What Amazon says
Life is Like a Bowl of Cherries: Sometimes Bitter, Sometimes Sweet is a collection of short stories with scattered poetry, reflecting the complexities of life, love and loss.
The stories in the collection dip into the lives of men and women who are faced with an ‘event’ that is challenging and in some cases life changing.
Even something as straightforward as grocery shopping online can be frustrating, and a DNA test produces surprise results, the past reaches out to embrace the present, and a gardening assistant is an unlikely grief counsellor. Romance is not always for the faint-hearted and you are never too old for love. Random acts of kindness have far reaching consequences and some people discover they are on a lucky streak. There are those watching over us who wish us well, and those in our lives who wish us harm.
My review
Sally Cronin has a sharp eye for the joys, miseries, hopes, aspirations, of humanity, as well as their weaknesses and she wraps these observations up into stories that touch the full spectrum of the reader’s emotions.
Who would not understand the frustration of a shopper who, having agreed to a healthy eating programme but fallen off the wagon, is thwarted in her attempts to purchase longed for goodies by an Artificial Intelligence purchasing system that forces shoppers to stick to their confirmed eating programme and disallows the purchase of said goodies. You can read about this shopper’s reaction in The Weekly Shopping.
The author reveals the delight of finding unexpected and previously unknown family connections through a sophisticated and interconnected DNA AI tracking system. Read DNA to find out more.
The Wedding Day was one of my favourite stories and explored the dual concepts of a spirit trapped on earth and seeking closure and a daughter who has grown up fatherless and knows very little about his life. A delightfully satisfying read.
The Nanny is a beautiful tale about the strong attachment that exists between a person and man’s best friend and this tale is contrasted by an emotion rendition of a couple’s journey to acceptance and healing following the death of their baby, in utero.
The final story I will mention in this review is Friday Night which explores the themes of disappointment in love and finding the right person in one exciting and emotional story.
There are other beautiful stories and various lovely poems in this collection which I shall leave readers to discover for themselves. A truly beautiful collection.
Purchase Life is Like a Bowl of Cherries: Sometimes Bitter, Sometimes Sweet by Sally Cronin
About Sally Cronin
I have been a storyteller most of my life (my mother called them fibs!). Poetry, song lyrics and short stories were left behind when work and life intruded, but that all changed in 1996. My first book Size Matters was a health and weight loss book based on my own experiences of losing 70kilo. I have written another thirteen books since then on health and also fiction, including five collections of short stories. My latest book is a collection of verse and speculative short stories titled Life is Like a Bowl of Cherries: Sometimes Bitter, Sometimes Sweet
I am an indie author and proud to be one. My greatest pleasure comes from those readers who enjoy my take on health, characters and twisted endings… and of course come back for more.
As a writer I know how important it is to have help in marketing books.. as important as my own promotion is, I believe it is important to support others. I offer a number of FREE promotional opportunities on my blog and linked to my social media. If you are an author who would like to be promoted to a new audience of dedicated readers, please contact me via my blog. All it will cost you is a few minutes of your time. Look forward to hearing from you.
My blog is https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com
And for more information on my books listed here at Amazon please visit
https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/my-books/
I loved Sally’s Life Is Like A Bowl of Cherries. Her writing style and the stories themselves are absolutely lovely. Thank you, Robbie, for featuring her. 💗
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My pleasure, Gwen. I also love Sally’s insightful stories. I am glad to know she’s working on another book.
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Thanks so much Gwen for the ongoing support for the collection and lovely way to end the week here on Robbie’s blog..hugsx
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I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about this book. I look forward to reading soon. Thanks for the review, Robbie.
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My pleasure, Jill. Sally’s stories are very ‘real’ and so insightful.
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Thanks Jill.. wonderful support from Robbie for all my books and always lovely to receive one of her reviews. Enjoy the weekend. hugsx
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Thank you for the lovely review, Robbie! Sally is definitely writing from life, with most times funny stories and poems. This one is another true masterpiece of her. Have a beautiful weekend! Michael
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Hi Michael, I agree that Sally writes wonderful poems and stories. I always enjoy every word. Have a good weekend and I hope your weather is starting to warm a bit.
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Me too, Robbie! She has the writing gene, like you. As one of your slowest reader i am honoured. Weather? We are back in Siberia. Lol On Sunday we should go to +11 (C). I am sure the temperature on your site is a little bit higher. 😉 Stay well, and enjoy the weekend! Michael
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Hi Michael, oh yes, our temperatures in winter are about 23 degrees Celsius during the day. I am not a fan of very cold weather. My blood is to thin. Have a lovely day, Michael.
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Thanks Michael for your lovely comment.. have a lovely weekend..hugsx
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Its really a gem, but honestly i dont know which of your books is not wonderful. Enjoy your Friday afternoon, Sally! Just watching a documentation on official German TV, about Scotland. Right! Germany is rolling the drums for Scotlands way back to the EU. :-))
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Thanks Michael.. I am not sure it will happen if the current leadership issues are not resolved.. we shall see..hugsx
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It sounds a wonderful book….I will add it to my list of must reads
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Thank you, it is a delightful book.
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Thanks you Joyce.. I hope you enjoy once you have time to read.. x
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Lovely review Robbie. Congratulations to Sally. I loved all the stories in this book.
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Thanks again for your ongoing support for the collection Balroop.. thrilled by Robbie’s review too.. have a lovely weekend. ♥
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Hi Balroop, thank you, it is a lovely book and I saw your beautiful review of it.
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Reblogged this on Pattys World.
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Thanks for sharing Patty..hugsx
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Thank you, Patty.
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Thanks so much Robbie for going to the trouble of posting on your blog too.. it is much appreciated… a lovely review and a great end to the week..♥
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Hi Sally, I am delighted to share. You are getting some wonderful reviews for this book.
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To be honest Robbie a little overwhelmed.. but obviously delighted..♥
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I loved this great collection of short stories by Sally. A wonderful review.
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Thanks very much again Darlene.. I am so pleased that the collection has been enjoyed..hugsx
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It is such a lovely book, Darlene. Thanks for visiting and commenting.
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Great review, Robbie! It’s wonderful to see Sally’s book getting so much love ❤
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Thanks Jacquie between you and Robbie this week I am thrilled to bits.. hugs ♥
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Hi Jacqui, yes, Sally’s books a wonderful and very worthy of the attention.
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I have bought the book, but haven’t read it. So I skipped the review, and shared on Twitter.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Thanks for buying the book Pete.. and for sharing this on Twitter.. I hope you enjoy when you have time to read…x
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Thank you, Pete, for sharing. It is a lovely book and an easy but thought provoking read.
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Great review, Sally! ❤ Thanks for sharing, Robbie… xo
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Thanks very much Bette ♥
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My pleasure, Bette. A wonderful book.
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What clever premises for short stories. I look forward to reading them.
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Thank you Elizabeth and I hope you enjoy..have a lovely weekend.
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Hi Elizabeth, so nice to see you back on line. I hope your eyes are fully recovered now. Sally’s book is a lovely read.
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My eyes are still on the mend, but my distance vision is dramatically improved. I can now see hawks without my glasses.
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Hi Robbie, I greatly enjoy reading Sally’s blog and her kind, support in the writing community. My initial question is whether the stories are fiction or nonfiction? As I read further, I see how the stories are fiction, yet Sally shares her wisdom and observations. Thank you for sharing a wonderful review, Robbie. I am reading many good things about this book. Definitely, on my TBR list.🙂
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Thanks Erica.. I think most of us slip pieces of ourselves into our stories, especially as we get older and experience more of life and meet more people… in some ways I hope it does homage to those memories and characters… I hope you enjoy…hugs
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Hi Erika, thank you for visiting. Yes, fiction, but with a keenly observing eye. You will definitely enjoy this collection.
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I have enjoyed this book immensely! Sally is a wonderful writer and master of the art of the short story!
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Thank you so much Dorothy that means a great deal.. hugsx
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Hi Dorothy, I do agree. Sally’s writing is beautiful and very clever too.
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I enjoyed this book of Sally’s too, Robbie.Super review. 😁
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Thanks again John for your lovely review and of course I am delighted to be the recipient of one of Robbie’s special showcases and review..hugs
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Yes they are special. Congratulations.
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Thank you, John.
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I am delighted to hear that, John. A splendid book.
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😊
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So fabulous to see Sally’s new book here – I loved it, and what a great review. I think The Wedding Day was one of my favourite stories too. But they were all wonderful! Toni x
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Thanks Toni..it seemed to be one of the most commented on and was one with quite a strong personal element.. thank you again for your lovely support for the book..hugsxx
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Hi Toni, yes that one was lovely. I enjoyed them all, and the poetry too.
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Beautiful review, Robbie. The book reads amazing. Congratulations to Sally! ❤
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Thanks Vashti.. always special treat receiving one of Robbie’s reviews.. hugsx
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Thank you, Vashti. This book is a pleasure to read, so insightful about people and relationships.
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I always enjoy reading your reviews, Robbie! You did a great job reviewing Sally’s new book. Thank you for sharing!
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Robbie’s reviews are wonderful to receive Miriam… enjoy the weekend. ♥
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I’m working on the end matter of the children’s book this weekend. All the illustration came in last week. I’m done inserting the text. One more proofreading and it’ll be ready to send it for the formatting.
Are you working another book? 💖
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That sounds great Miriam and looking forward to showcasing when available in the Children’s Reading Room.. I have a few things on the go at the moment including another story and poetry collection later in the year and a non fiction in the summer..♥
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Your projects sound exciting, Sally! I hope to send the book out for formatting next week. ❤
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Great Miriam.. look forward to sharing it..hugs ♥
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Thank you, Miriam. I am so glad you enjoyed my review. I really enjoyed this book.
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I see many wonderful reviews of Sally’s book, Robbie. I’m working on some final matters before sending out the children’s book for formatting.
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That is so exciting, Miriam. I am looking forward to promoting your new book.
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Fantastic review Robbie!
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Thanks Tandy..I am delighted.
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Thank you, Tandy. It is always easy to review good books.
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Sally’s short stories are always great. You picked out some of my favorite ones from her book.
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Thanks Pete.. I am over the moon by everyone’s lovely reviews and Robbie’s is no exception… x
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I am glad to know that, Pete. Some of these stories seem to resonated with all of us and have been commented on in every review. What a wonderful achievement by Sally.
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This is a book I MUST read. I’ve enjoyed Life’s Rich Tapestry, so I know Sally’s writing style. She is so supportive of other writers, so I want to reciprocate. Thanks for this insightful and positive review, Robbie!
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Hi Marian, lovely to see you. Sally is a wonderful supporter of all of us, very kind and generous. This book is lovely, as are all of her books that I’ve read. She is very insightful about people and relationships.
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Thanks for your support Marian… so happy you enjoy the stories ♥
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This is a great review, Robbie. Cherries is a little gem that deserves a bigger audience. x
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Hi Alex, I read your review on Sally’s blog this morning and I thought it was brilliant. You nailed Sally’s talent for writing about people and relationships with great insight.
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Thanks, Robbie. We’re clearly both members of the Sally Cronin appreciation society and love her work xx
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Thanks Alex and for helping get it out there… enjoy the rest of the weekend..hugsx
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A wonderful review for a wonderful person. It’s great to see someone who is so supportive of others being promoted here.
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Thank you, Danny. Sally writes wonderful books which are a pleasure to review. I am always glad of an opportunity to promote her here.
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Thanks Danny… and for keeping me laughing while I work…hugsxx
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I am currently reading “21 Lessons for the 21st Century” which explains how much AI and algorithms are going to change humanki d one way or the other. It’s good to write stories about the pros and cons even though it might not have been intended as that. Looks like my reading list is growing even more. Thanks for the review 🙋♀️🐝
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Thanks for visiting, Bee. This is a terrific book which you will enjoy.
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I hope I am around long enough to see how the eventual AI and human interaction turns out… so many things have developed in our lifetime that what was Scifi 50 years ago is already here.. I hope you enjoy the stories if you have time to read.
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I am sure I will. I love your blog posts when I get the time to read them. Will make sure to add a review. 🙋♀️🐝
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Thanks very much Bee.. have a lovely weekend.
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Robbie, a thoughtful and insightful review of Sally’s short story collection. I think these must be the most tricky of books to review but you do so wonderfully. Capturing some of the stories, sharing their depth, magic! Sally has an extraordinary skill in seeing into the heart of humans and sharing her creative gift with us. One on my Kindle and I look forward to reading it soon.
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Thank you, Annika, I’m glad you enjoyed my review. I like reading short stories and have read some excellent books of short stories including yours. Sally has an amazing ability to understand people and their emotions.
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Thanks Annika and all of us who are gifted a review by Robbie are delighted by her views… Enjoy when you get the time.. hugsx
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what a wonderful review; I’m not surprised that Sally would write such an engaging and heartfelt set of stories…
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If you read her blog, her stories are very Sally. They are in the style of her letters from America and other stories and tales.
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thanks for that info, Robbie.
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Thanks Jim.. people are fascinating and and endless inspiration for stories..hugs
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I agree people are fascinating, some more than others… 🙂
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Awesome and such a great review of Sally’s short stories. She sure is very creative. Will try reading her books. Thanks.
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Hi Kamal, I think you will enjoy Sally’s writing as you also have this gift of understanding and insightfulness about people.
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Yes Robbie and will love reading her books. Thanks a lot. Take care and stay safe 💕💕💕💕
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Thanks Kamal.. thrilled by Robbie’s review…glad you might be tempted.
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You are always welcome and Robbie is fantastic with all her reviews.😊😊😊
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Reblogged this on Ed;s Site..
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Thank you, Ed
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Thanks for sharing Ed.. very kind of you.
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I’ve read many of Sally’s books. This one hit me like few others (Sam, of course, is my all-time favorite). The stories are uplifting, positive, with the hard-working people I love. Your review is excellent–you say what I felt.
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Hi Jacqui, I am glad you enjoyed my review. I have read all of Sally’s book. They are very impactful and yet easy reads. Your book is near the top of my kindle and I plan to read it next month. I am looking forward to it.
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Thanks Jacquie and for all your support with my books.. especially Sam’s lol.. your pinup.. reviews like Robbies and yours keep me motivated to keep writing..hugsx
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My dear Lab is getting older, not walking so well. I know Sam is waiting to greet him.
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It is sad to see them slowing down, but it is the price of loving them…hugsx
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Fantastic review for Sally’s beautiful book, Robbie. ❤
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Thank you, Debby. It is another wonderful book that is full of Sally’s specialness and talent.
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Beautifully said 🙂 x
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Thanks Debby and your fantastic support for us all..♥
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My absolute pleasure Sal ❤
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♥♥
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This is a great review, Robbie. I really enjoyed Sally’s collection too. My favourite was the paying it forward kindness story.
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Hi Norah, lovely to see you. That is also a marvelous story. They are all lovely reads.
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They were – so many memorable. 🙂
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Thanks again for your review Norah…and for sharing your favourite..hugsx
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My pleasure to read, Sally. x
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Your review of Sally’s book is fantastic, Robbie. It is detailed and exciting, and makes the reader want the book. Well done!
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Thanks Jennie.. a lovely review and Robbie always highlights the key elements …hugs
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Indeed it is, and yes she does. Hugs!
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Thank you, Jennie, that is a lovely compliment. Of course, it is easy to write interesting reviews for great books.
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You are welcome, Robbie. Yes, when a book is good, it is easy to write a review.
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A great review of Sally’s book, Robbie. It’s wonderful seeing the book getting some love. I enjoyed this one too and couldn’t agree more. 😀
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Thanks very much Diana for championing the book and thrilled with the reviews… enjoy the week..hugsx
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HI Diana, lovely to see you. I am delighted you also enjoyed this book and thank you for saying so here.
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😀
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Wonderful review, Robbie. 🙂 I really enjoyed this book, too!
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Thanks for adding your recommendation here too Mark.. enjoy the rest of the week. x
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Thank you, Mark. I read your lovely review.
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I love Sally’s stories, and your review has made me want to read it even more. Thanks, Robbie!
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You will love it, Olga
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Not sure how I missed this one. Wonderful review of Sally’s book, Robbie – congrats to her!
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