Pieces commented on are from her book entitled LET YOUR HEART SOAR.

Let Your Heart Soar

This made me think, and that's rare....I'm a doof...wonderfully written! Kaci R

So inspiring and beautiful uplifting Poetry. Peg B

UPlifting write....wonderful.....BHUWAN

Excellent poem. LM

very insightful poem...Robert F.

Indeed something to smile about... Thanks for sharing, Rodd

There is a great deal of insightful wisdom and advice in this piece. Thank you for this offering, Marilyn. Regis

This poem was very stimulating. As i read it, i felt the intensity rise until the very poetic ending, that closes a great inspirational poem.
The poem is true to life, but it takes it a step further. The wording is perfect making the message of the author very clear. It gave me a new insight to life, and to what i should try and do with my life, and about my past.
The message is clearly displayed. But what i liked most of the poem was the ending. She really brought it home with the end. It was like a poem within a poem, and it could make great song lyrics. I encourage Marilyn to add to the last part, and make it another sepereate thing, perhaps song lyrics. Very Nice! ankushkjindal

This is the kinda poem would should recite when faced with troubles in any type of event in your life. It's very inspirational. And in this day and age, we need all the inspiration we can get!
I'll 'let my heart soar' in praise of this piece of work. Marilyn, I give your poem 5 stars. I agree with Ankush, it should be a song!
kudos, Christina

Candle Light The Way

This was very beautiful, I loved this, Reindeer

Awesome message and beautiful poem. Taylor T

Nicely done with a beautiful flow. La Belle R

I can hear the lyrics without the links. The words sing their own lullaby! Blessings, Brittany

One candle doesn't light very much a country of candles will light the way to freedom. Steve

Excellent poem/song. super message. write-on. Jay C

Great write for a somber topic we will all light our candles these holidays. thanks, donna.

Wildest Dreams

This is very good. Love the ?. Peg B

Well done. Good question. Mitchell W

Did It Rain In Your Heart?

beautiful emotions and verses. peg b

When I First

Beautiful poetry. Taylor T

Very nicely done. Kevin M

So very well done beautiful. Peg B

sigh..... In Spirit, Bear

When the first is right....it is always beautiful. Super write. Jay C

A most beautiful piece indeed! ~Nikki~

Very beautiful work. Amor

Beautiful, tender write. Mitchell W

Christmas Time A Moment A Tear

Marilyn, thanks for the first Christmas poem I've read this season. Great write, and puts me in the mood already. Let it snow! Ed K

This is so beautiful...Peg B

This is a beautiful poem, reminded me of the Christmases I spent at Nonna's, wonderful write... God Bless ~Michelle~

Beautiful...very beautiful write!!!! Bhuwan T

Beautiful write; thanks for sharing! :) (((HUGS))) and much love, your Texas friend, Karen Lynn.

A beautiful and meaningful poem. LM

Oh my so gorgeous, full of meaning and sentiment! You have me singing holiday tunes, the classic ones!;O) ~Nikki~

That's the Spirit! Jeff M

I like this, Soft and beautiful. Very well done. Jay C

It's All Our World

If only... Well done...written and expressed...BRAVO! ~Nikki~

These are such wonderful thoughts....ohhh if it could only be that way...what a wonderful world it would be....there may be hope after all...excellent and wonderful write. Allen

We seem to share a similar worldview. Jim D

Office Visitor (short story)

Ah, getting in the halloween spirit, I see. Very imaginitive! It seems the author let Martin off easy this time...or did she? :-) Tony P

this was a good piece... God Bless ~Michelle~

Other reviews:

"I love your poetry. It is sensitive and passionate. I would love to see what you write on a bright sunny breezy warm day. I’ll bet you could make a blind person see. It must be great to be able to create something so expressive with using everyday words. I can't believe how easy you make it seems. I Once Knew could have been written about me. There are books published with poetry and they aren’t as good as yours. Your poetry is beautiful. I hope your work becomes celebrated by those who have no idea you exist right now as well as those of us who recognize your value and talent." - Ruthie H.

"Marilyn Oakley is an artist...and a lyricist...in the truest sense of the word. Whether penning lyrics for a song...or composing a work of fiction...or even a poem, she has all the genuineness, honesty, and integrity that marks good writing at its essence. Artistry is subjective at its root...beauty, it is said, lies in the eye of the beholder. Yet, Marilyn transcends this truth and makes one wonder whether or not, for some, empirical talent is a reality.
Of her most poignant works is the beautiful, "Love's Like A Novel"...a truly unique and fresh approach to an ages old idea. Indeed, who would have thought that love is like a Novel? Well....Marilyn Oakley. And she was right.
- Tony P., "Wesley Harris and the Rotten Patterson Kids"

On her songwriting & songs.

"Hi, I'm Daniel. I'm a writer and I love the emotions you dredge up from your heart and write on paper. That means you've been loved. It also means you've been hurt. Bummer. But it makes for some fabulous songs!!! Great songwriters are usually grey, balding men with 20 years experience... there are some exceptions: tall women with chocolate eyes, lovely smile and golden tresses. That could easily be you, Ms Marilyn.
You have great ideas and write some good lines. I'm a successful writer and I kinda know the ropes and I believe you have the tools to create a good song shop.
You have talent.”
All The Best Dear Lovely Lady! - Dan G.

"Marilyn’s poetry possesses a simplicity and poetic flow I have yet to see in the others work I've read, yet they convey a meaning, a truth that we can all share. She displays a perfect rhyme scheme, with the perfect rhythm to attract everyone into reading the poetry. There is no doubt that others will love and cherish her poetry, and I cannot wait to see a copy of Let Your Heart Soar in everyone's hands." - Ankush

Reviews on her book "All Work & No Play No Way!"

I loved it! by Tony Pearson
(note to readers: I was pleasantly surprised to see Marilyn Oakley delve into the book writing world...as she was only known to me before as a fantastic songwriter. If you've not heard her music...well....you're just missing out on the best in life)
It's a very cute and funny story...you've gathered quite a bunch of party animals who have quite a collection of quirks and hang-ups. :)
I like your choice of names...very creative and fitting for each character. The author's comment is a unique touch...I've never seen that in a story before...but it's an interesting twist and one that works in this one.
Over all I'd say it's a very good story...you aimed for humor and hit it. And you made characters that are very true to life and your story doesn't seem to be bogged down in fantasy...but shows these people with the same sort of quirks and hangups that are often present in real life individuals. It's as if you drew from people you knew. (some of whom I wouldn't want to know LOL)
Very nicely done, Marilyn. Congratulations. Now if I could just find a way for you to sign it for me. :)

Enjoyed! by Kathy W
Hey 'M' Finally finished your cute story! Enjoyed it and especially enjoyed the author's comments as I read along :)
All very interesting characters for sure :) Keep up the great writing my friend :)
~K

Good job... by B Scull
Hi Marilyn!
I finally got around to reading it! Here are my comments:
First- a lot of interesting, colorful characters. I really liked how they each carved their own niche within the story! It did jump from character to character a bit quick for my ability to keep up with it, but I confess, I don't read a whole lot of books, so my mind is more geared for the short attention span and limited topics used for magazine articles, news, etc.
I liked hearing what the women were thinking- that made it interesting, especially when it came to some of the more adult issues, it's entertaining to hear a woman's perspective, which is not often made obvious in stories.
To me, the whole thing read more like a screenplay than a short story, and maybe you could market it that way? I think it would make a neat TV show or TV movie.
Overall, I really enjoyed it. You are very talented!!
Bill (((-:

Reviews on her song Black heart Bleed Red (classic rock)

sounds like a pretty good production. Nice vocal effect. Song flows good. Every once in a while the vocal gives me a Rob Halford vibe. hook is in there, mood is laid-back and easy. This is cool!!!
Extra Credit: Melody
- CRANIUM2112 Indianapolis, Indiana

cool intro, nive effect on the vocals, i like the mood, but i don't get the hook, yet this song still rocks!
Extra Credit: Most Rocking Track.
- legend9285 Birmingham, Michigan

Good job
Vocals are unusual sounding but nice and full with a good change .This is different and very good .Im not thrilled over the drums but doing the job .Nice mysterious mood .Good job
Extra Credit: Male Vocals, Mood.
- theFrame Manor, Delaware

Alot of effects on the vocals, but I like it for this song. I like the prechorus, and chorus. sounds a little bit like guns and roses.
Extra Credit: Male Vocals, Drums, Production, Grooviest Rhythm.
- steelballs Silver Spring, Maryland

SSSSSsnnnaakkkeeee
This song makes me think of serpents on heroin. The effects on the vocals immediately got me interested. Very clever. Good marks all the way around. Sorry, I can't find anything to complain about
Extra Credit: Male Vocals, Keyboards/Organ/Piano, Production, Lyrics, Mood.
- Alamantra Birmingham, Alabama

Nice Mood ! Vocals sound good - the phase-shifter may be a little to much. Hook/Chorus - nice vocal changes but hard to put a finger on what will Hook !
- drunkendwarf Lakewood, Colorado

backward guitar was cool.nice dark sound. use of odd chord progressions are cool, however may have to grow on people. like what your trying to do. repeats at the end finally hooked me. very interesting. took a while. i hope people give this song a chance and don't turn it off for lack of normality. good job
Extra Credit: Mood, Originality
- farcry24 La Porte, Indiana

im not much on effects but overall i would say that it would be a pretty good song without the effects
- greatsmurf Hot Springs, Virginia

This song is radio ready!! Excellent vocals , great story in the song. Well put together , the bridge works beatifully, except for the synth strings , which are either are doing a little too much, especially when it is mimicking the vocals note for note. Ease off on the phase shifting too. You should leave it on the vocals and take it off of everything else or it is no longer allows the vocal to stand out. Very good tune overall. This is the first track I listened to 3 times. Each time it I listened it hooked me stronger.
Extra Credit: Male Vocals, Production, Lyrics, Melody, Mood.
- 7Stringer

Vocals are very solid. Vocal effect is cool too, although you may want to think about changing it up on the chorus. The hook is there. Good song guys, I like the mood.
Extra Credit: Male Vocals, Mood.
- ross321 Owensboro, Kentucky

Surprized...
There are always a few bands that surprize me on GB's, your one of them. The recording quality, ie. mix/production are very good. The musicianship is flawless. The vocal, hook & mood are right there. The song itself would get street credibility but I have a hard time hearing it on the radio...but who cares! Good stuff!
Extra Credit: Male Vocals, Production.
- MYKIDZ Pottsville, Pennsylvania

Return to the 80s with synths domination
The synths really helped make this song and got me into listening to it over and over. The vocals with the synth/effect are great especially the later use of back ground vocals under the lead, If the vocals could be a little louder than the instrumental tracks, it would be even better but the vocals be lossing out due to the compression of the audio track, under real player. Like I had said earlier the synths are what really hooked me to this song and kept me listening. The nostalgia of 80s synth along with the expertise you have applied them is what makes this a song that is lost track from two decades ago. The hook also sets the mood with the dark 80s love songs that float in the background of a movie screen.
Extra Credit: Keyboards/Organ/Piano, Sequencer/Effects Programming, Production, Best Potential Movie Soundtrack.
- timeis748 Lexington, Kentucky

I like the ATMOSPHERE
Warm atmosphere. Pink Floydish. Some nice things happening in the production. The double vocals in the 2 verse is just right. Good vocals. I don't like all the strings, but that's because I'm not into such things.
Extra Credit: Male Vocals.
- sissydogfish Aalesund/Bergen, More & Romsdal/Hordaland, Norway

Nice production.
Catchy vocals. The effects are a little heavy though. Hook is there and love the general mood of the song.
Extra Credit: Melody, Mood.
- doctordaves Uppsala, Damn It's Cold, Sweden

Sounds unique!
Very good arrangement.. I like the way the song builds. The vocals are excellent but a bit too much effects for me. I hear your band rising in the days to come!
Extra Credit: Production, Melody, Mood.
- WarriorFC Visalia, California

Reviews of her song I Am The Music (techno)

Mandy Moore the Second A nice, happy-feeling track. I felt like dancing right as soon as it started. It sounds a little Mandy Moore-ish, which is the only down side. Great lyrics, it puts a smile on my face!
Extra Credit: Female Vocals, Guitars, Sequencer/Effects Programming, Production, Melody, Beat, Best Dance Track.
- Jazz_8 Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Coolest Dance Track Ever! Inductred into Hall of Fame!!!!!!
ooh it was tight! me like! it totally should have been in dirty dancing! i love that movie. nice....you guys did great. i would buy your cd probably. so keep on singin! and remember, never make fun of a serial killer when he's holding a butcher's knife.
Extra Credit: Best Dance Track.
- jude_is_great Portland, Oregon

Strong Good strong beat. Keep up the good work. P.S. Good vocals 2.
- Eva_02 Richmond, British Columbia, Canada

cool grove.
nice sound cool groove
- hartsoup Calgary, Alberta, Canada

She is the MUSIC
Great production on the vocal, excellent lryic. Drums could be a little more prominent for the dance floor. Nice chord structure & melody. I like this track.
- Coffee__boy Redondo Beach, California

rock'n roll hip hop all night
fun song, not too hardcore me likes
- LesterB Montreal, Quebec, Canada

mix this in with any dance-mix...it works!
feels right..sounds right...what else is coming from this group?
- rubineby West Palm Beach, Florida

Energetic Female Voice
great female voice with a hot dance track. WINNER
- brainalton Stevens Point, Wisconsin

Voice Tone Down
Interesting beat, the voice should be toned down a little bit - attracts a bit too much attention. Otherwise, awesome job!
- CanadianGoose Toronto, Ontario, Canada

A Very Good Dance Song
It is a very good dance song and it has good vocal
- JareBear Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Clubbing
Sounds great. I wouldn't change a thing...would be great for the clubs!
Extra Credit: Female Vocals, Guitars, Sequencer/Effects Programming, Production, Grooviest Rhythm.
- TenderSuccess Toronto, Ontario, Canada

HOLY SH*T!
This track is the FREAKIN BOMB!!! Keep up the good work!
Extra Credit: Female Vocals, Drums, Bass, Keyboards/Organ/Piano, Sequencer/Effects Programming, Production, Lyrics, Melody, Beat, Mood, Originality, Best Dance Track.
- Reticulum4 San Francisco Bay Area, California