I was delightfully surprised to find Cora’s Quest included in Sally’s post with Sue Wickstead’s, Bus Rhymes and Playtimes, and Pamela S. Wight’s, Petey Wants Wings. I’m honored to be in the great company of these two talented children’s book authors! Thank you, Sally, for your generous heart that enjoys showcasing your fellow writers!You’re a rock star! 🌟
Comments are closed to nudge you over to Sally’s beautiful blog. Please give her some love while learning about these recommended children’s books. 🙏
Also, I don’t like to ask, but sometimes we have to do things that feel uncomfortable. So, if you enjoyed Cora’s Quest or King Copper, I hope you’ll consider leaving a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. Thank you! ☺️
Lastly, what can I say? The last two weeks have been wild in a wonderful way! Like Balroop and Dawn said, Copper has become the darling of blogland, an overnight celebrity. Aww, Copper Boy, I’m teary-eyed as I type. I know he is romping around with pure joy, knowing that he is loved, and that other pet parents are relating to the sentiments in ‘his book.’ Thanks again to all of you who have offered your loving support throughout this journey, and also from the beginning after that fateful day in March. ❤️🤎❤️
Happy Friday, and I wish you a wonderful weekend! ❤️🎉
I’m excited to spend time with Dawn today as the blog tour train moves forward. And I am touched that King Copper has achieved #1 Amazon New Release status! I’ve mentioned before, each post offers something different. If you’re a dog or cat parent, I’m sure my book will resonate with you. Dawn has already read it and shared her 5-star review as well. I’m so glad my poems touched her heart, which is my hope as others read through the collection. Comments will be turned off so you can head over to Dawn’s to learn more about the book and about what’s going on in her life. She’s a fabulous poet and writer of short stories, so acquaint yourself if you haven’t already. Thanks again, Dawn! ❤️
By the way,I am delighted to see 4 five-star reviews on Amazon with 3 five-star ratings! Knowing my poems about Copper are touching the hearts of everyone who picks up a copy is my wish come true. Thank you to those who have read about our love for Copper or who plan to read. And to those who have left beautiful reviews. Your words and support warm my heart. And I know as Copper romps around in green meadows with his friends, he’s smiling because of all the love he has received. 🤎🧡🤎
Thanks so much for stopping by today! Hugs, Lauren ❤️
I woke up this morning to a message from Carol Anne that her review for Cora’s Quest is live. What a surprise and an exciting way to begin my Sunday. Her review is amazing and so in depth that has me over the moon (again)! Please click on the link below to read the full review. Carol Anne is a fabulous writer at Therapy Bits, so I hope you take the time to get to know her if you haven’t already had the pleasure. I am thrilled with the positive feedback I’ve received about Cora’s Quest, especially since this story about a sweet fawn was my first children’s book. 🙏
And now a little heads up about King Copper: a blog tour is rapidly unfolding, and I am so grateful to my friends who have offered to host my new special poetry collection. Below is a rough schedule subject to changes. So, I’ll reblog their posts with my comments turned off (hopefully, I’ll remember to do this), so that you’ll softly be nudged to visit their blogs.
I apologize in advance if these repeated blog posts become redundant, but unfortunately, marketing our own books is the nature of the game for Indie Authors. However, each blog post will include different poems to (hopefully) hold your interest. 🥰
Anyway, thank you for your support and time spent here in my world. And if you read about Cora and/or Copper, I hope you take away Cora’s vital message about ‘discovering your courage’, and that you find comfort reading about Copper if you’re a dog or furry pet parent. I wish you a wonderful week ahead. ❤️
First of all, a huge thanks to you who left encouraging words on my prior post. I appreciate you so much, and the insight I gained provided relief for any future thoughts as I move forward. 🙏🤗 And now as promised, I’m spotlighting 4 books that I recommend adding to your towering TBR! They’re all poetry collections but touch on different topics. Enjoy!
Meadowlark Songs: A Motherline Legacy by Joy Neal Kidney
I was introduced to Joy Neal Kidney’s family history by reading Leora’s Letters, which is a book that touches on love, family, faith, loss, and resilience. Beautiful and heartbreaking. Meadowlark Songs offers the same effect: a culmination of excellent research into the depth of the women in Joy’s lineage. Through elegant poetry, prose, and priceless photographs, I was presented a window into seven generations, including the author who became “The Memory Keeper.” Guided by faith, each woman inspired the next, celebrating victories while encouraging strength and tenacity through loss and hardships. Every generational memory is one of love, admiration, and honor.
This book covers stories of farm life, of “Women in long dresses,” of good times and unimaginable sufferings. The genealogy began in Virginia but landed in the west where the Motherline planted roots in Iowa, the 29th State – five of the women lived in Guthrie County. Kidney’s account of her Motherline is poignant and highly recommended. A lovely example of her poetic voice is:
I Inherited Iowa
from ancestors’ long-ago decisions to settle here, a land of small towns, gravel roads to hike, meadowlark songs, the chirre of redwing blackbirds,
lilacs in spring, wild roses, lilies of the field, the call of pheasants, a neighborhood barred owl, a pork chop on a stick at the Iowa State Fair,
the Milky Way sprinkled across night skies, bur oaks sheltering pioneer graves, bountiful autumns, the hush of snowy Januarys.
The American flag gained two stars while I was in high school, the Pledge of Allegiance added two words, “under God.”
Though I’ve traveled the nation and abroad, I’m blessed by the choice of those long-ago pilgrims of Iowa, Beautiful Land.
Ancient Voices: Poems About Ancient Egypt by Dawn Pisturino
Ancient Voices by Dawn Pisturino is a beautiful, unique, and educational collection of poems and poetic tales expressing how “The Ancient Egyptians loved life and celebrated it with joy.” I researched along the way to appreciate the full essence of this informative compilation, hence, the educational element. And I appreciate the extensive research that was necessary for Dawn to create this book. Reading about other cultures and accumulating more knowledge is always satisfying. Her expertise of the Egyptian society is remarkable. I could spotlight many favorites, but I’ll share some lines from a couple that stood out:
Shu’s Breath
Shu’s light, airy breath curls around my feet, Warming my toes, Tickling my skin, Breathing his life-giving force into my body. I step boldly into the sunlight, Feeling his gentle kiss against my face. The sands stir softly as he walks beside me, Shielding me from the wrath of Ra. Sweat drips from my temples And rolls down my cheeks, A reminder of Tefnut’s tears As she trails behind us – her brother’s twin – Who shares his bed and bears his offspring: Nut, who stretches her body across the heavens, Catching the stars…
Ra’s Night Journey
The Ancient Egyptians worshipped the sun as the origin of all life and illumination and the Nile River as the source of all fertility and abundance. Keen observers of nature, they focused their attention on the revolving cycles of life: the changing seasons, the rise and fall of the Nile River, and the blossoming of new life after death….
If you’re a poetry fan, an Egyptian aficionado, or simply love learning about other cultures, I highly recommend this amazing collection.
Burning Butterflies by Robbie Cheadle
Burning Butterflies by Robbie Cheadle takes the reader on a journey through Southern African Flora & Fauna. This book is a lovely and eye-opening collection of poetry, photos, artwork, and video clips. Robbie’s paintings are stunning and augment her many talents. She is fortunate to have a front row seat to the precious African wildlife. Her poems are not only entertaining, but there are many details for the reader to learn. I always take away something new when reading about her African adventures. The photos continue to be awe-inspiring, while others are beyond endearing, such as a mama lion and her cubs lying in the sand.
Robbie is steadfast in her advocacy for these animals whose future remains grim, which is one of the qualities I admire about her. It’s appalling to be reminded of human greed and no respect for living creatures. Then factor in climate change where natural habitats are being destroyed, which affects the ecosystem. The entire collection either touches the heart or stirs emotions with a vital message that needs to be reiterated. Highly recommended. And since I have an affection for elephants, any type of artwork or poetry about these magnificent animals appeals to me.
Elephant
Elephant, you rise out of the veld like a mountain Spouting water and mud like a fountain People think your nature is gentle and kind But those who act inappropriately, trouble find
Your thoughtful eyes are brown, honey, or gray In puddles and rivers, you love to wallow and play Consuming vegetation in enormous amounts Any opponent, including a lion, you’ll trounce
You are known for your impressive memory And will do anything to protect your family With your trunk so clever and sensitive Saving your impressive species is imperative
An end to your days on this planet is approaching Due to human encroachment and mindless poaching It’s hard to understand the penchant for hunting tournaments Even less, the human desire for ivory ornaments
I can only pray for some sort of intervention That will give African wildlife much better protection Otherwise, the animal kingdom that’s existed for centuries Will continue only in the elderly’s faded memories…
Ink Stained Love by Ernest Federspiel
Ink Stained Love is the first book I have read by Ernest Federspiel, and now I know it won’t be the last. The poems in this beautiful collection speak of the many layers of love: loss, vulnerability, hope, and despair – all relatable human emotions. While engaging myself into Ernie’s poetic voice, I felt my heartbeat pulse with joy, but I also felt it shatter. His emotions evoked my own memories of past love that wasn’t meant to be, and of the love I share now with my husband of almost thirty-seven years. Reading through this collection was a moving experience, but to give you a peek into Ernie’s talent, I pulled some verses from poems that stood out:
Behind a Cloud
I know that when you see me I am the star behind a cloud And if you were my sunshine My star could shine so proud
The warmth that you could give me Would make a garden grow In the middle of that garden A rose that is my soul…
And yet, romantic love isn’t Ernie’s sole focus in his collection. He beautifully pens about his love for his mother, which I found to be endearing.
Dear Mom
I thank you for life lessons, and your kind and gentle heart For always being there even when we were miles apart I thank you for the forgiveness when I was caught doing wrong I want to give you the love that I have neglected for so long…
Remember
Simple things are no longer simple, fear has now taken their place But your love for me still brightens your beautiful face You’ll find sweet lady that I will always be right here To fight for you the battles of confusion and terror You brought me into this life and helped me to see Not everything is right or wrong, dementia scares the shit out of me!
This poetry collection will resonate in some way, so if you’re a poetry lover and appreciate verse that touches the heart, you’ll want to read this book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I hope you’re not leaving here empty handed. 😉 Have a wonderful weekend, and Happy Reading! ❤️
I’m over the moon that Barbara Leonhard, Editor of Masticadores USA, shares her 5-star review of Cora’s Quest on her blog, https://extraordinarysunshineweaver.blog/, where she presents her poetry and written works of fellow authors, along with book reviews. Thanks so much, Barbara!
A snippet from her review:
Lauren Scott’s latest book, Cora’s Quest, is an endearing short story about how a fawn’s temporary separation from her parents teaches her how to manage fear. Lauren Scott’s tale reinforces the important role a family plays as a protector and a child’s ability to endure a difficult challenge…
To read the full review and Barbara’s thoughts that preface Cora’s story, please click on the link below that will gently carry you to her blog. I hope you’ll be generous enough to ‘like’ the post and maybe leave a comment too. We both would love to read your thoughts. 🙏 She also has a lot to offer, so I hope you’ll take some time to peruse around her site.
This week has been busier than expected, so I’m behind on reading blogs. But I’ll have more time this morning and later this afternoon. As always, I appreciate your presence here and wish you a fabulous day! ❤️
Available on Amazon, and Barnes & Noble, but click on the image to purchase your copy through Amazon.And a friendly nudge to share a review online if you loved Cora’s Quest. Thanks so much! 💜
I was thrilled to find another fabulous review for Cora’s Quest this morning from my good friend, Beth at https://ididnthavemyglasseson.com/. She includes the subtle significance of Cora’s story that is not only for children, but adults would find it important too. A huge thanks to Beth! I’m celebrating and happy dancing once again! 🎉💃
An excerpt:
On her journey, Cora learns that along with the joys come challenges, as she begins to navigate the world around her, remembering the lessons her family has taught her, and gaining confidence along the way, finding a final happy resolution. What a wonderful book to read to your child and what great discussions could follow.
To read her full excellent review, click on the link below, and if you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Beth yet, you’re in for a treat. Below is a peek into who she is:
Hello, I am the mother of grown daughters, with grandchildren galore, an enthusiastic dater, a lover of the arts, a teacher, a cupcake maker, a Twister and Trivia champ, and most of all, a keen observer of life. I enjoy being a part of the twists and turns that occur while wandering through everyday events. Many of these happenstances leave me asking, “Why?” While I have been told, more than once, that the reason things have or haven’t happened in my life is because I had no glasses on, rest assured that even if I did have my glasses on, the answers would quite often be unclear. This site is simply an observation, and while blurry at times, an honest attempt to make some sense of it all. Enjoy the ride – Beth
Please pop into Beth’s world to read her fabulous review:
Lastly, I want to thank everyone who has supported me by purchasing a copy of Cora’s Quest and who has shared their lovely review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. I am grateful beyond words! ❤️🙏
Thank you for stopping by and have a wonderful day! 💝
“Cora’s Quest is a delightful story for young children with a clear message of thinking through difficult situations, remembering what your parents have taught you, and being courageous...”
Please visit Robbie’s blog to read the full review, and for another great book recommendation.You can also learn more about her fabulous poetry, photography, books, and incredible baking creations. Her latest book, Burning Butterflies, is available now on Amazon:
Thanks again, Robbie! I’m happy dancing! ❤️🙏 And thank you, dear friends, for stopping by on your way to Robbie’s blog! Have a terrific day! 💖
My amount of time to read lately can be equated to the size of a pebble! I’m still working on my ‘Copper’ book while trying to read your wonderful blog posts, so I’m continually searching for more time. If you stumble upon some, even a dash, please let me know. 🙂 I managed to finish two great books though, different genres, but so good! I hope you don’t leave today empty-handed!
On the back cover it is written that “Not all heroes are known. Not all battles are seen” and after turning the last page, nothing could be truer. This encouraging book is compiled of ten incredible stories. My emotions stirred, and I was in awe of the heroes with fearless mindsets to help others. These human beings tested their abilities to achieve what might be assumed as impossible.
Each narrative was moving, but a few that stood out were “Chiune Sugihara, The Japanese Schindler” which tells of how one man provided an escape route for thousands of Jewish families during the Nazi regime. “Chen Si, The Guardian of the Bridge” speaks about a man who prevented many hopeless souls from jumping who saw suicide as their only option. “Babar Ali, The Boy Who Built a School” touches on a boy who believed that education should be a right and not a privilege. Lastly, “Dian Fossey, The Woman Who Spoke to Gorillas” tells of how a woman built a life-changing bond between her and gorillas that she found to be gentle and genuinely social.
Joy and sorrow both play a role in every experience – accounts of people who fought against all odds, persevering when moving forward seemed challenging. Sacrifices were required in order to initiate their ideas. These heroes weren’t wealth or fame chasers, and some circumstances were those that we can only imagine. Their accomplishments, tenacity, and passion to their causes demonstrate the goodness in humanity. These stories are life-changing, so I highly recommend this inspiring book.
I follow the author’s blog, but A Beggar’s Bargain is the first book I’ve read by Jan Sikes. Now I know it won’t be my last. The story is told in post WWII era which depicts not an easy life, but one where simple pleasures are truly enjoyed. Sikes creates strong characters in Layken and Sara Beth. You will grow to love them and root for them. Layken has been discharged from the army and vows to save his family farm in Missouri. He’ll do anything to honor his late parents, but the odds are against him. This heartwarming tale begins with a preposterous deal that he is offered. Times are desperate, so he should accept it or cope with the dying fate of his farm spanning over 200 acres.
The story reminds us to persevere and not give up, to remain hopeful, and to not lose faith. A Beggar’s Bargain touches on what it means to be a family, hard work, and ‘keeping your eye on the ball.’ And family doesn’t necessarily mean by blood.
When I finished the book, my faith in humanity was restored. All readers will resonate with the concept of staying determined while overcoming adversity because everyone endures hard times at some level. A moving historical fiction and feel-good story that I highly recommend.
And because I don’t post every day, I have to (shamelessly) share a new, amazing review for Cora’s Quest by Ritish Sharma.
5.0 out of 5 stars Such a sweet and uplifting story Reviewed in India on April 14, 2025 Verified Purchase
Cora’s Quest is such a lovely little adventure. Lauren Scott has written a story that’s both heartwarming and inspiring. Cora the fawn is so curious and brave that you can’t help but cheer her on as she faces her fears and tries to find her way back to her parents.
The writing has a beautiful flow to it, and it’s perfect for reading out loud with kids. The message about being brave, even when you feel small or scared, is something I think a lot of children (and adults) will connect with. The illustrations by Chris Mendez are full of life and add so much to the story. Knowing a bit about his background makes the artwork even more special.
Overall, this is such a sweet and meaningful book. Definitely recommend it for storytime or as a thoughtful gift.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thanks again to Ritish for his fabulous review! I am so grateful and I know Chris is too! Most importantly, it is great to know that Cora’s story is touching many readers. A children’s book, yes, but the message about ‘finding your courage’ is applicable to all ages.
I appreciate your visit and hope you enjoyed the reviews. Also, please don’t forget to place your orders! I ‘say’ this with a smile. 😊 Have a wonderful day! ❤️
Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author 