By Sally Cronin
Book Blurb
Life’s Rich Tapestry is a collection of verse, micro-fiction and short stories that explore many aspects of our human nature and the wonders of the natural world. Reflections on our earliest beginnings and what is yet to come, with characters as diverse as a French-speaking elephant and a cyborg warrior.
Finding the right number of syllables for a Haiku, Tanka, Etheree or Cinquain focuses the mind; as does 99-word micro-fiction, bringing a different level of intensity to storytelling. You will find stories about the past, the present and the future told in 17 syllables to 2,000 words, all celebrating life.
This book is also recognition of the value to a writer, of being part of a generous and inspiring blogging community, where writing challenges encourage us to explore new styles and genres.
My Review
Life’s Rich Tapestry: Woven in Words is a beautiful collection of various types of poetry, 99-word flash fiction, and short stories that the author has written in response to various blog challenges within her circle of blogging friends. These are thoughtfully penned poems and stories that reflect upon life experiences and imaginings. That Sally Cronin is a master storyteller is evidenced in this heartwarming collection.
The book is divided into categories with something for every reader. If you like fairies, there is a section of poetry for you. The section All Things Human addresses aging and youth, beauty, greed, romance and much more. Do you like nature? The Natural World has poems to keep you reading. There are quite a few more categories of life experiences and other topics to pique your curiosity.
Flash fiction always fascinates me. So much can be said in very few words, and Sally Cronin is an expert at answering the prompt. Life’s Greatest Gift is one of these prompts. It is skillfully written with great tenderness. My Mouse is a flash with a hilarious twist at the end. I’m still chuckling over that one. Reunion is a touching response to the prompt. I couldn’t begin to tell you which of the flash fiction is my favorite.
My favorite short story was Great Aunt Georgina. It was heartwarming and heart wrenching at the same time. Of course, I don’t want to tell you what the storyline is, you’ll just have to read it yourself along with the rest of the varied short stories.
Life’s Rich Tapestry: Woven in Words is a book that can be read in one sitting or enjoyed over several days. It is a treasure trove of life tales in prose and poetry, all told with warmth, some humor at times, and often with the unexpected ending. I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages. There is positively something here for everyone.
Author Bio
I have been a storyteller most of my life (my mother called them fibs!). Poetry, song lyrics and short stories were left behind when work and life intruded, but that all changed in 1996.
My first book Size Matters was a health and weight loss book based on my own experiences of losing 70kilo. I have written another twelve books since then on health and also fiction including three collections of short stories. My latest collection is Life’s Rich Tapestry: Woven in Words.. verse, micro fiction and short stories.
I am an indie author and proud to be one. My greatest pleasure comes from those readers who enjoy my take on health, characters and twisted endings… and of course come back for more.
As a writer I know how important it is to have help in marketing books.. as important as my own promotion is, I believe it is important to support others. I offer a number of FREE promotional opportunities on my blog and linked to my social media. If you are an author who would like to be promoted to a new audience of dedicated readers, please contact me via my blog. All it will cost you is a few minutes of your time. Look forward to hearing from you.
Web Links for Sally Cronin
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine (Sally’s Blog)
I saw this poetry collection reviewed on another blog too. It was also very positive! Will have to look out for it 😊
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Glad to hear. I’m not surprised though, it is a fabulous collection of Sally’s writing.
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The mix of many different types of writing is appealing. I think that a book that can be read over a sitting is inevitably read so, usually because devouring is much easier, than worrying all day that I may not get to finish the book.
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It’s a lovely book, Steve. You and Cris will both enjoy reading it.
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My life at the moment is like that with regard to writing. This evolved over the year and there was no pressure making it very enjoyable to write… thanks for commenting.
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Wonderful review for Sally’s latest book, Michelle! Sharing and look forward to a fine read. ❤
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Thanks for sharing. Sally has a wonderful book of prose and poetry. Hugs my friend.
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Thank you Bette.. I hope you enjoy when you have time..♥
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I’m not really into poetry or short stories, but I’m glad to hear you enjoyed this one. Great review!
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It certainly made my day Stephanie… and I love the review too..
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Thank you!
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Wonderful review Michelle & it’s a well deserved one Sally!
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Thanks, Damyanti. I hope you find the time to read Life’s Rich Tapestry. Hugs, my friend.
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Thank you Damyanti.. a treasured review.. hugs
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I thoroughly enjoyed Great Aunt Georgina too, Michelle. Clearly a favorite. Congrats to Sally on the lovely review. Well-deserved. 🙂
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Thank you for stopping by, Diana and for your sweet comment. Sally is deserving of all the accolades she’s received here and elsewhere.
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Thanks again Diana I am so thrilled with the support from everyone… a wonderful start to my year..hugsxx
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Well deserved, Sally 🙂
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I love short stories books. Great review for Sally.
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Thanks for stopping by and reading. Sally is so talented and she shines in her responses to the prompts.
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Absolutely she does.
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Thanks Valentina.. I am thrilled with it..hugs
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You’ll love the short stories in Sally’s book.
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Wonderfully deserved review for Sal’s book, Michelle. And Aunt Georgina was my fav too. ❤
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Thanks Debby and adding your recommendation.. quite fond of that story too.. hugs ♥
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Sally Sunshine! ❤
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Thanks Debby ♥
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It is a wonderful book! I thought I’d take my time and pace myself over several days, but I couldn’t put it down. Who could read about Aunt Georgina and not love every word! ❤️❤️
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I know right? Seems to be a favorite story by many! ❤ ❤
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A wonderful review of Sally’s book, Michelle. I also loved it.
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Thanks Robbie. I read your lovely review of her book.
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Thanks again Robbie for all your support…hugsxx
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Michelle thank you so much for this thoughtful and delightful review. So happy that you enjoyed and pleased that you enjoyed those particular stories. A lovely treat this morning.. ♥
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You’re welcome, Sally. I think your story about Great Aunt Georgina will stick with me for a long time. It is a wonderful collection, Sally. I know a lot of folks are going to enjoy reading it. Congratulations! 😘
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Thank you again Michelle.. lovely start to my day..will share in the blogger daily today… hugsx
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Awww, Sally, that’s so sweet of you. 💖
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Lovely review, Michelle. It always amazes me how someone can put so much meaning into flash fiction.
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I agree Cathy.. a wonderful review and I am delighted.. Many things now are abbreviated, but I think I might draw the line in writing short stories in text speak… leave that to the next generation. x
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Thanks, Cathy! I agree, so much into so few words.
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What a lovely and thoughtful review Michelle.
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Thanks, Colline! There’s something for everyone in Sally’s book, so I hope you get a chance to read it. It’s a wonderful collection.
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It is a lovely review Colline and I am thrilled..
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