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The Letter Carrier by L.C. Lewis – Review by Jamie Burns

The Letter Carrier by Laurie L.C. Lewis is an amazing historical fiction book. Historical fiction is not in my top five favorite genres, BUT let me tell you, I LOVED this book! Lewis did an amazing job collecting background information for over three years, she talked with Michelle Naget and studied french documents to fully immerse the reader in Michelle’s story. Michelle was not even twelve when Germany invaded her village and tore her world apart making her once peaceful life full of fear and hardships. Michelle and her family faced many challenges but never lost faith. Her steadfast faith inspires me and makes me want to try better with my own faith. I cannot praise this book enough! It is a must-read!

Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt – Review by jennifer reimer

Amaleigha and the Big IdeaAmaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an adorable little children’s book. I read it my children and they absolutely loved it. This is about a little girl who loves everything to do with the outdoors and nature. She comes up with an idea that she wants to share with the world. And with the help of friends and family to help with creating this idea she has. This little girl is smart, determined and won’t let anything stop her from doing what she wants to do. The pictures were very detailed and amazingly illustrated.

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Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt – Review by La Toya Lewis

Amaleigha and the Big IdeaAmaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amaeigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt is such a fun and inspirational book for children. Amaleigha is a 5-year-old girl that loves nature and loves to explore. She enlists the help of friends and family to share the things she loves with the rest of the world. This is such a sweet book with lessons for young and old. It shows how you can enjoy the things you love even if others don’t agree. I love that in a social media-filled world, this book shows how children can enjoy the great outdoors. Such a wonderful story.

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Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Tori Mitton

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55901876-practically-pagan—an-alternative-guide-to-magical-living” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1610442986l/55901876._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55901876-practically-pagan—an-alternative-guide-to-magical-living”>Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17535853.Maria_DeBlassie”>Maria DeBlassie</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5251733567″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Maria did a wonderful job with this book. I really enjoyed how she started the book, gave us background information on herself and her family. And as she guides you along the book, you get more information. Something’s I thought I knew but was way off and Maria really puts things into perspective. It definitely is worth the read.
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Amaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt – Review by Dahnielle Hibbert

Amaleigha Loves a Good StoryAmaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really like the Amaleigha stories. While I do not have little children I think these books would be enjoyed by children under the age of 9. In this story Amaleigha decides it is important that the school library doesn’t have enough books for non English speaking children and sets up a plan to get more books. Amaleigha is always helping others or making them feel better about themselves. Such a great way to show children how important it is to care for others.

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Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Jess Dimmock

Practically Pagan - An Alternative Guide to Magical LivingPractically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a great feel-good way to bring magic into your everyday life. It’s also a guide to simply find your way to bring yourself back to taking care of yourself in this world that has a tendency to suck the life right out of you. It isn’t a super hocus pocus flashy book about casting spells and cursing people. This is a book that is more about finding the magic that is all around us in the world and that anyone can harness. As a pagan myself I found it to be a beautiful reminder to slow down and really embrace the beautiful and magical world we live in.

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Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie – Review by April McCoy

Practically Pagan - An Alternative Guide to Magical LivingPractically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is unlike any book of this kind I have ever read! Wrapping self care with the mystical and magical was truly refreshing! I found this book real, manageable and easy to follow and felt like nothing I read was impossible! A great uplifting read and so well put together!

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Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Susan Ratchford

Practically Pagan - An Alternative Guide to Magical LivingPractically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Practically Pagan: An Alternative Guide To Magical Living
By: Maria DeBlassie
Review by: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars

I have been trying to focus more on self love recently and this was just the book I needed to read! I learned alot about myself and wholeheartedly agreed with everything DeBlassie writes about. This book is extremely motivational and uplifting with such a powerful message it brought tears to my eyes. This is not the first book I’ve read by DeBlassie, and I am in love with her tone, style and passion. She is wonderfully talented and has an almost ethereal way of writing. This book truly made me more self aware of things I’ve never given a second thought. I am going to take a lot of her advice to heart and “ Do one thing each day” that makes me happy and believe that it is OK to prioritize myself. Thank you so much Maria DeBlassie for telling me exactly what I needed to hear. I really think your book found me in a time where I thought I was lost. This book is a must read!

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Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Lucy Machard

Practically Pagan - An Alternative Guide to Magical LivingPractically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this book. One hundred percent, I recommend this to anyone trying to find their way back to internal happiness and internal peace. The tone of the book to me feels like a patient mother or teaching showing her daughters how to push back societal expectations of women to learn how to find what benefits happiness and peace. She talks about finding your inner Divine Feminine, as well as taking pleasure in simple things in the world, and decluttering your soul as well as your life. I don’t think I’ve highlighted a book so much. I know I’ll be getting a physical copy soon and re reading it over and over again, and trying my best to pull from it to let go of the things that hold me down. Every one should read this, even if you don’t believe in Paganism. There’s not a lot of theology or ideology in the book, it’s simply said, about living the best life you can in a world that doesn’t prioritize the individual or individual happiness.

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Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Darla Yocom

Practically Pagan - An Alternative Guide to Magical LivingPractically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed reading this book. I think anyone interested in the Pagan lifestyle, magic, or a new way of thinking about life will thoroughly enjoy this one.

You can immediately feel the energy and passion the author has when describing the many different topics covered in this book. I had a feeling as if a teacher was thoroughly explaining the subject to me in a way that I can easily comprehend the subject.

I look forward to learning more from the author.

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Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Practically Pagan - An Alternative Guide to Magical LivingPractically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first book by this author and while I am unfamiliar with her blog, I am now a huge fan! When I saw this book, I assumed it would be some silly book about how to conjure magic with hocus pocus, but I was pleasantly surprised that it was quite the opposite. I loved her explanations about how to find the everyday magic and how to change your thinking to find the beauty in the mundane. Her explanation of self-care and explaining it is a way to feel connect and to not feel guilty, really resonated with me. I found this to be a motivational and inspiring book to help find not only the magic in your everyday life, but to also find the beauty in it. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking to make a change in their lives.

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Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Jamie Truex

Practically Pagan - An Alternative Guide to Magical LivingPractically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have read many books by Maria DeBlassie and this one really spoke to me. It was nothing like I thought it was going to be, but was exactly I what I needed it to be. It felt like a self help type book that really makes you slow down and take care of yourself so you can see the magic in every day life. There are questions to reflect on and I’m really going to think about my answers to them. She was right when she said this book chose me. I’m glad I gave it a shot.

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Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras

Practically Pagan - An Alternative Guide to Magical LivingPractically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

From the title, I expected the book to be more centred on paganism and although there was not a focus on pagan practices this book did not disappoint.
I loved how the author is realistic in terms of acknowledging that change isn’t easy, whilst still being encouraging to those wishing to make such changes. I also enjoyed the style in which the book was written, it was very easy to absorb and didn’t feel too formal as other similar books have to me.
The addition of the author’s own experiences throughout the book made the guidance given more relatable and easier to understand. This went a long way in showing me how I could also be successful in making my desired changes.
Although the book references magic, you don’t have to believe in magic or be a practitioner to benefit from reading this book. It offers clear advice and strategies to appreciate the little things in life, take joy in what you do and making time for yourself.
Overall, I found this book enlightening and even though I’d heard similar advice (and given it to others) a million times, I had never fully appreciated the impact it could have or felt deserving of such self-care until reading the way it was instructed in this book.
The book was very motivational and I’ve already taken steps to make the recommended steps towards rediscovering what excites me in life and start looking after myself.

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Practically Pagan- An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie, Review by Darian Vester

Practically Pagan - An Alternative Guide to Magical LivingPractically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I’m going to start by saying this is an inspirational book not a book about paganism. In the beginning she states it’s not “hocus pocus it’s more like making soups.” Which sounds great but that’s all you get about paganism, nothing about herbs or crystals, which she mentions charging in the moon, but no other details. She also mentions the practice of saging but only if you’re not appropriating the culture. I wish she would have taken that opportunity to teach about smoke cleansing instead of making it about race. Near the end the author suggests using tarot cards but gives no information about using them. So, if you are wanting to learn about Paganism, look elsewhere.
Who would I recommend this book to? People looking for inspiration to change their life. People looking to switch up their routine. I felt this would be a great “new year” book since that is when people make their goals. This is a great book to motivate you to make some goals. Although the author repeats herself many times, (try keeping track of how often she says to drink tea before bed) she has some good points. She encourages self-care and learning how to say no when needed. I liked that she said it’s not easy; I also really enjoyed the questions she asks throughout book. Such as: “What negative patterns am I holding on to? What joys could I replace them with? What am I afraid to embrace?” I think they are great questions to ask yourself and to keep as a reminder throughout the year.

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Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Tanya Wall, January 2023

Practically Pagan - An Alternative Guide to Magical LivingPractically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Practically Pagan An Alternative Guide To Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie is a book I wouldn’t have thought to pick up and read – I’m not a practicing magic type of person. However, this book was quite surprising and I made tons of connections within it to my own life. A couple of quotes from the book that spoke to me: “Look for the beauty in the little things too often overlooked in our rush to get from one place to the next.” “The Divine Feminine is the nurturing and creative energy within all of us, regardless of our gener – she represents healthy sexuality and relationships…”
This book is about the five major parts of everyday magic… “radical self-care, routine as ritual, pleasure magic, synchronicity, and exploring the energies of the un/expected.” It talks about tuning into yourself and your connection withe universe instead of manipulating things to get desired outcomes… to trust the path you are on is the correct path. As an educator, wife, mother, woman, the idea of self care and self love is so important. So be okay to find the quiet time to focus and practice listening to your mind, body and spirit.

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Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Sara Grantham

Practically Pagan - An Alternative Guide to Magical LivingPractically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just finished this book… and I already want to read it again! The entire thing is magical. The way Maria DeBlassie writes is so beautiful, and so very relatable. I found myself in multiple passages throughout every page and every chapter. This book left me filled with hope and inspiration and a longing for more magic in my life – as well as ways to actually make that happen! I have already purchased two copies to give as gifts as well since it is THAT GOOD! Thank you for this beautiful work of art, Maria!

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Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Katie Turner

Practically Pagan - An Alternative Guide to Magical LivingPractically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Practically Pagan An Alternative Guide To Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie is a guide to help open your mind, body and spirit to allow more magic into all the crevices of everyday life, without the need of intricately worded spells and expensive tools, or anyone else’s permission. Maria has such a beautiful way with words that whether it is a personal guide such as this, or a fictional story, she manages to pull me deeply into her writing and by the end, I am always impacted in some way. In this guide, expect to find encouragement that it is ok and selfless to love yourself entirely, to say no, to carve out quiet time for yourself. I found myself feeling completely refreshed after reading this book- as if she helped me find the “reset” button I have so desperately been searching for. Even if you are not a practitioner of magic, there is still so much that can be harvested from within these pages.

Thank you to Maria DeBlassie for this book. I was searching for it and did not even know it.

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Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Deborah White

Practically Pagan - An Alternative Guide to Magical LivingPractically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a book I almost didn’t read, due to the title, but one of the reviews made me feel like I could benefit from reading this, and I’m glad that I did. This book despite the title is more about tapping into your mindset and routines and using that to create the life you want. I would recommend this book to anyone looking to change their life or wanting to add more magic to what can sometimes feel like a mundane existence. I would especially recommend this to people who feel oppressed as this book helps to give insight into the ways to break free of the oppression you feel and find empowerment in yourself and the world around you.

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Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie Reviewed by Jasmin Slagle

Practically Pagan - An Alternative Guide to Magical LivingPractically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great book if you are interested in a self-help type of magical learning. Very well written and very helpful.

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Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Codi Parham

Practically Pagan - An Alternative Guide to Magical LivingPractically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a wonderful book to start the new year off right, or to begin any new phase of life. Looking for Magic in everyday things is crucial for anyone. This book dives deeper and explores options for self-care, healthy routines, and living your ultimate best life. I love everything about it.

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Amaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt – Review by Alisa Boomer

Amaleigha Loves a Good StoryAmaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The core idea of this story is really sweet! I love that Amaleighia has such a big heart, sees a need, & wants to help! Thinking about helping the bilingual families in her community is wonderful! However, it was very wordy and did not necessarily flow very well. I do love how everyone came together in the end!

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Amaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt – Review by Michelle G

Amaleigha Loves a Good StoryAmaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Amaleigha is a back with her proven anything is possible attitude. Like the other book there are bright, colourful illustrations to hold children’s interest.

This story follows Amaleigha’s idea for her community. This book was fun and engaging and left the kids wanting more of Amaleigha.

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Amaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt – Review by Michelle G

Amaleigha and the Big IdeaAmaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Anything is possible – this book reinforces that belief. The illustrations were bright and colourful and the storyline was solid. The kids loved it and we ended up reading it a few times.

I must admit I enjoyed reading it as much as the kids did listening to it!

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Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Cindy Rushin

Practically Pagan - An Alternative Guide to Magical LivingPractically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was so enlightening and helpful. The step by step guide to making yourself into the best person you can be is set out in very simple steps that ensure anyone can make the journey. I found throughout my reading that making this journey is not swiftly completed and it will take a lifelong commitment to continuously grow. This author has created a book that can help many people better understand themselves and journey to make their lives better and happier. I am glad that I read this book and know I will use it to help me achieve greater happiness in being me.

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Amaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt – Review by Angela Plate, December 2022

Amaleigha Loves a Good StoryAmaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a cute story. It shows that with enough determination anything can get done. I like that it pulled the entire community together and especially a book store in a time when a lot of books are readily available electronically.

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Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie – Review by LaliLovely

Practically Pagan - An Alternative Guide to Magical LivingPractically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve come to truly adore Maria DeBlassie. The more of her writing I’m blessed with reading, the truer my adoration becomes! She radiates such a magical vibe even through black & white, typed up words on paper, & this actually magical book is that much more amazing simply because of who wrote it. I felt seen, heard, & understood from the 1st words on the 1st page. This book is exactly what my soul has been craving for most of my life, & I just can’t be thankful enough for the gift she’s given to me & my daughters & the world. Magical Living will definitely be passed down to & through my children. Please soak in this book like a bubble bath of self care & enjoy the changes it will bring to your life.

 

Reviewed by @lalilovely

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Amaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt – Review by LaliLovely

Amaleigha Loves a Good StoryAmaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As with all Amaleigha books, this one is full of hope and kindness. These stories are adorable and compassionate, and inspire change in the sweetest ways. This one in particular was wonderful because there are Little Free Libraries all over our neighborhood, & that recognition was very exciting for us. One of my lifelong favorite poems was also included after the “how to” section as well, so that was delightful! My family has really come to love Amaleigha, & my older daughters even “want to be friends with her” =) I would definitely recommend this book & series to other families with children who want to make a difference.

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Reviewed by @lalilovely

Amaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt – Review by Hannah Porter

Amaleigha Loves a Good StoryAmaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First time reader of Author Janice Pratt, and not gonna be the last. I think this book was a cute short, easy story to read with your family. I really liked how it shows you how at the end she shows you how to create your own book box. We have multiple in the area I live in. I love them. We stop like once a week to swap out our books for new ones. They also have different books on culture and languages which I also like.

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Amaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt – Review by Gabrielle Lee

Amaleigha Loves a Good StoryAmaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a nice story that shows young ones that they can make a difference in the world. Amaleigha is a strong girl who wants to help those that need it. When she realizes the lack of books for the students and their families that speak other languages at her school and neighborhood Amaleigha decides to do something about it. It was nice to see a book about a someone so young doing something for their neighborhood, giving children someone that they can relate to and showing that they can make a difference as well no matter what their age. I liked seeing the multiple languages in the book as well as the instructions in the back on how to do this in your own neighborhood.

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Amaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt – Review by Tausha Treadway

Amaleigha Loves a Good StoryAmaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt. I love these books so much. They are so cute! This one is about Amaleigha and how big her heart is and how she always thinks of others before herself. When she goes to the library and notices that the bilingual section doesn’t have many books she hatches a plan to change that. Getting help from others that are able to find more books she is able to change her library. This book shows kids of all ages that they can change things to if they really want to. Such a fun book with a great lesson. My 4 year old nephew loved it! This book will be great for gifts as well.

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