From a Review of "Brookhaven"

A review of "Brookhaven" by Jody Collins on Substack: 

"As you know, Miss Putnam, every story has a before, a during, and an after. I think it's how we make sense of the stories we hear, to organize them that way. Novels are like that, generally." Sam McClure (the elder) in "Brookhaven" by @Glynn Young. Historical fiction is my new favorite genre and Glynn Young's story, Brookhaven is the main reason why. I was a poor student of the Civil War when I was in school, so I learned a lot about particulars of a number of battles, as well as the effects of the war on the South. Young manages to weave a love story into a mystery surrounding a stealth-footed youth whose undercover intelligence (supposedly) aided Robert E. Lee and his army of Northern Virginia during the Civil War. This poet also enjoyed Young's addition of a Henry Wadsworth Longfellow poem at the head of each chapter, making Brookhaven both a time capsule of literature and a captivating, history book-worthy tale. (from my Amazon review). If you’re a historical fiction/love story fan, I highly recommend “Brookhaven.” 

"Emmanuel Poems" by Jody Collins

If you want to find ways to slow down and reflect during the holiday season, Jody Collins just might have something for you. Her new Emmanuel Poems are in invitation to do just that – sit down, turn off the computer, tablet, and phone, and read 10 delightful poems. 

The poems address the season of Advent, how to “prepare him room,” Anna waiting in the temple (Simeon must be away for the moment), the cycle of Jesus’ life, the manger, the star of Bethlehem, the mystery of Jesus’s birth, and more. A lot more.  

 

Jody Collins

As Collins has done before with her poetry collections, these poems are quiet, thoughtful, and carefully considered. They offer insights into the Biblical accounts of the birth and childhood of the messiah, prompting you to go to a much different place than the commercial holiday we’re so familiar with.

 

A bonus is the watercolors Collins includes after each poem, artwork that resemble a kind of frosted stained glass.

 

Collins is the author of Hearts on Pilgrimage: Poems & Prayers and Living the Season wWell: Reclaiming Christmas. A retired teacher, she is both a writer and writing coach. She lives with her family in the Seattle area.

 

Slow down for the holidays and read Emmanuel Poems. It will do your heart and soul good.

 

Related:

 

Living the Season Well by Jody Collins.