by Cheryl Batavia

Book Review of In the Shadow of Rainbows by Selma Martin

Published by Ingrid Wilson
Experiments in Fiction Publishing

In the Shadow of Rainbows

by

Selma Martin

In the Shadow of Rainbows is a delightful and profoundly thoughtful collection of poems. Selma Martin’s inner light radiates from every sparkling page.

Selma Martin’s lively, colorful word choices enrich her writing. From scientific references to literary allusions, from interntional slang to quaint, archaic expressions, words flow harmoniously in her poems.

Throughout the book, you will find exquisite imagery. Inspiration comes from nature: ocean, sky, sunlight, moonlight, stars, flora, fauna, and of course, shadows and rainbows.

Butterflies appear in many poems. In “Instinct,” a pregnant butterfly becomes a beautiful metaphor for motherhood.

In “Poetry,” the poet writes about nature:

I came out to write a nature poem,

but of poetry writing, I learned this

in attempting to write, I must fuse with it,

for in nature, the poet exists

Selma Martin’s humanity illuminates everything she writes. In a poem about a father’s hopes for his sons, “Compass,” there is a beautiful line, “as for all son’s, there exists hope.”

“Golden Durability” speaks to us about material values vs. spiritual values, pointing out that an heirloom is a legacy of love.

“Little Vessel” is an eloquent, sensitive reflection on the death of a missing child. it expresses a wide range of emotions and ends with heart-touching empathy.

The poet’s words inspire readers to be their best selves and to live a life of purpose and love for others. “Extra” reminds us that we have a personal responsibility for our lives:

On this day given to you by the giver

put the squanderer to rest

call forth the sower of hope

and from within, bring out your best.

“When Death Comes” reveals the author’s personal perspective on how life should be lived:

When death comes

I want to be led into eternity

curious, full of joy

knowing that the world I leave

is better for the love I gave.

In the Shadow of Rainbows is surely one of Selma Martin’s most loving gifts to the world! ❤

Congratulations to Selma on the success of her book, In the Shadow of Rainbows, number one best-seller on Amazon in multiple categories!

Congratulations to Ingrid Wilson and EIF, Experiments in Fiction Publishing!

If you have not yet read Selma’s inspiring new book, a beautiful and moving experience awaits you!

65 Comments

  4. Unknown's avatar

    You light up my world with song. How lovely of you to do this, Cheryl. I saw your review on Amazon, minutes before lights out… I shared it on my website this morning.
    Thanks, dear one. It’s voices like yours that are making this book soar. That is why this book is doing so well.
    I am just the conduit of kind words to touch a world that’s turning kinder by the minute.
    WE are planting trees (and seeds) under which we know we will not sit for shade. But our children will, and their children too. So let’s not stop. Blessings on your weekend. And all your endeavors.

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  6. Unknown's avatar

    Thank you, Cheryl, for this lovely review of a beautiful book that will certainly inspire potential readers to go for this. The book is already doing well, and your review is like the icing on the cake. Congratulations to you and Selma 👏❤️

    Liked by 3 people

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  7. Unknown's avatar

    Hi Cheryl,

    I enjoyed reading your review of the book ‘In the Shadow of rainbows’.
    Your review has the highlight, depth, and the message;
    most importantly, I felt ‘a kind of flow moving in a positive direction’.

    Congratulations to the book author and the publisher, Selma and Ingrid.
    Best wishes.✨✨

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    2. Unknown's avatar

      Lokesh thanks so much for your lovely words about Cheryl’s review of my book. It ‘almost’ sounds like you’re referring to the book itself. 🤔 and I love what you said. Thanks for your kindness. I bless you. Happy summer. Xoxo

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    2. Unknown's avatar

      Hey, Eugi Thanks for the congratulations of the book and all who made this possible. I had a whole village cheering us along. It has been amazing. Thanks, dearly.
      Cheryl gifted the book a wonderful review. I’m so happy to receive this.
      Be well, Eugi. Happy summer.

      Liked by 1 person

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    2. Unknown's avatar

      Hey, Paul. Thanks so much for reading, commenting and for being inspired to want to check it out.
      I’m so grateful bro Cheryl for the lovely words she wrote.
      Thanks so much to you for reading. I bless you and wish you miracles. Xo, Selma Martin

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    2. Unknown's avatar

      Hey, Simone your words about Cheryl’s review/my book have warmed my soul. How very nice of you. I appreciate all the support come from everywhere. Bless you dear one and I wish you miracles. Happy summer too.

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    2. Unknown's avatar

      Kritika, hi. Your lovely sentiments have reached me. And touched me warmly. Thanks for using them on me. I bless you. Hope you’re having a fantastic summer. Stay cool. And I wish you miracles. Xo, Selma Martin 💕

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      1. Unknown's avatar

        I am enjoying summers here. Thank you kindly for the wishes 🙂
        Wish you miracles as well Selma. (heart) xo
        All the best for your book. Hope you achieve much more greater successes in the coming days.
        I am sorry to have not gone through your blog posts yet but surely will read through them slowly. 😀
        Have a fabulous weekend (hearts)

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  15. Unknown's avatar

    What a wonderful review, Cheryl. I’m reading her book now, and am enjoying it. Golden Durability was one of the poems that spoke to me in this collection. Selma’s love for nature and people shine through. Congratulations to Selma on yet another wonderful review.

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