We’re just climbing out of a deep freeze that saw temperatures plummet to below -30 Celsius, that’s around -22 Fahrenheit for my southern friends. I can hear your teeth chattering from here.
So of course, I went skiing with my Dad. Just a pair of Canucks wrapped like Egyptian mummies, snow pants crinkling like cellophane giftwrap, careening downhill, as a toothy wind whistled across our goggles and helmets. A tad bit loopy? Perhaps. But a bonding and pleasant memory forged, another chapter written in our life stories . . . that’s a certainty.

In my opinion, that’s precisely what this wonderful compilation of poetry and short stories is about. A blend more satisfying than a cup of freshly brewed specialty coffee on a sunny back yard deck in late June. Perhaps I’m being watched by a marmalade cat who disapproves of my intrusion into her afternoon routine of prowling the garden.
The world spins billions of individual tales every day; most go unnoticed. That caterpillar munching on that leaf may struggle with a desire to remain wingless, despite the insistence of the butterflies that his inclination is unnatural.
Guilty secrets, locked for decades, in the conscience of an elderly woman are laid bare for a beloved few, while a village holds its collective breath as it awaits some devastating news.
We never know when a smile or small act of kindness may save a life.
Reading this book is like sitting on the front porch with a trusted friend as he shares some cherished lore. Every now and again, he pauses to give you an earnest glance before speaking in a gentle voice. “And this is the way of things, not all bad, and not all good.”
I recommend this book to those who appreciate fine wordsmithing about discovering gems hidden in the guise of the mundane.
Have I enticed you to learn more and grab your copy? Yes? Then please read on to meet Sally and click on the links.

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
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 on the coast of Southern Ireland enjoying the seasonal fluctuations in the temperature of the rain.
A lovely review of Sally’s latest book. And so true. Thanks, Mark.
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Thank you, Olga.
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Thanks very much Olga. hugsx
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Wonderful review Mark, congrats to Sally ❤
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Thank you 🙂
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Thanks very much Debby ♥
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What a fabulous review, Mark. It’s full of its own nostalgia, and I’m delighted that you enjoyed the book. I love Sally’s writing and had the same sort of reaction to it, and to her other books. She’s a wonderful wordsmith and her stories and poetry are captivating.
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Thank you, Diana. I agree, Sally has a gift.
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Thanks so much for another boost for the collection and compliment, it means a great deal ♥
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My pleasure, Sally.
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I cruised right on by for this post, Mark, but I’ll be back later to compare. I know that Variety is the Spice of Life is coming up soon on my queue, and one of my quirks is I l try not to be influenced by others’ opinions. Having enjoyed several of Sally’s books previously, I know this one will be great.
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Thanks for stopping by, Pete. I have a feeling you’ll enjoy this book.
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Thanks very much Pete and thanks for the vote of confidence hugs
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What a magical review, Mark – congratulations to Sally. I’m reading it right now, so can add my recommendation. Toni x
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Thank you, Toni. I can’t wait to read your review!
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Thanks so much Toni delighted you are enjoying ♥
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Great review, Mark–although I felt a shiver when I thought of you guys skiing in that weather! But that’s what I love about Canadians (and my Maine relatives)–you folks really are, as they say in Quebec “en amour avec liver”.
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Thank you, Angela. It was freezing, but as long as you kept every inch covered it wasn’t too bad. 🙂
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Wonderful review of another excellent Sally Cronin book.
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Thank you, Jacqui.
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Thanks very much Jacqui for your added boost for the book.. xx
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I love the narrative of this review, Mark. It’s a wonderful recommendation for Sally’s collection.
Your accounting of the ski trip made me laugh. We Canucks are made of strong stuff, lol
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Thank you, Jacquie. I’m glad you enjoyed my review. Sally made it easy. 🙂
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Thanks very much Jacquie.. I am delighted by Mark’s review.
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My copy of Variety awaits me on my Kindle!
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I’m glad to hear, Liz. I can’t wait for your review!
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🙂
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Thanks Liz.. delighted to be a lady in waiting on your TBR…xx
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You’re wecome, Sally. I like your metaphor for the TBR books: ladies patiently waiting to serve me and indulge me.
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♥
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Oh my! Those are some frigid temperatures, Mark. Glad you had some fun with your dad. I love your review of Sally’s book. It has a little bit of everything, for sure. Congrats to Sally!
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Thank you, Jan.
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Thanks very much Jan and for your support for the collection ♥
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Thank you so much Mark for your kind and thoughtful review, it means a great deal that you enjoyed. Delighted to share your feedback on my book page. Have a great week. x
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It was a pleasure to read and review, Sally. 🙂
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Thanks for sharing this wonderful review with us, Mark. Bravo to Sally!
And a lovely memory with your dad for sure. Cheers to that! 🙂
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Thank you, Natalie.
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Thanks Natalie..♥
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Phenomenal review, Mark! (And yes, I’m cold just thinking of your weather) 😛
Yvette M Calleiro
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
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Thanks, Yvette. It was a frosty day. 🙂
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I am thrilled by the review Yvette.. if a little chilly lol.. delighted the collection is associated with such a special memory. ♥
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Sounds like a good book to read!
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I really enjoyed it. 🙂
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I am delighted with Mark’s feedback Wendi..
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What an enticing review of Sally’s terrific book!
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Thank you, Annette. 🙂
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Thanks very much as always Annette for your support ♥
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