her ups & downs & how she began communicating with angels in order to better herself, an interesting read
350641
Victoria Mary Clarke writes about her life, her ups & downs & how she began communicating with angels in order to better herself, an interesting read.
3621092
Tells the story of a woman of low self esteem and some nasty habits who, through many challenges and ordeals, finds unexpected redemption, insight and even wisdom emerging from the trials of her life.
2587967
Although some people didn't find this book particularly inspiring or encouraging...I did. I really enjoyed taking my time along the journey through Lucille's account of her life and struggles from a state of "Mental Welfare" as Shaq called it, to her present state of Mental Health. Her life has been one of many challenges and obstacles -- some beyond her control and some, well, maybe of her own doing.

Her early life led her through many trials such as her parents' divorce and growing up without her mother present, living in turmoil with harsh and sometimes abusive grandparents. She became an angry, troubled teen and ultimately a young single mother.

The journey continues through her marriage, raising her children as a military wife, moving across the globe, her lack of self-love and self esteem, while dealing with her own alcohol abuse. This was the Mental Welfare that had such a grip on her for so long. After the adjustments of moving back to the states and dealing with her son's new found success, Lucille finally broke free of a marriage in which she'd been unhappy for a long time and reconnected with God, and began her journey towards Mental Health. Her faith and renewed sense of joy and freedom helped her begin to build confidence and she began to pursue her dream of a college education and becoming an inspirational public speaker. Although she suffered the pain of losing her mother to ovarian cancer, and dealing with her daughter's illness, Lucille persevered and went on to become the President of the Mothers of Professional Basketball Players Association and founded the Odessa Chambliss Quality of Life Fund which raises money for nursing scholarships and education for cancer research.

I really enjoyed reading this book. Allison Samuels did a great job, relaying Lucille's emotions and experiences. I liked that each relatively short chapter began with a relevant scripture, as well as the list at the end of the book of her 40 most memorable scriptures that helped her over the last 40 years. I found myself really relating to Lucille about being unhappy in a long marriage, always fantasizing about leaving and finally getting the courage to divorce, although it meant walking away from everything you worked hard for -- I did the very same thing myself -- and working up the confidence to enroll in college later in life and pursue a degree. I think many young women, especially young mothers would benefit from reading this book and seeing that anything is possible with faith, perseverance and hard work. This is not only a story of struggle, but a story of a young mother's determination to raise her children with all the attentive loving compassion that she never really got and all that her heart could possibly give. As another mom to a incredible, beautiful boy, I find this very inspiring.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their [...] book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
1297941
this was a captivating, entertaining, humble, & quick read - start to finish - as dr. gay-senior pours out her life story of healing from deep childhood wounds including her parents & siblings undiagnosed mental illnesses.  her recovery story is boldly honest.  she tells of her decades long fight for serenity but gives frequent credit & praise to God and others who hoped, helped & cheered her on, including friends in her spiritually-based support groups!
787115
This isn't your ordinary self-help book, Vanessa takes you on a journey through her young life. Through the very rough experiences she had to bear up until the here, and now where she has now made her own choices!
It's a hard look at realism and what I'm sorry to say a lot of people go through, but are afraid to talk about. Here Vanessa gives a platform of how the past can fuel the future. How negative experiences can become the fuel for positive growth in oneself. I admire her courage and wisdom her sincerity.  Most of all her truth I admire her truth! One must dig deep to write such a book on experiences, and how those experiences change your perception.
Yet through all the tough times Vanessa was able to keep close to God and found the strength to fight for herself to win which she has done repeatedly! Life is not always easy and when it begins in a negative arena that's where most people tend to repeat history. Not Vanessa she was not going to be another statistic, no she took that pent up energy and turned it around into her favor. She began helping others one by one. Now she stands one mighty strong woman who can be mighty proud of what she made of herself in the here and now!
Millie G.
4067313
Margo Martin Rhodes opens up her wounded, but healing, heart to share the life long effects of a choice she made in the early 80's. Her story reads like a chat you might have with a dear friend with whom you share all those secrets and to whom you might go to hold your hand along the journey of life. Margo reveals her own experiences and how they deeply impacted not only her life, but the lives of all those near and dear to her. Mercy and grace led her to understanding and the opportunity to heal. Power indeed!
1533110
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review!

This book was a mixed bag for me, hence the rating.  On hand, I absolutely applaud the author's tenacity and willingness to be so open with her fears, apprehensions, and uncertainties.  On top of that her PPD is worth noting in the way that she continues to muster on for the sake of her daughter.  That said, the author also does not take a neutral stance, which is a problem that can come up in memoirs.  There is a no filter approach to what happened and to that end, it can make things seem one sided and as such, it makes for the potential for the reader to become overwhelmed with the he said/she said type of approach.  However, again, the benefits of the book are well worth noting.
2751117
I read this book in one sitting; I couldn't put it down! I found the author's message very inspiring. I am amazed that she continued telling medial staff about her premonitions until she found someone who listened. Because of this persistence, she played a big part in saving her own life! I also found the parts about her regression therapy sessions fascinating. I even had a couple of my own epiphanies while reading--5 stars!
1221011
This book was in excellent shape. Once I started reading it, I couldn't hardly put it down, but had to in order for all the information to sink in. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to get closer to their Angels and how to communicate with them! I loved it and will be reading this over and over.
2388972
This book didn't have the power as her first one, but is a well written exploration of her emotional journey.
127962
I bought this book in my quest to develop my psychic skills & it contains some easy-to-do exercises to expand them. The first part of the book chronicles Carmen Harra's life.

She may be a "renowned psychic" but I was dismayed to read her prediction that Obama would be a "one-term president".

Overall an interesting read & written in a lively style.
3495540
As she exposes her vulnerability, the author draws one into her circumstance... from her annoyance to the routine of life; the temporal Jekyl & Hyde character shift that happens to many living in NY; humorous imagination; her sense of compassion for the single mothers & children due to her own life dilemma; to the doubts, fears, self-pitty, anger, bitterness and recentment that life in general brings our way.

Despite her life frustrations, her peace comes from God as she admits to wholeheartedly trust in Him with her future.  Reading "Rantings of Christian Woman," had me smiling, and even chuckling a few times at her humorous description of Hispanic mishaps,  language and culture.

Whether your present life is similar to hers, or if you need a reminder that life is not as bad as when God is in control; this book encourages us to embrace the low moments, and it's okay to rant about them... rant on... give your fruatrations to God, wholeheartedly trust in Him and move on.
3693258
A great read for those interested in the many sides of her story.
3451402
I have read one or two other of Ms. Browne's books in the past, although a long time ago, so I was familiar with the basics of her story. This book was very interesting to me, as it explains a bit more about her history growing up and family life.

I don't know what I believe personally in relation to "the other side" but Ms. Browne's descriptions of her interactions with it and the spirit world is very intriguing. You definitely need to either be a believer, or have an open mind to enjoy this book (as well as any of her other ones for that matter).

There is a lot of information about her personal life mixed in with anecdotes of memorable events that occurred during her psychic career. I find that the mix is pleasant to read and I feel like I now know her on a more personal level.

If you have read and appreciated any of her other books, I definitely recommend this one as well.
4159467
This was Ms. Estevez's first book and she wrote it in the third person about her experiences going through a carefully controlled synthetic psilocybin drug study. I was intrigued with the details of her experiences before, during and after this study, the courage it took for her to go through with it after her initial terrifying experience with this mind-altering drug, how she overcame her fear and how she went on to finish the study and learn and benefit from it. This was a good read and kudos to the author for sharing her story.
2620769
This was an interesting book , that was very easy reading.  The Angels are quite entertaining and the message of hope and direction was encouraging. The book is a statement on human nature and the normal ways we get off the correct path.  Heavenly assistance is requested and received in a variety of ways.
927605
COMMUNICATING WITH THE OTHER SIDE is a concise, insightful memoir chronicle that offers an inside glimpse into how numinous events can generously enhance our lives when we pay attention to the signs and supernal guidance.  Betsey Lewis shares her own personal history of embracing life, even tragedy, with compassion and a higher understanding by recounting how protective grace carried her through heartbreaking episodes in order for her to reach "the other side" navigating the physical and spiritual realms.  I found Ms. Lewis' informal journal style especially appealing and reassuring, inviting this reader into an extraordinary, other-worldly sphere using familiar parlance as if describing everyday news stories.