Book review: ‘Words To Feel Less Alone’ by Brenna O’Neill

‘Words To Feel Less Alone’ is Brenna O’Neill’s new book that chronicles her journey through depression and ultimately healing. Photo: Brenna O’Neill.

Brenna O’Neill is a mental health advocate from Invercargill, New Zealand. A lover of writing, learning, and teaching, she created My Latibule, an online anti-depression community full of tools dedicated to helping people manage clinical depression, all based on her personal experience, professional  therapy, and a BSC in Psychology. Latibule means a place of safety and comfort. My Latibule provides guided anti-depression journals, teaches i-Rest Yoga Nidra meditation, designs beautiful gifts with reminders to stay, and fosters community connections by sharing stories. Her book “Words To Feel Less Alone” chronicles her personal journey through depression and contains the exact words she wrote in her doctor prescribed journal when her brain was consumed by clinical depression. It is available through her website.

Journaling is often prescribed as part of therapy as a means to be honest with yourself and face the issues that are causing problems. For most people, this is the only way to be truly open and honest, since no one will see those journals. When Brenna shared her writings with a friend who was struggling with her own mental health, she found them helpful because it made her realize that she is not alone, that other people struggle as well. This was also how Brenna felt as she was struggling with depression, she did not know anyone else who was depressed and that made her feel so alone. It was then that she decided to share her story with others in the hopes that they would feel less alone.  

“Words To Feel Less Alone” is a deeply personal account of the author’s battle with depression. She begins by emphasizing that it is meant to help those who are battling with depression, homophobia, or religious guilt or if even if they just know someone who is. If they need to talk to a professional, she directs readers to call their doctor or use any of the resources she lists in the back of the book. This book is divided into six chapters including Oh Sweet Denial and The Longest Day. She includes pictures of herself that highlight how she was feeling on that particular day versus how she looked, as well as snippets from her actual journal. What makes it feel more personal is that the font she uses is based on her real handwriting. At the end of each chapter, she includes notes written by her doctor and therapist to give a behind the scenes look at the healing process. Rest assured, she is doing much better now and living a fulfilling life and trying to help others who are battling depression. It contains adult language and themes of depression, suicidal ideations, and homophobia and is sometimes difficult to get through, but it is well worth it. Readers in similar situations will certainly relate to her struggle and will hopefully come out feeling more optimistic. It is a must read and recommended for readers who are on the same journey or just want to learn more about what it is like to struggle with mental illness.

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

New horror movie release: 15 Cameras

15 Cameras is available On Demand and limited theater release. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Voyeuristic style films explore society’s insatiable thirst to watch and be watched. If you’re a fan, this new horror release might be a good fit for you. 15 Cameras is a sequel to 13 Cameras and 14 Cameras but it does well as a stand alone movie, so you don’t necessarily have to see the first two films to enjoy this one. On Friday October 13, it is coming to On Demand and in theaters in Los Angeles. 15 Cameras, directed by Danny Madden and written by PJ McCabe stars Will Madden, Angela Wong Carbone, Hilty Bowen, James Babson, Shirley Chen, Hannah Mckechnie, Skyler Bible, Courtney Dietz, Erik Leupp, Donna Allen, Brianne Moncrief, Jim Cummings, and Stephen Ruffin. (October Coast, 2023)

15 Cameras – When Cam and Sky bought their duplex, it seemed like the perfect investment opportunity for the young couple; a starter home, a mortgage offset by renters, and even a guest room for Sky’s sister, Carolyn. But as Sky and Cam slowly uncover hidden cameras and secrets of the duplex’s previous owner, obsession consumes their marriage and they both fall into destructive forms of voyeurism. When new tenants move in downstairs, their fixation with observing others has deadly consequences and they are forced to confront the very things they have been consumed by.

New book release: ‘Shadows Of The Stanton House’ by Philip J. Jones

‘Shadows Of The Stanton House’ is the new novel by Philip J. Jones. Photo: Amazon

If you’re a fan of ghost stories, any time is a good time to curl up with a ghost thriller. But with spooky season upon us, now is the perfect time to dig into a good old fashion ghost story, especially if it is set in a spooky old building, like a convent. This new book release is just that. “Shadows Of The Stanton House” by Philip J. Jones has the feel of a good old fashion mystery and suspense work of literature. So get ready for a journey through dimly lit corridors of passion and mystery with “Shadows Of The Stanton House,” where every shadow tells a story, and every story is a secret waiting to be unveiled. Don’t wait! Get your copy today on Amazon and dive right in. It’s only a ghost story…..

Philip J. Jones’ journey began on a goat farm, where the rhythmic melodies of nature and the humbling responsibility of caring for animals taught him the beauty of simplicity. From those pastures, he found his way to an old, repurposed convent, which had blossomed into a thriving arts commune. Living there during his formative years, he was surrounded by a mosaic of creativity and passionate souls that deeply influenced his artistic inclinations. Throughout his journeys, both geographical and personal, he has come to understand that his true passion lies in the combination of the arts, nature, and culture. For him, the creative process is not just about creating something from nothing—it is a profound dance of experiences, memories, and the rich cultural contexts that have shaped him. He strives to channel these inspirations into his work, hoping to raise the same sense of wonder and connection in his readers that he has been fortunate to feel throughout his life. His biggest aim is to bridge worlds and touch souls. In his new book “Shadows Of The Stanton House,” an aging convent turned artists’ sanctuary whispers with echoes of the past and is the setting for a tale of love, art, and spectral mystery. (Amazon, 2023)

“Shadows Of The Stanton House” – For centuries, the Stanton House Convent has been a vessel of inspiration and mystique, offering refuge to artists seeking solace and muse. However, shadows cast by ancient spirits lurking within its venerable walls dance randomly with the lives of the current residents. Sarah, a pragmatic mystic, finds her powers challenged by the spectral forces while engaging in a desperate ballet to shield her companions. Unfolding alongside her is the journey of Alex, a filmmaker teetering on the ethical tightrope between exploitative sensationalism and the authentic human stories dwelling in the convent’s heart.

As these stories interweave, enter Emily, an artist with a soul as sensitive as her brush, caught in a turbulent whirlwind of love and supernatural intrigue. With each page, “Shadows Of The Stanton House” unveils the fragile tapestry of their lives, shimmering under the influence of love, art, and the binding haunting that ties them inexorably together.

In the unfolding canvas, relationships ebb and flow, reflecting the tumultuous energies at play. The characters find themselves at a crossroad, tethered between the earthly and the supernatural, passion and betrayal, with the Stanton House watching silently, bearing witness to their joys and sorrows.

So step into the shadows, where love is as unpredictable and potent as the spirits ensnaring the Stanton House. Engage with the unforgettable ensemble as they navigate through a maze of artistry and otherworldliness, where the end of one story is but the whisper of another, lingering long after the final page is turned.

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New book release: ‘The Wonders of Kwame: A Village’s Healing Miracle’ by Walter Jones

‘The Wonders of Kwame: A Village’s Healing Miracle’ is the new novel by Walter Jones.

Supernatural thrillers that feature characters with supernatural powers have always fascinated me. Not just because of the power itself, but because there is so much more going on behind the scenes. There are always unintended consequences and people who want to use that power for their own purposes, whether good or bad. Such is the case in today’s new book release: “The Wonders of Kwame: A Village’s Healing Miracle” by Walter Jones. It is a small book for young readers that combines religion, spirituality, and supernatural elements to weave a story of a young boy torn between two fates. That sounds interesting, doesn’t it? If this sounds like a book you might enjoy, pick up a copy today, it is available on Amazon.

Walter Jones was born in Jacksonville, Florida and attended the Armed Forces Culinary Arts School in Patuxent River, Maryland. He ministered at The Upper Room Ministry in Jacksonville and enjoys bowling, fishing, and working out at the gym. His new book “The Wonders of Kwame: A Village’s Healing Miracle” is the story of Kwame, a healer – a boy whose mere presence undoes the worst and most grievous injuries, but his powers come with a price. (Walter Jones, 2023)

“The Wonders of Kwame: A Village’s Healing Miracle” – Kwame is a healer. They say miracles are born of dreams. When an old, childless couple living in a remote village make their wish, they realise that their destiny has greater plans for them—and the child. But their blessing comes interwind with tragedy, and the fate of their child is significant not only for the people of their village, but also for the gods and the spirits of the forest themselves.

Kwame knew he was different from the moment he was born. His birth had been prophesized long before he existed. Throughout his entire life, the people of Amani keep telling him how special he is, and how special he must become.

But Kwame’s powers do not manifest so easily. One tragedy follows another as everyone who loves and care for Kwame seems to be in constant pain and surrounded by ill-luck. Growing up, he begins to wonder whether his so-called gifts are ever going to emerge, and whether they would end up being a curse.

The story of Kwame is the story of a boy whose destiny catapults into both joy and sorrow, and as the boy learns to understand and accept his miraculous powers, he must also come to decide the answer to the most important question of them all. Who is he? What does he want? And how will he use his incredible abilities in this life?

Kwame is torn between two fates—the one drawn for him by the gods themselves—and the one illustrated by his caretaker and surrogate mother, a woman who despite her earnest behavior, seems to be hiding a dark and painful past of her own. And so, Kwame must make a choice, one that will affect not only himself, but the soul of nature itself. What should he do with his powers? His answer might have consequences not just for him, but for all of humanity.

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New book release: ‘Datura Serpentis’ by Trevor Carter

‘Datura Serpentis’ is the new gripping supernatural thriller by Trevor Carter. Photo: Amazon

When it comes to books, thrillers can include psychological thrillers, crime thrillers, and even outer space thrillers. Today’s new book release highlight is “Datura Serpentis” by Trevor Carter. By combining botany and the supernatural, readers will witness the dark side of nature, as Mother Nature has plans to rid itself of humanity by creating a new species. It is a well written suspense thriller that centers around nature and dark forces bent on disrupting the natural order. Are you ready for your next exciting read? Get your hands on “Datura Serpentis” today and find out if humanity will prevail. It is available on Amazon.

Trevor Carter is an author of the fantastical, the imaginal, and the supernatural. He has a passion for writing stories that entangle the human mind with the natural world and the not-so-natural world (the hidden realms unseen by the eyes). His stories are intermingled with elements of fantasy, science fiction, mystery, suspense, and sometimes horror. His novels are engaging and illuminating; he enjoys skirting on the edge of what is real and what is possible, to create a unique story that is thrilling and thought-provoking. He is the author of “Cosmic Communion” and “Lost in the Abyss.” “Datura Serpentis,” his new novel, is a gripping supernatural thriller that will leave you terrified and illuminated. (Amazon, 2023)

“Datura Serpentis” – Born with the ability to communicate with nature, Alaina Landry finds herself entangled in a conflict between a dark force of nature that has created a plant-born insect that poses an existential threat to humanity and another force that has chosen her to carry the seed for a new species, one that could replace humans.

In this enchanted thriller, the town of Cherokee, North Carolina is about to face a cataclysmic threat—one that sprouts from the earth itself. When a peculiar circle of plants emerge, unleashing a virulent insect that spells doom for humanity, Alaina Landry, a botanist, and her colleagues must race against time to halt its deadly proliferation. As Alaina, whose has a profound connection with Nature, delves into the mysteries of the botanical menace, she uncovers a startling revelation: Mother Nature, with her ruthless hand, is not only orchestrating humanity’s demise but is sculpting a new species from the ashes.

In this gripping tale that marries ecological peril with spiritual awakening, “Datura Serpentis” takes readers on a thrilling journey into the mind of Nature, where salvation and evolution intertwine in a dance of life and death. Will Alaina and her friends succeed in thwarting Nature’s sinister plan, or will a new species emerge that will usurp humanity’s throne?

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Pappasito’s Cantina celebrates 40th anniversary

The legendary Tex-Mex restaurant will be celebrating all month long in October with food and drink specials and commemorative mugs at 20 locations throughout Texas and Georgia. Photo: Pappasito’s, used with permission.

Pappasito’s Cantina is excited to announce that its 40th anniversary celebration is taking place throughout October. The month-long celebration will feature food and drink specials, including $40 for 40 Fajitas on Wednesdays starting at 4p.m., a commemorative 40th anniversary mug with Fiesta Fizz or Pappasito’s Signature Reserva Margarita, and a special Fiesta Fudge Brownie. Guests will also have the opportunity to win one of ten $400 gift cards by entering online. E-Club members will receive additional perks throughout the month. (Pappasito’s Cantina, 2023)

Pappasito’s is driven by the same principles that family patriarch H.D. Pappas brought with him to the New World in 1897: a passion for quality food and service, careful attention to detail, and a determination to treat every person who walks through the door as a welcomed guest. 

Decades after opening, Pappasito’s continues to provide superior flavor, freshness and presentation that guests will not find anywhere else. Using only the highest quality produce, meat and fish, each location ensures only the best dishes arrive at the table. This includes roasting their salsa in their kitchens daily, using fresh-squeezed lime juice for their famous margaritas and hand-making tortillas in-house.

Just as important as the quality of the food and drinks is the service they provide guests. Team members are carefully selected, receive world-class training and are encouraged to grow within the company, which is one of the many reasons their team is consistently known as the best in the business. Many Pappasito’s team members have been with the organization for decades, passing along their passion and institutional knowledge to the next generation of servers, cooks, bartenders, managers, and more. 

“The Pappas family feels so honored that diners continue to return to Pappasito’s, and we are proud to carry on the tradition of serving outstanding food and providing exceptional service in an atmosphere where people go to be treated like family, to be entertained, and to enjoy great food, knowing that they can expect that Pappas trademark of quality. We look forward to celebrating 40 years with our valued guests all month long and beyond!” – Chris Pappas, CEO of Pappas Restaurants, Inc.

Pappasito’s Cantina is the second largest concept in one of the largest family-owned and operated restaurant companies in the United States. The Pappas family of restaurants offers many different cuisines and traditions, but common to all is an obsession with quality food and superior service that is reflected in every aspect of the Guest experience. Pappas is a respected leader in the competitive restaurant industry. The Pappas philosophy has not changed much over the years. The drive still comes from a passion for excellence, a focus on innovation and attention to detail and quality in everything they do.

New book release: ‘Chronicles of a Lost Tomorrow’ by Wayker Arenas

‘Chronicles of a Lost Tomorrow: A True Account of a Journey Through Time’ is the new time travel science fiction novel by Wayker Arenas. Photo: Amazon

Besides thrillers, science fiction novels are my go-to for escapist novels. They are entertaining because they stretch the imagination and when you add time travel and a dystopian setting, it becomes an epic. Such is the case in today’s new book release by Wayker Arenas, “Chronicles of a Lost Tomorrow: A True Account of a Journey Through Time.” It is the story of a man from the present timeline who gets an unexpected journal of a time traveler that details his and his wife’s tragic life spent locked in a totalitarian cult-controlled timeline. This well written odyssey of a time traveler reads like a modern work of literature and is sure to please fans of the genre. Get your copy today and find out what happens to this weary traveler – it is available on Amazon.

Wayker Arenas is an author, engineer, and devoted father of two. He finds solace in reading, relishes writing, and engaging in discussions about ideas. His life is a harmonious blend of technical expertise and literary passion, shaping his unique perspective on the world. In his new book “Chronicles of a Lost Tomorrow: A True Account of a Journey Through Time,” readers are immersed in an exciting and thought-provoking story that spans the present and a dystopian future. (Amazon, 2023)

“Chronicles of a Lost Tomorrow: A True Account of a Journey Through Time” – The book begins with the time traveler journal, and as you read through the chapters, you get immersed in the time traveler couple’s fight for existence in his time machine as their only means of escape. The time traveler unravels the complexities of this repressive dictatorship with each entry, learning the cult’s dark secrets and experiencing the deadly effects of their control. It immerses readers in extensive journal entries, providing a first-hand account of the time traveler An’s voyage through time. He faces various hurdles and roadblocks along the way that put his perseverance and resourcefulness to the test, pushing him to confront his own fears and limits.

The novel addresses themes of history, power, capabilities, and the human propensity for destruction through dangerous ideologies via the time-traveler’s findings and experiences. The journal serves as a window into the past, present, and future, emphasizing the repercussions of unrestrained tyranny in the disguise of kindness, as well as the indestructible tenacity of the human will. The story mixes suspense, mystery, and philosophical musings, engrossing readers until the very last page. It is an immersing and thought-provoking story that blends science fiction, our current society, dystopia, and philosophical examination. It challenges readers to consider the nature of the human mind, men and women in natural balance, the value of accountability, the value of freedom, and the possibility of the implications of a society that breaks down due to lack of balance.

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New horror movie release: The Curse of Willow Song

Karen Lam’s highly anticipated horror movie is out now on digital platforms. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Karen Lam‘s highly-anticipated The Curse of Willow Song, starring Jennifer Body’s Valerie Tian, has been picked up by Uncork’d Entertainment. The horror picture, receiving great early buzz thanks to its strong special effects, is now available on digital formats including iTunes, Amazon, Vudu, Google, YouTube movies, and more. (October Coast, 2023)

The Curse of Willow Song – Willow Song, a recovering addict, is released on probation after serving her prison term for arson. Struggling to start over, she faces systemic racism and eviction. Willow finds herself in a concrete wasteland. Facing isolation and displacement, shadows creep into Willow’s mind and her nightmares become too real. Against the backdrop of a city seen in vacant properties and people left behind. Willow can’t escape the nightmares, as the shadows come to life.

“The Curse of Willow Song has so much to offer. It will appeal for the genre audience but also the Asian community – as represented in front of and behind camera”, said Keith Leopard, President Uncork’d Entertainment. “Karen Lam is truly one of the most exceptional filmmakers out there, and The Curse of Willow Song reiterates that.”

New book release: ‘R/N/A: Deadly Sequence’ by Mikael Lundt

‘R/N/A: Deadly Sequence’ is the new fast-paced medical thriller by Mikael Lundt. Photo: Mikael Lundt, used with permission.

When it comes to thrillers, my all time favorite are medical thrillers and it is no wonder: they often explore the deadly consequences of medical science when it falls into the wrong hands, all in the name of greed or in the quest for ultimate power and control. One of the first authors I read in this genre was Robin Cook, then I discovered Michael Palmer, Tess Gerritsen, Patricia Cornwell, and most recently, Dr. Cristina LePort. After reading a sample, this new book release reminds me so much of the best of Robin Cook, whose antagonists are often pharmaceutical companies. If like me, you love getting lost in a gripping medical thriller, check out Mikael Lundt’s “R/N/A: Deadly Sequence” and find out what happens when a Pandora’s Box of chaos is unleashed. It is available on Amazon.

Mikael Lundt is an author who stands for gripping thrillers, dark science fiction, and thought-provoking fantasy. In his books, technology, philosophy, the supernatural, and the extraterrestrial often blend into a stirring combination. Unveil the terrifying underbelly of modern medicine in “R/N/A: Deadly Sequence,” his riveting new pharmaceutical thriller. (Mikael Lundt, 2023)

“R/N/A: Deadly Sequence” – A dramatic increase in unexplained side effects calls WHO expert Dr. Laura Delille to the scene. Infertility, miscarriages and deaths are on the rise. Initial evidence points to a new mRNA-based vaccine. As the symptoms worsen and people who have never received the vaccine begin to fall ill, it becomes clear that there is more at stake than just the obvious side effects.

As Laura investigates the mysterious causes on the African continent, reporter Hugh Stevens follows her lead. His research shows: this is neither a tragic coincidence nor a natural phenomenon, but the ruthless plan of a pharmaceutical company. Most puzzling of all, there is no trace of a clear pathogen. Laura’s superiors at the WHO, on the other hand, seem to keep putting obstacles in her way.

Soon, Laura and Hugh find themselves in the middle of a sinister conspiracy – and in grave danger. With time running out for them, the phenomenon spreads worldwide, soon threatening millions. Is the world at the beginning of a planned pandemic that could threaten the very existence of the human species?

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Author highlight: Jude Perera

‘A Glow in the Forest’ and ‘The Beast’ by Jude Perera. Photo: Jude Perera

Today’s author highlight is Jude Perera. He is a blogger, author, and dedicated family man who loves to write and uses words as an escape and whose writings are filled with adventure, mystery, romance, history, and of course escapism. His blog is centered mostly around short fiction, lifestyle writings, and travel narratives but it is his full length books that have garnered the most attention. Written with young adults in mind, they are filled with adventure and romance and perfect for readers aged 13 -30 but true book lovers are not bound by set demographics. Stories are meant to entertain and inspire and if you are looking for action, romance, and adventure fiction, consider “The Beast” and “A Glow in the Forest.” Both of these titles are available through the author’s website. Let your imagination soar!

Jude Perera is a CPA living in Melbourne with his wife and two sons. He has gained some literary presence as a short fiction, lifestyle and travel blogger with some International online magazines – Hackwriters, Fiction 365, The Fringe Magazine, Southlit & Eastlit Magazines and Travelmag. His first book, a teenaged/YA tale – titled “The Beast” was released in Melbourne. It has received positive reviews in international and local literary circles and press. Key Melbourne based libraries including the – National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature – University of Canberra, State Library of South Australia and The National Library of Australia carry copies of the book. It is also available in the National Library of Sri Lanka. His second novel, a medieval adventure – “A Glow in the Forest,” was released in Kindle, B&N and Kobo in April 2020. (Amazon, 2023)

“The Beast”

Four close friends begin a search for the mysterious ‘Beast’ in a dark and spooky wilderness, but little do they know that they will discover much more about themselves in this stirring young adult adventure. Love, danger, and the depths of the soul – it is all here, and all part of this tale of wonder, mystery, and togetherness. Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, friendship rules supreme and shatters any and all divisions.

“A Glow in the Forest”
The times are medieval. A work house high up in the mountains cringes next to a dark forest without boundaries. Meet a pair of sadists who harass and torment three teenagers and a small child forced to live there. Two siblings, orphans from a noble family, keep their origins a secret to the rest of its inhabitants. A poor farm girl and a young boy with his heart on the altar decide that enough is enough. They escape to the dark bowels of an unknown world with hopes of happiness and freedom. They are helped and led by a handsome young hunter with an unknown past and a feisty girl, who seek escape for reasons of their own. Feel the pangs and joys of their first loves, and encounter painful social and religious hypocrisies and superstitions that threaten to tear them apart. Bandits, murderers, predators, soldiers, even a faceless beast of terrifying dimensions crowd along their perimeter. But they fight to keep and preserve their one true possession: freedom.

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