Review: Lust by Diana Raab

Goodreads Blurb

A passionate journey through private emotional moments, Diana Raab’s Lust voices the pain of loneliness and the heart’s yearning for love while transcending the depths of human desire.

In her fourth book of poetry, Raab employs narrative verse that is alive, titillating, and seductive. Lust examines the emotional and physical complexity of love, helping readers navigate the risks of intimacy as we move toward the realization that every experience enriches our lives, whether we perceive it as joy, pain, or out of the ordinary. Yet for all their psychological richness, the poems’ simplicity and accessibility will resonate with women and men across all walks of life. Lust is a book you won’t put down and won’t soon forget.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Won this book from GoodReads. Wow, this book of poems really went deep into my soul. It brought me sadness, heat, excitement, love, and surrender. Diana really can put words together that make you feel like you’re in the book feeling all these passions and desires. We are sexual beings who lust for love and hope that love is given back. In our society now, real true love is hard to find. While reading this, I was hoping to find that same passion and want for that special someone. I highly recommend you read this book. Lust is out there. Just have to open your eyes and be willing to love and be loved.

Author Biography

Diana Raab, PhD is a memoirist, poet, essayist, thought-leader, and speaker. She presents workshops in writing for healing and transformation. She has a PhD in Psychology with a concentration in Transpersonal Psychology with a research focus on the healing and transformative powers of memoir writing. Her educational background also includes health administration, nursing, and creative writing.

She teaches two courses on “DailyOM: Write. Heal. Transform: A Magical Memoir Writing Course“ and “Therapeutic Writing.”

She’s an award-winning author of 13 books, and her articles and poems have been published and anthologized worldwide. She’s also the editor of two anthologies, “Writers on the Edge: 22 Writers Speak About Addiction and Dependency,” and “Writers and Their Notebooks.”

Raab’s memoirs include “Regina’s Closet: Finding My Grandmother’s Secret Journal” and “Healing With Words: A Writer’s Cancer Journey”. She has 5 poetry collections, including her latest, “An Imaginary Affair: Poems Whispered to Neruda”.

Her writing workshops and inspirational speaking engagements are based on her books “Writing for Bliss: A Seven-Step Plan for Telling Your Story and Transforming Your Life” and “Writing for Bliss: A Companion Journal”.

Raab’s latest memoir, “Hummingbird: Messages from My Ancestors, a memoir with reflection and writing prompts” was released in January 2024.

She writes for Psychology Today, Thrive Global, Medium, The Wisdom Daily, Sixty And Me, The Good Men Project, and many others.

Please Support The Bread Devil’s Guide to Gluten Free Kickstart Project

My friend Jennifer Schiano has created the cutest bread devil you will ever see. She needs our help to help support her Kickstart project for her book The Bread Devil’s Guife to Gluten Free.

Below is more content on this adorable book and the link to the Kickstart project. You have a choice to do a one-time pledge or choose to order the book or book packages.

Meet the Bread Devil!
Your friendly neighborhood devil equipped with the expertise and quirk to bring awareness to Celiac disease.

You’re invited on an adventure to learn about the basics of Celiac disease and how to ease the challenges living a strict gluten-free lifestyle.

He may look a little scary but underneath the red cape and pointy horns, he’s just a silly, squishy soft piece of bread, here to help you on your celiac journey.

The Bread Devil provides practical tips for navigating daily life and expressing your needs, along with bite-sized facts about food safety, eating out and more.

Meet the Creator + Fellow Celiac

Hi, I’m Jen—a multidisciplinary artist, illustrator, and member of the gluten-free community. I was formally diagnosed with Celiac disease in my late 20s after navigating a lifetime of health troubles and autoimmune conditions without answers.

Getting diagnosed brought relief, but it also opened up a whole new world of challenges. From battling cross-contact at home to being excluded from celebrations, and constantly needing to explain that no, I can’t “just eat around it”—my journey has been one of trial, error, frustration, and deep learning.

That’s why I created The Bread Devil—a cheeky, misunderstood character born from my personal experience and artistic exploration. What started as a doodle to cope with the pain of being “glutened” turned into a character that resonated deeply with others in the Celiac and gluten-free communities. From educational illustrations to pins, stickers, and a plushie, the Bread Devil has taken on a life of his own.

Now, I’m bringing him to the page in a fully illustrated children’s book:
The Bread Devil’s Guide to Gluten Free — a heartfelt, humorous, and educational story that helps kids (and grown-ups) understand the complexities of living with Celiac disease.

This book is designed to:
Empower children newly diagnosed with Celiac to feel seen and supported
Educate friends, family, and the public about the realities of cross-contact, and how to avoid them
Replace shame and isolation with humor, understanding, and advocacy
I’ve poured my heart into writing and illustrating this story. The manuscript is complete, and most of the artwork is done—I just need your help to bring it to life.

Link to the Kickstarter Project: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jenniferschiano/the-bread-devils-guide-to-gluten-free/description?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwLFW1hleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABp2fBjp16VKk-SBtbV40niR5kZAv2BEnsf61ufx3-RBZeSZ01GyZH1TvYsxs5_aem_BjnQF3qctb1v_tEymG6jAg

Review: The Principle Gang: Don’t Judge a Lizard by His Scales by Dan Dugi

Goodreads Blurb

Danny the Wizard Lizard goes on a fly-free diet as he sets out to prove that he is not like all the other lizards. During their quest for friendship, Danny the Wizard Lizard and Bli the Fly encounter the Lousy Lizard Gang, a no-good group of bullies. Danny the Wizard Lizard gives the first glimpse into why he is a Wizard Lizard by exhibiting special powers to stop the bullying that goes on at the movie theater. Witnessing his heroic act, Bli the Fly’s mother, Mrs. Fly, realizes that she misjudged this lizard, and Bli the Fly gets her first lesson in giving second chances.

Don’t Judge a Lizard by His Scales, Book One in The Principle Gang series by Dr. Dan and Bli Dugi, delivers lessons in anti-bullying, prejudice, and the value of friendships. The Principle Gang series introduces the foundational principles that guide families, relationships, and communities.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Won this book from GoodReads. This book is just the cutest. Little kids learn not to judge a person by appearance. That bullying is not tolerated and to stand up for yourself and others. It also let us see that even though someone was a bully or not nice to you, you can forgive and set an example of helping them when they are in need. It’s definitely a book you want to pick up for your kids. It sets great example and lead them into understanding and not becoming a bully to someone else.

Review: A Princess by Christmas by Jennifer Faye

Goodreads Blurb

Twin Princes of Mirraccino duet:
Book 1 – A Princess by Christmas (Prince Alexandro & Reese)
Book 2 – The Prince’s Christmas Vow (Prince Demetrius & Zoe)

A royal kiss under the mistletoe

Prince Alexandro Castanovo arrives in snowy New York intent on protecting his royal family from scandal. And when Reese Harding—down-to-earth and heart-stoppingly beautiful—finds room for him at her inn, it seems like the perfect twist of fate.

Not long ago Reese’s world came crumbling down, shaking her foundations. But this enigmatic stranger intrigues her! She’s learned to be wary of secrets…but when she discovers Alex’s true identity, might there be enough magic in the air to make this regular American girl a princess by Christmas…?

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I am so happy I was picked to be a reviewer for this amazing book. After I finished this book, I got all teary-eyed because I was so happy that Alexandro and Reese found true love. I was so happy that Jennifer used How The Grinch Stole Christmas in order to show Alexandro that there is more to life than just worrying about his royal duties. That is my favorite Christmas book. The whole entire plot of this book was just perfect. I loved all the plot twists coming from both families. It shows that no one is perfect even if you have everything you are looking for. The cover of the book is beautiful and depicts both characters.I loved that I was able to picture being at Marraccino, with that beautiful beach, garden, and castle. I love holiday books because they bring family together. You definitely need to pick this book up. You won’t be disappointed. Thanks for giving me a chance to be part of your royal romance.

Author Biography

Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances with rugged cowboys, sexy billionaires and enchanting royalty. With more than a million books sold, she is internationally published with books translated into more than a dozen languages. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers’ Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards. Now living her dream, she resides with her very patient husband and two spoiled cats. When she’s not plotting out her next romance, you can find her curled up with a mug of tea and a book.

Review: The Listeners by Maggie Stiefvater

Goodreads Blurb

January 1942. The Avallon Hotel & Spa has always offered elegant luxury in the wilds of West Virginia, its mountain sweetwater washing away all of high society’s troubles.

Local girl-turned-general manager June Porter Hudson has guided the Avallon skillfully through the first pangs of war. The Gilfoyles, the hotel’s aristocratic owners, have trained her well. But when the family heir makes a secret deal with the State Department to fill the hotel with captured Axis diplomats, June must persuade her staff—many of whom have sons and husbands heading to the front lines—to offer luxury to Nazis. With a smile.

Meanwhile FBI Agent Tucker Minnick, whose coal tattoo hints at an Appalachian past, presses his ears to the hotel’s walls, listening for the diplomats’ secrets. He has one of his own, which is how he knows that June’s balancing act can have dangerous consequences: the sweetwater beneath the hotel can threaten as well as heal.

June has never met a guest she couldn’t delight, but the diplomats are different. Without firing a single shot, they have brought the war directly to her. As clashing loyalties crack the Avallon’s polished veneer, June must calculate the true cost of luxury.

My Review: Rated 2 out of 5 stars

The Listeners fell short of keeping my attention. It was slow and confusing. I read this book because it was part of the Barnes & Noble book club. I was excited to read this book because it took place during WWII and in a luxury hotel. Maggie added historical details and described the hotel in a way that allows readers to picture the hotel. The magical realism of the Sweetwater made the story come alive. The hotel was not just glorious, but it was alive. Every corner of the hotel seemed to listen and wait to create chaos if given the opportunity.

June Porter Hudson was a strong female character who ran the hotel smoothly and kept the Sweetwater at bay. The Sweetwater was a threat to all but also could heal. The story included romance, an unexpected group of diplomats being observed by the FBI during their hotel stay, and an interesting little girl who needed protection. The ending was interesting, but I wish the story grasped my attention.

Author Biography

New York Times bestselling author of The Shiver Trilogy, The Raven Cycle, and The Scorpio Races. Artist. Driver of things with wheels. Avid reader.

Maggie Stiefvater plays several musical instruments (most infamously, the bagpipes) and makes art in several media (most generally, colored pencils).

She lives in Virginia with her husband, their two children, many dogs, a bunch of fainting goats, and an irascible tuner car.

I met Maggie at Bookcon in 2019

Review: Yosemite Meditations by Photographer Michael Frye

Goodreads Blurb

This delightful little book provides the ideal pause for contemplating the special qualities and values of Yosemite National Park, as well as other parks and wilderness. Each dazzling full-color photograph, many of them new for this tenth anniversary edition, is paired with an original quote or newly selected classic quote about nature, the environment, or America’s national parks. Includes a new foreword by former Yosemite National Park superintendent Mike Tollefson and the insights of writers, scientists, poets, and leaders such
David Brower
Gary Snyder
Rachel Carson
Bernard Devoto
John Muir
Albert Einstein
Diane Ackerman
Terry Tempest Williams
Edward Abbey
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Fyodor Dostoevsky
Cedric Wright
Marcel Proust
Shelton Johnson
Julia Parker
Pete Hamill
Sir John Lubbock
Dayton Duncan
Robinson Jeffers
Margaret Eissler
Wallace Stegner
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Henry David Thoreau
Baba Dioum
Margaret Murie
Rainer Maria Rilke

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Won this book from GoodReads. This book was amazing. The images are so captivating and peaceful. Yosemite is magical. There is no place like it. Michael did an exceptional job capturing such vivid images. There is one image that was so captivating to me. The image with the spotted owlets, if you look closely, it seems like an image of a woman next to the tree. I’m not sure if I am the only one to see it. Each image was accompanied by an inspirational quote that closely resembles the image. I hope that someday I will be able to visit Yosemite and be sucked into its beauty and magic. I was so happy to have received such an amazing book. Thanks so much for making this book. I recommend you pick this book up.

Photographer Biography

I’m a professional photographer specializing in landscapes and nature.

I live in Mariposa, California, just outside Yosemite National Park with my wife Claudia (our son Kevin is just out of college), and have lived either in or near Yosemite since 1983.

I thoroughly enjoy teaching photography, sharing what I’ve learned over the years, and helping others express their photographic vision.

Cover Reveal: A Criminal’s Game by Daria White

BOOK DETAILS:

A Criminal’s Game

by Daria White

(A Bianca Wallace Mystery, #5)

Publication date: August 5, 2025

Genres: Adult, Cozy Mystery

Synopsis:

Love is just a swipe away… until it turns deadly.

Bianca Wallace has finally found her rhythm—her business is booming, her daughter is back home, and Detective Lamar Sims might just be ready to take the next step. But when the police receive a chilling set of photos—images of a murdered woman—her sense of security vanishes. The victim? Alana Rivera, a former college friend Bianca never expected to see again… especially not like this.

The investigation leads straight to SoulSync, the hottest dating app, promising love but delivering something far more sinister. As Detective Sims peels back layers of deception, Bianca is drawn deeper into a deadly web of secrets, lies, and betrayal. Someone is watching. Someone is waiting. And if Bianca gets too close to the truth—she’ll be next.

Murder isn’t a game, but someone is playing to win. If you love gripping cozy mysteries with twists that keep you guessing, A Criminal’s Game is your next must-read. Perfect for fans of small-town secrets and amateur sleuths!

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/237420683-a-criminal-s-game

Pre-order: https://amzn.to/44DLwfz

AUTHOR BIO:

Daria has lived in Texas for most of her life. She never liked reading as a kid. In fact, she almost hated it. However, as she grew up that all changed. Though she received her degree in healthcare management, Daria kept her writing as a hobby. She meant it to be private and her own way of expressing herself. It never crossed her mind to publish until she was in college. So, she took a chance and self published. It worked! Starting off as a sweet romance writer first, Daria branched out in 2020 with books in cozy mystery and Christian fiction. She even has nonfiction titles in the works, reflecting her Christian faith and work in ministry. She currently lives in New York with her husband. 

Author links:

https://www.dariawhite.com/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dariavips

https://www.instagram.com/dariawhite90/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7751720.Daria_White

Review: A Case In Candy Land by Michelle McBeth

Goodreads Blurb

Henry, his twin sister Holly and their friends live in Sleuthville. On the most boring day in history, they become the first ever kid sleuth team. Traveling through the Hall of Travels brings them to their first case. A case in Candy Land. Do they have what it takes for success? Can they do what no other kid has done before? Come join the fun on this Hall of Travels adventure.

This Edition is no longer in Print.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Won this cute book from GoodReads.I loved this book because it reminds me of Candyland the board game. Let’s not forget candy is my favorite entree day and night. Just keep that between me and you. The illustrations in this book complemented the story. Would really love to see the next book to have the images in color it would make it easier for the young readers to really see the images in their true colors. I really enjoy that these young kids develop a strategy to accomplish something they wanted to do. That helping someone find something that is very dear to them is very important. This is just a perfect book for young children, and they will enjoy the land of candy.

Author Biography

Books that have influenced me the most as a child were Nancy Drew, Anne of Green Gables, and Little House on the Prairie. I’m a huge fan of Jane Austen. I love reading children’s picture books as well as any novels that have pictures as an integral feature (such as Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children). I love well-written Regency Romance and mysteries. I love just about anything that has a hint of romance and a happy ending!

Review: Cookie Meets Peanut by Bethenny Frankel

Goodreads Blurb

From self-made businesswoman and mom Bethenny a story inspired by her own life about two siblings–a new baby and one diva dog. Cookie the dog is Mommy’s Furry Baby and everything is just the way Cookie likes it…until one day when Mommy comes home with a real baby! Little “Peanut” is suddenly getting all the attention, and Cookie gets left behind. As Peanut gets older, and walks and talks, Cookie is forced to make room in her doggy life for the little girl. After throwing Mommy a tea party, Cookie and Peanut realize they can have a lot of fun together. Cookie is a furry big sister now!

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This is such a cute book. Love the illustrations and that Bethenny added skinny margarita advertisement. I got to meet Bethenny and Cookie, and it was so much fun. She read the book to everyone there. Cookie is just the cutest, and Bethenny is such a nice and fun person. You should pick this book up. Your kids will love it.

Author Biography

Bethenny Frankel is the four-time bestselling author of Skinnydipping, A Place of Yes, Naturally Thin, and The Skinnygirl Dish. She is the creator of the Skinnygirl brand—which extends to cocktails, fitness, and health—and in 2013 she will take the stage as the host of her own talk show, “bethenny”. She has been named one of the Top 100 Most Powerful Celebrities by Forbes magazine and is regularly featured in both Health magazine and Glamour. She is a graduate of the Natural Gourmet Institute for Health and Culinary Arts. Bethenny lives in New York with her daughter, Bryn, and dog, Cookie. Visit http://www.bethenny.com.