Robbie’s Inspiration – Book reviews: Perceptions by Ivor Stevens and Derrick Knight and Amanda in Scotland by Darlene Foster

Picture caption: Cover of Perceptions featuring a multicoloured sky.What Amazon says

This colourful and fascinating book is a collection of collaborative articles. The photographs were taken by Derrick Knight from the New Forest area of southern England, and associated ekphrastic poems were written by Ivor Steven from Geelong, the other side of the world, the southern end of Australia.

My review

I am a fan of Ivor Steven’s poetry and also of Derrick Knight’s photography so this combined collection of poetry and photography is a real treat.

Ivor depicts everyday events and life through a lens of beautiful and uplifting words which is a marvelous talent. Derrick captures everyday life in an unusual and special way. I really enjoyed these combinations.

A few examples of the poetry with descriptions of the accompanying photographs:

Sunset couple on bench – a gorgeous photograph of the sun setting over water and flooding the world with golden light with a silhouette of a loving couple on a bench.

The words: A Rainbow Dance
“At the end of the rainbow
We shall dance and glow
On nature’s golden plateau”

Autumn woodland – a wonderful photograph of a wooded area during autumn which the trees are a variety of yellows, greens and auburns. There is a large bush, in shades of beige, in the forefront.

An extract from Connected:
“up there
under draconian dark clouds
I see a blue moon rising
gracefully shrouding the horizon”

Ferns and grasses – a glorious picture of ferns and grasses adorned in shades of green and yellow, dancing in the sunlight.

Extract from The Ancient Fern Survives:
“selfish, unopened minds remain numbed
False eyelashes are heavy and closed
Botoxed lips are silent and sealed
And elephant ears have been pegged out of sight”

This book is a special combination of visual and literary delights.

Purchase Perceptions on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1387487302

Purchase Perceptions on Lulu.com here: https://www.lulu.com/shop/ivor-steven-and-derrick-knight/perceptions/hardcover/product-2pwqe4.html?q=Perceptions&page=1&pageSize=4

Amanda in Scotland by Darlene FosterPicture caption: Cover of Amanda in Scotland showing the standing stones in a fieldWhat Amazon says

What could possibly go wrong on the magical Scottish Isle of Arran? It’s such a peaceful, charming place with castles, mountains, old graves and ancient standing stones.

Amanda Ross and Leah Anderson are visiting Aunt Jenny who owns an old house on the island. But something is not right. A mysterious woman, who seems to have stepped out of the past, keeps appearing, Leah’s father hasn’t contacted the family for some time, and Aunt Jenny’s house may have an uninvited guest.

Amanda is intrigued by this picturesque island, often called Little Scotland. She watches exciting sheepdog trials, attends a lively ceilidh, makes friends with the locals, and visits the mystical Holy Island. Join Amanda as she tries to solve the mystery of the strange woman and the disappearance of Leah’s father. Will the past catch up with the present?

My review

Amanda is off on another travel adventure, this time to the Isle of Arran in Scotland, to spend time with her best friend, Leah, and Leah’s Aunt Jennie. Amanda is delighted to discover that Arran is a place of great natural beauty as well as being full of fascinating history. Of course, Amanda and Leah attract mysteries and no sooner have they arrived than Leah reports that her father has gone missing. In addition, the pair come across an odd woman dressed in historical clothes who is in trouble, but who vanishes after they assist her.

Amanda and Leah will have to unravel both of these puzzles while touring Arran, meeting the local people and participating in fun events like sheep trials and a ceilidh. While socialising and enjoying themselves, the pair uncover historical secrets that appear to have links to the disappearing woman. They also glean odd bits of information about Leah’s father.

Amanda and Leah are an entertaining pair of tweens who are always falling into adventures. They are fortunate enough to travel widely enabling them to learn about different countries, people and cultures. This combination of story and plot elements results in engaging stories which share a lot of information about different places in the world in a subtle and fun way.

Purchase Amanda in Scotland here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0D5TMLSLC