Hopes, Dreams and Medals

by Loretta Livingstone, Nicola Louisa Sharp (Illustrator)

Inspired by the Olympic Games and other athletic events. Poetry about courage, determination and achievement, with a light sprinkling of humour.

Printed on beautiful photographs provided by Nicola Louisa Sharp.

40 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2012

About the author

I'm a British author and live in the beautiful Chiltern Hills in England with my husband and cat.

I have suffered from M.E. for many years, which has put something of a kick in my gallop - to put it mildly.

I've always loved reading, and it has kept me going through the dark days of my illness, when I was unable to do much else. I read several different genres, but I have a particular love of medieval history novels. I am fairly picky though. There are only a handful of writers from that genre whom I really enjoy, Sharon Penman being my favourite. Luckily for me her books are huge, meaty tomes which, as well as providing excellent value for money, keep me glued to them for days.

Happily, I am now just about well enough to indulge my new-found love of writing, although It takes a lot out of me to complete each book. I pay a price in exhaustion and pain - but I love to write, so I shall keep going as long as I am able. Most of my books have a feel-good quality about them and would class as flinch-free fiction. I like to feel I have left my readers with smiles on their faces. I started with poetry, then short stories, but I have now graduated to historical fiction with a dash of time travel. I have several more books to finish in the Out of Time series. After that, I'll wait to see what happens next.


Out of Time
Loretta Livingstone

Reviews

[Erica Hood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book of poems by Loretta Livingstone is awesome! She puts you right in the thick of the emotions that could be felt during the Olympics. You can feel the rush of excitement, challenges, highs and lows and anticipation of the athletes competing. You understand just how proud family and friends are of the athletes they are cheering on. You can sense the atmosphere of the crowds routing for their country to take first place. And get a chill from her description of the cold blustery weather everyone endured just so they could be part of this historic event. The photos (by Nicola Sharp) are gorgeous and a wonderful accompaniment to the beautiful poems and complete this book. I found this book inspiring, motivational and moving and would highly recommend it. Loretta you have a great heart and spirit. God bless you for writing it - loved it!!!
Erica Hood

[Heidi Peltier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loretta has such a fantastic range. Her poems can be faithful, inspirational, funny or just plain cute. I'm a big fan of the Olympics and sports in general, and I could find so many of my own emotions in these poems. My Boy is one of my favorites because it describes me, the true soccer mom, to a T! And King of Speed is just without a doubt my younger son! Thank you so much Loretta for your beautiful words that express what I often feel but can't describe! Wonderful book!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loretta has got a unique way with words, and of looking at the world, which makes this book a must read. She will make you smile and make you think, so if you haven't read any of her poetry, I suggest you start. Right Now.

[Loretta]

This is my second book. I am very proud that it has been bought by some members of Team GB. I gave it five stars - but then, I would, wouldn't I. Although, please note that I have not given all my books five stars. It was inspired by the Summer and Winter Olympics, and the dedication athletes must have to reach the highest levels they can achieve. I hope it inspires you to reach for your dreams too, but it does also include some of my more humorous thoughts. I hope you enjoy it.