Hello and Happy April! Welcome to my first book review feature for the month. Today, I have two very different titles to share, both splendid. A shout-out to Harmony Kent for alerting me to The Marriage Secret with her own fabulous review. For my second book today, I can always count on this author to deliver when it comes to poetry. Let’s get started!
THE MARRIAGE SECRET
By Carey Baldwin
I became an instant fan of Carey Baldwin when I read Her First Mistake. With The Marriage Secret, Baldwin has scored again with the twisty story of a woman trapped in a wretched marriage. Holly thought she had it all when she married Zach, a respected doctor. For a time, her life was perfect—even after Holly shared a horrid secret from her past on their marriage day. Still, Zach lavished her with attention and gifts, promising to love her forever. But on the day their baby, Jolene, is born, Zach reveals a side of himself that is only the beginning of a dark and downward spiral for Holly. Her once perfect husband becomes manipulative and controlling, orchestrating events to make her question her sanity.
Zach is a character who made my skin crawl from the moment he showed his true colors in chapter one.
The book starts with a hook and keeps the tension building as Holly struggles to extradite herself from her wreck of a marriage and possessive husband. Because the book is told in first person POV, it’s easy to connect with Holly. Uncertain of her footing at first, she gains strength as the story progresses, willing to do what is necessary to protect Jolene.
This is a book of mind games, not physical abuse. Zach and Holly dance around each other in a clever game of cat and mouse. Especially when Holly gets wind of a secret from Zach’s past and gains leverage to use against him. Then two of the med students he mentored are found dead and matters go from simmer to boil. When the end comes, it corkscrews in a series of impossible twists. I was thrilled to have a “lightbulb moment” before the author delivered the final reveal, but even so—wow!
This is a fantastic domestic thriller and one I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a slick and crafty read.
HUES OF HOPE: SELECTED POETRY
by Balroop Singh
I think of Balroop Singh’s poetry as immersive poetry because you’re able to sink so deeply into the words, the images they evoke, and the emotions they inspire. In this collection of poetry, themed around hope, you’ll find verses that celebrate nature, explore love, loss and death, as well as examine joy and resilience—all paving a path to the hope that inspires and raises us above circumstances.
Contents are broken into sections led by verse: Beyond the chaotic world; When each moment shimmers; Beams of Love; Clutching bizarre hope, and Reflections that retort. Each of these features its own gems where you’ll experience feelings inspired by the powerful brushstroke of the author’s words.
I’m a fan of nature poetry, so I was particularly drawn to those. Watch the Magic, which speaks to the changing seasons, is one of my favorites. You can see the magic unfold in verses such as
Deep shadows dance around me
Wind and breeze compete to win.
Far away, at the horizon, gray scrambles
To steal some golden kisses.
I thoroughly enjoyed all the poems in this collection, but of particular note, I was moved by Transient Waterfall, A Touch, Buried Dreams, My Muse, and Ode to Poetry. Topping the list, my very favorite is Do you Remember—a beautiful testament to memories and looking back on life with a loved one. I’ll share the opening verse here:
Do you remember the days?
When we played with clouds
Rolled in colors,
Wore them around
Drenched and smiled
When we splayed colors at each other.
This poem alone, I can read over and over, and find new glimmers of meaning and memory each time. Grab the book, experience Do You Remember, and all the jewels in this lovely collection!
I’m so thrilled my recommendation spurred you on to read the book, Mae. Carey Baldwin has become a go-to author for me now.
I have Balroop’s new book waiting on my ereader for me and look so forward to getting to it.
Great reviews. Thanks for sharing your thoughts 💕🙂
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I’m with you on Carey Baldwin, Harmony. She is now a go-to-author for me as well. Thanks so much for the recommendation on The Marriage Secret. It was every bit as good as your review said.
And I know you will enjoy Balroop’s book. Her poetry is always exceptional. Have an awesome day! 🌞❤️
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Aww… thank you Mae.
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The Marriage Secret sounds like a fantastic read. Of course, Balroop’s books are always a wonderful escape. Thanks for sharing your reviews, Mae. Enjoy your day!
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Both were wonderful, Jill. It’s always a treat when I have two great five start reads to share. Thanks for visiting today! 🙂
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Thanks Jill. 🤗
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Woohoo, two five-star reads! I do enjoy Singh’s poetry, and The Marriage Secret sounds fantastic.
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It’s great when I’ve got two five stars to share, Priscilla. Glad to hear you are a fan of Balroop’s poetry as well! 🙂
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After hearing Harmony’s recommendation, I have “The Marriage Secret” waiting on my Kindle. “Her First Mistake” was amazing.I’m thinking Rebecca Baldwin might become one of my go-to authors.
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I loved Her First Mistake as well, Joan, and The Marriage Secret is every bit as good. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it when it surfaces on your TBR.
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Hues of Hope sounds beautiful, Mae. I’m going to add that one. Poetry is read every day in our house. Thanks for the inspiration! Beautiful reviews for both books. 😊
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Thank you so much, I am delighted to hear that poetry is read everyday in your house. 😊
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Mischenko, Balroop is a talented poet. I snatch her books up the moment she releases them. You’re sure to enjoy. Happy reading! 🙂
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I always enjoy your reviews, Mae, because you are so passionate about what you’ve read. These both sound like fabulous selections. Thanks for sharing. Wishing both writers all the best.
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Thanks for your lovely wishes Staci. 🤗
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I do tend to get a bit excited when I review good books, LOL.
Glad you enjoyed the reviews, Staci. I know the authors will appreciate the well wishes!
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Terrific reviews, Mae. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these books.
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Always a pleasure, John!
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😊
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The Marriage Secret sounds like a riveting read, Mae!! I know I would enjoy it. And Balroop’s new poetry book is just gorgeous. Thank you for sharing!
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Thanks Jan.🤗
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Both are excellent reads, Jan. The Marriage Secret kept me swiping pages on my Kindle, and Balroop’s poetry was outstanding as usual. I really love the gorgeous cover on Hues of Hope, too.
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Two good reviews, Mae. I haven’t read Balroop’s yet, but it’s clear, I really need to. I always come away from her poetry refreshed.
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I know the feeling, Jacqui. Her poetry is so soothing and relaxing. I know you’ll enjoy her latest!
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Many thanks for this honor Mae, I am thrilled to see your review. First review is always exciting but such an excellent one with my favorite quotes is a blessing! 🥰 Love and hugs. Baldwin sounds like an awesome author, I must check her books.
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It’s my pleasure to share my review of Hues of Hope today, Balroop. As usual, I found myself immersed in your words and the beautiful images you paint. Do You Remember is one I have always loved and never tire of reading.
Congrats on your release! 💕❤️🤗
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Thank you Mae, it is a great pleasure to hear that you find my poetry immersive. 🥰🤗
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Today is a day for great book reviews! Thank you for sharing yours, Mae. Both of these sound like great reads and the covers are beautiful!
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I’m so glad you dropped by to check out the reviews, Mar. These were both great, so it’s a pleasure to share them. And I agree about the covers on each. Happy Tuesday! 🙂
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Love your book reviews, Mae. Again, I want to read both of these. The twisty one sounds too good to miss, and that poem is exquisite.
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They’re both awesome reads, Flossie. So very different and yet alike in how polished they are. Thanks for checking them out!
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These both sound wonderful but especially The Marriage Secret. I love that the tension builds and that it hooks you in from the beginning. These are very important to hold my gnat-like attention. Excellent reviews!
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Gnat-like attention? I love that, Tessa. 😆
I think The Marriage Secret would more than do the job, LOL.
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I really do oftentimes ☺️
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Thank you for sharing your reviews, Mae. I was unaware of Carey Baldwin, and now I will seek her out. I love Balroop’s poetry and look forward to reading Hues of Hope. Congratulations to Carey and Balroop! 💗
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Balroop always delivers, doesn’t she, Gwen. Hues of Hope is another sparkling achievement for her.
And Carey Baldwin is now a go-to author for me. She’s 2 for 2 and hitting them in home run territory! 🙂
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Two fantastic reviews, Mae! I don’t know a lot about poetry, but Balroop’s lyrics read like the verses of a song to me- evocative and beautiful.
I haven’t read Carey Baldwin yet, but this sounds like a page-turner!
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I don’t read a lot of poetry, but Balroop and Denise Finn’s always speak to me. Every now and then, I just get in the mood, 🙂
And I think you’d like Carey Baldwin, Jacquie. I’ve read two of her releases now and found them impossible to put down!
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Both books have my interest. I’m a big fan of Balroop, and I think your description of her poetry is spot on. Excellent reviews, Mae.
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Thanks for checking out the reviews, Mark. Both definitely kept me entertained. And as usual, Balroop swept me away with her amazing poetry.
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Thank you for sharing these wonderful reviews with us, Mae. Balroop’s poetry is so lovely and immersing, indeed. Bravo to Carey and Balroop! 🙂
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Hi, Natalie. Thanks for dropping by to check them out. Balroop’s poetry is always so enthralling, and Carey Baldwin told a great tale. I always love when I have two good reads to share! 🙂
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If I ever need to save money, I’ll have to stop reading your reviews. You make every single book sound like something I must read:)
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LOL! Glad the reviews enticed you, Judi! 🙂
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The Marriage Secret sounds like a twisty read to sink into, and those excerpts from Balroop’s poems are just beautiful. Yay for two five star reads, Mae!
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I love when I have two five stars to share, Teri. A double score, LOL!
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It sounds like a beautiful read!
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Hi, and thanks for dropping by to check out the reviews!
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Anytime Mae Clair
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I feel the tension and am hooked just by reading your review of The Marriage Secret by Carey Baldwin, Mae. I love Balroop’s poetry and enjoyed your review of her new release! Thank you for sharing your thoughts of these books.
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Glad you enjoyed the reviews, Miriam. Balroop did an outstanding job as usual, and The Marriage Secret was another winner from Carey Baldwin!
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I appreciated your wonderful reviews, Mae!
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Fabulous reviews, Jan. Both of these books sound like wonderful reads. I have Balroop’s book on my kindle and hope to start on it soon. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and congrats to Carey and Balroop!
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Oh. Sorry, MAE. I forgot where I was. 🙂
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Heehee. Been there, done that. No worries! 😎
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I went to Jan’s post next and did a head slap. Hehe
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🤪
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Balroop’s book is fabulous, Diana. I know you’ll love it, and Carey told an awesome story. She’s on my auto buy list now!
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Hi Mae, I know I read another good review of The Marriage Secret somewhere. It sounds excellent. A great review of Balroop’s poetry book. I’ve also got this one and will get to it soon.
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Robbie, I expect you’ll thoroughly enjoy Balroop’s book of poetry. She always does an excellent job of immersing the reader in her verse. And you might have seen The Marriage Secret on Harmony’s blog. That’s where I caught it initially. 🙂
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I will be visiting Harmony today (she’s on my Wed list – haha) and I will look for it to refresh my memory.
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😁
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Man, with that thriller, I was feeling the tension just in your review. I think my blood pressure went up. I’m not sure I can handle the full read. The poems would probably be better for me! ;P
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LOL! The thriller definitely kept me wildly swiping pages, Betsy. Balroop’s poetry brings a lovely respite. Both are great but different ends of the spectrum for certain.😉
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