Book Reviews: Compelling Novels and Evocative Poetry!

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Reviews, Books, Poetry

Dear Friends,

These reviews are long overdue, but I enjoyed each book equally, all 5 glowing stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I will post my reviews soon on Amazon and Goodreads. 😁

The Contract by John W. Howell and Gwendolyn Plano is a story with romance interwoven between the elements of a thriller and a supernatural. Chapter One had me hooked! Peter and Teresa become Heaven’s representatives on earth to assume the bodies of deceased Brad, who was a Navy Seal, and Sarah, who was a teacher and married to an abusive husband. Together, they are assigned a colossal mission, which produces an action-packed and intriguing story. Just when I thought I had it figured out, I began second-guessing who Brad and Sarah should trust. A fun fact for me was the familiar settings of the town of Davis, San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Sausalito, all in my ‘backyard.’

I’m sure it isn’t easy coauthoring a book, but the authors did a fabulous job in making sure the writing flowed seamlessly. The thriller element will keep you turning the pages to the very end, and the love story and supernatural qualities will leave you feeling good. A highly recommended book that offers something for everyone!

I don’t normally read phycological thrillers, but when I ran across a blog post promoting Warning Signs by Carol Balawyder, I immediately paid a visit to Amazon. I was already familiar with Balawyder’s wonderful storytelling and was eager to dive into another one of her books. Once my copy arrived, I dove in and finished the book in two days! A definite page-turner! The story of Eugene, the main character, is horrific, but the author’s experience in Police Technology is apparent from beginning to end, which made my experience fascinating. Regarding Eugene’s criminality, Balawyder didn’t paint graphic scenes that would be disturbing. I appreciated this decision in writing the book. The reader learns the crime, can envision the scene, which is horrendous, but then the story progresses with believable supporting characters who attempt to fit the pieces together. They each carry their own baggage that enriches the tale. A twist took me by surprise, but the conclusion is superb. I’ve always loved a good mystery where the characters work diligently to solve a crime. So, I enjoyed this book for the different genre that it was, along with Balawyder’s brilliant writing.
Highly recommended!

Ephemeral Encounters (Her Book of Words) by Maggie Watson is an exquisite collection of poems that speaks candidly from the heart. The melody of unrequited love plays throughout the pages. I cozied up with these lovely poems one evening and read from beginning to end. Watson’s language is both accessible and elegant. You’ll discover honesty, raw, yet beauty, throughout each poem – the emotions are palpable. Watson gently adds passion to this mix to keep the reader even more engaged.

Falling in love and being loved are elements of life that are vital to one’s desire to live. It is human nature to hunger for attachment, acceptance, and feeling special. When this love enters into our life, a poet feels inspired to write. And when the ache of a love not meant to be persistently throbs, a poet also feels inspired to write. Watson has compiled a touching, relatable, and profound collection. I have too many favorites to list, so I’ll share one of them that stood out, “Unfinished Symphony” (the first of three parts):

Don’t place flowers on my grave when I die.
I am not there.
I will be standing right beside you.
I will be the wind in your hair.
Or keep me in your heart.
That is where I always wanted to be.
I would have swum across an ocean to be in your arms.
But you kept running, and I grew tired.
In this world, we could not be lovers.
Maybe in the next?
You will always be my unfinished symphony.

I highly recommend this poetry book for anyone who has ever been in love
or who has nursed a broken heart.

I’ve always been fascinated with packing imagery and emotions into just a few lines of poetry, and haiku is one form that delivers. Dawn Pisturino’s book, Lunar Gazing Haiku, is a beautiful collection of over sixty haiku touching on emotions, passion, spirituality, seasons, and of course, the spectacular moon. I immersed myself into these short yet meaningful poems one morning while enjoying a hot cup of coffee. In the beginning of the book, Pisturino includes the Introduction that offers history on this short Japanese poetry form which I found to be beneficial. Gaining more knowledge by reading enriches the experience while enjoying the content. This short chapbook is meant to be read more than once. Throughout its pages, there is an aspect of life for everyone that will resonate. Highly recommended for all poetry lovers.
I enjoyed this entire lovely collection, but a few favorites are:

Fireflies

fireflies in the dark
spur childhood imaginings
fairy lanterns glow

Autumn

crisp red apples taste
sweetest in pie and cider
on brisk autumn nights

Healing

mooncakes and water
capture moonlight’s silver rays
powerful healing

I hope you won’t leave here empty-handed, but thank you for stopping by!
Happy reading,
Lauren ❤️

Lauren Scott
Website: baydreamerwrites.com
Author Of The Month, May 2023 Spillwords Press
Monthly Contributor, Gobbers-Masticadores Literary Website
Amazon Author Page, https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B08NCRH4MK
Author Latest Release, Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poems
Author, More than Coffee: Memories in Verse and Prose
Author, Finding a Balance: A Collection of Poetry
Author, New Day, New Dreams: A Collection of Poetry
Co-Author, Petals of Haiku: An Anthology
Co-Author, This is How We Grow
Co-Author, Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships

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

64 thoughts on “Book Reviews: Compelling Novels and Evocative Poetry!”

      2. My absolute pleasure, Maggie, and aww, thanks so much! You made my day! I know, there are so many wonderful books to read, and I’m grateful you chose mine as one of them. I truly hope you enjoy! Hugs again! ❤️🎉🌷

  3. Thank you for your excellent review of The Contract, Lauren. I am so pleased you enjoyed the book. Gwen and I had a great time writing it, and I’m sure she would also say that a review like this made the whole process very rewarding. Thank you again.

  4. Gwen M. Plano's avatar Gwen M. Plano

    What a lovely surprise, Lauren. I echo John in thanking you for the wonderful review of The Contract. I’m elated that you enjoyed the story. John and I had fun writing it, even though we had never met in person. One of the blessings of being a writer is that we have unseen friends across the planet – beautiful friends like you. Thank you again. 😊

    1. You’re very welcome, Gwen, and it’s amazing that you and John had never met. What an accomplishment for you both! I’m happy to share that I loved your book. I only regret that it took so long to get the word out. ❤️🤗

  7. I remember reading Warning Signs and thinking how Carol Balawyder had to know how a criminal thinks to get inside the bad guy’s head. It was very well done. I enjoyed it very much.

  10. Pingback: Lauren Scott’s Review of Ephemeral Encounters: Her Book of Words – Ephemeral Encounters

  14. What a wonderful surprise to find such a glowing review of my book Warning Signs and especially among such talented writers. Thank you dearly, Lauren for your generous and thoughtful review. ❤

  17. Pingback: Lauren Scott’s Review of “Lunar Gazing Haiku” | Dawn Pisturino's Blog

    1. Thanks, Debby! I’m glad you enjoyed my recommendations. And if you need another book, mine is an option, too. 🙂 By the way, I found you in spam again. Why? I don’t know, so weird. And I was traveling and then had an awful visit from Covid, which is why I’m replying late. Stay well, my friend. xo

      1. Hi Lauren. It seems many are finding me in spam. I think it has something to do with WP making me log in and out for every comment I leave on Worstpress. And I do hope you’re on the mend! As for your book, I do have it my friend, I will get to it! ❤ xx

      2. I’m sorry that’s happening, Debby, because it’s frustrating and more time-consuming for you. Anyway, I check my spam more often now. 🙂 And thanks re: my book. I don’t always nudge, but I think we all do at times. I truly hope you enjoy the collection when you get the chance to read. ❤️🤗

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