Delighted to share some recent reviews for authors on the shelves of the Cafe and Bookstore.
Delighted to share a recent review for Balroop Singh… and her new collection…Slivers: Chiseled Poetry
About the collection
When I stumbled upon haiku – a Japanese form of poetry, I scoffed it away, thinking it to be too short and easy to write. My hubris got a setback when I was challenged to write it! My earlier efforts show how I struggled with the syllables that could convey a meaningful message. Slowly I discovered this art form, which I revere now. I’ve taken some liberties with the rules though.
The poetry in this collection is not traditional haiku and tanka but inspired from them.This collection focuses on micro-poetry, inspired from haiku, senryu, tanka and acrostic poems. Brevity and discipline is the hallmark of these poems.
A recent review for the collection
I was so inspired by Balroop Singh’s latest volume of vivid verse that I endeavored to frame my review in haiku form:
Balroop re-creates
Light from above in new clothes.
Faithful fragments hanging;
Mini-windows showing
Truth in starlit slivers.
Ms. Singh’s work showcases much more depth and breadth than my little tribute, however. The topics, as usual, focus on the positive–healing, flights of imagination, and the beauty both within and without.
If I were asked to choose my favorite, I would choose the fanciful fantasy, “Night Fairy.” I suppose this is hardly a surprise since I write fairy tales, but still. Pay close attention to that one as you slowly nibble your way through this assortment of little gems.
A collection of haikus that should delight lovers of the art form.
Other books by Balroop Singh
Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – and : Amazon UK – Follow Balroop : Goodreads – blog:Balroop Singh on WordPress – Twitter: @BalroopShado
The next review is for M.J. Mallon’s new release of Bloodstone (The Curse Of Time Book 1) – Book 2 is following shortly.
About the book
Fifteen-year-old Amelina Scott lives in Cambridge with her dysfunctional family, a mysterious black cat, and an unusual girl who is imprisoned within the mirrors located in her house.
When an unexpected message arrives inviting her to visit the Crystal Cottage, she sets off on a forbidden path where she encounters Ryder: a charismatic, perplexing stranger.
With the help of a magical paint set and some crystal wizard stones, can Amelina discover the truth about her family?
A unique, imaginative mystery full of magic-wielding and dark elements, Bloodstone is a riveting adventure for anyone interested in fantasy, mythology or the world of the paranormal.
One of the recent reviews for the book
This magical young adult story is brimming with fresh imaginative ideas avoiding tropes often associated with fantasy. I was impressed with the unique vivid visual descriptions which brought both the settings and characters to life and the wonderful standard of writing throughout the story. A magical mystery unfolds for the main character Amelina, who makes discoveries during the plot, so we can enjoy seeing her grow in confidence and skill.
The story involves complex content which was difficult to follow initially but becomes more understandable as the story develops. The introduction of the antagonist, Ryder, really helps us to root for Amenlina. He is well written, and I enjoyed that he wasn’t given the typical look of a baddie but rather slowly and disconcertingly reveals his darker side, inserting himself between Amelina and her friends. I can see this being the start of a fabulous young adult series and hope there are more books to come!
Books 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 final review today is for USA Today Bestselling Author Jacquie Biggar – Secrets, Lies & Alibis (Wounded Hearts Book 8)
About the book
An elusive danger brings two obstinate lovers together for the sake of their unborn child
SAC Agent Amanda Rhinehold is driven to succeed, so it’s a bitter pill to swallow when she is forced to accept a demotion in order to distance herself from an error in judgment– one that leaves her pregnant.
Adam O’Connor uses his playboy image to keep anyone from getting too close. History has shown the people he cares about tends to get hurt, he’s like the proverbial bad luck charm. When an affair with his supervisor goes sideways and she leaves town, he figures it’s for the best, though his heart isn’t so sure.
When trouble comes calling, these two will have to sort their differences in order to protect their baby- and try not to fall in love in the process
One of the recent reviews for the book
specialangel Danger around every turn
Secrets, Lies, and Alibis by Jacquie Biggar is the kind of book that haunts you long after you turn the last page. It is deep, intense, exciting, really keeps you on edge, you cry, you fall in love with characters and you must pay attention to every little incident or you will miss important information. I was easily hooked from the beginning. I absolutely loved this story. Adam and Amanda tugged at my heart. Their love was such a major element of this book, one in which if I felt as though I was suffering right along with them. I recommend it highly.
A small selection of other books by Jacquie Biggar
Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Follow Jacquie : Goodreads – website: Jacquie Biggar – Twitter: @jacqbiggar
Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you are leaving with some books… thanks Sally.
Great authors and reviewers, Sally.
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Thanks very much John..hugsx
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Three fab reviews for three great authors. Congrats to Marje, Balroop and Jacquie ❤
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Thanks Debby and Sally. x
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Hugs Marje xx
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Thanks very much Debby and for sharing around ♥
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❤
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Reblogged this on Jacquie Biggar-USA Today Best-selling author and commented:
Sally Cronin shares a wonderful review for Secrets, Lies & Alibis on Smorgasbord blog today. Stop by for a visit, she’d love to hear from you 🙂
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Thanks very much Jacquie and great review for the book..♥
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Thanks for highlighting it on your blog {{hugs}}
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♥♥
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Thank you so much Sally for featuring Bloodstone with my fellow author reviews. ❤
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Pleasure Marje and looking forward to sharing book two…hugs ♥
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I’m cracking on with that today! ❤ plus decluttering! Multi tasking lol.
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We were born for that Marje…♥
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I love all of these authors. I just recently downloaded Balroop´s poems onto my Kindle.
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Fantastic Darlene I am hoping to make inroads into my reader this week now a few projects off the lists..hugsx
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Aww, thank you! I must get to Balroop’s poems too. Love poetry. 🙂
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Thank you so much Marje. 😊
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Thanks Darlene, I am delighted to hear that.
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Reblogged this on NEW OPENED BLOG > https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thanks very much Michael for passing along ..hugsx
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Just stopped, Sally! :-)) Thanks too. xx
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Thank you for sharing, Sally! Great reviews, pulling me to grab again some. xx Michael
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Just what I like to hear Michael..hugsx
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Great reviews, Sally! Congratulations to the authors!
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Thanks Kymber, glad you enjoyed..x
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Many thanks for sharing Cathleen’s poetic review of Slivers Sally, much appreciated. Congratulations to Marje and Jacquie, two awesome authors. I look forward to reading more books written by them.
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Pleasure Balroop, Colleen’s reviews are awesome…♥
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All wonderful books, Sally.
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Thanks Robbie..hugsxx
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A huge congrats to these authors! Thank you for sharing, Sally!
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Thanks very much Jan…hugsx
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Excellent reviews for three accomplished writers, Sally. I enjoyed Balroop’s and Marje’s books and am working my way through Jacquie’s series. Many congrats to the authors!
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Thank you Diana.. all amazing authors… ♥
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Congratulations to Jacquie, Balroop, and M.J. for these great and deserved reviews! I personally think Cathleen did a great job with her tribute Haiku. Thanks, Sally, well, for being you!
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Thanks Mark… appreciate the comment.. take care. x
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A pleasure, Sally. 🙂
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