Click here to purchase The Contessa’a Triumph

The Contessa’s Legacy is the prequel historical novel and the winner of several book awards including winning 2024 International Impact Award for best Historical Fiction, Firebird Book Award and it recently won the Eric Hoffer Book Award as Finalist for a novella. The book tells the story of a family living in Pompeii, Naples in AD 79. It follows the lives of the fictional Salacia family members as the ancestors eventually immigrate to America, including their relationships with each other, and their struggles to survive in a society that was not known for treating its citizens with compassion. The book explores themes of family, love, social justice, generational legacy and the impact of historical events on individuals and communities. 
 
This sequel novella, The Contessa’s Triumph stands alone as a modern day exploration of the next generation and the perspective they bring to the world. It celebrates with gratitude and equanimity by looking back at all the generations of the family who were thankful for how far they had come as immigrants and as individuals. The ancient traditions enabled them to avoid the hedonic treadmill and rejoice in knowing that in the end the love they shared with humanity was everything. It is a journey of the joys and sorrows of generational legacy.

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EDITORIAL REVIEWS for THE CONTESSA’S TRIUMPH…

Reviewed by Golder Hazelton – 5/5 STARS

The Contessa’s Triumph by Nora D’Ecclesis is a joyous celebration of multi-generational family traditions and values, sure to gladden the heart of any reader seeking the comfort of positive family relationships. As Sophia and Jaques prepare for a picture-perfect wedding, their interactions with family members and with each other open portals for a wealth of fascinating information – far more than one would expect from a romantic narrative – the result being a story that is as educational as it is heartwarming. Readers will learn about mythology, European history, cooking, generational distinctions, and a host of other sociological and cultural gems, all delivered with such flair that they will not even realize how much they have learned until long after they have finished the book. This fluid blending of narrative and factual content is one of the hallmarks of masterful storytelling.

Sophia and Jaques inhabit a world full of happy endings, where disappointment is either fortuitously distant or dimly remembered; nevertheless, their halcyon existence serves as a reminder that happiness is possible and, surprisingly, within reach. Sophia and Jaques’ world is a place where personal choices make all the difference: page after page, readers will see them choosing to be happy together and to honor the wisdom, traditions, and experience of those who have gone before. In the end, it is a beautiful and inspiring world, perfect for a rewarding escape from the cares and stresses of everyday life. The Contessa’s Triumph by Nora D’Ecclesis is a rare treasure trove of gratitude, positivity, and resilience – a heartwarming allegory with much to teach.

Reviewed by Richard Prause 5/5 STARS

The Contessa’s Triumph by Nora D’Ecclesis is a compelling literary drama that spans multiple generations. It explores the heritage of Contessa Angelina and continues through her offspring. The story shifts to Sophia, an engaged young woman who lives in the shadow of grief after losing her previous boyfriend in a terrible accident. Although Sophia’s marriage to her fiancé, Jacques, is based on family expectations, they genuinely care for one another. Their union sets the stage for emotional healing to begin. From seaside meals to enriching moments in Villa Salacia, their married life is consumed with settling into their new roles and partaking in beautiful family gatherings. Their story merges the wisdom of the older generation and the resilience of youth, as they carry forward the Contessa’s legacy. 

The Contessa’s Triumph is much more than a chronicle of the titular character’s family heritage. The book skillfully combines Italian culture and heartfelt family moments. Sophia’s character growth—from a traumatized and heartbroken girlfriend to a wife and mother—shows how a person’s heritage and their duty to uphold their family’s history can profoundly influence their life. Another aspect of the book worth mentioning is its vivid portrayal of Italian culture. The narrative comes alive through its descriptions of family traditions, drawing readers deeper into the lives of its cast and their incredible culture. At the same time, Nora D’Ecclesis does a great job of exploring the different ideals between the older and younger generations in Sophia and Jacques’s family, keeping readers further intrigued by their family life. When the book ends, your heart will ache to read about these memorable characters again.

Reviewed by Doreen Chombu 5/5 STARS

The Contessa’s Triumph by Nora D’Ecclesis is a heartwarming story that follows the family lineage of an Italian Contessa who immigrated to America. The tale follows one of her descendants, Sophia, who marries the love of her life, Jacques Cross. The couple honeymoon in Paris, where they enjoy sightseeing and engage in intellectual discussions about history, family heritage, and culture. They bond with each other’s families and come to appreciate the values that have been passed down through generations. After an unfortunate incident that leads to a criminal investigation, Sophia and her family discover a secret about her grandmother’s death that brings them closure in the most unexpected way.

The Contessa’s Triumph is the sequel to Nora D’Ecclesis’s first book, The Contessa’s Legacy, which chronicles the Contessa’s family journey from Pompeii to America. I enjoyed the first book and appreciate that the author has continued the story of this beautiful family that values tradition, history, and culture. I love how Sophia and Jacques exemplify a harmonious blend of modern awareness and traditional values. They stay connected to their heritage, celebrating their lineage while also engaging with contemporary social changes, such as their use of electronic gadgets like fitness trackers. The book addresses current social issues, including the mention of the new American Pope and the COVID-19 pandemic. It also explores the differences between generations, highlighting the evolving perspectives and values across age groups. This story is about connections, continuity, and learning from the past. The author has incorporated poetic, culinary, and historical elements that make the story a joy to read. As the Contessa’s family welcomes new members, I hope anyone who reads this book is inspired to follow their own North Star—embracing tradition while navigating contemporary life with resilience and hope, leaving a lasting legacy for their loved ones.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka  5/5 STARS

The Contessa’s Triumph by Nora D’Ecclesis continues the story of Contessa Angelina’s descendants as the new generation navigates relationships and family heritage in the modern world. Cathleen and Thomas Salacia have left no stone unturned to ensure their daughter Sophia’s marriage to Jacques goes off without a hitch. Rick, Sophia’s brother, is Jacques’s best man at the wedding. After a brief honeymoon, the newlyweds travel to Europe, where Jacques serves as a diplomat for the United States, while Sophia works on her dissertation. They explore the fascinating ruins of New Pompeii before finally arriving at the picturesque vacation villa of Great-Uncle Michael and his wife, Joan, nestled in the outskirts of Naples. Meanwhile, Thomas and Rick visit the man responsible for Lydia’s death in prison. 

The Contessa’s Triumph is a feel-good slice-of-life novel that follows a multi-generational Italian family in the modern era. Nora D’Ecclesis skillfully weaves a family saga, bringing to life a vibrant cast of characters set against the stunning landscapes of Italy. The author maintains a deliberate pace throughout the narrative, allowing readers to savor every moment spent with Lydia’s descendants. I liked Sophia and Jacques’s dynamic. While Sophia is fully committed to her marriage, she can’t help but wonder about Philip and what could have been if he had been alive. This internal conflict adds relatable depth to the character. Another highlight was the conversation between Thomas, Rick, and Carl toward the end. Overall, it’s a heartwarming slice-of-life novel that I recommend to readers who enjoy literary fiction.

Reviewed by Asher Syed 5/5 STARS

In The Contessa’s Triumph by Nora D’Ecclesis, Sophia, a young woman from a multi-generational Italian-American family, wades through her wedding, honeymoon, and early married life with Jacques. Alongside these milestones, she begins to research her family’s lineage and traditions, tracing their ancestry from Contessa Angelina through successive generations. This is all done in conjunction with travel through Italy, including Pompeii, Sardinia, La Maddalena, and San Marino, where they participate in cultural activities, culinary practices, outdoor experiences, and family reunions. Also described are Sophia’s life experiences, including the loss of a former partner, her academic research, and starting her own family with Jacques, alongside the family’s handling of inheritance disputes, legal matters, and the desire to establish a legitimate family trust.

Nora D’Ecclesis’s The Contessa’s Triumph is a really lovely celebration of family, history, and the beauty of Italian life. D’Ecclesis offers a lot of travelogue-style descriptions, from the elegant halls of Villa Salacia to the sun-drenched landscapes of Sardinia and the La Maddalena Archipelago, allowing readers to follow Sophia, Jacques, and their extended family through horseback riding, kayaking, culinary delights, and visits to Pompeii and San Marino. Each character is distinctly portrayed, and I really enjoyed the playful interactions between siblings, juxtaposed against the gentle guidance of elders. D’Ecclesis is sympathetic to the honoring of generational traditions and cultural heritage, drawn out in moments of personal thought, shared meals, and community gatherings. There are some gentle twists, and with the combination of adventure, travel, and family life, this is a satisfying and memorable read. Recommended.

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Click here to purchase Zen Rohatsu

Zen Rohatsu is the A to Z of Zen, as it is the backstory of why we meditate, live mindfully and have a spiritual practice. The Zazen Meditation combines the practice with mind and body from a 2,700 year old philosophy. It informs us of the potential enlightenment from suffering that historical Buddha experienced while sitting under a fig tree in ancient times. Meditation keeps us in the present with focus, equanimity and stress management.

Rohatsu is a spiritual practice of meditative zazen that occurs on the eighth day of the twelfth month on the Gregorian calendar. The meditation sessions, which focus on Zazen Meditation rather than scriptures or rituals, are celebrated for seven days in advance of December 8th by Zen practitioners all over the world. The Rohatsu days and nights are replicated enactments of how we think historical Buddha from the Shakyamuni tribe achieved enlightenment. It includes a look at why Buddha sat in front of that banyan fig tree known as a peepul tree in Bodh Gaya in India.

Zen is but one branch of the Buddhist tradition that emerged as a result of those eight days, many years ago before written word. This is the story of how the concept of Buddhist enlightenment emerged from the Buddha’s days on earth. Rohatsu is unique to Mahayana Zen — Japanese Zen which celebrates the Rohatsu experience. It is an introduction to the spiritual practice. We learn from the historical perspective in this book of what motivated Siddhartha’s experience and the men and women who ultimately expanded it globally to share the core concepts. Buddha was a man, not a deity, who found his enlightenment and set his path, avoiding suffering by controlling his thoughts and desires. Buddha always replied, according to ancient verbal communications, “I am awake.”

Zen Rohatsu Reviews from Readers’ Favorite:

If you are interested in learning about Zen Buddhism, this book is for you. Rohatsu commemorates the enlightenment of the Gautama Buddha. Buddha taught that one can avoid suffering by controlling their thoughts and desires. Zen opens a portal to view life in the present. It is a spiritual path. In Zen Rohatsu, Nora D’Ecclesis shares the history of Zen Buddhism and some of its more famous leaders. Buddha’s teachings deal with the Middle Path. Following Buddha teaches that materialism is not what gives life meaning. I found it very interesting that this book contained information about Ignatius Loyola and Francis Xavier and their spiritual transformation. The Jesuits adopted much of Buddhism and took it to the rest of the world. The monk, Bodhidharma, is known as The Father of Zen.

The central teachings of Buddhism are the Four Noble Truths that Buddha found while he sought enlightenment. These are followed by the Eightfold Path. Both concepts are discussed and explained in Zen Rohatsu by Nora D’Ecclesis. The Four Noble Truths are as follows: 1) life means suffering, 2) the origin of suffering is attachment and desire, 3) the cessation of suffering is attainable, and 4) there is a path to the cessation of suffering. To reach the cessation of suffering, one must follow the Eightfold Path until one achieves the Middle Path. Buddhism also elevated women to an equal footing with men in meditation. While there is a physical distinction between men and women, according to Bankei, the Buddha Mind makes no distinction. Nora also writes about the connection between Buddhism, the Tea Ceremony, and Haiku. This book covers the basics of Buddhism.

-Philip Van Heusen

With the rising influence of social media and the advent of a major global pandemic, there has been a drastic increase in anxiety, stress, and other mental health disorders among the general populace. One of the most proven and effective ways to combat stress and negate those harmful disorders is through meditation. Zen Rohatsu by Nora D’Ecclesis is a thorough study of meditation and other Zen practices to help readers develop their understanding and knowledge of a sect of Buddhism that can guide them on the path to enlightenment. In this book, D’Ecclesis discusses the origins and spread of Zen Buddhism and its practice throughout the world and how it became a source of comfort to people seeking peace and fulfillment. 

Japanese Zen Buddhists commemorate the enlightenment of the historical Buddha with a celebration on the eighth day of the twelfth month of the Gregorian calendar. Nora D’Ecclesis gives an in-depth account of its origins, going back in history to retell the story of Gautama Buddha during his days in Bodh Gaya, India, and gives a detailed explanation of the Four Noble Truths and the Steps of the Eightfold Path. She also provides a short account of Bodhidharma, the patriarch, and Father of Zen. This short book is not only informative but also illuminating because it showcases the rich history and influence of Zen Buddhism, a practice that has given so many people clarity and meaning in their lives. I found Zen Rohatsu to be a fascinating read and highly recommend it.

-Pikasho Deka

Zen Rohatsu entails intensive meditation sessions in which the people practicing Zen dedicate all their waking time to meditation, which is the acme of Zen. Unlike most practices of meditation that only emphasize spirituality, Zen Rohatsu also focuses on mindfulness and intuitiveness. Zen is a Japanese branch of Buddhism that has been in existence for approximately 2,700 years. Rohatsu refers to the eighth day of the twelfth month, which is considered a sacred holiday of zazen (sitting) meditation. How did Zen come to be? Who conceived the practice of meditation and mindfulness? Nora D’Ecclesis answers these and any other questions you may have on Zen (and Buddhism) in her book Zen Rohatsu. She also addresses the benefits of Zen meditation and mindfulness and shares detailed techniques for practicing Zen meditation.

Nora D’Ecclesis plunged me into the spiritual realm of Buddhism, detailing the birth of Zen, the life of Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama), and the spread of Zen, all the way to mindfulness and spirituality. She presents her thoughts and ideas in a chronological format in fourteen chapters. She outlines her ideas from a historical and transcendental point of view. Through the insights provided in Zen Rohatsu, I was led to fully grasp and appreciate the core values of Zen, which emphasize achieving control over thoughts and desires to avoid suffering. I learned interesting facts about important Buddhist deities, Buddhism’s (Zen’s) history, and more. Despite being of royal blood and enjoying royal privilege, Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) was motivated to search for the meaning of life and to practice mindfulness. You will find this a great read if you are trying to wrap your head around the whole concept of Zen and its practice.

-Keith Mbuya

In her well-researched book Zen Rohatsu, author Nora D’Ecclesis uses the historical approach and develops a hermeneutic work on Zen Buddhism that’s simple enough for a beginner but is also deep enough for the seasoned practitioner. It’s based on important and significant figures, events, teachings, practices, traditions, and concepts that served as the foundation that built up the universe of Buddhism as it evolved and established itself as one of the world’s largest religions and philosophical traditions. She begins by leading the reader through a guided visualization of Zen Meditation or Zazen, before providing background information on Rohatsu and explaining why it is observed on December 8th. She then discusses the founder, Gautama Buddha, and his extremely intriguing life. She also speaks of the most important and influential figures who followed him, how the religion diversified into various schools of thought after Buddha’s passing, and the key elements of each branch. The book also has a chapter on Haiku poetry, which is a creative writing discipline that best represents Buddhism because of its ability to be poignant and to evoke a wide range of emotions and thoughts that can lead to a larger feeling or idea, despite the required brevity. The book’s last chapters speak about mindfulness and spirituality, Zen Meditation practices, and a short discourse on her own religious experience and journey as a follower and practitioner of the Zazen. 

Even though the book has a simple cover that depicts the austere beauty of a Zen Garden, its content and substance go way beyond being simply informative. Nora D’Ecclesis subtly touches on pertinent topics by using significant facts, dates and events, and observations. For example, by bringing up the point that the predecessor of Tibetan Buddhism was a woman, she ultimately tells us that enlightenment transcends gender. And with her eloquent discussion about the “Unborn Mind”, she is able to clearly explain how our prejudices are a result of learned delusions that polluted our originally unbiased and unattached disposition at birth. Her historical approach helps the reader realize that teachings on compassion for animals have been in existence even before 227 BC. Without much use of high-sounding or flowery language, D’Ecclesis effectively explains Buddhism’s profound and important principles and values. Her book addresses a belief system and a way of life that remains necessary and relevant. This book also serves as an exposition of timeless and adaptable universal truths that teach us to follow a trusted pathway to peace in the midst of a very chaotic and destructive modern-day rat race. Zen Rohatsu is brilliant and delightful and is definitely a treasure trove of useful facts and insights to learn from and reflect on. I’m quite grateful that I had the opportunity to read this amazing book. Highly recommended.

-Carmen Tenorio

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The non-judgmental acceptance of the feelings that emerge in our thoughts and emotions, in the present, manifests into a lifelong mindful practice. The similarities of the various modalities found around the world to practice mindfulness are more numerous than the differences in some cases than the activities of a culture. They are passed down from generation to generation with the name of the activity rather than the more trending term of mindfulness. Make no mistake, the names change from countries and cultures around the globe, but the intention is identical. Join me on a journey of how mindfulness exists in other cultures with the diversity and of the way things are done in other countries to formulate a lifestyle of staying in the present.

Click here to purchase Multicultural Mindfulness: Nourishing The Soul in ebook format

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In 2019 Blacktone Publishing purchased Spiritual Portals: A Historical Perspective, to produce an Audio Book. Spiritual Portals is professionally narrated by Award winning narrator for Blackstone, Ann Richardson. The Audio is available November 12, 2019. Also in 2019 Spiritual Portals won the New Apple Literary Award as the Solo Medalist in Spirituality and International Book Award for Best Cover.

Click here to purchase Spiritual Portals in audio format

Spirituality is a uniquely individual experience resulting from an introspective assessment of the moral, ethical and compassionate components of our lives. It includes the non-materialistic aspects of life. Exploring one’s spirituality is a transformative process of the core need for solitude and includes ethical and moral choices. A human’s true self experiences personal growth during the contemplative process usually resulting in a more compassionate existence for themselves and others who they interact with during their lifetime. This book provides an in depth view to techniques, methodology and most importantly the history of modalities selected to bring the reader toward a more spiritual existence without or in combination with faith-based religions. The spiritual component to our daily lives is always a transformative path intended to create change as a result of spiritual practice.

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Challenging situations will always arise and stress in certain situations can be a healthy way to keep us focused on handling a problem or accomplishing a task. However, once the challenge is over, many bodies fail to return to a restful state because we are so accustomed to stress and anxiety. In order to accomplish this baseline of tranquility, we must immerse ourselves in activities that bring about this state of rest. A technique that has proven to be especially effective in the area of stress reduction is meditation through guided visualizations.

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Awareness of tick-borne diseases is critical in order to prevent an increase in incidence of the disabling conditions that accompany them. Tick-Borne is a comprehensive identification and explanation of the various diseases in the United States transmitted by tick bites and known to medical science to date.

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Twin Flame is a blending of views about faith, love and perseverance from a universal spiritual perspective. The fiction chapters are interwoven with introspective analysis of how all twin flames endure the process as they quest toward equanimity. The narration includes insights from her expertise in Zen, meditation, Reiki and Christianity. The book embraces the concept that there is a higher plan for everyone and that twin flames are created long before birth.

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I am thankful for….with deep gratitude…. On a daily basis begin to think of every good thing someone you met along the way has done for you or others. Feel the gratitude for those acts of kindness deep in your heart. Take an introspective journey with me and commit to a weekly gratitude journal. The format of this book is to give the reader a few starting ideas on how and why to keep a gratitude log and then to personalize it. Gratitude enables us to embrace equanimity which is, in simple terms, a more balanced life.

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Haiku does not require any special technique or equipment like most art. The simple tools of pen and paper enable anyone anywhere to be a poet. Haiku is three short little lines in a small poem that speaks volumes about how we think when viewing nature. We connect our true feelings of things in nature with a hint of the season and how we perceive it. Once touched by the words in the haiku poem our feelings flow in free association. Haiku is seeing beauty in nature and then expressing it in the written word describing how we feel about it.

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Coloring creates an environment to de-stress and stay in the present. For optimal quality of life we should find ways to control stress in our lives. Chronic stress decreases the quality of our lives, therefore we should eliminate at least some of our daily disquietude in order to approach our lives with equanimity and a calm perspective. A coloring book experience is a major tool to achieve this goal.

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The Retro Budget Journal is a companion to our bestselling 2014 release, The Retro Budget Prescription. This journal will give you a clear depiction of where your money is going and puts you in control of your financial health. Twelve monthly budget worksheets are included, as well as straightforward insight into the realities of personal finance.

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Lock Your Door presents a system of using a written journal that contains all of the information necessary to easily find and retrieve passwords and allocates space to change a password a minimum of four times a year. If you prefer written to online storage of your information, this is the system for you.

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If there were 28 hours in a day what would you do with the extra time? Is it the same thing you would do with the first 24 hours? If you are not happy with your current organizational skills this book will show you an alternate path. Join me on a journey of minor fine tuning that will result in a more productive schedule and less stress.

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Skillful personal finance is an essential element of stress management. The ‘Retro Budget Prescription’ offers everyone a clear, concise, and down-to-earth look at how to succeed with everyday finances. This book offers help for every age and uses excellent examples to accomplish your goals. A quick and educational look at money matters.

Nora D’Ecclesis recently a guest on The C.A.P. Podcast to discuss The Retro Budget Prescription. Click here to play.

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Building a balanced life begins with eliminating stressful habits while cultivating good actions. “Mastering Tranquility” is a guide to the uplifting practices that have helped countless people manage and overcome the debilitating effects of stress. It is a companion for anyone who wants to adapt to the many anxieties, fears, and worries encountered in everyday life by pursuing fulfillment through revitalizing activities.

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The practice of Reiki with another person creates healing for both. Healing occurs as we allow ourselves to be the conduit for the universal spiritual wisdom of Reiki. Reiki empowers us as a stress management technique.

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