Book Reviews: Compelling Novels and Evocative Poetry!

On September 5, 2024September 5, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Reviews, Books, Poetry64 Comments

Dear Friends,

These reviews are long overdue, but I enjoyed each book equally, all 5 glowing stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I will post my reviews soon on Amazon and Goodreads. 😁

The Contract by John W. Howell and Gwendolyn Plano is a story with romance interwoven between the elements of a thriller and a supernatural. Chapter One had me hooked! Peter and Teresa become Heaven’s representatives on earth to assume the bodies of deceased Brad, who was a Navy Seal, and Sarah, who was a teacher and married to an abusive husband. Together, they are assigned a colossal mission, which produces an action-packed and intriguing story. Just when I thought I had it figured out, I began second-guessing who Brad and Sarah should trust. A fun fact for me was the familiar settings of the town of Davis, San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Sausalito, all in my ‘backyard.’

I’m sure it isn’t easy coauthoring a book, but the authors did a fabulous job in making sure the writing flowed seamlessly. The thriller element will keep you turning the pages to the very end, and the love story and supernatural qualities will leave you feeling good. A highly recommended book that offers something for everyone!

I don’t normally read phycological thrillers, but when I ran across a blog post promoting Warning Signs by Carol Balawyder, I immediately paid a visit to Amazon. I was already familiar with Balawyder’s wonderful storytelling and was eager to dive into another one of her books. Once my copy arrived, I dove in and finished the book in two days! A definite page-turner! The story of Eugene, the main character, is horrific, but the author’s experience in Police Technology is apparent from beginning to end, which made my experience fascinating. Regarding Eugene’s criminality, Balawyder didn’t paint graphic scenes that would be disturbing. I appreciated this decision in writing the book. The reader learns the crime, can envision the scene, which is horrendous, but then the story progresses with believable supporting characters who attempt to fit the pieces together. They each carry their own baggage that enriches the tale. A twist took me by surprise, but the conclusion is superb. I’ve always loved a good mystery where the characters work diligently to solve a crime. So, I enjoyed this book for the different genre that it was, along with Balawyder’s brilliant writing.
Highly recommended!

Ephemeral Encounters (Her Book of Words) by Maggie Watson is an exquisite collection of poems that speaks candidly from the heart. The melody of unrequited love plays throughout the pages. I cozied up with these lovely poems one evening and read from beginning to end. Watson’s language is both accessible and elegant. You’ll discover honesty, raw, yet beauty, throughout each poem – the emotions are palpable. Watson gently adds passion to this mix to keep the reader even more engaged.

Falling in love and being loved are elements of life that are vital to one’s desire to live. It is human nature to hunger for attachment, acceptance, and feeling special. When this love enters into our life, a poet feels inspired to write. And when the ache of a love not meant to be persistently throbs, a poet also feels inspired to write. Watson has compiled a touching, relatable, and profound collection. I have too many favorites to list, so I’ll share one of them that stood out, “Unfinished Symphony” (the first of three parts):

Don’t place flowers on my grave when I die.
I am not there.
I will be standing right beside you.
I will be the wind in your hair.
Or keep me in your heart.
That is where I always wanted to be.
I would have swum across an ocean to be in your arms.
But you kept running, and I grew tired.
In this world, we could not be lovers.
Maybe in the next?
You will always be my unfinished symphony.

I highly recommend this poetry book for anyone who has ever been in love
or who has nursed a broken heart.

I’ve always been fascinated with packing imagery and emotions into just a few lines of poetry, and haiku is one form that delivers. Dawn Pisturino’s book, Lunar Gazing Haiku, is a beautiful collection of over sixty haiku touching on emotions, passion, spirituality, seasons, and of course, the spectacular moon. I immersed myself into these short yet meaningful poems one morning while enjoying a hot cup of coffee. In the beginning of the book, Pisturino includes the Introduction that offers history on this short Japanese poetry form which I found to be beneficial. Gaining more knowledge by reading enriches the experience while enjoying the content. This short chapbook is meant to be read more than once. Throughout its pages, there is an aspect of life for everyone that will resonate. Highly recommended for all poetry lovers.
I enjoyed this entire lovely collection, but a few favorites are:

Fireflies

fireflies in the dark
spur childhood imaginings
fairy lanterns glow

Autumn

crisp red apples taste
sweetest in pie and cider
on brisk autumn nights

Healing

mooncakes and water
capture moonlight’s silver rays
powerful healing

I hope you won’t leave here empty-handed, but thank you for stopping by!
Happy reading,
Lauren ❤️

Lauren Scott
Website: baydreamerwrites.com
Author Of The Month, May 2023 Spillwords Press
Monthly Contributor, Gobbers-Masticadores Literary Website
Amazon Author Page, https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B08NCRH4MK
Author Latest Release, Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poems
Author, More than Coffee: Memories in Verse and Prose
Author, Finding a Balance: A Collection of Poetry
Author, New Day, New Dreams: A Collection of Poetry
Co-Author, Petals of Haiku: An Anthology
Co-Author, This is How We Grow
Co-Author, Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships

Celebrating a Special 1st Anniversary!

On July 30, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Books, Poetry77 Comments

We’re all amazed at how fast time flies, and I continue to be…because it seems like yesterday when my book, Ever So Gently, was first published. This is my 4th book, and after one year has flown by, I’m celebrating with joy the 1st Anniversary of this poetry collection dear to my heart. Not to mention, the beautiful, soft cover painted by my son that paired perfectly with the title and the message within the pages. I want to thank everyone who has bought a copy! I feel so honored by the beautiful reviews I’ve received and all of them, 5-stars.
A Big Thanks to you all! 🙏🙏

I’m sharing a few amazing reviews by Scott, Denise, Selma, and Resa…

Lauren Scott will touch your soul…

Reading Ms. Scott’s poetry is like roaming the pages of a spiritual book and you can feel a connection. Upon picking up this book I first read “Ever So Gently” and felt an instant connection, as I’ve lived such moments myself during bushcrafting adventures, connected to nature and all of creation. As I continue to read, each poem is equally as deep and reveals not only the writers soul, but my own. ~ Scott Mitchell, Photographer and Poet

A beautiful collection…

“Ever So Gently” is a beautiful collection of free verse and symbolic poetry. It is broken into three sections that cover nature, life’s moments, and some author insights. I love nature and I’m drawn to vivid images, but the emotions and insights explored in our shared experiences were equally intriguing. There was a peace within these pages that allowed me to drift off into a poetic slumber when I was done reading. Although I enjoyed the entire collection, here are a few lines that captured my heart. “Fresh raindrops/gently landed/on their wilted spirit/as I witnessed them lifting…”—Wilted Spirits, “You stowed dreams in the clouds,/imaginings rose higher than the heavens…”—First Breath, “Their presence graced my universe beautifully like an endless ceiling of bright blue sky. Then they were gone.”—Friendships Gone, and “Its glow will grow ever so gently/into a bright beacon of hope/rising with the golden sun/bringing clarity to our vision.”—Ever So Gently. A collection that I will be enjoying again and can highly recommend. ~ D. L. Finn, Author of Sounds in the Silence

Reads like an Impressionist painting looks…

This book of gentle poetry reinforces love of family, nature and the mysteries of life. Written in a free style, the poems are organized into 3 sections: The Wisdom of Nature, The Noise, The Laughter, The Chaos and The Loved Ones. Each section breaks from free style at its end and features syllabic poetry. This book is for lovers of poetry who look for words to savour, poems to read over and over and a book to treasure in their collection. Through her writing, Lauren Scott reveals a caring and gentle soul that lives up to the title of her book. ~ Resa McConaghy, Photographer and artist at https://graffitiluxandmurals.com.
For Resa’s full review on her blog, visit https://graffitiluxandmurals.com/2023/08/20/ever-so-gently-by-lauren-scott/.

Read it slowly, and savor it long…

Ever So Gently–A collection of poems by Lauren Scott, a book of 126 pages, is a beautiful collection to savor more than once. In a combination of poetry forms like free verse, haiku and tanka, etheree, shadorma, and others, the Author celebrates family memories and present moments and reflections on where she is in her life today. Read it slowly and feel the words cause your own memories to float to the surface.

The book is divided into three parts: The Wisdom of Nature; The Noise, the Laughter, The Chaos, The Loved Ones; and Lost In Thought. In Part 2, there’s even a poem from the perspective of Copper, her Labrador—a clear indication of the different loves in the Author’s life. Undeniably you will find the words swell your heart with gratitude too.

I recommend Ever So Gently to anyone who knows how to tap into and make much of the happy moments in life. Because life is not always a bed of roses, yet beautiful things happen all the time. Any of the poems will have resonance. What, with language like these excerpts from the book:

“That this routine, though simple to some, would not be the same, would not provide the comforting experience if one of us was not present? I shudder to imagine such a scenario…” ~Toots and Circles

“the soil exhaled and my lantana sang “Hallelujah!” ~ October’s Miracle

“When I reminisce to these years, memories make me pause… to a time when I
witnessed their laughter and tears,” ~The Tiny Town

“a little bit more. I’m sure she knows the amount of residence she claims in my heart.
Then again, it is quite difficult to quantify.” ~A Little Bit More

“Then with the years your adolescence faded like my blue dye, but I stayed loyal.”
~The Blue Down Jacket

“Life is like a package wrapped in festive paper.” ~Darker Than The Deepest Sea

All the poems offered me a tender glimpse into Scott’s life. One calm evening to read through this poetry collection is all I needed to recognize how much I have in common with this Author. That she and her husband are empty nesters puts me right in her shoes. So the poem that will remain tucked safely in my happy place is the following:

“I find comfort in the clothes\ strewn on the floor\ soon to be dumped in the washer,\ wallet lying on the dresser,\ cell charging, bed comforter\ in shambles\because the messiness\ displays his presence.\ Now with air miles accumulated\ back in his time zone,\ the room shines in all its cleanliness,\ the neatness grating on my nerves,\ the silence, a cold shoulder.\ My hand pulls back the comforter,\ tousling, creating wrinkles\ in the navy fabric, then I pull\ some old shirts from the closet,\ tossing them on the floor.\ I can certainly pretend\ he’s just out with friends…”\\ The Mess, p.59

I hope you’re ready for just such a book, serene and enticing, that will speak ever so gently to your soul.
I cannot wait to read more poetry like this from this Author. 5-star from a satisfied customer. ~ Selma Martin, Author of In the Shadow of Rainbows

If you don’t own a copy of Ever So Gently yet, I hope you will soon. It’s never too late! But most of all, my wish is for you to find some poems that you can call your own – poems that resonate to the core. ❤️

I appreciate you joining me in this special celebration! 🎉💫

Thank you from the bottom of my heart! 💙🩵💚

To purchase your copy in paperback or e-book, click ‘Buy on Amazon’ or visit Barnes & Noble, and Kobo where Ever So Gently is also available.

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY, AND THANK YOU FOR STOPPING BY!
HUGS & HAPPY READING,
LAUREN 💜💜

Book Review: Ariel’s Song by Dawn Pisturino

On May 3, 2024May 4, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Reviews, Poetry76 Comments

Ariel’s Song by Dawn Pisturino is a beautiful and evocative collection of sixty-five poems – a collection that she lovingly dedicates to her daughter whose name is Ariel. The poems were written over a period of three decades touching on topics of love, family, children, death, nature, and the unique. Some rhyme and others are free in their styles from traditional sonnets that invited me to contemplate, to twisted limericks that made me laugh. I had many favorites, but I’m sharing snippets from a few, otherwise, this review would turn into a novel.

Many poems brought a sense of nostalgia. “November” evoked memories of when the season changed into golds, yellows, and reds, the air brought a chill, and my parents were still with us, enjoying family weekends at our cabin – everyone was young, and the future looked brighter than ever.

When November came,
We sat around the kitchen table after dark,
Telling chilling tales
Of ghosts and other phantoms of the night,
While wooden logs crackled and burned
On the old stone hearth,
And a cold wind wrapped its spectral arms
Around the ancient wooden cottage…

Dawn writes of her late father in “Rapping” which stirred emotions of my mother-in-law who departed from our world over thirty years ago. Our daughter was born the same year that Diane passed, and one evening from downstairs, we heard footsteps on the carpeted staircase when our little girl was sound asleep in her crib. No one else was in the house with us. So, was it Diane stealing a glance at her first precious grandchild? We imagined it was, and so we believed.

As a nature lover with a grateful heart for each new day “When the Morning Comes” hit home and really should be hung on refrigerators:

When the morning comes,
Sun will shine with a different light,
Earth will glow in a brand-new way,
Moon will dance to a gayer tune,
Clouds of pain will float away.
Broken hearts will beat again,
Empty eyes will see new life,
Throats will open up and sing,
Hands will break the chains of strife…

“I Hate Snakes” made me laugh out loud, but I can relate so well to the sentiments. Dawn’s vivid imagery summoned me along to explore with her in ‘the jungle’ and her frightening experience with snakes reminded me of my first encounter with a spider, which eventually turned into arachnophobia, causing a never-ending turbulent relationship with the creepy-crawlies.

I HATE SNAKES

I pushed open the creaky door to look inside
And froze in shock at what I saw:
Slithering, crawling, scaly snakes
Formed a moving carpet on the floor,
Entwining in an intimate embrace,
Lying together in a clump of shimmering bodies,
Moving slowly and surely in the rotten shadows.
We beat a hasty retreat
And never visited our ‘jungle’ again.
And that’s why, even today,
I HATE SNAKES!

Dawn’s collection of lovely, witty, and occasionally dark poetry, offers a verse and a sense of familiarity for everyone. Highly recommended for all poetry enthusiasts!

Dawn’s website: http://www.dawnpisturino.org

And social media links:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dawn.pisturino
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/people/Dawn-Pisturino-author/61557762414334
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/dawnpisturino
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/dawnpisturino/
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-pisturino-a15498123/
Medium: http://www.medium.com/@dawnpisturino
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dawnpisturino/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/WriterArizona
Reddit: http://www.reddit.com/user/Rare_Scare/
Tumblr: http://www.tumblr.com/arizonawriter

Thank you for stopping by, and enjoy your weekend ahead! ❤️

My latest collection of poetry, touching on nature, love, and the mysteries of life
that would make a great for any holiday! Click on the image for your copy. Thank you! 💚

An amazing review of Ever So Gently by Dawn Pisturino!

On April 28, 2024April 28, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Reviews, Poetry60 Comments

It’s time for another happy dance! I’m thrilled to read Dawn’s beautiful review of my book this morning. Below is a little peek…

Poetry Book Review: “Ever So Gently”

BY DAWN PISTURINO ON APRIL 28, 2024

Ever So Gently by Lauren Scott (2023). Available on Amazon.com at https://a.co/d/6VKTDPu.

Lauren Scott’s latest poetry collection reflects the inner life of the poet as she seeks to bring serenity and harmony into her world.

In “Messages from the Sea,” her verses paint a vivid portrait of nature, using keen observations and sensitive emotional reactions:

“listen intently
inhale, exhale, feel the calm
your soul will thank you”

Her signature poem, “Ever So Gently,” reminds us to leave our negative thoughts behind and enjoy the positive things around us:

“Remember, the breeze carries
burdens down rivers
and across oceans,
majestic trees sway with joy,
sheltering from shadows,
and the light shines even if only
a slight glimmer slips through”

Please visit Dawn’s post to read her full review, and if you haven’t met Dawn yet, spend some time at her site to immerse yourself in her evocative and lovely poetry.

Poetry Book Review: “Ever So Gently”

Thanks again, Dawn! I’m delighted with your wonderful review! But most importantly, I’m grateful that you enjoyed my poetry and found poems that touched you. ❤️

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.

Thank you for stopping by, and I wish you a wonderful week ahead! ❤️

My latest collection of poetry, touching on nature, love, and the mysteries of life
that would make a great for any holiday! Click on the image for your copy. Thank you! 💚

Leora’s Letters by Joy Neal Kidney – Book Review

On April 6, 2024April 6, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Non-fiction, Personal Stories47 Comments

As I began reading Leora’s Letters, the story of The Wilson Family by Joy Neal Kidney, it didn’t take me long to feel moved by the love, faith, and perseverance in this remarkable family. The tale begins with Leora and Clabe who were farmers in Perry, Iowa during WWII, but their story unfolded when one by one, their five sons enlisted, wanting to serve their country. During this period, the family stayed in touch by old fashioned letter writing initiated by Leora, and I felt honored to read the letters that were evidence of their solid family connection. But the intense silence was palpable during the times when Leora and Clabe waited for their sons to reply. I can only imagine the emotional turmoil.

The letters also reminded me of my parents’ story that commenced during WWII. They were engaged in 1942, then my dad was sent overseas. Handwritten letters were the glue that kept them connected for three years before Dad was honorably discharged in 1945. They were married soon after he arrived home. Theirs was a love that was everlasting, and February 24, 2012 would have been their sixty-seventh anniversary, but mom passed away on February 2^nd. However, if not for the letters floating back and forth, their story may not have been written. So, there is something exceptional to be noted about old fashioned letter writing, but unfortunately, this intimate gesture has faded with conveniences of technology.

Leora’s Letters may be a personal diary of The Wilson’s, but it also serves as history, reminding us that those who sacrificed their lives in war should not be forgotten. I knew the premise before I started the book, but I wasn’t aware of the details. As I continued from one chapter to the next, I sensed a dreadful anticipation. As a parent, I can’t fathom how Leora and Clabe felt, not knowing the whereabouts or wellbeing of their sons. I became teary-eyed as the story progressed, and at one point, I considered putting the book down for good. The heartache was overwhelming. Though the sorrow never subsided, I’m glad that I made it to the end.

Joy is the daughter of Doris Wilson Neal and the oldest granddaughter of Leora and Clabe’s. She is the keeper of her family’s history, so through intensive research, she beautifully crafted this book with the help of Robin Grunder. I commend Joy and Robin for such a well written and moving account. And I am still moved by Leora’s strength and courage to greet each new day for decades later despite the magnitude of loss she endured. I highly recommend this book because it profoundly touches on love, family, resilience, faith, loss, and the desire to move forward.

_____________________________________________________________________________

I pulled this information from Joy’s blog, and I encourage you to visit her, allowing yourself to be swept up into the rich history that she shares.

Leora’s Letters: The Story of Love and Loss for an Iowa Family During World War II tells the story of the five Wilson brothers who are remembered on the Dallas County Freedom Rock® at Minburn, Iowa. Leora was their mother–Joy’s delightful grandmother.

Navymen Donald and Delbert Wilson. Pilots Dale, Danny, and Junior Wilson.

Joy the photobomber, so this was the day of the dedication, October 2019.

Joy has written many books on her family history, and they are available from Amazon.com in paperback, hardback, and ebook. Leora’s Dexter Stories and Leora’s Early Years are also in audio form, with “virtual voice.” I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

As always, thank you for stopping by,
and I hope you’ll click on the image above
to receive your copy of this most touching book.
And please visit Joy if you haven’t had the pleasure
of meeting her, yet. ❤️

We Are Poetry by Kym Gordon Moore

On March 20, 2024March 20, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Reviews, Poetry93 Comments

Today, I am excited to tell you about We Are Poetry written by my dear friend, Kym Gordon Moore. Whenever I visit Kym’s blog, From behind the Pen, I’m either informed or inspired. I always leave with an important topic to ponder or a reminder to simply feel grateful. Her book is more than a collection of poems, which of course, would be a gift in its own right. As the title indicates, Kym’s book is filled with layers of insight about this genre as though it exists like you and me. Any school would benefit from including We Are Poetry in its curriculum. In fact, if I had pursued my youthful dream of becoming a teacher ‘when I grew up,’ her beautiful and insightful book would have been a useful tool in my classroom. Through Kym’s observations, she offers a glimpse into the beauty, benefits, and diversity of verse, fluidly dividing the book into her lessons.

In the beginning, I was captivated by her responses to how others feel that poetry is disenchanting and boring. If you share the same opinion, after turning the last page, I would be surprised to learn that you did not change your way of thinking. I felt empowered at the end of each chapter, and definitely after absorbing her powerful poem, “I Am.”
Below are the first few lines that will surely entice you:

They say I am nothing
in my someone-ness
traverse into a flow
of the seen but not heard
nonexistent, divisible where liberty is not just
not considered worthy to speak
or to be respected
just an invisible occupation of space
you think that of me
yet my existence is more
than the archives of silence
I am.

The desire to spread a soft blanket “Under the Poet Tree” swept over me:

Where leaves rustle at the sound of verses and stanzas
wind blowing through branches of poetic expressions
growing from a trunk that holds a history of adventure
a journey rooted deep in the soil of passion and purpose

artistic thoughts born from the birth canal of the poet
whether touched or sniffed, tasted or heard
the sight of what thine eyes can envision
a uniqueness speaking from blood running through the heart

should the soul wander in the essence of written words
as the fruit of poetry replants the seeds that grow
flourishing into an orchard of endless poet trees
hunger satisfied from the picnic basket of a bard

inspiration blossoms like new spring buds
creativity unfurling through the pores of my mind
life takes on new meaning of literary excellence
under the poet tree shrouded by a poet’s design

Kym speaks about the architecture of poetry, its healing voice, how it fights against illiteracy. She invites you into her memories of the simple times where you’ll find yourself tucked into your cozy car, munching on popcorn, enjoying a great film. She pulls you into the delight of paper kites and county fair fun. She has you weeping alongside Mother Earth, and when life doesn’t go as you plan, she implores you to not cry over spilled milk; instead, pour another glass!
There is an emotion for everyone in this lovely book waiting to be drawn out.
Highly recommended for all readers!

I hope you’ll leave my site today with a copy of Kym’s book on order. You will be glad that you did!
Thanks so much for stopping by! ❤️

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A collection of poems that speaks of nature’s healing touch,
how love shapes our lives, and the mysteries of life.
Click on the image to purchase your copy. Thank you! 💚

Ever So Gently receives more love from Michelle Ayon Navajas!

On March 18, 2024March 18, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Reviews, Poetry88 Comments

Ever So Gently by Lauren Scott

Hi All,

For those of you who have asked, I’m feeling better since that post a couple of weeks ago. But I’m still working through two health conditions that began last year – a double whammy. Changes are constant, but when those changes are permanent and challenging, it takes time to figure out how to live them. As with anything, time will tell and help me decide what do to next. But I’m thankful to feel a little better with no brain fog. Anyway, enough of that, and now on with my exciting news!

I was surprised to find this beautiful review of my book from Michelle Ayon Navajas on this Monday morning. And I couldn’t have asked for a better way to start my week. Her wonderful words truly touched me, so, I had to share her full review:

“The sky is the limit” they say, but I think not even the sky has the power to limit the endless possibilities of how our minds work.

I was struggling with Reena’s prompt this week. Not for anything else but simply because I wanted it to be a motivational piece, and maybe I suck at writing motivational pieces so I had to put this prompt aside and went to write my long overdue review of Lauren Scott’s book “Ever So Gently”.

I was down with the last pages of the book, when an epiphany happened. This book is about the quote prompt of Reena; “I think if you are curious, you create opportunities, and then if you open the doors, you create possibilities.” – Mario Testino

“Ever So Gently” is a collection of soul-soothing journey pieces of poetry packed up with calming scenes of early morning communion with nature. It is with our interaction with nature that we discover the endless possibilities about life and living it to the fullest. “The sky is the limit” they say, but I think even the sky would be jealous at how beautiful Lauren wrote her collection.

‘In Good Company’ begins:
“We stroll among redwood trees,
our steps slow down, we are in good company.”

I could almost feel the magical power in my hands through Lauren’s lyrical prose, and we know that when one believes in magic (magic happens).

“Clouds understand why we wait.” This is one of my adored lines from the book. Clouds may have a “not so good reputation” for bringing in heavy rains or for signaling the coming of a storm (could be both literal and metaphorical), but in her book, Lauren had me stopped and pondered. Clouds, after all aren’t that bad. It can be a sign of something good or better. It can be a friend who gives us a signal or warning that a rain is coming, we must be ready. So, clouds do give us the chance to prepare and be ready for the challenges we may encounter as the rain pours.

‘First Breath’, is my favorite. It is about a mother’s love, the reason being my favorite is obvious. I am mother and anything that speaks highly of a mother’s love is grately admired by me.

“With every new miracle of life
answers aren’t scripted in the stars,
but I knew since your very
first breath
my life would become yours.”

Every child is a blessing and Lauren said it so beautifully in this poem. It also brought me to tears and reminded me of my own journey as a mother to four beautiful daughters.

Lauren’s book is not only about creating and opening doors of possibilities but also of celebrating wonderful memories.

Her communion with nature brings forth wisdom of mother earth that unfolds through her 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.”

This book will surely uplift your spirit, and make you fall in love with love, create more memories with your loved ones, and appreciate nature even more. If you are not the type who loves to taka quiet walk in the morning or early in the evening, this book will make you wanna grab your walking or running and go for a short easy- breezy walk. As for me who used to run in around my neighborhood, it made me miss those moments. I said “used to” because I no longer do it as often as I do it before pandemic.

Here are some of Lauren’s memorable imagery:

“The sky explodes in tangerines, salmons, canary yellows – brighter with every second. It’s as though a painter swished her brush back and forth…”

“And water hasnt caressed the hills
The earth, parched like Chile’s Atacama.”

“Silk-thread drizzles dusted rooftops and parched hills.”

Lauren wrote in various poetic styles and forms from free versse to syllabic poetry like haiku, tanka, etheree, shadorma – this collection will not bore you. She made these forms looked so easy to write.

Lauren emphasizes how mysterious life is. She also made me ponder deeper into the essence of my own existence while reflecting upon my journey in life, and that at the end of it all no matter how difficult life is, we must not forget to love and live life ever so gently.

This book is best read with a hot chocolate or a coffee as you curl up and savor each poem.

Visit Lauren’s blog to read more of her brilliant poetry:

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Thanks again, Michelle! Outside, darkness still befalls the neighborhood, but you have brought an early sunrise. 🥰

If you haven’t met Michelle yet, please visit her blog to read her evocative poetry. And thank you for stopping by! ❤️

Kym shares her elegant review of Ever So Gently!

On January 10, 2024January 10, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Reviews, Poetry79 Comments

Dear Friends,

I normally don’t post back-to-back, but since I was on holiday break and upon my return, I have been unexpectedly surprised with more praise for my book, Ever So Gently. I apologize if these posts are getting a bit old, but how can I not share? From Brian’s fabulous post to Kym’s, along with 4 amazing reviews from Kimber, Darlene, Gwendolyn, and Yvette. You can find reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.

Okay, now it’s time for some happy dancing on Cloud 9! Join me if you’d like! 💃😍🎶

A peek at Kym’s lovely words:

“Lauren’s latest book of poetry is an intimate tapestry of love, wonder, gratitude, and an impeccable scale of observation stroking the tender senses of family, the sherbet-colored skies and sounds of nature, the celebration of life and unconditional love, along with a sense of being. Lauren’s poignant reflections make us wonder about the larger picture of life, connecting to us intimately and passionately.“

Please click on the link below to read the rest of Kym’s lovely review. And if you’d like to order a copy of Ever So Gently, just click on my book image at the bottom of this post.

Thanks again, Kym! You gave me more reason to dance! Big hugs to you! 🎊🎉❤️

And another thanks to you all who have read my book and written amazing reviews! I am beyond grateful! ❤️🙏

Review: Lauren Scott is Flowing Ever So Gently

As always, I appreciate your visits! ❤️

Just click on the image to purchase your copy,
and if you enjoyed this collection,
please consider writing a review,
a hug for indie authors. 💚