A raw and honest look at loss. The grief. The shadows. The longing. Donna Ashworth has such a vulnerability with each word that readers will find even the slightest comfort in a time that can usually feel so isolating. I’ve read many books on topics covering loss, but Ashworth’s book still stands out and provides a certain comfort/understanding.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read Loss in exchange for an honest review.

Earlier this year, I reviewed this poet’s books, Life, and Love. Here is another title by this author whose works are written in an easy to read way and yet offer much meaning. In this way, Ashworth reminds me a bit of Mary Oliver.

In this volume, the topic is loss. Facing loss is one of the hardest things that a person can do. Ashworth is a good companion for taking on this complex emotion. Readers will feel both touched and understood as they dip into this gorgeous collection.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Black & White Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Having followed Donna Ashworth on social media for a few years, I was delighted to read her books. They are so thought provoking and they touch the heart in so many levels.
A fabulous, inspirational writer of our time who uses her books to build up and encourage others.
Just beautiful.

I don't read a lot of poetry but when I saw the title of this book it called to me as I am currently in a season of anticipatory grief. When I read the poems in this book I felt both seen and heard, and I was able to really dig into my emotions. Reading the poems because a way to release energy that just wouldn't come out otherwise. There are several poems that I flagged as instant favorites, finding comfort in the words.

Thank you to NetGalley and Black & White Publishing for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC. These poems are rich, beautiful and full of comfort, capturing the reality of grief and hope. A great companion for the suffering.

As I have said before when I have reviewed these types of books, I wouldn't say I am a great lover of poetry, in fact I am much nearer the opposite side of the scale. Recently book by book my view has been changing. I can honestly say I truly loved some of the different types of poetry by this author, and in particular the ones in this book. Some are not necessarily poetry as I would imagine it so much but still resonated and felt they belonged in this collection.

If you are organising a funeral service some of these are ideal to be read at those. As I said earlier in my review my mum recently died and we chose a poem my daughter remembered from school called Funeral Blues by W.H. Auden. There were many in this book that I could and would have had.

THE LOSS OF A MOTHER is a really good one and I took a deep breath expecting to really tear up as my own mum died quite recently but it was THE LOSS OF A FATHER that made me the most emotional, the one that had me nodding in agreement with its words and sentiment, especially with the part where your father has already planted the answers you seek etc

GREAT GRIEF is another that I definitely agree with the sentiment & words of 'that great grief is born only of great love' A sentiment recently mentioned in connection to the death of Queen Elizabeth that echoed her words of 'Grief is the price you pay for love' which she said after the death of her own husband.

Other poems I absolutely adored/loved were
ONCE A DAY
TAKE THE LOVE
IF I EVER HAVE TO LEAVE
LAST NIGHT

I found I really identified with A MOURNING MOTHER, YOU MAY BE GONE, and THAT MOMENT
Having said that I also really liked FEATHERS, ROOTS, and THERE WILL ALWAYS BE LOSS

There was only one poem I felt negativity towards and it was DEATH IS A THIEF I really strongly disliked the reference to death being like a 'cancer' personally I would substitute 'cancer' with 'monster'

Summing up, whether you are a great lover or connoisseur of poetry or a complete novice learning to love poetry you will enjoy this book.

You know when you cry so hard you have a blocked nose and you can't seem to actually breath...... This is what this poetry collection has done to me!

I didn't think anything could beat Donna Ashworths 'Love' poetry collection but boy was I wrong! This honestly had my in tears the whole time! 😭
I had to take multiple breaks just so I could read through my tears! It was so heartbreakingly beautiful that I just have no words!
I just utterly loved this book! I can't even form any other type if sentence apart from how amazing this was!

Simply WOW! Donna Ashworth’s words touched my soul. She truly knows how to artfully put words to feelings that most people don’t know how to describe. Her poems brought tears to my eyes as they brought forth memories of those I have lost. Her poetry touches every type of loss: spouse, child, mother, father. While some of the poems brought tears, it was bittersweet reading poetry about what I am feeling. So if you have experienced loss, pick up this book and read Donna Ashworth’s poems, I’m sure you will feel that some of these poems were written for you.

Thank you NetGalley and Black & White Publishing for the eARC of this book. I am voluntarily leaving my review. My opinion is my own and not solicited in any way.

Emotional and beautifully written poems that reach out and speak to you.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.

Donna Ashworth is such an astute observer of life, and so skilled at capturing the emotions we all feel through her words. Her new poetry book on Loss is especially poignant and touching. This book offers comfort and understanding to those who grieve. I have ear-marked many pages so that I can return to them often. What a wonderful gift you have been given, Ms Ashworth; thank-you for sharing it with us!

My thanks to Black and White Publishing who permitted me to read an ARC of the book via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.