Tag Archives: nonfiction religion

Why We Make Bad Choices The God’s Labyrinth of Good and Evil Encountering the Self by Maria Liviero Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Maria Liviero shares a unique journey to understanding the self and how a false self can impact the negative decisions we make for our lives in her book “Why We Make Bad Choices: The God’s Labyrinth of Good and Evil Encountering the Self”. 

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The Synopsis

This book explores our sense of self and the source of the unhealthy behaviours and thinking patterns that cause us to make bad choices through the symbolic themes and characters of Genesis 1–3.

The journey towards understanding ourselves is undertaken by a character called Eve, who enters a parallel universe between Genesis and the present day only to discover the dark side of human nature that stems from God, and where she learns how to deal with the resulting false self.

This is a self-help book for anyone interested in investigating the depths of the human self and exploring how a false self can manifest itself causing us to make unhealthy choices. It will take you on a journey where you will encounter both the good and evil that exists within all of us, a journey first introduced in the creation story of Genesis.

The Review

This was a unique and powerful read. The author’s ability to write in a way that felt both educational yet relatable to everyone was a great use of voice and tone, and the philosophical discussions that the author’s work brings up help to bridge the gap between religion and psychology as a whole new way, allowing for the reader to really take the time to explore their own lives and the impact that one’s faith and morality can impact their lives directly.

For me, the connection the author formed between religion and psychology was such an impactful writing and philosophy tool. The symbolism and creativity that the author used in showcasing the story of Eve and her experiences throughout the book of Genesis, and how the author was able to relay that information to our own understanding of the universe as a whole and our place in it in regards to our own identity and psyche was amazing to see come to life.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, thoughtful, and engaging, author Maria Liviero’s “Why We Make Bad Choices” is a must-read self-help and nonfiction read for both religious and psychology enthusiasts alike. The passion for which the author wrote and the information that the book imparts to the reader made this a truly compelling read and made for a great balance with the more interactive aspect of the book’s themes. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Maria Liviero, based in the UK, has received an award for her first book that had been in the planning for five years. With the many ups and downs of writing, and to share how personal struggles can create an empty canvas to recreate the reader’s life, because there is no end but a beginning.

She obtained a psychology degree, along with MSc and diploma in psychotherapy. In her experience, the dark side of human nature is of equal or even greater importance—without being conscious of our shadow we continue to live in fear, discord with ourselves and others. Maria believes to understand ourselves we must travel the path of self-discovery. This can mean transcending our false ego to live a fulfilling life without the shackles that we have created like the internet, social media, mobiles phones, addictions, relationships, negative thinking (and behaviours), and statements.

Liviero’s passion is to show how suffering is an important part of life that must not be repressed or pushed aside by using a person, a thing or a situation to relieve us from the inner despair but take the experience to evolve emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

https://www.maria-liviero.com/

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God’s Little Black Dress for Women: How to Put on the Full Armor of God Without Losing Your Femininity by Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Author and Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes take readers of faith on an intimate journey to discover the femininity of God’s armor in the book “God’s Little Black Dress for Women: How to Put on the Full Armor of God Without Losing Your Femininity”. 

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The Synopsis

Women want to be spiritually stylish, but wearing the armor of God sounds clunky and unattractive. In “Gods’ Little Black Dress for Women: How to Put on the Full Armor of God Without Losing Your Femininity”, we discover how God tailor-makes a “little black dress of truth” that is battle ready for every occasion. Each of the 12 chapters is followed by a “Teaching Highlights” and “Participants’ Guide” complete with memory verse and prayer focus scriptures. Also included is an excellent “Leaders’ Discussion Guide”, “Small Group Leadership Guidelines”, “The ABC’s of a Small Group Covenant” and much more! Don’t miss the “Memorable Quotes” on page 179!

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The Review

This is definitely a well-written and thought-provoking read for faithful readers. The balance of personal storytelling with introspective discussions of faith was well represented in the author’s work, and the interactive part of the guide made this book feel more personal and connected to the reader themselves. 

The attention to detail the author gives to this book in regard to the biblical verses and the way the author was able to find ways of incorporating femininity and female empowerment into the lessons that each chapter taught were great to see. The importance of making more room for positive interactions for women and supporting women in general when it comes to faith and religion as a whole is so important in this modern age, and seeing the author’s work incorporate this into the lessons showed through her powerful experiences and memories. 

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The Verdict

Thoughtful, enlightening, and memorable, author and Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes’s “God’s Little Black Dress for Women” is a must-read nonfiction book for faith and religious readers looking to find positive feminism engagement for modern-day Christianity. The heart and encouragement readers will find in this book and the interactive nature of the book will resonate with readers greatly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Dr. Katherine received her BA in English and a MA in Elementary Education at Adelphi University. She received her Doctorate of Education and Supervision at Arizona State University. Katherine taught for 8 years before moving to the principalship of K-8 and K-6 schools for approximately 10 years. She has served as a freelance writer for various magazines including, Church Weekly, Prom Guide and Glendale Magazine. When Katherine isn’t working as counselor or writing curriculum she loves painting and photography. Some of her work in art, poetry and short stories has been distinguished by awards including the New York Mayor’s contribution to the arts Award, Outstanding Resident Artist of Arizona and the Foundations Awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. She also runs recreationally, coordinates fitness boot-camps for women and has a black belt in Taekwondo. Katherine loves speaking to groups delivering her messages with quick wit and real-life stories. She has been involved in church ministry for 18 years leading women’s ministry, teaching, playing piano, singing, and teaching liturgical dance.

https://www.drkatherinehayes.com/

Your Identity in Christ: Who You Are and Whose You Are by Robin Revis Pyke, Ph.D. Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Author and Christian Life Coach Robin Revis Pyke, Ph.D., shares with readers the guidance and devotional they need to find the path of self-discovery through the Biblical teachings of Christianity to be their best selves in the book “Your Identity in Christ: Who You Are and Whose You Are”.

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The Synopsis

At some point in their lives, many women may question who they are meant to be or their purpose in life. While struggling with identity, women are often surrounded by messages telling them who they should be or what they should believe in based on the thoughts and opinions of others. But this is not who God says we are, and the world’s values are not up to God’s standards or what He expects of us.

In a thirty-one day devotional, Christian life coach and mentor, Dr. Robin Revis Pyke, leads women down an introspective path of self-discovery inspired by lasting biblical truths. While encouraging women to embrace God’s Word and promises, she offers daily inspiration that guides overwhelmed female souls to understand their true identity in Christ through a powerful message of hope that we are all loved, accepted, and chosen. Included are reflection and study questions that can also be utilized as journal prompts.

Your Identity in Christ is a thirty-one day devotional that takes women on a spiritual journey to understand and embrace their identities as beautiful, valuable daughters of God.

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The Review

This was an engaging and thoughtful read for Christian and faith-based readers. The author does an incredible job of crafting a guide that is straightforward yet deep-thinking, giving readers time to contemplate and reflect on their lives and how it relates to their faith at the same time. The empathy and kindness that the author’s voice comes through in the writing are truly wonderful to see and provide a great environment for self-reflection.

To me, the heart of this book rested in the strong themes that this book put together in the guide, especially that of being true to yourself and not to the ideals society expects of you. While the author’s message rings true for those who are religious and is definitely geared towards women of that faith, the message overall can apply to everyone, giving women a chance to ignore the trends and expectations that are placed on them by an oftentimes unforgiving society and instead be the person they feel they truly are, which is a message everyone should hear. 

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The Verdict

Memorable, thoughtful, and engaging, author Robin Revis Pyke, Ph.D.’s “Your Identity in Christ” is a must-read nonfiction self-help and Christian women’s book that faith-readers will not want to put down. The depth of information and guidance will be a welcome delight for readers as they seek to balance their life with the expectations of their faith and God. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Robin is a Certified Christian Life Coach and Mentor focusing on spiritual formation. She has fervently served as a mentor for more than 20 years. Robin is passionate about her mission: Biblical mentorship, Biblical leadership, and Biblical fellowship. She is the founder of the Reflecting Life Community, an online community for faith-filled women. A platform for sharing stories and experiences, and learning from one another through inspired connection and conversation.

Upon her enrollment at Trinity International University, Robin fell in love with the study of God’s Word. She continued her graduate education at Barry University with her research focus on the benefits of mentoring, where she received her Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership and Education. Robin is a certified Christian Life Coach and received certification in Women’s Christian Leadership. She is currently pursuing a certification in Bible Studies and Theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

In addition to her published research, The Benefits of Mentoring, her publications also include Leadership Lessons from Women of the Bible: 5-day devotional and The Beatitudes: A 5-day journaling reflection. She is preparing to launch her newest publication, Your Identity in Christ: Who You Are and Whose You Are 31-day devotional in early 2023.

A Florida native, Robin lives in Central Florida with her husband, Scott, and her small Yorkie aRLo. When she is not spending time with her family, Robin spends her time writing, speaking, teaching, and mentoring both contemporaries and students worldwide.

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