Smorgasbord Afternoon Video – Hero animals.

Animals that protected humans… great channe lViral Now

 

The Breakfast Show – Happy New Year 2022 – Music to get the party started – hosts William Price King and Sally Cronin – Nancy Wilson, Ella Fitzgerald, ABBA, Swing

Welcome to the New Year’s party… as we say goodbye to 2021… and welcome 2022..

I think it is fair to say that after 2020, the expectation for 2021 was that it could only get better… In some respects there have been some good things to celebrate this year, but here we are again with a new variant, and headlines promising doom and gloom.

Billions of us have been vaccinated, and boosted but many millions remain without this preventative measure, and it appears that Covid is going to be with us for at least the  foreseeable future in one form or another.

However, today as we watch the New Year celebrations around the world unfold across social media, we thought we would share some music and our good wishes for a Happy New Year and 2022.

To kick off the music, William Price King shares an iconic song that has been ushering in the new year for over seventy years.

Nancy Wilson – What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve

“What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve” was written in 1947 by Frank Loesser and unusually for the time was not associated with a movie or musical. Frank Loesser was well known for his lyrics for Guys and Dolls and his Oscar winning song Baby, It’s Cold Outside.

In December 1949 the song reached No 9 in the charts for The Orioles. It has been a hit for many artists in the last 65 years including Lena Horne, Johnny Mathis, The Carpenters, Harry Connick Jr, Barbra Streisand and Diana Krall.

This lovely version is by Nancy Wilson.

 For many Christmas and New Year comes with snow and the next song is a celebration of the fun to be had

Ella Fitzgerald – Sleigh Ride

“Sleigh Ride” was composed by Leroy Anderson as a light orchestral piece and was inspired by a particularly hot heat wave in July of 1946. By the time Leroy had finished the work it was in fact winter of 1948. The lyrics for the song were written in 1950 by Mitchell Parish.

Leroy Anderson recorded his own version in 1950 for Decca and it continued to be popular through the early part of the 50s.There were a number of versions that benefited from the addition of sound effects such as the clopping of horses hooves and even the sound of a horse whinnying.

There have been some notable versions of the song released over the years of this Christmas song including Johnny Mathis in 1958 and The Ronettes in 1963.

According to ASCAP, American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Sleigh Ride consistently ranks in the top 10 list of most performed songs during the Christmas season worldwide.

Here is a wonderful version by the incomparable Miss Ella Fitzgerald – Amazon

Time for my selections for the party.. and the first is a song by ABBA – Happy New Year

“Happy New Year” is a song by Swedish group ABBA from their 1980 album Super Trouper. The lead vocals are by Agnetha Fältskog.  As a single, the English version originally had a only very limited release in December 1980.

The Spanish-language version of the song, “Felicidad” was released in 1980 in Spanish-language territories.The single reportedly charted in the top 5 in Argentina and was included on the South American versions of the Super Trouper album

In 1999, the English version of the song was re-released for the new millennium, and charted at no. 27 in Sweden, no. 15 in the Netherlands and no. 75 in Germany. In 2008, it was released again in several countries, and charted at no. 4 in Sweden, no. 11 in Norway and no. 25 in Denmark. ABBA 

And for my second choice… some swing and wonderful dancers to get you in the mood to take to the floor…thanks to Tallinn Swing 

 

We both wish you a wonderful New Year’s Eve and 2022 and hope you will tune in on Tuesday January 4th for chart hits 1985 part two..William and Sally.

Your Hosts for The Breakfast Show

William Price King is an American jazz singer, crooner, and composer.

His interest in music began at an early age when he studied piano and clarinet in high school. At Morehouse College in Atlanta where he grew up, he sang in the Glee Club and studied classical music. After graduation he went off to the Yale School of Music where he earned a Masters degree. From there he journeyed to New York where he created a jazz trio ‘Au Naturel’ which performed in some of the hottest venues in Manhattan including gigs on Broadway and the famous ‘Rainbow Room.’ These gigs opened doors for performances in Montreal and a European tour.

While touring Europe he met a lovely French lady, Jeanne Maïstre, who, a year later became his wife. King left the group ‘Au Naturel’ and settled in the south of France where he started a new life on the French Riviera, opening his own music school – the “Price King Ecole Internationale de Chant.” He has had the pleasure over the years of seeing many of his students excel as singers on a professional level, and some going on to become national celebrities. He continues to coach young singers today, in his spare time.

Blog– IMPROVISATION – William Price King on Tumblr – Buy William’s music: William Price King iTunes – Facebook – William Price King – Twitter – @wpkofficial
Regular Venue – Cave Wilson

Sally Cronin is an author, blogger and broadcaster who enjoyed four years as part of the team on Onda Cero International’s English speaking morning show in Marbella and then for two years as a presenter on Expressfm the local radio station in Portsmouth. She co-presented two ‘Drive Time’ shows a week with Adrian Knight, hosted the live Thursday Afternoon Show and The Sunday Morning Show guests including musicians and authors. Following this she became Station Director for a local internet television station for two years, producing and presenting the daily news segment, outside broadcasts and co-presenting the Adrian and Sally chat show live on Friday evenings.

She and her husband David have now returned to Ireland where they live on the Wexford Coast where she blogs and continues to write books.

Books :Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – More reviews: Goodreads – blog: Smorgasbord Blog Magazine Twitter: @sgc58 – Facebook: Sally Cronin – LinkedIn: Sally Cronin

Smorgasbord Laughter Lines Compilaton – December 30th 2021 – Malcolm Allen Rewind – E-Reader and Pole Dancing

A compilation of some of the funnies that author Malcolm Allen has shared with us this year

 

Thanks to Malcolm for keeping us entertained during 2021

About the book

This is the third book by the author, following publication of his two autobiographies ‘From Birth to Perth – Memoirs of a Nomad’ in August 2013 and ‘World Turned Upside Down – More Nomadic Memoirs’ published in June 2018. This third book in the nomadic series, is a travelogue of the author’s journeys around the world. He shares both his travel experiences and his views on various subjects, with his usual frankness and humour. It’s a tale of the traveller as he moves by air, land and sea with assorted companions. The world of travel has changed the lives of many and continues to delight and surprise the author each time he packs his luggage and passport. As a fellow author, Michael Palin so eloquently said: ‘Once the travel bug bites there is no known antidote. I know that I shall be happily infected until the end of my life.’

One of the reviews for the book

Mr. Ian M. Smith 5.0 out of 5 stars A Nomad who really Entertains Reviewed in the United Kingdom

The author has already written his autobiography in two volumes and that is quite a story. He is much travelled and, in this new book, he gives us the benefit of his travels in a novel way. Instead of using a chronological framework, Allen uses an alphabetical format interposing memories of places he’s visited with a miscellany of anecdotes that keep you entertained.

There is plenty of humour and I’ve given the book five stars because of its readability. It’s a winning combination of real world travelogue that puts you right there with the author, and anecdotal humour that will make you chuckle (as well as groan at some of the quips). The result is a book that you will not want to put down. If you enjoy Bill Bryson, you will enjoy Malcolm Allen. He has taken a novel approach to non-fiction that is both entertaining and highly amusing. I now feel that I’ve really been to some of the places that I’ll never get to in person and that must be the highest accolade for a book that is much more than a travelogue.

Buy the book: Amazon US – And:Amazon UK – And: Amazon AU

About Malcolm Allen

The author was born in London UK and experienced a challenging childhood, leaving school with no academic qualifications at the age of 15. He had mixed fortunes in his early working days but managed to secure a job in the banking industry at the age of 19. During a period of 32 years he enjoyed a demanding and successful career in London, the pinnacle of which was becoming a Company Director at the age of 37. Following a life changing experience in November 1998 he emigrated to Perth, Western Australia in September 2001, relocating to his current home in Melbourne, Australia in November 2015.

Thanks for dropping in today Sally

 

Smorgasbord Book Reviews – December 2021 Round Up – #Contemporary Anne Goodwin, #Romance Jan Sikes, #Romance Staci Troilo, #Shortstories Mae Clair, #Thriller Jane Buckley

Welcome to the last of the book reviews for 2021 with some wonderful books that I can highly recommend.

The first book I read in December was the thought provoking contemporary novel Matilda Wilson is Coming Home by Anne Goodwin.

My review for the book 9th December 2021

This book is a behind the scenes drama played out behind the doors of a mental institution transitioning from a place to stash those who suffered from alleged mental disorders or lapses in moral judgment. Many living within these institutions may not have originally suffered from a mental impairment, but after fifty years within this closed and rigid environment, they have developed the inability to distinquish between reality and fantasy.

Told from three different perspectives we are introduced to Matilda (Matty), Janice and Henry who all have threads from the past keeping them from living life to the full.

Matilda’s story is heartbreaking and from an early age she was blighted by poverty, loss and abuse by those who should have kept her safe. She was a free spirit trapped by circumstances and the actions of others, and even behind the walls of this institution, there are those eager to take advantage of her vulnerability.

Her escape is the make believe world of princes and country houses in an era she felt most comfortable in. There is humour and logic behind her thinking and it was easy to fall in love with her mischievous approach to modern intrusions into her fantasy. However, after all the deprivations she has suffered, will she be able to move onto the more relaxed approach of community living?

Henry has been stuck in a time warp since his older sister he knew asTilly left when he was very young. He cannot move on as he is convinced that one day she will return to the house they shared fifty years ago. Now reaching retirement that dream is fading despite events in his neighbourhood that conspire to shake him out of his comfort zone. Can he let go of the past and move on to find love and a new life?

Finally Janice a young social worker, idealistic and convinced that she can prepare Matty for life in the new open community housing despite a number of setbacks during the process. Janice has her own past to explore as she becomes more disconnected from her adopted parents and sister and begins to question her role in mental health.

There are times, as events unfold and Matilda shares her childhood and teenage years, you as the onlooker are moved to outrage, despair but also admiration for the spirit that reached breaking point, only for it to escape instead into a fantasy world that provided comfort.

This is a thought provoking novel that is the first in the Matilda Windsor story, written by an author with first hand experience of the world of mental health institutions and the changing approach to treatment as a clinical psychologist. I look forward to discovering how the story unfolds in the next book.

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

Also by Anne Goodwin

Anne Goodwin, Buy:Amazon UK – And : Amazon US – follow Anne : Goodreads – blog: Annecdotal – Twitter: @Annecdotist

Just in time for the holidays, a lovely read from award winning author Jan Sikes a novelette Mountain Laurel Christmas

My review for the book December 17th 2021

This story by Jan Sikes may be a short read but it is packed with heartwarming moments and reminders about family and how important they are at Christmas and every day of the year.

For the last two years we have been restricted in meeting family and other loved ones in person, missing the shared memories, laughter and physical hugs. Mountain Laurel Christmas delivers all of those in beautiful gift wrapped packages.

Throw in a flawed, lost superstar whose material possessions and fame leave an emptiness that seems impossible to fill, a road trip that leads to redemption, and you have a wonderful addition to your own Christmas.

I have no hesitation in recommending.

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

A small selection of other books by Jan Sikes

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And : Amazon UK – Website: Jan Sikes – Goodreads: Jan on Goodreads – Twitter: @rijanjks

Delighted to review the festive romance by Staci Troilo – No Such Luck (Keystone Couples)

My review for the book December 22nd 2021

There is nothing like a feel good romance and a reminder of family and friendship at this time of year and No Such Luck by Staci Troilo delivers all of those elements. A short heart-warming read to add some glitter to the holiday.

As time passes. it is often the case memories can cast a rosier glow on relationships, events and expectations than in reality. We also evolve emotionally and mentally based on our experiences of life, and going back to our teenage years and our hometown, can put the spotlight on those memories with intriguing results.

This is the case for Piper Seidel, a feisty journalist who speaks her mind which can land her in trouble. Returning home for the holidays between jobs, she is faced with realisation she may have been pinning her hopes and dreams on a talisman that is not as lucky as she thought.

The characters are distinctively drawn and the story gathers momentum towards a very satisfactory outcome. Recommended

Head over to read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

A small selection of books written by Staci Troilo

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK –Follow Staci: Goodreads– Blog: Staci Troilo WordPress – Website: Staci Troilo – Twitter– @stacitroilo

Very pleased to share my review for the short story collection by Mae Clair – Things Old and Forgotten

My review for the stories December 23rd 2021

Wow this is a story collection across the genres that will amaze and delight the reader.

We travel roads from the past and into the future meeting interesting characters along the way, some drawn from the worlds of fantasy and others from the edge of darkness. There are also light-hearted moments with encounters with intoxicating small yellow birds and escapees from the confines of ancient bottles.

Mae Clair writes with clarity and with a focus on the reader’s engagement, creating memorable characters and bringing favourite legendary elements into a new environment.

The stories are all excellent and tough to highlight any for special merit but my heart was warmed by Father’s Day, I was totally drawn in by Robin of Sherwood and Miss Lily Makes a Wish had me laughing.

I can highly recommend this well written and entertaining collection of stories that crosses the genres with ease and expertise.

Head over to buy the collection: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

A selection of other books by Mae Clair

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And : Amazon UK – Follow Mae on: Goodreads Website: Mae Clair – Twitter: @MaeClair1

My final review for the year was for the thriller Stones Corner: Turmoil by Jane Buckley

My review for the book 28th December 2021

The author gives a warning in the blurb about what a reader can expect in her debut novel set in Derry, Northern Ireland during one of the darkest years in the province’s history. The book delivers the reasons for that warning with chilling effect, bringing home the reality that this was a part of the United Kingdom, experiencing civil war within the last 50 years. The ripples of this violent outcome to the separation of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and its issues of belief and inequality, spread devastatingly outwards from the province; at times devastatingly.

When extremism on both sides of the divide are intent on winning, those innocents caught up in the turmoil are at the greatest risk, and when an outside force such as the British army are brought in, it adds fuel to the fire. The author creates that atmosphere of everyday fear and loss with great skill.

At the heart of this turmoil are young men and women who are vulnerable to manipulation by the fanatics, and imprisoned by age old segregation between religions and class.

Inhumane treatment of individuals, bombings resulting in mass casualties of innocents, illicit love affairs, revenge, espionage and poverty all combine to break the spirit of those who can see no end to the deprivation and conflict.

The author has created characters that will haunt you and some who inspire. Despite the environment, good people try to find comfort in their lives, falling in love across the divide and working to bring peace and stability.  As the story moves forward they all come together centred on an event which will impact all of them and the future of the city.

This intiguing thriller delivers a great deal in terms of the writing, characters, storyline and expectations and I highly recommend the book. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series soon.

Also by Jane Buckley

Connect to Jane Buckley: Jane Buckley Writes – Author Page: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US – Follow Jane:Goodreads – Facebook:Jane Buckley Writes – Twitter:@janebuckley_sc

 

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books.. .thanks Sally.

 

Smorgasbord Afternoon Video – Great animal channels to follow… The funniest videos 2021

Funny Pet’s Life

Has some great videos.. and thanks to them for this classic…

Smorgasbord Blogger Weekly – 29th December 2021 – #Funnies The Story Reading Ape, #Bookreviews Terry Tyler, #Christmas Carol Taylor, #Donation Jennie Fitzkee, #Videos D. G. Kaye, #Farewell to a friend.

A small selection of blog posts from Christmas week that I have enjoyed and I hope you will head over to enjoy in full.  Thanks Sally

If you are feeling a little bit in the doldrums during the week between Christmas festivities and New Year’s Eve.. here is some cheer from The Story Reading Ape with some fabulous crackers….

Monday Funnies by Chris, The Story Reading Ape

Head over to enjoy the laughter: Monday Funnies The Story Reading Ape

Terry Tyler shares her reviews from 2021 including her top five selection (honoured to be included). And the some more….means you get 21 recommendations for great books to read in 2022.

My Top Five Books of 2021 (and some more…) by Terry Tyler

I’ve reviewed 51 books on this blog this year, and tried to do my usual top twenty or top ten … but I couldn’t. Too many instances of ‘which do I include, this one or that one?’ I found, however, that I was able to choose my top five. I don’t very often give my ‘5 GOLD stars’ rating; there were only two last year. It’s for the books that make me think ‘5 stars doesn’t really do it justice’. These are my chosen five of the seven I awarded this year.

Mistress Constancy by Gemma Lawrence

Part one of the story of Jane Rochford, wife of George Boleyn

Head over to discover the other 20 plus recommendations for your reading pleasure this year: Top five books of 2021 and some more by Terry Tyler

Another firm favourite all year around, but especially at Christmas when Carol Taylor shares wonderful festive recipes and snippets.. here is a smidgeon of what you can find in her weekly round up for Christmas week.

My Culinary A-Z is nearing the end of the alphabet…which means the last one of that
series will now be after Christmas…Christmas Music featuring more
versions of “Silent Night” plus Christmas recipes and trivia…

Welcome to my weekly roundup…This week last week has warmed up a little…the nights are still a tad cold but it’s nice to be able to sleep without a fan…

What is in store for you then this week if you are catching up… some more versions of “Silent Night”…Christmas Recipes, Winter Warmers.

Head over to enjoy all the fun, food and music: CarolCooks2 weekly roundup… 19th- 25th December 2021…

This is an amazing story that demostrates how important it is to celebrate reading and books. Jennie Fitzkee​ was a guest on The Kelly Clarkson Show​ and in honour of Jennie’s commitment to reading and teaching Dollar General donated $50,000 in Jennie’s name to Read Aloud, an organisation Jennie has been a long time supporter of. Read more about this incredible moment.

Photo courtesy of The Kelly Clarkson Show, NBCUniversal Syndication Studios

Giving – Dollar General, Kelly Clarkson, Dolly Parton, and Me 

It is the season of giving. I can’t tell you how much it meant for me to give to Read Aloud West Virginia. This would not have happened if I hadn’t been a guest on the Kelly Clarkson Show. Her mother was a teacher, and grew up in West Virginia. We have a terrific connection. Kelly is a genuine giver.

This newsletter from Read Aloud West Virginia tells the story of me, back home. More importantly, it tells the story of Dollar General. The co-founder was functionally illiterate. It was his grandson who wanted to give to literacy in light of his grandfather, and founded the Dollar General Literacy Foundation.

This is just like Dolly Parton! Her father could not read. She has been instrumental in giving books to children and her Imagination Library.

Appalachian roots are strong, from West Virginia to Tennessee. Giving is, too. I’m glad I brought some of that along with me when I moved to New England. Giving is everything.

Head over to read more of this incredible story: Dollar General gives $50,000 in honor of longtime supporter Jennie Fitzkee

And finally today.. Debby Gies shares two wonderful Christmas advertisements that will have you reaching for your tissues.. lovely.

Greatest Holiday Commercial Ads to Touch Your Heart

This Christmas will be difficult for so many this year, and mine is no exception. I’m not going to write any fancy or bougie words here about how cozy and mushy this time of year is for me and for so many others, between loss, hurt and this damned Corona virus, but I do want to share these beautiful commercial ads I came across. These ads reach far beyond whatever they are selling; they all encompass the human spirit of love, kindness and empathy. If you need a reason to smile (even though a tissue needed will be a guarantee), please enjoy. Hallmark has some strong competition!

Wishing you all a happy holiday season and goodness and good health for the new year forward.

Head over to enjoy the two videos.. they will warm your heart: Greatest Holiday Commercial Ads to Touch Your Heart

Sadly to end this post today a small tribute to a friend who I met online back in 2015 and then was so delighted to meet in person in 2017. Many of you already know, on the 27th December, Mary Smith’s husband gave us the news we had been expecting, but which was still hard to hear. Mary died peacefully on Christmas morning. Details of her memorial which will be streamed will be posted when arranged. She will be much missed by all who knew her in person and online and our thoughts are with her husband and son.

The last post and where you will find details of the memorial when arranged: Cancer Diary – The Last Post – Mary Smith’s Place

 Thank you for dropping in today.. stay safe… love and hugs Sally.

 

The Smorgasbord Bookshelf 2022 – Recommended Books, Author Features and Special Events.

Welcome to the New Smorgasbord Bookshelf – 2022   where I will be sharing my own book reviews, author features and special events during the year such as book fairs.

It is my intention to still provide a platform for authors to share their books, but in 2022 the focus will be on my own reviews, features about authors on the bookshelf and regular events such the recent Christmas Book Fair series and the upcoming series in the New Year – Meet the Authors – Personal Recommendations

For the last seven years I have shared three posts a week with recent reviews, but this year I will just be promoting new releases in one off promotions.

You will notice that the new bookshelf has just my own personal recommendations for the authors and I will update with new reviews I write as we go through the year. Some authors are on my TBR and I will update with my reviews as I read them.

Book Reviews

I hope to review more books in 2022 which is part of the reason for cutting back on my blogging. Reading is my first love and I am not doing enough of it. In addition I hope that by posting my review here on the blog and Goodreads, Bookbub etc, it will help support authors in a more constructive way.

Currently like most of you I have a TBR as long as both arms, and I try to read in the chronological order that I buy the books. Which is the key here, as I prefer to buy the books that I review, so that there is no pressure to read and review, and I can enjoy at my leisure.

There is an exception to this, and it is when an author I have previously read and reviewed asks if I might accept their book for an advance review. If I feel I can do so in a timely fashion then I am happy to do so.

New books

It would be very helpful if you have a new book release coming up in the next couple of months if you could let me know when it is either on pre-order or available. I tend to work a couple of weeks ahead and advance notice is appreciated.

There is a set format to the new book promotion and because of scheduling ahead, I am sorry that I don’t participate in book launch tours.. but happy to post a new book promotion either side of a tour.

New Authors to Smorgasbord

I am very happy to post a one off promotion for a new book and if you have not been promoted by me in the past please email me on sally.cronin@moyhill with the Amazon link, Goodreads, Blog or Website and social media, I will come back to you for any other information I require and availability of a promotion date.

Following a new book promotion I do ask authors to individually respond to comments from readers and share on their social media.

The new series of Meet the Authors begins on January 10th and I hope you will drop in to check out my recommendations.

Thanks for dropping in today and Happy New Year…. Sally.

Smorgasbord Laughter Lines – December 28th 2021 – Hosts Debby Gies and Sally Cronin – Balance and Remote Controls…

Firstly, some funnies from Debby Gies whose neighbour Marilyn donated for our enjoyment followed by some recycled jokes from Sally.

D.G. Writes is where you will find an archive full of wonderful posts across several subjects including writing tips, social issues and book reviews.

My thanks to Debby and her neighbour Marilyn for expert foraging…

D. G. Kaye – Buy: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK Blog: D.G. Writes – Goodreads: D.G. Kaye on Goodreads – Twitter: @pokercubster

Check out Debby’s latest Realms of Relationships here on Smorgasbord: Wrapping up the Year and Covid Lingering Effects

Now for a joke or two from Sally

Now something from Sally’s archives…..

MALE & FEMALE NOUNS:

From the Washington Post Style Invitation, in which it was postulated that English should have male and female nouns. Readers were asked to assign a gender to a noun of their choice and explain their reason.

The best submissions:

SWISS ARMY KNIFE: male, because even though it appears useful for a wide variety of work, it spends most of its time just opening bottles.

KIDNEYS: female, because they always go to the restroom in pairs.

TIRE: male, because it goes bald and often is over-inflated.

HOT-AIR BALLOON: male, because to get it to go anywhere you have to light a fire under it… and, of course, there’s the hot-air part.

SPONGES: female, because they are soft and squeezable and retain water.

WEB PAGE: female, because it is always getting hit on.

SHOE: male, because it is usually unpolished, with its tongue hanging out.

COPIER: female, because once turned off, it takes a while to warm up. Because it is an effective reproductive device when the right buttons are pushed, and it can wreak havoc when the wrong buttons are pushed.

ZIPLOC BAGS: male, because they hold everything in, but you can always see right through them.

SUBWAY: male, because it uses the same old lines to pick people up.

HOURGLASS: female, because over time, the weight shifts to the bottom.

HAMMER: male, because it hasn’t evolved much over the last 5,000 years, but it’s handy to have around.

REMOTE CONTROL: female…Ha! You thought I’d say male. But consider: it gives man pleasure, he’d be lost without it, and while he doesn’t always know the right buttons to push, he keeps trying.

Thank you for joining us today and Happy New Year… look forward to making you smile for 2022… thanks Sally and Debby.

 

 

Smorgasbord Book Reviews – #NorthernIreland #Thriller #Romance – Stones Corner Turmoil by Jane Buckley

Delighted to share my review for the first book in a four part series.. Stones Corner: Turmoil by Jane Buckley.

About the book

Be warned! Stones Corner Turmoil is a gruelling read. It’s harsh but importantly truthful and objective. If you love a terrific thriller with individual stories that form a cataclysmic ending then this book is for you! At the same time, learn what everyday life was REALLY like in Derry during those dark, harsh times.

Caitlin McLaughlin is just like any other teenage girl: during the week she works at the Rocola shirt factory in Stones Corner, Creggan where she has become secretary to her boss’s dishy nephew James. At the weekend she likes music and trips into the city with her best friend, but this is Derry 1972. A simple trip to the shops can lead to life-changing injuries or death and staying at home can be just as dangerous when the British Troops raid house to house .

Robert Sallis is a private with the Royal Fusiliers recently posted to the city. He’s repelled by the way some of his fellow soldiers behave; wary too of civilian feelings running high against the occupying army. Accidentally separated from his patrol in Creggan, he’s discovered by Caitlin hiding in her family’s garden. He expects the worse but having seen enough violence too close to home, she doesn’t give him away. Instead she prefers to daydream about her charming boss who has made his feelings for her plain. A Catholic girl from the Bogside and the Protestant heir to a big local employer….

In her youthful innocence, Caitlin believes their love can overcome the triple obstacles of politics, class and faith. Meanwhile Robert, newly recruited to British undercover forces, is closing in on a terrorist strike in the heart of the city centre.

My review for the book 28th December 2021

The author gives a warning in the blurb about what a reader can expect in her debut novel set in Derry, Northern Ireland during one of the darkest years in the province’s history. The book delivers the reasons for that warning with chilling effect, bringing home the reality that this was a part of the United Kingdom, experiencing civil war within the last 50 years. The ripples of this violent outcome to the separation of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and its issues of belief and inequality, spread devastatingly outwards from the province; at times devastatingly.

When extremism on both sides of the divide are intent on winning, those innocents caught up in the turmoil are at the greatest risk, and when an outside force such as the British army are brought in, it adds fuel to the fire. The author creates that atmosphere of everyday fear and loss with great skill.

At the heart of this turmoil are young men and women who are vulnerable to manipulation by the fanatics, and imprisoned by age old segregation between religions and class.

Inhumane treatment of individuals, bombings resulting in mass casualties of innocents, illicit love affairs, revenge, espionage and poverty all combine to break the spirit of those who can see no end to the deprivation and conflict.

The author has created characters that will haunt you and some who inspire. Despite the environment, good people try to find comfort in their lives, falling in love across the divide and working to bring peace and stability.  As the story moves forward they all come together centred on an event which will impact all of them and the future of the city.

This intiguing thriller delivers a great deal in terms of the writing, characters, storyline and expectations and I highly recommend the book. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series soon.

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

Also by Jane Buckley

Connect to Jane Buckley: Jane Buckley Writes – Author Page: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US – Follow Jane:Goodreads – Facebook:Jane Buckley Writes – Twitter:@janebuckley_sc

About Jane Buckley

Jane Buckley has been an avid reader all her life and if the opportunity had existed when she was younger would have loved to become a journalist. She began writing her first novel in 2017 but put the manuscript away in a drawer for a couple of years.
Jane used the lockdown period to finish the book – now ‘Stones Corner: Turmoil’ – and describes the writing experience as her ‘salvation’ during the pandemic.

Jane lives just outside Derry, Northern Ireland. She is married to John and has two daughters Cassie who lives in Oxford and Maggie who lives in Auckland NZ with grandchildren Charlie and Alba.

 Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books.. Sally.

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Music Column – The Breakfast Show with William Price King and Sally Cronin – Chart Hits 1985 Part One – Sade, Whitney Houston, Huey Lewis & The News, Jefferson Starship

We hope you enjoyed your Christmas and if you are planning a party for New Year perhaps this week’s selection of hits from 1985 might make it on to your playlist.

 Here is my first selection of top 1985 hits which I hope you will enjoy.

New Event: January 28th Charity single “We Are the World” is recorded by supergroup USA for Africa (Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Quincy Jones, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, and other pop stars)

Sade  –  Smooth Operator 

“Smooth Operator,” a smooth jazz piece from Sade’s debut album “Diamond Life,” was their first top-10 entry in the US, peaking at #5 on Billboard’s Hot 100 where it spent 13 weeks in the top 40, and also topped the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart for two weeks. It was the English band’s third single in the UK where it peaked at #19 on the UK Singles chart. “Smooth Operator” was nominated for the “MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist,” and the “MTV Video Music Award for Best Female Video.” The song is about a fashionable con-man who is popular with women, and breaks many hearts in high class social circles.

News Event: February 14th “Whitney Houston” debut album by Whitney Houston is released (Grammy Award Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female 1986, Billboard Album of Year 1986)

Whitney Houston –  Saving all my love for you

“Saving all my love for you” was penned by Michael Masser and Gerry Goffin and was Whitney’s first song to top the Billboard Hot 100. It also peaked at #1 in both the UK and Ireland and became a major hit worldwide. Houston won the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and the American Music Award for Favorite R&B/Soul Video with this song

News Event: May 8th 20th Academy of Country Music Awards: Alabama, George Strait, and Reba McEntire win

Now time for my first picks from 1985 and tracks that have stood the test of time.

Huey Lewis & The News – The Power of Love

“The Power of Love” is a 1985 single by Huey Lewis and the News, written for and featured in the 1985 blockbuster film Back to the Future. The song became the band’s first number-one hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and their second number-one hit on the U.S. It was a top ten hit on the Official UK Singles Chart. The song is included alongside “Back in Time” on the film’s soundtrack.  hueylewisofficial

News Event: July 13th “Live Aid” concerts held at both Wembley Stadium (London) and John F. Kennedy Stadium (Philadelphia) raises over $70 million for African famine relief

Jefferson Starship – We Built this City

“We Built This City” is a 1985 song by American rock band Starship. It was released as their debut single on their album Knee Deep in the Hoopla. The song peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Outside the United States, “We Built This City” topped the charts in Australia and Canada, peaked inside the top ten of the charts in Germany, the Republic of Ireland, Sweden and Switzerland, the top twenty of the charts in Belgium, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, and the top thirty of the charts in Austria and the Netherlands. Not all the critics were fans, but I like the song and still play today. Starship

Additional sources: On This Day – Music – Hits of the 80s: Playback FM – Wikipedia

Your Hosts for The Breakfast Show

William Price King is an American jazz singer, crooner, and composer.

His interest in music began at an early age when he studied piano and clarinet in high school. At Morehouse College in Atlanta where he grew up, he sang in the Glee Club and studied classical music. After graduation he went off to the Yale School of Music where he earned a Masters degree. From there he journeyed to New York where he created a jazz trio ‘Au Naturel’ which performed in some of the hottest venues in Manhattan including gigs on Broadway and the famous ‘Rainbow Room.’ These gigs opened doors for performances in Montreal and a European tour.

While touring Europe he met a lovely French lady, Jeanne Maïstre, who, a year later became his wife. King left the group ‘Au Naturel’ and settled in the south of France where he started a new life on the French Riviera, opening his own music school – the “Price King Ecole Internationale de Chant.” He has had the pleasure over the years of seeing many of his students excel as singers on a professional level, and some going on to become national celebrities. He continues to coach young singers today, in his spare time.

Blog– IMPROVISATION – William Price King on Tumblr – Buy William’s music: William Price King iTunes – Facebook – William Price King – Twitter – @wpkofficial
Regular Venue – Cave Wilson

Sally Cronin is an author, blogger and broadcaster who enjoyed four years as part of the team on Onda Cero International’s English speaking morning show in Marbella and then for two years as a presenter on Expressfm the local radio station in Portsmouth. She co-presented two ‘Drive Time’ shows a week with Adrian Knight, hosted the live Thursday Afternoon Show and The Sunday Morning Show guests including musicians and authors. Following this she became Station Director for a local internet television station for two years, producing and presenting the daily news segment, outside broadcasts and co-presenting the Adrian and Sally chat show live on Friday evenings.

She and her husband David have now returned to Ireland where they live on the Wexford Coast where she blogs and continues to write books.

Books :Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – More reviews: Goodreads – blog: Smorgasbord Blog Magazine Twitter: @sgc58 – Facebook: Sally Cronin – LinkedIn: Sally Cronin

Next week 1985 Part Two. We hope you will tune in.. as always we love to hear from you.. thanks William and Sally.