July Reads: A Journey Through New Voices, Old Favourites, and Re-Inspiring Gems
Hello, lovely friends! Mandy here, your friendly bookish guide, owner of Novus Publishing House, and someone who truly believes that a good book can change your day, your life, and maybe even your outlook on the whole universe. July has been an exciting month for me; full of fresh ideas, new authors, and a delightful revisit to some of my favorite reads. I thought I’d share a little about what’s been inspiring me, what I’ve learned, and why I think you should add these gems to your own summer reading list.
So, grab a cuppa, settle in, and let’s dive into my July reads, all focused on new authors, fresh perspectives, and a sprinkle of the familiar.
1. Practical Tips for Training Your Puppy by Helena J Page
First up, I dipped my toes into a rather adorable and surprisingly insightful book: ‘Practical Tips for Training Your Puppy’ by a talented new author I discovered on Amazon. Now, I know what you’re thinking: Are you getting a new puppy? Well, let me tell you, I am thinking about it. I am a regular dog sitter for many friends and my adult kids’ dogs, but I am thinking maybe it’s time for my own dog. Still, in my true Mandy style, I had to do some research on puppy training, as I know that mastering those early days is key to success in any human-dog relationship. And, yes, I know it’s hard work, so I wanted to test my desire a little.
I am a strong advocate of new authors, so I chose this book by an emerging writing talent, and this book promised more than just a book about dog training. It’s a book about consistency, achieving goals, and the importance of gentle encouragement; attributes all of us could benefit from in our creative journeys.
This book isn’t just about housebreaking a pup; it’s about nurturing trust, understanding your own patterns, and sticking to your goals, whether that’s raising a well-behaved puppy or finishing that book you’ve always dreamed of writing.
Plus, it’s packed with practical dog training advice, humour, and a reminder that even the tiniest steps lead to big changes. I am still on the fence about getting my own dog, but I loved this book and will definitely use it as my guide if I get off that fence and go find my furry friend.
Top Ten Practical Tips for Training Your Puppy, by Helena J. Page
2. Resetting the Vagus Nerve for Emotional Balance by Tillie Eastman
Next, I turned to ‘The Vagus Nerve Reset by a new voice in the holistic health sphere, Tillie Eastman. This book was a revelation, offering practical tools to help us reconnect with ourselves on both an emotional and physical level. As a publisher and a lover of stories that heal, I found this book deeply inspiring. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful stories are the ones we tell ourselves internally, and that healing begins with understanding and resetting our nervous system.
What struck me most was how accessible and empowering the techniques were. Breathing exercises, simple lifestyle tweaks, and mindfulness practices - these are the kinds of tools that can help us show up more fully for our writing, our families, and ourselves. And honestly, if a book about the vagus nerve can make me feel calmer, more balanced, and more in tune with my body, then it’s worth shouting about!
The Vagus Nerve Reset by Tillie Easterman
3. Live for a Hundred Years: Wisdom from the Ages by Brother Blue
Moving on to something a little more philosophical, I devoured ‘Live for a Hundred Years. This beautifully written book is a treasure trove of wisdom, stories from centenarians, and practical advice on how to live a long, joyful, and meaningful life. It’s a gentle reminder that age is just a number, and that a life well-lived is a tapestry of small, intentional choices.
As someone who loves stories of resilience and positivity, I found this book both inspiring and invigorating. It encouraged me to reflect on my own life, my passions, and the legacy I want to leave behind. Plus, the stories of these incredible people, who have seen so much and yet remain curious and hopeful, are a reminder that our best years are still ahead of us. Whether you’re a writer, an artist, or simply someone who loves to learn, this book is a gentle nudge to keep dreaming big and living fully. It gets a 10/10 from me.
Live For 100 Years by Brother Blue
4. Re-Reading Grace D Henry’s ‘The Calm Code: 10 Natural Pathways To Peace and Positivity
Now, for some good old warmth and reassurance, I lovingly re-read ‘The Calm Code’ by a recommended author for Novus Publishing House, Grace D Henry. I adore this book so much, and I feel reinvigorated every time I turn a page. It’s one of those rare reads that feels like a cozy chat with a wise friend, reminding us that calm isn’t just a luxury but a necessity, especially in today’s hectic world.
Grace’s insights about finding natural pathways to positivity and peace resonate deeply with me. As a publisher, I understand the importance of nurturing writers’ and creators’ mental well-being. This book always helps me realign, refocus, and re-center; to approach my work and life with a renewed sense of calm. If you haven’t read it yet, I can’t recommend it enough. Her gentle, practical advice always reminds me that even amidst chaos, we can find our centre and that writing, healing, or simply living can be a deeply calming practice.
It’s like a warm hug for your mind and the steps are so easy. Grace really respects the concept that changing habits is hard and asking too much of ourselves invariably leads to failure, so she keeps it super simple and wholesome. Her concepts are true to the title, ‘natural steps to peace and positivity.’ It’s the book I repeatedly buy as a gift for others as I know every recipient will gain some much needed peace in their lives.
The Calm Code by Grace D. Henry
5. A Re-Read of Mandy Morris’s 8 Secrets to Powerful Manifesting
And because I love feeling inspired, I also re-read the manifesting expert, Mandy Morris’s ‘8 Secrets to Powerful Manifesting.’ This book offers you a transformative journey into harnessing your true potential and creating the life you desire. Through her practical and empowering guidance, you'll discover how to align your thoughts, feelings, and actions to attract abundance, clarity, and purpose. This book is designed to help you break through limiting beliefs, cultivate a positive mindset, and master the art of intentional manifestation. By applying Mandy’s simple yet powerful steps, you'll gain the confidence to turn your dreams into reality, achieve greater emotional resilience, and enjoy a deeper sense of fulfilment and alignment in every area of your life.
I will share with you all, that I manifested having my own publishing business about 4years before it became a reality. I did the work she recommends and here I am today. My journey to getting Novus Publishing House set up, would have been a whole lot quicker, if I had not stood in my own way. So, knowing I have not mastered all of her lessons, I re-read her book at least once a year and I will continue to do so, until I know I have ingrained her lessons sufficiently.
You might ask, ‘isn’t it boring to re-read books?’ And my answer is a clear and resounding ‘no,’ Like watching a movie more than once, you may know the ending but see how much more detail you notice the second time around. How much more do you feel the emotions or feel the vibrancy of the story? It’s the same for me with books. I never assume I have learned it all so when I get the need to enhance something in my life, I go back to my loving authors for more of their wisdom.
Every time I revisit Mandy’s words, I feel a renewed spark of purpose and joy. What’s not to love about that?
8 Secrets to Powerful Manifesting by Mandy Morris
6. Trying Out ‘Do This Before Bed’ by Mandy Morris’s Husband, Olivier Nino
Finally, I decided to give a little something different a try reading a book by the husband of my much-loved author Mandy Morris. His book produced a storm on its launch earlier this year and was my bedtime read for a week in July. ‘Do This Before Bed’ promised a simple method to ‘amplify my wellbeing,’ so it immediately captured my interest.
Honestly, I found it a refreshing addition to my night-time routine. It’s full of simple, calming practices to help you unwind, relax, and prepare for a restful night’s sleep during which you can harness your subconscious mind for powerful manifestation, create abundance, joy, and peace, and use his spiritual healing techniques, wake up more refreshed and energised. A winner!
As a lover of all things self-care and wellness, I believe that good rest is one of the simplest yet most powerful tools we have for creativity and clarity. And if a small routine can help me sleep better and wake up energized, then I’m all in.
Do This Before Bed by Oliver Nino
What I Love About My July Reads & Why You Should Dive In Too
What struck me most about my July reading journey was the diversity: everything from practical guides to soulful reflections, from new voices to trusted friends. Each book has enriched my mind, soothed my spirit, or sparked a new idea. And isn’t that what reading is all about? Opening ourselves to new perspectives, nurturing our growth, and re-inspiring our passions.
Here’s what I’d love for you to take away: Whether you’re a seasoned author, a curious beginner, or simply someone who loves to learn, make space for reading that feeds your soul. Be brave. Explore new genres and voices. Revisit old favourites. Because every book has the potential to teach us something new, to stir our creativity, and to remind us why we’re here, living, learning, and growing.
So, as I close my July chapter, I want to encourage you: Fill your shelves with books that excite and inspire you. Dedicate just a few moments each day to reading something that makes your heart sing. And remember, the best stories - whether they’re about puppies, health, or life itself - are the ones that teach us, comfort us, and remind us of our infinite potential.
Here’s to a month of discovery, growth, and joy. Happy reading, lovely friends - may your books be many, your worries few, and your inspiration endless.
With love and a stack of good books,
Mandy x
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