Editorial Reviews

A history-packed plunge into the wild realm of raiders, longships, and heroic courage, The Viking, the Ditch, and the Bathrobe by Alan Frost is a riveting new adventure novel for young readers. In this third book of the Shawn from the Shed series, Johnny, Ella, and their quirky neighbor travel back in time more than a thousand years to Denmark in the Middle Ages, searching once again for a special person who just might change the course of history. Educational, original, poetic, and entertaining for parents and children alike, this middle grade series skillfully weaves historical fact into a page-turning adventure, slyly teaching children through its combination of authentic detail, action, and creative whimsy.

With a focus on buying and selling real estate as a method for holistic stability and wealth, Healthy, Rich, and Happy by Jacopo Iasiello is a thorough guide to pragmatic self-improvement. Drawing on the energy and inspiration of his mentor, Tony Robbins, the author walks readers through his 4-step M.P.B.E. methodology, focusing on morning meditation, prayer, biohacking the brain, and exercise. With a unique focus on mind-body wellness, rather than just building wealth, Iasiello’s clear-cut guidance about breaking into the real estate industry and securing a stable income becomes a manual for complete life change, maintaining a holistic approach to mental, physical, financial, and spiritual well-being. Although some of the wellness wisdom is anecdotal from the author’s personal experience, rather than supported by research studies, the book’s comprehensive focus on overall health makes it stand apart from other works of financial self-help.

An enchanting peek into the music that enlivens every Christmas season, I Played My Best For Him!: The Inspiring Stories Behind the Little Drummer Boy and Other Christmas Favorites by Olapeju Simoyan is a treat for music, holiday, and history lovers alike. From the mystery of who combined the lyrics and music for “Greensleeves” to the controversial hymns that led to “Joy to the World” and the missing verses of “Silent Night,” this illuminating collection of essays reveals the fascinating, and quite often untold stories behind more than a dozen favorite holiday songs. An enlightening collection that is well-designed to be shared with family, these extensively researched articles make for an entertaining and informative read.

A harrowing yet hopeful story of love after endless heartbreak, The Little Garage Girl’s Puzzle by Katherine Memoli follows the troubled path of Rina, a woman determined to transcend a lifetime of betrayal. Following the passing of her wickedly cruel mother, Rina re-enters a changed world, and must juggle the weight of emotional baggage and the desire to be truly and deeply loved. Despite the tendency of the author to add too much information to a sentence or paragraph, this is an affecting and emotionally charged romance, juxtaposing a gritty and unflinching tale of trauma and buried emotions with an uplifting story of resilience and the redemptive power of personal connection.

A concise and thought-provoking guide to personal improvement through spirituality and self-motivation, Inner Wealth: Success is Closer Than You Think by Ivo Ngassa reminds readers that everything they need for a successful life is already within their grasp. Drawing from critical aspects of science, religion, philosophy, language, and human cognition, Ngassa’s tome offers new perspectives on how to think, how to react to those thoughts, and then channel subsequent experiences into positive results. Despite its short length, the book contains a wide number of prescriptions, whether its changing key habits, committing to spiritual practice, embracing gratitude, or applying knowledge in original ways, offering a quick and compelling argument for holistic self-help.