A Literary Escape from Winter Blues this Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 7, 2024 by Sanela

Posted in Audio Books, Between the Worlds, Book recommendation, Books, eBooks, Ella Rees, Haunting from the Past, Holidays, New blog post, Purchase Books, Remember Me, Sanela Ramic Jurich

“My heart belongs to summer and my soul to fall… but still come my dear winter. I’ll experience you like I’ve never did before.” ― Mystqx Skye

Ah, winter – the season of cozy blankets, hot cocoa, and… the winter blues? If the chilly weather has got you feeling a bit down this Valentine’s Day, fear not, fellow bookworms! I’ve curated a list of tips to help you turn those winter blues into a celebration of self-love, complete with the magic of books.

Between the Worlds: The Story of Us is a journey of self-discovery, love, and the exploration of the unknown, taking readers on an unforgettable ride through the power of storytelling.

Snuggle up with a Book: What better way to escape the winter chill than by immersing yourself in the pages of a good book? Grab your favorite novel, wrap yourself in a warm blanket, and let the power of storytelling transport you to different worlds.

Create a Literary Feast: Channel your inner chef and cook up a storm inspired by your favorite book. Whether it’s the iconic butterbeer from Harry Potter or a feast fit for hobbits, let literature be your guide to a culinary adventure.

Bookish Decorations: Spruce up your space with literary-themed decorations. Create heart-shaped bookmarks, arrange your bookshelves by color, or set the mood with fairy lights and literary quotes. Your space will feel like a cozy book nook in no time.

Host a Virtual Book Club: Connect with fellow book lovers virtually and host a Valentine’s Day book club. Choose a book that celebrates self-love or features a heartwarming story. Discussing literature with like-minded individuals can be a delightful way to spend the day.

“Remember Me”, Johnny’s last words to Selma, is a novel that should be widely read and remembered. Unforgettable! –Readers Favorite

Write Your Own Love Story: If you’re feeling inspired, why not channel your creativity into writing? Pen down your thoughts, start a short story, or even work on that novel you’ve been dreaming of. Your words have the power to create worlds and inspire others.

Bookish Movie Marathon: Sometimes, the best stories come to life on the screen. Curate a list of movie adaptations of your favorite books and indulge in a cozy movie marathon. It’s a perfect blend of literary love and cinematic charm.

Bookstore Adventure: Venture out to your favorite bookstore or library. Treat yourself to a new book or explore a genre you haven’t delved into before. The scent of new books and the promise of undiscovered stories will lift your spirits.

This Valentine’s Day, let the magic of books be your guide to self-love and literary joy. By incorporating these bookish delights into your celebration, you’ll find that escaping the winter blues is as simple as turning the page of a beloved novel. Happy reading, and may your heart be warmed by the love of literature!

About the author

Sanela Ramić Jurich is a distinguished author and accomplished public speaker with a compelling background. Hailing from Prijedor, Bosnia, she entered the world in 1976, just as the complex tapestry of the Yugoslav war began to unfold in the early 1990s. Precociously navigating the challenges of those tumultuous times, Sanela was merely fifteen years old when the conflict erupted.

Her literary contributions, exemplified by notable works such as “Remember Me” and “Haunting from the Past,” stand as poignant testaments to her lived experiences during the war. These masterfully crafted books not only showcase her prowess as an author but also serve as powerful conduits through which she shares her personal recollections of the era.

Currently residing in the vibrant city of Chicago, Sanela Ramić Jurich has established a harmonious life alongside her two cherished sons. Her journey from the ravages of conflict to her present abode is a testament to resilience, determination, and the indomitable human spirit. Through her words and public addresses, she continues to captivate audiences, shedding light on her remarkable narrative and the broader lessons that can be gleaned from her compelling journey.

Fueled by her passion for writing, Sanela was eager to take on a new writing endeavor. Utilizing a pseudonym presented her with the chance to engage with a fresh and diverse audience. She recently published her first contemporary/fantasy novel titled “Between the Worlds”. This captivating tale explores the themes of soulmates, profound connections, the allure of home, and the strength of emotions.

With every stroke of her pen, Ella Rees, the alias she wears with pride, casts a spell woven from the raw fibers of emotions, entwining readers in a spellbinding dance of heart and mind.

Finding Beauty in the Chaos: My Rollercoaster Start to 2024

Posted on January 13, 2024 by Sanela

Posted in Between the Worlds, Book recommendation, Books, eBooks, Ella Rees, Holidays, New blog post, New Year, Purchase Books, Sanela Ramic Jurich

It’s time to make old mistakes in different ways. Hurray! Happy New Year!

Well, well, well, 2024, you playful little rascal, you’re not exactly off to a flying start for me.

Picture this: New Year’s Day, 2024. I wake up feeling a bit wonky. Sore throat, chills, fever – the whole shebang. Is it the flu? Covid? Just a run-of-the-mill cold? I’m playing medical detective with my own symptoms. Fast forward to the third day of this saga, and I’m blessed with waking up to my left eye looking like it tried to arm-wrestle a bee and lost. Swollen shut and crusty – the glamorous life, I tell you.

Off to the doctor I go, who, after a dramatic drumroll, declares it’s strep throat causing the pink eye extravaganza. Absolutely fabulous. A week of antibiotics later, the fever is gone, but I’m still clinging onto “under the weather” like it’s a security blanket.

But hey, let’s not let that cramp our style. Writing took a backseat, but fear not, my literary endeavors shall rise like a phoenix from the ashes!

And then today happened. I wake up to a winter wonderland – 7 inches of snow painting my world in frozen magic. Picture me, sipping coffee by the patio door, witnessing the snowfall turn my backyard into a Narnia-level masterpiece. It’s the kind of serene and wonderful that makes you forget strep throat ever existed.

So here’s to kicking 2024 where it hurts and embracing the unexpected beauty it throws our way. Bring it on, 2024 – I’m ready for the rollercoaster! 🎢✨

May this year be a kaleidoscope of health, prosperity, serenity, love, laughter, and kindness.

~Sanela

Short excerpt from Between the Worlds: Sarah describes a nightmare caused by memories

The backhanded slap sent me sprawling. The shock of pain blinded me. When I tried to roll into a protective ball, he dragged me across the marble floor by the hair.

I denied and wept. He accused. Until he got tired, leaving me to crawl away and sob in a corner.

But this time, in this dream, I crawled off into my forest, where the air was warm and the ground welcoming.

And there, where the stream gurgled over its smooth rocks, I slept.

Then awoke to the cannon-blast of thunder and the jagged rip of lightning. Awoke to terror. Confusing the blasts of thunder with the blasts of the grenades destroying my grandfather’s town. His house. My parents, my grandpa…

When I fell asleep again, I was back in my forest. Running. Instead of fighting, I was running. Too afraid to turn around and face what pursued me. Finally, I reached the lake. The vast glorious Lake Michigan and decided to plunge into the water. And the trees of my forest all tumbled in after me.

Between the Worlds is available on Amazon. Click to buy!

About the author

With every stroke of her pen, Ella Rees, the alias she wears with pride, casts a spell woven from the raw fibers of emotions, entwining readers in a spellbinding dance of heart and mind.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Posted on December 25, 2023 by Sanela

Posted in Between the Worlds, Book recommendation, eBooks, Ella Rees, Holidays, New blog post, Purchase Books, Sanela Ramic Jurich

As you listen to this poem, may your heart be filled with the joy and magic of the season, wishing you a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with warmth and wonder.

Between the Worlds: The Story of Us

Ella Rees

Description

Have you ever met someone for the first time and felt like you’ve known them forever? Against all odds, you know deep inside that you know them. They feel familiar and comforting. You are drawn to them, but you only just met them. How can that be? Could it be some kind of a karmic connection? Soulmates? Could it all be just a figment of your imagination, or could there be an actual rational explanation for feeling this way? Is there a scientific explanation or is it fate?

Sarah Wilson was a woman of extraordinary powers descended from a legendary figure known as Air. Joined by her two sisters in power, Sarah’s existence took an unexpected turn when her ex-husband’s violence led to her untimely demise. It was in that moment of passing that Sarah journeyed to a place she recognized as home, where memories of her true self and her soulmate, Jachin—now known as Jack Adams—resurfaced.

But the sisters in power intervened, bringing Sarah’s spirit back to life, empowering her to confront her assailant. With her rebirth as Sarah Wilson, a flood of memories from her past lives and her connection to home surged within her being.

Throughout the tapestry of time and myriad incarnations, one steadfast presence endured—their undying love for each other.

Story tags

contemporary romance, soulmates, portal fantasy, karmic connection, familiar stranger, fantasy romance, magic

A NOVEMBER UPDATE

Posted on November 26, 2023 by Sanela

Posted in Audio Books, Between the Worlds, Book recommendation, Books, Cyber Savings, eBooks, Ella Rees, Haunting from the Past, Holidays, New blog post, Purchase Books, Remember Me, Sanela Ramic Jurich

BOOKS, COOKING, SANELA AT HOME, FALL FUN

Dear friend,

IT SNOWED TODAY!

Like snowflakes your words fall silent. But my heart still hears your voice.

As the crisp air of autumn wraps around us, I find myself clinging to these moments, desperately trying to delay the inevitable arrival of winter. The warmth of the bonfire, the laughter shared among friends, and the unexpected hilarity of Denny’s clandestine encounter with Cuban cigars all serve as a testament to the magic of this season.

In the glow of the flickering flames, with leaves gently falling around us, time seemed to slow. The bonfire party became a haven where the present moment was all that mattered. Devin’s connection with Scooby and Denny’s comical attempt at secrecy added layers to the evening, turning it into a memory etched in the amber hues of autumn.

Devin, making friends with–hungry eyes–Scooby

Scooby’s comanding (hypnotizing) us to give him all of our food

Speaking of Denny and his brief tryst with Cuban cigars, the image of him trying to hide the forbidden indulgence brought about an unexpected joy. Life, in these fleeting moments, was a comedy, and as I caught him in the act, the shared laughter became a bridge connecting us all in this transient escape from reality.

But it wasn’t just the laughter; it was the simplicity of roasting marshmallows and savoring the gooey sweetness of s’mores. There’s something inherently delightful about skewering marshmallows on sticks and watching them toast to perfection over the flames. It’s a ritual that binds us to the essence of autumn, to the simplicity of joy found in the company of loved ones.

As winter looms on the horizon, I find myself wanting to preserve these moments, to bottle up the warmth and camaraderie that autumn brings. The crackling of the bonfire, the taste of toasted marshmallows, and the shared laughter under a star-studded sky—all contribute to a tapestry of memories that I want to carry with me into the colder days ahead.

This year, I took on the ambitious task of crafting an entire Thanksgiving dinner for our guests.

Continue reading →

FALL FEELS AND TURKEY MEALS: A GRATEFUL TWIST

Posted on November 23, 2023 by Sanela

Posted in Between the Worlds, Book recommendation, Books, eBooks, Ella Rees, Holidays, Purchase Books, Sanela Ramic Jurich

“The turkey. The sweet potatoes. The stuffing. The pumpkin pie. Is there anything else we all can agree so vehemently about? I don’t think so.” – Nora Ephron

I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you purchasing, reading, and reviewing my books. Thankful for You.

The weather did a swift 180 from perfect to downright chilly, making it a challenge to convince myself

that it’s still prime leaf-peeping time in the good ol’ USA. Yet, despite the sudden cold snap, there’s a silver lining – and it’s not just the frost on the pumpkins. Drumroll, please… enter Thanksgiving, the pièce de résistance of this glorious autumnal saga!

Sure, I’m thankful for the pumpkin pies and apple delights, but let’s not forget the real MVPs – the friends and family who gather around the table to tackle those desserts with me. And topping the gratitude list? The sheer privilege of calling this country home.

As I mentally brace myself for the impending winter blues, I’m determined to squeeze every ounce of joy out of fall.

Winter may be knocking, but for now, let’s soak up the fall vibes like there’s no tomorrow – or at least until the turkey coma kicks in. 🍂🦃

So, as I bid a not-so-fond farewell to the thought of winter’s icy grip, I’m raising a pumpkin-spiced latte to autumn and all its glory. Let’s cherish these moments, from the laughter around the dinner table to the crunch of leaves beneath our boots.

Here’s to embracing the warmth of gratitude, the joy of fall, and the anticipation of a holiday season that promises not just cozy nights by the fireplace but an abundance of love and laughter.

Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with warmth, joy, and a whole lot of pumpkin-flavored everything! 🍂🍁🦃

~Sanela

Lost in a Good Book: A Tale of Airport Absorption

Posted on March 22, 2023 by Sanela

Posted in Book recommendation, Books, eBooks, Haunting from the Past, Holidays, Purchase Books, Remember Me, Sanela Ramic Jurich

$2.38 Digital eBook Download

Once, a friend of mine was reading a particularly engrossing novel on a long flight. She was so absorbed in the story that she didn’t even notice the plane had landed and everyone was getting off. She only realized what had happened when a flight attendant tapped her on the shoulder and asked her to please exit the plane.

Feeling embarrassed, she quickly gathered her things and rushed off the plane, still clutching her book. As she walked through the airport, she was so engrossed in the story that she accidentally walked into a large potted plant! She stumbled and nearly fell, but managed to catch herself before she hit the ground.

Feeling a little frazzled, she looked around to see if anyone had noticed her mishap.

My friend couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of it all, and it certainly made for a memorable end to her journey.

REMEMBER ME is out in audio! (Plus a Giveaway!)

“Unforgettable!” –Readers’ Favorite; Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers’ Favorite

“Amazing Book – A Must Read” -Vine Voice; Reviewed by Elaine Littau for Vine Voice

“Credible, Compassionate, and Courageous” -PDX Author; Reviewed by Gregory S. Lamb for PDX Author

In celebration, I’m giving away a FREE audiobook to anyone promising to leave a review after they listen. Simply email sanela@sanelajurich.com and let me know you’re interested. I will send you a code to one free copy of Remember Me to listen and review.

Sample: Narrated by Lindsay Carrillo

To purchase, go to Audible.com or visit Amazon.com

Happy Valentine’s Day 2023

Posted on February 14, 2023 by Sanela

Posted in Book recommendation, Books, eBooks, Freebies, Haunting from the Past, Holidays, Purchase Books, Remember Me, Sanela Ramic Jurich

“Love can change a person the way a parent can change a baby—awkwardly, and often with a great deal of mess.”

Joan Crawford once said that love is a fire, but whether it is going to warm your hearth or burn down your house, you can never tell and I felt that.

Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and—most importantly—romantic figure.

According to history.com, one legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

Another legend says that an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself right before his death, after he fell in love with a young girl—possibly his jailer’s daughter who visited him during his confinement. It is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today.

Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, though written Valentine’s didn’t begin to appear until after 1400.

Free stories online:

…The blue shade of his eyes doesn’t exist anywhere else in any universe. It only exists inside of him and when he’s calm and content, his eyes deepen and darken just a tiny bit. No one else can see it but me. I watch him so closely all the time. I soak him in. His beauty is indescribable to me. I don’t just physically see it; I feel it deeply. I know him so well that the beauty of him–all of him inside and out–overwhelms me. Soulmates. — The story of us

…The sun was setting as they reached the desolate field. Back when they were just teenagers in love, this was their special place. It was a secluded field hidden deep inside of the woods; far, far away from anywhere. That was its beauty. They used to come here often to love, to talk, to laugh, to cry, and to live. — My happy Valentine

REMEMBER ME is out in audio!

Sample:

To purchase, go to Audible.com or visit Amazon.com

I am giving away an audiobook to one special Valentine. To claim your gift, you must email sanela@sanelajurich.com, and I will send you a free code to your own copy of Remember Me. In order to listen, you do not need to have an account with Audible. All you need is your Amazon sign-in information. Claim your code and listen for free!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

READ IN THE BATHTUB DAY IS FEB 9th

Posted on February 4, 2023 by Sanela

Posted in Book recommendation, Books, eBooks, Haunting from the Past, Purchase Books, Remember Me, Sanela Ramic Jurich

Rub a Dub, I Love Reading in the Tub

I like to read in the bathtub. Ideally, that bathtub would be located on a small Greek island. –Adam Mansbach

Read in the Bathtub Day is a holiday dedicated to taking some time for yourself. In America, February 9th is National Read in the Bathtub Day. Although I found this out recently, reading in the bathtub has been one of my favorite secret pastimes since childhood.

Have you ever sat in a nice warm bath, and read a book?

February 9th is dedicated to two relaxing pastimes: taking a bath and reading books. It is unknown who started the day, but troubles and stresses are sure to be eased by all who participate.

What books will you be reading on Read in the Bathtub Day?

“When I was fifteen years old, my whole life changed in a blink of an eye…”

These books are also available for purchase as eBook downloads.

Click the “Digital eBook Download” below to purchase today!

$2.38 digital eBook download

If you prefer to listen to stories while relaxing in a bathtub instead of reading them, Remember Me is available in audio as well.

Sample

Purchase at Audible.com

“The author, Sanela Ramic Jurich, paints a devastating picture of what Selma’s life becomes and the effects of war. She does not spare the listener with soft descriptions but rather gives them the bare truth of war and the horrible devastating actions of evil men subjecting women and children to extremes in suffering. Each character is skillfully built and developed into vivid people that are forced to suffer the most painful, devastating emotional and physical pain a human can endure. She eases her listeners into the story by showing us familiar acts and emotions – shopping, falling in love, family and friendships. The suddenness of the war reaching her hometown is unexpected and jarring and where she highlights the despair, pain, raw emotions, fear, and more. The love story between two people is amazing and provides hope and renewal. She brings the story full circle and demonstrates that healing is possible. The story flows steadily. Not only are her words powerful but her imagery is as well. The book is powerful with raw emotions.

“The narrator, Lindsay Carrillo provides a moving performance projecting the excitement, love, and passion for life that Selma has until the unthinkable happens. She then projects the horror, pain, despair, anger, and more with each passing word. It is as if she has become Selma with each passing word. Carrillo takes the listeners through the renewal of Selma as she confronts her attacker and reclaims some of what she has lost. I have not had the pleasure of hearing Carrillo prior to this book, but her performance is amazing.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to hear and review this book.” Charla for Audiobook Reviewer.com

“This book was awarded the AudioBookReviewer’s Choice Award as it was deemed to deserve a higher rating than the standard 5-star review allowed.”

AFTER THE HOLIDAYS

Posted on January 29, 2023 by Sanela

Posted in Book recommendation, Holidays, Purchase Books, Remember Me, Reviews, Sanela Ramic Jurich

NEW YEAR, NEW CAR, TWO AWARDS

Here’s to getting back into the groove!

🎶 I’m a model, you know what I mean, and I do my little turn on a catwalk, yea, on a catwalk, on a catwalk, and I shake my little tush on a catwalk…🎶 Haha! Try not to sing along!

After the holidays, after the decorations came down and were stored away, after the baking and cooking and clearing up after it was all done, my car broke down.

The dreaded check engine light on my beloved Volkswagen Tiguan came on–ironically–a few months after my warranty expired. It was the worst news; repairing it would have cost more than the car was worth.

I thought all was lost. My bad luck had followed me into the new year.

But, as soon as that thought entered my mind, amazing things started happening, just to prove me wrong.

“GOD WORKS IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS,” they say. Continue reading →

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Posted on January 1, 2023 by Sanela

Posted in Holidays, Sanela Ramic Jurich

My resolution was to read more … So I put the subtitles on my TV.

“Dear friend, how have you been? I think about you from time to time. Someday, I’d love to know how you have grown since our last goodbye.”

It’s safe to say that we’re all ready to celebrate the start of a new year. The farther away from 2020 and the pandemic we are, the better!

2022 was a tough year for me: I lost a friend, I survived Covid-19 a week before Christmas, and, just last week, someone threatened me with a gun!

Needless to say, I am not sad to see the year 2022 gone and hopefully forgotten soon.

People usually stay up until midnight to see the New Year in, I stayed up just to make sure the old one left!

I spent my New Year’s Eve with my sons and our family. We exchanged gifts, ate some good food, and drank champagne. I loved seeing the grand fireworks displays on TV marking the start of 2023—hopefully a better year for all!

A day before New Year’s Eve, my mom went to the store to buy some new “New Year” decorations, but earlier on that day, the store had put away all of the Christmas / Holiday Season decorations. They were already displaying Valentine’s Day decorations which mom ended up buying and decorating her house with. I thought it was the funniest thing!

This year I’ve decided not to make any New Year Resolutions, but to clear out my closets instead and hopefully as the new year settles in, I will try to do the same thing with myself. Clean out the trash, Sanela, in your head, in your heart. Make room for the new and shiny. It’s not as easy as tossing away expired coupons, but it’s worth the effort to clear a clean path for the new year.

I’m always amazed by the amount of absolute trash that ends up pushed into a drawer. Out it goes. Some things no longer belong here.

Before I start cleaning out my closet–and hopefully my head–however, I’m going to take a walk in this surprisingly gorgeous spring like weather. 48 degrees on January 1st in Chicago-land is rare and I am loving the positive change in the new year already.

I am wishing you a happy, healthy, hopeful New Year full of love and fun and wonderful books.

Sanela

Have you ever wondered why January 1 starts a New Year?

Fun fact:

The month of “January” is named for Janus, the ancient Roman god. Often depicted as having two faces—one looking forward and one looking back—Janus was the god of beginnings and endings, doors and gates, passageways and transitions.

In ancient Roman times, the gates of the temple of Janus were open in times of war and closed in times of peace. While Janus is linked to war, it was more as a way to protect and welcome returning warriors; at other times, he symbolizes peace.

Source: https://www.almanac.com/content/when-new-years-day

In modern times, not all cultures follow the Gregorian calendar. The date of the New Year in the Hindu, Chinese, Coptic, Jewish, and Islamic calendars differs.

For example…

The Chinese New Year starts in January or early February.
The Jewish New Year (based on a lunar calendar) is called Rosh Hashanah and usually takes place in September.
The Islamic New Year, also known as the First of Muharram, is usually observed in July or August and is based on the sighting of the thin crescent Moon.

A New Year’s Quote for you:

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.
–Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809-92)

“Ms. Jurich is a master story teller with a historically important background that must be read in its entirety to be appreciated – Don’t worry, once she’s introduced, you’ll hang on every word.” – iSTAR

“When I was fifteen years old, my whole life changed in a blink of an eye…”

REMEMBER ME is out in audio!

Sample:

To purchase, go to Audible.com or visit Amazon.com

Email sanela@sanelajurich.com to receive a code to one FREE copy of Remember Me to listen and review.