Honey 2 Author Speaks Out on Pound-Paring for Spring Wellness

 Shedding Winter Weight with a Cuppa Tea & Honey

By Cal Orey, M.A.

I recall swimming at the local pool, feeling the water’s weight as I reached for the deck. When I tried to hoist myself up, my arms faltered—a jarring realization hit: “I look like a beached whale!” I blamed my vegetarian diet and my weakness for baked sweets, but the truth was deeper. Fast-forward to a lifestyle pivot: I swapped the sugar for lean protein and committed to daily movement. The extra weight didn't just vanish; my cravings disappeared, my muscle tone returned, and the scale finally settled at a number that felt like home. 

I learned during my diet and nutrition columnist days for Woman’s World magazine, dumping those extra 2–5 pounds is more than just a number on a scale. Shedding extra winter weight reduces inflammation, improves heart function, and keeps blood sugar levels steady (at any age). 

The 5-Step Sierra Shed

1. Prioritize Protein (The Muscle Anchor) Think of fat-burning protein as your "base camp" nutrition. Whether it’s a chilly or warm day, protein maintains muscle mass while you shed fat. Focus on eggs or low sugar Greek yogurt in the morning. The International Society of Sports Nutrition recommend 20–40 g of protein per meal. Spring Tip: Keep pre-portioned nuts at your desk to avoid the "pantry-grazing" trap during computer hours.

2. Fiber Up (The Natural Satiety) Fiber acts like a slow-burning log in a wood stove, keeping you satisfied. Start eating more fresh berries with seeds and fiber-rich salads with lentils Spring Tip: Sip a cup of metabolism-boosting premium coffee with low-fat milk, keeping you energized until lunch.

3. Resistance Training (The Mountain Engine) Forego the gym, use the "Sierra Slant"—add daily movements with barbells, and leg lifts into your day. Resistance training revs up your fat burning power. Spring Tip: Do 10 squats or row/cycle for five-minute breaks. It keeps the blood flowing and the muscles engaged.

4. Hydration (The Metabolic Lubricant): In spring, to stave off false hunger drink herbal teas and infuse water with mint leaves or citrus. Swap sugar with a bit of raw honey. Spring Tip: Use a simple sticky note on your computer monitor to ensure you are sipping H2O regularly.

5. Caloric Alignment (The Seasonal Shift) Your body’s metabolic needs shift with the seasons. In the spring, align your meals with the longer days, eating your largest meal at lunch and tapering off as the sun sets. Spring Tip: Use smaller plates to control portion sizes, to prevent overeating and get lean like a seal for summer days ahead.

CAL OREY, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, health, nutrition, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from San Francisco State University. Her books include the popular Healing Powers series. The new, revised 2nd ed. of a popular Healing Powers book, 2026 is ready for pre-order, and The Healing Powers of Olive Oil, 3rd ed. is in production.   She is a South Lake Tahoe local. Her website is www.calorey.com

Keep the Classic, crave the New. Two editions, future shock!

Bestselling wellness author Cal Orey unveils eye-opening new secrets in The Healing Powers of Honey 2; proof that nature's golden nectar is sweeter (and honey bees more powerful) than we ever knew! Reframe how you reset your immune system, combat ailments, and so much more, all with the natural power of honey—the pantry staple and sustainable superfood that’s also the green choice for healthy living, homeopathic remedies, and natural cures. Amazon, B&N, Kobo, Walmart and more!

Cal Orey, M.A.

A newly revised and updated edition of the #1 hit, now with new research, heart-healthy recipes, honey bee data, and home cures!

DISCOVER HONEY’S AMAZING BEE-HEALTHY POWERS
Did you know? . . .

Eating honey, Mother Nature’s ancient medicine, can still work its healing magic and help lower the risk of disease—adding quality and years to your life—at any age!

The buzz: Consumers are seeking healthy alternatives to refined sugar due to concerns about obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, the #1 killer.

Yes! Raw, unprocessed honey is more popular than ever before and is touted a “superfood” as it replaces unhealthy table sugar and artificial sweeteners—helping to combat the skyrocketing rise in chronic ailments and life-threatening diseases.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, beekeepers experienced a surge in demand for the disease-fighting, antioxidant-rich “apocalyptic food” widely believed to boost immune health.

Increasing threats to honey bees’ survival may harm the planet’s nourishing superfoods that you love to eat—such as fruits and nuts—that the honey bee pollinates.

Honey, known as Mother Nature’s “nectar of the gods,” is an ancient remedy noted in the Bible and used for centuries to quell a cough, soothe a sore throat, energize you, and even calm frazzled nerves due to stressors such as post-COVID-19 virus variants and climate change health effects.

Enjoy gripping and adventurous survival stories about honey bees and humans as well as fascinating reasons why the popularity of honey is soaring, Manuka honey medicinal uses are surging, and herbal flavored varietals are trending. You’ll also love new heart-healthy recipes with honey twists such as Whipped Ricotta Toast with Lemon Thyme Honey, Hot Honey Glazed Turkey Loaf, and Turmeric Honey Immunity Booster, plus buzzworthy home cures thanks to honey’s gifts (including super “bee foods” like propolis and royal jelly) from the hive!

“This eye-opening book provides you with a delicious truth of the traditional Mediterranean diet. Honey is a sumptuous route to optimal health.” —Dr. Will Clower, author of The French Don’t Diet Plan

Story Locale:Nonfiction

Cal Orey, M.A., is a health expert, food writer, on-air personality and author of The Healing Powers series, including The Healing Powers of Vinegar, The Healing Powers of Olive Oil, The Healing Powers of Tea, The Healing Powers of Honey and The Healing Powers of Essential Oils. She has a master's degree in English from San Francisco State University, and for three decades has written hundreds of articles for national and international magazines, specializing in topics such as health, beauty, nutrition, relationships, science, and pets. She can be found online at CalOrey.com.

Author Residence: South Lake Tahoe, CA

Cover (large JPG)Cover (medium JPG)Cover (PDF)

Marketing:

• Publicity outreach for reviews, roundups, and feature coverage in consumer, health & wellness, and key trade publications

• Outreach to brands and wellness companies for partnership opportunities

• Social media campaign including advertising, giveaways, bonus content, and shareable images

• UPDATED WITH NEW MATERIAL: About 25% of this edition is new and updated material, including new recipes and remedies; resource lists; expert commentary; a new foreword; the latest research findings on honey's health benefits, such as its antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties; new studies in the Mediterranean diet, heart health, immune system; data on our endangered honey bees and critical issue of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD); and heartwarming and adventurous anecdotes.
• A PROVEN SUCCESS : The Healing Powers of Honey has achieved #1 Top Rated status on Amazon, demonstrating an irrefutable track record of sales and reader satisfaction. ·It has sold around 20,000 copies in print alone—and the e-book is a steady seller.
• WORLDWIDE BACKLIST BESTSELLER! Cal Orey’s Healing Powers books have sold hundreds of thousands of copies, been translated into a dozen languages, and landed on bestseller lists across the world. The Healing Powers of Vinegar has sold more than 200,000 copies, has more than 700 ratings on Amazon, and was the #1 bestselling health book in South Korea. All previous Healing Powers books were picked up by NewsMax.
• SWEET SOLUTION TO SURGING DEMAND: · During the COVID-19 pandemic, beekeepers experienced a surge in demand for the disease-fighting, antioxidant-rich “apocalyptic food” widely believed to boost immune health. As the global honey market, fueled by consumer demand for natural sweeteners, surges towards a projected 15 billion by 2032, the need for a comprehensive and updated guide to honey’s health benefits has never been greater.
• NEW FOREWORD: The new foreword from Jonny Bowden, Ph.D, bestselling author of 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth, is an expert endorsement that adds authority, credibility, and prestige.
• NOW WITH MANUKA HONEY: Manuka honey, known for its unique antibacterial properties, holds a premium position in the honey market and is a new addition to this edition.
• NATURAL REMEDIES AND RECIPES. Heart disease remains a leading cause of death globally. The American Heart Association reports that cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including heart disease, are the number one cause of death worldwide. This underscores the continued relevance of the book’s content on heart health.·With ongoing health concerns, there’s heightened focus on immune health. (COVID variants and other viruses continue to
• be important issues.) Honey’s immune-boosting properties will resonate with readers seeking natural ways to support their health.
• HOME CURES AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO OTC MEDICINE. Readers interested in homeopathic remedies and natural cures will love Cal Orey’s more than 50 home cures that combat digestive woes to skin woes, while boosting immunity.
• AN EXPANDED MARKET:  The inclusion of new research on Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) and honey bees broadens the book’s appeal to environmentalists, beekeepers, and those concerned about sustainable superfood practices.
• CONNECTED AND PASSIONATE AUTHOR: Cal Orey is a frequent guest on live and internet national radio stations, and the media has covered her work in national magazines including Woman’s World, Complete Woman, Energy Times, MSN Health and Fitness, and other online publications. She has promoted her Healing Powers books as a News Segment guest on Coast to Coast AM and has a weekly column “What’s Cookin’ at Callie’s Cabin” (online and hard copy) and a monthly column for Oracle (online and hard copy).

Praise for The Healing Powers Books by Cal Orey

"The cure is in the cupboard with this book's insights that will tempt your taste buds--and revive you from head to toe." —Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., author of Radical Metabolism on The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices

"In The Healing Powers of Superfoods, we're thankfully re-discovering these amazingly healthy foods again today." —Dr. Will Clower, CEO Mediterranean Wellness on The Healing Powers of Superfoods

"A practical, health-oriented book that everyone who wants to stay healthy and live longer should read." —Patricia Bragg, N.D., Ph.D., author of Apple Cider Vinegar

Are you a retailer looking for information on placing a wholesale order or setting up an account?

Kensington titles are distributed by Penguin Random House. For sales queries, please contact your Penguin Random House rep or customerservice@randomhouse.com / (800) 733-3000 

If you are a non-traditional book retailer or have Special Sales inquiries/questions, please contact: Justine Willis at jwillis@kensingtobooks.com.

Keep the Classic, crave the New. Two editions, zero overlap, future shock!

Bestselling wellness author Cal Orey unveils eye-opening new secrets in The Healing Powers of Honey 2; proof that nature's golden nectar is sweeter (and more powerful) than we ever knew!

Reframe how you reset your immune system, combat ailments, and so much more, all with the natural power of honey—the pantry staple and sustainable superfood that’s also the green choice for healthy living, homeopathic remedies, and natural cures. Amazon, B&N, Kobo, Walmart and more!

A newly revised and updated edition of the #1 hit, now with new research, heart-healthy recipes, honey bee data, and home cures!

DISCOVER HONEY’S AMAZING BEE-HEALTHY POWERS
Did you know? . . .

Eating honey, Mother Nature’s ancient medicine, can still work its healing magic and help lower the risk of disease—adding quality and years to your life—at any age!

The buzz: Consumers are seeking healthy alternatives to refined sugar due to concerns about obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, the #1 killer.

Yes! Raw, unprocessed honey is more popular than ever before and is touted a “superfood” as it replaces unhealthy table sugar and artificial sweeteners—helping to combat the skyrocketing rise in chronic ailments and life-threatening diseases.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, beekeepers experienced a surge in demand for the disease-fighting, antioxidant-rich “apocalyptic food” widely believed to boost immune health.

Increasing threats to honey bees’ survival may harm the planet’s nourishing superfoods that you love to eat—such as fruits and nuts—that the honey bee pollinates.

Honey, known as Mother Nature’s “nectar of the gods,” is an ancient remedy noted in the Bible and used for centuries to quell a cough, soothe a sore throat, energize you, and even calm frazzled nerves due to stressors such as post-COVID-19 virus variants and climate change health effects.

Enjoy gripping and adventurous survival stories about honey bees and humans as well as fascinating reasons why the popularity of honey is soaring, Manuka honey medicinal uses are surging, and herbal flavored varietals are trending. You’ll also love new heart-healthy recipes with honey twists such as Whipped Ricotta Toast with Lemon Thyme Honey, Hot Honey Glazed Turkey Loaf, and Turmeric Honey Immunity Booster, plus buzzworthy home cures thanks to honey’s gifts (including super “bee foods” like propolis and royal jelly) from the hive!

“This eye-opening book provides you with a delicious truth of the traditional Mediterranean diet. Honey is a sumptuous route to optimal health.” —Dr. Will Clower, author of The French Don’t Diet Plan

Story Locale:Nonfiction

Cal Orey, M.A., is a health expert, food writer, on-air personality and author of The Healing Powers series, including The Healing Powers of Vinegar, The Healing Powers of Olive Oil, The Healing Powers of Tea, The Healing Powers of Honey and The Healing Powers of Essential Oils. She has a master's degree in English from San Francisco State University, and for three decades has written hundreds of articles for national and international magazines, specializing in topics such as health, beauty, nutrition, relationships, science, and pets. She can be found online at CalOrey.com.

Author Residence: South Lake Tahoe, CA

Cover (large JPG)Cover (medium JPG)Cover (PDF)

Marketing:

• Publicity outreach for reviews, roundups, and feature coverage in consumer, health & wellness, and key trade publications

• Outreach to brands and wellness companies for partnership opportunities

• Social media campaign including advertising, giveaways, bonus content, and shareable images

• UPDATED WITH NEW MATERIAL: About 25% of this edition is new and updated material, including new recipes and remedies; resource lists; expert commentary; a new foreword; the latest research findings on honey's health benefits, such as its antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties; new studies in the Mediterranean diet, heart health, immune system; data on our endangered honey bees and critical issue of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD); and heartwarming and adventurous anecdotes.
• A PROVEN SUCCESS : The Healing Powers of Honey has achieved #1 Top Rated status on Amazon, demonstrating an irrefutable track record of sales and reader satisfaction. ·It has sold around 20,000 copies in print alone—and the e-book is a steady seller.
• WORLDWIDE BACKLIST BESTSELLER! Cal Orey’s Healing Powers books have sold hundreds of thousands of copies, been translated into a dozen languages, and landed on bestseller lists across the world. The Healing Powers of Vinegar has sold more than 200,000 copies, has more than 700 ratings on Amazon, and was the #1 bestselling health book in South Korea. All previous Healing Powers books were picked up by NewsMax.
• SWEET SOLUTION TO SURGING DEMAND: · During the COVID-19 pandemic, beekeepers experienced a surge in demand for the disease-fighting, antioxidant-rich “apocalyptic food” widely believed to boost immune health. As the global honey market, fueled by consumer demand for natural sweeteners, surges towards a projected 15 billion by 2032, the need for a comprehensive and updated guide to honey’s health benefits has never been greater.
• NEW FOREWORD: The new foreword from Jonny Bowden, Ph.D, bestselling author of 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth, is an expert endorsement that adds authority, credibility, and prestige.
• NOW WITH MANUKA HONEY: Manuka honey, known for its unique antibacterial properties, holds a premium position in the honey market and is a new addition to this edition.
• NATURAL REMEDIES AND RECIPES. Heart disease remains a leading cause of death globally. The American Heart Association reports that cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including heart disease, are the number one cause of death worldwide. This underscores the continued relevance of the book’s content on heart health.·With ongoing health concerns, there’s heightened focus on immune health. (COVID variants and other viruses continue to
• be important issues.) Honey’s immune-boosting properties will resonate with readers seeking natural ways to support their health.
• HOME CURES AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO OTC MEDICINE. Readers interested in homeopathic remedies and natural cures will love Cal Orey’s more than 50 home cures that combat digestive woes to skin woes, while boosting immunity.
• AN EXPANDED MARKET:  The inclusion of new research on Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) and honey bees broadens the book’s appeal to environmentalists, beekeepers, and those concerned about sustainable superfood practices.
• CONNECTED AND PASSIONATE AUTHOR: Cal Orey is a frequent guest on live and internet national radio stations, and the media has covered her work in national magazines including Woman’s World, Complete Woman, Energy Times, MSN Health and Fitness, and other online publications. She has promoted her Healing Powers books as a News Segment guest on Coast to Coast AM and has a weekly column “What’s Cookin’ at Callie’s Cabin” (online and hard copy) and a monthly column for Oracle (online and hard copy).

Praise for The Healing Powers Books by Cal Orey

"The cure is in the cupboard with this book's insights that will tempt your taste buds--and revive you from head to toe." —Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., author of Radical Metabolism on The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices

"In The Healing Powers of Superfoods, we're thankfully re-discovering these amazingly healthy foods again today." —Dr. Will Clower, CEO Mediterranean Wellness on The Healing Powers of Superfoods

"A practical, health-oriented book that everyone who wants to stay healthy and live longer should read." —Patricia Bragg, N.D., Ph.D., author of Apple Cider Vinegar

Are you a retailer looking for information on placing a wholesale order or setting up an account?

Kensington titles are distributed by Penguin Random House. For sales queries, please contact your Penguin Random House rep or customerservice@randomhouse.com / (800) 733-3000 

If you are a non-traditional book retailer or have Special Sales inquiries/questions, please contact: Justine Willis at jwillis@kensingtobooks.com.

Herbs & Spices Power for Mom!

  Key To Vibrant Health For All Generations Is In Your Kitchen . . . (CLICK to Order)

Anise, bay leaf, garlic, parsley, turmeric, and more — for thousands of years, herbs and spices have been praised for preserving and flavoring food, as well as preventing and curing illnesses.

The latest research reveals that the seasonings already in your pantry — or easily found fresh in your supermarket or garden — can lower your risk for cancer, heart disease, and obesity.

This A-to-Z guide catalogs the most popular and versatile herbs and spices, drawn from the Mediterranean Diet but suitable for any diet plan. You will learn how to harness herbalism to heal your body and mind.

In the pages of The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices you will discover how you can naturally:

• Bring abundant zest to your table while lowering your cholesterol, balancing your blood sugar, and revving up your metabolism — at any age!
• Ward off colds and flu, banish a hacking cough, and even ease PMS or menopause woes, by adding tasty plant therapy to your favorite food or drink.
• Lessen your anxiety and boost your mood with aromatic natural ingredients found in dried and fresh flavorings.
• Soothe aches and pains without harmful side effects — and trigger feel-good endorphins — using sweet and savory garnishes, including edible flowers.
• Create in-home spa treatments using the same herbal potions featured at luxury spa resorts.

With over 50 taste-tempting recipes, along with personal stories and fascinating historical anecdotes on medicinal uses dating back to biblical times, The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices is your go-to guide for embracing limitless energy and healthy longevity while feasting on memorable meals full of mouthwatering aroma and deliciousness!

Here are just a few of the herb-a-licious recipes:

Cinnamon Rolls with Allspice Glaze

These easy-to-make rolls are guaranteed to please anyone with a sweet tooth. This version is sweet and spicy, Serve warm with tea. It’s a gift from nature’s herbal garden.

 

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Couscous with Apricots and Toasted Cumin

This recipe is worth dishing up — it brings you the exotic tastes of the East. The mixture of herbs and spices, plus a dash of honey and lemon, are sure to please even the most discerning palate.

 

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Shrimp with Wild Rice Cakes and Roasted Pepper-Dill Aioli

Bright and fresh, this recipe is the perfect complement to a summer night. A mix of dill, mustard, and garlic creates a complex but light flavor profile that pairs great with a crisp white wine.

 

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Herby Tostadas with Cilantro Sauce

Packed with crunch and zesty cilantro sauce with a spicy flavor and healthful kick, this quick and satisfying dish is ready in a snap and is perfect for an outdoor meal.

 

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And so much more! 

Get all of these revitalizing recipes and improve your health the delicious way when you take advantage of our special offer.

Normally this NEW book retails for $16.95, and it’s a steal at that price, BUT . . .

Through this exclusive direct-from-the-publisher offer, you won’t pay a dime for the book. All we ask is that you cover $4.95 shipping and handling.

Tea and Honey for June--National Iced Tea Month

   By Cal Orey

For centuries, people all around the world have enjoyed the simple, soothing pleasures of a good cup of tea with a good teaspoon of honey, and nowadays there is more reason to so do. Tea(s)—all kinds--especially with honey, but together they pack a punch of nutritional and health benefits. 

         Medical doctors, nutritionists, scientists and beekeepers are now confirming what healers have been saying for since biblical times—teas and honeys have a variety of healing powers.

          Here are my favorite tea and honey marriages—but there are infinite combinations for both you and me to try. There is no right or wrong combination and what’s sweet to you makes honey-tea beverages a sweet sip.

1. Black Tea: 

 The first tea I was introduced to was basic black tea—which does contain caffeine—and I have enjoyed it plain but realized it did need a sweet flavor boost to it.  Also, Earl Grey and English breakfast teas (perfect for an Irish breakfast, complete with fried potatoes, scrambled eggs, and scones) are part of the Black Tea group.

Best Honey Matches:  Basswood has a distinct flavor that I’ve used in plain yogurt for a rich flavor and it can give black tea a kick, too. Sourwood boasts a caramel taste that can make a common black tea come to life with taste. Earl Grey teams well with avocado, blueberry, and eucalyptus honeys, too. It’s more exotic and exciting than just a simple all-purpose clover honey that comes without pleasant surprises.

2. Green Tea:  Touted for its wide array of health virtues, this Asian tea does contain caffeine, like black tea, but not as much. It’s an acquired taste and that’s where honey comes into play so you can get the best of taste and nutritional benefits. 

Best Honey Matches:  Blueberry honey has a fruity taste which can give a nice kick to green tea, not the most flavorful tea.  Sage honey is mild, a California favorite of mine that brings out the best of green tea.

3.  Fruit Tea—Welcome to lemon, orange, rose hips, and apple teas. These fruity teas are sweet and sometimes tart, which call for a honey sidekick.

Best Honey Matches:  Mild flavored honeys such as sage and alfalfa brings out the best in fruit teas because it doesn’t overpower the fruity taste but maintains the integrity of the fruit flavor.

 4. Herbal Tea—Herbal teas come from a variety of plants other than the tea plant. They are made from the leaves, berries, flowers, fruits and bark of herbs and spices.

Although most herbal teas do not contain the antioxidant properties of real tea, they do possess other good-for-you compounds that can enhance your health and well-being. There is a wide range of herbal teas, including ginseng, cinnamon, licorice, and mint.

Rooibos (roy-boss) is the “new” herbal tea on the block—that is often called “Red Tea.” Like green and black teas, this tea contains antioxidants that make it heart-healthy and immune-enhancing—and it’s caffeine free.

Best Honey Matches: Teaming earthy and warm herbal teas go well with a mild alfalfa, clover, orange blossom, and sage honeys—common honeys that complement distinct herbal flavors. 

5. Oolong Tea—This tea, popular in Asian countries, contains health perks of both black and green teas. A robust flavored-tea that can have a sweet taste lends to different honeys. 

Best Honey Matches: Oolong, not a tea familiar to me, was easy to try with a friendly California orange blossom honey with its citrusy sweet taste. Another oolong mate is tupelo honey its light amber color and herbal, fruity flavors.

6. White Tea—And last but not least welcome to this pale tea. Found in China it is believed to rank number one for its antioxidants. It’s a bit sweet and mellow. It’s the new tea on the block for tea lovers.

Best Honey Matches:  Fireweed honey is light colored and smooth, like white tea—the two complement each other. Wildflower, one of my favorite mild honeys also goes nicely with white tea.

            As a devout tea drinker, I believe your choice of honey and tea is a personal choice—like pairing dark chocolate with different fruits, herbs and spices. The selection also depends on the season to your mood. But popular and friendly honeys, such as clover and orange blossom are suitable any time, any place because they are not too strong and will not overpower teas—all types—and you can’t go wrong for yourself or if you’re serving other people.

Excerpt: From The Healing Powers of Honey and Tea books by Cal Orey, published by Kensington Books, mass market format 2018. All rights reserved.

UPDATE: newsmax.com/tea GIFT BOOK take a peek inside! The Healing Powers of Tea and The Healing Powers of Honey will be available in audiobook format June 28!

May 20 is World Bee Day Notes The Healing Powers of Honey 2 Author

 September is National Honey Month--The Healing Powers of Honey - Amazon's #1 Top Rated Book in Spring 2025!; Honey 2 will be launched in the summer of 2026... Secure your copy! & ENJOY WORLD BEE DAY...

   The Healing Powers of Honey has been graced with the Best Seller banner for more than three weeks in 2024--both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Amazon's #1 Top Rated Book Label in spring of 2025... It's the superfood for summer! (5 formats)

It is impossible to listen to this narration of The Healing Powers of Honey by author Cal Orey on audiobook without going to the cupboard and pouring a cup of hot tea, and of course, adding a heaping teaspoon of honey into it.  The soothing taste and coating of honey is talked about in so many ways, thus while listening and sipping the tea, it makes for an amazing multi-dimensional learning scenario, having both your brain and body absorbing the true nectar of the gods.  What’s more than revealing the facts is the way Cal Orey interleaves her own life’s adventures into describing her quest of gaining the background information to compile the facts about honey into this highly specialized enlightening guide.

The story begins with the author taking on the project of doing a book about honey by the request of her publisher.  Listeners are brought to the planning stage of how Cal Orey organized her research to achieve what she is known for; as being a down-to-Earth presenter of health benefits of various food substances.  Honey follows her repertoire as she has demonstrated with vinegar, olive oil, chocolate, and other healing books.  Nobody is born with honey knowledge, so she first acquired every book she could find on the subject, then arranged for meetings with bee keepers in Fresno, Reno, and other places.  So as a listener, I found the tome of the narration as having a quality of discovery, as new factoids are learned and shared, making this story a journey of discovery.

“A Hippie Chick,” as she often referrers to herself as being, due to her expert knowledge of organic health foods, understanding their therapeutic effects having antioxidants, allowing for stress relieving, blood pressure control, diabetes cure, heart fortitude, and even helping lower the risk of cancer, honey fits right in at the top of God’s gifts to humanity – or should I say the Bee’s gift.  Her ‘textbook’ parts of the book when she is educating listeners (readers) on the many types of honey, their relative histories and specialized qualities, and somewhat magical powers are explained with describing each varieties’ color, taste, and even how best to pair it up with other food items.  Then, of course, she adds her own commentary to each of the about 30 variations of honey – that’s when I began to google the online stores to buy my own bouquet of flavors.

Some diversion to the author’s factual narration on the honey subject was most sentimentally touched upon with the stories of her dog(s).  At one point she talks about traveling all around the USA from California to Key West with her K-9 companion, and even smuggling the dog into Canada because she didn’t have the correct documents at the border – now that’s “chutzpah!”  She then talks about having a 6th sense when someone commented, “Nice dog” to her, only to find the dog missing after she tied it up outside a building for only a few minutes.  The sadness, crying, and sensation of loss was contagious.  A few months later she was “rescued” by a lab with sympathetic eyes in San Diego, and life with a dog partner took a happier path.

Honey is amazing.  The antibacterial properties makes it ideal for fighting off any bacterial infection, both inside and outside the body, as it is known for enhancing and protecting the skin and healing wounds.  Forget Pepto-Bismol, eat honey to cure suffering from diarrhea.  Heart healthy, even helping diabetics (which seems odd due to honey’s sweetness) as well as hypertension, lowering cholesterol and even aiding longevity, plus weight loss and libido enhancement are all benefits of this golden nectar.  Thank you, bees.

I must admit I did not know the vast variety of types of honey; yes, Clover is popular, and Van Morrison introduced me to Tupelo Honey, but Cal talks about Alfalfa Honey being native to Northern Nevada, and Buckwheat Honey being very powerful with antioxidants.  She thought Fireweed Honey might have been bitter yet was pleasantly surprised by its flavor.  I never would have thought Avocado Honey existed, and Dandelion, nor Eucalyptus – I guess I need to walk down the health-food isles in Whole Foods a bit more slowly next time.

It may seem as if I am making light of the subject, but that is how I perceived Cal Orey takes the sting out of being a dry educational presentation, and embellishes her work with her humble wisdom and incredible stories which she has gained on so many other subjects.  Just like blending honey into bakery items, combined it with cinnamon for holistic healing, or dissolving it in a tea, smoothie or drink, honey’s versatility and benefits are un-bee-livable.

Reviewer’s footnote:  Having the audiobook version of this bestselling book, the narration by Tara Marie Kirk was very clear and fluid, not missing a beat with those 5-syllable Latin names of the specific varieties, however as a personal preference I played it back at 1.25 speed, slightly picking up the pace for my listening pleasure, and cutting the play-time from just over 8 hours to about 6 hours.

 

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Interview With Author

 

Soulmates with Paws -- INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR

 Author Interview: Cal Orey (and new feline soulmate with paws)

Title: Soulmates with Paws: A Collection of Tales & Tails
Author: Cal Orey
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 978-1-6655-7857-8
Pages: 238
Genre: Non-Fiction / Pets

PBR: What drew you to write this book?

Years ago, I was first published in “Dog World Magazine.” The first-person profile piece was about my experience using a mobile vet while living in Santa Cruz Mountains. It paved the way for me to write about dogs and the human bond. Later, I began to send my work to cat publications. Then, I spread my wings and wrote about human relationships, science, and health topics, too. I suppose it was my love for canines that led me into becoming a book author.

PBR: What reactions have you received so far from readers?
At first, the non-fiction novel ranked 43 in the Top 100 categories Animal & Pet Care Essays and Action & Adventure Fiction on Amazon. It held its place for weeks like a sled dog on an Alaskan journey.
I forgot how saturated the pet books market can be. Back in 2002 my book 202 Pets’ Peeves was released. It was a spin-off article I wrote about why your cat hates you. The piece got one half million views on AOL’s homepage. While book reviews were positive it didn’t end up being a best seller like The Healing Powers of Vinegar, Honey, and Tea. It took Vinegar a few years to find its legs, but it took off big-time! It ignited the nine-book series.

PBR: Among the many published magazine article reprints, blogposts, and contributing material, most notably are your stories interacting with your dog. How did you decide on which stories to publish, and do you have some other special moments you still wish to share?
The collection of my works were selected without over thinking it. I put it together organically. I can tell you that in Book 2, there will be more science fiction-paranormal stories about a girl and her dog based on my real life.
It’s funny, but I recall back in graduate school we had to find a professor to be our first reader for the required thesis. When I pitched my dog and girl trek across America story to him he snickered and said to me: “I’m not interested.” Once I fell into the popular Healing Powers series, I can tell you I included countless tales about me and my dog(s)—on the road and off.

PBR: What are your favorite breeds of dogs that appeal to you, personally?
I used to be a Sporting Dog Group fan. My canine companions were Labrador retrievers and Brittanys. After losing one Brittany, I had to fill the void for Simon, a Brittany, a canine soulmate and myself. So, four months later, I brought home a 10-week-old fluffy Australian shepherd named Skye “protector”. He is our strong healing, Herding dog and brought back balance into the household. Both Simon and my Siamese cat, Zen raised him to be our alpha leader.

PBR: Your comments about telepathic communication between pets and their owners are amazing. Can you kindly elaborate on this?
I believe in supernatural superpowers. In PAWS Book 2, I will share an amazing story including telepathy between a girl and her super smart, sassy, and loyal dog showing the strength of their bond.

PBR: Although rather challenging, we realize, but can you tell us about your favorite pet you ever had (or have) and why is he/she so special?
This is a Sophie’s Choice question. How can I choose between my children? They all have a special place in my heart. Of course, living in the present I will say both of my pets are my soulmates with paws. But in the past, I’d have to say Stone Fox, my handsome black Labrador was a godsend when I was all alone on the road. We hitched and hiked through California; he stood by me on a freeway onramp hitching a ride while we were both shivering in a Colorado blizzard; and we survived together in a Nevada dust storm. He was intelligent and independent. Stone Fox had soulful big, brown eyes, the heart of gold, and he definitely was my soulmate with paws. When he passed, I couldn’t let go. I had to go on a business trip, and I took his box of ashes with me. I put “him” under the bed covers in my cold hotel room. I felt his warm presence. I loved him with my heart and soul.

PBR: What new topics are on your desk for future books?
I’ve been enjoying writing different genres like I did in graduate school which include science fiction, romance, and thrillers. These topics are no stranger to me. Sure, my health-nutrition books stuffed with stories are popular and timeless… but I’ve taken some new, exciting writing trips out of the kitchen and am enjoying the wild (and always include a soulmate with paws like Dorothy with Toto).
For more information: www.calorey.com and Soulmates with Paws is available in three formats at online bookstores.

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