Chanticleer Book Reviews

Tag: Spirituality

A VOICE From HEAVEN by Alexander V. Girman & Cynthia J. Girman – Spirituality, Overcoming Grief, Addiction/Recovery

Cynthia J. Girman shares transcendental conversations with A Voice from Heaven – her son Alec, who had tragically passed away a few months before.

During his life, Alec struggled with ADHD & Asperger’s (his preferred term). Social awkwardness made it difficult for him to connect with other people – a heavy emotional weight from which he fled through substance abuse. Though he supported himself with work as a programmer, fitting his special interests in computers and mathematics, he lived alone in DC and tried to hide his addiction from his family.

Cindy and Tom tried tirelessly to help their son. Through rehab centers and sobriety coaches, Alec began making gradual improvements, even as the COVID-19 pandemic pushed him into deeper feelings of isolation. But treating addiction isn’t a fair fight, especially with the ability of opioids to rewire the brain; Cindy and Tom’s greatest fear was realized when Alec used kratom without understanding the toxicity of its alkaloid components.

In the depths of grief after Alec’s passing, Cindy and Tom found hope in meetings with three mediums. These mediums channeled Alec and other lost loved ones, promising that Alec was at peace. Beyond that awakened hope, though, Cindy began to experience her own connections to the other side, until Alec’s spirit reached out directly to tell her of what he’d learned since his physical death.

Cindy allowed Alec’s spirit to work through her hands as she wrote this book, revealing the nature of the human soul.

Mortal life is a lesson that the soul wants to learn. One sliver of a full human spirit inhabits a body on Earth, unaware of its true self, so that the difficulties and choices of this life will teach it an important lesson. Each soul seeks to understand the same thing: how to become a being of love.

But the afterlife offers much learning of its own. Alec delves deeply into the mysteries of the universe, in a way that mortal humans never could, and even takes on the role of a teacher to other spirits. These roles and details of the afterlife are explained in great detail, and while the book repeats these details more often than it should, they’re nevertheless interesting to consider.

Between these explanations of the world beyond death, A Voice from Heaven threads wondrous imagery and comforting possibilities.

There is beauty that no mortal eye has seen, colors beyond physical vision, the playful music of other spirits, and even great cosmic wonders. Author Cynthia translates these otherworldly senses into evocative prose, giving readers a glimpse of the other side.

All this joy and bliss of the spiritual realm is shared with loved ones and friends – both from one’s latest life and those before. Alec connects with the family he knew and ancestors he never could have, even finding dear pets waiting for him. But as wonderful as this realm is, Alec insists that mortal life has purpose and beauty as well and that one should embrace it entirely.

Pursuing her own purpose, Cynthia J. Girman researches the development of treatments for Substance Use Disorder.

She explains promising technology to the reader – transcranial magnetic stimulation (TEMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) – which could become invaluable in undoing the brain chemistry alterations of addiction. Her drive to make a difference for people who struggle as Alec did is inspiring, and grounds this book’s ideas of prioritizing love in one’s life.

Though a spiritual guide, Alec maintains a sense of humanity throughout these conversations.

Alec’s mortal struggles are easy to empathize with, especially for neurodivergent people. For such readers, and any who have faced addiction in themselves or their loved ones, Alec’s words offer a sense of resilience and understanding. On the other side, he recognizes his mistakes but also works to forgive himself for them, as all souls must do. This personal connection gives a real emotional weight to A Voice from Heaven’s image of the afterlife.

This book seeks to give peace to those readers reeling from loss, hope that such loss is not forever, and the message that one should embrace their passion and let go of their fears.

October 18, 2023
THIS TOO SHALL PASS by David Yuen – Poetry, Inspirational, Spirituality

Poet and philosopher David Yuen shares observations on the human experience, showing how the gifts of life outweigh its pains, though not without a thought-invoking skirmish between the two.

Covid-19 provoked Yuen to compose some poems fixed on the unique moments of the pandemic. One fascinating segment centers on a trip the author undertook to Ireland. It was a typical sort of tour, including a visit to the Blarney Castle, with the opportunity, which Yeun declined, to kiss the renowned Blarney Stone. Yet, he joined in the placing of stones, assisting a couple with one of the many stones they set around the world in memory of their departed son. Sharing in that small ritual was a high point of the journey, contrasting a low point as he scored positive on a Covid test and had to remain in Ireland for many days.

Though at the time it seemed tedious, Yuen reminded himself of how often he wished for simple solitude in his busy life, and how fortunate he was to isolate in such desirable surroundings.

Similar thoughts, rooted in a Christian perspective, occur to Yuen as he reads about the Russian attack on Ukraine, and the many implications of that war.

In all situations, ranging from such issues as Roe vs. Wade, personal stresses like a horrific accident narrowly averted while driving to work, or a rather amusing argument with his morning coffee, Yuen maintains a positive stance. He believes that God wants humans to face tragedies, wars, and personal vulnerabilities with resolve, as Jesus invited us to count our blessings and feel secure that we are, in fact, “lavishly loved.”

Yuen, a second-generation Chinese American, has developed the enviable ability to explore thorny issues and painful subject matter while maintaining an upbeat, spiritual viewpoint.

His descriptions of his inner thought processes – energetic, entertaining, and credible – will remind readers of their own sometimes-conflicted ways of chewing on problems. Despite the inner turmoil, Yuen keeps a positive light at the end of even the darkest tunnels. His well-considered outlook, encapsulated in the title This Too Shall Pass, should be welcomed by anyone trying to approach time-worn trials or embrace the challenge of new ones.

June 26, 2023
ENLIGHTEN UP! Finding Clarity Contentment and Resilience in a Complicated World by Beth Gibbs – Personal Transformation, Meditation, Spiritual Growth

Beth Gibb’s Enlighten Up! Finding Clarity Contentment and Resilience in A Complicated World is not a simple how-to book, but rather an invitation to begin a journey of self-discovery.

This journey follows the “five-layer method,” based on the Upanishads, a 3,000-year-old East-Indian wisdom tradition. After a quick history lesson on the pursuit of self-awareness, Gibbs walks readers through the five layers of achieving it, for a happy and fulfilling life. Throughout the book, Gibbs includes breaks for mindfulness and grounding exercises to get the most out of each section.

Gibbs writes about the assumption that the goal of enlightenment is to, “suppress or eliminate their emotions, live everlasting bliss, and face every situation with equanimity,” and how that assumption is unrealistic.

She sees a better understanding of self as a way to improve many aspects of one’s life. Following her advice won’t create a drastic overnight transformation, but it involves a lot of reflection and hard work to make these changes last. It’s clear that the benefits of developing better self-awareness are more than worth the effort as they can lead to better lifestyle choices, reduced stress, and strengthened relationships, all of which contribute to personal happiness. At the end of the day, many people wish most of all for happiness for themselves and those they love.

Beth Gibbs does a wonderful job blending her explanations of Eastern wisdom traditions with Western beliefs and scientific thought.

Before Enlighten Up! Readers may not have heard of the Upanishads, but Gibbs’s down-to-earth writing style makes it easy to understand and think about the culture and purpose of enlightenment and meditation. For instance, she refutes the idea that practicing enlightenment is to suppress or eliminate emotions and live in everlasting bliss. Gibbs dives deeply into these ideas, such as exploring the distinction between our emotions and our feelings.

Within each section, Gibbs writes about her own journey of enlightening up and how it is about, “feeling, being, and acting authentically.” From Enlighten Up! readers will learn how to feel 100% authentic and comfortable in their skin by working through the layers of awareness, aided by the offer of breathing and calming exercises.

Enlighten Up! Finding Clarity Contentment and Resilience in a Complicated World is a must-read for those wanting more peace of mind in their loud and busy lives.

Enlighten Up! by Beth Gibbs won Grand Prize in the 2021 CIBA Mind & Spirit Awards for Spirituality and Enlightenment Non-Fiction.

June 7, 2023
EXITS by Stephen C. Pollock – Poetry, Nature, Spirituality

Exits by Stephen C. Pollock embodies the malleable nature of poetry, balancing the reflective, spiritual, personal, and primal. It changes from rhyme to free verse, even within one poem, and shares thoughtful observations.

Some poems ask the reader to reflect on nature and human reactions to it. Arachnidæa: Line Drawings blends rhyme, stanza lengths, and free verse with the brutal truth of damaging trespasses that humans have taken into the natural world. Metamorphosis continues this theme as it shows the beautiful cycle of life from bloom to decay, and it challenges us to consider how our human intervention can render that cycle barren.

“The butterfly bush on our berm… grew to resemble some great green sphere / whose blooms and perfume intoxicate the senses / of black-veined yellow swallowtails….But in May — Roaches! Panic! Pesticide spray / for the house…Now the butterflies are gone… It’s a shame to be sure, and surely no one’s to blame, / though our berm, and world, will never be quite the same.”

Many of these poems reveal a darker side to nature, a struggle with health issues that can consume a person.

Syringe references the chaste nymph Syrinx of Greek myth who was turned into hollow reeds, and the poem itself juxtaposes pastoral images of a serene pond and horsetails with the experience of living with multiple sclerosis, creating a powerful visual lyric.

Spine of Dorian Gray alludes to the decaying of Dorian’s portrait in his attic, tied to the destruction of the speaker’s spine as the disease progresses. Nasal Biopsy compares the terrifying procedure that will reveal a possible cancer diagnosis with a spiritual experience of the sacrament and poses questions of faith in the face of nature.

Exits offers a unique and thematically rich collection of poetry, and each reading reveals more insights for the reader to contemplate.

February 1, 2023
THE SPIRITUAL FOREST: Timeless Jewish Wisdom for a Healthier Planet and a Richer Spiritual Life by Andy Becker – Gardening, Ecological Protection, Spiritual Philosophy

Andy Becker, a small-town lawyer in Washington State, found solace from the demands of his career through the joys of gardening, the forests of the Pacific Northwest, and the spirituality of Judaism. He shares this sensibility in The Spiritual Forest

In this sequel to The Spiritual Gardener, Becker delivers a quiet, meditative offering that showcases the special connection between ancient Biblical values and the modern concepts of environmentalism.

The narrative is both informative and thought-provoking. To show the connection between our spirituality and the sacredness of our planet Becker uses questions for the reader as a guide, provides resources to take action in protecting natural treasures, and encourages us to share this knowledge with future generations. In a nod to Dr. Seuss’ cautionary tale, The Lorax, Becker stresses the importance of teaching youngsters about a love and respect for the Earth.

While Jewish traditions teach that we must care for the Earth to preserve what God created, and the great Chasidic Masters often wrote of their connection to the forest and their love of trees, Becker is quick to point out that this reverence is not restricted to any one religion or culture.

When a forest is artfully likened to “the greatest synagogue God ever created,” it could just as well be a cathedral. Here he ethereally describes a walk through a grove of old sequoias, their beauty lending a palpable divinity amidst the softness of the forest floor and the shafts of light streaming down.

In veneration of the author’s Northwestern home state and its far-reaching apple industry, Becker appropriately focuses on the popularity and historical relevance of the “King of all fruits.” In equal fairness, he references the significance of all blooming fruit trees and their embodying principle of shared beauty and bounty.

Within this slim volume, each of the 18 chapters opens with a relatable and provocative quote ranging from the philosophical words of religious leaders and environmentalists, to those of entertainment moguls, or the simple, yet profound Joyce Kilmer musings that declare, “I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as a tree.” This wide array of voices helps to broaden Becker’s intentions.

Captivating black & white photographs help introduce each new topic and illustrate in particular the solemn beauty of trees within their natural landscape.

The images of trees range from a giant entity that extends upwards and out of the roof of a ruin at Angkor Wat, intertwined with its anchoring roots, to a favorite family catalpa tree known to drop its jasmine-scented blossoms like summer snow. Each selection, whether a burned-out forest, a close-up of budding fruit, or a high-angle tree canopy provides a noteworthy accompaniment to Becker’s pondering revelations.

In his effort to raise awareness about religious thought and the ethereal divinity of our planet, Becker provides an even balance in speaking to our hearts and minds while keeping our souls and spirits rooted.

A compact, contemplative companion, The Spiritual Forest highlights a gentle yet knowledgeable perspective on blending pious thought and the need to save our natural environment. A powerful book for nature lovers and faithful believers.

September 30, 2022
INNER TREK: A Reluctant Pilgrim in the Himalayas by Mohan Ranga Rao – Travelogue, Personal Transformation, Spirituality

A disinclined traveler journeys into the heartland of the revered Mount Kalash Parikarma in Tibet. Inner Trek by Mohan Ranga Rao follows a voyage that culminates in self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment.

Mohan Ranga Rao, a retired Indian businessman, finds himself between a rock and a hard place when a ruthless Bangalore mob boss threatens him to sell his land at a throwaway price. The situation escalates when he discovers that his trusted lawyer has joined forces with the enemy. He can only turn to his wife for solace.

With nothing for him to do about his land, Rao vows to trek around Mount Kailash, a holy Tibetan Mountain. This travel memoir traces his and his wife’s journey to the deified Himalayas, the land of Lord Shiva. Rao shares intimate details of his experience, including the spiritual transformation that he went through during his challenging high-altitude trek.

Like a medieval troubadour, the author writes with keen precision and finesse.

Deriving his inspiration to visit the holy mountain from his wife Mamatha, Rao is candid in spelling out the reasons why he was initially reluctant towards prayers and their healing power. In tandem, he deftly careens through the emotions he experienced upon catching sight of the mountain along with the noteworthy aspects of the journey. This swiftly culminates into a very colorful and informative insight.

Further, Rao examines what it is about Mount Kalash that has compelled so many people to take the plunge. He studies why travelers would willingly put themselves through such risk and adversity for the pilgrimage to Tibet. He does not shy away from sharing the sacrifices that they made – financially, emotionally, or otherwise, but does it in a witty and heartening tone. The chapters are a refreshing respite from the monotony of daily routine that at times threatens to envelop us.

Written with emotional lucidity and propped up by his relaxed aura of reporting, Rao’s eyewitness account of the arduous journey is an outstanding win.

Buoyed with remarkable photography, each picture tells a story of its own. This makes Inner Trek: A Reluctant Pilgrim in the Himalayas a captivating read for both ardent and armchair travelers. Rao shares his indelible account and experiences in a riveting manner that pulls the reader into these mountains.

Every line in this travelogue runs truer than any ornate prose could, creating a well-layered and tightly braided portrait. Some illustrations invite the reader to laugh, apprise, and reflect, while others spur the urge to travel. Far more than an adventure tale, Inner Trek by Mohan Ranga Rao deftly balances escapist entertainment with wisdom as it morphs into a spiritual lesson about human life and the importance of staying true to one’s faith.

September 12, 2022
SPIRIT of the RABBIT PLACE (Choestoe Book 3) by J.R. Collins – Native American Literature, American Western Fiction, Historical Action & Adventure

When gold miners discover Choestoe Valley, Jebediah Collins must fight for his family – whether blood-related or not – in J.R. Collins’ historical adventure, Spirit of the Rabbit Place

Fourteen-year-old Jebediah Collins lives in paradise, also known as Choestoe Valley, or to the Cherokee as the “land where the rabbits dance.” The Collins consider Dancing Bear, a Cherokee elder, and his relatives as family. They share with and help each other in good times and bad.

When Jeb’s grandfather settled in the valley after immigrating from Ireland, he quickly learned the benefits of befriending the Native Americans living in the area. Now Jeb’s father, Thompie, gives freely of his farm’s bounty to the Cherokee, who help work the land and teach the Collins how to survive in this beautiful but deadly landscape. Cain, Jeb’s older brother even marries Rose, Dancing Bear’s daughter, and becomes a full-fledged Cherokee warrior in his own right. Dancing Bear symbolically adopts Jeb, who shares an age with his own son, Wolf. Jebediah and Wolf become blood brothers, learning to be Cherokee warriors together and taking on any and every adventure that comes their way.

Their adventures take a darker turn with the arrival of gold miners to their sacred valley.

These unscrupulous men threaten their very way of life. The ruthless miners capture Wolf and force him into slavery, pushing Jeb to risk himself for the chance to rescue his friend.

The third novel in the Choestoe series builds on a theme of unity. Jeb’s family and nearly all of the settlers in the valley honor and respect the Cherokee who inhabited this area long before the settlers arrived. From plowing fields to hunting game, the Collins family and Dancing Bear’s clan work seamlessly, easily with each other. Under the age-old adage, “treat folks how you want to be treated,” Jeb understands that what he does and says will be returned to him tenfold. Though the white man’s greed threatens to change his home forever, he would never make an enemy of the Cherokee, a people so much more knowledgeable than his own. He trusts implicitly and without question, and with that comes the need to protect and love his family.

The people of Choestoe take responsibility for one another.

Their hearts beat as one; their minds think as one. When any neighbor needs help, neither the settlers nor their Cherokee brethren forsake them, chasing down murderous outlaws and helping free slaves. More people than just Jeb’s family show this amazing generosity of spirit. Throughout the valley, families return in kind the goodness shown to them. Mrs. England, for example, takes in orphaned children, especially those with disabilities and special needs.

The settlers not only want to fight for their way of life, but also for the ancient ways of their Cherokee neighbors, who the gold seekers and US government treat more cruelly every day. This community defines the emotional journey of Spirit of the Rabbit Place.

Spiritualism plays an important role as well, with a mixture of and deep respect for Cherokee and Christian beliefs.

Jeb’s faith often brings him comfort and strength, and many times, the Cherokee turn to prayer for direction and guidance on huge decisions. Though he fears evil when he comes face-to-face with it, Jeb knows the Great Creator protects him and finds solace in the idea that no evil can hurt someone who is protected by the Peace of Jesus. All of the Cherokee warriors repeatedly assure Jeb, whose Cherokee name is Spirit Filled One, that he should trust in and heed the voice of the Spirit that comes to him; that very faith not only saves him and George Black Oak, Wolf’s blood uncle, but also shows them some much-needed information in the midst of an important emotional struggle. This faith shines through in Jeb’s loving nature and brings light to all those around him.

Spirit of the Rabbit Place (Choestoe Book 3) by J.R. Collins won 1st place in the 2019 CIBA Laramie Book Awards for Western and Americana fiction.

Click on these titles to read our reviews of the first two books in this powerful series, The Boy Who Danced with Rabbits and Living Where the Rabbits Dance.

November 23, 2021
MIND & SPIRIT Book Awards for Spirituality & Enlightenment Non-Fiction 2020 CIBA Award Winners
Congratulations to the First Place Category Winners and the Grand Prize winner of the MIND & SPIRIT Book Awards for the genre of Enlightenment and Spirituality Non-Fiction. The Mind & Spirit Book Awards is a genre division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards (The CIBAs).

Chanticleer International Book Awards is looking for the best books featuring enlightenment, motivational/self-help, spirituality, mindfulness, well-being, meditation, and energy. These books have advanced to the Premier Level of Achievement in the 2020 CIBAs.

We also are now offering the following CIBA Non-Fiction Divisions:
- The Journey Awards for Narrative Nonfiction
- The Mind & Spirit Book Awards for Mindfulness and Well-being
- The Nellie Bly Book Awards for Investigative and Long-Form Journalism
- The I & I Book Awards for Insight and Instruction for How-To, Guide Books, Self-Help, Cook Books, etc.
- The Harvey Chute Book Awards for Business, Finance, and Enterprise
- The Hearten Book Awards for Uplifting and Inspiring
New in 2021 will be the Military Veterans and First Responders Non-Fiction works.

The 2020 MIND & SPIRIT Book Awards First Place Category Winners and the MIND & SPIRIT Grand Prize Winner were announced by Sara Stamey on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at the Hotel Bellwether and broadcast via ZOOM webinar and Facebook Live.

It is our privilege and profound honor to announce the 1st in Category winners of the 2020 MIND & SPIRIT Awards, a division of the 2020 CIBAs.

This is the OFFICIAL 2020 LIST of the MIND & SPIRIT BOOK AWARDS First Place Category Winners and the MIND & SPIRIT Grand Prize Winner.

Congratulations to all!

Congratulations to the 2020 1st Place Winners in the MIND & SPIRIT Book Awards!
- Cindy Rasicot – Finding Venerable Mother: A Daughter’s Spiritual Quest to Thailand
- Nancy Pickard – Bigger Better Braver
- Dr. Donna Marks – Exit the Maze: One Addiction, One Cause, One Cure
- Jennie Lee – Spark Change: 108 Provocative Questions for Spiritual Evolution
- Marianne Ingheim – Out of Love: Finding Your Way Back to Self-Compassion
- Jill Sherer Murray – Big Wild Love: The Unstoppable Power of Letting Go
The Grand Prize Winner for the CIBA 2020 Mind & Spirit Awards is:

Dr. Donna Marks for

Exit the Maze: One Addiction, One Cause, One Cure

This is the first awarding for a Grand Prize in the MIND & SPIRIT Division

The 2021 MIND & SPIRIT Book Awards winners will be announced at CAC22 on April 10, 2022. Save the date for CAC22, scheduled April 7-10, 2022, our 10 year Conference Anniversary!

Submissions for the 2021 MIND & SPIRIT Book Awards are open until the end of November. Enter here!

Don’t delay! Enter today!

A Note to ALL the WINNERS: The coveted CIBA Blue Ribbons will be mailed out starting in July. We will contact you with an email to verify your mailing address and other items. We thank you for your patience and understanding.
June 18, 2021
The 2020 Finalists for the MIND & SPIRIT Book Awards for Spirituality and Enlightenment Non-fiction CIBAs
The MIND & SPIRIT Book Awards recognize emerging talent and outstanding works in the genre of Enlightenment and Self-help Non-fiction. The Mind & Body Book Awards is a genre division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards (The CIBAs).

Chanticleer International Book Awards is looking for the best books featuring enlightenment, motivational/self-help, spirituality, mindfulness, well-being, meditation, and energy. These books have advanced to the Premier Level of Achievement in the 2020 CIBAs.

These titles have moved forward in the judging rounds from the 2020 SHORT LIST to the SEMI-FINALIST POSITION and have now progressed to the 2020 FINALISTS.

The following works have advanced to the 2020 Finalists in Mind & Spirit Book Awards for Spirituality and Enlightenment Non-fiction
- Nina Nordstrom – Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall . . . Where Does My Self-Love Fall? A Journey Through Toxic Relationships
- Krista Nerestant – Indestructible: The Hidden Gifts of Trauma
- Cindy Rasicot – Finding Venerable Mother: A Daughter’s Spiritual Quest to Thailand
- Nancy Pickard – Bigger Better Braver
- Dr. Donna Marks – Exit the Maze: One Addiction, One Cause, One Cure
- Jennifer Ankele – Death Less: A Guide Through Grief
- Jennie Lee – Spark Change: 108 Provocative Questions for Spiritual Evolution
- Krista Nerestant – Indestructible: The Hidden Gifts of Trauma
- Nina Norstrom – Not a Blueprint It’s the Shoe Prints that Matter
- Mendek Rubin & Myra Goodman – Quest for Eternal Sunshine
- Thomas Wise – Why Can’t We Trust God?
- Tracee Dunblazier – Heal Your Soul History- Activate the True Power of Your Shadow
- Marianne Ingheim – Out of Love: Finding Your Way Back to Self-Compassion
- Jill Sherer Murray – Big Wild Love: The Unstoppable Power of Letting Go
These titles are in the running for the First Place Winners of the 2020 Mind & Spirit Book Awards for Spirituality and Enlightenment Non-fiction.

Which of these works will move forward in the judging rounds for the 2020 Mind & Spirit Book Awards for Spirituality and Enlightenment Non-fiction?

Good luck to all as your works move on to the next rounds of judging.

The First Place Category Winners, along with the CIBA Division Grand Prize winners, will be selected from the 23 CIBA divisions Finalists. We will announce the 1st Place Category Winners and Grand Prize Division Winners the CIBAs Ceremonies June 5th, 2021 virtually (Free) and LIVE at the luxurious Hotel Bellwether in Bellingham, Wash.

Register today!

We are now accepting submissions into the 2021 Mind & Spirit Book Awards. The deadline for submissions is November 30th, 2021. The winners will be announced in April 2022.

Please click here for more information.

Don’t Delay! Enter Today!

As always, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, concerns, or suggestions at Info@ChantiReviews.com.
May 11, 2021
The 2020 MIND & SPIRIT Book Awards for Spirituality and Enlightenment Non-fiction – the Semi-Finalists for the MIND & SPIRIT Division of the 2020 CIBAs
The MIND & SPIRIT Book Awards recognize emerging talent and outstanding works in the genre of Enlightenment and Self-help Non-fiction. The Mind & Body Book Awards is a genre division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards (The CIBAs).

Chanticleer International Book Awards is looking for the best books featuring enlightenment, motivational/self-help, spirituality, mindfulness, well-being, meditation, and energy. These books have advanced to the next judging rounds. The best will advance.

These titles have moved forward in the judging rounds from the 2020 Journey Book Awards LONG LIST to the 2020 SHORT LIST and now have progressed to the 2020 SEMI-FINALISTS. The Semi-Finalists’ works will compete for the Finalists positions.

FINALISTS will be announced at VCAC 21, April 21 – 24, 2021.

The 22 divisions of the 2020 CIBAs’ Grand Prize Winners and the Five First Place Category Position award winners will be announced on June 6, 2021 at the Chanticleer International Book Awards Annual Awards Ceremony that will be held in virtually (FREE) and LIVE in Bellingham, Wash.

The following works have advanced to the 2020 Semi-Finalists in the Mind & Spirit Book Awards for Spirituality and Enlightenment Non-fiction
- Nina Nordstrom – Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall . . . Where Does My Self-Love Fall? A Journey Through Toxic Relationships
- Cindy Rasicot – Finding Venerable Mother: A Daughter’s Spiritual Quest to Thailand
- Nancy Pickard – Bigger Better Braver
- Cathy Lynn Gregory – Into the Garden: Lessons on a Spiritual Journey
- Dr. Donna Marks – Exit the Maze: One Addiction, One Cause, One Cure
- Jennifer Ankele – Death Less: A Guide Through Grief
- Andy Chaleff – The Wounded Healer – A journey in radical self-love
- Jennie Lee – Spark Change: 108 Provocative Questions for Spiritual Evolution
- Krista Nerestant – Indestructible: The Hidden Gifts of Trauma
- Nina Norstrom – Not a Blueprint It’s the Shoe Prints that Matter
- Esta G. Bernstein – Changing Horses
- Mendek Rubin & Myra Goodman – Quest for Eternal Sunshine
- Cindy Rasicot – Finding Venerable Mother: A Daughter’s Spiritual Quest to Thailand
- Phoebe Walker – My Freedom Central
- Thomas Wise – Why Can’t We Trust God?
- Tracee Dunblazier – Heal Your Soul History- Activate the True Power of Your Shadow
- Tracee Dunblazier – Master Your Inner World- Embrace Your Power with Joy
- Paula Forget – Guided to the Higher Realms: a Personal Journey of Ascension through Meditation
- Marianne Ingheim – Out of Love: Finding Your Way Back to Self-Compassion
- Jill Sherer Murray – Big Wild Love: The Unstoppable Power of Letting Go
These titles are in the running for the Finalists of the 2020 Mind & Spirit Book Awards for Spirituality and Enlightenment Non-fiction.

Which of these works will move forward in the judging rounds for the 2020 Mind & Spirit Book Awards for Spirituality and Enlightenment Non-fiction?

Good luck to all as your works move on to the next rounds of judging.

The Semi-Finalists’ works will compete for the First Place Winner positions, and then all will be recognized in the evenings at VCAC21 April 22-24th from 6-8 p.m. PST.

The First Place Category Winners, along with the CIBA Division Grand Prize winners, will be selected from the 23 CIBA divisions Finalists. We will announce the 1st Place Category Winners and Grand Prize Division Winners the CIBAs Ceremonies June 5th, 2021 virtually (Free) and LIVE at the luxurious Hotel Bellwether in Bellingham, Wash.

Register today!

We are now accepting submissions into the 2021 Mind & Spirit Book Awards. The deadline for submissions is November 30th, 2020. The winners will be announced in April 2022.

Please click here for more information.

Don’t Delay! Enter Today!

As always, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, concerns, or suggestions at Info@ChantiReviews.com.
April 14, 2021