Tag Archives: #NetGalley

Book Review: Moon Baths : Bathing Rituals and Recipes for Relaxation and Vitality 3 Wonderful stars.( Self-help) #MoonBath #NetGalley

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Thank you to Netgallery for the information on this book, as other reviewers mentioned, when I tried to download my review copy it wouldn’t work. However the blurb sounded fantastic to me, I was convinced after reading it that ‘this is one for the bookshelf.’  I pre-ordered a copy and waited patiently. It arrived, I read, had a lovely bath last Sunday during this month’s new Moon in Virgo! But… and there is a but, I found that this book could be improved slightly in my honest opinion, but I do like it. And would still recommend it.

About the Book:

 Moon Bath a luxurious guide that invites readers to immerse themselves in the healing powers of nature.

cover192964-mediumThis transformative book features 16 bath and shower rituals aligned with the lunar cycles and the natural rhythms of the cosmos.

Organized by moon cycle –New Moon, Waxing Moon, Full Moon, and Waning Moon – each ritual includes a bath recipe featuring healing natural ingredients.

– Includes affirmations and meditations
– Journaling prompts promote reflection and self-discovery.
– Filled with lush, nature-inspired photography

Brimming with Ayurvedic wisdom and plant-based medicine, Moon Bath is a lovely companion for modern mystics, wellness enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to wash away the stresses of daily life.

blendedfamilies - my review

3 Lovely, But Room For Improvement Stars

First thing to say is, this is a visually stunning book, it screams luxury the pages, hardback, colours, everything about it. I really love all of this. I also love how the book is organised into seasons. So each month we have a new, waxing, full, and then waning moon– the moon’s natural cycle. Within the book there is a special bath tea ( tea to add to your bath water), with herbs and lovely essential oils for each moon during the spring, summer, winter and autumn months– love this! I also really love the pictures the authors used, and the writing prompts for each moon/season and bath.

On the other hand, while I expected all of this wonderful stuff to read, and loved all the information what I found was that:

  1. A lot of the herbs used to make your ‘tea’ to add for your bath can’t be sourced very easily at the local supermarket, or herb store. Just by reading them I could see that, without even heading out.  Now if you are someone that knows or has an interest in herbs ( like me) you can reach for other resources, and use alternatives. But, really this should not be the case. This is where I feel the book has room for improvement, it’s not very suitable for everyone in that respect. And some may even feel they need to search the internet, import these herbs/flowers etc and go through a lot of expense. I feel that overall the herbs should be easily accessible– all of them. In each of the sixteen rituals I could pick out herbs that would not be in the food aisle, sadly.
  2. The authors really do explain well how the different moon phases can cause us to feel, as people Eg reflective, creative, etc. However, here is room for improvement too. How about explain the moon’s phases in more detail, for those who don’t know the difference between a waxing and waning moon for example. Some readers ( myself included) do, but  some or even many may not. There’s major room for improvement here to educate readers further.
  3. The herbs themselves– why are we using them? Again if you’re not someone who is familiar with all of them that the authors recommend to use in your bath, where is the extra education for readers? I would have love to know WHY the authors settled on the herbs they recommended for a waxing moon in the summer for example, compared to a waxing moon in the winter? Clearly there’s a difference what is it? As I don’t know and would love to!

As mentioned, last weekend I did look at the bath tea recommended for an autumn new Moon, and take a lovely bath. However, I did replace the raspberry leaves for raspberry herbal tea  I had at home LOL. So, you can see that in some months you may need to use alternatives. It  would have been lovely if the authors recommended herbs that allow ease of use, for more people. Generally, this is a beautiful book, and a stunning concept simply boiling herbs, water, flowers and in some cases fruit with hot water on a stove, tip it into your bath water, have a nice relaxing bath with it with candles and music etc, then reflect in your journal at key points in the month, based on the moon’s phase. However, there is a lot of room for improvement to enhance the average reader’s experience, learning, and connection with WHY they are using what they are using, and WHAT the moon’s actual energy is! I realise the latter is moving into the astrology realm, but it’s not hard to explain the differences between the moon’s phases for those who may not know. For me, it was worth the buy straight away without the free review copy, as I do like the book and can fill in the gaps. Readers who can’t may not get as much out of the book as they hoped, especially if the herbs for the bath teas are hard to find, which is the main concept of the box ‘tea baths’. Three stars from me, but I do love it and recommend it even to have on the shelf and look at it’s stunning. I will take more baths using the recipes  as in all honesty my house smelt amazing!  I felt like some kind of Goddess when I got out the bath, so thanks! Give it a try if you like the concept of a relaxing bath, some you time and relaxation.

Book Review: Sacred Energies Of The Sun And Moon. 4 ‘Informative’ Stars ( Esoteric/Non-Fiction/ Spirituality) #SacredEnergiesoftheSunandMoon #NetGalley

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Sun Moon Book

Thank you to Netgallery for my free copy in exchange for an honest review. What an informative and interesting book. There’s just SO MUCH information to take in from these pages, it’s well researched, with lots of information on how the Aztecs, indigenous, African and Latin ancestors made use of the Sun and Moon to survive, and how we can today use our ancestor’s knowledge to improve our quality of life. My only problem was the organisation of this book, but let’s get into the review.

Book Blurb

A practical guide to ancient Mesoamerican solar and lunar rites for healing and transformation

• Details shamanic rituals and practices for each period of the day, including dawn, sunrise, noon, sunset, and midnight, to best harness the energies of the sun, night sun, and moon for specific purposes, such as divination, journeying with animal spirit guides, or spiritual wisdom

• Incorporates shamanic breathwork, dreamwork, mantra chanting, mudras, dancing and movement, toning, chakra work, crystals, herbs, and limpias (shamanic cleanses)

• Explores how nighttime energies are affected by the phases of the moon, offering specific practices for each phase

Ancient Mesoamerican shamans and modern practitioners of curanderismo–a Latin American shamanic healing practice–divide each day and night into distinct periods based on the sacred rhythms of the sun and moon, with each time offering opportunities to connect with specific celestial energies for healing and transformation.

In this hands-on guide to working with the sacred energies of the sun, night sun, and moon, curandera Erika Buenaflor details the rites, rituals, and deities for each part of the day and night and explores the sacred tools and techniques used by ancient Mesoamerican shamans for harnessing solar and lunar energies. She explains how the sun is the source of soul energy that heals, animates, strengthens, and revitalizes us on many levels, while night energies are transformative and conducive for connecting with nonordinary realms. She explores rituals for dawn, sunrise, and midmorning to harness the energies of creation and new beginnings; for noon and afternoon to promote peak strength and spiritual wisdom; for sunset and dusk to bring about transformation, perform divination, and journey with animal spirit guides; and for midnight and predawn to facilitate shamanic dreamwork, connect with the ancestors, make offerings, and regenerate at the deepest levels. She also explores how nighttime energies are affected by the phases of the moon and offers specific practices for each phase.

By intentionally tuning our activities to the rhythms of the sun and moon, we can invite in their sacred energies of abundance and healing for more healthy, creative, mindful, and happy lives.

 

Kim’s Review 4 Very Informative  and Practical Stars

I must admit, when I picked up this book I was hoping that it would be more of a reference book, as in, I could personally flip to the parts of interest or need, read, and apply. Then ‘rinse and repeat’ and that’s exactly what I got. This book has A LOT of info, and I think to read it cover to cover would just be overload,  especially for a newbie to the subject. It’s very deep and I loved it! So for those with philosophical minds I recommend it. It’s generally really  good for reference. The beginning chapters I did read all of, to get a good understanding of the research done, and the information download from ‘the ancestors’, and how they worked. Also, the first introductory chapters focus on how the Sun and Moon were viewed from their point of view, and how they were attached to certain deities. Very interesting. Here’s what I loved generally.

Detail- the level of detail is like none other I have come across on this subject, and I’ve read a lot of esoteric books on the Sun and Moon. I found that the detail is however focused on the Aztec people or the Ancient Mesoamerican shamans. Being from Afro-Caribbean descent myself, I found that their POV was very similar to my own ancestors when I compared it, and this was comforting.  I also liked that this is not an ‘astrology’ book, as a qualified astrologer I loved that the Sun and Moon are discussed for what they are from an ancestor’s POV, rather than an astrology view point.

Practicality- there seems to be so much here that you can practically apply, easily just based on the time of day! I found that the author has made this a very easy to apply book. Also, I felt like the author did not ‘force’ things on readers ‘ you must do this’, generally I got the feel that it was valid information, ‘this is what you can do with it  practically, should you wish’.

Break down of the Sun and Moon’s energies- This was my favourite part of the book, as the author clearly shows the differences between dawn, sunrise, high- noon, afternoon etc for the Sun and what activities, manifestations or practical things could be suited to their energies to help better your life! The same is done for the Moon. Lastly, the author has very accurately broke down the different Moon phases, as some who has studied astrology it all resonated, aligned with what I know, also felt like while this was not new information for me, for newbies it is very helpful!

Overall this is a book that I will  buy for my bookshelf, I feel like I would refer back to it as a reference book. My only issue is the organisation of it LOL. I don’t know if it’s because I got a review copy, it’s not published until July, but I would love for the organisation of the information to be a bit cleaner, and that’s all! Four informative, practical and wonderful stars from me. I recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in this kind of topic, however you must have an open mind, and also be in the mood to ‘think’ and take in the deep knowledge that is passed on. This is not a book that can be read without some form of questioning to take in the  full beauty of it.  I really enjoyed it.

Book Review: Midnight Mom Devotional ( Non-Fiction) 5+ Outstanding Stars #MidnightMomDevotional #NetGalley

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Thank you to Netgallery for my free copy, in exchange for an honest review. I read the introduction, the first three pages and ordered myself a copy!! I have received three devotionals, two I’ve bought and one I didn’t. Out of the three, this one is by far the best. I really enjoyed it, and will make  use of it weekly no doubt.

MNMD

A yearlong book of prayers to bring nightly hope and a sense of connection to mothers who feel alone, from the mother-daughter team behind the Midnight Mom Devotional Facebook page

There is something about a quiet house in the midnight hours that causes stress and anxious thoughts that have been ignored throughout the day to rise to the surface of a mother’s heart. When the world goes still around you, it’s good to know you’re not alone; there are so many other mommas just like you and a God who wants to meet you in the quiet.

What began as a small online prayer ministry to encourage moms in the middle of the night quickly grew into a worldwide prayer movement known as the Midnight Mom Devotional. Now this encouraging book of prayers connects you with a community of moms to strengthen your heart and give you support when you need it most.

Each night offers a different prayer for mommas in all circumstances of life, including

• being fearful and anxious
• needing a miracle
• caring for a sick child
• feeling as if there is nothing left to give
• welcoming a new baby
• experiencing sorrow
• getting ready for a new beginning

In the stillness and the night, take heart in knowing that women across the world are joining you in prayer and that God is listening and loving you right where you are.

Kim’s Review 5+ Outstanding Stars! A Must For All Mom’s Especially The ‘Non-Religious’

So while browsing the religion and spirituality section on Netgallery I came across this gem! The problem I’ve had with devotionals in the past, and from the three that I have received, is that they’re ALL too far leaned towards ‘religion and God’ in my personal taste. I am HIGHLY spiritual, at lot of you will know that from the ‘woo woo’ books I love to read. But I’m  in no way shape or form religious in the traditional sense. There is a  BIG difference to me, without offending anyone personally, I can’t conform to some of the ‘man made’ aspects of the Bible, and also I know the role that the Christian and Catholic religion played in the mistreatment of my own ancestors, and the transatlantic slave trade. So I won’t buy into it at all, for that alone, period. BUT I do believe in ‘higher powers’ and not one God. I found with this devotional to be just right in it’s approach with prayers, religion and God. In fact to me, there is not a heavy  emphasis  as I flicked through on ‘read this scripture in the Bible’ follow this up etc. It’s simple, plain, in non-religious language. Just one simple ‘prayer’ of well wishes and support for EVERY situation a mother and woman could face, no matter her life circumstances. There’s one for everyday of the year from January-December.

Like I said, I read the first week of prayers and well wishes for January and bought a copy, then I turned to my birthday and it was a lovely prayer for 14th February, and today’s date that I am reviewing this, also an equally beautiful prayer. I loved all these things about this devotional:

The prayers and well wishes- they are simply stunning, helpful, realistic and very uplifting and inspirational. They are short, sweet and even those like me who are non-religious would not be put off at all. I actually found a few very relevant to myself! Which was fantastic.

The community feel– this started off with one mother posting on her Facebook page  at  midnight simply ‘who is up and what are you worried about/going through?’ A flood of mothers responded and from then on, the devotional was written and every night women around the world follow along each night on the date relevant, with a ‘midnight prayer and well wishes’ for whatever subject or situation a mother could face in life, and interact on social media. I LOVE THIS It’s just beautiful and the thought of having an army mothers around the world supporting others with the ‘topic of the day’ makes me wanna cry! Lolz it’s so beautiful.

Overall, I think the idea behind this devotional is a fantastic one,  one that many women  could benefit from, it has been executed well into an actual book, worth the money and I love everything about it. I would recommend it for all mothers.  5+ outstanding stars for me, I can’t wait for my hard copy to arrive! Grab yours now on Amazon.