Blog Tour Kick Off: Witches Protection Program by Michael Okon @IAmMichaelOkon #witchesprotectionprogram #fantasy

Witches Protection Program
Michael Okon
* Urban Fantasy *

Title: WITCHES PROTECTION PROGRAM
Author: Michael Okon
Publisher: WordFire Press
Pages: 200
Genre: Fantasy/Urban Fantasy

Wes Rockville, a disgraced law-enforcement agent, gets one last chance to prove himself and save his career when he’s reassigned to a 232-year-old secret government organization.

The Witches Protection Program.

His first assignment: uncover a billion-dollar cosmetics company’s diabolical plan to use witchcraft for global domination, while protecting its heiress Morgan Pendragon from her aunt’s evil deeds. Reluctantly paired with veteran witch protector, Alastair Verne, Wes must learn to believe in witches…and believe in himself.

Filled with adventure and suspense, Michael Okon creates a rousing, tongue-in-cheek alternate reality where witches cast spells and wreak havoc in modern-day New York City.

Praise:

“Witches Protection Program is a great summer choice, ideal for beach or poolside reading, and with elements of romance, action, crime, and fantasy, there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy.”—Foreword Reviews

“…mixes predictable elements–corporate intrigue, sexy witches, cat familiars, car chases, family secrets, and steampunk weaponry–into an enjoyable story.’—Publisher’s Weekly

“Cleverly offbeat, often cheeky, and loads of fun.”—Kirkus

“WITCHES PROTECTION PROGRAM is a fun and quick read, and the out-of-the-norm narrative choices make the novel feel like something wonderfully subversive.” – IndieReader

“Witches Protection Program is a unique gem, one that’s fast-paced with twists, action, and fun characters.” – Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers’ Favorite, Five Star Review

“Witches Protection Program will hook you if not for the action, then the romance and if not for the romance, then the sheer humor, what with its funny dialogue.” – Liezl Ruiz, NetGalley Reviewer

★★★★★ORDER YOUR COPY★★★★★

Amazon → https://tinyurl.com/y6a7lq9m

 Barnes & Noble → https://tinyurl.com/yy34sbxm

 

______________________

______________________

The narrator filled in more information. “It wasn’t until this land became my land that the government decided to create an organization to protect women at risk. The Davina Doctrine went against everything that the Willas stood for. Even though they ran the risk of persecution, the Davinas chose to work with law enforcement to expose the evil deeds of the rival sisterhood. President George Washington established secret legislation under Title VI of the Control Act of 1792. The law was enacted to protect the good witches that exposed the evil deeds of their sisterhood.”  

The screen went dark. There was only a chair in the center of a dimly lit stage. A single spotlight focused on the top of the blond actress’s head. Wes was right; it was the actress he’d suspected. She had a hit sitcom and two Emmys, and there was some recent Oscar talk about her last movie.

“Yes. There are witches. Living among us. They are women who believe in using their power to protect love and life. And then there are some who use their powers for all the wrong reasons.”

The camera came to rest on her beautiful face. She winked saucily as she placed a triangular witch’s hat on her head. 

“Welcome to the WitchesProtection Program.”

Alastair smiled broadly. “I love that part.”

“That was Jennifer Anis—”

 

______________________

Michael Okon is an award-winning and best-selling author of multiple genres including paranormal, thriller, horror, action/adventure and self-help. He graduated from Long Island University with a degree in English, and then later received his MBA in business and finance. Coming from a family of writers, he has storytelling in his DNA. Michael has been writing from as far back as he can remember, his inspiration being his love for films and their impact on his life. From the time he saw The Goonies, he was hooked on the idea of entertaining people through unforgettable characters.
Michael is a lifelong movie buff, a music playlist aficionado, and a sucker for self-help books. He lives on the North Shore of Long Island with his wife and children.

★WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS★

FACEBOOK | TWITTER  | INSTAGRAM  | BOOKBUB  | GOODREADS | MICHAELOKON.COM

 

Blog Tour Kick Off: Dread Pirate Arcanist by Shami Stovall @GameOverStation #fantasy #YA

DREAD PIRATE ARCANIST
Shami Stovall
* YA Fantasy *

Title: DREAD PIRATE ARCANIST
Author: Shami Stovall
Publisher: Capital Station Books
Pages: #437
Genre: YA Fantasy

While protecting the newborn griffins on the Isle of Landin, Volke Savan and his adopted sister, Illia, run afoul of the Dread Pirate Calisto, the same cutthroat who carved out Illia’s right eye. As a master manticore arcanist, Calisto’s strength and brutality are unrivaled. When Illia suggests they bring him to justice, Volke wonders if they’ll have what it takes to fight the corsairs on the high seas.

A fast-paced flintlock fantasy for those who enjoy How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell, Unsouled (Cradle Series) by Will Wight, and Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan.

Praise for the Frith Chronicles!

“Perfect for those who enjoy the Codex Alera series, the Homas Wildus series, and the Harry Potter series. Stovall is quickly becoming a name I look for.”
 – Seattle Book Review

“An addictive series. Shami Stovall has produced a mesmerizing story of magic, intrigue, and true adventure.”
– ManyBooks

“Absolutely brilliant.”
– Archaeolibrarian

Now continue the Frith Chronicles with the second book, Dread Pirate Arcanist!

★Amazon —-> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WK2H37L

 
 

______________________

______________________

CHAPTER ONE
A CELEBRATION OF GRIFFINS

Today the griffins of West Landin would choose who to bond with. The city officials gathered before the dawn, prepping for the evening celebrations.
I watched from afar on a rocky cliff that overlooked half the isle, the pre-morning winds disheveling my inky black hair. I had never visited the Isle of Landin before now, but I had heard amazing tales of their fearsome griffins since I was old enough to remember stories.
While the hopefuls of West Landin would have to prove themselves to the griffins in a Trial of Worth, I had already been tested and found worthy.
My pulse quickened with anticipation. For fifteen years, I had imagined bonding with a mystical creature and becoming an arcanist. Eight months ago it had become a reality, but it hadn’t yet sunk into my heart and gut. Giddiness still twisted my insides with each new breath.
I turned to the shadows next to me, well aware that my mystical creature—my eldrin—lurked in the darkness.
“Luthair,” I said. “Do you know much about griffins?”
“They are stubborn beasts,” he replied from the void of my shadow, his voice more sinister than his true demeanor. “And griffin arcanists are strong, courageous, and skilled at combat.”
“Amazing.”
As a knightmare, Luthair lived within the darkness, merging with it like salt in water. He didn’t need to materialize to speak, and he could slink along next to me without anyone knowing. While some would consider that creepy or unsettling, I enjoyed his presence and trusted him in all things.
I returned my attention to the sprawling city. Unlike the small Isle of Ruma, where I grew up, West Landin housed thousands of people, had a massive port, and had constructed a seaside fortress to deter pirates. Their cobblestone roads, twice as wide as ours at home, snaked beyond the city limits to a valley filled with sheep, goats, and horses.
When the sun rose, the oranges and reds of dawn cascaded over the island, washing it in a familiar glow. The Isle of Ruma had wonderful dawns, just like this one. The nostalgia overwhelmed me for a moment, so powerful it almost hurt.
I missed my adoptive father, Gravekeeper William.
My days as his apprentice had seemed torturous at first, since I had never wanted to become a gravedigger, but now I understood how much he had influenced my life. He had been the best father I ever could’ve hoped for. I last saw him after I bonded with Luthair, a short time after my fifteenth birthday.
“Volke?”
“Yes?” I replied, recognizing Illia’s voice straight away. I didn’t even need to turn around. I knew she would walk over to speak with me.
Sure enough, she ambled to the edge of the rocky cliff, one hand on the brim of her sailing cap. Then she offered me a smile.
“Are you out here daydreaming?”
“No.” I slipped my hands into my pockets. “I wanted to spot some of the griffin cubs. I’ve never seen one in person before.”
Illia sarcastically lifted an eyebrow. “You weren’t thinking about the Isle of Ruma?”
“W-well, I might have thought about it for a moment.”
“Yeah. I know.” She stared down at West Landin, her only eye unfocused. “I’ve been doing the same thing.”
The wind played with her hair, revealing the twisted knife scars on the right side of her face. Her sailing cap kept everything in place, so I didn’t catch sight of the old wound for long, but I knew it was there.
I still remembered the first night that Gravekeeper William had brought her home. She had been five years old, and the injury hadn’t yet healed. The pirate fiend who had taken her eye had cut in deep, damaging the socket. She had to rest in bed for weeks, her skin pale and dappled with sweat.
Illia glanced over. “Volke?” She frowned. “What’s wrong? You’re not thinking about home anymore, are you?”
“It’s nothing,” I said as I stared at my boots. Illia didn’t like having attention brought to her scars, and I didn’t want to upset her.
“You can’t hide things from me.” Then she smacked my shoulder and half smiled. “You’ll tell me sooner or later.”
Instead of arguing, I nodded and allowed the conversation to end. The morning sun warmed the isle, and the breeze brought ocean mists ashore. I could’ve stayed on the rock cliff with Illia for the entire day, enjoying the atmosphere.
A small ferret-like creature—a rizzel—bounded toward us, hopping along like only weasels could. His snow-white fur shone in the morning light, and his silver stripes had a metallic sparkle.
“Illia!” he cried out as he scampered over to her feet. “Why would you leave me?”
In a flash of sparkles and sorcery, the rizzel disappeared and then popped into existence on Illia’s shoulder. She stroked his head as he curled around the back of her neck, hiding in her wavy brown hair.
“What is it, Nicholin?” she asked.
“Master Zelfree wants us all to gather near the edge of the woods.”
“Right now?”
“He said before dawn, but it took me forever to find you.” He arched his back and squeaked. “I can’t believe you left me! I’m your eldrin! Arcanists don’t leave their eldrin—it’s unheard of!”
Illia chuckled, but gave no explanation.
All arcanists bore a mark on their forehead—a seven-pointed star etched into their skin. Illia’s, while faint, had the image of a rizzel intertwined with the star, symbolizing her connection with Nicholin. When I touched my own forehead, I could feel the cracked arcanist star just below my hairline. Unlike Illia, my star had a sword and cape, representing my bond with a knightmare.
“Did you see any griffins?” Illia asked.
I had almost forgotten the reason I perched myself on the cliff. I shook my head. “No. I can’t see their aerie from here, and the bonding ceremony doesn’t start until dusk, so I’m sure they’re still resting.”
“Do you want to wait until you see one? I bet they’ll wander around town before the Trials of Worth begin. We can always tell Master Zelfree that Nicholin got lost or something. It won’t be a big deal.”
“I wouldn’t want to lie. Honesty. Without it, we cannot learn the truth about ourselves.” I said the last bit with dramatic emphasis.
Illia groaned. “Please, Volke. For me. Stop quoting that damn staircase.”
“You know I like the lessons from the Pillar. I think they’re good rules to live by.”
Nicholin crossed his little ferret arms. “You’re wrong. They’re lame.”
“What?” I balked. Then I turned to the darkness. “Luthair, back me up. They’re good, right?”
“Indeed,” he said, his gruff voice echoing from my shadow.
“See? Luthair agrees with me. They’re definitely awesome.”
Nicholin and Illia exchanged knowing glances and huffed in sarcastic exasperation. If it were anyone else, the mocking would bother me, but I knew Illia didn’t mean it. She gave me a hard time, just like when we were kids. With all the nostalgia in my veins, I welcomed the teasing.
“I guess we have to find Master Zelfree,” Illia said. “C’mon. Let’s go.”
We walked away from the cliffside, seagulls serenading the dawn with a symphony of caws. The rocks created a natural path, making the trek down an easy one. Illia kept close to me—closer than usual—and I wondered if she was awash in sentimentality as well.
Today would be easy. As members of the Frith Guild, we had been called to the Isle of Landin to protect those attending the griffin bonding ceremony. Until the celebrations began, however, we didn’t have much to do. Perhaps Illia and I could convince Master Zelfree to allow me to continue my reminiscing in town.
“I’m glad we became arcanists together,” Illia said. “That’s how I always imagined it when we were younger.”
“Yeah. Me too.”
She smiled and took in a breath, as if she might continue the conversation, but the words never came. We got all the way to the edge of the trees before she turned her attention back to me. She met my gaze with her one eye. I think she wanted me to say something. Maybe about our past? I didn’t know, and the longer she stared, the more disappointed she looked.
Illia lifted a hand and covered the scars over her damaged eye socket.
“Uh,” I began.
Illia waited.
Nicholin perked up, his ears erect. “Hm? What’s that?”
My breath caught in my throat. What did Illia want me to say?
Thankfully, Master Zelfree emerged from the woods, saving me from the awkward moment. He sauntered over, bags under his eyes, his dark coat and pants wrinkled from long hours of work. He ran a hand through his black, shoulder-length hair. His fingers caught in a few places, betraying the fact he hadn’t brushed it in a while.
If I didn’t know he was a master arcanist from the Frith Guild, I would’ve assumed he was a hungover drunkard who had stumbled away from the festivities.
“Master Zelfree,” Illia said, her eyebrow high.
Zelfree had a strange arcanist mark—his star had nothing intertwined with it. His eldrin, Traces, was the shape-changing mimic, after all. The bangles on his left wrist were most likely her. That was how she had hidden herself in the past.
“You two finally decided to show up, huh?” Zelfree said. “You’re late for the exercise.”
“What exercise?” I asked.
“Don’t worry. It’s something simple.”
Zelfree’s shirt—black, like the rest of his clothing—was open enough to expose his bare chest and guild pendant, a silver symbol that marked him as a master arcanist. My bronze pendant told the world I was an apprentice, but I wasn’t ashamed of my lower status. I loved my pendant with every ounce of my being.
“You all have been through a lot,” Zelfree muttered. “And your training as arcanists has been erratic. For the next couple of months, everything will be simple. We’ll take it slow while I assess your abilities, and then we’ll work our way to more challenging assignments.”
“I thought we didn’t have to do anything until dusk?” Illia asked.
“We don’t have to do anything official until dusk.” Zelfree pulled a flask from inside his coat and unscrewed the top. “But I want you to practice your magic in the meantime. I split the other apprentices into pairs and sent them on their way.”
Nicholin bounced on Illia’s shoulder. “On their way? Where?”
“I hid apples around the daisy woods, and I want you to collect them using your magic and your magic alone.”
“What? That’s kids’ stuff! My arcanist and I can handle anything. We took on Gregory Ruma’s leviathan. We stared into the jaws of death and survived!”
“As an arcanist of the Frith Guild, you won’t always be fighting giant leviathans in the waves of the ocean.” Zelfree cocked half a smile. “Sometimes we’ll be asked to find missing mystical creatures or locate hidden caches. Since none of those things involve traumatizing duels to the death, I figured this would be a relaxing way to practice your basic magic.”
“The apples are hidden throughout the entire wooded area?” I asked. The daisy woods covered a few acres of the island. The task felt daunting, even if it didn’t involve combat.
Zelfree shrugged. “Apples aren’t native to the islands. They’re bright red, and I’ve placed them in precarious spots. It shouldn’t take the six of you long to find them all.” He took a swig from his flask. “Whichever team comes back with the most apples will get to spend time with the griffins before the ceremony.”
My chest tightened. “Really?”
“And the pair who finds the least amount will have to wipe down the deck of our ship.”
Illia and I both groaned. No one wanted ship-cleaning duty, especially since the sailors would have a good laugh at our predicament. Arcanists stood at the top of the social hierarchy, and seeing one swab a deck was a novelty—like watching a crown prince take out the garbage, or a knight commander clean all the training weapons. We’d be mocked for the entire journey home.
“Interacting with the griffin cubs sounds amazing,” Illia said.
Zelfree nodded. “The mayor of West Landin asked the Frith Guild to protect the new arcanists until they reach the mainland. They’ll sail with us all the way there.”
“Protecting them from what, exactly?” she asked. “You never told us why they wanted the Frith Guild.”
“Pirates are in the area.”
The statement killed all mirth in the conversation. Illia grazed her fingers over the scars on her face. I had seen her react that way a million times before, every time someone mentioned nearby pirates.
The last thing I wanted was to deal with sea thieves and cutthroats.
“Any questions?” Zelfree asked. He swirled his flask as he spoke, and I couldn’t help but take note of it.
I pointed. “I thought you said you were cutting back on the drink.”
He downed the rest of his “breakfast” and walked past us. “Don’t worry. I’ve limited myself to a single serving. Soon I won’t need it to wake up.”
Normally I was the tallest person in any group—six feet—but when Zelfree went by, he straightened his posture, standing an inch or so higher. I had never noticed before, probably because he slouched most times. It surprised me.
“Okay,” I muttered. “I suppose we’ll get started with the apple hunt then.”
“Treat this like an urgent mission. The apples are baby mystical creatures. Recover them quickly and efficiently.”
My thoughts didn’t dwell long on his statements. The idea that I could see the griffins up close—before the ceremony!—excited me more than anything else. We had to find enough apples. It would make for a perfect day, and an amazing tale to write William about.
Illia took my elbow and pulled me toward the trees, a smile on her face.
The slender daisy trees grew sixty to ninety feet in the air, and in dense clusters. Their wide canopies caught the humid breeze and rustled with excitement. The white trunks, striped with brown, would make it easy to spot something crimson.
I kept my gaze up, hoping to catch a glisten of fruit among the branches.
“I’m going to make sure you see those griffins,” Illia said as she let go of my arm.
“Me?” I asked. “But aren’t you excited too?”
“Of course.” She smiled, more to herself than to me. “When I was younger, griffins were my favorite mystical creature. I used to daydream that one would learn I had escaped from pirates, and that it would think I was so courageous it had to fly to our island just to bond with me.”
Nicholin swished his tail. “I don’t know if I should feel jealous or sad that I’m not a griffin.”
“No, no, no,” Illia said as she hugged Nicholin close. “That was me as a little girl. Now I know I wouldn’t want to be bonded with anyone but you.”
He made an odd purring noise, like he wasn’t built for it, but still attempted regardless. “That’s right! We’re meant to be together.”
Still—I had heard the excitement in her voice. If Illia wanted to meet a griffin, I would make sure that happened.
Somehow.
Thirty feet into the daisy tree woods, I spotted a rodent hole. While Illia went off to check some shrubbery, I knelt on the dirt and examined the burrow. I had dug enough graves to recognize when soil had been freshly tossed, so it was clear to me this entrance had been tampered with by human hands. Would Zelfree hide an apple here, of all places? I thought he had said they would be clearly visible. Best to check, regardless.
“What’re you doing?”
The snide voice snapped me out of my concentration. I glanced up, and all excitement curdled in my system. Zaxis Ren. He stood with his arms crossed and his green eyes narrowed in a condescending stare.
“I’m searching for apples,” I said.
“In the dirt? Like an animal?”
I got to my feet and brushed the soil off the knees of my trousers. “Sounds like someone hasn’t had breakfast.”
“Heh. You think you’re so funny.”
Zaxis confused me more than anyone else. We had known each other our whole lives, and while it had been an antagonistic relationship when we were young, I thought we had worked past that during our time in the Frith Guild. Still, he fluctuated back and forth on whether we were being cordial.
Today wasn’t one of those days, it seemed.
His phoenix, Forsythe, glided through the trees on scarlet wings edged with gold. Occasional dustings of soot rained down from his body as he moved, and he swirled around us once before elegantly landing on the ground next to Zaxis. Phoenixes had the bodies of herons, with long necks and delicate frames, but their majestic tails appeared similar to that of a peacock, with vibrant designs and curved feathers.
Zaxis’s arcanist mark had a phoenix laced between the seven points of his star. I admired it for a moment, remembering the Trials of Worth on our home isle. I had wanted to bond with a phoenix more than anything back then.
Forsythe’s gold eyes stared at me for a moment. “Good morning.” His voice was imbued with a regal cadence.
“Morning,” I replied.
Zaxis huffed and then motioned to a cloth sack of apples on the ground behind him. “Forsythe, don’t bother talking to this biscuit. We have a game to win.”
From what I could see, Zaxis had already gathered four apples, all glistening red, almost the same dark shade as his hair.
“I’m not stopping you,” I said, motioning to the woods. “You can leave and keep searching if you—”
Illia emerged from the nearby shrub, an apple in hand. “Volke, look. I already found one!”
“Oh, Illia,” Zaxis said as he brushed off his coat. “I didn’t see you.” He straightened his posture. “Beautiful island, right?”
She acknowledged him with a quick nod and then smiled at me. “I think we should hurry. If there was an apple here, I think the others might not be searching as thoroughly as they should.”
“Okay,” I said.
Before I could return to searching the rodent hole, Forsythe investigated the burrow with his long neck and beak, rooting through the fresh soil. He grabbed the stem of a hidden apple and plucked it from the dirt. He set it at Zaxis’s feet and fluffed his feathers, revealing the bright glow of his fiery body underneath.
“I found one, my arcanist. Aren’t you proud?”
Zaxis flashed me a smirk as he stroked his phoenix’s head. “Oh, yeah. Good job.”
I gritted my teeth, half-irritated at myself and half-irritated at Zaxis. I should’ve ignored him and focused on my search.
Illia walked over and took me by the elbow. “C’mon. What’re you waiting for?”
“This is nice weather we’re having,” Zaxis said to her, smiling wider than usual. “Pleasant and cool without too much wind.”
“Uh-huh,” she muttered. She tugged my arm. “Volke?”
I nodded. “Right.”
I shot Zaxis a look before walking off, amused by his failed attempts at engaging Illia. Did he really think the weather would interest her? He wasn’t as suave as he thought, though I did feel sorry for him. Not many people tried to strike up a conversation with Illia. For both their sakes, I wished he had done better.
Once we left Zaxis’s presence, I turned my attention to the shadows. “Luthair, help us look for the apples.”
“By your command, my arcanist.”

 

______________________

Shami Stovall grew up in California’s central valley with a single mother and little brother. Despite no one in her family earning a degree higher than a GED, she put herself through college (earning a BA in History), and then continued on to law school where she obtained her Juris Doctorate.

As a child, Stovall’s favorite novel was Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell. The adventure on a deserted island opened her mind to ideas and realities she had never given thought before—and it was at that moment Stovall realized story telling (specifically fiction) became her passion. Anything that told a story, be it a movie, book, video game or comic, she had to experience. Now, as a professor and author, Stovall wants to add her voice to the myriad of stories in the world and she hopes you enjoy.

WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:

★Website: https://sastovallauthor.com/
★Blog: https://sastovallauthor.com/blog/
★Twitter: https://twitter.com/GameOverStation
★Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAStovall/

 

Book Blast: The Love Map: Reignite, Reconnect and Repair Your Relationship by Jeannie Daly-Gunter #BookBlast @transformtolove

THE LOVE MAP: REIGNITE, RECONNECT AND REPAIR YOUR RELATIONSHIP
Jeannie Daly-Gunter, MA
* Self-Help *

Title: THE LOVE MAP: REIGNITE, RECONNECT AND REPAIR YOUR RELATIONSHIP
Author: Jeannie Daly-Gunter
Publisher: Phoenix Rising Press
Pages: 232
Genre: Self-Help

If you aren’t growing together in your relationship, you are likely growing apart. The Love Map: Reignite, Reconnect and Repair Your Relationship, gives couples a blueprint to help navigate the inevitable ups and downs of love. This book is a practical guide, an engaging story, and a workbook. Unlike many of the psychological relationship books on the market today, The Love Map is a compelling ‘teaching story’.  This story follows the marriage of the main characters, Taylor and Jaymie, as they work through an ongoing conflict that has been weighing them down for a year. Sophia, Taylor and Jaymie’s marriage counselor, guides the couple through ten sessions of relationship lessons, that ultimately supports the couple in working through their conflict. Along the way, the reader is encouraged to do the relationship exercises at the end of each chapter as “home play” along with Taylor and Jaymie. This comprehensive ‘self-help story’ is endearing, motivating and practical all at once.  In addition, there are links to workbook pages and videos to support couples in integrating the lessons in the book. The Love Map has been recommended by therapists and those in the personal growth industry as a powerful resource for couples wanting to deepen their connection and create a more conscious and meaningful relationship.

ORDER YOUR COPY

★ CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR COPY AT AMAZON ★

______________________

______________________

Can You Please Just Listen?!

Sophia waited until they were settled on the couch before she continued. “During our first session, I like to take some time for us to get to know each other. I know this is a big deal for you to reach out for support, and I’m honored that you have chosen to work with me. Did you watch the intro videos, and do you have any questions for me before we dive in?” 

Taylor squirmed a bit. “Well, I’m wondering how long this is going to take and if it’s really going to work.” 

Jaymie shot him a did-you-have-to-say-that look?

Sophia smiled. “That’s a fair question. Based on my experience, I recommend starting with ten sessions. That gives us a chance to create a really strong foundation of understanding and essentials for helping you communicate better, learn how to deal with conflicts over time, and experience what it’s like to work through some issues. Some couples need more sessions than that to start with, and it’s something we can check in around along the way. You can also stop at any time if you feel like this isn’t for you. Some couples prefer to meet in a long-weekend intensive and some couples like to pace this out over time.”

“That makes sense,” said Jaymie, wanting to get off to a smoother start. “I like having homework between sessions, so doing this over time makes sense to me. You know, I would love just a bit more clarity on the differences between coaching and therapy, just so we know what to expect.” 

“Sure,” said Sophia. “I know we talked a bit about this on the phone, but basically I combine a lot of approaches based on what you need. In a nutshell, coaching looks more toward what you want to create in the future, while counseling or therapy excavates some of the underlying emotional undercurrents of your present conflicts. Although a lot of couples get stuck in conflict, I think it’s equally important to keep putting proactive energy into our relationships. There is a saying I heard once that, ‘If you’re not growing, you’re dying.’ I believe that is really true in love. I’d say that most couples let their relationship flat-line at some point. They’re too busy or too stressed out dealing with work and family to tend to their love. I like to think of my work as a ‘jump-start’ to help couples reinvigorate their love again.” 

“I like that,” said Jaymie. “I think you’re right, sometimes we do get too busy with other things we think are more important than our relationship. That’s weird isn’t it?”

“Unfortunately,” said Sophia, “I see it all the time. There are three main reasons couples come to see me. They need to repair a conflict or betrayal, they feel emotionally disconnected and they are growing apart, or they want to breathe love back into their relationships. Successful couples are always doing ongoing work to repair, reconnect, and reignite their love. 

After this introduction, Taylor and Jaymie took turns explaining their perspectives on their main conflict and how they had been arguing about the same thing for a year. Taylor began to warm up to Sophia and feel more engaged in the process. 

“We love each other and want to work through this; we just aren’t sure how,” concluded Taylor. 

Jaymie sighed, “Yeah, we just aren’t getting anywhere with resolving this and it’s turned into a yelling match at times.”

______________________

______________________

Jeannie Daly-Gunter, MA is an author, speaker, relationship coach, seminar leader and Co-Founder of The Transformative Loving® Institute. She has facilitated personal and professional development programs for over 25 years. Jeannie and her husband Mark have committed to walking the path of their relationship as a personal and spiritual growth path. Their passion is to support other couples on that path, and help them to create the extraordinary relationship they really want. They combine various modalities in the healing arts, rites of passage, and psychology, to create a powerful container for couples to do their healing work together. Jeannie and Mark make their home near the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Boulder, Colorado.

★ WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS ★

Website:  www.thelovemapbook.com

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/couplesseminars

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/couplesworkshops/

______________________

______________________

Blog Tour Kick Off: Unbraided: Transform Your Pain to Power and Purpose by Karla Monterrosa #SelfHelp #Christian

UNBRAIDED: TRANSFORM YOUR PAIN TO POWER AND PURPOSE
Karla Monterrosa
* Non-fiction/self-help/overcoming abuse/Christian *

Title: UNBRAIDED: TRANSFORM YOUR PAIN TO POWER AND PURPOSE
Author: Karla Monterrosa
Publisher: Inspire Books
Pages: 250
Genre: Non-fiction/self-help/overcoming abuse/Christian

Vulnerable, courageous, and deeply personal, Unbraided: Transform Your Pain Into Power and Purpose, will help you to identify the areas of your life that are being affected by abuse and provide a path for you to experience breakthrough and healing.

Karla Monterrosa experienced physical, emotional, and sexual abuses early in her life. She was able to take those negative experiences and use them as fuel to propel her forward for a time, accomplishing personal, educational, and professional successes. Eventually, within the stresses and pressures of marriage and motherhood, her scars became utterly exposed. She realized that her past was beginning to harm her family in the present, and it was then she chose to take courageous steps to heal from abuse—to become the woman, wife, and mother they deserve.

If you’re ready to experience healing from abuse, Unbraided will help you get healthy emotionally and spiritually so you can cultivate the self-confidence and courage needed to follow through to freedom. Learn how to deal with the long-term effects of abuse—fear, shame, lack of trust, and anger—in order to build strong relationships, enjoy intimacy, and experience joy.

Using thought-provoking journaling exercises, biblical principles, and her one-of-a-kind 7 Steps Toward Healing framework, Karla will gently guide you through a journey of self-reflection and healing—while making it feel like an intimate conversation with a trusted friend over coffee. Are you ready to step forward into the life you desire with renewed energy, unshakeable confidence, and purpose?

★★★★★ORDER YOUR COPY★★★★★

Amazon → https://www.amazon.com/dp/1950685071

 Barnes & Noble → https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unbraided-karla-monterrosa/1132572213?ean=9781950685073

IndieBound → https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781950685073

Books A Million → https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Unbraided/Karla-Monterrosa/9781950685073?id=7657986403216

 

______________________

I want to begin by congratulating you for your courage to open

this book. The topic of childhood sexual abuse is a difficult and

uncomfortable one, especially if you have experienced it yourself. As

you know, those memories stay with us, sometimes only partially, but

remain difficult to revisit. It is important, however, for us to courageously

reflect, analyze, and feel through those memories in order to experience

healing. When left unaddressed, those traumatic experiences influence

our view of ourselves, how we respond to life’s challenges, and how

we either relate to or distance ourselves from each other. There isn’t a

single thing in our lives that isn’t perceived through the sense of the

victimization we experienced.

If you were sexually abused as a child, or experienced other forms of

abuse in your childhood or adult life, there are areas in your life that are

being affected right now by your trauma and you may not yet know it.

Once you are aware, you can begin to take steps to change this. Once

you are aware of the power those emotional and spiritual wounds have

over you, you can begin to do something about them.

Perhaps you find yourself well-aware, tired, and hurting but don’t

know how to get free from your past. Or perhaps you have pushed

your pain so far under the rug that you are comfortable with it and

don’t really want to bring it out and think about it again. You may be

thinking, Do I really want to read this book and have to deal with this?

I know it can feel heavy, but as with anything that involves work and

struggle, the reward at the other side is so worth it.

I want you to know that I understand. I was there once, and only

through self-reflection did I begin to connect the dots between my

painful past and the struggles I was experiencing in the present.

I was sexually abused by people I knew and trusted between the ages

of five and ten years old. The abuse I suffered early in my life turned

my childhood into a set of dark memories that haunted me for most

of my life. The experience left me feeling ashamed, angry, and unsafe.

When I grew up, for a time I was able to use the pain I felt as fuel.

I achieved personal, educational, and professional successes thanks to

that drive. I stood strong as an educated and professional woman. I

was married and a mother to two beautiful little girls. I spent nearly

twenty years working in government and helping to improve the lives of

women and their families. Our household income exceeded six figures,

and we owned a home in a quiet suburb in Los Angeles. Based on these

achievements, I thought I had overcome the trauma I had experienced

early in my life. I worked hard to break the cycle of abuse I was born

into, and I thought I had won. I had built a life and a home that looked

nothing like the one I was born into. I could see the darkness of my

childhood experiences as a distant past, and yet freedom and healing

eluded me. I didn’t yet know it, but I was actually only halfway through

the dark tunnel of my past—not on the other side as I had thought.

I had suppressed memories and ignored feelings, and fought to do the

opposite of what I had seen in my childhood for nearly three decades. I

had buried the feelings deep inside where I thought they could not hurt

me anymore. In reality, I struggled with fear, anxiety, and an inability

to trust people. For a long time, I didn’t know these feelings were rooted

in the abuse I experienced during my childhood. Meanwhile, they were

influencing my life in insidious ways and affecting my relationships, my

marriage and experience as a mother, and even my career. Eventually, I

arrived at a season when I could no longer ignore my pain.

My efforts to silence the memories proved to be unsuccessful within

the stresses and pressures of marriage and motherhood. It was then that

my scars became utterly exposed. I came into the harsh realization that

I had not healed when the memories relentlessly interrupted my time

with my children. The day my daughter was born and I changed her first

dirty diaper, I realized the abuse I suffered had wounded me profoundly

and motherhood was going to be hard. Diaper changes and bath-time

reminded me of how vulnerable children are. I struggled with this for

years with both of my daughters. For sanitary reasons, those moments

were unavoidable, and yet they made me feel dirty and ashamed, as

though I were violating them when I cleaned and cared for them. I knew

that was not what I should be thinking or feeling in those moments with

my children, but I had no idea how to stop the thoughts from intruding

in my life. It was a constant internal battle.

I struggled with memories, shame, fear, and a feeling of hyper-

protection of my children. The unresolved pain I was still carrying

inside started coming out as aggression. I was defensive and abrasive

toward my husband and struggled to discipline my children with grace

and patience. I could not control the circumstances that triggered

my memories or my automatic responses to them. In moments of

frustration, shame and anger dominated our interactions.

At the same time, I was giving everything at work, and it was never

enough for those I reported to. I was exhausted. By the time I would

arrive home at the end of my day, I would have nothing left to give but

a bad temper, which affected our entire family dynamic. Eventually,

I made a career move that brought my work closer to home in an

attempt to have more time with my family. Unfortunately, the work

environment there was such that I had to work extra-long hours to

keep up the pace, which ultimately resulted in more stress and even less

time and patience for my family. I wound up dissatisfied again. I had

had enough but didn’t know what I should do next. It was then that I

humbly reached out to God for direction.

It started with the decision to take a break from my career. I knew

in my heart for a long time that I was not walking in my purpose and

needed the space to figure out what direction to take. Not knowing

how we would sustain the lifestyle we had grown accustomed to, my

husband and I made the bold decision to trust God fully for our financial

provision, and I quit my job. The career that no longer satisfied me was

in the rearview mirror, and I was ready to pursue new things. I decided

to take some time to reflect and figure out what my next career move

was going to be. It was within that space and that step of faith that God

began to move and reveal himself. I started depending on Him for help

and guidance. He started walking me through a process of healing.

I also recognized that my past was harming my family, and that was

the greatest motivation for me to seek out true healing. I realized I would

have to resolve my childhood wounds if I was going to successfully break

the cycle of abuse and live a truly healthy life with my own family. That

realization added to the desire in me. I wanted more than anything to

finally be free from that trauma. And I had no idea how to go about it.

All I knew was I wanted more than anything to get to know God

for who He truly is, to be present physically and emotionally for my

family, and to align my work with my purpose. Little did I know, God

was about to show me the reality and depth of the damage I still held

onto and how desperately I needed Him. Once He began to connect

the dots for me, I realized the darkness I experienced during childhood

had grown tentacles and was clinging to every area of my being, silently

suffocating all of the best things in my life.

Childhood abuse has deep and long-lasting effects that manifest

themselves in subtle and devastating ways in our lives. Unless we know

it, they remain a part of us, wreaking havoc. I had seen the signs and

had my suspicions, but without the clarity of the Holy Spirit, I couldn’t

see it for what it indeed was.

One of the first things I did differently once I left my job was begin

each day with God. I would drop my children off at school and come

home to brew a pot of coffee and open my Bible. Through prayer,

studying the Bible, and the unconditional love of the people around

me, God began to walk me toward healing.

After a short break to focus on my girls and volunteer at their school,

I began considering my next steps and decided to hire professional

support to do so. I wanted to make the most of my time away from

the workforce, and working with a coach provided me with guidance,

reassurance, and an environment of discovery. It didn’t take long for me

to decide I would pursue my life-long dream of becoming a published

author. I always knew I would share my story with the world one day.

God revealed this to me long ago. I don’t recall exactly when I first

sensed or received that direction, but I have been thinking about this

book for years.

What do I mean when I say I “received direction” from God? How

do I know if a thought is my own or inspired by the one true God? For

me, it can come as a subtle nudge to say or do something, or an all-out

clear instruction to change course.

You may have already had an experience in your life where you

knew God was trying to tell you something. You may know it as your

subconscious, a gut feeling, intuition, or an “Aha! moment.” Sometimes

you listen to it. Other times you ignore it and then think, “I should

have listened to my intuition.” As Christians, we believe those “Aha!

moments” are, in fact, the voice of God or the Holy Spirit. The Holy

Spirit is a gift from God that allows us to see and think in new ways.

God’s voice comes to me in whispers I know are not my own. I

know these thoughts are not mine because they address things I have

been thinking about without having clear direction on my own of what

to do. I recognize His voice because He quiets my fears, answers my

questions, and brings peace where there was doubt. The Bible tells us

that when we draw near to God, He comes near to us (James 4:8). The

more we seek His voice, the more clearly we are able to discern it. As

we deepen our walk with God, we grow in wisdom and are able to see

more clearly the things that make us feel separated from God and those

that bring us closer to Him. The voice of God had been quietly urging

me to write my story and share it with the world.

Karla Monterrosa, M.P.A. is an author, keynote speaker, and women’s empowerment coach who has dedicated her life to improving the lives of women and families. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies and Planning and a Master of Public Administration in Public Sector Management and Leadership from California State University, Northridge.

Karla began her career in the City of Los Angeles, where she quickly became aware of the scale of challenges that large, diverse communities face. She learned how to address needs by best utilizing what was already available and, during her tenure, helped to provide women, youth, and families with programming that increased financial literacy, education, and economic opportunities. Karla’s ability to pinpoint trauma and develop strategic solutions would serve as the launching pad to her own coaching program, Unbraided Life (www.unbraidedlife.com).

A survivor of abuse herself, Karla is passionate about leveraging her skills to help others overcome their past. She specializes in guiding women to discover their God-given purpose through honest self-reflection, application of biblical principles, and her one-of-a-kind 7 Steps Toward Healing framework.

Karla is a certified Mending the Soul support group facilitator, but it’s her almost two decades of experience in community and economic development that make her programming practical, unique, and transformational.

You can find Karla on the internet at www.unbraidedlife.com, @karlabmonterrosa on Instagram, Karla Monterrosa on Facebook.

To book Karla to speak: speaking@unbraidedlife.com.

A sample of keynote topics she offers:

7 Steps Toward Healing
Marriage, Motherhood, and Memories
Breaking the Cycle of Abuse
The Path to Purpose

★WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS★

Website: www.unbraidedlife.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karlabmonterrosa/ (@karlabmonterrosa)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karla.monterrosa.7