Breathe: Meditations for the Soul

by Neale Lundgren

#MeditationsfortheSoul #NetGalley

At the beginning of this title the author shares the journey that led him from a sense of emptiness toward a richer life of the soul. While most readers will not be able to spend time in a monastery as the author did, they can benefit from the wisdom that he imparts in this title.

The author provides a series of chapters that offer meditations practices with breathing techniques, visualizations and affirmations. There are also exercises and quizzes.

For readers who are interested in an exploration of their inner selves and who are open to the practices of meditation, this title is worth a look. Spending a few minutes each day contemplating and breathing can be so enriching.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: December 8, 2020

A journey begins with a step:

Captain Tom Moore

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

#CaptainTomMoore #NetGalley

Pub date: December 15, 2020

Captain Tom Moore became quite famous in England during Covid. At a rather old age, he completed a challenge and raised a great deal of money for the NHS. Young readers will learn that he wanted to thank the NHS for help hat was given to him after a fall.

Tom is portrayed as a person on the move, from his first steps through military service to his famous Covid help walks. He is seen as a man of character, friendship and loyalty. What a role model for young children!

This adorably illustrated title is another wonderful entry in this series. I recommend it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

Recently published:

Sherlock Holmes Puzzles: Lateral Brain Teasers

100 Challenging Cross-Fitness Brain Exercises

by Pierre Berloquin

#SherlockHolmesPuzzlesLateralBrainTeasers #NetGalley

The author of this puzzle book has been specializing in Sherlock Holmes related challenges. This one with lateral thinking puzzles offers 100 chances for readers to test their wits.

The book begins with a discussion of what lateral thinking is and then come the puzzles. They were a bit different for me as there was not always one clear solution. So, that has to be accepted in order to enjoy what follows. Let your inner Watson out and see how you do!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pocket Therapy for Anxiety

Quick CBT Skills to Find Calm

by Edmund J. Bourne and Lorna Garano

#PocketTherapyforAnxiety #NetGalley

This title is part of a series that also includes Pocket Therapy for Emotional Balance and Pocket Therapy for Stress. One or all of these may be quite helpful to readers as they deal with our unique historical moment and their own personal challenges.

Following an introduction this book is divided into ten chapters that are filled with strategies for self-care. A few of the chapter headings include Relax Your Body, Face Your Fears, Get Regular Exercise and Your Anxiety Took Kit. A great deal is packed into this title’s under two hundred pages.

The book begins with a helpful introduction that describes the nature of anxiety and its various types. Readers will learn about everything from situational anxiety to panic attacks and the multi-factorial basis that may result in an individual’s anxiety. The included approaches to coping with anxiety come from a variety of clinical orientations including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness and more.

Following the introduction, the book moves to its individual chapters. The first chapter on the body offers a technique described as progressive muscle relaxation. There are many more approaches and tips that follow throughout this title.

This book appears to be an excellent resource on its topic. It will be welcomed by those in the mental health community along with individuals who are trying to live with the effects of the anxious state.

Note: the book is for self-help. Those needing medication are encouraged to consult with a mental health professional.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC All opinions are my own.

Pub date: November 1, 2020. This title will be available in both e book and book formats.

The Jane Austen Collection

Sense and Sensibility, Emma, Persuasion

by Jane Austen

#TheJaneAustenCollection #NetGalley

I am a reader who is very fond of the works of Jane Austen. I have read and reread her books always enjoying them and taking away something different each time. I have also listened to many of the novels.

This collection is narrated by Prunella Scales, a British actress. Her accent, voice and tone seem perfect for the works that are in this collection. There are three of Austen’s well-known novels here. Each features engaging characters and the keen observations of the author.

There is only one thing that I don’t love about this collection and that is that the books are abridged. Still, it is a wonderful omnibus for a quicker Jane Austen experience or for those who want an introduction and may follow up with the full narrations at a later date.

Many, many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this enjoyable collection. All opinions are my own.

Recently published:

japan

CONNECTING YOU TO WONDERLANDS

by TAKASHI SATO

#japan #NetGalley
Until we can travel in real time, armchair travel is an escape. Anyone who has ever thought of visiting Japan will, I think, enjoy this title. The photographs are gorgeous, the book is well organized and it includes a good amount of detail. The author/photographer knows Japan well and is an excellent guide. I enjoyed the escape that the stunning photos provided.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this beautiful title. All opinions are my own.

Now out:

H Is for Home

A Sesame Street ® Guide to Homes around the World

by Karen Latchana Kenney

#HIsforHome #NetGalleyIn this title, Sesame Street friends including Bib Bird, Cookie Monster, Elmo, Bert, Ernie and Grover look at where we live. Readers will find Big Bird in his nest while people are shown living in all kinds of houses, big and small. The authors also acknowledge that some people are homeless and live in a shelter. The book concludes with the acknowledgement is that a home is a place where you are loved.
This book can help to make a child’s world a bit bigger. The Sesame Street characters will keep little ones engaged as they explore the many domiciles.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

Recently published:

Frankie Comics

by Rachel Dukes

#FrankieComics #NetGalley

If you are have a cat or enjoy cats, you must get this book! The cartoons are so sweet and cat folks will recognize just how true the human/cat interactions are. I smiled over and over again as I made my way through this book; I don’t think that there is a higher recommendation than that.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.