
I have read and reviewed many books last month, but I have to make a special mention of these two, as they are different from the usual books, and I would highly recommend them to all book lovers.
Maggie Watson’s profoundly personal poetry, ‘Wildflower’ inspires and empowers all those who find themselves in an abusive relationship. She assures that it is possible to escape, to seek a healing path, and move on.
When she says, “I still sob my heart out,” “I still doubt myself.” She highlights the agony and the irreparable psychological distress that persists.
The imagery in ‘Once Upon a Time, Someone Stripped The Bark from My Tree’ is stunning! But in the same breath, she says, “I am not bullet-ridden. I am a survivor. I have risen from the flames.” Though scalded and scarred, she holds hope and calls upon all those who are naive, who have been eager to please others, to have courage and rise against their tormentors. Healing may take time, but the “will to survive” can steer us through life’s storms.
Whether they were the jagged edges of rocks or the thorns that tore through her breast, or she was thrown off balance into the deep waters, she knows she has the resilience to flounder and rise. The one who considers “darkness as her guide” and “tears as diamonds,” she has to be a “warrior” of life. Written in a straightforward style, each poem is loaded with the power of a bullet that can pierce your heart.
With mind-blowing imagery and persistence of a bull, Watson exhorts you to be a “lioness” like her to carve your own future. A powerful and emotional poetry with meaningful messages.
‘Tales From the Irish Garden:The Missing Pieces’ is like a whiff of fresh breeze, lifting us from the mundane world of thrillers and murder mysteries, transporting us to the magical world of love, kindness, and peace. Here, in the garden of the Emerald Island, meet with the Storyteller – the character, who holds various threads of the stories together. Cronin weaves them into a magical garland, and the link sounds realistic despite the fantasy backdrop. Anyone who comes to the Storyteller’s garden finds comfort, solace and confidence to face the world.
Characters are of utmost importance in all the stories and each one shines under the pen of Cronin. She doesn’t need to describe them, as their emotions and reactions are enough to tell about them. It is a marvel how Bebechat (a cat) becomes a part of characterisation and holds your attention with real human feelings.
While reading the stories, you get sucked into the power of positivity floating in the vibrant garden of the Storyteller, bask in the glory of his sanctuary, inhale the fragrant air, enjoy the music created by Ramon, and devour the homemade scones and cakes baked by Lilah. Also, enjoy the weddings! You have to read this book to visit the spectacular sanctuary.
Happy reading! Thank you.
Have you checked Beyond the Fetters? It is a poignant and engaging story of cultural compulsions and emotional deluge.


Thank you so much for including your lovely review in your post Balroop… I have added the link into the round up tomorrow… Have a lovely weekend. ♥♥
It is a lighthearted book that promotes kindness and love for humanity. Such themes have taken a backseat in modern times. Kudos to you for writing such beautiful stories, Sally. Thank you for being a loving friend.
Thanks Balroop again.. ♥♥
Great reviews, Balroop. Thanks. I loved Beyond the Fetters, BTW.
Delighted to be here Darlene.. ♥
I am delighted to hear that. Thanks for your lovely review of my book, Darlene. I am glad you loved it.
You’re welcome! 😊
Thank you so much for the wonderful review Balroop, it means a lot to me 💖
I know the subject matter is not the easiest to read, but every review helps me to give someone who is still living in that environment hope.🙏
Have a great weekend.
Maggie, you have poured your heart into these poems and they reach out to convey the emotions. It’s good to give a vent to them. You have done it beautifully. Thanks for sharing your pain and determination.
It helps the healing process Balroop.
Thanks so much again 🙏
Sure, it does. 🤗
Lovely and courageous!
Thanks so much !
Looks like two beautiful books. I’ve read Sally’s and loved it. Congrats to Sally and Maggie for your wonderful reviews. 🥰
Thanks very much Debby and for your ongoing support for the book… In great company with Maggie. ♥
Sally, thank you so much 🥰 and likewise!
My pleasure and you are! 😍🧡💜
Thank you for the endorsement, Deb. Sally is multi-talented.
💜
Thank you so much Debby 🙏
Looking forward to reading Maggie 🥰
Thank you so very much Debby 🥰
🥰
Loved Maggie’s book! So poignant, moving, raw and honest, a true survivor she is!
So true! That’s the spirit of the book. I am glad you enjoyed reading it, Carol.
Carol Anne ❤️ thank you for your kindness and support!
I enjoy every book that Sally writes. And yes, her stories lighten my soul. Maggie’s book is deep and so brave of her to write. Many congrats to both Maggie and Sally.
So true, Pam. Sally never disappoints. Maggie is a wonderful poet. She knows how to dilute grief, heart-break and hope to produce amazing poetry.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment Pam 🙏
hi Balroop, both these reviews are insightful. Maggie’s book is powerful and Sally’s is delightful and renews the readers faith in the goodness of humanity. WP seems to have unfollowed me from your blog. I’ll refollow now.
Thank you Robbie, for finding me again. 😊
Robbie 💖 thank you so much !
Wonderful reviews, Balroop!
Thank you Dawn.
Wonderful reviews of two books I loved, Balroop. Congrats to Maggie and Sally! And Congrats on your new book too. I’m not around as much, so I’m glad I saw this. I’ll pre-order when I leave here. 🙂 💕
Thank you Lauren. I hope all is well at your side, and you are just busy.
Lauren thanks so much for clicking over 🙏💖🌷
You’re so welcome, my friend! 💕🌟💕
Lauren 🙏❤️🙏
🩷💐🩷💐🩷😘
Wonderful reviews, Balroop. I have read Sally’s book, but I am putting Maggie’s on my list right now.
Thank you for stopping by, Marsha. Maggie’s poetry is poignant and inspiring. I am sure you will enjoy it.
I do love her poetry. Thanks again, Balroop.
Thank you, Balroop!
I follow both of these bloggers, and these books sound terrific.
From your reviews, they are at different ends of the human experience spectrum. They both sound like informative, rewarding reads.
Also, thank you to Maggie and Sally for writing!
Thank you Resa, for stopping by to read my reviews.
Pleasure!