Broken Petals: An Appalachian-Inspired Short Story Collection Amazon Barnes & Noble Kindle Nook Author: Anthology: multiple authors including NABBW member Janie Dempsey Watts Reviewed for the NABBW by:  Anne Holmes Having read and enjoyed NABBW member Janie Dempsey Watt’s novel, “Moon Over Taylor’s Ridge,” I was anxious to read more of her work. When she told me she’d had short stories published recently in two anthologies, I jumped at the chance to read both collections. “Broken Petals” is a collection of short stories that demonstrate strength, humor, and tenacity interlaced... Read More

Emerging Voices Author: Laurel D. Rund http://essenceoflaurel.com/ Reviewed by: Anne Holmes for the NABBW Emerging Voices is a compilation of Laurel D. Rund\’s original artwork and inspirational poetry that speaks to the many faces of loss and/or life transitions. Written after the death of her husband, Laurel says the book’s purpose is to encourage the reader to record her own thoughts and feelings. Which is why the book includes a unique feature: blank journal pages after each selection. There are 14 poem-artwork pairings here, which deal with some of the hardest moments in our lives,... Read More

Water Running Downhill!  Words of Empowerment for Women in Midlife Author: Joan Ellen Gage http://waterrunningdownhill.com Reviewed by: Anne Holmes Joan Ellen Gage is a self-taught poet and photographer and this short book of her poetry is enhanced by her charming and creative photography. A dental hygienist by training, she says she was inspired to write this book, her first, by her patients, who have shared their stories with her over the years. “Water Running Downhill” urges us to dance to our music now, before all the water ends up at the bottom of the hill and it is too late... Read More

Author: Meredith Laskowwww.meredithlaskow.com Reviewed By: Georgia Richardson I\’m scared of poetry. It reveals too much. It can touch my very core just when I\’ve managed to be alone with my own thoughts, mostly hidden, some displayed. In Galloping Words, Poet Laureate Meredith Laskow will not allow the reader to hide behind forgotten emotions or past hurts. Not even past joys! Her words speak of freedom, then darkness; dreams, then isolation. I found myself in nearly every page. On page 28 in Treasure, she writes… If we are the end product of our memories and experiences, And... Read More