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I give high credit to Connie’s keen memory and meticulous observations shown in the preludes to her poems. Having worked myself in UNMIK from 2000 to 2003, I had the opportunity to join the aerobics and physical fitness program conducted by Connie at the UNMIK gymnasium. The fitness program was meant to uplift the morale of all the international staff serving in that mission. Also, Connie being one of us (members of the UN Exclusive Five Club), we are very proud of her achievement as a poet, having translated for posterity all her experiences as a private person and as a United Nations peacekeeper. “Collection of Peacekeeping-Inspired Poetry” is a very informative book especially in terms of understanding the life of a United Nations peacekeeper…..a must-read book.

Leonor Cabigao Bismonte
207 Garrett Rd., Lafayette, TN 37083

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The author shows a terrific talent in poetry -- the kind of poetry I love to read -- a story-telling in a rhythmic form. The author also takes her readers to feel the various emotions of the heart and to be in places that even in dreams could not be envisioned.

Jose (Pepe) Lloren
Carigara, Leyte, Philippines

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In reading Connie's book, one can travel in imagination and understand the whole gamut of peacekeeping operations. Her poems are enchanting -- one can feel her love of nature and love of humanity. Her tributes to Princess Diana, Mother Teresa and John F. Kennedy, Jr. surpass the merit and quality of an excellent writer.

Erlinda Riel Lloren
Carigara, Leyte, Philippines

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This non-fiction book written by a United Nations civil servant is a work of art --- a book that brings the readers to places of beauty as well as places of turmoil and shares the desire of mankind to live in a peaceful world.

Alice E. Barongan
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

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This book is a collection of passionate words expressing feelings of the heart for a person, a place or a thing and records vividly a peacekeeper’s journey to some troubled countries of the world in the name of peace.

Thelma and Hernan Aquino
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

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The author's stunning ability to transport me to a place and appreciate nature's beauty in "Sunset By the Black Sea" is such a calming and peaceful experience. The collection of 19 poems inspires, brings hope and honors those who contributed to humanity; and appeals to everyone. The author's life experiences in troubled countries of the world certainly begs the question of how we —as citizens of the world— can make it a better place to live in. It's definitely a "must read".

Nora Perez
New Jersey, USA

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