When There’s Only a Christmas Wish Post #SallyCronin #writingcommunity #thankyou #preorder #getwell

Earlier in the week, I had this blog post scheduled to thank Sally Cronin for the post on October 2nd to help promote my upcoming release. Then I heard she was in the hospital and pulled the post. After some reflection and some wise advice, I decided to go ahead with the post. My hope is that even if she doesn’t see this post, she’ll feel all our good vibes, prayers, and love from our writer’s community.

Here are a couple from her wonderful catalog of books that, if you have missed any, you are missing out on a great read!

In the Irish Garden there is fantasy, magic, friendship and love to be found in this green and welcoming haven. For some of those who find their way to the garden there is a renewal and an awakening of the spirit and special gifts lost through tragedy. For others it is the end of a long and arduous journey to find their soulmate.

The Irish garden has been a sanctuary for centuries for those escaping persecution, invaders and grief. Its guardian is the storyteller, a man who has lived for hundreds of years and who is part of a network of guardians around the world, offering a safe haven to those worthy of their protection.

It is not only humans who travel from afar to this garden, but animals which are hurt or lost. One creature in particular has travelled across time following the elusive melody remembered from its time in an ancient civilisation, a cat who has reached its ninth life.

There is fantasy, magic, friendship and love to be found in this green and welcoming haven. For some of those who find their way to the garden there is a renewal and an awakening of the spirit and special gifts lost through tragedy. For others it is the end of a long and arduous journey to find their soulmate.

You are welcome to join the storyteller, Finn, Lilah, Ramon, Michael, Bebechat and Flaco in the garden to enjoy their company, discover their stories and be amused at some of the antics they get up to as they finally find a peaceful home to call their own.

My review
I loved the past Garden books with the fairies. The fairies have been gone for 200 years, leaving the Storyteller alone in his magical garden. His loneliness comes to an end when he finds a young man, Finn, who has lost everything and takes him in. From that moment, animals and more humans found their way to this beautiful sanctuary. Healing and hope take place there even though bad things are happening outside. I fell in love with all the new characters, including the crow, cat, dog, woman, musician, and boy, too. I found a sense of comfort that they could form a family unit together that went beyond the boundaries of the garden. Plus, as healing progressed, there was an opportunity for another chance at love, which I was rooting for. Although this could be read in one sitting, I forced myself to spread it out over two days, just so it didn’t end. I highly recommend this uplifting read, especially when we are surrounded by such dark news, and a reminder that magic and kindness still exist.
The true story of Sam, a rough collie, written from his perspective. A tribute to a true friend and a genuine family member.
Millions of families around the World believe that their pet, dog or cat is the most intelligent, beautiful and loyal friend that anyone could have. And they are absolutely right.
From the first moment that I met Sam, when he was just three weeks old, his personality and charm shone from his button eyes. Like many pet owners, we were convinced he understood every word we spoke and he actually could say one or two himself. Rather than tell his story from our perspective I have given him a voice and let him tell his own.
I can only imagine what he really thought about his two and four-legged friends but I do hope he loved us as much as we adored him and the time he spent with us shining brightly in our lives.
If only our pets could talk how much richer the world would be, and funnier.
Review by Lauren Scott

Sam, A Shaggy Dog Story by Sally Cronin is told in the voice of a handsome Collie, named Sam. I fell in love with Sam from the start. My dog, Copper, crossed over the rainbow bridge earlier this year, so ‘listening’ to Sam talk about his wonderful life with his mom and dad, Sally and David, was one way for me to get my dog fix.

I learned that Sam understood the English language, along with tones and emotions in voices. He was one smart canine! In the beginning, he tells of how his home came to be with his new dog parents, living in a gorgeous house in Ireland. Sam was intuitive, feisty, and entertaining. He met many friends in the form of foxes, feral cats, and rabbits. Henry was a ginger feral cat. We don’t think dogs can befriend cats, but Sam did, and Henry was one of his best friends. But when Sally found Henry, he was lying on death’s doorstep. It was heartwarming and emotional to read how she saved his life.

Aside from making friends, Sam loved to eat, and a few dining favorites were sausage, cheese, and ice cream. When he played in the snow, he thought he was playing in one huge bowl of the cold, delicious treat! During the holidays, he kept his dog parents on their toes by getting into Christmas gifts. But he was kind enough to share his bones with David and loved cuddling with Sally on the floor. The cuddling part reminded me of when Copper and I used to share those special moments. Sam loved long walks on the beautiful beaches, feeling “sand between his toes.” I loved how Sally used to sing during car drives, and Sam loved to listen to his mom’s singing voice. Shania Twain was their favorite country singer.

When I read through this heartwarming account of Sally and David’s best friend in Sam’s voice, I had moments with tears, laughter, and cuteness overload. The photos of Sam are beyond adorable, and the family photos are so beautiful. I could feel Sally’s love for her shaggy friend in each chapter. She knew what Sam needed, what any animal needed to feel loved. So, if you’re a dog lover, cat lover, or if you have a heart for animals in general, this book is for you!

Author Bio

Sally Cronin is the author of nineteen books including her memoir Size Always Matters in 2024. This was an updated version of her first book, Size Matters published in 2001 which followed her weight loss of 150lbs and the programme she designed to regain her health. A programme she shared with her clients over her 27 year career as a nutritional therapist and on her blog. This has been followed by another eighteen books both fiction and non-fiction including multi-genre collections of short stories and poetry.

Her latest book is part of a three book series set in a garden in Spain and then in Ireland. Tales from the Irish Garden: The Missing Pieces brings together creatures and people in need of a sanctuary, where they can spend their lives in peace.

As an author she understands how important it is to have support in marketing books and offers a number of FREE promotional opportunities on her blog Smorgasbord Blog Magazine and across her social media.

After leading a nomadic existence exploring the world, she now lives with her husband on the coast of Southern Ireland enjoying the seasonal fluctuations in the temperature of the rain.

Check out the rest of her books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sally-Cronin/author/B003B7O0T6?

Thanks, Sally, for all you do for our community, and I’m praying you get well soon. xo

49 thoughts on “When There’s Only a Christmas Wish Post #SallyCronin #writingcommunity #thankyou #preorder #getwell”

  2. I’m so glad you posted this, Denise. The reviews of Sally’s books are great and I’m sure will lift her spirits. I have her latest Tales From The Irish Garden on my Kindle. We all need to send her healing thoughts and prayers. She does so much for the writing community.

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    1. Thanks, Darlene 🙂 I got some good advice. You have a very good read ahead. Yes, all those prayers and thoughts help! Xo

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  3. Making the decision to go ahead with it after hearing the news takes a lot of heart. It’s moments like these that remind us how close-knit and supportive this writing community truly is. It’s always so wonderful seeing friends drop in to share their kind words, virtual hugs, and reminders of everything Sally has done for us all over the years.

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    1. Thank you. You are so right about us being a close-knit family. We do all pull together for each other, especially Sally who has been to giving to all of us.

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      1. That genuine community spirit is truly what makes this space so special, D.L.! Seeing everyone rally around Sally shows just how much heart is here.

  4. Sally is such a talented storyteller. Thank you for posting these reviews. I pray she is up and about soon.🙏

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    1. Sally is very talented and very giving to our community, Priscilla. U am too and ai know she feels that. Xo

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    1. Thank you for the your advice, Jan. You were right and this is like rally around her. Yes, we all need to. Xo

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  6. Thank you for sharing this, Denise, lovely reviews! I didn’t know about Sally being in hospital. I wish her well, and that she recovers soon.

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    1. Thanks, Nicole. Her husband David posted Sunday on her site she is in hospital with stage 4 cancer.

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  7. Sally is a wonderful writer, Denise, and I’ve loved all her books. My winter wish is for her to get well!

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    1. A very wonderful writer and person, Noelle 🙂 perfect wish that I know she is feeling. Xo

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  8. Thank you, Denise, for this lovely tribute to Sally. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed both “Tales from the Irish Garden: The Missing Pieces” and… especially… “Sam, A Shaggy Dog Story”. Each touched my heart in its own way, reminding us of the healing power of kindness, love, and the special bond we share with animals. Sending Sally my warmest wishes. Thinking of her so much.

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    1. I’m glad I was able to do something for Sally, Patricia even a post. Yes, both fantastic reads that found ways to touch our hearts just like Sally does. I know she is feeling all these warm wishes and thoughts. Xo

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    1. I keep thinking about her too Liz. Shows how special she is! I agree about Sam, it reminds me of my collie when I was growing up. xo

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  14. I’m sure Sally will be happy that you’ve posted about these two books, Denise; I’ve read and reviewed both – along with other of her marvellous books – and they’re great. Who wouldn’t love Sam? – and I’m not even a dog sort of person! We’re all thinking of Sally, wishing the best for her, and this post just adds to the positivity. Way to go, Denise. 🙂

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    1. I agree Laura, Sally has SO many great books. It was hard to just pick two to share. Sam is impossible to love and I love he found your heart even though you aren’t a dog person! Yes, I do believe all these wishes help!

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  16. My heart is breaking for what Sally is going through. Thank you for this post, Denise! Praying for her recovery!

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  17. I’m so glad you posted this, Denise. Sally’s done so much for indie authors. Sending prayers and positive vibes to her.

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    1. Thanks, Teri 🙂 She sure has and I’m sure all these positive vibes and prayers are making their way to her. Xo

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    1. Thank you 🙂 She has so many great books it was hard to pick, but Sam is one close to my heart. I know she is feeling our prayers.

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  20. Wonderful reviews for Sally’s beautiful books Denise. I’m praying she’ll come home soon and be able to read. ❌❌

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  21. Thank you, Denise, for your wonderful review of The Seance! I’ve shared it today on my blog.

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  22. Thanks so much Denise for the lovely post. Out last night after an op and 17 days. They hope to get me back for chemo next week to help slow things down and give me a good quality of life. The blog is part of my therapy and will continue to post when I can and respond to some comments. Your post was definitely a wonderful part of the therapy too… I will do an update on the blog later today to let everyone know where I am right now, but most of all I want as normal a life as possible. love and hugs.. Sally ♥♥

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    1. So happy to hear from you Sally! Glad you are home and are going into second phase soon. Yes, blogging is wonderful therapy, especially in our amazing community. Keeping you in my prayers and sending healing hugs and love to you xo

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