There is so much happening that gives reason for celebrating in the midst of still missing Copper. I don’t normally remember my dreams, but I dreamed about him the other night and it was vivid. Just an ordinary day with him trotting around the house, “nails clicking on the floor.” Anyway, I am so grateful and humbled by the beautiful reviews that are flowing in for King Copper. Thank you to those who have shared your heartwarming thoughts. ❤️
I also want to share the great news that my dear friend, Maggie, at Ephemeral Encounters, has been nominated for Author of the Month by Spillwords! And my good friend, Ernie, at The Dawghouse, has been nominated for Publication of the Month for his poem, “Little Mouse.” Way to go, Maggie and Ernie! 🎉
I encourage you to cast your vote for these two amazing writers at https://spillwords.com/vote/ and voting will conclude on August 29th. 🗳️
On another note,writing reviews seems to be a slow process for me. I should get in the habit of writing the review right after finishing a book. But no…I can’t stop reading, therefore, the books pile up and so do the reviews waiting to be written. That’s currently where I’m at. But having an abundance of books to read is the best problem, right?
And my latest selection include the following 5-star reads:
Gratitude & No Fairy Tale by D.L. Finn Honeysuckle Heat by Michele Lee Sefton A Noble Bargain by Jan Sikes Cade’s Quest by Linda Broday (Jan’s sister) Endangered Species by Jacqui Murray Embracing the Power to Live by Marsha Ingrao
So next month, I’ll share my reviews! In the meantime, I hope you’ll check these fabulous books out!
Let’s keep those TBRs towering! 😂
And let’s not forget my TBR:
I’m currently reading a wonderful book: The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Lowenhohle by Thomas Wikman and in the lineup are: Sam, A Shaggy Dog Story by Sally Cronin The Bush Devil Ate Sam by Curtis Mekemson Rhyming Dreams by Nicole Sara
I’m sure the lineup will grow as fast as I’m typing! 📚
Lastly, I’d like to share an earlier, beautiful review of King Copper by Jan Sikes:
Processing Loss in poetic form Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2025 Verified Purchase
I shed more than a tear or two as I read this beautiful tribute to King Copper, a chocolate lab that gave so much love and joy to the author’s family. The poetry is heartfelt and poignant. Some of the poems speak of the happy times and some of the deep sadness at Copper’s passing. He came to their home in March with youthful spirit and left in March gaining angel wings with 13 years in between. This is a touching story of unconditional love. Here is an example of poems that touched me deeply…
Young Lab
There once was a friendly, young lab With energy delightfully fab He loved belly rubs Hated baths in the tub He gave big, toothy smiles, never sad!
My Shadow
Feeling empty in my bones walking from room to room, where is my shadow?
Those are just two very short examples of the deep heartfelt poetry in this book. The photos of the deeply cherished Copper and his family are an added bonus. If you’ve ever experienced the pain of loss and struggled to find a way to carry on, I recommend this short read to help you process. It touches on the reality of grieving and how hard it can be to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Yet, we do, as the author shows us.
Thanks so much, Jan, and a huge thanks to you who have shared your reviews on your blogs (I’ll reblog soon), and/or on Amazon and Goodreads. I am grateful beyond words! ❤️
This wraps up the highlights, so hugs to you for stopping by! I know you have a million blogs to read and support like I do, so your time here is appreciated! Have a spectacular day! 💖
The blog tour train has reached its final destination at Marsha’s blog, Always Write, and what a post she created! I told her that I thought the tears had begun to dry up, but they keep finding me. Though my family is beginning to revel in the joyful memories of Copper, we still him so much. Sometimes, it’s hard to believe that he won’t greet me one day when I walk through the door. This is life. There is a beginning and an end. I also told Marsha that I guess I wanted others to know Copper like his family did. So far, the reviews are beyond touching. Adjectives are being repeated, but I think you know what I mean and how I feel.
So, please visit Marsha and her wonderful blog, to learn something different about this special poetry collection. And to get to know her if you haven’t already met her! I have to be honest, if you’re a dog parent or even a cat parent, my poetic sentiments will resonatebecause all of our hearts have been melted by our furry family members. ❤️
A soft reminder, my book is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble in paperback and e-book, and on Kobo in e-book only. 🙏
And now, click on the link below that will transport you to Marsha’s beautiful blog. Comments are turned off.
To those who have followed the tour, To those who have bought a copy of my book, To those who have already left amazing reviews, To those who kept visiting despite the tour, I offer my deepest gratitude from the bottom of my heart.
Copper came into our family a month after Mom passed. But Dad was able to meet him, and they loved each other.
Another wonderful surprise was finding Carol Anne’s stunning review of King Copper on her blog. Carol Anne writes brilliant poetry, so if you haven’t met her yet, please take the time to get to know her. She’s a beautiful soul, very kind and supportive. Enjoy this peek into her review:
Here’s the touching cover of King Copper: Our Dog’s Life in Poetry by Lauren Scott—a poignant tribute rendered in rich, chocolatey tones that mirror the gentle, soulful nature of Copper the Labrador. Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author+1.
King Copper: Our Dog’s Life in Poetry is a heartfelt poetry collection published on August 6, 2025, by Baydreamer Writes. The collection is a loving homage to Copper, the author’s cherished chocolate Labrador-mix. Part memoir in verse, part exploration of grief and healing, it captures the bond between a family and their beloved canine companion.
Spanning 66 pages, the book offers both paperback ($14.99) and e-book ($5.99) editions, with the e-book available for pre-order across platforms like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo.
What sets this collection apart is its variety of poetic forms—freestyle, tanka, limericks, micro-poetry, and haiku—all interwoven with color photographs that bring visual warmth to the written words. It begins with light-hearted, joyful verses celebrating Copper’s life and transitions into more reflective, grief-colored poems following his passing.
Short samples from the book carry profound emotional weight:
Comments are again turned off to direct you to Carol Anne’s blog to read the rest of her insightful and thoughtful review. I hope you’ll click on the ‘Like’ button and/or leave a commentto show her some love! Thanks again, Carol Anne, for your amazing review and support! My heart is fuller than ever! ❤️🙏
A young Copper loving the beauty that life brings.
I’m thrilled to be featured at Maggie’s beautiful blog again. If you recall, she kicked off the tour on August 4th. What a wild two weeks it has been! She was also the first to review my book, and she shares her review today. Here’s a peek into her lovely words:
Anyone who has ever owned a pet knows how heartbreaking it is when we lose them. As Lauren so correctly says, “loss is loss, hearts still break, tears fall until there are no more stages of grief”. I smiled and I cried while reading this beautiful collection of poetry written in tribute to Lauren’s Labrador, Copper. I loved all the poems, particularly the ones signed ‘Love Copper’ and ‘Your Copper Boy.’ Lauren also included many lovely photographs of this handsome boy, on his own, and with members of her family...
To read Maggie’s full excellent review, please head over to her beautiful site. I’ve turned off comments here, so she hopes to see you soon!
Before I close, I want to highlight Maggie’s recent book, Pieces of Me. Below is what Amazon says:
For more than a decade, I lived in a toxic/abusive environment.
I survived by learning when to keep my mouth shut.
Now, I have a voice by writing about my experience through poetry.
This is my story, no longer silenced.
I hope it gives you the courage to do the same!From the ashes, I rise. Emerging from the dust and ruins of the carnage you left behind, wiping away the dirt from the words that once left me unable to breathe. As I lay gasping for air, you did not care. You could have been my downfall, but I refused to die. Now watch as I climb to the summit of my life, no longer caught in your riptide.
I highly recommend this evocative poetry collection that I gladly gave 5 stars.
So, now you have two book ideas: Pieces of Me and King Copper. Please visit Maggie to read her full review, and to learn more about the collection of books she has published.
Thank you so much for stopping by! I wish you a lovely weekend full of laughter, love, and peace! I appreciate you very much! ❤️🙏
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.
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I hope you’re not leaving here empty handed. 😉 Have a wonderful weekend, and Happy Reading! ❤️
Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author & Poet 