How are you, my lovelies?
I’ve been busy reading and will be busy for a bit longer still…
Here are my most recent book reviews on Amazon.
>>sensitivity that moves our spirit and puts us right<<
There are two things I need to mention before I tell you what I liked:
* I approached this book with some background knowledge I read in an interview
about this Author: about how one day in April during the pandemic, one of the
Author’s cats died and how at the end of that week, the Author’s dear mother
passed away. And that due to COVID, she and her family couldn’t be with her
beloved.
I cannot imagine what that must be like, but I feel encouraged that instead of
letting the heaviness sink her, the Author chose to call forth stored memories
and celebrate the good times that still exist, if only in her liminal space.
* The Author’s child created the cover art for this book: a stunning story in and
of itself. Apt for a collection that celebrates a thing remembered fondly: Like
those liminal spaces that reside in the nostalgic places in our memories, a river
meanders through landscapes, and as one who sometimes “feels” and communes
with shadows and ghosts, the title and theme of this collection called to me.
River Ghosts by Merril D. Smith is a poetry collection brimming like a river on its
way to the ocean of nostalgia. And we all know nostalgia. Through this collection
of imagist poetry–none of us knows what the poet was going through; we cannot
readily understand the allusion of each as they belong to her alone–we know we
are included in them because of the universal threads that resonate with us.
We’ve all experienced personal losses and learned from our sensitivities that our
griefs and joys are all the same. And it’s this sensitivity that moves our spirit and
puts us right there to appreciate and observe through this Author’s recollection.
It’s a book birthed from grief that also takes us dancing in joy–a tribute to
mourning and remembrances, life and love that remains as long as memory lasts.
It is difficult to pick a favorite from Smith’s stunning River Ghosts debut poetry
collection published by Nightingale and Sparrow Press–there is so much to love!
But let me mention two: The title poem, “River Ghosts,” informs this collection so
well and prepares the reader for what’s to come: Ghosts sitting in the grass/the
gull’s laugh echoes/over the river/remembered in whispers (by that grass where
ghosts in the long ago once sat)–Gorgeous!
And “Half-Concealed and Half-Revealed.” It asks us directly, “How will we
remember these days/of grief and sorrow for our world/ …the world gets
hotter/the trees reach up/to light/and down to darkness/half-revealed, half
concealed/ thoughts glimmer/like tears/
And then, the Author reminds us that her mother’s laugh still echoes, “Here.”
Gorgeous! I highly recommend River Ghosts by Merril D. Smith. Please consider
getting the book to find out what ghosts lie between these two that stand as
bookends.
***
((I might need to revise this review on Amazon, as it still hasn’t appeared on the
website: When they’re too long, they don’t get approved–though I’ve seen much
longer reviews. Let’s see what the morning brings me)) fingers crossed.
>>This novella will stir your soul into embracing a new contemporary mindset<<
Mackenzie and Jason–Aww, how lovely the Author wrote these two characters. This
story will impress you first, and after it stirs your soul, it will leave you feeling
happy you read it.
Her Coastal Cottage–Where Truth and Love Rise, by Michele Lee Sefton, is a new
release with a publication date of June 20th, 2023. It’s a quick 59 print-page read
that’s perfect summer reading.
Contemporary Women’s Fiction is the category I see it under, but it would serve our
youngsters with the perfect example of morals to imitate.
The words on the page are enticing enough to mesmerize you into wishing the
novella went on for longer. That’s the route I want this story to go.
I was enamored with how the novella started. And shame on me, but I was waiting
to hear about more victimhood and blaming. This story has none of that. Instead,
you will find fabulism and courage.
I understand that this lyrical story was inspired by three sensual poems written by
the Author; they are included at the end.
I’ve no doubt this Author’s outlook on life and on being a woman is beautiful. How
else could someone pen such an inspiring story that I wish every young woman
would read?
Let’s stop polluting our girls’ minds about adulthood and give them access to
stories like this one. Her Coastal Cottage–Where Truth and Love Rise is inspiring
and taps into the experience of being an accomplished woman: strong and in her
zone of wonderful. And she has love in her life!
I celebrate this Author for sharing these words in this lovely novella with such an
important life lesson. Author Michele Lee Sefton is an unpolluted voice to rise
above the sullied contemporary noise of today.
Get this lyrical love story for yourselves; get it for your daughters: it’s short enough
to grasp their attention, moving enough to delight and surprise them, and deep
enough to linger in their hearts. And yours too!
Get ready to be surprised at how much you love it. I highly recommend it.
***
Yay! This review sits pretty on the Amazon website. Thank you!
Thanks for reading my reviews. I bless you and wish you miracles.
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Great review, this book sounds lovely.
They are gems, Diana. 👏🏽
Thank you so very much for the lovely, thoughtful review, Selma. I so appreciate it! I’m pleased my words spoke to you. 💙💙
(The last time I posted reviews to Amazon, it took a week for them to appear!)
So…I’m still waiting for Amazon to show the review. I wonder what’s holding it back
Please let’s be patient, right? Ok.
It was my absolute pleasure to do that. Bless you, Merril. XoXo
💙
Thank you for the wonderful detailed reviews. The books sound like essential reading. Merril is a favorite author of mine, I will be adding this book to my stack.
I agree Holly❣️
Essential. Yes 👏🏽 so happy to hear you fave Merril ❤️ and will be adding Michele Lee. So deserving, both. XoXo
Merril is a great writer and so well versed in her poetry and your review was awesome Selma❣️
Thanks for saying. The words are heartfelt. Always… thanks again, Cindy. XoXo
Oh and I almost missed your review on Michele who I ADORE. Her book is a gem like her❣️
A real gem. All her books. So many books, so little time. XoXo
Great reviews, Selma:) I have one waiting for me on my Kindle.
Superb! Denise, I don’t know how big is your heart. Thanks. XoXo
Wonderful reviews, Selma! <3
Thanks so much. Cheryl. We gotta get the word out on these. So many good books. Xoxo. Blessings.
I’ve also read and reviewed Merril’s River Ghosts. I like reading the reviews of others; it seems to enlighten my own point of view. Thanks, Selma!
When we find good books like these we cannot help but pass along the happy news. What a wonderful world. Thanks, Marian. XoXo I wish you miracles
Selma, beautiful reviews! I too love Merril’s book!!!
Same same. Aww. 😆 💃🏼
I am definitely adding Merril’s book to my reading list. Sounds like a meaningful and powerful collection and I love learning that the author’s child created the beautiful cover art. A wonderful collaboration. Thank you for the introduction to Merril’s work. 🙏🏻 For reading and writing a review of my novella, I am beyond grateful. Thank you so much, Selma! You’ve not only given my writer voice a beautiful boost of encouragement today, you’ve also allowed me to see my recent work in a new light. Your ability to manage all that you do, so gracefully, artistically, and eloquently, is inspiring. ✨ Your beautifully designed book is next up in my reading cue. 💐
Yes, you two have that in common. Sammi Lee is an amazing artist.
((The lovely bandana: I adore it. Thanks for that preciousness that came through your lovely hands ))
You will love the poetry collection. Xoxo
And about my review of yours, you are ever so welcome, my lovely. Xoxo
I hope you find something special in my book. 😜 😘
I am certain to find something special, and then some, in your beautiful book. I will share when I do. 🙏🏻💗
❤️ ✨
Great reviews, Selma! Thanks for sharing!
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
It’s my absolute pleasure to share. Thanks for being here, my friend. I bless you. XoXo
Congratulations to Merril and Michelle on the heartfelt reviews!!
Congratulations to them. Yes. Stunning.
And to you too, Liz.
Do you know I went to Smashwords? Purchased yours. Thanks for the coupon (I used it) 🙇🏽♀️
I’ll be sure to post my review on Amazon and smashwords (?? Not sure. Is it possible at smashwords? I believe I did it once a very long time ago.)Your coupon sent me there after a long time. Thank you. Bless for all you do. XoXo
Two excellent reviews, Selma – I have both books, and very much enjoyed them also!
You do? You’re amazing. So busy and yet so supportive. Bless you my lovely. Xoxo. Be well please. XoXo
Very in-depth reviews Selma
I’m so glad you read, Sadje. Bless you. XoXo
You’re welcome
Hi Selma, thank you for the reminder about Merril’s book which I have on my kindle. The other book also sounds delightful.
Glad to be a reminder er 😊 with so many books coming out at such a fast rate we need reminders. Glad this post helped. Xoxo. Thanks for all you do sweet Robbie. Blessings to you. XoXo
My pleasure, Selma 💓
Thanks for these lovely reviews, Selma. Michele’s book is on my list, and Merril’s book will be added. Congrats to both of these talented authors. ❤️🤗
Aww precious friend. Glad I could help you choose your next read 😀
Blessings on your day. XoXo
Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for the book recommendations, Selma. Your review of Michelle’s book makes me want to dive into it immidiately (the bonus being it’s a quick read). Merril is a wonderful poet. I’ve read her poems during NaPoWriMo. And if it’s about loss, it’s bound to hit a chord with me. I’ll add it to my TBR. Congratulations to the poet and the author. XXX