Hey, everyone! I’m behind on posting reviews, so this week I’m including two books. The first is by Sally Cronin.
Blurb
Life is Like a Bowl of Cherries: Sometimes Bitter, Sometimes Sweet is a collection of short stories with scattered poetry, reflecting the complexities of life, love and loss.
The stories in the collection dip into the lives of men and women who are faced with an ‘event’ that is challenging and in some cases life changing.
Even something as straightforward as grocery shopping online can be frustrating, and a DNA test produces surprise results, the past reaches out to embrace the present, and a gardening assistant is an unlikely grief counsellor. Romance is not always for the faint-hearted and you are never too old for love. Random acts of kindness have far-reaching consequences and some people discover they are on a lucky streak. There are those watching over us who wish us well, and those in our lives who wish us harm.
My Review
I read a lot of thrillers and psychological fiction and every so often I need something light-hearted. Life is Like a Bowl of Cherries provided that. It’s a collection of poetry and short stories which show us that life is sometimes sweet but other times bitter.
Divided in sections of Technology, Connections, Winning Streak, and Falling in and Out of Love, this collection of poetry and short stories offers something for just about every reader.
While I enjoyed all of them, some of my favorites were The Nanny, The Wedding Day, The Scratch Card, and The Night Shift. Friday Night and Gaffer Tape had me cheering the heroines. The book is easily read in one or two sittings but reading a story or poem each night is a perfect way to end your day. I highly recommend this delightful book. Five stars.
Blurb
Kinship, Ohio, 1924: When Lily Ross learns that her husband, Daniel, the town’s widely respected sheriff, has been killed while transporting a prisoner in an apparent accident, she vows to seek the truth about his death.
Hours after his funeral, a stranger appears at her door. Marvena Whitcomb, a coal miner’s widow, is unaware that Daniel has died and begs to speak with him about her missing daughter.
From miles away but worlds apart, Lily’s and Marvena’s lives collide as they realize that Daniel was perhaps not the man that either of them believed him to be.
My Review
Two Widows is a historical fiction novel set in Ohio during the mid-1920s. It’s written in alternating points of view—Lily, the widow of murdered sheriff Daniel Ross, and Marvena, his “close” friend. Marvena became a widow after the death of her common-law husband in a mine shaft owned by Daniel’s half-brother.
Lily and Marvena first meet after Daniel’s murder. When Lily is appointed sheriff, the two women join forces to find the person responsible for Daniel’s death and discover what happened to Marvena’s missing daughter.
The book has twists and turns. There are several suspects, including Daniel’s half-brother Luther, some ruthless Pinkerton guards hired by him, and some shady characters who had a hold on Daniel. I suspected several people, was right on one count, but I was surprised at the end. I like when an author keeps me guessing.
Both women are strong characters. The author did her research, as the character of Lily was based on Ohio’s first appointed female sheriff. Parts of the book are a little slow, and for this reason, I’m rating it four stars. If you like historical fiction with a touch of mystery and suspense, you’ll enjoy this one.
33 Responses
Great reviews, Joan. I’ve read another of Sally’s books and enjoyed it. I haven’t yet come across Jess Montgomery. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Jay Cudney wrote a review of The Widows and I thought it looked interesting. I enjoyed Sally’s stories.
Two great reviews, Joan. I haven’t heard of Montgomery. Thanks for the introduction.:-)
I came across her after reading Jay Cudney’s review of this book. Decided to give it a try.
Great reviews, Joan. I have Sally’s book waiting on my Kindle. I need to take a year off and just read!
I know what you mean, Jill. I keep adding to my Kindle. I’ll never get through the TBR list.
I am with you Jill.. some sunshine would be lovely to use as an excuse to sit in the garden for a few hours, like time that too is in short supply.. xx
Two excellent reviews, Joan. That’s intriguing about Ohio having a female sheriff in that era.
I read Sally’s book and you named some of my favorite stories as well. She always tells an excellent tale.
As for being behind on reviews, I’m right there with you. I may have to start doing two days a week to catch up, LOL!
You read more than I do, but I at least will need to double-up on a few.
I wouldn’t have known about the female sheriff had I not read this book.
Thanks for adding your thoughts Mae and deiighted to be the recipient of Joan’s review…hugs
Terrific reviews, Joan. I enjoyed Sally’s book as well. 😁
I’ve become fond of short stories and enjoyed Sally’s book very much.
Thanks for the boost John…hugsx
Thanks very much for sharing your terrific review here as well Joan to give another boost… much appreciated..hugs
Well deserved, Sally. I enjoyed reading the book. Just took me a few weeks to catch up with posting a review.
Lovely review of a book I loved -Life is Like a Bowl of Cherries. I did intend to read one or two a night but couldn’t stop after the first two and read right through. The Widows sounds fascinating and, considering the struggle we had in the UK to get all women the vote, it was a real surprise to learn about a woman sheriff in the 1920s.
That was my plan as well. Then, I couldn’t stop reading!
I enjoyed The Widows. I learned some things because of it.
Thanks again Alex for your thoughts about Cherries.. remiss of me not to have responded before..♥
I have Sally’s book waiting for me on my Kindle and I know I am going to enjoy it. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on both of these books, Joan!
Sally’s book is a fun read, Jan. Thanks for stopping by.
Hi Joan. I have read Sally’s “Cherry” book and savored every story – sweet, luscious, with just a bit of tartness. So glad you reviewed it here. The historical fiction looks good with a strong female character. We need those! Speaking of which, I wrote a review of your novella on Amazon and Goodreads. Looking forward to your Legends of Madeira series. <3
I love how you describe Sally’s book. Yes, it does have a bit of tartness. 🙂 And I agree, we need books with strong female characters.
Thank you so much for the lovely review of House of Sorrow. If nothing happens, the first Legends of Madeira book will release on June 1.
Thanks very much Pamela.. sorry about the late response..hugsxx
I enjoyed Sally’s light book as well. Sometimes we do need refreshing stories and poetry.
So, true!
Thanks Antoinette..♥
I loved Sally’s book, Joan. Her short stories are right up my alley. Thanks for the introduction to Jess and her book. I enjoy historical fiction. The details bring the stories right into focus for me. Thanks for the recommendations and Happy Reading.
Thanks, Diana. If you decide to read The Widows, I hope you enjoy it.
Thanks Diana.. long overdue.. I appreciate your kind words.. hugx
Great reviews, Joan 🙂 I loved Sally’s book and the other one sounds intriguing.
Sorry Denise for the late response.. thanks for the boost for Cherries..hugsx
Xo
[…] Sally is also the author of several books. With all the support she gives to others, I’m not sure when she has time to write. You can read my review of Life is Like a Bowl of Cherries by clicking here. […]