A Recent Healthy Decision

Friends,

In late April, I realized that absorbing news stories several times a day was not healthy for my emotional and mental health. Dropping out of commenting on anything political would also be a healthy move for me.

So, I did.

However, I will read news headlines once in a while and listen for a few minutes on something going on in the political realm. Grateful that it doesn’t stick to me like a monster glue.

I’ve discovered I’ve found much more peace and breathe better out of that world, especially the social media world.

Reading has become a refreshing pastime. It’s been a while since I truly read for pleasure and didn’t need to do it to only support my writing.

When I listened to author Lisa Wingate talk this past Sunday, she presented the importance for local communities to read together. That book clubs were essential to bringing people’s common interests in something experienced together to discuss and learn from each other.

This really struck me, because it brought me back to a simpler time when humans spent time together in person, talking, sharing, relating, that has diminished over the era of the tech and internet universe.

Keeping our humanity and respect for each other has been and seems to be more vital than ever.

And reading does this.

As Lisa said, there is a shared experience when you read a book. It’s a dive into a pool of sorts, where you experience the world of the characters you’re reading about and it transforms your own world in making it more enriching and special.

There’s a certain amount of peace I get when I read. The best experience for me is reading outside in my backyard, with the plentiful, calming sounds of the birds and squirrels, and the rustling of the leaves of the trees. As if they’re with me on my journey in the world of the story I’m reading. And I seemed to have forgotten about this special intimacy for many years until recently.

To be able to have such moments of solace and solitude, bereft of noise pollution and never-ending bickering on social media and political shows is a great feeling and encounter.

Thank God I’ve been able to experience this and live my life in a much more healthy and happy environment.

What do you feel like when you are away from the chaos of the world? How do you feel when you are reading a fiction book that takes you out of the flotsam of the social media, political universe?

Engage in These Books’ Characters’ Lives

Reviews from each of my four books shown in the picture above.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Deeply emotional women’s fiction…

In a race against time to save her nephew, Marina travels to Greece to recover a family heirloom that has healing properties but finds something more valuable instead. This book is a heartbreaking tale of faith, family, and freedom. It’s also a story about self-discovery. I thoroughly enjoyed Passage of Promise. As one who has an overbearing family, I could relate. Dorothy Robey pens a beautiful women’s fiction with descriptive narration, engaging characters, and the breathtaking scenery of Greece.

Like in her other books, Dorothy Robey writes descriptive narration so immersive, you can smell the salt air. Such detail is hard to come by these days, but Dorothy Robey will stimulate all five of your senses.

The plot moves at a nice easy pace as the story unfolds. The writing is emotional and really connects the reader to the story. I’m fast becoming a fan of this author’s writing. It’s all about life’s journeys and self-discovery.

The characters are written so well, by the end, you won’t want to let go. I connected with Marina instantly. Her distressing situation tore my heart out of my chest. The hopelessness she feels, the hope returning, all play a huge role in Passage of Promise.

If you’re looking for a deeply emotional women’s fiction, pick up this book. Fans of Eat, Pray, Love will love this book. I strongly recommend this book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A heartfelt story you’ve gotta check out!

When at life’s crossroads, it’s best to go where you’ve never been before. Painted With Good Intentions is a heartfelt story of one woman’s journey to rediscover her spiritual path. From the first page until the last, I couldn’t put it down. With descriptive narration, characters you’ll relate to, and a poignant spiritual message, this book is wondrous.

Let’s start with the descriptive narration. It’s immersive and filled with emotion. Every scene is beautifully described. The setting is Greece and I truly felt like I was there and experienced everything Christina went through. I could close my eyes and envision everything.

The characters are emotive and leap from the page, especially Christina and Nathan. The chemistry between Christina and Nathan is electric but realistic. Both are wary of love due to broken hearts but their passion for art soon takes over. I kept rooting for them to give it a go.

The plot moves at a good pace. The writing is so lovely with a perfect blend of spirituality without being preachy, romance, and healing from past hurts. There’s enough conflict to please any reader. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

If you’re looking for a book worth reading, pick up Painted with Good Intentions. I strongly recommend this book to any reader.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Engaging story with complex characters

Three sisters, each with their own unique traits and troubles. Each one of them on a journey of discovery. The beautiful prose takes us on the journey with them, sometimes unraveling what they believed was true, but ultimately bringing each of them to a greater understanding of who they are and their relationship with each other.

The story will keep you engaged, turning pages to find out what happens next with these compelling, complex, and well-defined characters. Their voices are distinct, and you’ll find yourself relating to each of them in different ways.

There are some serious topics explored, but the author handles them with sensitivity.

You’ll find yourself pondering the story long after you turn the last page. I highly recommend.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Uplifting, engaging book

Lovely, fast paced story. A tale of love and loss, mourning and the return to a full life through others. A deep love between two people can have many expressions, and D. Anna’s book traces how such love cannot be lost but honored in a new way toward others. An uplifting message, and engaging story.