Midnight Haiku: A Year in Contemplation
by Sue Vincent
Midnight Haiku” is a thought-provoking collection. Seven Haikus accompany a beautiful photograph. There are 365 poems, one for each day of the year. Although I read this in two sittings, this would be a perfect book to pick up each morning or evening and contemplate the daily poem—which I will be doing. The words touched my soul many times. Then, I’d have to stop to reread and absorb the meaning. There are so many images offered within seventeen syllables that are layered on top of each other. I love the idea of writing a single poem at midnight for a year when the world is quiet. Over the last couple of years, I have developed a deep respect for Haiku poems. Here are a few of my favorites: “Leading anywhere, each path is a mystery, until it is walked,” “Surrounded by gloom, still there is a patch of light, alive against the darkness,” and “Not all birds can fly, not all who fly have feathers, but all dreams have wings.” This is a collection I highly recommend for those who love poetry and those who like to ponder life’s mystery.
Pretty Evil New England: True Stories of Violent Vixens and Murderous Matriarchs
by Sue Coletta
“Pretty Evil New England” documents five women serial killers at the turn of the nineteenth century. Broken into sections, it was a fascinating insight into an era and murder. Each woman’s true story reads smoothly like a fictional tale, and the court proceedings were meticulously detailed. I learned a lot about forensic abilities and poisonings. The mindset of a woman killer over a male was not only astonishing but scary at the cruelty involved. A well-researched book that is for any true crime reader or someone who wants to understand a female killer’s mind.
“A Home for Her Daughter” is a dramatic romance that focuses on forgiveness. Janie has just left an abusive marriage, and she went back to her hometown with her daughter, Riley, where her brother lives. She’s inherited a business and home, but only if she can get it up and running by a certain date. The catch is she must work with an old friend and someone she used to like in school. This friend, Drew, is a widower who blames himself for his family’s death. I love how they find a way to work together, but it’s Riley that’s the shining star. She has a way of bringing people together and a contagious joy. I fell in love with the town and was cheering on each improvement made to the lodge. This story is about faith and giving two damaged people a second chance. If you enjoy sweet romantic tales that tug at your heart while offering hope, you won’t want to miss this one.
I only post my 4 & 5-star reviews. If I don’t like a book, I won’t finish it. It doesn’t feel right leaving a review in that case, but I have been known to email the author:) Life is too short not to enjoy every book you read!
Embrace your inner child by reading a good book! 🙂 D. L. Finn
Hi Denise, thank you for these lovely reviews. I have read both Sue Vincent and Sue Coletta’s books and I have one of Jill’s on my TBR.
Thanks, Robbie:) I will be reading more from all these authors!
These are great reviews, Denise. I agree with you about Sue’s poetry, but it was good you read it in two sittings to get the review out. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Miriam:) I fell in love the the book enough to get the paperback to add to my shelves. Xo
That’s what I’m going to do also, Denise. I’ve read enough of Sue’s poems to appreciate a paperback. 🙂
Poetry is best in books, I think.
I agree, Denise! I have quite a collection!
Great reviews, Denise. I adord Midnight Haiku and will have to check out the other reads. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks, Harmony:) It was a unique read, that I’m still enjoying. Happy reading!
What a wonderful surprise to see my book mentioned, Denise. Thank you so much! I’m so happy you enjoyed it.xo
Happy to share it, Jill. It waa a good read 🙂
Great reviews, Denise. I’ve read Pretty Evil New England and have been seeing lots of activity around regarding Jill’s and Sue Vincent’s books. Yep, more to add to my TBR list 🙂
Thanks, Joan 🙂 there always seems to be more books to add! Happy reading.
Wonderful reviews, Denise. I’ve always enjoyed Sue’s poetry and have her collection on my kindle. I’ve not read Sue’s book yet, but look forward to doing so. I loved Jill’s A Home For Her Daughter, and look forward to her next. 😊
Sue’s poetry is amazing and I’ll be reading more. This was my first book by Jill, and I will definitely be reading more. Thanks, Gwen:)
Your reviews spark my interest in these books. I have read many of Sue Vincent’s poems but have not read the other two books you reviewed.
Thank you, Karen. You can’t go wrong with any of these books!
Happy reading.
Three fabulous reviews, Denise. I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about Sue’s collection. I read and was fascinated by the other Sue’s true crime book. And while I haven’t read Jill’s work, it also sounds really good. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on all three.
Thanks, Staci:) Sue’s collection is a must-read read if you like Poetry. I found a true crime set in the past fascinating too. This was my first book by Jill and I will be reading more.
Happy Monday Denise, your reviews always enlighten, 😀
eden
Hapoy Monday, Eden:) Thank you! Xo
These are all wonderful reviews, Denise. I haven’t read Sue Vincent’s collection, but from the reviews I’ve seen, it’s exquisite. I did read and enjoy Sue Coleta’s Pretty Evil New England. I don’t usually read true crime, but that book was intriguing and an eye-opener. I’ve also heard great things about Jill’s book and it’s on my TBR.
Thanks, Mae 🙂 If you enjoy poetry you will be pulled into Sue’s collection. I believe I added Pretty Evil after reading your review and then I kept seeing more great reviews. Happy reading!
🙂
I love the idea of Sue’s book–a Haiku a day. What a great way to start the morning. And I thoroughly enjoyed Jill’s book, as I have all of hers.
It is a great way to start a day or even end it, Jacqui:) This was mt first book by Jill, but I’ll be readimg more.
Great reviews, Denise. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, John:) I’m happy to share!
😁
Wonderful reviews, Denise. Sue’s Midnight Haiku collection is one I keep close and read each day. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on all of these!
Thanks, Jan. Midnight Haiku is a special book that deserves many readings, and I love its set up for each day. I’m always happy to share the good reads!
What a nice surprise, Denise! Thanks so much! The others sound SO good. I’ll check them out.
Happy to share your book, Sue:) It was fascinating! Happy reading.
Wonderful reviews and more books to add to my teetering TBR list- thanks! lol
Thanks, Jacquie:) My kindle is in that tettering mode too! Lol
Marvelous reviews, Denise. I like your idea of writing a poem each night, even though I have zero talent for poetry. I hope you’ll publish your 365 book of them. Hugs on the wing!
Thanks, Teagan:) I love the idea of writing a poem everyday for a year like Sue did, but trying for this month for National Poetry Day, i found days that I didn’t. Hugs back!
These all sound good. Thanks for sharing;) xo
They are:) Thanks, Sandra xo
Yes to all three! Excellent reviews, Denise. 🙂