"Several of her poems touched me. I am a big Mary Oliver fan and have several of her books on my shelf and maybe a half dozen by other poets and Donnelly's book is going on that shelf of keepers, on poetry books that I re-read and refer to...that inspire me to make a piece of art or share with a friend. "Run Wild With Me", "Sixteen", and "This You Must Learn Young" were among my favorites. I hope that she continues to write poetry of this caliber."

"Marisa provides an honest collection of words that makes you feel like you're a close friend that she is talking to. She has a gift to tell a personal story while inviting you into your own so that the reading experience is both intimate and contemplative."

"My favorite writer. Her hopeful and optimistic outlook in her various pieces easily bring hope...even to a down-on-his-relationship-luck guy like me. Optimism the way she expresses. Her words are mindset-changing, and are much needed for a person like me, who is susceptible to being pessimistic about love.   With 'Somewhere On A Highway,' she takes her writing style to short-form poetry and prose. The book is about the beginning and the open-ended conclusion of that period of her life, reflected through the intimate pieces she chose to share. Since this is her own book, you can definitely tell the vulnerability is a little more raw."

"Donnelly writes wonderfully, in fact, she is in the top handful of creative writing students I have worked with over the last fifteen years."

"Currently one of my favorite writers for her reliability; that is, for her personal experiences, and careful insight in each of her posts. Her perspective on life is hopeful and true. I wish would have known about her writings earlier in life and before entering (or staying in) toxic relationships for the sake of being a 'good person'. Thank you for spreading your cheerfulness and giving us all reason to carry on with optimism."