Daring To Dream by Nora Roberts

The first in the Dream Trilogy by Nora Roberts, Daring To Dream pulls you right into the world of Margo Sullivan, the housekeeper’s daughter. She came to America from Ireland with her mother after the death of her father and has lived at the beautiful Monterey estate of the Templetons, owners of the Templeton chain of luxury hotels, ever since. Growing up with Laura Templeton and Laura’s cousin Kate Powell introduced her to the world of the rich and famous. Although her mother tried to keep her in check, constantly reminding her of her station in the household, she dreamed of being rich and famous herself.

This wonderful novel takes you along on her bumpy journey from teenager to her final fall, when she meets the man of her dreams. Who would have guessed she had known him for years? Just out of high school Margo sets out to chase her dream. When Margo’s amazing career comes crashing down around her, she returns to Monterey to pick up the pieces and try to put them back together. When she returns, she finds that not everything is all right at home, she needs to make amends with her mother, and not everyone feels sorry for the situation she got into. Will Margo be able to prove everyone wrong and get on with her life?

Then there’s the hunt for a treasure some believe is just myth but Margo and her friends believe it is real. An amazing tale of one woman’s struggle to hold onto what matters most and how her view of that changes with time, Daring To Dream leaves the readers doing just that. This is a wonderfully written novel by a number one best selling author. Nora Roberts gets better with everything she writes. This is a love story that warms the heart and leaves you smiling and wondering what will happen to Margo’s friends.

Daring To Dream by Nora Roberts

Parent Magazine - Get Best Parenting Guidelines For Child Care

In a world where families are becoming increasingly nuclear and there are fewer adults to guide and direct young couples, parenthood is becoming more and more critical. In such a scenario, parents are on a constant look out for information. They seek the best for their child and want to gather as much as they can for their holistic development. This is where parent magazines come to help.

Right from the age of toddlers to teenage to the young adults, child care magazines are a great asset for a parent in every phase of their child’s growth. First time parents specially have trouble understanding the vows of theirs child. At this point, experienced opinions and guidance from a specialist is all they need. Child care magazines offer exhaustive tips and guidelines on how to take care of the newly born. It is a catalogue for the parent where he/she can get a first hand account of what is best for their young one. Parents share their experiences and voice out their concerns for the child through them and a symbiotic relationship is formed in the process. Often this also helps in preventing small accidents with children as parents read a great deal of dos and don’ts in the magazines.

Parent magazines encompass all aspects of child care. Be it medical, social or psychological. Medical aspect includes what to feed the young one, in what quantity and at what intervals, what oil and cream to use, how to bathe the child, how to keep the child in a hygienic surrounding, what vaccines to be given, basic medical care for the child during an emergency, medication that should be avoided and what is the best for him/her.

At the school going stage, parents need to get into the shoes of their children to be really able to help them deal with issues they face. Today when children are bombarded with information, it is necessary that parents know how to prevent any bullying they face.

The extent of involvement needed during the formative years of the child is of high value.

Child care magazines offer practical and handy tips on the same.

Child magazines provide information about child growth and practices to be followed in early childhood education. What would be the appropriate practices for little children, issues concerning their safety, tips on improving child’s oral education and increasing parental involvement, everything is offered at one stop. Child magazines help all those who want their child to spend fruitful time at home, and create an environment of learning and encouragement. Parents are benefited a great deal through child care magazine. They are equipped with all the necessary information they require for child care. It is like a ready reckoner for them. Parents learn a lot about the behavioral aspect of a child by the use of these magazines regularly. What can create a positive impact on the child and what harbors negativity is of immense importance in child care, and child care magazines are the best to attain the knowledge of the same.

More and more parents are getting actively involved in writing and reading these Parent magazine. They offer a self verified account of parents who have gone through all the agony and emerged victorious in upbringing their children well. Doctors, child care experts and psychologists guide the information contained in these magazines. Today a lot of publishers offer child care magazines and the trend are only on the upswing.

Parent Magazine - Get Best Parenting Guidelines For Child Care

Parent Magazine - Get Best Parenting Guidelines For Child Care

In a world where families are becoming increasingly nuclear and there are fewer adults to guide and direct young couples, parenthood is becoming more and more critical. In such a scenario, parents are on a constant look out for information. They seek the best for their child and want to gather as much as they can for their holistic development. This is where parent magazines come to help.

Right from the age of toddlers to teenage to the young adults, child care magazines are a great asset for a parent in every phase of their child’s growth. First time parents specially have trouble understanding the vows of theirs child. At this point, experienced opinions and guidance from a specialist is all they need. Child care magazines offer exhaustive tips and guidelines on how to take care of the newly born. It is a catalogue for the parent where he/she can get a first hand account of what is best for their young one. Parents share their experiences and voice out their concerns for the child through them and a symbiotic relationship is formed in the process. Often this also helps in preventing small accidents with children as parents read a great deal of dos and don’ts in the magazines.

Parent magazines encompass all aspects of child care. Be it medical, social or psychological. Medical aspect includes what to feed the young one, in what quantity and at what intervals, what oil and cream to use, how to bathe the child, how to keep the child in a hygienic surrounding, what vaccines to be given, basic medical care for the child during an emergency, medication that should be avoided and what is the best for him/her.

At the school going stage, parents need to get into the shoes of their children to be really able to help them deal with issues they face. Today when children are bombarded with information, it is necessary that parents know how to prevent any bullying they face.

The extent of involvement needed during the formative years of the child is of high value.

Child care magazines offer practical and handy tips on the same.

Child magazines provide information about child growth and practices to be followed in early childhood education. What would be the appropriate practices for little children, issues concerning their safety, tips on improving child’s oral education and increasing parental involvement, everything is offered at one stop. Child magazines help all those who want their child to spend fruitful time at home, and create an environment of learning and encouragement. Parents are benefited a great deal through child care magazine. They are equipped with all the necessary information they require for child care. It is like a ready reckoner for them. Parents learn a lot about the behavioral aspect of a child by the use of these magazines regularly. What can create a positive impact on the child and what harbors negativity is of immense importance in child care, and child care magazines are the best to attain the knowledge of the same.

More and more parents are getting actively involved in writing and reading these Parent magazine. They offer a self verified account of parents who have gone through all the agony and emerged victorious in upbringing their children well. Doctors, child care experts and psychologists guide the information contained in these magazines. Today a lot of publishers offer child care magazines and the trend are only on the upswing.

Parent Magazine - Get Best Parenting Guidelines For Child Care

The Unbelievable Truth by Gordon Smith

There have been many books written by psychics but this has got to be one of the more credible. Gordon Smith has been hailed as Britain’s most accurate medium. I saw him at a theatre in Birmingham and clearly the audience were astonished at the detailed factual information he gave that was confirmed by the individuals he was talking to.

Of course our western culture tends to be sceptical about anything that is not rationally understood and claims such as those by Smith are highly contentious within the world of science. Having said that many people nevertheless embrace paranormal beliefs. Gallup has conducted several polls and found that about three-quarters of the American population believe in the one or more paranormal processes.

The author comments on how amazing it is to watch the reaction on someone’s face when a certain piece of evidence comes through from the other side. It can put a light back on in a person’s life. One example is when he was talking with a woman in her mid-forties who had arranged a half-hour sitting with him. He heard the voice of a young man by his left ear saying ‘Mum I’m here’. Smith passed on his name, how he died and many features of his life. All seemed to be going well until the woman asked about a special code she had arranged with her son before he died. Her face fell when nothing came back.

Smith often looks at a private sitting as the spirit person getting a chance to make a phone call. If we imagine what we would say to our family in what might be a one-off call, it would probably not be a very measured and concise conversation. For me his sitter exemplifies the sceptical attitude of many. Despite all the evidence that it was her son who was present, she still disbelieved. However, finally as she stood up to depart, he heard her son suddenly call out the word ‘clover’.

“At this she stared at me, shocked. Tears began to run down her cheeks.”

This was the code that they had agreed upon.

I approached this book aware of Emanuel Swedenborg’s warnings about the dangers of open communication with spirits. In books about the history of modern spiritualism considerable space has been given to Swedenborg because of his voluminous writings detailing his extraordinary experiences of spirits including evil spirits who wish to cause harm.

This links in with the attitude of Christians who have traditionally been wary of contacting spirits. And so I asked myself ‘Why has Smith not come a cropper through contact with malicious spirits? How advisable is it to have any truck with psychics such as those who apparently believe what the spirits are saying?’

I have come to think that genuine mediums such as Smith who are seeking to bring comfort to the bereaved and hope in a future reunion are protected by a divine force. If you open yourself to the psychic realm in the right spirit of care and concern for others then you’ll get the right spirit coming to you. Smith points out that mediums do not call up the dead. “On the contrary, the spirit people attract the attention of the particular medium they feel attuned to in order to contact their loved one.”

He writes that he has spent most of his life through his medium-ship trying to convince people there is life after death. “Once we accept that our spirit will live on after death, then comes the question: what is it like in the afterlife? Where do we go? Is there a Heaven and Hell and what qualifies you to go to one or the other?”

The book has a chapter on this. He points out that many people fear that loved ones who have led less than perfect lives are held in some ‘dark Hell realm’. This applied to an occasion in 1966 during a private sitting with a well dressed but sad-looking woman. He heard the voice of a young man in the spirit world telling him that this was his mother. The information came through that Mike had been suffering from AIDS and knew he was going to soon die. One night he had simply decided to take some tablets from the bathroom and end it all rather than involve everyone around him in prolonged emotional suffering. His family had already died a social death with neighbours and so-called friends.

“He told his mother that he was free of his suffering now and that he wanted to stop her from hurting because of what he had done. Such was her state of mind that she had consulted a medium even though it was against her religious beliefs.”

Smith says that the real hell is a state experienced by people who are locked in personal torment. If they grow from the experience of awareness of the wrong they have done then no afterlife judgment is needed. Living with the emotional pain they feel from this is punishment enough.

There is much more in this book published by Hay House, Inc 2004. There for example is also material on mediums and psychics, poltergeists, hauntings, altered states etc. a lot of which I find helpful and credible.

It fits in well with the idea I favour that we are all part of a physical realm and a spirit realm at the same time, and that, as Smith says, the part of us that is the material world is the size of your thumbnail.

Copyright 2010 Stephen Russell-Lacy

Related Game Books

• Book Review – The Nature of Personal Reality – A Seth Book


• Trust in the Universe


• Is it OK For Christians to Make Millions on the Internet? – No Failure Provision


• Online Crystal Inspiration – Wave Line, Magic Lilac Fountain Pen with Medium Nib, Barrel Adorned with Swarovski Elements, Includes Polishing Cloth.


• A Journey Into The Hidden


• Psychic Medium’s New Age Book Review: Conscious Dreaming By Robert Moss

The Unbelievable Truth by Gordon Smith

The Unbelievable Truth by Gordon Smith

There have been many books written by psychics but this has got to be one of the more credible. Gordon Smith has been hailed as Britain’s most accurate medium. I saw him at a theatre in Birmingham and clearly the audience were astonished at the detailed factual information he gave that was confirmed by the individuals he was talking to.

Of course our western culture tends to be sceptical about anything that is not rationally understood and claims such as those by Smith are highly contentious within the world of science. Having said that many people nevertheless embrace paranormal beliefs. Gallup has conducted several polls and found that about three-quarters of the American population believe in the one or more paranormal processes.

The author comments on how amazing it is to watch the reaction on someone’s face when a certain piece of evidence comes through from the other side. It can put a light back on in a person’s life. One example is when he was talking with a woman in her mid-forties who had arranged a half-hour sitting with him. He heard the voice of a young man by his left ear saying ‘Mum I’m here’. Smith passed on his name, how he died and many features of his life. All seemed to be going well until the woman asked about a special code she had arranged with her son before he died. Her face fell when nothing came back.

Smith often looks at a private sitting as the spirit person getting a chance to make a phone call. If we imagine what we would say to our family in what might be a one-off call, it would probably not be a very measured and concise conversation. For me his sitter exemplifies the sceptical attitude of many. Despite all the evidence that it was her son who was present, she still disbelieved. However, finally as she stood up to depart, he heard her son suddenly call out the word ‘clover’.

“At this she stared at me, shocked. Tears began to run down her cheeks.”

This was the code that they had agreed upon.

I approached this book aware of Emanuel Swedenborg’s warnings about the dangers of open communication with spirits. In books about the history of modern spiritualism considerable space has been given to Swedenborg because of his voluminous writings detailing his extraordinary experiences of spirits including evil spirits who wish to cause harm.

This links in with the attitude of Christians who have traditionally been wary of contacting spirits. And so I asked myself ‘Why has Smith not come a cropper through contact with malicious spirits? How advisable is it to have any truck with psychics such as those who apparently believe what the spirits are saying?’

I have come to think that genuine mediums such as Smith who are seeking to bring comfort to the bereaved and hope in a future reunion are protected by a divine force. If you open yourself to the psychic realm in the right spirit of care and concern for others then you’ll get the right spirit coming to you. Smith points out that mediums do not call up the dead. “On the contrary, the spirit people attract the attention of the particular medium they feel attuned to in order to contact their loved one.”

He writes that he has spent most of his life through his medium-ship trying to convince people there is life after death. “Once we accept that our spirit will live on after death, then comes the question: what is it like in the afterlife? Where do we go? Is there a Heaven and Hell and what qualifies you to go to one or the other?”

The book has a chapter on this. He points out that many people fear that loved ones who have led less than perfect lives are held in some ‘dark Hell realm’. This applied to an occasion in 1966 during a private sitting with a well dressed but sad-looking woman. He heard the voice of a young man in the spirit world telling him that this was his mother. The information came through that Mike had been suffering from AIDS and knew he was going to soon die. One night he had simply decided to take some tablets from the bathroom and end it all rather than involve everyone around him in prolonged emotional suffering. His family had already died a social death with neighbours and so-called friends.

“He told his mother that he was free of his suffering now and that he wanted to stop her from hurting because of what he had done. Such was her state of mind that she had consulted a medium even though it was against her religious beliefs.”

Smith says that the real hell is a state experienced by people who are locked in personal torment. If they grow from the experience of awareness of the wrong they have done then no afterlife judgment is needed. Living with the emotional pain they feel from this is punishment enough.

There is much more in this book published by Hay House, Inc 2004. There for example is also material on mediums and psychics, poltergeists, hauntings, altered states etc. a lot of which I find helpful and credible.

It fits in well with the idea I favour that we are all part of a physical realm and a spirit realm at the same time, and that, as Smith says, the part of us that is the material world is the size of your thumbnail.

Copyright 2010 Stephen Russell-Lacy

The Unbelievable Truth by Gordon Smith

The Unbelievable Truth by Gordon Smith

There have been many books written by psychics but this has got to be one of the more credible. Gordon Smith has been hailed as Britain’s most accurate medium. I saw him at a theatre in Birmingham and clearly the audience were astonished at the detailed factual information he gave that was confirmed by the individuals he was talking to.

Of course our western culture tends to be sceptical about anything that is not rationally understood and claims such as those by Smith are highly contentious within the world of science. Having said that many people nevertheless embrace paranormal beliefs. Gallup has conducted several polls and found that about three-quarters of the American population believe in the one or more paranormal processes.

The author comments on how amazing it is to watch the reaction on someone’s face when a certain piece of evidence comes through from the other side. It can put a light back on in a person’s life. One example is when he was talking with a woman in her mid-forties who had arranged a half-hour sitting with him. He heard the voice of a young man by his left ear saying ‘Mum I’m here’. Smith passed on his name, how he died and many features of his life. All seemed to be going well until the woman asked about a special code she had arranged with her son before he died. Her face fell when nothing came back.

Smith often looks at a private sitting as the spirit person getting a chance to make a phone call. If we imagine what we would say to our family in what might be a one-off call, it would probably not be a very measured and concise conversation. For me his sitter exemplifies the sceptical attitude of many. Despite all the evidence that it was her son who was present, she still disbelieved. However, finally as she stood up to depart, he heard her son suddenly call out the word ‘clover’.

“At this she stared at me, shocked. Tears began to run down her cheeks.”

This was the code that they had agreed upon.

I approached this book aware of Emanuel Swedenborg’s warnings about the dangers of open communication with spirits. In books about the history of modern spiritualism considerable space has been given to Swedenborg because of his voluminous writings detailing his extraordinary experiences of spirits including evil spirits who wish to cause harm.

This links in with the attitude of Christians who have traditionally been wary of contacting spirits. And so I asked myself ‘Why has Smith not come a cropper through contact with malicious spirits? How advisable is it to have any truck with psychics such as those who apparently believe what the spirits are saying?’

I have come to think that genuine mediums such as Smith who are seeking to bring comfort to the bereaved and hope in a future reunion are protected by a divine force. If you open yourself to the psychic realm in the right spirit of care and concern for others then you’ll get the right spirit coming to you. Smith points out that mediums do not call up the dead. “On the contrary, the spirit people attract the attention of the particular medium they feel attuned to in order to contact their loved one.”

He writes that he has spent most of his life through his medium-ship trying to convince people there is life after death. “Once we accept that our spirit will live on after death, then comes the question: what is it like in the afterlife? Where do we go? Is there a Heaven and Hell and what qualifies you to go to one or the other?”

The book has a chapter on this. He points out that many people fear that loved ones who have led less than perfect lives are held in some ‘dark Hell realm’. This applied to an occasion in 1966 during a private sitting with a well dressed but sad-looking woman. He heard the voice of a young man in the spirit world telling him that this was his mother. The information came through that Mike had been suffering from AIDS and knew he was going to soon die. One night he had simply decided to take some tablets from the bathroom and end it all rather than involve everyone around him in prolonged emotional suffering. His family had already died a social death with neighbours and so-called friends.

“He told his mother that he was free of his suffering now and that he wanted to stop her from hurting because of what he had done. Such was her state of mind that she had consulted a medium even though it was against her religious beliefs.”

Smith says that the real hell is a state experienced by people who are locked in personal torment. If they grow from the experience of awareness of the wrong they have done then no afterlife judgment is needed. Living with the emotional pain they feel from this is punishment enough.

There is much more in this book published by Hay House, Inc 2004. There for example is also material on mediums and psychics, poltergeists, hauntings, altered states etc. a lot of which I find helpful and credible.

It fits in well with the idea I favour that we are all part of a physical realm and a spirit realm at the same time, and that, as Smith says, the part of us that is the material world is the size of your thumbnail.

Copyright 2010 Stephen Russell-Lacy

Related Game Books

• Book Review – The Nature of Personal Reality – A Seth Book


• Trust in the Universe


• Is it OK For Christians to Make Millions on the Internet? – No Failure Provision


• Online Crystal Inspiration – Wave Line, Magic Lilac Fountain Pen with Medium Nib, Barrel Adorned with Swarovski Elements, Includes Polishing Cloth.


• A Journey Into The Hidden


• Psychic Medium’s New Age Book Review: Conscious Dreaming By Robert Moss

The Unbelievable Truth by Gordon Smith

The Unbelievable Truth by Gordon Smith

There have been many books written by psychics but this has got to be one of the more credible. Gordon Smith has been hailed as Britain’s most accurate medium. I saw him at a theatre in Birmingham and clearly the audience were astonished at the detailed factual information he gave that was confirmed by the individuals he was talking to.

Of course our western culture tends to be sceptical about anything that is not rationally understood and claims such as those by Smith are highly contentious within the world of science. Having said that many people nevertheless embrace paranormal beliefs. Gallup has conducted several polls and found that about three-quarters of the American population believe in the one or more paranormal processes.

The author comments on how amazing it is to watch the reaction on someone’s face when a certain piece of evidence comes through from the other side. It can put a light back on in a person’s life. One example is when he was talking with a woman in her mid-forties who had arranged a half-hour sitting with him. He heard the voice of a young man by his left ear saying ‘Mum I’m here’. Smith passed on his name, how he died and many features of his life. All seemed to be going well until the woman asked about a special code she had arranged with her son before he died. Her face fell when nothing came back.

Smith often looks at a private sitting as the spirit person getting a chance to make a phone call. If we imagine what we would say to our family in what might be a one-off call, it would probably not be a very measured and concise conversation. For me his sitter exemplifies the sceptical attitude of many. Despite all the evidence that it was her son who was present, she still disbelieved. However, finally as she stood up to depart, he heard her son suddenly call out the word ‘clover’.

“At this she stared at me, shocked. Tears began to run down her cheeks.”

This was the code that they had agreed upon.

I approached this book aware of Emanuel Swedenborg’s warnings about the dangers of open communication with spirits. In books about the history of modern spiritualism considerable space has been given to Swedenborg because of his voluminous writings detailing his extraordinary experiences of spirits including evil spirits who wish to cause harm.

This links in with the attitude of Christians who have traditionally been wary of contacting spirits. And so I asked myself ‘Why has Smith not come a cropper through contact with malicious spirits? How advisable is it to have any truck with psychics such as those who apparently believe what the spirits are saying?’

I have come to think that genuine mediums such as Smith who are seeking to bring comfort to the bereaved and hope in a future reunion are protected by a divine force. If you open yourself to the psychic realm in the right spirit of care and concern for others then you’ll get the right spirit coming to you. Smith points out that mediums do not call up the dead. “On the contrary, the spirit people attract the attention of the particular medium they feel attuned to in order to contact their loved one.”

He writes that he has spent most of his life through his medium-ship trying to convince people there is life after death. “Once we accept that our spirit will live on after death, then comes the question: what is it like in the afterlife? Where do we go? Is there a Heaven and Hell and what qualifies you to go to one or the other?”

The book has a chapter on this. He points out that many people fear that loved ones who have led less than perfect lives are held in some ‘dark Hell realm’. This applied to an occasion in 1966 during a private sitting with a well dressed but sad-looking woman. He heard the voice of a young man in the spirit world telling him that this was his mother. The information came through that Mike had been suffering from AIDS and knew he was going to soon die. One night he had simply decided to take some tablets from the bathroom and end it all rather than involve everyone around him in prolonged emotional suffering. His family had already died a social death with neighbours and so-called friends.

“He told his mother that he was free of his suffering now and that he wanted to stop her from hurting because of what he had done. Such was her state of mind that she had consulted a medium even though it was against her religious beliefs.”

Smith says that the real hell is a state experienced by people who are locked in personal torment. If they grow from the experience of awareness of the wrong they have done then no afterlife judgment is needed. Living with the emotional pain they feel from this is punishment enough.

There is much more in this book published by Hay House, Inc 2004. There for example is also material on mediums and psychics, poltergeists, hauntings, altered states etc. a lot of which I find helpful and credible.

It fits in well with the idea I favour that we are all part of a physical realm and a spirit realm at the same time, and that, as Smith says, the part of us that is the material world is the size of your thumbnail.

Copyright 2010 Stephen Russell-Lacy

Related Game Books

• Book Review – The Nature of Personal Reality – A Seth Book


• Trust in the Universe


• Is it OK For Christians to Make Millions on the Internet? – No Failure Provision


• Online Crystal Inspiration – Wave Line, Magic Lilac Fountain Pen with Medium Nib, Barrel Adorned with Swarovski Elements, Includes Polishing Cloth.


• A Journey Into The Hidden


• Psychic Medium’s New Age Book Review: Conscious Dreaming By Robert Moss

The Unbelievable Truth by Gordon Smith

The Unbelievable Truth by Gordon Smith

There have been many books written by psychics but this has got to be one of the more credible. Gordon Smith has been hailed as Britain’s most accurate medium. I saw him at a theatre in Birmingham and clearly the audience were astonished at the detailed factual information he gave that was confirmed by the individuals he was talking to.

Of course our western culture tends to be sceptical about anything that is not rationally understood and claims such as those by Smith are highly contentious within the world of science. Having said that many people nevertheless embrace paranormal beliefs. Gallup has conducted several polls and found that about three-quarters of the American population believe in the one or more paranormal processes.

The author comments on how amazing it is to watch the reaction on someone’s face when a certain piece of evidence comes through from the other side. It can put a light back on in a person’s life. One example is when he was talking with a woman in her mid-forties who had arranged a half-hour sitting with him. He heard the voice of a young man by his left ear saying ‘Mum I’m here’. Smith passed on his name, how he died and many features of his life. All seemed to be going well until the woman asked about a special code she had arranged with her son before he died. Her face fell when nothing came back.

Smith often looks at a private sitting as the spirit person getting a chance to make a phone call. If we imagine what we would say to our family in what might be a one-off call, it would probably not be a very measured and concise conversation. For me his sitter exemplifies the sceptical attitude of many. Despite all the evidence that it was her son who was present, she still disbelieved. However, finally as she stood up to depart, he heard her son suddenly call out the word ‘clover’.

“At this she stared at me, shocked. Tears began to run down her cheeks.”

This was the code that they had agreed upon.

I approached this book aware of Emanuel Swedenborg’s warnings about the dangers of open communication with spirits. In books about the history of modern spiritualism considerable space has been given to Swedenborg because of his voluminous writings detailing his extraordinary experiences of spirits including evil spirits who wish to cause harm.

This links in with the attitude of Christians who have traditionally been wary of contacting spirits. And so I asked myself ‘Why has Smith not come a cropper through contact with malicious spirits? How advisable is it to have any truck with psychics such as those who apparently believe what the spirits are saying?’

I have come to think that genuine mediums such as Smith who are seeking to bring comfort to the bereaved and hope in a future reunion are protected by a divine force. If you open yourself to the psychic realm in the right spirit of care and concern for others then you’ll get the right spirit coming to you. Smith points out that mediums do not call up the dead. “On the contrary, the spirit people attract the attention of the particular medium they feel attuned to in order to contact their loved one.”

He writes that he has spent most of his life through his medium-ship trying to convince people there is life after death. “Once we accept that our spirit will live on after death, then comes the question: what is it like in the afterlife? Where do we go? Is there a Heaven and Hell and what qualifies you to go to one or the other?”

The book has a chapter on this. He points out that many people fear that loved ones who have led less than perfect lives are held in some ‘dark Hell realm’. This applied to an occasion in 1966 during a private sitting with a well dressed but sad-looking woman. He heard the voice of a young man in the spirit world telling him that this was his mother. The information came through that Mike had been suffering from AIDS and knew he was going to soon die. One night he had simply decided to take some tablets from the bathroom and end it all rather than involve everyone around him in prolonged emotional suffering. His family had already died a social death with neighbours and so-called friends.

“He told his mother that he was free of his suffering now and that he wanted to stop her from hurting because of what he had done. Such was her state of mind that she had consulted a medium even though it was against her religious beliefs.”

Smith says that the real hell is a state experienced by people who are locked in personal torment. If they grow from the experience of awareness of the wrong they have done then no afterlife judgment is needed. Living with the emotional pain they feel from this is punishment enough.

There is much more in this book published by Hay House, Inc 2004. There for example is also material on mediums and psychics, poltergeists, hauntings, altered states etc. a lot of which I find helpful and credible.

It fits in well with the idea I favour that we are all part of a physical realm and a spirit realm at the same time, and that, as Smith says, the part of us that is the material world is the size of your thumbnail.

Copyright 2010 Stephen Russell-Lacy

Related Game Books

• Book Review – The Nature of Personal Reality – A Seth Book


• Trust in the Universe


• Is it OK For Christians to Make Millions on the Internet? – No Failure Provision


• Online Crystal Inspiration – Wave Line, Magic Lilac Fountain Pen with Medium Nib, Barrel Adorned with Swarovski Elements, Includes Polishing Cloth.


• A Journey Into The Hidden


• Psychic Medium’s New Age Book Review: Conscious Dreaming By Robert Moss

The Unbelievable Truth by Gordon Smith

The Unbelievable Truth by Gordon Smith

There have been many books written by psychics but this has got to be one of the more credible. Gordon Smith has been hailed as Britain’s most accurate medium. I saw him at a theatre in Birmingham and clearly the audience were astonished at the detailed factual information he gave that was confirmed by the individuals he was talking to.

Of course our western culture tends to be sceptical about anything that is not rationally understood and claims such as those by Smith are highly contentious within the world of science. Having said that many people nevertheless embrace paranormal beliefs. Gallup has conducted several polls and found that about three-quarters of the American population believe in the one or more paranormal processes.

The author comments on how amazing it is to watch the reaction on someone’s face when a certain piece of evidence comes through from the other side. It can put a light back on in a person’s life. One example is when he was talking with a woman in her mid-forties who had arranged a half-hour sitting with him. He heard the voice of a young man by his left ear saying ‘Mum I’m here’. Smith passed on his name, how he died and many features of his life. All seemed to be going well until the woman asked about a special code she had arranged with her son before he died. Her face fell when nothing came back.

Smith often looks at a private sitting as the spirit person getting a chance to make a phone call. If we imagine what we would say to our family in what might be a one-off call, it would probably not be a very measured and concise conversation. For me his sitter exemplifies the sceptical attitude of many. Despite all the evidence that it was her son who was present, she still disbelieved. However, finally as she stood up to depart, he heard her son suddenly call out the word ‘clover’.

“At this she stared at me, shocked. Tears began to run down her cheeks.”

This was the code that they had agreed upon.

I approached this book aware of Emanuel Swedenborg’s warnings about the dangers of open communication with spirits. In books about the history of modern spiritualism considerable space has been given to Swedenborg because of his voluminous writings detailing his extraordinary experiences of spirits including evil spirits who wish to cause harm.

This links in with the attitude of Christians who have traditionally been wary of contacting spirits. And so I asked myself ‘Why has Smith not come a cropper through contact with malicious spirits? How advisable is it to have any truck with psychics such as those who apparently believe what the spirits are saying?’

I have come to think that genuine mediums such as Smith who are seeking to bring comfort to the bereaved and hope in a future reunion are protected by a divine force. If you open yourself to the psychic realm in the right spirit of care and concern for others then you’ll get the right spirit coming to you. Smith points out that mediums do not call up the dead. “On the contrary, the spirit people attract the attention of the particular medium they feel attuned to in order to contact their loved one.”

He writes that he has spent most of his life through his medium-ship trying to convince people there is life after death. “Once we accept that our spirit will live on after death, then comes the question: what is it like in the afterlife? Where do we go? Is there a Heaven and Hell and what qualifies you to go to one or the other?”

The book has a chapter on this. He points out that many people fear that loved ones who have led less than perfect lives are held in some ‘dark Hell realm’. This applied to an occasion in 1966 during a private sitting with a well dressed but sad-looking woman. He heard the voice of a young man in the spirit world telling him that this was his mother. The information came through that Mike had been suffering from AIDS and knew he was going to soon die. One night he had simply decided to take some tablets from the bathroom and end it all rather than involve everyone around him in prolonged emotional suffering. His family had already died a social death with neighbours and so-called friends.

“He told his mother that he was free of his suffering now and that he wanted to stop her from hurting because of what he had done. Such was her state of mind that she had consulted a medium even though it was against her religious beliefs.”

Smith says that the real hell is a state experienced by people who are locked in personal torment. If they grow from the experience of awareness of the wrong they have done then no afterlife judgment is needed. Living with the emotional pain they feel from this is punishment enough.

There is much more in this book published by Hay House, Inc 2004. There for example is also material on mediums and psychics, poltergeists, hauntings, altered states etc. a lot of which I find helpful and credible.

It fits in well with the idea I favour that we are all part of a physical realm and a spirit realm at the same time, and that, as Smith says, the part of us that is the material world is the size of your thumbnail.

Copyright 2010 Stephen Russell-Lacy

The Unbelievable Truth by Gordon Smith

British Poetry Is a Beautiful Genre of Literature

The theme of religion presents itself repeatedly over the course of the second half of the “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”. When the Ancient Mariner first stepped on the boat with the Hermit and the Pilot’s he had a look of death about him. Even the Pilot Boy was laughing at the Ancient Mariner and said he thought that the old Mariner was the devil. It is important to note the times in which the Mariner and the Hermit begin to pray as these generally come at pivotal points in the poem. The Albatross represents sin and that is why the Ancient Mariner is forced to suffer for killing the great bird.

The main character who was the mariner had a change in heart and bent over to pray that the Albatross corpse slipped from his neck freeing him of the sin for killing the majestic creature. There are many parallels between the Ancient Mariner killing the Albatross and Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. Much like Adam and Eve the Ancient Man was punished because he failed to respect the boundaries that Christ has set for us. The Ancient Mariner was ignorant and thought he had and understanding of something that was far beyond of his reach. The seventh part of the poem is ripe with message that praying will solve all of your problems. The Hermit is used as a positive example how a person of faith should behave. Samuel Taylor Coleridge would claim that he did not intend for the poem to have any moral lessons. Rather that this is just an epic tale that needs to be told.

Although the author claims that nothing in the poem symbolizes religion that is clearly false. The hermit is a holy person and his demeanor is felt throughout the ending. Without the Hermit this poem would have no substance. This is a story about Christianity and the supernatural. The Hermit is essential in the development of either one. The Hermit was able to document the supernatural by witnessing the Ancient Mariner survive after being drown alive. At the end the Mariner the Hermit put more effort in the direction of Christianity and prayer. It is clear that because of the Hermits presence it helps the Ancient Mariner come to more peace with his relationship with God.

British Poetry Is a Beautiful Genre of Literature

7 Tips That Will Keep Your Subscribers Begging for More

One of the worst things that you can experience in a as an email marketer is your audience not taking interest in your content. Don’t get me wrong, people un-subscribing here and there is a natural part of the process. But if you notice a high level of people un-subscribing then you have a problem that is costing you time and money. So here are some tips for keeping your audience interested in what you have to offer and keep them begging for more:

Tip #1 – Give them information that they can actually use.

Don’t just give your subscribers general information that they can find on the Internet. That does them absolutely no good and it gives you no purpose in their eyes. Give them information that they can go out and use after reading your email. Even in you are presenting information that is not exactly new, present it in a way that makes it seem new and interesting.

Tip #2 – It’s not all about promoting your products or service.

Now I know that you want to make more money and promote your products or services, but it’s not always about that. If you are promoting or trying to get your audience to buy something in every single email that you send out they are going to So what you should do is set a schedule for your promotional emails. For example, you can send out a promotional email every 5th email or something like that.

Tip #3 – Infuse your personality in your content.

The problem that many people have is they sound too much like a robot in their emails. Or even worse than that they sound like every other spammer out there. Before you send out a single email, make sure you have a grasp on how you want to infuse your personality into your content. Got a great sense of humor? Share a joke or two with your audience before getting down to business.

Tip #4 – Communication is a two way street.

Don’t just talk at your audience and expect them to listen. Communicate with them in a way that they feel their input matters. No matter what you are talking about, always encourage feedback from your audience. Showing interest in your audience’s thoughts and opinions is what builds relationships. And if done right you can turn those relationships into profitable ones.

Tip #5 – Sending out an email everyday is just too much.

The only time that you want to send out an email everyday is if your subscribers have signed up for daily content such as a daily ecourse or daily tips. Otherwise, you want to space out your emails. Sending out emails every 2-3 days is a good schedule to keep. You want to send your emails often enough that your subscribers don’t forget you, but you don’t want to do it so often that you get on their nerves.

Tip #6 – Be a better story teller.

Sometimes they only way to get your point across is to tell a story that your audience can relate to. If you are a good storyteller then that means that you can get your readers to read your emails from start to finish which is awesome. But some of you that need to work on this area just talk to your audience like you would a friend. Be descriptive, give examples, use scenarios examples. And while doing this just remember to remain respectful.

Tip #7 – Giveaway some freebies from time to time.

Don’t forget to give away some free goodies that your audience will like. For some people, giving away something for free is like pulling teeth. I promise it won’t lead to the end of the world. By offering freebies you are keeping your subscriber interested and wonder what you are going to give away next and that will keep them around. But you want to make sure that the freebies you are giving away will aid in your email’s purpose so that your audience will be getting something useful out of it.

So there you have it! 7 simple tips that will keep your subscribers begging for more. Make sure you are planning out your email campaigns before you even think about sending out that first email. If you want your campaign to go as smoothly as possible then this is the way to go.

7 Tips That Will Keep Your Subscribers Begging for More

Steven Pressfield - The War of Art: Winning the Inner Creative Battle (Book Review)

A book that highlights the process of breaking through creative blocks to tangible results is Steven Pressfield’s book “The War of Art: winning the inner creative battle.”

How you spend your day, your purposeful daily activity, becomes more important as life happens. This is especially true if you are an entrepreneur or more specifically a creative artist seeking to be influential or meaningful.

While an artist can manifest themselves in many different ways, the stereotype of the suffering artist is common. In fact, your daily self-worth as an artist may be overly dependent on your current network of business associates, friends, and family members. They may all seem to be conspiring against your individual development and personal success.

So what do you do? Seek out like-minded individuals who have successfully transitioned their daily creative activity to predictable behavior that rewards their unique talents.

I began reading the book as I am currently monetizing personal daily activity into entrepreneurial success. Reading the book has enlightened me on how to better appreciate the process of becoming successful. For me, my current question is “How to translate daily personal success into entrepreneurial success?”

The root of transition, as emphasized in the book, is personal accountability.

Below is an outline of the three major categories (sections) or books as Steven has described. Each book provides an easy to understand insight and an easy to implement strategy.

Steven Pressfield and The War of Art

• Book One: Resistance-defining the Enemy


• Book Two: Combating Resistance-Turning Pro


• Book Three: Beyond Resistance-Higher Realm

As an artist, you may already know the joy in the process involved with fully realizing your vision. If you are serious about developing the habits required of professionals, this book will provide insight and clarity.

The War of Art is an easy read (163 pages).

Each Book (major section) has many one to two page chapters. For me, the power of short chapters is in the reflection I needed. Each chapter stands alone as a lesson in how to fully embrace being a successful artist.

This book has become a personal favorite. After reading it the first time, I found myself leaving it within arms reach because I was impressed by how much I changed after my initial reading. I now fully recognize and embrace Resistance. I am a Professional and tend daily to implementing my goals with continually renewed energy.

Read this book. It will free your mind of the obstacles you may be facing in your path to success.

Pressfield, Steven. The War of Art: winning the inner creative battle. New York. Grand Central Publishing. 2002 ISBN 1-59071-003-7

June 6th, 2010 Steven Pressfield interviewed by Mark McGuinness:
/articles/art-of-remarkable/

Steven Pressfield - The War of Art: Winning the Inner Creative Battle (Book Review)

The Last Queen by CW Gortner

Book Synopsis:
Juana of Castile, the last queen of Spanish blood to inherit her country’s throne, has been for centuries and enigmatic figure shrouded in lurid myth. Was she the bereft widow of legend who was driven mad by her loss, or has history misjudged a woman who was ahead of her time? In his stunning new novel, C.W. Gortner challenges the myths about Queen Juana, unraveling the mystery surrounding her to reveal a brave, determined woman we can only now begin to fully understand.

The third child of Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand of Spain, Juana is born amid her parents’ ruthless struggle to unify their kingdom, bearing witness to the fall of Granada and Columbus’s discoveries. At the age of sixteen, she is sent to wed Philip, the archduke of Flanders, as part of her parents’ strategy to strengthen Spain, just as her youngest sister, Catherine of Aragon, is sent to England to become the first wife of Henry VIII.

Juana finds unexpected love and passion with her handsome young husband, the sole heir to the Habsburg Empire. At first she is content with her children and her life in Flanders. But when tragedy strikes and she inherits the Spanish throne, Juana finds herself plunged into a battle for power against her husband that grows to involve the major monarchs of Europe. Besieged by foes on all sides, her intelligence and pride used as weapons against her, Juana vows to secure her crown and save Spain from ruin, even if it could cost her everything.

I admit it. I am a history snob. I don’t know what it is, but ever since I was young I found history boring and it was always my worst subject in school. But, I have been fortunate to have seen the error of my ways, and this book is a prime example.

To be totally honest, I have never heard of Juana of Castile. This book has truly compelled me to learn more. After being part of an arranged marriage, Juana is unsure what is to become of her life. Her mother, Isabel, Queen of Castile, and Father, Fernando, King of Aragon, have worked hard to make their two countries unite and will do anything to ensure that their people are safe. They have arranged the marriage as a way of securing power and freedom for their people.

Even though Juana is less than thrilled about marrying a complete stranger, she has the same tenacity that is characteristic of her mother and agrees for the good of the country. She is pleasantly surprised when she finally meets her husband, Philip, the Archduke of Flanders. Their marriage is riddled with love and passion that most newlyweds wish for and things seem to be going exceptionally well. Until Juana catches him in bed with another woman while pregnant with her first child. Philip is flabbergasted and apologizes profusely, but this is just the start of a life of betrayal that is to be Juana’s curse.

Growing up, I think a lot of little girls (mine included) dream of being a princess. When you read a book like this, you realize that being royalty is not so much of a blessing as a burden. Everything you do is scrutinized and you are expected to act and carry yourself in a certain way. But we see, time and time again, that Juana was courageous and wouldn’t change her beliefs for anyone. Even after tragedy strikes, Juana is prepared to take her rightful place as Queen, even if it means fighting those she is closest too. In the end it just wasn’t enough. In a shocking turn of events she ends up a prisoner and is never allowed to fulfill her rightful place as Queen.

Many historians have speculated that Juana was schizophrenic and that is what led to the imprisonment that she endures for most of her life. Mr. Gortner does and excellent job of portraying a vibrant woman whose sanity was stretched to its limits by the betrayal and cruelty that would likely break any “sane” person. I applaud his efforts to show us the other side of Juana la Loca and show that maybe she wasn’t insane after all, but simply a victim of circumstances.

About the author:
C.W. GORTNER’s fascination with history, in particular the Renaissance, is a lifetime pursuit. He holds a Masters in Fine Arts in Writing with an emphasis on Renaissance Studies from the New College of California and has taught university seminars on the 16th century. In addition, he travels extensively to research his books. He has experienced life in a medieval Spanish castle and danced a galliard in a Tudor great hall; dug through library archives all over Europe; and tried to see and touch-or, at least, gaze at through impenetrable museum glass-as many artifacts of the era as he can find.

He has served on the board of the Women’s National Book Association/SF Chapter, an organization that promotes literacy, and he’s a regular contributor to the Historical Novels Review and Solander, publications of the Historical Novel Society. He is also a passionate advocate for animal rights and environmental issues.

Raised in Malaga, Spain, C.W. Gortner is half-Spanish by birth and fully bilingual. He currently lives in Northern California.

Related Game Books

• Captivating Throne of Passion – Juana La Loca


• Captivating Throne of Passion – Juana La Loca


• Interview with Gary Pisarski, author of "Black River Crossing"


• Book Review for "The Red Queen"


• "Spiritual Shackles" by Okeyo A. Jumal: Book Review


• "Follow Your Dream" is the Theme of New Historical Fiction Novel

The Last Queen by CW Gortner

The Last Queen by CW Gortner

Book Synopsis:
Juana of Castile, the last queen of Spanish blood to inherit her country’s throne, has been for centuries and enigmatic figure shrouded in lurid myth. Was she the bereft widow of legend who was driven mad by her loss, or has history misjudged a woman who was ahead of her time? In his stunning new novel, C.W. Gortner challenges the myths about Queen Juana, unraveling the mystery surrounding her to reveal a brave, determined woman we can only now begin to fully understand.

The third child of Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand of Spain, Juana is born amid her parents’ ruthless struggle to unify their kingdom, bearing witness to the fall of Granada and Columbus’s discoveries. At the age of sixteen, she is sent to wed Philip, the archduke of Flanders, as part of her parents’ strategy to strengthen Spain, just as her youngest sister, Catherine of Aragon, is sent to England to become the first wife of Henry VIII.

Juana finds unexpected love and passion with her handsome young husband, the sole heir to the Habsburg Empire. At first she is content with her children and her life in Flanders. But when tragedy strikes and she inherits the Spanish throne, Juana finds herself plunged into a battle for power against her husband that grows to involve the major monarchs of Europe. Besieged by foes on all sides, her intelligence and pride used as weapons against her, Juana vows to secure her crown and save Spain from ruin, even if it could cost her everything.

I admit it. I am a history snob. I don’t know what it is, but ever since I was young I found history boring and it was always my worst subject in school. But, I have been fortunate to have seen the error of my ways, and this book is a prime example.

To be totally honest, I have never heard of Juana of Castile. This book has truly compelled me to learn more. After being part of an arranged marriage, Juana is unsure what is to become of her life. Her mother, Isabel, Queen of Castile, and Father, Fernando, King of Aragon, have worked hard to make their two countries unite and will do anything to ensure that their people are safe. They have arranged the marriage as a way of securing power and freedom for their people.

Even though Juana is less than thrilled about marrying a complete stranger, she has the same tenacity that is characteristic of her mother and agrees for the good of the country. She is pleasantly surprised when she finally meets her husband, Philip, the Archduke of Flanders. Their marriage is riddled with love and passion that most newlyweds wish for and things seem to be going exceptionally well. Until Juana catches him in bed with another woman while pregnant with her first child. Philip is flabbergasted and apologizes profusely, but this is just the start of a life of betrayal that is to be Juana’s curse.

Growing up, I think a lot of little girls (mine included) dream of being a princess. When you read a book like this, you realize that being royalty is not so much of a blessing as a burden. Everything you do is scrutinized and you are expected to act and carry yourself in a certain way. But we see, time and time again, that Juana was courageous and wouldn’t change her beliefs for anyone. Even after tragedy strikes, Juana is prepared to take her rightful place as Queen, even if it means fighting those she is closest too. In the end it just wasn’t enough. In a shocking turn of events she ends up a prisoner and is never allowed to fulfill her rightful place as Queen.

Many historians have speculated that Juana was schizophrenic and that is what led to the imprisonment that she endures for most of her life. Mr. Gortner does and excellent job of portraying a vibrant woman whose sanity was stretched to its limits by the betrayal and cruelty that would likely break any “sane” person. I applaud his efforts to show us the other side of Juana la Loca and show that maybe she wasn’t insane after all, but simply a victim of circumstances.

About the author:
C.W. GORTNER’s fascination with history, in particular the Renaissance, is a lifetime pursuit. He holds a Masters in Fine Arts in Writing with an emphasis on Renaissance Studies from the New College of California and has taught university seminars on the 16th century. In addition, he travels extensively to research his books. He has experienced life in a medieval Spanish castle and danced a galliard in a Tudor great hall; dug through library archives all over Europe; and tried to see and touch-or, at least, gaze at through impenetrable museum glass-as many artifacts of the era as he can find.

He has served on the board of the Women’s National Book Association/SF Chapter, an organization that promotes literacy, and he’s a regular contributor to the Historical Novels Review and Solander, publications of the Historical Novel Society. He is also a passionate advocate for animal rights and environmental issues.

Raised in Malaga, Spain, C.W. Gortner is half-Spanish by birth and fully bilingual. He currently lives in Northern California.

The Last Queen by CW Gortner

The Last Queen by CW Gortner

Book Synopsis:
Juana of Castile, the last queen of Spanish blood to inherit her country’s throne, has been for centuries and enigmatic figure shrouded in lurid myth. Was she the bereft widow of legend who was driven mad by her loss, or has history misjudged a woman who was ahead of her time? In his stunning new novel, C.W. Gortner challenges the myths about Queen Juana, unraveling the mystery surrounding her to reveal a brave, determined woman we can only now begin to fully understand.

The third child of Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand of Spain, Juana is born amid her parents’ ruthless struggle to unify their kingdom, bearing witness to the fall of Granada and Columbus’s discoveries. At the age of sixteen, she is sent to wed Philip, the archduke of Flanders, as part of her parents’ strategy to strengthen Spain, just as her youngest sister, Catherine of Aragon, is sent to England to become the first wife of Henry VIII.

Juana finds unexpected love and passion with her handsome young husband, the sole heir to the Habsburg Empire. At first she is content with her children and her life in Flanders. But when tragedy strikes and she inherits the Spanish throne, Juana finds herself plunged into a battle for power against her husband that grows to involve the major monarchs of Europe. Besieged by foes on all sides, her intelligence and pride used as weapons against her, Juana vows to secure her crown and save Spain from ruin, even if it could cost her everything.

I admit it. I am a history snob. I don’t know what it is, but ever since I was young I found history boring and it was always my worst subject in school. But, I have been fortunate to have seen the error of my ways, and this book is a prime example.

To be totally honest, I have never heard of Juana of Castile. This book has truly compelled me to learn more. After being part of an arranged marriage, Juana is unsure what is to become of her life. Her mother, Isabel, Queen of Castile, and Father, Fernando, King of Aragon, have worked hard to make their two countries unite and will do anything to ensure that their people are safe. They have arranged the marriage as a way of securing power and freedom for their people.

Even though Juana is less than thrilled about marrying a complete stranger, she has the same tenacity that is characteristic of her mother and agrees for the good of the country. She is pleasantly surprised when she finally meets her husband, Philip, the Archduke of Flanders. Their marriage is riddled with love and passion that most newlyweds wish for and things seem to be going exceptionally well. Until Juana catches him in bed with another woman while pregnant with her first child. Philip is flabbergasted and apologizes profusely, but this is just the start of a life of betrayal that is to be Juana’s curse.

Growing up, I think a lot of little girls (mine included) dream of being a princess. When you read a book like this, you realize that being royalty is not so much of a blessing as a burden. Everything you do is scrutinized and you are expected to act and carry yourself in a certain way. But we see, time and time again, that Juana was courageous and wouldn’t change her beliefs for anyone. Even after tragedy strikes, Juana is prepared to take her rightful place as Queen, even if it means fighting those she is closest too. In the end it just wasn’t enough. In a shocking turn of events she ends up a prisoner and is never allowed to fulfill her rightful place as Queen.

Many historians have speculated that Juana was schizophrenic and that is what led to the imprisonment that she endures for most of her life. Mr. Gortner does and excellent job of portraying a vibrant woman whose sanity was stretched to its limits by the betrayal and cruelty that would likely break any “sane” person. I applaud his efforts to show us the other side of Juana la Loca and show that maybe she wasn’t insane after all, but simply a victim of circumstances.

About the author:
C.W. GORTNER’s fascination with history, in particular the Renaissance, is a lifetime pursuit. He holds a Masters in Fine Arts in Writing with an emphasis on Renaissance Studies from the New College of California and has taught university seminars on the 16th century. In addition, he travels extensively to research his books. He has experienced life in a medieval Spanish castle and danced a galliard in a Tudor great hall; dug through library archives all over Europe; and tried to see and touch-or, at least, gaze at through impenetrable museum glass-as many artifacts of the era as he can find.

He has served on the board of the Women’s National Book Association/SF Chapter, an organization that promotes literacy, and he’s a regular contributor to the Historical Novels Review and Solander, publications of the Historical Novel Society. He is also a passionate advocate for animal rights and environmental issues.

Raised in Malaga, Spain, C.W. Gortner is half-Spanish by birth and fully bilingual. He currently lives in Northern California.

Related Game Books

• Captivating Throne of Passion – Juana La Loca


• Captivating Throne of Passion – Juana La Loca


• Interview with Gary Pisarski, author of "Black River Crossing"


• Book Review for "The Red Queen"


• "Spiritual Shackles" by Okeyo A. Jumal: Book Review


• "Follow Your Dream" is the Theme of New Historical Fiction Novel

The Last Queen by CW Gortner

The Last Queen by CW Gortner

Book Synopsis:
Juana of Castile, the last queen of Spanish blood to inherit her country’s throne, has been for centuries and enigmatic figure shrouded in lurid myth. Was she the bereft widow of legend who was driven mad by her loss, or has history misjudged a woman who was ahead of her time? In his stunning new novel, C.W. Gortner challenges the myths about Queen Juana, unraveling the mystery surrounding her to reveal a brave, determined woman we can only now begin to fully understand.

The third child of Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand of Spain, Juana is born amid her parents’ ruthless struggle to unify their kingdom, bearing witness to the fall of Granada and Columbus’s discoveries. At the age of sixteen, she is sent to wed Philip, the archduke of Flanders, as part of her parents’ strategy to strengthen Spain, just as her youngest sister, Catherine of Aragon, is sent to England to become the first wife of Henry VIII.

Juana finds unexpected love and passion with her handsome young husband, the sole heir to the Habsburg Empire. At first she is content with her children and her life in Flanders. But when tragedy strikes and she inherits the Spanish throne, Juana finds herself plunged into a battle for power against her husband that grows to involve the major monarchs of Europe. Besieged by foes on all sides, her intelligence and pride used as weapons against her, Juana vows to secure her crown and save Spain from ruin, even if it could cost her everything.

I admit it. I am a history snob. I don’t know what it is, but ever since I was young I found history boring and it was always my worst subject in school. But, I have been fortunate to have seen the error of my ways, and this book is a prime example.

To be totally honest, I have never heard of Juana of Castile. This book has truly compelled me to learn more. After being part of an arranged marriage, Juana is unsure what is to become of her life. Her mother, Isabel, Queen of Castile, and Father, Fernando, King of Aragon, have worked hard to make their two countries unite and will do anything to ensure that their people are safe. They have arranged the marriage as a way of securing power and freedom for their people.

Even though Juana is less than thrilled about marrying a complete stranger, she has the same tenacity that is characteristic of her mother and agrees for the good of the country. She is pleasantly surprised when she finally meets her husband, Philip, the Archduke of Flanders. Their marriage is riddled with love and passion that most newlyweds wish for and things seem to be going exceptionally well. Until Juana catches him in bed with another woman while pregnant with her first child. Philip is flabbergasted and apologizes profusely, but this is just the start of a life of betrayal that is to be Juana’s curse.

Growing up, I think a lot of little girls (mine included) dream of being a princess. When you read a book like this, you realize that being royalty is not so much of a blessing as a burden. Everything you do is scrutinized and you are expected to act and carry yourself in a certain way. But we see, time and time again, that Juana was courageous and wouldn’t change her beliefs for anyone. Even after tragedy strikes, Juana is prepared to take her rightful place as Queen, even if it means fighting those she is closest too. In the end it just wasn’t enough. In a shocking turn of events she ends up a prisoner and is never allowed to fulfill her rightful place as Queen.

Many historians have speculated that Juana was schizophrenic and that is what led to the imprisonment that she endures for most of her life. Mr. Gortner does and excellent job of portraying a vibrant woman whose sanity was stretched to its limits by the betrayal and cruelty that would likely break any “sane” person. I applaud his efforts to show us the other side of Juana la Loca and show that maybe she wasn’t insane after all, but simply a victim of circumstances.

About the author:
C.W. GORTNER’s fascination with history, in particular the Renaissance, is a lifetime pursuit. He holds a Masters in Fine Arts in Writing with an emphasis on Renaissance Studies from the New College of California and has taught university seminars on the 16th century. In addition, he travels extensively to research his books. He has experienced life in a medieval Spanish castle and danced a galliard in a Tudor great hall; dug through library archives all over Europe; and tried to see and touch-or, at least, gaze at through impenetrable museum glass-as many artifacts of the era as he can find.

He has served on the board of the Women’s National Book Association/SF Chapter, an organization that promotes literacy, and he’s a regular contributor to the Historical Novels Review and Solander, publications of the Historical Novel Society. He is also a passionate advocate for animal rights and environmental issues.

Raised in Malaga, Spain, C.W. Gortner is half-Spanish by birth and fully bilingual. He currently lives in Northern California.

Related Game Books

• Captivating Throne of Passion – Juana La Loca


• Captivating Throne of Passion – Juana La Loca


• Interview with Gary Pisarski, author of "Black River Crossing"


• Book Review for "The Red Queen"


• "Spiritual Shackles" by Okeyo A. Jumal: Book Review


• "Follow Your Dream" is the Theme of New Historical Fiction Novel

The Last Queen by CW Gortner

The Last Queen by CW Gortner

Book Synopsis:
Juana of Castile, the last queen of Spanish blood to inherit her country’s throne, has been for centuries and enigmatic figure shrouded in lurid myth. Was she the bereft widow of legend who was driven mad by her loss, or has history misjudged a woman who was ahead of her time? In his stunning new novel, C.W. Gortner challenges the myths about Queen Juana, unraveling the mystery surrounding her to reveal a brave, determined woman we can only now begin to fully understand.

The third child of Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand of Spain, Juana is born amid her parents’ ruthless struggle to unify their kingdom, bearing witness to the fall of Granada and Columbus’s discoveries. At the age of sixteen, she is sent to wed Philip, the archduke of Flanders, as part of her parents’ strategy to strengthen Spain, just as her youngest sister, Catherine of Aragon, is sent to England to become the first wife of Henry VIII.

Juana finds unexpected love and passion with her handsome young husband, the sole heir to the Habsburg Empire. At first she is content with her children and her life in Flanders. But when tragedy strikes and she inherits the Spanish throne, Juana finds herself plunged into a battle for power against her husband that grows to involve the major monarchs of Europe. Besieged by foes on all sides, her intelligence and pride used as weapons against her, Juana vows to secure her crown and save Spain from ruin, even if it could cost her everything.

I admit it. I am a history snob. I don’t know what it is, but ever since I was young I found history boring and it was always my worst subject in school. But, I have been fortunate to have seen the error of my ways, and this book is a prime example.

To be totally honest, I have never heard of Juana of Castile. This book has truly compelled me to learn more. After being part of an arranged marriage, Juana is unsure what is to become of her life. Her mother, Isabel, Queen of Castile, and Father, Fernando, King of Aragon, have worked hard to make their two countries unite and will do anything to ensure that their people are safe. They have arranged the marriage as a way of securing power and freedom for their people.

Even though Juana is less than thrilled about marrying a complete stranger, she has the same tenacity that is characteristic of her mother and agrees for the good of the country. She is pleasantly surprised when she finally meets her husband, Philip, the Archduke of Flanders. Their marriage is riddled with love and passion that most newlyweds wish for and things seem to be going exceptionally well. Until Juana catches him in bed with another woman while pregnant with her first child. Philip is flabbergasted and apologizes profusely, but this is just the start of a life of betrayal that is to be Juana’s curse.

Growing up, I think a lot of little girls (mine included) dream of being a princess. When you read a book like this, you realize that being royalty is not so much of a blessing as a burden. Everything you do is scrutinized and you are expected to act and carry yourself in a certain way. But we see, time and time again, that Juana was courageous and wouldn’t change her beliefs for anyone. Even after tragedy strikes, Juana is prepared to take her rightful place as Queen, even if it means fighting those she is closest too. In the end it just wasn’t enough. In a shocking turn of events she ends up a prisoner and is never allowed to fulfill her rightful place as Queen.

Many historians have speculated that Juana was schizophrenic and that is what led to the imprisonment that she endures for most of her life. Mr. Gortner does and excellent job of portraying a vibrant woman whose sanity was stretched to its limits by the betrayal and cruelty that would likely break any “sane” person. I applaud his efforts to show us the other side of Juana la Loca and show that maybe she wasn’t insane after all, but simply a victim of circumstances.

About the author:
C.W. GORTNER’s fascination with history, in particular the Renaissance, is a lifetime pursuit. He holds a Masters in Fine Arts in Writing with an emphasis on Renaissance Studies from the New College of California and has taught university seminars on the 16th century. In addition, he travels extensively to research his books. He has experienced life in a medieval Spanish castle and danced a galliard in a Tudor great hall; dug through library archives all over Europe; and tried to see and touch-or, at least, gaze at through impenetrable museum glass-as many artifacts of the era as he can find.

He has served on the board of the Women’s National Book Association/SF Chapter, an organization that promotes literacy, and he’s a regular contributor to the Historical Novels Review and Solander, publications of the Historical Novel Society. He is also a passionate advocate for animal rights and environmental issues.

Raised in Malaga, Spain, C.W. Gortner is half-Spanish by birth and fully bilingual. He currently lives in Northern California.

The Last Queen by CW Gortner