100 Reviews, Peppermint Tea & a Calm Reading Hack

Oct 17, 2025 9:31 pm

Hi friends,

Book 5 of Shieldwall Academy: Imperial Chaos has been out for exactly two weeks now, and I’m so excited to see it closing in on 100 reviews! Plus, it's got a Best Seller tag!

The 100 review milestone means a lot, not just for visibility, but because it helps new readers discover the series. So, any of you willing to take a minute to leave a quick review - you're awesome!

We also had our first freeze last night, and, as a proud lifelong procrastinator, that meant a frantic harvest dash just before dark. (I might have needed a flashlight and the porchlight to finish.)

I ended up with bowls of tomatoes and raspberries, plus enough flowers for three or four bouquets before the frost hit. I also snipped a big bundle of peppermint to dry for stomach-soothing winter teas. (It smells amazing hanging in the kitchen right now.)

Below, I’ve got this week’s mental health tip, one that’s simple, backed by science and perfect for all of us who love books.

But first, here’s this week’s sponsor section. Clicking on these helps keep the newsletter going and free to read!

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My author friend, AM, just released the audio for her latest book and would love some reviews!

Darkest Light by AM Geever

FREE Audio Review copy!

In the end, the only law is survival.

An EMP Post-Apocalyptic Survival Thriller

Excellent selection of Sci-fi & Fantasy Deals!

Fringe of Unraveling by KK Johns

FREE eBook!

In this post-apocalypse, who would you become?

When a rogue nation detonates multiple upper nuclear bombs above the United States . . .

Tons of Amazing SFF Kindle Unlimited Reads!

The Volcan Knights by Laurie Bowler

99c eBook!

Lost memories. Supernatural powers. A daughter taken by shadows.

Looking for Post-Apoc reads?

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Mental Health Tip #16: Borrow a Story, Borrow Calm

Ok, this is a tip most of us probably already know. But there's some science to back it up.

Reading fiction (especially fantasy or adventure!) for just six minutes can reduce stress levels by up to 68%, according to a 2009 University of Sussex study.

See? We all knew there was a reason we enjoyed a good book when we've had a tough day.

Some of the theory behind it: Your brain’s empathy and imagination circuits light up, giving your nervous system a break from daily stressors while you’re swept into another world.

It’s one of the fastest, easiest ways to lower your heart rate and reset your stress response with no special equipment required.

I find this works really well for me. What about you?

And if you've been meaning to add a review for any of my recent books, here's the link to the new book and series again: Shieldwall Academy Series and Book #5!