This month does not spotlight anyone or anything, but I do have a list of books I have read that I have enjoyed and am happy to talk about. Included in this is a new release by author K.E. Turner. To it I add one movie, an old favourite of mine, and a brief rundown of a poetry performance with my writers’ group. The books and the film have made me laugh and cry but mostly had me happily suspend my disbelief. In fact, the characters in the books have delighted me with their words, and they did the one thing that books are meant to do – not just entertain but also fill the heart with the kind of soppy that gives hope.
Barb’s News
My own books
Between my third novel in my series and the new book (poetry and short stories) I am currently writing; I am overwhelmed, and it creates a painfully potholed path. Slow and steady wins the race is my mantra. I am a tortoise and not a hare, but I can live with that.
Meanwhile some good news. Last month I spoke about Arcane Bookshop, new and so welcomed to Townsville. My opening photo shows how beautifully the store is arranged.
Now, it just so happens there will be a meet/greet/sign on Saturday 7th December along with two other local authors Alyson Walton and Laura Kinch. My first time doing this but I can’t imagine a better place to sit and chat with people.
If you live in the area, it is an awesome place to visit or if you prefer online shopping then check out the Arcane Books website.
The world around me
Using the beautiful artwork as inspiration members of the TWPC (Townsville Writers and Publishing Centre) produced some beautiful poetry, most notably one by Mary Pearson, new to the poetry scene, but a wordsmith. I chose to write about the Arts themselves and hope to add this piece to my new poetry book hopefully coming soon. Here are the last two verses.
The Arts –
A heady seductive appeal to the senses.
A thrilling mixture of creativity.
Teachers clarifying Nature’s offerings.
Artistry whispers
and the resulting wisdom
creates unique places
where they answer,
every need.
In galleries, in concert halls,
in shopping malls,
in the food we share,
in the clothes we wear,
and in the books,
we read.
Artistry fights to disallow shame,
embraces with joy what lies
within a frame.
Let’s bask in Artistry then,
in whatever chosen form
And let differences become the norm.
I believe the Arts to be an equaliser for art responds to the talent created by the individual and encourages sharing. Art is inclusive and has wings in music, in sculpture, in the words of poets and authors and most certainly in the world around us. Thank you to the Art Gallery for providing a wonderful opportunity for those who choose words with which to communicate. In the end, like my poem, it is all part of the Arts.
Books I’ve read and Films/Television series I watched
Films
Cher has long been one of my favourite people as both a singer and most definitely as an actor. I recently watched a re-run of Moonstruck. Everyone more than filled their roles beautifully from Nicholas Cage to the wonderful Olympia Dukakis but Cher is something else.
It’s the eloquence of her eyes and everything else fades into the background. She is able to exude a toughness that in no way diminishes her vulnerability. She is who she is, and it works in every film. In this one, she is key in demonstrating family is not a choice, but love is and somehow we have to make the best of it and do it with an absolutely brilliant Brooklyn accent.
Books
I have a lot of reading to catch on. These are just some I enjoyed and have written a few words accordingly to tell you why I chose these. All of them provided a connection to the characters and that is what I look for.
What I’m Looking for – Karen Grey
A rom com with vulnerable characters and it is so lovely to read.
Fake it to the Limit – Book 1 Castle Cove Mystery Series
Too much crime on my hands – Book 2 Castle Cove Mystery Series
You’re the Con that I want – Book 3 Castle Cove Mystery Series
You do need to read all three. It’s a trilogy but what delightful characters the books contain. It was an immediate download of two and three as soon as I finished the first book.
The Heart of Farrowline (The Pack of Farrowline Book 1) – A.L. Rojo
All about family ties, love, and wolves. Delightful
You’ve got this – Maxine Morrey
Some wonderful dialogue and I am a sucker for dialogue.
K.E. Turner – Wolf’s Redemption
Last but not least is a new release by a favourite of mine. K.E. Turner writes about wolves, a period in history, time travel and love. It’s hot and fun despite the battle for good over evil having its serious side. There is something in the easy style the author employs that has the story making sense despite improbabilities. I love an author that can sell the fantasy.
Happy reading everything and see you next time or as the Italians say,
Alla prossima,
Barb
If you are feeling kindly disposed, please feel free to check out my books
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The Emotions Anthology Box Set
Thanks.
I share your enthusiasm for Moonstruck. Great characters, great acting, heartwarming plot.