Equanimity: The Spirit Within by Samuel D. Bartoli

Equanimity: The Spirit Within 
by Samuel D. Bartoli

Memoir, Self-help

Halo Publishing International  

January 2014 

Buy on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

About the Book:

Equanimity: The Spirit Within is a story about a man’s search for meaning as he comes to terms with losing everything that he knew and valued.

After winning the 1992 Southern California Middleweight Golden Gloves Boxing Championship, Bartoli was ready to punch his way to professional stardom. However, his boxing career was cut short when he developed a form of Pugilistic Dementia, which caused him to have chronic headaches, slowed motor skills, slurred speech, shaky hands, and impaired vision.

Bartoli came to terms with losing the one thing he loved most in life. In his journey, he realizes that his self-worth is not measured by how many punches he can give or take or media headlines and public praise. He learns that real self-worth is defined by his relationship with God.

In Equanimity, Bartoli gives advice and scripture that readers can apply to coping with life, counting blessings, discovering potential, demystifying love, banishing worry, ending suffering, having faith, and handling mistakes.

Equanimity is a life-changing book that will help anyone solve problems, overcome fears, and develop a better relationship with God.

About the Author:

Samuel D. Bartoli is the author of Equanimity: The Spirit Within, published by Halo Publishing International in January 2014. He lives in Los Angeles, CA where he invests his free time coaching teens at a youth center.

 My review:

I had never heard of Pugilistic Dementia before, but it makes sense...in one of those sports that doesn't really make a whole lot of sense to me. But that's not the point. People take pride in identifying themselves with something they can do well, no matter what it is. Samuel Bartoli is one of those people who can re-define himself after something he did well didn't work out anymore. And that's a lesson all of us can learn.

Bartoli's memoir is filled with observations, some heavy-duty study and definitions such as tackling the meaning of one of my favorite phrase, carpe diem--latin for seize the day--to sharing quotes from ancient leaders from all over the world, philosophers and even poets, such as Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

Attitude is important, so is humbleness, Bartoli says. This little book is filled with great reflections and a multitude of Scripture to back up the theme that a life with faith makes a person a real champion.

Recommended for anyone who enjoys seeing how pieces of life from antiquity to present times fit together, and who could use some encouragement.

Girls Night Out Mingle with the Authors Nov 20 in West Bend

That's right!

All kinds of give-aways...door prizes

Wine-tasting

cheese

flavored olive oil dips

romance books!

All In Books

GIRLS NIGHT OUT!!! 

at 

All In Books 

910 S. Main Street West Bend

MINGLE WITH THE AUTHORS 

Lisa Lickel and Nicolette Pierce

Thursday November 20th After Hours: 6:30 PM 

$15 a person Tickets available at All In Books 

or pay button below - no Paypal account needed

For only $15 you get over $125 in value. 

Price includes wine tasting, cheese and olive oil tasting, $50 gift card to nakedwines.com, book bag stuffed with swag and discounts, and your choice of one new book per author. 

That's two great books by two great authors! There will also be door prizes and a drawing! 

Grab your friends and buy your tickets soon. Only a limited number of tickets will be sold.

Book Review Gabriel by Jayna Morrow

Gabriel 

Jayna Morrow

c. 2014

Prism Book Group

ISBN: 978-1940099453

Price 3.99

11.99

buy on Amazon

buy on Barnes and Noble

Texas Romance

Gabriel Hearth, the title character, has some serious relationship troubles. From the opening scene of being left at the altar to the realization that this is not his first failed attempt at romance, the reader is carried along on a journey to wholeness.

A high school principal, Sparrow Walker, takes on the challenge of Gabriel’s out of control teenage son. The Hearth family is a town supporter, so attempting to point out their problems might not be in her best interest; however, Gabriel realizes he needs to do something to salvage his family, and himself, from its downward spiral.

It takes some thinking and some tough introspection for Gabriel to understand and appreciate the effort it takes to help Slade. For Sparrow, this triumph becomes more than another notch on her belt of perfection. But can these two strong-willed people work together long enough to show Slade there’s a better way to live and love? And get over their hang-ups?

Told in rotating points of view, this romance is for those who enjoy reading about putting family pieces back together again through the love of God.

Contemporary Fairy Tale for Today with Gail Pallotta and Give Away!

A fresh new look at Jack and the Beanstalk -

with a contemporary fantasy feel!

Read this sweet new novella from award-winning author Gail Pallotta

Gail is giving away TWO signed copies of her book. Tweet this post and comment to enter a drawing. Drawing will take place Oct 20 8 AM Central Time.

About the Book:
Mountain of Love and Danger

Jack Greenthumb finds romance in Fairwilde Kingdom—a different day—a different girl. Then a cruel mystery begins. Dad’s beaten, the family farm destroyed and Jack’s true love, Gwendolyn Bante, kidnapped. Jack’s undercover operation reveals Gwenie’s a captive atop a mountain accessible only by helicopter. Reaching her is a dangerous expedition even for a champion rock climber like Jack. However, a Greenthumb Acres employee plants a miraculous seed from Heaven for the rescue. Suspense mounts as Jack scales the perilous cliff to face a brute and a treacherous descent in this retelling of the fairy tale, Jack and the Beanstalk.

What motivated you to write Mountain of Love and Danger and how did you go about it?

An online friend asked me to participate in a fairy tale series with three other authors and her. Mine is the fifth and last in the Fairwilde Reflection Series novellas. As soon as I saw the words fairy tale, I thought of Jack and the Beanstalk. It seemed the story could lend itself to mystery and suspense, something I enjoy writing. I wanted a touch of romance, so I thought of giving Jack a girlfriend. Unfortunately, to facilitate the mystery, she had to be kidnapped and taken to the top of a mountain impossible to reach except by a helicopter. Then I needed a way to work in the beanstalk. I decided to make Jack’s father a plantation owner to provide a source for the plant. After that it was a matter of working out the details for the seeds, how and where the beanstalk grew. Of course, the kidnapper had to be a giant, a character named Burly Man. The part I hadn’t counted on----I knew nothing about mountain and rock climbing. I did lots of research and was able to get help from a friend who’s accomplished in both sports.

Gail, what do you love about it?

I love that it’s fantasy yet realistic enough for me to think it’s real while it’s happening. Also, the characters are fun because of who they are and what they say and do.

Introduce Jack.

Jack’s a good-looking guy from a well-to-do family, and he has gotten a brand new car. He enjoys the attention of many young ladies in Fairwilde, but he’s loved Gwendolyn Bante since grammar school. He also loves his mom and dad, and is devoted to them. When Gwenie’s kidnapped, his life changes in the blink of an eye from that of a carefree person getting ready to embark on college to one with the responsibility of rescuing her. At the same time, the family plantation has been vandalized and Dad’s in the hospital suffering from wounds from an attack. Thank goodness, Dad’s able to return home before Jack undertakes his perilous journey to find Gwenie. He’s a champion rock and mountain climber, so scaling a peak presents no problem. But he must call on skills and courage he never knew he had to find out which alp she’s on and bring her down unscathed.

What do you hope readers will tell other readers? 

I hope they’ll say Mountain of Love and Danger is a fun read with an uplifting message about caring for and helping one another. One person whose read the book said, “I enjoyed it because it took my mind off of everything that was bothering me.” That’s pretty cool too.

Buy on 

Amazon - 

Smashwords - 

Barnes and Noble

Read Lisa's Review here.

About the Author:

Award-winning author Gail Pallotta’s a wife, Mom, swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God, beach sunsets and getting together with friends and family. She’s been a Sunday school teacher, a swim-team coordinator and an after-school literary instructor. A former regional writer of the year for American Christian Writers Association, she won Clash of the Titles in 2010. Her teen book, Stopped Cold, was a best-seller on All Romance eBooks, finished fourth in the Preditors and Editors readers’ poll, and was a finalist for the 2013 Grace Awards. She’s published short stories in “Splickety” magazine and Sweet Freedom with a Slice of Peach Cobbler. Some of her published articles appear in anthologies while two are in museums. Coming soon: Barely above Water from Prism Book Group. Visit Gail’s web site at http://www.gailpallotta.com.

Review of Mountain of Love and Danger by Gail Pallotta

Review for Mountain of Love and Danger

by Gail Pallotta

About the book:

Jack Greenthumb finds romance in Fairwilde Kingdom—a different day—a different girl. Then a cruel mystery begins. Dad’s beaten, the family farm destroyed and Jack’s true love, Gwendolyn Bante, kidnapped. Jack’s undercover operation reveals Gwenie’s a captive atop a mountain accessible only by helicopter. Reaching her is a dangerous expedition even for a champion rock climber like Jack. However, a Greenthumb Acres employee plants a miraculous seed from Heaven for the rescue. Suspense mounts as Jack scales the perilous cliff to face a brute and a treacherous descent in this retelling of the fairy tale, Jack and the Beanstalk.

Mountain Laurel Publishing (October 14, 2014)

E-book – 99 cents

P-book – 4.99

ISBN: 978-1502416452

Buy on Amazon

My review:

This sweet novella is a take-me-away moment of pleasurable reading. Retelling Jack and the Beanstalk for contemporary times, but with an obvious nod to a fantastical kingdom, the author has created a suspenseful romance.

Jack, the son of famed Greenthumb Acres, supplier of all vegetable in the kingdom, lives a fast-paced love em and leave em life, all the while anchored by his mostly patient true love, Gwenie. But even Gwenie has her limits when she sees him flaunting his new sports car with a girl in the passenger seat. To make it up to her, Jack treats Gwenie to dinner at the new restaurant on the hill. When Jack’s family enterprise is threatened by the thugs who now own the restaurant, Jack and Gwenie are embroiled in a plot to overthrow not only the Greenthumbs but Fairwilde Kingdom itself.

Jack must face reality and grow up or lose Gwenie for good when she disappears. Is Jack man enough to rescue his fair lady love? From atop a mountain? Which he must climb? Jack learns a valuable lesson in love and loyalty and family support in this delightful tale.

Told through both Jack and Gwenie’s eyes and recommended for those who enjoy shorter romantic reads with elements of danger and wonderful outlandish characters in a fantasy setting.

About the Author:

Award-winning author Gail Pallotta’s a wife, Mom, swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God, beach sunsets and getting together with friends and family. She’s been a Sunday school teacher, a swim-team coordinator and an after-school literary instructor. A former regional writer of the year for American Christian Writers Association, she won Clash of the Titles in 2010. Her teen book, Stopped Cold, was a best-seller on All Romance eBooks, finished fourth in the Preditors and Editors readers’ poll, and was a finalist for the 2013 Grace Awards. She’s published short stories in “Splickety” magazine and Sweet Freedom with a Slice of Peach Cobbler. Some of her published articles appear in anthologies while two are in museums. Visit her web site at http://www.gailpallotta.com

Diamond Heiress with Ruth Roberts

When two bitter rivals….

One person stands between Brielle and her inheritance, Nicholas Trenton. If she fails to serve as CEO of Santorini Jewels, her grandfathers company, for one full year then everything goes to Nick, the company, her trust fund and her home, the only home she’s ever known. 
Nick doesn’t care about the money but he wants the company his father helped build. Now was his turn to run Santorini. Brielle isn’t qualified nor does she deserve the position of CEO, one way or another he will make sure she doesn’t run Santorini into the ground.

Are forced to run a multi-billion dollar company together…

Through a clash of wills they try to learn to work together for the benefit of the company. But when they can no longer ignore the attraction building between them will they give in to it or will it ultimately be the downfall of Santorini?

From the Prism Book Group.
Purchase on Amazon and Barnes and Noble - search Ruth Roberts.
Read my review of her first novella, Tender Triumph, here.


About the Author:
Romance novelist Ruth Roberts lives in the Big D, where city life abounds but where the wide open spaces of Texas can be easily reached. Her books transport readers to the glittering life of high-society, while making the characters normal, fun people we would all like to have as friends. She loves reading, writing and Gilmore Girls. She and her teenage daughter call themselves the real life Gilmore Girls. Her very own romantic hero of twenty years is her greatest inspiration and support. She loves hearing from fans so drop her an email at ruthrobertsromance-at-yahoo.com.
RuthRobertsRomance.com

Swept Away with Vanessa Riley

Author Vanessa Riley introduces her second Christian Regency Romance, Swept Away

About the Book:

Charlotte Downing, the Duchess of Charming, wants what she wants. Today, it's a fine pair of lacy slippers crafted by the renowned Ella's Establishment. To be picture perfect for her presentation to the queen, Charlotte will survive crashed ceilings and falling bricks. Yet, has she met her match in the conservative merchant, whose autumn colored eyes make her pulse race, especially when he says no. Caught between the glittering world of the Ton and the respectable profession of selling shoes, Edwin Cinder can't understand the lady's persistence or the fire lighting her blue eyes when she's challenged. With his lack of pedigree, there's no chance for this common God-fearing man to win her hand, but he'll risk all to save the duchess from the ravishes of a London gale. Swept Away is a Regency Retelling of Cinderella with a twist.

A brief Interview with the Author:

Vanessa, what do you love about this book?

Swept Away is a Regency version of Cinderella. Charlotte Downing, the Duchess of Charming, is a strong heroine trying to be as good as her father, the late Duke of Charming. The desire to be as good, an equal to any man, makes her very focused on emulating her father, and sometimes it makes her as pushy and as set in her ways.

I really loved creating a bold, but flawed heroine. She is trying to find her way and of course, she makes mistakes. Yet, Charlotte has the heart of a fighter and when she has a chance to save herself, she can't walk away and risks all to wield an ax to save the hero. She's very different, and that's why I like her.

Share something unique we won’t learn from your website about this story.

My critique group and I developed the idea to do a series of retold fairy tales centered around a place called Fairwilde. Our collection spans over 200 years. It was very interesting to see how each of us incorporated that theme into the stories.

What was your inspiration from this book?

My inspiration for this book was to do something different and set it  in my beloved Regency. The first twist was to make Cinderella, a mister. Once I started tweaking the basic plot, I couldn't stop. So my Cinderella, Edwin Cinder, is not a pauper, but a wealthy shoe merchant. Though he's rich, he's not a gentleman. That status leads to problems with him fitting in to pedigreed classes and his needy stepfamily.

Stepfamily issues aside, he's the fellow trying to make sure everyone else is taken cared of, even at his own peril. Mayhem, romance and crashing ceilings commence in the madcap tale, as the duchess and the shoe merchant have to work together to survive.

Tell us something you learned while working on this particular project.

I loved researching storms and gales that affected London during the 1800's. Reading actual newspaper accounts of the aftermath helped to picture how devastating these weather events were.

Thank you so much for having me.

~Lisa: My honor!

About the Author:

Even as she pursued engineering degrees, Vanessa Riley's love of 19th century history yielded a hunger to take as many Western Civilization credits as possible (two classes shy of a minor). Vanessa adores Regency times with its conflicts between Church and State, the clash of the classes, and the sweeping romances. Her mission is to have the world fall in love with powerful Regency heroes and heroines who battle for peace with a flintlock and a prayer. Vanessa writes from the comfort of her southern porch with a cup of Earl Grey or Cinnamon Spice.

~ ~ ~

For more information about Vanessa, visit her website.  

Purchase Swept Away at:

AMAZON

BARNES & NOBLE

DEEPER SHOPPING