Books*Reviews*Etc: RETURN OF THE HEROINE by Kaye Michelle

5 STARS

RETURN OF THE HEROINE
THE MODERN LEGACY OF JOAN OF ARC
A NOVEL
by Kaye Michelle

Published November 20th 2012 by Balboa Press

An excerpt from Return of the Heroine won an Honorable Mention in the 2009 Writer’s Digest Writing Competition, and the entire novel earned a finalist position in the Hay-House Visions Fiction Writing Competition.

OVERVIEW
For Joan of Arc, it was about surviving in a man's world. Nearly six hundred years later, at West Point, not much has changed.

One of the greatest heroines of all time returns and reveals the wisdom she received from Archangel Michael. "When you dare to commit to your deepest desires, your heart grows to accommodate the task at hand, no matter how daunting," Archangel Michael advises Joan of Arc before she embarks on a mission that will change the course of history. With only eleven days left to live, she must take yet another leap of faith, surrender to the guidance of Archangel Michael, and set the record straight to ensure those in the future know the truth.

Her legacy reaches across the veil of time to awaken the heroine in all women. And for one twenty-first-century woman, Jane Archer, a West Point cadet, it means finding the courage to expose a cultural crime that has been disempowering women for centuries. In the process, she must learn to trust her own inner guidance.

REVIEW
Ms. Michelle wrote a wonderful "modern legacy" from the story of JOAN OF ARC and set it in today's world. It's about surviving in a man's world back in Joan of Arc's life and hasn't changed much in today's modern world. It's still basically a man's world.

There wasn't much said about the day that Ms. Archer was born other than she almost didn't survive. Did Joan of Arc save her when she was born so she could be prepared to lead one day? Jane had joined West Point. She was a cadet when she first heard Joan speak to her. Joan of Arc was at one time separated from her commander. The reason why is not disclosed. The author paralleled that romance and a romance between a married man and Jane. Jane had avowed her innocence that she was a virgin.

God had a plan in motion and as Jane heard the voice reminding her of her chastity and yet, giving her courage her love. That in loving someone, she would be able to feel for the people of France that she was fighting for. She would have to have an open heart for the many men she would fight with on the battleground. She did gain the respect of the men she fought along side of, just as Joan had. She was prepared for battle but not for what she was about to learn. Her best friend, a female cadet had been sexually assaulted. This was the worst crime against women.Jane later learned that this was happening more than she ever knew. While Joan of Arc was held in prison, she had been raped by three men. She knew she couldn't let it be known that she wasn't a virgin no longer.She had to put on a show that she was a maiden. Back in that time, things of that nature were not spoken of.. Should the act of rape be kept hidden, especially in the world today.? This was even worse since this cadet was on a military base .T his humiliating, hateful, hurtful crime against women should never happen anywhere, military or not. Jehanne D'arc as she was known back then helps Jane find the courage to expose this crime. The book is not only about rape in the military, but carries messages about turning fear into empowerment. The book has a lot of history in it. I got a sneak peak into 15th century France. The book overall sends the message that men and women should speak up when something as horrible as rape happens to them. If not, it will always be a darkness in your heart and mind that will cause you to fear so much. I thought the author wrote a wonderful novel and brought forth some very important matters along with history. I believe everyone, especially women, should read this. It might instill some courage to those who are fearful.

I would give this book 5 STARS.

I was given a complimentary copy of RETURN OF THE HEROINE from the author, Kaye Michelle for my honest review.

3 Ways to Build Courage Right Now

1. Breathe deep and allow yourself to sink into the present moment. To center and calm your nervous system count your breathing by inhale slowly through the nose to the count of 5 and exhaling to the count of 7.

2. Now make a simple intention to overcome your current challenge. Know you really do possess the skill set to overcome this obstacle and you are the hero you’ve been praying for. All you need to do is decide that you will surmount this temporary road block in your life. Once you decide, the universe will assist you.

3. Expect a solution to show up. Expect a miracle. Help comes to those who are willing to take responsibility for their own well-being. Open your mind and heart to receive insights and assistance.

AUTHOR
Kaye Michelle is an author, teacher and healer, She works inspiring others to find their inner courage. She was a cadet at West Point which served as a catalyst for this novel. She co-founded Franklin Yoga & Wellness in 2004 and works as a metaphysical teacher and healer.She was published in the 2009 Chicken Soup for the Soul-Power Moms, and 2012 Stay at Home Moms. She founded a nonprofit for environmental and human relief. She is currently writing , teaching and speaking on the topic of women's courage. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two sons.

www.kayemichelle.com

http://bemiown.blogspot.com

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17131214-return-of-the-heroine?

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http://www.amazon.com/Return-Heroine-Kaye-Michelle/dp/1452562792