Tag: #non-fiction

Posted in #non-fiction

Thrifty Tips for a Frugal Lifestyle

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Are you trying to find some new ways to live a more frugal lifestyle but you are having a lack of inspiration?

This book is filled with tips for simple frugal changes that you can make in your household, with your beauty routine, with your finances, and at the grocery store.

You are sure to be inspired to make some of these simple changes and to have money for things that really matter to you!

Zimmy
4.0 out of 5 stars. Exactly what I waS looking for.
Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2020.
Format: Kindle. Verified Purchase
I wanted to start preparing for a retired life with my husband and hope to RV a lot. I've looked at several books about frugal living and they all seemed to extreme or not really being frugal as we wanted to be. This ebook with straight forward tips and experience. It just keeps it simple and can apply to any lifestyle.
Posted in #non-fiction

Italian Without Words

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

A hilarious guide to learning the romance language and communication styles of Italy.

You don’t need words to speak Italian. You don’t have to study Italian or travel to Italy to communicate like a true paesano. All you really need is this unique “phrase book” of the most common Italian expressions, complete with authentic Italian gestures and body language.

Now, even if you don’t know a single word of Italian, you can learn the most common greetings and expressions, dinner-table comments, hot vows of love, bargaining tricks, insults, threats and curses. This book shows you how. There’s no faster or funnier way to learn how to communicate in Italy, Italian restaurants, with your grandparents or your friends.


Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Italian gestures are a language unto themselves. In Italian Without Words, 86 expressions are presented, paired with the Italian phrases they conjure and their English translations, all demonstrated by a man and woman who have to be seen to be appreciated. They’re funny, but the intent is not to ridicule; rather, they are holding on to a part of their heritage. The facial expressions that accompany the phrases are entertaining to practice, and visits to Italy are enhanced by the ability to communicate “You’re a disgrace!” (Disgraziato!), “I dare you!” (Ti sfido. Provaci!), and “Don’t leave me, I love you!” (Non lasciarmi, ti voglio bene!) without saying a word.

About the Author

Don Cangelosi, a Director of the Boys Club of N.Y., and Joseph Delli Carpini, an advertising executive, are native New Yorkers who delight in carrying on long conversations in Italian without uttering a single word. They usually get the best tables in Italian restaurants.

Posted in #History

Hidden History of the Florida Keys

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

“Seldom-told tales of the ‘lively and unusual cast of historic figures’ who helped shape the Florida Keys from the 1820s through the 1960s.”—Keys News
 
The Florida Keys have witnessed all kinds of historical events, from the dramatic and the outrageous to the tragic and the comic. In the nineteenth century, uncompromising individuals fought duels and plotted political upsets. During the Civil War, a company of “Key West Avengers” escaped their Union-occupied city to join the Confederacy by sailing through the Bahamas. In the early twentieth century, black Bahamians founded a town of their own, while railway engineers went up against the U.S. Navy in a bid to complete the Overseas Railroad. When Prohibition came to the Keys, one defiant woman established a rum-running empire that dominated South Florida. 
 
Join Laura Albritton and Jerry Wilkinson as they delve into tales of treasure hunters, developers, exotic dancers, determined preservationists and more, from the colorful history of these islands.
Includes photos

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Hidden History on the Florida Keys,” a new volume penned by Laura Albritton and Upper Keys historian Jerry Wilkinson, reveals seldom-told tales of the “lively and unusual cast of historic figures” who helped shape the Florida Keys from the 1820s through the 1960s.” Keys News

About the Author

Fifth-generation Floridian Laura Albritton is a writer, book reviewer, and writing teacher. Her work has appeared in publications such as the Miami Herald, Sculpture magazine, Harvard Review and the Florida Keys Weekly, while her award-winning short fiction has been published in many literary journals. She wrote the travel book Miami for Families (University Press of Florida) and co-authored Marathon: The Middle Keys and Key West’s Duval Street (Arcadia Publishing) with Jerry Wilkinson. Laura holds a degree in comparative literature from Columbia and an MFA in creative writing from the University of Miami.

Fourth-generation Floridian Jerry Wilkinson arrived in Key West in 1947. He served in the U.S Air Force for twenty-four years before operating his own business. For decades, Jerry has researched and documented Florida Keys history, particularly that of the Upper Keys. He has contributed to books, films and television programs and created an extensive Keys history website (www.keyshistory.org). Jerry is president of the Historical Preservation Society of the Upper Keys and serves on the boards of the Historic Florida Keys Foundation and the Florida Keys History and Discovery Center. Jerry’s previous books include Key Largo and Islamorada, co-authored with Brad Bertelli.

Posted in Book Tours

Student Athletes

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Pressure hurting sports and homework? Here’s the fix — evidence-based guides for athletes, parents and coaches to calm nerves, compete better, and lift grades.


Mental Toughness for Student-Athletes

Student-Athlete Series Book 1

by Dobb Mayo

Genre: Non-Fiction, Sports Self-Help




🏆 Award-Winning Book — Winner of two Gold Medals in the 2025 Global Book Awards.

Mental Toughness for Student-Athletes

A proven playbook for student-athletes—and the parents, coaches, and mentors who guide them.

Every practice rep, every late-night study session, every high-pressure moment—it all comes down to this: Will you rise to the occasion or let doubt win?

Mental Toughness for Student-Athletes is your playbook for becoming the athlete who doesn’t just survive pressure, but thrives in it. Inside, you’ll discover proven strategies to:

✅ Transform pre-game anxiety into laser focus
✅ Reframe setbacks as fuel for growth
✅ Balance academics and athletics without burning out
✅ Build resilience and mental clarity that last a lifetime

📘 Unlike generic mental toughness books, this guide is built exclusively for student-athletes.

You’ll find real-world examples, actionable exercises, and insights from sports psychology—all backed by more than 300 research references—to help you perform when it matters most.

Whether you’re chasing a scholarship, a championship, or your personal best, this book will help you develop the unshakable confidence and inner drive that set elite competitors apart.

If you’re ready to take control of your performance and unlock your full potential, Mental Toughness for Student-Athletes is your essential first step.

Click “Add to Cart” to start your journey to excellence!

 

Amazon * Author’s Site * Bookbub * Goodreads





Overcoming Anxiety for Student-Athletes

Student-Athlete Series Book 2



“‘Tough it out’ isn’t a strategy—it’s a warning sign. Real mental toughness isn’t about ignoring anxiety or brushing off mental health struggles; it’s about understanding, managing, and using them to fuel performance.”

 

🏆 Award-Winning Book — Finalist in the 2025 Global Book Awards (Health: Counseling & Psychology)

 

Your athlete is disciplined, hardworking, and passionate about their sport. But when the pressure builds, self-doubt, fear of failure, and anxiety can hold them back more than any physical opponent. They push through, but at what cost?

You want to help—but where do you start? Ignoring mental health won’t make it go away—so how do we equip student-athletes with the tools to manage it and thrive under pressure?


As a sports psychology writer, former athlete, and parent of student-athletes, I understand the unique pressures young competitors face. This book isn’t just theory—it’s a research-backed, practical guide designed to help student-athletes manage anxiety, build confidence, and develop mental resilience. With proven techniques used by elite athletes, parents and coaches will gain the tools to support their athletes’ mental health while helping them perform at their best—without burnout or fear holding them back.


Inside, You’ll Discover:

✅ 5-Step Strategy to Manage Performance Anxiety – Simple, science-backed techniques to calm nerves before and during competition.
✅ Overcoming the Fear of Failure – Develop a growth mindset that turns mistakes into learning opportunities.
✅ Essential Mental Health Tools – Help student-athletes balance academics, athletics, and personal well-being without feeling overwhelmed.
✅ Strategies for Managing Setbacks & Injuries – Help student-athletes cope with challenges and bounce back stronger.
✅ Real-Life Case Studies from Athletes & Coaches – Learn how top performers overcame anxiety and built resilience.
✅ Communication Strategies for Parents & Coaches – Foster open, supportive conversations that empower athletes rather than adding pressure.
✅ How to Recognize Early Signs of Stress & Burnout – Spot red flags before anxiety impacts performance and well-being.


Will anxiety continue to control your student-athlete’s performance, or will they learn to master it? The choice starts here.


Dobb Mayo is a sports psychology writer, former athlete, and parent of student-athletes. With a passion for mental performance and sports nutrition, Dobb combines research-backed strategies with real-world experience to help student-athletes manage anxiety, build resilience, and optimize both mind and body for peak performance—on and off the field.


Anxiety doesn’t have to hold your athlete back. Give them the tools to manage stress, build confidence, and perform at their best—starting now.


📖 Click “Add to Cart” to help your student-athlete take control today!

  

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads








Dobb Mayo is an award-winning nonfiction author and entrepreneur focused on sports psychology and performance nutrition for student-athletes. A biologist and editor-in-chief of RateYourSupplements.com, Dobb turns evidence into practical playbooks that help athletes—and the parents and coaches who support them—manage anxiety, sharpen focus, and excel in both sport and school.

 

Website * Facebook * Instagram * Bluesky * TikTok * Bookbub * Amazon



Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!


Enter the Student Athletes Series Giveaway Here


Posted in Book Tours

Jolene MacFadden’s 3-Book Marketing Toolkit for Authors

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

“Own your story, build your brand, and share it with the world—your author journey starts here.”


Authors- How To Brand You and Your Books

by Jolene MacFadden

Genre: Non-Fiction, Author Self-Help



Digital Marketing Assistance for the Business Challenged Writer

One of the most difficult tasks for any creative talent is to effectively brand ourselves and our stories.

This book will help you.

From websites to the most popular social media platforms, I have experienced it all, and will provide you with most of the tips and tricks I have learned through the years. This book will also help you gain some basic understanding behind the ‘why you should do these tasks yourself’. It has become a requirement in today’s publishing climate for both indie and traditionally published authors to have a social media presence. This book will show you the different places you should be spending your valuable time to, hopefully, be most effective at connecting with your readers and make more sales. I include some great ideas on what to post, how often, and when. (Of course, you do what is best for you and your schedule)

The main goal is to inform, encourage, and to show you that YOU CAN DO THIS or you, your readers, and your professional book writing business

 

Amazon * Jolene’s Bookstore * Books2Read * Bookbub * Goodreads

 






30 Day Social Media Challenge

Purple Leather Edition

by Jolene MacFadden

Genre: Non-Fiction, Author Self-Help



Welcome to the 30-Day Challenge Workbook. Within these pages are helpful forms that will help you get started on your digital marketing journey for your small business. This workbook along with my other beginner’s reference book called, “Top Ten Ways to Market Your Books for Free”, which works for authors and small businesses, will help you understand the how’s and whys of social media. Again, these are beginner guides only. At the end of 30 days, you will have actionable routines and data to help you formulate a plan of action that works for you and your business.

 

Comes in paperback or spiral!


Amazon * Jolene’s Bookstore * The Book Patch







Top Ten Ways To Market Your Book for Free:

And Other TidBits of Information for Writers

by Jolene MacFadden

Genre: Non-Fiction, Author Self-Help



Quick and easy information for writers who want to know how to market their book on a very tight budget. Tips and tricks gathered from years of working with writers, publishing my own books, and as a reader wanting to find more on the writers I want to read.

 

Amazon * Jolene’s Bookstore * Books2Read * Bookbub * Goodreads






Jolene MacFadden is a multi-published nonfiction author, digital marketer, and lifelong storyteller dedicated to helping writers build their brands and thrive in today’s publishing world. With decades of hands-on experience as a financial counselor, freelance web designer, and marketing strategist, she blends practical know-how with creative insight to guide authors through the often-overwhelming world of book promotion. Her popular guides—”Authors: How to Brand You and Your Books”, “30-Day Social Media Challenge Workbook”, and “Top Ten Ways to Market Your Book for Free”—have become go-to resources for indie, hybrid, and traditionally published authors alike.

An eclectic learner and enthusiastic community builder, Jolene has grown a vibrant multi-platform presence, engaging readers and writers through Pinterest, Mastodon, TikTok, Substack, and YouTube. She hosts the lively Jolene’s Book and Writer’s Talk podcast, where she interviews authors and industry pros across genres, and she regularly speaks at book festivals and writers’ conferences across Florida. Her passion for storytelling, education, and empowerment drives everything she creates—whether it’s a blog post, a marketing workshop, or her Solo Sojourn Project inspiring solo women travelers to explore public lands.

Jolene also writes historical fiction, mystery, and romance under the pen name L. J. Green (Lillian Jade Green), where she blends rich historical detail with intrigue and heart. A proud “Booming Xer,” she lives a life of exploration, blending authorship, digital entrepreneurship, and travel in her home state of Florida.

 

Website *Facebook * X * Instagram * Bluesky * YouTube * TikTok 

Tumblr *Substack * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads



Follow the tour HERE for special content and a $30 giveaway!


Enter the Jolene MacFadden’s 3-book Marketing Toolkit For Authors Giveaway