Book Feature: New Normal New Beginnings + Exclusive Author Interview with Mae Gomez

Mother's Day is just around the corner and with the new month starting, it is just right that we feature a book about Moms. 

New Normal New Beginnings is a compilation of inspiring stories from 23 moms as they journey through different phases of motherhood in this pandemic: giving birth, coping with fear, dealing with grief, homeschooling, and many more. 

This book was curated by Mae Gomez, a mom of three boys, an authority member of the Non-Fiction Authors Association, founder of Thrive&Grow Book Publishing, and author of The Joyful Stay-at-Home Mom, a book for moms of toddlers coping with depression. 

Now, we are lucky to have the opportunity to interview this remarkable woman as she shares more about her latest book, New Normal New Beginnings. 

1. Can you share with us something about the book that isn't in the blurb?

Most of the moms who wrote the book are first-time authors. The book is written by moms, for moms, with a mission to help mothers in need. It supports the Grace to be born Foundation in the Philippines. It is a perfect book to give to moms this mother's day.

2. What inspired the idea for your latest book?

I was inspired by a post I saw on social media, "Despite all that is happening, is there something that you are thankful for today?"

3. How long did it take you to complete the book?

It took me 2 months to complete the book. 

4. What part of the book was most challenging to write and why?

The most challenging part is not the writing itself, but the curation and coordination process - bringing together moms of different backgrounds and belief systems, encouraging them despite their self-doubts, and meeting timelines (As moms, we always have our family duties to juggle with writing.)

5. What do you hope your readers take away from this book?

I hope that readers will be able to realize that as a mother, you can thrive, grow, and be resilient amidst the pandemic.

6. If you’re planning a sequel or write the next book, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?

I am writing a book for work-at-home moms.

7. Where can they buy your books or find out more about you? 

If you want a copy of the book, you may reach me through my social media accounts:

Facebook: New Normal New Beginnings Book

The Joyful Stay-at-Home Mom

Instagram: New Normal New Beginnings Book

                    The Joyful Stay-at-Home Mom

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Thank you, Author Mae, for agreeing to this interview. We are inspired by your new book project and we truly believe that this message is very important to share with others (especially moms) as we are facing the biggest crisis of our lifetime. Thank you for encouraging us to continue to thrive and grow.

For those who are looking for Mother's Day gift, this book is a great idea! 

Book Feature: Where Silence Ends: A Memoir + Exclusive Author Interview with Angela Ruiz

Where Silence Ends is the captivating memoir of a Mexican-American, mother-daughter duo and their chillingly beautiful family journey of generational trauma and healing was published last March 2021 in time for the celebration of Women's month. 

Now, we have the privilege to interview the author, Angela Ruiz as she shares with us more about this beautiful memoir. 

1. Can you share with us something about the book that is not included in the blurb?

I wrote the book at 32 years old, but in reality, this journey was in the works for over a decade. My mother first approached me when I was 16 years old and voiced that one day, she’d like to write the story of her twisted and yet triumphant life with me. Alas, Where Silence Ends is the result of a tiny seed growing roots and shooting up towards the sun.

2. What inspired the idea for your latest book?

As I mentioned, this book was a long time coming — but the final inspiration to dive all in was an ayahuasca ceremony I participated in. Ayahuasca is a powerful mixture of nature that helped awaken my consciousness to my purpose at that moment. The message came through lovingly, and yet somewhat forcefully: “My Dear Beloved, write the book!” And so, I did.

3. How long did it take you to finish writing this book?

It took me two and a half years to interview over 15 people, transcribe the audio, and write the book to begin rounds and rounds of editing with my trusty editor. My team also transcribed the entire book into Spanish during this time. I love the process of creating through writing, and though this is my debut novel, I hope to write another book soon.

4. What part of the book was most challenging to write and why?

What a great question. Honestly, I remember my chest feeling heaviest as I wrote the last 3 chapters. This was a combination of coming towards the end of writing my first book, and more so than anything, processing all the emotions and stories I was holding throughout the 2 years of writing the book. It’s an intense read, there is no way around that, but I also try and stay true to who I am and who my mother is — and we are women filled with love and happiness. My hope is that the lightness in such a dark story shines through.

5. What do you hope your readers take away from this book?

I believe every reader will take away what serves them most. There is so much to learn from a raw story of a Mexican American family dealing with generational sexual abuse, and unfortunately, so many people in this world can relate. My hope is that it helps readers find even more strength than already exists within them and inspires others to use their voice.

6. If you’re planning a sequel or write the next book, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?

Absolutely! I’m thrilled to share this. My next book is somewhere between a sequel and a parallel partner of Where Silence Ends. This next book will be all about my dad’s life, although I think I’ll make it fiction rather than non-fiction — yet largely inspired by true events. His life story is fascinating and brings to life so many aspects of my beloved Mexico, the intricacies of immigration, and what so many people refer to as the American dream. There are several characters that will appear in my dad’s story that is also in my mom’s story, so I’ll be using the same names for those characters — keeping the two books connected with special little details as such. I feel a rush of excitement when I think about starting this next book.

7. Where can we buy your books?

Where Silence Ends is my debut novel and can be purchased on Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, and almost any other online platform that sells books. Simply search “Where Silence Ends, Angela Ruiz.” I hope that all readers or someone in their lives will benefit from this story.

8. Where can readers find out more about you and your books?

I invite you to visit my website: WhereSilenceEnds.com

Here you’ll find some gems in the form of author photos, featuring me and my mom together. You can also contact me through my website. I love hearing from readers and connect.

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Thank you, Angela, for agreeing to this interview. We are thrilled to learn more about you and your book and we are excited for the sequel as well. 

For those who are interested to order the book, you'd be happy to know that a portion of every purchase will be donated to providing therapy for survivors of childhood sexual trauma. Just go to WhereSilenceEnds.com

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Book Review: Woman of Faith by Karen Agreda – Cabunilas

It was an ordinary Wednesday night and I have a new book in the mail. Being the typical me, I excitedly opened the package to check. I planned to just browse through the pages quickly however, I really had no intention to read that night as I was so busy with tasks.

Little did I know I couldn't put down the book and finished reading it in one sitting. 

Woman of Faith is not your typical inspirational book but rather it is a genuine testimony of a strong and faithful woman who went through a lot of challenges and hardships, how she and her family were able to hold on to their faith to withstand all the trials and enjoy the blessings they have received today. 

One thing that is unique about this book is that it has a lot of bible verses. The author responded to their life's trials with prayer and unwavering faith. She generously shared her favorite bible verses and how God's words have given them strength all throughout the years. 

What I love about the book? It is such an easy read as if you are just talking to a friend. Her story is not something that is too good to be true but rather it is something genuine. Many of the author's life experiences are relatable one way or another. As a reader, you will laugh and cry as you read. 

Through this book, Author Karen Agreda - Cabunilas shared the gift of hope to the world. The book also celebrates family, friendship, love, and God's miracles -- everything that makes life worth living for. 

Thus, if you are someone who’s going through a difficult time right now, this book is for you. 

If you are someone who has big dreams but thinks that it is impossible, this book is for you.

About the Author

Karen Agreda - Cabunilas is a woman who strived hard to achieve her dreams. She started from scratch and all she had in hand was her faith. From being an online seller, she is now the owner and CEO of her own company, JKAR Realty, and Consultancy. Her husband, on the other hand, owns and manages his growing construction company and handles several branches of their hardware supplies store. To date, they own several businesses and properties that they did not even imagine having. From nothing, they are now enjoying all their answered prayers with faith in their hearts. 

Through this book, the author wants to share what our faith can do. 

She is also the author behind the blog, Karenspirations. 

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Title: Woman of Faith
Author: Karen Agreda-Cabunilas
Publisher: Central Book Supply, Inc.
ISBN: 978-621-02-1208-2
No. of Pages: 119
Size: 6 x 9 inches
Edition: 2020
Binding: Softbound

You may order your copy through Central Books

Book Review: Sunsets are Sonnets and Other Poems by Alvin B. Cruz

Have you experienced feeling empty, but you don't know what you are missing?

Was there a time that you feel down and alone but can't properly explain what is happening?

Are you someone who is silently grieving and lost?

This book, Sunsets are Sonnets and Other Poems will help you find the right words to express how you feel. The book features 30 poems – old and new that talk about the 3L's: life, love, and loss.

It was written by Alvin B. Cruz, a writer, professor, and communication consultant. He is an inveterate traveler and has lived and worked as an English teacher in the United States, Japan, and the Maldives. His earlier poems were published in The Philippine Graphic and more recently his poetry at Wales Haiku Journal.

Through the poems and the traditional Japanese haiku in the book, the author was able to paint a picture of the realities of life that teaches us a valuable lesson on dealing with loneliness and pain. Each poem is unique and rooted in different experiences of the author.

His haiku was beautifully written with illustrations that match perfectly, allowing the readers to enjoy the images described on each page. The use of the different elements of nature, allowed readers to realize that we are not alone with whatever problems we are dealing with right now that even our surroundings understand what we are going through. Just like one of my favorite lines and the title of the book “Sunsets are sonnets whose lines of light overshadow the hidden dangers that lurk in the deep recesses of this dark world.”

Overall, the book was an easy and light read with just over a hundred pages. This book is powerful and will bring out the deepest emotions within us through the author’s excellent wordplay and imagery.

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Title: Sunsets are Sonnets & Other Poems
Author: Alvin B. Cruz
Publisher: Central Book Supply, Inc.
ISBN: 978-621-02-1248-8
No. of Pages: 116
Size: 5 x 7 inches
Edition: 2020
Binding: Softbound

You may order your copy through Central Books

You can now apply for ISBN, ISSN and ISMN online (they're waiving the charges too!)

Are you an aspiring author? Do you need to apply for ISBN for your new book? Here's good news for you. 

In response to the pandemic, the National Library of the Philippines is now accepting online applications for ISBN, ISSN, and ISMN. 

All you need to do is send an email to isbn@nlp.gov.ph and issn@nlp.gov.ph. 

The requirements are still the same and you just have to send them in pdf format such as your DTI Certificate of Registration for Sole Proprietors or SEC Certificate for Corporations. 

The best part? They are also waiving the application fees. So, this will be FREE until further notice. 

The standard processing time is 2 days. Cutoff is 4PM. All applications accepted after the cutoff will be processed the next working day. 

Final copies of books, serials, and periodicals must be sent to the National Library of the Philippines via courier, after the issuance of the respective numbers. 

You may read more details, here. 

Book Feature: Dying to be me by Anita Moorjani

Have you read this book?

If you haven't, then I highly suggest that you do. It will allow you to see life from a different perspective. I have been trying to make this paradigm shift just a few weeks ago and I can feel the difference immediately. 

The book reminds us to take care of our well-being. To learn to appreciate life and being able to truly live. Every day, I try to teach myself to slow down and take time to appreciate my surroundings. Listening to the birds singing or stopping to smell the flowers may sound cliche but if you do, then you realize that you can actually find happiness there. 

It is about time that we stop being slaves of the material world. We are here to enjoy life itself. If you want to eat chocolate, go ahead. If you would like to sing, then do it. It is about we start to TRULY LIVE A

Just like Audrey Hepburn said, The most important thing is to enjoy your life - to be happy - it's all that matters. 

P.S. The book will make you understand the REAL REASON why people get sick.

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More about the book

In this truly inspirational memoir, Anita Moorjani relates how, after fighting cancer for almost four years, her body began shutting down—overwhelmed by the malignant cells spreading throughout her system. As her organs failed, she entered into an extraordinary near-death experience where she realized her inherent worth . . . and the actual cause of her disease. Upon regaining consciousness, Anita found that her condition had improved so rapidly that she was released from the hospital within weeks—without a trace of cancer in her body! 

Within these pages, Anita recounts stories of her childhood in Hong Kong, her challenge to establish her career and find true love, as well as how she eventually ended up in that hospital bed where she defied all medical knowledge. As part of a traditional Hindu family residing in largely Chinese and British society, Anita had been pushed and pulled by cultural and religious customs since she was a little girl. 

After years of struggling to forge her own path while trying to meet everyone else’s expectations, she had the realization, as a result of her epiphany on the other side, that she had the power to heal herself . . . and that there are miracles in the Universe that she’d never even imagined. In Dying to Be Me, Anita freely shares all she has learned about illness, healing, fear, "being love," and the true magnificence of each and every human being! This is a book that definitely makes the case that we are spiritual beings having a human experience . . . and that we are all One!

Book Review: Break Free by Don Soriano

2017 is a promising year for me. I have claimed that it is going to be a great year to start building our dreams and working on our life goals. Goals which included career growth, passion projects, addressing business needs, family plans and most importantly personal growth and development. 

Our goal is not really about getting filthy rich but it's about living comfortably, having genuine peace of mind and breaking free from the financial worries. In 2016, I learned the having a proper mindset is the key to a successful life. Thus, I have committed to invest in myself more by following inspirational people and reading self-help books. 

Break Free by Don Soriano

I was fortunate enough to get a copy of Don Soriano's book, Break Free. It talks about the principles to get from employee to employer in 3 years or less. I said to myself, "This is perfect. Just what I exactly needed." 

Readers are expected to read the book in 1 hour though was able to finish it in 45 minutes (Yes, I timed it. + you wouldn't want to stop reading it until you finish the book.)  

Though it's a quick read, the book provides very helpful and practical tips. It is very straightforward making it a perfect gift to stubborn and lazy readers. 

The book is not only about giving you tips on what to do but it also makes you think and realize your current situation, unacceptable excuses while inspiring you that you can still change your life and break free. (So, yes if you are stubborn and full of excuses, then this book would talk some sense into you.) 

I believe that everyone should read this. We should all realize the value of financial education and proper money management. 

Don Soriano's Break Free will teach you:

• Why you should not quit your job now? 
• What is the key to happiness? 
• How can you learn and grow more?
• How will your environment affect your success in life?
• And a lot more 

Currently, they are not yet available in major bookstores but you can order it online at www.facebook.com/iamdonsoriano for only Php 300.

About Don Soriano

If you are wondering, Don Soriano is a successful businessman who is a part owner of a branch of an international restaurant franchise and the franchisee of several Mr. Softy Ice Cream food carts. He is also a trainer and speaker who empowers people in business, personal finance, investments, and leadership. 

Visit www.donsoriano.ph/donspeaks if you would like to invite him as speaker in your future events. 

Book Review: Mommy Loves You Just The Same by Teresa Dumadag

Have you ever heard stories about older kids wishing that their new baby brother or sister be back in their mother's womb?

Well, I have and it happened within my own family. I am the youngest of the 3 siblings and with a 6 and 8-year gap. They said that my brother was a bit jealous and wants to stay as the "baby" in the family even though he is already 6 years old. He kept on bugging my mom to put me back where I can from. Well, it's funny but true.

So when I found this upcoming children's book by Teresa G. Dumadag entitled Mommy Loves Me Just The Same, it reminded me of that story. The book was written while she was pregnant with her 3rd child to help inspire moms to breastfeed continuously (tandem feed if needed) and to involve the older kids in caring for their younger sibling. The book provides ideas for older siblings on how they can bond with the coming baby even while still in their mother’s womb and what they can do to help when the baby arrives. It's also a great tool that moms can use to assure their older children that their love for them remains the same even with an additional child in the family.

I believe that this can benefit other moms and families. It is highly recommended for moms who are expecting another child or who gave birth to another child not so long ago. It will help moms assure their older kids that their love for them remains the same even with the coming of another baby. It also provides ideas on how the older sibling can help prepare for the baby's coming and take care of the baby when the baby arrives.

It is a good read for both moms and older children. The message has been captured in a simple yet meaningful approach that was brought to life through the beautiful illustrations by Jia Rubio- Monserrat.

Book Review: Innocence in Time by Chai Galapon

Innocence in Time is a modern tale that gave a refreshing twist to our favorite Disney fairy tales. The book is written by the Filipino Author Chai C. Galapon.

It is a wonderful read for all ages as the story is full of life lessons and surprises. It is highly recommended that readers are familiar with the stories of Cinderella, Snow White, and Beauty, and the Beast. 

For someone who practically grew up watching and reading these fairy tale stories, this book has definitely provided me some sort of "closure" far from the typical fairy tale ending of "They lived happily ever after." 

About the Book:

When the 12 princes from different fairy tale kingdoms were captured by the evil witch, everything in mankind's history changes. Only one person could bring back all that's been taken. Will Tatiana Rose be able to save us from the evil witch's wrath? How and why would she do that and risks everything that's important to her?

For more information or if you would like to order this book: 

Please check their Facebook page: Innocence in Time