Crafting Poetry One Syllable at a Time
At 50 Imogen had been married for over 20 years, and was living in a big house, with money to spare. Suddenly she is traded-in for a younger model, a Fast-Tracker.
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Devastated, she hides away and indulges in binge eating. But then, when hope is almost gone, she meets a new friend and makes a journey to her past that helps her move on to her future.
Title: Just an Odd Job Girl
Amazon Author Page: Sally Cronin
Publication Date: July 1, 2014
Formats: Paperback & Kindle
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Romance, Contemporary
When fifty-year-old Imogene Smythe (Baxter) is replaced by another woman (a fast-tracker), the reality of her divorce to Peter sends her life into a tailspin. For the last twenty years or so, this middle-aged woman has dedicated her life to raising her family.
After the divorce, Imogene’s left with too much time on her hands. After all, how many cartons of ice cream can one woman wallow in? Don’t answer that question!
An industrious sort, the divorcee decides to get a job, even though her resume shows she hasn’t worked in years. She visits a temp agency and proceeds to fill out her resume which sends the reader on a hilarious romp into Imogene’s past employment history. I’m a night reader and a few times I laughed so hard I woke up my husband!
At the office, Andrew, a placement agent, is charmed by Imogene’s pleasant personality as she details the jobs, locations, her bosses, and many of the customers she took care of. This journey into her past causes her self-worth to skyrocket and her confidence blooms. Not only does Imogene find herself, but she also finds true happiness.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. The author is a consummate storyteller and her writing skills are evident. The premise was brilliant and from start, to finish, the story is told with enough pathos and humor to make Imogene a role model for all middle-aged women who find themselves starting over from scratch.
I did receive this story as a gift. I enjoyed it so much, I wanted to share my thoughts.
Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 5
Reader Engagement: 5
Reader Enrichment: 5
Reader Enjoyment: 5
Overall Rate: 5 out of 5 Fairies
*I follow the Amazon Rating System*
I have been a storyteller most of my life (my mother called them fibs!). Poetry, song lyrics, and short stories were left behind when work and life intruded, but that all changed in 1996. My first book Size Matters was a health and weight loss book based on my own experiences of losing 70 kilos. I have written another ten books since then on health and also fiction including three collections of short stories. I am an indie author and proud to be one. My greatest pleasure comes from those readers who enjoy my take on health, characters and twisted endings… and of course, come back for more.
REVIEWS are so very important for an author and I am very grateful for the feedback that my books receive. If you have purchased or been gifted one of my books I would love to hear what you think about it. I do have some areas that you can help me with so that I can develop as a writer and it is in this post:
As a writer I know how important it is to have help in marketing books.. as important as my own promotion is, I believe it is important to support others. I offer a number of FREE promotional opportunities on my blog and linked to my social media. If you are an author who would like to be promoted to a new audience of dedicated readers, please contact me via my blog. All it will cost you is a few minutes of your time. Look forward to hearing from you.
And for more information on my books listed here at Amazon please visit
https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/my-books/
Blog: https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/
TWITTER: @sgc58
FACEBOOK: Sally Cronin
If you have your book listed on BookBub, I will add my review there also! ❤ Click HERE to follow me! (Colleen M. Chesebro) Let me know in the comments.
Are you looking for more great reads? Join author, D.G. Kaye and Sally Cronin in our Facebook group, The Literary Diva’s Library to find book reviews, book promotions, & special deals on books from authors you love.
Don’t forget to join us in the #ABRSC, Author Blogger Rainbow Support Club on Facebook. See you there! ❤
A wonderful review, Colleen. You laughed so loud to wake up your husband!! That’s a book everybody must read a have a good laugh.
Great book, Sally. ❤ ❤
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Thank you Miriam.. I did have fun writing it…♥
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Wonderful, Sally. ❤
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Sally’s humor is contagious. Seriously, this was a fabulous read! ❤️
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Let’s me check my kindle see if I have it. ❤
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Oh, you will enjoy this so much! ❤
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I’m sure, Colleen! ❤
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A fab review of Sally’s book.
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Thanks Darlene.. made my day, weekend, month and year…. xxxx
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Thanks, Darlene. I really loved this book. ❤️
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I really enjoyed thus book. I read it when Sally serialised it on her blog. Such a great story.☺️❤️
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Thank you Ritu…so pleased you enjoyed.. hugsxx♥
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❤️
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This was such a fun read. Quite brilliant! ❤️
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I am so glad you enjoyed it sis! ❤
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Thanks, Sis. It was a real standout! ❤
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Wow! Thank you so much!
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Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
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Thank you for sharing Jaye..hugsxxx
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Some people take what life throws at them and manage to come out smiling.
So glad you are one of those people, Sally…
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Thanks Jaye.. ♥
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Thank you so much Colleen and loved the review and that you found it funny and enjoyable. Imogen would have been delighted too. It has made me very happy this morning…. ♥♥
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You’re so welcome. I loved this book! Brilliant in the way you wove your employment history into the plot. Such an enjoyable read! ❤️❤️❤️
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♥♥
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Reblogged this on Smorgasbord Blog Magazine and commented:
There is no better way to start the day as an author than a five star review, particularly when it comes from Colleen Chesebro. This is her thoughts on Just an Odd Job Girl…
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I loved this book, Sally! Absolutely fab characters and the way you worked your past employment into the plot! Excellent! ❤️
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Sally’s stories are the best and this one bears more than a passing resemblance to her own working career. Great review, Colleen! 😉
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I loved this book. It was a really bright star in my snowy winter. I’ve heard rumors that these were her jobs which made it even more enjoyable. ❤️
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Thank you Olga..you are always so supportive..hugsx
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I second that! ❤
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A superb review for a wonderful writer who has conquered so many genres, from short stories to fiction novels to self-help books, and more!
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What an enjoyable read, Karen. I heard Sally had these jobs! So, brilliant! ❤
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Yes, my dear friend. And I must add that you Colleen are incredible too, because you have accomplished so much and the time it takes to do two blogs, novel writing, poetry writing, teaching others like me (Tanka) and so much more. And now we have http://www.MeWe.com and I am so looking forward to posting, having group conversations, and just being ourselves, whether Pagan, Celtic, Paranormal and all the variations of those who love fairies and more.
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Thank you Karen… so many interesting things to learn and not enough time…. xxx
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Sally, that is so true. There seems never to be enough time, doesn’t it. Although, we certainly try to make the most of it and you, Sally, are phenomenal! What you accomplish on a daily basis is incredible! Karen 🙂
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Thanks Karen… having a self-sufficient husband certainly helps…..hugs xxxx
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Great review, Colleen. This was the first book of Sally’s that I read, and I so enjoyed it. Heartwarming and full of humor. 🙂
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I really loved this book! I laughed myself out of winter! ❤ LOL!
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Thanks Diana.. that is every writer loves to hear… ♥
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What a wonderful review! Thank you for sharing Colleen.
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You’re welcome, Balroop. Great book! ❤
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Thank you Balroop..hugsx
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A fabulous review, Colleen. I also loved this book.
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Oh my goodness. It was so good. ❤
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Thanks Robbie.. xxx
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A wonderful review on a subject that unfortunately happens too often. Congrats to Sally!
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Well, I have had some interesting jobs, also, but never thought to create such a fabulous story around them. I have a degree in business admin. For a few years, I worked for a rancher in Montana. I remember thinking that never in a million years would I be discussing bull semen! LOL! 😀
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Who knew we would have that in common Colleen..at least we didn’t have to collect it…….xxx
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LOL! Now that’s funny, although the explanation the cowboys gave me was hysterical! 🤣🐂🐂🐂
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I can imagine…♥♥
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Lol. That sounds like a story, all right 😊
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LOL! It’s pretty funny! ❤️
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Thank you Jacquie…♥
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A great review, Colleen. I really enjoyed this book. It would make a good film or a television series. Netflix?
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Amazon Prime should snatch this one up! I really enjoyed the different jobs which I heard rumors were Sally’s actual jobs! Brilliant! ❤
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♥
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Thanks Mary.. I am working on the script..but like most things…. getting to the right people is going to be interesting.. I thought Netflix or possibly as a series Channel Four.. we shall see… dreams at the moment.. xxx
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We need to hold on to our dreams, Sally. Sometimes they do come true.
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♥♥
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Wonderful review. Hope it drives a few people Sally’s direction.
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I hope so too. I heard rumors that the jobs listed in this book were Sally’s. Now how brilliant is that?
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Thanks Craig…
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Fabulous review, Colleen! Thanks for sharing the laughter.
Bravo to Sally! Cheers to you both. 🙂
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Thank you, Natalie. ❤ Hugs back.
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Thank you Natalie..hugsxx♥
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Fab review Sis. This is my all time favorite book of Sal’s ❤ What's not to love xx
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Oh, I loved it too. But her tales from the garden books really touched the Faery in me. ❤️🧚♀️❤️🧚♀️
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But of course! ❤ xx
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Thank you Debby… as always… ♥
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❤
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I will have to find some more adventures for Queen Filigree in the next year… ♥
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Oh, yes… that would be most enjoyable. ❤
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Excellent review Colleen. Imogeon is such an nedearing character spunky yet shy. she has you rooting for her from the get go and the whole story is told with gentle humour and great believability- all of which you captured in your highly perceptive and sensitive review.
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Thanks, Paul. Sally can spin a tale like no other. You know what really appealed to me? She told the story in first person and it felt so much more intimate. I’m dabbling with the style myself. Sally gave me the confidence to press ahead. I can’t wait to see what she writes next! ❤
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Thanks Colleen.. neither can I !!!! ♥
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❤️❤️❤️
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You are right the first person is perfect for such an intimate tale. Good luck with your experiment. I’m sure you will do great Pxx
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Fingers crossed. Lots of world building. Thank goodness for my editor and mentor. I’m still a work in progress. LOL! Thank you, Paul. ❤
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Thanks Paul for the endorsement.. ♥
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What a wonderful review, Colleen. Congrats to Sally. I have this book on my kindle and I think it’s time to move it up in the ole TBR. Love and hugs, Colleen and Sally. 💕🤗💕
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Thank you Michelle.. and do hope you enjoy when you have time to read… hugs ♥
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You will enjoy this book, Michelle. ❤
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I am sure I will! ♥️♥️♥️
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What a FANTASTIC and entertaining review of Sally’s book! Thank you for sharing, Colleen!
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Thank you Jan.. hugs ♥
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You’re welcome, Jan. I know you enjoyed this read too. 😀
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