Spreading Exciting News for Friends & A Special Ode โค๏ธ

Photo by AS Photography on Pexels.com

I’m happy to share the great news that my good friends Maggie, Mike, Dawn, and Robbie have been nominated for 2026 Best of the Net. Also, Robbie’s son, Michael, who’s following in his mom’s footsteps.
Editor Michelle Navajas of Hotel by Masticadores found their work to be worthy of this high honor, and I couldn’t agree more with Michelle. So, please join me in Congratulating not only these talented authors, but all of the nominees! You can read about these amazing authors and their writing by clicking on the link below. ๐ŸŽ‰

Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park
Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park
Trail that loops around Bear Lake
Trail of Aspens with the Rocky Mountains in the distance

Dear Nature,

You cast your spell
and all sense of reality
magically slips away
into the ether.
Your shimmering lakes
entice with their serenity.
We inhale peace,
exhale burdens.

Your trails lead to places
only presented
in our imaginations.
We inhale peace,
exhale burdens.

Your mountains humble
in their magnificence.
We inhale peace,
exhale burdens.

Your aspens captivate,
donning their golden apparel.
We inhale peace,
exhale burdens.

Thank you for your beauty,
for your gifts of tranquility…
priceless gems to be cared for,
never to be taken for granted.

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Thank you for your presence! I hope you enjoyed the pics and poem, and please visit Michelle’s post to Congratulate the nominees! Have a wonderful day! โค๏ธ

ยฉ Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com

Click on the image to order your copy! ๐Ÿงก

Lauren Scott

Author โ€“ King Copper: Our dogโ€™s life in poetry
Author โ€“ Coraโ€™s Quest (a childrenโ€™s book)
Author โ€“ Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poetry
Author โ€“ More than Coffee: Memories of Verse and Prose
Author โ€“ Finding a Balance: A Collection of Poetry
Author โ€“ New Day, New Dreams: A Collection of Poetry
Co-Author โ€“ Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku
Co-Author โ€“ Petals of Haiku: An Anthology
Co-Author โ€“ This Is How We Grow
Co-Author โ€“ Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships
Bi-Monthly Contributor on Gobblers by Masticadores
Spillwords Author of the Month May 2023
Spillwords Publication of the Month October 2024
Spillwords Publication of the Month June 2025

Spillwords Press Nomination for Publication of the Year 2025 & Book Reviews!

When I opened my email this morning, I was surprised to find this exciting note from Dagmara at Spillwords Press (photo above courtesy of Spillwords):

Dear Writers,

We hope this message finds you well. We’re reaching out to share some exciting newsโ€”your outstanding pieces have garnered nominations in one or more categories for the 2025 Spillwords Press Awards.

Congratulations to all on this well-deserved recognition, and we eagerly anticipate celebrating the winners throughout February.

We encourage you to share this link with your family, friends, and supporters, as their votes can make all the difference.

Please note, that registration and/or login are prerequisites for casting your votes.

The Author of the Year award winner will be prominently featured on the sidebar of Spillwords.com for the entire following month. Additionally, all winners will be showcased in a special publication on Spillwords.com.

PUBLICATION OF THE YEAR (POETIC)
 
This World is Yours by Michael L. Utley
Tapestry of Dreams by Ginny M. Jones
Haunt by Emma Wells
Empty Lines by Smitha V
In Your Face by Ximena Escobar
Black Flies by David Estringel
Song of Soul by Suman Pokhrel
Isnโ€™t It a Pity? by Daedalus Chaos
Worn Slap Out by Joni Caggiano
Sentimental Ebb by Aurora Kastanias
Birth Dance by SR Inciardi
Treats Only, Please! by Lauren Scott
Ethereal Encounter in the Nightโ€™s Embrace by Yasmin Hemmat
A Squirrel’s Front Teeth Never Stop Growing by Barbara Harris Leonhard
 
PUBLICATION OF THE YEAR (NON-POETIC)
 
Miriam and Her 13,149 Days by Janete Cabral
The Grand Adventure by Jim Bartlett
The Seagull by Patricia Furstenberg
Precious Moments by Valli Henry-Boldini
A Christmas Heckler by John Christopher
Moccona With Two Sugars by Sarah Kelleher
Dunker Church by Robert Walton
One Life to Live by Lise Rowlandson
Kaivopuisto by S. Anand
Adrift by Julie London
Tasseography by Dominic Rivron
Murmurs by June Hunter
New Beginnings by Lisa Rivers Kiesling
The Night My Daughter Never Came Home by Diana Burns
 
PUBLICATION OF THE YEAR (INTERNATIONAL)
 
Willow! In an Ocean of Green! by Thaddeus Hutyra
Namalowaล‚eล›โ€ฆ by Danuta Czerwiล„ska Murawska
No te Olvides de Mi by Francisco Bravo Cabrera
The Apple Tree of Paradise by Marian Dziwisz
El Primero by Josรฉ A Gรณmez
Rzeka by Mirosล‚awa Stojak
Summer Haiku by Maurizio Brancaleoni
Ay! Pobre Corazon by Nancy E. Campos
Boquiblando by Alexis Soto Ramรญrez
Gli Alberi di Gaza by Francesco Abate
Soli by Natalia Castelluccio
Coล› do Powiedzenia by Katarzyna Koziorowska
Significar Ninguna Vez by Romulaizer Pardo
Zล‚oty Ryngraf Nieba by Katarzyna Dominik
 
Best of luck to all nominees! We express our heartfelt gratitude for your exceptional collaboration and participation.

Warm regards,

Editing Team | Editing Department
editor@spillwords.com

I’m not only thrilled that my poem from Halloween last year, “Treats Only, Please!” is nominated for Publication of the Year for 2025 (after winning Publication of the Month for October 2024), but I’m honored to stand beside so many talented authors. There are several categories to vote in, so I hope you take the time to sign in and vote! Voting begins today, January 26th, and will end on January 31st. A Huge Thanks to Dagmara and her amazing team at Spillwords for continuing to share my work. It’s a privilege to be a part of her wonderful literary community. โค๏ธ๐Ÿ™

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Now as promised from my previous post, I’m sharing my first group of book reviews that I gave 5 stars. Please note that the length of my reviews is irrelevant. All of these books are different but highly recommended, so my thoughts vary on each…

They Call Me Mom by Pete Springer
https://petespringerauthor.wordpress.com/

The one thing Pete Springer knew post high school graduation was that he wasnโ€™t going to college. He worked several odd jobs, but then through his dadโ€™s friend, Springer found himself working in a position that developed into a rewarding experience. He was doing something that mattered, which motivated him to consider college again, only this time with a goal in mind.

After reading the first few pages, it didnโ€™t take me long to learn that Springer was a caring and dedicated elementary school teacher. The kind that all parents wish for their children. They Call Me Mom reads like a memoir of how becoming an educator impacted his life in a positive way, as well as the positive difference he made in his studentsโ€™ lives. Readers are guided on a journey spanning over three decades of his career. Springer offers sage advice to new teachers beginning from setting up the classroom to the importance of getting to know the students. โ€œThe obvious question is, how does one go about connecting with students? Well, it starts on the first day of school.โ€ Working with parents and creating teamwork among staff and administrators is also paramount in obtaining trust.

Springerโ€™s memories made me laugh, and some tugged at my heart. His personal goal was to be the best he could be for each classroom ranging from second grade to sixth grade. Some of Springerโ€™s former students stay in contact with him too, which is telling in itself. And it wasnโ€™t all about the curriculum โ€“ so much more goes into teaching than simply following a textbook. Through his anecdotes, he talks about the joys, challenges, and rewards of a profession that should be valued to the highest degree. Springerโ€™s compassionate character evokes memories of my high school choir teacher, Mr. Perry, who encouraged me to step out of my singing comfort zone. Because of his support, I was able to realize my dream at the time.

I highly recommend They Call Me Mom as a tool for new teachers, and for current teachers to be reminded of the valuable reason they chose their career in the first place. Parents will also gain more insight, finding this book extremely useful. For those of us who donโ€™t work in education, Springerโ€™s book speaks to creating healthy relationships which is inspiring and can be applied to everyday life. I have a much deeper appreciation for teachers after reading this account of a fulfilling teaching career.

Surviving Sue by Vickie Atkinson
https://victoriaponders.com/

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

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

Just One Goodbye by Balroop Singh
https://balroop2013.wordpress.com/

When Balroop Singhโ€™s husband unexpectedly passed away, she turned to writing poetry to provide a place for her grief to exist. Just One Goodbye is Singhโ€™s invitation to join her on a journey that will make your heart ache. I canโ€™t pretend to know how she feels because I havenโ€™t experienced the loss of my husband. However, I can understand a love so strong, and a husband who became my best friend that even imagining a world without him is unimaginable.

Singh begins the collection with โ€œA Journey through Griefโ€ in which she speaks of how the tears flowed when she wrote these poems, and how they flowed again when she re-read them to edit. After reading the first poem โ€œJust One Goodbyeโ€ I knew her collection was going to be heart-tugging and emotionalโ€ฆ

โ€ฆI look at the door
wishing it could open one more time
I yearn for one more smile
One more hug
I promise Iโ€™ll let you go
Just let me say goodbye

The love and bond shared between Singh and her husband was profound, so Singhโ€™s grief is intense. When a loved one passes suddenly, especially a spouse, how does one make sense of such a heartbreaking moment? Sorrow takes the spotlight in the beginning, but as I turned the pages, I began to see a slight ray of hope. Singh begins to write about a future without her husband, expressing that such a feat is possible, though the grieving will never end. The shift in Singhโ€™s writing from sorrow to hope is encouraging for all of us who will have to say โ€˜good-byeโ€™ to a loved one at some time in our lives.

I have always admired Singhโ€™s beautiful poetry, and this collection was a continuation of her brilliant writing talent. Iโ€™m only saddened that the subject matter was painful for her, but I hope that as time passes, grief will loosen its grip, and writing will continue to provide comfort. I highly recommend this powerful poetry collection.

Celebrating Poetry by Cindy Georgakas
https://uniquelyfitblog.com/

Celebrating Poetry by Cindy Georgakas is a companion guide to her successful debut book, Re-Create and Celebrate, but this collection of conversational poems can easily be read alone. While immersing myself into her beautiful writing, I felt as though she and I were chatting over a cup of coffee in my home about the ups and downs life has delivered. In a world where tragedy appears to be never-ending, the inspiration and motivation found in each poem is warmly welcomed. On the other hand, Georgakas dips into vulnerability and authenticity that we all can relate to; no words are minced, a fine detail of her writing that I love. I suggest you keep this book nearby for easy access on your coffee table or nightstand. Many poems also speak to the healing magic of nature which resonates with me because of my love for hiking, camping, and backpacking.

Even though weโ€™ve heard it before, Georgakas reiterates: โ€œBe who you are. Everyone else is taken.โ€ And in โ€œBe the Tree: We are pods in the tree of life: our stories will not go untold. From ashes we are to ashes we must go, as we take root, trusting with all our might.โ€

Celebrating Poetry inspires and touches souls, whether they feel whole or broken. Many poems resonate, remind, and enlighten, but I’m spotlighting one that really stands out:

The Insidious Mind

The mind is so insidious. We thrash our inner world to pieces,
judging, critiquing, berating ourselves to a bloody pulp.

Itโ€™s no wonder the world is full of hatred
and ugliness when we canโ€™t even treat ourselves kindly.

Self-doubt reflected becomes too painful to feel,
so, we wear a mask of false bravado, hoping no one will see our fractured parts.

This inner war invading our world is the culprit of hiding our greatness,
turning us inside out, free for the taking.

Bring it to light, remember this is the job of the mind and not who you are.
Release these demons so you can be free.

Donโ€™t let these words live rent free in your head,
you deserve better than these lies and deception theyโ€™ll have you believe.
Be your own best friend, evict them with no further notice,
so you can get the show on the road and take your power back.

As a matter of fact, this poem should be read and processed by everyone. Then maybe the never-ending tragedy would finally reach its expiration date. An empowering and lovely poetry collection highly recommended.

Sesi says goodbye to Granny by Robbie and Michael Cheadle
https://robbiesinspiration.wordpress.com/

Sesi Says Goodbye to Granny is a beautiful mother-son collaboration by Robbie and Michael Cheadle. Together they have written a delightful story about Sesi, an elephant calf, who is worried about the matriarch leaving the herd. Young Sesi questions that if her treasured Granny leaves, who will guide and take care of her family? In this charming tale, we learn about African Bush Elephants and are pleasantly entertained with exquisite images and artwork by Robbie Cheadle. I bought the paperback and was captivated by the vivid colors and stunning visuals with each turn of a page. My fascination with elephants began years ago, so it was interesting to learn more about the magnificent animals. Sesiโ€™s adventure is a real treat for children; I can only imagine the curiosity and excitement a child would feel, but honestly, her story is for all ages because of the educational element. If you wonder about Granny and the future of the herd like Sesi does, then youโ€™ll need to purchase your copy, and I highly recommend that you do!

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I know I’ve packed a lot into this one post, but with my family and work, time won’t allow me to post or blog every day. So, your takeaways today are to VOTE at Spillwords Press by simply clicking on the link above and signing in. If I am honored to receive your vote then I thank you in advance. Most of all, I encourage you to support the wonderful authors whose writing enriches all of our lives.

And now you have more books to read! You can click on the titles that will gently carry you over to Amazon to purchase your copy. I wouldn’t be a normal author if I didn’t include a plug for my book too, so here it is. ๐Ÿ™‚ Click on the image below to purchase your copy of Cora’s Quest (a children’s book that will be enjoyed by kids from 2-92!) And remember that reviews are like hugs, so if you enjoy any books here or in general, please consider sharing a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. No rules apply: short or long, it doesn’t matter. Your time and support are appreciated by all Indie Authors. โค๏ธ

Lastly, I am so grateful that you chose to visit me in your busy blogging schedule. I know it’s hard to keep up, so thank you! And I wish you a great day and week ahead!

~ Lauren ๐Ÿ’–

ยฉ Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com โ€“ All rights reserved.

Haiku for the Midnight Hour and Square Peg in a Round Hole – Book reviews!

This year life seem to have happened more than once, so reading the books I have lined up has been slow. But today I share two that earned 5-star reviews. Two completely different and wonderful books, except with poetry being the common denominator. I hope you don’t leave empty-handed!

Haiku for the Midnight Hour challenges the traditional poetic art, according to author, Dawn Pisturino. She takes this syllabic form to a creepy level by experimenting with darker images and ideas. Pisturino emphasizes that her book is for those who eagerly anticipate Halloween and who like being alone in the dark. Well, I wouldnโ€™t say that I like being alone in the dark. And โ€˜frighteningโ€™ anything, whether in a book or on the big screen isnโ€™t my genre. However, I became intrigued, so I turned the pages of my paperback from beginning to end and read with mettle on a beautiful morning while welcoming the sunrise. Others might enjoy reading these haiku one evening when the sky has darkened, and the creatures of the night have come alive. Iโ€™m a fan of Pisturinoโ€™s writing, so I truly enjoyed this fast-moving, creative collection that is divided into seventeen chapters. A few favorites are:

Footsteps

Footsteps creep lightly
on the stairs. Whoโ€™s there? Lights out.
Heart freezes in chest.

Echoes

Tapping on the door
echoes through the house, doorknob
slowlyโ€ฆslowlyโ€ฆturns

Cinderellaโ€™s Shoe

Cinderellaโ€™s shoe
a cheap imitation from
a foreign country

The โ€˜Familyโ€™ section presents a whole new definition of family!

Sweet baby Jeanie
crawls on the floor snacking on
insects as she goes

From being home alone, to dealing with monsters, fairy tales, damsels in distress, angels and demons, and crystal balls, prepare yourself to be entertained! If youโ€™re looking for the perfect book to read for the upcoming ghostly event at the end of October, I invite you to curl up with this riveting poetry collection, light a candle or keep the lights on โ€“ whatever makes you comfortable. But donโ€™t let fear prevail โ€“ allow yourself to become captivated by Pisturinoโ€™s fabulous imagination for the midnight hour. Highly recommended for all poetry enthusiasts!

Square Peg in a Round Hole by Robbie Cheadle and her son, Michael, is a remarkable collection of poetry, art, photography, and micro fiction. The book begins with Robbieโ€™s candid introduction where she voices, โ€œI have always been an outlier, a square peg in a round hole. As a small girl, I was different than my classmates. My life revolved around books and my taste in reading material was always eclectic.โ€ I could relate to some aspects of Robbieโ€™s younger years, which was only the beginning of her drawing me into this amazing work of art.

I appreciate Cheadleโ€™s voice on important issues such as the plight of animals and the distressing state of our planet. Her love for nature, which resonates strongly, is apparent through her expressive language. Whether she writes in freestyle or syllabic poetry, or micro fiction, Cheadle opens up about her experiences, both joyful and challenging. She includes love, illnesses, career, and death. These topics live with all families, so this collection truly hits home. It is difficult to choose a favorite. But Iโ€™ll share a few poems and pieces of artwork that stand out.

โ€œThe Visitor,โ€ which is written from the perspective of Eleanor, a Hadada bird, is absolutely delightful. โ€œThe Watcherโ€ speaks about canned hunting, an appalling concept. As an animal lover, this poem made my heart ache. โ€œTo a Lionโ€ is profound. Here is an excerpt:

Youโ€™ve seen your peers shot โ€“ their heads stuffed and
Mounted
Victims of canned hunting
Perpetrated by fools who do not appreciate your beauty
Or the vital role you play
In the maintenance of the African ecosystems
And all its amazing creatures

Now, you are experiencing the effects of climate change
A situation to which you have not contributed
But you will pay the price, innocent or not
There is no justice
In this man-made world of materialism
Which runs on greed and a hunger for power

Cheadle also paints gorgeous pictures through her elegant words, such as in โ€œWhite Orchid on Blackโ€ โ€“

Fragile as china/delicate petals cluster/around slender throat

Her Micro Poem 6 elicited a memory that will never fade. I feel like this poem is written for my husband and me. 1991 brought us our first child, our daughter, but also took his mom away. A bittersweet year full of heartache and celebration.

Newborn childโ€™s clock starts/elderly personโ€™s clock stops/yet time, marches on

When Cheadle began to share her sketches and paintings, they added breadth to her talent and skill in the art world. They are all gorgeous, but a few favorites are Sky, an oil pastel of an elephant silhouetted in a twilight sky, Sunflowers at Dawn, and a watercolor painting of a male lion. In addition to Cheadleโ€™s stunning drawings, paintings, and photography, she includes her incredible fondant and cake art. Baking has always been part of my life, especially for special events and holidays โ€“ my momโ€™s tradition that I carried on. And yet, Cheadleโ€™s baking raises the bar to an almost unreachable status. She then moves towards a conclusion in her compilation with Ekphrastic poetry inspired by photography of Wayne Barnes. And then the beautiful collection closes with emotional poetry by her son, Michael, who undoubtedly, follows in his momโ€™s talented footsteps. There is an emotion for everyone to be felt in this collection. Highly recommended for all poetry fans!

I am also helping Maggie Watson out by spreading the word for her new poetry collection that you can pre-order now. The release date is October 7th where the paperback will also be available. Maggie opens up about her experience with domestic abuse and how she made it to the other side. โค๏ธ

ยฉ Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com โ€“ All rights reserved.

Fall into gentle poetry by clicking
on the image to purchase your copy. 
Thank you! ๐Ÿงก

Thanks for dropping in today, and now you have three new
amazing books to add to your library!
So, don’t forget to pick up your copies!
~ Lauren โค๏ธ๐Ÿ๐ŸŽƒ๐Ÿ‘ป

Book Reviews: Fantasy, Travel, and a Halloween treat!

I’ve enjoyed reading three books that not only entertained, but they educated as well, and kept me from doing chores around the house. ๐Ÿ™‚ And I hope after you read my reviews, you’ll leave with a book or two or three! Forget the chores; they’re not going away anytime soon…….

D. Wallace Peach owns that special talent to create believable, sensational kingdoms in stories so captivating that I canโ€™t put her books down. Her latest novel, The Necromancerโ€™s Daughter, is no exception. While fantasy was never my preferred genre, Dianaโ€™s books have converted me. Her compelling storytelling sets her apart from other fantasy authors. In this new tale, Dianaโ€™s authentic world-building and characterization that either warmed my heart or made my blood boil kept me engaged once again. The expressive language in every paragraph portrayed a vivid scene where I felt as though I was watching the movie instead of reading the novel. And while I never gave dragons much thought, I will nowโ€ฆ…with a gentle regard. The main characters: Aster, Barus, Joreh, and Teko, had a special way of flowing into my heart generating empathy. I was immediately drawn to Asterโ€™s charm and compassion, hoping she would find fulfillment once she reached the finish line of her journey.

Where battle and bloodshed are not devoid in this story, love, friendship, camaraderie, and a heartwarming father-daughter relationship, prove to deepen the tale as Aster stands by her convictions even when she knows the enemy deems them sinful. Of course, the grace of good struggles against the persistence of evil, and the characters are faced with life-changing decisions where the consequences donโ€™t always present clarity. I tend to get emotional, so I found myself fighting back tears in some parts which surprised me. I didnโ€™t expect to grow so attached to the female protagonist and her circle of support. But their feelings of love, anger, confusion, and realization were palpable on each page.

I absolutely loved this book โ€“ my favorite so far of Dianaโ€™s. The Necromancerโ€™s Daughter was not only action-packed, but Diana wove magic into the tale, along with sweet and subtle romance. Highly recommended for all fantasy genre enthusiasts, and even those who aren’t but who are willing to be converted!

To purchase your copy of The Necromancer’s Daughter!

The concept of Robbie Cheadle and her son, Michael, teaming up to create delightful and educational childrenโ€™s books does not rest in its infant stages. Not only do they write entertaining stories that showcase Robbieโ€™s incredible fondant, they also incorporate significant messages for the readers to assimilate. Iโ€™ve read several of their fabulous collaborations, so I had no doubt that Haunted Halloween Holiday would be just as adorable and clever.

This Halloween tale stars Count Sugular and his wife, Witch Honey. They are thrilled to be invited to a Halloween Party by the Sugarpop Bats, which they plan to attend, so they decide to hire a caravan for an enjoyable weekend with their family. I love how each character is introduced with its own cute and clever limerick, and the color photos of cake fondant to correspond with the story add great depth and are simply fabulous.

The charactersโ€™ appearance and their personalities are all expertly created by this mother-son duo. Not only is this book a perfect treat for children to read during Halloween, but as I mentioned before, the authors include underlying messages and lessons within the story that can be applied to real life. I enjoyed this book very much and highly recommend for anyone, any age, who enjoys a Halloween treat of a great story and vital lessons to take away.

To purchase your copy of Haunted Halloween Holiday!

Amanda in France: Fire in the Cathedral by Darlene Foster is my first book to read in Darleneโ€™s Amanda series, and I was pleasantly surprised. Amanda is a twelve-year-old girl who loves to travel to different countries, and in this story, she is fortunate to visit Paris with her best friend, Leah, and Leahโ€™s Aunt Jenny. I gather that Amanda has the innate ability to either invite trouble or trouble seeks her out! Sure enough, when peculiar things begin to happen, Amanda canโ€™t let them go. The sleuth in her stays on the trail to the very end until the mystery is solved.

The characters are engaging and authentic and so is the flowing dialogue. As Amanda and Leah observe the many historical landmarks, so does the reader. And when they learn the backstory, the reader becomes enlightened as well. Darlene integrates into this tale the fire that broke out in the Notre Dame cathedral in April 2019. The reader ascertains this devastating news through the eyes and heart of Amanda, only to feel the same disappointing discovery and empathy. Yet, there’s more to the story…

Amanda in France may be intended for youth, but I found it to be entertaining and delightful. Amanda is a likable young girl that everyone will love to read about. That this series includes an educational element is a benefit for all ages. I look forward to reading more of her adventures, and I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good mystery and loves to travel to faraway lands!

To purchase your copy of Amanda in France!

Happy Reading!

ยฉ Lauren Scott, baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved

Raindrops, Good Friday, Easter, and Cookies ๐ŸŒท

It’s been so long since rain touched down in our region that we’ve forgotten what it sounds like when it falls in droves or when those raindrops touch the roof. But yesterday, we were reminded once again, and the sound was lovely. No wind, no storm, no messiness. Raindrops fell lightly and consistently, all day long, just the soft pitter patter soothing the flora. The blades of grass and blooms with their friendly faces that wish to brighten our days sighed with relief. They were immersed in droplets of hope, and so were we. This precipitation was a welcomed surprise just before Easter.

Today is Good Friday in the Christian religion: a day of commemorating Jesus Christ’s crucifixion. Thus, a day of grief, penance, and for some, a day of fasting. Then Easter follows on Sunday, a holiday for celebrating Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. On this day, I wish you an abundance of peace and comfort.

For Easter, I decided to do some baking, so I pulled the recipe card out of my recipe box for my mom’s sugar cut out cookies. I have wonderful memories of baking with her when I was a young girl. I continued that tradition with my daughter and son, but now that they live on their own, I bake solo. In the past, I’ve used Cross cookie cutters for Easter, but this time I bought some that are fun for both spring and Easter.

My faithful red hand mixer has treated me well, so no need for a giant mixer in my kitchen. Butter, white sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, and baking powder waited for their cue. Once the cookies were baked, I mixed up creamy buttercream frosting: more butter, powdered sugar, a little milk, and vanilla, and voila! So good! When the cookies were cool, I frosted them then I added colored sprinkles for decoration. Some bakers paint their cookies, but I like to sprinkle. And here’s what my kitchen looked like:

Bunnies, flowers, butterflies, and chicks! What more do we need, except, Love, Love, Love?! Oh, and do you see those white carrots with the green tops or fronds, as they are called? Well, I forgot orange sprinkles, so they turned into white carrots. Yes, white carrots do exist and they’re called, Arracacha, an Andean root vegetable. My son said that the carrot cookies look like feet. I didn’t see that then, but I can see it now. ๐Ÿ™‚

Now that you’re full from cookies, you may be in the mood to read a delightful children’s book for Easter that I highly recommend, “Sir Chocolate Saves Easter” by Robbie and Michael Cheadle.
You can read it at:
https://writingtoberead.com/2022/04/13/growing-bookworms-sir-chocolate-saves-easter-sirchocolatestory-childrensfiction/. Robbie is also an incredible baker, and she shares her fondant and cake artwork in this adorable book.

I wish you a wonderful weekend ahead. And if you celebrate Easter, I wish you warmth for a wonderful day, and joy and rejuvenation this new season of spring brings.

Lauren Scott ๐Ÿ’ž๐Ÿฐ๐ŸŒบ