https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0180Q6CKM
Why is it that when we conjure up the term “adult fairy tale” the erotic comes to mind rather than the esoteric, classical, or mystical? Do naught legends and myths for all age groups, sung by repetition and rhyme for centuries by traveling Bards, have a certain moral code and morale?
Being whimsical and child-like by nature, I dream that I’m talking, dancing and singing with the wee people, ethereal spirits, and creatures of the forests in the most dignified and respectful manner possible. I am so delighted by “Tales From The Garden” because author Sally Cronin depicts her characters with utmost courtesy and responsibility. These are truly the fairy tales of folklore from long ago, telling their ancient stories up to and including the modern era in which we live.
Such are the stone guardians of a Spanish garden where the statues have watched over and protected the fairy kingdom of Magia under the expanse of a regal magnolia tree for countless decades and centuries. Cronin richly tells how each masterpiece was created, some shaped and carved by craftsmen, artists and masons; some flesh-and-blood lost, dismayed or ill-treated humans, animals, and birds as well as long forgotten mythical creatures magically transformed by the fairies.
Sally Cronin’s creative little book packs a huge message on life, love, respect and honor.
I don’t know whether to refer to Cronin’s delightful, endearing tales as Literary, Poetic Prose, or the Songs and Lyrics of the wind, the sun, and the moon as each and every glorious sunrise and sunset allows the stones to come to life at night. They flourish under the last emperor and old master, Moyhill Royal Flush, or Sam as the stalwart wardens call him, whom they respect and adore even long after the master’s lifespan is over; it being so much less than their own. But Sam has his own royal stone plaque.
I’ll cite but few of Cronin’s Creatures so as not to spoil the stories of the eloquent, meaningful cast of characters. Just keep your eye on the dwarf band with the pearly girl vocalist and rabbit backup singer, who are prone to be devilish tricksters as surely as modern musicians. All in good fun, of course. Be ever watchful of the witch who feeds the ducks and swans, only to have them end up in her large pot to be deep fried. ‘Tis said she has a new broom. Before you depart the spacious garden pay homage to the Queen of the fairies and her new young prince husband. The Queen will tell you all about her previous wayward King. Her majesty finally giving the stone-frozen, banished King happiness and love in the modern world after eons of silent reflection, transforming him and his ever-watchful paramour to our lot with warmth, breath and death as humankind. And be sure not to miss the summer Fairy Ball!
The book concludes with the history of the garden and its family, bringing reality home.
All may not live happily ever after, but you as readers most assuredly shall. Whenever the mundane or sadness beckons at your door, reach for this volume and let your imagination soar to lofty heights. We all can be whimsical and child-like to the end of our days. I highly recommend you indulge in this Tome of Enchantment.
BowmanAuthor and Writer/Editor 
A ***** review from Debroah Bowman says a lot about the Author and their work.
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Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Deborah, I cannot thank you enough for this amazing review, it is all I could have hoped for as a response to reading Tales from the Gardens.. there is so much ill will around us in the world that for just a moment it is a joy to write stories that have a happy ending.. I am very grateful and will treasure this review always. Hugs Sally
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Sally, I’m so glad you’re as pleased with the review as I was with your adorable book. I was happy that at least on amazon.com here in the U.S., mine is the first review. I’m sure there will be many more to come. I love Sam. I hope you have a pet to replace him, even as I know you can never replace him in your heart. I’m going to add the amazon link to my blog. Hope it brings you sales and your book brings others as much joy as it brought me. Hugs in return, Deborah
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Thanks Deborah and delighted that you review is the first.. I could never have another Lassie Collie after Sam.. but would love a black and white collie and have already decided on a name.. Lily. Thank you again so much.
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My black and white tux pattern Molly, Turkish Angora Cat, approves. It takes a lot to impress Molly. Molly made a new friend today. Found a white domesticated, fancy pigeon (looks like a Saxon Shield) cuddled up to my front door this a.m. We fed him, make sure he wasn’t injured, and put a community bulletin on our list serve. He belongs to someone. He was so unused to the wild he wanted to come into the house. Molly, who normally stalks birds and other creatures from behind the glass door (she doesn’t go outside) just sat in the sun watching and communing with her new friend. I don’t think she realized it was a bird! lol
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Sounds like the start of a beautiful relationship Deborah.. perhaps it has been sent especially.. I hope you have photos.. it would make a lovely post. hugs
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It’s a lovely review, Deborah. I’ve read many bits of the book from Sally’s blog and I agree that the stories are wonderful. Hugs!
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I do agree, these are absolutely charming stories. Delightful! 🙂 ❤
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I’ve just finished Tales from the Garden – truly an enchanting book.
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I hope you wrote a review also. This is such a unique book. I love something so different, yet so inspiring and positive at the same time. The main point, however, is no matter the genre, even if it is not your favorite which is not the case here, excellent writing is still excellent writing. I reviewed a dystopia Steam Punk (what does that even mean?) first-person Brit Lit book last year as a favor to a friend, all the things I usually dislike as a writer and editor, but it was written so well that I loved it! Use of language and unique, smooth phrasing goes a long way in my book (pun intended).
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I am really pleased that the writing came across too. Thank you both again.. It keeps me inspired to keep going.. hugs
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Now to get hundreds, thousands more reviews!
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Now to get hundreds, thousands more reviews!
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Absolutely.. thanks Deborah..
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Saw your review … Perfect!
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Deb, you’re the queen reviewer! And of course look at the material you had to work with! ❤
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It was a work of art Debby and I have already put in pride of place in my books directory on the web..so thrilled that Deborah loved the book. hugs
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Deb’s a wonderful writer, editor, friend and in-depth reviewer. xo
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Hugs back to both of you, Debby and Sally.
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❤
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