The first book with a recent review is for poetry lovers Roads: A Journey With Verses – Vandana Bhasin and Smitha Vishwanath
About Roads
“Roads” is a poetic rendezvous that takes the reader on a panoramic journey, making one pause, ponder and celebrate life.
The book is a light, alluring read that instantly strikes a chord and elevates one’s spirits. A trove of 60 poems, it is quilled with beads of nine virtues: Courage, Wisdom, Serenity, Love, Hope, Strength, Joy, Compassion and Gratitude. The verses encapsulate life’s ebbs and flows while prompting the reader to enjoy its simple pleasures.
“Roads” is a book that you would want to keep on your bedside, for a quiet read before retiring for the night or for the morning wisdom to seize the day. With poems revolving around emotions that each of us experiences, “Roads” very easily develops a personal connect with the reader that is defiantly refreshing.
“Roads” is a journey with verses. Take it on yours.
One of the recent reviews for the collection
‘Roads: A Journey With Verses’ by Vandana Bhasin and Smitha Vishwanath is a brilliant collection of poems that talk about life, love and the paths that mold us, values that mentor us, and pay a tribute to the persons who hold our hand through turbulent times to make our journey smoother.
In perfect sync with each other, Smitha’s tenderness is complemented by the exquisite style of Vandana who lashes out at societal norms that fetter us to the threshold, trying to slash our wings to compress us into compartments. Bold and chilling, her poems question the dogma, the exploitation and injustice that have been meekly accepted in the name of parochial diktats. Raising voice against subjugation, she calls upon shedding “the mask” and “darn the rules.”
One of my favorites, ‘Writer vs. Woman’ validates the power that lies dormant within the so-called fragile woman who proudly declares: “Do I need a better armor when words are my defense?” Realism percolates through their words as they capture a thousand emotions with élan. ‘Miss You When You’re Gone’ touches the most precious memories of letting go and break free from the stifling love that lingers despite the pride of watching our children soar toward the horizon of their choice. All mothers could relate to the pangs embedded within the words of Smitha.
For a person like me who values emotions and relationships, these poems are heart-warming. Along with tender moments of nurturing love and trust, self-belief, determination and courage stand out to reassure that there is no need to be swayed by the age-old traditions of embracing the defined roles. These poems would tug at your heart; stirring a thousand moments that stand and smile at you, reassuring that roads of life may be arduous yet shimmer with hope and happiness.
Read the reviews and buy the collection: Amazon US
And : Amazon UK
Connect to Vandana via her blog: My Feelings My Freedom
Connect to Smitha via her Blog: Life a Teacher
The next author with recent reviews for her latest release is Mae Clair for Eventide (A Hode’s Hill Novel Book 3)
About Eventide
The darkness is coming . . .
The old house near Hode’s Hill, Pennsylvania is a place for Madison Hewitt to start over—to put the trauma of her husband’s murder, and her subsequent breakdown, behind her. She isn’t bothered by a burial plot on the property, or the mysterious, sealed cistern in the basement. Not at first. Even the presence of cold spots and strange odors could be fabrications of her still troubled mind. But how to explain her slashed tires, or the ominous messages that grow ever more threatening?
Convinced the answer lies in the past, Madison delves into the history of the home’s original owners, only to discover the origin of a powerful evil. An entity that may be connected to a series of gruesome attacks that have left police baffled. No matter where she turns—past or present—terror lingers just a step away, spurred on by a twisted obsession that can only be satisfied through death…
One of the recent reviews for the book
Tripower53 VINE VOICE – Very nice addition to the series
This book is an excellent addition to the series.
Madison Hewitt witnessed the stabbing death of her husband some time ago. She has now declared herself recovered and a bought an old house in an isolated spot in Pennsylvania.
But all is not well in her new house. There are noises – and that cistern in the basement!!
This story move back and forth between the present and the 1890’s. Something very bad happened back then and the old house has held on to it.
Tension ratchets up as the story goes along. Ms. Clair is a fantastic writer. Her stories are filled with reality. That is to say, the reader could almost believe that the events are really happening. The book is remarkably well written and plotted. One event follows another in a logical progression. The characters are colorful and likable – for the most part. I liked Madison, her slightly psychic sister and her new beau. Well done, Ms. Clair! More please.
Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US
and on: Amazon UK
A selection of other books by Mae Clair
Read all the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US
And on: Amazon UK
Read more reviews and follow Mae on: Goodreads
Connect to Mae via her website: Mae Clair
The next book is an award winning poetry collection Songs of the Heartstrings: Poems of Gratitude and Beatitude written by Miriam Hurdle.
About Songs of Heartstrings
Human being has the willpower to travel through an exhausting journey, win a tough battle, and heal a deep wound. Strength from hope keeps us going until the light at the end of the tunnel is in sight and striving until the storm is over.
This poetic memoir comprises themes ranging from the suffering through an undesirable relationship, surviving an aggressive cancer, to the happiness in true love, the joy of parenthood, and gratefulness toward the Maker. Hurdle reveals the honest self-talk and reflects a heart filled with optimism, faith and trust. She illustrates the poems with her beautiful photos and paintings.
A recent review for the collection
As I read through many of these poems, I had a feeling like I was reading the book of Psalms. Miriam is a fitting Psalmist, I’d say – her zest for life and ability to see the Creator in all things is admirable and amazing. Reading this book made me feel like I was intimately connected with he author.
And Miriam Hurdle, I dare say, is someone everyone should know.
If you enjoy poetry or want to be inspired, this is a great set of poetry. I read the poems one or two a day (sometimes I’d cheat) and try to soak them in. I don’t know if this is the way I was supposed to enjoy it, but I think it worked for me.
Also a hint: there are some photos in this. I can’t comment too much on them because I have an old Kindle that didn’t show them in good quality. If you want full effect, go f
Read the reviews and buy the collection: Amazon US
And: Amazon UK
Read reviews and follow Miriam: Goodreads
Connect to Miriam via her website: The Showers of Blessings
Thank you for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with a book or two under your arm..thanks Sally
Some great books here, Sally. I’ve read Eventide and loved it. I’ll have to take a look at the others too. Thanks for sharing 🙂
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Thanks Harmony… and will share your lovely review from Debby on 24th.. xx
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Sally, you have the best bookstore of all! Thanks for sharing these marvelous additions — and congrats to the authors. Hugs on the wing.
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Pleasure Teagan and your new book set for 21st…hugsx
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You’re pos-i-lutely the cat’s pajamas!
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As usual, a great selection here, Sally! I just finished Eventide and absolutely loved it. Scariest thing I’ve read of late, and I definitely plan to review it soon. As always, I’m taking note of the other books, though I haven’t read them yet. Thanks again!
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Thanks for your added recommendation Marcia and will look out for your review to share in the updates… hugsxx
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I can’t believe I haven’t read any of these! And most of the authors I know are wonderful (from previous reads). More for my TBR
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I can’t believe it either Jacqui… but glad you have found new reads..hugs
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Thank you Sally for picking up my review of Roads, a wonderful book. I’ve read and reviewed Miriam’s book too. Mae’s books are on my wish list, I love how she weaves mysteries and myths into her stories.
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Lovely review Balroop and I am sure Smitha delighted…hugsxx
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Thank you so much for including me in your post of great reviews, Sally. Both Roads and Even Tides are interesting and wonderful books.
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My pleasure Miriam..hugsx
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💖🤗
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More good books and quality reviews, Sally. Thanks.
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Thank you John..hugsx
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Hugs
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Congrats on all the new reviews Mae, Miriam, Vandana and Smith! ❤
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Thanks Debby ♥
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Great line up and reviews, Sally. Kudos to all! 🙂 Sharing…
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Thank you Bette..hugsx
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Congrats to the authors on the wonderful reviews!
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Thanks Jacquie.. I have put your new releases in the diary for February and March… you have been busy..hugs
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Aw, thank you!
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Reblogged this on Author Don Massenzio and commented:
Check out what’s new at the Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore with this Author Update featuring Vandana Bhasin, Smitha Vishwanath, Mae Clair and Miriam Hurdle from this post on Sally Cronin’s blog
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Amazing reviews to celebrate. Thanks for sharing, Sally! Bravo to all. 🙂
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Thanks Natalie..hugsx
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Fabulous reviews, Sally. I have Mae’s new book on my kindle.
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Hi Sally! Truly grateful for enlisting ‘Roads’ on your bookstore and including Balroop’s review of the same. Hope other bloggers find it an interesting read 🙂
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My pleasure Vandana.. enjoy your week.
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