Posted in Blog, Reviews

Review: The Girl Who Changed the World by Machiel Hoek

Synopsis (taken from Amazon)

Dive into “The Girl Who Changed The World,” where Lisa’s journey of self-discovery unravels the mysteries of life, guided by her enigmatic grandfather and the secrets he holds.

Explore the balance of ancient wisdom and modern insights as Lisa navigates through the complexities of truth and reality, reshaping her understanding of herself and the world around her.

In this book, you will:

  • Discover the power of thoughts and actions to shape your reality.
  • Learn the importance of balance between doing and being in life.
  • Explore the transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
  • Uncover the secrets of fulfillment and personal growth.
  • Embrace a narrative that celebrates the influence of feminine energy in changing the world.

 

The Girl Who Changed The World weaves a tapestry of inspiration and allegory, appealing to readers of all ages with its message of empowerment and transformation. This book challenges perceptions and invites readers on a journey of self-reflection and empowerment.

Embark on a journey of discovery and empowerment and discover the power within you to shape your reality!

Review

This meaningful book is more than a story; it is powerful without being “self-help.” It is written in an easy-to-understand way, using realistic examples.

The life lessons are easy for younger readers to understand, as well as adults who are relearning things and improving themselves. It would be an excellent book for a bedtime story to read together and explore complex concepts in a story format.

I thought it was so cool that there were note pages when the main character was writing in her notebook. Not only did it break down the concept into its core parts, but it also gave the book an appealing look. 

The dialogue pushes the story (and life lessons) forward. As someone who has read a few self-help books, I loved that it is a conversation between a grandpa and granddaughter (with other characters throughout). 

If you want a heart-felt book, this is the right choice.

Get your copy here (affiliate link – thank you for your support).

Posted in Blog, Reviews

Review: Chapter 3 from The Other Side of Divorce by Amy Taylor

Synopsis (taken from Amazon)

Are you navigating the stormy waters of divorce and wondering if life will ever feel joyful again?

You’re not alone—and this book is here to help.

The Other Side of Divorce: Breakups That Lead to Breakthroughs is a powerful collection of real stories from courageous women who turned their pain into purpose. Through heartbreak, resilience, and self-discovery, these women share how they found strength, reclaimed their voices, and built lives filled with confidence and happiness.

Inside, you’ll discover:

  • Inspiring stories of hope from women who overcame the emotional and practical challenges of divorce.
  • Practical strategies and insights to help you heal, set boundaries, and rebuild your life.
  • Empathy and empowerment from authors who have walked in your shoes and now serve as mentors and guides for others on this journey.

If you feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of what’s next, this book will remind you that brighter days are ahead. Each chapter offers a glimpse into the real-life challenges of divorce—and the breakthroughs that come with rediscovering your worth and creating a future you love.

Whether you’re in the early stages of separation, finalizing your divorce, or rebuilding your life after the papers are signed, The Other Side of Divorce is your roadmap to healing and thriving.

Review

  • Chapter 3: It’s All Mindset by Amy Danielle Taylor

If the rest of the book is as good as this chapter, it is great! There are many good tips (even if you aren’t going through a divorce). 

What really resonated with me was not saying bad things about the other parent – even when you want to. My mom stuck to this and let me decide on my own how I felt about my dad. Now that I am older, I asked her about it, and she said that even though she may not have liked him, he was still a part of me, and she didn’t want me to feel bad about that. Amy Taylor did a great job describing that in her chapter.

The other point that resonated was how many people feel the need to force the other parent to pay support. I am not saying they should or should not – but as the author points out, if they aren’t willing to, it just creates more stress and anxiety. That sentiment is very relatable. 

Yes, it is about divorce, but I think there is some wisdom for everyone. 

Be true to you!

If you need a book to help you through a particularly difficult time in your life, I highly suggest this one.

Get your copy here (affiliate link – thank you for your support).

Posted in Blog, Reviews

Review: Allaigna’s Song: Chorale by JM Landels

Synopsis (taken from Amazon)

In the six years since Allaigna left home, killed her betrothed, and joined the Brandishear Rangers, she has hidden her family name and her ability to sing music into magic. Confronted with the dire implications of her grandfather’s exploration into long-forbidden arcana, Allaigna must swallow her pride and summon her courage to return home with the ashes of her cousin to prevent yet another war, or worse, an arcane catastrophe to rival that of the legendary Cataclysm.

The Allaigna’s Song trilogy is a love story, a family saga, and a coming-of-age novel that braids together the stories of daughter, mother, and grandmother.

Review

Getting into this book was easy; the story was fun. Though I did not know it was the ending of the trilogy, I was still able to jump in and enjoy the characters and story, and I wasn’t lost at all.

This book had all the best parts of a fantasy book—magic, adventure, odd names, and sword fights. With a strong female lead and interesting characters along the way, it kept me interested. I especially enjoyed the deception leading to an epic conclusion fitting for the overall arch of the story.

Being written in the first person made the narrative a little confusing at times, as it went between the main character and the grandma without saying who we were following at the start of the chapter. However, once you understood the characters, it was easy to see the switch in thoughts, and it didn’t dampen the enjoyment of the book. 

If you enjoy fantasy I highly suggest this book (although maybe start with the first in the series).

Get your copy here (affiliate link – thank you for the support).

Posted in Blog, Reviews

Review: Unbroken: Turning Pain Into Purpose: My Story by Juan Espinoza

Synopsis (taken from Amazon)

Unbroken: Turning Pain and Purpose, My Story

Life doesn’t follow a script. It’s messy, unpredictable, and often unfair. In Unbroken: Turning Pain Into Purpose, My Story, discover the deeply personal story of a man who faced relentless challenges—military combat, personal betrayal, devastating heartbreak, and the loss of his shooting star—and emerged stronger, wiser, and unshakably resilient.

This memoir isn’t just about survival; it’s about transformation. From a turbulent childhood filled with loss to the harrowing realities of war and the collapse of a marriage, every chapter reveals raw pain and hard-earned lessons. Through heartbreak and betrayal—including the loss of the love who illuminated his darkest days—the author learned to harness pain as a source of strength, proving that even the heaviest burdens can be turned into a force for growth.

With unflinching honesty, Unbroken delves into the struggles of trauma, the process of healing, and the strength it takes to rebuild. It’s a story of resilience forged in chaos, of learning to find peace in the storm, and of turning wounds into wisdom. Whether navigating the scars of war, rebuilding after betrayal, or fighting for the love and stability of his family, the author demonstrates that perseverance isn’t about avoiding the battle—it’s about rising again, no matter how many times you fall.

For readers who seek inspiration, hope, and proof that the human spirit is unbreakable, this book is a testament to the power of resilience, redemption, and self-discovery. If you’ve ever doubted your ability to overcome life’s challenges, this story will remind you that even in the face of relentless pain, there is always a path forward.

Review

Before even getting into the book, the author shares who it is for, written in an inspiring way because everyone can use a book like this. He begins with giving strength to those about to read it. This is not a book you pick up for a light read; it is a book you pick up to be inspired and help you find some meaning in the pain. 

The story is divided into meaningful sections, helping the reader digest the wealth of wisdom being shared. Throughout, there are reflection questions, my favourite being “How do fear and purpose coexist…”

Unfortunately, some sentences were repeated and could use a tad more editing. However, the ease of reading such a powerful book surpasses that minor note.

I was incredibly excited to see a chapter on emotional intelligence. It is one of the hardest things to understand but one of the greatest assets. It is becoming a hot topic and beginning to be taught at a younger age, however, when I was young it was not talked about. I believe the primary audience for this book will appreciate this insight that is often overlooked. 

If you want more than a self-help story, this is a great read to get you thinking.

Get your copy here (affiliate link – thank you for your support).

Posted in Blog, Reviews

Review: Heart of New York by Emil Rem

Synopsis (taken from Amazon)

NEW YORK IS THE BACKDROP FOR A FAMILY CHRISTMAS FULL OF COMPLICATED MEMORIES AND NEW PERSPECTIVES

The adventure continues… In his second novel—another collection of beautifully written and illustrated stories—Emil takes us through perilous, sometimes humorous, and always fascinating tales of a past and present that seamlessly intertwine to create a personal narrative that will resonate with every reader.

…“The snow-flaked, fog-bound skyline of Manhattan loomed out at him as though through a powerful magnifying glass. His family had been promised a suite from which they could “experience the breathtaking vista of magnificent skyscrapers while sipping champagne from your balcony.” No skyline could be perceived. The giant buildings stood so terrifyingly close that they obliterated any sense of perspective. Through the swirling maelstrom, row upon row of offices soared to dizzying heights, bringing on such claustrophobia that he had to turn his back to retain his balance…”

Review

I have never been to New York, but the descriptions made me feel like I was there. I am all too familiar with the cold of Canada, and the author again does a great job describing those chilling details.

Each chapter gives us a glimpse into the present and past of a life that has (like all lives) ups and downs. Throughout the book, I kept returning to the thought, ‘The family you chose can be better than the one born.’ This book really shows how that can be true and pulls at the heartstrings.

A wonderfully unique feature of this book was the Beautiful illustrations at the end of each chapter and the author’s notes. As a visual person, I appreciated the intricacies of the illustrations.

If you enjoy a story about the ups and downs of life intertwined between past and present, this is a great read.

Get your copy here (affiliate link – thank you for the support)