Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. A good read, but best enjoyed over time. This is definitely a book where you're meant to read a little, ruminate a little, and then read a little more after applying what you've already read to your life. If you try to read this cover to cover you'll likely find yourself getting a bit frustrated (I did until I took a step back and slowed down). If you're willing to take the slow route I think you'll get a lot out of this book. With a variety of things included, there's a bit of something for everyone, whether you prefer poetry or prose. A great reminder that a little kindness added to the world can go a long way, because you never know when your world will suddenly change forever, and that kindness someone else shares could brighten your day. ~ Liliyana Shadowlyn (Reviewer) , NetGalley

This book is not what I expected, and I have taken my time in reading it, picking it up with the seasons - in essence I have still bits to read. However I find the author inspirational and its a lovely book beautifully written with some precious gems inside to find. ~ Rhian Tickner (Reviewer) , NetGalley

This is a nice collection of Christian poems and encouragement that anyone can incorporate into their day to day life to lift their spirits. I like the poetry and the reference to the seasons. It was a sweet enjoyable respite from life. There is much to reflect on here and great food for thought . ~ Cozy Cat Reviews (Reviewer) , NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Overall, I highly enjoyed Soul Murmurs. In sync with the seasons, each section took me out of the moment. I became fully immersed in each emotionally expressive and lyrical line and sorrow-ridden memories. With a clear goal and flawless execution, this deeply personal narrative is infused with passion and pain. Highly recommended for lovers of spirit-infused poetic memoirs. ~ Erica Watkins (Reviewer), NetGalley

Soul Murmurs by Anita Neilson is a collection of the author's musings, essays, poems, and anecdotal tales. The book is broken into 4 sections by seasons of the earth and the human experience. Always earnest, it discusses the benefits of mindfulness and having a spiritual experience whether through Eastern religion or Christianity. It is a glimpse of this woman's life journey, and I thank her for sharing it with us. ~ Kathy Fuchs (Reviewer) , NetGalley

This is a beautiful enriching book of poems and musings spaced across the different seasons that was a delight to read. There are poems for everyone in here and I liked the added advantage of the audios available for some of them which was an added bonus. ~ Lindsay Adams-Riley (Reviewer) , NetGalley

Soul murmurs is a very inspirational book containing a collection of poems with spiritual wisdom in them.... The way the author shares her personal experiences, makes it feel so authentic......I know that I will start to sound like a broken record, yet I can't say enough how inspirational this book is. I recommend this book to anyone that is spiritual or is looking to awaken spirituality within. ~ Mary Dickerson (Reviewer, NetGalley

This writer's awakening occurred after a long illness - ME with fibromyalgia, meaning the loss of a much-loved job - rendered the writer as no longer able to work. She had to give up her demanding job as a teacher and relinquish much of her driven, competitive lifestyle in order to get in touch with her more spiritual being. .....Neilson suggests that one way to move beyond loss, depression and isolation could be to help someone, or someone's, who are also suffering. Indeed, she offers practical advice on how this might be done The internet for example, has sites such as More loverletters.com, where individuals may write letters to sick children - perhaps to other forgotten people too. The writer stresses that it is important that there should never be any expectation of reward, though perhaps this should go without saying.....This short book is the fruit of one person's journey...... there is plenty to like if you too have felt the need to get beyond the treadmill of life. ~ Lynda Stevens (Reviewer), NetGalley

There are many uplifting pieces of prose/poetry in this collection that will speak to a wide variety of people. Recommended for those who want a bit of inspiration from time to time. This book will be best enjoyed with that type of leisurely reading experience. ~ April A. Taylor, NetGalley

Anita Neilson's life has been turned upside down through ill health, as she suffers from fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. She is very open and honest about her experience and in some ways this book is the fruit of the time she has spent learning to cope with pain and to live in a body which will no longer do the things she may wish to do. However, she has discovered the power of meditation, of seeking calm in this busy world and that the imagination is our gateway to any experience, whether or not one's body can follow along. The book is divided into four sections, following the seasons. It contains prose as well as poetry. The author explains the background to many of the poems and includes articles she has written on health issues. It also includes suggestions of things you could go and do today, which are linked to the themes of the writing - for example sending a card to a child who is unwell as a way of giving and helping others from your home. One or two of the poems really touched me and I guess everyone will find some nuggets which speak to them. I also enjoyed reading the inspiration for the poetry. I always find it interesting when a writer, artist or musician share the personal experience which sparked the creative process, even though the audience may take something completely different from the work. If you are looking for a book which will provide some inspirational ideas I would certainly recommend this. ~ Rosalind Bryden , NetGalley

This is a book full of poetry, essays and a short story. It is divided into the four seasons. The main message in this book is to do positive things for other people. One of the ideas is to send a postcard to a sick child. I think that this is a lovely idea and I will definitely be doing this with my daughter in the school holidays. ~ Christina Conn , NetGalley

Soul Murmurs leads the reader on a beautifully sublime spiritual metamorphosis in tune with the ebb and rhythm of the seasons. Anita’s words transfer a calm wisdom that speaks of an inner resilience born of her own transformation...I am delighted to celebrate this treasury of inspirational spiritual poems and prose as wise counsel by your bedside. ~ Jenny Light, yogic meditation teacher, healer and author of Living Lightly: a Journey through Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Anita Neilson’s compassionate heart is evident as it leaps from the page, as she beckons us all: the ill, the wounded, the lost, and the seeker of Divinity, to take her hand and walk with her on a journey through the seasons. Seasons of the earth, seasons of the heart and emotions, all the circles and cycles of life. Anita Neilson’s words are "like a salve, sealing and protecting", as she speaks candidly of her own pain and struggles before venturing to suggest solutions. She gently cautions us, by sharing her life story, that there is more to life than accumulation and material success. The beauty of her homeland leaps from these pages and makes one want to roam the woods and banks of rivers there at any season, to take her book on a long walk through a favorite trail and commune with it under a favorite tree. This elegant collection of seasonal prose and poetry is a balm for the soul; hold her hand and walk through these pages with her and your heart may open to the realm of Divine love, and on the way, you’ll take with you some sage advice for living a life in tune with humanity, your own body, and the natural world. ~ Janavi Held, poet and author of Letters to my oldest friend

With a combination of poetry and prose, Anita casts writing spells of Goodness - sowing seeds of compassion and kindness. Her words radiate joy and appreciation for the great dance of impermanence. From cleaning the closets of our mind in Spring, to receiving Winter’s invitation as darkness falls to get quiet and still, Soul Murmurs offers practical tips, insights, and gorgeous spiritual poems that we can dip into all year long. I am smitten with the joy and ebullience bubbling through on each page. And the poems! Oh the sweet poems - truly they brought me to That place. That silent over-flowing abundant silent still fertile joyful place...It reminds me of reading Rilke. I love it. ~ Mariah McKenzie, author of More: Journey to Mystical Union Through the Sacred and the Profane

These heart-renderings touch deeply, heal and empower even in unsuspecting ways. Let Anita Neilson's brilliant inward light ignite your very own! ~ Jim Young, author of Aware in a World Asleep