Welcome to my Sunday Book Review. Earlier this week I had Sally Cronin over here at my blog, featuring her brand new release – Variety is the Spice of Life. As a big fan of her heartfelt poetry and stories that always strike a chord with a touch of the human condition, I couldn’t wait to dig in. So today I’m sharing my review for this beautiful little book encompassing stories that go deep with poetry on life and nature, accompanied by lovely images, and stories to warm your heart.
Blurb:
Variety is the Spice of Life is a collection of poetry and short stories about relationships with others, including pets and animals inhabiting the world around us. The connection with others brings love and friendship, excitement and sometimes surprises, danger, mystery and sometimes the unexpected.
The poetry explores human nature, the fears, desires, expectations and achievements. Nature offers a wonderful opportunity to observe animals both domesticated and wild. Even in a back garden you can observe a wide variety of creatures and the daily challenges to survive a harsh environment.
The short stories introduces you to a healer whose gift comes with danger, a neighbour determined to protect a friend, a woman on the run, an old couple whose love has endured, an elderly retired teacher who faces a life changing accident, a secret that has been carried for over 70 years and a village who must unite as they face devastating news.
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Before I share my review, I’ve chosen one of Sally’s poems to share here which struck a chord with me. Everyone has their own interpretation of poetry, and this one touched me profoundly:
Before I share my review, I’d like to share one of my favorite poems in this book that grabbed me at page one. Everybody has their own individual interpretation of poetry as they relate to it, ands one touched me profoundly:

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Love
just three words
can make someone’s day
I love you
I need you
I see you
I get you
just one word
can break someone’s heart
goodbye
My 5 Star Review:
Sally Cronin knows how to capture our hearts with her variety, indeed, full of heartfelt short stories of the human condition and moving poetry accompanied by beautiful images. Along with various poems written in both free verse and specific form, Sally includes a selection of poems about ‘Snapshots from my Garden’, where she shares about the various animals and insects who occupy her garden. We will also get a treat learning about her own DNA! Escape into nature with Sally’s poems about birds, butterflies, and other furry neighborhood visitors. A few of my favorites: Above the World, Kinship – ” … there may not always be harmony, but the ties of love cannot be broken … ,” and, Bear Witness, which emphasizes our freedoms.
Pour a cup of coffee and drift into stories of love, reminiscings, and compassion. A few of my favorites: the Green Hill – in loving memory where Bert and Ivy share a snippet of remembered love. Discover – The Secret about Eleanor’s mother Edith, which took her seventy-five years to reveal. Step into Serena’s world as The Healer who heals the sick while keeping a low profile in doing so for safety reasons as she works as a nurse in a free clinic. The Home Help gives a twist on caregiving (no spoilers).There is something for everyone here, and all guaranteed to touch your heart.
Sally Cronin is known for her short stories that pack a punch, grab at our heartstrings, and often end with an unexpected twist at the end. This new collection is a comforting read guaranteed to stir the soul.
Visit Sally’s other books:

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Books
https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/my-books/
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©DGKaye2022
Hi Debby, a beautiful review of this book which I’m looking forward to reading.
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Thank you Robbie. You will enjoy it ❤
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I am delighted with Debby’s review thank you Robbie and I hope you enjoy..♥
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Thanks so much for your generosity this week Debby and your support is always appreciated. That poem means a great deal to me and so pleased you chose to share it in your lovely review. Love and hugs ♥
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Sal, my absolute pleasure. And I’m happy to hear that poem that means so much to you, now has meaning for me. ❤ xxx
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♥♥
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❤ xx
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Congratulations to Sally on her new book. I will hop over and check it out. x
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Thanks Stevie. A beautiful collection. ❤
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Thanks very much Stevie..hugsx
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I love your review, Debby, and I understand why you’ve chosen that poem, I think. Sally has a talent for creating stories and poems that can stir warm feelings, amuse, and inform, and this sounds like another wonderful addition to her collection. Congratulations to Sally and thanks for spreading the word.
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Thanks so much Olga. Of course you know why I chose that poem ❤ It grabbed me. 🙂 Sally always writes from the heart – like me, only different, lol. ❤
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Thanks for your lovely comment Olga. And Debby has been a wonderful support for the collection ♥
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I love that poem. It is so short and so powerful. Thank you so much for sharing.
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Thanks so much Jackie. Sometimes less is more. ❤
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Thanks very much Jackie..hugsx
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5-Stars indeed! Too bad we can’t give more. ❤
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I agree! Thanks Annette ❤
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Thanks very much Annette… that means a great deal ♥
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Beautiful poem that you shared, Debby, and lovely review. I look forward to reading Sally’s book. ❤️
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Thanks Lauren. I know you will love it. ❤
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Thanks very much Lauren.. delighted you enjoyed the poem and Debby’s review ♥
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❤️❤️
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The thing about Sally’s writing is it stays with you. This one–three words, one word–amazing.
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Well said Jacqui, it stays with us indeed. ❤
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Thanks very much Jacqui…so pleased you enjoyed ♥
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A lovely review to share, Debby, and the poem is a powerful one. Thanks for sharing. Bravo to Sally. xo
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HI Natalie. Thanks for dropping in. Few words with a powerful punch. ❤
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Thanks very much Natalie.. and delighted by Debby’s review ♥
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What a lovely review of Sally’s new book! I look forward to reading it! And it is perfect as a special gift for a loved one! Thanks for sharing your review and one of Sally’s poems Debby! That was a special treat. Hugs, C
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Thanks so much Cheryl. So glad you enjoyed. Yes, it makes a lovely gift. You will enjoy it. ❤
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Thanks so much Cheryl.. I have been spoilt by Debby this week as always ♥
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Well deserved Sal ❤
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♥♥
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Excellent review, Debby!
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Thanks Jennie ❤
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You’re welcome, Debby!
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I am delighted with Debby’s review Jennie ♥
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😀
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Wonderful review, Debby. Thank you for sharing. I’m reading it now and savoring each page. It’s a lovely collection. Congratulations, Sally. 🤗
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So glad to hear Noelle. Yes, it’s a book to savor. Enjoy! ❤
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Thank you so much Gwen and delighted you are enjoying ♥♥
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A super review, Debby. I enjoyed this book so much and interesting that I cited “The Healer” as one of my favorite short stories. 🙂 Great minds. Congrats to Sally!! Thank you for sharing!
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Lol, yes, great minds Jan. So glad you enjoyed it too. ❤
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Thanks very much Jan and for your lovely review.. I am absolutely delighted by the response and support ♥♥
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What a fantastic review – congratulations to Sally. I also love that beautiful poem – so much in so few words. Toni xxx
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Thanks so much Toni. ❤ x
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Thanks very much Toni… so pleased you enjoyed the poem.. ♥
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Words are so amazing. From three words to one word, including the words in between, was immense. Love, holds a huge difference in meaning.
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Thank you Danny. A beautiful summation. ❤
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Thanks very much Danny hugsx
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Thanks for the review, Debby. Some of the selections in the blurb sound quite interesting. I have to know what the 70 year old secret is.
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Lol Pete. Then you will have to read. 🙂
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I will. 😊
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🙂
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Thanks Pete…it is a very deep seated secret……xxx
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🙂 🙂
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Thanks for sharing, Debby. I enjoy Sally’s stories and look forward to reading this one too. The poem you shared is heartfelt.
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Thanks so much Norah. As you know, Sally writes from the heart. No doubts you’ll enjoy. ❤
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I’m sure I will. You both write from the heart. 💖
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❤
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Thanks very much Norah and I hope you enjoy…hugsx
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I will!
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I can concur with your praise for Sally Cronin’s work. She’s a tried and true author. I’ve read and reviewed her Life’s Rich Tapestry with 5 stars. I believe I also have read Life is Like a Mosaic. She’s a go-to when you need wisdom for life’s uneven journey. Thanks, Debby! 😀
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Thanks so much Marian. And you are so right, reading Sally’s books is a little bit of wisdom with a lot of heart. ❤
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Thanks very much Marian for your reviews for those two collections and your kind words about my writing… it means a great deal.. ♥
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A wonderful review, Debby. I have this book and can’t wait to get to it
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Thanks so much John. Sally will be thrilled to hear. 🙂
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Thanks very much John… I appreciate that hugsxx
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😊
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What a beautiful review. It makes me want to begin reading the book. The stories sound intriguing and the poem you shared is simple and yet so meaningful. Thank you, Debbie for sharing this.
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So glad you enjoyed Smitha. Thanks for dropping by and leaving your kind words. ❤
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Thanks very much Smitha and hope you enjoy when you have time to read..♥
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I love your review, Debby. I have this on my Kindle and I’m looking forward to reading it. Congratulations to Sally on its release.
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Thanks so much Amy. Sally will be thrilled. ❤
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Thanks very much Amy and I hope you enjoy when you have time to read.. hugsx
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Congratulations, Sally, on your new book! I’ve no skill for writing poetry and admire those who can. It is an exceptional skill. All the best with the new book x
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Thanks for your lovely kudos here for Sally, Luciana. ❤
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Thanks very much Luciana. I am still very much a novice but love the format…hugsx
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A beautiful review, our UB and Sally’s Love poem is ❤ Thank you for sharing and many congratulations, Sally. I have bought my copy and will be reading it very soon. Exciting. Xxx 💕😘💕🦄
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Thanks so much my lovely Jane. Sally will be thrilled to learn. I know you will enjoy. ❤ xx
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