My 5-Star review in entirety posted at Amazon for 'Smoke and Shadows,' a poetry collection by Joanne Van Leerdam:

As the poet discloses to her readers, this collection explores various illusions and deceptions people experience in their lives. Cutting through the “Smoke and Shadows,” many of Joanne Van Leerdam’s poems reveal personal truths about herself.

One poem I can particularly relate to is “Sunset Rendezvous” because I find the nuances of the sea restorative.

Without dropping names, she exposes those in the shadows who hide behind their true intentions. In that regard, “Rigmarole” and “Final Notice,” in addition to others, come to mind.

Others poems are inspirational and empowering, whether embodying the genres of Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Magical Realism, or Allegory. Citing one of my favorites, “In a Meadow Bounded by Ancient Trees” – Adana, the lone warrior-maiden, heir to a throne, vanquishes a minion of a darker power and his army simply by wielding her sword. An empowered young woman, she defeats evil by the courage of her convictions and by harboring a sense of justice.

A few poems poignantly reflect upon occurrences resultant of the St. Patrick’s Day bushfires in southwestern Victoria, Australia on March 17, 2018.

I highly recommend this poetry collection where the poet is under no illusion in exposing truths and conveying her emotions. She achieves this literary feat like Shakespeare—using exquisite language to tell her story in each poem, thereby tugging at your heartstrings.