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Warrior Won
Gold Winner, Inspirational Fiction by the Living Now Book Awards
Finalist, Women's Fiction and New Age Fiction by the American Book Fest Fiction Awards!
Everything is going great in Lorna Crawford’s life. She is married to a fantastic guy, is mom to an adorable two-year-old with another child on the way, has a posse of girlfriends, and recently landed a new job. The spiritual practices she has made a centerpiece of her life—yoga, mindfulness, meditation—are becoming second nature. But four months into her pregnancy, Lorna learns there may be something wrong with her unborn baby, a prospect that throws her life and her inner peace into turmoil. Over the next few months as a diagnosis awaits, Lorna is helped along by breathwork, family yoga, appreciation exercises, crystal-bowl relaxation, Ayurveda, chanting, spiritual reading, and more. Will all this be enough to get Lorna through the months of not-knowing—and possibly a devastating diagnosis?
Finalist, Women's Fiction and New Age Fiction by the American Book Fest Fiction Awards!
Everything is going great in Lorna Crawford’s life. She is married to a fantastic guy, is mom to an adorable two-year-old with another child on the way, has a posse of girlfriends, and recently landed a new job. The spiritual practices she has made a centerpiece of her life—yoga, mindfulness, meditation—are becoming second nature. But four months into her pregnancy, Lorna learns there may be something wrong with her unborn baby, a prospect that throws her life and her inner peace into turmoil. Over the next few months as a diagnosis awaits, Lorna is helped along by breathwork, family yoga, appreciation exercises, crystal-bowl relaxation, Ayurveda, chanting, spiritual reading, and more. Will all this be enough to get Lorna through the months of not-knowing—and possibly a devastating diagnosis?
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2019
18 people are currently reading
535 people want to read
About the author
Meryl Davids Landau
4 books107 followersAward-winning writer Meryl Davids Landau is the author of the mindfulness/yoga women's novel Warrior Won, which was the Gold Medal winner in the Living Now Book Awards competition for Inspirational fiction. Warrior Won was also a finalist in both women's fiction and inspirational fiction in the American Book Fest Fiction Awards.
Foreword Reviews calls Warrior Won "spiritual fiction that is both compelling and fun." Midwest Book Review says it is "one of the strongest spiritual women's fiction pieces to appear in recent years."
Warrior Won is a stand-alone follow up to Meryl's prior novel Downward Dog, Upward Fog, named a fiction-book-of-the-year finalist by Foreword Reviews.
Her third book is Enlightened Parenting: A Mom Reflects on Living Spiritually With Kids, a book of essays.
Meryl has been published in numerous magazines, including O: the Oprah magazine, Prevention, Glamour, Parents, Redbook, Reader’s Digest, Yoga Journal, HuffPost, Medium, Vice, and more. Her work has been nominated for a prestigious National Magazine Award and won first place in the outstanding-article category from the American Society of Journalists & Authors.
Meryl is a certified Integral Yoga teacher and a co-moderator of the Yoga Folks group on Goodreads.
Connect with Meryl on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MerylDavidsL...
Foreword Reviews calls Warrior Won "spiritual fiction that is both compelling and fun." Midwest Book Review says it is "one of the strongest spiritual women's fiction pieces to appear in recent years."
Warrior Won is a stand-alone follow up to Meryl's prior novel Downward Dog, Upward Fog, named a fiction-book-of-the-year finalist by Foreword Reviews.
Her third book is Enlightened Parenting: A Mom Reflects on Living Spiritually With Kids, a book of essays.
Meryl has been published in numerous magazines, including O: the Oprah magazine, Prevention, Glamour, Parents, Redbook, Reader’s Digest, Yoga Journal, HuffPost, Medium, Vice, and more. Her work has been nominated for a prestigious National Magazine Award and won first place in the outstanding-article category from the American Society of Journalists & Authors.
Meryl is a certified Integral Yoga teacher and a co-moderator of the Yoga Folks group on Goodreads.
Connect with Meryl on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MerylDavidsL...
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 14, 2019
If you've read Meryl Davids Landau's witty and wise debut, Downward Dog, Upward Fog, you will no doubt remember Lorna Crawford and greet her like an old friend. If Warrior Won is your first foray into Lorna's head, don't fret - it's a pretty Zen place and you won't be lost.
The challenge of a follow-up novel that continues its characters journeys is often finding new and engaging ways to put them through their paces, especially after they've had a pretty satisfying "happy for now" ending in their first story. Landau pulls no punches with the subject matter in Warrior Won, and in portraying a family's struggle and solutions when it comes to a very difficult unknown. But as any master of her craft, Landau also makes sure to utilize every spiritual tool Lorna has picked up along the way to keep her head - and her faith - as she faces the future.
Warrion Won is a beautifully-written book that reminds us of the importance to stop and appreciate the here and now. Highly recommend for book clubs (especially yoga book clubs and women's fiction-focused book clubs).
The challenge of a follow-up novel that continues its characters journeys is often finding new and engaging ways to put them through their paces, especially after they've had a pretty satisfying "happy for now" ending in their first story. Landau pulls no punches with the subject matter in Warrior Won, and in portraying a family's struggle and solutions when it comes to a very difficult unknown. But as any master of her craft, Landau also makes sure to utilize every spiritual tool Lorna has picked up along the way to keep her head - and her faith - as she faces the future.
Warrion Won is a beautifully-written book that reminds us of the importance to stop and appreciate the here and now. Highly recommend for book clubs (especially yoga book clubs and women's fiction-focused book clubs).
August 11, 2019
Warrior Won is an adventure novel, but the adventures are of a spiritual nature. I was particularly interested in the fact that this spiritually adventurous protagonist is pregnant. My yoga manual for many years was Inner Beauty, Inner Light: Yoga for Pregnant Women by obstetrician Frédérick LeBoyer which was given to me as a gift. Yet I was sure that I'd never seen a yoga novel whose main character is pregnant. So I accepted a review copy free of charge from the author, and this is my honest review.
Warrior Won is the sequel to Landau's Downward Dog, Upward Fog which I have not read. Lorna Crawford is the central figure in both novels. I consider her spiritually adventurous because she's always willing to try different practices from a variety of spiritual traditions.
Lorna isn't an idealized character. She occasionally made poor decisions. In one case, it could have had an adverse impact on her pregnancy. I wanted to scold her at that point in the plot. Fortunately, she had an excellent support network-- most notably her husband, her midwife and her like-minded friends who met as a group several times during the course of the narrative to do spiritual work for Lorna. If they were Wiccan, I would have called them a coven.
I would like to close by saying that I thought the characterization of Lorna was believable, and that there were times when I identified with her. Lorna and her husband had to deal with a tragic revelation in the course of this novel. Their process of moving through grief to acceptance was very touching. My heart went out to them. This aspect of the novel had tremendous impact. I feel that people could benefit from the experience of reading Warrior Won.
For my complete review see https://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/2...
Warrior Won is the sequel to Landau's Downward Dog, Upward Fog which I have not read. Lorna Crawford is the central figure in both novels. I consider her spiritually adventurous because she's always willing to try different practices from a variety of spiritual traditions.
Lorna isn't an idealized character. She occasionally made poor decisions. In one case, it could have had an adverse impact on her pregnancy. I wanted to scold her at that point in the plot. Fortunately, she had an excellent support network-- most notably her husband, her midwife and her like-minded friends who met as a group several times during the course of the narrative to do spiritual work for Lorna. If they were Wiccan, I would have called them a coven.
I would like to close by saying that I thought the characterization of Lorna was believable, and that there were times when I identified with her. Lorna and her husband had to deal with a tragic revelation in the course of this novel. Their process of moving through grief to acceptance was very touching. My heart went out to them. This aspect of the novel had tremendous impact. I feel that people could benefit from the experience of reading Warrior Won.
For my complete review see https://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/2...
July 12, 2019
I really enjoyed this book as I am a regular yoga practitioner and also dabble in meditation and mond-spirit-body connections. The author weaves quite a bit of that in her story about a lovely family who is expecting their second child. Some unexpected twists and turns in their life test their ability to practice all that they usually apply to their usually mindful lives. I enjoyed all the connections and references the author made (adding some good reading suggestions to my "to read" list), although sometimes I found them a bit forced. If you are not interested in yoga and the mind/body connection you may not appreciate what this book has to offer. I have not read the first book in this series, but this book can stand alone.
Full disclosure: this review is from reading a kindle version of the book that I read in a giveaway.
Full disclosure: this review is from reading a kindle version of the book that I read in a giveaway.
September 5, 2019
Goodreads Giveaway-thank you!
As an an always beginning again meditator and mindfulness practitioner and need to begin again yoga student, this book had many nuggets of wisdom and lessons throughout that were relatable and helpful to read while going on this spiritual journey with the main character, her family, and friends. The author includes the names and authors of all the books she included in the story and I loved when the main character was listening to my favorite kirtan performer, Snatam Kaur. It was different to read a fiction book of this nature, and I enjoyed it. I look forward to reading her 1st novel about the same character, but note this book can definitly be read as a stand-alone.
As an an always beginning again meditator and mindfulness practitioner and need to begin again yoga student, this book had many nuggets of wisdom and lessons throughout that were relatable and helpful to read while going on this spiritual journey with the main character, her family, and friends. The author includes the names and authors of all the books she included in the story and I loved when the main character was listening to my favorite kirtan performer, Snatam Kaur. It was different to read a fiction book of this nature, and I enjoyed it. I look forward to reading her 1st novel about the same character, but note this book can definitly be read as a stand-alone.
May 26, 2019
I won this book from the author in a good reads giveaway. Thank you Meryl Davids Landau!
After readingDownward Dog, Upward Fog: A Novel , I remembered Lorna Crawford well. This book came to me at a time where I have been facing uncertainty myself and has a yogic approach to career, parenthood, and relationships ( aka life). An approach I also try to look at the world with. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for fiction that is both spiritual and fun. I also enjoyed all the references to other books spread throughout the novel. These are just a few of my favorite quotes.
" You can't run. None of us can. We must be willing to encounter darkness and despair when they come up, and face them, over and over again if need be, without running away or numbing them in a thousands of ways we conjure up to avoid the unavoidable".
"To stay with that shakiness-to stay with a broken heart, with a rumbling stomach, with the feeling of hopelessness and wanting to get revenge- that is the path of true awakening. Sticking with that uncertainty, getting the knack of relaxing in the midst of chaos , learning not to panic-this is the spiritual path"
"The off center in between state is an ideal situation, a situation in which we don't get caught and we can open our hearts and minds beyond limit"
After readingDownward Dog, Upward Fog: A Novel , I remembered Lorna Crawford well. This book came to me at a time where I have been facing uncertainty myself and has a yogic approach to career, parenthood, and relationships ( aka life). An approach I also try to look at the world with. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for fiction that is both spiritual and fun. I also enjoyed all the references to other books spread throughout the novel. These are just a few of my favorite quotes.
" You can't run. None of us can. We must be willing to encounter darkness and despair when they come up, and face them, over and over again if need be, without running away or numbing them in a thousands of ways we conjure up to avoid the unavoidable".
"To stay with that shakiness-to stay with a broken heart, with a rumbling stomach, with the feeling of hopelessness and wanting to get revenge- that is the path of true awakening. Sticking with that uncertainty, getting the knack of relaxing in the midst of chaos , learning not to panic-this is the spiritual path"
"The off center in between state is an ideal situation, a situation in which we don't get caught and we can open our hearts and minds beyond limit"
May 19, 2019
This book came to me at a time in my life when I am facing a huge struggle with uncertainty, much like the main character, Lorna. One of the things I loved about this book is how Lorna references books and authors who are helping her through an uncertain time in her life. The section in the back of the book with a listing of books referenced is a wonderful addition to the book.
I'm someone who has been seeking fiction with a yoga element for the past several years, which is how I came across "Downward Dog, Upward Fog." Even though this is a follow-up to "Downward Dog, Upward Fog," it can easily be read and understood on its own.
One of the beautiful things about this book is its portrayal of female friendship. To me, that is far more appealing than a traditional romance novel. How can women be there for other women?
This book has a little something for fans of light fiction: romance, love, friendship, family, hope, and so much more. If you're looking for some escapist reading, this fits the bill.
This book is example of a character living her yoga off the mat, which I find appealing.
I'm someone who has been seeking fiction with a yoga element for the past several years, which is how I came across "Downward Dog, Upward Fog." Even though this is a follow-up to "Downward Dog, Upward Fog," it can easily be read and understood on its own.
One of the beautiful things about this book is its portrayal of female friendship. To me, that is far more appealing than a traditional romance novel. How can women be there for other women?
This book has a little something for fans of light fiction: romance, love, friendship, family, hope, and so much more. If you're looking for some escapist reading, this fits the bill.
This book is example of a character living her yoga off the mat, which I find appealing.
May 14, 2019
Warrior Won, by Meryl Davids Landau, is a clever and touching story that introduces many yogi lifestyle concepts in a mainstream and accessible way. I enjoyed that the book incorporates yogic approaches to everyday encounters including parenthood, relationships and career. At a deeper level the author does a good job of showing how the main character is forced to contend with a major life challenge and uses all her wellness tools to stay present to life’s unfolding.
January 24, 2021
(Crossposted on Amazon)
Since I first read Downward Dog, Upward Fog a decade ago, it's been one of the prize books on my shelf. I reread it at least once a year, continuing to identify with Lorna Crawford's journey toward a spiritual wholeness in the mess of everyday life. As such, I was thrilled to find out that Meryl Davids Landau was finally releasing a sequel!
I had high expectations for Warrior Won, and Meryl smashed every one of them. Coming back into Lorna's life four years after the events of the first book was like reconnecting with an old friend, and I was relieved to find her ahead of where she had been but still very much living in real life. She is no contrived archetype of a main character, but a woman with heart and hurt whom you wouldn't be surprised to meet in your own life. And Lorna isn't the only one; Warrior Won is populated with three-dimensional characters who bring the story to life whether they are present for a page or for the duration. (And without real spoilers, fans of Lorna's friend Janelle and sister Angelica will be thrilled to see them return!)
The conflict at the heart of Warrior Won is also written beautifully, realistically without either overdramatization or deus ex machina-type solutions. I found myself laughing and crying, holding my breath and practicing my own Warrior pose with Lorna and her circle as the story developed.
Warrior Won has more than earned its place on the "must reread" shelf next to its predecessor, and I am committed more than ever to reading anything that Meryl Davids Landau writes!
Since I first read Downward Dog, Upward Fog a decade ago, it's been one of the prize books on my shelf. I reread it at least once a year, continuing to identify with Lorna Crawford's journey toward a spiritual wholeness in the mess of everyday life. As such, I was thrilled to find out that Meryl Davids Landau was finally releasing a sequel!
I had high expectations for Warrior Won, and Meryl smashed every one of them. Coming back into Lorna's life four years after the events of the first book was like reconnecting with an old friend, and I was relieved to find her ahead of where she had been but still very much living in real life. She is no contrived archetype of a main character, but a woman with heart and hurt whom you wouldn't be surprised to meet in your own life. And Lorna isn't the only one; Warrior Won is populated with three-dimensional characters who bring the story to life whether they are present for a page or for the duration. (And without real spoilers, fans of Lorna's friend Janelle and sister Angelica will be thrilled to see them return!)
The conflict at the heart of Warrior Won is also written beautifully, realistically without either overdramatization or deus ex machina-type solutions. I found myself laughing and crying, holding my breath and practicing my own Warrior pose with Lorna and her circle as the story developed.
Warrior Won has more than earned its place on the "must reread" shelf next to its predecessor, and I am committed more than ever to reading anything that Meryl Davids Landau writes!
June 4, 2019
I loved this book! Knowing that it was a sequel, I first read the author's previous book "Downward Dog Upward Fog," which I also loved. However, "Warrior Won" could easily have been read on its own. "Warrior Won" was unlike any other novel I've read in that it incorporated information about spiritual practices, such as yoga and meditation, within the context of a page-turning novel with characters I cared about deeply. I was surprised to realize how much I was drawn into the protagonist's world considering I personally do not embrace spiritual practices. But it didn't matter that I am not a spiritual practitioner because the book was beautifully written and told a riveting story. "Warrior Won" did not read like a dry non-fiction self-help book that prescribed to have all the answers. Instead, one of the aspects I appreciated most was that the main character struggled with her spirituality throughout the novel, expressing doubts and asking questions. I'd recommend this book far and wide to all readers.
July 21, 2019
I really liked the story and highly recommend. I love how the author took the characters and made them feel authentic, dealing with life up and downs with strong emotions and real reactions and weaving in yoga and meditative spiritual practices that do not always balance the moment. Facing a very difficult situation the couple muster strength through love, family, friends and spiritual practice.
I love how this story stands on its own; If you have not read Downward Dog, Upward Fog, you are not lost as a reader, although, also a good read. I believe Meryl achieved the level she sought for Lorna's next chapter.
The quotes are artfully weaved and transition fully for the moment giving insight to what the characters are feeling. The author has done a good job bringing the reader into the emotions and experience.
I love how this story stands on its own; If you have not read Downward Dog, Upward Fog, you are not lost as a reader, although, also a good read. I believe Meryl achieved the level she sought for Lorna's next chapter.
The quotes are artfully weaved and transition fully for the moment giving insight to what the characters are feeling. The author has done a good job bringing the reader into the emotions and experience.
August 1, 2019
“Most people use the term meditation, but since I discovered this blissful practice several years back I rarely call it that. Even before I ever had a session where I went so deep I was nestled inside the egg of the universe—something that happens . . .” (2)
This is about a woman’s emotional journey as she battles life’s obstacles.
There was terminology that I didn’t quite understand. Story was slow and lilting, filled with words of spiritual reverence. I have to say that I didn’t quite connect with the main character as much as I’d hoped. The whole thing kind of dragged on and on for me.Not an interesting read.
This is about a woman’s emotional journey as she battles life’s obstacles.
There was terminology that I didn’t quite understand. Story was slow and lilting, filled with words of spiritual reverence. I have to say that I didn’t quite connect with the main character as much as I’d hoped. The whole thing kind of dragged on and on for me.Not an interesting read.
May 2, 2020
This book and character spoke to my soul
I absolutely loved this book and I'm now realizing I should have read her first book, Downward Dog, Upward Frog, but I was lucky enough to win this on a Goodreads giveaway, which was my first exposure to Meryl Davids Landau. I am now going to purchase the rest of her work. The character Lorna spoke to me and was easily relatable bc I am into the same practices she is, and around the same age. I loved reading about her friends and support group bc they are so similar to mine. I am going to recommend this book to all of them!
I absolutely loved this book and I'm now realizing I should have read her first book, Downward Dog, Upward Frog, but I was lucky enough to win this on a Goodreads giveaway, which was my first exposure to Meryl Davids Landau. I am now going to purchase the rest of her work. The character Lorna spoke to me and was easily relatable bc I am into the same practices she is, and around the same age. I loved reading about her friends and support group bc they are so similar to mine. I am going to recommend this book to all of them!
September 8, 2019
when i first started readng this book, i was not sure what to think of it, but the further i read the more caught myself really enjoying it. heavy on yoga and the concept of spirit, the amazing story, about a woman names Lorna and her husband and close friends, plus her 2 year old daughter, must travel through the problem with her pregnancy, and the diagnosis of gene problems. coming out with a fresh look at life and how we deal with it.
June 17, 2019
Interesting change of pace for me. Having started practicing Yoga a year and a half ago, I found it very relatable. The main character incorporates principles of Yoga into coping with everyday challenges.
I now need to read the previous books by This author. I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you.
I now need to read the previous books by This author. I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you.
June 21, 2019
Goodreads Kindle Win
We meet a woman who seems to have it all as a happily married with a two year old and a baby on the way. In her earlier stage of pregnancy she learns that her unborn baby has something wrong. She learns to rely on her yoga knowledge and friends to help through this uncertain time.
We watch her as she grows through this upheaval period. An enlightening read.
We meet a woman who seems to have it all as a happily married with a two year old and a baby on the way. In her earlier stage of pregnancy she learns that her unborn baby has something wrong. She learns to rely on her yoga knowledge and friends to help through this uncertain time.
We watch her as she grows through this upheaval period. An enlightening read.
July 23, 2019
This book I loved the cover and the story but I wish that I was more into yoga then I am in. You will see why when you read this womans fiction. She has a big huddle in life and has to pull that energy and also herself together somewhere inside her. Meryl hit the ball to third and got to first safely!
June 2, 2019
Very much enjoyed this story. Loved the spiritual relationship Lorna and her husband share. What a blessing to mutually use such valuable tools. I’ve not had children, and certainly appreciated how the two year old and the baby to come were shared with me. Definitely recommend this one.
July 16, 2019
This book was not quite what I expected. Yoga practitioners will likely relate to it. It did make me realize that connecting with myself needs more consideration. It is not an in-your-face yoga book. This book is a like a child from a marriage of a self help book and a biography.
August 14, 2019
I enjoyed reading this book that opened my eyes to the roles meditation, movement, and mindfulness can have in helping one cope with the stresses of life, all while telling a very human story. There was useful medical information woven into the fictional story, as well.
Want to read
June 18, 2019Placeholder
I won this book via Goodreads Giveaways.
I won this book via Goodreads Giveaways.
June 21, 2019
Throughly enjoyed the storyline and read
December 21, 2023
Can't wait to air my interview with the wonderful Meryl Davids Landau...stay tuned. Excellent book!
August 5, 2019
It was an enjoyable read (most of the time). I actually would rate it 3.5*. I just started to read it without really knowing what I was getting myself into. I don't have kids, so to be honest I am not interested in things related to them, and I found that I felt annoyed reading the long descriptions of how she was dealing with her daughter in different situations... But other parts were great, I found a few tips that can actually help with releasing stress a bit and relieving anxiety. It is also an easily readable book with a smooth writing style. In addition, she mentions many books and 'motivational speakers' who piqued my interest, so it was worth the read.
(Goodreads Kindle win-- thanks!)
(Goodreads Kindle win-- thanks!)
January 25, 2021
Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
If ever there was a character that is the most unlike me, it could be Lorna Crawford. A mother who is pregnant with her second and has recently found a lifestyle that really incorporates a mindfulness with meditation and yoga in order to go through life with an abundance of confidence and positivity.
Although this character was far from my experience, I appreciated moving through her life through her eyes. As a woman who isn't a mother, I was glad that Lorna had stressors in her life that were both personal and professional and as a mother and wife, I could relate to her moments in the office as she tried to keep her mindful spirit while also working a corporate job. I can see myself adopting some of her techniques to get through a stressful moment or see the positivity in a person when I am having a hard time doing so!
If ever there was a character that is the most unlike me, it could be Lorna Crawford. A mother who is pregnant with her second and has recently found a lifestyle that really incorporates a mindfulness with meditation and yoga in order to go through life with an abundance of confidence and positivity.
Although this character was far from my experience, I appreciated moving through her life through her eyes. As a woman who isn't a mother, I was glad that Lorna had stressors in her life that were both personal and professional and as a mother and wife, I could relate to her moments in the office as she tried to keep her mindful spirit while also working a corporate job. I can see myself adopting some of her techniques to get through a stressful moment or see the positivity in a person when I am having a hard time doing so!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews