The movie adaptation of ‘Luckiest Girl Alive,’ the bestselling novel by Jessica Knoll, is now on Netflix. Photo: Amazon
Jessica Knoll is the New York Times bestselling author of “Luckiest Girl Alive” and “The Favorite Sister.” She grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia and graduated from The Shipley School in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, and from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York. She has been a senior editor at Cosmopolitan and the articles editor at Self. “The Luckiest Girl Alive” follows an unforgettable young woman striving to create the perfect life—until a violent incident from her past threatens to unravel everything and expose her most shocking secret. It has been adapted into a major motion picture from Netflix starring Mila Kunis and is now available for streaming. (Amazon, 2022)
“The Luckiest Girl Alive”– Her perfect life is a perfect lie. As a teenager at the prestigious Bradley School, Ani FaNelli endured a shocking, public humiliation that left her desperate to reinvent herself. Now, with a glamorous job, expensive wardrobe, and a handsome blue blood fiancé, she is so close to living the perfect life she has worked so hard to achieve. But Ani has a secret. There is something else buried in her past that still haunts her, something private and painful that threatens to bubble to the surface and destroy everything. With a singular voice and twists you will not see coming, “Luckiest Girl Alive” explores the unbearable pressure that so many women feel to “have it all” and introduces a heroine whose sharp edges and cutthroat ambition have been protecting a scandalous truth, and a heart that is bigger than it first appears. The question remains: will breaking her silence destroy all that she has worked for—or, will it at long last, set Ani free?
‘Psychological Principles of Power’ by Jordon Bevan Photo: Amazon
Jordon Bevanis an American coach, author, and teacher in the realm of personal psychology and social dynamics. He trained as a CrossFit athlete, coached clients on self-development philosophies, and partied with friends at Ohio State College Fraternities. While living in Columbus, Ohio- Jordon became fascinated with psychology and social dynamics and spent much of his time in the gym and the library. He is one of the foremost underground experts on achievement and personal growth. In his new book “Psychological Principles Of Power: Strategies And Skills to Transform Your Self,” he provides readers with a potent and tried-and-true set of concepts they can use to immediately improve every aspect of their lives. These principles are the product of years of research and application. (Jordan Bevan, 2022)
“Psychological Principles Of Power” – You pick up thoughts, ideas, and techniques employed by successful individuals everywhere and in all fields. You acquire the knowledge necessary to realize your own potential for greatness. You will instantly become more upbeat, convincing, and laser-focused in all you do. Many of you who are reading this will have significantly increased your income and greatly enhanced your lives as a direct result of the knowledge provided here. These pages provide a plan for psychological success and achievement that is based on tried-and-true ideas from psychology, philosophy, biology, business, and metaphysics. These concepts are brought together in a quick-moving, educational set of actions that can help you achieve greater things than you ever thought possible. They help you feel better about yourself, enhance your own performance, and grant you total control over every facet of your personal and professional life.
‘Rise of the Unicorn’ is the new suspenseful thriller by D. Elliot Woods. Photo: Amazon
D. Elliot Woods has been an LA-based Film, TV and Commercial Actor for more than 25 years; from human and alien roles across various Star Trek films and TV shows to appearances on LOOT, NCIS: LA, HBO’s Ballers, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, Friends, Drake & Josh as well as over 100 commercials for numerous household brands. His extensive industry experience and knowledge bleeds through into his writing. His Fly Free Entertainment production banner is dedicated to producing his own projects as well as helping train a whole new generation of creatives. He pours all his life experiences and knowledge of the industry into writing captivating stories featuring diverse, non-stereotypical characters. His unique way of viewing the world elevates his writing to thought-provoking, heart-wrenching, emotional and even comedic, in a fresh way that readers and audiences will fall in love with. “Rise of the Unicorn,” his new book, is a thought provoking, emotional suspense/thriller that entertains and captivates while carrying a message that cuts across every class of society. (D. Elliot Woods, 2022)
“Rise of the Unicorn” – Augustus ‘Gus’ Martin is an embattled LAPD negotiator. Months after suffering a significant blow to his career, he has clawed his way back up only to come face to face with The Unicorn – bank robbers who may in fact be a terrorist group – and who seem dead set on committing the messiest daylight robbery and hostage crisis of all time. The Unicorn will only negotiate with Gus as the world watches hostages die, one-by-one. If that were not enough, the politically desperate Mayor of Los Angeles recently appointed a new Police Commissioner… a Black woman from Texas whose credentials and competence have been quietly questioned by the rank and file. In the most pressurized of circumstances, she and Gus must trust one another in order to win a chess match against the most formidable criminal mind either has ever faced. The lives of over 30 hostages hang in the balance while philosophical questions demand very real answers.
‘Livid: A Scarpetta Novel” is the newest Scarpetta novel. Photo: Amazon.
Patricia Cornwell is an American crime writer best known for her best-selling novels featuring medical examiner Kay Scarpetta, of which the first was inspired by a series of sensational murders in Richmond, Virginia, where most of the stories are set. The plots are notable for their emphasis on forensic science, which has influenced later TV treatments of police work. She sold her first novel, “Postmortem,” while working at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Richmond, Virginia. Her books have sold more than 100 million copies. Her new book “Livid: A Scarpetta Novel” is the 26th in the series and will be released on October 25, 2022. In “Livid: A Scarpetta Novel,” chief medical examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta finds herself a reluctant star witness in a sensational televised murder trial causing chaos in Old Town Alexandria with the threat of violent protests. (Amazon, 2022)
“Livid: A Scarpetta Novel” – While in the middle of a murder trial, Kay Scarpetta receives shocking news. The judge’s sister has been found dead. At first glance, it appears to be a home invasion, but then why was nothing stolen, and why is the garden strewn with dead plants and insects? Although there is no apparent cause of death, Scarpetta recognizes telltale signs of the unthinkable, and she knows the worst is yet to come. The forensic pathologist finds herself pitted against a powerful force that returns her to the past, and her time to catch the killer is running out.
‘Roar Like a Goddess’ by Acharya Shunya. Photo: Amazon
Acharya Shunya is a truth teller who facilitates authenticity, self-remembrance, and Divine Feminine pathways to awakening within. The first female head of her 2,000-year-old Indian spiritual lineage, Shunya reinterprets and recontextualizes ancient teachings for modern times, empowering people everywhere to lead fulfilled, fearless, and enlightened lives. She is president of The Awakened Self Foundation in California and author of “Ayurveda Lifestyle Wisdom” and “Sovereign Self.” Her new book “Roar Like a Goddess: Every Woman’s Guide to Becoming Unapologetically Powerful, Prosperous, and Peaceful” is a rallying cry for women everywhere to break free from the shackles of patriarchy and awaken their true nature, brought to life through India’s primary goddess archetypes. (Amazon, 2022)
“Roar Like a Goddess” – In the Prologue, Acharya Shunya starts by defining patriarchy as “a system of beliefs that put men first [and] promotes a society dominated by men: sexually, emotionally, economically, religiously, and of course politically.” It is this type of environment that makes it hard for women to trust their true voice, which she compares to a ‘roar. After centuries of living in patriarchal societies, many women do not realize how powerful they are―or how much they have been enculturated to keep their true nature hidden.’ In this book, she offers an in-depth exploration of the Hindu goddess archetypes to help readers break free of patriarchal conditioning and let go of internalized misogyny. She also focuses on legendary humans, beasts, demons, gods, and the goddess herself in the hopes of transforming lives by giving spiritual insights and psychological tools to help readers “roar with your true voice.” The book is divided into three parts, the three chief goddess manifestations of the Supreme Hindu/Vedic Goddess Shakti: Part I Durga (goddess of power and self-determination), Part II Kakshmi (goddess of abundance and inner contentment), and Part III Saraswati (goddess of wisdom, peace, and self-actualization. Each chapter ends with contemplations/affirmations to summarize the topics discussed.
Life is not always kind to women and sometimes it can be frustrating feeling like you do not have a voice. In her inspiring new book “Roar Like a Goddess,” trailblazing Vedic spiritual teacher Acharya Shunya empowers women everywhere to step into their divine immensity and lead powerful, abundant, and wise lives through her revolutionary revisioning of ancient India’s primary goddess archetypes: Goddess Durga, Goddess Lakshmi, and Goddess Saraswati. At first this might seem like a complicated subject matter, but she expertly explains the background for each archetype and how they relate to modern life. The language is easy to understand and pragmatic, without being condescending to readers who may not be familiar with Hindu beliefs. Some of the highlights include Chapter 2 When Raging Is a Goddess Thing To Do: under Roaring Durgas Existed in Every Culture, where the author lists a sampling of stories of warrior women across history and around the world including warrior women of Mongolia, The Mino, who were an all-female military regiment of the present-day Republic of Benin, and Queen Nzinga Mbande, a powerful seventeenth-century ruler of the Ambundu kingdoms in modern day Angola and Chapter 11: Lakshmi Shows The Path To Generosity where the Vedas suggests five ways to act generously and put the dharma of accommodation and kindness into action, including acting conscientiously towards Mother Nature, acting big heartedly towards the less privileged, and acting gratefully towards the teachers in your life. Overall, “Roar Like a Goddess” is an empowering guide to awakening the many faces of the goddess within that will inspire women to find their voice and stand tall. It is recommended for readers searching for spiritual and emotional guidance and who appreciate books about spiritualism and women’s studies.
“One of the central dharma values is nonviolence, or ahimsa. Ahimsa can be, in a simple way, translated as ‘harmlessness’ – to not wish or do harm to any living creature.”
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
Christina LePort’s debut novel ‘Dissection’ will be out October 18, 2022. Photo: Amazon
Dr. Cristina LePort was born in Bologna, Italy, where she attended medical school before emigrating to the USA to complete her Internal Medicine residency at Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn and her Cardiology fellowship at West Los Angeles VA/UCLA. She has been practicing medicine for more than 30 years as Dr. Cristina Rizza. “Dissection: A Medical and Political Thriller,” her first published novel, will be released October 18, 2022. It is a taut thriller with complex characters that combines cutting-edge medical technology with horrific yet still believable terrorist plots. (Amazon, 2022)
“Dissection”– DC heart surgeon Dr. Steven Leeds is suddenly besieged by a handful of complicated heart attack and stroke cases, all caused by a rare arterial injury―a dissection. Before that, all the victims receive innocuous-looking cards announcing: “Your heart attack/stroke will arrive within one hour!” When private detective Kirk Miner and FBI agent Jack Mulville investigate, they immediately suspect Leeds’ former lover, Dr. Silvana Moretti, a brilliant research scientist who harbors a grudge against all the victims. When prominent people in the U.S. government begin to receive these same threatening cards and almost immediately experience these same deadly cardiac emergencies, it falls to the unlikely team of three―the headstrong FBI agent, the gifted private investigator, and the brilliant but conflicted heart surgeon―to find the actual perpetrators and to snuff out a catastrophic plot that only the medically astute can divine.
Dr. Cristina LePort’s story combines the artfully nightmarish scenarios in Vince Flynn’s Mitch Rapp novels with the fast-paced tempo of Robin Cook’s medical thrillers. It features page-turning suspense, action-packed climaxes, and thoughtful character development, set against a believable backdrop of medical science informed by her long career as a cardiologist. Her style, though accessible, is more sophisticated than superficial, and, with strong protagonists on both sides of the gender divide, appeals to both male and female readers.
‘Escape the Meatrix’ by Stuart Waldner combines the latest science with personal experiences to reveal a transformative perspective. It will be released on October 11, 2022. Photo: Stuart Waldner
Stuart Waldner is an activist and an author. “Escape the Meatrix,” Waldner’s debut nonfiction book, was written after he transitioned to a plant-based diet in 2008. His health improved, he felt better, and the more he learned about the statistical connections between our dietary choices and the worldwide climate crises we face, the more he felt an urgency to wake people up—for our health and for the planet. (Stuart Waldner, 2022)
“Escape the Meatrix”– Environmental, health, and wellness nonfiction book, “Escape the Meatrix: Eat Plants, Feel Great, and Save the Planet!,” releases on October 11, 2022. Author Stuart Waldner cites overwhelming scientific data and his personal experiences to present a compelling, eye-opening perspective on what readers can do to help mitigate the worst of climate-change, while also improving their health. The book challenges the status quo of eating animal-based foods.
“Escape the Meatrix: Eat Plants, Feel Great, and Save the Planet!” connects the scientific dots between the food on people’s plates, their health, and the health of the planet. The author includes anecdotes from his own life and draws comparisons between our world and The Matrix film franchise.
When Stuart Waldner replaced meat with plant-based foods, he realized that killing and consuming animals is not as natural, nutritious, and necessary as we have been led to believe. The term he uses, “The Meatrix,” refers to the movie The Matrix, in which the protagonist realizes that the world he lives in is fake. Paralleling the movie, the Meatrix teaches us to believe that animal-based foods provide nutrients that cannot be found elsewhere, leading to over-consumption and addiction.
After witnessing the benefits a plant-based lifestyle had on his own health, Waldner’s extensive scientific research clearly showed that the widely held belief that animal-based foods are a necessary part of our diet is a deeply conditioned, widespread misconception that benefits big business at the expense of individual and environmental health. Additionally, Waldner shares the science he has discovered behind lifestyle changes. Research identified in his book indicates that reducing the intake of meat and animal products may help prevent, stabilize or reverse many chronic health conditions, and avoid many types of cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, as well as the worst-case scenarios of climate change.
“After transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle, I discovered the statistical connections between our food choices and the worldwide crises we’re about to face, and felt called to help wake people up, for our health and for the health of the planet. I invite readers to discover how we’ve all fallen victim to the centuries-long monopoly and mythology surrounding consuming animal protein.” – Stuart Waldner
“Escape the Meatrix: Eat Plants, Feel Great, and Save the Planet!” by Stuart Waldner is available on Amazon.
In her new memoir, Sharon Saulenas, an Intuitive and registered nurse, shares her startling spontaneous healing from debilitating injuries, including a traumatic brain injury. Photo: Amazon
As an Intuitive and RN, Sharon Saulenas has offered hope, healing, insight, and inner peace to many, including those at end of life. She currently assists others in connecting with their Intuition (Divine Wisdom) and helps dispel fears around death, dying, and beyond. In her fascinating new memoir “My Path to Spontaneous Healing,” Sharon Saulenas, shares her startling spontaneous healing from debilitating injuries, including a traumatic brain injury. (Sharon Saulenas, 2022)
“My Path to Spontaneous Healing”– The author takes you along with her as she experiences the terrible crash that caused life as she knew it to come to a screeching halt. You will continue along through pain-filled days of seizures and dramatically reduced quality of life to suddenly exploding into another time, another space, where complete healing occurs. Healed and renewed, she is now able to step fully back into life. Her senses and abilities are significantly enhanced. Joy and gratitude course through her entire being as never before and she is once again delighted to help others heal in whatever way is in their highest good. Beyond this, she also chronicles many other experiences communicating with a realm outside the domain of normal human experience.
Starting in early childhood, listening to her inner voice was a natural part of her. As a teen, she began receiving unsolicited communications, or ‘messages,’ that forewarned her of some future event, often the death of someone she knew. These messages proved prophetic, and at first she found them disturbing and frightening. However, over time she came to accept and trust them. Later in life, working as a RN, she found that her sensitivity to this other realm helped her to foresee different aspects of her patient’s condition, aiding in their healing. Visiting with loved ones that have passed was also a normal occurrence for her from a young age. During these visits, she would be filled with unbounded joy and unconditional love.
Much later, shortly after her husband died, she had an expanded experience of Heaven that was far above and beyond the joyous, love-filled meetings she had come to know. Here she describes dissolving into complete perfection, fully united in love. A towering event so Magnificent that much of it is inexplicable, yet she does her best to share it with us.
As an RN, Ms. Saulenas worked mainly in the specialty areas of ICU, Trauma, Adult Burns, and Hospice, where she very quickly discovered that there was far more to healing than treatments and medications. She bore witness to, and helped facilitate, many ‘miraculous’ healings, both large and small.
At the core of it all is her belief that we are all connected. We are all of the Divine, (or Greater Consciousness), and by turning inward, we can tap into that unlimited wisdom that offers endless ‘impossible’ possibilities. Life becomes filled with more beauty, joy, love, and healing. Here Ms. Saulenas shares her simple practice of connection with this boundless source, this powerful energy that supports and unites us all. Her revealing stories and simple instruction will inspire readers to open themselves to the latent powers that lie untapped within us all.
Angelita’s Casa de Cafe on Boca Chica Blvd. Photo: Sandra Cruz
It is no secret that I love to read and half the fun is discovering new authors. Book readings are rare around here, the closest ones are usually in McAllen so when I hear about one nearby you bet I will be there. Combine that with a coffee shop and the chances of me being in the area go up considerably. Last Friday there was a book reading/signing with local author William Steele at Angelita’s Casa de Cafe in Brownsville and I decided to check it out. Now I had never heard of this place or the author, all I knew was that his new novel “The Spark” is a science fiction novel and that is one my favorite genres.
Angelita’s Casa de Cafe, whose motto is “welcome home” is located on Boca Chica Blvd and it takes a little bit of work to get there but well worth it. As soon as you step inside, that motto starts to make sense. The décor gives the place warmth and it radiates a feeling of inclusivity, diversity, and acceptance that few public places have. There is a small stage set up for live music complete with lights and a charming angel mural and several reading areas. The far back wall has a shelf full of books and yes, they do take donations. According to the manager Marty Leal, as long as the books are not educational or political, because people come there to relax and management wants to preserve a stress free environment. It being a coffee shop, I ordered an iced Mexican Mocha, made with Chocolate Abuelita and settled in for the reading.
William Steele is an artist and writer from the Rio Grand Valley. He is the creator of Beyond the Light Universe. His debut novel “The Spark” is book one of four in the Beyond the Light series. He seemed at home at a coffee shop and among fellow bibliophiles. The passion he has for the subject matter is evident while he read from Chapter 4, his favorite part of the book. After a quick Q & A he mingled with attendees and signed copies of his book. I have one more for my TBR (to be read) pile and my collection of autographed books.
“The Spark” synopsis: Somewhere out beyond the boundary of our known universe, there exists another apex species that has long since eclipsed us in experience. Their faith in magic has dwindled, and the Era of Egal has passed. By marching forward into the Era of Capitol, and abandoning the magical link to their planet, the Thearians have decided to meet the trials of evolution head on. They have sealed their embrace of the New Way within the immortal city of Key-Rown, and choose the shelter provided by the great depths of the crystal flower. All have sealed their fate. All but one. This is his message.
Overall the night’s event was fun and I will definitely be back to Angelita’s. It is a bit of a drive for me, but you can not beat the positive and relaxing vibe of the place. By the way, that Mexican Mocha was delicious; my compliments to the barista. I love their banner out front by the picnic tale that reads: ‘Support Your Local Caffeine Dealer.” I agree wholeheartedly: support your local small businesses.
Angelita’s Casa de Café 2200 Boca Chica Blvd, Suite 116 Brownsville, TX 78521 (210) 621-3366
Business hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 11a.m. to 10p.m Wednesday 12:30p.m. to 10p.m. Sunday 2p.m. to 6p.m.
‘Terra Nova: Book 1’ is the first book in the Terra Nova series by MTG. Photo: Amazon
MTG has worked in numerous positions, mainly in managerial and executive roles. These include the editor-in-chief of a cultural magazine, an executive director, and most recently, the manager of a non-profit organization that works with immigrants and refugees. She has extensive experience working and studying abroad, including Germany, Italy, Korea, Abu Dhabi, and Pakistan; these experiences taught her about many cultures and worldviews, which influenced her writing. “Terra Nova,” her first publication, is Book 1 of a series. The series’ concept emerged when she, like the protagonist, was diagnosed with the blood disorder paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), and her then-boyfriend (now husband) joked she was becoming a vampire. (MTG, 2022)
“Terra Nova”– Evangeline is living the life of a normal teenager until she starts getting mysterious, severe symptoms. After passing out in the middle of a party, life as she knows it spirals beyond her grasp. She is diagnosed with a rare, genetic blood disorder that causes her body’s white blood cells to kill the red ones. In the delirium of her deteriorating health, a door to a parallel world opens before her; however, once she steps through it, the portal closes, and she is unable to return to Earth.
Evangeline now finds herself in a place called Terra Nova, a world where vampires rule supreme and there are no traces of humanity left. Curious but afraid, she quickly learns that Terra Nova is not the shadow-side of Earth, but rather the tragic result of government experimentation. In order to survive, she must keep her mind open and accept the changes her body is undergoing; soon enough, those who she initially thinks are murderers become her trainers, whose help she must enlist if she ever hopes to return home—and soon enough, a romantic bond begins to bloom.
Back on Earth, Evangeline’s brother and friends are trying to figure out what happened to her, how the government is involved, and how to bring her home. Then there is the mysterious outcast Bambi, whose secrecy disguises her power in making a devastating choice: save one world at the risk of destroying the other.
