Introduction

I am delighted to introduce you to Natasha Brune in today's "Author Spotlight". Natasha is a writer whose work is as multi-faceted as her own life journey. Writing under this pen name, Kimberly Cano is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and certified life coach who has dedicated her career to helping others reinvent themselves. From raw, award-winning memoirs of recovery to nostalgic children’s tales filled with emotional wisdom, Natasha’s storytelling is rooted in a deep understanding of the human spirit. Whether she is exploring the gritty realities of survival or the magic of childhood imagination, her message remains clear: we all have the power to begin again.

A Mission-Driven Life: The Creative Reinvention of Natasha Brune

Kimberly Cano, the heart behind the Natasha Brune pen name, operates within a unique "Triangle Mission" that connects storytelling, eco-conscious entrepreneurship, and social impact. As the founder of Kawaiola Life Design LLC and Wazz Cleaning, she integrates mindset science with personal development. Her work has been recognised in The Los Angeles Tribune and Voraka Magazine, and she was notably honoured with the International Impact Book Award for her memoir on addiction and recovery.

Based in Colorado, Kimberly’s commitment to youth is evident through the Aloha Jigsaw Foundation, a trade academy focused on education and mindset. Her writing is an extension of this coaching spirit—providing readers with the tools to navigate chaos and find peace, a theme that resonates through her acclaimed Wise Marie series.

The Wise Marie Collections

Natasha’s work spans a variety of audiences, offering everything from "street-level" survival guides to heart-warming cultural stories for children.

• The Wise Marie: This first volume introduces readers to Marie, a woman navigating a life of turmoil and ADHD in the vibrant, chaotic setting of New York. It is a raw exploration of self-discovery and the relentless pursuit of one's true identity amidst personal struggle.

• The Wise Marie: Paradise Edition: Set against the contrasting beauty of Hawaii, this award-winning autobiographical novel explores the darker side of paradise. It follows Marie through a world of organised crime, addiction, and the consequences of "wisely made bad decisions," highlighting the grit required to survive.

• Wise Marie Survival Workbook: Street-Level Guide to Life Mastery: A hands-on companion to the memoirs, this guide offers practical lessons in rebuilding intuition and protecting one’s energy. It is designed for those healing from hardship who are ready to rise above chaos with courage.

• Wise Marie and the Little Ladybug: The first in a magical series about friendship and courage. Marie meets a tiny, wise ladybug who helps her navigate big feelings and find wisdom in the smallest voices.

• Wise Marie, The Lil Ladybug and A Nugget From Heaven: Set in 1979 Wisconsin, this nostalgic tale follows Marie and her friends through a summer of bike riding and mystery, involving a lost puppy and a local legend.

• Wise Marie: My Buddhist Grandma and Sushi Sunday: A touching celebration of Japanese-Hawaiian heritage. Marie discovers the warmth of family traditions, from the reverence of a Buddhist altar to the joy of gathering for a homemade sushi feast.

• Elentra: For readers aged 10-13, this volume blends childhood memories with fantasy. It carries a slightly darker tone—reminiscent of Coraline—as it follows a girl caught between two worlds, searching for the courage to find her way home.

What Readers Are Saying About Natasha Brune's Work:

Natasha’s writing has been praised for its matter-of-fact honesty and its ability to transport readers into deeply personal landscapes.

•  "The Wise Marie: Paradise Edition radiates with quiet power-the kind that sneaks up on you and lingers long after you’ve turned the final page. Natasha Brune crafts a story that feels both intimate and majestic, inviting readers into Marie’s world with elegance, depth, and a touch of spiritual wonder...This is the kind of novel that nourishes the soul while challenging the mind-lush, heartfelt, and beautifully reflective." - Mandy Lehti on The Wise Marie: Paradise Edition, 5 Stars, Goodreads
• "Natasha Brune’s The Wise Marie: Paradise Edition is a traumatic and troubling autobiographical novel...Brune’s writing style is a straightforward and matter-of-fact manner which shows surprising detachment for writing about her own experiences. It doesn’t get overly sentimental or overdramatic. Hawaii’s setting provides an ironic commentary...she reveals the poverty of people who live in a state with beautiful year-round weather but an expensive cost of living. A place where local reality is purposely kept from the tourists, and issues like drugs, crime, and violence are ignored." - Reader Views on The Wise Marie: Paradise Edition, 5 Stars, Goodreads

Readers on Amazon have shared glowing feedback for her children’s books as well. Reviewers describe Wise Marie and the Little Ladybug as a tender, uplifting story that captures the magic of childhood friendship and imagination, often calling it a sweet, sentimental read for families. The sequel, A Nugget From Heaven, has been praised for teaching children about overcoming adversity with heart. My Buddhist Grandma and Sushi Sunday is highly recommended for its beautiful focus on cultural heritage and the bonds between generations. For older readers, Elentra has been highlighted for its mature, creative illustrations and its inspiring message about never giving up on one's dreams. You can find more detailed testimonials on her Amazon author page.

A Call to Connection

If you are looking for stories that offer both a raw look at the human experience and a path toward reinvention, I highly recommend following Natasha's work. You can connect with her on her website, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads.

You can purchase her books through the Amazon affiliate links below: 

• The Wise Marie
• The Wise Marie: Paradise Edition (free to read with Kindle Unlimited) 
• Wise Marie Survival Workbook
• Wise Marie and the Little Ladybug (free to read with Kindle Unlimited)  
• Wise Marie, The Lil Ladybug and A Nugget From Heaven
• Wise Marie: My Buddhist Grandma and Sushi Sunday
• Elentra

Conclusion

Natasha Brune manages to bridge the gap between a life coach's insight and a storyteller's heart. Whether she is writing for adults seeking mastery over their past or children discovering the wisdom of the world around them, her work is a testament to the resilience we all carry within. I am so pleased to share her mission-driven storytelling with you today.

Thanks for reading!

Angela G. Williams

*This post contains affiliate links. For more information about my affiliate relationships, please see my Affiliate Disclosure.