I am thrilled that my book, More than Coffee, released in fall of 2021, is still receiving beautiful reviews. Mark Bierman wrote a fabulous review in December as we headed into the holiday season. So, I’m delighted to share as we move forward in this new year full of possibilities. But before I do, if you haven’t met Mark and experienced his compelling story telling and fantastic sense of humor, you haven’t been fully living! His book, Vanished, is a riveting novel, and here is the link to my review: https://baydreamerwrites.com/2022/04/18/book-review-vanished/. You can also find Mark at his blog: https://markbierman.wordpress.com/. And now I will share his commentary that made me do yet another happy dance…
It’s pretty green outside these days, every flake of the white stuff has melted back into H20. But no matter what Nature’s decided, we’ve been coasting into the Holiday Spirit here.
The tree’s up, it’s branches adorned with bulbs and baubles for the exclusive swatting pleasure of our two felines. Outside, soft white lights are strung across the lilac bush and a spotlight highlights the Nativity.
But I’m not here to discuss Christmas, well, unless you’re looking for the perfect gift for that book lover.
So, without further ado, let’s raise a glass and toast a great read!

What’s it about?
From the early woes of childhood and teen years, this collection of stories and poems paints a picture of young dreams and fears. But as adulthood sets in, these dreams and fears change. More than Coffee touches on love and loss, nature and endurance, marriage, and parenting. In these memories, humor diffuses fear and taking risks proves to be a powerful method in boosting self-confidence. Through it all, whether in the wilderness near a sparkling lake or in the comfort of home, there’s nothing like a good cup of coffee. A poignant and reflective collection of verse and prose that is best enjoyed sipping your favorite coffee roast.
My Thoughts:
The title gets it right. This book is about far more than coffee, more than a journal; it’s a love letter to Life. An exquisite and heartfelt testament to a life well lived.
Every anecdote and poem is a window to a different season that is relatable to anyone who’s been on this journey for more than a decade. The stories and poems are thoughtfully crafted and wonderfully penned. They complement each other nicely and capture the intense emotions of those moments and milestones.
I smiled at the tales about her bouts with arachnophobia, but not because I’d wish that on anyone. It reminds me of my own, ‘tour of duty’ in the defense against spiders when I had to “save” my youngest daughter. Then again, I feel the same way about snakes.
I highly recommend this book for those who savor each day!
Meet Lauren and grab your copy in time for Christmas! (or an upcoming birthday or Mother’s Day!)

Lauren writes poetry, memoir, and fiction short stories who lives in California with her husband of thirty-four years and their chocolate lab; they have two grown children. She has authored two collections of poetry: New Day, New Dreams (2013) and Finding a Balance (2015). Her latest book, More than Coffee: Memories in Verse and Prose was published in 2021. And in 2022, she contributed four poems to the anthology: Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships. Lauren writes about family, experiencing loss, finding joy in the smallest things, and nature from her many backpacking and camping adventures.
Parallel to her passion for writing is her love for reading. Whether it is a gripping thriller or a heartwarming romance, she enjoys exploring different worlds and meeting diverse characters, drawing similarities to reality that translate into her own writing. Her writing projects are sometimes serious – drawn from painful subjects and raw emotions – or they spotlight her silly side – pulled from humorous moments captured in photographs.
Lauren is inspired to write from her love of nature and the marvelous wild world that surrounds her: the smell of the woods, the sound of a babbling brook, and the chorus of birds singing. Recent backpacking trips with her husband along the California coast and Sierra Nevada mountains have stirred up thoughts to pen about love, lost friendship, family, and the possibility that anything can happen. Hikes along the Paper Mill Creek remind her that life is fragile. From trout hatchlings to swallowtail butterflies, Lauren marvels at how the world is interconnected and that every living thing matters. She hopes her readers will find a little nugget of delight, comfort, or understanding in her poetry and stories – some detail that resonates with them beyond her words.
Thanks again to Mark for this amazing review, and I admit that “love letter to life” made my heart sing!
Happy Reading and Happy Friday! ❤️🎉
© Lauren Scott, baydreamer writes – All rights reserved.
A wonderful review. Well done!
Thanks so much, Darlene. 💞
Thanks, Darlene. I’m glad you enjoyed the review. Lauren made it easy with her excellent writing. Hope you get the chance to read it. 🙂
I love this Lauren…” a love letter to life. It sounds amazing and I’m so thrilled for you on your wonderful reviews! 💞
Those words really got to me too, Cindy. Thanks so much for your lovely comment and for your support. 💗💗💗
You’re so welcome Lauren.. always! 💗💗
Thanks, Cindy. You can feel Lauren’s passion for life in her writing. It was a pleasure to read and review.
I just bought one for my Kindle and am excited to read it this weekend 💖
Oh, thanks so much, Paula! I appreciate it and hope you really enjoy the memories. Have a wonderful weekend! ❤️
Glad to hear it, Paula!
Welp. I didn’t read it this weekend, but I will!
No rush, Paula, just enjoy. 🙂 💞
One more wonderful and very well deserved review, my dear friend!
Here’s to many many more, which I’m sure are coming! xoxoxoxoxo
❤️🌷❤️
Thanks so much, Marina! You should see me doing the happy dance! 😂 I appreciate your amazing support, dear friend! Hugs and Happy weekend! 💗💐💗
A ha ha… I can imagine that dance!!!!! 😉
My pleasure, my dearest friend! I’m so happy for and proud of you! A great weekend for you too! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
❤️🌷❤️
❤️🎉❤️🎉❤️🎉🍷🍷😀
❤️🌷❤️
…and Happy “I do” Anniversary!!!!!! 🎶✨🍾🥂💐❤️🌹❤️
Haha! Thanks, Marina! Hugs, my friend! ❤️❤️🎉🎉🌹🌹🍷🍷🎊🎊
💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗
It certainly was deserved, Marina! Lauren did a fantastic job!
Oh, I wholeheartedly agree! You did a wonderful review!
Thank you.
Congratulations Lauren. This is a beautiful way to describe poetry. Keep writing my friend!
Thanks so much, Balroop. Isn’t it? Mark has a way with words, as so do you. Hugs xo
Yes! He is a wonderful writer.
Thanks, Balroop! This means a lot, coming from you. 🙂
Mark’s review was exquisite, Lauren. Don’t you love it when someone so thoroughly gets your book? “A love letter to life” is the perfect description… maybe a title for one of your future collections! Huge congrats!
I really do, Diana, and I’m sure that’s what we all want as authors. Thanks for your lovely words and I felt the light click on when you suggested “A love letter to life” as a title. What a great idea! I already have a title for my upcoming book, but I will keep this in mind, so thank you! 🙂
Hugs and Happy weekend! ❤️
It would make a great title, huh? The light clicked on for me too, so I had to suggest it.
🤗
Thanks, Diana! You can feel her passion for life in her words, it was so well done!
Lovely review, Lauren! Mark’s a great guy!
Thanks for stopping by, Jill, and yes, he is! 🥰
Thanks, Jill. I’m blushing. 🙂
Congratulations on Mark’s wonderful review, Lauren!
Thanks so much, Liz! It’s always great to have another go at that happy dance!
You’re welcome, Lauren!!
It was such a pleasure to read and review, Liz. Lauren made it easy. 🙂
Fabulous review!
Thanks so much, Janis. Mark has a way with words and I’m thrilled. 💗
Thank you, Janis.
Hi Lauren, this is a wonderful review of More than Coffee. Bravo!
Thanks for reading Mark’s amazing review, Robbie. Bravo indeed! That happy dance continues and you know what it feels like. 🙂 ❤️
😊💗
Thanks, Robbie!
This is amazing stuff Lauren and I was not aware your book “More than Coffee” was released and It is a must read📑🔥🔥👍👍
I love your word choice, Mthobisi: amazing stuff, indeed! 🙂 I appreciate you reading Mark’s review and for your wonderful words. And yes, my book came out over a year ago, so it’s wonderful and humbling to still receive beautiful reviews. 😊🙏🏻
A must read for sure! Thanks for your kind words, Mthobisi.
What a lovely review! I love that it shares a reading experience alongside reflections on the narrative. ❤
Thanks so much, Layla, and I love the same aspect of Mark’s review. ❤️
Thank you, Layla! I’m glad you enjoyed this well deserved review!
A wonderful and profound review of your book Lauren. All the very best 💓💓
Thanks for reading Mark’s review, Kamal, and for your lovely words. Have a wonderful day, my friend. ❤️🌹
You are always welcome dear Lauren. Happy week ahead 😊😊😊♥️♥️♥️
💗💗💗
💖💖💖😊😊😊
Thank you for your kind words, Kamal! Lauren did a great job!
You are always welcome Mark and Lauren was very good with her review 🙏🏻🙏🏻
So well deserved, Lauren. 💕 Love Letter to Life 💕 Well done, Mark. Many hugs to you, lovely Lauren. Xxx 💕
Thanks so much, Jane. I love Mark’s description…”Love letter to life.” My book has received many wonderful reviews, including yours, and I am grateful. 🙂 Many hugs back to you, dear friend. ❤️🌹❤️🌹❤️
Thank you, Jane! That line was the first thing that popped into my head when I wrote this review. Lauren has a genuine passion for life.
That’s a very nice review.
Thanks for reading, Binky. I appreciate your kind words.
Thank you, Binky! I’m glad you enjoyed the review.
What a beautiful review! 😃 it sounds like such an uplifting read that I’m definitely going to order and read. Thank you for sharing, and I cannot wait to hear more!
Thanks so much for your wonderful words and I hope you do enjoy my book as much as Mark did. His review warmed my heart. 🙂 Thanks again! 💞
It’s so wonderful that it did! You’re very welcome 😊
Congrats on another beautiful review Lauren ❤
Thanks so much, Debby! I appreciate you popping in knowing your bags are packed. 🥰💖
Just about my friend. ❤
Great post
Thank you!
Thank you
Amazing
Thank you for reading Mark’s wonderful review!
Great
Thank you!
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Well, I am intrigued and I think I will just have to buy it. 🙂
Thanks so much! That would be wonderful! 🥰
I just bought it. 🙂
Wow! Thank you so much, Sara, and I hope you enjoy! 💞
Thank you. I will. 🙂 I’ll be reading & reviewing it soon!
Thanks again, Sara! I appreciate your visit and support, and I will visit your site a little later. Have a wonderful day! 🥰
You too! 🙂 ❤
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