Book Reviews: Poetry, Fiction, and Memoir…

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Reviews, Books

I’m inches away from the finish line for my book. It’s a s-l-o-w process because this poetry collection is larger, which calls for more editing and formatting. Anyway, I still managed to get some good, relaxing reading in, and I thoroughly enjoyed the following books. I hope you enjoy my reviews:

Small Wonders by Kaye Lynne Booth

Small Wonders by Kaye Lynne Booth is a collection of engaging poetry that highlights various phases of her life. Even though the poems are individual to her experiences, I felt a connection with many. The book begins with “Two Little Faerie Princesses” inspired by Booth’s two granddaughters. What a lovely start to this collection.

Her nature poems resonate because I enjoy spending time in the wilderness. “The Mighty River” is stunning, and I could almost hear the water rushing and roaring.“Early Morning” transports me with my husband to the Sierra Nevada Mountains on one of our backpacking trips:

Early Morning

Birds chitter in the trees, interrupting the quiet solitude.
The sun edges its way over the horizon in pastel hues,
Replacing the early morning chill with the warmth of its soft rays.
The wind whispers an early morning greeting through the pines.
Golden blades of grass shush in the breeze, bending low to the ground,
Then rising and stretching to greet the sun once again.
Dewy moisture slowly dissipates as I breathe in the scent of fresh pine.
Eyes, barely open, witness the birth of yet another day.

A few more favorites are “There was a Time” that touches on the reality of aging but mixed with a little humor. “To the Slow Motorist” reminds me of how often I get stuck behind a driver who isn’t even going the speed limit. Another delightful poem is “My Muse,” where all writers will nod in understanding. I have stood on the same perplexing corner Booth writes about in “At the Crossroads” and “False Smile” reiterates that everyone has a story.

This charming and touching collection is beautiful and appeals to all senses and emotions. There is poetry in this book for everyone. Highly recommended with 5 glowing stars!


Coming Home by Smitha Vishwanath

Coming Home by Smitha Vishwanath is her debut novel, but it certainly doesn’t read like one. Her storytelling and language flow seamlessly, and the protagonist, Shanaya, is an authentic character with strengths and weaknesses like you and me. We’ve all experienced loss, but when a loss is sudden, shock augments the already wild emotions. Shanaya is devastated by the unexpected death of her mother. Even after two years, she still has trouble moving forward. During this time, she wants to care for her father, but he has different plans, which adds more worry for Shanaya. Both father and daughter struggle to find their way in this new life without the woman they love very much.
 
At twenty-six years old, Shanaya believes she has her life figured out, yet she has no idea what is in store for her. Romance lies on the horizon, but her journey entails much more nuance. She finds herself on a soul-searching path while trying to move through the heartache. Vishwanath inserts details about marriage – both arranged and derived from love, and she explores relationships with parents, siblings, and friends. Shanaya’s journey transports her to various destinations, and I enjoyed traveling with her as she moved from Dubai to Bangalore to Karela where her life began to shift in an exciting direction. Having never been to this part of the world, I was given a terrific sneak peek through Vishwanath’s vivid descriptions of the landscape.
 
I always enjoy learning about other cultures, and I became engrossed when Shanaya visited the Ashram for two weeks. This was a spiritual retreat where she practiced yoga and meditation. Lessons were learned, and wisdom was acknowledged by friends she made.
 
Coming Home is an engaging story of self-discovery, learning about relationships, and truly finding home at last where home isn’t just a place. It’s a comforting realization. Highly recommended for all who enjoy a story with substance and an uplifting ending. Another 5-star rating!

Fifteen First Times by D. G. Kaye

I’ve always enjoyed D.G. Kaye’s conversational writing style. This book is no exception to her honest and entertaining narrative. She has compiled a collection of ‘firsts’ from her teen years relatable to all readers. I felt so at ease that I read this collection in one sitting, feeling like we were comfortably chatting over a glass of wine. These memories invited me to stroll down memory lane, recalling crazy crash diets, first kiss, first boyfriend, and first broken heart that felt like it would never mend. Her amusing fascination with shoes made me chuckle; how she managed those heels is beyond me. I laughed out loud when I read about the first hair dye episode. Her first car was a Ford Mustang given by her wonderful father, and while my first car wasn’t, her story evoked memories of when I bought a blue Mustang a few years later with equal excitement.

Kaye’s anecdotes are witty, engaging, and poignant. She has no trouble sharing her vulnerability. Low self-esteem plagued her in those years, but with her outgoing personality and wild sense of fashion, she rose above it, growing into the confident woman she is today. Being a teenager isn’t easy. Those years are about finding ourselves, figuring out who we are, and Kaye succeeded with spirit!

Kaye ends the collection with an emotive tribute to her late husband, her only true love. My heart still aches for her loss. She writes in her dedication, “To those who’ve been there, done that, and learned from. And for those who’ve yet to venture out and overcome.” She couldn’t have expressed the purpose of this delightful book any better. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a heartwarming memoir and a stroll down memory lane.
One more 5-star rating!

Thanks for dropping by, and I hope you’ll find the time, too, for some good reading, whether you enjoy poetry, engaging fiction, or a memoir that will transport you back in time.

Happy reading! Lauren ❤️

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.

79 thoughts on “Book Reviews: Poetry, Fiction, and Memoir…”

    2. Thanks, Robbie, for your constant support. I thought I replied to the comments on this post earlier, but, as they’re not appearing, I’m doing it again. X

      4. Thank you for sharing your thoughtful reviews, Lauren. I’m a fan of Kaye, Smitha, and Debby. I’m reading Debby’s book and will be reading the other two soon.

      7. Thank you so much, Miriam, for your kind words. I’m happy to know ‘Coming Home’ is on your TBR and I’m looking forward to hearing how you feel about it. XXX

  4. Reflective poems Small Wonders:what lovely cover.
    And the indelible Firsts – Fifteen. I love it. Both of these sound like keepers. And especially your excerpts on them. What lovely lines you entertained me with.
    Adored your review. I want those books. Perhaps at my next purchase.
    As for Smitha’s Coming Home. Have purchased. It’s sitting pretty waiting for me to love it up. I know I will. Yay.

    All the best. Slow is wonderful— keep going slow, inches away is good, my lovely friend. We will wait. (Can’t wait, really. But I will wait.)
    Blessings you. Xoxo

    1. I’m glad you liked my reviews, Selma. All of these books are wonderful in their own ways. I know you’ll love Smitha’s book when you get the chance to read it. And thanks for your continued kindness about my book. It’s been a little too slow for me, but I know it will be worth it in the end. I feel like I’m holding my breath, waiting for the proof to approve. Anyway, thanks again, and lots of love and hugs to you, dear friend. xoxoxo

    2. Selma, that’s music to my ears. I can’t wait for you to read my book and tell me how you feel about it. I absolutely love your book recommendations on insta. Looking forward to your review. Keeping my fingers crossed you enjoy the story. XXX

  5. Hi Lauren. I am humbled at your most beautiful review, and the quotes you included. Thank you for enjoying my book, and reviewing. I’m touched. And to be up there with two talented other authors, Kaye and Smitha, I’m thrilled. Hugs to all, and thanks again Lauren. ❤ ❤

  7. Hi Lauren,I’m on top of the world reading your review. Thank you for reading the book so attentively and writing such an amazing review that highlights the essence of the book. I’m speechless❤️🤗.
    I read Debby’s book and thoroughly enjoyed it. Like you, it took me down memory lane, too. She’s a wonderful writer.
    I’ve added Kaye’s book to my TBR. The poem that you shared totally reflects nature in Norway where I current am on holiday.
    Looking forward to your book. I’m certain it’ll be as lovely as your previous ones.
    P.S. I turned on the wifi and saw Robbie’s notification of your review. I couldn’t wait to get to the hotel to read it😊. Thank you so much again🙏.

    1. Hi Smitha, I’m so glad you’re happy with my review. I really enjoyed Shanaya’s story. 🙂 And thanks for your addition to Debby’s book. I agree that she is a great writer. I know you’ll love Kaye’s book, too. I loved the nature poems, but there are many on life that are relatable. Norway sounds gorgeous! Enjoy your vacation! And thanks about my book also. I appreciate your support, and enjoy the view from on top of the world! ❤️😁

  8. Reblogged this on Eúnoia and commented:
    I’m super excited to share Lauren Scott’s review of ‘Coming Home’. And to share the stage with D.G.Kaye and Kaye Lynn, comes as an added bonus. Thank you,Lauren,for a wonderful review of my debut novel and for taking the time to read the book and write a review while you’re working on your own. Totally grateful.

    1. Thanks for reblogging, Smitha, and I’m really glad you are happy with my review. 🙂 Even though I’m working on mine, I carve out quiet time at night to curl up with a good book. And I truly enjoyed yours. Congrats on your debut novel!

      1. Lauren, there was no way I wouldn’t reblog. I absolutely loved how you read the book so closely. Thank you for investing your time in it. And hearing you say, you enjoyed reading mine means a lot. I love how you write. XXX

  9. Good luck on your Editing process Lauren … and those books sound like enjoyable reading.. Thank you for sharing them…
    All I need now is 48 hours in a day… Time is running so fast lately … But I am finding time to do nothing in the spaces in between LOL .. 🙂 I wish I could read more.. But I need to rest my eyes now more regular…
    Sending LOVE and Hugs your way Lauren ❤ ❤

    1. Thanks so much, Sue. It’s taking longer than I wanted, but I know it’ll be worth it in the end. 🙂 And I understand how you feel about needing more time. Just take care of yourself. At some point, I have to give my eyes a rest too. This is why I prefer paperbacks to e-books because I’m looking at a screen all day between work and blogging. 🙂 Anyway, sending lots of love and hugs your way, and thanks for dropping by. 💞🌻🤗

  13. Great reviews Lauren! I loved Debby’s book Fifteen First Times but the other two are new to me! Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts! Much love, C

    1. Thanks, Cheryl! I’m glad you’ve read Debby’s book, and if you have time, the others are worth it! 🙂 By the way, I commented on Goodreads after reading your stunning review of More than Coffee. I hope you saw the comment, and I’m going to share it here soon. Thank you SO much! I’m glad you enjoyed my memories. Love and hugs to you! xo

      1. I just saw your comment Lauren! Thank you. I tried to post on Amazon today so I hope that came through and I’ll pop it on bookbub next! I throughly enjoyed your book, it resonated deeply with me! 💕C

      2. Hi Cheryl, it’s there under Lawrence’s name. 🙂 Thanks again! I’m over the moon once again! I don’t know anything about bookbub, but I appreciate you sharing where you can. And I feel the same about your book. I’m so glad I saw it on Debby’s blog. 🙂 Hugs ❤️

  18. Congrats on approaching the finish line! I look forward to diving into another one of your works! In the meantime, I’ll check out these! Congratulations to all the authors for the great reviews!

  19. Congratulations on approaching the finish line! I look forward to diving into another one of your works! In the meantime, I’ll check out these. Congratulations to these fine authors for the great reviews!

  20. I love your book reviews! What a wonderful gift of support you provide for other authors. Looking forward to discovering some of your personal work.

  21. Excellent reviews, Lauren.
    All of these books sound wonderful. I wish the authors much success.
    I’m particularly happy about the review for “Fifteen First Times”.
    I adore this book, and you hit the nail on the head.

    Well, tomorrow is Sunday. Have a great one!

    1. Thanks so much, Resa. I’m glad you liked my reviews, especially for Debby’s book. She wrote a good one that had us laughing out loud and tearing up. And your review was, of course, spectacular! Have a great Sunday, too! ❤️

  22. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Fifteen First Times. I’m always up to reading a book by dgkaye. The other books sound like good reads. I am particularly interested in Coming Home as I have visited Karela and have stayed in an Ashram. All about India always is of interest to me. The Poem you quoted in Small Wonders is beautiful and I like that she wrote one about aging.
    You write lovely reviews, Lauren ❤

    1. Debby’s books are great, Carol. I’ve read three and loved them, but will continue down her list. 🙂 The others are wonderful, and since you mention your experience in India, I highly recommend Coming Home. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it and will find it relatable in those ways. I’m glad you liked Kaye’s poem. Anything about nature resonates with me. And thank you about my reviews. I’ve written several now, but I always feel challenged, wanting to do the author right. 🙂 But I appreciate your encouragement. Have a great Sunday! ❤️

    2. Thank you, Carol, for your interest in Coming Home. Having been to India and stayed at an Ashram, you might find a lot that will rekindle your memories. I hope you enjoy reading the book :).
      Lauren’s done an amazing job with the review by highlighting what the book is essentially about.

  26. Pingback: Book Reviews: Poetry, Fiction, and Memoir… – MobsterTiger

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