Los Angeles Times Festival of Books - book review by Citi of Books writes:

Book Review: Black Heart Words & Poems: An Inspired Anthology from the Edge of Darkness Illuminated with a Sprinkling of Light by Nikki Rawnsley

Nikki Rawnsley’s Black Heart Words & Poems is a powerful journey through love, longing, and the beauty found in both light and shadow. Written under her pen name, Black Heart Alchemi, Rawnsley skillfully explores the complexities of the heart, especially those aching experiences of love that touch us deeply and leave us forever changed. The poems, crafted from personal experiences and the lives of those close to her, are both intimate and universal, speaking to anyone who has loved, lost, or yearned for connection.

What sets Black Heart Words & Poems apart is its raw, honest approach to the difficult sides of love and personal growth. Rawnsley isn’t afraid to guide the reader through dark places, encouraging them to embrace discomfort as a path to inner transformation. Her words are more than poetry; they serve as a mirror, urging readers to confront their own hidden truths and discover the strength within. Each poem invites readers to dig deep into their own hearts and embrace their unique, authentic voices.

Black Heart Words & Poems is crafted for every reader, transcending gender, age, and background. Rawnsley’s alchemical process turns heartache into wisdom, inviting readers to see darkness not as a void but as a source of potential. Her work is a testament to the idea that growth can bloom from discomfort and that the most profound insights often arise from places of pain.

Rawnsley’s anthology is an essential read for those who have known the depths of love and loss and seek both reflection and healing. This book doesn’t simply offer beautiful poetry; it offers a transformative experience, urging readers to embrace their vulnerabilities and turn their own hearts into vessels of strength and resilience. Black Heart Words & Poems is for anyone ready to journey from darkness to light and uncover the beauty that lies within.