In Wooden Nutmegs, Russell Rowland describes a dark world that “looks to belong to ogres,” but where the Holy Spirit messes everyone’s hair as if to say, Lighten up, it’s okay. These beautifully wrought poems speak to the existential angst that unites us. Familiar with Rowland’s other work, I know him to be an honest guide through the rough terrain of faith and the unknown.”
-Nancy Scott, author of One Stands Guard, One Sleeps; managing editor of U.S. 1 Worksheets
$15.95
Many readers will praise Russell Rowland’s poems for their sensuous, embodied language; others their sometimes dark, sometimes humorous, always compassionate spiritual concerns; still others this collection’s authentic, lived sense of New Hampshire’s particular geography, ecology, and social life. But what I notice and admire most is a deep engagement with the nature of time in its many manifestations. The “time” in these poems is personal, seasonal, historical, geological, and even astronomical. Readers will be rewarded with artful reminders of both time’s ferocity and its mercies.
—Liz Ahl, author of Beating the Bounds, A Thirst That’s Partly Mine, and Home Economics
“Yankee peddler” Russell Rowland grew up in Connecticut, and now peddles his poetic wooden nutmegs in New Hampshire. An ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, he served churches in both states. In retirement, he is a trail volunteer for the Lakes Region Conservation Trust, a judge of local Poetry Out Loud competitions, and an infatuated father and grandfather.
Rowland’s poetry has appeared in over a hundred small journals, two chapbooks, a previous full-length collection, We’re All Home Now, from Beech River Books, and the Encircle Publications anthology, Except for Love: New England Poets Inspired by Donald Hall. He has received seven Pushcart Prize nominations.
Rating
Almost could see the beautiful green of Ireland a very good mystery Inter gained in several ways had do many things going on at once plus the feeling of knowing everyone at the B and B. Would love to stay at Shepherds myself.
I enjoyed this story of Jordan and her uncle and their adventures in Ireland. Having a “tour” of some of the famous local attractions added so much to the story.
This time architect Jordan Mayfair’s travels have taken her to Ireland with her travel-writer uncle (last time around, the locale was Provence). A thoroughly entertaining and well-written cozy mystery. Can’t wait for the next one in this series.
I loved this book! I had read the first Jordan Mayfair mystery, "Pursuit in Provence," and as soon as I finished it, I wanted to read more! I read a lot of books in this genre, and with many of these books, it’s easy to spot "who done it" early on, which takes all the fun out of a mystery. With "Secrets and Shamrocks," the story was so well-written that I kept changing my opinion of "who done it" throughout the book. I also enjoyed learning about Irish history. Ms. Gobbell struck just the right balance between history and story, only including historical elements that advanced the plot or added to the background of Ireland. In other words, I did not find it necessary to skip large sections of boring history to get to the good parts; it was all good! I am very much looking forward to the next installment in Jordan’s travel adventures.
I loved this book! I read some of the other reviews and although I agreed with what most said, I think a couple gave away too much. Most of the fun in reading a mystery like this one is not knowing what happens next. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Author and professor Phyllis Gobbell has already exhibited the fine art of writing mysteries–both fictional and real life mysteries. As an English professor and experienced writer, she creatively demonstrates the craft of mystery writing, bringing her characters to life with engaging dialogue and elegant, picturesque imagery. Secrets and Shamrocks demonstrates not only Gobbell’s skillful storytelling, but also her understanding of Irish life and culture, including religious doctrine and practice as well as the tumultuous Irish political history. This story was a joy to read! –Perry C. Cotham, Ph. D.
A novel set in Tipperary Ireland. Take a trip to Ireland in this delightful novel, where drama unfolds, scenes transport you and a mystery unfolds. Based on an actual trip to Ireland and replicated beautifully, this novel will delight and capture your heart. Its a long way to Tipperary but not a long way to buying this book ….
