I’m excited to announce the release of my children’s book, Cora’s Quest! My nephew, Chris Mendez, illustrated the book, and it was a magical experience watching Cora come to life in her woodland world through his beautiful artwork.
Full transparency, this is my first children’s book. So, I hope that anyone (adults or children) who get to know Cora will find her little story to be a charming tale, and will take her big message to heart with them into the future.
Book blurb:
Cora is a curious fawn who loves spending time with her parents. On one beautiful day, they stroll deep into the wilderness. They trot along on the trails, and Cora finds other animals fascinating. They skitter and fly around her with joyful purpose. Every unique sound catches her attention, stirring her curiosity to discover just where that sound came from. But suddenly her delightful family day takes a turn that begins to test the courage inside of her…
I haven’t planned a blog tour, but my good friend, Resa, is just as excited as I am, so she’ll spread this exciting news on her blog as well! If you would like to promote Cora’s Quest on any social media platform, I would be honored and thrilled! If so, please let me know in the comments below, or you can email me at baydreamer25@gmail.com. A Huge Thanks in advance! 🙏
Cora’s Quest is available on Amazon (paperback and e-book) Click on the links below for more purchase options: Barnes & Noble (paperback and e-book), and Kobo (e-book only).
An important sidenote: Due to inadequate performance by the software tools provided by the self publishing company, I am unhappy with the illustration/text alignment in the E-Book. I recommend the print version for the full experience.
Call me old fashioned but I believe a child should hold a book in his/her hands, feeling the excitement of turning the pages, which in turn, creates a more magical reading journey. 💖
To purchase your copy from Amazon, click on the link above. Cora’s Quest would be a delightful addition to your holiday shopping!
Thanks so much for stopping by, and I wish you a peaceful holiday season. Lauren ❤️
I am thrilled to share Maggie’s lovely review of my book that is about 14 months old. The excitement began in July of last year, and I’m grateful to say that it’s continued. I am humbled to receive almost thirty 5-star reviews.
But first of all, let me introduce you to Maggie if you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her:
I am Maggie Watson, an Indie Poet and Author from Scotland. My poetry journey began at the start of the pandemic in 2020. At that point, I had no idea it would then become such a big part of my life. We can all agree that those years were very difficult, and I found the "lockdowns" particularly hard. So I began putting pen to paper, merely to get my sense of isolation and frustration down on paper. Fast forward to December 2020 and "The Madness of Corona" was published (by a publishing house). As happy as I was seeing my name on an Amazon product page, I was embarrassed by the content ( but heh, we all started out at some point). I knew I wanted to do better, and knew I could do better, so I decided to try and self-publish as a goal to aim for. Self-Publishing is not difficult, only time-consuming. In February 2021 I released "Me and My Shadow" and later that year I also released "Once Upon a Time". Looking back though,I would say that I was going for the achievement factor and still not paying much attention to the quality of my writing! In 2021 I joined the Instagram writing Community. I will always be grateful for the love and support shown to me by my fellow writers (especially when my account was hacked). I would say being on there brought an improvement in my writing because the standard is so high, as it is here on WP! I recently took the decision to leave IG and this blog will now be my main platform. Last year(2022) my work was included in an Open Skies Anthology. I also had my work accepted by Glass Gates Publications and Gypsophila Zine (see my Other Publications Page) as well as releasing "A Jar of Stars" and "In the Shadow of My Pen : A Collection of Poetry and Prose. This year has been my most successful to date as far as submissions go,including Gypsophila Zine again and also Spillwords. My new Collection "Ephemeral Encounters (Her Book of Words) has also just been released. I write for the love of writing, and I always hope someone can take something from my words🙏.
I've read Ephemeral Encounters and loved it, but Maggie has just released another new collection of poetry:
You can pre-order Pieces of Me in e-book format, which will be released on October 7th, along with the paperback. Since I have a strong affinity for paperbacks, I’m holding out! But I love Maggie’s beautiful and evocative writing, so I know her new book will be another wonderful addition to my home library.
Now, I invite you to visit Maggie by clicking on the link below to read her full review of my collection of poetry, Ever So Gently.
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 ❤️
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! 🙏🙏
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 💜💜
While I was away from blogging, three more 5-star reviews gently flowed in for my book, Ever So Gently. These beautiful reviews added light to the initial reason for my break. And the true reward is learning how my poems resonate with others. So for me, the stars align. ⭐️ Thank you again to Colleen,Robbie, and Miriam. I appreciate you all! ❤️🙏🏻
Another tidbit to share is that my son was recently visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, relaxing by Bear Lake at 9,500 feet elevation after a good hike while reading my book. You may remember that he painted the cover for me on canvas and also helped in the tedious formatting process. But he hadn’t read the poems. And my family is honest, so if there’s something they don’t like, they’ll tell me without hesitation (lovingly, of course). 🙂 Well, he absolutely loved the nature poems, and is currently reading the rest of the book. Fingers crossed, he feels the same way about part 2 and 3. Anyway, I love this photo he sent meand am grateful that my 28-year-old son is taking the time to read ‘his mom’s’ book. ❤️
And now for the wonderful reviews…
From Robbie:
Ever So Gently: A collection of poems is a beautiful memoir of the poet’s life and experiences, mellowed by experience and understanding, and told through carefully selected words. The poems are a mixture of freestyle and syllabic and share some vivid and delightful imagery that celebrates important moments in the poet’s life.
For me, the emphasis with this collection is on the softening of the poet’s attitude towards, and views, on life gained through experience and living. This message, reflected in the title “Ever So Gently” and the beautiful and peaceful cover, is wonderful and absorbing. Its subtle repetition throughout this book is like slipping into a warm bubble bath. It evokes the same delightful sense of peace and calm. My words must not be misunderstood to mean that none of the poems demonstrate moments of anguish and angst, as that is not the case. Those moments, that are so catastrophic and devastating to the poet at the time of occurrence are there, but their harshness is lessened through acceptance and understanding gained over the passage of time.
A few verses that I particularly enjoyed:
“A lone sailboat glides by pausing for the unfolding. With hair the color of an egret, an older man leans against a stump.” From The Sun Knows
“raindrops vacillate layers hold their own secrets delicate delight” From The Peach Rose
“Each purl stitch was interwoven with love from her gentle touch. She, the teacher, me, the student, as our bodies sank into the sofa checkered in a 70’s palette. From The Old Afghan
The two poems that I related to the most were The Mess and Young Campers, both about the poets children. This book is a celebration of life, the good and the less good.
From Colleen:
“Ever So Gently” asks us to accompany the author on a profound journey into the human condition seen through her own experiences. Scott has a way of making the mundane things in life a positive poetic event. That upbeat theme lasts throughout the book.
She split the book into three sections: The Wisdom of Nature; The Noise, the Laughter, the Chaos, the Loved Ones; and Lost in Thought. The author explores nature and how she relates to those quiet times when nature calls her name. The next section deals with the love in her life. The last section deals with the author’s deeper nature as she explores her feelings in greater detail.
I was surprised to see an excellent collection of haiku and other forms of syllabic poetry in the book. It was easy to connect with the variety of poems and themes. I enjoyed all of them!
I had two favorite poems. One was called “The Sign” and the other, “Ever So Gently.” Both poems are contemplative in nature, but filled with hope for the good things in life to enrich our lives.
From Miriam:
Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poems by Lauren Scott is a cozy and delightful read. I love the pastel color scheme of the cover. It conveys a soft feeling like the fluffy feathers caressing my skin. Her son Michael painted the cover on canvas. The title and the cover join in a beautiful harmony.
Even though this was an autumn evening, I snuggled in front of my fireplace, let the flames warm my face, and let Scott’s words warm my heart. By looking at the content, I knew gems were waiting to be found. This collection is divided into three parts. The first part touches on nature, the second part on relationships and loved ones, and the third part on thoughts in life.
Scott painted nature with her soft strokes. “Cottony clouds drift by. We want to move into them, feel their softness enfold us.” “Tiny threads of peace weave into the marrow of our souls mending any fretting that stirred.” “I wonder if pine needles wiggle in delight until they float to the earth…” The vivid imagery invited my presence in her natural world with the hummingbird, the sunflower, the peach rose, the lantana, the rocks, and the shiny shells.
Scott shared her joyous moments of meeting her husband and their newfound love. “Life has blossomed into delight and wonder in every part of its glowing greatness.” She missed her son and daughter, who were grown and gone. She would leave her son’s room messy to remind her of his presence. The days when the children were little were greatly missed. She reminisced about the younger days when her parents moved from place to place and she missed old friends. The old Afghan reminded her of the memory and wisdom of her mom. One Sunday afternoon, she had the last conversation with her dad. “His voice offers no response, silent for eternity, his body, a shell.” Scott’s memorable moments reminded me of my own with my husband, my daughter, and my parents.
The poem “Things I Know, Believe and Imagine” posted a valuable question. “I believe Love should remain the center of all humankind, but since hate continues to linger on the street, here’s a question to ponder… what should we do differently?” A Two-Wheel Getaway told a cheerful story of meeting biking strangers who became instant friends. The star poem Ever So Gently conveyed the message of hope.
“Its [star’s] glow will grow ever so gently Into a bright beacon of hope Rising with the golden sun Bringing clarity to our vision.”
Thank you for visiting today, and I hope these touching reviews entice you into reading my collection.
Today I’m sharing my 5-star reviews for three wonderful, entertaining books. Hope you enjoy!
In the Tree’s Shadows by D.L. Finn
In the Tree’s Shadow by D. L. Finn is a captivating collection of short stories in a mix of genres, varying from 99 words to novella length. Finn takes the reader on a thrilling ride of paranormal, horror, sci-fi – even romance and fantasy. And her love of the outdoors is apparent as nature is woven into many tales. The worlds she creates are exceptional, showcasing authentic humans and dialogue. I even found the creatures and aliens to be convincing.
The Wow Factor began from the beginning and continued to the end. Some stories are moving and endearing, a few made me turn on more lights, while others made me stop and think. But they are all entertaining.
The collection begins with “End of the Road,” in which the main character is tired of living, but then the storyline shifts. A powerful introduction to Finn’s storytelling that had me intrigued. I enjoyed “A Reminder” since I’m also a nature enthusiast. “This Journey” speaks of a lost loved one, special memories, and how two people will reunite in another life. All dog lovers will be drawn to “The Bench.”
A few favorites that made me wish for daylight are “When the Lights Go Out,” “In that Moment,” and “The Day the Ground Moved.” “The Playdate” was beyond creepy. “In the Shadows” reminded me never to walk alone in the wilderness because the crackling of leaves could truly mean something sinister.
Whatever genre you’re in the mood for, this collection has a story for you. I don’t usually read horror, paranormal, or sci-fi, but I finished this book in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down. You can savor it, though, and take your time, extending the thrilling ride. I’ll add that this is the first book I’ve read by D. L. Finn, and I know it won’t be the last. I truly enjoyed her writing and imagination. Highly recommended for all fiction readers!
Re-Create and Celebrate by Cindy Georgakas
Do you ever carry self-doubt around? Are you a people-pleaser? Are you still trying to figure out your life? If you answer yes to these questions, then Re-Create & Celebrate by Cindy Georgakas is the book for you. I’ve been following Cindy’s blog for a while now, and have grown to admire the caring, vibrant, woman she is. So, I couldn’t wait to read her debut book. I would be hard-pressed to believe that everyone has their life figured out to a tee, no need to ask questions or ponder mysteries. In some ways, I do, but in others, I’m still searching as I bet you are, too.
Georgakas shares her suggestions and knowledge drawn from her experience of being a life coach, and the language she uses is down to earth. She is not shy when it comes to showing her vulnerability. She is simply like you and me, trying to live life to its fullest. The book is organized into 7 Steps To Turn Your Dreams Into Reality, and she ends each chapter with a powerful haiku. Here is a sample…
stay grounded in self listen with all your senses open to insight
Georgakas nudges you into delving deep within your soul to discover your true essence, and then to unearth your true purpose. We all know how powerful negative thoughts can be, and how easily they can push us in the wrong direction. As Georgakas says, “…we can’t let the mind take over, since it is designed to overanalyze and judge everything we do.”
As I’m not in my thirties or forties anymore, this quote rang true, “Every age and stage offers new insights and opportunities to adapt and change; we have never been at this place in our lives before, so it’s important to pause and ask, “Who am I now, and what is my purpose?”
Another question to ponder is, “What life is worth living that is not worth questioning?” And this line stood out, “We have a choice to either paint rainbows or black clouds on our blank canvas.” Georgakas sprinkles many nuggets of wisdom from start to finish, so this compilation of encouragement is a great reminder that can be referred to over and over again.
Re-Create & Celebrate is an empowering book to reiterate how crucial self-love is, how to realize our goals and achieve them, and to enhance personal growth. Highly recommended for all who are still seeking those awaited answers!
Fairies, Myths, and Magic by Colleen M. Chesebro
This book is an enchanting collection of engaging prose and poetry about fairies, myths, and magic. Chesebro’s imagination and vivid imagery filled me with wonder as I turned each page. I felt like I had stepped into the scenes to interact with the delightful characters. Chesebro begins with a celebration of the inspiration of summer solstice, and then she introduces fairies with some fascinating facts.
The poems take on many forms, such as free verse and various styles of syllabic poetry. Regardless, Chesebro adds her special magic when she weaves words together. Below is a lovely example:
“Fairy Magic”
When browsing through memories swirling within your mind, Most people often find – Magic is the least understood of the fairytale arts. Fear not! Look deep into your soul – To remember a time When enchantment explained your world, First seen through the eyes of a child.
I had the pleasure of meeting two adorable pixies and laughing at their shenanigans, but I loved the heartwarming ending. I was introduced to a kind little fairy who yearns for his love to be reciprocated. Chesebro transported me to a shimmering pond for an enlightening experience – “the kind where magic resonates in the shriek of a hawk and in the howling yips from coyote pups that play on the sandy shore under a full moon.” Even the well-known plight of honeybees is woven into her magical stories. And I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Drac, the dragon, who experiences a transformation of heart.
A few favorites are “Just What the Doctor Ordered,” “A Fairy Love Spell,” “The Healer,” and “Halloween Havoc,” which left me with a hilarious, memorable image in my mind.
Throughout the book, I became delightfully swept up in the magic of spells, incantations, and potions. I suggest you carve out some time over a night or two and dive into the magic. You won’t be disappointed. Chesebro’s storytelling and poetic offerings will lift your spirits. Highly recommended!
I was pleasantly surprised to receive another glowing review for More than Coffee. This book was released in fall of 2021, so for these amazing reviews to still be flowing in truly warms my heart. Cheryl Orteglia from Living in the Gap wrote a stunner!
This is an extraordinary book and one that I could not put down. Scott captures the reader with her love for coffee, endearing tales, and the courage to live life to the fullest. Her exceptional writing resonates deeply with my own values, history, and love of storytelling. It is a charming book of prose and poems that will warm your heart and lift your soul. Scott highlights the beauty of marriage, friendship, and the love of family so beautifully, from the first story to the last poem, I felt as if I belonged in the pages of this delightful book.
Scott explores all the facets of life, including love and sadness, gratitude and loss, humor and joy. She takes me on a familiar journey of a complicated life, including encounters with aggressive spiders, sacred heirlooms, grief, and long-distance relationships with grown children.
I admire how Scott and her husband are exploring new activities as their nest empties and their courage soars. I especially related to the long hikes and the magical encounters with the wilderness, waterfalls, and a canopy of stars.
I have Scott’s book by my bedside, within reach, so I can enjoy again and again her incredible knack for drawing one into a story, her arresting poetry, and the potency of a well-told story. Don’t miss this opportunity to sit down with a cup of coffee, an old friend and explore the deeper meaning of this one precious life.
I highly recommend More Than Coffee with a five-star review for those of you who love memoirs, mystique, and family love.
Thank you SO much, Cheryl!I’m over the moon again by your most beautiful review, and I’m so grateful you felt as if you belonged in the pages. This line just gets to me in a warm way. ❤️
For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Cheryl, please pay her avisit. She writes engaging posts about real-life stuff! And her sense of humor will have you doubled over! When you read her stories, you’ll find yourself nodding because her tales are so relatable!
If you wrote a review for my book, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! And if you read it and loved it, I hope you’ll consider writing one. I’ve heard through sources here in the land of blogging that reviews are like hugs to Indie authors. Fyi, I love hugs! 🙂
Thanks so much for dropping in, and I wish you an amazing weekend!
~Lauren ❤️
“The majestic trees and vast sky invite you to keep looking up.”
I hope you’re doing well!I am nearing the finish line with my new poetry collection, Ever So Gently, to be released at the end of the month. But along with fine-tuning, I carve out quiet time to read. So, without further ado, I introduce two wonderful books by talented authors, Alex Craigie and Darlene Foster:
The Bubble Reputation by Alex Craigie – A social media eye-opener!
Connecting with friends and family, and posting about hobbies and travels is the allure of social media, right? While reading The Bubble Reputation by Alex CraigieI was reminded of the disturbing side. Social media is the ideal platform for mean-spirited people who intend to destroy others.
Emmie Hobson enjoys the exciting ride as a popular children’s book author and TV personality. She has a fabulous partner in life, Luke, who will support her to the end of time. Her relationship with her sister may be rocky, but she loves her parents dearly. What could go wrong? Her life seems picture-perfect. But Craigie introduces Ursula, a ruthless editor, who is searching for a juicy scoop. She zeroes in on Emmie to publicly mortify. The higher reader ratings are well worth the underhanded behavior. Emmie’s world is shaken, stirred, and turned upside down. The readers choose what they want to believe, whether the words speak the truth or whether they imply false information. And then social media is the ideal mode to spew the vitriol that spreads like wildfire.
I sympathized with Emmie and Luke, but Emmie’s relationship with her parents was heartwarming. Feeling a strong dislike for Ursula who caused Emmie’s life to crumble was effortless. I wished this story was pure fiction, but we all know these horrific situations headline the news, and some stories conclude with tragic outcomes. I was thoroughly engaged in Emmie’s dilemma, where I couldn’t put the book down. I had to find out how she would survive and come up for air.
The story is compelling from start to finish and enlightens the reader about the misuse of social media. You’ll have to read the book to find out if Emmie comes up for air! Highly recommended!
You Can Take The Girl From The Prairie by Darlene Foster – Touching stories about family and farm living.
Foster compiles a lovely collection of short stories inspired by her memories of growing up on a prairie farm in Canada. Family is the touchstone in each heartfelt story, and Foster’s writing flows so genuinely as if she’s narrating her memories to a group of friends relaxing around a crackling campfire. She admits in the introduction that she didn’t appreciate her life on the prairie as a young girl. “But over time, I realized that what I had as a child was special – the freedom, safety, fresh air, home-grown food, friendly neighbors…”
You Can Take the Girl from the Prairie reveals how hindsight is twenty-twenty.
I’ve always lived in the city, but as I’ve grown older, the solitude offered in a country setting is appealing. So, I looked forward to reading about Foster’s life on the farm. She pays high regard to her parents and grandparents and everyone she has met on her path. There is no doubt she possesses a grateful heart.
I enjoyed this entire collection, but a few heartwarming favorites spoke about Foster’s baby brother entering her world as though out of a fairytale. The love in her heart for her cowboy, heroic dad shines, and when she writes about a special teacher, I thought of a teacher from my high school years who instilled the same positive effect. Foster infuses humor in “Good Hands,” which made me laugh when I read about her dad chasing a cow that jumped off the back of a truck on the way to the vet. But one story that made me teary-eyed and tugged at my heart is “Losing Tim,” which gave me a personal glimpse into the author’s life.
Each memory pulled me in deeper, so I read this book in one sitting. Each story draws out various emotions known to the human heart. I highly recommend this beautiful collection to anyone interested in life on a farm, but who also enjoys touching family stories.
Thanks for stopping by, and Happy reading!
~ Lauren ❤️
“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” – Stephen King
Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author 