Book Review: Size Always Matters @sgc58 #weightloss #journey #eatingwell #bookreview

Delighted to feature Sally Cronin’s latest book on my blog today!

Blurb

At age 41 in 1994 and weighing 330 lbs, Sally Cronin had two choices when she was told that she was unlikely to live to 45. Carry on eating or get her act together.

She chose to study nutrition and change the way she approached the food she ate and her other lifestyle choices.

Her first book, Size Matters, told the story of her weight loss of 154 lbs and shared the programme she designed to both lose the weight and regain her health.

Now, thirty years on from the start of that journey, having worked as a nutritional therapist with hundreds of clients as well as acting as a health consultant on radio for several years and on her blog, she shares an updated version of the programme.

Weight loss is not just about calories in and calories out. It is about identifying the physical, emotional and mental attachments we have to food and developing a deeper respect for the fuel we require to be healthy.

As well as exploring the many elements involved in healthy weight loss, she also shares the nutritional balance we need to achieve to prevent many of the lifestyle issues that accompany obesity. This includes some easy to prepare recipes which provide nutrient dense dishes for the whole family.

In 2022, 2.5 billion adults aged 18 years and older were overweight, including over 890 million adults who were living with obesity. 37 million children under the age of 5 were overweight. Over 390 million children and adolescents aged 5–19 years were overweight, including 160 million who were living with obesity.

If you need to lose 10 lbs or 100 lbs you can adapt this programme to lose the weight healthily and to enjoy a better quality of life. Don’t be included in the statistics and start losing weight today.

Book Review

Size Always Matters

I learnt a lot about the body and our relationship with food from this personal account from Sally Cronin’s own experiences – at 41 she was told she was unlikely to live to 45, weighing 330 lbs, she lost 154 lbs and is now 71.

It’s been a tough journey for author Sally Cronin and this account of her weight loss journey and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle is nothing short of inspiring.

Sally Cronin is honest, informative, and encouraging throughout.

If you want to lose a little, or a lot this book will help you on your journey. It explains the science, the role of different foods, sugars, carbohydrates, proteins and fats in our diet and the harmful effects of candida albicans.

It struck me as being full of sensible advice, (you can eat butter but from grass fed cows, full fat or semi skimmed milk, treats in moderation, but make sure you have your fish, lean protein in moderation, whole grain carbohydrates, healthy fats, handful nuts, and a wide variety – 5-7 a day fruit and veg, natural, unprocessed food, etc,) such a no nonsense approach and the opposite of yoyo dieting, or fads.

Basically, think about what you eat, respect and protect your body, exercise, live well and this will benefit you.

There are shopping lists for healthy foods and also a few recipes at the back of the book. I’m tempted to try her recipe for Irish Soda Bread and Mushroom soup.

Highly recommended for those about to begin a weight loss journey, or all those interested in nutrition and living well.

My rating: 5 stars

#weightloss #weightlossjourney #bookstoread #bookrecommendation #bookreview #booksofinstagram #booksandbooks #books #lifestyle #healthyliving

About The Author

Sally Cronin is the author of eighteen books including her memoir Size Matters: Especially when you weigh 330lb first published in 2001 which followed her weight loss of 150lbs and the programme she designed to achieve a healthy weight and regain her health. A programme she shared with her clients over her 26 year career as a nutritional therapist and on her blog.

This has been followed by another seventeen books both fiction and non-fiction including multi-genre collections of short stories and poetry.

Her latest book Size Always Matters is an extended and updated version of her original book Size Matters and now includes the nutritional element to losing weight and some recipes with ingredients that provide the nutrients necessary for healthy weight loss and continued good health.

As an author she understands how important it is to have support in marketing books and offers a number of FREE promotional opportunities in the Café and Bookstore on her blog and across her social media.

Her blog: https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/

After leading a nomadic existence exploring the world, she now lives with her husband on the coast of Southern Ireland enjoying the seasonal fluctuations in the temperature of the rain.

A book that is beneficial to keep and follow. I intend to try to lose about a stone!

Bye for now, see you soon,

Marje

New Book Spotlight: Size Always Matters #weightloss #nutrition #cookfromscratch @sgc58

Congratulations to wonderful supporter of the indie community, Sally Cronin, on her new book release. Pop over to her blog to read more about it! Links below.

Book overview

At age 41 in 1994 and weighing 330 lbs, Sally Cronin had two choices when she was told that she was unlikely to live to 45. Carry on eating or get her act together.

She chose to study nutrition and change the way she approached the food she ate and her other lifestyle choices.

Her first book, Size Matters, told the story of her weight loss of 154 lbs and shared the programme she designed to both lose the weight and regain her health. Now, thirty years on from the start of that journey, having worked as a nutritional therapist with hundreds of clients as well as acting as a health consultant on radio for several years and on her blog, she shares an updated version of the programme.

Weight loss is not just about calories in and calories out. It is about identifying the physical, emotional and mental attachments we have to food and developing a deeper respect for the fuel we require to be healthy. As well as exploring the many elements involved in healthy weight loss, she also shares the nutritional balance we need to achieve to prevent many of the lifestyle issues that accompany obesity.

This includes some easy to prepare recipes which provide nutrient dense dishes for the whole family.

In 2022, 2.5 billion adults aged 18 years and older were overweight, including over 890 million adults who were living with obesity. 37 million children under the age of 5 were overweight. Over 390 million children and adolescents aged 5–19 years were overweight, including 160 million who were living with obesity.

If you need to lose 10 lbs or 100 lbs you can adapt this programme to lose the weight healthily and to enjoy a better quality of life. Don’t be included in the statistics and start losing weight today.

Sally Cronin: Smorgasbord book Reviews Round Up #poetry #art #crime #memoir #humour #love #postwar #romance @bakeandwrite @sgc58 @jansikes3 @judithbarrow77 @Marjorie_Mallon

Thank you so much to Sally Cronin for featuring myself and fellow authors, Robbie Cheadle, Judith Barrow, Jan Sikes and Fiona Tarr on her review roundup.

Reviews as below!

The first review this month was for Robbie Cheadle, Square Peg in a Round Hole: Poetry, Art & Creativity.

Sally’s review for the collection May 8th 2024

The author is a talented artist moving from her exquisite fondant art to wonderful charcoal and watercolours of Africa’s wildlife and plants. You immediately feel her connection to nature and in this collection of poetry and micro-fiction that connection is strengthened.

As you move through the sections of the collection you are invited into the lives of a family not only at one with nature but also one that has undergone significant challenges, particularly with health. It takes resilience as a mother to watch your children go through multiple operations and more recently her parent’s and husband’s health.

Robbie Cheadle also has a senior executive role that means her time management skills are highly honed. Corporate life can be complex and this comes across in her section on her work and striking a life balance.

There are some wonderful photographic contributions from Wayne Barnes of Tofino Photography whose wildlife images are accompanied by some lovely syllabic poetry catching not just the beauty but humour too.

Also contributing is her son Michael who has co-written the children’s books focused on the adventures in a fondant world. His poetry shows a maturity and depth of emotion and reflected his vision of a world from a health and environmental perspective. Very profound and thought provoking.

This is a collection that requires careful reading and should be enjoyed at a leisurely pace rather than read in one sitting. I have no particular favourites as each poem and image deserve reflection and respect.

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

 The next review was for Her Covered Bones: An Australian Outback Crime Thriller (Opal Fields Book 6) by Fiona Tarr

Sally’s review for the book May 11th 2024.

This has been an excellent series that has kept readers engaged over the five books so far. I was eager to discover the truth behind the overarching mysteries behind Jenny William’s cousin reasons for going missing ten years before, and the murder of her boyfriend Nick’s father.

This book picks up shortly after the last one finished and this times the discovery of bones is closer to home, as far as Jenny is concerned too close to home. Just how involved are her cousin and aunt  with the murders and why have the rest of her family been keeping secrets. As she works hard to discover how involved they might be, she begins to feel her ongoing relationship with Nick will suffer.

Most of the main characters come together in an effort to resolve this mystery once and for all and a new character arrives to lead the investigation Detective Dawn Graves who stirs up the rest of the team with her approach.

As always there is plenty of action and revelations to keep the reader guessing as to the truth behind the murders, and it is a very satisfactory end to the series.

The author promises more from Jenny Williams in the future, but in the meantime is focussed on a new series featuring Detective Dawn Graves which I look forward to.

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon AU – And: Amazon UK

The next recommended book is by Judith Barrow... Live and Let: Tales of a Pembrokeshire Holiday Let

Sally’s review for the book May 15th 2024

This is a wonderful short book filled with treasures. The author takes us on a poignant journey through her teen years, marriage and growing family to set the scene for the highly entertaining stories of taking paying guests.

Having lovingly restored a neglected house in Pembrokeshire and wanting to add to the family income, a flat is created on the side of their home and over a number of years an assortment of guests take up residence during the summer season.

Some are clearly remembered with fondness, but others stand out for a variety of reasons and not always in the best light. Whilst laughing at the accounts of the antics these visitors got up to, it must have been extremely stressful to have to deal with them in person. The author has a lovely way of bringing these episodes to life and I would love to have been a fly on the wall.

These temporary lettings gave way to the arrival of a beloved aunt whose declining memory made from some heartwarming and also heartbreaking moments.

To round off a very satisfactory read, there is a short story about another house, another family facing challenges which ends with a twist.

I read Live and Let in one sitting and I am sure that anyone picking up the book will do the same. Highly recommended.

Head over read the reviews and the book: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US – And: Universal Link

Also by Judith Barrow

The latest collecton from Marjorie Mallon and my advance review for the book. Shh, Purely Poetry: Sensual, Love and Relationship Poems. On Pre-order June 2nd.

Sally’s advance review for the book May 18th 2024

Love in the romantic sense is a heady complex combination of physical and emotional attraction to another, sometimes bordering on the obsessive that completely takes over to the point of shutting out everything around you. Senses are heightened bringing a new perspective to the most mundane of activities, sights and sounds.

The author captures the depth of this sensual awakening and also the changes it brings to our lives in her poetry.  The poems start slowly taking the reader through courtship into full blown relationships highlighting the highs and the lows along the way. The path of true love is not always smooth and as well as passion, one needs forgiveness and compassion.

This is a collection about love and relationships but also celebrates sensuality and whilst I don’t read erotica, this collection is a gentle reminder of the beauty that can exist between two individuals within a passionate relationship. There is a flow and softness that follows the cycle of love and passion..

As always with this author nature and humour also mingle with the more serious business of finding and expressing love. As a small taste of what is to come if you read this collection here is the opening verses to the first section in the collection:  Love Is Fuel

Breakfast Nibbles

Avocado spread on toast,
Like her bikini, green, shiny, lush,
Skimpy but oh so satisfying!

Full breakfast, or bacon roll?
Depends on afters…
Your place or mine?

Head over to pre-order the collection for June 2nd: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US

And Sally’s final review this month was for the latest release by Jan Sikes… a world war two romance – A Beggar’s Bargain.

Sally’s review for the book May 25th 2024

A lovely heartwarming story of two young people who have lost so much and have little hope that their lives will change any time soon. Set just after WWII, times are hard, especially when drought and lack of work is being faced by millions.

For Laykin Martin having returned from the war to find his family farm has been left devastated following his parent’s death, and Sara Beth whose affluent father has his own plans, an unexpected turn of events throws them together to face an uncertain future.

The author always creates interesting and engaging characters and slowly over the story other down on their luck waifs and strays find their way into their home as they rebuild their lives. They expect hard work but not the kindness of others or how their own relationship will develop.

There are some devils in their lives who are determined to bring their hopes crashing down and it is a race against time for both crops and the safety of those they have come to consider familly.

It is a book I found hard to put down and read in one sitting and I thoroughly enjoyed being part of the journey of two young people determined to prove to themselves and to those who might doubt their decisions, that there is hope and love to be found.

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

Smorgasbord Christmas Book Fair 2023 – #Poetry and #Prose M.J. Mallon, #Crime Jane Risdon, #ComingofAge, #Family #Relationships Beem Weeks

Delighted that my poetry and prose collection Mr. Sagittarius is featured at Sally’s Christmas Book Fair along with fellow authors Jane Risdon and Beem Weeks. Follow the link below that will take you to Sally’s blog.

About the collection

Twin brothers Harold and William love the magic of the natural world.

When Harold dies he leaves a simple memorial request.

Will his brother William and his sister Annette honour it?

Or, will the garden work its magic to ensure that they do.

A magical story expressed via an original compilation of poetry and prose with photographic images.

One of the reviews for the collection

Dan Costinas VINE VOICE5.0 out of 5 stars ‘Love is a Garden,’ or how to understand life better  Reviewed in the United Kingdom

If you are familiar with Mrs Mallon’s books, this one will pleasantly surprise you, being nothing but a wee treasury of kind thoughts, short prose, and even shorter poems, inspiredly designed and cleverly illustrated with photos taken in the fantastic botanical gardens of Cambridge.

I don’t know if our author has ever read Roald Dahl’s The Minpins, with its famous last line ‘Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it,’ but what I know for sure is that MJ Mallon strongly believes in magic. Read the book, and you will have the same sensation when meeting the real protagonists: a dragonfly, a robin, a golden weeping willow tree, and a couple of spirits. The human appearances are only secondary characters, to certify the link between mystic and real patterns: magic versus twins and sibling relationships, the unconditional beauty of nature, and the seasons of the year, to name just a few.

If this book were a fable, the moral would be:

Love is the best teacher, and it helps human beings sail through challenges they might face in life – believing in themselves and others. 

Read the reviews and buy the collection: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US

Welcome to the Christmas Book Fair where I will be sharing books by my recommended authors that I believe would make great gifts. If you are gifting someone a Kindle this year it would be a great idea to stock it up with some great books to be enjoyed. Short stories are becoming increasingly more […]

Smorgasbord Christmas Book Fair 2023 – #Poetry and #Prose M.J. Mallon, #Crime Jane Risdon, #ComingofAge, #Family #Relationships Beem Weeks

Smorgasbord Posts from my Archives – Previous Reviews from 2022 – The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet by M.J. Mallon | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine @sgc58 #thankyou #review #poetry #nature #forests

Thank you so much to Sally Cronin for dipping into her archives and resharing her previous review of my poetry collection: The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet. How kind. I really appreciate 🙂

From Sally’s blog:

My review for the collection This is a poetry and flash fiction collection seeped in nature and illustrates the love the author has for the environment, particular the forests. The first pages share the delightful love story of the Hedge Witch and the Musical Poet, bringing two solitary characters together in the sanctuary of a magical forest far from the human world. This story is followed by poems and flash fiction, some of which are poignant such as the tribute to a ginger cat in Chester, Don & I, and bewilderment voiced in The Network of Trees as they stand in danger from the human need for progress. There is also the sad reflection that much of the beauty and adventures to be found in the forests are being missed as children find themselves engrossed in the online world instead. The author makes sure to include the fun they could be enjoying instead. The Teddy in the Woods probably should come with a tissue alert. There are some reminders of poems from another collection which I also enjoyed Mr. Sagittarius Poetry; one of my favourites being Rainbow – Parasol of Light. In the second section of the collection there is a series of poems inspired by other writers.

Source: Smorgasbord Posts from my Archives – Previous Reviews from 2022 – The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet by M.J. Mallon | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

Smorgasbord Book Promotions – Summer Book Fair 2023 – #Photography #Poetry #Flash M.J. Mallon, #Poetry #Shortstories Colleen Chesebro, #Africa #Poetry #Essays Robbie Cheadle @RobertaEaton17 @bakeandwrite @sgc58

Many thanks to Sally Cronin for featuring myself, Colleen and Robbie in this post. Here is some of the detail from her blog:

This year in the second part of the Summer Book Fair, I (Sally,) will be sharing my recommended books from the last 12 months and sharing either my review or one of  their top reviews.The first author today is M.J. Mallon and her collection that I can highly recommend Do What You love: Fragility Of Your Flame Poems, Photography and Flash Fiction

About the collection Do What You Love is a personal poetry collection celebrating how the fates may have a part in all that we do.With special poems and short reflective moments inspired by family, flowers and nature, love, scrumptious morsels, places I’ve visited, lived and intend to live in, the friendships and hopes I have for the future.The overarching theme is to live a life well lived… And to do what you love.One of the reviews for the collection
Sheila 5.0 out of 5 stars Prose, poetry and images: poignant, sensitive, playful: a lovely collection  Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧I’ve read this author’s work before: young adult novels, poetry and flash fiction, and I love her imaginative handling of the magical, the phantasmagorical and surreal. This short book is no exception to the quality of MJ Mallon’s output. I found her exploration of her past life captivating.We may consider that the inclusion of often very personal material in a compilation of this sort would make it difficult for the outside reader to find a way in. This is not true at all of MJ Mallon’s poetry and prose: in many places, I related so much to what she writes, especially about a daughter ‘flying the nest’ to a faraway country. I particularly loved the device MJ Mallon uses to draw all this together: she presents it as a conversation with Atropos, one of the three Fates in Greek mythology: the Morai.Atropos presides over the past. I thought this worked extremely well as a central metaphor. It had me googling the three Fates, and reading all about them: Clotho, who spins the threads of life, guardian of the present; Lachesis, who measures the length of life with her measuring rod, and is guardian of the future: and Atropos, who is the guardian of fate and destiny, and who chooses the manner of death by snipping the threads of an individual’s life.MJ Mallon has had a fascinating and varied life experience: born in Singapore, she spent her childhood in Hong Kong and her teens in Edinburgh. She now lives in Cambridge. Every culture she has lived in, I believe, has influenced her imagination, her interests and her approach as a writer. In this book, we find a compilation of words and images which draw us in: poignant, sensitive, delicate, playful, as she opens up for us her past and present relationships, the places she has loved and spent time in, and her thoughts and feelings about it all.A highly recommended book for you.Read the reviews and buy the collection: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US – Amazon Ca

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US –And: Amazon UK – Website: M.J. Mallon – Goodreads: Goodreads – Twitter@Marjorie_Mallon

The next book that I recommended last year is by Colleen M. Chesebro and her collection Fairies, Myths & MagicII.  A Winter Celebration

About the bookIn this second book in the Fairies, Myths, & Magic series, step into a world where dark fairies and other magical beings converge in a collection of poetry and short stories inspired by winter and the celebration of the winter solstice.From autumn’s scary fairies to the forgotten female characters of Yule, prepare to embrace the magical winter solstice myths from around the world. Meet Frau Holle in the Wild Hunt, Befana—the Christmas Witch of Italy, and the Japanese goddess Ameratasu who controls the springtime. Prepare to embrace the Scottish trows, the Irish Goddess of Winter—the Cailleach Béara, and Snegurochka—the Snow Girl.Learn how to make Yuletide rituals part of your celebration by embracing the symbols of Yule by decorating with evergreens and crystals.

One of the reviews for the collection
Jacqui Murray VINE VOICE 5.0 out of 5 stars An extraordinary introduction to mystical topics  Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸75 pieces on a myriad of topics, all themed to fairies, pagan mysteries, and the winter solstice. I know little about those so for me, this was a literary banquet to be relished. I picked this book up because I was impressed with the posts on Colleen’s blog, then read it cover to cover because her wordsmithing is entrancing. If you like me haven’t spent much time thinking about the meaning of fairies and magic, rest assured you will enjoy this book. The entries cover so many topics and emotions, so many mischievous beings, there is going to be something for everyone.One of the reviewers called this an “extraordinary handbook as well as a captivating read.” I would have to agree. Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

Head over to discover more about Colleen Chesebro and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Goodreads: Colleen at Goodreads – Website Wordcraft poetry – Author website and blog: Colleen M. Chesebro      – LinkedIn: Colleen M. Chesebro – Facebook: Colleen M. Chesebro Poet and Author

The final book today is by Robbie Cheadle’s. A stunning syllabic poetry collection in celebration of Africa’s wildlife. Lion Scream: Syllabic Poetry About Southern African Wildlife

About the collection

Do you rely on Earth for your survival?Lion Scream is a graphic collection of poetry and prose. The book portrays the author’s experiences with South African wildlife and the growing impact of the Sixth Mass Extinction and Climate Change on the natural environment.

Lion Scream
There is no jungle
Only acres of smooth stumps
There is no jungle
No habitat, no food source
Hopeless lion screams tonight

A review for the collection
Lauren Scott 5.0 out of 5 stars An beautiful, effective poetry collection conveying a vital message.  Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸While I turned the pages of Robbie Cheadle’s new book, I became enlightened. I absorbed the information she includes about South African wildlife and the vital message that flows seamlessly from beginning to end. Lion Scream is a unique and touching collection of poetry that takes the reader on a journey to learn about the wildlife in South Africa from Robbie’s personal experiences in the bush, but not to omit “their plight in the face of the Sixth Mass Extinction.” Her passion for wildlife is surely felt throughout the pages.A wide variety of animals are highlighted in this collection with stunning, color photos. Animals range from lions, tigers, cheetahs, hippos, and elephants to the Hadeda bird that I had never heard of before. Robbie profoundly expresses how the habitats of these incredible animals have been lost due to global warming, and how the animals’ safety has been compromised due to the evil actions of humans, all because of greed. Robbie’s emotions are palpable through her powerful and sometimes distressing poems. The book takes a detour in the end with a short story that touches on mental health, but the story ties into the initial issue of global warming and the lost habitats.Robbie’s poem entitled, “Lion Scream” may be short, but its message is concise and effective:There is no jungle/Only acres of smooth stumps/There is no jungle/No habitat, no food source/Hopeless lion screams tonight And below is a verse from the heartbreaking poem “Rhino Dilemma” –Savage men move quickly/Hack out valued horn/Animal left bleeding; awakes to sure death/Tears of pain and anguish/Slide from fading eyes. Years ago, I read two non-fiction books about elephants, and I instantly fell in love with them. So, reading Robbie’s poems about these amazing animals and the poaching horrors they endure is beyond heart wrenching. But a few poems are playful, painting a delightful picture:Now it’s time for some fun/Trunk draws in water/Up it comes, spraying a fountain overhead/Cool drops sprinkle downward/She trumpets with joy. A few of Robbie’s poems made me smile, but most tugged at my heart because of the serious issues of extinction, human actions that result in the animals’ suffering, and climate change. Anyone who wishes to become educated on these issues or who wishes to foster a solution where humans and animals can contentedly coexist should read Lion Scream. Highly recommended. Head over to buy the book: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US

Read the reviews and Buy the books :Amazon US  And: Amazon UK – Follow Robbie : Goodreads – blog: Robbie’s Inspiration- Twitter@bakeandwrite

Please do pop over to Sally’s fabulous blog to read the full blog link below:

https://wp.me/p3ZnNr-INc

Smorgasbord Book Promotions – Meet the Authors 2023 – #Poetry Harmony Kent, #Poetry M. J. Mallon, #Historical #Family #Romance C.E. Robinson | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

Source: Smorgasbord Book Promotions – Meet the Authors 2023 – #Poetry Harmony Kent, #Poetry M. J. Mallon, #Historical #Family #Romance C.E. Robinson | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

Thank you so much to Sally Cronin for featuring myself, Harmony and Christine in the above promotion.

Sally kindly featured my poetry collection, Do What You Love which is available to buy in kindle and paperback via Amazon.

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/mqXJq8

Do What You Love was awarded a special 5 star badge by Amazon Blue Tick Influencer N.N. Light. Below is the link to the media kit.

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Guest Post – I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now! #Family #Travel #Writing by M.J. Mallon | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

Thank you so much to Sally for this wonderful feature about my family inspirations for I wish I knew Then What I Know Now… and review of my latest poetry and flash fiction book The Hedge Witch And The Musical Poet on her blog…

I am sure like me, there have been times when you have wondered what difference might have been made to your life, if your younger self had been gifted with the experience and knowledge you have ac…

Source: Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Guest Post – I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now! #Family #Travel #Writing by M.J. Mallon | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

Smorgasbord Bookshelf – Summer Book Fair 2022 – First in Series – #YA #Fantasy M.J. Mallon, #Romance #Military Jacquie Biggar | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

Thank you so much to Sally for featuring myself and Jacquie in her summer book fair with first in series. <3. Do check out the post via the link below and the carousel of my latest blog posts.

Source: Smorgasbord Bookshelf – Summer Book Fair 2022 – First in Series – #YA #Fantasy M.J. Mallon, #Romance #Military Jacquie Biggar | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

MJ’s Book Reviews: What’s In A Name by Sally Cronin @sgc58 #Book #Review #Shortstories #Recommended

Book Synopsis:

There are names that have been passed down through thousands of years which have powerful and deep-rooted meaning to their bearers. Other names have been adopted from other languages, cultures and from the big screen. They all have one thing in common. They are with us from birth until the grave and they are how we are known to everyone that we meet.

There are classical names such as Adam, David and Sarah that will grace millions of babies in the future. There are also names that parents have invented or borrowed from places or events in their lives which may last just one lifetime or may become the classic names of tomorrow.

Whatever the name there is always a story behind it. In What’s in a Name? – Volume One, twenty men and women face danger, love, loss, romance, fear, revenge and rebirth as they move through their lives.

Anne changes her name because of associations with her childhood, Brian carries the mark of ancient man, Jane discovers that her life is about to take a very different direction, and what is Isobel’s secret? 

What’s in a Name? by Sally Cronin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I really enjoyed this short story collection. it’s different from others taking a person’s name as the starting point for creating a story. There is a wide range of variety in this collection but all share one thing in common: these are about life, love and humanity. The range of topics in the stories will appeal to all from amusing, sad, emotional to happy stories. There is even a story about a nun, Celia, leaving her calling which remained with me a long time after reading. The twists at the end of the stories were entertaining too, especially loved the one in ‘George!’ and ‘Isobel.’

Another favourite of mine was ‘Clive,’ about a boy taking a walk in the tropics and walking into a whole lot of trouble – the little ‘un meets a cobra! But, the moment when the boy and cobra look into each others’ eyes is just priceless. Loved it. Cobras are not that uncommon a sight in the tropics, my mum’s step mum came face-to-face with one too! And, in ‘Eric,’ you’ll smile at the tale of a widower who learns to live again through his cat, Doris. in ‘Grace,’ the moving yarn of a young girl in an orphanage ticked all the boxes for me. And the tale of the drunk driver and ‘Hannah,’ was fantastic.

Highly recommended to short story enthusiasts and to all who enjoy well written tales.





View all my reviews

Author Bio:

Sally Cronin is the author of fifteen books including her memoir Size Matters: Especially when you weigh 330lb first published in 2001. This has been followed by another fourteen books both fiction and non-fiction including multi-genre collections of short stories and poetry.

Her latest release, Life is Like a Mosaic: Random fragments in harmony is a collection of 50 + images and poems on life, nature, love and a touch of humour.

As an author she understands how important it is to have support in marketing books and offers a number of FREE promotional opportunities in the Café and Bookstore on her blog and across her social media.

Her podcast shares book reviews and short stories Soundcloud Sally Cronin

After leading a nomadic existence exploring the world, she now lives with her husband on the coast of Southern Ireland enjoying the seasonal fluctuations in the temperature of the rain.

Authors Website: https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/

AUTHOR SOCIAL MEDIA DETAILS

Authors Website: https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com
Authors Amazon Pagehttps://www.amazon.co.uk/M-J-Mallon/e/B074CGNK4L
Next Chapter Publishing Author Page: https://www.nextchapter.pub/authors/mj-mallon
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon https://twitter.com/Marjorie_Mallon 

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

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