Life is like a Mosaic: Random fragments in harmony
by Sally Cronin
“Life is like a Mosaic” is a book of poetry that offers images to add to the journey. I have always loved the mixture of pictures and words, and this collection is a delightful blend of that. I like how honest and insightful the poems are with various subjects that take daily life into a deeper realm. Here are a few of my favorite lines: “defies monochrome hues/with a splash of colour/softening their/harshness,” “Clarity as the memories cascade/tumbling down the precipice of time/as if the floodgates have opened,” “The moon/hangs in the sky/lighting the earth at night,” “Sit/serene/with wise thought/and let them drift,” “Nature’s young frolic in the sun/under blossom topped tree/celebrating/new life,” and “Washed up/are words that haunt.” A thoughtful collection that I can highly recommend for poetry lovers.
Laws of Nature (Dawn of Humanity Book 2)
by Jacqui Murray
I loved the first book of “Dawn of Humanity” and had been eager to read this story. This engaging read followed two groups, split apart in the last book, trying to find each other. The most interesting was the character following these two groups and the one who joined up with him. When reading, I was completely drawn into the story down to saying “ick” when they ate their raw meat or sucked the marrow out of a bone. The attention to detail and amount of research is amazing, including how they communicated, groomed, interacted, and traveled. Lucy’s group shows an inclusion that is inspiring and relevant, especially in modern times. I appreciated a strong female character who applied logic to dangerous situations. I can’t wait for the next book and highly recommend “Laws of Nature!”
Born in a Treacherous time (Dawn of Humanity)
I have read and loved the Crossroad Series by Ms. Murray and have been eager to read this series. When the second book came out, I rushed to get started. Lucy and her journey immediately pulled me in. After leaving her first group, she finds a home and a new pair mate. Within this group, there is jealousy and distrust, but the most important thing is their survival. The amount of research and thought that went into this story amazed me. I could easily imagine how it was to live in their prehistorical times. I’m very glad that we found a way to control fire and cook our food. Their eating habits and being scavengers were so detailed and well-written that they made me shudder as they tore into their meal. Although everyone didn’t appreciate Lucy, her strength kept her and those around her going. As the group shifts and changes, so does the world around them. I dove right into the second book when I finished this one. I highly recommend this!
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 that sweet inner child by reading a good book! D. L. Finn
Wonderful reviews, Denise. I have Jacqui’s books on my radar as well as Sally’s. Thank you for sharing your opinion on each of them!
I think you’ll like them, Jan. We both respect animals a lot.
Thank you, Jan 🙂 You have some good reading ahead!
Thanks Jan and I can definitely recommend Jacqui’s books.. page turners. xx
Terrific reviews as always, Denise. I certainly can’t fault your taste. : )
Also, thanks for the Bookbub posting. <3
Thanks, Cathleen:) Yes, both wonderful authors that I’ve never been disappointed in, and always know it going to be a great read.
I try to post reviews in as many places as I can 😉
What are you up to today, Cathleen? Anything fun?
I could not be in better company. Thank you so much for the lovely reviews, Denise!
Thanks to you, Jacqui, I’m really enjoying prehistoric fiction!
Thanks very much for sharing your review in a post as well Denise and lovely to be with Jacqui and her two amazing books.. I agree with you..have a wonderful week..♥
I’m happy to pass along the good books I read, Sally and I throughly enjoyed yours:) I didn’t know I liked prehistoric fiction until recently, thanks to Jacqui. I hope you have a wonderful week too! Xo
We did thanks Denise.. some time in the garden and managed to get some writing in… and love Jacqui’s books and always look forward to a new released…hugsx
I feel the same about your book, Sally. Even back then, life was a mosaic so we’re well matched.
This is true…thanks Jacqui.. hugsx
I’ve read two of the three and agree, all are excellent reads!
Thsnks, Jacquie they sure are excellent reads 🙂
Thanks, Jacquie! Perfect encouragement for my work today on Book 3!
Thanks Jacquie…and for your support…hugsxx
Three books that I also enjoyed, Denise. Excellent reviews for Sally and Jacqui’s efforts. I have to say that Born in a Treacherous Time was the first prehistoric fiction book I’d read in 50 years, and it was mesmerizing. So different and fascinating. I agree it a must read. And Sally’s poetry is wonderful as always. A complete pleasure to read. 🙂 And it’s only the first week of September. Can’t wait to see what else your reading!
Thanks, Diana 🙂 I’m hooked on prehistoric fiction now for sure, at least, Jacqui’s! Sally has a wonderful way of capturing what is around us. I’m working on October reviews. September is all reviews, I guess I’ve been reading alot and having fun.
I’m looking forward to more of them. You usually convince to head to Amazon for at least one new read.
I’ve had a few people confuse it with fantasy–your genre. I think it’s the unusual world building.
That’s so interesting, Jacqui. But I’m not surprised. Some people don’t believe in evolution and few know much about it. I grew up on National Geographic magazine.
Thanks again Diana for adding your recommendatin here too.. I loved both of these books by Jacqui and her other series.. as you say mesmerising as it is about how we got to where we are today…hugsx
Great reviews, great choices! I’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed both of Jacqui’s books and have Sally’s lined up on my Kindle, anticipating the same. 🙂
Thanks, Chris 🙂 I can’t wait for more from, Jacqui. You have some good reading ahead!
You have a treat coming, Chris. Sally’s book is perfect for Labor Day.
Thanks Chris..xxx
I have read two out of three of these, Denise, and have Jacqui’s new book on my TBR. Great reviews!
Thanks, Robbie 🙂 You have a good read ahead!
Thanks again Robbie for your support…hugsx
Lovely reviews Denise. Jacqui introduced me to pre-historic books and I’ve read them with great interest. Sally’s book is very near on my wish list. 😊
Thanks Balroop… ♥
Thanks, Balroop 🙂 She introduced me as well. You’ll enjoy Sally’s book.
Great reviews, Denise, for excellent authors. I have all these books on my TBR and some already waiting on my Kindle!
Thanks, Mae 🙂 You have some enjoyable reading in your future.
It’s only the first week and a half into September and you posted part 1 of reviews already, Denise. That’s great. I love your reviews of Sally’s and Jacqui’s books. I have them on my Kindle, better get to them soon.
Thanks Miriam…hugsx♥
You’re welcome, Sally. <3
The month is full of good reading, Miriam! You definitely have some good reading ahead! Hugs xo
I do have some books lined up to read, Denise! I’m going to Autumn’s birthday party the last week of this month. 💖
Excellent reviews, Denise! Thank you for sharing. 🥰
Thank you, Vashti 🙂 xo
Great reviews, Denise. I have Sally’s book on my radar. Have seen lots of positive things about Jacqui’s as well. I’ve not read prehistoric fiction before, and I applaud anyone with the courage to write it.
Thanks, Joan. You can’t go wrong with any of these books. I’d never read prehistoric fiction before Jacqui, and now I’m hooked. There are an abundance of details that I can image being there down to being glad we cook our food… lol I know you’ll enjoy Sally’s too.
Marvelous reviews, Denise. Kudos all around.
Happy September. Hugs on the wing!
Thank you. Teagan! Happy September and hugs tight back 🙂
Great reading here. I love both Jacqui and Sally’s works.
And, of course, your own:)
Yes, definitely great reading here, yours included too! Thanks, Sandra xo
Thanks Sandra and of course for your lovely review for the book.. xx
Denise, three fantastic reviews and I’m in awe how Jacqui manages to draw the reader into a world of prehistoric man! A skillful world building and fiction writing! Sally’s latest book sounds like a gem and one I look forward to reading soon! Many thanks for sharing your thoughts on these books. Happy Reading!
Thanks, Annika 🙂 I agree it is awe-inspiring how Jacqui creates the world and draws us in. Sally’s book is definitely a gem 🙂 Happy reading yo you too.
Thanks Annika… ♥
Excellent reviews, Denise. I enjoyed Sally Cronin’s :Life Is Like a Bowl of Cherries,” so this one is TBR for sure. I also found “Born in A Treacherous Time,” to be an exciting read. That’s 2 for a TBR! Thanks for sharing and congratulations to Sally and Jacqui.
You won’t be disappointed with either. Happy reading, Mark 🙂
Thanks Mark.. appreciated.. and delighted by Denise’s review..