The TMJ Healing Plan: Ten Steps to Relieving Persistent Jaw, Neck and Head Pain (Positive Options for Health) by Cynthia Peterson
chstress's review: "This book leaves the reader knowing and understanding all the issues with TMJ. IT is very comprehenxive and worth its weight in gold for any one who is suffering with TMJ. It is well written and valuable"
Hunter House (2010), Edition: Original, Paperback, 192 pages

Beltane by Erin O'Riordan
chstress's review: "Beltane is smart, spiritual, & sexy. The novel is vivid, fast paced, and imaginative. Her interesting characters make Beltane a genuine page turner. Beltane has few wasted words or actions and moves along with magnificent pacing. There are elements of suspense, and O'Riodan has an astonishing ability to, handle stasis without allowing things to stagnate; furthermore she created an element of mystery that drives the story forward. I particulaly enjoy that she has incorporated bits of world mythology and folklore into her book. But be forewarned; the sex is erotic and intense. The storyline is of course an erotic romance that swirls around twin sisters Zenobia & Allegra Van Zandt who are most definitely modern-day witches. Allie and Zen as they are affectionately called have always shared everything: including there childhood at Pagan Spirits Farms. They even fall in love at the same time. When Zen meets Orlando, her intuition tells her he's the man of her dreams, even if he is married to someone else. At the same time, Allie, a pagan priestess, is finding out some not-so-flattering truths about her love, Paul Phillip Washington, after she'd already convinced herself that he's the love of her life and married him . As Beltane ( May Day) nears these two sisters are questioning what the Goddess, has in store for them, but we all know that the Goddess moves in mysterious ways, and May Day turns out to be magic for them both after all. And oh what unexpected romantic delights happen that very evening. What a wonderful begining to her 12-part romance series; I look forward to reading all of her Pagan Spirit Novels. If you have a chance to read this book be prepared to be overwhelmed by the almost impossible and intimate moments and discover who romances who. An absolutely stunning first novel."
Eternal Press (2009), Paperback, 188 pages

A Silent Ocean Away: Colette's Dominion by Deva Gantt
chstress's review: "A delicious premise sets this triology in motion, and from there this historical fiction never stops for one breath. In fact I just had to read it in one sitting, since it intrigued me so much. It is going to be very hard to wait till April for the next book in the trilogy. A Silent Ocean Away is an enthralling read, ideal for readers looking to be swept away. It is a ripe romantic Historical Fiction with page turning panache, with a melange of family sagas, a love story, and political historical fiction all served up in a coastal setting. A Silent Ocean Away captures perfectly the essence of a timeless adventure. DeVa Gantt brings a smart, lilting voice to Charmaine Ryan and their writng has added a sharp quirky perspective to a tried and true literay formulla. It is as if Deb and Val write with one voice. This is definitely a book club saga. The storyline is fast paced, thrilling, other worldly , yet adventurous. This could be the real story of an antebellium Virginia family that lived in the early 1800's. When young Charmaine arrives in the home of the Duvoisin family on a lush tropical Island, to be a governess to Colette's children, everything changes. Her coming of age takes her from naive admirer to a pragmatic defender; as she begins to understand that everybody has crosses to bear all while falling in love with Paul Duvoisin, a shipping magnate.. This novel is both a complete joy, and a subtle exploration of the ealry 1800's. It is a heady mix of love and loss, treachery and early nineteenth century history; it is enough to transport you somewhere else, without ever leaving your chair."
Avon A (2008), Paperback, 416 pages

Brain Power: How to FineTune Your Brain Naturally by Samuel Verghese
chstress's review: "C Samuel Verghes, MD, PHD, DAAPM , & BCIA Dr. Verghese has more then forty years of experience in Holistic medicine. He is a graduate of Harvard University and is currently a Diplomate of the American Psychotherapy Association. Samuel Verghese, is a devout Christian who is a specialist in the medical aspects of stress, including nutrition, exercise, and brain activity. He is also the co-author of the book The Complete Stress Management Workbook This astonishing reality of holisdtic medicine is changing the entire landscape of brain research and treatment, and it is this newly discovered ability of the brain to naturally restore, renew, and regenerate itself that Dr. Verghese examines in "Brain Power...." he achieves this from a Chinese background, written from a Christian perspective with many components of Holy Scripture included . " More than one hundred billion neurons in the brain - by means of the neurtransmitters, synapsis, neurohormones, and neurmodulators - process, store and transsmit an endless stream of data about Chrst to every cell in the body. The integrated, complex process of repeatedly utilizing newly established neural pathways to produce further changes in the brain, through the will and mind ( Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23) resulting in behavior reflecting the lifestyle of Jesus Christ." Dr Vergheses has studied the brain extensively and has treated its dysfunctions for more than forty years, he puts all the valuable information he has gleaned into this book in order to help the reader avoid the all-too-prevalent, disastrous choices that can diminish the brain's power. This book is intellectually deep and a penetrating look into the integration of the spiritual llife into the healing process of the brain. For those less then familiar with the field of neuranatomy, Dr. Verghese has included coloful diagrams and clear concise explanations. He also utilizes personal examples and experiences taken from his clinical case studies and are crucial to any book like this. Chapter One - Deals with the healing Brain, hormones and imbalance Chapter Two & Three - Deals with Fine tuning the Brain for mind power ChapterFour - Discusses the neurobiological process during transformation Chapter Five - God's Golden Rule and haVING a supportive community Chapter Six -The brains plasticity Chapter Seven - The Story of John and fine tuning the brain Chapter Eight - Identifying and changing Chemical imbalances Chapter Nine - Provides meal plans for brain power Chapter Ten - Discusses what your brain needs to achieve Christ- likerness By developing this beneficial environment, he says, people can improve not just their overall good health, but also their concentration, their energy levels, their cognitive abilities, their focus and awareness, and their general feelings of well-being. Justifiably convinced of the efficacy of Brain Power, Dr. Verghese tells readers that, if they take the information and follow his advice, they will see the same improvement many of his patients have already seen within weeks and the reader will discover what the brain needs, to achieve Christ- likeness."
WinePress Publishing (2007), Paperback, 192 pages

Gutter by K'wan
chstress's review: "The powerful sequel to GANGSTA has finally arrived! If you are not into African American Literature and the hood then this book is not for you. GUTTER is a gripping shocking tale of best friends Kenyatta, aka Dollar, and Louis, aka Baby Loc, discussing what Dollar has done to ruffle feathers. Dollar decides that the only way to make sense about what is going on is to investigate thing fro mthe very the beginning. Lou-Loc is dead and as a result , Gutter is laying everything red down! Sharell is pregnant and so afraid that her man won't live very long, and poor Satin is grieving while being held prisoner by her own madness. K'wan is truly at his best.. Admittedly, I felt strange each time I turned the page. But like a soldier caught in the mist, I welcomed each challenge of language and street talk that I was completely oblivious too. . I can earnestly say that GUTTER has awakened my thirst for the grittiness and heartache associated with the hood. It is a story his fans have been waiting for. While this dosage was enough to hold me off, it is higly entertaining. GUTTER is truly an engaging urban tragedy; that shines light on what it is to truly be a product of your environment. It is a gripping bolt action mayhem. Gutter is indeed an action packed novel."
St. Martin's Griffin (2008), Edition: 1st, Paperback, 416 pages

Sal and Sally by Jay Miller
chstress's review: "Sal And Sally was great fun to read, and quite captivating for children to listen to. It is quite repetitive which young children love Even before they can read they will be chanting along with you. It is a beautiful book...flowing and poetic with lovely humour. Anyone who reads this will be drawn in right from the very first word. It is an engaging children's story with all it's graceful prose, and full bodied characters. I particulay loved the atmospheric setting in the Ocean. This book is uplifting and an enchanting tale that is likely to become a childhood staple. Miller is a mesmerizing storyteller, his book is deeply emotional with wondeful three dimensional characters. Sal and Sally, a couple of Sea Bass are infinitely appealing ... one gets the sense of them having a caring respectful friendship ; which is rich and satisfying. Beyond the familiar elements is the underlying current that they just might be eaten by Nasty Nick the Texas Long Horn Nose Shark. This added dimension elevated the story to more then just a fun children's tale but one with a message. Miller has a talent for navigating children's emotions through Sal and Sally; from the familiar....discovering how to blow bubbles, to the friendship and respect between them, to their fears of being eaten and Nick's anger for not getting what he desired and ultimately to everyone getting along and having fun. A masterful blend of love, and humor, with a little of bit wonder thrown in. Beautifully written..... highly recommended.... a perfect 10. At the end of the book are words to a few songs : The Octopus Song Nifty Nick's Bubble Blowing Song The Turtle Song."
AuthorHouse (2008), Paperback, 52 pages

Breaking Dawn (The Twilight Saga, Book 4) by Stephenie Meyer
chstress's review: ""Softly he brushed my cheek, then held my face between his marble hands. 'Be very still,' he whispered, as if I wasn't already frozen. Slowly, never moving his eyes from mine, he leaned toward me. Then abruptly, but very gently, he rested his cold cheek against the hollow at the base of my throat." For Bella, life was pretty mundane. And then she met a beautiful and enticing vampire named Edward. Together there love is tainted and doomed from wence it started. They each have issues; Edward has a difficult time controlling his blood lust,. Bella has a hard time controlling her love. This sequal book does in fact ansewer the question where exactly does their love take them? Twilight tempted our wildest dreams and left us enraptured. New Moon made us desire more and had us thrilled by their dangerous love. Eclipse allowed us to comprehend that love doesn't come without consequences. Breaking Dawn finally reveals the truth to this epic love story. Breaking Dawn is a delight and is the final book in a very entertaining series that is fascinating, gripping and is an impressive achievement. If you favorite genre is vampire stories you will enjoy this series immensly. The writing style is very first person and you actually feel like you are inside their heads and watching the emotions firsthand. I greatly respect and admire Stephenie Meyer for being beyond an amazing story teller. Meyer's is an elegant writer. Reading this book was simply a delight."
Little, Brown Young Readers (2008), Hardcover, 768 pages

Grow It, Cook It by DK Publishing
chstress's review: "I was fortunate to be selected to receive a copy of the book " Grow It Cook It!" published by DK publishing from Gather.com this past month. I agreed to share a photo essay of my gardening experience with my grandaughter in return. Working from the belief that a vegetable garden, whatever its size, can be as beautiful as a conventional garden Drea & I forged ahead with our garden, thanks to Gather & DK Publishing. Grow It, Cook It is a wonderful children's tool; but it is so much more than a simple cookbook, this innovative book offers a fresh approach to healthy eating by getting children involved in food right from the start. This book was wonderful for my grandaughter Drea, as it offered photographic guidance for growing garden vegetables by planting seeds in containers and follows up with recipes that we can use with what Drea & I are growing when we are ready to harvest.I found this book lots of fun for my little grandaughter and I. She enjoyed being allowed to play in the dirt, having daddy pitch in, watching her plants grow, and she can't wait to eat them. It was a lot of fun for me too.!!!!"
DK Publishing (2008), Hardcover, 80 pages

Nightmare Academy #2: Monster Madness (Monster Academy) by Dean Lorey
chstress's review: "While reading this book you travel through the portals to a world of monsters and mayhem! Secrets, peril, and erie monsters await like the crazed--mega-monsters, Tyrannus and Slagguron. Charlie Benjamin has always been a little weird, and he has an annoying habit of releasing monsters into the world. But when he unwittingly unleashes a monster so fierce that threatens everything; his devotion to family and friends is revealed. Nightmare Academy #2: Monster Madness is really a coming-of-age story mixing reality with a little mystery and suspense. Even in this world Charlie has issues fitting in, but never fear for Charlie is very clever. Like all the books in this series, Nightmare Academy #2: is filled with nonstop action, humor, and fantastical adventure as Charlie continues his journey of self-discovery."
HarperCollins (2008), Hardcover, 320 pages

Dragon road by Laurence Yep
chstress's review: "Another brilliant book in the Golden Mountain Chronicles. It is written by Laurence Yep with his tremendous narrative velocity. Dragon Blood is almost impossible to put down. A beautifully written book that takes you into the Chinese- American culture during the great depression. Dragon Road will burn itslef into your memory line by line. It is lyrical and startling, brillant. Laurence Yep writes with the precission and insight. For a boy in middle school, I think this would be perfect for a fall book report."
New York, NY : HarperCollins, 2008.