astraether's Reviews (114)


Okay, I was skeptical, given the premise, but it drew me in all the same. I make a habit of downloading free samples to see if a book hooks me past a chapter or two, and yeah, this one did the trick! Maybe I just wanted to find out if A$$hole Bill was as A$$holish as he was made out to be at the beginning. Little things like his softness for stray dogs and need to "take care of" the heroine after a fall were a nice contrast from his prickly side. Plus, all the sex was admittedly pretty hot! Had to read this on the sly at work, so thank goodness for Kindle. Anyway, despite my initial wariness, I ended up tearing through this book in a matter of hours, so if you're in the mood for something steamy and more than a little messed up -- but ultimately satisfying -- give it a read!

"Soul Trip" is like a kids' book for adults, using whimsical illustrations to tell the tale of the Soul's journey of discovery, and the Ego's over-protective attempts to shield the Soul from dangers along the way. The book uses a lighthearted approach to convey some serious spiritual concepts, but that's part of its charm; in much the same way a children's book will simplify complex ideas and make them more palatable for the reader. Best of all, it does so in an entertaining and amusing fashion, and the illustrations are the kind you'll want to study again and again to find little hidden nuggets of humor you might have missed the first time around.

Whether you're well on your way down a spiritual path, or just starting out, this book provides a great "road map" of self-discovery. Best of all, it's a wonderful introduction to many of the key concepts about living in the "now," learning to see through the filters of fear and suspicion that entrap us, and unlocking the curious, creative, accepting, and loving spirit that dwells within us all.

And don't forget the pretty pictures!

I was enchanted after the first story, but they just kept getting better and better! I'm a sucker for fairy tales, so when I saw the cover and title and read the brief blurb, I figured this might be right up my alley. I was right! It's a collection of four short stories/novellas, each with certain elements of the fanciful, whimsical, or fantastical, but ultimately they're all stories about love, and I'm even more of a sucker for that. If I had to pick a favorite, I'd say it was "The Painted Bride," although honestly they were all beautifully written. She has a knack for creating intriguing, relatable characters whom you can't help but root for, a deft ear for dialogue, and a gift for elegantly worded prose. I'm so glad I encountered this author through somewhat roundabout means, and look forward to adding more of her books to my library!