Review - Deep Breaths: Tales of Hope and Inspiration by Tara Fox Hall

I always feel privileged when authors let us into their private worlds and so I entered Tara Fox Hall's world with wonder and some trepidation.   I'd read (and thoroughly enjoyed) her stories before, but not her factual essays.  But I needn't have worried; stepping into Deep Breaths: Tales of Hope and Inspiration was like entering an enchanting new world - and one I didn't want to leave again.

Tara's family

Deep Breaths is a collection of reflections on the author's daily life in the idyllic-sounding environment in which she lives.   She enjoys complete harmony with the natural world around her and with which she communes as she goes about her daily routine, doing her chores or walking her faithful dogs (and cats).  Her extended family of pets is especially delightful and unique, each with their own quirks and personalities as interesting as their names.

Wild creatures, some of whose names I've only ever come across in films, surround the author. Coming from the UK, I've never seen coyotes, chickadees, groundhogs or hummingbird moths, but Hall encounters them every day… and generally rescues them from various dramatic plights. Whether she's saving trapped dragon flies, stray toads, adventurous snapping turtles or opportune starlings nesting in the eaves of her house, her sense of humour and powerful faith shines through her accounts and descriptions, making them uplifting to read.

I found Sunset, in which she ensures a trio of beautiful moths with singed wings meet a dignified end particularly poignant; while Letting Go, her reflections on her beloved, aging dog, Kesteral, had me unashamedly in tears.  And only Tara Fox Hall can make the stacking of firewood into such a delightful subject as in Keeping it Straight.

This collection of writings will draw you into the author's special world, lift your spirits and leave you feeling deeply satisfied.  She writes with wit, perception and immense sensitivity.  Each short essay can be read and savoured in isolation, to raise flagging spirits during short breaks from the mundane routine, or read as I did, in a couple of sittings, because I simply could not tear myself away from Tara Fox Hall's captivating world.  Highly recommended, as my five cute kitties prove.

About Tara Fox Hall

Tara, husband Eric, Legolas and Strider (in black)

Tara Fox Hall’s writing credits include nonfiction, erotica, horror, suspense, action-adventure, children’s stories, and contemporary and historical paranormal romance. She is the author of the paranormal fantasy Lash series and the paranormal romantic drama Promise Me series. Tara divides her free time unequally between writing novels and short stories, chainsawing firewood, caring for stray animals, sewing cat and dog beds for donation to animal shelters, and target practice. All of her published children’s stories to date are free reads on www.childrens-stories.net.