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Writing means different things to me. I'm a storyteller, a book editor, and a songwriter. For me, it's like breathing.

Thursday, April 04, 2024

Book Review--Understanding and Managing Depression and Stress by Josephine Spire

 

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-managing-depression-Stress-Josephine-ebook/dp/B06XRJB9C4/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.k7ko5BX2bf_QHyAOXwkyJJzR1uRRMh2ej3da-1V2Txve10uDHFptDqdJF1hijQo4kqmBAaL20gx8z_KhVmo3_JEqKOVgbst7_YHDb5XmqUk.-n4L5qlbbj3GeqoD1P0razPxVuufqqJ7U3_Uj4UFZKw&dib_tag=se&qid=1712249711&refinements=p_27%3AJosephine+Spire&s=digital-text&sr=1-1&text=Josephine+Spire

5 stars

A helpful, comprehensive guide

I was looking forward to reading this book because I have had bouts of stress. Who isn’t stressed out in this crazy world we live in?

The author starts off by explaining different types of depression and stress, causes of depression and stress, how these affect our bodies, followed by techniques for coping with these mental health problems. She also outlines treatments like medication, seeing a therapist, and other options like alternative therapies. It’s important to note that severe depression should be treated by a licensed professional.

What I found interesting is how much a healthy diet plays an important part in our mental well-being. I didn’t connect these before now.

There were many useful techniques like self-hypnosis and relaxation for coping on a daily basis. I found these useful for my own stress. Mindfulness was also something I’d heard about, but I never fully understood it until now.

Overall, this is a complete guide to recognizing depression and stress and then seeking the help you need. There are also some helpful resources listed at the end of this book. Highly recommended.

 

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Of Ravens and Wolves: new historical fantasy romance release #99cents

 

Buy now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW19RCPH

Also in KU and Print


Magic demands its price.

In the sequel to Of Water and Dragons, Nemu and Ambiorix must fight to survive in the wild lands of the Caitt in northern Caledonia where they have sought refuge after Ambiorix’s desertion from the Roman army. Another more sinister danger also stalks them, a result of Nemu’s dark magic. Their idyllic world is about to be shattered, and their relationship tested.

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Excerpt:

Crows flew into the air from a nearby tree in a sudden rush of fluttering black wings.

Ambiorix froze. His soldier instinct warned him that something or someone had startled them. He picked up the sword that he always kept near him from the flat rock and turned around, gripping the smooth ivory handle with the confidence of a seasoned warrior.

Eerie silence descended on the forest. The day had been dark and gray, the clouds heavy with winter rain or snow. As night closed in, the shadows deepened, crawling like creeping black vines across the forest floor. He saw nothing unusual and hurried back toward the cave to make sure Nemu was safe.

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Review:

“Heckart’s work offers beautiful poetic descriptions rich in detail. Reading this book is a sensual pleasure. It is especially a joy to read about the idyllic agrarian lifestyle and the sense of people’s connection to the land, to the tribe, and to the spirit world. The richness of detail in descriptions create a powerful aura that positively fills this world.”

Reviewed by Snapdragon at the Long and the Short of It

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