Five-Star Reviews – for books by Jacqui Murray and Sally Cronin.

44 Replies

I’m delighted to share my latest reviews, for two brilliant books: Born in a Treacherous Time by Jacqui Murray and Variety is the Spice of Life – a blend of poetry and prose by Sally Cronin. I decided to start with Book 1 in Jacqui’s Dawn of Humanity series and I’m glad I did because I’ll definitely be reading the whole series. Sally’s new book was as good as her previous ones, and a delight from start to finish.

I’m no longer writing reviews on Amazon, because my last three were rejected without a clear explanation, so I’ve decided to leave them alone for a while. I’ll just be posting reviews on Goodreads and Bookbub for the time being.

Born in a Treacherous Time by Jacqui Murray

My Review

5 Stars – an exciting prehistoric adventure

I loved this story, the first book in a series set in prehistoric times: 1.8 million years ago. The lead characters is Lucy, a Homo Habilis woman in Africa who endures daily trials in her quest for survival. The author has done extensive research and skilfully conveys everything, including language and communication, just as it might have been back then. The writing is superb, and there is a strong plot line that develops as Lucy and her small group battle dangerous animals, other groups of humans and the environment. There is even a volcanic eruption to contend with, which had me on the edge of my seat.

I was in awe of how our ancestors managed to survive such a dangerous environment. After reading this, I don’t think I can ever complain about having a bad day again. Every day in prehistoric times was a life and death struggle, even to get a sip of water. Looking for food and avoiding predators was a constant challenge. Lucy is an amazingly complex character, courageous and creative as she forges a successful life. This is the story of our past, and I will definitely be reading every book in this series.

Variety is the Spice of Life by Sally Cronin

My Review

5 Stars – an exquisite blend of poetry and short stories

I couldn’t wait to delve into this new collection of poetry and prose, as I’m familiar with this author’s work. It was, as I expected, a delight. First, there was a collection of wonderful short poems, many related to nature and our connection with the natural world around us. They were all inspiring and exquisite, and many dealt with the most elemental subjects, such as kinship, pilgrimage, rejection, love, seasons, and the forces of nature. I particularly loved the series inspired by the author’s garden, but every poem in this collection was a gem.

The flash fiction and short stories all pulled at the heartstrings. The flash fiction was often combined with the poetry in a very enriching way. The short stories were all a heart-warming delight, and I think my favourite was “Home Help.” “The Village,” set at the outbreak of World War Two, was a close second.

This was a joy to read, and I give it a resounding five stars.

Thank you for stopping by. My name is Toni Pike, a multi-genre author who loves writing thrillers for adults, non-fiction, and hilarious books for children.

I’m the author of LINDA’S MIDLIFE CRISIS, DESOLATION BLUFF, DEAD DRY HEART and The Jotham Fletcher Mystery Thriller Series: THE MAGUS COVENANT, THE ROCK OF MAGUS, THE MAGUS EPIPHANY and HOLY SPEAR OF MAGUS.

The Brody Cody Series is for children aged 6-9: BRODY CODY AND THE STEPMOTHER FROM OUTER SPACE and BRODY CODY AND THE HAUNTED VACATION HOUSE.

I’m also the author of two non-fiction books. THE ONE WAY DIET is a no-nonsense guide to losing weight and HAPPY TRAVELS 101 is a short book of travel tips.

All my books can be found HERE.

You can find me online here:

Website: tonipike.com

Amazon author page: Toni Pike

Instagram: @authorlovestravel  – Sharing my travel photos from around the world

Facebook: Toni Pike – Author

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Twitter:  @piketoni1

Linkedin Toni Pike – Linkedin

Email: authortoni.pike@gmail.com

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44 thoughts on “Five-Star Reviews – for books by Jacqui Murray and Sally Cronin.”

  2. Annika Perry

    Toni, thank you for sharing these two wonderful reviews and congratulations to both Jacqui and Sally! I was hooked by the drama of your review for Jacqui’s book and her research is incredible. Thank goodness for the tenacity of such characters as Lucy who carried the human race forward. I’m smiling how you will never complain about the little inconveniences in life again after reading how life was a daily battle for Lucy and her kin. A beautiful review of Sally’s book; her poetry is always a joy and inspiring while her short stories touching, thought-provoking and love the idea these blending with poems! A book I’m looking forward to reading soon!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply ↓
    1. Toni Pike Post author

      Hi Annika, Thank you so much for all your lovely comments. Both books were both wonderful – and you’re in for a treat when you read Sally’s book. I agree with all you said about Jacqui – the research she did was amazing, and I think everyone should read her series to learn about our past. Lucy was an incredible character, and we’ve certainly become very soft in these modern times. Have a lovely week, Toni x

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply ↓
  3. Darlene

    Two great reviews for two awesome books. Both of these authors are superb! You write such good reviews, Toni. So far I have not had any problem with posting reviews on Amazon. But I’m sure it is upsetting.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply ↓
  5. D. Wallace Peach

    Two excellent reads, Toni. I enjoyed both books. Sally and Jacqui are a couple of my go-to authors. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! And sorry to hear about Amazon rejecting your reviews. They’ve done that to me too, unfortunately.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply ↓
    1. Toni Pike Post author

      Thanks so much, Terri – i highly recommend Sally’s! I’m afraid my next book will be quite a while. Last year, I neglected writing because I was working on various health health issues. I’m starting something now. Have a lovely week xxx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓
  7. olganm

    Congratulations to Jacqui and Sally, and thank you for sharing your excellent review, Toni. I have to catch up with Jacqui’s books, as I’ve read many wonderful reviews of them, but haven’t decided which one to read first. I must check my list. And it is always a joy to see Sally’s books featured. She is so talented and is always working hard to bring attention to other people’s work. Thanks, Toni!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply ↓
    1. Toni Pike Post author

      Hi Olga, thank you so much – both books are wonderful. I decided to start with book one in Jacqui’s series, and I’m glad I did. I think it’s a real masterpiece of prehistoric fiction, I’ll be reading the whole series. It’s like stepping back in time to our ancient past. xx

      Liked by 1 person

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