones to death.

Death affects every person, religion and culture. Survivors who receive signs from deceased loved ones may not allow themselves to fully recognize that they really are actual signs. They may believe these signs are "all in their heads" and dismiss them.

The recipients of these proof of afterlife signs are often embarrassed to tell others their experiences or ask people if they, too, have received signs.

"Greetings From Above" seeks to provide solace to the grieving, offer reassurance that their loved ones are fine, are still with them and are watching over them while they continue to love them as they did when they were on earth.

These life after death stories seeks to offer comfort and reassurance to the grieving allowing them to heal, experience peace and move forward with their lives.

**Currently rated at 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon!**

Download it on Amazon

Review of 'Searching for Normal: A Memoir' by Alison Neuman

Searching for Normal

by Alison Neuman

Searching for Normal is a book about following in the great tradition of creative nonfiction. Detailing her personal experience from the onset of a rare and painful illness at the age of three, Alison Neuman recounts her personal journey coming to terms with an ever-shifting conception of 'normality'. The disease having shaped her life in ways most could never imagine, a carefree childhood quickly morphed into a blur of ongoing hospitalizations, increasingly reduced mobility, and overwhelming fatigue and pain.

But amidst her constant battles with her health, Alison emerged as a champion. Searching for Normal will leave readers awed by Alison's perseverance and strength of character. Her story serves as a pertinent reminder that 'normal', is in the eye of the beholder.

**My thoughts**

What is normal? Normal is a relative term. What is normal to me, may be abnormal to you. Yet, we all seek to find a sense of "normalcy" in our lives, basing it on what we perceive the world thinks is the definition. We can torture ourselves as we look for that ideal. Alison's devastating, rare disease, in which her own body was trying to kill her, created a new kind of normal for her, yet she strove to be as much like her "normal" peers as she could.

It's heartbreaking to follow her struggles. The teacher in me gets annoyed with her teachers who kept trying to tell her she would fail or wasn't smart enough. I rejoiced in her triumphs, as did she, and kept cheering her on throughout the book. 

Memoirs are not usually my favorite thing to read. They don't always quite follow an easy storyline, like a novel does. But this story is interesting enough to check out. You may be surprised to find out that you know of Alison Neuman, after all, and wish you could be "normal" like her!

Amazon Barnes & Noble Paperback

Meet the author:

Alison Neuman lives in Alberta, Canada, where she works as a freelance writer. Nearing the end of her studies at Grant MacEwan College, she was inspired to complete the first draft of Ice Rose: A Young Adult Spy Novel. The YA novel integrates her love for gadgetry with the broad imaginative license afforded by the secret agent genre, and features a female protagonist in a wheelchair. It was published in 2010 by Fireside Publications.

Alison’s work has appeared in MacEwan Today, Westword, and the Edmonton Journal as well as on three tracks of the CD release, Outside The Window, and as a credit on the script for Cheryl Kaye Tardif's screenplay adaptation of Whale Song. She was also an "Edmonton Stories' top-ten finalist, a winner in the "Expressions of Hunger" in the Emotional Poetry Category (2009), and a nominee for the Northlands Award for Emerging Artist (2012), Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Emerging Artist Award, and Avenue’s "Top 40 Under 40."

Alison was also honoured in 2011 for her human rights work in advocating for the rights of the disabled. One of her greatest achievements is an integrative camp she started for children from all walks of life—both with and without disabilities. Camp Mission Access uses a secret agent theme and activities as children of all abilities complete mission activities. Since 2010, she has been a member of iDANCE Edmonton, performing regularly. A musical version of Searching for Normal, will debut at the Edmonton International Fringe Festival in August 2013.

Alison is currently working towards her Master of Arts at Athabasca University and, when time permits, completing her next YA novel.

Follow Alison:

https://twitter.com/crossingts
http://ca.linkedin.com/pub/alison-neuman/14/427/b77
https://www.facebook.com/alison.neuman.14
Follow the Book Tour

'Searching for Normal' by Alison Neuman Book Tour Blast!

Searching for Normal

by Alison Neuman

Searching for Normal is a book about following in the great tradition of creative nonfiction. Detailing her personal experience from the onset of a rare and painful illness at the age of three, Alison Neuman recounts her personal journey coming to terms with an ever-shifting conception of 'normality'. The disease having shaped her life in ways most could never imagine, a carefree childhood quickly morphed into a blur of ongoing hospitalizations, increasingly reduced mobility, and overwhelming fatigue and pain.

But amidst her constant battles with her health, Alison emerged as a champion. Searching for Normal will leave readers awed by Alison's perseverance and strength of character. Her story serves as a pertinent reminder that 'normal', is in the eye of the beholder.

Amazon Barnes & Noble Paperback

Meet the author:

Alison Neuman lives in Alberta, Canada, where she works as a freelance writer. Nearing the end of her studies at Grant MacEwan College, she was inspired to complete the first draft of Ice Rose: A Young Adult Spy Novel. The YA novel integrates her love for gadgetry with the broad imaginative license afforded by the secret agent genre, and features a female protagonist in a wheelchair. It was published in 2010 by Fireside Publications.

Alison’s work has appeared in MacEwan Today, Westword, and the Edmonton Journal as well as on three tracks of the CD release, Outside The Window, and as a credit on the script for Cheryl Kaye Tardif's screenplay adaptation of Whale Song. She was also an "Edmonton Stories' top-ten finalist, a winner in the "Expressions of Hunger" in the Emotional Poetry Category (2009), and a nominee for the Northlands Award for Emerging Artist (2012), Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Emerging Artist Award, and Avenue’s "Top 40 Under 40."

Alison was also honoured in 2011 for her human rights work in advocating for the rights of the disabled. One of her greatest achievements is an integrative camp she started for children from all walks of life—both with and without disabilities. Camp Mission Access uses a secret agent theme and activities as children of all abilities complete mission activities. Since 2010, she has been a member of iDANCE Edmonton, performing regularly. A musical version of Searching for Normal, will debut at the Edmonton International Fringe Festival in August 2013.

Alison is currently working towards her Master of Arts at Athabasca University and, when time permits, completing her next YA novel.

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'Spirit 101: An Overview for Beginner Seekers into the World of New Age Spirituality' by Mignon V. Supnet'

Blurb: 

Spirit 101 is a personal journey through the first lights of waking up and recognizing what “waking up means.” It is both an account, but also a guide for those starting out on the journey to understand the experiences a seeker may be going through.

Spirit 101 is gentle, down to earth, and straight forward in the tools it provides.

Read a review from Amazon:

As an overview for Beginner Seekers into the World of New Age Spirituality, I expected a smattering of this and that. But what a delightful surprise, the author more than did her homework. This is not a research project, but rather a personal journey in which the author put herself and her own life on the line and writes totally from her heart.

She reveals the most important aspect for a spiritual journey...and that is "feeling." You need to feel your way to resonance with that still small voice inside that lets you know YOU ARE HEADED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION ON THE RIGHT PATH FOR YOU. How each of us finds our way is a very personal manner.

And yes, you are given the tools with which to seek...and very importantly the knowledge that you are not alone on your journey. Invisible helpers, energies, angels are always ready to direct and protect, offering signs along the way.

The author introduces you to various modalities for further exploration: Reiki, Chakra balancing, Dreamwork, Intuitive feelings, the Law of Attraction and the role of the Subconscious, Breathwork, Meditiation, and various other methods to "get in touch," Prayer, Visualization, Self Protection and much more. If you've just begun to search, and even if you've been "on the road" for a while, you will glean gold nuggets from this heartfelt revelation. Highly recommended.
~Julia Busch

Download your copy on Amazon

Author Bio:

Hi,

Mignon here. This may be a little different in terms of Author Bio format, but I wanted this to be personal and from my heart. First and foremost, I wanted to reach out and say, THANK YOU! You’re time and attention is a gift and I thank you for sharing it with me.

I’m a mom of two and a wife to one These are the most important responsibilities I hold, and although I am neither a perfect mom or wife, I keep trying to do my best. Some days feel easier than others and I carry the same challenges and struggles that many have of trying to fit-it-all-in; the family, the job, and the dreams.

Some days feel like I’m getting whooped, but somehow, someway… it all works out. I would say that the biggest lesson I’ve learned through this experience is that God is good. This seems like a no brainer now, but at one point in my life, ‘God’ was a nebulous idea. God was something I had to believe in—“just in case,” but I didn’t feel a connection.

I’m thankful that I finally answered the call. I guess you can say, I’m waking up, but I know I’m not completely awake. I’ve got a long way to go to reaching enlightenment status and I may never reach it in this lifetime, but the journey I’m on brings me closer to God and to myself with each and every baby step I take.

This journey has allowed me to see the world differently.

I’m continuing to learn, continuing to grow, and am grateful each day.

Thank you,
Mignon

Social Media Links:

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http://iggylife.com

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http://books.iggylife.com

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'The Fire Lily (Ka Lilia O Ke Ahi) (Ano Ano The Seed Trilogy Book 3' by Kristin Zambucka

Blurb:

In THE FIRE LILY : the third book of her widely acclaimed inspirational books Ano Ano The Seed:Classic Trilogy,author Kristin Zambucka leads the reader through the confrontation of inner shadows to the glorious possibility of personal resurrection: a sun rising within.From the flames of suffering a lily can be born...A Fire Lily symbolizing the promise of new life and new beginnings. The book begins with a strong insightful passage:

'Do not live like most people...and you will not cry like them...Rise above wrong ideas that you have cherished...No longer fight to defend false notions that fill your days with misery...Search deep within your heart ...And find the ancient fire that can burn away any obstacles that hinder your path to peace...'

Buy links

Also available through Google Books

'A Junkie's Nightmare: Coming Clean' by Freddie Jay

Blurb:

I guess the title says a lot about the book but never has the phrase , you can't judge a book by its cover,been more fitting. This is book is about my life and while for many years I was, in fact, a junkie I'm also so much more. It's the story of a troubled boy raised in horrible conditions who becomes a true product of his environment , an environment filled with sex, drugs and even murder!

After my father was murdered by my brother in 1988 I would descend into an addiction that took my freedom, my dignity and nearly my life. Finally in 2007 I was delivered from the horrors of active addiction and have spent my time since carrying the message of hope to those still addicted realizing I could only keep what I had by helping others.

In the pages of this book you may see yourself or you may see someone you love but its a story you'll never forget!

Available on Amazon

Currently rated 5 out of 5 stars!

About Freddie Jay

Biography Hi, I'm Freddie Jay, I'm from Baltimore Maryland and currently reside in Claymont Delaware. I've always had a passion for storytelling that goes back to my father telling me stories of gangster shootouts and the fifty foot monkey. My dad could tell a story like nobodies business and I came to love words and their power to transport me to another place. I started writing as a child but addiction would rob me of my creative ability for many years. In 2007 I cleaned up my act and wanted to help others who are addicted or those who love an addict so I started writing my story and that led to a series. please check out my books and if you contact me I promise to answer back.

Visit Freddie Jay's website for more information
Visit Freddie Jay's Amazon Author page for more from his Junkies series.

Ano Ano: The Seed Trilogy by Kristin Zambucka

Blurb

Ano 'Ano: The Seed has become a classic in Hawai'i and around the world. It tells of a group of seekers who are offered a "code of life": a way in which the suffering of mankind can be overcome. It’s two sequels, The Mana Keepers and The Fire Lily are included in this volume. These collective works remind men and women of their oneness with nature and that they are "the Keepers of the Sacred Earth." Conflicting fires within us all are revealed, shadow-selves and ancient patterns are examined and understood, finally leading to the dawn of inner peace.

Kristin Zambucka's Classic Trilogy has become a Classic in the US and around the world.Lavishly illustrated pages glow with the intriguing symbolism of Zambucka's paintings,as the reader is guided towards facing the difficulties and meaning of life in the first book: ANO'ANO:THE SEED then in the second book:THE MANA KEEPERS it reminds the reader of connections to the earth and the wisdom of working with nature instead of against it. Finally,the third book leads the reader through the flames of suffering to the finding of hope and inner peace as the flame transforms into a lily:THE FIRE LILY.

Book links - available in ebook and hard copy formats

10 5* reviews!
Also available on Google Books

'The Message' by Lance Richardson

BLURB:

Find out why this faith-promoting and inspirational book has over 500 5-star reviews! On Christmas Day, Lance Richardson was involved in an accident which later left him in a comatose state for several weeks. While his body was being kept alive by medical support equipment, his spirit passed into the world beyond. In "The Message," Lance describes his experience in the world of spirits and delivers to us a message giving a greater understanding of the importance of families and the future of America. He was also taught concerning a most important principle of their society of peace, which, if followed by the people of this great nation, would rescue us from self-destruction.

Read an excerpt:

A Most Glorious Abode

As I stepped forward I pushed outward in the darkness and brushed against something. It felt much like a thin veil or curtain. As I parted the substance, an intense light filled with warmth and love fell upon me and beckoned me forward. It was a brilliant light that immediately dispersed all the darkness about me. It was soothing and satisfying. It carried a peace that I wanted to embrace. Deep inside me it felt somehow familiar; a feeling from deep within that was sweet to my soul. I stepped forward into the light.

Though as yet I had not come to a realization of where I was, I instantly perceived I was entering into a most magnificent dimension or sphere which far surpassed the beauty of any place I had ever visited. The peace was consuming and the beauty transcending.

“Where am I?” I thought to myself. “What has happened to me? Wasn’t I just fighting for my very…life!” An awareness of my true location was suddenly permeating my mind. I suddenly felt anxious, not knowing what I might see or what might happen.

Immediately in front of me stretched a lush lawn of emerald hue, yet mixed with a combination of sky-blue. I had never seen such a vibrant, brilliant color. Trees could be seen in numerous places around the landscape. They, too, were much more impressive than anything I had ever seen. Leaves and sprigs carried varieties of color such as crimson, gold, blazing yellows of fire, shades of green and blue, and deep blood-red. One stem may have numerous flowers of different variety and color. These flowers and shrubbery cast soft and deep tones of warmth and splendor, as if mixed by a master painter. I was enthralled with the beauty which encompassed me.

Before me, scattered around the lawn and trees, were numerous people grouped in small clusters, some sitting together under trees reading and having discussions, others grouped in intent discourse or thought.

Suddenly I felt someone approaching me from behind. I turned to behold the faces of some of my closest relatives. In the front of the group was my cousin, Randy McMillan, who had died nearly 20 years earlier, from leukemia. He looked great! He had been a state champion wrestler in high school, and had continued his wrestling career in college. He had been full of life and ready to take on the world when he contracted this deadly disease and died. His stature now, however, was every bit as powerful as I had ever remembered him appearing, definitely not the sickly young man that I had known at his death. And his keen sense of humor appeared to be every bit intact. He stepped toward me and greeted me with a warm embrace.

“Lance, it’s so good to see you! We’ve been looking forward to your arrival!” Randy’s words caught me by surprise. They had known I was coming.

“It’s wonderful to see you, as well. But your words confuse me. If you knew I was coming, then am I really…permanently…dead?” I asked, not certain that I wanted to have my life completed.

“We’ll talk about that later. These other family members want to get re-acquainted with you, too,” he said, pointing to the others standing in the group with us.

One by one they stepped forward toward me and introduced themselves. There was my Dad’s father, Grandpa Mark Richardson, and his wife, Grandma Mary Richardson, Uncle Howard (Randy’s father), Great Grandpa Charles Edmund Richardson, and several others.

I had not seen my Grandpa Mark since I was about three years old. All I remembered of him was an old, sickly, haggard man. He had been very ill before his death. But here he was now before me, a very good-looking young man. He looked to be about 25-30 years of age, what many would consider to be one’s prime. Though he looked so different I still recognized him immediately.

“Oh, Grandpa, it is so good to see you.”

“It’s great to see you, Lance. We’ve been anxiously awaiting your visit.” He stepped back and took a long look at me. “You look good! I can see your Dad’s characteristics in you. I’ve enjoyed helping you and your family so much over the past years.”

I appreciated his assessment. But his final sentence caught my interest. “What do you mean by that, Grandpa? How have you helped us?”

“Oh, Lance, you’d be surprised how involved many of us are in your lives,” he responded. “It’s really quite exciting. We’ll show you more about how it works in awhile.”

Randy looked at me with a smile. “In most cases, Lance, when you pray to God for help, it is your dead relatives and loved ones who are sent by God to help you in answer to your prayers. Thus we weld links and bonds of love within the family forever. The family is the central and eternal unit of our society.” His words carried a powerful feeling of truth. It felt so right! Who would love you more, and desire to help you more, than your family and closest friends!

“And so, those relatives of yours who have lived righteous lives can be used as ministering servants, by God, to assist His children who are still in mortality. We serve you, and you serve us. It is the mode of Heaven.”

“That is so incredible,” I said. “It’s as if they are angels sent to help us.”

“Yes, it is.” Randy agreed.

Each of the words he had shared conveyed such meaning and clarity. I understood completely. And then it occurred to me. Randy had spoken these truths to me, but not with his mouth and audible voice. He had spoken to my mind. Until that moment, each of my relatives had spoken to me using their mouths. But not now. Randy’s last statements were made to me with his mind.

Instantly, I heard my Grandfather’s voice in my mind saying to me, “We do not need to speak with our mouths. We have done so to make this change somewhat easier for you. We can speak to you spirit to spirit. And by speaking spirit to spirit, we are able to communicate much more completely. Thus, you are now experiencing my message to you with multiple senses, not only with your ears.”

It was true. I had not only heard his words with my spirit and in my mind, but I had experienced them in a most wonderful way. It seemed as if I had absorbed these words. And at the same time as the words came into my mind, I saw a picture of what he was telling me. I felt the emotions he desired to communicate to me, as well. I understood on a higher level than I ever had before.

“Wow! This is amazing!” I said, using my mouth to speak back to them. “Can I speak to you in that manner, as well?”

“You did before this life. When you lived as a spirit before you were born into mortality, you had many talents and capabilities that you have now forgotten. In time, these will come back to your memory. For the moment, though, don’t worry about it,” Randy explained.

From that time on they alternated in speaking via mouth and by spirit. I could see that often they would do things in a manner to make me feel more comfortable with my new surroundings. I appreciated their efforts, but was also deeply interested in seeing how their world operated and functioned. The communication process was one of the most impressive to me. Throughout the remainder of my experience in their realm I would see, hear, feel, and internalize the messages given to me when communicated spirit to spirit.

As I looked around me, the beauty seemed almost indescribable. “Oh, how I would love to have my family see all of this with me,” I thought. Yes, they were still very present in my mind. In fact, at that moment, my heart ached to reunite with them. I was still not certain whether or not I had ended my life for good. Something inside me told me that it was not over, though logic concluded otherwise. Yet, with friends and relatives whom I loved so much present to greet me, I closed my eyes and basked for a second in the incredible peace that permeated every fibre of my being. It felt as if I were being wrapped in the arms of my mother. No, it was even more than that. It was if I were in the arms of my…maker. “That is it!” I suddenly recognized. “That is why it feels so familiar.”

At that moment, I was once again wrapped in the love of my God; yet the feelings inside me spoke that He was more than that. The spirit inside me gave me understanding beyond all that I had ever known. God indeed was my Father. I was his son. He was my Heavenly Father. He was my Creator, and more than that. He loved me as much as I love each of my children, but even more perfectly. I knew it and comprehended it completely at that moment. I felt the truth surge through my spirit just as blood courses through a mortal’s veins.

I thought back to that moment only hours earlier when I had looked into the eyes of my son and felt an intensity of love beyond any love I had felt. It was this kind of love my God, my Father, had for me.

Then my memory went further. The whole plan of life was a pattern of our former life in heaven. I had heavenly parents. There was indeed a Father, and most certainly a Mother, in heaven who loved me.

I remembered them at that moment. It was sacred. The love was so consuming, I felt I would never want to leave. And though I had not known it was possible until that moment, I cried. Yes, I was home again.

Available on Amazon

Also available through American Family Publications

AUTHOR BIO:

Lance Richardson served as President of the American Family Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to "Rebuilding America Through Strengthening the Family".

For many years Lance was a co-host of the nationally and regionally syndicated radio talk show, "Probing America". He spoke extensively across the country in seminars and conferences on topics dealing with family issues, emergency preparedness,liberty in America, "Getting Involved", and Service.

Richardson is the co-author of "Zion - Seeking The City of Enoch", "Zion - The Long Road to Sanctification", "Masquerading As Angels" as well as author of "Knotted Gold" and "The Message".

Lance passed away in 2004, from complications of Crohn's disease.