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/ Past Monthly Featured Review

Blossoms of Hope

Rating:
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
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Title: Blossoms of Hope

Author: Jami Lyne Kellett

Publication Date: April 13, 2023

Genre: Poetry

Cover:

The cover of Blossoms of Hope is the definition of whimsical and offers a joyful vibe with a strong reference to the natural world.

Premise

Blossoms of Hope is a collection of poetry from the heart and soul of a woman who has lived through intense pain but also one who has found her inner strength. She encourages readers to always hold tight to hope, no matter the circumstances.

Why I chose this book:

I was first introduced to Kellett in 2022 when I tweeted about The Redhead Notes needing more poetry. I planned to review her debut book of poetry, Scribbles of a Broken Sparrow, in 2022; however, my life came crashing down around me after my mom and husband were both diagnosed with cancer, and my stepson died unexpectedly. Blossoms of Hope entered my life in 2023 during a time of intense healing, and I will forever be grateful for Kellett’s inspiration in my own journey.

First Impression:

If the goal of an author is to connect with her reader, then Kellett can be assured that she has done this with just her dedication alone. I was in tears as I read her words, “Dedicated to all who have suffered in silence – May you hang on to the promise of hope, may peace fill your soul.” I found a soft place to land as I processed my own grief and pain with poems such as “Echoes of Hope” and “Your Light.”

What I loved:

I’m not going to pretend to be a poetry expert, but I can speak as to what moves me about Kellett’s words. More than anything, I find her transparency and vulnerability to be a breath of fresh air, especially in today’s world of filters and only posting about our successes. Kellett’s ability to present her deepest, and even darkest, thoughts and feelings to the world is admirable and only highlights her unfathomable strength as she wrestles with issues such as love, loss, anxiety, and depression.

While Scribbles of a Broken Sparrow dives deep into the darkness, Blossoms of Hope reminds readers that tomorrow is a new day. Hope is not necessarily something that comes rushing in all at once. It’s the “magic in a sunrise” and awakening “to the sounds of morning…to the sounds of life.” As I have progressed on my healing journey, I have found this to be true. It’s not that I suddenly woke up, and the pain or the anxiety was gone. It’s that hope inched its way into my life moment by precious moment.

Additional Thoughts:

Reading Kellett’s books is to be part of her life and her personal journey that she so generously shares with her readers. Each book shows her burdens, struggles, strength, and ability to conquer her challenges. As an outsider, her books allow me to witness her progression in becoming the woman she is destined to be, and I am excited to see what her future holds.

Quotable Quotes:

I found it challenging to select favorite lines from Kellett’s work. Instead, I’ve chosen to share several of my favorite poems via my blog. I hope you enjoy! Kellett’s Poetry

Who might enjoy this book:

Blossoms of Hope is ideal for lovers of poetry who have faced down the dark moments in life, giving them hope for tomorrow.

Overall Impression:

Five stars. In laying herself bare in front of her readers, Kellett has connected deeply and meaningfully with others, and isn’t that the whole point of sharing our art? She takes the small and even unnoticed moments in life and finds hope and joy in them, reminding us that where we are today does not need to be where we start tomorrow.

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