Why did I read it? Full disclosure: I was offered this book by the photographer in exchange for a review.  As I adore photography, and poetry I couldn't resist

What's it about? "Shirelands" pairs the photography of Tracey Swain with the poetry and prose of Hilary Jane Jones in an exploration of the landscapes of South Shropshire and the Welsh borders.

What did I like? Oh, the photography.  It is stunning.  Tracey Swain has truly captured the beauty of the landscapes found in South Shropshire and the Welsh borders.  Yes, I know the photographer, but I do adore her work.

This hardback format, with the heavy, glossy pages is just perfect to showcase the photographs.  

What didn't I like?  The words which accompany each photograph were a bit hit and miss for me.  Some of it matched, and I enjoyed it, but most of it left me cold. To be honest, I would not have missed the text had it been omitted altogether.

Would I recommend it?  Oh yes.  This book is a keeper for me.  Every now and then, I like to look through the pages, just to enjoy the images.  Beautiful!

Why did I read it? Full disclosure: this series of books were gifted to me in exchange for reviews, because I had expressed adoration for both poetry and photography.  I am sorry to say that it has taken me far too long to write these reviews, but I have my reasons.

What's it about? "The Crystal Lake: Part Three of The Journey" is the third in a series of books titled "The Journey", which explores the landscape by means of photography and poetry.  This third book has slightly more focus on the element of water in the landscape.

What did I like? The landscape photography.  I really, really enjoyed looking at the pictures.  Page 13 holds my favourite image from the book.

The authors wisely chose to print this as a hardback on quality, heavy gloss paper so each photo can be seen at its best.  I like that I don't need to wear my glasses, as the print is large, and clear.   

What didn't I like?  And, now we come to the reason for my delaying writing this review.  The poetry is just not to my taste - at all.   Somehow, the poetry appears out of sync with the imagery, and this has been the same throughout the series.  I am sorry to say it.  I am not an expert in poetry, or prose, but I know what I like, and the words just do not appeal to me.  When I pick up these books, I look a the photographs, but no longer read the accompanying text.

I would have preferred a landscape print of this book to better showcase the photographs.  Not sure this portrait format works for this type of work.

Would I recommend it? Yes! I would. It's worth it for the photography.  And, everybody has different ideas about poetry, and just because the poetry of this book does not appeal to me does not mean it will not appeal to others, who may find the words a suitable companion to the images.  

I would like to hear what other readers have to say.