Welcome to the Friday edition of the Cafe and Bookstore with recent reviews for authors on the shelves.
The first author today with a recent review is Marjorie Mallon for the anthology This is Lockdown that shares her own diary of events over that period about the pandemic and life as a family in lock down.. and the thoughts and poetry of others within the blogging community including myself.
About the collection
An anthology and compilation of diaries, short stories, flash fiction, contributions from the ‘isolation writers,’ plus poetry written during the time of lockdown in the UK. This Is Lockdown is written from a writer’s perspective highlighting the simple pleasures of day-to-day life during such an uncertain and frightening time. It also gives a glimpse of the blogging, writing world. The book showcases several authors and their thoughts on what it is like to experience ‘isolation’ as a writer. I also discuss the handling of the pandemic and my thoughts on what might happen next. In the final part of the book I include my latest short story idea: a YA romance and various short pieces of poetry, and flash fiction inspired by the pandemic.
The full list of authors can be found on Amazon.
A recent review for the collection
This is lockdown is an unusual collection of diary entries, discussions, poems, and a few short stories written by a variety of people from different countries and backgrounds and recording their experiences and emotions during the 2020 lockdown.
The book is divided into three sections: Family Diaries of the author MJ Mallon, No More which contains poems and pieces from a number of different contributors, and Part 2 which comprises of short stories by MJ Mallon.
The Family Diaries is just what is says, a collection of diary entries from 28 February 2020 to 1 June 2020, setting out the author’s emotions and experiences during the first three months of lockdown. The author was in lockdown with your two daughters and her husband and her entries extend to cover some of their feelings and reactions to being confined to home for an extended period. I enjoyed the family’s attempts to stay cheerful and to make the most of their time through exercising, walking, and reading. Simple joys like cooking and finding a new statuette on a walk are highlights of this period, as is the pervasive underlying anxiety about the illness and the future. The author has also recorded some of the politics of the time and how the actions of leadership impacted on the psychology of the nation.
The contributions from other authors were equally interesting as the contributors were from all over the world. Some of the contributors are known to me through my blog and I really sympathized with their circumstances and anxieties. Some were new to me, but their stories were no less interesting. I found the contribution by Beaton Mabaso from Zimbabwe of particular interest as I live in neighbouring South Africa. Beaton’s experiences and anxieties about food supply, medical treatment, the ability to social distance in crowded communities and a government with limited ability to financial aid its citizens are similar to the circumstances of the vast majority of people in my country. The different impact of the lockdown and pandemic on developed countries where people fight the psychological battle of loneliness and fear, and developing countries were people face poverty and physical deprivation were highlighted for me. There are also beautiful poetic contributions from Sally Cronin, Debby Gies, and Frank Prem. Willow Withers wrote a powerful and overarching poem about the impact of “the plague” on society and the economy of Britain.
Part 2 set out some excellent short stories by MJ Mallon, my favourite of which was The Poet’s Club Fictional Short Story. This story illustrated the diverse impact of coronavirus and lockdown on teenagers and how it impacts on their socializing, learning, and ability to cope. If found this story to be insightful and realistic.
This is Lockdown is and excellent and well-rounded depiction of lockdown and the pandemic of 2020.
Read the reviews and buy the collection: Amazon UK – And : Amazon US
Also by M.J. Mallon
Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Website:M.J. Mallon – Goodreads: Goodreads – Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon
The next author today is Balroop Singh with a recent review for her poetry collection – Magical Whispers
About the collection
I wait for whispers; they regale my muse. Whispers that can be heard by our heart, whispers that ride on the breeze to dispel darkness and ignite hope. I’m sure you would hear them through these poems if you read slowly.
‘Magical Whispers’ would transport you to an island of serenity; beseech you to tread softly on the velvety carpet of nature to feel the ethereal beauty around you. The jigsaw of life would melt and merge as you dive into the warmth of words.
In this book, my poems focus on the whispers of Mother Nature, whispers that are subtle but speak louder than words and breathe a quiet message.
Each day reminds us
It’s the symphony of surroundings
That whispers life into us.
One of the recent reviews for the collection
This peaceful and meditative collection of poems is like a surrender to Mother Earth and her intrinsic magic. The poems are thoughtful, free-flowing, and loosely connected to weave the reader through natural, mythic and magical worlds. My favorite poems are Love is Love and a Moon Fairy, both very different. Love is Love is like a dance of nature to welcome and embrace the unconventional and Moon Fairy is simultaneously heavy and wistful and reminds me of an old woman recounting her days. Whatever your takeaway from Singh’s work, you will be moved. I recommend this especially when you want to just slow down and breath a little and see the wonder and magic around us.
Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK
Also by Balroop Singh
Balroop Singh, Buy: Amazon US – and : Amazon UK – Follow Balroop : Goodreads – blog:Balroop Singh on WordPress – Twitter: @BalroopShado
The final author today with a recent review is Marcia Meara for book four in the Wake – Robin Ridge series… The Light.
About the book
The Magic is Back!
For Robert MacKenzie Cole—or Rabbit, as he’s known to all—the chance to accompany his family to see North Carolina’s infamous Brown Mountain Lights has him nearly dizzy with excitement. And what better night to watch this unexplained phenomenon unfold than Halloween?
But when the entrancing, unpredictable lights show up, Rabbit gets far more than he bargained for. He’s gifted with what folks in the Appalachians call “the Sight,” and it’s this extrasensory perception that enables him to spot the one light different from all the rest.
In his biggest challenge to date, Rabbit—aided by his daddy and his newest friend, Austin Dupree— begins a quest to learn more about the mysterious light. Their investigation unveils a web of cons and corruption none of them expected and exposes a brutal murder along the way.
Throughout all, Rabbit is unfaltering in his commitment to do whatever it takes to understand the truth behind the glowing orb and to determine how he can help it. After all, it followed him home.
A recent review for the book
I could read a book about the 11-year-old Rabbit navel-gazing and be entertained. I’m in love with this character and as long as he’s in the story, I’m satisfied. Once again, Rabbit is using his gift of “sight” to solve murders and heal old wounds. In this book, one of the Brown Mountain lights is different from the rest. It’s full of sadness, and Rabbit wants to find out why.
This story has less violence and minimal danger compare to the previous books in the series, and though Rabbit solves the mystery, the more dire consequences unfold on their own. In this read, the focus has shifted somewhat to Rabbit’s expanding “family” as he spreads around his good will and makes connections with other good people. There’s a sweetness to this story and to these characters, and that’s not a bad thing.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Rabbit’s journey and happily recommend Meara’s Wake Robin Ridge series to fans of paranormal fiction, addictive characters, and expert writing. I will miss this little guy. A solid five-star read
Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – and: Amazon UK
A selection of books by Marcia Meara
Marcia Meara, Buy: Amazon US – And : Amazon UK – Marcia Meara on: Goodreads – Blog:Marcia Meara Writes – Twitter: @MarciaMeara
Thank you for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books..thanks Sally.
Outstanding reviews! Kudos all around.
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Thanks Bette..hugsx
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How lovely to see one of my favorite reviews shared here today, Sally, and especially in such good company. Congratulations to Marje and Balroop, too. And thanks from the bottom of my heart! (Oh, and for anyone wondering, I do plan on there being at least one or two more Rabbit books in the future. He told me he’s not ready to say goodbye yet. 😀 )
Thanks again! 🙂
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Somehow a duplicate response ended up here under Bette’s comment. Sorry, Sally. Feel free to delete this one if you want. *Waves hi at Bette!* 😀
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♥
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Delighted to share…That is so good to hear Marcia.. have a lovely weekend…♥♥
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Super authors and reviewers, Sally. Thanks.
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Thanks very much John..hugsx
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Three fantastic reviews, Sally – and three wonderful authors. Toni x
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Thanks very much Toni..hugsx
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Great reviews for three talented authors, Sally Hugs xx…Still can’t like are Wp going to get screenshots on Monday…x
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I have Firefox but have been working on Pale Moon.. just opened WP in Firefox, admittedly an older version but the editing facility is back.. just have a problem with comments on there so going to update Firefox and hope that I still have the editing I want… wish me luck..hugsxx ♥
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Worth a try Sally, Thankyou xxx
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Yes, Good Luck xx
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It worked… thank goodness it was driving me nuts.. will be over later now I have this sorted..hugsx
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Happy yours is fixed… I’ll try it tomorrow… Xx
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xxx
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Thank you so much Sally for this wonderful share of This Is Lockdown and reviews for Balroop, Marcia and I.
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Pleasure Marje.. delighted to share..hugsx
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I love all three of these author´s work. Wonderful to see great reviews for these books.
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Thanks Darlene..hugsx
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A great line-up of books, authors, and reviews. I have Marcia’s ‘Rabbit’ books on my ereader waiting for me. I shall take a look at the others too. So many good reads. Thanks for sharing, Sally. Hugs xx 🙂
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Thanks Harmony.. and I am sure you will fall in love with Rabbit…hugsx
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Great new reviews, and fantastic books. Fully recommendable! Thank you, Sally!
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Reblogged this on Author Don Massenzio and commented:
Check out what’s new at the Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore via this post from Sally Cronin.
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Thanks for sharing this too Don..x
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You’re welcome.
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Thank you so much Sally for sharing the review of Magical Whispers. I am blessed to be sandwiched between two awesome authors. 🙂 Congratulations Marje and Marcia.
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Pleasure Balroop..lovely review hugsxx
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It’s delightful to see so many wonderful authors, books and reviews, Sally. Thanks so much for sharing them. Hugs all around!
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Thanks Teagan…have a lovely weekend..hugsx
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Yay, congrats to Marje, Balroop and Marcia for wonderful reviews! ❤
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Thanks Debby ♥
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Three wonderful reviews! I just finished the third book in Marcia’s series – excited to get to the next book and see what’s in story for this family.
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Thanks Teri and a lovely series.. you won’t be disappointed with book four..hugsx
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I’ve begun reading A Boy Named Rabbit, it is so engaging, every page is heartfelt.
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I agree Kathy such a lovable character..
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Congratulations to all of these authors for the great reviews! I’m a huge fan of Balroop’s poetry.. 🙂 Thank you for sharing, Sally.
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Thanks Mark.. x
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I am reading This is Lockdown right not and am enjoying it. Robbie wrote a great review for it.
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Thanks Carla, it was great for all of us to participate and share our thoughts and Marje did a great job pulling it together.. Robbie’s reviews are always a delight to receive..xx
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Three more wonderful authors showcased by superb reviews. Everyone, by now, must know how much I loveMarcia’s character Rabbit, and The Light ticks all the boxes for me in what makes a great read. I already have Timeless Echoes on my Kindle and now it’s been joined by Magical Whispers. I’m looking into This is Lockdown as well but I’m not sure if my Kindle can take much more…
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I think that Rabbit is beloved by us all Alex and it is lovely to see the care you give your Kindle, particularly making sure it is on a nutritious diet lol…happy reading hugsxx
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The sort of nutritious diet followed by Ruben’s ladies! xx
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Quite.. an era I would have felt very at home in lol..xxx
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