Book Review: Connie Arnold’s A Symphony of Seasons

When I hear from author Connie Arnold, I sit up and take notice. She has the gift to not just write, but paint with her words. I can’t think of a lot of people who can do that.

Connie has a new book out and it was my pleasure to review it. In addition, Connie was kind enough to allow me to pick her brain so we could all get to know her better.

First, let me tell you about A Symphony of Seasons. Connie breaks the book into Songs of Each Season, Winter, Spring, Summer,  and Fall. I’m not able to share a sample, but I don’t need to. A Symphony of Seasons is so reasonably priced, you can purchase it and agree with me.

• Connie really paints words. I’m someone that has trouble picturing things unless it is right before me. I’m not an abstract thinker. This is what makes her work so special, because in few words, she gives a panoramic, sweeping view of her subject. Her landscapes make me want to go where it is she is “painting.” She makes it look easy, but it isn’t. If you enjoy nature, praise, God’s beauty and the seasons, you are in for a real treat.

• She covers the seasons. As I went through her poems, every moment I could think for each season is included. The book is comprehensive, incorporating every sight and sound that I could imagine about each season. There’s not an event or a part of the senses that isn’t included–and it’s all done with mastery and beauty.

A Symphony of Seasons is another inspired, vivid work by Connie Arnold. I’d love for you to read my interview with her, and then click on the link to learn more about her and how to purchase her latest release.

What came first—visual worship or writing, or, are they one in the same?

 I think definitely visual worship. It seems to me that is what brings the inspiration that flows into the writing, creating a word picture of the visual and expressing worship in a manner that can be shared by the reader.

What was the writing process for A Symphony of Seasons like?

It was a matter of having all senses open, being totally aware of my surroundings at all times, wherever I went. Whatever the season, beauty was waiting to be found, and creation sang its song of life and praise to the Lord everywhere I looked. It involved seeing and listening with the heart, not just the physical senses. Thoughts were jotted down as they were inspired, and then once each poem was begun, it usually flowed fairly easily.

What is your favorite season?

Spring and fall both appeal to me with the beauty they contain, one with new life beginning and the other as things are dying. I love spring flowers and also the colorful leaves of fall. The hope and renewal of spring make me choose it as my favorite.

What do you hope the reader receives through A Symphony of Seasons?

A greater sense of God’s presence in every aspect of creation at all times is one thing I hope readers receive. In addition, I hope the music of the verses speaks to their hearts, bringing joy and a heightened awareness of the beauty of life and God’s love.

Do you do any writing other than poetry?

Yes, I have been writing for children for the last few years, since I became a grandmother. My first children’s book was published two years ago, and I have three more accepted yet to be published.

Thank you, Connie, for your time!

About Connie Arnold:

Connie is a writer, musician, wife, mother and grandmother who uses her writing to help her cope with the challenges of each day living with lupus and fibromyalgia. She looks for the positive things in life that are uplifting and inspiring, and turns them into poems that encourage others. She is also the author of three other poetry books, Beautiful Moments of Joy and Peace, Abiding Hope and Love and Abundant Comfort and Grace.

Leave a comment to be entered into prize drawings for a Vivaldi Four Seasons CD and a hummingbird suncatcher wind chime. Additional entries can be earned for comments left on the other blogs during the tour and for sharing this post or any of the posts during the tour on Facebook or Twitter (be sure to post a comment here when you do that so you’ll get your extra entries).

The tour schedule is posted on Connie’s blog   http://conniearnold.blogspot.com

Purchase a signed copy of A Symphony of Seasons from Connie’s website or email her at conarnold(at)gmail(dot)com and receive a free framed nature photo from one of the seasons with a short verse. Be sure to specify if you have a preference for a particular season.

A Symphony of Seasons may be purchased from  Amazon

RPJ and Company 

Smashwords
ebook available at a discount through May 31, 2012 
Promotional price: $3.25
Coupon Code: QX77N

I received A Symphony of Seasons via PDF for review purposes from the author in exchange for participating in her blog tour and reviewing her book with honesty.

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