Tag: Life

Book Review Writing Through The Soul by Brenda Fluharty #book #review #poetry

Synopsis

Writing Through the Soul is a collection of poetry your soul can’t ignore. Author Brenda Marie Fluharty has put together a group of poems speaking to the souls of all mankind. These poems will make you laugh, cry, smile and even wonder why. The poems cover many aspects of the soul; from the questions, we all ask to the heartbreak of the loss of loved ones. Writing Through the Soul has poems giving you a better understanding of spiritual awakenings, growth, and meditation. There are even poems covering the many trials of having a writer’s soul.

My review

Writing Through the Soul A poetry Collection by Brenda Fluharty

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Brenda Fluharty’s, Writing Through The Soul, an inspiring book of poetry, explores the human condition, our soul’s journey, how we strive for happiness, love, completeness and growth in life.

There are poems about her son, her mother in law, mother, husband, family, birds and nature, friends and strangers, Monday morning chaos and her great love of night time poetry crafting.  And..  believing in yourself and  your writing self!

It is a personal, spiritual and at times religious collection, where Brenda refers to her angels and love for her dear departed grandfather.

Favourite poem titles include: love yourself, the crow, birds following me, the forest heals my soul, writing helps you heal, through the eyes of a child, he and she, the stranger in the street, mother, mother-in-law!


A short excerpt of this lovely poem.

Medium

I can see things
No one else can see.
Hear spoken words
No one else can hear.

Spirits from other places
Come to me.
I can see and talk to them.

If I tell anyone,
They will think I am crazy.
Maybe I am.

No one else
I know does this.
I am different
I can see the land’s past.
I can see the future for some.
I am a medium!




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My recommendation:

Recommended for poetry readers who like spiritual, religious and personal collections. And writers who understand what it is to write, with the trials, tribulations and all!

More reviews coming soon!

Bye for now…

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Sally Cronin: Variety Is The Spice of Life – @sgc58 #Book #Review #poetry #shortstories #flashfiction

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.

My review

Variety is the Spice of Life by Sally Cronin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is a beautiful collection of poetry, flash fiction and short stories about life, love, getting older, experiencing as well as cherishing the world and all its magnificent inhabitants: birds, cats, bees, and much more! It certainly lives up to its lovely title: Variety is The Spice of Life and its fantastic cover.

The collection starts with three lovely poems, two to take us with the author on a journey and one to celebrate friendship, love and family: Pilgrimage, Expedition, and Kinship.

There are many relatable pieces including these favourite flash and poetry combos: Bear Witness and Face In The Mirror. Loved the last line: “I’ve morphed into my mother.”

Ha, this is me too! Not that I’m complaining. My mother is a wonderful human being, so if I have morphed into her I have nothing to worry about.

The Waltz is so cute, and my other favourite poems in the collection are:
The Moonlight Concerto,
Dress Rehearsal, Dolphins
Origins ( sad and poignant )
Strawberries ( the words are written so well that you can taste them – the strawberries I mean… not the words!)

Flash and poetry favourites include:

Useful… to be so, with a smile, is a wonderfully good thing to be!

The Robin’s Size Doesn’t Matter and Starlings, Neighbourhood Cats, all were delightful as were all the other garden gems.

The collection ends with a bunch of fantastic short stories.

The Neighbourhood Watch, is one for cat lovers, with a marmalade cat. In The Green Hill we are treated to a poignant long lasting love story. Sadly, there are more serious tales with mentioned abuse in On The Run. There is a touching family tale in The Secret, and a positive and light-hearted tale about getting older in The Home Help, and more besides!

Something for everyone in this lovely collection!

Highly recommended. 5 stars from me. Thoroughly enjoyed.



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Discussing Do What You Love with MJ Mallon | Linda’s Book Bag

Thank you so much to Linda Hill for this wonderful chat and review about my new book: Do What You Love. Do pop over to her blog to share in with some dim sum, cake and chit chat!

Source: Discussing Do What You Love with MJ Mallon | Linda’s Book Bag

Linda’s review:

A small and perfectly formed collection about finding your way in life.

Do What You Love is simply lovely. Marjorie Mallon bases her collection on an iterative image of and conversation with the Fates as well as the concept of doing what a person loves and she affords the reader a personal insight into her life and family as she does so. I really recommend reading her author introduction in advance of the rest of the book because it sets the scene so beautifully.

Given that this is a very personal book, I was concerned that it would be too specific to the author. Not a bit of it.  There’s a wide range in Do What You Love that encompasses poetry, prose and photography so that there really is something for every reader. I particularly enjoyed the variety of writing style. The first entry, Fragility Of Your Flame, feels very traditional in style, reminiscent of traditional fables and this is continued throughout the collection, giving balance to the shorter entries as the author imagines conversations with the Fates that enable her to reflect on her life and family.

There’s such a range of emotion in Do What You Love. Parents will experience the pain of letting go of their children even whilst they might be immensely proud of them. Marjorie Mallon illustrates love, joy, sadness, pride, the impact of nature on an individual and so much more. Her sense of place and history comes through with just a tweak of her pen and she so celebrates a childlike sense of awe and joy that she helps readers connect (or indeed reconnect) with their own happiness. I especially enjoyed the entries about trees because the author reignited my love of nature.

Do What You Love is a highly personal collection to Marjorie Mallon, but at the same time as giving readers a glimpse into who she is and where she has come from, she gently guides readers to contemplate their own lives, to live more positively and to appreciate each moment. This is such a wonderful message. and a much needed one in today’s world.

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March 18: Flash Fiction Challenge

Today, I arrived at the supermarket at 9am forgetting that it doesn’t open until 10am on a Sunday. I decided to go for a walk in our local country park. After a short walk, I sat down and started writing down the idea for this flash fiction piece. Whilst there, I was intrigued to see two old gents chatting in the park bench just a short distance away from me. I couldn’t resist doing a bit of writer eavesdropping. They were so lovely – one was my dad’s age – and he mentioned it’s his birthday next Saturday! They were talking about the passing of time, their youth, and the like. I enjoyed their company so much, lol, Little did they know!!! I hope I see them again! Anyway, I digress. Perhaps, they will feature in a future flash fiction piece that I will write.

For now, this is the flash I came up with:

March 18, 2021, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that takes place a year later. It can be any year. Explore the past year or another significant passing of time to a character. Go where the prompt leads!

The sun shone, bathing my face with a pink glow as I sat in the garden of our new villa.

Portugal. I’ve always loved this beautiful country. Now we’re here for keeps.

My husband played a cheery tune on his guitar. The stress of COVID diminished with each strum and every note. Tears streamed from his eyes. Tears streamed from my eyes. I reached out and touched his hand. No one else could make this happen. No one would brave enough to take such a chance during a pandemic. Only him.

We didn’t speak, our tears told the story.

Here’s the link to Charli’s post: https://carrotranch.com/2021/03/19/march-18-flash-fiction-challenge-2/

Hope you enjoyed the flash. I still hope to live in Portugal one day… let’s see whether it happens! If anyone can make it happen my hubby can! Lol.

Authors Website: https://mjmallon.com
Authors Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/M-J-Mallon/e/B074CGNK4L
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon

#ABRSC – Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1829166787333493/
Goodreads:: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/m-j-mallon 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

Spiritual Sisters: https://www.facebook.com/5SpiritualSisters

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Book Blitz : Lockdown Innit Poems About Absurdity #new#release #poetry #covid19 #lockdown

Thrilled to announce a Three day BOOK BLITZ beginning today with lovely blog tour host and book reviewer Shalini. https://digitalreadsblogtours.wordpress.com/
https://bookreviewsbyshalini.com/

BLURB

Lockdown Innit is a poetry collection of eighteen poems about life’s absurdities and frustrations during lockdown. Wherever you live in this world, this is for you. Expect humour, a dollop of banter and ridiculous rants here and there. Amongst other delights, witness the strange antics of a swan posing by a bin and two statuesque horses appearing like arc deco pieces in a field. Check out the violin player on a tightrope, or the cheeky unmentionables wafting in the lockdown breeze!

Lockdown Innit Releases February 26th

Kindle Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08VW81Q53/

Kindle Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VW81Q53/

 Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56949934-lockdown-innit

Universal link for kindle: https://mybook.to/Lockdowninnit

DIGITAL READS BLOG TOURS BOOK BLITZ:

Wonderful review by book blitz organiser, Shalini: https://bookreviewsbyshalini.com/2021/02/28/book-review-lockdown-innit-by-marjorie-mallon-marjorie_mallon-bookreview-bookblogger-poetry/

FEB 26

· Felicia Review and Blitz @MsFelicia: www.nesiesplace.wordpress.com

· Kurian https://obsessed2015.com/2021/02/22/book-blitz-lockdown-innit-poems-about-absurdity-by-marjorie-mallon/

· Patty @moohnshine www.moohnshinescorner.blog

· Nina @ninad_silva www.thecozypages.wordpress.com

FEB 27

· Jessica @jessicaxbelmont www.jessicabelmont.wordpress.com

· Els @BookreviewB www.bforbookreview.wordpress.com

· Mani @manisbookcorner www.manisbookcornerblog.wordpress.com

· Mary @Sophril_Reads www.sophrilreads.com

· Amy @zanybibliophile www.zanybibliophile.wordpress.com

· Gina @GinaRaeMitchell www.GinaRaeMitchell.com

FEB 28

· Didi @Didi_Oviatt Review: www.didoviatt.wordpress.com

· Nishtha @FeelTheRead1 www.feeltheread.wordpress.com

· Namrata @redpillows91 www.redpillows.wordpress.com

· Misty @mistymichelle30 www.mistysbookspace.wordpress.com

I will also be sharing forthcoming posts and links from authors and poets celebrating my book launch: Colleen Chesebro, Richard Dee, Debby Gies, Adele Marie Park.

Today, my dear friend Colleen shared this wonderful new feature – meet the poet in a beautifully present post with an excerpt. Do pop over to her blog to read this and comment. https://wordcraftpoetry.com/2021/02/26/word-craft-prose-poetry-meet-the-poet-featuring-marjorie_mallon/

A wonderful review post from Richard:

Thank you to Adele Marie Park for this lovely release post: https://firefly465.wordpress.com/2021/03/04/lockdown-innit/

The lovely Ritu Bhathal shared this fantastic new release post too: https://butismileanyway.com/2021/02/25/new-release-lockdown-innit-poems-about-absurdity-by-marjorie_mallon/

And from this special lady – Lizzie Chantree: https://lizziechantree.com/2021/03/05/marjorie-mallon-new-book-launch/

Pre-release shares from these lovely blogging friends:

Willow: https://willowdot21.wordpress.com/2021/02/13/great-news-on-marjorie-mallons-new-book-lockdown-innit-poems-about-absurdity/

Sally: https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2021/02/11/smorgasbord-cafe-and-bookstore-new-book-on-the-shelves-poetry-lockdown-innit-poems-about-absurdity-by-m-j-mallon/

James: http://thisismytruthnow.com/2021/02/16/book-alert-lockdown-innit-poems-about-absurdity-by-mj-mallon/

Sheila (author S C Skillman) shares a wonderful review:https://scskillman.com/2021/03/02/book-review-lockdown-innit-poems-about-absurdity-by-mj-mallon/

And a thank you to Sarah Northwood and Lizzie Chantree for taking the time to write advanced reviewer comments out of their busy schedule. I appreciate you all so much.

Many thanks to the blogging community and to the book bloggers who work so hard on book tours and in reviewing our books.

Authors Website: https://mjmallon.com
Authors Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/M-J-Mallon/e/B074CGNK4L
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon

#ABRSC – Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1829166787333493/
Goodreads:: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/m-j-mallon 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

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Flash Fiction Challenge: Carrot Ranch Literary Community #flash #fiction #challenge

I’ve always enjoyed Westerns!! The prompt this week is to write a story about what happens on the dusty trail and Respond by October 6, 2020.

Excitement is building at Carrot Ranch for TUFF – TUFF stands for The Ultimate Flash Fiction which is every Monday — October 5, 12, 19, and 26.

So here is my Oct 1st Flash Fiction take about how love must have been short and sweet in times of life and death.

The Darnedest Cowboy

The darnedest cowboy walked towards me. His cowboy boots churned up the dusty road. My heartbeat so loudly I swore it was going to giddy up, catch a ride on a wild horse and land on his Western shirt. His eyes twinkled as he dawdled a few feet away. He kicked a stone, spat some cheeky grits into the ground and walked right past, lassoing my heart with his.

I stayed still until I heard the deafening gunshot. Damn. Wild West gals sure don’t remember no dead cowboy long.

Love ain’t for dead buckaroos!

October 1: Flash Fiction Challenge

Authors Website: https://mjmallon.com
Authors Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/M-J-Mallon/e/B074CGNK4L
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/
#ABRSC: Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/m-j-mallon Collaborative Group: https://www.facebook.com/pg/5SpiritualSisters/

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Sally Cronin’s Review of This Is Lockdown #anthology #compilation

Thank you so much to Sally Cronin for taking the time to read and review This Is Lockdown which releases 20th July. The kindle is currently on preorder via Amazon.

Read the thoughtful and detailed review via the following link:

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2020/07/18/smorgasbord-book-reviews-anthology-this-is-lockdown-covid-19-diaries-flash-fiction-poetry-m-j-mallon-and-other-authors/

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My #Review of Poetic Rituals by Ritu Bhathal

 

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Goodreads Synopsis:

Delve into a book of verse exploring different topics and different genres, all with a RITUal twist.
A collection of poetry drawing on the experiences of the writer, ranging from matters of the heart, love for the family, situations in life and some verses written with a humorous twist.

My review

Anyone that follows this blog will realise just how much I love poetry. I enjoy writing it, and reading it too.

Ritu Bhathal’s collection of poems is accessible, easy readable poetry that warms the heart and keeps you smiling. It would appeal to everyone. It’s not high brow, it’s very down to earth, human and touches upon so many topics that readers will relate to – such as the trials and tribulations of bringing up children, family life, and relationships. It’s very witty, and made me smile in lots of places.

The chapter headings give you an excellent indication of the breadth of poems covered:

Family Rituals, (children, motherhood, being a daughter and sibling, even a few poems about cats!)

Life Rituals – Life, Different cultures, Christmas and positivity – and Ritu’s poem But I Smile Anyway that is the title of her blog: https://butismileanyway.com/

Rituals of The Heart. Tender first love and sizzling passion too !

Rituals to make you Smile. Lots of witty ones in this section!

Would I recommend it?

Indeed I would. I rate it 4 stars, a very lovely collection of poems.

 

DISCLAIMER: “As of 13th September 2017 we are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.”
My opinions are my own and any reviews on this site have not been swayed or altered in any way by monetary compensation, or by the offer of a free book in exchange for a review.

Amazon UK Buying Links -kindle : http://amzn.to/2xqb7rE

Amazon UK Buying Links – paperback: http://amzn.to/2yU1xks

Have you read Ritu Bhathal’s Poetic Rituals? Do comment if you have.

Bye for now,

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My social media links:

Authors/Bloggers Rainbow Support Club

 

 

https://mjmallon.com
https://colleenchesebro.com/
http://dgkayewriter.com/

 

Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon  @curseof_time

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Colleen’s Weekly #Poetry Challenge # 38 – FAIRY & MAGIC

Today, my husband and I had a grisly conversation about death… not exactly a cheery morning chit chat but I thought if I have to go one day and no doubt I will…. this is how I’d like to imagine it… Not some black, bleak, meaningless end.  No, I’d like a supernatural being to visit me. No vampires please unless you are so handsome and your final bite is worth it! Perhaps a magnificent unicorn to carry me far away on some incredible adventure, or a mermaid to take me swimming in some exotic land… Wait a minute…. What about many supernatural beings, (except zombies – they don’t rock my boat!) plus the delicate kindness of the fairies to see me off?…. Now, that sounds perfect!

Continue reading “Colleen’s Weekly #Poetry Challenge # 38 – FAIRY & MAGIC” →

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