A little bias, but…

I have to share this review written by my daughter of my latest book. Yes, it’s a little biased, but believe me when I tell you that my family and anyone who knows me well will be brutally honest. So, I’m touched by her beautiful words and her continued love and support for me…

More than Coffee: Memories in Verse and Prose is a heartwarming collection of poetry and short stories about love, loss, nature, and parenting, all with the best friend of coffee close by. My name is Stephanie, and I am Lauren’s daughter. While I have heard these stories told before, written or expressed verbally, and have helped with the editing process along the way, reading the final product hit me in a deeper way. I was sitting on my couch in the apartment I share with my husband, reading my mom’s newest book, getting emotional on every page but mostly on short stories such as, ‘Ascent,’ about the journey of a backpacking trip after the loss of both her parents, ‘1989,’ my parents’ love story, and ‘The Way It Was,’ about my mom’s choir and solo singing opportunities encouraged by her teacher, that catapulted me, her daughter, in sharing that same passion for singing. Those are but a few examples that capture the raw emotions, authenticity and vulnerability she shares with the reader – aspects of life everyone can relate to. My mom has published two solely poetry books prior, but the amalgamation of the short stories and poems is a fine-tuned balance, one she has hit her mark on. I may be a little biased, but I couldn’t be any prouder! Do her the honor of purchasing and reading this book with a good old-fashioned cup of joe or your preferred drink of choice; you surely won’t be disappointed! Happy reading!

Thank you for stopping by and reading Stephanie’s review. If you’ve bought my book, I hope you’ve enjoyed the memories. And if you haven’t already written an Amazon review, I would greatly appreciate it if you would. I once read that reviews are like hugs for authors. And if you don’t already have a copy of More than Coffee on your kindle or in your book case, I hope you’ll check it out. Simply click “Buy on Amazon” below the image.

Thanks again,
Lauren ❤️❤️❤️

33 thoughts on “A little bias, but…

    1. Hi Joanna, I’m thrilled that you’d like to buy a copy, so thank you! And it does come in paperback unless there’s some kind of issue. I don’t have a kindle either, so I understand. Can you try again, and if you have the same problem, I’m happy to get a copy and send it to you. Just let me know…

  1. HI Lauren, this is such a beautiful and thoughtful review by your daughter. I can get my sons to read my books, and Terence [husband] has only read one and most certainly not poetry. My mom always listens to me when I read her my poems and then she says: “You know I never understand poetry.”

    1. Thanks for your lovely words about Steph’s review, Robbie. She’s more into the poetry than my son and hubby. But regardless, they’re not shy in sharing their thoughts whether good or not so good. 🙂 Your mom’s reaction made me smile, and I know she’s not alone in feeling that way about poetry. I also appreciate your wonderful review of my book. 💕

  2. Oh, Lauren, how sweet that your daughter wrote a review for your book. I can understand that knowing the parents’ stories is something, but reading them in a book is a different matter. My daughter and my husband read some of my poetry. Since my children’s book is based on my daughter’s story, she read it many times to my granddaughter. Did your daughter post the review on Amazon? When I first published the poetry, Amazon made a big deal about having family members review the books.

    I’m so happy for you and your daughter’s review is heartwarming! ❤

    1. Thanks for your lovely words, Miriam. It was very nice of my daughter to write a review. Like I said, if she or anyone in my family didn’t like a word or sentence or metaphor in my poetry or stories, they would tell me. 🙂 She did post it, but she’s married, so maybe that’s why there were no issues. I honestly don’t care. She wanted to do this and I was (still am) touched. That’s special about your daughter reading your book to your granddaughter, too. Thanks again. 💕

      1. I think it’s very special that your daughter wrote the review and posted it. 💞 My daughter is married. But her name is in my dedication page on both books. It’s easier for Amazon to spot it. I was invited to contribute some poems to an Anthony. I was told if I used any poems from my blog, I must delete them because Amazon doesn’t want them published anywhere else.

        Also in my poetry book, I used all of my own photos and paintings as illustrations, except one image. Even that image was a free image. When I first published the book, there was no issue. When I made edition and uploaded it, they pointed out that I couldn’t use that image.

        I used to sign up my book for Kindle Select, now Amazon wanted me not to have my book with anyone else if I sign up for Kindle Select. I haven’t taken it down from B&N and Smashword yet. I may, because I’m not selling from those platforms.

      2. Thanks again, Miriam, and I’m also participating in an anthology and was told the same thing about poems posted on my blog. That’s interesting about the free image. And I’m not familiar with Kindle Select. I’m still a bit of a novice when it comes to promoting my books. 🙂 Cheers to writing more and Happy reading! 💗💗💗

      3. Yeah, Lauren. I saw your perms in Robbie’s Anthony. I made my contribution also.

        Regarding the Kindle Select, let me check with another blogger.

        Have a wonderful day. 📚💖

      4. Oh, Miriam, you jogged my memory as my brain is a bit frazzled today. I saw your lovely poems too, so we’re on the same page. 🙂 I’m honored to be included with so many wonderful poets. Good luck with the Kindle Select and have a good day too! ❤️

    1. Thanks, Diana. She’s very thoughtful and her words touched me. I’ve shared most of the reviews I’ve received and appreciate them all, including yours! I’m so happy you enjoyed my book, so thanks again! ❤️

  3. Latmospherique

    That’s a beautiful and touching review Lauren and I am not sure it’s biased in any way. Your daughter is expressing her feelings and we can feel it well!
    Can’t wait to read it! For sure it’s gonna be a good time
    ❤️

    1. Thanks for your thoughtful words, Marie. I know she’s family, but that fact doesn’t bring an automatic wonderful review either, which is why I was truly touched by her words. I’m thrilled to know you’ll read my book and I hope you enjoy it. And with a good cup of coffee or your favorite beverage. 🙂 Hugs!

  4. Jane Sturgeon

    Lauren, what a beautiful review from Stephanie and it is fully deserved. She is lovely, like you. xXx ❤ ❤

    1. Thanks for your kind and lovely words, Kamal. My book is special to me as some of the stories and poems speak about my parents who are no longer with us. It is very surreal when both parents pass. Just many great memories, facing fears, challenges and accomplishments, along with some humor in between. If you do decide to read it, I truly hope you enjoy. Thanks again! 💕

  5. Wow! I love your daughter Lauren, she is so sweet, she has such beautiful words for your poetry! I couldn’t see any bias, I know this book is absolutely fabulous. I wish my daughters would read my poetry! None of my family members have ever written a word about my books. A word of appreciation comes sometimes from my sister but a review? None!! So I am a little jealous! 😊🤗

    1. Thanks for your lovely words about Steph’s review, Balroop. It’s nice to “hear” that you didn’t see bias; she simply reviewed the book. And like I mentioned, my family is honest with me whether a piece of writing sounds good or bad. 🙂 Aww, don’t be jealous! I have two sisters and they won’t review. I think for some, asking them to write a review is like asking them to climb Everest! And I understand because years ago, it was out of my comfort zone. But I know it helps fellow authors, so I do it and pray that my review is good enough. Anyway, I hope your family will start reading your work soon because your writing is beautiful. You have always been one of my favorite poets in this community, and I appreciate your feedback. 🥰❤️

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