Goodreads Bi-Monthly Wrap-Up Reviews

***** 

An Amish Second Christmas by Beth Wiseman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Amish Second Christmas is a collection of four Christmas Amish romances. It has been a while since the last time I read an Amish book. As always, the stories are sweet, light and at times funny. Reading this kind of book makes me want to visit one of their communities and experience the simplicity of their life.

Second Christmas: The Christmas church service may or may not be held on December 25th, but both Christmas and the following day, sometimes called "second Christmas," are holidays for the Amish. This second day is usually one of relaxation or visiting others. (http://www.amishnews.com/amisharticle...)

Out of all the four stories, "When Christmas Comes Again" is my favorite. The story was like an ordinary one but the appearance of the Englischer (non-Amish person) made it an extraordinary story. The twist made my heart ache for Elias, Katherine's husband I never "met" (died in an accident). I am giving the story five stars.

“Her Christmas Pen Pal” by Ruth Reid. I can't imagine Amish people having penpals. From what I understand, they live in a small area, and most Amish are shy and rarely go outside their community. This one was unexpectedly a nice story.

“A Gift for Anne Marie” by Kathleen Fuller. Best friends. . . . sweet story for teens....

“The Christmas Aprons” by Tricia Goyer. I don't like stories with a character that has low self-esteem especially if the character is no longer a 'teen'.

All in all, it was a good read! Looking forward to reading more Amish stories in the future!

*****

Divergent by Veronica Roth
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Friends told me Divergent's story is similar to Hunger Games. I didn't like HG, can't stand the violence, brutally killing teens for fun. So told them, why would I watch this one. According to their reviews, this was better. Although the story is similar to HG, this was less brutal. So I went and watched the movie last year. Surprisingly, I liked the movie, book? Not much.

I liked Four but I haven't decided yet if I liked Tris (up until book 2). She seems like a nice person, may be a best friend material, it's just that her 'divergent' attitude and decisions annoys me. She is so unpredictable. Sometimes I compare her to Bella, a weakling and then she would be like a very smart likeable hero. If it's okay with other readers, I am not happy with that kind of character. As for Four, he is definitely a very realistic and memorable character which I think the reason why I continued reading the series up to book 2 (got free book 3 - thanks to Audible!) Other characters are fine. Villain? I much hate Eric than Jeanine. I see Jeanine as Rose Dawson, so not possible to hate her LOLs...

Plot and writing style are both okay except I initially got confused with all the factions. Took me a lot of back reading to understand how it works. What I still don't understand is why factionless peeps are all homeless? They are the largest faction so why don't they all work together and build houses for everyone? I know it was explained in the book but really, are they all stupid to just roam around the city streets and never realized the need to have a place to live in? Romance part as you guessed is not good enough for me since I have mixed feelings about Tris. Hmm, overall, it was an okay book.

PS
Not sure if I'm going to post my review about the second book. . . . felt like I have nothing good to say about that book....

*****

Secrets of the Elusive Lover, Book 1 by Mike Wells
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I don't really have half stars here but considering I liked some parts of the book but disliked the main characters, I decided to push my rating up to 3.5 stars.

Adam is a typical handsome "loverboy" (the term my friends and I use to refer to a player). He has his wonderful ways of luring beautiful women to making them his fuck buddies but I just couldn't accept that this "loverboy" is into astrology... I have guy friends who are much worse than Adam but I could never imagine them into astrology. As for Bethany, I don't really dislike her. It's just that I like Cassandra more (one of Adam's fuck buddies). Frequently I was skipping because I wanted to know more about Cassandra, and actually continued reading because of her.

Oh the ending. . . You can't end the book without resolving the first and only major issue. I don't really know how to explain it, sorry. I love trilogies, and often they have cliffhanger endings, this one just didn't work for me.

Overall, it was still an entertaining read.

*****

Gooseberry Island by Steven Manchester
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story of Gooseberry Island focuses on David McClain, a ranger who had a one time war trip in Afghanistan. When he met Lindsey Wood, he believes he found his soul mate in her. Both tried to make the long distance relationship work and have been counting the days til his return to Gooseberry Island.

Bad things happened with David and his war brothers. Right after they traveled back home, all of them suffered Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD is so common for those who served in combat. Lindsey is a daughter of a war veteran who after I guess more than 20 years, the man is still suffering PTSD. Although she loves David so much, she believes it is highly likely that they would separate as she saw this happen to her mom and dad.

Gooseberry Island for me is not at all just a love story. It talks about friendship, family, pride, honor, etc. It was such a heart-warming story. I love every character, not just David and Lindsey. Every story made my heart ache especially Big Al's and Max's. I know someone who married a soldier who is on a war tour and recently she was complaining that she didn't get too see enough of her husband and their babies are looking for their dad. Ok, it was not really complaining but more like a frustration over raising their kids alone. I know she loves the man so much and she reminds me of David and Lindsey.

I highly recommended this book especially to those people on LDR (long distance relationship) / who are married to a soldier.

View all my reviews

Book Review Gooseberry Island by Steven Machester

Gooseberry Island
by Steven Machester

Paperback: 300 pages
Publisher: Story Plant, The; Reprint edition (January 6, 2015)
Amazon Paperback Link

Kindle Edition
File Size: 1386 KB
Print Length: 300 pages
Publisher: Story Plant, The; Reprint edition (January 6, 2015)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Amazon Kindle Link

Note: I received a review copy of this book free from the author, Steven Manchester. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

The story of Gooseberry Island focuses on David McClain, a ranger who had a one time war trip in Afghanistan. When he met Lindsey Wood, he believes he found his soul mate in her. Both tried to make the long distance relationship work and have been counting the days til his return to Gooseberry Island. 

Bad things happened with David and his war brothers. Right after they traveled back home, all of them suffered Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD is so common for those who served in combat. Lindsey is a daughter of a war veteran who after I guess more than 20 years, the man is still suffering PTSD. Although she loves David so much, she believes it is highly likely that they would separate as she saw this happen to her mom and dad.

Gooseberry Island for me is not at all just a love story. It talks about friendship, family, pride, honor, etc. It was such a heart-warming story. I love every character, not just David and Lindsey. Every story made my heart ache especially Big Al's and Max's. I know someone who married a soldier who is on a war tour and recently she was complaining that she didn't get too see enough of her husband and their babies are looking for their dad. Ok, it was not really complaining but more like a frustration over raising their kids alone. I know she loves the man so much and she reminds me of David and Lindsey. 

I highly recommend this book especially to those people on LDR (long distance relationship) / who are married to a soldier. 

About the book:

They met at the worst possible moment...or maybe it was just in time. David McClain was about to go to war and Lindsey Wood was there at his going-away party, capturing his heart when falling for a woman was the last thing on his mind. While David was serving his country, he stayed in close contact with Lindsey. But war changes a person, and when he came home very little had the same meaning that it had before – including the romance that had sustained him. Was love truly unconquerable, or would it prove to be just another battlefield casualty?

Gooseberry Island is the most nuanced, dramatic, and romantic novel yet from a writer whose ability to plumb the depths of human emotion knows few peers.

About the author:

Steven Manchester is the author of the #1 bestsellers, Twelve Months and The Rockin' Chair. He is also the author of the award-winning novel, Goodnight, Brian, as well as the critically-acclaimed novels, Pressed Pennies and Gooseberry Island. He has also written A Christmas Wish (Kindle exclusive), Wilbur Avenue (novelette), Just in Time (novelette) and The Thursday Night Club (novella), while his work has appeared on NBC's Today Show, CBS's The Early Show, CNN's American Morning and BET's Nightly News. Three of Steven's short stories were selected "101 Best" for Chicken Soup for the Soul series. When not spending time with his beautiful wife, Paula, or their four children, this Massachusetts author is promoting his works or writing. Visit: www.StevenManchester.com

Thursday Trailer: Poltergeist (opens in cinemas July 23)

POLTERGEIST IMDb / FACEBOOK

A young family are visited by ghosts in their home. At first the ghosts appear friendly, moving objects around the house to the amusement of everyone, then they turn nasty and start to terrorise the family before they "kidnap" the youngest daughter.

It's Monday! What are you reading?

"It's Monday! What are you reading?" is a fun meme hosted by Sheila @ Book Journey. This is where we share the books we have read the last week and our reading plans for this week.

Book Reviewed

Every woman knows an Adam. He's a "player," the type who professes true love, but with eyes that never stop wandering. He always has the perfect excuse when you find that long strand of blonde hair stuck to his collar, and fidgets whenever you get near his computer.

Adam can't fool Bethany, who, despite her better judgment, falls head over heels for him. Bethany is far more intelligent and strong-willed than Adam bargains for, and he finds himself smitten, too.

Hilarious at times and poignant at others, Secrets of the Elusive Lover explores the age old challenge of obtaining the unattainable man, and the paradoxical issues surrounding monogamous relationships.

Secrets of the Elusive Lover by Mike Wells - 3.5 stars


Books to Review

Willowgrove Hall is full of secrets, but soon everything hidden is brought to light.

Cecily Faire has a secret—and she intends to keep it. But when she arrives at Willowgrove Hall to serve as a lady’s companion, she comes face-to-face with the only person who knows the truth about her past.

As the steward of Willowgrove Hall, Nathaniel Stanton is dedicated to serving those around him. Nothing escapes his notice—including the beautiful new lady’s companion. He is certain the lovely Miss Faire is hiding something, and he determines to uncover it. But Nathaniel has a secret of his own: he is the illegitimate son of Willowgrove’s former master. Falling in love was not part of his plans . . . until he meets Cecily Faire.

When Willowgrove’s mistress dies, everything changes. Fear of exposure forces Cecily to leave under the cover of darkness, embarking on a journey to finally find her long-lost sister. When the will is read, Nathaniel’s inheritance makes him question his future plans. Cecily and Nathaniel are forced to make decisions that will change the course of their lives. Is their love strong enough to survive?

They met at the worst possible moment...or maybe it was just in time. David McClain was about to go to war and Lindsey Wood was there at his going-away party, capturing his heart when falling for a woman was the last thing on his mind. While David was serving his country, he stayed in close contact with Lindsey. But war changes a person, and when he came home very little had the same meaning that it had before – including the romance that had sustained him. Was love truly unconquerable, or would it prove to be just another battlefield casualty?

Gooseberry Island is the most nuanced, dramatic, and romantic novel yet from a writer whose ability to plumb the depths of human emotion knows few peers. 

Currently Reading

Mallory's search for happiness leads her to a faraway place. There she finds heartache, betrayal--and danger. Can the only man she's ever loved rescue her before it's too late? Mallory Hammond is determined not to let her boyfriend, parents, or anyone else get in the way of her #1 goal--to save a life. She had that chance when she was a teenager, and the opportunity slipped away, leaving a void she's desperate to fill. 

Then a new friend she met online offers her the chance she's dreamed of. But she'll have to leave behind everyone she loves to take it. Tate Webber has loved Mallory for years. He understands that Mallory's free spirit has to fly, and when he gives her the space she needs, he hopes that when she lands, the two of them will be in the same place and can marry at last. In a bold move--and with lots of resistance from Tate and those closest to her--Mallory decides to travel across the world to fulfill her dream. Tate begs her not to go, but Mallory embarks on the dangerous journey to Pakistan anyway, only to discover how swiftly and easily promises can be broken. Her new friend isn't who he says he is. And Mallory can only pray she'll make it out alive. 

Inspired by actual events, this riveting story will take you on a wild journey and have you asking yourself: How far would I go for love?

HOW ABOUT YOU? WHAT ARE YOU READING?

Blog Tour: Admit to Mayhem by D.J. Adamson

USE OF ANIMALS TO PROMOTE PLOT AND THEME

I use a cat named Bacardi  in my novel Admit to Mayhem, a Lillian Dove Mystery, to say something about my protagonist:

Bacardi’s my cat, named for his brown and yellow coloring and my first drinking preference of rum and Coke.  At the age of twelve, if you add enough cola, you forget all about the sweet tang of rum. Plus, Bacardi’s hair frizzed out from his body as if he’d stuck his claw in a light socket. When my hair was shorter, I’d woken up many a morning with that same look. 

My protagonist Lillian Dove is a recovered alcoholic with a 5 year sobriety; however, sobriety is not a dominate theme in the book. This is not another novel about a protagonist that cannot keep sober (be it alcohol or drugs). Instead, Lillian’s objective in the novel and series is to take on life anew with all its emotional, behavioral, and mystery challenges. With the description and affinity to her pet, I wanted the reader to get a feel for Lillian’s troubling past without doing a lot of backstory.

The overall plot of the novel begins when Lillian discovers a house fire and becomes an eyewitness to arson. Arson leads to murder. The plot is paced with events to create Lillian’s angst, but again, I wanted to offer my reader the vicarious ability to feel her anxiety and fear. So, I put Bacardi in jeopardy:

It came to me then what was missing. “Where’s Bacardi?”

I got down on my hands and knees and looked under the couch. Dust bunnies but no Bacardi. “Bacardi, where are you?” …I got in my car and drove one block after another, up one street and then the next, calling his name out into the night… “Bacardi?”
     
My novel is an amateur-sleuth novel which I classify as a soft-edged Midwest Noir. But no matter whether a writer is developing a conventional mystery, cozy, thriller or horror novel, the use of animals can help offer themes and provide movement of plot.



About the Author

D. J. Adamson is an award-winning author. Her family roots grow deep in the Midwest and it is here she sets much of her work. She juggles her time between her own desk and teaching writing to others at two Los Angeles area colleges. Along with her husband and two Welsh Terriers, she makes her home in Southern California.

Her latest book is the mystery, amateur sleuth, Admit to Mayhem.

For More Information

• Visit D.J.’s website.
• Connect with D.J. on Facebook and Twitter.
• Find out more about D.J. at Goodreads.
• Visit D.J.’s blog.
• Contact D.J..


Admit to Mayhem

Author: D.J. Adamson
Publisher: Horatio Press
Pages: 286
Genre: Mystery/Amateur Sleuth

Purchase at AMAZON

With a contrary attitude and an addiction for independence, Lillian Dove admits she has not been a success in life. In fact, she considers failing as one of her addictions. Yet, when she comes across a suspicious house fire with a history of arson and murder, she instinctively attempts to help someone trapped. Lillian becomes the only possible eyewitness to criminal arson, and her life begins to spiral out of control. 

Lillian Dove is an endearing “everywoman” struggling with life issues, emotional complexities and a habit of doing just the opposite of what she’s told to do. These qualities in a heroine give the reader an ability to vicariously struggle along with the protagonist in this intriguing Midwest Noir mystery.

Book Excerpt:

My name is Lillian Dove. I am a recovering alcoholic, five years sober. 

Five long years, yet the clink of ice in a glass still sets me on edge.

There is no graduation from alcoholism. Or life, for that matter. I am also addicted to Pepsi, chocolate, men, being afraid, being afraid of not being afraid, men—again--and my independence, co-dependence and unsettling ability to fail no matter my attempt. There are other compulsions and bad habits, but I can’t think of them right now. Memory loss, see? And I obsess on how much I forget, if I remember. Giving up alcohol turned out to be easier than changing some of my other behaviors. 

Especially my bad judgment when it comes to men. The type of man I’m most attracted to is like a tall, Tom Collins on a sweltering, summer day:  gin, a little lemon--but not too sour—with sweet syrup and bubbly soda.  It’s hard to resist, even if I know it’s not good for me. 

I’ve pledged a Tom-Collins-abstinence. 

Yet, Chief Charles Kaefring began offering me his attention. I thought my sobriety realigned my sexual magnetism. I was attracting a different type.

He started coming to my desk to tell me he was leaving and instructed me to send all his calls to his assistant. At first I couldn’t figure out why he thought I needed this instruction. I already transferred his calls as a manner of routine. Then a week after making sure I was aware of his whereabouts, I bumped into him lakeside at Louise’s Italian Kitchen. 

 Louise’s is my Friday night routine. I celebrate making it through another week.  One spaghetti dinner at a time. 

After that Friday night, I saw him at Louise’s every week. If he got there before me, I’d see him glancing toward the entry as if waiting for me to arrive. If I got there first, I’d pretend I never expected him to show up--which was the truth. Each and every time he arrived, I was flabbergasted. 

I wasn’t sure what was starting up between the two of us or who started it. I mean, how could a man like him seriously be interested in me? 

And even after weeks came and went, I still didn’t trust him. At each dinner he’d ask if I’d like wine with my meal. “Of course,” I’d say, letting my glass set without drinking it. If he worried the wine wasn’t good, I’d bring the glass to my lips, without sipping. I figured if he knew I had a drinking problem, he’d beat the hell out of there. Eventually though, he stopped asking if I wanted wine and only ordered one glass instead of two.

Still, he kept showing up.

I knew I was starting to slip into a situation that could toss my sobriety into the toilet, but meeting for dinner didn’t seem like backsliding into emotional drunkenness. Although, it never feels like slipping until you find yourself in a ragged heap of discontent.

Our routine altered when on a Sunday afternoon he telephoned giving me a weather report. He said the day was hot and getting hotter. He said he was putting a steak on the barbecue, and he just happened to have two.  Are you hungry? 

Book Review: Secrets of the Elusive Lover by Mike Wells

Secrets of the Elusive Lover

Book 1: The Personal Journal of a Playboy

by Mike Wells

File Size: 692 KB
Print Length: 79 pages
Publisher: For Readers of Paulo Coelho, H.M. Ward, Nora Roberts, Nicholas Sparks, Bella Andre, Charlotte Stein Publishing Co. (January 18, 2014)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Amazon Kindle Link


Note: I received a review copy of this book free from the author, Mike Wells. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.


Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ 

My thoughts:

I don't really have half stars here but considering I liked some parts of the book but disliked the main characters, I decided to push my rating up to 3.5 stars.  

Adam is a typical handsome "loverboy" (the term my friends and I use to refer to a player). He has his wonderful ways of luring beautiful women to making them his fuck buddies but I just couldn't accept that this "loverboy" is into astrology... I have guy friends who are much worse than Adam but I could never imagine them into astrology. As for Bethany, I don't really dislike her. It's just that I like Cassandra more (one of Adam's fuck buddies). Frequently I was skipping because I wanted to know more about Cassandra, and actually continued reading because of her. 

Oh the ending. . . You can't end the book without resolving the first and only major issue. I don't really know how to explain it, sorry. I love trilogies/book series, and often they have cliffhanger endings, this one just didn't work for me. 

Overall, it was still an entertaining read. A lot of readers loved the book, you may want to read them HERE (Amazon / Goodreads).

About the book:

Every woman knows an Adam. He's a "player," the type who professes true love, but with eyes that never stop wandering. He always has the perfect excuse when you find that long strand of blonde hair stuck to his collar, and fidgets whenever you get near his computer.

Adam can't fool Bethany, who, despite her better judgment, falls head over heels for him. Bethany is far more intelligent and strong-willed than Adam bargains for, and he finds himself smitten, too.


Hilarious at times and poignant at others, Secrets of the Elusive Lover explores the age old challenge of obtaining the unattainable man, and the paradoxical issues surrounding monogamous relationships.

About the author:

Mike Wells is an American bestselling author of over 20 "unputdownable" thriller and suspense novels, including Lust, Money & Murder and Passion, Power & Sin. He is also known for his young adult books, such as The Mysterious Disappearance of Kurt Kramer, The Wrong Side of the Tracks, and Wild Child, which are used by English teachers in high schools and colleges worldwide. Formerly a screenwriter, Wells has a fast-paced, cinematic writing style. His work is often compared to that of the late Sidney Sheldon, with strong and inspiring female heroes, tightly-written scenes, engaging action/dialogue, and numerous plot twists. He currently lives in Europe and has taught in the Creative Writing program at the University of Oxford. 

Please follow Mike's blog at: http://mikewellsblog.blogspot.com/

Connect with Mike on Twitter and Facebook

Thursday Trailer: Monster Goose Nursery Rhymes by Henry, Josh & Harrison Herz

Monster Goose Nursery Rhymes

by Henry, Josh &  Harrison Herz 

Age Range: 5 - 8 years

Grade Level: Kindergarten - 3

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Pelican Publishing (February 7, 2015)

Hardcover Link

Synopsis: 

Enter an enchanted land of mythical creatures where manticores reign and ogres roar. With a unique twist on traditional rhymes, Monster Goose Nursery Rhymes presents a darker approach to these childhood classics. Little Witch Muffet is not frightened by a silly, little spider; she adds him to her stew! If you enjoy mischief and have a penchant for the morbidly hilarious, the rhymes will satisfy your mythological curiosity.

Monster Goose Nursery Rhymes

Blog Tour: The Art & Science of Healing with LIGHT by Dr. Mark J. Rogers and Nike Azovas

The Art & Science of Healing with LIGHT

2015 has been declared the International Year of Light by the United Nations. The association regularly conducts meaningful observances, it is also the Year of Soils. Last year was the Year of Crystallography, the Year of Youth and so on, but it was most insightful of them to select Light and therefore pay homage to the natural phenomenon without which life could not exist.

Within my general practice clinic over the last fifteen years we have been using light, specifically laser-light, to heal patients with chronic pain. Initially I was a voice in the wilderness about how light accelerates the healing processes of the body, and at times it still appears to be the case as mainstream medicine is slow to take up the wonders of healing by light. It is easier and more profitable to write a prescription.

Current standard medical treatments of physical therapies and medication actually worsen chronic pain, thereby locking the patients into a life sentence.

It is Light that releases the patients from that life sentence by removing the mystery from chronic pain and illuminating its true origins. Clinical application of Light to pain afflicted areas of the body causes the cells to respond in a way that reduces inflammation and encourages blood flow. This means the injured cells receive revitalising oxygen and can heal.

Chronic pain is not a disease, it is not genetic, and it is not all in the mind. It is a very real physical condition and the path to its healing is found through applying the logic of the Science of our biology.

Light has always been a herald and in the case of pain medicine I believe it heralds in a long overdue medical revolution where the patients are in finally in control of their own bodies.

Hippocrates thought that it a privilege to be a doctor, one must ‘Do Good – and Do No Harm’, and serve the patient. Yet in today’s world doctors are the privileged ones and the patients serve them, and are being harmed. When the Science of Light is more incorporated into mainstream medicine the mysteries of pain will melt away and healing will become a more inclusive and natural procedure.

About the Authors

Dr. Mark Rogers has been a general practitioner for thirty years and developed his expertise in soft tissue injuries, chronic pain, and laser over the last twenty. A former migraine and back patient himself, he saw the need for a book specifically for patients and how to heal their pain. He has presented papers on his methods all over the world and lectures to post graduate Masters students. Three times nominated for Australian of the Year he lives in Adelaide, Australia, is married and has five children.

Co-author Nike Azovas is the author of four books. Her novel, ‘The Eagle of Spinalonga’ was an international bestseller and was one of Amazon UK’s One Thousand Best Books of 2013.
Two more novels are underway, a thriller called Woken and one about life in Greece during its financial crisis.

Trained in journalism, creative writing and business she lives in Greece and Australia, and has three children.

Their latest book is The Art and Science of Healing – with Light.

For More Information

• Visit Dr. Mark J. Rogers’ website.
• Connect with Mark on Facebook.

The Art and Science of Healing – with Light

Author: Dr. Mark J. Rogers with Nike Azoros

Publisher: Dr. Mark J. Rogers with Nike Azoros

Pages: 442

Genre: Medical

Format: Paperback/Kindle

About the book:

Chronic pain has reached epidemic proportions but it is not a disease. Chronic pain is a genuine physical problem and its epidemic is being spread by the very treatments the doctors are prescribing. Over thirty percent of patients across the world present with back, neck, or head pain, the majority of whom are in chronic pain, but all doctors offer is a prescription for painkillers and a referral for intensive physical therapy. The patients never improve, in fact they get worse. Instead of receiving empathy and understanding they are often accused of being dishonest about the severity of their pain. Some are even sent for psychotherapy. 'The Art and Science of Healing - with Light' breaks that vicious cycle. Within it is explained to patients how they developed chronic pain in the first place and how to begin to heal their migraines, back pain, neck pain, tinnitus, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and all forms of chronic pain in general.

Doctor Mark Rogers bases the healing process on his 7 Principles of Healing Chronic Pain. His methods are all based in science, are common sense, pain free, drug free, have no painful exercises, and no 'mind over matter' meditations for coping because the problem is not in the mind of the patients, it is in their bodies at a deep cellular level. The 7 Principles have a conservative efficacy of eighty-five percent. As long as the Principles are followed the patient will heal. It is the medical system that is keeping patients in pain through ignoring the origin of the pain. Pain is not a mystery, it is not a disease, it means you are being hurt. Chronic pain means you are still being hurt. Written in a clear easy to read style with minimal medical jargon it is designed for patients to finally give them understand what happened to them and gain control over their healing processes so they can start healing today.

For More Information

• The Art and Science of Healing – with Light is available at Amazon.

• Pick up your copy at Barnes & Noble.

• Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.

Book Excerpt:

‘Those who do nothing are inviting shame …(as well as violence). Those who act boldly are recognizing right as well as reality.’  John F Kennedy, 11th June 1963 Address to the American People on Civil Rights

‘The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it.’   Albert Einstein

The purpose of this book is to enlighten patients about how they developed chronic pain and how it can be healed. There is no mystery, no mind over matter and in the majority of cases, no medications. The solution is a powerful blend of Nature and Science that is presented in a set of 7 common sense Principles that, when applied correctly, activate and assist the healing processes within the human body. 

Patients feel frustrated that in a time where scientific research has brought about many advances in curing diseases, keeping our organs in good health and extending life expectancy, most doctors still can’t fix a bad back or tell you the real reason you get migraines or that permanent ringing in your ears. This book explains why.

The book is in three parts. In Part 1 I introduce the 7 Principles of healing chronic pain. Through them it is explained why chronic pain develops and how the normal processes the body should be carrying out to battle it are actually being inhibited by common mainstream medical practices. 

I explain that chronic pain is widespread chronic inflammation, and in the chronic pain patient that inflammation is being exacerbated by the very medical treatments the doctors are prescribing. The more medical treatments the patients have, the worse they get. The result is a very sick patient. The doctors are following established, and unquestioned, guidelines so therefore it must be the patient who is at fault. A vicious downward spiral is created and it is the patient who pays the price in every way.

I have also chosen to include a little of my own story. This was not my original intent but as the book developed it soon became clear that some of my personal history was relevant to my medical work and findings on the treatment of pain. 

There is nothing more personal than pain. I was once a chronic pain patient and the search for my own cure led me down an extraordinary path. I share that experience in the interest of revealing how current medical systems for pain treatment are not only ineffective but also defective, to the point where one might begin to feel it’s deliberate. 

I am aware my personal story might be of no interest to some readers so I encourage them to feel free to skip the part about me which is in Chapter 1 under the sub-heading of ‘My Personal Experience with Chronic Pain and How I Healed’. After that I talk about the importance of doctors applying science in the art of medicine. I have strong opinions about it but again the reader might prefer to skip over it and go straight to reading about the 7 Principles. Within them I provide an understanding of the importance of cellular health and how chronic pain patients lost theirs. 

You will be introduced to Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT). I have developed my knowledge in laser therapy over the last fifteen years. LLLT is also known as cold laser therapy. This is different to the high intensity lasers used in surgery. Cold laser does not cut and is cool to the touch. 

While there is much about laser within this book it is not about laser. Don’t feel that because you don’t have anyone near you offering cold laser therapy that you are unable to be helped. This book was designed to guide you through learning all about healing your pain, with or without laser. 

I make it clear that Laser is not a panacea. If used alone, without applying the 7 Principles, it will not completely cure your pain. Use the 7 Principles alone and you will heal, slower. Laser and the Principles will accelerate the healing. The combination of the two, Art and Science, works rapid wonders.

You will learn that the adherence to the 7 Principles with or without the scientific application of cold laser therapy will reverse the damage caused to your cells and rejuvenate them to their normal state of full pain-free health. You will become a whole new person, physically and mentally.

Throughout the course of this book it might appear that some forms of physical therapy are being singled out as ineffective. I am vehement that when it comes to chronic pain, they are not only ineffective but dangerous. One of the things the patient will learn is that the so-called strengthening and stretching exercises of physical therapies are a big part of the problem. Most worsen the pain by irritating its source. 

Physical therapies have their place, especially in rehabilitation after the pain has healed, but definitely not while it is still present. It will be recommended that physical therapies be discontinued for the duration of the healing process. Once a pain-free state is achieved the patient can return to physical therapies, but only then. Patients will be educated as to why this is the case so they can decide their own course of action.

In Part 2 we discuss the individual conditions. You will learn some facts that will challenge old thinking such as, migraine is a type of neuralgia, and tinnitus is not really a noise, it is a phantom noise. You will also get to meet some of my patients who kindly agreed to be case studies. 

Their stories will inspire you, and some of them don’t hold back about how angry they feel towards the current medical system and how it kept them sick, in some cases for decades. Also included are the patients most frequently asked questions. 

Part 3 is how to incorporate the 7 Principles into daily activities including sleep, exercise, and even intimacy. Medicine must put the patient first and incorporate more Science instead of blindly following draconian protocols designed purely for legal protection and financial benefit for doctors. When more Science such as LLLT becomes a part of mainstream medicine the benefits to all aspects of society will far outnumber any initial introductory inconveniences to the medical establishment. 

There will be less reliance on pharmaceuticals. Insurance claims will resolve much easier, the workplace will be safer, and recovery from all accidents will be faster. Laser is invaluable for healing chronic pain quickly but it is also is an effective modality for preventative medicine. When mainstream medicine incorporates more Science there will be many changes in the way we heal. Chronic pain could soon become a thing of the past. 

Chronic pain has long been considered to be an uncontrollable mystery condition. It has been grandly labeled as a complex biopsychosocial condition. Some doctors even consider it to be an incurable disease; others claim it is a result of the patient’s neuroticism. No wonder the patient is confused. The confusion ends now. 

Your pain is real and it has a traceable origin. My methods locate that origin, that bull’s-eye, and the laser targets it, fills it with healing light and the body does the rest. The Principles, and the laser, are perfectly safe, pain free, and so simple they are revolutionary. The chronic pain sufferer will finally be able to get off the medical merry-go-round. When mainstream medicine stops disguising its fear of change by shunning cold laser therapy and instead embraces it, in doing so it will enter a new phase of sophisticated and inclusive patient care. Get ready for a long overdue medical revolution.

$50 AMAZON GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY:

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• By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.

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• This giveaway begins February 2 and ends April 30.

• Winner will be contacted via email on Monday, May 4.

• Winner has 48 hours to reply.

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Book Release: Unremembered Things by Rachel Tsoumbakos

Unremembered Things  
(Wood Nymph Chronicles Book #1) 

Release Date: 10th February 2015
AVAILABLE HERE: AMAZON

Blurb:

One woman, two worlds and nothing but UNREMEMBERED THINGS separating them.

Indiana Shamira has a dark secret that could shatter her version of reality and get her killed in the process. Now if only she could remember what it is…

When Indiana wakes with no memory of her past life and a vampire called Sam hanging from the rafters in her cellar, she knows things are about to get nasty. Not only does Sam know all about her previous life, but he seems intent on seducing her as well. Of course her boyfriend, Kurt, has different ideas – like making her open the portal to hell!

And then there is the nagging suspicion that Indiana is not entirely human, now she can see ghostly images from the Otherworld. Or could it be from the life she can no longer remember? They include the flickering effigy of Kurt and a redwood forest that conjures up deeply repressed magic.

Not only will Indiana have to risk everything to keep the door to another dimension closed, she will have to decide whether she is ready to lose her heart to someone who has more secrets than herself.

Set in the lush Australian bush, UNREMEMBERED THINGS is a fusion of fantasy, paranormal and forbidden romance.

Genre/s
Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance, New Adult

Sub-Categories/Tags
Trilogy, Nymphs, Wood Nymphs, Vampires, Satyrs, Australia, Australian Author

About the author

Rachel Tsoumbakos is a stay home mother of two.

Her main passions are writing, reading and organic gardening. Rachel lives with her husband, two kids, three cats and eight chickens in the hills surrounding Melbourne, Australia.

While she has had several articles published through mainstream magazines, she has also written extensively for True Blood Net and the now defunct Suite 101.

When she is not tending to her organic veggie garden, she is working on her cardio as she trains for the zombie apocalypse.

AUTHOR LINKS

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS | GOOGLE + | PINTEREST

EXCERPT

“It is time.” Her voice purred like a kitten, but Indiana suspected she was really a feral animal on the inside.

“For what?” Her voice was raspy, hesitant and unsure if she really wanted to know the answer. Somewhere, deep inside, she suspected she already knew.

“Just remember I’m doing this for us,” Sam whispered into her ear. “So we can be together forever.” Before Indiana could question him further, she felt a flurry of hands over her body. Indiana tried to open her eyes, but a warm hand reached up and carefully covered them. Indiana was bitten – hard, and she groaned in pleasure. Shocked by her unexpected display, she clutched her hands outwards. Feeling the writhe of skin on skin, she tried to pull herself free. The tickle of fingers across her neck and down her spine calmed her with their warm familiarity.

“It’s okay, Indiana.” The feathery words danced across her skin, warm like a summer breeze. She stilled and let Sam’s fingers intertwine with her own, relieved by his simple touch. Time seemed to move forward and Indiana was presented with brief snippets of fleeting images; Camilla biting Sam, biting her. Indiana enjoying the pain of Camilla’s sharp teeth as they gnashed at her neck, her thighs and her wrist. The flurry of skin and hands and teeth as they writhed together in the height of passion. Pale hands slithered over her own luminescent skin, then Sam’s darker skin brushed against her own, warming her and protecting her but against what she was unsure. Then Camilla poised over Sam, a knife in her hand. A flash of blood as it splayed out from a gaping neck wound. Indiana’s involuntary gasp and then choking sob at the sight of the cavernous hole. Hungry sucking as Camilla drank her fill. A warm hand, its fingers still laced through hers, slowing turning ice cold.