Welcome Author, Jacqui Murray!

On July 29, 2026July 28, 2026 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Promotions, Book Reviews72 Comments

Dear Friends,

I am thrilled to welcome friend and fellow Author, Jacqui Murray, and help promote her new book, Balance of Nature, which is Book 3 of the Savage Land Trilogy! Jacqui is a talented and prolific author of prehistoric fiction and non-fiction, and she has published more books than I can count!
Balance of Nature is on my list to read later this year. However, I read and loved Endangered Species, and you can find my 5-star review on Amazon, Goodreads, and at this book review post.

Summary:

A tribe haunted by the past. Lies that threaten the future. A reason to find the truth.

Savage Land is the third trilogy about prehistoric man in the series, Man. Vs. Nature. Savage Land explores how two bands of humans survived one of the worst natural disasters in Earth’s history, when volcanic eruptions darkened the sky, massive tsunamis crossed the ocean in crushing waves, and raging fires burned the land. Viral tribes of Neanderthals and early man considered themselves apex predators, but that crown belonged to Nature and she was intent on washing the two-legged blight from her lands.

In Balance of Nature, Book Three of the trilogy, Yu’ung’s Neanderthal tribe hopes to settle at Gibraltar but instead find unexpected threats and lethal challenges.

Follow the courageous Yu’ung, the determined Kazeb, the mystical Shanadar, and the pawed-and-clawed Canis as they navigate a perilous world of tribal conflict, unexplained visions, and shifting loyalties. Their journey is a testament to the resilience and strength of true leadership in a sweeping saga that ultimately leads to who we are today.

Book information:

Print, digital, audio soon available: http://a-fwd.com/asin=B0G45MFBWW
Genre: Prehistoric fiction
Editor: Anneli Purchase

Author bio:

Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular prehistoric fiction saga, Man vs. Nature which explores seminal events in man’s evolution one trilogy at a time. She is also author of the Rowe-Delamagente thrillers and Building a Midshipman , the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. Her non-fiction includes 100+ books on tech into education, and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics.

Social Media contacts:

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jacqui-Murray/e/B002E78CQQ/

Blog: https://worddreams.wordpress.com

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/askatechteacher

X: http://twitter.com/worddreams

Website: https://jacquimurray.net

Jacqui shares her thoughts about attending Writer’s Conferences.

I haven’t been to an in-person writer’s conference in a while. In the past, I attended two a year, one for writing and one for education (I’m a teacher-author). I’ve posted about preparation for these events and how they went (always felt exhilarated and motivated afterwards).

Problems with airlines, COVID, personal issues, and limited funds have all seemed to discourage me from attending of late. I chatted with efriends to get their feedback on conferences they had attended and whether they were considering more in the future. Here’s some of the feedback I got:

Yes if…

You’re seeking structured feedback on your work (many conferences offer pitch sessions, manuscript critiques, or agent meetings).
You want to network with agents, editors, or published authors in your genre (check the guest list—look for 3+ people you’d genuinely pay to meet).
You’re stuck in a rut and need inspiration/motivation (workshops + peer energy can break writer’s block).
The cost is <5% of your annual writing income (or you’re treating it as a tax-deductible professional development expense).

Skip if…

You feel like it’s a “pay-to-pitch” scam (red flag: high fees for vague “agent access” with no track record of sales).
The lineup is generic (“How to Write a Novel” by someone who’s never published one).
You’re introverted and hate small talk (virtual options or smaller regional events might be better).
You’re broke—wait for scholarships, early-bird rates, or free local meetups.

Great take-aways from attending one

the opportunity to network with like-minded people
the chance to pitch to an agent
getting away from the daily routine
gain expert answers to questions
hear up-to-date feedback on the status of the industry

This is a lot to think about. I don’t know if I’ll attend the next one coming up, but at least, I have some metrics to apply to the decision.

Jacqui asked me if I had ever attended a writer’s conference, and I have – the San Francisco Writer’s Conference for the last two years. Both were great but different experiences, and my take-aways align with Jacqui’s. Fortunately, this conference was local, about a half hour’s drive, so the travel cost was low. I regarded this event as ‘time for me’ so I stayed at the Hyatt Regency where the conference is held every year, and the convenience of taking the elevator to my room after the evening events was beyond awesome! I loved networking with other authors, learning about their writing and publishing experiences. I sold my books in the on-site bookstore. I met with agents and editors and gained valuable feedback. I lunched, wined, and dined with new friends. The fun began on Thursday and ended on Sunday, when I went home with a myriad of information. My brain was fried but in a good way! It’s not an inexpensive investment, especially, staying at the hotel for three nights. Although, if you can make it work, I would recommend attending at lease one conference that is convenient for you. There is so much to learn.
Even so, Jacqui shared some good points that I agree with, so attending is definitely a personal decision.

As you head out today, I hope you’ve been inspired by Jacqui’s incredible storytelling and her passion for writing prehistoric fiction. I also hope you’ll pick up a copy of her book and, if you haven’t already, consider attending a writer’s conference. It’s a wonderful way to connect with other writers and spark new ideas.

Thank you so much for stopping by! I can’t wait to dive into Jacqui’s book later this year when life slows down a bit. And thank you, Jacqui, for inviting me to be part of your exciting book blast. It’s been a pleasure! ❤️

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© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com
All photos courtesy of Jacqui Murray.

Lauren Scott is a Pushcart Prize nominee who enjoys small-town living in California’s Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Although their daughter and son live out of state, frequent visits and modern technology keep their family of four close. Lauren is the author of four poetry collections, a memoir, and a children’s picture book. She has been a guest on several podcasts and her work has appeared in seven anthologies. Her poetry and prose has also been featured by Spillwords Press and Literary Revelations where she has received several honors. Lauren is a member of the Redwood Writers chapter and Marin chapter of the California Writers Club, and she is currently working on a new poetry collection and an early chapter book for children.

Sally’s Smorgasbord Summer Book Fair includes King Copper!

On July 10, 2026July 12, 2026 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Promotions, Book Reviews, Books60 Comments

I’ve been absent more than present here, but even so, Sally’s generosity shines when she emails me to let me know about her summer book fair and that my poetry collection, King Copper, will be amongst the highlighted books. This is thrilling because if Copper touches another heart through my tribute to him then my heart is touched as well. But I’m also honored to be among such talented authors as Balroop Singh, author of Fusion, and Nicole Sara, author of The Blues and the Beautiful. So, thanks again, Sally, for your support! And the review by Thomas is wonderful which I’m sharing below. Thomas has a big heart for dogs too, and I loved his book: The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle: Stories and Tips from Thirteen Years with a Leonberger.

Thomas Wikman

5 out of 5 stars
The Life of a Dog named Copper

Copper, a rescue Chocolate Lab was picked up from a foster home in March of 2012 by a loving family and in return they received 13 years of unconditional love from Copper, who turned out to be a quite remarkable dog. This touching and beautiful book recounts his life in the form of poetry. What better way to tell the life of a dog, than through poetry. Some of the poems are from Copper’s perspective and some of them are from the author’s perspective. Some of the poems are fun, some speak of love, and some speak of grief. I think that everyone who’s ever owned dogs will recognize themselves in this book. I certainly did.

Dogs have personalities, they can express themselves, they are innocent, they are fun, they are loving, they can sense your mood and feelings, and they want to comfort you when you are sad. They love you and they can do amazing things, and they are part of the family. All of this is beautifully expressed in this book. This is a heartwarming book that will leave no heart untouched.

There are also a lot of great color photos in the book. I thought it was fun to look at the various photos of Copper and the people he interacted with. There is also explanatory background information. The book is well written and well laid out and the author is obviously a great poet. I highly recommend this book to all dog lovers. Actually, I recommend it to everyone.

***I’m so grateful to Sally and Thomas!***

I invite you all to click over to check out Sally’s fabulous book fair! Happy reading!

Smorgasbord Summer Book Fair – #Poetry #Life #Love #Loss Lauren Scott, Nicole Sara, Balroop Singh

I hope you are enjoying your summer! We are traveling to the east coast next month to visit our son, daughter & son-in-law, and then a week later, we’ll enjoy respite by our favorite lake. I might even write some poetry! 🙂 I’m still nose-deep in several writing projects.

Anyway, thanks for popping in, and I hope joy embraces you in whatever you do! ❤️

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© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com
Smorgasbord photo: Sally Cronin

Fluidity of Reality

On May 23, 2026 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Promotions, Book Reviews61 Comments

As Indie Authors, self-promotion is a must, but I loathe this part of publishing books. Yet, if not me, then who or whom? You know I don’t sell books for the money. If that were the case, I’d be in serious trouble. My expenses outweigh the profits with a substantial lead. Publishing my books began and will continue as a legacy for my family. And when I read reviews and learn how my writing resonated or touched the hearts of others, this is the true reward that surpasses monetary compensation. I haven’t done a promotional post in awhile, but for those of you who are new to my blog, this post might be of interest, or maybe some of you long-time friends aren’t familiar with my older books. I hope you enjoy these tidbits that I pulled from 5-star reviews:

New Day, New Dreams

~ Thoughts by Diana Peach, Author of Tale of the Seasons’ Weaver

This is the second book of Scott’s poetry that I’ve read. And I enjoyed it as much, if not more, than the first. Scott’s collection includes free form poetry, both with and without subtle rhyming. The poems feel personal, poignant, and from the heart, and many reflect the nature of love in its varied forms. Family relationships provide much of the fodder for reflection. There were so many poems I enjoyed that I stopped making notes. Some are touching and sentimental like “Morning After.” A poem called “Bananas” had me laughing with its silliness, and “Raindrops and Coffee” has wonderful imagery and a staccato rhythm (like raindrops). Other favorites were “In Loving Memory of Mom,” “Winter’s Lane,” and “Reflections.” Highly recommended for poetry readers who enjoy touching poems about life and family.

Finding a Balance

~ Thoughts by Robbie Cheadle, Author of Lion Scream

“Finding a Balance is a collection of beautiful poems that speak to the daily emotions of life and, in particular, the pain and sadness of her journey along the path of a life threatening illness in a family member. Both my sons have suffered, and continue to suffer, chronic illnesses so this is something that is close to my own heart and to which I intimately related. Seeing our loved ones in pain and ill and not being able to do anything about it is one of the heaviest burdens a mother can bear. These words say it all from “Reality’s Edge”:

“Shaking my head,
I lie in beads of sweat’
gripping the edge,
waiting to fall
into the depths …”

…Not all the poems are about chronic illness. Many are about the poet’s love for her family and her husband of 26 years. There are some delightful romantic poems in this collection.”

More than Coffee

~ Thoughts by Cheryl Oreglia, Author of Grow Damn It!

“This is an extraordinary book and one that I could not put down. Scott captures the reader with her love for coffee, endearing tales, and the courage to live life to the fullest. Her exceptional writing resonates deeply with my own values, history, and love of storytelling. It is a charming book of prose and poems that will warm your heart and lift your soul. Scott highlights the beauty of marriage, friendship, and the love of family so beautifully, from the first story to the last poem, I felt as if I belonged in the pages of this delightful book. Scott explores all the facets of life, including love and sadness, gratitude and loss, humor and joy. She takes me on a familiar journey of a complicated life, including encounters with aggressive spiders, sacred heirlooms, grief, and long-distance relationships with grown children. I have Scott’s book by my bedside, within reach, so I can enjoy again and again her incredible knack for drawing one into a story, her arresting poetry, and the potency of a well-told story.”

Ever So Gently

~ Thoughts by Balroop Singh, Author of Beyond the Fetters

“Scott’s poetry celebrates memories and moments in her latest collection – ‘Ever So Gently.’ Her connection with the surroundings blends into the wisdom of nature that unfolds through stunning imagery like: “hear the rustle of a skittering squirrel,” “petals of velvet invite raindrops to bask in their peach enchantment,” and “breeze carries burdens down rivers.” From the birds that ‘flit and flutter’ to build their nest to the owl who proclaims his presence with his ‘high-pitched toots’ and the hummingbirds that flutter around the “bright pink petals” – all find a place of honor in this book to delight your moods. Lauren’s realism captivates and appeals to all the senses. From ‘The Peach Rose’ to ‘Firestorm’ and not to forget ‘I Was Adopted,’ her poetry slides most naturally on the wide canvas of creativity. Some more examples of Scott’s brilliant style:

“And water hasn’t caressed the hills
The earth, parched like Chile’s Atacama.”
“Silk-thread drizzles dusted rooftops and parched hills.”

Cora’s Quest

~ Thoughts by Brian, Writing from the Heart with Brian

“The world can sometimes be a dark and scary place, but like the little fawn Cora in Cora’s Quest, we all need to remind ourselves that “my body may be small, but my courage is big.” Cora finds herself separated from her ma and pa on a dark trail. She fears the worst, but reminds herself to be strong and courageous. I’ve been repeating Cora’s message in my head frequently the past several weeks and it’s brought a smile to my face and hope to my heart. Lauren has created an enchanted story that’s perfect for the young and young at heart. I should add that the artwork by Chris Mendez is out of this world. The images and colors jump off the page. Cora’s Quest would be great to give as a gift or treat for yourself. I could see this book becoming a treasured part of the reading routine for little ones of every age. It’s a beautiful book and keepsake.”

King Copper

~ Dr. Vicki Atkinson, Author of Slivers

“I was excited/nervous to read Lauren’s tribute to her beloved Copper. Excited because I know it was a labor of utmost love for Lauren. Nervous because I knew “King Copper” would prompt tears. Lauren writes with powerful poignancy. I embraced every word. Some tore at me, expressions familiar and raw about losing a predictable household rhythm…wrapped in fur. But so many words made me smile. Scratch that. Grin. I’m keeping my copy of “King Copper” at my desk, sitting next to my favorite basket. Such a face…such a sweet soul. Maybe he’ll find his way to a bookshelf, but not yet. This review is more than praise. It’s my heartfelt endorsement…perhaps a plea. “King Copper” is a worthy addition to your family library. A book you’ll want to recommend – just as I have – to dear ones experiencing loss. There’s comfort on every page, thanks to Lauren and her family. Thanks to Copper himself:

“I never went away; I’m sitting by your side.
My love for you runs far and wide; I’ll never go astray.”

I’m grateful for those who have welcomed my books into their hearts and homes, and who have shared thoughts on Amazon and/or Goodreads. Reviews are like hugs for Indie Authors and who doesn’t love a hug?

Thank you for taking the time in your busy schedule to pop in to my corner of blogland and read about my books. Did you find common themes? Themes that would interest you?

If you’d like to purchase a copy, just click on the book titles that will gently carry you over to Amazon. Below are additional links, as well:

barnesandnoble

bookshop

Have a lovely Memorial Day weekend
as we remember Military Personnel
who lost their lives in service. 💜

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© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com

Lauren Scott is a recent Pushcart Prize Nominee who enjoys small-town living in the Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Their daughter and son live out of state, and with frequent visits and technology, this family of four remains close. Lauren has published four collections of poetry, a memoir in verse and prose, and her first children’s book. She has been a guest on several podcasts, and her writing is featured at Spillwords Press and Literary Revelations. At Spillwords Press, she was awarded Publication of the Year (Poetic 2026), Author of the Month (May 2023) and Publication of the Month (June 2025, October 2024). Her work was named Honorable Mention in The Smalls Too 2026 Poetry Contest from the California Writer’s Club. Lauren’s work is published in several anthologies. She is currently working on her second children’s book and a collection of poetry. Lauren’s muse discovers inspiration from family, spending time outdoors, and marveling at the mysteries of life.

***Available online where books are sold.***

Book Reviews: Where Stories Meet – Fringes, Heartstrings and Lyrics – Perfect!

On May 19, 2026May 19, 2026 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Anthologies, Book Promotions, Book Reviews123 Comments

Hi Everyone,

In the midst of working on my own writing projects, I’m enjoying some great reading and finally finished reviews. I hope my thoughts prompt you to visit Amazon. 🙂 And please know that the length of my reviews may vary from one to the other, but each of these books earned 5-stars!

Where Stories Meet curated by Marsha Ingrao is a beautiful anthology compiled of stories and poems from Story Chat Digest. The book is divided into sections that begin with an entertaining conversation which makes you feel like pulling up a chair and joining in. The topics vary from lighthearted and humorous to more reflective. What makes this anthology even more special are the writing tips we can learn from, along with questions following the stories. There is something for every reader to ponder over or resonate with. And I shouldn’t dog ear books, but I do, so when I love a collection of stories and/or poems, most or even all the pages will have a corner folded over. Such is the case in this wonderful book.

I also don’t like to cherry pick favorites in anthologies where several authors have come together to create a wonderful piece of work. So, I love the entire book, but one poem that stood out was “What Would You Do Different” by Yvette Prior.

“What would you do different – if you knew – Death was so close for you?”

This question and topic stayed with me, maybe because the years are piling up. Don’t these words make you stop in your tracks too for a little contemplation?

Marsha’s hard work is a labor of love! Another special aspect of this book is that you can read it in one day, if life allows. Or you can enjoy one story or poem at a time, as if savoring a sinfully delicious piece of homemade carrot cake topped with cream cheese frosting. Delight at your own pace. I highly recommend this wonderful anthology and congratulate Marsha and the other talented authors who contributed.

Jan Sikes has done it again in Fringes, Heartstrings, and Lyrics, a collection of short stories and poems that will prompt you to reflect upon your own life. I always enjoy Jan’s storytelling, and this wonderful gathering of fiction and poetry became another dog-eared book. I had many favorites, but I’ll highlight a few.

“A Foreign World” was the opening story that paused my heartbeat. In my opinion, the world and our country are changing faster than most of us can keep up. Some change is good, but some change is distressing, and this story spotlights the distressing element. When I finished, I sat in silence for a few minutes before continuing on to the next. “A Promise Broken – A Promise Kept” touches on love and sacrifice. “Magic” is simply magic, what a beautiful story, and who doesn’t need a little magic in their life? The poems that stand out are “Butterfly” for its inspiration. “I Am Near” brought tears as I thought of loved ones in my family who have moved on to another life. And “I’ve Got You” would resonate with any loving parent.

In addition to Jan’s fiction, she included poems of her late husband’s, Rick Sikes, and her fourteen-year-old granddaughter, Sydney. “The Blind Man in the Night” by Rick Sikes offers a profound message for all. “Society” by Sydney gave me chills. I wouldn’t have guessed she was only fourteen years old. Like I mentioned though, this book is dog-eared to the hilt, so you’ll need to grab your own copy to read the other gems inside, and I highly recommend that you do. There is a message to takeaway for everyone from this lovely collection.

I love a good thriller as long as it’s not too graphic. One that keeps me on the edge of my seat, wondering “who dun it?” It’s the narrative, the fluidity of connecting the events, the likable and believable characters, and solving the puzzle at the end. Perfect by P.J. Gudka falls into this riveting category – a captivating, emotional, psychological thriller. On her blog, Pooja writes about real life in poetry and prose, the frustrations and the celebrations. But Perfect is her first novel, and when I heard it was coming out, I couldn’t wait to read it.

This story is about secrets. What family doesn’t hold secrets? And some secrets will shock the socks off of you! I could almost hear suspenseful music play in the Prologue alone, and the story hadn’t even begun. I was hooked…

Lily is gasping for air; her lungs are burning. What happens next? One can assume, but I couldn’t wait to find out! The intensity and storytelling kept me so engaged that I didn’t want to stop reading until I made it to the last page! But I had to put it down. Life is like that. Family, dinner, work, sleep…and still, I read this story in two days and loved it!

Imagine a family who looks perfect on the outside. And yet, regardless of the image seen by others, no one is perfect. We never know what goes on behind closed doors. Everyone has flaws, although some flaws are more dangerous. You’ll find yourself wondering about your own family. How well do you know your loved ones? “What does perfect mean to you?” A perfect partner, children, career? Money, money, and more money? Well, perfect just doesn’t exist. Our ‘perfect’ is what makes us happy, but it is different from everyone else’s description.

If you’re a fan of thrillers like I am, you’ll want to add this book to your library. If you shy away from suspense, be brave and let the pages entertain you (keep the lights on if you need). Pooja had me changing suspects right to the end. I thought I had it all figured out, but no. I was in for a big surprise. Talk about plot twists! Brilliant! Highly recommended for those who love rollercoaster reads!

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A little update from me, I just submitted a poetry manuscript, so we’ll see what happens. I also entered two more contests, one short story and one poetry. A conundrum is that most presses want original work, unpublished (not even on blogs). So, this is why I’m not sharing new poetry right now. But I’ll continue to share my writing, just maybe some oldies.

Like I mentioned in my interview with Gabriela, I’m using the quote from Albert Einstein: “You never fail unless you stop trying.”
So, this is the year for trying new things.

I hope you enjoyed my reviews and won’t leave here empty-handed! 📚
I also encourage you to visit these fabulous author’s blogs:
Marsha Ingrao, Jan Sikes, and P.J. Gudka.
Have a wonderful week and thanks for stopping by! ❤️

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© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com

***Poetry that will*** ***resonate for all pet parents.***

Blog Tour: Ghosts & Miracles Past: A Christmas Collection Two by D.L. Finn

On November 5, 2025November 2, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Promotions, Stories124 Comments

I’m thrilled to share about Denises’s new Christmas short story collection! I read the first and loved it! So, I turn the floor over to you, Denise!

Thank you for having me on your incredible blog today, Lauren, to share the release of Ghosts & Miracles Past: A Christmas Collection Two. I’m extremely grateful for your support!

In “Christmas After Loss,” Shelia is a widow in her early thirties. It has been a year since Randy tragically died. He had a bad heart, the doctor told her, and at the time she didn’t question it. Later, though, in the quiet hours of the night, doubts surfaced. Still, Shelia did the best of running their diner and hoping to build their dream house. Christmas was two days away, and she just wanted to get through it, but her car wouldn’t start. She called the only person she could think of, her husband’s friend, Sam. Rescued, she trudged through her day. Alone in the diner between the lunch and dinner crowd, she gets a customer. What he tells her is alarming. This is when she finds out who she can trust.

BLURB:

Miracles saturate the sweet-scented Christmas season—a reminder we aren’t alone.

Miracles & Ghosts Past: A Christmas Collection brings eight stories from past holidays. Rita buys train tickets for her and Morris’s 30th anniversary in the novelette, “The Christmas Train Mystery.”She’s convinced this trip will bring her and Morris closer—if he can find the time. A murder mystery excursion will change Rita’s life in more ways than one, but will she go with her workaholic husband or by herself? In the first short story, “Christmas Rescue,” Opal trusts the wrong man and loses her mother in the same year, leaving her feeling lost. On a mission to get candles for the dinner table, she makes an unexpected find. “Is There a Santa?” goes back to the 1920s, where a widower is desperate to hold on to his farm and children. He doesn’t want charity, just a bit of luck or a miracle. In the final stories, you’ll meet an eleven-year-old who’s home alone, a family living in the aftermath of war, a girl who gets some shocking news, a widow with a warning from beyond, and a woman trapped on an elevator with Santa. Hope underlies these stories; it endures even in the direst of circumstances. Whether help comes from a ghost, Santa, or an angel, miracles are just within reach.

EXCERPT FROM: Christmas After Loss, 1980

When Sheila was young, she believed in miracles. Life stripped away that youthful fancy the moment her thirty-two-year-old husband died unexpectedly on Christmas Eve. She barely recognized the person she’d become. The glass had always been half full for her, and Sheila had been the optimist among her friends. It was what Randy loved best about her, and now, along with him, that optimism was gone.

Still, she managed to push the darkness back enough to get up every morning and face each day. Sheila had a business to run that allowed her to just cover the bills and hold onto the property and the trailer she and Randy had purchased, intending to build a house later. That and many other dreams were gone, but at least she still had Cuddles by her side.

“I know, I know. You’re hungry,” she said to the petite gray cat.

Cuddles looked at her empty bowl, and then those mesmerizing gray eyes took in Sheila.

“Daddy sure spoiled you,” Sheila said.

A grin almost crossed her face before the pain of the loss seeped back in and weighed down her expression.

“It’s gotta stop hurting so much, Cuddles . . . someday.”

The cat wound around her legs as if to agree as her bowl was filled.

Cuddles had won her husband’s heart when he found her on the side of a road as a kitten three years ago, and taking care of her brought Sheila some peace. She was still relatively new to the town, so there wasn’t anyone to lean on other than the helpful Sam, who’d bonded with Randy the first time they met. Although at times it seemed like Sam was a little too bonded, and she’d pointed that out to Randy.

Randy had grinned. “I knew guys like him in high school. Just a bit on the needy side is all. I know how to handle that, don’t worry.”

Still, Sam remained in the pest category until Randy’s passing. After losing her husband, she appreciated Sam’s support. As a thirty-two-year-old widow who owned and ran a café, she didn’t have much in common with the local women her age. Having Randy had always been enough, along with their dream property that included a well, pond, electrical hookup, septic, and a little stream surrounded by pines. The previous owner had planned to build before his health deteriorated.

“Sometimes I think this place is cursed, Cuddles. Maybe we should go back home, like my sister keeps saying. Be near friends and family. They’d spoil you too.” Sheila petted the purring cat, who was now gobbling the wet food.

The hair rose on her arms as she sensed she was being watched. Was Randy there with her? It wasn’t like she’d have to worry about a Peeping Tom in the country, right?

The phone, which Randy had finished installing right before she lost him, rang. Cuddles’s usual reaction was to puff up her fur and growl, and she did exactly that and stopped eating until Sheila answered it. She tried to keep her voice cheerful, but she knew what a call before the sun had risen meant.

Universal Purchase Link

FUN FINN FACTS

I’m a big fan of happily ever after.
I love gift giving, but I’m not a skilled gift wrapper. I’m thankful for gift bags.

D. L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 she relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to Nevada City, in the Sierra foothills. She immersed herself in reading all types of books but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations include children’s books, adult fiction, and poetry. She continues on her adventure with an open invitation to all readers to join her.

YouTube
Amazon Page
D.L. Finn blog
Pinterest
Instagram
Facebook
Bookbub
Bluesky
T witter/X
D. L. Finn’s Gratitude Store

To celebrate the release, I will be giving away three Amazon Gift Cards: $5, $10, and $15. At the end of the tour, I will randomly pick the three winners from those who leave comments during the blog tour. Good Luck!

My 5-star review:

D.L. Finn’s wonderful storytelling isn’t new to me. Miracles & Ghosts Past is the second collection of Christmas stories with an ethereal flair. Eight stories of real-life dire circumstances grabbed my attention, and I had hoped for eight happy endings. Speaking of hope, this desire for a positive outcome, coupled with a strong belief in miracles is beautifully woven through each tale. But I also wondered if help would arrive. And in what form? After all, we’ve heard of angels, and the jolly old man with a white beard wearing a red suit, not to mention, friendly ghosts. By gifting us with this beautiful collection, D.L. Finn invites the reader “…to find your miracle not only during the holiday season but year-round.”

I immediately became immersed in each story – the characters, their perseverance, and the authentic settings. My heart ached through the challenging times and beat faster through the trepidation of not knowing what I would read at the end. Each story stirred emotions, but two favorites were “The Christmas Train Mystery” and “She’s Home Alone.”

Finn inserted the perfect quantity of suspense to keep me on the edge of my seat. In the first story about the Christmas train, Rita buys train tickets to surprise her husband for their 30^th wedding anniversary. Only she is the one who will be surprised by the events to come. “She’s Home Alone” evoked memories of a movie I saw years ago, so the story’s suspense affected me in the same way. Brilliant writing! An eleven-year-old girl is home alone with her imagination that goes wild. Her fright will reach the hearts of all parents.

Do you acknowledge the presence of ghosts, angels, and Santa? If your answer is ‘no’ then you will discover newfound beliefs after turning the last page. Highly recommended for you who would welcome a little Christmas magic! 💫🎄

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Thank you for stopping by to support Denise!
I hope you’re enticed enough to add her book
to your home library! ❤️

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com

***Click on my daughter’s image to order your copy!*** 🧡

Lauren Scott
Author – King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry
Author – Cora’s Quest (a children’s book)
Author – Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poetry
Author – More than Coffee: Memories of Verse and Prose
Author – Finding a Balance: A Collection of Poetry
Author – New Day, New Dreams: A Collection of Poetry
Co-Author – Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku
Co-Author – Petals of Haiku: An Anthology
Co-Author – This Is How We Grow
Co-Author – Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships
Bi-Monthly Contributor on Gobblers by Masticadores
Spillwords Author of the Month May 2023
Spillwords Publication of the Month October 2024
Spillwords Publication of the Month June 2025

A Bright Light

On October 24, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Promotions, Books, Poetry81 Comments

From the hugs, cuddles, and games of fetch, Copper learned he could trust us. And so, he became family. For thirteen years, he gave us unconditional love. He crossed over the rainbow bridge this past March. It is serendipitous to know that he came into our lives in March and left our earthly world also in March – the month of new beginnings. He was a bright light in our lives that will shine eternally. This is the power of our dogs or any pet. They leave a positive, long-lasting imprint on our souls. (Part of the Preface)

Available on Amazon (click on the image above to purchase from Amazon)
Click on the links below for B&N and Kobo:
Barnes & Noble,
e-book only on Kobo,
or if you’re local, you can find a copy at Copperfield’s Books on 4th Street in San Rafael.

***On the same shelf with Mary Oliver!***

He Carries On

A copper-colored coat he dons
Looking handsome as a celebrity icon
A senior now
Gray on his brow
Even with pains, he carries on.

My Shadow

Feeling empty in my bones
walking from room to room,
where is my shadow?

I hope you’ll let Copper touch your heart like he’s touched so many already. Or perhaps, you have a friend or family member who would find comfort in reading my book. A Huge Thanks to You who have read this special poetry collection and left beautiful, heartfelt reviews. ❤️🤎🧡

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© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com
Lauren Scott
Author – King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry
Author – Cora’s Quest (a children’s book)
Author – Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poetry
Author – More than Coffee: Memories of Verse and Prose
Author – Finding a Balance: A Collection of Poetry
Author – New Day, New Dreams: A Collection of Poetry
Co-Author – Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku
Co-Author – Petals of Haiku: An Anthology
Co-Author – This Is How We Grow
Co-Author – Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships
Bi-Monthly Contributor on Gobblers by Masticadores
Spillwords Author of the Month May 2023
Spillwords Publication of the Month October 2024
Spillwords Publication of the Month June 2025

#BlogTour: Beyond the Fetters by Balroop Singh

On September 22, 2025September 22, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Promotions70 Comments

I’m thrilled to share with you a new novel, Beyond the Fetters, written by my friend, Balroop Singh. I’ve read Balroop’s beautiful poetry collections that are always evocative, deeply touching the heart. Then I was excited to hear that she has a new novel coming out.

Balroop’s words:

“This is an ambitious project, dear to my heart as I’ve been working on it for almost seven years.”

So, I invite you to read what the buzz is all about:

The Inspiration:

Fetters are not just chains or manacles used to restrain a prisoner.

Fetters is a metaphor with wider and profound implications. They symbolize the emotional and mental restraints imposed by society. They refer to the unwritten rules that bind the spirit of people, that clip the wings of girls in their infancy, and they grow up with oppressive traditions and antiquated systems. They are stronger than physical fetters, as there is no key to open them. So, breaking these shackles is impossible.

The inspiration to rebel against so-called traditions lies at the foundation of this story. The journey of my characters was not easy, but their resolve to break free could never be weakened as they were ready to jump into the cauldron of embers. Physical wounds couldn’t scare them, lack of support didn’t shake their determination, and resistance couldn’t weaken their willpower.

Book Blurb:

Some babies are born with invisible fetters. They may strut about in their homes with wishes of flying high, but their wings never grow, and if they do, they are clipped by the diktats of traditions. Such stories remain within the hearts of girls, as their lips are sealed by cultural compulsions.

Earthy is one such girl, but her determination to break free could never be vanquished. She yearns to grow up again, to feel the sunshine that filters through the arms of her parents, to soak in the showers of harmony, to giggle with abandon and swirl with her dreams.

The sudden, untimely demise of her father rips her whole world apart, and the little joys of childhood vanish. From emotional deluge to resilience and detachment, she treads the paths of her life, struggling to rise above the average.

Dolly’s freedom takes her away from her family, and her choices boomerang. Imperceptible fetters follow her in the garb of love that she chooses. Should we pay attention to Grandma’s wise words – “We are tied to our destiny?” ‘Beyond the Fetters’ explores the possibilities of girls looking beyond their so-called destiny.

Book Information:

Title: Beyond the Fetters
Author: Balroop Singh
Genre: Fiction
Publication date: October 1, 2025
Amazon link: https://tinyurl.com/mu4bzr7v

An Excerpt:

Grandma’s word was the law. Age had not touched this beautiful woman. She was still svelte, walked straight with poise and wielded control of her estate with an exceptional zeal. Her sons tried to emulate her free, traditional spirit and respected her towering presence.

The warning of “not giving her too much” stayed with Earthy all day. She played with her cousins but grandma’s comment hammered at her mind again and again. She quietly munched her evening meal and didn’t ask for more.

At night, she lay beside her mama and asked, “Why did Grandma say that?”

“What did she say?”

“Didn’t you hear when she yelled?” She said, “Don’t give her too much to eat.’”

“She is right. Girls shouldn’t eat too much.”

“But why?” Earthy’s innocent eyes implored for an explanation.

“They grow up faster.”

“Won’t Trod grow up faster? He eats so much.”

“That doesn’t matter. Don’t keep an evil eye on your brother’s food. He is a boy. He has to take up many responsibilities.” Shanti’s wrath was noteworthy.

“But why, Mama? Why shouldn’t I grow?”

“You speak too much, Earthy. Don’t ask absurd questions. Sleep now.”

The conversation ended abruptly each time as Earthy was expected to keep her mouth shut. “Girls don’t talk much,” her grandma often told her.

She looked at the high ceiling of the room for a long time. The carvings transformed into real figures that resonated with her until dreamy cobwebs took her to the land of fairies. She loved this land, where clouds shimmered and trees whispered magical songs, far away from the people who liked to comment on her.

***

Nobody could snub Earthy. The next morning, when she saw Grandma, sitting in the verandah, attached to the kitchen, churning buttermilk in a big earthen vessel, she kissed her good morning and asked the same question – “Ma, why can’t I eat as much as I want?”

Grandma was more than happy to answer it. She stopped churning, looked at Earthy and said, “If you eat all day and grow taller, we’ll have to marry you. So, what is the need to grow up so fast? You have a lot to learn before you go.” Grandma laughed and started moving the strings of the wooden stand that fitted in the vessel.

“Marry? Were you married when you grew tall? Didn’t they ask you about your wishes?”

“Girls don’t have wishes and who cares about them?” Grandma muttered.

Earthy tilted her head quizzically. She didn’t understand the logic. She didn’t know the significance of the word ‘marriage’ at the tender age of eight. Why should she stay half-fed because of this so-called marriage?

About the Author:

Balroop Singh, an educator, a poet and an author always had a passion for writing. She would jot down her reflections on a piece of paper and forget about them till each drawer of her home started overflowing with reminders of her creativity, popping out at will! The world of her imagination has a queer connection with realism. Soaring on the wings of words, she gathers the dreams, and blends them with the melodies of nature. She writes about people, emotions and relationships.

A self-published author, she is the poet of Sublime Shadows of Life andEmerging From Shadows, both widely acclaimed poetry books. She has also written When Success Eludes, Emotional Truths Of Relationships, Allow Yourself to be a Better Person, TimelessEchoes , Moments We Love, Magical Whispers, Slivers, Hues Of Hope and Fusion. Her latest poetry book is Just One Goodbye.

Balroop Singh has always lived through her heart. She is a great nature lover; she loves to watch birds flying home. The sunsets allure her with their varied hues that they lend to the sky. She can spend endless hours listening to the rustling leaves and the sound of waterfalls. The moonlight streaming through her garden, the flowers, the meadows, the butterflies cast a spell on her. She lives in California.

Simply click on the link below to pre-order the kindle version, and the paperback will be available on October 1st.

Global Amazon link: http://tinyurl.com/jfc7fkf
X link: @BalroopShado
https://balroopsingh.com

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A Huge Congratulations to Balroop, and
Thank you, dear friends, for taking time from your busy schedule
to visit my corner of blogland.
I hope you’re enticed and will add Balroop’s book to your home library.
I can’t wait to hold the paperback in my hands.

Have a lovely week ahead! 🌺❤️

Lauren Scott

Author – King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry
Author – Cora’s Quest (a children’s book)
Author – Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poetry
Author – More than Coffee: Memories of Verse and Prose
Author – Finding a Balance: A Collection of Poetry
Author – New Day, New Dreams: A Collection of Poetry
Co-Author – Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku
Co-Author – Petals of Haiku: An Anthology
Co-Author – This Is How We Grow
Co-Author – Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships
Bi-Monthly Contributor on Gobblers by Masticadores
Spillwords Author of the Month May 2023
Spillwords Publication of the Month October 2024
Spillwords Publication of the Month June 2025

#BlogTour: The Mystery of the Pink Poodle by Dawn Pisturino

On August 29, 2025August 29, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Promotions, Books85 Comments

Today, I’m delighted to welcome author and poet Dawn Pisturino as she continues the blog tour for her new middle-grade mystery novel, The Mystery of the Pink Poodle. Dawn’s website is dawnpisturino.wordpress.com, so if you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her and reading her wonderful writing, please pay her a visit. Her recent popular books are Ancient Voices: Poems about Ancient Egypt and Sun Haiku: 365 Days of Sunshine. The paperback and e-book of Dawn’s book will be available on Monday, September 1st, but the e-book can be pre-ordered now by using the link at the end of this post.

Now you have the floor, Dawn…

Good morning, Lauren! I’m delighted to be here with you today as part of the blog tour for my debut middle-grade children’s mystery novel, The Mystery of the Pink Poodle. Although written for ages 9 to 12, I believe older children and adults would also enjoy reading it.

Amazon Blurb

Alina has a big problem. Her father is a popular mystery writer. Her mother is a glamorous movie star. Left in the care of the housekeeper, Alina feels neglected and unloved. But a summer trip to a living ghost town in Arizona turns a hot, boring summer into an exciting, intriguing mystery.

Who’s the crazy old lady upstairs? Why is she always crying about a missing pink poodle? Why is she a prisoner in her own home? And why won’t anybody help her?

When Hollywood meets the Wild, Wild West, a mystery unfolds that will change Alina’s life forever. With the aid of two wannabe cowgirls, Alina follows the trail of an ancient puzzle to discover the answer to the mystery of the pink poodle.

Author’s Note

Although this was written as a mystery novel, the story involves so much more. The larger themes center around friendship, the meaning of family, and intergenerational relationships. The book, above all else, is about people and our care and concern for them, no matter who they might be.

Chapter Two – Identical Twins

[Conrad, Arizona, June 2008]

Alina removed her pink-rimmed sunglasses and took a quick inventory of pink toenails peeking out from pink leather sandals and her pink denim shorts and halter top. A pink watchband circled her left wrist, pink earrings dangled from her ears, and a strand of matching pink beads hung around her neck.

“So what?” she said with an indifferent shrug. “I like pink. It’s my favorite color.”

“But your hair—it’s pink! And your dog! I’ve never seen a pink poodle before!” The twin, wearing a blue shirt, stared at her in horror.

“As I said, I like pink. It matches my baby blue eyes.” Alina made a pouty face and batted her eyelashes as if posing for an imaginary camera.

“Your mother doesn’t have pink hair,” the blue twin insisted. “And why are you so skinny? Are you sick or something?”

“My mother’s a movie star. She has to be thin. I’m going to be just like her, so I have to be thin, too.”

“Anorexic, more like it,” the blue girl grumbled. “Movie stars and models never eat.”

“Don’t mind her,” said the other girl, putting out her hand. “She’s just jealous. My name’s Shiloh Blair. This is my sister, Billie. We’re going to have fun while you’re here.”

Alina shook the girl’s hand. “Identical twins! How will I ever tell you apart?”

“We don’t dress alike,” Shiloh answered, “except once in a while. You see? I’m wearing red. Billie’s wearing blue. We like to be different.”

“She likes books,” Billie said. “I like horses. But we both like country western music.”

“Yuck,” Alina said. “I hate country western.” Muffy squirmed in her arms.

“Can I hold her?” Shiloh asked.

Alina handed her the curly-haired pink poodle. “Her name is Muffy.”

“Our mother runs this place,” Billie said. “She won’t let us have any pets. She’s afraid the old lady upstairs would make a fuss.”

“The old lady upstairs?” Alina felt uneasy that the face in the window belonged to the old lady.

“Yeah, she lives up on the third floor. She owns this place. She ran out of money and opened up this house as a bed and breakfast inn. People come here to stay all year round. But we’ve never had a movie star’s daughter before.”

“Or a famous mystery writer,” Shiloh chimed in. “You’re so lucky!”

Alina frowned. “I’m not so lucky. My parents are divorced.”

Billie and Shiloh looked at each other and laughed. “Our parents were never married,” Shiloh said.

“And we hardly ever see our father,” Billie added. “At least you live with your father. It must be so exciting traveling around with him.”

“I never go anywhere with my father,” Alina said. “He’s always busy writing. And I never see my mother. She’s too busy making movies. She calls me once in a while on my cell phone. I spend all my time with the housekeeper, Mrs. McPherson. But at least she likes me and worries about me.”

“He brought you here,” Shiloh pointed out.

“Because he had to. Mrs. McPherson is back in Pennsylvania visiting her sick sister. Otherwise, I’d be spending the summer at home in Beverly Hills.”

“Beverly Hills!” the twins squealed.

“90210,” Shiloh said. “How cool! Do you live in a huge mansion like Paris Hilton and drive around in a limo with a chauffeur?”

“Do you have a big swimming pool and your own tennis courts?” Billie asked.

“Give me a break,” Alina said. “I go to school and do homework, just like you.”

Author BIO

Dawn Pisturino is a retired registered nurse in Arizona whose international publishing credits include poems, short stories, and articles. She has published five poetry collections, including her most recent release, Ancient Voices: Poems About Ancient Egypt, which achieved #1 Amazon New Release status in African Poetry, History of Egypt, History of Africa, and History of North Africa. She is a member of the Mystery Writers of America and the Arizona Authors Association.

https://www.dawnpisturino.org

http://www.dawnpisturino.wordpress.com

Amazon Link to Pre-Order

https://a.co/d/cCZeDA0

The Kindle and Paperback will be available on September 1, 2025.

Thank you so much, Lauren, for hosting me today!

It’s my pleasure to help promote your book, Dawn!
I can’t wait to read it,
and I wish you great success! 💖

Thanks to you who popped in today, and I hope you’ll grab your copy too! ❤️

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