I make no presumptions about you waiting on me to tell you about this, but I really must acknowledge two sisters for their generous reviews of my baby book, In The Shadow of
Rainbows. These two ladies are so down-to-earth angels despite having tons of blog
followers who adore them, and they’re each highly respected for the amazing things
they do and share on this platform. I am in awe of them.
My lovelies, yes, my baby book received two new book reviews. And like all the other
reviews I’m over the moon happy about them.
My debut poetry collection, In The Shadow of Rainbows, Song of Presence, was
published by Experiments in Fiction in July 2023. Of words and something unique I
held in my heart for a long time. And just as I melded into the sum of me on my 6th
decade of life, the pieces aligned and, with a lottle help from my publisher and book
cover photographer friend, the book that carries my soul was birthed into the world.
What a humbling experience that was. 🙇🏻♀️
The publication of this book hasn’t catapulted me to stardom, but I’m humbled and
elated at the same time for having contributed verses for anyone to read.
For the life of me, I cannot muster the courage to do it again. I cannot get the timing
right… I wonder, privately, if this will be the end of Selma Martin, the author… (sigh)
Angels looking over me.
Image: WP Photo Library.
Oh, I’m getting derailed now… forgive. About those two ladies and their book reviews:
Thank you, dear Cindy Georgakas.
Thank you, dearest Marsha Ingrao.
Cindy Georgakas
5.0 out of 5 stars A Poetic Gem that is a Must Read!
Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2025
Format: Kindle
A wonderful book of 60 poems that will fill your heart with joy, acceptance and zest for living.
Selma Martin is a talented writer and draws on her experiences growing up where she had to
find her unique gifts when not always feeling heard or like she fit in. She is honest, raw in her…
Friends, please click this link to continue reading Cindy’s words. Thanks, dearly.
***
Marsha Ingrao
5.0 out of 5 stars Making Poetry a Pleasurable Experience
Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2025
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
In her anthology of poetry, Selma Martin wanted her poems to “celebrate people,”
and “make listening to poetry a pleasurable experience.” I didn’t read these poems
out loud or listen to them being read to me, but that would bring another level of…
Please click this link to read the review. Thanks, my friends.
And darlings, if you haven’t yet had the money to purchase the book
on Amazon, Goodreads, or Barnes and Noble, please let me know and
I’ll gladly send you the PDF.
Belated acknowledgment of these most recent reviews that made me feel
seen in the forest of good books, where earthly angels write book reviews.
***
And just as I wish to thank these ladies, I extend a heartfelt thank you to the
reviewer whose identity I don’t know. Thank you, whoever you are:
Starlight Book Reviewer
5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning, deep, reflective! Read it!
Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2025
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Ohhhh! This is a work of deep thought and humble gratitude expressed in a collection
of Word Photographs bright and quiet and caught-in-the-reflecting-pool of the poet’s mind.
…not one poem will disappoint and every reader will be better for the experience…
***
Other poetry anthologies inside whose covers you can find Selma Martin.
All available at Amazon or wherever books are sold.
Poetry Treasures 4: In Touch with Nature – April 9, 2024
by Kaye Lynne Booth (Author),
Petals of Haiku: An Anthology – May 25, 2024 by Literary Revelations
Sunflower Tanka: An Anthology of Tanka, Tanka Prose, & Experimental Tanka –
December 7th, 2024 by Colleen M. Chesebro (Author), Robbie Cheadle (Editor)
After Rain Skies: The Global Anthology – March 5, 2025
by Michelle Ayon Navajas (Author)
Natures Discovered, Anthology – April 26, 2025 by Susi Bocks (Author)
Thank you all for being here.
I never forget those who add sparks of joy to my life.
I am here for you, too.
- Holding Soil With Earthworms - January 10, 2026
- Watering Words: 52 Short Stories by Bridgette Kay - January 9, 2026
- FeedTheHoly—I Am Not The Face in TheMirror - January 9, 2026
I hope you’re not done with writing poetry. Send me a poem to publish in Story Chat Digest! Of course, this isn’t going to skyrocket you into stardom. That’s not even why I’m doing all these marketing classes. I don’t know what life would be like as a star, LOL, but I’d like as many people to read my book as possible, and so would you. So we market together! The new marketing term I just learned for that is “Piggyback.”
Oh my heart. Thanks Marsha. Forgive the tardy acknowledgement. You’re amazing.
To Story Chat — thanks so much. I will do that. You’re kind for offering dear friend.
I appreciate the cross-pollination / piggybacking—grateful for this lovely community.
🙂 I mean that, there are many things we can do! 🙂 xxx
Thanks for opening the gates. Bless you
🙂 xxx
we are all happy to support your lovely work
🥹 🥲 🙇🏻♀️
I like the term “piggybacking ” Selma.
Wonderful reviews my friend 🤗
This community is the most supportive I have come across, we are blessed 🙏
🥹 😊 🙇🏻♀️
It was my absolute pleasure and so long overdue but always in my heart which shows me we never know when our book is the right time to reach someone and even if we’re slower than we like, we’re right on time. Life has a way of keeping us busy but when the iron strikes, we have lots of friends books that entertain us and give os solace.
Hugs and Love,
💓
sending blessings on this wonderful season… Be well, Cindy.
It is wonderful to get a beautiful review like that.
Makes it all worth it. yes. Thanks, Diana.
💞
Wonderful reviews and well deserved, Selma! I hope we’ll see more poetry collections from you in the future. ❤️
I will never untangle from poetry… hehe. Can’t. There is plenty more to come in the website… It’s just the poetry books compilation and going through the process that scares the bejezus . I have so much respect for those like you who are used to it. Hats off. Thanks. Yes, wonderful reviews. Bless you, Lauren
I understand, Selma! Compiling and publishing is a process and frustrating at times. Sending hugs your way…
Such lovely reviews… happy for you, Selma! I have just added “In the Shadow of Rainbows” to my reading list, I love the title very much!
Oh, my world, Nicole. Thanks so dearly. You have no idea what you’ve done by saying what you just said Oct 7th. Thanks a million. And I am here for you too. Blessings, dear Nicole.
You are more than welcome, Selma!
Beautiful reviews of a lovely book Selma. Congratulations
this is heartwarming dear Sadje. Sending blessings.
You’re most welcome