Reviews

REVIEWS for Dawn ©

“Spiritual and deeply resonant Dawn, Sonya Haramis’ new single is perfect for sinking into, absorbing the slow and yet soothing sounds of piano and electronic melodies that herald in the dawn; the dawn of a new day, brooding, peaceful, undecided and full of possibilities; the dawn of a new era, a new year, filled with hope, the deeper shades giving way to lighter days, brighter mornings, fresh new beginnings.

Well known as a spiritual story teller, Sonya Haramis has converted this skill into telling a story through ambient music which allows each story dreamed to be unique, personal and divine. Dawn will allow you to dream, to relax, to be peaceful and reset the body, mind and soul for another year full of hope and promises.”                                                                                                         – Janet Mawdesley, Bluewolf Reviews

“Creating songs about the Dawn is more than just sitting down at the keyboard; here Sonya has clearly sat in the early hours of a morning and said to herself, I must create a song about this beautiful time of day, when nature rules and mankind is still in its late slumbers of regeneration.

From that point, we sit, we listen, we smell the dawn, we immerse ourselves in it, we enjoy the moment no matter how fleeting, then we are ready to compose. Haramis has allowed her early morning muse to manufacture something quite honest and real, the flowing synth pads add weight to the bird sound and stillness that abounds within this arrangement…

… this is a most enjoyable offering from Sonya, one that has a truly attractive melody, and one that lightens ones spirits, before the haze of modern day living drops onto the lands of peace and tranquillity we have just had the pleasure of enjoying. I can see this one becoming a bit of a hit in the charts and on Atmospheric music shows and playlists.”                                                             – Steve Sheppard, One World Music Radio / Steve Sheppard Music Reviews

“Are you familiar with this famous Charles Dickens quote: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us. . .?”  This ancient wisdom, I believe, sums up the point and the ambiance of the new single from Sonya Haramis, “Dawn.”

Sonya describes herself as a (musical and literary), “storyteller who weaves ancient wisdom into modern stories.” She also says, “No matter how long the night, the dawn always comes. Look for the light and hold on until it arrives.” That is some uplifting advice and the lovely, heart-felt inspiration for this single, which refers not only to the obvious “night turning into day,” but even more to the “darkness” that humanity may feel many times and the inevitably emerging light that brings optimism, hope, and miracles to the planet. It is the “dawn.”

“Dawn” is a relaxing, ambient song done in a traditional “New Age” style with synth pads, bells, and soft nature and bird sounds woven into the mix. One can feel the inherent peace and can imagine the soft light finally dawning after any very dark night. The pretty cover reminds us there is always a shining, glowing light up there somewhere.

You will love this song very much if you like classic New Age music. This is very peaceful, soft, and soothing to the soul and can be used for relaxation, meditation, healing modalities, massage, and just plain zoning out.”                                                                                                                                   New Age CD and New Age Notes Radio Staff

REVIEWS for StarLight ©

“It is nice to listen to a piece of music that is clearly meant for the festive season, one that is not yet another version of a well-known carol. Sonya Haramis and her brand new single Starlight is a delicate composition, the bells really do ring out on this, a piece that has the feel of a music box lullaby to it. Starlight by Sonya Haramis is a simple, stylish release, full of simplistic beauty that is not easy to create; the repeating motifs give it an almost mesmeric quality that you just want to listen to again and again. I am sure this will be very well received and one that should do well in the charts too.”                                                                                                                                                       – Chrissie Sheppard, One World Music Radio / Steve Sheppard Music Reviews

Starlight is a lovely, tinkling little single especially created for Christmas by Sonya Haramis.  The sound of bells carefully tapped, backed with a melodious drone has what could be considered as a sense of clarity and stillness embedded throughout the short piece. Various little moments tantalise the mind, hinting of a melody of Christmas tunes well beloved, but never actually forming into a complete tune, which is in so many ways charming. Different and reminding one of the many layers of Christmas, Starlight reaches out through the medium of music to create, bind together, gather memories, deliver enchantment and offer peaceful, joyful moments. Haramis has captured a little or a lot of Christmas in this elegant composition which will truly delight.                                                                                                                                                                       – Janet Mawdesley, Bluewolf Reviews

REVIEWS for Moments ©

In a world of books that reach out with gentle offerings of understanding and comfort, occasionally there is one that stands out: Moments from Sonya Haramis, is one such book filled with love that reaches out through gentle words, illustrated perfectly by exquisite photography. From the first page, the words ‘Look for the moments in life’ reach out to remind us that life is made up of a series of perfect moments that we are offered every day, but in our so busy worlds, often fail to notice or take the time to enjoy. With this delicately woven story created with simple words, we are once again reminded to take a moment to simply be; to relax and enjoy the miracles of life, created purely for our personal enjoyment. Each page in Moments captures one special instance in time which moves over several images to tell a small story; to sooth in the moment, to offer pure love. Each of the pages can be used as individual ‘mantra’s’ for those blue days and dreary moments when a little gentle light needs to shine inwards. Divided into segments the first, Moments invites a small journey of understanding, before the gently relaxing into Serenity, Stillness and Love.  At the end of the book Haramis has included pages to capture your thoughts, followed by several pages to complete and colour, concluding with pages to write your dreams. Inspirational composer and award winning author Sonya Haramis has, with an elegant simplicity of both words and photography, created a small book of Moments which will become a treasured possession and one that will be used often to lift the spirits and lighten the soul.                                                                                                                                                                     

Inspired and inspiring Moments is a gentle reminder of how precious each moment is in life. Simply stated, Moments is a thoughtful, life affirming, and unreservedly recommended gift for a loved one or for oneself.                                                                                                                          -Midwest Book Review

REVIEWS for Return of the Soul ©

“Sonya’s music carries a promise of a new budding talent with soothing and relaxing soundscapes.”                                                                                                                                                          – Aeoliah

“The title track Return of the Soul begins with warm waves of sound that roll along producing a solid foundation. A pulsating track appears to give the music body. The buoyant tempo is like a rapid heartbeat. This tune starts the mesmerization of the listener…Haramis’ music floats along taking you with it on a calm sea of sound…a very ethereal motif allows for quiet contemplation as the waves wash over you …The harp-like tones produced a peaceful, calm atmosphere and had the innocence of a child’s dream….With what sounds like a little chickadee on her shoulder, Haramis renders the tune as if standing in a clearing inside a forest and just lets the clouds waltz for her. Her music comes from within and is translated into musical notes.”
– RJ Lannan, Artisan Music Reviews

“…a rose signifies many different things. Here, in Sonya Haramis’ debut New Age album, it is about a blossoming, an awakening, an opening, and a return to yourself and to oneness. How beautiful then, for album art to be as gorgeous as is this music…all very soothing and serene and all done on a lovely synth. I would call it “classic / traditional New Age.” … “Celestial Light Body” … Tranquility abounds in this traditional “New Age” piece which feels very peaceful and full of light. “Celestial Divine Mind” is a continuation of the peaceful calm that one can literally feel seeping deeply into their soul. This one brings you into a state of harmony and oneness right from the start. We can feel the expansion and “blossoming” as well. Very nicely done. Angelic in tone and feel, with pretty nature sounds throughout, “Celestial Winged Spirit” brings us effortlessly into alignment with the higher realms…The very soft rain and bird sounds in “Raining Feather” continue to ease and coax the soul into a state of lovely bliss and create a space for comfort and healing. “Dancing Clouds” is a lovely, peaceful continuation of this where one can just completely relax… “Radiant Pulse,” which with its underlying heartbeat rhythm and soft, sweet synth, succeeds in bringing us full circle back to the oneness that we are. Brimming with love, you will want to get the whole thing for the full relaxation experience, not just one song.”                               – Dyan Garris, EP Review by New Age CD and New Age Notes Radio Staff

“…a serene collection of angelic instrumental music…Eloquent, meditative, placid, peaceful, restful, Return of the Soul is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, community, college, and university library Contemporary Ambient CD Music collections.”
-Midwest Book Review

5 Stars The sound of Nature echoes silence to the Soul
“With her first musical offering, author/publisher Sonya Haramis channels her joyful nature and spiritual energy into 7 contemplative, original, New Age compositions. Sonya’s spiritual rhythm attunes to the natural world, featuring various ensembles of birdsong, falling rain, and ocean waves within a meadow of ‘acoustic’ strings, harmonium, and bells. Pieces such as “Celestial Winged Spirit” gently guide the listener along a lyrical path where the sounds of Nature return us to a quiet oasis for the soul.”
-M. Smith, November 2021
                                                                                                                                                                                  “From the opening notes, Return of the Soul literally resonated through my body. It captivated my mind to prepare me for the ensuing meditation experience. I also enjoy the experience while fighting traffic, a soothing escape. Love it!”
– J.W., California

Praise for The Adventures of Lumi Nary Light, A Fairy Tale of a Teeny Tiny Angel ©

“The Adventures of Lumi Nary Light is a wonderful tale for young children, especially little girls, who will fall in love with Lumi instantly. This tiny angel is given a quest in order to win her wings. Her journey is full of loving energy and spiritual storytelling that will brighten any child’s day.

Lumi comes from Sunshinealot where she goes to Angel School and is asked to do the work of the Good Spirit. Lumi must give two special children a magical globe that gives them the gift of knowing what they are supposed to be when they grow up – something adults forget.

Lumi’s adventures take her to the evil dark woods where she must help the children, Betsy and Sammy, who have gotten lost. Meeting fantastic characters to help her like the Sun and Moon, Twink, the star, and the Water Sprites, Lumi is aided in helping the children return home.

This story is a great introduction to the concept of angels, meditation, and visualization. It is full of a love of nature and an inherent belief in goodness. There is something in this book for adults and children alike. It can be read aloud and shared or given as an early reader to children who are beginning their spiritual path.

It is not often that you read a book that is a pure joy – this is one of those special books.”
– New Consciousness Review, January 2012

“Lumi is a very small angel who needs to earn her wings. Her task is to help two runaway children find their way home safely. On the way through the dark woods, Lumi takes them to meet magical beings – even the sun and the moon. She teaches them how to meditate, and gets help from a star. But will she be able to get the children home by dawn? Will Lumi earn her wings, or will they be trapped in the dark woods forever?

This lovely fairy tale will be cherished by children and their parents. The story is full of love and magic, and will charm young and old alike. Children will embrace the lovely message of hope and love, and will take little Lumi into their hearts.  This chapter book will be perfect for bedtime reading, and the charming drawings may encourage children to draw their own versions of Lumi and her magical friends. Parents will be able to use Lumi’s lessons to help their children learn to visualize and meditate, just like the children in the book. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Published by Peace of the Dreamer, this book is available at your local bookstore.
– Awareness Magazine November/December 2011

“The Adventures of Lumi Nary Light: A Fairy Tale of a Teeny Tiny Angel” is a delicate teaching tale for young children with a powerful message of peaceful spiritual enlightenment and growth. The award-winning visionary author has created a magical world with tiny good angels, some of them like Lumi, striving for growth and improvement and wanting to help and comfort small children in distress everywhere. In the guise of rescuing two lost children, Lumi guides the children through the steps of meditation and visualization to help them discover their way (home, or to enlightenment). “The Adventures of Lumi Nary Light” is a small chapter book, illustrated by the author with charming black and white drawings of the world of Lumi and friends. It will appeal to both children age 8 and up and adults. It would be a lovely book to read aloud, chapter by chapter, to younger children. Its message of love, peace, and progression is based on a practical core of daily living reality that is discernible through the fairy dust. “The Adventures of Lumi Nary Light” is sure to spawn sequels that will be as beloved as the first luminescent tale.”
– Midwest Book Review, Children’s BookWatch November 2011

Praise for The Circle of Olympians ©

“…an allegorical spiritual odyssey, deftly blending modern spiritualism with ancient Greek mythology…an unusual and interesting blend of myth and spirituality…advises us to make our choices in life wisely and to always remember that the magic of personal transformation is available to all, if we would only hear the voice of truth within…”
– Odyssey Magazine

“…Circle of Olympians will propel Sonya to Olympian heights as the world continues to discover this graceful little titan, whose message is always one of love and peace, and who comports herself with dignity and humility…”
– Raymond Napolitano, Monterey County Weekly

“…Highly recommended for students of Greek mythology, New Age metaphysics enthusiasts, and the non-specialist general reader who enjoys a well crafted novel of magic, myth and spirituality…”
– James A. Cox, Editor in Chief, Midwest Book Review

“A magical tale of transformation and empowerment. Gives much to think about…on your own path of enlightenment. Told with grace and simplicity, this spiritual adventure encourages us to make our choices wisely. With clear intention, centeredness, love and peace we will change the world. Each of us is writing the final chapter of the world as we know it by the choices we make.”
– Marina Raye, the Feminine Voice of the Native Flute

“… one of those rare books that will go down the centuries as ‘immortal’ as any of the great books in classics … it will touch and change the lives of millions today, tomorrow, and to the end of time … “…Ms. Haramis has created a legacy for herself …“
– Helen Dumas, Director, Greek Education and Culture, Western United States

“… The Circle of Olympians is an enchanting tale of a spiritual odyssey, told with conviction and simplicity. At every milestone there is a jewel of a thought, which one may treasure. This is a story for anyone who believes in magic, and who wants to know how to experience it in their lives.”                                                                                                                                                                          – Marie Herbert, author of The Healing Quest

Praise for Gracious Gifts…Expressions of the Divine ©

“Gracious Gifts… Expressions of the Divine offers hope and comfort to those in despair.”
– Dr. Deepak Chopra

“Sonya Haramis’ profound words look to an age of joy, serenity, prosperity, and justice. A deeply rewarding read.”
– James Redfield, author of The Celestine Prophecy

Dr. Gray was “deeply touched” by Gracious Gifts …Expressions of the Divine and felt a good frequency vibration in the book. He enjoyed reading it and wished “May God continue to bless you” in reference to this work.
– Dr. John Gray, author of Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus

“Gracious Gifts…Expressions of the Divine inspires women to embrace the prosperity, joy, and clarity within.”
– Ali Brown, entrepreneur coach and CEO of Ali International

“…Sonya Haramis will establish herself as one of the great spiritual storytellers of our time…”
Liz Illgen for Retailing Insight (formerly New Age Retailer)

“Gracious Gifts…Expressions of the Divine by spiritual storyteller Sonya Haramis is an inspirational and intimate guide to a life of serenity and contentment through the eyes of a dreamer.  With an easy-to-follow format, Gracious Gifts explores the Dreamer’s visions which transport the reader on a spiritual journey to a world of peace, hope and tranquility.  Gracious Gifts is very highly recommended to all readers seeking an appreciative pathway through life and a welcome addition to personal and community library New Age spirituality collections.”                                      James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief, Midwest Book Review

“… A wonderful addition to one’s box of treasures, this book is a little gem.”                                         – Marie Herbert, author of The Healing Quest