“I felt as if I belonged in the pages…”

On June 24, 2023June 23, 2023 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Reviews, Books70 Comments

I was pleasantly surprised to receive another glowing review for More than Coffee. This book was released in fall of 2021, so for these amazing reviews to still be flowing in truly warms my heart. Cheryl Orteglia from Living in the Gap wrote a stunner!

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 admire how Scott and her husband are exploring new activities as their nest empties and their courage soars. I especially related to the long hikes and the magical encounters with the wilderness, waterfalls, and a canopy of stars.

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. Don’t miss this opportunity to sit down with a cup of coffee, an old friend and explore the deeper meaning of this one precious life.

I highly recommend More Than Coffee with a five-star review for those of you who love memoirs, mystique, and family love.

Thank you SO much, Cheryl! I’m over the moon again by your most beautiful review, and I’m so grateful you felt as if you belonged in the pages. This line just gets to me in a warm way. ❤️

For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Cheryl, please pay her a visit. She writes engaging posts about real-life stuff! And her sense of humor will have you doubled over! When you read her stories, you’ll find yourself nodding because her tales are so relatable!

If you wrote a review for my book, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! And if you read it and loved it, I hope you’ll consider writing one. I’ve heard through sources here in the land of blogging that reviews are like hugs to Indie authors. Fyi, I love hugs! 🙂

Thanks so much for dropping in, and I wish you an amazing weekend!

~Lauren ❤️

“The majestic trees and vast sky invite you to keep looking up.”

Book Reviews: Poetry, Fiction, and Memoir…

On June 22, 2023June 22, 2023 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Reviews, Books79 Comments

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

Small Wonders by Kaye Lynne Booth

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

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

Early Morning

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

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

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

Coming Home by Smitha Vishwanath

Coming Home by Smitha Vishwanath is her debut novel, but it certainly doesn’t read like one. Her storytelling and language flow seamlessly, and the protagonist, Shanaya, is an authentic character with strengths and weaknesses like you and me. We’ve all experienced loss, but when a loss is sudden, shock augments the already wild emotions. Shanaya is devastated by the unexpected death of her mother. Even after two years, she still has trouble moving forward. During this time, she wants to care for her father, but he has different plans, which adds more worry for Shanaya. Both father and daughter struggle to find their way in this new life without the woman they love very much.

At twenty-six years old, Shanaya believes she has her life figured out, yet she has no idea what is in store for her. Romance lies on the horizon, but her journey entails much more nuance. She finds herself on a soul-searching path while trying to move through the heartache. Vishwanath inserts details about marriage – both arranged and derived from love, and she explores relationships with parents, siblings, and friends. Shanaya’s journey transports her to various destinations, and I enjoyed traveling with her as she moved from Dubai to Bangalore to Karela where her life began to shift in an exciting direction. Having never been to this part of the world, I was given a terrific sneak peek through Vishwanath’s vivid descriptions of the landscape.

I always enjoy learning about other cultures, and I became engrossed when Shanaya visited the Ashram for two weeks. This was a spiritual retreat where she practiced yoga and meditation. Lessons were learned, and wisdom was acknowledged by friends she made.

Coming Home is an engaging story of self-discovery, learning about relationships, and truly finding home at last where home isn’t just a place. It’s a comforting realization. Highly recommended for all who enjoy a story with substance and an uplifting ending. Another 5-star rating!

Fifteen First Times by D. G. Kaye

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

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

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

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

Happy reading! Lauren ❤️

Let’s talk about coffee and mugs…☕️

On June 12, 2023June 12, 2023 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Art, Books67 Comments

Are you a collector of mugs like I am? Every so often, I have to let go of a few so I can buy more! I always find another mug on a trip that I can’t pass up. My latest additions are from my talented and lovely friend, Marina. She is a fantastic photographer, artist, and musician. In fact, she and her husband, Oannes, have a band MK-O [the music of Marina Kanavaki & Oannes]. I think it’s easy to say Marina is definitely multi-talented! But she is also one of the kindest people I’ve ever met (even though it’s only through blogging). Please visit her blog if you haven’t had the pleasure yet. You’ll love her incredible talent but also her gentle nature.

The mugs below are my new additions with artwork by Marina, and I think they are just gorgeous! For some reason, I couldn’t get my act together to take a photo with coffee in them.😁 But I believe you can imagine. They are perfect for a hot, soothing cuppa! Don’t you love the colors and the cheer? We’ve had June gloom weather, so these delightful designs and colors brighten the mood. So, why don’t you pour yourself a cup and enjoy!

**If you’re in the mood to shop, check out Marina’s page where you’ll find a whole host of her amazing designs and products.** **I hope you’ll do some shopping!**

Thank you, Marina, for being YOU! I look forward to perusing more of your gorgeous art! ❤️

And now I don’t mean to overwhelm with more about coffee, but yesterday I saw the link come through from Selma’s blog. She wrote a review for my latest book, More than Coffee, that couldn’t help but put me in the mood to dance! I haven’t known Selma for long in this warm blogging community, but in a short time, I know she is a lovely and compassionate individual, not to mention, a beautiful poet. And I already consider her a dear friend. If you haven’t had the chance to meet Selma,
I encourage you to pay her a visit. She will welcome you with open arms where you can immerse yourself in her incredible writing. Below is her stunning review. I am over the moon again!

More Than Coffee—Memories in Verse and Prose by Lauren Scott

Ah, life! It doesn’t come with a manual on how to live it, but if you’re looking for a role
model to live authentically to radiate happiness from within, I invite you to look no
further than More Than Coffee—Memories in Verse and Prose by Lauren Scott. What
a lovely book. It’s loaded with personal stories sprinkled with heartfelt poetry that
enhances each phase reached in the Author’s narrative. Her resonant heart and calming voice befriended me from the get-go.

From the preface and the first story, entitled Silver Heirlooms, that opens with the
Author telling us about an old set of silverware she inherited from her mother. To the
last one, Magic, a poem, she had me glowing with gratitude, as was her hope for me in
the preface. Mission accomplished. I’m all lit up.

This Author doesn’t overuse language, and in More Than Coffee, she writes about her
life with reverence. The cadence of her voice reached under my skin, and I found myself
nodding to her words.

This 63-page paperback compilation of memories in verse and prose is estimated to be
a 100-minute read. It is if you want to breeze through it. But slow reader that I am, a
sentimental romantic, who loves her family just as much as this Author loves hers, I
went slow—savoring her beautiful words. And glad I did—I had many epiphanies and
pauses that helped to uplift me for knowing people with beautiful hearts like Author
Lauren Scott exist.

In this modern age of AI, fake and negative news in the media, and varied lifestyles, in
the middle of just such a life, there exists room for more happiness—this book will get
you one step closer.

Because happiness does that—seeing someone happy gets us all closer.

I’m glad I read More Than Coffee—Memories in Verse and Prose by Lauren Scott
and want to recommend it to everyone—a resounding 5-star rating.

…Because even second-hand happiness makes us all happy.

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com

Thank you again, Selma! My heart is bursting with gratitude! ❤️

Selma’s original post can be found here, and you’ll be able to read her wonderful review for
It Ain’t Winning If Without You by Michelle Ayon Navajas, another book added to my TBR.

Thanks so much for dropping in, and I wish you a wonderful week! ❤️❤️

More than Coffee Interview with Yvette at Priorhouse

On April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Reviews, Books, Interviews93 Comments

I am honored and delighted to be featured on Priorhouse blog today. It was fun to be interviewed by Yvette while we talked about my latest book, More than Coffee. Of course, we talked about coffee, and even tea poured into the conversation, but there is also more to enjoy and learn. And if you aren’t familiar with Priorhouse blog, visit Yvette here . She runs a regular interview series with other authors, participates in photo and writing challenges, and really shares a little bit of everything. And now Yvette will take it from here…

Hello Readers.

Today’s Interview features author Lauren Scott .

Starting note – this is the final Priorhouse Interview for Spring 2023. The spring series included Restless Jo (here), Liz Gauffreau (here), Dan Antion (here), Linda Schaub (here), Sherri Matthews (here), Dan Fenner (here), Miriam Hurdle (here), and today’s post with Lauren. The Interviews will resume again in summer.

One of the main reasons for this interview is to share about Lauren Scott’s book, More than Coffee: Memories in Verse and Prose.
My review of the book is on Good Reads (here) and the book is briefly explored in this post.
Also, if you drink coffee and/or tea, you might enjoy our brief chat about different types of mugs.

PRIOR: Lauren, thank you so much for making the time for this interview. Can you share a little about yourself?

LAUREN: Since my teen years, I’ve always had journals to jot down my random thoughts or emotions, but I began sharing on my blog, baydreamerwrites.com, over a decade ago. Writing poetry has been a joyful experience but also cathartic during difficult times. I also enjoy writing memoir and have dabbled in fiction short stories. Recently, I developed an interest in attempting children’s stories, when inspiration came at full speed, so I have completed two children’s books that have not yet been published. But I have finished the manuscript for one of them, so I have passed it along to my illustrator, and I’m excited for this new adventure and can’t wait to see the finished book.

My husband, Matt, and I have been married for thirty-four years, together for thirty-five years.

We have two grown children

And we have a cuddly Labrador, Copper.

PRIOR: Copper seems like a great dog. I enjoyed the post about Copper: “A Labrador writes a poem…”

LAUREN: I have authored two collections of poetry: New Day, New Dreams (2013) and Finding a Balance (2015), and my latest book, More than Coffee: Memories in Verse and Prose was published in 2021. My poetry has been included in several anthologies, and I am a published author at Spillwords.com. Currently, another poetry collection is in progress that will hopefully be released in June 2023.

PRIOR: Best wishes with that book release.

LAUREN: Thanks,Yvette. Recent backpacking trips with my husband, along the California coast and Sierra Nevada mountains, have stirred up thoughts to pen about fear, loss of friendship, overcoming challenges, nature, of course, and the possibility that anything can happen.

These wilderness adventures provided a myriad of writing inspiration for the book More than Coffee, as well as for my upcoming book.

Speaking of my upcoming book, the title is Ever So Gently, and will be a larger compilation of poetry, mostly freeverse, but with a modicum of syllabic poems in forms such as Haiku, Tanka, Shadorma, Oddquain, and Etheree. There are three different themes that will be woven from the first page to the last: my love of nature; Love in a romantic form, a deep love after 35 years together, and love for family; and lastly, poems about the many pieces in the puzzle of life, along with the beautiful brush strokes of life’s painting that begins as a blank canvas…joy discovered in many facets, dealing with loss and heartache, the effects of climate change, and a hint of personification.

My writing projects are sometimes serious – drawn from painful subjects and raw emotions – or they spotlight my silly side – pulled from humorous moments.

As you can discern, I am inspired to write about family, love, loss, and nature – the marvelous wild world, the smell of the woods, the sound of a babbling brook, and the chorus of birds singing.

PRIOR: That is another thing your writing brings to the world – you let us feel nature with you.

LAUREN: Nature has so much to offer if we simply open our eyes. Hikes along a local creek remind me that life is fragile. From seeing trout hatchlings to swallowtail butterflies, I marvel at how the world is interconnected and every living thing matters.

Yvette, my honest wish is that my readers will find a little nugget of delight, comfort, or understanding in my poetry and stories – I hope every reader will find some detail that resonates with them beyond my words.

PRIOR: Well that is what I took away from More than Coffee when I read it – I felt the “little delights and comforts”. That book is what led to this interview. I bought a softcover copy from Amazon and enjoyed reading a few selections each day for an entire month. I found that your very personal selections were also universal and written in a way that lets us experience many of the memories and reflections with you.

From the back cover of the book:

“More than Coffee is a memoir that paints a picture of young dreams and fears through short stories and poetry. But in adulthood, these dreams and fears transform. This collection touches on love and loss, nature and endurance, marriage and parenting. Humor diffuses fear, and taking risks proves to be a powerful method in boosting self-confidence. Through it all, whether in the wilderness near a sparkling lake or in the comfort of home, there’s nothing like a good cup of coffee. This book is a reflective collection of verse and prose best enjoyed sipping your favorite coffee roast, or your preferred beverage.”

PRIOR: It really is a great book to go in and out of. While the Kindle e-version might be ideal for some folks – other readers might want to consider the soft cover of More than Coffee because the experience of reading will be different. It makes a great coffee table book. Here are the links:

US Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/5bffee3t
UK Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/fhy4mtaf

I liked all the entries in More than Coffee and one that stood out was the short poem called Wealth:

Wealth

It’s a postage-stamp dwelling
with a few chips and dents,
but within the walls lie
giggles and imaginations.
Love enfolds itself
into every crevice…
a wealth much greater.

©Lauren Scott

LAUREN: That poem has a personal connection, so I’m glad you liked it too.

PRIOR: I also liked the selection 1989.

LAUREN: 1989 is one of my favorites, a story that tells the funny tale of how I met my husband, and how I’m so grateful now, that after 34 years of being happily married to each other, 35 years together, he is my best friend and I am his. We complement each other. Communication is key in any relationship, so it has been a constant in ours. We talk about everything and have held each other up in times of sorrow. Our life has also given us much to celebrate, and he is the subject of many of my poems.

Another favorite is the story, The Way It Was, which is about my childhood dream as a nine-year-old. I wanted to sing professionally and that dream wound its way into high school where I shared how an amazing teacher encouraged me to step out of the box I had trapped myself in regarding the types of songs I sang. I learned something new and great about myself. Moments in the spotlight were not only fun, they were beyond thrilling.

However, that story, The Way It Was, also touches on the transformation of dreams and that it is okay to have more than one dream. We are in control of our own choices, so if we decide to slide into a new lane, it’s alright. Dreams are allowed to change shapes as we grow, without regrets, but with many special memories. Gratitude is also key in this story.

PRIOR: That might be one of my favorite quotes from you:

“Dreams are allowed to change shapes as we grow, without regrets…”

It is wise – encouraging – and something many of us need to embrace. I also like your resilient outlook and I think the wellness messages layered in your book can edify and model wellness ideas.

LAUREN: I love that you have discovered the many layers of messages in my memories. More than Coffee isn’t just about sharing my experiences or even drinking coffee. It’s about the subtle life messages that I’ve sprinkled throughout the book, hoping they’ll enlighten or resonate with my readers, and this book spotlights the people and places that have enriched my life.

PRIOR: Speaking of coffee in the title of your book, what is your favorite brand of coffee?

LAUREN: My favorite coffee is Peet’s dark roast blend called Major Dickenson’s. Peet’s is a popular local coffee shop downtown, a five-minute drive, or a lovely twenty-minute walk.

PRIOR: Do you have a favorite mug?

LAUREN: As to a favorite mug, you wouldn’t think this would be difficult to answer, but I love mugs! I collect them like kids used to collect baseball cards. I can’t choose just one, so I’ll name a few: my daughter and I used to watch “Friends” so I love the “Friends” mug she gave me. My son gave me a pretty blue mug with Rise and Shine on the front, another favorite.

Both of these mugs are big enough so that I can use my milk frother for a foamy touch similar to a latte. And then I have several matching sets that my husband and I have bought on trips we’ve taken – all sentimental.

LAUREN: I have to say that every mug that sits on the shelf in the cupboard holds some kind of significance.

PRIOR: Oh how fun that you enjoy a variety of cups/mugs. I do not collect coffee mugs, but sometimes my husband will tease me when I go shopping and he will say, “No more mugs…” ha – and he might say, “no more bags, pillows, or places to sit” – 🙂

LAUREN: I know what you mean…my husband will say the same about no more mugs!

PRIOR: Well we both know that the mug we use depends on the beverage. Black coffee? Any small mug will do. And for tea? Depends on the kind of tea I am using. I used to make loose leaf tea but I have found what I like in bags. I know some folks will cringe to read that (like maybe Janet– ha – and FYI – here is her interesting post about Irish Breakfast Tea).

LAUREN: One kind of hot tea that I enjoy is Yogi Mango Ginger. Once in a while on a winter evening, a hot cup of tea hits the spot and both of those flavors are favorites. When winter arrives, an occasional hot chocolate hits the spot. Who would’ve thought marshmallows could be so entertaining! Hot chocolate used to be more of a staple years ago when our children were little. Now though, the kids and my husband and I don’t eat marshmallows (after learning the ingredients, reading labels of the foods we eat began years ago) 🙂 . Iced tea is my go-to drink when the sun bears down with all its might in the summer months.

PRIOR: I am glad you mentioned the seasons because I actually drink less coffee/tea in summer months. Do you have a favorite season?

LAUREN: I love the renewal of spring, the colorful blooms poking up through the soil, inviting inspiration and hope. Warm tones of autumn and cooler temperatures bring a sense of relief following the heat of summer. But there is something also relaxing about sitting on our patio on a calm summer evening, feeling a balmy breeze pirouette around us. I also love the coziness that winter brings. We enjoy fires crackling in the fireplace, lighting candles and reveling in their soothing ambience, and feeling grateful that we are tucked inside our cozy home when the rain falls in droves, the wind blows aggressively, while the temperature plummets.

It’s really hard to narrow down all the wonderful past memories into one favorite season. Many seasons brought joy and some brought buckets of tears. The summer and fall months from 2017 to last year when my husband began taking me backpacking will always be special. By this time, I was in my mid-fifties, had some reservations, but I also felt determined, wanting to get that pack on my back and my boots on the trail. I write about my journey in one of the stories, “Ascent.” I express my joy of accomplishment while also grieving the passing of my father. At this time, both of my parents had passed. A chapter in my life I had to slowly process.

All the summers of taking our young children camping and showing them the beauty of the great outdoors, another favorite “season.”

My favorite season, though, isn’t about weather, but rather, about family in a more simple, yet profound manner. My husband and I entered into the empty nest “season” two years ago. Our daughter and son both now live across the country. They are chasing their dreams and we are proud of them. And as much as we talk, text, and visit as often as possible, it’s not enough “in person” time for me. So, my favorite season of all is when our grown children are home to visit and we are all together.

PRIOR: I enjoyed what you shared about seasons. The weather seasons – and then the seasonal changes we experience with family and life’s milestones. It was so well said and it has been a highlight of this interview for me.

LAUREN: It has been fun to share today. Thanks again, Yvette, for this wonderful opportunity to talk about my book, and I’m so thrilled that you enjoyed it.

PRIOR: I enjoyed it for an entire month and I look forward to your release of Ever So Gently. Another highlight of this interview was the brief chat about mugs and coffee/tea.

Blog: baydreamerwrites.com (blog)
Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Lauren-Scott/author/B08NCRH4MK
FB: https://www.facebook.com/BaydreamerWrites
IG: https://www.instagram.com/baydreamerwrites/

Questions for readers:

Do you have a lot of mugs? Do you call them mugs, cups, demitasse? And if anyone follows Trent McDonald, you will know that he changes his cup/mugs image according to his location – and that is fun.
What is your favorite kind of coffee or tea? Does it change depending on the season?
Any comments or questions for author Lauren Scott? Have you read More than Coffee?

Thanks for joining us today for the last of the spring 2023 interviews. To see all of the Priorhouse Interviews – go here.

REMINDER: The #Dickenschallenge runs until June 9th… Inviting you to read ONE novella (or more novellas) and then chat with us in June (info here) (hosts are Trent, Marsha, and Yvette)

.

Morning After

On April 15, 2023April 15, 2023 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Books, Poetry92 Comments

Sun spills in

through billowing curtains

gently though

so not to startle dreams

Sated bodies delight

in love tangling

Sheets silky soft

caress skin

nothing can compare

to this moment

that shouldn’t end

but we bid farewell

to moonlight

knowing we have sunlight

to share

Photo by Szabu00f3 Viktor on Pexels.com

Ghosted by Paula Light – Book Review!!

On March 1, 2023 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Reviews, Books54 Comments

Ghosted by Paula Light had me captivated from the very first chapter. Lily is the delightful protagonist who suddenly deals with the loss of her brother, Jack. A gap of time has passed since they have spoken, so she lugs around this guilt daily. But she also doesn’t take his death lightly as niggles of suspicion occupy her mind. The story touches on three genres I enjoy: suspense, mystery, and romance. And it was fun to read about familiar cities in Southern California that were major pieces from the puzzle of my past – Anaheim (my childhood backyard with great memories of Disneyland), Fullerton (my high school stomping ground), Buena Park (where my husband and I said “I do”), and I-5 (the highway we have traveled a million times).

Lily’s heart becomes confused from the attention of two men, one solid and reliable, and the other who begins to feel like her soulmate, wooing her with “flowery flirtatiousness.” She deals with sorrow that many of us can relate to. Even the popular act of flipping houses finds its way into the story. Paula’s storytelling transports us back to earlier years and then into the future with many twists and turns along the way. I found myself laughing, a bit tearful, and sighing throughout. The language is real as though I stepped into the scenes, living the events with Lily and her authentic supporting characters.

One sample of Paula’s writing that I’d like to highlight is “Sweet girls didn’t want to harbor ugly feelings. We wanted to be emotionally generous and forgiving. Loving and nurturing. We didn’t seek revenge. We boxed up those nasty feelings, wrapped up the box nice and snug in glittery paper, plopped a pretty bow on top, and stuffed that sucker far back in the mental storage room.”

How many sweet girls out there can share Lily’s contemplations? Can you feel her struggle with emotions she believes should be ignored?

And during a somber time in Lily’s life, Paula’s description is poignant and beautiful…

“…It was freezing in here. But suddenly the cold lifted, and I felt a swirl of warmth wrap around me like a hug. I closed my eyes and let the feeling envelop me. It was a soft blanket of comfort, and smelled like lemons, reminding me of Mom’s citrus scent. It was the closest I’d felt to her in a long time, and I sensed she was simply trying to reach out to me and provide a bit of calmness.” These lines brought forth loving memories of my mom who passed away over a decade ago.

And a sample of the passion: “But the feelings, oh God, the feelings – those were sharper than ever. How I’d drowned in a sea of bliss when he kissed my breath away with waves crashing at the edge of the world…”

The emotions grab you right off the page, and if it were feasible, I would have nestled into my comfy sofa with a cup of coffee or glass of wine, depending on the time of day, and read until the turn of the last page. But life has its way, so instead of resisting, I took my time and looked forward to each quiet moment when I would either laugh, cry, or cheer for Lily. When I reached the end, I felt good about Paula’s conclusion. Yet, as with any great book, melancholy sank in because I had finished! So, I encourage you to grab your cup of tea or coffee, or to pour your glass of wine, settle into your favorite chair, and immerse yourself into the world of Lily. Highly recommended for those who enjoy a compelling mystery and suspense, a good laugh, and just enough passion to entice.
5 glowing stars!

Coffee in December…

On December 3, 2022December 3, 2022 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Promotions, Books, Writing43 Comments

It’s that time again when most of us wonder where the past year went and how fast it zipped by. In just a few weeks, we’ll be drinking champagne and kissing at midnight, ringing in a new year, 2023. Decades ago, these numbers sounded straight out of The Jetson’s! But before the bubbly and the kiss comes Christmas, a Christian holiday for those of you who celebrate the birth of Jesus. But another jolly soul arrives, too, Santa, so you know what we need to do…shop!!

And if you’re looking for a gift, specifically, a lovely book that can be read in one sitting or savored by reading one poem or story at a time, look no further, my book, More than Coffee, may just be the perfect choice!

To give you a little peek inside the pages, here are some wonderful reviews:

By Sally Cronin Delightful collection of prose and poetry reflecting on a life

This is a delightful collection of prose and poetry reflecting on a life tinged with sadness but also a great deal of love and humour. The author celebrates moments from her early life and marriage of over thirty years with stories that will entertain and also bring the reader’s own experiences to mind.

Sometimes it is the simplest things that evoke the warmest memories, such as a silver cutlery set, a toy frog called Sam, a yellowed kitchen chopper and the first time baking a traditional family birthday cake.

We are invited to concerts as a teenager overcomes self-doubt to solo in front of an audience of 2000 and fulfil a dream inspired by her idol Barbra Streisand. There are moments with spiders that might have you looking around your immediate surroundings, but you will also find yourself in some wonderful wilderness areas offering moments of reflection and a dip in a mountain pool.

Love is a central theme beginning with her mother and father’s love story that endured for nearly 70 years having begun in WWII with all its uncertainty and lengthy periods apart, and the author’s own fateful meeting with her husband, involving a kitchen appliance!

The loss of parents, even after a long and wonderful life, leaves a hole in our hearts. Their stories and poetry dedicated to them in this collection are heart-warming and reinforce the extent of their loving influence on the generations that followed.

The final part of the collection reflects on the changes that come when children leave the nest, and whilst this is obviously a time of sadness, there is also pride and delight as new lives are forged with future adventures to look forward to.

I enjoyed all the stories and poems in the collection and I am hard pushed to pick just one favourite but this one touched my heart.

Simple Existence

I stare at this page, milk white as the
blanketed ground in winter’s staging
where are the syllables?

I fear they have flown to faraway places,
across desert dunes and boundless oceans
and might not return so that I may tell him
(again) how irreplaceable he is.

Instead, I’ll touch his lips with mine
and steady myself in the arms of a man
who is satisfied with my simple existence.

I can highly recommend this collection to read in one sitting or to dip into when you are in need of gentle and uplifting moments.

By Jane Sturgeon – More Than Coffee: So Much More Than a Memoir of Verse and Prose

I loved every word in this book. Scott’s style and loving expression took me into the heart of life and to what truly matters. Her thoughts of Wil, her father-in-law, are compassionate and delightful in equal measure. Scott’s love for her family and the life she and Matt have built for their children shine through. Belonging and Riding With The Wind are two of my favourite poems.

More Than Coffee is a delight from start to finish and I highly recommend it to anyone who needs a dip into the magic of life.

By Robbie Cheadle – A bright ray of sunshine

This lovely book is a mix of a memoir about the author/poet’s life with some beautiful freestyle poems included after each prose section to enhance the emotion and moments shared. The memoirs are relatable and cover delightful memories of family brought back through inherited items and stories shared by family members as well as the author’s own life experiences including achievements, romance, parental love, and overcoming fears. The author’s personality and humour comes through strongly in her writing and poetry, as well as her joy and pleasure in the simple things in life.

My favourite poem in this collection and the one that summarised for me the spirit and essence of this book is Fulfilled.

Fulfilled

Let me drink from the gaze in your eyes
Eyes that have me wildly mesmerized
Mesmerized under their vivid piercing spell
Spell which only you many cast over me
Me, with a heart madly in love
Love, a whirlwind of euphoric emotions so true
True in not only our hearts, but in our minds
Minds, fully aware of their endless thoughts
Thoughts so amorous of us entwined

Now, if after reading these beautiful reviews, you find your interest is piqued, simply click on the Amazon link above, and Magic! Your copy (or copies) will be on its way! 🙂

So, I will end by saying that through the poems and stories in my book, I hope to inspire you to see the beauty around, to feel gratitude, to face challenges with verve, and to trek through that fear knowing you will find the light. I invite you to pour a cup of your favorite roast, or your preferred beverage, sink into your favorite chair, and enjoy the the rich taste while turning the pages. My wish is that you’ll find even a little nugget that resonates.

Thank you for reading, and I offer my utmost appreciation to you who have enjoyed my memories, and to those of you who have written reviews.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, MERRY CHRISTMAS,
AND HAPPY READING! ❤️🎄❤️

A little bias, but…

On March 2, 2022 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Promotions, Book Reviews, Books33 Comments

I have to share this review written by my daughter of my latest book. Yes, it’s a little biased, but believe me when I tell you that my family and anyone who knows me well will be brutally honest. So, I’m touched by her beautiful words and her continued love and support for me…

More than Coffee: Memories in Verse and Prose is a heartwarming collection of poetry and short stories about love, loss, nature, and parenting, all with the best friend of coffee close by. My name is Stephanie, and I am Lauren’s daughter. While I have heard these stories told before, written or expressed verbally, and have helped with the editing process along the way, reading the final product hit me in a deeper way. I was sitting on my couch in the apartment I share with my husband, reading my mom’s newest book, getting emotional on every page but mostly on short stories such as, ‘Ascent,’ about the journey of a backpacking trip after the loss of both her parents, ‘1989,’ my parents’ love story, and ‘The Way It Was,’ about my mom’s choir and solo singing opportunities encouraged by her teacher, that catapulted me, her daughter, in sharing that same passion for singing. Those are but a few examples that capture the raw emotions, authenticity and vulnerability she shares with the reader – aspects of life everyone can relate to. My mom has published two solely poetry books prior, but the amalgamation of the short stories and poems is a fine-tuned balance, one she has hit her mark on. I may be a little biased, but I couldn’t be any prouder! Do her the honor of purchasing and reading this book with a good old-fashioned cup of joe or your preferred drink of choice; you surely won’t be disappointed! Happy reading!

Thank you for stopping by and reading Stephanie’s review. If you’ve bought my book, I hope you’ve enjoyed the memories. And if you haven’t already written an Amazon review, I would greatly appreciate it if you would. I once read that reviews are like hugs for authors. And if you don’t already have a copy of More than Coffee on your kindle or in your book case, I hope you’ll check it out. Simply click “Buy on Amazon” below the image.

Thanks again,
Lauren ❤️❤️❤️