Variety is the Spice of Life

by Sally Cronin

Variety is the Spice of Life is a collection of poetry and short stories about relationships with others, including pets and animals inhabiting the world around us. The connection with others brings love and friendship, excitement and sometimes surprises, danger, mystery and sometimes the unexpected.

The poetry explores human nature, the fears, desires, expectations and achievements. Nature offers a wonderful opportunity to observe animals both domesticated and wild. Even in a back garden you can observe a wide variety of creatures and the daily challenges to survive a harsh environment.

The short stories introduces you to a healer whose gift comes with danger, a neighbour determined to protect a friend, a woman on the run, an old couple whose love has endured, an elderly retired teacher who faces a life changing accident, a secret that has been carried for over 70 years and a village who must unite as they face devastating news.

Genres: Poetry, Short Stories

127 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2022

About the author

Sally Cronin is the author of eighteen books including her memoir Size Matters: Especially when you weigh 330lb first published in 2001 which followed her weight loss of 150lbs and the programme she designed to achieve a healthy weight and regain her health. A programme she shared with her clients over her 26 year career as a nutritional therapist and on her blog. This has been followed by another seventeen books both fiction and non-fiction including multi-genre collections of short stories and poetry.

Her latest book Size Always Matters is an extended and updated version of her original book Size Matters and now includes the nutritional element to weight loss and some recipes with ingredients that provide the nutrients necessary for healthy weight loss and continued good health.

As an author she understands how important it is to have support in marketing books and offers a number of FREE promotional opportunities in the Café and Bookstore on her blog 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.

Reviews

[M.J. Mallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful collection of poetry, flash fiction and short stories about life, love, getting older, experiencing as well as cherishing the world and all its magnificent inhabitants: birds, cats, bees, and much more! It certainly lives up to its lovely title: Variety is The Spice of Life and its fantastic cover.

The collection starts with three lovely poems, two to take us with the author on a journey and one to celebrate friendship, love and family: Pilgrimage, Expedition, and Kinship.

There are many relatable pieces including these favourite flash and poetry combos: Bear Witness and Face In The Mirror. Loved the last line: "I've morphed into my mother."

Ha, this is me too! Not that I'm complaining. My mother is a wonderful human being, so if I have morphed into her I have nothing to worry about.

The Waltz is so cute, and my other favourite poems in the collection are:
The Moonlight Concerto,
Dress Rehearsal, Dolphins
Origins ( sad and poignant )
Strawberries ( the words are written so well that you can taste them - the strawberries I mean... not the words!)

Flash and poetry favourites include:

Useful... to be so, with a smile, is a wonderfully good thing to be!

The Robin's Size Doesn't Matter and Starlings, Neighbourhood Cats, all were delightful as were all the other garden gems.

The collection ends with a bunch of fantastic short stories.

The Neighbourhood Watch, is one for cat lovers, with a marmalade cat. In The Green Hill we are treated to a poignant long lasting love story. Sadly, there are more serious tales with mentioned abuse in On The Run. There is a touching family tale in The Secret, and a positive and light-hearted tale about getting older in The Home Help, and more besides!

Something for everyone in this lovely collection!

Highly recommended. 5 stars from me. Thoroughly enjoyed.

[D. Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a fan of Cronin’s syllabic poetry, flash fiction, and short stories, and this latest collection is an excellent example of why. The first half of the book is filled with 38 beautiful poems in a variety of structured forms. Many of the poems are poignant reflections on love and loss, the wonder of life, and the beauty of nature found in her garden. Each includes a complementary image. One of my favorites:

Rejection (form: a butterfly cinquain)

silence
magnifies time
and distance between us
and your rejection leaves my heart
hollow.
the promises we made that day
are scattered in the wind
and dreams have turned
to dust.

The second half of the book is comprised of 8 short stories, most of them heartwarming tales of human kindness, forgiveness, and redemption. (With a tale of magical murder thrown in). Three of my favorites were Miss Lloyd’s Robin, The Green Hill, and The Home Help. I highly recommend this afternoon’s read to fans of syllabic poetry and short stories.

[D.G. Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sally Cronin knows how to capture our hearts with her variety, indeed, full of heartfelt short stories of the human condition and moving poetry accompanied by beautiful images. Along with various poems written in both free verse and specific form, Sally includes a selection of poems about ‘Snapshots from my Garden’, where she shares about the various animals and insects who occupy her garden. We will also get a treat learning about her own DNA! Escape into nature with Sally’s poems about birds, butterflies, and other furry neighborhood visitors. A few of my favorites: Above the World, Kinship – ” … there may not always be harmony, but the ties of love cannot be broken … ,” and, Bear Witness, which emphasizes our freedoms.

Pour a cup of coffee and drift into stories of love, reminiscings, and compassion. A few of my favorites: the Green Hill – in loving memory where Bert and Ivy share a snippet of remembered love. Discover – The Secret about Eleanor’s mother Edith, which took her seventy-five years to reveal. Step into Serena’s world as The Healer who heals the sick while keeping a low profile in doing so for safety reasons as she works as a nurse in a free clinic. The Home Help gives a twist on caregiving (no spoilers).There is something for everyone here, and all guaranteed to touch your heart.

Sally Cronin is known for her short stories that pack a punch, grab at our heartstrings, and often end with an unexpected twist at the end. This new collection is a comforting read guaranteed to stir the soul.

[Carol Balawyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her latest book Variety is the Spice of Life, which has an attractive cover is an eclectic and exuberant collection of poems and short stories.
In the poetry section there are magpies who decorate their nests with sparkle, acrobatic starlings performing an avian ballet, the spindly legged robin as a feisty warrior and the peace-loving dove. Her poems are a mixture of delight, joy, reflection and sweetness. In them the reader will find tenderness, respect towards our ancestors, the joys of a waltz, dreams turning to dust and the miracles of nature.
I was especially touched by her sacred homage to her 20,000-year-old ancestor, Helena in which she uses the Choka form of poetry. Other forms of poetry are explored as well. she uses concrete poetry to shape her poem in The Moonlight Concerto and Dolphins the Roku-Hana for her poem 13.
These poems warmed my heart. To interpret Sally’s words, like having a bowl of strawberries with champagne.

The second part of her book, with its appealing cover, are her short stories. Here we meet kind, gentle people with well drawn characters. One of the best suspense lines in mysteries: “Darling, I have to tell you something, even if it means you hate me and walk away.” Who can resist reading.
I particularly loved the mother daughter relationship in her story The Secret and the suspense and romance in On the Run. But it was her story The Village which profoundly touched me where Sally Cronin describes the fearful reaction of the people in a closely-knit village upon the announcement that England is going to war against Germany.
Whether it is her poems or her stories, Sally Cronin’s writing is crisp and clear and contemplative.

[Colleen Chesebro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sally Cronin’s blog, called Smorgasbord Blog Magazine, has a tag line of, “Variety is the Spice of Life,” which was the perfect title for her newest poetry and story collection by the same title. There is something here for everyone within the pages of this book.

Cronin’s gift of poetic imagery will pull you in the scene, as if you were standing beside her. One of my favorite poems was called “The Colour of Life.” You will experience the world through her eyes, and it is a beautiful place.

Another of my favorite poems from this collection was called “Kinship,” which talks of the bonds we form with others and those of our own blood, and how those bonds create a sanctuary formed in friendship. This was a deeply moving poem for me.

Cronin’s short stories capture the resilience of humans as they juggle the demands of modern life. These characters deal with it all.

I shed a few tears while reading the short story, “The Secret.” This is the author’s gift. She evokes emotions in her readers through her storytelling. Enjoy this collection. You deserve it!

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sally Cronin brings her signature heartwarming style to a new collection of poetry and short stories exploring human emotion and nature in all its vagaries.

Many of the poems feature animals, their grace and beauty brought to life with a few well-chosen words, but my favorite is the dedication to her mother:

Face in the mirror

face in the mirror
a smile of recognition
but twinge of remorse
at the passing of the years
each line a story
or reminder of laughter
how closely they match
another’s facial mapping
I’ve morphed into my mother.

Cronin, Sally. Variety is the Spice of Life: A blend of poetry and prose (p. 20). Moyhill Publishing. Kindle Edition.

The short stories come with messages of love and support and familial bonds. The Green Hill is sweet with an ending that tugs on the heartstrings, while The Neighborhood Watch with a marmalade cat who exacts revenge on his injured friends left me with a satisfied grin 😁

This is a highly recommended collection of stories and poems to enrich your reading experience.

[Alex Craigie · Rating 5 out of 5]

(The beautiful pictures in this book were reduced to monochrome on my Kindle Oasis, but I was able to look at them on my iPad afterwards.)
I’ve read several books by Sally Cronin and she never disappoints.
Variety is the Spice of Life is a volume of poetry, flash fiction and short stories. It isn’t easy to convey much in such a restricted word count but the author is a master wordsmith and excels every time.
The poetry is syllabic, which adds another layer of difficulty, yet the content within these restrictions flows naturally, summing up emotions and scenes more powerfully than a wordier description. The results capture the essence of the subject matter in a way that made me see it from a fresh perspective.
There’s poetry that beautifully expresses the human condition including the damaging silence in Rejection, the enduring love in Kinship, and the warning in Blossom of the fleeting nature of time. I loved her description of different forms of lullaby, including one where fears are allayed by the deep tones of a father’s voice, and there’s a moving poem asking us to consider the plight of those fleeing tyranny.
Ms Cronin’s writing about the natural world reveals a close observation of the appearance and behaviours of the wildlife within it. She describes magpies with an eye for treasure, starlings moving in a murmuration, butterflies showing their warrior markings. The descriptions and wordplay are original and vivid and I’ve become a fan of syllabic poetry through the power of her examples.
The flash fiction is equally as good and often ends with twists that were humorous, shocking or heart-meltingly tender. In Neighbourhood Watch we are witnesses to domestic abuse, other tales are gentler, some have a paranormal touch. The Healer was a longer story of superstition and fear that was disquieting and heart-warming in equal measure.
All of Ms Cronin’s characters are individual and distinctive. In The Village this comes to the fore when she describes the reactions of the inhabitants to the announcement of the outbreak of WWII. I found it intensely moving. The final story made me smile and the life-affirming message is a wonderful way to end such an eclectic collection.
Life is often hectic, but the brevity of these pieces means that they can be sampled whenever there’s a few minutes to sit down and enjoy one or two of them. Having said that, I didn’t manage to ration mine and read them into the night…
I hope Sally Cronin is working on another volume – I will buy it as soon as it is available!

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

April is Poetry Month and Variety is the Spice of Life was a great choice for me to pick up this month. This is a beautiful collection of poetry and short stories about life, love, getting older, experiencing and appreciating our world and all that live on it. The title: Variety is the Spice of Life is perfect. I don't want to just list all the wonderful poems and short stories contained between the covers, but will talk about the general feeling and a few of my favourites.

I read this book over a week or so, taking my time to read and contemplate the poems and short entries. I loved how these entries made me feel. I stopped to consider the beauty of the world and life itself. As we grow and change, we find out place and I have to mention the poem: Face In The Mirror and the last line that made me smile and say, yes I have. The last part of the book is made up of several short stories and I loved them all. I think my favourite is The Home Help, that deals with an older woman who is depressed and almost giving up, until she isn't. The change and what caused it is beautiful and I will remember that message as I get older. There are several themes addressed such as abuse, growing old, family, reasons to live, love and even a bit of magical realism when a cat helps someone get what they deserve. The writing is absolutely beautiful. Not a lot of words, but all are descriptive and powerful. This collection has something for everyone and is one I know that I will pick up again.

[Jan Sikes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of poetry and flash fiction could not be more aptly named. I love that the author dedicates her latest to the online writing community who support and inspire.
The book starts with different forms of poetry, which Ms. Cronin writes with exquisite artistry. I loved them all, but of course, some stood out personally to me. "Rejection" tore at my heart. We've all experienced that emotion at some point in life, and this poem expresses it visually through words. "Dress Rehearsal" is another favorite, perfect for Halloween or masquerade balls. I also love that Ms. Cronin took the time to share her exploration of her ancestors through DNA. Therefore, "Origins" tops the list of fabulous poetry.
Under the Short Story category, I had a few favorites as well. Topping the list is "The Healer." A woman with the gift of healing fears for her life. But as in all of Ms. Cronin's stories, it has a wonderful ending. "The Home Help" is another that resonated with me. It carries a warning to be careful of your words and actions, as they most always come back to roost.
This is an eclectic collection of emotive writing that I can highly recommend to everyone, as there is something to please every reading palate.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book of two sections by author and poet Sally Cronin, a collection of short stories following a selection of poems—and it’s on the latter that I’d like to focus first.
 
These poems are a delight, treating as they do the varied aspects of the world which we inhabit. I was on-side from the first one, ‘Key Words’, which is both sweet and bitter—the essence of poetry, so much feeling fitted with apparent ease into a few short lines. It fits into the category of the human race, the relationships which mark their journey through life in such poems as ‘Kinship’, ‘Lullaby’, ‘Bear Witness’, ‘Face in the Mirror’, ‘The Waltz’, ‘Rejection’, ‘Useful’ and ‘Marriage’. ‘Primal Fear’ refers back to “our ancestors”, as does ‘Origins’, which is introduced by the author’s explanation of having her DNA tested and the procedure used, which resulted in the identification of an ancient ancestor from 20,000 years ago. Finally, more physical journeys are examined in ‘Pilgrimage’, ‘Expeditions’ and ‘Above the World’.
 
The animal world is treated too, through ‘Dolphins’, along with those poems set within their own section, entitled ‘A Snapshot from My Garden’, where the plants and wildlife to be found within the author’s garden in Ireland are examined. ‘Bees’, ‘Butterflies’, ‘Metamorphosis’ and ‘The Robin – Size Doesn’t Matter’ are all a part of this. Then there’s ‘Starlings’, followed in a natural succession by their ‘Murmuration’, and then of course by the ‘Neighbourhood Cats’. From predation for food the collection moves to that of hunters after treasure in ‘Magpies’ and thence to a note of peace for all, in ‘Doves’.
 
‘The Colour of Life’ and ‘Blossom’ form a part of the ‘Garden’ section, wherein Nature is tamed. Some, however, like ‘Seasons’, ‘Fire and Water’, ‘Changing Seasons’ and ‘Storm Front’ address the larger and ‘wilder’ side of things, as well as locating the human race within the cosmos, thus spanning two categories. ‘Strawberries’ and ‘Crab Apples’ both concern Nature’s abundance, feeding the need for food and pleasure by us all. ‘Drought’, however, marks the fragility of this, the threat to the bounty of the earth caused through a lack of rain. 
 
There’s fantasy too, the more mysterious side of things, given a sidelong glance in ‘The Moonlight Concerto’ and ‘Dress Rehearsal’, which latter seems straightforward, albeit with a twist at the end, which I love. There’s also ‘Superstitions’, touching on the strange ideas which have grown up surrounding the number thirteen. 
 
The author also plays with poetic form, as in the Choka used in ‘Origins’ and the Roku Hana used in ‘Superstitions’. There are comments on other works of art, such as ‘Exuberance’, written around the picture ‘Russian Dancers’ by Edgar Degas. Then there’s ‘Legacy’, where a photographer indulges in the particular medium through which he captures the beauty of nature. 
 
As for the short stories, there are some very wonderful twists contained in these, with ‘The Neighbourhood Watch’ a particular favourite with me and ‘The Green Hill’ not far behind, while ‘The Home Help’ turns certain stereotypical notions on their head. ‘The Healer’ demonstrates that science can’t explain everything, while ‘Miss Lloyd’s Robin’ deals with a judgemental teacher who learns a valuable lesson. ‘On the Run’ and ‘The Secret’ look at human experiences which are unfortunately more everyday occurrences, while ‘The Village’ looks at the more rare but particular issues arising from warfare.
 
All in all it’s a wonderfully creative collection, demonstrating the breadth and depth of the author’s imagination. If I had to make a choice between poetry and prose, however, it’d be the former, and for which I can’t give less than 5*.

[Robbie Cheadle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delightful book is a mixture of poetry and short stories. Much of the poetry relates to nature and nature's impact on humanity, although a few focus on human relationships. All of the poems are syllabic and beautifully written.

My favourite of the poems, and a few lines from each, are as follows:

Kinship -
"sanctuary formed in kinship
there may not always be harmony
but the ties of love cannot be broken."

Storm front -
"clouds disperse and run for their lives
to seek shelter of night
softer gaze of
the moon."

Drought -
"grass shoots
vibrantly green
burst thought the ground in days
a miracle of abundance
at last"

The short stories in the book are all typical of the author's style of writing. Each story pierces the veil of human relationships and behaviour and exposes the good and the bad for the reader's enjoyment, surprise, shock, and entertainment.

My four favourites were as follows:

Miss Lloyd's Robin - a short story that has many facets. It emphasizes that people's looks generally do not define them and gently reminds the reader not to stereotype people based on appearance. Miss Lloyd thinks that Sharon Dawson will never amount to anything because she has unruly red hair that is hard to tame. This story also highlights the damage an unkind teacher can inflict on a student. At the same time, Miss Lloyd, so hard and sharp in the classroom, has a softer side and feeds the birds in her backyard with relentless determination. This is a beautiful, feel good story that leaves the reader believing in the goodness of people.

The Green Hill - this short story has a light paranormal twist and joyfully highlights the beauty of a long and loving relationship and marriage between two people. It also demonstrates the strength of devotion that develops between people and their dogs.

The Secret - another beautifully written story about the potential damage secrets within a close family circle can do. It also highlights the terrible indifference of many people in positions to influence others, especially youngsters, and their complete irresponsibility and selfishness. This story made me glad that most of the girls I grew up with and who my sons associate with are a bit street wise. Modern women who grow up in more enlightened households are no longer naïve to a point where they can ruin their whole lives over a misguided mistake. It was delightful that this story had a satisfying ending.

The Healer - this tale was set in a dystopian future when people with the ability to heal and help the sick are persecuted as charlatans and imprisoned for life. I enjoyed reading about Serina and her gift and discovering how common sense and love for a child will often overwhelm fear of reprisal from a misguided and often cruel leadership. A lovely story with a fulfilling outcome.

Another well written and thought provoking collection from a talented author.

[Claire Fullerton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have long been a fan of Sally Cronin’s writing, so it was with great enthusiasm that I read her November 2022 release, Variety is the Spice of Life, whose title is delightfully appropriate for the assembly of poetry and prose that covers a range of topics.

In Ms. Cronin’s author introduction, she states the essence of her book’s intention, “In this latest collection of poetry and short stories I have attempted to capture the beauty and raw power of nature, and the resilience of humans as they face a modern world of change and disruption.” The author does that and more, and the entirety of this book is a breath of fresh air replete with creative nuance.

The book begins with a series of soul-stirring poems—each short, pithy, and inspirational enough to serve as its own existential meditation. In Expeditions we are encouraged to “ignore those who say it’s foolish to try to reach for the stars,” and in Bear Witness, we are asked to consider the plight of the immigrant, “do not look away, bear witness to tragedy, give deepest respect…do not become complacent.” In Lullaby, Ms. Cronin sings the praises of women, by musing on the different voices used to sooth an infant, “but words that mothers sing to babies all around the world loving.”

#17 in Variety is the Spice of Life reads as a first-person essay, in which the author shares her experience with DNA Ancestral testing. Written in unembellished prose, it’s a beautiful, confessional piece that fittingly precedes the Choka, Origins, in which the author muses on her own genetic line that ends with powerful impact. In another treatise on family, Face in the Mirror, culminates in the realization, “I’ve morphed into my mother.”

Rounding out the poems is a series titled, A Snapshot from My Garden, and those of us who have followed the author for years know well of the celebrated setting. Ireland is captured in The Colour of Life, and in The Robin—Size Doesn’t Matter, a red robin is declared “the garden’s emperor.” A life span is metaphorically depicted in Blossom, and the series closes with an individual look at bees, butterflies, doves, and cats.

Ms. Cronin brings her unique voice to eight delightful short stories. Her craft is economic and straight forward, striking an overall tone in a momentum pairing bright language with broad strokes. Her small-town settings are atmospheric and depict character as place, her subjects are humanistic and appeal to animal lovers, nature lovers, and those who applaud a well-deserved sense of cosmic comeuppance.

In The Neighborhood Watch, a cat has the last word. In The Green Hill an elderly couple’s day out in a windswept, coastal region has a sense of the uncanny, and in On the Run, a frozen foods employee living under an assumed identity sees her turbulent past brought to justice.

Variety is the Spice of Life by Sally Cronin is a well-balanced, uplifting collection of poetry and prose both poignant and entertaining. It’s a thoughtful and satisfying book that casts a light on the best of human nature.

[Lisette Brodey · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much to say … I’m not sure where to begin.

Sally Cronin’s latest collection of poetry and short stories is one of the most delightful that I’ve read. First, the poetry. While reading this book, I took notes on every poem, jotting down how I felt and what impressions it gave me. However, now that I’m writing a review, I am finding it difficult to put those notes into one paragraph and make any cohesive sense. So let me try this another way.

What I loved most about the poetry is the author’s gift for nuanced descriptions of nature and its creatures as if we’re seeing them with brand new eyes. Her poem “The Robin – Size doesn’t matter” really resonated with me. In my childhood, robins were abundant where I lived, but reading this poem felt as though I was meeting them anew, just as I felt reading about bees, butterflies, starlings and other creatures.

The author is brilliantly observant and knows how to extract what is most special about the world she sees. And I love the pieces of art she creates with her lines of poetry. Most clever.

I don’t want to give too much away about the short stories, but each one delighted me in a different way. I especially loved “The Secret” and wanted it to go on. But to summarize, all of the stories had connections with nature woven throughout – and I found each one to be touching and heartwarming.

[Joan Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Variety is the spice of life and Sally Cronin did a wonderful job in putting together this eclectic collection of short poems and flash fiction. But don’t let the length fool you. The stories and poems are well-written. Proof that a lot can be said with so few words.

Like with any collection, I had my favorites. Of the poems, “Face in The Mirror” is something many of us can relate to. “Kinship” is about the bonds we form with others—family and friends. It is especially touching as Sally dedicates the book to the online writing community which she has played a huge role in bringing together. Of the short stories, I loved, “The Neighbourood Watch” and “Miss Lloyd’s Robin.”

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the poems that are snapshots from Sally’s garden. This book is an easy and quick read, but nonetheless delightful, and one I highly recommend.

[Smitha Vishwanath · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title and book cover, designed by the author’s husband, David Cronin, is apt. Variety is the spice of life is an assortment of poems and short stories reflecting different facets of life which are bound to evoke a range of emotions (like the different tastes of kitchen spices) in the reader.

The beauty of Sally’s poems is that they are short, simple, and direct, and serve as a reminder to the reader to appreciate everyday things which are easy to be taken for granted unless they are taken away- nature, seasons, relationships, youth, health, freedom and a world without war. In addition to poems, there are eight short stories in the book, each on a different theme.

The book is a pleasing light read for anyone who loves nature, does not want to be bogged down by heavy poetry and appreciates the ability of a writer to say a lot in a few words.

To read more of the review, click here
https://wordpress.com/post/smithavpen...

[Janice Spina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely collection of poetry and short stories that lifted my spirits and whisked me away from my troubles. This author created a beautiful book that was a pleasure to read and which I will read again.

The poetry is elegant and varied in its collection while the stories share so many facets of life and love to the reader. I enjoyed all of them but do love The Green Hill and The Home Help. The first shares the love of an elderly couple and their dog that goes beyond life while the second story deals with forgiveness and kindness between a caregiver and her charge.

Sally Cronin is an extraordinary writer who can feel, see and tell everything in a sentence making the reader aware of what she is sharing in her prose.

A beautiful book that all will enjoy many times over. I highly recommend!

[Darlene Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover alone makes this a special book. A wonderful collection of poems and short stories that reflect the feelings and cares of the author. The poems skillfully depict her understanding of relationships, her care for the environment and her love of animals and nature. It's as if the author is able to look into the souls of our animal friends. For anyone who thinks writing a short story is easy, I'm afraid you are mistaken as it is not easy to convey a message and get the reader to care about characters within a few words. Sally Cronin is a master of being able to do that. "Miss Lloyd's Robin" is especially poignant and "The Secret" will bring a tear to your eye. I highly recommend reading this book and giving another copy to a friend.

[D.L. Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Variety is the Spice of Life” is a wonderful collection of poetry and short stories. The poetry is presented in the first half of the book. It was moving and thoughtful, as each word was carefully crafted. The short stories in the second half were my favorite part. Each story had its gift to offer us, but I wiped away a tear or two with “Mrs. Lloyd’s Robin.” “The Healer” left me with chills wondering what-if. What connected the stories and poetry to me was their humanity—or heart of them. A must-read collection for those who love poetry and stories that make you feel.

[Mary Crowley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sally has a wonderful talent for writing with a unique voice, telling the story from an unusual perspective in a way that captures a reader. I was delighted to recommend Variety is the Spice of Life in December's Munster Bookshelf, as it would make a perfect Christmas gift for readers who really enjoy good storytelling. This book does not disappoint as it has several engaging tales, my particular favorite being The Neighborhood Watch, along with beautifully written poetry, exploring human nature, fears, desires, expectations, and achievements.

A book deserving of 5 stars and more if it were possible.

[Sandra Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Ms. Cronin has created a delightful read. So many wonders and rich diversity. There’s something for everyone. Nature and the paranormal can be found in many of her offerings. The poetry is beautiful. The short stories outstanding. I would have a hard time narrowing down a favorite but if I did it would be one of the following: Miss Lloyd’s Robin, The Neighborhood Watch or The Green Hill. If you enjoy poetry, short stories or just escapism reading, you’re sure to like Ms. Cronin’s latest. So, grab your cocoa or beverage of choice, put your feet up and enjoy.

[Carol Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful collection of short stories and poetry that cover life, love, loss and the natural world around us. The title encapsulates the content wonderfully it is a beautifully written book with my favourites being the short stories particularly the elderly couple and their beloved pet and the healer both of which tugged at my heartstrings...

[Luanne Castle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so charmed by this book. The first section is poetry and the second is short stories. The mainly syllabic poems are delightful observations about life, including nature. I particularly like the ones about animals. For instance, in "Doesn't Matter," "the/ robin / might be small / with spindly legs / but he is feisty / the garden's emperor." Sally Cronin has a very special way with short stories. They manage to be varied, interesting, engaging, and yet heartwarming. I wasn't disappointed in a single story and, in fact, became more and more impressed with Cronin's mastery of the short story genre. You won't want to miss the wonderful collection.

[Gwendolyn Plano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sally Cronin has a wonderful way of honoring the everyday with scenes that warm the heart. This collection exemplifies her talent through poems and short stories. I love how she brings her four-footed friends into her writing, just as I love the characters who shine light on life's preciousness. This is a book to savor. You'll laugh, maybe shed a tear or two, but most importantly, you'll discover a friend. I highly recommend this read.

[Joy Kidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

The poems, including ones about nature, are delightful. In the US, starlings are considered pests, but Sally's poems about the glossy birds and their dance of murmuration are winsome. The short stories are especially compelling, including one about the outbreak of WWII. An admirable variety of originality.

[Harmony Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

An eclectic collection of fun flash fiction and moving poetry

First of all, I need to say how much I adore the cover for this book. The author's husband designed it, and what a fantastic job! It is appealing to the eye and is perfect for the contents of this lovely little volume of short stories and poetry.

Secondly, the author has dedicated this publication not only to her readers but also to the online and blogging community which supports her. This from a writer who uses her online presence to support everyone around her all the time. This generosity of spirit and ability to connect with people and life shines through in Sally Cronin's writing. I've read other works by this author, so I expected to enjoy this read just as much, and Variety is the Spice of Life doesn't disappoint.

Here are some poems I loved ... 

'just three key words | can make someone's day | I love you | I need you | I see you | I got you | just one word | can break someone's heart | goodbye' From Key Words. 

And ... 

'In the spring of my life I was hopeful and eager. In the summer I blossomed and thrived. The autumn still offers bright days, but they are tinged with chill winds created by the evil humans can do.' From Seasons. 

Some of my favourites from the short story section are ... 

'... dogs, patrolling the gardens and going about their business, but they had respect for this marmalade cat who had an impressive left hook with claws at the business end.' From The Neighbourhood Watch, which has a brilliant twist!

And ... 

'If Edith was to resume as much of her normal life as possible, she needed to feel this bond rather than a dependency.' From The Secret, which is a story about judgemental times and a loving child. I felt this was so honest and well written and shows some of the author's heart, which I love to discover when reading any book. Variety is the Spice of Life gets five stars from me. 

***

NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.

5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.

[Judith Barrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Sally Cronin’s Variety is the Spice of Life quite a while ago, and recently when ‘tidying up’ my kindle I was surprised and somewhat dismayed to see I’d made notes on this lovely collection of poetry and prose that encompasses such a variety of themes – and not reviewed it.

So here I’m rectifying that.

The poetry at the start of the book is almost a study of the world around us. It’s an invitation to look once more at nature, however small and seemingly insignificant, and is portrayed through wonderfully insightful and sensitive words, so evocative that each piece evokes an image. I remember how, the first time I saw the poems, I read each of them out loud, relishing the sounds, the rhymes, the rhythms. And I would invite any reader to do the same – they come alive in that way, as does all good poetry. Sally has a way of capturing emotions and sensitively showing the uniqueness of the world around us – and the many layers in human nature.

The theme of the individuality, the variety of actions and reactions we are all capable of, is repeated over and over again in many subtle, and sometimes overt ways, throughout her prose. I was tempted to quote, to unpick each of the eight short stories, to describe the core, the main premise that runs through them. But, sticking to my decision not to reveal any spoilers in my reviews, I would just urge any potential reader to discover them for themselves. All reveal the writer’s natural gift for storytelling, of capturing the essence of characters and the world they inhabit. Some stories brought chuckles and a wry smile, others the feelings of sadness, of sharing fears and loss. And tears. Writing a short piece of prose is not an easy task; wrapping up a scene or a journey into a package that reveals a whole plot to the reader in so few words requires a special intuition on the part of the author. Sally Cronin shows she has a talent for such an understanding.

I can do no more, having given Variety is the Spice of Life a second reading, than to stress how much I recommend this offering from Sally. You won’t be disappointed.

A last word on the cover – a brilliant spicy image of what is within!!

[Pete Springer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sally Cronin has written a delightful combination of poetry and short stories with Variety is the Spice of Life. I seldom read poetry, but Cronin is a master of writing deep sensory poems with an economy of words. The Face in the Mirror is a beautiful piece about how the author has morphed into her mother. One of my favorite poems was about strawberries:
ripe
fragrant
strawberries
strong heady scent
hints of lusciousness
havoc played with senses
expectations of sweetness
taste buds keen for juicy first bite
their scarlet beauty enhanced with cream
taken to new heights with glasses of champagne

Cronin also includes her specialty—eight wonderful short stories. Each is character-driven, often focusing on relationships. Miss Lloyd's Robin shows the transformation of a strict and unyielding teacher to her students to someone who learns a valuable lesson from a student she once misjudged.

Home Help is the story of an elderly widow named Martha who wants to stay in her home as long as possible. She is forced to hire a replacement to help her manage when she loses her maid. When "Andrea" comes for her interview, Martha discovers that Andrea is a man. Rather than dismiss him for being untruthful or thinking he isn't up to the task because he is a male, she admires his ingenuity in getting past the stereotypical gender expectations. She has a good feeling about this and gives him a try. Her open-mindedness proves to be a sound decision, allowing her to remain in her home for several years.

[Abbie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm glad this book is divided into two sections: one containing poems and the other with stories. Some of the poems read like prose, and readers might be confused as to what they’re reading.
I like how the author starts the collection with "Key Words," a powerful poem emphasizing how three words can change a life. The poem to which I can relate to the most is "Useful," talking about how smiles can make helping others rewarding. "Neighbourhood Cats" reminded me of how our cats would have gone after birds if my mother had let them.

Speaking of cats, I loved the story "The Neighbourhood Watch," in which a cat may or may not have played a role in the death of an abusive husband. When I started reading "On the Run" and realized it was about another abusive husband, I almost skipped it. But since stories I read before it had satisfactory endings, I stuck with it and am glad I did.

Not all stories in this collection are about abusive husbands. I especially liked "The Home Help," a surprising tale about an elderly woman who gets more than she bargains for when hiring someone to help around the house and garden.
It's nice to read stories that cover some unpleasant topics but always have feel-good endings. If you like such stories plus poetry that's easy to understand, this book is definitely for you.

[John Dolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her Introduction, Sally Cronin states, “In this latest collection of poetry and short stories I have attempted to capture the beauty and raw power of nature, and the resilience of humans as they face a modern world of change and disruption.” And she delivers on this.
Lately, I’ve found myself drawn to shorter fiction and poetry as a welcome change from some of my, shall we say, more voluminous reading. ‘Variety’ fitted the bill: moreover, it is well laid-out with appropriate images that serve to support and enhance the text.
Ms. Cronin is equally comfortable in verse and prose, and her words are often evocative and moving.
Consider this short extract from the poem ‘Primal Fear’:
“meteors rain down
perhaps a gift from the gods
or their displeasure”
And this descriptive section from the short story ‘The Green Hill’:
“The sun hovered above dark angry clouds, promising to ice the landscape with snowflakes within hours. The sea was whipped up into a frenzy, a mixture of slate grey and white foam, tinged with dark green near the shoreline as seaweed was herded onto the pebbles.”
All-in-all, ‘Variety’ is a chocolate box of delights. I shall certainly be reading more of Ms. Cronin’s work.

[Balroop Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

True to its name, this book is packed with a variety of syllabic poetry, pulling at the strings of your heart with poems like ‘Face in the Mirror,’ accompanied by a beautiful picture of the poet and her mother - a reminder of her laughter. ‘The Waltz’ captures the joy of two hearts beautifully. Cronin’s poems are short and meaningful, most of them capture vibrant colors of life. Even drought doesn’t escape her discerning eye. Robins, starlings, bees and butterflies come alive in her poems. If blossoms remind us of fleeting opportunities, bees convey a profound message of diligence and persistence. I've read these poems again and again - such is their appeal!

Sally’s short stories have always been my favorite, as they bring out the best of human values. I loved ‘The Healer’ and ‘Home Help’ but the winners are the marmalade cat and robin of Miss Lloyd. Cronin’s love for furry friends shines through her stories. I highly recommend this lovely collection to readers of all genres.