‘From the Wilderness to the Narrow Path: A Journey of Surrender and Course Correction’ by Chastity Dawn. Photo: Amazon
Today’s new book release is “From the Wilderness to the Narrow Path: A Journey Of Surrender and Course Correction” by Chastity Dawn. If you are looking for books on spiritual development and guidance, here is some more information about this interesting new book.
Chastity Dawn currently lives just outside the Atlanta, Georgia area. She loves God, people, music, unicorns, Pilates, and bubble gum. Her new book “From the Wilderness to the Narrow Path: A Journey of Surrender and Course Correction” is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the two paths we all face: the wide path that leads to destruction and the narrow path that leads to eternal life. Chastity Dawn’s writing is like a warm hug from a wise friend: candid, conversational, and 100% relatable. Whether you feel lost in the wilderness or need a course correction on your spiritual journey, this book is the perfect guide to help you navigate life’s challenges and stay on the straight and narrow path. (Chastity Dawn, 2023)
“From the Wilderness to the Narrow Path: A Journey of Surrender and Course Correction” – Life is full of choices, but none are as important as the path we choose to follow. This book offers a fresh perspective on what it truly means to not conform to the pattern of this world and to seek God’s Kingdom and His righteousness. Drawing from her personal experiences of heartbreak and struggle, author Chastity Dawn confronts the false narrative that finding a good church equates with growing in one’s relationship with God. She does this by revealing how stepping away from organized religious activities led her to forge a deeper connection with God.
‘Crying Silently: A Book of Poetry’ is the new poetry book by Kenneth Harden. Photo: Kenneth Harden, used with permission.
Poetry is a type of literary work that is meant to express feelings and ideas and can be deeply personal. If you like poetry and are looking for a new poetry book, here is a new one: “Crying Silently: A Book of Poetry” by Kenneth Harden.
Kenneth Harden is a poet who through his thought provoking work of art, the written word, brings Shakespeare to the modern world. Intertwined with his New York roots, readers will find the pages within his new poetry book nonetheless captivating. He hopes to give people a voice, with words of passion he hopes to heal. Tears turned red roses blue, left wet in the rain to pick fresh for you. “Crying Silently: A Book of Poetry” is what will help us endure and get through the tough times. (Kenneth Harden, 2023)
“Crying Silently: A Book of Poetry” is a remastered addition of all of Kenneth Harden’s hopes, dreams, and desires. In this book, we will take a look at Mr. Harden’s life experiences and into a world that he has encountered and merged with his gift of poetry. His goal is to influence and inspire individuals, fans, fellow writers, and/or poets. In this book you will also feel his pain, disappointments, and struggles while bearing witness to the tough times he has endured. “Crying Silently: A Book of Poetry” was drafted and created to enlighten as well as entertain the reader with amazing lyrics and original poetry. Through beaten paths and blood stained roses lies a man crying silently.
“As karma is distilled Unveiled and veiled is my passion, Though time passes by I’m partially hypnotized.”
‘Wholesome Horror Anthology: Scary Stories That Aren’t What They Seem’ is the new collection of horror stories by Lori Kauldrin. Photo: Naomi Shulman, used with permission.
We all love to read horror but sometimes the idea of a long overdrawn story can seem daunting. Thankfully there are anthologies. The stories are short and you get several in one collection, all with their own shiver inducing storyline. “Wholesome Horror Anthology: Scary Stories That Aren’t What They Seem” by Lori Kauldrin is a collection of horror short stories that have one thing in common – all is not what it seems. If you like stories with a plot twist, this anthology is just for you.
Naomi Shulman (writing as Lori Kauldrin) is the author/ghostwriter of over 160 books for children and adults. Lori Kauldrin’s list is comprised of psychological thrillers with emotional depth that grab readers’ hearts and refuse to let go. The stories may be fiction – but they tell the truth. Her new book is “Wholesome Horror Anthology: Scary Stories That Aren’t What They Seem” is comprised of seven stories that are at times heart-rending and at times bittersweet, yet these are the stories of the in-between – the place between knowing and unknowing. It is available on Amazon, which includes a large print edition. (Naomi Shulman, 2023)
“Wholesome Horror Anthology: Scary Stories That Aren’t What They Seem” – A young child pens an eerie goodbye. A shy ten-year-old finally makes a friend – a child who shares his obsession with solving an unthinkable crime that was solved long before his birth. A college student with a fractured soul seeks the truth behind her death. As their terrible narratives unfold, a growing sense of unease gives way to a familiar twist: nothing is as it seems. Their horror remains until its completion, at which time they release the reader into the proper emotional sphere – be it grief, loneliness, or aching nostalgia. But tread carefully, for once you reach the ending, there is no going back to the illusion.
Stories in this collection include The Crime Scene in my Bathroom, The House Where I Grew Up, Broken Love, First Train: I Thought I Could, How Did I Die?, Second Train: Together We Can, and Goodbye Mommy. They are all easy to read and pull the reader into the haunting settings. You can easily read it in one sitting, or enjoy it one story at a time. While the language is easy to understand, the writing style is often poetic: “Jealousy burned like the flames of hell inside my empty heart” from How Did I Die?The HouseWhere I Grew Up, First Train: I Thought I Could, and Second Train: Together We Can are written in long prose and showcase the author’s strength in poetry writing. Goodbye Mommy is meant to be a goodbye note, so it is creatively made to look handwritten and the paper looks crumbled. I do not want to give away any spoilers, you will have to read it for yourself to find out why. Overall, “Wholesome Horror Anthology” is a must read for horror fans who love a good plot twist, because sometimes illusions are the scariest when you do not see them coming.
‘Elsewhen’ is the thrilling new science fiction novel by Shob Diko. Photo: Amazon
This new release caught my attention: “Elsewhen” by Shob Diko; a science fiction novel dealing with parallel universes, time travel, aliens, and romance. If you love science fiction as much as I do, here is some more information on this thrilling new novel.
Shob Diko is an enigmatic and resilient soul whose life journey led him to embrace the pseudonym ‘Shob Diko’ as a symbol of his indomitable spirit. As an immigrant to North America, he faced countless trials and tribulations, experiencing a life marked by hardship and pain. Yet, it was within the depths of adversity that he discovered his passion for storytelling. Fueling his creative fire with the embers of personal struggle, he embarked on a transformative odyssey of the mind. Through the intricate tapestry of his imagination, he sought solace and sanctuary in the realms of science fiction. This is how the profound narrative of his debut novel, “Elsewhen,” was born. (Shob Diko, 2023)
In “Elsewhen,” Shob Diko weaves a mesmerizing tale of cosmic wonder and human resilience. The novel explores parallel dimensions, time travel, and extraordinary beings, taking readers on a thrilling expedition through the vast expanse of the unknown. Echoing his own journey, the protagonist in “Elsewhen” discovers strength in the face of turmoil, hope amid despair, and an unyielding determination to transcend the boundaries of time and space. “Elsewhen” marks the beginning of a promising literary voyage, as Shob Diko stands poised to carve his name into the firmament of science fiction, an author who, against all odds, found beauty in the chaos, and strength in the pain.
“Elsewhen” – In this gripping tale, the protagonist, Larry, possesses a remarkable time machine capable of transporting him ten minutes into the past. The story begins with a mesmerizing introduction to this extraordinary device and reaches its first turning point when Larry encounters the love of his life. The initial chapter sets the stage, intertwining the concept of time travel with the budding romance that will shape the narrative.
Subsequent chapters dig deeper into the captivating love story between Larry and Alice. However, as their relationship intensifies, unforeseen circumstances force Larry to make a heart-wrenching decision—leaving his beloved to ensure her safety. The third chapter delves into the emotional aftermath as Larry grapples with the anguish of his decision and gradually nurtures a growing resentment towards the very time machine that once seemed like a miraculous gift.
Just when all seems lost, a critical event takes place in the fourth chapter—an invasion of Earth by a formidable alien species. As chaos ensues, Larry seizes an opportunity to reunite with his lost love amidst the turmoil. Together, they embark on a daring journey, employing the powers of the time machine to confront and repel the alien invaders. The final chapter wraps up their thrilling battle against the extraterrestrial threat, intertwining their love story with a fight for humanity’s survival.
“Elsewhen” presents an innovative blend of science fiction, romance, and high-stakes adventure. It explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the unyielding resilience of the human spirit. Readers will be captivated by the intricate character dynamics, the seamless fusion of time travel elements, and the breathless suspense that permeates the story.
Sounds interesting? Pick up your copy today and embark on an amazing journey through the universe with Larry.
Evocative and enchanting, Stella Prince releases her 8th single, Two Faced, with Steve Fishell on August 4, 2023. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Born and raised in Woodstock, NY, Stella Prince is the only child of creative parents. She was immersed in music from an early age thanks to her parents’ extensive all-genre CD collection and her frequent attendance at concerts where she first encountered artists like Levon Helm, Amy Helm, Pete Seeger, Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul and Mary), Tracy Bonham, and Natalie Merchant. Growing up, Stella was also heavily influenced by pop and oldies music; she has always known that she wanted to be a performer for as long as she can remember. In 2021, she began to release music and play live, travel to Nashville and Los Angeles, gain representation in the music industry, and book her own performances. Stella released four singles in 2021: “The Rain Might Fall,” “Scared,” “Before You Leave,” and “Alone for the Holidays.” Stella is thrilled to continue to release music into 2023 with her 8th single, “Two Faced,” featuring Steve Fishell on steel guitar. It will be independently released on August 4. (Dreamspider Publicity, 2023)
Authentic and from-the-heart, Stella Prince’s melodies delve deep into your spirit with her evocative and relatable songs. Her poetic lyrics, in tandem with the atmospheric sounds of her vocals, acoustic guitar, and musical compositions, appeal to a diverse, multi-generational audience. Stella Prince’s musical influences span decades—from country and folk music’s renowned voices of Judy Garland, Karen Carpenter, Patsy Cline, Emmylou Harris, and Dolly Parton; to the pop icon Taylor Swift. Think Country Press says, “Imagine the perfect mixture of Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, and Judy Collins all packed into one young musician.” Fans can pre-save “Two Faced” ahead of the release.
For this newest single, Stella had the pleasure of working with Steve Fishell, a Nashville-based pedal steel guitarist, Grammy-winning record producer, and educator. Emotionally moving from the start, accentuated by Fishell’s pedal steel, with the harrowing opening lines, “You got her right where you wanted… Lonely enough so she’d take the bait… Blinded by words that were only an empty promise… Desperation paves way for mistakes.” The heart of the song is in the chorus: ‘There’s all kinds of empty… but the hardest one to take… is lies that seem tempting… Loneliness is two faced.’ Self produced, “Two Faced” was recorded at the legendary Sound Stage Studios on Music Row in Nashville with Sound Engineer Kameron Luchterhand.
“My big goal is for someone to play my song and think, ‘That’s exactly how I feel…’ I want my songs to resonate with everyone, every generation, every issue: loneliness, fear, all of that.” – Stella Prince
‘The Ultimate Guide to Power & Influence’ is the new book by Robert L. Dilenschneider. Photo: Amazon
Robert L. Dilenschneider started in public relations in 1967 in New York, shortly after receiving an MA in journalism from Ohio State University, and a BA from the University of Notre Dame. He formed The Dilenschneider Group in October, 1991. The Firm provides strategic advice and counsel to Fortune 500 companies and leading families and individuals around the world, with experience in fields ranging from mergers and acquisitions and crisis communications to marketing, government affairs and international media. Dilenschneider was with that organization for nearly 25 years. He is the author of “The Public Relations Handbook,” “The Critical First Years of Your Professional Life,” “50 Plus!: Critical Career Decisions for the Rest of Your Life,” and numerous other books on career and professional development. In his new book “The Ultimate Guide to Power & Influence: Everything You Need to Know,” he explains how technology and globalization have revolutionized the ways to both build and keep success—and tells readers that to accomplish your goals, you must not only gain power, but also apply it with proper wisdom. (Amazon, 2023)
“The Ultimate Guide to Power & Influence” arms you with intellectual, technical, and moral weapons—tools needed to get and stay ahead in the increasingly competitive and ever-evolving business world. Acquiring both power and influence is crucial to advancing not only your personal interests, but also a more prosperous society at large. Drawing from current-day lessons and the wisdom of hundreds of drivers of change in all fields of business, this is the author’s latest guide to harnessing the universal principles for success. It provides anecdotes and insights on a wide range of keys to success, including how to seize opportunity amid crisis, manage your network, communicate effectively, and take full advantage of social media to bolster your image. The book is divided into 15 chapters, including Networking: You Have to Do It, Protect Yourself and Your Reputation, and The Inevitable Crisis: Know HowTo Handle It and Benefit. It begins in the first chapter by asking readers to get to know themselves because to be an effective leader, you have to understand yourself and your needs first because “Self awareness….is one of the pillars of emotional intelligence (along with empathy, self-management, and social skills) and must come first.” The first part centers around building your power and influence while the second part shows you how to keep that hard earned influence during inevitable times of crisis. At the end, there are notes listed by chapter and an index that makes it easy to search by topic.
Change is the overall theme in “The Ultimate Guide to Power & Influence.” The first two sentences in the Introduction immediately draw you in: “You have a choice. Keep doing what you did yesterday or adapt to a world that is changing everyday.” Indeed, the business world is constantly changing and we must adapt to keep up, especially in a post-COVID world. Robert Dilenschneider has the experience, knowledge, and authority to help readers acquire and amplify their power; from graduate students to corporate professionals. Despite the topic of business, the language is easy to understand and follow because it contains practical advice for career and personal life. He shares inspirational stories to highlight the point he is making because stories make more of an impact than facts and figures ever could. His books are helpful and relevant because he adjusts his message to reflect the changing times and everyone can benefit from his advice, and this one is no exception. Highlights include Chapter 2: Networking that stresses the importance of networking not only in your select filed of work, but also reaching out to contacts outside of your circle; and Chapter 7: The Right Way to Make Your Mistakes that teaches the right way to approach making mistakes: “With humility and perseverance, we move forward and improve” – lesson learned: the biggest mistake is failure to LEARN from our mistakes. “The Ultimate Guide to Power & Influence” is an extremely useful guide that helps readers navigate the ever changing landscape of business as well as their professional and private lives. It is a must read for readers interested in business, economic, and ethics for personal and professional development.
“If there are absolutely no mistakes in a company, then no one is taking a risk, and innovation will atrophy.”
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
New Southtown Rock ‘n’ Roll bar Gimme Gimme announces opening date of August 1, 2023. Photo: txtroublemaker, used with permission.
Gimme Gimme, a new rock ‘n’ roll bar coming to San Antonio, is excited to announce its official opening day, slated for Tuesday, August 1, 2023. Adjacent to the bar will be the concept A Perfect Day, a modern neighborhood wine bar, which will open on the same day. (Gimme Gimme, 2023)
Leading this exciting new concept are bar owners Roger Herr of Bar Loretta and Aaron Peña of Amor Eterno. Partners Michael Neff and Chef Paul Petersen of Bar Loretta will be overseeing the menu efforts, with Neff focusing on the bar program and Petersen leading the kitchen.
Gimme Gimme (think Ramones), will offer a rock ‘n’ roll experience with craft cocktails, a robust beer and wine list, and chef-driven food in the space formerly occupied by Francis Bogside.
“Growing up in San Antonio, I’ve always known our city as the home of rock ‘n’ roll. The inspiration for Gimme Gimme comes from wanting to create our own version of what we think a rock ‘n’ roll bar can be. Great music, great food, great cocktails, great service, and always a sense of humor. I’m super excited to share what our team has created,” said Owner Roger Herr.
The adjacent space, A Perfect Day, will offer a wine-forward, relaxed atmosphere with small bites, ready-made cocktails, and plenty of wine.
“I’m really looking forward to adding another space to Southtown that will be a totally different direction than our respective concepts that Roger and I are known for,” said Owner Aaron Peña. “Musically, the 14-year-old punk rocker version of my younger self is really excited to help curate the selection of tunes we will feature inside both Gimme Gimme and A Perfect Day – I think the neighborhood is going to love having an additional late night food and beverage option in the most walkable neighborhood in San Antonio.”
Operating hours will be as follow: Gimme Gimme: Open 7 days a week from 6p.m. – 2a.m. A Perfect Day: Open Monday-Friday from 4p.m. – 10p.m.; Saturday-Sunday from 12p.m. – 10p.m.
Gimme Gimme/A Perfect Day 803 South Saint Mary’s St San Antonio, TX 78205
Children’s book author William Stevenson combines three award winning books into one volume. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
William Stevenson is an acclaimed children’s book author and a retired award-winning accountant. His doctorate in education and his grandson Rick inspired him to write the Ricky’s Dream Trip book series. In it, Pop Pop and Ricky discover Ancient China, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, Colonial America, dive under the sea, and even blast off into outer space. “Ricky’s Dream Trip to the Ancient Worlds of Egypt, Greece, and Rome” is a combination of three award winning Ricky’s Dream Trip book in one volume. The reader travels through time, diving into the rich histories and enchanting civilizations of three ancient worlds. Each story blends fiction with historical facts and cultural nuances. Through Ricky’s eyes, readers experience the excitement and wonder of these ancient civilizations while gaining a deeper understanding of their historical contributions. It is available on paperback on Amazon and the e-book version was just released this month. (Black Château, 2023)
“Ricky’s Dream Trip to the Ancient Worlds of Egypt, Greece, and Rome” – also has added information for classroom use and at-home activities. Ricky travels to the Ancient world through his dreams with his pop pop by his side. In Egypt, the land of the Pharaohs and pyramids he meets the boy prince, Tutankhamen, in a search for a beloved missing pet. Immerse yourself in the culture of Ancient Egypt with this terrific adventure. Next Ricky and Pop Pop meet Aristotle as they visit the land of the Ancient Olympics, see the temple of Athena, and help Alexander the Great! In the third time-bending dream trip adventure to Ancient Rome the fate of Julius Caesar, one of Rome’s greatest leaders, hangs in the balance. It is up to Ricky to confront his own fears and change the course of history.
“I wrote these stories for my grandson to help him learn and grow. I hope they will do the same for children of all ages.” – William Stevenson
‘Sufi Stories of Wisdom, Calm and Wondrous Mystique’ is available on SagaTeller
Today’s book highlight is “Sufi Stories of Wisdom, Calm and Wondrous Mystique.” Sufism is a way of life where one attempts to reach a deeper understanding of life. Rather than a doctrine or a belief system, it is an experience and a way of life as well as “a tradition of enlightenment that carries the essential truth forward through time.” (The Threshold Society). If you are interested in books about Sufism, enlightenment, and developing a deeper life, consider this one. “Sufi Stories of Wisdom, Calm and Wondrous Mystique” is an enjoyable read and is sure to leave a lasting imprint on your heart. You are invited to immerse yourself in each narrative and uncover the hidden gems of Sufi wisdom as these captivating stories guide you on a journey of inner peace. (SagaTeller, 2023)
“Sufi Stories of Wisdom, Calm and Wondrous Mystique” is published by SagaTeller. The author is on a journey to discover the wisdom of the ancient masters that lies hidden in academic libraries. As the author writes “The wisdom of the ancient Sufi masters has humbled me and given me a sense of peace that I had never experienced before. I hope to share what I’ve learned with you.”
This beautiful little anthology masterfully weaves together ancient Sufi stories and historical accounts, introducing you to the revered figures of Sufi tradition and their profound teachings. You will witness the deep love for our Creator that defines the Sufi path. The ancient mystics went beyond mere obligations and fear, and spread the message of positivity and hope through their stories.
The true essence of Sufi stories lies in their ability to transcend ordinary narratives. These stories become gateways to deeper contemplation, inviting profound realizations, and personal growth.
As you traverse the mystical landscapes of these tales, you will discover the virtues of kindness, truthfulness, and honesty. Through the timeless wisdom of the Sufi mystics, you will be presented with teachings that resonate deeply, transcending the boundaries of age and time.
In Sufi stories the heroes are not those with extraordinary feats, but those who embody the best of human values. They are beacons of love and serenity, offering inspiration that extends beyond the realms of superheroes and celebrities. The wonderful stories unveil the mystique as you embrace the calmness and find peace. Let each tale be your guiding light, leading you towards the serenity that awaits in the heart of the Sufi tradition.
Waking Nightmare will be out on Video On Demand on August 18, 2023. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
In today’s movie news, here is a horror movie that is coming to Video On Demand next month: Waking Nightmare.
Pitch Perfect’s Shelley Regner, The Last American Virgin’s Diane Franklin, An American Werewolf in London’s David Naughton, and The Lost Boys’ Jamison Newlander star in Waking Nightmare, a spine-chilling rollercoaster of fear hitting Video On Demand on August 18 from Terror Films. (October Coast, 2023)
Waking Nightmare – Jordan suffered manic episodes after the loss of her friend. Her mother has a family doctor prescribe her Ambien to help with her sleepwalking. As time goes on, Jordan has issues remembering what happened. Yan Birch, Stephen Wu, and Every Heart co-star.
“We wanted to create a unique experience for horror fans by blending horror comedy and drama with the toxic uncertainty of films like Miike’s Audition. What drew me to the project was Brian’s concept of an unwitting killer who is just an average girl struggling to find normalcy in a mad world.” – Stephen Craig
“Bending the forms of reality is something that has always intrigued me. I was honored to work with my brother in cinema Stephen Craig on Waking Nightmare. Creating the world that the characters lived in, sane and insane in something that bends the visual scape of the genre. People are affected by sleepwalking. The unknown of where you’ll wake up, is truly a Waking Nightmare.” – Brian Farmer
SA Examiner 