Dawn in Damnation by Clark Casey 📚 BOOK REVIEW

Clark Casey

I read a paperback version of Dawn in Damnation that was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Genre: Paranormal, Western, Horror.

Publisher: Lyrical Underground

Originally published: October 31st, 2017

Pages: 182 (Paperback)

 

Blurb by the Publisher:

Welcome To Damnation . . .where every living soul is as dead as a doornail. Except one.

Buddy Baker is a dead man. Literally. After gunning down more men than Billy the Kid and being hung by a rope necktie for his crimes-the jolly, fast-drawing fugitive reckoned he’d earned himself a nonstop ticket to hell. Instead, he finds himself in Damnation: a gun-slinging ghost town located somewhere between heaven and hell.

There are no laws in Damnation. Only two simple rules: If you get shot, you go directly to hell. If you stay alive without shooting anyone for one year, you just might get into heaven.

Hardened outlaws pass the time in the saloon playing poker and wagering on who will get sent to hell next while trying not to anger the town’s reclusive vampire or the quarrelsome werewolves. Buddy winds up in everyone’s crosshairs after swearing to protect a pretty gal who arrives in Damnation pregnant. Her child might end up a warm-blooded meal for the supernatural residents, or it could be a demon spawn on a mission to destroy them all.

My Thoughts:

When Clark contacted me about his book, and I got to read about it, I was immediately intrigued! I love horror, paranormal and western, and this one promised to have it all packed into one. And after I fell in love with The Dark Tower series by Stephen King some years ago, I’ve been craving something along the same line.

The blurb had so much going on that I thought it couldn’t be possible to pack all of that into such a short book! But I was wrong!

I flew through Dawn in Damnation and I loved the western setting of it all. How there are characters like vampires and werewolves but in a unique and interesting way.

The world that Clark Casey has created grabbed me at the very beginning and I got completely lost in it! It’s so dark and mysterious. The characters are filled with depth and interesting back stories. I’m also a sucker for some dark humor, and Dawn in Damnation definitely delivered that.

That being said, because it’s such a short and quick read, I don’t want to say much more about the story so that I don’t spoil anything. Just let it grab you and take you for a ride!

I can’t wait to continue on with this series and see where it goes!

Thank you, Clark, for sending this book my way! I absolutely loved it!

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How I Take Care of Myself

I feel at my best mentally when I take the time to take care of my body as well as my mind. These two are very much connected, and I’ve always been able to tell a significant difference in how I feel mentally when I workout regularly and when I don’t.

My workout routines have come and gone a bit over the last year. I had a really good summer/fall last year, got my heart broken in November, fell out of it all (as one often do), got back on track again this spring, and then I’ve been a bit back and forth. I started to get back on track with the good routines again a few weeks before I went on my summer vacation, and while I’ve been away, I’ve slowly, but surely been finding my way back into a good routine when it comes to both what I do with my body and my mind, as well as what I put into my body.

A lot of people have the misconception about veganism as a form of lifestyle that just automatically makes you eat only healthy food. Yes, I eat a lot of greens, but there is plenty of unhealthy vegan food as well. Let’s just mention Orio’s and Ben & Jerry’s. I’m not saying I don’t enjoy those things, because I do, but in moderation.

So now that I’m getting into a good routine, what does that mean for me?

Yoga

I love yoga. Not just for the physical results it gives me, but for how it makes me feel. The focus on breathing and getting rid of the tension in the muscles is amazing. When I actively do yoga, I manage stress so much better. I take the time to check in with my body more often, and I’m a better listener whenever my body tries to tell me something.

You can do yoga pretty much anywhere and without any equipment. A mat is nice to have, but definitely not a must. You can easily use a towel or just soft grass.

And if you need a little bit of guidance, then I would recommend YouTube. When I need a little bit of a push and guidance back into yoga, I always turn to Yoga with Adrienne. She’s amazing, and I love how easy her guided yoga sessions are to keep up with.

Meditation

When it comes to coping with stress, meditation is also a great way to train oneself to handle it better. I usually do a meditation session in the morning before I get out of bed. It’s a great way to start the day and to set your focus for the day.

If you feel like you could use some guidance through your meditations, there are numerous videos on YouTube and apps for both Android and iPhone. One of my favorites is Headspace. Headspace is a great way to start getting into meditation, and you can choose the length of the session so it fits the time that you have available.

Click the Headspace logo if you want to find out more:

Run and walk

I’m finally getting back into running, which is something that I love to do when I just get into the routine of it. It’s such an amazing feeling to just turn the music on and run. I prefer to run in the forest. It’s easier on the body than running on asphalt, and I love being so close to nature.

Another great way to just stay active is to walk. I often choose to walk instead of using public transportation if I can. It’s a great walk to workout without even feeling like that’s what you’re doing. And with a good audiobook or some great music, it’s even better!

I use Audible for listening to audiobooks when I walk. If you want to try Audible, you can click the on the box below and you’ll get a 30-day free trial with 2 audiobooks of your own choosing included!

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Take Time Off

This is something that I’m not always really good at. I tend to get lost in all of my projects and I will work and work until I’m on the edge of getting burned out. After getting completely burned out a couple of times though, I’ve learned to listen to my body more, and I prioritize taking much needed time off. I disconnect from social media, I read, I spend time with people that I love and I devour art as a way to recharge. And sleep, don’t forget to sleep and get your rest! It’s so important for your body and your mind!

❤️

And the last, but maybe the most important things that I do to take care of myself is to LOVE, to practice GRATITUDE, and to LAUGH!

Don’t underestimate the power of the simple things in life💛

 

I’ve been waiting for 4 years!!

But now the wait is finally over!

In 2014, Jason Mraz released the album Yes! and for those of you who’ve followed me for a while, you know just how much I love his music!

Jason Mraz is still one of the best live artists I’ve ever seen, and if you haven’t had the opportunity to experience his music live yet, I highly recommend you do so! He’s touring the US now, and there will be a European tour next year! Will I be going even though he’s not coming to Norway? Hell yeah!! I haven’t really decided where yet, but I think it’ll be either Amsterdam, Copenhagen or London.

Why is this artist and music so important to me? Firstly, as I’ve already mentioned, he’s an extremely talented musician! That alone should be more than enough!

But it’s more than that. Jason Mraz and his music have been along for the ride of my life for so many years. There’s been tears, laughter, dance and a whole lot of memories that are now connected to so many of his songs. I’ve gotten to see him live 3 times now, and I’ve gotten to share those moments with people that I love.

When Kirsti, her boyfriend and I went to his concert when he was here in Oslo last time, I cried, smiled and danced in my seat all night long!

I’m already in love with 4 songs from the new album, and I’ve been listening on repeat all day while I’ve been writing!

Go check out Know. on Spotify here:

Or you can check out Jason Mraz’s site by clicking on his picture below:

And if you decide to go to one of his concerts in Europe then let me know! Maybe I’ll see you there!

The Course of Love by Alain de Botton 📚 BOOK REVIEW

Alain de Botton

I read a paperback version of The Course of Love.

Genre: Fiction, contemporary, romance.

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd.

Originally published: April 28th, 2016

Pages: 240 (Paperback)

Audiobook length: 7 hrs, 5 mins (Narrated by Julian Rhind-Tutt)

 

Blurb by the Publisher:

Modern love is never easy. Society is obsessed with stories of romance, but what comes after happily ever after?

This is a love story with a difference. From dating to marriage, from having kids to having affairs, it follows the progress of a single ordinary relationship: tender, messy, hilarious, painful, and entirely un-Romantic. It is a love story for the modern world, chronicling the daily intimacies, the blazing rows, the endless tiny gestures that make up a life shared between two people. Moving and deeply insightful, The Course of Love offers us a window into essential truths about the nature of love.

📚

The course of love delivers exactly what it promises. 
It is the true story of what might (and often) happens when 
true love meets real life.

My Thoughts:

The Course of Love caught my attention at the airport in Amsterdam. There was something about the cover, and then there was the backside of the paperback that said: “What happens when true love meets real life?”

This is something that I feel is missing in a lot of literature these days. We have plenty of grandiose and dramatic love stories, but not as many of the ones that are more realistic.

In the course of love, we meet Rabih and Kirsten, from the start as they date, fall in love, explore each other, and then settle into a serious relationship. We get to follow along for the ups and the downs, and some of the real dramas that happen in a real-life relationship. How we fall in love, all the emotions, the doubts, and the hardships.

I loved the small passages between the chapters that had some general thoughts about love, relationship, and sex.

Rabih and Kirsten’s story is very relatable, and I think most people who’ve been in some long-term relationships will be able to relate to some or all of it.

The course of love delivers exactly what it promises. It is the true story of what might (and often) happens when true love meets real life. It’s a wonderfully fresh breath of literature that focuses on love.

Highly recommend!

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The Ones I Love❤️

As a person that does not have a significant other/partner in crime/boyfriend (whatever you like to call it) to tell the whole world how much I love and adore, I won’t let that stop me! I want to spread some love and appreciation for all the other amazing ones that are in my life!

So here it goes!

To my partners in crime! 

What do you know?! I have several of you guys in my life. All of you who challenge me, and convince me to go on adventures I might’ve not ventured out on otherwise. those of you who make it sound like a good idea with one more dance and three more shots. Those who collect the funny stories. Those who will laugh with me, climb the fences, jump into the pools, and switch clothes with me at some point during the night for no logical reason.

You guys are the unicorns of my life and I love you for all the magic, glitter and color you add to it 💜

To my heroes!

You are the ones I call whenever I need to share, to cry, to talk or to just be distracted. You are the ones who know me inside and out. The good, the bad, and the ugly, and still you pick up when I call and want to spend time together. You are the ones with hearts of pure gold, minds of rainbows and blooming flowers, wisdom like Gandalf, bravery like Hermione, and enough stories to write book after book.

You are my soulmates and my heroes!

To my closest, the Supermen and Wonder Women in my life;

I love you and I’m so grateful for all the love you give me❤️

To the shining stars!

You are the ones who inspire. The people I look up to, admire and get motivated by. You are the guiding lights, the self-help books, the DIYs, the tricks, the hacks, and the wonders of my life. Paying attention to what you guys do and create, inspires me to be a better creator and a better person.

My life would be so much more boring without you, and my dreams wouldn’t have been nearly as big!

I love you and all your awesomeness💛

To those who don’t have a choice!

Well, that’s not entirely true. You guys have your own opinions and can choose not to spend time with me, but you don’t. Our blood and our family ties us together. We’re connected in a very special way, and we are a part of each others lives like few others can be.

You’re all batshit crazy, but so am I, and I guess that’s probably why we get along so well.

I love you and I’m so grateful to be a part of a family where weird runs in the blood💙

 

And last, but not least: 

To the four-legged!

You give the purest kind of love. There’s so much joy in the way that you guys greet me when it’s been 5 minutes or several days since the last time we met. Your kisses can get a bit intense at times, but I know they come from a place of love and caring. Personal space is something you guys don’t really get, but that’s okay. I’ll tell you when you’re being too pushy, and sometimes you will listen.

I love you for being the ones that comfort and makes me smile without even having to try 🧡

 

Don’t get defensive and personal!

I’m a girl/woman (why does both of those words just feel wrong?) PERSON (that’s better!) who has quite a few untraditional opinions. I take pride in being a very open-minded person, and I have no problem with expressing my personal and untraditional thoughts. I will gladly take part in a discussion as well, as long as everyone who’s a part of it does so with respect.

What I have come to experience though, is that discussing certain subjects with very closed-minded people can feel rather hopeless and difficult. Some of them tend to become downright hurtful!

Because some closed-minded people are so uncomfortable when it comes to ideas, thoughts, and ways of living unlike their own, that they immediately get very defensive and tend to go for personal attacks.

They will aim for a low blow just to make the other person feel like they’re less of a human being. For themselves to in some way feel superior by shifting negative focus towards the other person.

The worst part of it is that the closed-minded will act like just because an open-minded person is comfortable with voicing their untraditional beliefs, then they can nothing but expect to be treated with disrespect and be personally attacked.

“I will accept that you have your own opinions, as long as I don’t disagree with them!”

This mentality is so unnecessary and toxic!

How about we all act like loving and respecting adults towards each other? How about we talk about our differences from a place of openness and curiosity?

How about we just choose love over hate, is that so much to ask for?

The Little Shop of Happy Ever After by Jenny Colgan 📚 BOOK REVIEW

 

Jenny Colgan

I read a paperback version of The Little Shop of Happy Ever After.

Genre: Fiction, contemporary, romance.

Publisher: Sphere

Originally published: January 11th, 2016

Pages: 343 (Paperback)

Audiobook length: 9 hrs, 13 mins

 

Blurb by the publisher:

Nina is a librarian who spends her days happily matchmaking books and people – she always knows what someone should read next. But when her beloved library closes and she’s suddenly out of a job, Nina has no idea what to do next. Then an advert catches her eye: she could be the owner of a tiny little bookshop bus, driving around the Scottish highlands.

Using up all her courage, and her savings, Nina makes a new start in the beautiful Scottish highlands. But real life is a bit trickier than the stories she loves – especially when she keeps having to be rescued by the grumpy-but-gorgeous farmer next door..

📚

It's a book for book lovers and just the sweet little break that I 
needed!

My thoughts:

I don’t often read romance/contemporary novels. If you follow my book reviews, you know that I like my fiction to be a bit more on the dark side. But the romantic in me likes to dive into some lighter and easier stories from time to time, and that was definitely why I picked up this book.

The Little Shop of Happy Ever After was on sale on Bookdepository a while back, and I was drawn to it because it was supposed to be perfect for book lovers, and a lot of it is set in Scotland.

I love books, and I have always wanted to go to Scotland, so I threw it in that webshop basket. The book arrived and it ended up on my bookshelf for a long while, where  I kind of forgot about it. And then the Booktube-a-thon 2018 came around and I was searching through my shelves for the books to put on my tbr, and there it was!

I really didn’t have any expectations for the book, other than for it to be a fluffy and easy read, which it was.

What caught me by surprise was just how witty, smart and lovely it was! The characters were funny and interesting, and the story was more about facing one’s fear than about the romance alone. It’s about the love for literature, and about finding the things in life that truly makes us happy.

There is a fair amount of romance in it too, but it was cute, not the kind that makes me roll my eyes.

It’s a book for book lovers and just the sweet little break that I needed.

Highly recommend if you’re looking for a sweet and fluffy read that’s witty and targeted specifically for book lovers!

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Wrong about mentally strong!

There are a lot of misconceptions about what it actually means to be a mentally strong person. I’ve heard people telling me that they’re weak because they cry, weak because they feel too much, weak because they find themselves failing, or weak because they find themselves getting hurt. For a long time, I thought these things were true too!

It’s all WRONG! 

None of these things define you as a weak person. It’s how you choose to deal with what’s happening in your life that defines you. How you get back up when you fall down. How you learn from the situations that hurt you. How you grow from the times that you cry. And how you get inspired to keep on going no matter what.

Staying strong and positive is hard work, especially in this modern world where people have a tendency to portrait their lives as picture perfect on social media. It’s easy to get trapped in the idea that we’re not good enough because we’re comparing our lives to a false truth.

I’ve had people telling me that I’m a strong person, but for a long time, I struggled to believe in it myself. I was focusing on everything that wasn’t going according to plan. I saw weakness and failure when the truth was that I always worked hard to get back up. I never stayed down for long. I never gave up, although I felt close to doing so a few times.

And that is what being strong is all about! It’s about getting back up and keep on trying! It’s about being able to forgive and let go! It’s about being grateful for the things you do have and not focus on what everyone else has! It’s about staying true to your passion, and keep on working towards your goals!

And most of all, it’s about constantly working on growing as a person.

It’s a process, and it’s something you have to work on. It’s not something that just comes naturally to any of us. We learn and we grow as we go.

Crying the tears is about cleansing yourself of the hurt. Falling is about learning what doesn’t work so that you can focus on finding out what does. Breaking is about learning how to mend.

So, don’t beat yourself up while you’re already down. Focus on getting back up and to keep going.

You are so much stronger than you think❤️

So, about last night!

Well, technically it wasn’t last night. It was Saturday night.

I’m on vacation in my hometown, visiting my family at the moment. My sister really wanted us to have a few beers and go out. I can’t remember when I went out on the town here in Tønsberg last. I’ve been trying to, but I just can’t remember. There are several reasons for that.

1. I haven’t been here that often over the last year or so.
2. Most of my friends have moved away from Tønsberg, and even though I enjoy going out on my own in Oslo, does not mean that I feel like doing it much here.
3. And there are a few more personal reasons that I won’t really get into.

But when your sister and one of your brothers finally have time to party with you, and it’s been forever since you got some real quality time with them, then it’s time to buckle up and put the party shoes on.

So we started the night with a few beers at the bar in my sister’s house. She had one built in the basement, and it’s super cozy. Totally forgot to take any pictures though. Next time guys!

And when it started to get close to midnight, we got into town. I quickly came to realize that the bar/club scene in Tønsberg has changed a lot and that I’ve definitely grown and my preferences for partying has changed too. There are places in Oslo that I love to go to, where the vibe just feels more like home. I don’t really get that feeling anywhere out in Tønsberg anymore. Maybe it’s just because it’s so rare and far between that I don’t really get to have a real feel of the actual vibe. Or maybe it’s just that it’s no longer my kind of place. It’s hard to say.

But for me, the most memorable thing about the whole night was when my sister and I decided we were done with the clubs, and we decided to just go for a walk. We walked along the water, talked about life, dating and love, and to me, that was so much more special.

So, it might not be Tønsberg that has changed so much, it might just be me.

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