Today I’m sharing the last review I’ve been working on. If you’re met head-on with unforeseen challenges and seeking comfort in the written word, you’ll find what you’re looking for in this beautiful collection of short stories. And if you’re simply drawn to uplifting and magical tales, you’ll find plenty to captivate you in this lovely book. As I think about Sally, I’m not sure if there is anyone in this warm community who isn’t familiar with her blog where she provides “health articles, book marketing, music, humor, lifestyle, cookery, food and short stories.”

Sally is more than generous in helping to promote authors and their new books. I’ve been fortunate to be featured on her blog, Smorgasbord Blog Magazine, and words truly can’t express my gratitude. 🙏

About Sally:

I have enjoyed a nomadic existence living in eight countries including Sri Lanka, Malta, South Africa, USA and Spain, before settling back here in Ireland. My work, and a desire to see some of the most beautiful parts of the world in the last forty years, has taken me to many more incredible destinations around Europe and Canada, and across the oceans to New Zealand and Hawaii. All those experiences and the people that I have met, provide a rich source of inspiration for my stories.

After a career in customer facing roles in the hospitality, retail, advertising and telecommunications industry, I wrote and published my first book in 1999 called Size Matters, about my weight loss journey, losing 154lbs in 18 months. This has been followed by 18 further fiction and non-fiction books, including a number of short story collections.

Extracted from Amazon:

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.

Now for my 5-star review:

Sally Cronin is an excellent and prolific writer. I’ve read several of her books, and I’ve enjoyed each one equally. Tales from the Irish Garden: The Missing Pieces is no exception!

This book is a poignant, tender, and encouraging collection of short stories inspired by Sally and her husband David’s garden in Ireland—a safe haven offering the magic of nature. The keeper of the garden is the storyteller who has lived hundreds of years. I loved the musical thread that weaves through many of the stories based on a Zulu lullaby that Sally’s nanny used to sing to her in South Africa—haunting yet comforting.

Throughout the pages, themes of kindness, friendship, animal therapy, healing, starting over, and moving through grief gently emerge. These are themes every reader can relate to, and a wide range of emotions found their way into my heart.

One line that especially stands out to me from “The Orphaned Boy” is: “Let’s get this chap home to the magic garden and show him life can be kind.”

Don’t we all need this kind of affirmation? With all the news making hate and violence seem so prevalent, I certainly do.

Each story has a new offering. I had the privilege of meeting Finn, Lilah, Ramon, Michael, Flaco, and Bebechat. My love for animals was satisfied from a dog, a cat, and even a crow named Charlie. I loved every tale, but a few of my favorites are “Finnegan,” about a man who has lost everything. “Charlie’s Story” is about an injured crow who is about to be attacked by crows of his own kind. “Lilah” endures many tragedies and is in need for healing. “The Invitation” speaks of providing sanctuary to those who have been persecuted – a magical tale that reminds me of current tumultuous times in our world.

As I read each story, I was captivated and felt the strong possibility of a mood boost. I encourage you to read these heartwarming tales that inspire transformation in lives that have lost all hope. A magical garden would be welcomed, wouldn’t it? A place where those distressed souls – both humans and precious animals – could find safety, healing, kindness, and a home. Highly recommended.

If you haven’t met Sally, I know she’d love to see you at Smorgasbord Blog Magazine, and I hope you won’t leave here empty-handed! Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful weekend ahead! 💚🩷💚

© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com

Lauren Scott is a Pushcart Prize nominee who enjoys small-town living in California’s Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Although their daughter and son live out of state, frequent visits and modern technology keep their family of four close. Lauren is the author of four poetry collections, a memoir, and a children’s picture book. She has been a guest on several podcasts and her work has appeared in seven anthologies. Her poetry and prose has also been featured by Spillwords Press and Literary Revelations where she has received several honors. Lauren is a member of the Redwood Writers chapter and Marin chapter of the California Writers Club, and she is currently working on a new poetry collection and an early chapter book for children.