Harmony Kent's Blog, page 11
April 12, 2023
#BookReview: When I Save Us by Ellie Sabine #romance #timetravel #magic @bookroar_tweets
Hi everyone. Today I have a book review for you from an author new to me, who I discovered via BookRoar, Ellie Sabine. This is a romance read with a twist. Here’s my review >>>
About the Book:
Betsy’s marriage is slipping away from her, so she’s decided to push up her sleeves, don her high heels and steely determination, and set to work on a steamy thirty-day stay and fight for your man plan. But she’s fighting more than she realizes. When Betsy’s handed a magic ring and the unbelievable happens, she’s thrown into the past and given the opportunity to make things right.
Strap on your high heels, buckle your seatbelt, and hold on tight because When I Save Us is a roller coaster ride!
This heartwarming novella is a quick, unputdownable read, but it deals with some heavy topics.
**This story is based off of Ellie Sabine’s previous novel, Thirty Heels to a New Marriage.**
My Review:
A romance read with a daring difference
‘… the longer I stay with David, the more my soul seems to be withering up, and I don’t know how much fight I have left in me.’ … this line from the end of Chapter One says it all. The book begins with the main character, Betsy, coming up with three options regarding what to do about the sad and deteriorating state of her marriage.
The first half of the book is your usual fighting for love romance read with a heart-wrenching revelation about the reason for her husband’s withdrawal. At the 54% mark, however, be prepared for a huge mental shift, as the narrative makes a complete change from here on. I won’t say anything further to avoid spoilers. What I will say, though, is keep going–it’s more than worth it.
While the writing suffers in places from overuse of some words such as ‘practically’ and ‘very’, etc., and the repetition of the same word rather than finding another way of saying it, on the whole I found this to be an entertaining and enjoyable read, which held my attention throughout. Some phrasing is just so awesomely done, and I loved the humour and sass which weaves through these words.
Here are some lines I loved …
‘Do you think it’s better to be miserable and alone or miserable and with someone else but still alone?’ … Mmm, a question many of us have grappled with at some point in our lives and so relevant!
And …
‘… gold, strappy stilettos that make my soul happy even if by the end of the night my feet will be sobbing.’ … Here’s some of that humour I mentioned.
And …
‘By two o’clock, I’ve changed my attitude and my clothes a good ten or twenty times.’
With a bit of polishing, When I Save Us, by Ellie Sabine would get a solid five stars. As it is, the storyline and its possible outcomes kept me hooked, and I pulled an all-nighter to finish this book. If you enjoy romance, and can take a teensy bit of time travel and mystery, you’ll love this read. It gets a strong four stars from me. Go read this book! For sure, I’ll be reading more of this author’s works.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08B8BDLW1/
US https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08B8BDLW1/
I’d love to hear what you think of this review. Thanks for stopping by 
The post #BookReview: When I Save Us by Ellie Sabine #romance #timetravel #magic @bookroar_tweets first appeared on Welcome to Harmony Kent Online.
April 6, 2023
Harmony is Vocal! Free Fall: When Trust is Gone. In @Vocal_Creators #shortstory #fiction #challenge #domesticviolence
You can find my entry below. Vocal estimates this as a 9-minute read.
What happens when your plane takes a nosedive along with your marriage?
Free Fall — When Trust is Gone
I’d love to know what you think! And I would be delighted if you could read and heart. To heart and/or comment, you’ll need to sign in to Vocal, which is free to do.
Thanks for all your support! Hugs 
April 5, 2023
#BookReview: Love, Me: A Christmas Wish Novel by Jacquie Biggar @JacqBiggar #Romance #Novella
Hi everyone. Today I have a book review for you by an author whose books I’ve read and enjoyed previously, Jacquie Biggar. I’ve had this sitting on my ereader for a long time … ahem. Here’s my review >>>
About the Book:
Will a Christmas wish bring two lonely hearts together and give a little girl the family she’s always wanted?
Single parent, Grace Donovan arrives in the small town of Emerson with the hope a trial program at the local cancer clinic will be the answer to prolonging her young daughter’s life. She doesn’t expect to fall for her handsome boss.
As principal of Emerson Elementary, he is aware of the students’ medical issues and his heart goes out to little Cassie Donovan and her mother. When he learns Grace is in need of a job, he fabricates a childcare program, and is pleasantly surprised by its success. Now, if only he could help Cassie’s recovery and get Grace to give him a chance before she learns of his duplicity.
Cassie Donovan barely remembers the father who died when she was just a toddler, but she does know her mother is sad. Even though Cassie wants a puppy more than anything, she gives up her wish to ask for a daddy from Santa Claus, that way if she gets sick again, Mommy won’t be alone.
This Christmas, two families are brought together by a Christmas wish and a child’s need for a miracle.
My Review:
A heartwarming family romance
Although you know where this story is headed from the start, it’s the way it winds its way there that brings on the charm. This is a tender tale of a widowed mother left to raise a daughter, who’s suffering from Leukaemia, and Mum has to move them both to a new town so Cassie can take part in a cancer treatment trial. While the move offers a fresh start for them both, it also brings its challenges. When Grace meets the school principal, Kyle, long-dormant feelings reawaken.
I love that this book is inspired by the true story of a young girl the author met online, which–for me–brings an added poignancy. Here are some lines that stood out for me …
‘Cassie looked up from the peas she’d been chasing around her plate …’ This is such a kiddie thing to do and brought a sense of authenticity to the read for me.
And …
‘… placed her talons/fingers on his arm.’ … Teehehee! This says so much, using just two words.
And …
‘… her legs were weaker now–so was her confidence.’
Despite the potential for being a difficult and depressing read, the author handles this story with grace, elegance, and humour. I can’t count the number of times this book both tugged at the heart strings and had me chuckling aloud. Love, Me gets five stars from me.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08B8BDLW1/
US https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08B8BDLW1/
I’d love to hear what you think of this review. Thanks for stopping by
The post #BookReview: Love, Me: A Christmas Wish Novel by Jacquie Biggar @JacqBiggar #Romance #Novella first appeared on Welcome to Harmony Kent Online.
March 29, 2023
#BookReview: Variety is the Spice of Life by Sally Cronin @sgc58 #ShortStories #Poetry
Hi everyone. Today I have a book review for you by an author and blogger many of us know and love, Sally Cronin. Sally has a new book out, which I’ve had sitting on my ereader for a while, waiting for me to work my way up my TBR pile, lols. Here’s my review >>>
About the Book:
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.
My Review:
An eclectic collection of fun flash fiction and moving poetry
First of all, I need to say how much I adore the cover for this book. The author’s husband designed it, and what a fantastic job! It is appealing to the eye and is perfect for the contents of this lovely little volume of short stories and poetry.
Secondly, the author has dedicated this publication not only to her readers but also to the online and blogging community which supports her. This from a writer who uses her online presence to support everyone around her all the time. This generosity of spirit and ability to connect with people and life shines through in Sally Cronin’s writing. I’ve read other works by this author, so I expected to enjoy this read just as much, and Variety is the Spice of Life doesn’t disappoint. Here are some poems I loved …
‘just three key words | can make someone’s day | I love you | I need you | I see you | I got you | just one word | can break someone’s heart | goodbye’ From Key Words.
And …
‘In the spring of my life I was hopeful and eager. In the summer I blossomed and thrived. The autumn still offers bright days, but they are tinged with chill winds created by the evil humans can do.’ From Seasons.
Some of my favourites from the short story section are …
‘… dogs, patrolling the gardens and going about their business, but they had respect for this marmalade cat who had an impressive left hook with claws at the business end.’ From The Neighbourhood Watch, which has a brilliant twist!
And …
‘If Edith was to resume as much of her normal life as possible, she needed to feel this bond rather than a dependency.’ From The Secret, which is a story about judgemental times and a loving child. I felt this was so honest and well written and shows some of the author’s heart, which I love to discover when reading any book. Variety is the Spice of Life gets five stars from me.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08B8BDLW1/
US https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08B8BDLW1/
I’d love to hear what you think of this review. Thanks for stopping by
The post #BookReview: Variety is the Spice of Life by Sally Cronin @sgc58 #ShortStories #Poetry first appeared on Welcome to Harmony Kent Online.
March 27, 2023
Harmony is Vocal! #Divorce And Plagiarism is Not Okay! In @Vocal_Creators #Tautogram #challenge #poetry
You can find my entries below. Vocal estimates both as 1-minute reads. Pop on over for some quick fun!
The plagiarism poem was inspired after reading a recent entry in the Tautogram poetry competition. The words are mine, simply less of them and paraphrased, or so it seems to me. It feels like a punch to the gut, and I question whether it’s worth it to keep on creating when crap like this happens.
1. Divorce — Anger through Acceptance
2. Plagiarism is Not Okay! —Paraphrasing is Still Stealing
I’d love to know what you think! And I would be delighted if you could read and heart. To heart and/or comment, you’ll need to sign in to Vocal, which is free to do.
Thanks for all your support! Hugs
March 22, 2023
#BookReview: The Wave by Todd Strasser #War #History #Holocaust
Hi everyone. Today I have a book review for you from a book I read in school, The Wave by Todd Strasser. This is a classic read, which I feel holds a message as relevant today as ever. Here’s my review >>>
About the Book:
The Wave is based on a true incident that occurred in a high school history class in Palo Alto, California, in 1969.
The powerful forces of group pressure that pervaded many historic movements such as Nazism are recreated in the classroom when history teacher Burt Ross introduces a “new” system to his students. And before long The Wave, with its rules of “strength through discipline, community, and action”, sweeps from the classroom through the entire school. And as most of the students join the movement, Laurie Saunders and David Collins recognize the frightening momentum of The Wave and realize they must stop it before it’s too late.
My Review:
As relevant today as ever
I first read this book in school and its message stayed with me all these years–I’ll refrain from admitting to just how many years that is!
This book is a fictionalised version of events that actually happened in Palo Alto, California, in 1969, during a school history class. The fact that The Wave took off so quickly and easily serves to highlight the importance of teaching history and keeping its lessons alive. Especially historical atrocities as related to wars and genocides.
Here are some lines that stood out for me …
‘Thank God man had not invented a way to convey smells through film, because the worst thing of all would have been the stench of it, the stench of the most heinous act ever committed in the history of the human race.’ … As the world was in 1969.
And …
‘A wave is a pattern of change. It has movement, direction, and impact.’
While it’s a disturbing read, it’s an important one, and I’m so glad I reacquainted myself with this book.
As relevant today as ever, The Wave gets a resounding five stars from me.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
For anyone interested, here are the Amazon links …
UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08B8BDLW1/
US https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08B8BDLW1/
I’d love to hear what you think of this review. Thanks for stopping by
The post #BookReview: The Wave by Todd Strasser #War #History #Holocaust first appeared on Welcome to Harmony Kent Online.
Harmony is Vocal! Poop Scoop: A ‘Crap’ Limerick ! And Tantalising Tautogram: Talent Tested! in @Vocal_Creators #Limerick and #Tautogram #challenges #WorldPoetryDay
Hi everyone. I’ve written a final Limerick and my first ever Tautogram poem for Vocal’s Ludicrous Limerick and Tautogram challenges.
You can find my entries below. Vocal estimates both as 1-minute reads. Pop on over for some quick fun!
1. Poop Scoop—A ‘Crap’ Limerick!
2. Tantalising Tautogram—Talent Tested!
I’d love to know what you think! And I would be delighted if you could read and heart. To heart and/or comment, you’ll need to sign in to Vocal, which is free to do.
Thanks for all your support! Hugs
March 18, 2023
Harmony is Vocal! Reversal: Through the Looking Glass a #Horror #ShortStory in @Vocal_Creators Broken Mirror #challenge #Supernatural #Thriller #Psychological
Reversal: Through the Looking Glass …
Hi everyone. I’ve written a short story for Vocal’s Broken Mirror challenge.
You can find my entry HERE. Vocal estimates this as about a 15 minute read. Pop on over for a hair-raising story! An antique mirror, a ghost, and a lonely girl … all the right ingredients for a spooky tale.
I’d love to know what you think! And I would be delighted if you could read and heart. To heart and/or comment, you’ll need to sign in to Vocal, which is free to do.
Thanks for all your support! Hugs
March 15, 2023
#BookReview: Social Climbing and Other Poems by Laura Lyndhurst #poetry #photography by Clive Thompson @bookroar_tweets
Hi everyone. Today I have a book review for you from an author new to me, who I discovered via BookRoar, Laura Lyndhurst. This is a book of poetry inspired by photographs by Clive Thompson. Here’s my review >>>
About the Book:
I had no plans, after publishing Poet-Pourri, to write any more poems; at least not in the near future. But while I was in the prepare-to-publish stage of that book, I made the acquaintance of photographer Clive Thompson and his large archive of photographs, put together over quite a lot of years. Scanning through these on the internet I found the picture of a discarded Father Christmas chocolate-bearing Advent calendar, which immediately said ‘poem material’ to me. I wrote the poem and presented it to Clive, who loved it; and there was born the idea of a collaboration, my poetry written to the prompts of some of his photographs.
The photographs I have used for the pandemic-themed poems were taken quite some time before that ominous word had become a part of all our daily lives, but they seemed to fit the subject and I therefore took the liberty of utilizing them in that way.
The results of my poems joined to Clive’s photographs I present here, as Social Climbing and other poems. It may not be the catchiest of titles but it works for me, and for Clive, and for you also, I hope. Enjoy.
My Review:
A collection of often humorous poems in response to photographs taken by Clive Thompson
This enjoyable collection of image-inspired poetry is humorous and brings the reader people-watching at its best. The author often employs anthropomorphism to get her message across in fun fashion.
The book is split into three broad sections: Life’s a Beach, Poems of Pandemic, and Every Walk of Life. Although each poem stands on its own merit and the collection can be read in any order and the collection dipped in and out of at the reader’s leisure.
Some poems which stood out for me are: The Naked Truth, Cold Comfort, All Inclusive, Social Climbing, Poster Girl, The Codfather, Hanging Out, Shahrazad’s Sisters, Dog Days, Solidarity, and Winning Streak.
Social Climbing contained some wonderful shoe puns such as: ‘…we’ve both gone hell for leather to seek the soles that came before us in the walk of life we’re in.’ And … ‘… flabbergasted at what we’re shoehorned into seeing.’ And … ‘A step up in the world; you could say we’re well heeled.’ A wonderful line from Poster Girl shows propaganda for what it is: ‘”I am free”; three, more like, and barely able to grasp the concepts held at issue here.’
I feel this volume would appeal to lovers of poetry and insightful photography alike. Social Climbing and Other Poems gets a solid five stars from me.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08B8BDLW1/
US https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08B8BDLW1/
I’d love to hear what you think of this review. Thanks for stopping by
The post #BookReview: Social Climbing and Other Poems by Laura Lyndhurst #poetry #photography by Clive Thompson @bookroar_tweets first appeared on Welcome to Harmony Kent Online.
Harmony is Vocal! #poetry in @Vocal_Creators #Limericks #challenge and a #Health Update
Hi everyone. I’ve written a few fun, short limericks for Vocal’s Ludicrous Limerick challenge.
I haven’t ever written limericks until now, so this is me with my learner plates on! 
You can find my entries on my profile HERE, in one quick click, where you will find all my recent submissions. Alternatively, you can click the links below. They’re all about a 1 minute read.
1. Old Age
3. Swapsies
4. What Sets Your Heart Racing?
I’d love to know what you think! And I would be delighted if you could read and heart. To heart and/or comment, you’ll need to sign in to Vocal, which is free to do.
Quick Health Update … These last three weeks have seen some reduction in pain but a huge increase in fatigue. Honestly, I’ve never experienced anything like it, in spite of all I’ve been through over the years, and that’s had a bigger impact on my ability to be online than the pain has. At the moment, I’m still waiting to see the Rheumatologist again to get the blood results and see if he can give me a definitive diagnosis. Last time, he tentatively suggested Fibromyalgia. My GP’s immediate response was, ‘There’s no treatment for that!’, and he wanted to stop my pain meds just like that. I had to negotiate staying on them at least until I see the consultant again. I’m trying to not think too far ahead and what that unhelpful attitude might mean for me going forwards. If this set of symptoms is Fibro, then the only treatment option is to attempt to mitigate the symptoms, which includes pain management, lols *eye roll* … so it’s a wait-and-see situation for now.
Anyway, I’m staying positive and doing what I can when I can. Other times, I’m doing my best to relax and make the most of enforced rest time. And it cheers me no end when I can be with you all online. Keep well, everyone, and stay safe with all the craziness abounding with the world issues and interesting weather!
Thanks for all your support! Hugs
