Book Review: Sally Cronin’s “Tales from the Irish Garden”

On September 3, 2026 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Reviews, Books109 Comments

Today I’m sharing the last review I’ve been working on. If you’re met head-on with unforeseen challenges and seeking comfort in the written word, you’ll find what you’re looking for in this beautiful collection of short stories. And if you’re simply drawn to uplifting and magical tales, you’ll find plenty to captivate you in this lovely book. As I think about Sally, I’m not sure if there is anyone in this warm community who isn’t familiar with her blog where she provides “health articles, book marketing, music, humor, lifestyle, cookery, food and short stories.”

Sally is more than generous in helping to promote authors and their new books. I’ve been fortunate to be featured on her blog, Smorgasbord Blog Magazine, and words truly can’t express my gratitude. 🙏

About Sally:

I have enjoyed a nomadic existence living in eight countries including Sri Lanka, Malta, South Africa, USA and Spain, before settling back here in Ireland. My work, and a desire to see some of the most beautiful parts of the world in the last forty years, has taken me to many more incredible destinations around Europe and Canada, and across the oceans to New Zealand and Hawaii. All those experiences and the people that I have met, provide a rich source of inspiration for my stories.

After a career in customer facing roles in the hospitality, retail, advertising and telecommunications industry, I wrote and published my first book in 1999 called Size Matters, about my weight loss journey, losing 154lbs in 18 months. This has been followed by 18 further fiction and non-fiction books, including a number of short story collections.

Extracted from Amazon:

The Irish garden has been a sanctuary for centuries for those escaping persecution, invaders and grief. Its guardian is the storyteller, a man who has lived for hundreds of years and who is part of a network of guardians around the world, offering a safe haven to those worthy of their protection.

***Click on the image to purchase your copy.***

Now for my 5-star review:

Sally Cronin is an excellent and prolific writer. I’ve read several of her books, and I’ve enjoyed each one equally. Tales from the Irish Garden: The Missing Pieces is no exception!

This book is a poignant, tender, and encouraging collection of short stories inspired by Sally and her husband David’s garden in Ireland—a safe haven offering the magic of nature. The keeper of the garden is the storyteller who has lived hundreds of years. I loved the musical thread that weaves through many of the stories based on a Zulu lullaby that Sally’s nanny used to sing to her in South Africa—haunting yet comforting.

Throughout the pages, themes of kindness, friendship, animal therapy, healing, starting over, and moving through grief gently emerge. These are themes every reader can relate to, and a wide range of emotions found their way into my heart.

One line that especially stands out to me from “The Orphaned Boy” is: “Let’s get this chap home to the magic garden and show him life can be kind.”

Don’t we all need this kind of affirmation? With all the news making hate and violence seem so prevalent, I certainly do.

Each story has a new offering. I had the privilege of meeting Finn, Lilah, Ramon, Michael, Flaco, and Bebechat. My love for animals was satisfied from a dog, a cat, and even a crow named Charlie. I loved every tale, but a few of my favorites are “Finnegan,” about a man who has lost everything. “Charlie’s Story” is about an injured crow who is about to be attacked by crows of his own kind. “Lilah” endures many tragedies and is in need for healing. “The Invitation” speaks of providing sanctuary to those who have been persecuted – a magical tale that reminds me of current tumultuous times in our world.

As I read each story, I was captivated and felt the strong possibility of a mood boost. I encourage you to read these heartwarming tales that inspire transformation in lives that have lost all hope. A magical garden would be welcomed, wouldn’t it? A place where those distressed souls – both humans and precious animals – could find safety, healing, kindness, and a home. Highly recommended.

If you haven’t met Sally, I know she’d love to see you at Smorgasbord Blog Magazine, and I hope you won’t leave here empty-handed! Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful weekend ahead! 💚🩷💚

© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com

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.

Book Review: Slivers by Vicki Atkinson

On August 27, 2026 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Promotions, Book Reviews117 Comments

It’s time to share a long overdue review of Slivers by Vicki Atkinson –
another compelling read to add to your towering TBR! 🙂

In case you haven’t met Vicki...

Hi – I’m Victoria, Vicki, Dr. Vicki. (I’ll answer to any and all!) I hold a doctorate in Adult Education and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), author of “Surviving Sue” and “Slivers“. I’m also a well-regarded speaker and consultant in my own business, Atkinson Group Solutions.

I believe in the power of connection – taking time to share what matters most and I do a lot of pondering (yes…Victoria Ponders) about writing, relationships, family and wellness.

Writing for wellness was the inspiration behind my memoir, “Surviving Sue“. Two years later, I answered the call from readers who were curious about my mom’s highly intuitive family, and I wrote my first-ever novel, “Slivers” – inspired by eerie, generational secrets.

Learn more about both books from my terrific publisher, Eckhartz Press.

My 5-star review:

Slivers by Vicki Atkinson

Slivers quietly pulled me in and then refused to let go. From the beginning, Vicki had a natural way of drawing me into this tale. As I turned the pages, I found myself face to face with family dysfunction of many layers. And before I knew it, I was completely immersed in the lives of the three protagonists. Their emotions and struggles against the frightening supernatural forces (slivers) that became more intense made me care about what happened to them. I felt the tension, and honestly, I believe I held my breath until I reached the last page. For me, when a book is really good, I think about the characters even when I’m not reading. So, it’s as though I stepped into the world of these three young teenagers that took place in a week’s time during the summer of 1973. Do your thoughts ever take you back generations? Sometimes, the past covertly slinks into the present, providing fodder for a fascinating story about a family whose secrets resurface.

Imagine trying to make sense of hearing ghostly voices, seeing inanimate objects move like living creatures, let alone, unearthing a family secret that upends life. Do you crave drama and suspense? Do you love characters that make you feel like you’ve known them forever? Does a hint of the unexplained keep you engrossed? If you answer yes to these questions, then I highly recommend Slivers – a masterfully written novel with an ending that stayed with me long after I turned the last page.

To purchase your copy of Slivers, simply click on the book cover image above.

Now that I (hope to) have your attention, let me also highlight Vicki’s memoir, Surviving Sue.

My 5-star review:

Vicki Atkinson’s book is an honest and emotional memoir about living with her mom, Sue, who was plagued with mental health and addiction issues. Sue’s moods would shift from joyful to rage in no time, causing confusion and pain to anyone nearby. Vicki disclosed only the truth, no sugarcoating any situation, and even inserted humor at times. In the midst of chaos and after she moved out from her mother’s house, she remained concerned about her disabled sister, Lisa, who landed on the receiving end of their mother’s manipulation and abuse.

How Vicki met each challenging moment with resilience, compassion, and strength was absolutely amazing to discover. She uncovered the means for coping while also providing us a glimpse of the good side of Sue…her fun, entertaining qualities, and empathetic heart that advocated for others. I found this perspective to be heartwarming and inspirational. Vicki became a licensed counselor, so I’m sure living with her mom’s unstable personality offered insight for her future to counsel others. This book truly demonstrates what it means to love and forgive, and to stay strong in turbulent times. Highly recommended!

To purchase your copy, simply click on the book cover image.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and please don’t leave empty-handed! Pay Vicki a visit too. She is not only an excellent writer, but she’s a kind-hearted soul, and I’m happy to call her a friend in this warm community. 💖

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© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com

Welcome Author, Jacqui Murray!

On July 29, 2026July 28, 2026 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Promotions, Book Reviews115 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.

Sally’s Smorgasbord Summer Book Fair includes King Copper!

On July 10, 2026July 12, 2026 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Promotions, Book Reviews, Books67 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

Finding Our Courage

On June 16, 2026June 18, 2026 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Reviews, Books54 Comments

***Photo by Toni Seyfert on Pexels.com***

Last week I was under the weather when Hazel from sevensisterslove.com posted her wonderful review of Cora’s Quest. So I told her that I would share it this week when I felt more human. Hazel is lovely and if you haven’t met her, she loves to read, write, and explore. Her blog is for sharing her personal and professional life, aiming to spread love, kindness, inspiration, and positivity through her stories, which are mostly about her life in a remote place in the Philippines. You get to meet the special people and pets in her life, and she loves helping authors by sharing her book reviews. The photos she includes are beautiful and heartwarming. So, please pay her a visit!

Book review: Lauren Scott’s Cora’s Quest

Here’s a snippet from her lovely review:

A heartwarming story with vibrant illustrations, Lauren Scott’s Cora’s Quest is a delight to young readers.

Fawn Cora was with her parents in the wilderness when she saw a tiny orange caterpillar that made her pause and say hello. That amazement led her to being lost in the dark forest where bears, owls, and other animals were howling, making her shiver. Being alone in the wild was scary, but it taught her that courage is just always within her...

To read the full review which includes two precious family photos, click on the link above. ⬆️💜

Thanks again, Hazel, for brightening my day, especially when I wasn’t feeling my best. I’m so glad you enjoyed Cora’s tale with a message for all ages…we all have courage inside us; we just need to let it shine.

Cora’s Quest is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Whether you have little ones in your life or not, I hope you’ll invite Courageous Cora into your hearts! And if you enjoy reading about her quest, please consider sharing your review on Amazon and/or Goodreads because reviews are like hugs for Indie Authors. 🤗

I hope June is treating you all well, and I’ll be visiting blogs slowly but surely.

Thanks for stopping by! With love, hugs, and kindness! ❤️

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© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com
Photo by Petr Ganaj on Pexels.com

Lauren Scott is a 2025 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: New Day, New Dreams (2013), Finding a Balance (2015), Ever So Gently (2023), and King Copper (2025). In 2021, she released her memoir, More than Coffee. Her first children’s book, Cora’s Quest, was published in 2024. Lauren 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). Lauren is a member of the Redwood Writers Chapter of the California Writers Club, and her poem “Wings” was named Honorable Mention in their 2026 Smalls Too Poetry Contest. Lauren’s work is published in six anthologies. Her muse discovers inspiration from family, spending time outdoors, and marveling at the mysteries of life.

***A story about finding our courage.*** 🌻

Fluidity of Reality

On May 23, 2026 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Promotions, Book Reviews67 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 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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***Poetry that will*** ***resonate for all pet parents.***

Beautiful review of King Copper by Pooja!

On May 3, 2026 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Reviews, Poetry79 Comments

***Photo by Erik Mclean on Pexels.com***

Since I’m not blogging as much, I received a message from Pooja, telling me that she posted her review of King Copper on her blog. I checked my notifications and saw hers – what a wonderful surprise for this Sunday morning! There are many ways of showing kindness, and I believe we’d all agree that our world needs more! Sharing book reviews is one special way!
Thanks again, Pooja! 🙏💝

Here is a portion of her lovely words:

I’ve been reading a lot of poetry collections and books about pets and losing a pet which always gets me teary. But they’re also beautiful tributes to the good memories, the laughs and smiles shared. Anyone that’s had a pet will understand those bittersweet final moments and the love that a pet gives us.

King Copper is a beautiful tribute to Lauren Scott’s beloved dog, Copper. It is clear from the poems and the images that he was loved dearly by their entire family. I loved the poems in this collection. Some were uplifting and focused on the good moments with Copper and others were more touching such as March to March.

Despite Copper having said goodbye to the world, Lauren chose to focus on many of the joyous moments he brought her and their family. And in March to March she reminds the reader that even though he is gone, he’ll always have a place in the hearts of all that loved him.

I think the poem that really tugged at my heartstrings was To the Best Family which is written from Copper’s POV. It’s a reminder that when it comes to pets, we are their whole world. And goodbye is never forever.

Please click on the link below to read the rest of her beautiful review. I’m touched that Copper touched another heart. 🧡🤎❤️

tps://lifesfinewhine.ca/2026/05/02/king-copper-by-lauren-scott-review

If you’re a dog lover, a cat lover, or consider any pet to be family, the poems in this collection will resonate. ❤️

Now, I have to mention that Pooja not only writes beautiful and raw poetry that she shares on her wonderful blog, lifesfinewhine.ca, but she has just published her first novel, Perfect! I read it in 2 days, couldn’t put it down, and I’m working on my review, which I will share later this month. Here’s a snippet of Perfect:

A mother protecting her son.
A boy spiraling into darkness.
A girl who never stood a chance

Sally thinks she’s succeeded in breaking generational curses until she finds out her eldest son, James, is the prime suspect in Lily Johnson’s murder. After years of bliss, she’s forced to revisit dark family secrets she believed she had left behind. Even more unsettling is that the deeper she digs, the more she realizes that she may not know James as well as she thought.

Perfect is an emotionally gripping psychological domestic thriller that explores the impact of dark family secrets and the generational trauma it leads to. It will have readers questioning how well any of us know those we love and how far we’re willing to go to protect them.

I enjoy a riveting thriller or mystery as long as the story isn’t too graphic. Fitting the puzzle pieces together to solve a crime fascinates me. And Perfect was a perfect and compelling read! So, if you enjoy these genres too, pick up your copy! The story will grab a hold of you!!

Thank you, dear friends, for stopping by! I’ll be reading blogs today and into the week. ❤️🙏

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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, Gobblers and Masticadores, and LatinosUsa. 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.