Branches in Bloom

by Mary Grace van der Kroef

Poems to bridge the gap between soul and nature in this ever evolving modern world. In “Branches in Bloom” let language draw you closer to the nature you crave in this collection of 57 poems that wander through rhyming forms, haiku, and free verse styles. Join the poetess as she explores the four seasons, creatures, and highlights experienced moments steeped in creation.

117 pages, Paperback

Published July 22, 2023

Reviews

[Mary-Lisa Russo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

So let's be honest... I downloaded this book and finished reading it in one sitting as it captured my attention. This is the third poetry book published by the author and her writing is as potent as her first two publications. There is an earnest, 'bare-it-all' quality to her writing that made a significant impression on me. She loses herself in her craft, letting her thoughts mould her words into vivid reflections that dance on the page.

'Red Winged Knight,' 'Winter's Whisper,' and 'Autumn's Dignity' captured my attention but I must admit, I enjoyed them all!

Before signing off, I'd like to compliment the cover on this book. It is lovely- simple yet sophisticated... a reflection of the contents within.

I honestly recommend this poetry book for your reading pleasure!

5/5

[Peter Hague · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful experience from Mary Grace van der Kroef. I was very pleased to receive an advance copy in PDF form of her new poetry book: 'Branches in Bloom' – and having read it, I will certainly be buying my own copy in support of her work when it comes out.

'Branches in Bloom' is a great title – and her original cover art is just right and beautifully created in her own, natural style. It's like a breath of fresh air presented as a miracle, and as a reader, you can cling onto the sprouting words and pick your way into the soul of the poet.

Mary Grace has a rich use of words that covet the page in a very tactile sense – and this is how the poems explore their subject and allow us entry into her world – which is a Christian world and very close to nature – nature becomes the prayer.

I think this is her best book so far.

Peter Hague

[Michael Bergman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

…

I love nature. It is where I feel most at peace and most connected to God. This is the third of Mary Grace's poetry books I have read, and it is my favorite due to its focus on nature and faith. These poems are a journey through the seasons and along with various creatures. Each poem paints a beautiful picture of a piece of creation. Pick up a copy of this book and enjoy the stroll!

[Steve Westby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fair poet describes a thing. A good poet captures a moment. A truly excellent poet culls the truth of experience with such beauty that it transports you inside of it. Mary Grace van der Kroef is such a poet, launching us on a voyage through seasons, creatures, and vistas. And in each capturing something essential, necessary, and insightful. Very highly recommended. I can't wait to read more.

[Patricia Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Branches in Bloom" continues Mary Grace's flair for creating an abundance of imagery throughout her poems despite their sparseness of words. She invites the reader to join her in a seasonal tour of color, performance, and play, each season overtaking the other in their natural order. I was especially drawn to "Remember," which begs us to 'Peel off Time's crusted pain, feel the earth again.' Another poem, "Downpour," splashes across the page, reminding us, 'Nature has no favorites; it rains on all.'

One of the most lyrical poems of this collection is "Breeze a Lover," magnificently expressed through the poet's velvet voice: 'I, a hidden spy, from windows dark I peer, glimpsing love beyond my years.' Another favorite is "Marching Frost," a magical parade of words ending with: 'I stand watching tiny triumphs pass.' "Green Remembering" had me 'pulled towards a dream that grieves for spring.'

This lovely collection also depicts various creatures and notable moments bursting with nature. "Mountain Glory" wisely advocates, 'There are many friends beyond mankind.' There is a poem for everyone within these pages. It should also be noted that Mary Grace created the beautiful cover for "Branches in Bloom."

[Damayanti · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is worth the time for poetry lovers. The book contains more than 50 poems, ranging from Haiku lengths to comfortably greater lengths, each inspired by Mother Nature, seasons, and other elements of nature. So kudos to the author for the wide range of emotions!

I loved the Thaw Collection, Remember, Downpour, Forget-Me-Not, Storms of Orange, Autumns Dignity, Breeze a Lover and Under among rest. I loved the rhythm, the unique style and the expressions of nature.

I felt the poetess had used literary devices like personification, imagery, metaphors and extended metaphors, conceit so very well in her poems. That's such an inspiration. I read the poem Breeze a Lover multiple times as I thoroughly enjoyed the conceit. The play of literary and philosophical reflections is well appreciated.

[Anusha Sridharan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection is like a poetic journey through the seasons. From the freshness of Spring to the cozy embrace of Winter, and even a stop to appreciate the creatures in this world, the book takes you on a whirlwind tour of the natural world.
"Branches in Bloom" is a variety of poetic styles. You've got your rhyming forms, the bite-sized haikus, and the untamed free verse. It's like a buffet of poetic expression, and there's something for everyone.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ritaban Biswas · Rating 4 out of 5]

[I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.]

Although Branches in Bloom appears to be a collection of poems about all things floral or plant-related, there is more to it. Branches in Bloom is a collection of poems that is broken up into six main categories. It includes poems about the four major seasons of the year, various animals, and some of the author's favorite memories.

Category-wise favorites:

(1) Spring (Overall-3.5⭐): Trickle
(2) Summer (Overall-3.5⭐): Downpour
(3) Autumn (Overall-4⭐): One Harvest Moon
(4) Winter (Overall-4.5⭐): Winter's Whisper
(5) Creatures (Overall-4⭐): Arachnid Artist
(6) Moments (Overall-4.5⭐): Air

This collection of poems features poetry of its own that only gets better with each new page and category. The author truly possesses a unique style of expression, whether it be through her contemplation on the "Air" she inhales every moment or the beauty of a spider's web (and its propensity to weave one). Overall, Mary Grace van der Kroef produced some excellent works, and it is clear from this collection that she seems to appreciate the little things in life.

[Miska Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book stirred a lot of emotions in me, and made me remember my childhood. It also connected to the birder part of my soul with her "Creatures" entry (highly recommend if you love common North East Birds in the North American Continent).

I am from the other side of Lake Erie (state-side), and my memories of my climate and my childhood were unlocked with the poems than were linked to her life and her memories. And her perspective as a mother was very similar to mine, especially when she was pining away at Mr. Moon.

These nature inspired poems are sweet, a fast read if you want to breeze through them on a sleepless night with your child on your mind.

I loved these works, I thought they were well written, and many times they brought a smile to my face.

I will forever think of Red Winged Blackbirds as Knights, as I watch them at Marshy Point, a nature center near me, because of this work.

[Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this beautiful poetry collection. At its core, this book is an ode to the beauty of the nature that both surrounds us and that we are a part of. These poems celebrate the fact that we get to experience such splendor throughout our lives, season by season.

I couldn’t recommend this poetry collection enough. Perhaps it will heighten your appreciation for nature through its elegant rhymes just as it did mine. I know I will be reading more from Mary Grace van der Kroef in the near future.