Coven: The Scrolls of the Four Winds by Diane Wing. Witches, magic and other worlds are the themes of this book and also happen to be some of my favourite genres to read. This fiction novel about reincarnation and magic was definitely up my alley.

In ancient times four children are chosen to be born forming a coven, to protect ancient texts, secrets and therefore the universe with their varying gifts. Reincarnated over many centuries, these women each represent a direction and an element. Victoria formerly Amira represents the North and Earth. Iman now Cassandra represents the East and Air. Mina now Alexis represents the West and Water. Uzma now Macy represents the South and Fire.

Like all of us, these women have free will to use their gifts and abilities to do good or bad. Because of Victoria the other three women have forgotten their purpose but are still able to develop their magical skills and abilities, throughout time. They have chosen to use their gifts to help others, while Victoria has fallen pray to dark forces, causing the others to spend centuries reincarnating and not knowing what their true purpose is.

In this lifetime Victoria has her own reasons for wanting to bring their coven back together. Mostly for selfish & evil reasons. Is it too late for Victoria or can true friendship help with her redemption? The other three women Alexis, Cassandra & Macy have not lost faith in their old friend, Victoria. Can she turn things around and do the same for herself?

Lessons I learned from Coven: The Scrolls of the Four Winds:

-Every action has a reaction

-Even when we do negative things, there is always a chance to redeem yourself. The bad will not be forgotten but you can make amendments and do better going forward.

-There is a vast universe out there. We are not the only intelligent beings out there. Scary thought, to think otherwise.

-Everyone has a purpose and reason for being here. We may know it right away or we may spend a lifetime getting to know what it is or we may never know our purpose.

(I was given this novel in exchange for this review, but this did not influence my rating, like/dislike of this book.)

Blue Earth is a beautifully written tale of regret, history and love. The story takes place around the farming community, in Minnesota during the 80's and 90's. With plenty of flash backs to earlier moments in history.

Regret. We all of regrets about the past. Main character & lifetime farmer, Carver Heinz has a lifetime of regret, that he didn't feel until later on in life. So much so, that it was too much to handle at one point. A rough childhood, a broken marriage and few friendships. Dealing with life's issue's at the time is difficult but easier than waiting until problems pile up for years and then often come crumbling down.

History. A history lesson of the farming community in Minnesota, the settlers and the first nations people. Realizing mistakes that were made in the past. Finding a way to forgive, learn, teach and make things right. The characters go through their own healing processes, hurting and healing others along the way.

Love. Loving the character of a person because in the end beauty always fades. Also appreciating what you have because it won't always be there. This is shown in the shortened love story between the parents of Angie, the child displaced in a tornado. Love because of what is right for you, not because of what others feel is right.

*Spoiler Alert*

I have to be honest and say that I did not like main character, Carver Heinz. He was rude, mean & quite frankly a little creepy. I was waiting until the end and happy to read that he did not molest or get inappropriate with Angie, a little girl that he rescued, caught in the path of a tornado.

I did not want to feel sympathy for Carver but in the end my heart did thaw a little for him. He had an abusive childhood & a poor example of what I believe a man should be. Later in life he also had his own family taken away from him. In his own way he tried to substitute Angie for his daughter, who's life he wasn't a part of any longer. A substitution that was obsessive and one-sided.

*Spoiler Alert Ends*

I did like that as readers we were able to delve into the lives of the other characters in Blue Earth. Too often characters are introduced with little or no history. I was able to learn about most of the characters and was satisfied with their past and present story lines.

Blue Earth is a novel that you will come back to over the years. Not only because of the great story that was told but because of the continuous, poetic rhythm that flows throughout each and every sentence. It's been a few years that while reading a book, I knew that I would come back to it, again and again. That says a lot to me about the storytelling power of the author.

I give Blue Earth by Anya Achtenberg, published in 2012, Modern History Press, 5/5. (I was given this novel in exchange for this review, but this did not influence my rating, like/dislike of this book.)

July 2012 Vol. IV, No.3 Recovering The Self: A Journal of Hope and Healing, by Trisha Faye, Ernest Dempsey and Victor Volkman.

Not your traditional read because it's a journal but it's full of many wonderful stories and poems. Some are more academic in style while others are written in the manner of your favourite traditional, non-fiction novel.

I was drawn to this piece of work because of the life cycle that I and many of you are currently in. Our parents, grandparents, and other people in our lives are getting older, sicker and dying. Some may see it as an unfortunate but always unending part of the life cycle. Others see it as the ending of a beautiful journey. None of us are alone in the process, but many of us do not talk about it. Many of us don't share our thoughts, our fears. Our anger, our relief. Our happiness, our love.

Some of the stories stood out to me so much, that they actually choked me up a little. A testament to great writing, in my opinion. Some of them also made me laugh out right because they're true to life and what I've often heard myself.

One of the stories that hit home for me was "Dad Called" by Laura Gardner page, 26-29. It was a another reminder about having patience with our parents and the older people in our lives. Whether we like it or not they will slow down, physically. Some, mentally as well. It's a reminder of no matter how busy and tired we are in our own lives, we need to find the time for them because they will not be here with us forever. There will come a time when we will long for that phone call, that is interrupting our day, but there won't be one. A personal and great reminder for myself, who is always looking to increase her patience meter.

I was also interested in learning from others how they cope with the aging people in their lives. If you're feeling as though you are the only one frustrated or angry, the stories in this journal, will help to reassure you that you aren't the only one. There is a lot of sadness but there are also quirky and funny stories told. A poem that made me chuckle was "Women, 80, Stranded" by Patricia Wellingham-Jones, on page 83. To sum it up, she's an older woman, who is lost on a road trip. I love this poem because if it was someone younger, she would just be lost. But because it's someone older, many of us jump to the conclusion that it's the senility of old age and she doesn't know what to do.

If you're looking for a change in your reading material, this journal is a great way to start.

I give July 2012 Vol. IV, No.3 Recovering The Self A Journal of Hope and Healing an overall, 4/5 . (I was given this journal in exchange for this review, but this did not influence my rating, like/dislike of this book.)

In Stolen Secrets Dr. Cory is doing her best to keep her spirits up. Her Psychology practice is slow but at least she still as patients who need her. She has 2, great children off in college. She has amazing friends that are always there for her. She lives in a great San Diego neighbourhood. Although romance is not really on the horizon, Cory is thinking about giving it another try.

Stolen Secrets introduces the start of a romance between Cory and Ben Fortuna, a private investigator, Cory hired to find out who has infiltrated the privacy of her practice. Who threatened her now missing patient, District Attorney Morgan Heller? And who is now threatening Cory?

Cory not being able to resist "helping out" doesn't feel ready to put all of her trust in Ben so she does plenty of investigating on her own. Disguises, phone inquiries, snooping around. What ever needs to be done, Cory feels she's up to the job. Her friends and colleagues don't agree with her dangerous, solo investigative missions.

I enjoyed seeing the role of how professional ethics plays into the everyday life of a mental health professional. Not wanting to violate a patients privacy vs. keeping the patient out of harms way. What does a professional do when a patient is in danger? Divulge confidential information or hope that the situation resolves itself?

I also liked seeing that mental health professionals sometimes need help themselves. Something that many in the general public don't realise. It's not that their "crazy" but sometimes those who listen to other people vent all day, need someone to listen to them, as well.

I enjoyed seeing the vulnerable side of Cory. She doesn't let the things that occasionally bother her, disrupt her life but they are still some small thorns in her side. For example, the fact that she is half Japanese still makes her uncomfortable, when she realises that other people are uncomfortable or surprised by her appearance. Growing up in a Jewish household and looking Asian is something that Cory and many other mixed raced people go through on an frequent basis. Although people learn to live with societies perceptions a part of them will always be the vulnerable kid, trying to figure out where they fit in the world.

Book 3, of The Dr. Cohen Mysteries: Imposter For Hire, by Dr. Sandra Levy Ceren, published 2012.

Main character, Dr. Cory Cohen is divorced with 2 college age kids. She's an established Psychologist but her patient numbers are down. She's also starting over in love. Or at least she's trying to. A perfect opportunity to get some new business and love comes along when good-looking Ben Fortuna has a case that he needs Cory's help with. Ben is a private investigator, the case starts in San Francisco. Cory is more than ready for the challenge. Ben has clients that not only need to be found but that need Cory's help with their psychological issues.

The client is estranged from her husband, who has taken their children, against her wishes. Ben needs to find the kids. Cory needs to find out why the husband took them in the first place. Patient number 1, Cory expected to help. Patient number 2, was unintended and unintentionally found on the plane ride to San Fransisco on the way to counsel, patient number 1. Cory is not a detective but finds herself in dual roles. Not being able to resist the excitement and danger that comes with being a "PI", Cory is constantly getting herself into dangerous situations. Luckily for her, she manages to come out of them alive. If she would just stick to being a Psychologist her life would be easier and quite frankly, safer.

I really enjoyed that Dr. Sandra Levey Ceren chose characters that were not all in their 20's. Not that there's a problem with that age group, it just refreshing to look into the lives of characters whom have had a little more life experience. It should be interesting to see if the budding relationship between Cory and Ben will continue and flourish back in San Diego, in book 4.

It's also interesting to have the character written from the perspective of an actual Psychologist. We can do research when writing but for the author to actually live, parts of the life of her character, gives readers a whole new perspective. Bringing an added level of respect to the author, in my opinion.

If your interested in learning a little bit of what goes on the minds of those with addictions or mental health issues, Writers On The Edge is a good place to start. It gives you a glimpse of many addictions and mental health afflictions. You hear from the dependent or sick person, instead of from the medical professional's, clinical point of view. Writers On The Edge by Diana M. Raab and James Brown, editors, 2012.

Although I'm not a huge fan of excerpts, I really enjoyed the various author's personal stories & poems. Many of the excerpts made me want to go and find the original full story to read and enjoy. The poetry, although just as deep, was a needed relief from the stark reality of the author's sometimes disturbing experiences.

I also enjoyed the glimpse of times gone by from many of the storytellers. Many of them growing up in the 50's and 60's with addicted or mentally ill family members. Being able to see the difference in how families and society dealt with addiction, when there really wasn't a word for addiction.

I also liked the variances in addiction & dependency. From the well known addiction to alcohol to the over-eater to the mentally ill. And of course some of the many reasons why people become addicted. Whether it is genetics, a way to get some relief from their personal demons or simply just for fun.

There were 2 stories that hit home and made me feel as though I wanted to read the stories in their entirety.

The first was, A Better Place To Live, by Maud Casey. This excerpt was about Maud Casey and her battle with depression. Part of a line that struck me was "Being depressed felt like living in a corpse", (pg. 117). Perfect in the sense that it was a description that has eluded many people in the past. One sentence tells it all.

The second was from the memoir, Instructions On The Use Of Alcohol by James Brown. I loved how he wrote as though he was a third party observer. Instead of as the person who went through the drug addiction. In opinion, it could have been a way for him to write honestly or authentically. Writing as an observer may have been easier than writing and therefore having to relive his addictions again?

Great read!

NICKELS: a tale of dissociation by author Christine Stark, takes us through the life of Little Miss So and So, a child living through horrendous physical & sexual abuse at the hands of her father. While her mother, the one parent most are able to count on, turns the other cheek with full knowledge of what her husband is doing to their child.

NICKELS also guides us through Little Miss So and So's development and discovery of her sexuality & the homophobia that comes along with it. We see what Little Miss So and So needs to do, to cope with the life she's been born into.

Friendships that never have a chance to develop, for fear of discovery of Little Miss So and So's home life.

The lack of trust that has been stolen from her because of the dysfunctional relationship between Little Miss So and So and her parents.

The one person who has loved Little Miss So and So, unconditionally, but from afar, is her Aboriginal grandmother. Whom I suspect knows something is not right, but is waiting for her granddaughter to tell her what is wrong. One of my favourite lines that always ends their phone conversations is, "You are the cream in my coffee too granddaughter." One of the few soft spots in the book.

This is the first time that I've read a novel in the form of several prose poems. It took me until Age 10 (the novel follows main character, Little Miss So and So by age) before I could get into a regular, reading rhythm. Until Age 10 it took me 3 times as long as it normally would, to finish a page. Eventually I found myself able to visually add the punctuation where they "normally" would be in a traditionally written novel. Therefore making it easier on myself to follow the flow of the book.

This work of fiction allows the readers to get a glimpse of the ramifications of what can and does occur to people who are sexually abused.

Mental health issues that are more common then not. In the case of Little Miss So and So, dissociation.

The lifelong issues with trust. Even with the therapy there is often a war with one's self, to not fall back into feelings of worthlessness, or not being good enough.

Establishing relationships as an adult are often something that is continually worked on, throughout life.

Not falling into different kinds of abusive relationships because that is what the abused is use to and or feels that this is all that they are worth.

I didn't find NICKELS: A Tale of Dissociation overly disturbing because I know that this is a very unfortunate, but very real part of every society around the world. An issue that we as a society should not be afraid to address. For those who are sensitive to the subject of sexual abuse/homophobia this novel may be hard to get through, but it's well worth it in the end. Christine Stark has a writing style that will make you feel as though you embody the spirit of her characters. For me, I was able to anticipate Little Miss So and So's thoughts and actions towards the end of novel. Not in a predictable way, because the writing has been done before, but because at times I felt that I was Little Miss So and So. Before I started to read this book, I knew what the subject matter was, so I didn't let the turmoil of the character follow me into my life, when I put the book down.

I give NICKELS: a tale of dissociation 4/5.

( I was compensated for this book review, but if I didn't like it, I would have said so. Links may not work in all countries.)Nickels: A Tale of Dissociation

There is not one song on this album that isn't good.
An album that you can listen to for years to come. It will not end up in the bottom of a box, 12 months from now.
My favourites, Rumour Has It, Don't You Remember, Set Fire To The Rain, Someone Like You.
The only negative thing is all the songs are sad.

Not as good as their previous cd's. I would say it's on par with their first album. Their 2nd and 3rd albums are much better and that is coming from a hardcore fan. Of course I'll listen to it and I do have my favourites but something is missing for me. My favourites are Hurricane, Gentleman and Head Above Water.

There are some songs like, Turnin Me On, Energy, Knock You Down, that are still good to listen to. The rest of the album is pretty forgettable. It's a shame because Keri has written amazing songs for other artists. Good for listening to while getting ready to go out.