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Fairies, Myths, & Magic: Book Review

Colleen Chesebro has a new book of poetry and short stories. The tagline is “A Summer Celebration” and how perfect that it was released on the summer solstice. I snapped it up and read it while the sun lollygagged overhead.  Rather than quiz Colleen, I asked her if I could share my favorite short story from the book, and she agreed. Her gorgeous story “The Pond” struck a deep chord, as if she’d written it just for me. My review for the collection follows. ❤

The Pond

by Colleen Chesebro

My journey brings me to a nearby prairie slough where prescient reflections shimmer under the summer sun. Today, I am in pursuit of mythical enlightenment. You know, the kind where magic resonates in the shriek of a hawk and in the howling yips from the coyote pups that play on the sandy shore under a full moon. The alchemy of the moment is not lost on my hungering soul.

A numinous pack –
as turquoise heavens beseech
Mother Gaia’s goal.
Spirit, water, fire, earth, air,
her connection reigns supreme.

As I gaze into the pond, I see the reflections of the woman I’ve become, Past and future meld as one. For today, the wisdom I seek is my bond with the one.

***

My Review:

The tagline on this book is A Summer Celebration, and what better day to read it than on the summer solstice. Chesebro’s book is a collection of poetry and short stories that celebrates not only the presence of summer, but the connection of the human spirit to the Earth, a bond that is ancient, new, and eternal.

Some of the selections are playful like the mermaid bedtime story “A Fish Tale.” Or endearing like “Just What the Doctor Ordered,” in which two pixies get soused in a pitcher of mojitos. Others like “The Healer” take on mythic proportions and read like ancient legends.

But most delve into the mysterious and magical nature of the world around us and our journey through it. The theme of rebirth and self-discovery appears in both story and poem form, and these were perhaps my favorites because they felt both personal and universal. “The Rebirth” is a gorgeous haibun/tanka poem. “The Fairy Spider’s Lair” is full of Earth magic, and “The Pond” is a story that spoke to my soul. Just gorgeous.

I could go on and on, but you’ll have to pick up this book and read them yourself.

Have a free afternoon with nothing to do? …. Amazon Global Link

Bio:

Colleen M. Chesebro is a writer of YA fantasy and magical realism, cross-genre fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. She loves all things magical which may mean that she could be experiencing her second childhood – or not. That part of her life hasn’t been fully decided yet.

A few years ago, a mystical experience led her to renew her passion for writing and storytelling. These days she resides in the fantasy realm of the Fairy Whisperer where she writes the magical poetry and stories that the fairy nymphs whisper to her in her dreams.

Colleen won the Little and Laugh Flash Fiction Contest sponsored by the CarrotRanch Literary Community.com in November 2017 for her piece, called “The Bus Stop.” Her debut novel, “The Heart Stone Chronicles: The Swamp Fairy,” won gold in the 2017 AuthorsDB.com cover contest.

Colleen lives in Colorado with her husband. When she is not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband and friends. She also loves gardening, reading, and crocheting old-fashioned doilies into works of art. You can learn more about Colleen at www.colleenchesebro.com

169 thoughts on “Fairies, Myths, & Magic: Book Review”

  1. Tiffy says:
    October 11, 2018 at 12:59 pm

    Grabbing this one right now! Great review.

    Like

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      October 17, 2018 at 7:40 am

      Thanks so much for stopping by the check out the review, Tiffy. (And sorry for the late reply… I was traveling). It really is a delightful and magical book for when you don’t want anything too heavy. I hope you enjoy the read. 🙂 Happy a great day!

      Like

  2. Shruti Shetty Abhishek Karunakar says:
    August 30, 2018 at 1:36 am

    wonderful blog!

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Vashti Q says:
    August 7, 2018 at 2:58 pm

    Hello! Lovely short story and tanka, Colleen. And wonderful review! Congratulations! All the best with your new book, my friend! Thanks for hosting, Diana. 😀 xx

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Sarah says:
    July 20, 2018 at 4:45 am

    Wonderful review, Diana! Makes me want to read more! Who could resist magic and fairies?

    Liked by 2 people

  5. patriciaruthsusan says:
    July 17, 2018 at 4:50 am

    Reblogged this on Musings on Life & Experience and commented:
    A review by D. Wallace Peach of Colleen Chesebro’s new book “Fairies, Myths, & Magic”.

    Liked by 2 people

  6. coldhandboyack says:
    July 16, 2018 at 3:56 am

    Wonderful review.

    Liked by 2 people

  7. Miriam Hurdle says:
    July 15, 2018 at 10:54 pm

    Great review, Diana. I got it as soon as it was available. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  8. mylilplace says:
    July 15, 2018 at 2:29 pm

    Another one added to my list.

    Liked by 2 people

  9. anotetohuguette says:
    July 15, 2018 at 1:54 pm

    Gorgeous writing…your review has a touch of magic, too, Diana…some of the highlights have left me dreaming…congratulations Colleen!

    Liked by 2 people

  10. olganm says:
    July 15, 2018 at 11:35 am

    Great review! Congratulations to Colleen and her magical new book.

    Liked by 2 people

  11. Colleen Chesebro says:
    July 15, 2018 at 9:15 am

    Reblogged this on Colleen Chesebro ~ The Fairy Whisperer and commented:
    I was thrilled that Diana featured me on her blog, Myths of the Mirror. (A favorite book of mine) Please stop by and say hello. Don’t forget my new book, Fairies, Myths, & Magic ~ A Summer Celebration is on sale for $.99 Kindle, and $5.99 for the paperback through this summer. Hugs on the wing! ❤

    Liked by 2 people

  12. Julie Holmes, author says:
    July 14, 2018 at 1:00 pm

    Love the excerpt! This one must go on my TBR. Great review, Diana! Good luck with the release, Colleen.

    Liked by 2 people

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      July 15, 2018 at 9:31 am

      Thanks for the visit and for checking out the story and review. A lovely read for a sunny afternoon, Julie. I’m a little under the weather so will catch up with your posts tomorrow or Tuesday. Until then…Happy Writing! ❤

      Liked by 2 people

  13. Sean P Carlin says:
    July 13, 2018 at 5:16 pm

    It would seem, Diana, you’ve found a kindred creative spirit in Colleen! Thanks for introducing her…

    Liked by 2 people

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      July 14, 2018 at 10:26 am

      Thanks for stopping by, Sean. Yes, I think we both recognize that there is more to this planet than meets the scientific eye. Right now we call it magic. Perhaps a century from now, we’ll have the empirical skills to move it into reality. 🙂 Fun to think about! Have a great weekend. ❤

      Liked by 2 people

      • Sean P Carlin says:
        July 16, 2018 at 10:59 am

        Einstein said that when we try with our limited means to penetrate the secrets of nature, behind all laws and connections remains something intangible and inexplicable.

        Liked by 2 people

        • D. Wallace Peach says:
          July 16, 2018 at 11:53 am

          Einstein was amazing wasn’t he. He gave us so many completely unexpected and awesome quotes about the imagination, fantasy, wonder, and the possibilities dangling out there in the unknown. I think that open-mindedness is part of true genius. 😀

          Liked by 2 people

  14. Jina Bazzar says:
    July 12, 2018 at 1:00 pm

    Wonderful review, Diana. I love funny and endearing books. and it’s magical too!

    Liked by 3 people

  15. roughwighting says:
    July 12, 2018 at 11:39 am

    You had me at the “lollygagging” sun. And then Colleen’s short story, which pulled me in with wonder. Lovely words. Lovely stories. Lovely review, Diana. And Colleen – to our past, present and future selves, bonded as one. xo

    Liked by 3 people

  16. Smorgasbord Blogger and #Reviews Daily – Thursday July 12th 2018 – D.Wallace Peach, Sue Vincent and Wendy of My Plaid Heart #Scotland | Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life says:
    July 12, 2018 at 10:00 am

    […] Head over and read the rest of Diana’s review: https://mythsofthemirror.com/2018/07/10/fairies-myths-magic-book-review/ […]

    Liked by 3 people

  17. Christy B says:
    July 12, 2018 at 9:14 am

    Congratulations Colleen on such a beautiful review! I love The Pond – just read it here in this post 🙂 It’s lovely of Diana to pen this review and for you to know her thoughts on it!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Colleen Chesebro says:
      July 12, 2018 at 6:06 pm

      Thanks, Christy. I’m so thrilled with Diana’s review. Isn’t it great to have such a fabulous support group? Thanks for all you do! ❤

      Liked by 3 people

  18. Annika Perry says:
    July 12, 2018 at 9:14 am

    Aww…this sounds like pure magic, dreamy and I’m smitten by your review and The Pond! Although a short story, it is lyrical and has a fey-like quality. Wonderful!

    Liked by 4 people

  19. Marietta Rodgers says:
    July 12, 2018 at 6:11 am

    Sounds like a magical book, just perfect for the summer!

    Liked by 3 people

  20. Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. says:
    July 12, 2018 at 4:38 am

    Lovely review Diana and congratulations Colleen, so delighted your new book is here..hugsxx

    Liked by 3 people

  21. Adele Marie says:
    July 11, 2018 at 11:17 pm

    What a beautiful review of Colleen’s magical book, thank you, Diana. xxx

    Liked by 3 people

  22. acflory says:
    July 11, 2018 at 4:23 pm

    For some arcane reason, WP won’t let me click the like button so….LIKE!

    Liked by 3 people

  23. rijanjks says:
    July 11, 2018 at 1:28 pm

    What a wonderful review for Colleen’s new book! A beautiful excerpt to share too.

    Liked by 3 people

  24. Marje @ Kyrosmagica says:
    July 11, 2018 at 12:34 pm

    A lovely review for Colleen’s lovely new book. I enjoyed it so much too. 🙂

    Liked by 4 people

  25. readinpleasure says:
    July 11, 2018 at 7:12 am

    Lovely review, Diana. 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      July 11, 2018 at 7:16 am

      I’m glad you liked the review, Celestine. Colleen did a nice job with this collection. You might enjoy her website too as her weekly challenges include haiku as an option. 🙂 Have a wonderful day and Happy Writing!

      Liked by 2 people

    • Colleen Chesebro says:
      July 12, 2018 at 6:15 pm

      Hello, Celestine. How nice to meet you. Please stop by anytime and join in my weekly poetry challenge. Thanks for stopping by. ❤

      Liked by 2 people

  26. Don Massenzio says:
    July 11, 2018 at 3:24 am

    Reblogged this on DSM Publications and commented:
    Check out this review of the story collection, Fairies, Myths, & Magic – A Summer Celebration, by Colleen Chesebro, as featured in this post from the Myths of the Mirror blog.

    Liked by 3 people

  27. Iris@poetsmith says:
    July 10, 2018 at 7:41 pm

    A fabulous review, Diana. Congrats Colleen! 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

  28. Bette A. Stevens says:
    July 10, 2018 at 5:41 pm

    Lovely share from Colleen’s book and a great review! 🙂 Have this one on my klndle…

    Liked by 3 people

  29. balroop2013 says:
    July 10, 2018 at 5:27 pm

    Fantastic review Diana, I agree with you, there is a great variety in this collection. I really enjoyed reading this magical book. 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

  30. dgkaye says:
    July 10, 2018 at 5:13 pm

    What a fabulous review for Colleen’s beautiful book. So glad you enjoyed it as I did Diana. ❤

    Liked by 3 people

  31. Billy Ray Chitwood says:
    July 10, 2018 at 4:24 pm

    Lovely review! ♥

    Liked by 3 people

  32. Jill Weatherholt says:
    July 10, 2018 at 2:29 pm

    Fantastic review! I enjoyed reading the excerpt, too. A big congratulations to Colleen!

    Liked by 3 people

  33. thecontentedcrafter says:
    July 10, 2018 at 1:29 pm

    I follow Colleen but rarely get to her site – it’s just a matter of time allowance online – but I love this little excerpt and I love that bio pic of her – and as it appears we have a similar take on life, I really must allow just a little more online time 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      July 10, 2018 at 2:57 pm

      Isn’t that bio pic wonderful. She’s a fairy whisperer after all. And she does have a very positive outlook, Pauline. A sweet person like so many here on WP. Thanks for the visit and Happy Creating!

      Liked by 3 people

    • Colleen Chesebro says:
      July 10, 2018 at 3:11 pm

      I must say, you have me glowing. Thanks so much for finding me here at Diana’s place. 💜💜💜

      Liked by 5 people

  34. Colleen Chesebro says:
    July 10, 2018 at 1:18 pm

    Thank you so very much for sharing “The Pond,” Diana, and your lovely review (which has found its way into the paperback version). You’ve made my day with this lovely post. ❤

    Liked by 4 people

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      July 10, 2018 at 2:54 pm

      Oh good! I really loved that piece. It reminded me in a way of The Mirror. 🙂 And what a treat that you included the review in the print version, Colleen. I’m honored. Well, enjoy the comments and have fun over here. 🙂 ❤

      Liked by 2 people

      • Colleen Chesebro says:
        July 10, 2018 at 3:15 pm

        Thanks, again, Diana. This piece is about a pond near our house. After I read “Myths of the Mirror,” I knew I had traveled there with you. 💜💜💜

        Liked by 2 people

  35. Silent Hour says:
    July 10, 2018 at 1:17 pm

    Lovely story and a sweet review from you! I really like the cover too.

    Liked by 1 person

  36. watchingthedaisies says:
    July 10, 2018 at 11:06 am

    A lovely review Diana. I am going to read it in a day or two. 🌼

    Liked by 3 people

  37. Cheryl Sonnier says:
    July 10, 2018 at 10:37 am

    Lovely excerpt. And good review. I’ll put it on my ‘to read’ list. 🙂

    Liked by 4 people

  38. House of Heart says:
    July 10, 2018 at 10:27 am

    Lovely review of this book Diane. I hope to get it soon. ♥️

    Liked by 3 people

  39. Jacquie Biggar says:
    July 10, 2018 at 9:58 am

    A wonderful review, Diana! I love the message in the short story above, thanks for sharing and congrats to Colleen!

    Liked by 3 people

  40. Mary J. McCoy-Dressel says:
    July 10, 2018 at 9:53 am

    Your new book sounds like the perfect summer read, Colleen. Thanks for sharing the short story from the book, and the review, Diana.

    Liked by 4 people

  41. Mae Clair says:
    July 10, 2018 at 9:50 am

    A great review. Congratulations to Colleen!

    Liked by 3 people

  42. thebookwormdrinketh says:
    July 10, 2018 at 9:14 am

    … Mermaids? Pixies soused on margaritas?? Well, you had all the magic words!! It just SCREAMS “pair me with a drink, Nicole!!” 💖💖🍻

    Liked by 3 people

  43. wordsfromanneli says:
    July 10, 2018 at 9:11 am

    Magic and fantasy are a common thread for both Diana and Colleen, it seems. Nice writing sample. Best of luck with your new book, Colleen.

    Liked by 4 people

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