Sally Cronin (Author of Life is Like a Bowl of Cherries)

Sally Cronin wrote a new blog post Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Music Column Retro – The Big Band Era with William Price King and Sally Cronin – 1940s – Kate Smith, Glenn Miller with Ray Eberle, Carolina Shag dancing 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 e Read more of this blog post »
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Sally Cronin rated a book it was amazing Escaping the Woods: A Short Story by Yvette M. Calleiro (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
This story may only be 4,500 words but it certainly evoked many memories for me. I came from a service family and we moved every two years which meant adjusting to leaving behind family and friends and new surroundings. It can take time to form friend ...more
Mar 06, 2026 11:46PM · 2 likes · like · see review
Sally Cronin rated a book it was amazing Tidalscribe Tales by Janet Gogerty (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
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 wh ...more
Mar 04, 2026 03:41AM · 2 likes · like · see review
Sally Cronin rated a book it was amazing Trapped and Tested (DeeLo Myer Cat Rescue Mystery) by Sharon Marchisello (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
The author has created another intriguing mystery with plenty of twists and turns to keep a reader engaged. It is set in a town where DeeLo Myer has become an advocate and volunteer for the local cat rescue charity, trapping, neutering and releasing ...more
Feb 27, 2026 11:22PM · 1 like · like · see review
Sally Cronin rated a book it was amazing Balance of Nature (Savage Land Book 3) by Jacqui Murray (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
In this third book of the Savage Land series we are reunited with those who have become so familiar to the reader including Yu’ung alpha of the Neanderthals, Fierce leader of the Tall Ones, Shanadar their spiritual guide, Canis and the other characte ...more
Feb 21, 2026 12:03AM · 4 likes · like · see review
Sally Cronin rated a book it was amazing Deep Freeze (Deep Mysteries) by Anne Louise O'Connell (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
This mystery was very easy to get into and stay engaged with to the last page. Great characters and an intriguing plot with plenty of shocking revelations along the way. Set in exotic Dubai where expats from around the world mingle with the wealthy, t ...more
Feb 06, 2026 11:24PM · 2 likes · like · see review
Sally Cronin rated a book it was amazing More Manchester Than Mongolia: An Unexpected Road Trip Through Back Road Britain (The Wayward Truck Book 2) by Jacqueline Lambert (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Following on from the previous book when the Lamberts invested in a Swedish built Army truck to convert, and after contending with broken promises, pandemic lockdowns and other unforeseen delays, they now have to move into an unfinished Beast or be h ...more
Jan 30, 2026 11:27PM · 4 likes · like · see review
Sally Cronin rated a book it was amazing The Beauty Shop (Heroes of War, #1) by Suzy Henderson (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
The story begins in the ward containing airmen from several allied countries who have been injured in action during World War Two. The doctor in charge is Archie McIndoe who was a real surgeon whose biography I read many years ago. At this point in hi ...more
Jan 24, 2026 12:01AM · 1 like · like · see review
Sally Cronin rated a book it was amazing Grave Intent (Dawn Grave #2) by Fiona Tarr (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Dawn Graves is enjoying down time from her police career, fixing up her family homestead and spending time with her long lost sister and niece. Whilst they are relishing this time together, there is still the mystery surrounding their brother’s death ...more
Jan 16, 2026 11:23PM · 2 likes · like · see review
Sally Cronin rated a book it was amazing Watery Ways by Valerie Poore (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book by Valerie Poore about a life of change when she swaps the warmth of a South African summer for winter aboard a partly renovated Dutch barge without power, water or a bathroom. This would be daunting for most people but not the ...more
Jan 09, 2026 11:00PM · 1 like · like · see review

Sally Cronin wrote a new blog post

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Music Column Retro – The Big Band Era with William Price King and Sally Cronin – 1940s – Kate Smith, Glenn Miller with Ray Eberle, Carolina Shag dancing

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 e Read more of this blog post »

Sally Cronin rated a book it was amazing

Escaping the Woods by Yvette M. Calleiro

Escaping the Woods: A Short Story
by Yvette M. Calleiro (Goodreads Author)

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This story may only be 4,500 words but it certainly evoked many memories for me. I came from a service family and we moved every two years which meant adjusting to leaving behind family and friends and new surroundings.

It can take time to form friend ...more

Sally Cronin rated a book it was amazing

Tidalscribe Tales
by Janet Gogerty (Goodreads Author)

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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 wh ...more

Sally Cronin rated a book it was amazing

Trapped and Tested by Sharon Marchisello

Trapped and Tested (DeeLo Myer Cat Rescue Mystery)
by Sharon Marchisello (Goodreads Author)

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The author has created another intriguing mystery with plenty of twists and turns to keep a reader engaged. It is set in a town where DeeLo Myer has become an advocate and volunteer for the local cat rescue charity, trapping, neutering and releasing The author has created another intriguing mystery with plenty of twists and turns to keep a reader engaged. It is set in a town where DeeLo Myer has become an advocate and volunteer for the local cat rescue charity, trapping, neutering and releasing feral cats back into safe sanctuaries around the area. Currently there is an election in progress, and the charity needs to find a politician who is going to assist them to ease unworkable restrictions, and offer a more secure future for the cats they rescue.

This brings DeeLo into contact with new connections including a young man in pursuit of his own mystery … which turns out to be very close to home. She also meets a charismatic supportive local businessman with political ambitions, and a grieving family desperate for answers and justice.

What starts out as a routine trapping excursion, turns sinister with the discovery of a fatally injured man which throws suspicion on several of those around DeeLo and activates her investigative instincts.

This is a multi-layered mystery with some interesting plot lines. The cats of course play a central role and whilst the trap, neuter and release programme is going well, there are some cats at risk as their home environments are being swept up into new developments, and because of the greed of the unscrupulous. The author deals with this much debated method of controlling the cat population with great sensitivity.

On a personal front DeeLo is faced with uncertainties regarding her relationship, which is being threatened by unfinished business from the past.

The author has created compelling characters and does a great job of pulling all the threads of the story together in an exciting climax. Be prepared for some surprises and some startling revelations which are essential for any well written mystery novel.

Whilst for the time being anyway… the cats of this particular county have found a committed advocate in DeeLo for their well-being, the door is clearly open for more mysteries featuring this amateur detective in upcoming books. Highly recommended. ...more

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Balance of Nature (Savage Land Book 3)
by Jacqui Murray (Goodreads Author)

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In this third book of the Savage Land series we are reunited with those who have become so familiar to the reader including Yu’ung alpha of the Neanderthals, Fierce leader of the Tall Ones, Shanadar their spiritual guide, Canis and the other characte In this third book of the Savage Land series we are reunited with those who have become so familiar to the reader including Yu’ung alpha of the Neanderthals, Fierce leader of the Tall Ones, Shanadar their spiritual guide, Canis and the other characters the author has created for us to marvel at and enjoy.

This is fiction, but the research behind the story as always is meticulous, and when combined with the thrilling and dangerous times our ancestors lived in, it is a riveting adventure from first page to last.

Apart from being an exceedingly perilous time, it is also one of exploration and co-operation with other species as Mother Nature continues to bombard them all with fire and moving earth. They must rely on instinct, ancient wisdom and each other as they venture further from their original homes uncertain of what lies ahead of them. As they travel they discover new foods and develop skills which provide the nourishment they require when their usual sources disappear from the land. This collaboration between species is also an opportunity to bring new blood from outside the individual groups, an important step not just in evolution, but also in the health of future generations.

There is an inherent distrust of the motives of others outside of their own communities, and whilst their way of life may be primitive, human nature in the form of greed, ambition and treachery are already far advanced. If the dangers of nature were not enough to contend with, evil lurking close to hand threatens the lives of all of them. Trust and loyalty are tested and alliances are formed essential to their survival.

This is human nature in the raw with violence most often used to resolve conflict as a safe home base and resources become scarce. However, humanity for others is also becoming recognised as offering a different kind of strength. One that demonstrates that working together in harmony can lead to survival of them all.

The setting for much of the book is a rock where various forms of our ancestors in that time period come together, and the outcome of their interactions set in motion the changes to humans over the next thousands of years.

However, as the author points out in her afterword with regard to the Neanderthal who became extinct eventually, their genetics live on, 2-4% in each of us born outside Africa, and a full 30% throughout modern man. What they gave to man—the strength, the wisdom, the creative attitude to solve problems—can’t be overstated.

I certainly have a great deal of respect for the contribution they have made in our evolution. I highly recommend the series and beginning with books one and two before enjoying this spectacular finale. ...more

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Deep Freeze (Deep Mysteries)
by Anne Louise O'Connell (Goodreads Author)

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This mystery was very easy to get into and stay engaged with to the last page. Great characters and an intriguing plot with plenty of shocking revelations along the way.

Set in exotic Dubai where expats from around the world mingle with the wealthy, t ...more

Sally Cronin rated a book it was amazing

More Manchester Than Mongolia by Jacqueline Lambert

More Manchester Than Mongolia: An Unexpected Road Trip Through Back Road Britain (The Wayward Truck Book 2)
by Jacqueline Lambert (Goodreads Author)

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Following on from the previous book when the Lamberts invested in a Swedish built Army truck to convert, and after contending with broken promises, pandemic lockdowns and other unforeseen delays, they now have to move into an unfinished Beast or be h Following on from the previous book when the Lamberts invested in a Swedish built Army truck to convert, and after contending with broken promises, pandemic lockdowns and other unforeseen delays, they now have to move into an unfinished Beast or be homeless.

With the trip to Mongolia on hold due to the pandemic other plans are made. On a wing and a prayer the adventure begins on narrow country lanes with hedges and low lying tree branches, unfit for normal traffic let alone a beast 33feet long, 12.6 feet high and 8.4 feet wide!

However on arrival at a self-build get together, apart from the enormous size of the Beast, the interior which was kitted out in colourful tones of surfer paradise and exotic locations, is much admired by the queues wanting a showing. Another envied element was the Beast’s capacity to survive off grid due to its green conversion elements. During other meet ups in the book, we are introduced to others who have escaped to life on the road in large converted trucks, and it is understandable why it might be so appealing.

So the new adventure begins with trial run up to Scotland to travel the newly launched Coast 500. On the way we are introduced to some interesting stop over spots some historical, literary famous, and others providing excellent examples of local food favourites. Fortuitously when needed there was also some exceedingly kind assistance to deal with teething problems. Driving the Beast however, especially on muddy rural lanes and narrow village streets, is a mammoth task requiring strength of mind and body.

What follows is a wonderful guided tour of England via the rugged Yorkshire Moors and down to earth Northern England, with entertaining and informative stops along the route, meeting amazing people with their own fascinating, and often amusing stories to tell. Apart from the flowing narrative, it is also a great guide for anyone planning on doing this trip in a car let alone a caravan.

The history elements alone make compelling reading, and illustrate how amazing Great Britain is when you leave the cities behind and head out into the country with its villages and market towns teeming with interesting stories. There is also some myth dispelling about certain revered figures which are revelations. This is social history at its best. The innovators of the industrial revolution, literary and musical legends are given the royal treatment.

Despite the glorious scenery and wonderful descriptions, as with any maiden voyage there is bound to be snags and some of these are more urgent than others requiring detours, and many hours of research seeking advice and spare parts and resulting in a major change in plans and some backtracking. The beast and its passengers are tested to the limit on some occasions and it says a great deal for their grit and determination that they maintained their passion for their chosen new path in life.

And of course there are the lovely canines that add another delightful element to this already entertaining book.

I enjoyed from the first to last page, and have no hesitation in recommending the book. I look forward to the next adventure. ...more

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The Beauty Shop (Heroes of War, #1)
by Suzy Henderson (Goodreads Author)

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The story begins in the ward containing airmen from several allied countries who have been injured in action during World War Two. The doctor in charge is Archie McIndoe who was a real surgeon whose biography I read many years ago.

At this point in hi The story begins in the ward containing airmen from several allied countries who have been injured in action during World War Two. The doctor in charge is Archie McIndoe who was a real surgeon whose biography I read many years ago.

At this point in his career he is working on surgery techniques particularly for pilots who have been shot down in flames and suffered terrible burns disfiguring their bodies and faces. Young men who have their whole lives ahead of them and needed to be able to face the world carrying the scars with as much dignity as possible. The ward is aptly given the name The Beauty Shop among those who work and recover there.

Next we join the crew of a bomber on their tenth mission to take out the U-boat pens at Saint Nazaire. The author graphically describes the experience the crews are subjected to as they struggle to keep their nerve under fire, complete their mission and return home through the hail of bullets from waiting enemy fighters. These young American airmen, thousands of miles from home and family, are physically and mentally under enormous stress as they brave the odds, often flying on a wing and a prayer.

It is no wonder that these young men develop the need to live for the moment, and to provide some kind of release from the tension, the base hosts dances where young women serving in neighbouring RAF bases and living in the surrounding villages are invited and these young men and women find a few hours respite from the relentless fear and loss of their friends.

Whilst the author shares the horror of war and the bravery of those young men and women on the front line, she has also created a wonderful love story. Two people from very different cultures, ‘Mac’ a young pilot, who has seen his close friends fail to return from missions, and knows every time he steps into a cockpit there is the strong possibility he too might not return. And Stella, a young woman torn between loyalty and finding a love that seems impossible.

The characters are wonderful, and you are swept along with their stories. It is a wonderful tribute to young men and women serving their countries. Falling in love was taking a chance, as none of them knew what the future held, and for some it was with the knowledge that it would likely end in tragedy. But having someone you love to come back to, offered comfort and when the worst happened, a reason to recover.

The novel also pays tribute to the work of Archie McIndoe who worked tirelessly to offer some kind of future for the very disfigured men who came under his care. All of their stories are remarkable and I really appreciated his inclusion in the novel as he was both a pioneer and forerunner of modern plastic surgery and it added even more authenticity to the story.

I can highly recommend this book and I look forward to reading another of Suzy Henderson’s novels. ...more

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Grave Intent (Dawn Grave #2)
by Fiona Tarr (Goodreads Author)

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Dawn Graves is enjoying down time from her police career, fixing up her family homestead and spending time with her long lost sister and niece. Whilst they are relishing this time together, there is still the mystery surrounding their brother’s death ...more

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Watery Ways
by Valerie Poore (Goodreads Author)

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This is the first book by Valerie Poore about a life of change when she swaps the warmth of a South African summer for winter aboard a partly renovated Dutch barge without power, water or a bathroom. This would be daunting for most people but not the This is the first book by Valerie Poore about a life of change when she swaps the warmth of a South African summer for winter aboard a partly renovated Dutch barge without power, water or a bathroom. This would be daunting for most people but not the author.

The deal is free board in return for preparing this outdated barge for sale. This proves to be not plain sailing with a trend for certain vital pieces of equipment to end up in the harbour during the frequent high winds. Also there is a slight hesitancy on behalf of her landlord to follow through on promises.

Weather, lack of language and money, are key elements when living and working on a renovation on a barge, however the often unsolicited, but sometimes useful advice from the other harbour inhabitants eager to share their knowledge, certainly seems to be readily available. What also comes across is the sense of community amongst the residents of all ages and backgrounds on the river, which leads to this generous sharing of resources and advice.

The author shares the trading history of the Netherlands and how the restoration of the vessels involved in this trade are being renovated to preserve this national legacy. There are strict regulations around these renovations to ensure that the barges remain authentic, which leads to some creative thinking. We are also introduced to the necessary work to keep a barge in good working order especially in the damp climate… and some hair-raising moments when moving barges in and out of berths.

We are also taken on a guided tour of other canals and the surrounding countryside where festivities are held each year and owners can showcase their barges and bring those living on the banks together in celebration. On some of the busiest waterways in Europe, it is fascinating to learn more about the skill needed to navigate safely through the traffic and on occasion the turbulent waters of a lock.

Valarie is not always alone on her rented barge as she is joined at one point by two much loved family dogs, which leads to some interesing work arounds on ladders. And you cannot have a barge and not have a cat… and their escapades. As the months pass friendships are made that become a very special, particularly important when occasionally circumstances call for all hands on deck.

Changes to the author’s living arrangements result in some soul searching to find an alternative to renting a boat… but finding one to buy is both a challenge and another adventure to find the perfect project.

This is also a highly entertaining saga with some terrific characters both human and furry… and along with the many challenges there are some lovely moments of humour and joy.

I am sure I am not alone that thinking perhaps life on the water, particularly in a converted barge would be an exciting and cheaper alternative to living in a permanently moored house… but before taking that leap it would be definitely be a very good idea to read this book… highly recommended. ...more

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	Life is Like a Bowl of Cherries 4.89 avg rating — 47 ratings	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
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	Size Always Matters: Don’t be part of a statistic, start losing weight today 4.97 avg rating — 33 ratings — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	What's in a Name? 4.79 avg rating — 34 ratings — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
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