
I just found this latest, wonderful review for my book, More than Coffee: Memories in Verse and Prose, and of course, I have to share! I’ve heard that book reviews are like hugs for indie authors, so hug away!! Trish’s review may be short, but it’s very sweet, packed with all good things to say!
MacTrish gives More than Coffee 5 stars:
Touching, funny, and reflective:
This volume is a delightful collection of observations about life and of the small, ordinary things viewed through fresh eyes. Some of the stories and poems made me chuckle, others were reflective and some were poignant and moving. This is one of those selections that is perfect for dipping into when the mood takes you. (If you’re an arachnophobe, you’ll enjoy Laughing Spiders!)
I am thrilled that another reader enjoyed my memories and the messages they conveyed. So, again, a Big Thanks to all of you who have bought a copy and indulged in a cup of coffee (or your favorite beverage) while dipping into my memories, some funny, and others reflective and moving like Trish mentioned).
And if you haven’t written a review, there is always time (but please, no pressure from me.) 🥰
One of the poems from my book:
Red Lipstick
With childlike fascination,
I leaned against the door frame
watching her apply a little
powder to her nose,
a touch of red to her lips.
No more, no less. She was flawless.
Then our eyes locked –
an unspoken connection.
Questions never-ending,
I gently tucked her wisdom
in a safe space where I could
draw from it easily.
I’d love to share tales
of life she’s missing.
Perhaps, again someday.
Extract from Laughing Spiders:
Mornings began to fuel unfamiliar anxiety as spider social calls manifested soon after the crack of dawn. The sun brightened the sky and another high school day was on the horizon. I grabbed a towel to dry off after showering when I felt something unnatural. Looking down, I watched in horror as a brown spider scuttled across my chest. I jumped, avoiding a nasty fall in the tub, and brushed the spider off not caring where it landed. I just wanted it off my skin.
These creepy-crawlies seemingly watched for me so they could plan their next prank. During another shower with my head full of shampoo suds, I spotted a black spider near my feet. The dance I did wasn’t a happy one. With a swish here and there, my foot managed to nudge the scary intruder down the drain with ripples of water, as I imagined it whirling into the dark depth of the water system. I quickly rinsed the suds out. Just as I felt calm run through my body, I looked down and saw that damn spider climbing out of the drain. This could only happen to me.

Extract from Ascent:
When we reached the top and I looked down that sleek granite dome, I was amazed at what I had achieved. Never underestimate our abilities. On the other side of the dome, Shealor Lake was in full view. We gave our legs a short rest, drank some water, then headed downhill with the enticing pull of the lake’s beauty. As we neared the bottom, my emotions ran wild. I was relieved that we finally made it, but a sudden wave of grief washed over me. We removed our packs and sat on a log for a time-out. I was so overwhelmed that the tears found freedom. I didn’t fight them. I cried for the loss of Dad. I cried for having completed this hike that I didn’t think I was capable of. I would’ve backed out graciously had I known the details.
After a few minutes, I composed myself and looked to the lake. The water, a jeweled phenomenon. It sparkled, inviting us for a swim. While we set up our back-country camp, the orange-hot sun blazed down on us as if we had drastically turned up the thermostat, so the cool lake water soothed our sun-kissed skin. The fact that we were all alone in this canyon full of forest and smooth granite was beyond welcoming. The tranquility offered me the chance to reminisce about Dad and my parents together. The solitude afforded a perfect destination to grieve, think, remember, and cry. Mourning the loss of one parent was difficult enough but losing both felt surreal – a new stage of life had begun.
If you’d like to purchase a copy, just click on “Buy on Amazon” below, and by the way, the holidays just happen to be around the corner in case you know of someone who may just want or need a gentle read. 💜
Thanks for stopping by, and whenever you do,
I hope you find something significant to take away. ❤️
© Lauren Scott, baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.

You surely deserve this praise!
Thanks, Sharon! Your support means a lot to me. ❤️❤️
I agree with Sharon, you deserve the praise and so much more!!!!!
Love and hugs and wishes for a wonderful weekend!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Aww, thanks, Marina! You’ve been so supportive and I appreciative it more than you know. 😘 Sending all that love and those wishes to you for a great weekend, too. So glad it is here at last! 🙂 💗🙏🏻💗🙏🏻💗💝💝💝
Ah, my dear friend it’s my pleasure and likewise… your support means so much to me!
More love back! ☀️✨🌺❤️✨☀️
❤️🦋💐❤️🦋💐❤️
💞💖💞🌸💞💖💞
🌷💖💖💖💖💖🌷
😘💗😘
A wonderful review from Trish, Lauren, and I couldn’t agree more with her thoughts about your book. I felt the same way. Red Lipstick was one of my favorite poems. I still remember it fondly. I look forward to your next collection. Ha ha. Happy Writing!
I so appreciate your wonderful support, Diana, and your lovely words, along with your beautiful review. Coming from you who is an incredibly talented author, it means a lot. Red Lipstick is one of my favorites, too, keeping my mom in my heart. And my next collection is in the works. 🙂 Thanks again, my friend, and hugs to you! ❤️
I thought I’d read that there was a new one in the works. I’m looking forward to it. 😀
My goal is March of next year. 🙂 Thanks again! 🥰
Let me know if you want an early review. 🙂
You are so kind, Diana! I’ll most likely take your offer. That would be wonderful. 🙂
I’ll still buy the book when it comes out so the review is a “verified purchase,” but since I’m going to read and review anyway, it’s easy to get an early one done.
Okay, sounds good! I’m a broken record, so thanks again! 😂❤️
Loving it Lauren!
The appreciation and the sharing of your words.
Just ordered your book – can’t wait to read you. ❤️❤️
Wow, thanks so much, Marie! You just made my day! 🙂 I really hope you enjoy my memories, and I hope you find a little nugget of something to keep in your heart. Hugs! xo
A wonderful review and excerpts Lauren.. Wishing this book every success…. Sending love across the water to you my friend.. Enjoy your weekend ❤
I’m glad you enjoyed the excerpts, Sue. Thanks for your lovely words and for your continuing support as well. Love and hugs to you, dear friend! ❤️❤️
Right back at you ❤
Oh, I know that spider phobia! Great lipstick poem, Lauren.
I appreciate your visit, Anneli, and I’m glad you can relate to the spider phobia, but then I’m not because the fear isn’t fun at all. It has lessened but still lurks in the shadows. 🙂 💞
And always will! Eeeeeeeeeeeee!
😂😂😂
Congratulations on the lovely review, Lauren. I enjoyed the excerpts too.
Thanks very much, John, and I’m happy you enjoyed the excerpts. 🙂
😁
Congratulations on the wonderful review, Lauren. I love your poem, Red Lipstick! We’re getting ready for another open house to sell our house.
Thanks for your lovely comment, Miriam! That poem is special with my mom in my heart. ❤️❤️
It makes the poem more meaningful, Lauren! ❤ ❤
💗🙏🏻💗
Such a wonderful review! Congratulations, Lauren. xo
Thanks so much, Jill! Another amazing review, another hug, another smile. 💗
That’s marvelous. Congratulations. Hugs on the wing.
Thanks so much, Teagan! I appreciate your visit and hope all is well. Hugs to you, too. ❤️
Wonderful, Lauren. A super poem, that I loved and a great spider story.
Thanks, Robbie. Your support and beautiful review mean a lot! And thanks again for mentioning me in your post and that spider is unforgettable. 🥰 ❤️
😂😂😂 I made a giant spider out of an enormous chocolate Easter egg once.
🤣🤣
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Great review, loved the picture
Thanks for your kind words, Ian. I appreciate you taking the time to read.
Congratulations dear Lauren and such a wonderful picture. Keep it going. Great review and post.
Hi Kamal, thanks for your lovely comment and wishes. This wonderful review definitely brought another smile.
Have a good week ahead! ❤️
You are always welcome dear Lauren and so nice to see you smiling. You are awesome with your writings. Too good. You too have a wonderful week ahead.
💞🌷💞
❤️❤️❤️💞💞💞💞
I like your post, as it’s based on information, experience & joy.😋
That’s really nice of you to say, Aana. Thank you! 💞
Thanks, Lauren❤❤❤
This is delightful Lauren and love your writing style.
Thrilled to find you through Robbie!!!
❤️
Thanks so much, Cindy, for visiting and for your beautiful words. It’s always great to meet new bloggers through mutual friends. I will visit you soon! 💗💗
It’s my pleasure Lauren. I so agree with you! Introductions from those we respect and do the leg work is always delightful. I’ll look forward to seeing you on my site when time permits.
🙏🏼💞
I’m heading over now, Cindy. 🥰
Wonderful review, and excerpt. I always pause at books with ‘coffee’ in the title!
Hi Jacqui, thanks for stopping by and for your wonderful comment. If you are ever in need of a gentle read, I hope you’ll dip into my memories with your favorite coffee roast. 🙂 By the way, I love learning about other books and authors through mutual friends, especially Robbie who writes amazing reviews. 💞
What’s your favorite coffee? I love both Black Rifle and Arbuckles.
I haven’t tried those. Right now, we like Major Dickason’s dark roast from Peet’s Coffee in town. 🙂
We have Peet’s coffee around us. If I ever can’t order from my favorites, I’ll check theirs out.
I’m so happy I stopped by tonight before sleep. I love this post, and just ordered your book. Congrats on the review too!
Well, I’m happy, too, Jeff! Thanks so much for your lovely words and for buying my book. I hope you find a little nugget of significance to take away while you sip your coffee or whatever beverage you prefer. 🙂 Thanks again, and have a great day!
What a great review! I just ordered your book and can’t wait until it arrives!
Thanks so much for buying my book, Bridgette! You made my day! And I truly hope you enjoy the memories I highlighted. ❤️
Congratulations on the excellent review, Lauren!
Thanks very much, Mark! Another great review always prompts a happy dance. 🙂
Have a great weekend!
So well deserved, my lovely. We love your poems and stories. xXx 💕
Thanks so much, Jane! I’m so grateful you love my writing. 🙂 And I appreciate your support, always, and your beautiful review. Hugs to you both! ❤️❤️❤️