Radical Señora Era: Ancestral Latin American Secrets for a Happier, Healthier Life

by Ann Murray Dunning, Christina Kelmon, Ann Murray Yavar

A practical, accessible guide to how women everywhere can cultivate their own inner señora through simple yet radical ways hard-working, resourceful Latina women for generations have found to refresh, renew, and take time out for themselves.

Robust or struggling, tireless or fatigued, traditional or future-bound—anyone in any stage or walk of life can become a “radical señora.” And in our post-hustle culture, post “Boss Babe” era, when the pandemic and “Quiet Quitting” have ushered in a major work-life reckoning, women everywhere are seeking ways to put self-care first—and find relatable alternatives to modern “exclusive” wellness practices. Now authors Christina Kelmon and Ann Murray Dunning turn decades of ancestral knowledge, personal lore, and cutting-edge research into a one-of-a-kind book that can help you learn time-tested, simple habits and rituals based on natural living.
 
Rediscover how to do something purely for the pleasure of it—without deadlines, goals, or the constant pressure to be “productive.” Find out how this generates a flow that is a mix of play and energy that consistently renews your spirit and outlook. Learn how to incorporate señora home practices that can help you integrate calm and positivity into your precious space. From teas to face masks to gardening wisdom, try the easy, nature-based beauty secrets and solutions that can help you feel good. Develop helpful rules for living that will lead to physical health and peace of mind.
 
Inspirational and informative, Radical Señora Era can help you find joy in even the smallest moments of the day—and create a self-care toolbox that will not only bring you happiness, but ongoing, lifelong fulfillment.     

Genres: Nonfiction

272 pages, Hardcover

Published September 30, 2025

Reviews

[Franchesca · Rating 3 out of 5]

A guidebook for middle-aged women (mostly targeted toward Latinas) wanting to live a simpler, slower, cleaner, more healthy lifestyle. The authors relay a lot about their own histories, upbringing, and lifestyles, along with the changes they made in their own "senora era," including starting their own wellness brand. The book also includes various historical anecdotes from Latin America, tips for gardening, wellness habits, and beauty secrets, along with a few recipes for dishes, teas, and other herbal/natural concoctions. Also included is a spread of calming full color photographs of things like gardening, homemade soaps, teas and herbs, and animals. A good book for any woman looking to leave hustle culture behind and live a slower, healthier, more fulfilling, and relaxed lifestyle while still being a boss.

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving it!

[Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Saw this at the library and thought, well, why not? Never heard of the authors, would not share any of the experiences here, etc. but thought this could be an interesting read. Sometimes I find it useful to read up on what counts as self-care or help, etc. for groups of people that I am not a part of if only to get a better perspective on what might work for me. If not, I feel it sometimes can help me understand cultural differences a little better, which is what I was aiming for here.

The two authors basically go through this self-help book/memoir/commentary and talk about the ways in which society can be hard, what are some practices (some of which are culturally derived) to undertake for self-care, how to find balance in your life, etc. It's a definitely a mix of the authors' own personal experiences and commentary (vs. just instructions).

That's really it. I'll admit to being disappointed. I wanted a little less about the authors and more about the techniques, tips, etc. It probably has to do with me being totally unfamiliar with them and so are uninterested in them personally, but I did feel there was a little too much of each of them (both) in the book. Would also say that there is much you can probably find in other books, but in fairness this is, as the title says, "Ancestral Latin American Secrets."

If you're looking for some tips, know of the authors, are part of the same groups the authors are, etc. this could all be for you. There is nothing groundbreaking I would say but I could also certainly understand the appeal for the right reader. Might make for a good gift for the right person.

Borrowed via the library and that was best for me.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Part memoir, part self help this book is actually really interesting. It will not bore you out with dry advice instead it will take you on a cultural journey and show you many useful tips and methods rooted in Latin culture. It will explore and explain what a well established woman is, a “señora” whether she is a housewife or a business lady. This books will tell you to love yourself and live your life with intent. The amazing thing is that there are recipes and step by step instructions on how to make certain soul foods and self care products.
This book will remind you that having your own rituals whether it is your tea drinking or coffee making or cooking a particular dish, it is important as a part of self care and self love. To me personally this book felt very personal, it reminded me a lot of the Eastern European culture where the women are living purposeful lives, cooking and making their own home remedies.
I love this book, highly recommend.

[Yari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Radical Señora Era: Ancestral Latin American Secrets for a Happier, Healthier Life (book cover is in image) is an exploration of how Latin American women can get off the hamster wheel of life, and take time to foster wellness activities and habits to support better physical and mental health due to self imposed and societal/cultural pressures. It details how "Senoras" of the past utilized a self care routines and activities facilitating a happier and more fulfilling life.

I strongly recommend this book for any woman who is not satisfied with the pace or outcomes of their lives in order to explore options to create a stress free life full of joy.

Thank you @kensingtonbooks and @netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.

Pub Date: Sep 30 2025
Rating: 4 Stars

#KensingtonPublishing
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#Dafina
#AnnMurrayDunning
#ChristingKelmon
@radicalsenoraerabook
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#Nonfiction
#Selfhelp
@yarisbooknook
#netgalley

[LeeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest, hopeful, and helpful

"We may have switched from playing La India or Selena to listening to audiobooks or indie or house music, but the benefits of the ritual are still there - we release tension from our nervous systems while creating a sanctuary in our homes. It's all very therapeutic and healthy for us. We're transforming and claiming these practices as our own and seeing how they can continue to be a form of self-care for our generation."

"[It] doesn't mean you believe that a woman's place is in the home. It's wherever the heck she wants it to be."

"Make no mistake, worshipping at the altar of hustle culture is not going to save you, and neither are those boss babe influencers who try their best to sell you on their propaganda."

[LL · Rating 3 out of 5]

The memoir/self-help book is a standard genre and while this is a pretty good self-help book, there is nothing really groundbreaking here. I very much enjoyed the Latina focus, though, and wish it leaned even harder into that aspect because otherwise it is not offering anything really new. The writing is pretty good and I did enjoy reading it.


I received a free copy for review; all opinions are my own.

[Sherry Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book that is filled with great information and advice! I love how it starts out with a personal family story and continues with personal stories through out the book. Very good and worth reading!

[Evelyn Gonzales Avila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not impressed with the third person pov from the authors, but loved the tips and tricks. This book felt like a history books with some storytelling.