Variety is the Spice of Life is a collection of poetry and short stories about relationships with others, including pets and animals inhabiting the world around us. The connection with others brings love and friendship, excitement and sometimes surprises, danger, mystery and sometimes the unexpected.
The poetry explores human nature, the fears, desires, expectations and achievements. Nature offers a wonderful opportunity to observe animals both domesticated and wild. Even in a back garden you can observe a wide variety of creatures and the daily challenges to survive a harsh environment.
The short stories introduces you to a healer whose gift comes with danger, a neighbour determined to protect a friend, a woman on the run, an old couple whose love has endured, an elderly retired teacher who faces a life changing accident, a secret that has been carried for over 70 years and a village who must unite as they face devastating news.
Reviews of Variety is the Spice of Life
A partial one by Claire Fullerton (you may find the entire review on Amazon): I have long been a fan of Sally Cronin’s writing, so it was with great enthusiasm that I read her November 2022 release, Variety is the Spice of Life, whose title is delightfully appropriate for the assembly of poetry and prose that covers a range of topics.
In Ms. Cronin’s author introduction, she states the essence of her book’s intention, “In this latest collection of poetry and short stories I have attempted to capture the beauty and raw power of nature, and the resilience of humans as they face a modern world of change and disruption.” The author does that and more, and the entirety of this book is a breath of fresh air replete with creative nuance.
My thoughts: Sally lives in Ireland. Her poems, including winsome ones about nature, are so delightful. In the US, starlings are considered pests, but Sally’s poems about the glossy birds and their dance of murmuration are winsome. The short stories are especially compelling, including one about the outbreak of WWII. An admirable variety of originality. The cover of the book is perfect for the array of creativity readers will find inside.
The Author
Sally Cronin is the author of sixteen books including her memoir Size Matters: Especially when you weigh 330lb first published in 2001. This has been followed by another fifteen books both fiction and non-fiction including multi-genre collections of short stories and poetry.
As an author she understands how important it is to have support in marketing books and offers a number of FREE promotional opportunities on her blog and across her social media. The Smorgasbord Bookshelf
Sally has been so generous to share others’ books and blogposts, including the Leora stories, through her own.
Her podcast shares book reviews, poetry and short stories. Sally Cronin Soundcloud
After leading a nomadic existence exploring the world, she now lives with her husband in Ireland Ireland enjoying the seasonal fluctuations in the temperature of the rain.
Please check out Sally’s Amazon Author Page. She has written several wonderful books!
Truly a fun book!
Yes! Thanks, Annette!
Thanks so much Annette ♥
I love this collection by Sally. A great review.
Thanks, Darlene! And she’s so generous with the rest of us!
Thanks very much Darlene ♥
Joy thank you so much for this lovely feature, so sorry I didn’t see until now but I love it and so appreciate your kindness.. ♥♥
Just delighted, Sally!
Sounds like another good one!
She has several good ones!
Glad you liked the sound of it Andrew. Enjoy your weekend.
I’m so delighted to see Sally’s book featured here. I read it a while ago, and REALLY loved it. Beautiful writing. And that aside, with ALL that Sally does to promote every one else, she deserves all the love we can muster.
I agree! Thank you, Lisette!
Thank you so much Lisette and for adding your boost for the collection… on a high this weekend. ♥
I remember enjoying this when it first came out. A lovely collection of short stories and poems.
Sally has several delightful collections!
Thanks Pete and for adding your recommendation… have a lovely weekend hugs
Hi Joy. A lovely review for Sally’s beautiful book. <3
Thank you, Debby!
<3
Thanks so much Debby as always for your support ♥♥
Congratulations to Sally! This one is on my Kindle waiting for me.
Thanks very much Liz and wishing you happy reading x
You’re welcome, Sally. 🙂
I love Sally’s writing and her blog. Thanks for a great review, Joy!
Thanks very much Olga and for all you do each week to promote the blog…♥
It sounds like a great book. I have not read it yet, but I know Sally is a great author from another book I’ve read. This is a great review and like you I think it is great that Sally is so supportive of other authors. Thank you for a great review.
Thank you, Thomas!
Thanks very much Thomas for your lovely comment.
Thanks for featuring our beloved Sally! Isn’t she a gem, blessed with so much humour and professionality. Without her efforts i would’t get all the useful information about new books, for a better health condition and not to forget past songs. Best wishes, Michael
Bless you for your note, Michael. Sally is such a generous gem!
Thanks very much Michael.. and for all you do to promote the blog and my writing.. hugsx
What a wonderful review! Thank you for sharing this book with us!!!
Thank you, Linda. Sally is such a gem!
Thanks Linda…