Bitmo Sunday book review

Sunday Book Review – Variety is the Spice of Life by Sally Cronin – #Shortstories and #Poetry

Published on by dgkaye

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:

Sally's book covers

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Books
https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/my-books/

Visit Sally’s Amazon Page

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©DGKaye2022

82 thoughts on “Sunday Book Review – Variety is the Spice of Life by Sally Cronin – #Shortstories and #Poetry”

  4. 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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  11. 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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  19. 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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  24. 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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