My Book Reviews

Please see my about page for details of e-book.

“Liana Wendy Howarth shares her heart in ‘Fragrance From The Spring’ through poetry. As I read the poems I could feel the author’s pain, her ‘undoneness’ so to speak and her longing to find rest and peace in the arms of the Savior! In many of her poems you sense the battle being waged between flesh and spirit.

Her love for our Savior and the victory we find in Him is evidenced throughout her work! Many of her poems reminded me of the book of Psalms where we find a lot written about our longing for relationship with the Savior and the victory we have over the enemy of our souls through the resurrection power of the Lord!

And if that edification isn’t enough, she also adds some poetry for kids and shares some thoughtful greeting card ideas. The part I liked best was her intercessory prayer for her readers that the love of God would come to rest upon their souls and develop a relationship with Jesus all their own.

Liana Wendy Howarth
Fragrance From The Spring
e-book

I recommend this book to anyone seeking comfort from the afflictions of this world. The author has offered to share her heart with us using herself as an example that we are not alone in our sufferings. We all ‘fallen humanity’ struggle! And the place to find the love and rest we so earn for is found in the arms of Jesus! ”

Wendy B McLain (faithwriters.com) http://www.thekingstranz4mdscribe.com/

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“Ms. Howarth definitely has a way with words. Her poems spring to life as I read each one. From her alphabet of blessings, hopes and concerns to her whimsical verse about a kitten, I felt like she was taking me on a delightful journey. This is perfect for people of all ages. One poem in particular touched my heart: Didn’t Get Much For Your Birthday…Think Again. This piece transported me back twenty some years ago when my oldest and I were driving in the car on my birthday. I pointed to the sunset and said, “Look, Jesus gave me a beautiful sunset for my birthday.” Several weeks later we found ourselves enjoying another sunset when my daughter exclaimed, “Look, Mommy, it must be someone’s birthday!” This poem reminded me of that wonderful time in my life and I stopped to thank God for my blessings.She expertly captured my attention and left me with a warm fuzzy feeling deep inside my heart. This is a book that will be treasured for years, a special bedtime treat for children of all ages and their parents too.”

Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom (faithwriters.com)
(You can find Shann’s wonderful children’s book “Tie My Shoe” on Amazon)

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REVIEW FROM ANITA OVER AT HOPE FLOURISHES/SCATTERING THE STONES

With much thankfulness to Anita for all she has done and is doing in my life.

Do you love poetry?
March 20, 2014 by Anita

I must say that I do love poetry. It’s no co-incidence that I also love the Book of Psalms, a book that I spend a lot fragrance from the Spring poetry bookof time reading and being blessed by.

When I was invited to review Liana Howarth’s book – Fragrance from the Spring: A collection of inspirational and children’s poetry, I was eager to read it.

In her book description it says: It is her heart’s desire that these poems will bring special moments to the little ones and comfort for anyone hurting, those crying unseen tears, anyone needing the Saviour … and we all do!
Contents:

There are two poetry sections: for children (and the children at heart) and inspirational.

There are too many poems to list, but below I give a sample of what you can expect.
For the little ones there are poems such as –

Didn’t Get Much for Your Birthday- Think Again
How Do You Feel?
Sally Seaweed’s Underwater Party
See the Snow Pink Ballerina
The Jolly Old Music Band
The Mixed-Up Toys
What we shaped for Yesterday
For the inspirational section there are poems such as –

A Light, it Shineth
A Seed Planted
A Wound Too Deep
Abundant Joy
Butterflies
His death, our Life
Waiting

Reflecting on the book

I can see this poetry book being a real family favourite. If I had children, I would love to sit with them and read through the poems together, but when I next see my God children, I think I will read a few with them.

Liana’s writing is full of her beautiful tender touch with words; the children’s poems have wonderful gentle humour in them. Her inspirational poetry brought me tears, joy, and fresh wonder at how our Lord speaks to us.

If I began to pick out my favourites we would be here all day

I thought that The Family Prayer was beautiful, and something I could see many families adding into their prayer time.

Here is a stanza from The Family Prayer poem for you to enjoy –

“Shelter us in the shadow of Your cross,
Where we can find life, where You suffered loss,
Pour out Your mercy and grace, show us how,
To ask for forgiveness, for sins past, future, now.
Cover our home, our lives and our thoughts.
Our speech, our minds and all that falls short,
Of the glory of God, Lord of Lords, King of kings,
May wondrous in awe praises, our mouths always sing.”

At the back of her book Liana has thoughtfully added some greeting card suggestions

She says – ‘When unable to send flowers, here’s a bunch of thank you cards for friends and family who are a special blessing in your life.’

I thought this was a lovely idea, how many times do we get stumped by wondering what words to add? Liana’s helpful suggestions will add beauty to any card you send.

Verdict

I love Liana’s book and I’m sure many other’s will too. If you are looking for a Mother’s Day gift idea, I think this would make a wonderful present. I will certainly be keeping my copy to come back to over and over again. I hope Liana sells many copies as I know it will bless every person who reads it.

Buy a copy

Liana’s ebook can be bought through Amazon

Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.com

Anita

Declaration: I was given a free copy for review purposes.

Her review for my e-book can be seen here http://www.hopeflourishes.com/love-poetry/
http://www.scatterthestones.co.uk/
Please take the time to check out her wonderful blogs.

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April 14, 2014
A REVIEW FROM JOHANNA OVER AT BOOKLOVERS1 … http://booklovers1.wordpress.com/

This review has been in the making for over 6 months! It’s not that the poems were a struggle to get through, it’s quite the opposite in fact!!! Liana wrote so beautifully that I wanted to digest everything! Such beauty I know I will savour for the rest of my life! I hope you enjoy this review and that you will get this book. I know that it will inspire, encourage and uplift you!! (sorry Liana that it has taken to long!)

FragranceFragrance From The Spring is a wonderful, refreshing, inspiring and encouraging collection of poems, written by Liana Wendy Howarth. This book is broken up into several sections, the first one being aimed at children, the second one about joy, compassion and hope, the next
and the second more inspirational. I have decided to write this review whilst reading the book because I want to accurately capture and convey all the details I want to, in the correct manner.
As what you normally do, you begin reading at the beginning of the book. So this is where I will start. Poetry is one of my favourite aspect of literature, especially when each poem has been analysed, as it is then that I am able to fully appreciate its beauty. Don’t worry, Liana’s aren’t that complex! However, her poems are easy to comprehend, allowing their beauty to really shine though. The few that I have read have really inspired and encouraged me. They highlighted Christian values, God’s love and principles that apply especially to children. One that comes to mind regards a child who is moving house again, further into the city and away from his old friends. The lesson learned is that things we may dread can be fun. But it all depends what we make of the situation. The other ones I wish to share are the first couple. The first one (Childhood Memories of England) regards the reflections of an adult on her childhood memories from England. The imagery is just amazing! I was captivated. The second one (Didn’t Get Much For Your Birthday….. Think Again) is a great reminder for children who still want more presents. Yet Liana reminds us that the beauty of the World is God’s gift to us which represent his “endless gifts to all”. This poem really hit home for me because it reminded me how much I really take life for granted and how easily I actually forget God, when his love and presents are surrounding me all day, I just don’t realise it. Quite frankly I felt ashamed, but I am thankful and blessed to have read it. Thanks Liana! Now, off to read a few more…..The other ones are just as good! With picture book perfection, Liana’s descriptions really bring the stories to life. With animals, ballet, lost kittens, toys, dreams, farms, zoos etc… I know Liana is able to engage children in her stories, no doubt about that! What I also love are the morals some of the poems have behind them, including the special gift of life, love and friendship. The thought provoking questions are also really cool as they include the readers, giving children a little secret.
Next up are the Poems of Joy, Compassion and Hope. These poems are really for a wide range of readers, beginning at high school students, unbelievers, to believers because they deal with relevant issues, being exams, the meaning of the cross and the perfect Lamb of God, and praise and glory to God!! How refreshing, encouraging and inspirational it is reading these poems. With scriptural references and indirect quotations, I felt truly blessed and uplifted.

What I love most about these poems, is that they speak and reveal God for who he is – His Grace, love, forgiveness. A Wounding Question reflects this beautifully, because it gently reminds us that God knows everything about us and will willingly hold us in time of comfort. But who will hold his? That is the question that gets to me because it reveals God’s goodness and depth of love which makes me want to humble myself and follow him with all my heart!!

This collection of poems really speaks to the heart and soul. In some cases it can even be read as a prayer. With beautiful imagery and analogies, Liana really touches the soul!! Reading this collection will leave you refreshed and with new energy for Christ!! Praise God for Liana’s gift that i hope all you will be able to experience!!

Make sure to visit Liana’s blog for more poems. They really are food for the soul!!