Harmony Kent's Blog, page 12
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
March 8, 2023
#BookReview: Elwyn’s Blanket by Crystal Lynn Napolitano @crystalnapolit2 #ChildrensBooks
Hi everyone. Today I have a book review for you from an author I’ve read previously, Crystal Lynn Napolitano. This is a children’s book, which I like to read and review from time to time. You can find my five-star review for her other children’s book, Pink and Purple Bob HERE. And here’s my review for Elwyn’s Blanket >>>
About the Book:
Elwyn escapes reality by entering another world through her magical blanket. In this blue realm, her plush pup comes to life and they have colorful adventures. There are mystical creatures to go visit and discover. Everyone is invited to the queen’s feast except for one unwelcomed monster. In the end, Elwyn finds out this unwanted monster is the key to heal her broken heart.
Learn about family, love, and loss in this picture book through rhyme.
My Review:
A story about love and acceptance with gorgeous illustrations
As I said at the start of my five-star review for this author’s other children’s book, Pink and Purple Bob, ‘This is a wonderful children’s book that lends itself to shared reading. The illustrations are bright and colourful and just gorgeous.’ And this book is no exception.
The story is about acceptance and friendship, even to those that may scare you at first sight. It helps us show our kids that just because someone looks different it doesn’t mean they are somehow lesser or less deserving of our love, acceptance and friendship.
Rather than pull quotes, I’ve taken a screenshot of a page of the Kindle book to show both the narrative style and the absolutely gorgeous illustrations.
Elwyn’s Blanket 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: Elwyn’s Blanket by Crystal Lynn Napolitano @crystalnapolit2 #ChildrensBooks first appeared on Welcome to Harmony Kent Online.
#InternationalWomansDay2023 How @SharonSalzberg Changed Harmony’s Life #InspiringWomen #Buddhism #meditation @christybis
Hi everyone! I hope this finds you well.
Today, I’m over at Christy Birmingham-Reyes place with a post on how one woman changed my whole life by writing a book.
You can find the post HERE. Thanks for all your support and have a wonderful day. Hugs 
The post #InternationalWomansDay2023 How @SharonSalzberg Changed Harmony’s Life #InspiringWomen #Buddhism #meditation @christybis first appeared on Welcome to Harmony Kent Online.
March 4, 2023
Harmony is Vocal! Humans Need Not Apply #ShortStory in @Vocal_Creators #doglovers talking animals #challenge #fiction
Photo by Richard Brutyo on UnsplashHi everyone. I’ve written a short story for Vocal’s Tall Tail challenge about talking animals.
I giggled away as I penned this, which doesn’t often happen!
You can find my entry HERE, which comes in at about 700 words and is estimated as a 3 minute read.
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 1, 2023
#BookReview: Menagerie by Joan Hall @JoanHallWrites @StoryEmpire #shortstories
Hi everyone! Today, I have a book review for fellow author and Story Empire Contributor, Joan Hall. Having enjoyed many other books by Joan, and knowing how much she enjoys legend, folklore, and the mysterious, I grabbed this one as soon as it released >>>
About the Book:King’s. The Tower of London. Glass. What do these have in common?
Each is a famous menagerie.
While this Menagerie doesn’t focus on exotic animals, it does contain a collection of stories that explore various trials people face and how their reactions shape their worlds.
Survivors of a haunted bridge. Women who wait while their husbands fight a war. Former partners reuniting to solve a cold-case murder.
These are just three of the thirteen stories in this compendium, encompassing past and present, natural and supernatural, legend and reality. The genres and timelines are varied, but there’s a little something for everyone who enjoys reading about simpler times and small-town life.
My Review:
Short fiction that leaves you with feel-good vibes
Having read and enjoyed other books by this author, I grabbed a copy of Menagerie as soon as it came out.
This collection of 13 short stories, covering roughly 218 Kindle pages, is a great volume to dip in and out of. The tales cover multiple genres from legend and folklore to war and family drama. All share a glimpse of small-town life with down-to-earth characters that draw in the reader. The plots cover love, loss, hauntings, greed, the aftermath of domestic violence, war, and romance, and will appeal to a variety of age groups and lovers of diverse genres. All of them use clean language and have a gentle feel to them, but still hook your attention.
My personal favourites were the stories which brought ghosts, legends, and mysteries into the plot. Whatever the subject, though, each tale gives a feel-good vibe and leaves the reader satisfied. Here are some lines I enjoyed in particular >>>
‘Maggie feared what it said but ignoring the problem wouldn’t make it go away.’
And …
‘The anguished cries of the wounded called to me in my sleep.’
And …
‘The front door stood open as if beckoning visitors inside.’ … I love the spooky vibes in this line.
The story that gave me goose bumps was Storm Rider, and I loved the message in Seven Days, where enforced digital disconnection helped a struggling writer to rediscover herself and what matters in life.
Each story is unique and individual and set in varied time frames, which takes the reader far back in history and on into the 60s and 70s. Most of them hark back to simpler times, and this theme seems to run through even the more modern-day based tales, in which the characters are either compelled or encouraged to ‘switch off’ for a while.
If you like short fiction that covers multiple subjects and leaves you with feel-good vibes, you’ll be sure to enjoy this lovely collection from author Joan Hall. Menagerie 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.
I’d love to hear what you think of this review. Thanks for stopping by
For anyone interested, here are the Amazon links …
UK … https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08R8XRTB2/
US … https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08R8XRTB2/
The post #BookReview: Menagerie by Joan Hall @JoanHallWrites @StoryEmpire #shortstories first appeared on Welcome to Harmony Kent Online.
Harmony is Vocal! The Iron Dwellers #ShortStory in @Vocal_Creators #MagicalRealism #challenge #fiction
Hi everyone. In the wee small hours of this morning, when my muse insisted on being decidedly wide awake to pester me relentlessly, lols 
, I wrote a short story for Vocal’s Magical Realism Under Purple Clouds challenge. It took me all day, and now I’m a tad bit tired, so I’ll be playing catchup online tomorrow!
Vocal’s criteria for this fiction challenge is to ‘Write the first chapter of a magical realism story that starts with the following sentence:
‘Every night at midnight, the purple clouds came out to dance with the blushing sky.’
You can find my entry HERE, which comes in at 1,804 words and is estimated as an 9 minute read.
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
February 27, 2023
Harmony is Vocal! #ShortStory in @Vocal_Creators #TimeTravel #challenge #History #sciencefiction
Hi everyone. While I’m exhausted and struggling in general, I’ve also been determined to enter Vocal’s Time Travel short story competition. As it closes tomorrow, I feel I just got in under the wire. It took me the whole weekend and most of today, with plenty of starts and stops, but I did it!
Vocal’s criteria for this fiction challenge is to ‘Write a fiction story about a time traveler who tries to alter a historical event. How does someone with knowledge of the future alter the course of history when they travel back in time? How far back they go is up to you.’
You can find my entry HERE, which comes in at 2,143 words and is estimated as an 11 minute read.
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
February 22, 2023
#BookReview: A Phone for Christmas by Talia Zales @TaliaZales #ChildrensBooks @bookroar_tweets
Hi everyone. Today I have a book review for you from an author new to me, Talia Zales. This is a children’s book, which I like to read and review from time to time. I’ll have another little-one’s book review in a couple of weeks >>>
About the Book:
A Phone for Christmas tells the story of 10-year-old Luis who writes to Santa Claus asking for a phone for Christmas. After receiving so many letters asking for cell phones, Santa decides to deactivate everyone’s cells phones for an entire year! He sends each family a red rotary phone and a scroll of gray listing what each family needs to do to earn their cell phone back.
How will everyone cope without their screen-time? Will Luis ever get a cell phone? Find out what happens in A Phone for Christmas!
P.S. What would you do without your cell phone for a whole year?
My Review:
A story with an important message and lovely illustrations
I read a Kindle version of this sweet little book. The text is embedded within the pictures, and if needed the screen can be resized for reading. I love the idea of everybody having to spend a year without a mobile phone and interacting more with their family and friends instead, which includes playing games the old-fashioned way. Instead of pull quotes, I’ve taken a photo of one of the pages to give you an idea of the layout of the book and the style of the writing >>>
The narrative is told from the perspective of a grandfather telling his grandkids a tale from his childhood and shows the importance of face-to-face contact and spending time in the real world, away from the screen, and making memories together. Although this story is set at Christmas time, it spans a whole year, and is a lovely read for any season. A Phone for Christmas gets a solid four 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: A Phone for Christmas by Talia Zales @TaliaZales #ChildrensBooks @bookroar_tweets first appeared on Welcome to Harmony Kent Online.
