The Art of You (feature)

Thank you, Partner @bibliolifestyle @soundstrue for the #gifted copies of The Art of You! Available in book stores now.

SYNOPSIS: 

From conscious creativity leader James McCrae comes a guide to reclaim creativity as a sacred path to healing; awaken your sense of wonder, execute your craft, and reclaim the artist within.

Whether an accountant or a writer, you are an artist whether you realize it or not. You create your life in each passing moment. The question is, are you creating with conscious intention or creating by default?

Creativity is our true magic. To be alive is to be in a state of co-creation with the universe. But it also requires courage and commitment―especially in a culture that values conformity and trends above authentic expression. For anyone who has hit a creative wall and wants to reignite their imagination and passion, author and poet James McCrae’s The Art of You is a powerful resource to help you access your inner magic and spark your joy in creativity.

Presented in his signature visual style, The Art of You helps you dissolve blockages and turn your imagination into reality. Topics in this book include:

* Creativity is human nature. You don’t have to make traditional art. Creative thinking can be applied to every area of your life, from business to relationships to social media content.

* In a world of increasing uncertainty, creativity is more important than ever. The old social norms are rapidly shifting. Creativity helps us navigate the unknown and shape a better future.

* Creativity is an equal balance of yin (being) and yang (doing). This book unlocks the full spectrum of the creative process, from cultivating intuition to launching projects, providing rituals and practices for each stage of the process.

* Expression is healing. It’s not only about being good at creativity. It’s about creativity being good for you.

* Creativity in the age of social media. Learn how to be an artist in an increasingly digital world.

“Art matters,” says McCrae. “Art gives us comfort, opens our minds to new perspectives, and leaves us awestruck. Art is medicine―for ourselves, others, and the world.” Here is an indispensable resource to awaken the creative power of your soul―whether you’re a writer, painter, dancer, singer, or someone who wants to express your unique truth in work, life, and love.

Dear Black Girls (review)

It’s really hard to review a memoir – but A’ja Wilson’s Dear Black Girls was such a wonderful read.

While this is written for young black girls, I found that many of her stories resonated with me as well; and many women and girls will connect with A’ja.

I didn’t know of A’ja before picking up this audiobook (not a big sports person here), but after listening to her narrate this book, I feel like I spent the past 4 hours getting to know her.

This is definitely a must read for all girls out there.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the gifted audiobook.

Radio Free Olympia (review)

I finished Radio Free Olympia over 2 weeks ago, and I still don’t know how to write a review for this book. This is beautifully written and absolutely brings the lushness of the Olympic Peninsula to the page. While we follow Petr, Baie, Raven, and White Otter, this story isn’t really about any other them, but really about the place. That Wilde, free-spirited place that is the Olympic Peninsula.

Every time I sat down to read this book, I was transported back to our trip to Olympic National Park and hiking through towering ferns, moss covered trees, and the misty rain that permeates the days.

I read this as an ebook, rather than by paperback, and I think I missed out on realizing that Baie’s diary entries were poems, and some of the other formatting to the paperback.

Thank you to @jeffreydunnspokane @izzardink @prbythebook for the #gifted copy of Radio Free Olympia!

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Book Synopsis

For fans of highly original and beautifully penned literary fiction, “Radio Free Olympia” unites a captivating circle of visionaries, folktale characters, and historical figures who struggle to return to their old-growth existence on Washington’s wild Olympic Peninsula. Follow the foundling Petr into the mountain rainforest as he broadcasts forgotten voices from his pirate radio transmitter. Move in with Baie as she opens Wildsisters, a cranberry-infused roadhouse home for lost women. A tongue is stolen. An infant is kidnapped. And justice, not just for the characters but also for the flora, the fauna, and the terrain itself, must be served. 

A bag specially designed for your Kindle!

Where are my Kindle girlies at? Because…Oh. My. Goodness. I have to share my new bag with y’all!

The @hellocliobrand bag has a special pocket designed JUST for my Kindle, which means no more rooting around in my giant purse looking for my ereader. Or accidentally getting lipstick stains on it. Or my stickers peeling off because something rubbed against it.

Plus there’s plenty of room in the other pockets for the essentials – keys, wallet, phone, etc.

Hello Clio is also a woman owned small business, which I absolutely love.

Head over to their website to learn more about this awesome bag (you will definitely be seeing more of it from me, too!). Use the code LEANNREADSBOOKS to save when you shop!

Raiders of the Lost Heart (review)

Have you ever known you were going to love a book based solely on the cover? Between this cute play on Indiana Jones and this adorable cover art, I knew I was going to be head over heels for Raiders of the Lost Heart. When Once Upon a Book Club had it as their Valentine’s Day box, that made it even better!

This was very unique story with a familiar (and favorite) trope – two competing archeologists working together in the Mexican jungle. There was almost as much spice in this as there was adventure. I really liked the setting and mystery and search for artifacts and the final resting place of the ancient Aztec warrior.

I also loved the badass Latina woman front and center and totally in charge. 

Raiders of the Lost Heart is by no means a heavy read, but definitely a fun, adventurous romp in the Mexican jungle.

Paper Dragons (feature)

Thank you @turnthepagetours and @siobhanmcd91 for having me on this tour and sending me this gorgeous #gifted copy!
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SYNOPSIS:
A 12-year-old girl wins an invitation to train as an apprentice to immortals in the first book of the new must-read magical series destined to take the world by storm —perfect for fans of Amari and the Night Brothers, Skandar, and Eragon.

Let the competition begin!

An outsider in her village above the cloud sea, 12-year-old orphan Yeung Zhi Ging’s only hope of escape is to win the single invitation to train as an apprentice to the immortals. After her ill-fated attempt to impress the Silhouette scout leads to a dragon attack on the jade mountain, Zhi Ging is sure that her chances, and her life, are over. But the scout spots her potential and offers her protection and a second chance. She’s in.

In her lessons in Hok Woh, the underwater realm of the immortals, Zhi Ging must face the challenging trials set by her teachers to prove that she’s worthy of being a Silhouette—despite her rivals’ attempts to sabotage her. But as Zhi Ging’s power grows, so do the rumours of the return of the Fui Gwai, an evil spirit that turns people into grey-eyed thralls.

When the impossible happens and the Fui Gwai attack the Silhouettes, can Zhi Ging use her newly uncovered talents to save her friends and the world beyond? Or will the grey-eyed spirit consume them all?

The Inner Tarot (feature)

Thank you, Partner @bibliolifestyle@soundstrue for the #gifted copy of The Inner Tarot.

SYNOPSIS: 

“On its surface, this is a book about tarot, but at its core, it’s offering a radical and revolutionary path to true healing.” ―Liz Moody, host of The Liz Moody Podcast and author of 100 Ways to Change Your Life

Are you longing to rewrite your personal narrative, connect to your purpose, and pursue it with confidence? Do you seek a grounded approach to connecting to your intuition, being seen, heard, and heart-led? “Anyone interested in falling in love with their mind, body, and spirit should look to the tarot,” says intuitive healer and tarot reader Kate Van Horn. “Tarot has an uncanny knack for illuminating what already exists in our energies, bodies, and intuitions. When harnessed, it can serve as a helpful tool for profound self-acceptance and healing.”

The Inner Tarot isn’t just a book about how to read the cards. It’s a guidebook for those ready to embark on a healing journey equipped with tools to help you foster your intuition, own your story, and harness your soul’s purpose.

Discover a deeper approach to self-inquiry, a new depth in your experience, pride in your personal story, and an empowered approach to their communication.

Not Your Crush’s Cauldron (review)

The curvy, bookish, witch, Olive, might be one of my favorite main characters from a romance novel in a long, long time. Thanks you April Asher for writing such a spunky independent character.

Not Your Crush’s Cauldron is book 3 of the Supernatural Singles series, but can definitely be read as a stand alone or out of order (like I’m doing..heh).

Luck is for Losers (Review)

Luck is for Losers is the perfect short read to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

When leprechauns invade the world on St. Patrick’s Day, it’s up to Cillian and his family, who are related to St. Patrick, to save the world. This ragtag team will set you off on an adventure with a little steam added in. 

Grab a green beer and curl up with Luck is for Losers, and you’ll be finished with this quick, cute you’ll read before you reach the bottom of your pint.