Take Five

by Rhonda C. Parsons

Take 5 is a powerful invitation to pause and rise. These poems confront life’s uphill battles and elephant-sized troubles with unflinching courage, while reflecting on the quiet strength found in prayer, meditation, and love.
Through vivid imagery of forests, storms, and the lotus blooming in mud, the collection inspires readers to see resilience not as survival alone, but as transformation. Each verse is both a rallying cry and a moment of stillness—a reminder that the heart remembers how to endure, and how to rise again.
Bold yet contemplative, Take 5 is a lyrical companion for anyone seeking hope in hardship and light in shadow.

132 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 8, 2025

Reviews

[Nike Glour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rarely do I find a book that feels less like reading and more like being gently guided back to myself. All the Colors of the Heart by Rhonda Parsons is exactly that. It’s a reminder that healing and joy are not distant dreams, they’re right here, waiting for us if we choose to notice the miracles in everyday life.

Rhonda’s words carry a warmth that lingers, like sunlight after the rain. Her poems don’t just tell stories; they awaken something inside you, something hopeful, tender, and strong. Evan’s playful spirit adds an extra layer of innocence and resilience that makes this book shine even brighter.

If you’re searching for peace, inspiration, or simply a spark of happiness in the middle of a busy world, this book is a gift you’ll treasure. And when it touches you (because it will), I urge you to leave a review. Your voice could be the one that convinces someone else to pick it up and start their own journey toward joy and healing.
Some books are meant to be read. This one is meant to be shared.

[Pratibha Malav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhonda Parsons’ “Take Five” is a gentle yet deeply moving collection of poetry that invites readers to pause, breathe, and reconnect with their inner strength. True to its title, the book feels like a mindful moment carved out of life’s chaos—a space to reflect, heal, and rise again.

At the heart of this collection is resilience. Parsons writes with honesty and courage about life’s inevitable struggles—those “elephant-sized troubles” that can feel overwhelming. Yet rather than dwelling in despair, her poems illuminate paths toward hope, prayer, meditation, and love. The tone is uplifting without being simplistic, acknowledging pain while still believing in transformation.

One of the most striking features of “Take Five” is its vivid natural imagery. Forests, storms, and the symbolic lotus blooming from mud appear throughout the poems, reminding readers that growth often emerges from difficult places. These images create a sense of grounding and renewal, reinforcing the idea that hardship can lead to deeper wisdom and strength.

What makes this book especially meaningful is its universality. You don’t need to be going through a major crisis to connect with these poems. They speak to everyday challenges—stress, doubt, fear, and the search for peace. In that way, “Take Five” becomes more than just a poetry book; it becomes a comforting companion for difficult days. For anyone seeking encouragement, calm, or a reminder of their own inner courage, “Take Five” is a heartfelt and inspiring read—a small book with a big, healing impact.

[Jake Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not just a collection of poems and reflection, it’s an invitation to live more fully, with joy, mindfulness, and resilience. Through the voice of young Evan Lovejoy and the heartfelt words of Rhonda Parsons, we are reminded that even in a chaotic world, miracles can be found if we stay open to them.

What touched me most is the spirit of hope that flows through every page. The imagery of “puddle-jumping” and “sliding down rainbows” beautifully captures what it means to hold on to wonder, even when life gets hard. Rhonda’s writing is infused with energy that heals, inspires, and uplifts, making this book a gift for anyone seeking inner peace, less suffering, and more joy.
If you’re looking for a book that speaks to both heart and soul, this one belongs on your shelf. And after you read it, I encourage you to share your own reflections in a review, because words like these are meant to ripple outward, touching others with their light.
Let’s read for joy, and let’s spread that joy by letting others know how this book has inspired us.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the Colors of the Heart is the kind of book that stays with you long after you close it. Rhonda Parsons doesn’t just write poetry, she pours pure energy, healing, and joy into every word. Each page feels like a reminder that even in chaos, there is beauty… even in pain, there can be peace.

I found myself smiling, reflecting, and even tearing up at the simple but powerful truths woven throughout. Evan’s playful imagery of puddle-jumping and rainbow-sliding made me feel like a child again, full of wonder, resilience, and hope.

This isn’t just a book you read, it’s a book you experience. And when you do, you’ll want to share your own feelings about it so others can discover the same light. If you’ve ever longed for healing, joy, or inner peace, let this book guide you there.

Don’t just read it. Live it. And then, please, leave a review so this message of love can reach even more hearts.

[Nilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Take Five by Rhonda Parsons on my own was powerful, but bringing it to our book club took the experience to another level. What stood out most was how the poems and reflections opened the door for honest conversations. People shared their own stories of resilience, healing, and even struggles they hadn’t talked about before. It felt like the book gave us permission to be more vulnerable and connected.
Personally, I was touched by the imagery of “puddle-jumping” and “sliding down rainbows.” It reminded me not to lose sight of joy, even during difficult times. Several others in our group said they underlined passages because they felt so personal and true.
This isn’t just a book to read, it’s a book to experience together. Take Five has a way of sparking discussion, reflection, and genuine connection. I’ll definitely be recommending it to other groups, because it’s the kind of book that lingers long after the meeting ends.

[Yomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our group chose Take Five by Rhonda Parsons, and it quickly became one of the most meaningful reads we’ve discussed together. What struck us all was how accessible the writing felt, simple yet full of depth. Rhonda’s reflections invited us to pause and look at our own lives, and many of us found ourselves relating to the themes of resilience, healing, and joy.
One member said the book reminded her to “slow down and notice the small miracles,” while another admitted that the words gave her comfort during a tough week. For me, the playful spirit of Evan’s voice, talking about puddle-jumping and rainbow-sliding, was a highlight. It made serious truths feel hopeful rather than heavy.
Take Five doesn’t just give you something to read, it gives you something to talk about. It’s rare to find a book that feels so personal yet creates such shared connection. This is one we’ll be remembering and revisiting.

[Mariko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take Five by Rhonda Parsons is one of those rare books that doesn’t just sit on the page, it lives in your heart. When our book club read it, the room filled with energy in a way we hadn’t experienced in a long time. People shared personal stories, admitted feelings they’d kept quiet, and connected deeply through the themes of healing, joy, and resilience. That kind of impact is what makes a book unforgettable.
For me, the imagery of puddle-jumping and rainbow-sliding was pure magic. It reminded me that even in the middle of life’s chaos, there’s always room for wonder. Rhonda’s words carry warmth, honesty, and hope, the kind that stays with you long after you’ve closed the book.
This isn’t just a collection of reflections, it’s an invitation to live more fully, to see the miracles in everyday life, and to embrace joy no matter the circumstances. Take Five is a treasure, and I’ll be recommending it to every reader and book club I know.

[Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first came across Take Five by Rhonda Parsons when it was chosen for our book club, and I’m so glad I did. Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect, but this book surprised me in the best way. It’s not just poetry and reflection, it feels like sitting down with a friend who gently reminds you that joy, healing, and peace are still possible, even when life feels overwhelming.
As I read, I found myself underlining passages and pausing to reflect. The imagery of puddle-jumping and rainbow-sliding really stuck with me, it was playful, yet so powerful. During our discussion, I realized others felt the same, and it opened the door to conversations we might not have had otherwise.
Take Five is one of those books that sneaks into your heart and stays there. I’m grateful I discovered it through my club, and I’ll definitely be recommending it to friends outside the group too.

[Aurelia Metz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man, "Take Five" hit me right in the feels. Rhonda Parsons has this way of weaving stories and poems that feel like they're speaking directly to your soul. The opening story, "An Eternal Love," about Clarice and Carl's enduring marriage through Alzheimer's, had me tearing up especially the part where she retells their life as a Cinderella story to jog his memory. It's so tender and real. Parsons' poetry, like "Eagle Wings," lifts you up with its imagery of soaring above life's storms. If you're going through tough times, this book is a gentle reminder that love and spirit endure. Highly recommend!

[Charles Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book was like holding a mirror up to parts of my life I hadn’t looked at closely before. Rhonda Parsons writes with honesty and grace, and I found myself rereading passages just to let the words sink in deeper. This isn’t the kind of book you finish and forget; it’s one that lingers, reminding you of what matters most. I’ll be recommending it to anyone who loves writing that is heartfelt and genuine.

[Delilah Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t expect to feel so many emotions while reading, but this book took me through them all. There were times I laughed at the little ironies she described, and other times I felt tears come to my eyes from the rawness of her experiences. What I appreciated most was that despite the struggles, Rhonda’s words always leaned toward hope. It’s the kind of book that fills you up instead of weighing you down.

[Kyle Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book not knowing just how much it would touch me. The way Rhonda shares her truths with such openness made me feel connected to her story in a very personal way. I laughed, I cried, and I reflected on my own life. By the time I finished, I felt grateful both for the book itself and for the courage it must have taken to write it.

[Lucas Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me on a journey I didn’t expect but truly needed. Rhonda’s writing is filled with warmth and sincerity, and it felt like I had a companion walking beside me through each chapter. I love books that leave you both reflective and hopeful, and this one did exactly that. It’s not often you come across a book that feels both intimate and universal but this one achieves it beautifully.

[Archie Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

What impressed me most was how Rhonda doesn’t hold back. She shares her truth with such vulnerability that you can’t help but admire her strength. Reading it made me think about my own life differently, the choices I’ve made, the challenges I’ve faced, and the way I want to grow moving forward. It’s a book that makes you stop and feel, and that is a rare gift.

[Jasmine Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminded me of the strength of the human spirit. Each chapter felt like a lesson, not in a didactic way, but in the sense of walking alongside someone who’s been through life’s ups and downs and emerged stronger. Rhonda’s ability to write with honesty and hope makes her a truly special author. I felt encouraged, uplifted, and deeply moved by the time I turned the last page.

[Bradley Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes a book comes to you at just the right time. For me, this was one of those books. Rhonda’s voice felt like a steady hand guiding me through thoughts and feelings I hadn’t been able to articulate myself. Her courage in telling her story gave me courage to look at my own more openly. I’ll be carrying this one with me for a long time.

[Hailey Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book stood out from everything else I’ve read recently. The combination of storytelling and reflection made it unforgettable. I highlighted so many passages that I wanted to come back to, not because they were flashy, but because they were true. Rhonda Parsons has given us a gift in this book one that deserves a place in every thoughtful reader’s collection.

[Bella Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every page of this book felt alive with meaning. Rhonda’s way of writing is simple yet powerful, the kind of writing that gets under your skin without you realizing it. I found myself slowing down, savoring her words, and feeling grateful for her openness. It’s not easy to share so much of yourself, but she did it with such grace that I couldn’t help but be inspired.

[Violet Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

While reading, I often stopped just to think about my own life. That’s the kind of impact Rhonda’s writing has, it doesn’t just entertain you, it calls you to reflect. By the time I was finished, I felt like I had grown a little, simply by being exposed to her journey. That’s what makes this book stand out among so many others.

[Isaac Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s something healing about the way this book is written. It acknowledges pain without getting lost in it and shines a light on resilience and hope. I felt comforted by Rhonda’s words, almost like sitting with someone who understands. It’s a book I’ll revisit when I need reminding of the strength we all carry.