LIFE’S RICH TAPESTRY Woven in Words: A Book Review

On By Annika PerryIn Book Review, Book Reviews, poetry, Short Stories, Writing

Thank goodness for the blogging challenges that inspired Sally Cronin’s Life’s Rich Tapestry Woven in Words. An enriching and engaging collection of verse, micro fiction and short stories, her work is mesmerising, always uplifting and often humorous. Throughout humanity and the spirits of humans (and some animals) is a beacon of hope for us all.

Sally’s poetry is enticing, thoughtful and soothing; they are written tightly within the framework of syllables for various formats such as haikus and tankas yet explore a vast range of topics encompassing the wonder of the seasons, recognising human frailties and celebrating the warmth of togetherness. She manages to take us on a journey from cave drawings to digital code across the universe, from the mystical of the ugly troll with his bewitching music in The Moonlight Concerto to the enchantment of Fairies!

As a writer, one poem – an ode to writing – particularly struck a chord with me:

The Freedom to write

The freedom
and time to create
written words
to be read
by those open to our thoughts
intoxicating.


by Sally Cronin

Sally Cronin is a master storyteller and I was immediately drawn into the lives of the characters in all her short stories. Her writing flows with ease and self-assurance within this diverse selection of short stories. I was moved by the reunion of siblings, impressed how a story told through the point of view of a polar bear both touched me and touched on environmental issues. The reason for a black sheep was raised in one story and had me smiling as did My Mouse, a clever play on words and a predicament experienced by most of us!

The superb stories in The Underdogs section had me in awe of the strength of the individual personalities of the dogs. Later, in For the Love of Lily, I was cheering on as eighty-year-old Millicent found her courage to stand up to her overbearing son with the help of her cat Lily and her kindly neighbour Eric. This was an excellent depiction of what I hope isn’t a scenario that takes place often.

The final longer pieces in the book are under the title of Speculative Fiction and these are all exceptional and shows Sally Cronin’s incredible imagination and ability in writing across all genres.

A moment of alignment is superlative and left me with goosebumps (of the happy variety!) as a child, following her death, manages to cross from the other world for the briefest of times on certain occasions to talk to her mother. Great Aunt Georgina left me tear-eyed and is a wonderful and powerful story partly told through the use of old letters; a deft use of an evocative writing technique. The Enhancement Project combines the tantalising hint of romance between a surgeon and her patient cyborg, all against the backdrop of the end of civilisation. It is a terrific blend of human and futuristic, of dark and light, love and destruction.

I can’t recommend Life’s Rich Tapestry Woven with Words highly enough and look forward to reading more of Sally Cronon’s books.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Available: Amazon US : $4.53 (Kindle) Amazon UK: £3.50(Kindle)

ABOUT SALLY CRONIN

Sally Cronin

Sally Cronin is the author of fifteen books including her memoir Size Matters: Especially when you weigh 330lb first published in 2001. This has been followed by another fourteen books both fiction and non-fiction including multi-genre collections of short stories and poetry.

Her latest release, Life is Like a Mosaic: Random fragments in harmony is a collection of 50 + images and poems on life, nature, love and a touch of humour.

As an author she understands how important it is to have support in marketing books and offers a number of FREE promotional opportunities in the Café and Bookstore on her blog and across her social media.

Her podcast shares book reviews and short stories Soundcloud Sally Cronin

After leading a nomadic existence exploring the world, she now lives with her husband on the coast of Southern Ireland enjoying the seasonal fluctuations in the temperature of the rain.

Sally’s magazine blog for lovers of health, food, books, music, humour and life in general is Smorgasbord Blog Magazine.

Connect directly with Sally on Twitter Facebook LinkedIn.

153 thoughts on “LIFE’S RICH TAPESTRY Woven in Words: A Book Review”

  1. Pingback: REFLECTIONS – Annika Perry

    1. Khaya, I know what you mean and at one stage felt a bit overwhelmed with my TBR list but then decided to see it as a vast resource! 😀 I’m so glad you enjoyed the review! Wishing you a lovely weekend! ❤️

      Reply

  5. Hi Annika and Sally – what a great review of Life’s Rich Tapestry. It’s so nice to read about Sally here and of all the topics she covers in her book. Sally, I like how you combine verse, short and micro fiction into your book. I’ve added it to my TBR!

    Reply

  7. Pingback: Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – 29th August – September 4th 2021 – New Book Promotions, Out and About, Fleetwood Mac, Reviews, Health, Shortstories and Humour | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

  8. Pingback: LIFE’S RICH TAPESTRY Woven in Words: A Book Review – boomet.Com

  11. Another wonderful book by Sally! She should write a “how to” on writing prolifically and creatively – consistently!! 3 cheers for this review Annika. And 3 cheers for writing that keeps us all connected and inspired. CONGRATS, Sally. 💚

    Reply

    1. 😀😀 Pam, that’s a super idea for Sally’s next book … and I can see it being an instant hit! We all want to know the secret!😀 Many thanks for the 3 cheers – and you do know we’ve been writing on each other’s blog at the same time! Eerie, eh?! Here’s to connections! xx ❤️

      Reply
  12. Mike

    Wonderful review Annika. After reading this I decided to buy the book and having started reading it today I am very glad I did. Definitely a 5 star review for a 5 star book!

    Mike

    Reply

    1. Mike, that’s great and thank you for your lovely comment! I’m so glad my review convinced you to buy the book and that you’re enjoying it! Definitely a 5-star book! Happy Reading! 😀

      Reply

  13. What a wonderful, thoughtful review of Sally’s book and collection of short stories. I felt you gave us such an insightful sneak peak of Sally’s amazing writing, such as when you describe when her writing flows with ease and the unique personalities of the characters, and the stories a blend of contrasting themes. Telling a story from the point of view of a polar bear is so creative. Not something you come across everyday. I’ve seen Sally around and her blog, and she is such an accomplished writer with all her books and publications. Thank you for sharing her work, Annika 😊

    I was interested in the Kindle copy and clicked on the US (Kindle) link in your post. I’m not sure if the link works for me? I takes me to an error page, just wanted to let you know – and I hope you don’t mind! 😊❤

    Reply

    1. Mabel, warmest thanks for your wonderful and thoughtful comment and for your interest in Sally’s book. It’s always a tricky balance when reviewing books to give enough of a peak into the story/stories without giving too much away! I loved the variety and various unusual POVs – Sally is great at this as well!

      Thank you for pointing out about the link not working, I’d missed off a punctuation and it’s all rectified and works fine now. Since you are in Australia you should be able to go direct to your Amazon and just type in the title and author.

      Happy Reading! xx😀❤️

      Reply

  17. Hello Annika, thank you for this beautiful and in-depth review of Sally’s book. I have read all her fiction and poetry books and loved every single one. You do her work justice with this gorgeous review.

    Reply

    1. Wow! Robbie, that is fantastic as I see Sally has been so prolific! You know the book well and I’m glad you feel I’ve done it justice – exactly what I hope to do with all my reviews! I’m looking forward to delving into more of her books! Hope you and your family are all well. hugs xx

      Reply

  18. Almost from the moment I began blogging I have read wonderful things about the person and the writer Sally Cronin. I appreciate this descriptive and enticing 5 star review from Annika. “Mesmerizing….master storyteller…” I am intrigued about “My Mouse” and why is this a predicament experienced by most of us? Thank you for sharing this comprehensive and engaging review, Annika. Congratulations, Sally! xx

    Reply

    1. Erica, you are so right! 😀 It’s almost impossible to be part of WP and not heard of Sally, her magazine and writing! One very special person and no wonder so well-liked here on the blogging community. Without her and David’s help, I would not be where I am today as regards my books, writing and blogging! I’m so glad you enjoyed my review and have left you intrigued about some of the stories! Wishing you a wonderful start to the week! hugs xx

      Reply

  20. You write such wonderful reviews, Annika. I always look forward to them, and if I hadn’t already read this book, I’d be running over to Amazon to order it. ❤ Congrats to Sally. Well-deserved.

    Reply

    1. Bless, thank you so much, Diana! 😀 I can imagine your Kindle keeling over with books! I loved your review of Sally’s latest ‘Life is Like a Mosiac’ and I look forward to perusing this soon! It’s a joy to discuss books with you and all bibliophiles here on WP! Wishing you a great start to the week! xx❤️

      Reply

  26. A rich tapestry indeed, I couldn’t agree more, Annika, your superb review honours
    Sally Cronin’s beautiful book.
    As always in your reviews, you bring out the heart and life of the story / stories.

    As I bought this book a while ago and enjoyed it deeply I can only add that I agree with all you say. I am also very fond of the title.

    Miriam

    Reply

    2. Miriam, how wonderful that you’ve read the book and found it an equally rewarding and special read! I’m glad you feel that I’ve brought out the heart and life of ‘Life’s Rich Tapestry’ – exactly what I aim to do through my reviews! xx

      Reply

      1. Always with a great pleasure, Annika! Dont wonderful about the restricted blog access. I am more reposting at: https://books.eslarn-net.de. I have ended the so called “never ending story”, with our German version of the GDPR. Here its not allowed sending data to the USA, and WP’s Jetpack plugin is doing just this. So i had to selfhost the blog. Thats done now. 😉 xx Michael

        Reply

        1. Yikes! Sounds like it’s been a lot of hassle for you. The website looks great and good to see it! Quite a few familiar names … I’ll keep a look out for your latest articles / shares!

          Reply

  37. Annika, thank you for reviewing this book. I really wasn’t even aware that Sally was an author or so very prolific. I will definitely be reading this one. Hope the end of summer is giving you many reasons to smile. Annika, you are such a born storyteller yourself. I was wondering if you would like to share a recipe and a story to post on my blog, New Classic Recipe. Bernadette

    Reply

    1. Bernadette, I know! 😀 Although I was aware that Sally has written some books and read a couple before I had no idea how many – hence including the last image of all her books! Although her latest isn’t on there! So glad you’re looking forward to reading ‘Life’s Rich Tapestry’!

      Ahh … thank you for your kind comment! As for summer, I can’t believe its end is nigh, for weeks we’ve had many autumnal autumn days but still lots of reasons to smile!

      Bernadette, thank you so much for the opportunity to share a recipe and story! I would love to! First I thought you meant a fictional story but realise it is a factual one based around the recipe! I’ll get thinking and be in touch. BTW. I love the look of your blog!

      Reply

    1. Jo, you would thoroughly enjoy her mix of topics on her magazine blog and Sally works tirelessly in helping to promote and support authors there as well!

      Hope you’re having a great time catching up with family and friends here in England! Hugs xx❤️

      Reply

    1. Charley, it’s a treat of a book and one I’m sure you’d enjoy a lot! Thank you, I’m very well and ended up taking an unplanned blogging break this summer! Hope all goes well for return of school. Xx

      Reply

  41. Annika, what a wonderful surprise this morning.. thank you so much for your review for Tapestry…I am delighted that you enjoyed my thoughts on life. I hope all your extended family are all doing well. I have not seen my two older sisters now for nearly two years but thank goodness for Skype. Off to share in the usual haunts.. ♥♥

    Reply

    1. Sally, I’m glad to give your day an extra bit of sunshine! 😀 As you can tell, I loved your book and you have a true gift of writing! Oh, you must miss your sisters so much but yes, thankfully modern technology can make it a bit easier to stay in touch. Do you have any idea when you can meet them again? Thank you, we are all doing very well, miss seeing the family in Sweden but lucky that my son was home for a whole month over summer – amazing! Wishing you a lovely Sunday! Xx ❤️

      Reply

    2. Jaye, a wonderful book and I’m delighted to share about it here! Sally’s creative output is most impressive and I’ve read a few of her books already and look forward to catching up with more!

      Reply

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