Monthly Archives: June 2026

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Letters from America 1985-1987 – Introduction and Arrival – We get the Call by Sally Cronin

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Introduction

In 1984, having moved to Tring in Hertfordshire only six months earlier, my husband David was made redundant. He had moved to a new division of his company and it simply didn’t take off. However, his former boss rang a couple of days later and suggested a change of role. David was an engineer and had never really considered sales as an option. But his boss offered him the position of VP of sales for the company in the USA, initially based in Houston. This was December and Christmas was around the corner. It also meant putting the house on the market and moving to the US in late January or early February.

Of course we jumped at the opportunity.

First however we had to let our families know and so we decided to invite my parents and David’s parents over from Ireland for Christmas along with my brother and my husband’s uncle who lived in London. That little house rocked with laughter over the holidays and it was also sad knowing we wouldn’t see them for possibly a long time.

For those of you who have read Geoff Cronin’s stories here… you can imagine how many tales were told over the holidays when joined by his brother David on the right in the picture.

Over the next two years we travelled thousands of miles across America to cram in as much adventure as possible. In those days there were no emails and phone calls were expensive, so I wrote to my parents every week sharing our travels and adventures. We were delighted when they made the long trip over themselves in 1985 and met all our friends and experienced both Texas and its wonderful people for themselves.

After my father died in 1996 my mother found a folder with my name on it. He had kept every letter I wrote to them and on the folder he had left a message.  Write the book!

Initially I shared the letters on my blog and some of the articles that I wrote about specific events or trips that stood out for us both five years ago. Rather than turn into what would be quite a lengthy book,  I have decided I would rather recreate a new series here over the next year or so.

I hope you enjoy the nostalgic trip back in time to an America that welcomed us with open arms, and where we met such amazing people some who became friends for life.  

My first letter home January 1985 – Arrival

We arrived safely and just about over our jet lag. The flight was very cramped, apparently due to SNOW in Houston, Friday’s flight had been cancelled, so it was booked solid. It was a DC10 and really too small for an 11 hour flight. However, we landed at about 6 p.m. local time and thankfully allowed through immigration. (I couldn’t have faced deportation and the return flight!)

We picked up our hire car and proceeded to get lost. I was driving, my first time on the wrong side of the road, in an automatic, in the dark! Nobody told us that Green’s Road where the Marriott is situated is 26 miles long…. or felt like it. An hour later and with short fuses we arrived at the hotel. By now it was 2 a.m. our time so we were pretty shattered. We broke open the duty free and dressed for dinner. They certainly believe in big portions. David ended up with half a barbecued cow on his plate!! We got to bed about 11p.m. (5a.m. body time) and slept through until 8 a.m.

Sunday, someone from the Houston office rang and asked us to dinner which was very pleasant. They eat early here, around 6pm, so it was still light out thankfully and we found the place without too much trouble. What was quite interesting was seeing some of the pick-up trucks on the road with rifles on racks at the back of the cab. Obviously not a good idea to carve anyone up in Texas!

David had to go into the office Monday and as we only have two weeks at the Marriott I had to find us a temporary apartment. This meant driving on my own for the first time and you need eyes in the back of your head. There were some pretty fancy moves going on and some of those trucks are big and intimidating.

The office had given me a short list of apartment/hotels to rent on a monthly basis, which suits us whilst we look for a more permanent place. The one I decided on has everything included in the rent (it would need to be at 800 dollars a month!). There is one bedroom, dining area, large living room and a bathroom. Maid service is included twice a week (this is the life) and a large swimming pool (ice covered at the moment).

The price is a little over what the company have allowed for but when they do their sums, they will see that keeping us in the hotel would cost 4,500 dollars a month!

We move in on Saturday and at least we will have our privacy again. It is surrounded by a security fence and you have to use a credit card to get in and out.

We had our first dinner out on our own on Monday night. We went to a place called TGI Fridays. (Thank God It’s Friday) I think. We met Jesus… really… our waiter was called Jesus but you pronounce it Heysus. Having already experienced a cow on a plate, we opted for their appetisers (starters) and shared them. Delicious and the service was a lot more attentive than you would get at home! I also had my first margarita … tequila and lime and absolutely amazing.

David is already booked on business trips which means I now know the route back and forth to the airport. He is away today until Friday in Kansas and Virginia and then next week in Los Angeles Monday and Tuesday. We are both going to Dallas as we can drive up and then to New Orleans for my birthday.

My first impressions of Houston are very favourable. It is very flat and spread out and because no-one walks anywhere, there are hardly any side walks. There is little public transport at all, and as we are 30 miles from the actual centre of Houston is can be a bit restricting.

They have great big shopping malls every mile or so and thankfully there is one around the corner from the hotel that I can walk to.

Everything seems very expensive, especially to eat out and we will both be glad to get back to home cooking again next week.

Things here are very different and we have had some surprises. On our first morning we went to the supermarket to buy some essentials and there were horses tied up outside and cowboys in the full gear including holsters inside, stocking up on beer and chips (crisps). We thought we had walked into the set of a Western… we asked one of the staff if this was normal and he told us it was Rodeo Week… some things to get used to.

However, I am sure that once we get over the strangeness of everything we will be more relaxed. Always difficult to know how to act in a new environment but at least I have had lots of practice with all the travelling we did when I was growing up.

We know that our time here is limited and we want to experience as much as possible in the next two years. The people we had dinner with the second day are British, and we got the impression that in the six years they have been here they haven’t seemed to integrate very much. The recommendation was to find a complex where there are other English families but to be honest, we both feel if we are to enjoy the real flavour of Texas and the USA, we should find somewhere we can join in more.

The weather is very cold and unseasonal, to us it’s just like home and probably easier than arriving into the very high temperatures they have from April onwards. Thank goodness I bought my thick winter coat at the last minute.

Well I think that covers most things. I have saved my letter writing until David was away so I had plenty to do in his absence. Hotels however luxurious are pretty boring when you are on your own and I only go out in daylight. There are some quite good films on the television so I will be square-eyed when David gets back. I think he is pleased that at least I don’t moan about being left on my own. He has so much to do initially, that he has enough on his plate.

Hopefully before you come out for your visit later this year we will be settled, although there is a possibility that we might be moved to Washington. At least it will mean a shorter flight for you and more moderate weather in the summer.

©Sally Cronin

I hope you have enjoyed my first letter home and more next week…

A selection of my books

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – More reviews : Goodreads –Blog: Smorgasbord Blog Magazine Twitter: @sgc58 – Facebook: Sally Cronin – LinkedIn: Sally Cronin – Bluesky: @sallycronin.bsky.social

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.

Thank you for dropping in today and as always delighted to receive your feedback.

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Music Column Retro – The Big Band Era with William Price King and Sally Cronin – 1940s – Tommy Dorsey, Russell Case Orchestra with Perry Como, Martha Graham

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Welcome to the 2026 series of the music column where I am joined as always by Jazz singer and composer William Price King.  We hope you will join us every Tuesday for some of the chart hits of the big band era from the 1930s through to the 1950s.

Some of the earlier videos are not of the best quality however where possible we have sourced remastered copies to share with you. Considering some are almost 100 years old, it is remarkable that they exist at all.  A testament to the love of the music of that era. Along with our selections each week we will also be showcasing some of the iconic dancers of the era.

Here is my next selection from the Big Band chart in the 1940s from Tommy Dorsey

Tommy Dorsey “Opus One” (1945)

Sy Oliver composed “Opus One” with lyrics by Sid Garrison for the film “Broadway Rhythm” in 1943, but the song was cut before the film’s release. The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra recorded it in 1944, and was released by RCA Records featuring Buddy DeFranco on clarinet, Milt Golden on piano and Nelson Riddle on trombone. The tune is often titled “Opus One” or “Opus #1.” It entered theThe Billboard Records Most Played on the Air chart on 3 March 1945, and peaked at #8 during its three weeks stay.

Here is my next selection from the 1940s from – Russell Case Orchestra and Perry Como

Perry Como with Russel Case’s Orchestra “If I Loved You” (1945)

“If I Loved You” is a show tune from the 1945 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Carousel.

There were four hit versions of the song in 1945: Perry Como (#3), Frank Sinatra (#7), Bing Crosby (#8) and Harry James (#8). In 1954, Roy Hamilton’s recording went to #4 on Billboard’s, Best Sellers in Stores chart.

Many artists have recorded the song over the years.

Other sources: Wikipedia – And: Jazz Standards

Martha Graham (May 11, 1894 – April 1, 1991) was an American modern dancer and choreographer. Her style, the Graham technique, reshaped American dance and is still taught worldwide.

Graham danced and taught for over seventy years. She was the first dancer to perform at the White House, travel abroad as a cultural ambassador, and receive the highest civilian award of the US: the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction. In her lifetime she received honors ranging from the Key to the City of Paris to Japan’s Imperial Order of the Precious Crown.

She said, in the 1994 documentary The Dancer Revealed: “I have spent all my life with dance and being a dancer. It’s permitting life to use you in a very intense way. Sometimes it is not pleasant. Sometimes it is fearful. But nevertheless it is inevitable.”

Founded in 1926 (the same year as Graham’s professional dance company), the Martha Graham School is the oldest school of dance in the United States. First located in a small studio within Carnegie Hall, the school currently has two different studios in New York City.

 Your Hosts for The Big Band Era

William Price King is an American jazz singer, crooner, and composer.

His interest in music began at an early age when he studied piano and clarinet in high school. At Morehouse College in Atlanta where he grew up, he sang in the Glee Club and studied classical music. After graduation he went off to the Yale School of Music where he earned a Masters degree. From there he journeyed to New York where he created a jazz trio ‘Au Naturel’ which performed in some of the hottest venues in Manhattan including gigs on Broadway and the famous ‘Rainbow Room.’ These gigs opened doors for performances in Montreal and a European tour.

While touring Europe he met a lovely French lady, Jeanne Maïstre, who, a year later became his wife. King left the group ‘Au Naturel’ and settled in the south of France where he started a new life on the French Riviera, opening his own music school – the “Price King Ecole Internationale de Chant.” He has had the pleasure over the years of seeing many of his students excel as singers on a professional level, and some going on to become national celebrities. He continues to coach young singers today, in his spare time.

Blog– IMPROVISATION – William Price King on Tumblr – Buy William’s music: William Price King iTunes – Facebook – William Price King – Twitter – @wpkofficial
Regular Venue – Cave Wilson

Sally Cronin is an author, blogger and broadcaster who enjoyed four years as part of the team on Onda Cero International’s English speaking morning show in Marbella and then for two years as a presenter on Expressfm the local radio station in Portsmouth. She co-presented two ‘Drive Time’ shows a week with Adrian Knight, hosted the live Thursday Afternoon Show and The Sunday Morning Show guests including musicians and authors. Following this she became Station Director for a local internet television station for two years, producing and presenting the daily news segment, outside broadcasts and co-presenting the Adrian and Sally chat show live on Friday evenings.

She and her husband David have now returned to Ireland where they live on the Wexford Coast where she blogs and continues to write books.

Books :Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – More reviews: Goodreads – blog: Smorgasbord Blog Magazine Twitter: @sgc58 – Facebook: Sally Cronin – LinkedIn: Sally Cronin

Thanks for tuning in and as always we love to hear from you.. thanks William and Sally.

 

 

Smorgasbord Summer Book Fair – New Book on the Shelves – #Family #Murder #Mystery – The Secret Collector by Beem Weeks

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Delighted to share the news of the latest release by Beem Weeks… The murder mystery… The Secret Collector.

About the book.

Violet Marie Glass has a hunger for adventure. She dreams of leaving her family’s farm one day for a life in any big city that will have her.

As the teenager comes of age in 1910 Alabama, she collects secrets during her nightly traipsing with best friend Ruthie Sender. Most of her secrets are harmless experiences rooted in the girl’s own rebellion—she drinks liquor, dances to ragtime music, and mingles with a group of determined suffragettes.

It’s during a visit with her oldest sister that Violet becomes aware of a long-kept family secret that carries the potential for ruin for the entire Glass clan.

Life begins to unravel when a missing neighbor turns up dead. Violet suspects her grandfather may have had a hand in the man’s demise. Will the girl turn him in to the authorities, or will she add this secret to her growing collection?

Violet soon discovers that a girl can keep only so many secrets before the weight of them becomes unbearable.

Head over to buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

Also by Beem Weeks

One of the reviews for Jazz Baby 

Spice
5 out of 5 stars
A gem of a book

This was my first download from the Rave Reviews Book Club selection and I must say that it is a spellbinding piece of writing.

Set in Mississippi in the 1920s there is masterful detail of lives led on either side of the river, and Emily Ann Teegarten is the daring young protagonist whose dream of making it as a jazz singer finds her taking risks a young girl cannot hope to get away with all the time. I was immediately bewitched by her outspoken ideas and tenacity, her naivety and her curiously promiscuous nature. She is no shrinking violet when it comes to sex, but her animal instincts are beautifully tempered by the gift she has of seeing the good in everyone. Of course her trust is often misplaced and as the story progresses, ‘Baby’ is the victim of the all too familiar greed and desire of people who have their own harsh agendas.

Quite apart from a plot that is as action-packed as any gangster blockbuster, and a heroine who scatters chaos and hope wherever she lands, the language is what makes this book exceptional. When I read, I expect to find new metaphors, striking collocations, similes to make me see more clearly what the author is trying to show me, but Jazz Baby knocked me down on every page with breathtaking imagery. And I don’t mean verbose, tangled, literary descriptions that leave the reader impressed but unmoved; I mean crisp, succinct phraseology that cuts right to the quick and gets to the bottom of a shared genetic knowledge of what it is to be human.

Beem Weeks has written a magical, masterful book that shouts ‘this is what life was really like’. Beautiful, tragic, optimistic and unmissable. 

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Follow Beem Weeks: Goodreads – Website/Blog: Beem Weeks – Twitter: @BeemWeeks –  Bluesky: Beem Weeks Author – Podcast: Voice of Indie 

About Beem Weeks

Beem Weeks is the author of short stories, poems, essays, and novels. A pop-culture trivia buff, Beem’s passions include indie films, loud music, and a well-told story. He has also penned short story collections entitled Slivers of Life, and Strange Hwy: Short Stories and the novel Jazz Baby.

He is also an editor, audio/video producer, blogger, and podcaster.

 

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books.

Smorgasbord Summer Book Fair – #Anthologies #Eat #Work #Stories Yvette Prior and Marsha Ingrao

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Over the last year I have read and reviewed three multi-author anthologies and found them intriguing and also relatable in many ways. Anthologies is a wonderful way to introduce new writers, offer bloggers an opportunity to be published and offers a varied and interesting opportunity to discover a fresh perspective on life.

The first anthology edited by Yvette Prior who also shares her own contribution is This is How We Work Stories, Memoirs and Poems about the Social Dimensions of Work. 

Yvette Prior Contributing Editor andJoseph Jerome Dwyer, PhD, Sherri Matthews, Mabel Kwong, Brieuc Martin-Onraet, Mike. F. Martelli, PhD, Kelvin M. Knight, Geetashree Chatterjee, Chad Prior, Marsha Ingrao, Robbie Cheadle’ Frank Prem and Jeffrey D. Simmons

About the anthology

This anthology offers a thoughtful exploration of the social dimensions of work, bringing together a diverse collection of voices through memoir, fiction, and poetry. The contributors share their unique experiences of labor, identity, and motivation, revealing the complex interplay between cultural expectations, relationships, and personal growth in the workplace.

Beyond the practicalities of pay and productivity, this volume illuminates how work shapes our sense of self and community. Whether paid or unpaid, each chapter invites readers to reflect on the meaning and impact of their own work lives, fostering empathy and deeper understanding in a rapidly changing world.

Perfect for anyone interested in the real stories behind work, this book offers rich perspectives that will resonate with readers from all walks of life.

Memoir

Fiction

Poetry

My review for the anthology 

The contributors to this anthology, including eminent scientists, teachers, business executives, writers and poets, offer a realistic and thought provoking perspective on our working lives. For most of us work is a necessity to earn money and provide for our families. However, there are so many other elements involved as you will discover.

In my 70s I can look back at my career of over 50 years across a number of industries, and latterly as a therapist, and relate to many of the chapters in this anthology. It made for a fascinating read, and it encouraged me to reflect on some of my many career decisions over the years. And this is true, not just for the excellent chapters on work in an academic field, industry, school or business environment, but also when that labour is a personal commitment.

Having been a full- time carer for my mother for her last years, I could empathise with Sherri Matthews and her contribution “The Quiet Work of Love”.

“The truth is, I’ve been a full-time caregiver to my mother for years now. What started as gentle support gradually turned into full-time management of her well-being. Caregiving doesn’t start with one big event; it creeps in, reshaping your days slowly, almost invisibly”.

Mabel Kwong addresses the stress involved when you are being paid to be creative, where your own choices come second to the message those paying you want to project.

Kelvin Knight offers two stories with a cycling theme. The first demonstrating that going that extra mile to impress may well be a case of careful what you wish for…

Marsha Ingrao shares the challenge facing a young teacher whose young students are suffering during a heat wave, to the point when their health is severely compromised. This becomes an effective teaching moment as the class research and plan a strategy to get the problem noticed by the right people and resolved.

I can definitely relate to Robbie Cheadle’s poetry which touches on a woman’s place in the management hierarchy and what she considers to be true leadership qualities. Also how as a wife and mother, a balance must be found which rarely faces men in the same position, particularly in relation to promotion.

I’m a modern woman
I make my own choices
I didn’t have a family
To spend all my time
Trapped in board rooms
Eating biscuits and drinking coffee
While discussing old issues
Rehashed to look new
I have many hobbies
Work one of many interests
So, I stay on the second floor
They call me when they need me

Yvette Prior shares her thoughts in verse and this short extract, sums up life and work very effectively.

Life’s a dash, a vapor, a flame.
You leave a funeral not quite the same
Titles fade, so does your name
A funeral seat gives a wider view
Of life’s work and all we do.
Legacy stays behind,
God’s design, keep this in mind.
So work and live with love and grace
Because one day, we all leave this place

All the chapters offer a different perspective and if you are still working for a living, are self-employed, or retired you will find this an opportunity to reflect on your own experiences and choices. And perhaps discover some changes you can apply to your own current situation. A recommended read.

Buy the anthology: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

This was followed by the next in the This is How series This is How We Eat with many authors from the writing community you will be familiar with…

About the anthology

Food is never just nourishment; it is a lens through which we experience connection, culture, memory, emotions, and growth. The content in This is How We Eat highlights topics like special meals, everyday dishes, family recipes, baked goods, airplane food, feasts, snacks, solitary dining, communal gatherings, food interventions, and signature dishes. We also see how stressors are linked to foods, early priming, and social messages. The foods we consume and the ways we take our meals carry deep meaning. Seventeen authors came together to contribute their voices, blending fiction and nonfiction to explore the many ways food shapes our lives.

  • Some stories focus on the small, intimate moments in the kitchen: the comforting ritual of making pancakes on a quiet morning, the satisfaction of slicing into a potato casserole, the making of Mum’s apple pie and learning about different types of flour, or the simple pleasure of jams, scones, and cookies. Even minor mishaps, like burnt toast or over-salted soup, become opportunities for reflection, gratitude, and insight, showing how the act of preparing and sharing food shapes our experience. Napkin folds, table arrangements, food preparation, and the careful presentation of meals highlight how food can express care, creativity, and intention.
  • Other stories examine how food intersects with health, body image, and personal well-being. Experiences with vegetable dishes, indulgent red meats, and airplane meals depict social pressures and the ways personal choice influences our relationship with food. Through mindful routines and intentional meals, eating becomes a practice of self-care, reflection, learning, and emotional grounding.
  • The anthology also explores the cultural and social dimensions of food: dining out alone, imagining a meal fit for a king, almost dropping a turkey while receiving shocking news, fasting for ten days, feeling unsure about what counts as a healthy diet, or preparing traditional family meals. Food carries stories across generations, marks celebrations and transitions, and reflects identity in ways that can lift us up, weigh us down, or anchor us in who we truly are. Every bite—from scones to casseroles, pancakes to apple pie, red meat to vegan dishes, or other culturally distinct foods—reveals how eating holds memory, identity, and the full complexity of human experience.

Join us as we share both fictional and nonfictional experiences about food to discover how eating brings meaning, insight, and connection to everyday life. As you read, you may feel textures under your fingers, imagine the smells of freshly baked treats, taste flavors in your mind, and maybe even lick your chops at stories about food and recipes. You might need tissues for heart-tugging moments or feel tension from social dynamics.

Contributing Authors.

  • Marnie Birch (here)
  • Robbie Cheadle (here)
  • Donna Connolly (here)
  • Joseph J. Dwyer (here)
  • Nancy Franz ( here)
  • Cindy Georgakas (here)
  • Miriam Hurdle (here)
  • Marsha Ingrao (here)
  • Kelvin M. Knight (here)
  • Mabel Kwong (here)
  • Ana Linden (here)
  • Sherri Matthews (here)
  • Frank Prem (here)
  • Pete Springer (here)
  • Carol Ann Taylor (here)
  • Gary A. Wilson (here)

My review for the anthology 

There is no doubt that anyone reading this collection will relate to one or more of the stories since the theme is food. Human beings require food to survive, but those of us lucky enough to have an abundance of produce at our disposal, do not just recognise the physical requirement, but often an emotional connection, associated with the people and events in our lives.

In these stories we are invited into the lives of the writers to experience their memories, attachments to certain foods, moments when something as simple as burning a piece of toast evokes a memory of a very lucky escape. How very different Christmas in Romania was in the 1980s, when oranges were rationed and getting one as a gift was precious.

I enjoyed reading all the stories and applaud their authors for writing about their lives and their association to food with such honesty and often emotion. Clearly the concept evoked times in their lives when food brought families together, falling in love and moving a continent away or a classroom of young students baking cookies with mathematical precision. I could certainly relate to Cindy Georgakas exploration of the obsession with dieting and how it developed from the 1800s when curves were the fashion. She also shares some effective strategies for the childhood years helping children find a healthy way to relate to food that will stand them in good stead in later years.

Robbie Cheadle’s personal story demonstrates how not finding that healthy way to relate to food and exercise can result in an obsessive approach to dieting and intense exercise which she candidly shares with us. Thankfully Robbie’s approach changed dramatically when something very special changed her perspective.

Marsha Ingrao shares her cancer journey and the dieting variations she was encouraged to follow despite her sugar addiction, something many of us suffer from. At the end of the day it is a daunting challenge to stick to a very restrictive regimen, and is more likely to lead to relapses that are tough to come back from. This is mirrored by Miriam Hurdle who found financial awareness was a way to evaluate the cost of buying commercial coffee and muffins versus making her own, reaping the benefits in both income and health. This led to not one major change but small incremental ones over many years leading to a freedom most will never attain.

Yvette Prior shares her A-Z of foods and nutrients that are tried and tested over the years and it is a comprehensive list, which form a strong foundation of physical, emotional and mental health.

The literary table offers the reader a fictionalised perspective on food and Gary Wilson’s story certainly got me thinking about long haul flights I have taken and the people I met as we endured hours of static sitting. I recall often this resulted people taking the opportunity to share more personal information than usual, perhaps due to the knowledge this would be a brief encounter before going separate ways

What are also highly enjoyable are the recipes attached to the stories associated with family and memories of childhood. I will certainly be trying Donna Connolly’s Nancy Franz’s Potatoes, Marnie Birch’s Granny Mac’s Scones, Carol Taylor’s apple pies and certainly admired Gary Wilson’s creative way of getting his children to eat more vegetables. Cindy Georgakas shares a wonderful lentil soup and Robbie Cheadle’s oxtail with red wine are winter winners. 

As an addition to the stories at the end of the collection, Yvette Prior shares her thoughts on each of them and awards them an appropriate Limerick which are a joy in themselves.

Food is an essential component of all our lives and this collection is a reminder of how it also bonds people together in a very special way. I also appreciate all the work that went into bringing these talented writers together to make such a compelling read. I can highly recommend.

 Read the reviews and buy the collection: Amazon US– And: Amazon CA – And: Amazon UK 

And the last anthology is the Story Chat Digest with many authors and poets from our writing community… Marsha Ingrao is the editor and also contributor to the stories and poetry.

Contributing authors are:

Marian Allen – Nigel Byng – Cathy Cade – Robbie Cheadle – Esther Chilton – Diana Coombs – Philip Cumberland – Miram Elen – Grant P. Ferguson – Amanda Forestwood – Darlene Foster – Cindy Georgakas – Marsha Ingrao – Doug Jacquier – Geoff Lepard – Jules Paige – Yvette Prior – Hugh W. Roberts – Sadje – Lauren Scott – J. T. Twissel – Smitha Vishwanath – Maggie Watson – Gary A. Wilson

About Story Chat Digest Where Stories Meet An Anthology of Short Stories and Poems

Story Chat Digest Where Stories Meet brings together a vibrant collection of short fiction and contemporary poetry from writers across continents. Each piece stands on its own, yet together they form a thoughtful conversation about life’s moments—large and small, joyful and difficult, humorous and reflective.

Within these pages, you’ll encounter stories that linger like candlelit conversations and poems that capture the quiet textures of everyday life. Mystery, memory, family, resilience, faith, and friendship all find their place in this rich and varied collection.

The anthology grew out of the Story Chat community—an international group of writers and readers who share a love of storytelling and the discussions stories inspire. Throughout the book, readers will find Book Club Questions and Story Chat reflections designed to encourage conversation and deeper engagement.

Whether you are reading alone or with friends, this anthology invites you to pause, reflect, and enjoy the power of stories shared across cultures and experiences.

Story Chat Digest Where Stories Meet is more than a collection of writing—it is an invitation to join the circle where stories meet, and conversations begin.

My review for the anthology

This is a multi-genre anthology with stories and poems that explore and capture the many different sides to life and its impact on us.

This is not just a collection of stories, as the reader is also invited into a book club chat room where the short stories and poetry are discussed, offering a more intimate inclusion for a reader as they are introduced to the contributing writers.  All the stories are to be celebrated but I have selected a few to highlight.

Certainly the stories will keep you fully engaged from the first page where Cathy Cade,  kicks the collection off with ‘But Is It Poetry?’, exploring the departure from rhyming poetry to free verse…which she achieved with great skill. As she did in a following ‘Acrostic’ poem…Another poem which was thought provoking was Robbie Cheadle’s ‘Invisible’ which was a reminder of how grateful we should be for all we have.

This is followed by the story  ‘All About Sophia’ by Nigel Byng and her ambitions in life, which certainly resulted in some interesting interactions with others, which served to showcase her creative thinking. This resulted in quite the discussion between the members of the book club and I can understand why..

The stories vary in length and it was in the Flash Fiction where you will find some compelling gems. ‘The Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse’ by Doug Jacquier captured the devastation caused by fire. And if you are in the habit of talking to your domestic helpers, then you will relate to Marsha Ingrao’s ‘Creative Snow Removal’.

There are some stories which will break your heart such as ‘Going Home’ by Esther Chilton.  As does Geoff LePard’s poem ‘How Do I Love You’ and Darlene Foster’s mystery ‘The Right Wrong Man’ will keep you guessing right to the end. As does The ‘Shrew of Termagant Court’ by Gary A. Wilson.

Hugh Roberts offers a masterclass in the art of Flash Fiction… a tricky form of storytelling but very satisfying when done with skill. As you will discover when you read the examples the writers share in the collection.

Yvette Prior contributes a mystery that has you turning the pages as you learn the fate of Uncle Ted, and Limerick in tribute to a form colleague.

I particularly related to ‘I Walk in Circles’ by Cindy Georgakas as I am sure all readers will. And I loved ‘If Not For That Old Tower’ by Gary A. Wilson…have tissues to hand. And intrigued by Grant Ferguson’s story ‘Countdown’.

Unforgettable is the original artwork and poem by Robbie Cheadle in the ‘Cape Buffalo of Black Death’… chilling as well as beautiful.

Geoff Le Pard features a number of times in the collection and one of his pieces shares a poem by his father Desmond called ‘Our Garden’ and it is a celebration of love as well as nature.

I was very taken with Doug Jacquier’s ‘Bear Air’ and the exploration of the future of air travel… intriguing and rather disturbing but since modern air travel is equally disturbing these days… who knows it might be an improvement. And a tissue alert for ‘Jenny’ by Philip Cumberland and it if doesn’t put you in the Christmas spirit nothing will.

I can highly recommend this anthology for its creativity and originality.

Read the reviews and buy the anthology: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

 

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will explore these fascinating anthologies and enjoy them as much as I did.

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine Weekly Round Up – 22nd – 28th June – #Heatwave, Big Band Era, Out of Africa, #Spices #Accents, Summer Book Fair, Shortstories, Funnies.

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Welcome to the round up of posts you might have missed this week on Smorgasbord..

I know some of you have been enduring record temperatures and even here we have had some scorchers. It is not often we get the fans out we brought back from Spain but I have one next to me night and day at the moment.  I am not complaining as early mornings and evenings are very pleasant.

I did wonder how Babycat would get on in the heat but he was very sensible, during the day in and out from under the thick hedge and I made sure he had plenty of wet food and water. Not much fun with a fur coat but during the summer he spends his life outside sleeping at night in the safety of his purpose built house. Another couple of months and he will be back on the bed upstairs moaning about the wet weather lol.

I received another lovely review this week for Tales from the Irish Garden from Balroop Singh and another terrific boost for the book.

You can read Balroop’s review along with the others for the book: Goodreads Tales from the Irish Garden.  

On the blog front.

It is five years since I last shared the letters from America I sent to my parents about our adventures over the two years we lived in Houston. I was going to put them in a book but to be honest I think they might be better enjoyed as a series again… I hope… they start on Tuesday and will continue for the next ten years…. only kidding… next two years lol.

My thanks as always to the amazing contributors for their posts and support.

William Price King joined me for a Big Band era and on Friday another in the Chart Toppers and Blockbuster series and we are delighted you are enjoying along with us.  You can catch up with William on his own Blog– IMPROVISATION– William Price King on Tumblr

Debby Gies will be back with another post in her series on ageing July 6th. On her own blog her monthly writer’s tips and as always her Sunday Book Review and this week it is for The Destination: Harbor Pointe – Book 3 by D. L. Finn   D.G. Kaye

Carol Taylor was here on Wednesday sharing recipes for Fajita Spice, Tahini, Peanut Butter and Hummus..this week the second part of spicing up your food and.on her own blog Carol shared  the most recent of the cuisines of Peru. CarolCook 

Malcolm Allen was here on Monday with a rewind of his funnies… always entertaining.

Thomas Wikman was here on Thursday with a very interesting exploration of accents and how hard it is to lose even when you learn another language. Amazon US

And my thanks to you for all your support during the week.

Music Column Retro- The Big Band Era with William Price King and Sally Cronin – 1940s – Georgie Stoll with Judy Garland, Victor Young with Dick Haymes, Tommy Rall

Chart Toppers and Blockbusters 1980s with William Price King – “What’s Love Got To Do With It” and Out of Africa

The Cookery Column Retro with Carol Taylor #Fajita Spice, #Tahini #Peanut Butter #Hummus

Comedy with Malcolm Allen Rewind – Book Groups and Bank Heists

Thomas Wikman’s Superfacts – #Accents are very difficult to lose

Book Review – #Noir #Crime #Thriller – Dead Jealous by Alison J. Moore

Posts from last six months of 2025 – #Poetry #Tanka Love at First Sight by Gwen Plano

#Memoir #Teaching Pete Springer, #Memoir #Leonbergers Thomas Wikman, #Christmas #Cookbook Carol Taylor

#Shortstories #Life Alex Craigie, #Ireland, #Contemporary #Recipes Mary Crowley, #Shortstories #Flash Janet Gogerty

#Romance #France #Artists J. Arlene Culiner, #Romance #PostWWII Jan K Sikes, #Western #Romance Silverhills’ Rescue by Sandra Cox

#Murder #Mystery Noelle A Granger, #Mystery #Thriller Anne Louise O’Connell, #pyschological #family Stevie Turner

Smorgasbord Authors in the Sun – #Summer #Spain #Rain – Skyhorses, ‘Los caballos del cielo’ by Sue Wickstead

Host Sally Cronin and the Social Media Team – Loan Repayment and Bathroom cleaning

 

Thanks very much for dropping in today and I hope you will join us again next week.

 

 

Smorgasbord Funnies 2026 – Host Sally Cronin and the Social Media Team – Loan Repayment and Bathroom cleaning

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Over the years I have been saving funnies from my various social media platforms and particularly Facebook… some from members of our writing community and I hope they don’t mind if I share here just two of the frequent flyers are Laura Lyndhurst  Jim Webster– … I hope you enjoy.

And to finish – Teenagers…

When he was a teenager, little Johnny’s father caught him reading one of his older sister’s magazines. “Son, why are you reading that sissy magazine?” he asked.

“There’s an article that tells women where to meet men,” Johnny responded, pointing to the magazine’s cover. “I need to know where I’m supposed to be.”

****************************************************

A teenager confesses to her mother
T: “I have decided to run away and elope with Marty the mail man”
M: “Oh, but honey he could be your father”
T: “I don’t care, he loves me, age is just a number”
M: “Oh no, dearie, I didn’t mean it that way…”

*********************************************************

The teenager lost a contact lens while playing basketball in his driveway. After a brief, fruitless search, he gave up. His mother took up the cause and within minutes found the lens.

“How did you do it?” he asked.

“We weren’t looking for the same thing,” she explained. “You were looking for a piece of plastic. I was looking for £150.”

My thanks to those who serve up the humour on social media… 

If you would like to browse my books and reviews you can find them here Sally’s Books and Reviews 

Smorgasbord Summer Book Fair – #Murder #Mystery Noelle A Granger, #Mystery #Thriller Anne Louise O’Connell, #pyschological #family Stevie Turner

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The first book today is one of the riveting mysteries by Noelle A. Granger…Death by Pumpkin ( A Rhe Brewster Mystery)

About the book

At the annual Pumpkin Festival in the coastal town of Pequod, Maine, Rhe Brewster, an ER nurse and Police Department consultant, responds to screams at the site of the Pumpkin Drop. Racing to the scene, where a one-ton pumpkin was dropped from a crane to crush an old car, Rhe and her brother-in-law, Sam, Pequod’s Chief of Police, discover the car contains the smashed remains of a man’s body. After the police confirm the death as a homicide, Rhe embarks on a statewide search to identify the victim and find the killer. During the course of the emotional investigation, she survives an attempt on her life at 10,000 feet, endures the trauma of witnessing the murder of an old flame, and escapes an arson attack on her family’s home. There is clearly a sociopath on the loose who is gunning for Rhe and leaving bodies behind. With Sam unable to offer his usual support due to an election recall and a needy new girlfriend, Rhe realizes that the only way to stop the insanity is to risk it all and play the killer’s game.

Maine’s most tenacious sleuth is back, this time to confront a menace that threatens to destroy her life and those closest to her. The latest installment of the Rhe Brewster Mystery Series, Death by Pumpkin, is a murder mystery and thriller that tests the limits of Rhe’s strength and resolve like never before.

One of the reviews for the book 

Kate Loveton  5 out of 5 stars I love these books

I have been a fan of Ms. Granger’s series of novels about the intrepid Rhe Brewster since the first was published several years ago. I love these books!

Rhe is an ER nurse who works part time with the Pequod, Maine Police Department. She has a brother in law who is crazy about her and who just happens to be the chief of police, a boisterous young son, and a best friend who must be the world’s best cook. I think I gained 5 pounds just reading about the meals consumed by Rhe and the other characters in the book.

One of the things I like most about this series is Granger’s endearing characters. Picking up this latest book is like saying hello again to old friends you haven’t seen in a while. It is both warm and inviting to spend some time with Rhe and friends. Um, yes, I did just say that about a novel dealing with murder!

In this latest outing, Rhe has her hands full as she investigates a murder at a pumpkin festival, organizes a campaign to help her brother in law maintain his position with the Pequod PD in the face of ugly student protests from the local college, and tries to evade the clutches of a crazy person out to kill her. She does all this while eating meals that induced hunger in this reader, and while juggling a male suitor or two. Whew!

If you’re unfamiliar with N.A. Granger’s Rhe Brewster mysteries, check them out. They are fun to read and will definitely hold your interest.

Just get ready to gain a pound or two… 

Head over to read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

Other books by Noelle Granger

Head over to read more about Noelle A. Granger, read the reviews and buy her books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Blog: Sayling Away – Goodreads:Noelle A. Granger – Twitter: @NAGrangerAuthor 

The next book is the mystery thriller set in Dubai by Anne Louise O’Connell – Deep Deceit

About the book

When Celeste Parker’s daughter Tamara goes missing in Dubai the all-out search and rescue mission she anticipates never materializes. She is put off by the police as 18-year-old Tamara is technically an adult, and no foul play is apparent. Celeste faces the gut-wrenching fear every mother dreads… the possibility of losing a child. And, with the unfamiliar laws of the Middle East, the stress level skyrockets. The longer Tamara is missing the more Celeste’s feelings of dread escalate. Her maternal instinct tells her something is terribly wrong. New to the city and with her husband away working in Saudi Arabia, she turns to her new friend and fellow expat, Susan Morris, for help. This suspenseful mystery/thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat as the duo set off on a hunt, which takes them down a dark alley of deep deceit. From exotic nightclubs and high-class call girls to mysterious Saudi palaces hidden behind ominous walls, they follow each lead while uncovering the unthinkable. The suspense builds as they come closer to finding Tamara and the secrets Celeste and Susan uncover threaten not only her daughter’s life but everyone in their families’ as well.

If you enjoy reading about international intrigue and cultural clashes, you’ll love Deep Deceit. If you like what you read, there’s more to come in Deep Freeze, the next installment in the Susan Morris Expat Mystery series.

An award-winning Canadian Author, Anne’s first novel, Mental Pause, a murder mystery/suspense with an unusual twist, won an Independent Publisher Book Award (IPPY) for best adult fiction.

One of the reviews for the book. 

Pamela F. Stanley  5 out of 5 stars
You Had me at “Give me ten more!”

Right off the bat, the title and the photo had me intrigued. The opening lines portrayed a friendship developing through hardship that would grow, permeate and infuse the arc of the story.

This is a book about love, betrayal, loyalty, and friendship written beneath the backdrop of colorful, exotic, androcentric Dubai. For anyone who’s ever traveled as an ex-patriot, you’ll empathize with the character’s needs to find their own “tribal members” and learn the lay of the land quickly. For any of us who are parents, and more fear instilling, parents in a foreign land, this roller coaster ride of emotions will keep you reading through to the satisfying end.

While the story itself was a mystery thriller, the author painted life in Dubai with such vivid and evocative language, I felt myself immersed in the region. The descriptions of the wedding and the night club scene were particularly striking.

I look forward to more from this author and to learn more about the character Susan, a natural-born caregiver and sleuth. Well done! 

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

Other books by Anne Louise O’Connell and anthologies contributed to.

Head over to find out more about Anne, read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – More reviews: Goodreads – Website: OC Publishing – Blog:Writing Just Because – Facebook:OC Publishing– Instagram: ocpubhfx – YouTube: Ocpublishing 

The final book today is a short story packed with drama… Holding Hands by Stevie Turner  

About the book

Elderly widower Tom Hopkins is lonely. In-between going to Bingo, taking bus rides for the sake of it to look around shops, and trying line dancing for beginners, he often spends his time doing voluntary work as a hand-holder in the Ophthalmology Department of his local hospital where nervous people arrive to undergo injections for the eye condition ‘wet age-related macular degeneration’

Ellen Wilkinson, also widowed, is a patient in the clinic. She soon makes a friend of Tom after they meet by chance in the hospital’s café. Unbeknown to Tom, Ellen is a wealthy woman and has not yet made a will. Her son Bob is against the friendship, and tries his best to stop the burgeoning relationship between his mother and Tom.

When Bob finds out that a wedding might be on the cards, he is sure Tom is a gold-digger and is determined to stop the marriage once and for all. Ellen and Tom, however, have other ideas, but are unprepared for the lengths Bob will go in order to scupper their plans.

Shortlisted for the 2025 Page Turner Golden Author/Writer/Screenwriter Award and the Phoenix Award.

“The voice of Tom rings loud and clear, bringing his character and those he encounters to life. The minute observations are spot on and are often qualified by the kind of sharp, erudite comments that reflect his advanced years. Excellent writing.” – Judge Stewart Carry  

One of the reviews for the book 

MacTrish
5 out of 5 stars
A tale of loneliness, bordom, fun and friendship – with a sting in the tail!

This is a delightful book about an elderly man who volunteers to hold the hands of anxious patients awaiting eye injections. His accounts of his daily life are masterfully done and really capture the loneliness, boredom and humour of a man approaching his 87th year. His wife died just over a year ago and there’s a touching description of him standing inside her empty wardrobe to capture the lingering scent of her.

Tom is so lonely at the beginning of the book he passes the time volunteering, sleeping, going to bingo, and even attempting line dancing just to be with people.

Then he meets a fun-loving woman, Ellen, at the eye clinic and things change for him in ways that he couldn’t have anticipated. The only fly in the ointment is Ellen’s controlling and disapproving son Bob. This isn’t a ‘cosy’ story, as such, but I’ll not give away any spoilers except to say that the ending came as quite a surprise.

This is a well-written tale that captures the fun and loneliness of people in a way I found enchanting. 

Buy the book: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US

A small selection of other books by Stevie Turner

Discover more about Stevie Turner, read the reviews and buy the books : Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Follow Stevie : Goodreads blog: Stevie Turner on WordPress – Twitter: @StevieTurner6 – And: Bluesky

 

Thanks very much for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books

Smorgasbord Summer Book Fair – Book Review – #Noir #Crime #Thriller – Dead Jealous by Alison J. Moore

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My review this week is for Dead Jealous: A Fliss Dawes Investigation (Fliss Dawes Investigations Book 1) by Alison J. Moore

About the book

When Richard walked out the door, Fliss Dawes was unaware that her life would change forever – or that she was stepping into a nightmare.

In a bid to escape her grief, she accepts the invitation to a school reunion. But familiar faces bring back more than old memories; they awaken long-buried grudges and dangerous secrets.

Someone at the reunion has a deadly agenda.

As dark secrets unravel and alliances shift, Fliss is drawn into a chilling psychological game where survival means uncovering the truth.

And when everyone is a suspect, who can she trust?

My review for the book June 27th 2026

Life for Fliss Dawes seems to be routine with her journalism and occasional work for the police as a forensic profiler, however her family are thriving and settled but things are about to change dramatically. The unthinkable happens and the story follows the family as they deal with the aftermath of a tragedy

As the family attempts to find ways of overcoming their grief, her children suggest that Fliss undertakes a trip to revisit her past and the places she had lived and enjoyed so many years before along with her beloved dog Jake. Not all the memories are thought of fondly as she realises when she meets old acquaintances. Then the unthinkable happens and Fliss is thrown into murder case which leads to a dangerous and complex set of events, with her at its centre.

This is a gripping crime thriller with plenty of twists and turns as secrets are unearthed and the facades created by some of the suspects are shattered. I certainly found it compelling reading. 

This story is also about family and how when disaster strikes they pull together and support and love each other. The author did a great job in making this an important element throughout the book.

Great characters, well researched on the criminal investigation procedures and an exciting lead up to the climax of the story… with the door left open for the next book in the series. I can highly recommend.

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US

Also by Alison J. Moore.

Discover more about Alison Moore, read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US – Read more reviews: Goodreads – Website: Alison J. Moore – Facebook: DesignWritePrint – Instagram:Author.amoore 

About Alison J. Moore

Alison Moore is a writer and illustrator with a lifelong love of storytelling. Inspired by childhood adventures in the countryside and a fondness for noticing the quirky side of life, she now writes psychological crime fiction exploring hidden lives, dark secrets, and the consequences of the past.

After more than thirty years as a graphic designer and printer, Alison returned fully to writing and illustration. She lives in the countryside, where she continues to create stories that linger long after the final page.

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books.

Smorgasbord Posts from Your Archives 2026 – Posts from last six months of 2025 – #Poetry #Tanka Love at First Sight by Gwen Plano

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Welcome to the  series of Posts from Your Archives for 2026 and I will be sharing posts from the SECOND six months of 2025 from your archives which I will select. This series is now closed but there will be another later in the year.

This is the second post from the archives of Gwen Plano who is a wonderful writer and poet. Gwen sadly lost her lovely daughter-in-law in May so we moved this post from its original date.

 Love at First Sight by Gwen Plano 

Hello, blog friends ~

In my part of the world, surrounded by the Prescott National Forest and elevations stretching upwards of 7,000 ft., wildlife are abundant. Almost every day, I see pronghorn. At certain times of the year, I encounter javelina, but more commonly, I see coyotes and rabbits–and many varieties of birds.

Recently, I was surprised by a mountain lion. It was early morning, and I was driving into Prescott. This magnificent cat leapt in front of the car as she headed into the mountains. It was love at first sight. ❤️ She glanced at me, and I at her, and to this day, I see her beautiful face.

Since today is Tanka Tuesday, I’ve chosen to use the above encounter as the inspiration for my poem. Colleen Chesebro invites participants to use metaphors to stir the reader’s senses. I’ve given it a try through my simple tanka.

I wish I could say that I took the photo, but all the glory goes to Canva. I didn’t have time to dig out my phone and snap a shot or two. The visit was, unfortunately, much too brief.

I hope you have a wonderful week, and if you’ve encountered a mountain lion, please share. This was my first and only sighting.

©Gwen Plano

My thanks to Gwen for inviting me to share from her archives and I know she would love to hear from you.

Books by Gwen M. Plano

One of the reviews for Redemption 

Mae Clair
5.0 out of 5 stars Part Thriller, Part Family Drama

Part family drama, part thriller, Redemption moves at a swift pace with events occurring in rapid succession. Lisa has barely arrived at her parents’ home for a visit when an assailant murders her father, Eric, and sends her mother to the hospital with gunshot wounds. Never truly close with her father, Lisa soon realizes his past was filled with secrets—shadows of a dangerous life that threaten her safety and the lives of her family.

Along with her brother, Trace, and his friend, Ryan, they attempt to unearth her father’s secrets, but there are hurdles at every turn. Stalkers trail them, a hotel room that should be a safe haven is bugged, and even the police and FBI are suspect.

The author did a great job of keeping things moving at a fast clip. One scene spirals into the next as Eric’s life unravels. It’s almost as if he left puzzle pieces behind, laying out a trail for his children to follow. The three main characters—Lisa, Trace, and Ryan—make an excellent team. All are likeable individually but have great chemistry when together. And there is one supporting character I truly loved (I don’t want to say more for fear of spoiling a thread).

The message of redemption and the way things wrap at the end make this not only an exciting read, but a heartwarming one too. A polished book with a fast plot, wonderful characters, and a beautiful message! 

Read the reviews and buy the books: : Amazon UK –and : Amazon US – As Gwendolyn M. Plano: Amazon US follow Gwen : Goodreads –website:Gwen Plano – Twitter: @gmplano

About Gwen M. Plano

Gwen M. Plano, aka Gwendolyn M. Plano, grew up in Southern California and spent most of her professional life in higher education. She taught and served as an administrator in colleges in Japan, New York, Connecticut, and California. Recently retired, she now lives in the high desert of Arizona, where she writes, gardens, and travels with her husband.

Gwen’s first book is an acclaimed memoir, Letting Go into Perfect Love. Her second book, The Contract between Heaven and Earth, is a thriller novel, co-authored by John W. Howell. It has received multiple awards and is an Amazon Best Seller. The Choice, the unexpected heroes, is the sequel to The Contract. It is also a thriller, involving the attempt of an unfriendly nation to take over the world. The third book in the series, The Culmination, a new beginning, is an action-packed military thriller that concludes that the only hope for humanity is love.

Gwen’s most recent novels focus on family and the spiritual dimension of life. Redemption, A Father’s Fatal Decision, is a suspense story about a broken family that finds healing in the unexpected. The next novel, The Soul Whisperer’s Decision, involves a mother and her experience of the supernatural. The novella, The Gift, brings together three families through the blessing of a baby.

When Gwen is not writing, she’s often in the beautiful Red Rocks of Sedona, where she finds inspiration.

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you are leaving with some books. 

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – The Music Column – Chart Toppers and Blockbusters 1980s with William Price King – “What’s Love Got To Do With It” and Out of Africa

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Welcome to the series where I will be sharing the chart toppers and blockbusters through the decades… be prepared for some nostalgia and some foot tapping music. William

🎶   Tina Turner – “What’s Love Got To Do With It”

“What’s Love Got To Do With It” was penned by Graham Lyle and Terry Britten and released as a single on Turner’s 1984 album “Private Dancer.” It became Turner’s biggest-selling single. At the time, aged 44, Turner became the oldest solo female artist to top the Hot 100.

“What’s Love Got to Do with It” received three Grammy Awards in 1985, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. In 1993, the song’s title was used as the title for the film based on Tina Turner’s life.

While “What’s Love Got To Do With It” blasted on the radio – “Out of Africa” exploded at the movies. 

🎬   “Out of Africa”

“Out of Africa” starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford, was directed and produced by Sydney Pollack. The film is loosely based on the 1937 autobiographical book “Out of Africa” which was penned by Isak Dinesen (the pseudonym of the Danish author Karen Blixen) and portrays the life of a Danish baroness/plantation owner who has a passionate love affair with a free-spirited big-game hunter in 20th-century colonial Kenya.

A commercial success, the film garnered seven Academy Awards in 1985, including Best Picture, Best Director (Pollack), and Best Adapted Screenplay (Kurt Luedtke).

Join William again next week for more entertainment…

Your Host

William Price King is an American jazz singer, crooner, and composer.

His interest in music began at an early age when he studied piano and clarinet in high school. At Morehouse College in Atlanta where he grew up, he sang in the Glee Club and studied classical music. After graduation he went off to the Yale School of Music where he earned a Masters degree. From there he journeyed to New York where he created a jazz trio ‘Au Naturel’ which performed in some of the hottest venues in Manhattan including gigs on Broadway and the famous ‘Rainbow Room.’ These gigs opened doors for performances in Montreal and a European tour.

While touring Europe he met a lovely French lady, Jeanne Maïstre, who, a year later became his wife. King left the group ‘Au Naturel’ and settled in the south of France where he started a new life on the French Riviera, opening his own music school – the “Price King Ecole Internationale de Chant.” He has had the pleasure over the years of seeing many of his students excel as singers on a professional level, and some going on to become national celebrities. He continues to coach young singers today, in his spare time.

Blog– IMPROVISATION – William Price King on Tumblr – Buy William’s music: William Price King iTunes – Facebook – William Price King – Twitter – @wpkofficial
Regular Venue – Cave Wilson

 

Thanks very much for dropping in today and it would be great if you could share the music with your connections.

Smorgasbord Summer Book Fair – #Romance #France #Artists J. Arlene Culiner, #Romance #PostWWII Jan K Sikes, #Western #Romance Silverhills’ Rescue by Sandra Cox

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The first book today is by J. Arlene Culiner’s a wonderful romance set in rural France. The Unpredictable Colors of Love.

 About the book

Callie Patterson, an unsuccessful artist, hopes that a relationship with the irresistible and magnetic Nicholas Trier will pave the way to success. She follows him to France where, in a magnificent château, he holds his artists’ retreats. But famous men surround themselves with hangers-on and demand complete loyalty.

Callie soon finds herself far more attracted to Michel Alexandre, the estate gardener, who loves and protects trees and every living creature. But if she wants to make a name for herself, she’ll have to choose Nicholas and his world.

Except nothing is quite the way it seems, and perhaps success isn’t the most important thing, after all.

My review for the book

S. G. Cronin
5 out of 5 stars
A wonderful romance in a beautiful setting

It is always easy to get lost in the romances written by this author, especially when they feature those who are at an age when they might imagine the search for the love of their life is over. After all there are other things to consider for the future such as financial security, finally achieving success after years of trying to be noticed and a natural reticence to give too much of yourself away.

Callie has all of these issues on her mind as she applies for and is accepted into an artist’s retreat in a magnificent chateau in France. The artist heading up the retreat is the charismatic and current art world darling, who she believes holds the key to her being noticed for her work. However, her interest is pulled in a number of different directions once she begins to see the true colours of her surroundings and those who dwell within its walls and gardens.

As always the author creates characters who are not always perfect, have enjoyed full lives up to the point where she brings them together, and who are on a journey of discovery. As we learn more about Callie’s childhood and that of Michel Alexandre it is clear how deeply they have been affected and how it has determined their lives to this point.

The story is set within in the luxurious and lovingly renovated chateau and in the glorious countryside where its ancient fields and hedgerows are also being brought back to life. The perfect setting for two people who might have given up hope on finding a soul mate to explore the possibility there might just be a chance for them after all. 

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

A selection of other books by Jill Arlene Culiner

Discover more about Jill, read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Follow J. Arlene Culiner: Goodreads – Websites: J. Arlene Culiner – And: Jill Culiner Facebook: J. Arlene Culiner Romance Writer – Twitter: @JArleneCuliner – And: Bluesky

The next book is by Jan Sikes… a world war two romance – A Beggar’s Bargain.

About the book

A shocking proposal that changes everything.

Desperate to honor his father’s dying wish, Layken Martin vows to do whatever it takes to save the family farm.

Once the Army discharges him following World War II, Layken returns to Missouri to find his legacy in shambles and in jeopardy. A foreclosure notice from the bank doubles the threat. He appeals to the local banker for more time—a chance to rebuild, plant, and harvest crops and time to heal far away from the noise of bombs and gunfire.

But the banker firmly denies his request. Now what?

Then, the banker makes an alternative proposition—marry his unwanted daughter, Sara Beth, in exchange for a two-year extension. Out of options, money, and time, Layken agrees to the bargain.

Now, he has two years to make a living off the land while he shares his life with a stranger.
If he fails at either, he’ll lose it all.

One of the reviews for the book 

Joy Shelton-York
5 out of 5 stars
A beautifully written and heartwarming story.

I absolutely fell I love with everything about this beautifully written, heartwarming story by Jan Sikes. After WWll and the death of his parents, Layken Martin returns home to his 200-acre family farm in Missouri, finding it neglected and in disrepair with a notice of foreclosure hanging over his head. Layken is desperate to save the land that his ancestors fought with blood, sweat, and tears to make a productive and a safe home. Despite his long relationship with Layken’s father, the banker has no sympathy for Layken’s plight, but he does make an offer to the desperate man. If Layken will marry his unwanted daughter Sara Beth, he can buy himself a two-year extension to pay back the loan and save the family farm. Bound by a since of loyalty and duty to his parents and family heritage, Layken agrees to the bargain. Sara Beth is just as dismayed by their forced marriage as Layken, but her abusive and controlling father gives her no choice.

Layken and Sara Beth are the heart of this story. Though they come from totally different backgrounds, they are both endearing, strong, caring, protective, compassionate, and fiercely loyal. Layken offers kindness and safety to Sara Beth, and they too make a bargain of their own to work in tandem for their mutual interest. Sikes has meticulously and richly developed not just her protagonists, but all her characters are authentic and add value and layers to the story. I adored Seymour who is a stabilizing force and a voice of calm. He could have his own story. The time period is well-researched and is vividly described, drawing me into every scene from the sweltering heat while planting and watering the dry, dusty fields to the cozy evening gatherings around the radio for a night of entertainment. I don’t want to give away the story, but I loved it all and didn’t want it to end.

I said the heart of the characters were Layken and Sara Beth, but I left out the crucial motivation for this story that Sikes often personifies…the land. The steadfast provider through thick and thin.

“He loved every square inch of the two-hundred-acre farm surrounded by ancient walnut trees, black oak, cottonwood, sweetgum, and silverleaf maple trees. Embedded in his soul, the spirit of the land and his connection with it had kept him going when he lay sleepless on foreign soil.”

“The land could help heal deep grief and wounds. It offered a new life. It was worth fighting to keep.”

A few of my favorite quotes.

This is a wonderfully woven story that I highly recommend. 

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US –  And: Amazon UK

A small selection of other books by Jan Sikes

Discover more about Jan Sikes, read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And : Amazon UK – Website: Jan Sikes – Goodreads: Jan on Goodreads – Twitter: @rijanjks  – Bluesky: Jksikes-author

The final book today is by Sandra Cox… the third book in the wonderful Silverhills saga… Silverhills’ Rescue.

About the book

A marker is called in.

Brandon comes home from a trail drive to find his wife on her way to Mexico to help the mission folk that took her in. Putting herself in danger. Crossing perilous terrain, where not only the weather kills, but Comancheros and bandoleros as well. He climbs back into the saddle and heads out after her. Both of them now embarked on separate journeys that involves killers, flooded arroyos and narrow divides where one misstep means a plunge to certain death. And, if that’s not enough to challenge them, at journey’s end they’ll face the most dangerous situation of all.

One of the reviews for the book May 23rd 2026 

MK Alexander
5 out of 5 stars
Buckle Up Buckaroos!

In the hot Summer 1874 there’s trouble south of the Rio Grande: an outbreak of highly contagious and deadly smallpox at a tiny Mission. Not many would care, but Alex O’Malley does. That Mission saved her life and the life of her two children. There’s a debt to be paid, people to save.

Once the message arrives she’s determined to help, saddles up and leaves behind everything she loves: the Silverhills Ranch, her family, all her friends, and her beloved husband Brandon, who’s yet to return from a cattle drive.

She’s not quite alone on the arduous ride south of the border. Manuel knows the way, and her favorite cowpoke Charlie decides to come along whether she likes it or not. Every imaginable danger is encountered: a trapped wild cat that must be saved, a harrowing canyon trail where one misstep means death, and a near impossible forge across the raging Rio Grande.

Meanwhile, Brandon Wade returns and immediately sets off in pursuit, hell-bent on saving his wife no matter the cost. He has his own troubles crossing the border, running into some bad hombres to say the least. He finds children dying and his wife infected. Worse, angry villagers are trying to storm the Mission, worse still, a large band of ruthless Comancheros arrive, guns a blazing.

Traveling back to their Texas ranch is another matter entirely with so many banditos hot on their trail. To survive this ordeal, Alex is forced to conjure up every ounce of strength and courage, and love. The same can be said for her husband and their fiercely loyal friend Charlie.

Author Sandra Cox is in great form in her third Silverhills offering, and I reckon there’s another one in the works— still— it can be read as a stand-alone. The story is filled with unstoppable action, danger, and heartfelt characters to make for a worthwhile read. This is the seventh time I’ve hitched up to the Western world of author Sandra Cox… Mucho Recommended. 

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

A small selection of other books by Sandra Cox

Find out more about Sandra Cox, read the reviews and buy the books : Amazon UK –And: Amazon US- follow Sandra Cox: Goodreads – Blog: Sandra Cox Blogspot – Twitter:@Sandra_Cox  – Bluesky: @scoxauthor.bsky.social 

 

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books.

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Thomas Wikman’s Superfacts – #Accents are very difficult to lose

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Delighted to welcome Thomas Wikman to the blog as a contributor and every month he will be sharing one of the posts from his Superfacts series… always fascinating and enlightening.

This month Thomas is exploring how difficult it is to lose your natural accent you grew up with. Having moved several times as a child including two years in South Africa, I found adopting the local accent at school was a way to be integrated faster. But I always reverted back to my usual accent at home after school and as I got older. I am sure you will find as fascinating as I did.

Superfact: Accents are very difficult to lose

Accents are very difficult to lose. People may speak and understand a second language perfectly and still have a strong accent in that language assuming they did not learn the second language in childhood. This is a fact that is well known to the 20.6% of people in the US who are bilingual and to the 43% of people in the world who are bilingual. Yet many monolingual people are unaware of and surprised by this basic and important language fact.

I can’t lose my accent

On one occasion when I took my oldest son to the playground a guy doing the same started talking to me. Hearing my accent, he asked me where I was from (Sweden) and how long I had been here (10 years). Then the guy said, “I am surprised that after all these years you still have an accent”.

This is a sentiment I’ve come across many times here in the US, but not as often in Europe. Monolingual people are surprised to hear bilingual people’s accent. When I tell people about the reality of accents and that it is difficult to lose one without major speech therapy, they act very surprised. It is a basic and important language fact that is surprising to those who don’t know it. That’s why I think this counts as a super fact.

Black dog with a Swedish flag | Accents are very difficult to lose

Photo by Efrem Efre on Pexels.com

I have difficulty hearing my own accent, which is to be expected according to this article.  However, my accent becomes obvious to me when I hear myself speaking on a recording such as when I was interviewed by NBC about the tornado that ravaged our neighborhood five years ago. At first, I was thinking “oh shoot my accent is so obvious and now the whole world knows”, then I was thinking it is no big deal. If you want to hear my accent, click on this link. It is NBC news and my interview is located at : 1 minute and 11 seconds.

Accents are very difficult to lose

What monolingual people typically do not know but practically all bilingual people do know, is that it’s difficult to lose an accent as an adult learning a new language. Children can do it but not adults, not without major speech therapy. This article states that the cut off age is around 12 years old.

According to a test I took, my vocabulary and understanding of English grammar at the time of the incident above was above the average for native English speakers, and it was just as easy for me to understand, speak, read and write English, as Swedish. Yet my accent was obvious.

It should not really come as a surprise to monolingual people, but it does. After all, if you think about it, famous foreign actors such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Werner Herzog, Marion Cotillard, Stellan Skarsgård. etc., speak with an accent even after living in the US and/or working for Hollywood, several decades, and they are not faking it. I have several friends and relatives who speak with a strong foreign accent after living in the United States for 30, 40, 50, and 60 years. If they came as adults, they still have their accent.

As this article states, “accents are extremely difficult to lose because our infant brains codify a lifetime’s worth of sounds before we’ve spoken our first word”. As this article explains as we age our brains become more specialized in our native language sounds, making it harder to accurately perceive and produce new sounds from another language, a phenomenon often referred to as the “critical period hypothesis” in language acquisition; essentially, the window for easily acquiring perfect pronunciation closes during childhood.

Image by Gino Crescoli from Pixabay

A few second language facts.

The most popular second language in the world with respect to the number of non-native speakers (data taken from this site).

  • (1) English – 1,140 million non-native speakers
  • (2) Hindi – 264 million non-native speakers
  • (3) Chinese (Mandarin) – 199 million non-native speakers
  • (4) Urdu – 162 million non-native speakers
  • (5) French – 132 million non-native speakers
  • (6) Arabic – 109 million non-native speakers
  • (7) Russian – 107 million non-native speakers
  • (8) Spanish – 74 million non-native speakers
  • (9) Bengali – 43 million non-native speakers
  • (10) Portuguese – 28 million non-native speakers

The most popular second language in the world with respect to  number of countries

  • (1) English – 55 countries
  • (2) French – 14 countries
  • (3) Russian – 13 countries
  • (4) Spanish – 8 countries
  • (5) Creole – 8 countries
  • 6) Arabic – 6 countries
  • (7) Kurdish – 4 countries
  • (8) Portuguese – 4 countries
  • (9) Italian – 3 countries
  • (10) Quechua – 3 countries

©Thomas Wikman

My thanks to Thomas for sharing these facts with us and l know he would love to hear from you.

About Thomas Wikman and his Superfacts series.

Thomas Wikman is a retired automation, robotics, and software engineer and inveterate dog lover who emigrated from Sweden to the United States, where he and his wife raised three children. Their cherished Leonberger, Bronco, crossed the Rainbow Bridge in 2020. The Wikmans live in Dallas, Texas, with their two dogs-a pug and a miniature Australian shepherd

The goal of my Superfact blog is to create a list of simply stated facts or insights that are important and not trivia and known to be true with very high certainty and yet surprising, misunderstood, or disputed by many. However, the super facts are not disputed to any significant degree among the scientists or experts in the relevant fields.

Even though I have some expertise in a few fields I am certainly not an expert in hundreds of fields, so I am relying on the experts in the relevant fields and the evidence they provide to determine whether a fact is true. Super facts are not scientific theories but may be facts that are part of scientific theories. In lack of a better moniker, I am referring to these shocking, surprising or controversial but true facts as super-facts. Super-facts are special because they are both challenging and important.

I hope you will enjoy this new series on Smorgasbord and I look forward to sharing more superfacts with you over the next year.

Thomas is the author of The Life and Times of Le Bronco

One of the reviews for the book 

Lauren Scott
5 out of 5 stars
A touching book for dog lovers and for anyone who loves an endearing book about family!

My chocolate lab, Copper, had just crossed over the Rainbow Bridge in March, so when I saw The Life and Times of Le Bronco by Thomas Wikman come across many blogs, I knew it would resonate. Bronco was part of Wikman’s family for thirteen years, and Copper was part of my family for the same amount of time. Timing for me to read this wonderful book was serendipitous. The opening paragraphs are delightful. I could feel Bronco’s paws on my shoulders, and I could see the look in his beautiful eyes wanting that delicious ham sandwich. I also love how he became the hero in a story, and the details of how his name came to be. The way Bronco hugged by leaning and snuggling evoked sweet, cuddly memories of Copper’s hugs.

Wikman writes about Leonbergers, how to prepare to welcome one of these gorgeous, big dogs into your home, the food they eat, and the many costs involved. He shares humorous Bronco antics that made me smile. He includes his family’s other adorable dogs: Baby, Ryu, and Daisy. Wikman compiled this book to be both informational and entertaining. I was impressed with the organization. I laughed, and I felt tears pushing for freedom. I discovered joy and felt heartbreak. The drawings are fantastic and a bonus. One fact I remember is that Bronco wore a gentle leader and so did Copper. We opposed shock collars just like Wikman and his family did. Speaking of walking dogs, below is a snippet from “The Joys of Walking” Page 15.

“I often find myself amazed by how keenly perceptive and curious dogs are. Sometimes when Bronco saw a squirrel, he would watch it intently until it disappeared up a tree. Then he would turn around and look at me as if asking, “Where did it go?” I would point to the squirrel up in the tree, and he would look to the place where I was pointing, seeming to say, “Oh, never mind.” Then we would continue walking.” This moment reminds me of Copper because his fascination with squirrels matched Bronco’s. He never caught one but always tried. Though I’m not sure what he would’ve done if he caught one. He was a gentle 80 pound giant, so I think he just wanted to play!

There is more to reveal, but I’ll let you flip through the pages. I highly recommend this book if you’re a parent of a Leonberger, or if you’re considering bringing this breed into your home. If you’re simply a dog lover, or you truly enjoy endearing books about family, this book is for you. I found comfort throughout the pages as my grief remains for my family’s Copper Boy. Thank you, Thomas!

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US –  And: Amazon UK – Connect to Thomas: Website/Blog – Personal Facebook – Facebook book page – Instagram – LinkedIn 

Thanks very much for dropping in today and I hope you will join Thomas again next month for another super-fact post.

Smorgasbord Summer Book Fair – #Shortstories #Life Alex Craigie, #Ireland, #Contemporary #Recipes Mary Crowley, #Shortstories #Flash Janet Gogerty

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The first book today is a wonderful collection of stories by Alex Craigie..Hopes, Fears and Reality: Stories, Poems and Personal Tales

About the collection

What do a terrified boy, a ruthless beauty queen, a fairy godmother from hell, and a group of quietly rebellious pensioners have in common?

In this eclectic collection of short stories, poems, and anecdotes, everyday moments uncover the hopes we cherish, the fears we try to hide, and the realities that shape us.

Inside this collection:

• Gently humorous pieces that find laughter in life’s small absurdities
• Reflective moments that explore the experiences that shape who we are
• Sharper, unexpected stories that catch you off guard and linger

Meet unforgettable characters and moments:

• A child facing what lurks beneath the bed
• A teenager consumed by image
• Elderly friends with secrets—and mischief—of their own
• Twists on the familiar that don’t go quite as expected

Many of these pieces are brief and powerful, born from creative challenges—flash fiction, structured poetry, and writing shaped by rules and constraints—alongside glimpses drawn from real life.

Perfect for readers who enjoy:

• Short, impactful reads
• A mix of humour, reflection, and edge
• Dipping in and out whenever time allows

Open the book anywhere.
There’s always something waiting—something to make you smile, pause, or see things a little differently.

One of the reviews for the collection 

judithanne 5 out of 5 stars I Read and Savoured Every Word

Hopes, Fears and Reality – the title says it all for me. In this book whether it’s in prose or poetry there are those moments in life that live forever in our memories. The characters we meet are multi-layered and unforgettable, their dialogue reveals their personalities, and the settings of the stories all give a brilliant sense of place.

I have favourites in this anthology, there are too many to list them all, so I’ll just mention one or two: Fear from the Past will stay with me, as will the poems Alone and Our World of Beauty and Hope. I chuckled at Stayin’ Alive and I was fascinated by the anecdotes of the author’s grandparents.

Alex Craigie’s work consistently portrays the emotions she intends to reveal in everything she writes. and instantly evoke a response in the reader.

And so I have no hesitation in recommending Hopes, Fears and Reality to any reader. Please read and savour every word. 

Head over to buy the book: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US

Also by Alex Craigie

 

Find out more about Alex Craigie, read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US – Follow Alex: Goodreads – Alex Craigie via: Facebook 

The next book is by Mary Crowley, an author I enjoy reading, and her book Recipes and Tales from the Kitchen of Oceanic Temptations: A Taste of the Wild Atlantic Way

About the book

Meet the women of Oceanic Temptations and try their recipes…..

Oceanic Temptations Café is featured in the novel, A Sweet Smell of Strawberries.

Kilmer Cove sits on the beautiful coastline of Donegal where the Connolly family has strived to keep their beloved father’s legacy alive by adapting their farmland and extending their businesses, one of which is Oceanic Temptations.

Ocean Temptations started out as a small farm shop run by Sarah Connolly and her sister-in-law Lily selling fresh produce from the farm and home baking. The two women soon discovered the need to expand their business and take on more staff, due to its idyllic spot along The Wild Atlantic Way. Oceanic Temptations Café was built to accommodate passing coaches of tourists on their way to Fanad Head Lighthouse. It also became a place for locals from the seaside town of Kilmer Cove to meet and socialise.

This book tells the stories of the four women who work together in Oceanic Temptations. Lily, Olive, Lena, and Sarah along with their specialty deserts, some prose, and a selection of recipes.

A Taste of the Wild Atlantic Way

The Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland’s first defined touring route, stretching along the Atlantic coast from Donegal to West Cork. It was a yearly trip to Donegal where my son Steven competed in the Errigal Youth Tour in 2016, 2017 and 2018, which inspired the setting for A Sweet Smell of Strawberries, having fallen in love with the beautiful coastline of the Wild Atlantic Way.

My review for the book

I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Sweet Smell of Strawberries by Mary Crowley and was delighted that some of those memorable characters from that book would be featured again.

This is an unusual recipe book, as it is combined with short stories reflecting the lives of four women who work together at The Kitchen of Oceanic Temptations on the coast of Donegal. It is based after the Covid lockdown when all businesses are struggling with getting back on their feet, particularly in the heavily restricted hospitality industry.

Lily is strong and resilient but is hiding a frightening secret from her husband and friends and will need all their love and support.

Olive has a grown family but realises after many years of marriage that life has passed her by and now wonders if her relationship can survive sudden and shocking news.

Lena and her husband have built a life far from their homeland, leaving behind a tragedy that still haunts them and might drive them apart.

Sarah has built a wall around her emotions and is reluctant to love again, happy to be friends with and a substitute mother and sister to the other women in her life and the one man she trusts but keeps at a distance.

Kilmer Cove as also attracted the attention of a gang of thieves who will impact the lives of these women and those they love in a dangerous way, adding an extra edginess to the book.

Between the stories you will find some delicious recipes with a larger section towards the end of the book, before a satisfying final story to bring the book to a close.

The recipes include such delights as apple tart, cup cakes, mini chocolate eclairs, chocolate brownies, scones and homemade strawberry jam, coronation chicken filling, strawberry cheesecake, raspberry and chocolate roulade, bacon and onion quiche and lasagne.

With wonderfully crafted stories and memorable characters, easy to follow recipes, I have no doubt you will leave as satisfied with this book as I was.

Head over to buy the book: Amazon UK –  And: Amazon US

Also by Mary Crowley

Discover more about Mary Crowley and buy the books: Amazon UK – And on : Amazon US – Follow Mary : Goodreads – Blog/Website: Mary Crowley WordPress – Twitter: @marycrowleym 

Today and excerpt from the short story collection Tidalscribe Tales by Janet Gogerty and perhaps a cautionary tale for those who blog….

About the collection

Tales light and dark, bending reality, unexpected endings…
Dip into an ABC of stories including four chapters of flash fiction.

My review for the collection 

There is a little bit of everything in this intriguing short story collection by Janet Gogerty… be prepared to read with an open mind and for some stories a sofa to hide behind might be a good idea.

I particularly enjoyed the blogging flash fiction where there were some interesting perspectives on the advent of the first printing press and the advanced drone originating from my own home town of Portsmouth who decides to veer from its test flight…And for those of us who think we might not come face to face with our blog followers a reminder about the misconceptions attached to our profile photos.

Each story offers the readers something to think about, certainly in relation to modern advances in technology… some definitely open to interesting unintended outcomes. Others offer a glimpse into the distant past when wisdom and traditions are at risk. And if you fancy a bit of horror in your reading… the Holiday Cottage will be perfect for you.

The future features too with some cleverly crafted stories of how family relationships and travel might evolve in the coming decades including time travel. And challenges some of our perceptions of earth,infinity and the after life.

The author touches on several issues that are part of our modern world sadly such as homelessness and one story in particular, New Shoes, I found very moving.

The stories are certainly thought provoking and whilst there is a thread of humour running through the collection,there are some on the darker side of life… I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.

Read the reviews and buy the collection: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US

A selection of other books by Janet Gogerty

Find out more about Janet Gogerty, read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US – Follow Janet: Goodreads – Blog: Tidal Scribe – Facebook : Beachwriter 

 

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books.

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – The Cookery Column Retro with Carol Taylor #Fajita Spice, #Tahini #Peanut Butter #Hummus

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Over the next alternate Wednesdays I will be sharing a series we originally ran back in 2018, and with many more visitors to the blog now and fans of Carol’s food posts, we thought you might enjoy all the foods and recipes that she covered in that series.

Carol Cook’s …My favourite spice mixes.

Welcome to this week’s Cookery column …This week I thought I would share with you some of my go to recipes ones which I make on a regular basis. My staples really I suppose ones, which I make quite often as they are family favourites.

As you know I mostly cook from scratch and it is something I have always done. Now more than ever as there are so many additives in products on the shelf.

Much of the time I either can’t get what I want here, or as it is imported, it is silly prices, but also because of all the negative articles about processed and manufactured food stuff.  I prefer to make my own as I know what it contains …So much now is laden with added sugars and preservatives that it is quite scary, and also increasing evidence that many chronic illnesses can be prevented or improved by eating less pre-prepared unhealthy foods.

This Chettinad Curry powder is one which I always make from scratch and it has lots of ingredients, but once you have measured them out and roasted them, all you have to do is pop them in a grinder. I have a small grinder and do it in a couple of batches it makes enough for 3-5 curries so it is always lovely and fresh.

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp black pepper
• 8 dried red chillies…
• 1 ½ tbsp cumin seeds
• 1 ½ tbsp dried coconut… I use fresh coconut which I dry but if you are unable to do that buy an unsweetened desiccated coconut.
• 2 tbsp coriander seeds
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 star anise
• 4 cloves
• 2 1” pieces of cinnamon
• 2 tbsp fennel seeds
• 10 curry leaves

Let’s Cook!

Dry roast all your ingredients in a frying pan or wok stirring to make sure you don’t burn them …Turn out on to a plate or board to cool down and then grind to a powder. Store in an airtight container.

Then make your curry as usual using your homemade powder. To test the strength of the curry you prefer, start with a smaller amount and add to it as necessary. I use about 3 tbsps per curry.

My next one is a Buffalo wing mixture which is so easy to make and I just make the amount I need at the time .

Buffalo Wing Spice Mix… For 2 lbs of chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp of chilli flakes or powder…I just grind some dry fried chillies and blitz.
• 1 tbsp sweet paprika
• 1 ½ tsp cumin powder
• 2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 ½ tsp dried garlic not garlic salt.
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ tsp black pepper.

Mix all the dry ingredients together put in zip loc bag with the chicken and about a tbsp of olive oil either seal the bag and move it about to coat the chicken or get your hands in the bag like we do and make sure the chicken is all coated. Put in the fridge for at least 20-30 mins and cook as normal.

N.B Depending on who I am cooking for I may add more cayenne or chilli flakes but as with all homemade mixes …Play with the flavours …Have fun.

My Final Mix is my Fajita Mix

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp Cornstarch.
• 2 tbsp Chilli Powder.( I use dried chillies ground to a powder)
• 1 tbsp Salt.( I use Himalayan pink salt or mineral salt which is produced locally)
• 1 tbsp Sugar.
• 1 tbsp Paprika
• 2 1/2 tsp Powdered chicken stock/seasoning.
• 1 1/2 tsp Onion Powder.
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder.
• 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper.
• 1/2 tsp Cumin Powder.

I always make my own mixes as I find that I can save money by buying larger packs of spices and also I have a quicker rotation so the spices stay fresh and not linger in the cupboard forever.

This little dip is a recipe from Bali given to me by my grandson’s girlfriend it is very easy to
make but made more special by the addition of tamarind.

Called Rujak sauce it is lovely with mangoes or with chicken.

• Take 200 gm of palm sugar shaved.
• 15 gm of tamarind flesh and 5 tbsp of water leave to infuse for 5 mins and then drain and keep the tamarind flavoured water.
• 6 or more Thai chillies.
• 1/4 tsp shrimp paste and 1/4tsp salt.

Blitz all these ingredients together and you have fiery little sauce.

Thai Peanut Sauce.

Peanut sauce for use with satay or vegetables, pancakes or anything you fancy as it goes with almost anything. I love this easy sauce as it has so much flavour and can be made up really quickly.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts (unsalted)
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon sweet soy sauce
• 1 1/2 tablespoon sugar (palm sugar preferred)
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup oil
• 1 heaping tablespoon tamarind pulp (soaked in 1/4 cup water for 15 minutes, squeeze the tamarind pulp for juice and discard the pulp)
Spice Paste:
• 6-8 dried red chillies (seeded and soaked in warm water)
• 3 cloves garlic
• 3 shallots
• 2 lemon grass (white parts only)
• 1 inch galangal
• 1 tablespoon coriander powder (optional)

Let’s Cook!

  • Crush the peanuts with mortar and pestle or mini food processor until quite coarse and set aside.
  • Chop the spice paste ingredients and blend until fine. Heat oil and fry the spice paste until aromatic and smells spicy.
  • Add the peanuts, tamarind juice, water, sugar, sweet soy sauce and stir thoroughly.
  • Simmer on a low heat while continuing to stir for about 3 minutes until the peanut sauce turns smooth. Serve at room temperature with the satay or vegetables.

N.B. I use fresh peanuts and dry cook in hot pan just make sure you keep stirring or shaking them as they cook very quickly.

I just love this peanut sauce and keep a little pot in the fridge… the taste is far superior to any peanut satay sauce I had ever had before I came to Thailand.

While we are on the subject of peanuts I always make my own peanut butter…It is the simplest thing to make and once you have tried it you will never buy a shop brought jar of peanut butter again.

Peanuts are a good source of Vitamin E, niacin, folate, protein and manganese as well as providing resveratrol, the phenolic antioxidant also found in red grapes and red wine. While it cannot compare with the fruits highest in antioxidants i.e. pomegranate, roasted peanuts do compare with the antioxidants of apples, carrots and beets.

Rather than buying store bought peanut butter which is full of nasties it is easier and it is very quick to make your own.

It is the quickest easiest recipe to make ever, the kids can help blitz it and as well as being tasty it has no preservatives or added sugars.

Let’s Cook!

  • Take 500 gm raw peanuts. Put in oven on tray and cook on high for 10 mins.
  • Take out of oven and reserve a few (if you like crunchy peanut butter) like me.
  • Put the remainder of nuts in a food processor and blitz at 1 min intervals scrapping down the sides. Do this for 4 mins or until smooth.
  • Add 1tsp of salt, 1 tbsp oil and remainder of reserved nuts if using. If you want to add honey or flavouring of your choice then add now.
  • Blitz again for 1 min and put in a suitable container. Stores in fridge for 3/4 weeks…….IT’S DELISH!

Lastly I always make my own Tahini Paste… Very easy and cheap as chips as they say.
How to make your very own Tahini paste/butter…it is so quick and easy and the cost of a packet of sesame seeds is virtually pennies against the cost of a store-bought jar of tahini and no nasties….

Let’s Cook!

Into the kitchen, Take 1 cup of sesame seeds and give them a quick toasting of the Sesame Seeds, then into the mini blender, 3 tbsp Olive oil, and a quick whizz, scrape down the sides, another tbsp Olive oil and another scrape, a bit more oil and a quick whizz and voilà your Tahini Paste is made.

How easy is that?

The next favourite follows on from the tahini…Hummus

• 3 tbsp Tahini Paste
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon/lime juice

Blitz these together in the food processor.
Add

• 2tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 clove Garlic
• ½ tsp ground Cumin
• ½ – 1 tsp salt and blitz.
• 1 can of drained, rinsed chickpeas

Add half a can of the drained, rinsed chickpeas and again blitz 1-2 mins.

Add the other half of Chick Peas and blitz again 1-2 mins.

Put in a suitable container or serving bowl drizzle with tbsp Olive Oil and sprinkle with Paprika.

So easy and healthy and it’s now ready to eat with sliced pitta bread or cut up vegetables of your choice.

This will keep up to 1 week in the fridge.

I hope you have enjoyed some of my favourite recipes and mixes and will let me know how you get on when you try them. I am sure that the whole family will enjoy.

©Carol Taylor

About Carol Taylor

Carol Taylor now lives in Thailand having been brought up in England and has built a dedicated following of her blog and guest posts where she creates not only amazing dishes, but sources fantastic ingredients in line with her philosophy of sustainable food ‘cooked from scratch’. Having travelled extensively Carol has incorporated the cuisines of many different cultures into her recipes, and shares her research into the backgrounds to both the traditional cultures and the origins of the ingredients.

She loves shopping at local markets and wherever she is, finding fresh, natural ingredients, new strange fruits and vegetables she has never seen or cooked with.

Health and the environment are key priorities, particularly the concern about our oceans and fisheries. Also, how many of our foods on the shelves of our supermarkets are ultra processed and contain additives that do not add to the nutritional value and are not healthy. She is an advocate about growing our own food where or when we can even it it is only a few pots or a window box of herbs.

She wishes everyone would count chemicals and not calories as they would be much healthier…it’s true ‘we are what we eat‘ and while a cake or a bar of chocolate does no harm on occasions, sticking to a fresh food, balanced diet will keep our bodies healthy as we age…

Cookbooks by Carol Taylor

Head over to buy the books:  Amazon UK  – And: Amazon US For reviews: Goodreads – Connect to Carol – Blog: Carol Cooks 2 – Twitter: @CarolCooksTwo – Facebook: Carol Taylor 

 

Thanks Carol for another fascinating post..and join us again in two weeks for the next in the series.

 

Smorgasbord Authors in the Sun – #Summer #Spain #Rain – Skyhorses, ‘Los caballos del cielo’ by Sue Wickstead

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Today something slightly different with a reminder that sometimes during the hot summer months in exotic locations the weather can surprise you with its ferocity… Sue Wickstead with a story written as for a prompt for one of her writing groups. It is based on an real life adventure she and her sister experienced on one of their frequent visits to Spain.

Skyhorse by Sue Wickstead.

It begins with a riddle; ‘A slender staff that touches earth and sky at the same time.’

Who knows where a fable starts? Where reality ends and your imagination takes over?
Stories told from generation to generation to explain the reality turning the event into a myth or a legend.

*****

The day had been full of hot sunshine with a warm breeze that blew in from the sea.
There were a few grey clouds hanging over the distant hills but nothing to worry about, here it was blue skies, blue sea and a hot sun.

The little town was a buzz of activity as preparations were being made for the fiesta. Tonight, would be an open-air musical celebration of music and dance. We were looking forward to joining in.

The grey clouds rolled in briefly with a short shower that drifted out to sea.

The rain soon dried up as evening approached. It would not stop us going and we were ready.

‘El caballo del cielo’, whispered the man in the local bar.

We joined the people as they began to arrive, some with seats to sit and listen, some finding places to perch and rest, some sat nearby in local bars and some, like us, were ready to join in and dance the night away.

The lights lit up the stage as the evening’s entertainment began.

Loudly the bands played and with some familiar songs we joined in.

The chatter from the nearby bars was lost as the bands took over the proceedings with flashing laser lights and musical instruments playing.

The dark night drew in and there was a welcome breeze in the air. The laser light show lit up the skies above and we were soon dancing and joining in with enthusiasm.

The skies seemed darker than usual and the clouds above were hiding the stars from view. Mother nature seemed to want to join in with the celebration too as she sent rumbles of thunder to echo the drums and lightening to mirror the flashes of the lasers.

Nature at its best joining in enthusiastically.

The storm seemed so far away and like so often, might just pass on by.

‘Los caballos del cielo’ people muttered as they nervously watched the display of nature while at the same time listening to the bands playing. Some were getting up ready to leave. But we were having fun and stayed.

Suddenly, the direction of the wind changed and blew a cool gust, it was becoming harder and more difficult to focus. Our eyes were watching both Mother Nature and man playing together, it was becoming a battle.

Loudly the band continued to play as if to drown out the rumbles of thunder!

The flashes of light mingled with the flashes of the lasers. Where did one start and one end? Was that man or nature?

Still, we danced on trying to ignore the battle overhead and the battle on the ground!

People were leaving quickly now but we were determined to stick it out, it might just pass after all!

Then suddenly the breeze stopped and an icy cold down draft hit the scene with strong gusting winds blowing everything and everybody with a fierce push.

We stayed as heavy drops of rain fell, putting covers over our heads but mother nature would have the last laugh as she dropped her rain cloud in one great downfall.

The last of the bands had to give up the fight as the lights sparked dangerously and the tent blew dynamically across the arena.

Laughing we held on for a moment, but we could not have been wetter if we had jumped into the sea itself, now was the time to admit defeat.

Running to the nearby doorway full of sheltering people it was evident Mother Nature had not finished yet and she decided to throw hailstones at us now.

As the roads became torrents of cascading water racing past it was time to beat a retreat and leaping over the raging rivers, head for home.

Mother Nature had certainly shown her power. She had won the battle, for now.

‘Los caballos del cielo’, laughed the man in the bar!

‘The Skyhorses!’ Indeed, with their hooves creating sparks of light in the black clouds overhead the Skyhorses had raced across the sky that night, turning and swirling neighing with loud roars, this was certainly a legend that we would remember!

*****

The riddle; ‘A slender staff that touches earth and sky at the same time.’

It is the rain!

©Sue Wickstead

My thanks to Sue for participating in the series and I know she would love to hear from you.

A small selection of other books by Sue Wickstead

One of the reviews for Jay Jay and his Island Adventure 

Simon
5 out of 5 stars
brilliant read

This is the second Jay Jay book I have read with Amelia and we both loved it just as much as the first one.

In this story Jay Jay has to go on a ferry to visit some children who have never seen a double decker bus before, and he gets into a few scrapes both getting onto the ferry and also whilst he is travelling across the water.

Once on the Island Jay Jay meets lots of children who all have a great time playing on him and having adventures with all the toys and fancy dress he takes to them.

We really loved this book as there are lots of nice bright pictures for Amelia to look at and she could also read quite a lot of it as the words weren’t too long. When I told her that I was getting this book she was really excited and couldn’t wait to read it. We now also read and enjoyed book 3. 

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US – More reviews: Goodreads – Website/Blog: Sue Wickstead – Facebook: Stories Sue – Facebook: Teacher Page – Twitter: @JayJayBus – LinkedIn: Sue Wickstead 

About Sue Wickstead

Award winning books. Shortlisted in the Wishing Shelf Book awards.

Sue Wickstead is a teacher and an author and has written children’s picture books with a bus theme. In addition, she has also written a photographic history book about the real bus behind her story writing.

Her bus stories are about a playbus. Have you ever been on a Playbus?

When Sue’s two children were young, they attended a playgroup on a bus, but not an ordinary bus taking you on a journey, exciting though this is, but a Playbus stuffed full of toys to capture their imagination!

For over 20 years, alongside her teaching career, she worked with the charity, the Bewbush Playbus Association.

As part of the committee she painted the bus, worked in the groups, helped raise the profile of the project and its work and was part of the team involved in raising funds to replace the old bus with a newer vehicle. This led her to write a photographic history book about it.

‘It really was a fun journey to be involved in’, said Sue. The bus really got into her blood and became a work of the heart.

Having written the history book Sue soon found that many children had never been on a bus before, let alone a ‘Playbus’ and they wanted to know more. So, she decided to write a fictional tale, his number plate JJK261, gave him his name.

‘Jay-Jay the Supersonic Bus,’ came out in print in 2014. It is the story behind the original project and is his journey from a scrap-yard to being changed into a playbus for children to play in. From Fact to fiction the bus journey continues.

This story has now been followed by more picture books.‘A Spooky Tale’ and ‘The Christmas Play Rehearsal’ do indeed have a bus connection as well as links to her teaching journey.

Sue has undertaken events and author bookings and loves to share her stories, she is also proud to be ‘a patron of reading’.

The books have all received 5-star awards from ‘Readers Favourite’. Sue’s books have also been short-listed in ‘The wishing Shelf’ book awards. With ‘A Spooky Tale’ a silver medal winner.

If you have a fiction short story to share with us then here is what I will need. Please send to sallygcronin@gmail.com

  • A word document with your edited story. A new story or one you have written and published on your blog.
  • 1000 to 1500 words.. but if it is slightly shorter or longer that is no problem. It can be any genre except for erotica as I have younger readers.
  • If you are an author or blogger who has featured here before I don’t need anything else.
  • If you are new to the blog then I will need an Amazon page link, blog or website links, three main social media links and a profile photograph.

I look forward to hearing from you and sharing your writing here… thanks Sally.

 

 

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Music Column Retro- The Big Band Era with William Price King and Sally Cronin – 1940s – Georgie Stoll with Judy Garland, Victor Young with Dick Haymes, Tommy Rall

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Welcome to the 2026 series of the music column where I am joined as always by Jazz singer and composer William Price King.  We hope you will join us every Tuesday for some of the chart hits of the big band era from the 1930s through to the 1950s.

Some of the earlier videos are not of the best quality however where possible we have sourced remastered copies to share with you. Considering some are almost 100 years old, it is remarkable that they exist at all.  A testament to the love of the music of that era. Along with our selections each week we will also be showcasing some of the iconic dancers of the era.

Here is my next selection from the Big Band chart in the 1940s from Georgie Stoll’s Orchestra with Judy Garland

Judy Garland with Georgie Stoll’s Orchestra “The Trolley Song” (1944)

“The Trolley Song” was composed by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane for the film “Meet Me in St. Louis.” The song was inspired by a picture of a trolley car in a turn-of-the-century newspaper seen in a book found at the Beverly Hills Public Library which had the caption “Clang, Clang, Clang, went the trolly.”Blane and Martin were nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1945. “The Trolly Song” was ranked #26 by the American Film Institute in 2004 on the AFI’s 100 Years . . . 100 Songs list.

Here is my next selection from the 1940s from – Victor Young’s Orchestra and Dick Haymes

Dick Haymes with Victor Young’s Orchestra “It Might As Well Be Spring” (1945)

“It Might as Well Be Spring” is a song from the 1945 film State Fair. which features the only original film score by the songwriting team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. “It Might as Well Be Spring” won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for that year.[

Dick Haymes, who played Margy’s brother Wayne Frake in the 1945 film, made the first hit recording of the song released by Decca Records. Debuting on the Billboard magazine Best Seller chart dated 8 November 1945, the disc had a chart tenure of 12 weeks with a peak of #5. It was the flip side of “That’s for Me” (also from State Fair), another top-10 best seller.  Dick Haymes – Topic

Other sources: Wikipedia – And: Jazz Standards

Tommy Rall – Thomas Edward Rall (December 27, 1929 – October 6, 2020) was an American actor, ballet dancer, tap dancer, and acrobatic dancer who was a prominent featured player in 1950s musical comedies. He later became a successful operatic tenor in the 1960s, making appearances with the Opera Company of Boston, the New York City Opera, and the American National Opera Company.

Rall was born in Kansas City, Missouri to Edward and Margaret Rall, but raised in Seattle, Washington. An only child, he had a crossed eye which made it hard for him to read books, so his mother enrolled him in dancing classes. In his early years he performed a dance and acrobatic vaudeville act in Seattle theaters and attempted small acting roles.

His family moved to Los Angeles in the 1940s, and Rall began to appear in small movie roles. His first film appearance was a short MGM film called Vendetta. He began taking tap dancing lessons and became a member of the jitterbugging Jivin’ Jacks and Jills at Universal Studios.

Rall joined Donald O’Connor, Peggy Ryan, and Shirley Mills in several light wartime Andrews Sisters vehicles including Give Out, Sisters (1942), Get Hep to Love (1942),and Mister Big (1943), among others. He appeared in the films The North Star and Song of Russia (1944).

Rall took ballet lessons and danced in classical and Broadway shows, including Milk and Honey, Call Me Madam, and Cry for Us All. Jerry Herman said of Rall in Milk and Honey:

Rall was highly respected by his contemporaries—including dance greats Gene Kelly and Donald O’Connor—with the latter describing Rall as one of the “greatest dancers living…above Astaire and Kelly.

Tommy Rall Invitation to Dance Sam Francis

 Your Hosts for The Big Band Era

 

William Price King is an American jazz singer, crooner, and composer.

His interest in music began at an early age when he studied piano and clarinet in high school. At Morehouse College in Atlanta where he grew up, he sang in the Glee Club and studied classical music. After graduation he went off to the Yale School of Music where he earned a Masters degree. From there he journeyed to New York where he created a jazz trio ‘Au Naturel’ which performed in some of the hottest venues in Manhattan including gigs on Broadway and the famous ‘Rainbow Room.’ These gigs opened doors for performances in Montreal and a European tour.

While touring Europe he met a lovely French lady, Jeanne Maïstre, who, a year later became his wife. King left the group ‘Au Naturel’ and settled in the south of France where he started a new life on the French Riviera, opening his own music school – the “Price King Ecole Internationale de Chant.” He has had the pleasure over the years of seeing many of his students excel as singers on a professional level, and some going on to become national celebrities. He continues to coach young singers today, in his spare time.

Blog– IMPROVISATION – William Price King on Tumblr – Buy William’s music: William Price King iTunes – Facebook – William Price King – Twitter – @wpkofficial
Regular Venue – Cave Wilson

Sally Cronin is an author, blogger and broadcaster who enjoyed four years as part of the team on Onda Cero International’s English speaking morning show in Marbella and then for two years as a presenter on Expressfm the local radio station in Portsmouth. She co-presented two ‘Drive Time’ shows a week with Adrian Knight, hosted the live Thursday Afternoon Show and The Sunday Morning Show guests including musicians and authors. Following this she became Station Director for a local internet television station for two years, producing and presenting the daily news segment, outside broadcasts and co-presenting the Adrian and Sally chat show live on Friday evenings.

She and her husband David have now returned to Ireland where they live on the Wexford Coast where she blogs and continues to write books.

Books :Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – More reviews: Goodreads – blog: Smorgasbord Blog Magazine Twitter: @sgc58 – Facebook: Sally Cronin – LinkedIn: Sally Cronin

Thanks for tuning in and as always we love to hear from you.. thanks William and Sally.

 

 

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Comedy with Malcolm Allen Rewind – Book Groups and Bank Heists

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Like food, I don’t like to see great humour wasted. So I will be sharing a post from the archives as well as new funnies from Malcolm Allen in Australia every month… something to get your weekend off to a good start.       

My thanks to Malcolm for excellent foraging and we hope you are leaving with a smile on your face.

About Malcolm Allen

The author was born in London UK and experienced a challenging childhood, leaving school with no academic qualifications at the age of 15. He had mixed fortunes in his early working days but managed to secure a job in the banking industry at the age of 19. During a period of 32 years he enjoyed a demanding and successful career in London, the pinnacle of which was becoming a Company Director at the age of 37. Following a life changing experience in November 1998 he emigrated to Perth, Western Australia in September 2001, relocating to his current home in Melbourne, Australia in November 2015.

My thanks to Malcolm for bringing laughter into our lives and it would be great if you could share.

Smorgasbord Summer Book Fair – #Memoir #Teaching Pete Springer, #Memoir #Leonbergers Thomas Wikman, #Christmas #Cookbook Carol Taylor

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Today some memoirs with a common theme… a passion for something very important in the author’s lives… teaching, Leonbergers and cookery

The first book is what I consider to be the gold standard for teaching the youngest members of our society… They Call Me Mom by Pete Springer

 

About the book

Who Will You Inspire Today? Teachers face this challenge and responsibility each day, but in the process, the author discovers that his students can also have a profound influence on him. Pete Springer takes you on his memorable thirty-one-year journey in education as an elementary school teacher and offers the many valuable life and teaching lessons he learned along the way. Get ready to laugh out loud at some of the humorous and memorable experiences that all teachers face, feel inspired by the inherent goodness of children, and appreciate the importance of developing a sense of teamwork among the staff.

Learn valuable tips for working with children, parents, fellow staff members, and administrators. This book is ideal for young teachers, but also a reminder to all educators of the importance and responsibility of being a role model. This book is a must-read for all new teachers and those teachers that need a reminder they are human! Mr. Springer educates others in his easy-to-read, story-like, first-hand manuscript. You will laugh, cry, and get motivated to be the best educator you can. After reading this, I have a better outlook on relationships with my colleagues and am reminded to savor every moment. -Tami Beall (Principal, Pine Hill School)

One of the reviews for the book

Marsha Ingrao
5 out of 5 stars
Information for Teachers, Administrators, Parents, and Public About Public Education

This book should be in the hands of every new teacher in California, if not the United States. The only problem with giving it to them outside a classroom setting is that new teachers, who are already overwhelmed, would probably be even more overwhelmed when they read about all the facets of the careers they are about to undertake. To be honest, I felt a little guilty in places, knowing that I had had similar situations that I hadn’t handled as calmly.

I expected a light-hearted, feel-good book with lots of funny stories about what happened during his teaching career. It’s not every man who is called Mom – even in the teacher world.

I didn’t mind being called Mom. I got a little offended when they started calling me grandma in my thirties and early forties.

Pete shared enough stories to make it an interesting read, fun at times, and touching at others.

“…I was outside with my class, taking part in physical education with them. … supervising a game my students were playing. Three police cars pulled up abruptly in front of the house across the street. The officers ran up to the house, and my instinct was to immediately bring my class inside because I wasn’t sure if this was a potentially dangerous situation. … I remember (Travis) didn’t want to go back into the classroom, and his eyes focused on the activity that was taking place at his home.” p. 135-136.

You’ll have to read the book to find out what happened. This riveting story is a prime example of how Pete not only kept my interest, but also moved his agenda forward of sharing what teachers did in different situations – both good and bad.

Reading this book primed my memory, and I wanted to immediately write back to the author about my similar experiences, joys, projects, and frustrations. It felt like I was reading the bible of education.

The book covers setting up the classroom, working with students, parents, colleagues, and administration. He moves on to discipline and its opposite—recognition and awards. There are some funny moments and some frustrations. At the end, he includes some of his helpful forms for communication with students and parents.

I’m not sure this book would appeal to everyone. To any teacher, new parent of an elementary student, principal, media person who wants the inside scoop on what teachers really do, or district administrator, I think it’s a must-read and re-read kind of resource. 

Read the reviews and buy the book:Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

Pete Springer profile image

Find out more about Pete Springer, read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – and:Amazon UK – Read more reviews:Goodreads – Website: Pete Springer WordPress – Twitter: @OfficerWoof 

The next book is definitely for dog lovers by Thomas Wikman – The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle: Stories and Tips from Thirteen Years with a Leonberger (Thomas is now a member of the contributing team with a monthly post based on his superfacts series.)

About the book

If you’re thinking of getting a Leonberger, or if you’ve already owned one and know how rewarding the experience can be, you’ll want to read the story of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle, called Bronco, who came into the lives of the Wikman family of Dallas, Texas, in 2007. Bronco, a recipient of the Leonberger Health Foundation International’s Grey Muzzle Award, lived an unusually long life for a Leonberger—almost thirteen years. His human family is convinced that what helped him exceed his breed’s normal life expectancy was his brave and loving heart.

Here you’ll read about some of Bronco’s amazing feats: the night he scared away a prowler; the day he performed a hamster search and rescue; the time he stumped the Geek Squad; and the late night he snuck into the kitchen and ate a two-pound bag of dog treats, a box of pastries, a loaf of bread, a grilled chicken, and a Key lime pie, all in one sitting. You’ll also read about his unflappable calm during a north Texas tornado and his stoicism as he endured health challenges in his later years.

In addition to entertaining stories, these pages contain a wealth of practical guidance, including

  • a history of the Leonberger breed;
  • advice for the care of very large dogs;
  • breed-specific health and genetic information;
  • training and feeding tips;
  • suggestions for finding a breeder;
  • the official breed standard;
  • and an extensive resource guide.

Bronco’s fearlessness, tolerance, and affectionate nature warmed the hearts of everyone who met him, and his sometimes uncanny adventures with his human and canine companions will bring a smile to the face of every dog lover.

The author is donating the proceeds from the sale of this book to the Leonberger Health Foundation International

One of the reviews for the book

Alex Diaz-Granados
5 out of 5 stars
Bronco’s Biography is a good story, well told!

Back in 2007, an automation, robotics, and software engineer named Thomas Wikman of Dallas, TX bought a Leonberger puppy for his son’s upcoming 14th birthday. Wikman and his family, which also included his wife Claudia and two other children, already had two dogs (a Labrador mix named Baylor and a German Shepherd named Baby), but Thomas wanted to get a Leonberger, too. So, after being vetted by the breeders in Canada, the cute furball they’d eventually name Le Bronco von der Lowenhole was shipped from our northern neighbor by air to the Lone Star State.

Thus began the Wikmans’ 13-year journey of love and friendship with their big – and I mean BIG – Leonberger, who despite his aristocratic name for his American Kennel Club papers answered to plain, simple, and unforgettable “Bronco.”

Bronco – as the book’s title, The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle: Stories and Tips from Thirteen Years with a Leonberger, foreshadows – was unusually long-lived for a big dog. He lived long enough to earn the Leonberger Health Foundation International’s Grey Muzzle Award, which is earned by dogs who live to be 12 years old. As a result, Thomas Wikman and his family have a treasure trove of memories, not just of Bronco himself, but the other dogs in the family.

There are some wonderfully touching vignettes in The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle, such as the one early in the book in which Thomas – who finds himself alone in the house on a quiet Dallas evening – is making a sandwich in the kitchen when, suddenly, he feels what he thinks is a human hand on his shoulder. Thinking that it is an intruder, Thomas turns around, only to see the sweet, loving face of his big furry Leonberger, asking for half a sandwich.

And, of course, because Thomas tells the reader about the ups and downs of life with multiple dogs, there are some sobering stories in The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle: Stories and Tips from Thirteen Years with a Leonberger as well, including one about the Dogsitter from Hell. Having been a pet- and house-sitter when I lived in Miami, I could not understand how someone like that young lady that Thomas and his wife Claudia hired to take care of their dogs while the Wikmans went on vacation could be so inept and irresponsible. (What did she do? Read the Intermezzo – pages 73-80 – to find out.)

If you’re like me and love dogs, or if you’re interested in adding a Leonberger to your family, The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle: Stories and Tips from Thirteen Years with a Leonberger is a must-have book that will entertain, enthrall, and inform you from the first chapter to the last one. It is excellently designed – by Susan Hood Design – and features many illustrations, including Wikman family photos of their furry family members and drawings by artist Naomi Rosenblatt.

This is a terrific book. Not only does Wikman know how to tell a story, but he also gives potential Leonberger owners lots of tips on how to properly care for a Leonberger. In The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle, you’ll find out what types of dog food you should give to a Leonberger in all the stages of his (or her) life, what Leonbergers are like personality-wise, and what to look for in canine health issues, especially since Leonbergers are a large breed and require lots of tender loving care, especially as they grow older.

I smiled a lot while reading this book, but I have to admit that I shed more than a couple of tears, too. That’s the hallmark of a good story, well told. And it’s a true story, at that.

Read the reviews and buy the book:Amazon US –  And:Amazon UK

Find out more about Thomas on his:Website/Blog – Personal Facebook – Facebook book page – Instagram – LinkedIn 

And the last book today is from Carol Taylor who is a wonderful friend and long-term contributor to the blog with her food columns. And whilst it is some time until Christmas it is never too early to enjoy some of the special treat we enjoy at that time of year. A Homemade Christmas, I can tell you it is a feast for the eyes…

About the cookbook

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! But what would Christmas be without delicious homemade food that reminds us of our childhood? “A Homemade Christmas” is a collection of recipes passed down through the generations, gathered from friends and travels, which will help readers revive memories of Christmastime.

This book will allow readers to:

  • Enjoy the comfort of homemade holiday meals with family and loved ones
  • Create lasting memories of joy and warmth
  • Transform their home into a winter wonderland

This book includes:

  • Delicious recipes from Great Britain and around the world
  • Easy-to-follow instructions
  • Step-by-step guides to making the perfect holiday dishes

This book is the perfect way to make your home feel like a winter wonderland. Happy Holidays.

One of the reviews for the cookbook 

D. W. Peach
5 out of 5 stars
I tried seven of the recipes

First, I must confess to being a terrible cook. Some people have a natural ability and, with a mere glance in the pantry, know how to whip up a feast. That’s not me. At all. So, when I find a blogger who offers me some hope in the kitchen, I’m a fan. It made sense that when Taylor came out with a book of Christmas recipes, I’d give it a try. I made 7 different recipes for a Christmas Eve meal with visiting family.

The Appetizers:

– Ricotta Blackberry Walnut Toasts – This app was delicious. The family gobbled it down, and because it was easy to make, I made a second batch, which we also finished in no time.

– Cheesy Bacon Cob Dip – The dip was excellent. I didn’t use a bread bowl (just a baking dish) and served it with crackers. Taylor suggests experimenting with cheeses, meats, and mushrooms. I will be trying it with crab and artichoke hearts next. Yum.

– Cheese Bourekas – This appetizer was a hit. I made them in cupcake trays instead of a springform cake pan. We finished off one tray, and I reheated the other in the morning to accompany our breakfast.

Christmas Eve Dinner:

– Beef Brisket with Asian Twist – US packaged briskets are very salty, so I used a no-salt beef stock and low sodium soy sauce for this recipe. It came out great!

– Christmas Cheese Bread Sharing Wreath – Another hit, beautiful and savory bread. The recipe seemed more complicated than it was, and the bread did exactly what it was supposed to do. Next time, I’ll make more of the parmesan herb mix to coat the dough before baking.

– Glazed Orange Carrots – A good traditional staple.

– Spiced Red Cabbage – This recipe reminded me of borscht with the slight vinegary seasoning which I loved. This dish cooks for a long time, and I ended up getting distracted and burning it. Fortunately, we were already full of appetizers. I’ll have to try this one again.

The cookbook has dessert recipes too, but I didn’t try them since my daughter brought homemade pies. I was intrigued by the Traditional Christmas Pudding and Traditional Christmas (fruit) Cake, UK recipes I’ve never tried. The last section of the book offers ideas for dealing with leftovers.

Ingredients were easy to find in my grocery store. The measurements in the book (dry and liquid) are sometimes in US cups, sometimes in UK grams and milliliters, and occasionally in both. A conversion table at the back is extremely helpful. I did all my conversions early on when preparing my shopping list. If I messed anything up, I couldn’t tell.

All in all, it was a successful Christmas Eve feast. I highly recommend this book of recipes to anyone who enjoys cooking and wants to expand their repertoire of dishes, especially for Christmas, but honestly, for any time of year. 

Head over to buy the book: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US – 

Also by Carol Taylor

Find out more about Carol, read the reviews and buy the books:  Amazon UK  – And: Amazon USFor reviews: Goodreads – Connect to Carol – Blog:Carol Cooks 2 – Twitter: @CarolCooksTwo – Facebook:Carol Taylor  – And: Bluesky

 

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books.

 

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine Weekly Round Up – June 15th – 21st – Blogger Meet Up, Big Band, Chart toppers, Cuisine Pakistan, Book Review, Summer Book Fair, Funnies

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Welcome to the round up of posts you might have missed this week on Smorgasbord.

I hope you have enjoyed your week so far… it has certainly thrown up one or two surprises for us.

One being the email I received earlier in the week from lovely blogger and author Cheryl Oreglia. 

Cheryl and her husband Larry were on a cruise around the UK stopping off at various points and taking to the road on their cycles. Those of you who are familiar with Cheryl’s Living in the Gap posts will know this intrepid couple are well known for their road trips with its ups and downs!

Anyway the surprise was they were going to be in Ireland from Wednesday and would like to meet up if possible. You bet it was!  We arranged to connect on Friday at Powerscourt house, gardens and distillery for lunch.  And had the company of the garden’s crows for our photographs.

It was such a delight to spend what was a far too short a time with this wonderful couple..Here are just  two of photos taken when the sun popped out at just the right moment. From left to right… Larry, Cheryl and David.

Hopefully not the last time we will meet but certainly something we will treasure.

Toni Pike very kindly posted a wonderful review for Tales from the Irish Garden to her blog on Friday which finished the week on another high note…. Thanks so much Toni ♥

Book Review – Tales Irish Garden by Toni Pike

My thanks as always to the amazing contributors for their posts and support.

William Price King joined me for a Big Band era and on Friday another in the Chart Toppers and Blockbuster series and we are delighted you are enjoying along with us.  You can catch up with William on his own Blog– IMPROVISATION– William Price King on Tumblr

Debby Gies will be back with another post in her series on ageing July 6th. On her own blog an exploration of toxic relationships and walking away from them.and as always her Sunday Book Review and this week it is for the exciting thriller Two Graves by Terry Tyler   D.G. Kaye

Carol Taylor was here on Wednesday exploring the cuisine of Pakistan and this coming Wednesday she will be sharing recipes for Fajita Spice, Tahini, Peanut Butter and Hummus...on her own blog Carol shared  the most recent of the cuisines of Panama. CarolCook 

The Big Band Era with William Price King and Sally Cronin – 1940s – Nat King Cole, John Scott Trotter and Bing Crosby, Bob Fosse

Chart Toppers and Blockbusters 1980s with William Price King “Beat It” and Amadeus

A-Z World Cuisines with Carol Taylor Reblog – Discovering the Cuisine of Pakistan…traditionally known as Sapta-Sindhu-Land of seven rivers…

The Alexander Technique – Part Three – Standing, Sitting and Walking Correctly by Sally Cronin

#AmericanHeartland #Stories The Immigrant and the Outlaw by Joy Neal Kidney

#Life #Redemption #Respect – Gravy by Alex Craigie

Shortstories- #Fantasy – The Girl and the Bear by D.L. Finn

#Romantic #Thriller Joy York, #Noir #Crime Alison J. Moore, #Murder #Mystery Sharon Marchisello

#SocialHistory #Compassion #Audio Elizabeth Gauffreau, #Love #War #Courage Apple Gidley, #History #SouthAfrica Pat Spencer

#Historical #Prehistoric #Trilogy Jacqui Murray, #Medieval Patricia Furstenburg, #WWII Paulette Mahurin

#Life #Shortstories #Poetry – Beem Weeks, M.J. Mallon and Sally Cronin

Share an Excerpt – Boost one of your books – #Supernatural #Paranormal #Thriller Five-Toed Tigress by T.W. Dittmer

Host Sally Cronin and the Social Media Team – Kindles, Air Fares Nutritional Advice.

Thank you for dropping in and I hope you will join us again next week… 

Smorgasbord Funnies 2026 – Host Sally Cronin and the Social Media Team – Kindles, Air Fares Nutritional Advice.

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Over the years I have been saving funnies from my various social media platforms and particularly Facebook… some from members of our writing community and I hope they don’t mind if I share here just two of the frequent flyers are Laura Lyndhurst  Jim Webster– and Janet Gogerty – … I hope you enjoy.

And to finish

Anniversary Gift
A woman walks into a travel agency. She approaches the travel agent and says, “Hello. My fortieth anniversary is coming up and I’d like to plan a special trip for my husband.”

“Wow,” replies the travel agent, “Forty years? How do you keep the magic alive for so long?”

“Well,” replies the woman, “For us, it’s all about keeping things interesting and spontaneous. For example, on our twentieth anniversary, I took my husband to the Bahamas.”

“Oh! How exotic? What are you doing for your fortieth?”

“Going back to collect him,” the woman replies.

And for the nutritional message this week…

For those of you who watch what you eat, here’s the final word on nutrition and health. It’s a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.

1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Brits.
2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Brits.
3. The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Brits.
4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Brits.
5. The Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Brits.

CONCLUSION: Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you.

My thanks to those who serve up the humour on social media… 

If you would like to browse my books and reviews you can find them here Sally’s Books and Reviews 

 

Smorgasbord Summer Book Fair – #Life #Shortstories #Poetry – Beem Weeks, M.J. Mallon and Sally Cronin

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The first recommended collection today is by Beem Weeks…Slivers of Life

About the collection.

These twenty short stories are a peek into individual lives caught up in spectacular moments in time. Children, teens, mothers, and the elderly each have stories to share.

Readers witness tragedy and fulfillment, love and hate, loss and renewal. Historical events become backdrops in the lives of ordinary people, those souls forgotten with the passage of time.

Beem Weeks tackles diverse issues running the gamut from Alzheimer’s disease to civil rights, abandonment to abuse, from young love to the death of a child. Long-hidden secrets and notions of revenge unfold at the promptings of rich and realistic characters; plot lines often lead readers into strange and dark corners. Within Slivers of Life, Weeks proves that everybody has a story to tell—and no two are ever exactly alike.

One of the reviews for the collection October 28th 2025

John W. Howell
5 out of 5 stars
An outstanding Collection of Short Stories

Often, a collection of short stories includes one or two memorable stories. The best way to get more is to buy an anthology or read Slivers of Life by Beem Weeks. Given the state of my TBR, I bought this book in 2018 and only now got to it. The quality of the stories individually and the collection as a whole gave me a pleasant surprise. I had to kick myself for not getting to it sooner.

The dialogue in each story is not overburdened with colloquial dialect, but the reader can tell that the folks involved are from different times or places. Beem Weeks has an enviable talent for pegging personalities, giving the reader distinct impressions of how they will behave. To get a vivid picture, the reader does not need to read long descriptions of the character’s dress or appearance. A few words coming out of their mouth is all it takes, and the author is a master at doing this.

The stories themselves are about people. These could be a next-door neighbor or someone in the family involved in a creative condition created by Mr. Weeks. The point is these stories are so good as a result of the writing and not a contrived situation. Rest assured, each story will cause the reader to pause and think about the lesson. Yes, there is a lesson in each one, and that is the beauty of this collection. The reader can be entertained, educated, and challenged all at the same time.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys well-written literature.

Read the reviews and buy the collection: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US

Also by Beem Weeks 

Find out more about  Beem Weeks, read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Follow Beem Weeks: Goodreads – Website/Blog: Beem Weeks – Twitter: @BeemWeeks –  Bluesky: Beem Weeks Author – Podcast: Voice of Indie 

The next book today is another I can highly recommend. The flash fiction and poetry collection The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet by M.J. Mallon.

About the collection

The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet is a collection of poetry and flash fiction celebrating the beautiful vulnerability of the forest kingdom. It begins with the poetic tale of the kind-hearted Hedge Witch, Fern, who discovers an injured stranger in desperate need of her woodland spells and magic.

The sweet pairing learn from each other and through Fern’s guidance, Devin embraces the power of magic to leave behind his trouble past to become The Musical Poet.

Poetry/flash fiction titles in section one of the collection include:

The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet, Rain Forest Love, A Forest Baby Boy, A Forest Baby Girl, A Modern Witch, Rock of Mine, Chester Don & I, The Network of Trees, More Trees Not Less, Two Boys Watching War, Mum Climbing Trees, Let’s Play, The Scorched Tree, Owl’s Holiday Home, A Man’s Holiday Home, A Child’s Excitement, The Teddy In The Woods, Run! The Organutans, All Hallow’s Eve Candy Girl The Forest Bash, Dreaming At Halloween, A Face on Bark, Golden Willow Tree, Rainbow – Parasol of Light, Lollipop Sunshine Tree,

In Section two I pay tribute to the following poets:Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Evangeline, Ruby Archer, King Forest, Bliss Carman, Woodland Rain, Emily Dickinson, Who Robbed the Woods, Rupert Blake, Stopping by The Woods on A Winter Evening,Oscar Wilde, In the Forest.

With my poetry: The Forest Weeps, The Forest King, Raindrops and Childhood Dreams, The Woodland Treasures, Winter Woodland Moon, Child Me.

One of the reviews for the collection

Best Books Money Can Buy
5 out of 5 stars
A Lyrical Journey into the Heart of the Forest of Life

If you enjoyed reading Brothers Grimm’s “Hansel and Gretel” in your childhood, then you will take delight in reading Mrs Mallon’s new fairy tale about Fern and Devin, a kind-hearted hedge witch and a lost and injured stranger who discovers inspiration and his hidden talent as a poet.

Another lovely collection of beautifully written poetry and flash fiction, that transports the readers into a magical and peaceful forest world. And to quote from the author’s dedication: “to the trees, there would be no words, and no poetry without your beauty.”

“The Hedge Witch and the Musical Poet” is a charming and enchanting read that will appeal to fans of fantasy, poetry, and nature. It’s a delightful escape into a world of magic and wonder, offering a heartwarming and uplifting love story. 

Head over to read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon UK– And:Amazon US

A selection of other books by M. J. Mallon

Find out more about Marjorie Mallon, read the reviews and buy the books:Amazon US –And: Amazon UK – Website: M.J. Mallon – Goodreads: Goodreads – Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon 

And the final book today is my selection for the summer book fair… it has received a wonderful boost recently with a review which I would like to share. Life’s Rich Tapestry: Woven in Words.

About Life’s Rich Tapestry

Life’s Rich Tapestry is a collection of verse, micro-fiction and short stories that explore many aspects of our human nature and the wonders of the natural world. Reflections on our earliest beginnings and what is yet to come, with characters as diverse as a French speaking elephant and a cyborg warrior.

Finding the right number of syllables for a Haiku, Tanka, Etheree or Cinquain focuses the mind; as does 99 word micro-fiction, bringing a different level of intensity to storytelling. You will find stories about the past, the present and the future told in 17 syllables to 2,000 words, all celebrating life.

This book is also recognition of the value to a writer, of being part of a generous and inspiring blogging community, where writing challenges encourage us to explore new styles and genres.

A recent review for the collection

Laura Lyndhurst 10th June 2026

A Wonderful Weaving of Words – 5*

The more of Sally Cronin’s books I read the more I’m drawn into the world she creates, and Life’s Rich Tapestry: Woven in Words is no exception. It may well be my favourite of her books which I’ve read to date.

The cover features a weaving loom, matching the title, and I can’t help but see the structure of this slim volume as forming a similar frame upon which the author constructs her views on life. The work is divided into sections which form the ‘warp’, threads which run lengthwise, stretched taut on the loom to provide a strong foundation, resistant to the tension of life. The ‘weft’ is the words used, woven under and over the warp threads, to which they’re set horizontally, to fill in the framework and add decoration. Hence, Sally Cronin gives us a broad tapestry picture of life, completed and coloured by the experiences which her words provide.

There’s an order to the sections which to me represents the landscape through which our lives will travel. “The Seasons of the Year” represents Nature, the weather, the flora and fauna as a background against which we move and within which we interact. “All things Human” brings we, the people, into the picture; our evolution and development, our survival from youth through the various trials of life: ‘Romance’, ‘Rejection’, ‘Betrayal’ and other ‘Wonders I have seen’ while ‘Age Defying’ we move towards ‘Devolution’, a not-necessarily rosy future for the species.

“Fairies and other Folk” moves into the world of the imagination, of ‘Fairy Tales’ and ‘Enchantment’, while “The Natural World” looks with more focus through the developed human eye at those with whom we share this planet: ‘The Peacock’, ‘The Eagle’ and ‘The Fish’, amongst others, as well as the habitat we share—including the ‘New Moon’, ‘The Yellow Rose’ and ‘The Magnolia’—and conditions which affect it, such as ‘The Storm’ and ‘The Drought’.

“Remembrance” looks at the negative side of what mankind has brought to the world, with ‘Young Soldiers’ and ‘Old Soldiers’ remembered through ‘The Poppies.’ On the positive side there’s a section “Celebrating Pets”, in which dogs, cats and even a spider are considered, while “Random Thoughts” are just that; a collection of arbitrary reflections on aspects of our existence.

Thus far the sections are made up of poems, short pieces no more than a page long and perhaps representing the enthusiasm and speed with which young people enter upon life, keen to experience as much as possible as fast as possible. However, at a certain point they’re forced to adopt a slower pace and think more deeply about it all; and in this text the section entitled “99 Words in a Flash” is that point.

The pieces here are flash fiction, short but written in prose, not flowing in quite the same manner as the poetry. Short paragraphs chart issues, of present and future worlds, of the animal kingdom; siblings separated, broken relationships, new beginnings, old life ebbing. There’s a polar-bear’s-eye-view of the problems posed by melting ice caps, and that of a boy ‘Following Elephants’ in his search for water; and on the lighter side there’s even a recipe for ‘The Devilish Mojito’.

Things slow down at last with three sections of “Short Stories”, of which two deal with humans and their relationship to their pets. The first concerns dogs, via “The Underdogs”, with the next being set around “The Superiority of Cats”. As a cat person I couldn’t help but love the marmalade cat of ‘The Good Neighbour’, Millicent and her care for her cat, Lily, in ‘For the Love of Lily’ and Napoleon, ‘The Maine Coon King’. Finally there’s a section of “Speculative Fiction”, where characters reflect upon what might have been, sometimes able to make a change, sometimes not.

My favourites? Pretty much all of the poetry section, along with ‘DNA’ from the flash fiction, in which the distant past is connected with the present via the DNA from prehistoric bones found in a cave, which was ‘matched to millions of women who migrated across the continent … populating almost every part of Europe and beyond’. As I recall, the subject matter also relates to ‘Origins’, published in the author’s Variety is the Spice of Life, where she identifies herself as one woman to whom the DNA had come down. I also liked the bittersweet charm of ‘Great Aunt Georgina’, where a woman finds out a family secret too late to act upon the information.

All in all it’s a great collection, a tangled web woven by the actions of mankind and teased into some sort of order by the authorial skill of Sally Cronin; one which I highly recommend. 

Read the reviews and buy the book Amazon  :Amazon UK – Amazon US : Amazon US 

You can find out more about me on Amazon US: Amazon US – Amazon UK: Amazon UK – More reviews : Goodreads – blog: Smorgasbord Blog Magazine Twitter: @sgc58 – Facebook: Sally Cronin – LinkedIn: Sally Cronin – Bluesky: @sallycronin.bsky.social

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books.

Smorgasbord Summer Book Fair – Book Review – #AmericanHeartland #Stories The Immigrant and the Outlaw by Joy Neal Kidney

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Delighted to share my review for the release by Joy Neal Kidney The Immigrant and the Outlaw…stories from the American Heartland.

About the collection

For years, Joy Neal Kidney carried a story she felt called to tell—a World War II family history marked by love, courage, and devastating loss.

In the journey toward writing that book, she discovered something more: a gift for telling true American stories. Beginning her freelance career in her forties, Joy has published dozens of narratives in newspapers, magazines, and through the popular podcast Our American Stories.

The Immigrant and the Outlaw gathers some of her most compelling work—stories rooted in Iowa soil yet echoing far beyond it. Tales of grit, heritage, sacrifice, and the quiet heroism woven through everyday lives.

These are stories worth remembering.

Just some of the stories waiting for you in the collection.

Chapter 1: Celestial – meteors (this was my first byline, first $50), comets, the moon, thunderstorms

Chapter 2: Childhood on a Farm – an old upright piano, roller-skating in the house, old barns

Chapter 3: Flora and Fauna – monarch larva, birds, lilacs, winter, spiders, morning glories

Chapter 4: Discovering Ancestors – the cover story is in this chapter, a small cemetery (Lee Habeeb mentioned this one in his Foreword), a family tragedy, a Victorian house, the story behind an old quilt, first women’s suffrage, a Civil War story

My review for the collection June 20th 2026

This collection of stories and poetry represent a life time of observation, memories passed on by previous generations, shared with the reader by a wonderful storyteller and guardian of the past.

In the first section of the stories titled Celestial, we are invited to join into rituals, such as the long cherished rite since childhood of watching the annual firework display of the Perseids, lighting up the sky for a tantalising few hours. And a glimpse of Halley’s Comet, the complexities associated with the moon and its phases and weather and how rain on the roof can be “good sleeping weather.

Next we move into the childhood years on the homestead…beginning with the glorious decades of an old upright piano. For a child growing up on the farm there is also the special atmosphere to be found in a barn including ‘a horse’s nicker’ and ‘grunt of a sow with baby pigs’.

There are wonderful stories on the flora and fauna and you can almost smell the fragrance of the lilacs as they brightened the garden each May and filled their home with their aroma. There is also the delight of watching squirrels cleverly circumnavigating deterrents to sample the bird seed on a snowy day and a persistent spiders intruding into a Sunday service

We are introduced to ancestors from the past including those from Denmark in the 1830s who moved to America leading to the birth of dynasty, and a connection to a well-known outlaw. In the town’s cemetery the lives of many others over six generations are remembered with each stone a brief reminder of their lives and accomplishments and links within the family tree. There were terrible tragedies associated with deadly diseases which ran rampant through the community, but also resilience and courage. There are wonderful times shared too, such family celebrations for mother’s day, tooth fairies and refrigerator art.

The author’s family history of service to the country is shared in a wonderful chapter on Veterans including a poignant poem of remembrance. And those honoured include her father who flew as a pilot in the iconic B-17 Flying Fortress during WWII before donning the mantle of farmer. Also her Uncle Don who was on The Yorktown during the battle of the Midway but has also had to abandon ship twice and went on to earn a great many commendation and service medals. Memorial days were particularly poignant with Leora Wilson’s loss of three sons during the conflict. There is also the fascinating story about the origins of the Iowa’s Freedom Rocks where the author’s five uncles are honoured for their service.

The stories are not only about the family and their close friends but also the newcomers such as the Bosnian immigrants who arrive in search of safety and a new life in Iowa which fostered a pro-immigration policy. The author found her life enriched as they did the whole community where they still live today with their extended families.

When you have finished reading the stories, and if you should feel peckish, you can enjoy Doris Neal’s Potato Salad… definitely a comfort food.

This collection is poignant, inspiring and a reminder of how a close knit community offers a level of support which sadly is lacking for so many living in cities today. I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading new stories and a reminder of the other books I have read by Joy Neal Kidney. They are to be treasured.  

Read the reviews and buy the collection: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

Books by Joy Neal Kidney

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – More reviews: Goodreads – Website: Joy Neal Kidney – Facebook: Joy Neal Kidney Author – Twitter: @JoyNealKidney – Instagram: Joy Neal Kidney

About Joy Neal Kidney

Joy Neal Kidney is the oldest granddaughter of Leora Wilson, who lost three sons during WWII and was widowed, all during a three-year period. Through the decades, Joy helped take Memorial Day bouquets to the graves of those three young uncles, not knowing that only one of them is buried there–until decades later, after the death of her courageous little Grandma Leora.

Joy became a writer in order to tell her stories.

She and her husband, Guy (an Air Force Veteran of the Vietnam War and retired Air Traffic Controller) live in central Iowa. Their son is married and they live out-of-state with a small daughter named Kate.

A graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, Joy has lived with fibromyalgia for two dozen years, giving her plenty of home-bound days to write blog posts and books, working with research from decades earlier.

All of the “Leora books” tell stories about world and national events reaching into the American Heartland–westward expansion, two world wars, pandemics, how mental health issues were handled, the Great Depression, and surviving great personal losses. But they are hopeful as well.

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books 

Smorgasbord Summer Book Fair – #Historical #Prehistoric #Trilogy Jacqui Murray, #Medieval Patricia Furstenburg, #WWII Paulette Mahurin

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The first author today, Jacqui Murray has created a box set of the Crossroads Trilogy at an amazing offer price and I am including one of the reviews for the first book in the series to encourage you to read this amazing series.

About the series

From Book 1: Five tribes. One leader. A treacherous journey across three continents in search of a new home. Written in the spirit of Jean Auel, Survival of the Fittest is an unforgettable saga of hardship and determination, conflict and passion.

Chased by a ruthless enemy, Xhosa leads her People on a grueling journey through unknown and dangerous lands following a path laid out decades before by her father, to be followed only as a last resort. She is joined by other fleeing tribes from Indonesia, China, South Africa, East Africa, and the Levant, all similarly forced by timeless events to find new lives. As they struggle to overcome treachery, lies, tragedy, secrets, and Nature itself, Xhosa is forced to face the reality that her enemy doesn’t want to ruin her People. It wants to ruin her.

The story is set 850,000 years ago, a time in prehistory when man populated most of Eurasia, where ‘survival of the fittest’ was not a slogan. It was a destiny. Xhosa’s People were from a violent species, one fully capable of addressing the many hardships that threatened their lives except for one: future man, a smarter version of themselves, one destined to obliterate all those who came before.

One of the reviews for the first book in the series Survival of the Fittest 

D. J. Brasket
5 out of 5 stars
I loved this well-researched, riveting series about our ancient beginnings

Over the past several weeks, I’ve been captivated by Murray’s Crossroads Trilogy. I ate up the first book, Survival of the Fittest, dove eagerly into The Quest for Home, and am well into the last book, Against All Odds. I don’t know how this series will end so there are no spoilers here, but I didn’t want to put off reviewing this series, which I highly recommend.

Not since reading Clan of the Cave Bear so long ago have I been caught up in a series that takes us back to the root of our humanity, where it all began. This series gathers the various strands of our cave-dwelling nomadic cousins from the far corners of the earth and brings them to a crossroads that becomes a melting pot, forging the species that eventually dominates the earth and creates the civilizations of our common heritage.

Here we get glimpses into humanity’s most basic and brilliant discoveries: how to capture and maintain fire to keep us warm, how to cover ourselves with animal skins prepared in such a way as to not rot, how fashion a spearhead and fasten it to a shaft, how to keep wounds from festering and treat pain, and how mutual care and grooming between clanmates and the copulation to sustain the race gives rise to what we now call love.

And all this is told through fascinating characters that we come to love, and in some cases dread. At the heart of the story is Xhosa, a young woman of fierce determination and wisdom who comes to lead her clan when her father dies, how she partners with the brilliantly brutal warrior Nightshade who covets Zhosa’s power, as well as the gentle Pan-do, leader of another migrating clan who joins with hers. We meet Pan-do’s neurodivergent daughter, whose soothing songs mimic the sounds of the forest, even while her crippled body struggles to keep up. And Seeker who talks to the stars who tell him where the clan must go to find their new home.

As Xhosa’s clan travels further north, they meet Hawk, the charismatic leader of a clan with advanced survival skills that help them survive the colder climates where they travel. And eventually they meet Wind, outcast from the clan of the Big Heads, the homo-sapiens whose advance warcraft drives away or dominates the other clans whose lands they conquer.

Through three books we follow Xhosa’s clan and those that merge with hers, as well as splinter groups, from what we now call central Africa up through Egypt into the fertile crescent and across Europe to the Spanish plains. Along the way we encounter earthquakes and floods, wildfires and famine, cannibals and slavers. We learn what “survival of the fittest” really means, what true leadership demands, and get a glimpse of how the heart, stamina, and ingenuity of our most distant ancestors lives on in us, enabling us to survive the equally brutal and challenging times we live in.

Kudos to Murray for this well-researched and riveting story of our ancient beginnings. It gives me hope that we too, despite our flaws, can and will survive even in these turbulent times, which, after all, are not so different from what our earliest ancestors encountered. 

Read the reviews and buy the first book in the series: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Or buy the box set: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

A selection of other books by Jacqui Murray

Discover more about Jacqui Murray, read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Follow Jacqui: goodreads – Blog: Worddreams – Twitter: @WordDreams

The next book is the fascinating historical novel set in medieval times by Patricia Furstenberg – When Secrets Bloom.

About the book

Transylvania, 1463 – Some secrets heal. Others kill.

Kate Webber, a 28-year-old Saxon healer, has long walked the line between reverence and suspicion. Trained in the healing arts under the guidance of Lord Vlad Dracula, she has learned that skill alone cannot protect a woman in a city ruled by fear. Her marriage to the powerful but secretive Magyar promised stability, yet left her silenced and watched. On a bitter Advent night, when a mother and her newborn face death, Kate defies her husband’s command and steps into danger — for life, not reputation.

When Kate succeeds, the city notices. Some with awe. Others with fury. The town physician, threatened by her talent and humiliated by her success, seizes his moment. And as rumors flare into accusations, old alliances stir. Iancu, Kate’s childhood friend and now captain of the Militia, comes to her aid during the perilous birth — rekindling memories of freedom, laughter, and trust, before marriage shackled her to duty.

Back in her workshop, a girl appears, pleading for a love potion. But Margit brings more than need. She leads a mob. Elsewhere in the city, Moise, a Jewish apprentice at the printing press, notices a cloaked figure drifting across the square: a Shaman whose presence draws whispers of Magyar’s hidden dealings. When a rare manuscript disappears from the press Moise begins to uncover a darker purpose: a sought-after book. On the day of execution Kate performs a final act of defiance, she saves another child, while Moise is framed for more than he could have ever imagined.

Kate and Moise’s fates, as well as the map’s legacy, unfold as some secrets must be read not in books, but in the hearts of those who hide them.

One of the reviews for the book  

Kimber
5 out of 5 stars
Prepare to be swept into fifteenth-century Romania

Step into 1463 Kronstadt, Transylvania—a time steeped in shadow, where darkness reigns but flickers of light persist. Amid the turmoil, healers, printers, and militia men rise, each fighting for something greater than themselves.

Kate, a gifted healer, follows the call of those in need. Since her release from captivity under Vlad the Impaler, she’s built a reputation in Kronstadt—but was she truly his prisoner? Or were their fates bound by something deeper, more mysterious? In this tale, neither Vlad nor Kate are what they seem.

Iancu, towering and stoic, carries secrets as heavy as his frame. Life in the military has hardened him, but not beyond recognition. Beneath the scars and silence, the boy who once played beside Kate still lingers. Their shared past glows faintly, even as war threatens to extinguish it.

Moise, a Jewish printer in a world that barely tolerates his existence, is driven by prophecy. His quest: to recover what was stolen and ensure destiny unfolds. But his path is treacherous, haunted by demons both literal and figurative. To find the map he seeks, he must move like a whisper through a world that wants him silenced.

These are but a few of the unforgettable souls awaiting you within the pages of ‘When Secrets Bloom’. Prepare to be swept into fifteenth-century Romania—a land of mysticism, peril, and passion. But tread carefully: death and devilry lurk behind every corner. 

 Head over to buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – And Universal link: When Secrets Bloom

A small selection of other books by Patricia Furstenberg (some in Afrikaans)

Head over to find out more about Patricia, read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – and: Amazon UK – Blog: Alluring Creations Goodreads: Goodreads – Twitter: @PatFurstenberg – Bluesky: Pat Furstenberg 

And the third book today is one that brings to life the horrors of war by Paulette Mahurin set in WW2 and The Netherlands – The Girl From Huizen

About the book

The German occupation of the Netherlands brings with it food shortages, harsh treatment for resistants and deportation of Jews. The changes dramatically affect Rosamond Jansen’s life on her family’s farm on the outskirts of Huizen. When she finds herself under constant surveillance and oppressive treatment in her government typist job and the Nazis deport her best friend, her resentment turns to fear and a deepening hatred. Verbal cruelty, belittlement and emotional turmoil take their toll on her until a man arrives at the farm who, along with her uncle from Amsterdam, enlist her father into resistance work. When her father does not return home, Rosamond, too, is drawn into resistance activity. As more people disappear from her life, her involvement goes deeper, bringing her to a villa in Huizen where a woman named Madelief has a secret. As Rosamond becomes close to Madelief and the secret is revealed, her life starts to unravel.

Based on actual events at the villa, The Girl from Huizen tells the story of how Rosamond, working with Madelief, dared to defy the SS and their collaborators. But this is no ordinary Resistance versus Nazi story, rather it is a story of a shocking and unexpected unfolding where flames of tension ignite the page, as loss and grief consume and drive the girl from Huizen. It is a powerful story about the trusting friendship between two women. Ultimately The Girl from Huizen is a homage to the brave resistance members who risked everything to fight against Nazi oppression. Their efforts saved thousands upon thousands of lives.

One of the reviews for the book  

Marina Osipova
5 out of 5 stars
Intense, beautiful, and unforgettable

WWII. The Nazi occupied Holland. The nation divided into two camps. This is the backdrop for the story of the kind and brave hearts, of deadly danger and sacrifice, in a time when life and death balances on a razor blade. It’s a chilling experience to read about heinous crimes committed by Nazis and the local collaborators. The most often feeling I had while reading was fear of what would come next. And often it was the loss of a family member, or a fellow resistant fighter, or a child. Because that’s what they did: they risked their lives trying to save as many Jewish children as possible. Roz and her parents, Karl and Madelief, and many others are the characters this reader instantly rooted for. The writing is so sensual and detailed that you can truly picture the scenes in your mind’s eye.

The prose is captivating and beautiful, the events—horrendous or of jubilation at the end of the story—breathtaking. Along the way, I got goosebumps many times.

The story is page-turning and with an ending that’s impossible not to tug at your heart.

To say I loved this book is an understatement. For writers like me who need an exemplar of what good writing looks like, sounds like, and how it is built, this is the book. For readers, it may be a story they will not forget soon if ever. I can’t help but heartily recommend this heart-warming, passionately told story from the author of many highly acclaimed books. 

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

A small selection of other books by Paulette Mahurin

Profits from Pauline’s books go to help rescue dogs from kill shelters.

Discover more about Paulette, read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And : Amazon UK – follow Paulette : Goodreads – Blog: The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap on WordPress – Twitter: @MahurinPaulette

 

Thank you for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books.

 

 

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – The Music Column – Chart Toppers and Blockbusters 1980s with William Price King “Beat It” and Amadeus

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Welcome to the series where I will be sharing the chart toppers and blockbusters through the decades… be prepared for some nostalgia and some foot tapping music. William

🎶   Michael Jackson – “Beat It”

“Beat It” was composed by Michael Jackson, produced by Quincy Jones, and co-produced by Jackson for the album “Thriller,” and includes a guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen.

“Beat It,” along with its music video, helped make “Thriller” the best-selling album of all time. At the 1984 Grammy Awards “Beat It” won Record of the Year and Best Male Rock Vocal Performance (Jackson).

While “Beat It” transformed the music and video industry into an art form, “Amadeus” offered us a cinematic tale of musical genius and envy. 

🎬   “Amadeus”

“Amadeus” was directed by Miloš Forman, and features F. Murray Abraham as Antonio Salieri and Tom Hulce as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. “Amedeus” is an adaptation by Peter Shaffer of the 1979 stage play originally inspired by Alexander Pushkin’s 1830 play “Mozart and Salieri,” based on the life and work of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart seen through the eyes of his contemporary and rival, Antonio Salieri.

The film “Amedeus” won eight Academy Awards for 1984, including Best Picture, Best Director (Miloš Forman), Best Actor (F. Murray Abraham), and Best Screenplay.

Join William again next week for more entertainment…

Your Host

William Price King is an American jazz singer, crooner, and composer.

His interest in music began at an early age when he studied piano and clarinet in high school. At Morehouse College in Atlanta where he grew up, he sang in the Glee Club and studied classical music. After graduation he went off to the Yale School of Music where he earned a Masters degree. From there he journeyed to New York where he created a jazz trio ‘Au Naturel’ which performed in some of the hottest venues in Manhattan including gigs on Broadway and the famous ‘Rainbow Room.’ These gigs opened doors for performances in Montreal and a European tour.

While touring Europe he met a lovely French lady, Jeanne Maïstre, who, a year later became his wife. King left the group ‘Au Naturel’ and settled in the south of France where he started a new life on the French Riviera, opening his own music school – the “Price King Ecole Internationale de Chant.” He has had the pleasure over the years of seeing many of his students excel as singers on a professional level, and some going on to become national celebrities. He continues to coach young singers today, in his spare time.

Blog– IMPROVISATION – William Price King on Tumblr – Buy William’s music: William Price King iTunes – Facebook – William Price King – Twitter – @wpkofficial
Regular Venue – Cave Wilson

 

Thanks very much for dropping in today and it would be great if you could share the music with your connections.

Smorgasbord Authors in the Sun Shortstories- #Fantasy – The Girl and the Bear by D.L. Finn

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I would love to share your short stories here too this summer and details of how you can participate are at the end of the post.

In this episode of the series another wonderful story from D.L. Finn...a fantasy that will have you hanging on every word.

Image from pixabay.com

The Girl and the Bear

When I became a teenager, my days living among humans faded to a distant memory. My birth presented no distinctions, save a single hump on my back. I was perfect in every other way. My mother loved me, but my father wished I hadn’t been born.

Although I was a baby, the memory was imprinted on me that he wanted to end the life of his firstborn, moments after my first breath. Only my mother’s promise that I would help raise his future sons kept that breath going.

“For your sake, Katrina, the girl will not die today.” He swore, his irises like ice chips. He had remained distant but not callous.

For the next eight years, I worked hard, and my mother treasured me. She instructed me in herbs, reading, and forest survival. She was the light in our family until my mother died giving birth to her fourth son. Luckily, I was useful raising Theodore, but I heeded my mother’s warning from her deathbed.

“I’m not going to make it, Ellaina. Take care of Theodore and be useful until your eighteenth birthday. On that day, you must leave home when your father sleeps. Take nothing with you, and he will not follow. Seek the bear within the forbidden woods. If anything changes before then, do not hesitate, run, and don’t look back. Promise me.”

“I promise, but why?”

She squeezed my hand, “You are special.” With a slight smile, she took her final breath.

I held Theodore a year later as he took his last labored gasp, like our mother. His little body couldn’t fight the pneumonia, and the herbs did nothing for him. As my three brothers and I stood around the little grave next to my mother’s, I felt my father’s fury.

“This is your fault. I never should have let you exist. You killed him, Ellaina.” Her father’s expression contorted into a snarl.

My brothers stood mute. No one protected me.

“No, father…” I managed before he struck and hit my face for the first time. I staggered back, rubbing my stinging cheek.

He pulled out a blade. “I should have done this sooner.”

I did what my mother had instructed me to do. I turned and ran into the forest.

“Good run! The forest will kill you!” he shouted. “Saves me the trouble.”

That was the last time I heard his voice or saw what was left of my family. I ran all through the day, ignoring my aching muscles and deep hunger. I wanted to put as much distance between me and that anger. Finally, the sunlight disappeared, and darkness replaced it. I was wearing my best dress and sturdy shoes, but had nothing else on me: no protection, no food, and nothing to keep me warm. Exhausted, I collapsed under a large pine tree, curled into a ball, and let the tears flow.

Branches snapped, breaking the silence as something heavy came toward me.

“Who’s there?” My voice quivered.

“Just me, Ellaina.” I heard the words, though the speaker did not say them aloud. Was this the magic that people lived in fear of?

In the bright light of the moon, a bear stood.

“My mother said, ‘ Find you,’ I thought I misunderstood her.”

“She possessed knowledge shared among her female relatives. I am Astrid.” The bear’s words were still in thought form.

“Now what?” I asked, wrapping my arms around myself.

“Follow me. You are safe, little one. You always have been. I’ve kept watch.”

I stood and brushed the dirt off my dress. “Where are we going?”

“To your new home.”

That home was a cave that had a pile of wood and a fire pit. I knew what to do thanks to my mother. That was ten years ago. Astrid provided for me and didn’t hibernate like the other bears. I never questioned where the food, blankets, mattress, cooking pots, plates, cups, or clothing came from. Astrid added to my mother’s education about the forest. On my tenth birthday, I found three books by my bed. Herbs comprised one subject; fantasies made up the other two. I read aloud to Astrid, and I felt her pride. I still got her words through thoughts, but she insisted I keep speaking to her, to practice.

On my eighteenth birthday, Astrid brought me a beautiful white dress as I was braiding my long brown hair. “I think it will fit you perfectly. Put it on, and we will go to the pond.”

“It is beautiful, thank you. I wouldn’t want to get it dirty.” I held it up, wishing I had a mirror.

“Just put it on. It’s time.” She turned and left.

Puzzled, I put on the silky dress. I’d seen nothing so pretty. My dresses were always plain and sensible. This was something a princess would wear. It had the perfect opening for my hump. The itching that had started the week before grew more intense but not painful. I rubbed my hump against the cave wall without getting dirt on the dress.

Astrid had assured me the hump presented no issues.

Astrid came back in. A smile shone through her furry face. “You are beautiful. Follow me.”

It was a picturesque spring day; the birds were singing, and I was on a path I’d never been on before. I could barely keep up with her long, bear strides.

“Wait up!” I called.

That didn’t stop her. Finally, out of breath, we came to a small pond surrounded by lilies of all colors, some I’d never seen before. Water flowed from a petite cascade into a pond, where a huge rock rested at the center. The water reflected my face like a mirror, and I didn’t recognize the girl looking back.

“When did you find this place?” I asked as everything went silent.

“I’ve always known about it. You weren’t ready before,” Astrid stood next to me.

“Why?”

“You had to be of age. Your mom mentioned that, right?”

“Well, she said to go into the forest on my eighteenth…”

Astrid interrupted me. “Today is a day that carries considerable importance. Your sole task involves sitting on that rock.” She pointed to the one in the pond.

I started to remove my dress…

“No! leave it on, Ellaina! Go now.”

Confused, I stepped into the water, expecting it to be cold. It wasn’t. The bottom was sandy; there was nothing to cut my feet. When I got to the rock, I wasn’t sure how to pull myself up onto it. Astrid wasn’t helping, so I edged around it and discovered rock-cut stairs on the opposite side. I climbed them and sat on the warm rock. Wringing the water out of my soaked dress, I looked to Astrid for any guidance.

“Close your eyes,” was her only message.

Maybe she had a gift for me, but when I shut my eyes, I fell asleep. I awoke on that rock, uncertain of how much time had elapsed. Now, the pond was surrounded by every forest animal I’d ever encountered. Astrid was in the front, the sun reflecting off her golden-brown fur.

I stretched, feeling peaceful, and the itching was gone. Something fluttered behind me. I jumped up and spun around. There were wings, but not a bird. I peeked behind me and felt my back. The white wings were attached, and my hump was gone!

“Hooray!” The cheer was normal animal sounds, yet I understood the surrounding group as I did Astrid.

My wings could be controlled like a hand or a leg. I lifted off my feet for a moment, but landed back in the water. I didn’t sink, I floated.

“It will take practice, Ellaina,” Astrid called. “We have much to talk about now.”

“What is going on?” I said, getting out of the pond and shaking the water off my wings.

Astrid and the other animals bowed their heads. “We’ve waited many generations for our new forest princess.”

“Forest Princess? That sounds like one of my books.” A chuckle escaped my lips, unable to suppress my amusement at the situation.

“Well, fiction has some truth woven into it. This is your truth.”

“Why didn’t you tell me before?”

“You needed to see for yourself. Now we wait.” Astrid glanced behind her.
I fluttered my wings, lifting above Astrid. “Wait for what?”

“Prince Allan. He will be here soon to spread his wings. Then we leave.”

I shook my head. “Leave? Prince? I don’t get it.”

“Our time on Earth has ended. We are collecting our last two magical beings; you were born on the same day. Then we go back to our realm and start over.” Astrid sat with a huff.

“Our realm? Start over? I don’t get any of this.” I landed next to Astrid and sat beside her.

“A dark spell killed everything many generations past. Few among us escaped; we then concealed ourselves here. It was said that when the two winged children were born, it was time to go back. Here you are. Your mother knew; she was one of us, and if she had lived, she could have joined us, but she passed like the prince’s mother. It is only you two left.”

“What about my brothers?” I stretched out in the warm sun to dry.

“They are human now. Allan’s here.” In a swift movement, Astrid rose to her feet.

A young man with startling green eyes and a hump stumbled through the trees to the pond. He appeared to be in a trance as he set down his sword and stepped into the water. On that same rock, he transformed like me.

Then Allan and I left the only world we’d known for the land of magic, accompanied by our guardians of the forest to correct the mistakes of the past.

@D.L.Finn

What an amazing mythical story and thank you to Denise for sharing it with us. I know she would love to hear from you.

D. L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 she relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to Nevada City, in the Sierra foothills. She immersed herself in reading all types of books but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations include children’s books, adult fiction, and poetry. She continues on her adventure with an open invitation to all readers to join her.

A selection of books by D.L. Finn for adults and children

One of the reviews for Deep in the Forest poetry collection

MacTrish
5 out of 5 stars
A book of poems with nature at its heart

This book reflects the author’s appreciation and understanding of the natural world around her. It contains a wide variety of poetry styles including prose, rhyming and syllabic. There is even a short section in limerick form although I wasn’t as fond of that as the others. This poetry is sumptuous. The author feels nature in all her senses and I could relate to so much of it. She has also provided beautiful photographs that add another depth to the different layers.

The book is initially divided into the seasons, but there are other categories including Forest Magic, and Mountain Muses from the back of a Harley. There is even a section underwater where the poetry is written on a waterproof table whilst snorkelling.

The detail is well-observed and beautifully rendered. ‘green sprouts and flowers unfurl/ cracking the ice into spring’. Strawberry plants ‘stretch out like a slow summer yawn’ and a tree branch ‘dangles like a child’s loose tooth.’

In a poem called Silent Swing, she describes the pathos of a silent swing in an abandoned playground. Here is one of my favourites:

misty mountain fog/weaves through silent cedars/like smoky fingers/paints the scene with strokes of rain/winter’s monotone painting

There are other poems from the folly of building fences to protect from a world ‘spinning out of control’, to domestic abuse (which has a marvellous metaphor running through it) and other topics such as arranged marriages.

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Follow D.L. Finn: Goodreads – Connect to D.L. Finn – Website: D.L. Finn Author – Facebook: D.L. Finn Author – Twitter: @dlfinnauthor  –  And:Bluesky

If you have a fiction short story to share with us then here is what I will need. Please send to sallygcronin@gmail.com

  • A word document with your edited story. A new story or one you have written and published on your blog.
  • 1000 to 1500 words.. but if it is slightly shorter or longer that is no problem. It can be any genre except for erotica as I have younger readers.
  • If you are an author or blogger who has featured here before I don’t need anything else.
  • If you are new to the blog then I will need an Amazon page link, blog or website links, three main social media links and a profile photograph.

I look forward to hearing from you and sharing your writing here… thanks Sally.

 

Smorgasbord Health Column – Alternative Healing Therapies – The Alexander Technique – Part Three – Standing, Sitting and Walking Correctly by Sally Cronin

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Last week I covered some of the methods to determine if you have a particular problem area in your posture and they way that you move. Ergonomics, Posture and Back Pain

Apart from the ever increasing statistics of the millions who suffer from chronic back pain and stress, there is also the fact that it is also one of the leading causes of painkiller addiction. Especially as most painkillers are ineffective.

The best way to use the Alexander Technique is under the guidance of a qualified teacher on a one to one basis. They can assess your postural problem areas effectively and guide you into the correct way to sit, stand and walk to minimise your pain and improve your mobility.

Here is a very useful link which will show you where your nearest Alexander Technique Teacher can be found worldwide: Alexander Technique

You can help yourself and I am just going to talk you through some sitting and standing techniques to help improve your posture. And I have also found some videos that might be helpful.

Bad Habits.

It is so easy to slip into a bad habits and before you know it you are sitting, standing and walking incorrectly as your normal fall back position. It does mean that it can be difficult to encourage your muscles to return to the correct position as it can cause discomfort initially.

In the post I recommended that you walked towards a mirror and noted areas of the body that appeared to be out of kilter… Such as an foot turned outwards or a slouch. The same applies to sitting and standing where you can observe your now natural posture, and where you need to adjust your frame.

Walking

After walking towards the mirror or towards an observer and having noted where you are out of alignment, you can now make small adjustments.

Practice in front of a mirror preferably at the end of a corridor or at least 10 to 12 ft away.

  • Aim to keep the balance of your head on top of the spine, looking straight ahead and with your shoulders relaxed.
  • As you walk towards the mirror focus on transferring your weight onto alternate feet pointed forwards.

Practice several times a day until this becomes your new natural way of walking.

There might be some initial discomfort as muscles relearn their purpose but after a few weeks, you should notice that your original pain has improved.

Sitting

There are certain habits that cause pain and constricted breathing.

  • If you habitually sit with your legs crossed then you will twist your pelvis and lower spine.
  • If your desk and chair are not properly aligned you will find that your head is down, stretching the muscles in the back of the neck unnaturally for several hours a day, leading to pain in that area, but also into the shoulders and causing headaches.
  • If you are slouched forward over the desk you will be compressing the stomach and diaphragm resulting in restricted breathing, less oxygen into the system and headaches and fatigue.
  • It is also not natural to sit ramrod straight for several hours at a time as that too can cause a curve that stresses the muscles each side of the spine.

How to improve you sitting posture

  • Bend forward from the hips if you are writing at a desk rather than slouch and make sure that the arm you are using to write, or both to type are not tensed in any way.
  • Aim to sit with your head balanced comfortably at the top of your spine and if you are using a computer looking straight ahead at the screen so that you can type and read without putting your head in a downward or upward position.
  • Keep your shoulders relaxed.
  • Sit with your knees slightly apart and both feet firmly on the ground also slightly apart.

Getting in and out of a chair.

Again it is important to use a mirror to identify how you are sitting and standing up from a chair. It is an action that we will repeat many times during each day and if you continually abuse certain muscles it will lead to pain.

For example:

  • Watch to see if you throw your head back when you sit down,
  • Do you stick your bottom out resulting in an arch to your lower spine?
  • Or when you stand up, are you jutting your head forwards and up, folding your body and then straightening up?

How to improve this simple action.

  • Aim to keep your neck and spine in alignment and bend at the hip, knees and ankles as you stand.
  • Imagine that you are going into a squat position as you sit down and stand.

Here are three videos on the technique.. I suggest that you browse through the many on YouTube to find those that might address your own personal areas of concern.

An Introduction – Roads To Bliss

Sitting at your computer Adrian Farrell

Walking Bill Connington

I hope you have found this short series useful and that you will explore this amazing technique further. Thanks Sally

©Sally Cronin Just Food for Health 1998 – 2026

About Sally Cronin

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.

You can read the reviews: My books 20

 

Thanks for visiting and I am always delighted to receive your feedback.. stay safe Sally.

Smorgasbord Summer Book Fair – #SocialHistory #Compassion #Audio Elizabeth Gauffreau, #Love #War #Courage Apple Gidley, #History #SouthAfrica Pat Spencer

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The first book today is The Weight of Snow and Regret by Elizabeth Gauffreau and the focus is on the audio for the book which is now available for those who enjoy books in that format. Narrated by Moe Egan and Maria McCann.

About the book

For over 100 years, no one wanted to be sent to the Sheldon Poor Farm. By 1968, no one wanted to leave.

Amid the social turmoil of 1968, the last poor farm in Vermont is slated for closure. By the end of the year, the twelve destitute residents remaining will be dispatched to whatever institutions will take them, their personal stories lost forever.

Hazel Morgan and her husband Paul have been matron and manager at the Sheldon Poor Farm for the past 20 years. Unlike her husband, Hazel refuses to believe the impending closure will happen. She believes that if she just cares deeply enough and works hard enough, the Sheldon Poor Farm will continue to be a safe haven for those in need, herself and Paul included.

On a frigid January afternoon, the overseer of the poor and the town constable from a nearby town deliver a stranger to the poor farm for an emergency stay. She refuses to tell them her name, where she came from, or what her story is. It soon becomes apparent to Hazel that whatever the woman’s story is, she is deeply ashamed of it.

Hazel fights to keep the stranger with them until she is strong enough to face, then resume, her life–while Hazel must face the tragedies of her own past that still haunt her.

Told with compassion and humor, The Weight of Snow & Regret tells the poignant story of what it means to care for others in a rapidly changing world.

One of the reviews for the book

Luanne Castle
5 out of 5 stars
Masterful novel based on an actual poorhouse in Vermont

Elizabeth Gauffreau’s new novel, The Weight of Snow and Regret, is a tribute to the residents of the Sheldon Poor Farm in Sheldon Springs, Vermont, as well as testament to the harsh lives of society’s disadvantaged. The novel takes place in 1967-68, the last year of the tenure of the poorhouse. But the plight of the poor and culture-rocking events of that year resonate with familiarity with contemporary readers.

The first part of the story weaves in the life of Louisianian Claire and how she falls from her place in middle-class society to living in the poorhouse far from home. In this way, the reader is drawn into the novel through the perspective of this mysterious woman, then the reader is delivered into the capable hands of Hazel, a sympathetic foster child grown into a compassionate woman who now runs the home itself while her husband manages the associated farm. Through Hazel’s kindness and perspective, we meet the other residents of the poorhouse.

The place hasn’t always been run as Hazel manages it. Before her hard work, dedication, and home management skills, the neglect was extreme. Every surface was filthy, with trash strewn about. The residents’ clothing was in desperate need of laundering. In fact, Hazel believes that the men’s underwear had never been cleaned. Hazel cleans the home immaculately, creates wholesome meals with a tiny budget, and gives the residents the care and understanding that they need.

These residents range from the forgotten elderly to the mentally ill to those with intellectual disabilities. Although they respond differently to events, and their interactions with each other can be fraught, Gauffreau’s exploration of their behavior and treatment rings true. One twist is that Hazel herself lived in this poorhouse at one time. A couple of the residents from her childhood time at the shelter are still living there when Hazel takes over. This feels like a gut punch to her to think of them still living in the conditions she and her family had undergone.

Gauffreau meticulously researched the history of the home, poor farm life in the sixties and before, the blues music that spoke to Claire’s troubled and depressed soul, the national and world headlines of the time, and local history. Her painstaking implementation of her research with her compassionate feel for the characters, and her excellent storytelling senses makes this an engrossing read. I read far into the night, without being able to put down the book.

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – And in Audio: Amazon US – And:Amazon UK

Other books by Elizabeth Gauffreau

Find out more about Elizabeth Gauffreau, read the reviews and buy: Amazon US – and : Amazon UK – Read more reviews and follow Elizabeth: Goodreads –  – Website/blog: Liz Gauffreau – Family History: Liz Gauffreau – Facebook: Liz Gauffreau – And: Bluesky

The next book is by Apple Gidley…a story of love, war and courage, Annie’s Day.

About the book

War took everything. Love never had a chance. Until now.

As a young Australian Army nurse, Annie endures the brutalities of World War II in Singapore and New Guinea. Later, seeking peace, she takes refuge in Berlin—only to find herself caught in the upheaval of the Blockade. Through it all, the death of a man she barely knew leaves a wound that refuses to heal, threatening to bind her to a life of loneliness.

Decades later, Annie is still haunted by what was lost—and what might have been. Her days are quiet, but her memories are loud. When a dying man’s fear forces her to confront her own doubts, she forms an unexpected friendship that rekindles something she thought was long gone: hope.

Annie’s Day is a powerful story of love, war, and the quiet courage it takes to start again—even when it seems far too late.

One of the reviews for the book 

Lizzie James
5 out of 5 stars
A fascinating account of life as an Australian nurse in wartime conditions

A moving, and informative, account of an Australian army nurse, Annie Cutler. The reader first joins Annie in Cambridgeshire in 2003, when Annie is in her final years, and is then taken back to 1939, to Annie’s early years, when she trained against her father’s wishes to become a nurse in the Australian Army Nursing Service. Then the reader follows her through her years as a wartime nurse, a life she shared with her friends Iris, Verna and Flo. Details such as washing their underwear in their tin hats bring the period aive.

Sent to Singapore, Annie saw first hand the cruelty of war, and experienced the loss of a friend, and then, on her return to Australia, to Sydney, she had the misery of seeing the lack of understanding by the people at home of the vital role played by the nurses. Later she was sent to Queensland and then in 1943, to New Guinea, where the fighting was vicious.

At the end of the war Annie moves with a family to Berlin, and is there during the blockade, where she experiences the harshness of life there, and at the time of the airlift.

The reader lives with Annie through the vicissitudes and the sadness of war. Much of Annie’s time as a war nurse was dominated by her grief for the man she’d loved and lost to the war, but in later years, she’s to find peace and happiness.

A fascinating story that keeps the pages turning as it transports the reader into the heart of wartime action, and later to the healing power of love and friendship in the post war years. 

Read the reviews and buy the book Amazon UK– And: Amazon US – And: Amazon AU

Also by Apple Gidley

Discover more about Apple, read the reviews and buy the books : Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – And: Amazon AU –  follow Apple: Goodreads – Blog:Apple Gidley WordPress – Twitter: @ExpatApple – Bluesky: applegidleyauthor 

The final book today is the first in the series set in South Africa during the apartheid years – Sticks in a Bundle: The Early Years by Pat Spencer.

Jacqui Murray left a comment which let me know that Pat very sadly passed away in May and having been in recent communication about the summer book fair I was so very saddened. I will continue to share her books in her memory.Patricia Ann Spencer

About the book

As the middle daughter in a family of Xhosa, Zulu, and Dutch descent, Eshile Mthembu’s life celebrates the strength and resilience of the human spirit. She lives in a Soweto shanty under South Africa’s apartheid rule, a policy designed to squash her dreams and control every aspect of her life. Her story reveals a history of racial injustice many know little about, as experienced by a young woman trying to understand it herself.

Despite cultural, religious, and linguistic differences, Eshile’s family bases their love and strength on the African proverb: Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable. But when a stranger from afar offers an unexpected opportunity, Eshile must decide whether to secure her family bonds or embrace the promise of a better life.

Fans of coming-of-age novels illuminating the human condition through characters of disparate backgrounds such as Demon Copperhead, American Dirt, and Vera: The Novel are drawn to the tumultuous and inspiring life of Eshile Mthembu. Immerse yourself in Sticks in a Bundle: The Early Years, the first book of this poignant and gripping trilogy.

One of the reviews for the book

Chris
5 out of 5 stars
What an excellent book!

There are so many things to say. Such an interesting story – or in fact, many stories around Eshile and her people. It feels so real, since it’s at least part memoir, and so many strands in what happened around those times.

The wonderful and clever little girl, Eshile, is the middle child – and all three are girls, and they have their Umama and Ubaba. They lived in Soweto, a huge shanty town in Johannesburg, and it could be bleak and often frightening, especially at night. It was the time of Apartheid, and it was all they knew. Worrying times.

There were dark things and sad things, but also many interesting and thought provoking times. Little Eshile would start to go to school, and begin to work things out. But the best things were the many Aunties, and almost everything revolved around them. They would work hard in the daytime, but then in the evening they all met in the largest yard. Much skinnering (gossiping, if you didn’t know that word) was required to make things better and fun as well.

Such a good book, and there are two more to read. Excellent. I will be there. And I am saying, highly recommended. 

Head over to buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

Also by Pat Spencer 

Find out more about Pat Spencer, read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Paperback also available: Walmart – Follow Pat Spencer: Goodreads –  Facebook: Pat Spencer – Twitter:@DrPatSpencer 

 

Thanks very much for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books.

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – A-Z World Cuisines with Carol Taylor Reblog – Discovering the Cuisine of Pakistan…traditionally known as Sapta-Sindhu-Land of seven rivers…

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Pakistani cuisine is a rich, flavorful fusion of South Asian, Mughlai, and Central Asian traditions, characterized by heavy use of spices, herbs, and meat (beef, lamb, chicken).

Staple foods include rice-based dishes like Biryani and Pulao, and wheat-based breads such as naan, roti, and paratha. Popular dishes include spicy Chicken Karahi, Chapli Kebab and slow-cooked Nihari stew…Nihari. Known as the “national dish of Pakistan”, the word ‘nihari’ is derived from the Arabic word “nahaar” (morning), implying that this dish was meant to be eaten as the first meal of the day.

Sadly there are increased security risks in Pakistan because of tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan and developments in Iran…however as Pakistan has a rich food culture which is famous for hearty dishes that come from the Moghul it seems a shame not to acknowledge that…

Over to Mark Weins who will you a quick tour of this fabulous cuisine…

Pakistani Breakfast and brunch…is a hearty meal a good way to start the day…flaky parathas panfried in ghee or oil often stuffed with potatoes or eggs or just eaten plain with yoghurt and or tea which is often served strong with milk. Eggs may be served fried, boiled, or as a khageena (spicy scrambled eggs) or anda paratha (omelet folded into a paratha)…

Slow-cooked beef/lamb stew (Nihari) or trotters (Paya) are popular, heavy breakfast items often enjoyed on weekends where breakfast or brunch is heartier and more leisurely…

Lighter options for more health concious households are tea(chai), rusks , bread or quick oatmeal…

Lunch… popular foods such as Chicken Karahi, Nihari, and Biryani. Each one is full of different flavors. There are tasty Samosas, Bun Kebabs, and cool Chana Chaat.

If you want something sweet, try famous Pakistani desserts such as Gulab Jamun, Kheer, or Jalebi…like here it seems anything goes I come from a household/era where breakfast , lunch and dinner were totally separate foods…my mother would have never cooked bacon and eggs etc for an evening meal…that was breakfast food in her mind here I often have curry or stirfry for my first meal of the day with rice or flatbread…strange how we have adapted to a different way of eating…

Evening Meal…or dinner is often a communial meal and served quite late…often hearty meat-based dishes like Chicken Karahi, Nihari, or biryani, accompanied by naan, roti, or rice. Other staples include lentils (daal), seasonal vegetables (aloo gobi), and kababs, served with salad and raita…

Nose to tail eating is practised here this practice is rooted in a tradition of frugality and respect for the animal, where nothing is wasted… from pigs trotters always a favourite of my father…bone marrow is slowly cooked and drizzled over biryani…Organ meats and offal are not taboo, but rather staples… Meat is frequently cooked in or accompanied by tail fat (dumba fat), which is considered a delicacy…

Pakistani fish cuisine is renowned for its bold, spicy, and tangy flavors, often featuring fried fish and aromatic curries. Popular dishes include Lahori Fish Fry (gram flour-coated, spiced), Fish Karahi (cooked in thick, tomato-based gravy), and Fish Biryani…I much prefer fish to meat plus Karahi Curry is one of my favourites and I would be more than happy to sample a beautiful fish Karahi…

Popular fish varieties include Rohu, Mahseer (national fish), The Golden Mahseer (Tor putitora), often referred to as the “King of Himalayan Fishes,” is the national fish of Pakistan. Found in the cold, fast-flowing rivers of the Himalayan region, this large freshwater fish is a popular sport fish renowned for its fighting ability and distinctive golden-red scales. and Kingfish, typically seasoned with carom seeds (ajwain), red chili, turmeric, and ginger-garlic paste.

Over to Mark Weins for a taste of street food…these are fairly short videos today…(sally here.. I have substituted a new video as the previous one was taken down)

Desserts and pancakes...and yes there are pancakes from soft fluffy breakfast pancakes to masala pancakes…Yum…

Pancakes in Pakistan range from traditional savory chickpea-based besan chilla… A savory, popular Pakistani breakfast pancake made from gram flour (besan), spices, and herbs. to popular American-style fluffy pancakes served in cafes. Modern, popular varieties include mini pancakes topped with lotus spread or Nutella, Rishiki (a Chitrali pancake), and “palebis” (a pancake-jalebi hybrid).

It seems like pancake lovers heaven here…

Pakistani desserts are rich, creamy, and often milk-based, featuring staples like Gulab Jamun (syrup-soaked dough balls), Kheer (rice pudding), and Gajar ka Halwa (carrot pudding).

Popular choices for celebrations include Ras Malai, Sohan Halwa, and Falooda. These sweets are typically flavored with cardamom, saffron, and nuts… Those dough balls have caught my eye I love syrupy desserts…and these flavours sing to me …

Chai(tea) is a popular drink…and is a staple of Pakistani life, often served with milk and sugar…Pakistani cuisine features diverse, refreshing drinks especially designed to combat heat and complement spicy meals.

Popular beverages include yogurt-based Lassi (sweet/salty), aromatic Kashmiri Chai (pink tea), and street-side favorites like sugarcane juice, lemon soda, and Rooh Afza…a ruby-red herbal syrup from South Asia known for its cooling properties, featuring a sweet rose scent derived from fruits, herbs, and vegetables.

These drinks often use fresh fruits, seeds, and milk and are very popular refreshing summer options if you need cooling down.

Carol’s notes…The Kashmir Chai(pink tea) piqued my interest especially when I learnt it was made from green tea leaves…I know that if you add lemon to butterfly pea drinks it turns it a beautiful purple colour so I guessed it was something to do with the process and addition of something…and it is “baking soda”…

Made by boiling specialized, oxidized green tea leaves with water, baking soda, salt, and spices like cardamom. The key to the pink color is the chemical reaction between baking soda and the tea, combined with aeration (stirring/lifting the tea) and shocking it with ice-cold water until a deep red concentrate (kehwa) forms, which turns pink upon adding milk…further investigation confirmed my thoughts … Specialized, oxidized green tea leaves generally refer to partially oxidized green teas, commonly recognized as lightly oxidized Oolong teas (often called green oolong or Qing Xiang) or green teas that have undergone minimal, intentional oxidation before the “kill green” process…interesting as my favoutrite tea is Oolong as many of you know so I guess this will be an experiment for me in the future…

Thats all for this virtual tour of the wonderful cuisine of Pakistan..I do hope you have enjoyed the tour and maybe one day some of us may be able to visit and taste this wonderful cuisine…xx

About Carol Taylor

Carol Taylor now lives in Thailand having been brought up in England and has built a dedicated following of her blog and guest posts where she creates not only amazing dishes, but sources fantastic ingredients in line with her philosophy of sustainable food ‘cooked from scratch’. Having travelled extensively Carol has incorporated the cuisines of many different cultures into her recipes, and shares her research into the backgrounds to both the traditional cultures and the origins of the ingredients.

She loves shopping at local markets and wherever she is, finding fresh, natural ingredients, new strange fruits and vegetables she has never seen or cooked with.

Health and the environment are key priorities, particularly the concern about our oceans and fisheries. Also, how many of our foods on the shelves of our supermarkets are ultra processed and contain additives that do not add to the nutritional value and are not healthy. She is an advocate about growing our own food where or when we can even it it is only a few pots or a window box of herbs.

She wishes everyone would count chemicals and not calories as they would be much healthier…it’s true ‘we are what we eat‘ and while a cake or a bar of chocolate does no harm on occasions, sticking to a fresh food, balanced diet will keep our bodies healthy as we age…

Cookbooks by Carol Taylor

Head over to buy the books:  Amazon UK  – And: Amazon US For reviews: Goodreads – Connect to Carol – Blog: Carol Cooks 2 – Twitter: @CarolCooksTwo – Facebook: Carol Taylor 

 

Thanks Carol for another fascinating post..and join us again in a few weeks for the next cuisine in the series.

Smorgasbord Book Promotions 2026 – Share an Excerpt – Boost one of your books – #Supernatural #Paranormal #Thriller Five-Toed Tigress by T.W. Dittmer

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In this regular series for 2026, you are invited to share an excerpt of 400 to 500 words from any book you have written you would like to give a boost to.

This feature is for any author who has been promoted on Smorgasbord previously.

Please read full details of how to participate at the end of the post and I will respond to your emails as soon as possible.

The aim of the series

    • To showcase any of your books you would like to give a boost to.
    • To gain more reviews for the book.
    • Promote a selection of your other books that are available

Today Tim Dittmer shares an excerpt from his supernatural thriller Five-Toed Tigress.…

About the book

The Five-Toed Tigress stalks the night, gliding effortlessly through the canopied forests of Cambodia– the Tiger’s Dance Floor.

She is on patrol, her mission to protect the downtrodden from the power of the greedy. Her movements are so fluid and graceful that her prowl is a thing of beauty, a dance to the music of life and death.

The Tigress is a solitary hunter, and she dances alone on her mission. She gives herself wholeheartedly to her dance, but desires a dancing partner – a mate.

The excerpt from Five-Toed Tigress

The man-smell woke her.

She was bedded down at the edge of the Cardamom Mountain Range in western Cambodia, deep in a tumble of broken stone slabs. Tree roots spiraled down around the slabs and brush sprouted from cracks the roots had created in the stones. On one slab, partially hidden behind the growth of roots and branches, the likeness of a tiger was chiseled into the stone. The great cat sat regally on a throne, surrounded by men holding out gifts of meat and bowing in supplication. Her lair was the ruined remains of an ancient Khmer temple built in honor of her kind.

Her eyes glowed golden when they opened. She rose, then stood silent, her nostrils flaring as she sniffed the air. A dark odor drifted on the breeze, a stench at odds with her world. It was different from the man-smell she’d come across lately, the smell of greed that made her aggressively angry and sent her on the hunt. These men reeked of anger and hatred, and it made her afraid. A muffled growl vibrated in her throat.

It took her longer than usual to assess the risk, but when her immediate safety was certain, she left the den. She kept low to the ground, her movements slow and liquid, an imitation of the river she liked to dip in during the heat of the day. At a suitable distance from the lair’s entrance, she rose from her crouch and padded off, following the stench of hatred.

As she glided through the night, she came across a trace that brought her to a sudden stop. She bared her teeth in a grimace and breathed in through her mouth. A soft “huff” came from her lungs and her head jerked up.

It was a male, one she’d known when she was very young. He’d befriended her, even helped protect her when she was in danger. She’d circled on the fringe of his family unit, growing fonder of him until she began making clumsy, juvenile advances toward him. She was too young to consider as a mate, though, and by the time she’d matured, he’d gone off on his own.

Now he was here, traveling with a group of males through her territory. His scent said he was still strong and available, and the need flared in her. She backed up to the tree he’d left his scent on, raised her tail and sprayed it. More soft huffs came from her, then a rumbling purr as she arched her back and pawed the earth. The stink of hatred was momentarily forgotten as she trotted off on his trail.

But as she followed the male, the smell of hate rose again, mixed in with his spoor. She slowed her pace, then moved back and forth across the trail to take in the evidence left behind. The conclusion she came to made her stop again. Like her, the male she tracked was a hunter, but he wasn’t hunting for meat. He was hunting men. She knew this hunt, and why he did it. She herself hunted men that carried the greed smell, but he was hunting men so filled with anger and hate that they stank of it.

She hurried until she caught up to his party, then approached the outskirts of their sphere, close enough to let him and his hunting companions know she was there. When they were aware of her presence, and knew which of them she was interested in, she moved quickly in an arc to be ahead of the group. She stayed with the band as they trailed their quarry, keeping to the far edges of their sphere, sometimes in sight.

© T.W. Dittmer

One of the reviews for the book 

John W. Howell
5 out of 5 stars
Fast-Paced and Exciting Thriller

I read The Valley Walker, which is T.W. Dittmar’s first book. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and so I felt good about reading his second, Five-Toed Tigress. I certainly never second-guessed my decision. Five-Toed Tigress represents a complicated yet entirely entertaining story.

Rookie FBI agent Preston Hawke is surrounded with enough estrogen to make any red-blooded male stumble over most of his words. Hawke is brilliant, and he tends to keep his mouth shut. His boss is an attractive female agent, and his partner is a self-assured, statuesque female. The two give Hawke enough fantasy flashes to make for an interesting and somewhat ribald underlying subplot.

The main story concerns a man who has some government protection. He is able to keep Cambodian servants as slaves and steal precious artifacts from Cambodia. Hawke and the team must figure out a way to stop him while honoring the hands-off edict issued by the US government.

As you can imagine, plenty of action, bullets, and FBI procedures exist to bring about justice. What you can’t imagine is the assistance Hawke gets from what some would consider a myth of Southeast Asia. To say more would spoil the story. The reader should know that Five-Toed Tigress is well-written, has strong characters, is well-paced, and is an exciting thriller.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes fast-paced action and a quality story.

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

Also by T. M. Dittmer

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK –  Follow Tim: Goodreads – Blog : T.W. Dittmer – X – @TWDittmer – Facebook: T. W. Dittmer Author

About T. W. Dittmer

T. W. Dittmer’s full name is Timothy Watson Dittmer.

He was raised in Gary, Indiana, the son of a steel worker who turned to preaching the Gospel. After high school he joined the Army, volunteered for service in Vietnam, then reenlisted for service in Vietnam. When his time with the Army was over he studied music, digital electronics and information technology.

He started writing music and poetry in high school, and has carried the love of those arts through his life.

He now lives quietly with his wife in Michigan.

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books. 

What will be in the post and how to get in touch

  • I will top and tail the post in the usual way with your other books and links, bio, photo and social media.
  • I will also select one of the reviews from Amazon or Goodreads for the book.
  • Please share a book that has reviews to select from.
  • This series is open to all authors who have previously been featured in the promotions on Smorgasbord.
  • I do have a younger readership for the book posts so please consider that when selecting your excerpt.
  • I suggest an excerpt of around 400 to 500 words that you feel would encourage a reader to buy the book, or a poem that you feel best reflects the theme of your collection.
  • No need to send the cover as I will have that or will access from Amazon.
  • Please send your excerpt to sallygcronin@gmail.com
  • I only ask that authors share the link to their social media and respond to each comment individually as a matter of courtesy.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Music Column Retro – The Big Band Era with William Price King and Sally Cronin – 1940s – Nat King Cole, John Scott Trotter and Bing Crosby, Bob Fosse

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Welcome to the 2026 series of the music column where I am joined as always by Jazz singer and composer William Price King.  We hope you will join us every Tuesday for some of the chart hits of the big band era from the 1930s through to the 1950s.

Some of the earlier videos are not of the best quality however where possible we have sourced remastered copies to share with you. Considering some are almost 100 years old, it is remarkable that they exist at all.  A testament to the love of the music of that era. Along with our selections each week we will also be showcasing some of the iconic dancers of the era.

Here is my next selection from the Big Band chart in the 1940s from Nat King Cole

Nat “King” Cole Trio “Straighten Up and Fly Right” (1944)  

“Straighten Up and Fly Right” was one of the first vocal hits by the Nat King Cole Trio, peaking at #1 on the Harlem Hit Parade for 10 non-consecutive weeks and #1 for six non-consecutive weeks on the Most Played Jukebox Hillbilly Records. It was written by Nat King Cole and Irving Mills. The song was based on a black folk tale that Cole’s father had used as a theme for one of his sermons. In the tale, a buzzard takes different animals for a joy ride. When he gets hungry, he throws them off on a dive and eats them for dinner. A monkey who had observed this trick goes for a ride; he wraps his tail around the buzzard’s neck and gives the buzzard a big surprise by nearly choking him to death.

Here is my next selection from the 1940s from – John Scott Trotter and Bing Crosby

Bing Crosby with John Scott Trotter’s Orchestra “I’ll Be Seeing You” (1944)

“I’ll Be Seeing You” is a popular song about missing a loved one, with music by Sammy Fain and lyrics by Irving Kahal. Published in 1938, it was inserted into the Broadway musical Right This Way, which closed after fifteen performances. The title of the 1944 film I’ll Be Seeing You was taken from this song at the suggestion of the film’s producer, Dore Schary. The song is included in the film’s soundtrack.

The recording by Bing Crosby became a hit in 1944, reaching number one for the week of July 1

Other sources: Wikipedia – And: Jazz Standards

Bob Fosse – Robert Louis Fosse (/ˈfɒsi/; June 23, 1927 – September 23, 1987) was an American actor, choreographer, dancer, and film and stage director. He directed and choreographed musical works on stage and screen, including the stage musicals The Pajama Game (1954), Damn Yankees (1955), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (1961), Sweet Charity (1966), Pippin (1972), and Chicago (1975). He directed the films Sweet Charity (1969), Cabaret (1972), Lenny (1975), All That Jazz (1979), and Star 80 (1983).

Fosse’s distinctive style of choreography included turned-in knees and “jazz hands”. He is the only person ever to have won Oscar, Emmy, and Tony awards in the same year (1973). He was nominated for four Academy Awards, winning Best Director for Cabaret, and won the Palme D’Or in 1980 for All That Jazz. He won a record eight Tonys for his choreography, as well as one for direction for Pippin.

Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon in Damn Yankees 

 Your Hosts for The Big Band Era

William Price King is an American jazz singer, crooner, and composer.

His interest in music began at an early age when he studied piano and clarinet in high school. At Morehouse College in Atlanta where he grew up, he sang in the Glee Club and studied classical music. After graduation he went off to the Yale School of Music where he earned a Masters degree. From there he journeyed to New York where he created a jazz trio ‘Au Naturel’ which performed in some of the hottest venues in Manhattan including gigs on Broadway and the famous ‘Rainbow Room.’ These gigs opened doors for performances in Montreal and a European tour.

While touring Europe he met a lovely French lady, Jeanne Maïstre, who, a year later became his wife. King left the group ‘Au Naturel’ and settled in the south of France where he started a new life on the French Riviera, opening his own music school – the “Price King Ecole Internationale de Chant.” He has had the pleasure over the years of seeing many of his students excel as singers on a professional level, and some going on to become national celebrities. He continues to coach young singers today, in his spare time.

Blog– IMPROVISATION – William Price King on Tumblr – Buy William’s music: William Price King iTunes – Facebook – William Price King – Twitter – @wpkofficial
Regular Venue – Cave Wilson

Sally Cronin is an author, blogger and broadcaster who enjoyed four years as part of the team on Onda Cero International’s English speaking morning show in Marbella and then for two years as a presenter on Expressfm the local radio station in Portsmouth. She co-presented two ‘Drive Time’ shows a week with Adrian Knight, hosted the live Thursday Afternoon Show and The Sunday Morning Show guests including musicians and authors. Following this she became Station Director for a local internet television station for two years, producing and presenting the daily news segment, outside broadcasts and co-presenting the Adrian and Sally chat show live on Friday evenings.

She and her husband David have now returned to Ireland where they live on the Wexford Coast where she blogs and continues to write books.

Books :Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – More reviews: Goodreads – blog: Smorgasbord Blog Magazine Twitter: @sgc58 – Facebook: Sally Cronin – LinkedIn: Sally Cronin

Thanks for tuning in and as always we love to hear from you.. thanks William and Sally.

 

 

Smorgasbord Authors in the Sun Shortstories – #Life #Redemption #Respect – Gravy by Alex Craigie

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I would love to share your short stories here too this summer and details of how you can participate are at the end of the post.

Today a lovely heartwarming story from Alex Craigie

Gravy by Alex Craigie

Sunday Afternoon

Grady Gibson’s eyes were narrow slits and his mouth a compressed slash of rage.

Philomena Danvers, bony knuckles standing white on the grip of her walker, glared at him. Her cold- rheumy eyes holding a glint of triumph.

“This way, Gravy.”

“It’s Grady.” His hands screwed into tight fists.

She clinked the walker round. “Come on. The clock’s ticking!”

Three weeks of his free time as payback for beheading her stupid prized roses.

“All right!’ he yelled, adding a muttered, “Crazy old witch.”

Her back stiffened, but the slow progress continued.

“Right, Gravy–––“

“It’s GRADY!”

She pointed to the ground. “Those are secateurs. Try not to maim yourself. The fork ‘s for digging up long roots. These gauntlets are to protect you.”

“Don’t need ’em.”

“Fine. You may cut off your nose to spite your bad-tempered face if you so wish,”

She led him to a towering plot of dense weeds that stretched back depressingly far.

“Here’s your punishment. You are to clear this patch. Remove the roots or they’ll return. Some weeds pull up easily, tangles may need cutting first, and the fork is for those weeds like yourself––stubborn and resistant.”

Grady’s fury surged. He strode to the knotted mess, knelt down and started yanking up the smaller weeds at the edge. He grasped a bigger clump and the hidden nettle set his hand on fire.

“You know what dock leaves look like, Gravy?”

“Course I do!”.

“Rub them until the green juice covers the sting. Or don’t.” She clumped round and left.

Once she’d gone, he applied some dock leaves. They helped. A little. Then he donned the gauntlets.

When she reappeared, he’d cleared a narrow swathe of ground and was putting all his weight onto the fork to unearth another dock plant.

“You won’t get that one out whole. The roots must be a foot long.”

He didn’t know what a foot was in centimetres, but he’d get that root out whatever it took. After several minutes of loosening the soil around it, he put everything into a final tug that released the dock and left him on his back on the grass.

Philomena’s laugh made her cough and she leant over the frame of the walker. Once she could breathe again, she ordered the humiliated Grady to wash his hands in the kitchen. On his return, she produced a tube of cream.

“Show me your hands.” She peered closely. “You’ve blisters. Use this cream. I don’t want you dying of sepsis or tetanus before you’ve finished.”

Grady took it.

“Off you go then. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Day 3

Grady ached all over and his insides knotted as he entered the garden.

Philomena, snipping at foliage on the other side of the garden, dropped her secateurs. “Blast it!” She noticed Grady. “Come along, Gravy. No time to waste.”

“Grady. My name’s Grady.”

“So I understand.”

“Fine…Mrs Meanie.”

“What did you just call me?”

“Mrs Meanie.”

“How dare you!”

“But I thought you’d like it. You know, a special name? PhiloMENA, Meanie––like Gravy?”

Her mouth worked soundlessly for a moment before she bent over, shoulders shaking. Grady, concerned, tentatively stretched out a hand just as she straightened and he realised that she was laughing. She wiped her eyes.

“You’d better get to work.” And she was gone.

Day 7

There was something satisfying about mindlessly pulling up weeds. A robin hopped around nearby. and Grady turned the soil to find worms and grubs for it

The sun was hot and when Philomena called him across to get a drink he didn’t hesitate.

“I’ve made some lemonade. You’ve been sweating and need rehydrating.”

He poured a glassful, expecting it to be like the fizzy stuff they had at home, but this was delicious.

“Like it?”

He shrugged. “S’all right.”

“Have the rest if you want; I’ve had enough.”

He helped himself to another glassful.

She was smiling when he looked up and he unwittingly grinned in return.

“Thanks, Mrs Meanie.”

She made to say something, then stopped.

“Time to go home. Off with you.”

Day 12

It had rained overnight. Crystal drops studded the roses at the front. They’d been tight buds yesterday but some were already unfurling. He glanced behind him before stooping and sniffing one of them. The heady scent was a surprise. For the first time, he truly regretted the dare.

He set to work. The robin now came to his foot, cocking its head on one side as it waited. Grady tried holding a worm on his palm. It was ignored.

“He’s getting used to you, Grady. He’ll soon be feeding out of your hand.”

The first drops of rain fell.

“You’d better come into the house. It’s just a shower.”

He followed her, taking off his muddy boots at the entrance. The sitting room was like a museum. On one table was a collection of elegant boxes. His eye was drawn to them.

“They’re music boxes. Try one. Turn the key on the base, and then open it.”

He opened them all in turn. Each one played a different tune. He was awestruck.

“These are amazing, Mrs Danvers.”

“Philomena, Grady.” She joined him. ”A while ago I broke the loveliest of them. It played Clair de Lune. I do miss it.”

Why didn’t she simply replace it? Then he looked around at the faded carpets and furniture. He recognised the signs. She couldn’t afford it.

When it stopped raining, they went back down the corridor that was covered in framed paintings. He stopped at one of a robin perched on an outstretched hand.

“I used to enjoy painting That’s my husband’s hand.”

“You? You painted these?”

She smiled at his astonishment. “Yes, Grady.”

A photograph of two people sitting on a bench in a garden caught his eye. That’s you, isn’t it?”

Her hand gently traced over the figure of the man.

“Yes. That’s me with Robert. He died a few years ago. That bower was our favourite spot and we’d sit together at peace with the world.”

“Where’s the… bower?”

“After he died, I couldn’t face being outside without him. When I was ready to sit out there again, the garden had reclaimed it. I’ve tried cutting through to it, but this blasted walker and my arthritis get in the way.” She pulled herself upright. “Time to get back to work.”

That evening Grady was out with his friends. When Jordan dared them to smash one of the gnomes at number 30, Grady said it was a mean thing to do. Jordan taunted him.

“Grady’s too scared of old peg-leg!”

“Don’t call him that!” Shame that he’d done so himself flamed his face. Then it occurred to him that Jordan never did the dares himself. He turned and walked away.

At home, he went through his savings. He almost had enough for the festival ticket. Another week and he’d be able to book it.

Sighing, he opened eBay and started browsing.

A Week Later

Grady was truly happy.

The robin fed from his hand now. He’d taught Philomena how to take a photo of it on his phone. Afterwards, he took a selfie with her.

“Good grief! I’m like a…what was it? A crazy old witch.” She chortled good naturedly before turning to him.

“Grady, you’ve done a remarkable job here.” She hesitated. “Don’t decide now, but would you care to help me occasionally? I’d pay.” She held out a key. “I’m going away for a week. It’s nothing serious so don’t worry. Could you keep an eye on things for me? I should be back by midday next Thursday. You can tell me then.”

“Is everything okay, Philomena?”

“Just a minor procedure, Grady.”

A cold weight settled in his chest.

A Week Thursday

Grady felt dizzy with relief when he heard the walker clunking towards the door.

He made cups of tea and studied Philomena sipping hers.

“Grady, I’ve no intention of popping my clogs just yet, so take that anxious look off your face.”

He blushed, then brought out a package from his backpack and gave it to her.

It was a music box. She turned the key and, when Clair de Lune played, she clutched it to her chest, eyes closed.

“Thank you, Grady. I’ll treasure it.”

She reached for a large package wrapped in Christmas paper propped against her chair

“I sorted this before I left.”

He read the tag. ‘For Grady Gibson, with thanks from Mrs Meanie (Philomena)’.

His clumsy fingers revealed her painting of the robin.

“You can’t give me this!”

“Tosh! I believe I just have. I want you to have it.”

“Thank you.” The hushed words were followed by a hesitant, “I…er…I’ve something to show you outside.”

Mystified, she followed him.

There was her bower.

“I tried to copy the photograph. I hope it’s okay?”

Philomena’s eyes filled with tears.

“It’s a miracle, Grady.”

They sat together in the dappled shade of the bower, at peace.

©Alex Craigie

Books by Alex Craigie

One of the reviews for Hopes, Fears and Reality 

Balroop Singh
5 out of 5 stars
Fascinating stories of human interest

From the fear of monsters under the bed to the fear of little changes we struggle with, Craigie brings them to life in these stories with subtle messages that nurture human values. The empathetic attitude of Josh’s father, the quiet guilt of Shakira, and the nasty trick of the fairy Godmother – many aspects of human behavior and perspective can be discerned from ‘Hopes, Fears and Realities…’

The communication between Margery Daw and Hayward Diddle in the middle of serious-themed stories provides comic relief, and the offer of “half a pound of tuppeny rice plus half a pound of treacle, without prejudice” is hilarious!

‘My Fears’ is a realistic description of the author’s fears that haunted her as a child, especially the fear of thunderstorms that she could never get rid of. The bold confession that while teaching her class, she would set the students some work and disappear into her book cupboard is stunning! This book captures such memorable moments that possess a universal appeal. 

Alex Craigie, read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US – Follow Alex: Goodreads – Alex Craigie via: Facebook

About Alex Craigie

Alex Craigie is the pen name of Trish Power.

Trish was ten when her first play was performed at school. It was in rhyming couplets and written in pencil in a book with imperial weights and measures printed on the back. There were two princes in it – one was called Rupert and the other was changed to Sam because she couldn’t find enough rhymes for Randolph.

When her children were young, she wrote short stories for magazines before returning to the teaching job that she loved.

Trish has had seven books published under the pen name of Alex Craigie. Three books cross genre boundaries and feature elements of romance, thriller and suspense against a backdrop of social issues. Someone Close to Home highlights the problems affecting care homes, Acts of Convenience has issues concerning the health service at its heart, and The Bubble Reputation reflects her fears about social media and the damage it can do. Another book. Means to Deceive, is a psychological thriller set in Pembrokeshire in Wales.

Someone Close to Home has won a Chill with a Book award and a Chill with the Book of the Month award. In 2019 it was one of the top ten bestsellers in its category on Amazon.

The Bubble Reputation won a Chill With a Book Premier Readers’ Award in 2023.

She is currently writing a series of books called The Rat in the Python about growing up as a Baby Boomer. The title comes from the term for the bulge in the population statistics caused by us post-war babies.

If you have a fiction short story to share with us then here is what I will need. Please send to sallygcronin@gmail.com

  • A word document with your edited story. A new story or one you have written and published on your blog.
  • 1000 to 1500 words.. but if it is slightly shorter or longer that is no problem. It can be any genre except for erotica as I have younger readers.
  • If you are an author or blogger who has featured here before I don’t need anything else.
  • If you are new to the blog then I will need an Amazon page link, blog or website links, three main social media links and a profile photograph.

I look forward to hearing from you and sharing your writing here… thanks Sally.

 

Smorgasbord Summer Book Fair – #Romantic #Thriller Joy York, #Noir #Crime Alison J. Moore, #Murder #Mystery Sharon Marchisello

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The first book today is the riveting crime thriller by Joy York  – Protective Instincts.

About the book

When self-absorbed, international bestselling author Sebastian Bartoli refuses to write the biography of the infamous, mob-connected Maximillian Fontana, the consequences turn deadly.

Sebastian (Bash) Bartoli is an international bestselling crime novelist. Maximillian (Max) Fontana, who is reputed to have ties to organized white-collar crime, has insisted Bash write his biography. Concerned for his safety, Bash’s friend/agent devises an elaborate plan for him to disappear to a secluded location on Guntersville Lake in Alabama. Being accustomed to having his comfortable life managed, Bash is irritated by the inconvenience of having to deal with his own affairs, not to mention the danger it might pose if he is discovered.

Morgan Skylar is a good-natured and unfiltered, southern kindergarten teacher. She is much more comfortable eating potato chips with Cheez Whiz and Louisiana Hot Sauce than champagne and caviar. After the death of her overly protective grandfather (Pops) who raised her in rural Georgia, she takes time off to grieve, ending up in a cottage next door to Bash. When mechanical issues arise, she seeks help from the renter in the main house. Bash is annoyed that his secluded hideout is apparently not so secret. Begrudgingly, he offers her assistance. This is where Morgan and Bash’s worlds collide. When suited, armed men show up at the lake house, Morgan’s trained survival skills take over, and she secures their escape by boat as bullets fly.

Morgan offers to provide a temporary sanctuary to Bash in her Pops’ remote Appalachian cabin. Upon arrival, she discovers a letter from Pops revealing his dangerous past that may now be coming for her. As the unwitting targets of dangerous men, Bash and Morgan fight to stay a step ahead of their pursuers, while seeking answers. Bonds are tested. Trusts are broken. Alliances formed. Agendas hidden.

One of the  reviews for the book

Claudia Oltean
5 out of 5 stars
Perfectly Plotted Romantic Thriller

Author Joy York has given us a brilliantly plotted, white-knuckled thriller with equal measures of non-stop action, twisted family histories, shocking revelations, and two improbable heroes who take turns saving each other’s lives.

The story opens with sophisticated, wealthy Sebastian Bartoli, a bestselling crime fiction author from Chicago, hiding out in a luxurious waterfront home in the Guntersville, Alabama area. Under advice from his agent and lawyer, Bartoli is making himself impossible for the white- collar criminal Max Fontana to find him. Fontana appears to be obsessed with the writer and may pose a a great danger to him.

Bartoli’s solitude and sense of security are broken one evening when he spots a young woman moving her things into the small cottage on the property. Surprised and angry with this unexpected intrusion, his reaction to her is cold at best when she knocks on his door pleading help with getting the cottage electricity and water turned on. His intruder is Morgan Skylar, an elementary school teacher from Atalanta. The twang of her accent marks her out as a country hick in his mind and does nothing to soften his impatience with her, though he reluctantly agrees to help.

Though she hides it, Morgan is in a world of hurt. She just lost the only family she’s ever had, her grandfather “Pops.” On top of that, she’s driven to the tucked-away corner of Alabama to spend the week with her only friend, Beth, whose family owns the lakeside property only to learn Beth has eloped with her fiancé and her father has rented out the house for a week. It’s too late and she’s too tired to drive back to Atlanta, so Morgan’s only option is the rustic caretakers cottage.

Neither Bartoli or Morgan are in a good place when fate throws them together, but that’s nothing when they realize there are scary men after one of them and they must run from the property to save their lives. Ultimately, the question becomes who is after which one of them and when they figure out the shocking truth, how will they escape intact.

This book is such an intelligent, well-written, heart-pounding thrill ride, I read it in almost one sitting. I highly recommend “Protective Instinct.” 

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

Also by Joy York

Find out more about Joy York, read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Follow Joy: Goodreads – Website: Joy York –  Facebook: Joy York Author – Twitter: @JoyYorkAuthor – Bluesky: Joy York 

The next thriller is Dead Jealous: A Fliss Dawes Investigation (Fliss Dawes Investigations Book 1) by Alison J. Moore

About the book

When Richard walked out the door, Fliss Dawes was unaware that her life would change forever – or that she was stepping into a nightmare.

In a bid to escape her grief, she accepts the invitation to a school reunion. But familiar faces bring back more than old memories; they awaken long-buried grudges and dangerous secrets.

Someone at the reunion has a deadly agenda.

As dark secrets unravel and alliances shift, Fliss is drawn into a chilling psychological game where survival means uncovering the truth.

And when everyone is a suspect, who can she trust?

One of the reviews for the book 

Beth Haslam
5 out of 5 stars
A Gripping Read!

As a lover of the genre, reading a new crime thriller always brings a tinge of doubt — will it live up to expectations? Dead Jealous absolutely does. It’s gripping.

From the opening pages, we witness a family crisis so vivid the characters feel like neighbours. Fliss, coping with twin daughters, a son with autism, and her own heartbreak, is instantly compelling.

Persuaded by her children to attend a school reunion, Fliss heads off with her loyal dog for moral support. As awkward reunions soften, the night fractures. Murder. What follows is a tangle of delicious twists, red herrings, and shifting loyalties. Each character reveals new layers as the tension builds, leaving me breathless at times, as Fliss and her family face every danger, every emotional high and low.

The final reveal is pitch-perfect, showcasing the author’s real gift for crime writing. I believe the second instalment is being written, and I’m excited. I have a feeling the Fliss Dawes Investigations series will run and run. Highly recommended. 

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US

Also by Alison J. Moore.

Discover more about Alison Moore, read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US – Read more reviews: Goodreads – Website: Alison J. Moore – Facebook: DesignWritePrint – Instagram:Author.amoore 

Delighted to share my review for the latest release by Sharon Marchisello...a follow on book from – Secrets of the Galapagos which I can highly recommend. Murder at Leisure Dreams – Galapagos: A Giovanna Rogers Mystery (Giovanna Rogers Mysteries Book 2).

About the book

Giovanna Rogers restarts her career as expatriate manager of the new Leisure Dreams resort hotel on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos. Due to her youth and limited proficiency in Spanish, she struggles to gain the respect of her staff and the company’s executives. She has to prove to them that she got the job because of merit, not because the CEO is a family friend. And prove to herself that she can overcome a past business failure and make the hotel a success.

When the story opens, Giovanna and her staff prepare for the hotel’s grand opening. Friends, family, and corporate bigwigs fly in for the event. Renowned documentary producer Claire Costello and her film crew have arrived; Giovanna has the staff send a bottle of champagne to Claire’s room to welcome the VIP guest. The next morning, Claire is found dead in her bed; the cause of death is apparent poisoning. Now Giovanna must work with her boyfriend, local police detective Victor Zuniga, to solve the case while juggling the details of the grand opening and controlling the narrative around the mysterious demise of a VIP guest on the property.

Complications in her relationship arise when Giovanna’s ex-boyfriend decides to join her family to attend the grand opening. Her best friend and several of her employees have a history with Claire. And Claire’s team is somewhat dysfunctional, keeping secrets and telling contradictory stories. Despite Giovanna’s efforts to maintain normalcy and apprehend the culprit, things continue to worsen.

One of the reviews for the book  

Karen Siddall
5 out of 5 stars
Exciting follow-up to the series debut that works well as a standalone mystery!

MURDER AT LEISURE DREAMS – GALAPAGOS is the second book in author Sharon Marchisello’s excellent “Giovanna Rogers Mysteries,” while also serving as an exciting standalone mystery for those new to the series. After falling in love with the Galapagos during her luxury cruise of the islands the previous year, Giovanna Rogers accepts the position of manager of the soon-to-open, elite Leisure Dreams – Galapagos resort, having met the owner, Jim Roberts, and his family on the trip. However, mere days before the resort’s Grand Opening, a renowned documentary filmmaker staying at the resort is found dead in her luxury suite, and a local reporter is set on making the event all about the tragedy. When the cause of death is deemed poisoning, Giovanna is determined to discover the truth before the resort’s reputation can be irredeemably damaged, and she finds herself out of a job.

Giovanna is an extremely likable main character and is taking a big step toward starting over again after the disastrous events of the previous year, when her former business partner scammed her out of her life savings, leading to the collapse of her and her then-fiancé’s fledgling veterinary practice and the breakup of their relationship. While her grandmother, Michelle, has returned home since their momentous cruise, Giovanna’s new partner-in-crime is hunky local police detective Victor Zuniga, who is officially investigating filmmaker Claire Costello’s death. What follows is an intriguing puzzle with a great romantic storyline.

The exotic Galapagos setting provides a unique backdrop to the series, where newcomer Giovanna experiences the sights and sounds of the remote island location, learns to fit in with the local culture, explores a new romance, and gains the trust and respect of her new staff, all while preparing for an epic grand opening. The mystery kicks off early in the book, with the discovery of the victim’s body interrupting a romantic interlude between Giovanna and Victor. I really enjoyed their couple vibe and was sad that she had to try to keep her relationship out of sight or suffer the gossip of the staff. Together, they make a great team, with him including her whenever possible, in his case, as they followed the various clues wherever they led. With plenty of intrigue and plot twists to keep things exciting, the story had me engaged from start to finish.

I recommend MURDER AT LEISURE DREAMS – GALAPAGOS to cozy mystery readers, especially fans of the previous book in the series. 

Head over to buy the book in print and Kindle: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

Also by Sharon Marchisello

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – and: Amazon UK – follow Sharon: Goodreads – blog: Sharon Blogspot – Twitter: @SLMarchisello 

 

Thank you for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books..

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine Weekly Round Up June 8th – 14th – Gratitude, Music, Thai Noodles, Funnies, Book Reviews, Summer Book Fair, Authors in the Sun, bloggers

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Welcome to the round up of posts you might have missed this week on Smorgasbord.

I hope you have had a great week and thanks for dropping in today. A mixed week again here with one day with wind, sunshine, downpour, sunshine, hail storm, sunshine then calm at 8pm.  Welcome to mid-summer lol.

But I was considerably brightened as always by the generous support of members of our writing community..

My thanks to Laura Lyndhurst who has given Life’s Rich Tapestry some TLC with a wonderful review which has given both the collection and its author a wonderful boost…and you can find her review and all her others on her Reviews Page

And delighted with the review for The Missing Pieces by Yvette Prior which she posted on her blog on Friday. A wonderful start to the weekend to discover another visitor happy to have explored the garden and its inhabitants. Tales from the Irish Garden

And another wonderful review from Thomas Wikman also on his blog on Friday with his take on the shenanigans in the garden… fantastic and Thomas will be back with us on June 25th with another of his Superfacts articles The Magical Irish Garden Sanctuary

My thanks as always to the amazing contributors for their posts and support.

William Price King joined me for a Big Band era and on Friday another in the Chart Toppers and Blockbuster series and we are delighted you are enjoying along with us.  You can catch up with William on his own Blog– IMPROVISATION– William Price King on Tumblr

Debby Gies will be back with another post in her series on ageing July 6th. a reblog of her most recent post in the series..and as always her Sunday Book Review which this week is Bogie in a Human World: Life, Love and Letting Go – Book 3 by Cheryl Spears  D.G. Kaye

Carol Taylor was here on Wednesday sharing recipes for Thai Noodles and on Wednesday she will be exploring the cuisine of Pakistan…you will find plenty to enjoy in Carol’s archives. CarolCook 

Malcolm Allen was here on Monday with more of his terrific funnies.

And if you have missing the photos of a certain someone…

Thank you so much for your support and shares this week again..it is always appreciated. 

he Big Band Era with William Price King and Sally Cronin – 1940s – Harry James with Helen Forrest, Charlie Barnet, Dean Collins

Chart Toppers and Blockbusters 1980s with William Price King – “Rosanna” and Terms of Endearment

The Cookery Column Retro with Carol Taylor -#Thai #Noodles

Comedy with Malcolm Allen 2026 – Tech Support and Irony

The Alexander Technique – Part Two – #Posture, #Backpain #Ergonomics by Sally Cronin

#Psychological #Thriller Two Graves (Revenge Book 3) by Terry Tyler

Book Reviews Retro – June 2025 -#Poetry Joy Neal Kidney, #Thriller Laura Lyndhurst, #Thriller Stuart Woods, #Poetry John Dolan

#Contemporary Laura Lyndhurst, #Psychologicalthriller Toni Pike, #Psychologicalthriller Terry Tyler

#Shortstory – #Supernatural Yvette Calleiro, #Paranormal #Historical #BoerWar Roberta Eaton Cheadle, #Action #Supernatural #AncientEgypt Audrey Driscoll

#PsychologicalThriller Lisette Brodey, #Thriller #Familysaga Judith Barrow, #Supernatural #Suspense John W. Howell

Authors in the Sun – #Mystery – Halloween Justice by Sharon Marchisello

#Childhood #Sanctuary ST. Edmund’s Priory by Noelle A. Granger.

Smorgasbord Funnies 2026 – Host Sally Cronin and the Social Media Team – The Corn Maze and Guardian Angels

A small selection of posts I have enjoyed this week and I hope you will head over to enjoy in full.

Jacqui Murray is on a monumental mission to research and outline her next trilogy in the journey across the human evolution and in this update she whets our appetite for what is to come and explains some of the major earth events that accompanied this next journey.

Head over to find out more about the next project: The Shadow of the Giants

Patricia Furstenberg shares her review for what sounds like a wonderful short story collection set in France…One Morning in Provence by Lorna Fergusson..

Head over to enjoy Pat’s review: One Morning in Provence by Lorna Fergusson..

There are not many in our community who are not in touch with Jennie Fitzkee and her wonderful approach to teaching and storytelling. In this post she steps back in time to a schoolhouse in Groton New England which dates back to the late 1700s. As part of the a real life experience for young students who spend the day with Jennie in her role as Schoolmarm.. brilliant.

Head over to enjoy this trip back in history: Jennie the Schoolmarm

And finally a re-telling of Jack in the Beanstalk by Jim Wright which will have you firmly on the side of someone totally unexpected…

Head over to consider the verdict: Regarding certain bean related allegations.

 

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will join us again next week.

Smorgasbord Funnies 2026 – Host Sally Cronin and the Social Media Team – The Corn Maze and Guardian Angels

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Over the years I have been saving funnies from my various social media platforms and particularly Facebook… some from members of our writing community and I hope they don’t mind if I share here just two of the frequent flyers are Laura Lyndhurst  Jim Webster– and Janet Gogerty – … I hope you enjoy.

 

My thanks to those who serve up the humour on social media… 

If you would like to browse my books and reviews you can find them here Sally’s Books and Reviews 

 

Smorgasbord Summer Book Fair – #PsychologicalThriller Lisette Brodey, #Thriller #Familysaga Judith Barrow, #Supernatural #Suspense John W. Howell

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Welcome to the summer book fair with books from my recommended author files and those who have been featured with new books over the last few months.

The first book today is by Lisette Brodey with the riveting suspense thriller Twice a Broken Breath.

About the book

She stole his world. He’s got twenty-four hours to get it back.

Although Liam Tallamore can’t remember the first fourteen years of his life, he’s built a happy home with his wife, Carly, and their two children in suburban New Jersey … until one Friday afternoon when everything changes.

While cashing his paycheck, he’s told his bank accounts have been emptied. Once at home, he learns Carly has left him for her first love—one he never knew existed. Most devastating of all, she’s taken their eight-year-old daughter, Rayelle, and is preparing to leave the country. As if things couldn’t get worse, he has no idea where their twenty-year-old son is or why he’s been unreachable for the past two months.

With total distrust in law enforcement and no clues to guide him, Liam hops on a train to New York City, Carly’s hometown. Through the next twenty-four hours, Liam goes on a wild, unforgiving, frantic search through rain-soaked Manhattan, experiencing the brightest and the darkest humanity has to offer. This is the story of a man who refuses to quit, determined to find “a needle in a haystack,” and who, in searching for the children he loves, doesn’t yet realize he’s searching for himself as well.

AUTHOR’S NOTE: I write characters as I hear them speak to me. This novel contains non-gratuitous expletives. If this is not to your liking, please don’t read this book. Thank you.

My review for the book November 9th 2023

This is an action packed thriller with complex characters who enter the story and insert themselves into the carefully crafted plot over a very short but intense 24 hours.

One can only imagine how traumatic it must be to find after many years, with two children and a stable home life, that you have been living a lie and all that you know has been whipped from under you. Particularly when according to your parents the first fourteen years of your life were wiped from your mind following an accident.

The author has a great sense of timing and makes sure that despite the plot being very fast paced with some fascinating twists and turns, the reader is not left behind and is given adequate hints and clues to keep turning the pages in search of answers. Just when you think you have figured it out… another element is introduced which sets you off on another path.

Most of the cast of this action packed story are flawed and have pasts they find difficult to put behind them. This results in unexpected kindness, support and a determination to help this troubled man on his mission to find his daughter through the rain soaked night streets of New York. With time against him Liam Tallamore is about to discover secrets and relationships beyond his wildest dreams.

A gritty thriller with great characters and I can highly recommend. 

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Universal link: mybook.to/TwiceBroken

A small selection of other books by Lisette Brodey

Discover more about Lisette, read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Follow Lisette: Goodreads – Website/blog: Lisette Brodey – Twitter: @LisetteBrodey – Facebook: Brodey Author – Instagram: ca_lisette – And:Bluesky

The next book is another exciting page turner of a thriller by Judith Barrow. The Stranger in my House..

About the book

After the death of their mum, twins Chloe and Charlie are shocked when their dad introduces Lynne as their ‘new mummy’. Lynne, a district nurse, is trusted in the community, but the twins can see her kind smile doesn’t meet her eyes.

In the months that follow they suffer the torment Lynne brings to their house as she stops at nothing in her need to be in control. Betrayed, separated and alone, the twins struggle to build new lives as adults, but will they find happiness or repeat past mistakes? Will they discover Lynne’s secret plans for their father? Will they find each other in time?

The Stranger in My House is a gripping ‘cuckoo in the nest’ domestic thriller, exploring how coercive control can tear a family apart. Set in Yorkshire and Cardiff, from the 60s to the winter of discontent, The Stranger in My House dramatises both the cruelty and the love families hide behind closed doors.

One of the reviews for the book  

Welsh Annie
5 out of 5 stars
Storytelling in a class of its own… stunning

One of the author’s many strengths is in capturing the clear and authentic voice of a confused child – Mandy’s voice, in the author’s last book, still haunts me, torn between her own grief, her sense of right and wrong, and her love for her family. And once more, in her latest book she wonderfully portrays the suffering of eight-year-old twins Chloe and Charlie – already grieving the loss of their mother, their lives torn apart by their father’s marriage to her former nurse, an evil manipulator of the highest order.

The twins have a strong bond, so well established by the author: Charlie’s resistance to their new life, and the cruel bullying of his new step brother, see him moved into care – a misnomer if ever there was one – through a succession of homes each worse than the other; in time, Chloe too is torn from her family, waiting in vain for visits from her father, her unsettled experience of foster care adversely affecting her future relationships. And their new “mother” Lynne has an agenda all of her own – she also brings about the decline of their father Graham, never really the villain of the piece, believing he was doing the best for his family. In the second part, we rejoin the story as the twins reach adulthood, making their own ways in life, always hoping to be reunited – and there’s a distinct change of gear as we discover the hands everyone has been dealt, and the book develops the pace of a thriller as it moves towards the uplifting and wholly satisfying conclusion.

The characterisation throughout is absolutely exceptional – those who suffer, those who cause it, and the many supporting characters who play their parts in the story, especially those who provide the much-needed (and often doubted) proof that there can be good people. The sixties setting for the earlier part of the story, a different world from today, is so authentically drawn – and young Chloe’s letters to Sadie Shaw, her mother’s favourite, were a particularly poignant postscript to her chapters. There are certainly no punches pulled in the depiction of Lynne’s controlling behaviour, son Saul’s cruelty, or the many failings of the care system – often particularly harrowing and disturbing, I found I sometimes just had to put the book down to be able to handle its emotional impact. And that impact was immense – but despite the need for an occasional breather, I was enthralled by the whole story, its individuals so very real, its narrative so compelling.

This really is wonderful writing, storytelling in a class of its own, and I couldn’t recommend the book more highly – a superb read, and totally unforgettable.

Read the reviews and buy the book : Amazon UK And: Amazon US

Also by Judith Barrow

Find out more about Judith Barrow, read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – and: Amazon UK – Follow Judith: Goodreads – – blog: Judith Barrow – Facebook: Judith Barrow Author – Instagram: Judith Barrow 77 

The final book today is part of the fascinating series on The Eternal Road… and this is The Final Stop..

About the book

What if your final journey didn’t end with death, but began with it?

James Wainwright sets off on a solo road trip in his beloved 1956 Oldsmobile, seeking clarity—or maybe just distance. But everything changes when he picks up a hitchhiker on a quiet stretch of highway… and realizes she’s Samantha, his childhood sweetheart who vanished without a trace seventeen years ago.

There’s just one problem: James died miles back in a tragic car accident.

Now caught between worlds, James learns that Sam was murdered long ago—and she’s returned to guide him toward his eternal home. But the journey is far from peaceful. As they travel through time, witnessing pivotal moments in history and uncovering cosmic secrets, they must obey one unbreakable rule: do not disturb the past.

Unfortunately, even the dead attract attention.

Their presence has drawn the eye of Lucifer himself, and he wants more than their souls—he wants their allegiance. When James and Sam stumble upon a looming threat to humanity’s future, they must decide whether to risk everything to intervene.

Can James find peace and salvation, or will he lose his soul—and the fate of mankind—with it?

A gripping blend of time-travel, supernatural suspense, and redemptive love, this story is perfect for fans of mystery, metaphysical adventure, and high-stakes battles between good and evil.

One of the reviews for the book 

Pete Springer
5 out of 5 stars
Trip of a Lifetime

Imagine picking up a hitchhiker who tells you that she is the spirit of someone you knew from first-grade who went missing seventeen years ago. To make this encounter more disturbing, what if she tells you that you have recently passed and she is there to help guide you to your eternal home? Such is James’s situation, a young man unaware that he just passed in an automobile accident. Accompanying James on his journey in a 1956 Oldsmobile is his old friend, Samantha (Sam), who appears to be a beautiful young lady.

James and Sam have a special ability to concentrate on a specific place and moment and immediately travel to that location. This includes visits to important historical places and events throughout history, including Dodge City to witness a gunfight, firing muskets at the Alamo, or acting as a captain in Normandy.

The challenges along the way include several encounters with Lucifer, who is tempting Sam with many pleasures so that he can steal his soul. There are moments of romance, suspense, humor, and plenty of drama in this excellent story crafted by John Howell.

It is not your typical time-traveling novel, and I found the plot to be compelling and unpredictable. If you are looking for a great read with an unexpected ending, this is the right book for you. 

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

Other books by John Howell

Find out more about John Howell, read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – and on: Amazon UK – Goodreads:John Howell Goodreads – Blog: John W. Howell. com – Twitter – @HowellWave – And: Bluesky

 

Thanks very much for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books.

 

Smorgasbord Summer Book Fair – Book Review – #Psychological #Thriller Two Graves (Revenge Book 3) by Terry Tyler

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Delighted to share my review for the latest release by Terry Tyler... book three in her riveting Revenge Series in the form of two novellas…Two Graves –

About the book

When you plan revenge, be sure to dig two graves

Two novellas. Two lives changed forever by the need for retribution.

The Torment of Frances Cullen

Frances loves married life. Her husband, her daughters and her beloved home, which she has made so many sacrifices to keep. She socialises with the wives-and-girlfriends mafia of the upmarket Edgehill Gated Community, even though she despises them. It’s what husband Jarvis requires of her.

Sadly, nothing she can do will stop the walls crumbling around her. When the collapse begins, reason vanishes.

The Content Creator

Jennifer was a journalist, back in the day. Twenty years ago, she presented a local TV show. Now she’s happily single, loving her work as a script editor, her busy social life and her daughter. She’s even friends with ex-husband Tony’s new girlfriend.

Then Tony switches partners yet again. The new lady on the block embodies everything Jennifer detests about new media. Soon, her resentment of Sook Lee will become an obsession…

My review for the book June 13th 2026

Two very compelling and cautionary novellas which illustrate how the veneer of civilisation can crumble under the influence of the need for revenge.

The Torment of Frances Cullen

Living within a close knit community has its advantages with regard to support but it also has its downside… when something might be contagious!

Sisterhood comes with some terms and conditions which allow only a little leeway when offering a shoulder to cry on. You don’t realise just how far out of favour you are until you are infected and are placed in isolation. Away from everything you love and being manipulated into believing the world is against you.

And when you reach rock bottom and decide you are going to get your own back it becomes a lonely and dangerous path leading to far more than you bargained for.

The author sets up the story, presents the reader with complex characters and then delivers the final blow, seamlessly.

As always a riveting read and particularly relatable for any who might have found themselves in a similar situation. 

The Content Creator

When everybody is seeking their spot in the limelight on social media, TikTok, Youtube it is clear for many, professional qualifications or experience is not considered a necessity. This makes it even harder for anyone in the cut throat media industry of film and television to remain current and at the top of their game. Especially as you get older and the cracks literally begin to appear.

It is this world that the author brilliantly creates as we follow the career and life of Jennifer Marlow who finds herself on the sliding scale of success in the world of television. Love, family can become casualties and it is bitter to watch from the sidelines as those younger and considered more relevant step into the limelight.

If you are gifted content creator it is not unexpected that you might exploit plot holes as they appear and perhaps use them to your advantage… When you feel a deep sense of loss and have the person in your headlights that you hold responsible, the gloves come off.  You may think you are in charge of the script but others may have a different ending in mind.

Both stories, as always with this author, keep you turning the pages and there are plenty of surprises in store along the way… as with Terry Tyler’s other books, this one is highly recommended.

Head over to read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US – And Universal link

A small selection of other books by Terry Tyler

 

Read the reviews and buy the books:Amazon UK – And : Amazon US – Follow Terry Tyler: Goodreads – Blog: Terry Tyler Blogspot – Twitter:@TerryTyler4  –And: Bluesky

About Terry Tyler

Terry Tyler is the author of over 30 books available from Amazon, the latest being the the second book in her Revenge series – Two Graves

Other recent publications include the first in the revenge series and SFV-1 rage virus trilogy: Infected, Darkness and Reset, also ‘Where There’s Doubt’, the story of a romance scammer and his prey, and ‘Megacity’, the final book in the dystopian Operation Galton trilogy. Happy to be independently published, Terry is an avid reader and book reviewer, and a member of Rosie Amber’s Book Review Team.

Terry is a Walking Dead addict, and has a great interest in history (particularly Saxon, Plantagenet and Tudor), along with books and documentaries on sociological/cultural/anthropological subject matter. She loves South Park, the sea, and going for long walks in quiet places where there are lots of trees. She lives in the north east of England with her husband.

 

Thank you for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books.

Smorgasbord Short Stories- Authors in the Sun – #Childhood #Sanctuary ST. Edmund’s Priory by Noelle A. Granger.

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Welcome to this year’s Author in the Sun series.

I would love to share your short stories here too this summer and details of how you can participate are at the end of the post.

Today a lovely story from Noelle Granger about the harshness of a child’s life and the kindness of strangers.

ST. EDMUND’S PRIORY by Noelle Granger

The curly-haired boy peeked in the door of the old Priory, whose stone walls glowed a rich yellow in the setting sun. Often when he passed by, he had heard chanting coming from within, but today he dared to see where it came from. The sound was so mellow and soothing, so different from the harsh tones of his father.

There was nothing the boy could do to please that man. Every chore he was given, even feeding the chickens, he couldn’t seem to do the way his father wished, and each time, he received a cuff to the head and occasionally a beating.

Gianni had dreamed of an escape from the farm many times. He often did escape, to the memories of his mother’s hand stroking his curls and to the softness of her words, which calmed him in the face of his father’s anger. She’d been dead from the plague nearly a year now, and his survival only seemed to irritate his father, as if he were to blame.

The boy cautiously slipped inside the door of the priory and followed the chanting across the dusty courtyard to a chapel on the far side. The sounds grew louder and seemed to penetrate his very being, drawing him into the chapel, where he sat down on a bench at the back. The light from the dying sun came through the windows on one side, illuminated motes of dust dancing in the air. The chanting continued. He closed his eyes.

“Who is that?” whispered Friar Benedict. “Is he from the village?”

“I know him. He’s the son of Stefan, the farmer,” Prior Joseph whispered back.

“Well, he’s clearly tired. And he’s also starving. There’s no skin on his bones. And look at those bruises! He’s been thrashed.” Friar Andrew, the priory’s victualler, spoke in an angry tone

Gianni opened his eyes and startled at the sight of the three priory members looming over him. “I…I’m sorry. I know I shouldn’t be here. But the chanting, it was so lovely. I’ll go. Please don’t tell my father.”

“Of course, we won’t,” said Joseph, “but first we want to offer you some food.”

“But I’ll be late. I was supposed to purchase some bread in the village, and now it’s too late.” The boy hung his head, clearly despairing.

“I tell you what,” said Andrew. “If you will eat with us, we will give you a loaf of our bread to take to your father.”

“Really?” The boy face lit up at the kindness.

“Yes, really,” chuckled Benedict.

“What is your name, boy?” asked Joseph.

“Gianni.”

The boy ate his fill for the first time in months and happily headed home with the loaf of bread. He wanted nothing more than to live in that priory, chant with the occupants, and have something to eat every day. Not surprisingly, he got another beating for being late.

The next evening, Prior Joseph appeared at the door of the hut Gianni called home.

“Farmer Stefan!”

“What do you want?” Stefan emerged from the darkness of the hut, snarling at his visitor. “Haven’t you interfered with my family enough?”

“I, we, the members of the priory, have a proposition for you. We have need of a servant at the priory. We would like to hire your son, and we will pay you for his work.”

Stefan’s eyes glittered with greed at the prospect of money. “But who will help me here with my farm?”

“We can see that he’s not a good worker and that you are displeased with what he does.”

Stefan’s brain barely wondered how they knew his opinion that the boy was useless.

“We will pay him enough to allow you to hire someone more competent and still have some of his wages left over.”

Gianni, who was pressed against the wall inside the hut, listened to every word with increasing excitement. Could this really be happening to him?

Stefan asked how much his son would be paid, then made the pretense of thinking about it, during which time he snorted and spat a blob of phlegm at the Prior’s feet. “I’ll let you have him for a week. That way you can find out if he’s as much a lazy do-nothing as he is here, while I look for a more suitable farm hand. But I want payment in advance.”

“We thought so.” Joseph reached into the pocket of his habit and brought out some coins. Stefan grabbed them and yelled for his son. The boy slipped around his father and stood in front of the priest.

Well, then,” said Prior Joseph. “Come along.”

After a final whack on the head from his father, along with a stern warning to work hard, Gianni floated along behind Prior Joseph, suspended by his relief and excitement. He didn’t look back.

Two decades passed. When Prior Joseph died, the friars mourned his loss, for he had been a kind and astute leader of their order. Then, a most beloved member of the community — a tall, curly-haired friar who’d taken the name of Edmond—took his place.

©Noelle Granger

My thanks to Noelle for sharing this lovely story with us and I know she would love to hear from you. 

Books by Noelle Granger

One of the reviews for Daniel Boone and Me 

Joy Shelton-York
5 out of 5 stars
A wonderful tale of Danile Boone!

After reading the first line of Daniel Boone and Me, I felt as though I had been sucked into a time warp that sent me back to the 1770’s in Kentucky. Ten ten-year-old Eliza Corey and her 4-year-old brother Thacher are being shoved by their mother into the root cellar beneath the floorboards of their cabin during an attack by the Shawnee. (And that’s just the first line!) Gunfire, screams, and flames come minutes later, and these two children are alone in an unforgiving frontier. Fortunately for Eliza, her parents prepared her for such a scenario, giving her instructions on how to get to the Fort, days away. With a few dried apples, burnt bread, and bare feet, the young children follow a faint trail through the wilderness where wild animals roam freely and the Shawnee could be tracking them. Luckily, Colonel Daniel Boone, their closest neighbor, finds them first and offers to make them part of his family.

Every element of history and the harsh life surviving in this hostile environment, from both nature and rival, in this story is meticulously researched. From the hardships of building shelter and protection, making food and clothes, hunting, tanning, medical treatment to all things necessary to survive. The attitudes, community reliance, social mores, and varying political views in this time of massive social change for a new country are intricately woven throughout the story.

I love all these wonderfully drawn characters, especially Eliza, the perfect person to tell the story through her eyes. She is a strong, self-resilient, persistent, adaptable, dependable, and caring young girl. Despite her fears, she never backs down or shirks responsibility. I really enjoyed getting to know Daniel Boone, having studied him many years ago in history. He was certainly a multifaceted man—hunter, explorer, leader, negotiator, businessman, statesman, and family. I had a particular fondness for Rebecca. Through all the harsh conditions, feast and famine, Rebecca was the glue for the family.

Granger is an amazing storyteller. There is plenty of action and adventure in this unpredictable wilderness from the British troops, Native American Tribes, political rivals, and mother nature herself. I thoroughly enjoyed this trip back in time and encourage others to take the journey. You will have a new appreciation for modern conveniences. 

Head over to read more about Noelle A. Granger and buy her books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Blog: Sayling Away – Goodreads:Noelle A. Granger – Twitter: @NAGrangerAuthor

Author Logo

About the Author

Noelle A. Granger grew up in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in a rambling, 125-year-old house with a view of the sea. Summers were spent sailing and swimming. She was also one of the first tour guides at Plimoth Plantation. Granger graduated from Mount Holyoke College with a bachelor’s degree in Zoology and from Case Western Reserve University with a Ph.D. in anatomy. Following a career of research in developmental biology and teaching human anatomy to medical students and residents, the last 28 years of which were spent at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, she decided to try her hand at writing fiction. The Rhe Brewster Mystery Series was born.

The series features Rhe Brewster, an emergency room nurse, as the protagonist. Rhe lives in the fictional coastal town of Pequod, Maine, (similar to Plymouth) and Granger uses her knowledge of such a small town, her experiences sailing along the Maine coast, and her medical background to enrich each book in the series. In the first book, Death in a Red Canvas Chair, the discovery of a wet, decaying body of a young woman, sitting in a red canvas chair at the far end of a soccer field, leads Rhe on a trail that heads to a high-end brothel and a dodgy mortuary operation.

The second novel in the Rhe Brewster Mystery Series, Death in a Dacron Sail, was released in 2015, and finds Rhe responding to a discovery by one of the local lobstermen: a finger caught in one of his traps. The third book, Death By Pumpkin, begins with the sighting of the remains of a man’s body in a car smashed by a giant pumpkin at the Pequod Pumpkin Festival. Up next? Death in a Mud Flat.

In addition to the Rhe Brewster Mystery Series, Granger has had short stories, both fiction and non-fiction, published in Deep South Magazine, Sea Level Magazine, the Bella Online Literary Review, and Coastal Style Magazine, and has been featured in Chapel Hill Magazine, The News & Observer, The Boothbay Register, and other local press. Granger lives with her husband, a cat who blogs, and a hyperactive dog in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She spends a portion of every summer in Maine.

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books.

If you have a fiction short story to share with us then here is what I will need. Please send to sallygcronin@gmail.com

  • A word document with your edited story. A new story or one you have written and published on your blog.
  • 1000 to 1500 words.. but if it is slightly shorter or longer that is no problem. It can be any genre except for erotica as I have younger readers.
  • If you are an author or blogger who has featured here before I don’t need anything else.
  • If you are new to the blog then I will need an Amazon page link, blog or website links, three main social media links and a profile photograph.

I look forward to hearing from you and sharing your writing here… thanks Sally.

 

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – The Music Column – Chart Toppers and Blockbusters 1980s with William Price King – “Rosanna” and Terms of Endearment

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Welcome to the series where I will be sharing the chart toppers and blockbusters through the decades… be prepared for some nostalgia and some foot tapping music. William

🎶   Toto – “Rosanna”

“Rosanna” was the opening track and first single from the 1982 album “Toto lV,” composed by David Paich. Rhythmically the song is known for its half-time shuffle, which was developed by drummer Jeff Porcaro, and its groove has become an important staple of drum repertoire and is commonly known as the “Rosanna shuffle.”

This song won the Grammy Awards for Record of the year at the 1983 ceremony.

As “Rosanna” turned up the groove, “Terms of Endearment” turned up the drama on the big screen. 

🎬   “Terms of Endearment”

“Terms of Endearment” starring Debra Winger, Shirley MacLaine, Jack Nicholson, and Danny DeVito was directed and produced by James L. Brooks, adapted from Larry McMurty’s 1975 novel of the same name.

The film covers the relationship between Aurora Greenway (MacLaine), who juggles her own struggles with a new romantic interest while trying to sort out the emotional problems of her daughter, Emma Greenway-Horton (Winger), who’s married to a philandering husband.

The film received 11 Oscar nominations and won five, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress (MacLaine), Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor (Nicholson), 1983.

Join William again next week for more entertainment…

Your Host

William Price King is an American jazz singer, crooner, and composer.

His interest in music began at an early age when he studied piano and clarinet in high school. At Morehouse College in Atlanta where he grew up, he sang in the Glee Club and studied classical music. After graduation he went off to the Yale School of Music where he earned a Masters degree. From there he journeyed to New York where he created a jazz trio ‘Au Naturel’ which performed in some of the hottest venues in Manhattan including gigs on Broadway and the famous ‘Rainbow Room.’ These gigs opened doors for performances in Montreal and a European tour.

While touring Europe he met a lovely French lady, Jeanne Maïstre, who, a year later became his wife. King left the group ‘Au Naturel’ and settled in the south of France where he started a new life on the French Riviera, opening his own music school – the “Price King Ecole Internationale de Chant.” He has had the pleasure over the years of seeing many of his students excel as singers on a professional level, and some going on to become national celebrities. He continues to coach young singers today, in his spare time.

Blog– IMPROVISATION – William Price King on Tumblr – Buy William’s music: William Price King iTunes – Facebook – William Price King – Twitter – @wpkofficial
Regular Venue – Cave Wilson

 

Thanks very much for dropping in today and it would be great if you could share the music with your connections.

Smorgasbord Book Reviews Retro – June 2025 -#Poetry Joy Neal Kidney, #Thriller Laura Lyndhurst, #Thriller Stuart Woods, #Poetry John Dolan

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Good books deserve being shared on a regular basis and as always during the year I will revisit my reviews from the last 12 months to remind you of my recommendations.

My first review of June 2025 was for the wonderful collection by Joy Neal Kidney…Meadowlark Songs: A Motherline Legacy

My review for the collection June 7th 2025

This is an engaging and poignant record of seven generations of women in the author’s family who each in their own way was remarkable. Many of us did not know our grandmothers and because of that missing link, have little knowledge of the women who went before us in history. Reading this tribute made me realise how precious the little I do know is.

With a combination of explanatory notes and free form verse, the lives of these courageous ancestors are documented, thanks to stories passed from mother to daughters and granddaughters through the decades and notes or letters passed down.

Life for those in the early pioneering days was dangerous with food, water and shelter in short supply and where childbirth and infancy mortality rates were devastating. And having survived childhood, there were wars that took more of their children’s lives. 

It is heart-breaking to read but, there is also joy and an appreciation of the resilience of women across the generations, their devotion to their families and their ingenuity in creating loving environments for their children. We follow many of the families as they move away from the comfort of these homes to find better lives, often facing challenges that would break those of us used to all the modern conveniences and luxuries we surround ourselves with.

One of the amazing benefits of this long line of remarkable women is the overlapping of the generations, allowing for knowledge, family history and heirlooms to be passed down, preserving the motherline.

This excerpt from the beginning of the book provides an overview of what you will be discovering:

Seven Generations

According to Native American tradition,
the consequences of choices
made by ancestors in one generation
reverberate for seven generations.
Make those decisions with utmost care,
they say, to guarantee good lives
for those who come after.
Seven generations of a motherline,
all seven lived on farms,
six lived in Iowa,
five in Guthrie County, five widowed,
four were oldest daughters, had ten or more children,
three lived into their nineties,
two earned high school diplomas,
only one was born in a hospital
and she became the keeper
of the stories of her motherline.

I highly recommend this tribute to not just the generations of women who passed on their genes and courage, but also the men they married who supported them with equal strength.

Head over to buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

My next review was for this riveting psychological thriller by Laura Lyndhurst – You Know What You Did

My review for the book 14th June 2025

This book will grab your attention and keep it to the last page. Most of us today have some kind of presence on social media and are aware that you do have to be careful about what you say, and who you might offend. After reading this riveting psychological thriller, I am very happy not to be a best selling author riding high on the pedestal of success and fame. We have seen it play out in real life to some well-known writers, and it is not an easy thing to come through unscathed.

The story is told from two perspectives, firstly of Amanda Roberts living a life most would envy with a gorgeous and successful husband, adorable children and a support team to smooth both the domestic and professional sides of her life. The other side of the narration is by someone in the shadows who harbours a deep hatred of Amanda and bitterly resents her success and all she holds dear.

As we follow both, it becomes apparent that for some reason Amanda has deeply offended this person, and when the mystery is eventually revealed, it is something very unexpected.  It is something you would not imagine of a highly successful author who has built such a wonderful readership and whose books are bestsellers.

Technology plays its role as the harrassment and intimidation escalates and co-conspirators are manipulated into playing their part in the increasing terror campaign. This impacts not just Amanda’s career but also her personal life with devastating outcomes. Lives fall apart, secrets are revealed and key characters are discovered to not be as wholesome as imagined. 

I will admit to having mixed emotions about Amanda Roberts, and there were times when I did rather think she needed a reminder about how privileged she was, but a gentle nudge rather than the full scale onslaught she ended up dealing with.

This is a brilliant fast paced thriller which anyone who has published books or even just become a little too popular on social media can relate to. Great characters, fascinating back stories and a plot which will keep you turning the pages from beginning to end. Highly recommended.

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon UK –  And: Amazon US – Universal link: Mybook –

This next review is for a book I enjoyed when on my ferry trips recently… it certainly helped pass the time entertainingly. Sadly Stuart Woods died in 2022, however, he has left an incredible legacy behind of books that are well worth reading and reviewing.

My review for the book 21st June 2025

If you enjoy great characters, plenty of action and unexpected twists and turns, then this book and the others in the Stone Barrington series are well worth reading.

The plot is clever, with a central theme of a missing 7 million dollars from a heist so long ago it is now up for grabs. And once you have it, finding a safe place to stash it and not draw too much attention results in some complex and sometimes entertaining manoeuvres.

The central character, Stone Barrington, former cop and now lawyer to the rich and famous, is fast thinking but calm and steady as the action unfolds following his short, but significant professional encounter with the lucky recipient of this stash of stolen money.

Barrington is a man who is clearly attractive to the women in comes into contact with and he certainly has an active love life, thankfully discreetly dealt with by the author, but it is a trait that gets him into hot water and even puts him in danger.

There are a number of contenders for the ownership of the money and it is clear that some are ruthless and not afraid of killing off rivals. This leads to plenty of action as the book progresses and there are some surprising revelations about one or two of Barrington’s circle of friends.

This is a page turner which keeps you on the hook until the last page and a very satisfactory conclusion. I can highly recommend and I will be reading many more of the books in the series.

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK –

And finally delighted to share my review for John Dolan…a collection of poetry which certainly stirs the senses. Arrhythmia –

My review for the collection 28th June 2025.

Having read some of John Dolan’s work, I was anticipating this poetry collection would entertain, sometimes shock, but would certainly be thought provoking. And I was not disappointed.

Written over many years, there are themes those of us who have also been around for decades can relate to. And in many poems an opportunity to experience a different perspective on life, love, passion, loss, self-reflection, pets that come and sadly go, being an expat, unrequited love, parenthood, and an irritation with just about everything around us, particularly as we get older.

There is a gentleness; awareness of how fragile our lives can be, but also some edgy reflections on the more intimate areas of our passage through the years, both real and imagined. Being a soft touch when it comes to strays turning up on the doorstep, it was lovely to read those poems celebrating their arrival in the poet’s life at various times. One in particular ‘Soi Dog’.

As an author, I enjoyed the different perspective in ‘This Be the Book Review’, and I could see where John Dolan was coming from with ‘Playing a Round Writing’.

Others that made me think a little more out of the box where ‘Poppies a Deflowering in Flanders’ and ‘Let Me Explain’, and boy did he need to. And certainly one that made me laugh out loud ‘My Wife’s Friends’.

To sum up, this collection celebrates, and also shares some regrets created by the simple act of living and breathing, and certainly this is reflected upon in this short but succinct tribute.

J’ai mangé

J’ai bien mangé
J’ai bu
J’ai bien bu
J’ai aimé
J’ai bien aimé
Pas toujours, mais quelquefois

(I have eaten; I have eaten well
I have drunk; I have drunk well
I have loved; I have loved well
Not always, but sometimes)

I can highly recommend you also read and enjoy this collection, and it is one I will return to from time to time as a reminder to make the most of every day, and each moment within it.

Head over to read the reviews and buy the collection: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US – And: Amazon CA

 

 

Smorgasbord Health Column – Alternative Healing Therapies – The Alexander Technique – Part Two – #Posture, #Backpain #Ergonomics by Sally Cronin

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Last week I began this series on posture, flexibility and improving back, neck pain and headaches with a background to the Alexander Technique and a link for you to check on your body’s age in relation to Flexibility

The Alexander Technique.

The originator of this technique is Frederick Matthias Alexander, an Australian actor, who found that his career began to falter as he lost his voice on stage. He consulted doctors but they could find neither the cause nor the cure for the problem. Having developed a technique to correct his own posture and that resulted in the return of his voice… Alexander went on to teach his method in the UK and America to dancers, actors and singers.

It is not just performers who can benefit from this technique as most of us today are either in jobs that force our bodies into unnatural contortions, or we are sitting at a desk writing for many hours of the day!

Alexander’s first step was to stand in front of the mirror and observe his body and posture. The truth is that none of us are completely symmetrical. Over time, with bad sitting and standing posture, we can become even more out of line.

From a personal perspective

For me adopting the techniques is more of a philosophy that aligns with my passion for natural fresh foods and their essential nourishment for the body. Our bodies are under constant stress on a daily basis and without a strong core, and an aligned skeletal and muscular structure, we will suffer pain and debilitating health issues.

Unlike many forms of exercise that you might take up and then drop as you get older, the Alexander Technique is one that you need to adopt for life and continue to practice consistently. As the techniques become ingrained you will find that both your posture and ease of movement will reflect that consistency throughout your lifetime.

Identifying problem areas

Stand naturally in front of a full length mirror – if being in your underwear only is too distracting, then wear something that is form fitting so that you can see the outline of your body.

  • Relax your arms by your side, feet slightly apart, as straight as you can with your head looking directly forward.
  • See if you can detect where perhaps your shoulder dips on one side and your fingertips appear to be slightly further down your leg than the other side.
  • Is one knee slightly more turned in that the other.
  • Perhaps you notice that you having to make an effort to stand straight and that the top of your back feels uncomfortable.
  • Is there a slight slouch to one side or the other.

If you have one knee in particular that is painful, it is likely that for years you have been favouring  that knee over the other one.

For example the knee that you use to get out of your driver’s side in the car! Over the years, that consistent and repetitive motion has worn down more of the cartilage in that knee than the other. The resulting pain makes you walk slightly lop-sided and you are then causing more distortion to your spine and shoulders.

Checking for possible problem areas

Whilst you can check for the following postural issues by yourself, by stepping back as far as possible from the mirror and then walking slowly forwards watching your movements carefully, it is even better is to enlist the help of someone else to help you spot problem areas.

  • Find somewhere flat, probably outside and ask someone to stand 20 to 30 feet in front of you and then walk as you would normally towards them.
  • Get them to identify if you are walking with your knees, and feet straight in front of you or splayed.
  • Also differences between your right and left sides.
  • Then repeat the exercise making an effort to keep your back straight, your shoulders slightly back, neck and head level and facing forward. Knees and feet facing forwards.
  • Both of you can then compare where you consider you are suffering from both posture and walking issues that could lead to some form of wear and tear on the joints.

Consistently bad posture when sitting, standing and walking results in damage to key points in the spine. This can lead to stiff shoulders and neck, leading to headaches.

In the next post I will be sharing some of the techniques that were developed by Alexander and include some of the videos available on the method, as it is much easier to show rather than tell.

In the meantime if you are reading this at your desk, or scrunched up on the sofa with your laptop, you might want to take a look at your posture. Could you be causing damage to your spine and causing repetitive strain injury.  Since most of you are also writers, using a keyboard, this following video shows you how you should be working in relation to your chair and computer. thanks to  Body Fix Exercises

Next Thursday some of the Alexander Techniques to help you straighten up!  Thanks for dropping by.

©Sally Cronin Just Food for Health 1998 – 2026

About Sally Cronin

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.

You can read the reviews: My books 20

 

Thanks for visiting and I am always delighted to receive your feedback.. stay safe Sally.