Book Reviews: Self-Help & Fantasy with a dash of Love & Inspiration!!

I finally finished the last 5-star reviews of two incredible books. I hope you enjoy!

To purchase your copy, click on Buy on Amazon.

Whenever I immerse myself in a book by Diana Peach, I always fall deeply into the exciting worlds and believable characters. She is the author who converted me years ago into reading fantasy. Her beautiful prose parallels with diving into a C. S. Lewis classic. Tale of the Seasons’ Weaver is an enchanting and spellbinding story full of remarkable imagination. I was easily drawn into the extraordinary imagery from the first chapter. One sample of Peach’s magical writing is, “The sky joined into a conspiracy with the wind and thickened with charcoal clouds that piled on each other’s back.”

Erith, the protagonist, resides between two worlds. She is half mortal human and half possessing charmed blood. Because of these qualities, she feels as if she doesn’t belong in either world. But the complication lies with her mother bestowing her the title of seasons’ weaver. Erith must weave her first tapestry ode to spring. However, self-doubt clings to her like static electricity, and she remains hesitant to use her magical powers. Not to mention, she faces a multitude of obstacles. A massive hindrance being the Winter King who takes revenge on the human race. He suppresses the season of spring because of human hunters who harmed the enchanted forest.

The reader joins Erith on her quest, meeting a variety of magical creatures, some better to avoid such as water demons in the night, while others that fascinate like galiwhigs. Many entertaining characters, both good and evil, play a significant role in her growth, and Peach even adds a touch of romance to entice.

Will Erith be able to push aside her self-doubt in order to prevent the demise of all humans? Will the four seasons remain everlasting? I encourage you to discover the answers by reading this tale that I highly recommend!

To purchase your copy, click on image.

Reading The Garden of Love by Manuela Timofte is like sitting by a waterfall, allowing its ballad to calm your mind. My initial thought after the first few pages was, I need this now. The U.S. is spinning out of control in a myriad of ways. The world is doing the same. So, reading Timofte’s book was like enjoying one spectacular exhale, releasing all stress.

In the foreword she writes, “In our real garden, we may prefer certain flowers and try to eradicate certain weeds, but the flowers and weeds inside us define us as people and the life we lead.” Her hope with this book is that “we find the flowers we like, and the lines that resonate with us, and that they give us color, fragrance, understanding, and lots of love.” I discovered the flowers, the lines, I saw the color, inhaled the fragrance, realized understanding, and felt the love.

Timofte reminds us that we are all diverse, not only physically, but also in thoughts, emotions, and experiences. And no matter what, “we are brought here on earth to learn the lessons of love…true happiness does not lie in a job, money, religion, or political placards. It was and is all the time within us.”

There is so much of what she writes that I know in mind and heart but let slip aside as I trudge through my own agenda. It takes little effort to forget about love, and that we can’t take money and possessions with us when we leave this beautiful planet. I, too, am reminded that while some of these make life more exciting and comfortable, the bottom line is to live life knowing that our stay here on earth is temporary, but to leave without regrets – a mission that can be difficult to implement. So, I encourage you to grab a copy and a cup of tea or your preferred beverage and allow yourself that one spectacular exhale as you turn the pages. Highly recommended!

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I’m also sharing a poem for you to ponder when you leave here:

Your Link

The link you grasp may be small
But still, you will not fall
With the firmest grip, hold on tight
It’s not about fight or flight
Just seizing the chain is vital
No one is above you or entitled
Whether the link is large or small
Hold your head up high; stand tall!
We all matter, the bottom line
Our beliefs, emotions, goals in life
We all matter of equal degree
This is truth…not hyperbole!

© Lauren Scott

© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com – All rights reserved.
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.

Click on the link to purchase your copy! Thank you!

Thanks so much for your visit!
I hope you’re leaving with nothing less than self-love,
while eager to dive into compelling reading! ❤️

Just a little update…

Dear Friends,

I will be away at the San Francisco Writers Conference beginning tomorrow through Sunday and may or may not have time to get online. If not, I will see you next week! On a side note, if you’re looking for a fun Valentine’s gift for your little ones, my first children’s book, Cora’s Quest, would be a great option. 😍

Click on the image to purchase your copy!
Thank you!

Okay, this short update has concluded and I’ve turned comments off. So, have a wonderful rest of your week and weekend ahead! Stay safe! Be happy! 😊 And remember…

It always seems impossible until it’s done. ~ Nelson Mandela 

And I appreciate you stopping by!

Hugs, Lauren ❤️

“One Decision that is Yours Alone” on Gobblers by Masticadores

I’m thrilled that my poem, “One Decision that is Yours Alone” is published on Gobblers by Masticadores today! A Huge Thanks to Manuela Timofte for sharing my work each month. I’m honored to be among so many talented writers.

One Decision that is Yours Alone

I see the tears rolling, slowly,
but with purpose.
Will you let me dry them?
Your invisible scars are as visible
as words of anguish in your eyes.
But there is no room for shame
even though time swiftly moves
while memories remain.

No, you don’t know me well,
and I can’t relate to the nightmare
that stole your self-worth,
and we haven’t exchanged
a friendly conversation over tea,
but you can trust me.
I only wish you kindness
in your unfair moments of nothingness.

Please click here or on the link below to read the full poem and to support this wonderful literary site.
Thank you! 🙏

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

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

Click on the image to order your copy! 🙏

Sally Cronin features Cora’s Quest for New Book on the Shelves!

Sally at Smorgasbord Blog Magazine is always generous when she helps to spread the word about new books being released. So I’m honored that she featured my first children’s book. I’ve been trying to reblog and share links of the friends who have shared the news about Cora in the order that corresponds with their posts. But if I’m out of order, please forgive me. My head has been spinning for over a week, but for celebratory reasons! 🥰
My deepest gratitude to you all who have helped me out in the most gracious ways!

Sally is the author of Size Always Matters – a wonderful tool for not only losing weight, but for eating healthy as a lifestyle change. I loved this book and will keep it within reach. We all need some guidance at some point regarding our eating habits. My review of Sally’s book can be found here.

Click on the image to purchase your
copy!

So, I invite you to visit Sally’s post by clicking on the link below to check out her beautiful way of announcing the release of Cora’s Quest. Thank you again, Sally! I’m so appreciative of your support, and I’m still doing the happy ‘deer’ dance! :)🙏❤️

As always, thanks so much for your presence, and I appreciate your patience while I promote my book. 🙂
Also, Cora’s Quest would make a wonderful gift for any little ones. It’s a sweet story with a big message for all ages, and the images are magical and vibrant, so the paperback would be lovely for a child to hold in his or her hands. Have a wonderful rest of the week! ❤️

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

New Release! Click on the image to purchase
your copy!
 ❤️🙏

100 Things I Love & Are Grateful For!

When I read Brian’s post at WritingfromtheheartofBrian where he shared a list of 100 things he loves, it really touched me. Brian’s posts and the essays he writes are always moving, humorous, and authentic. Please pay him a visit if you haven’t met him yet. Anyway, I picked up my loyal journal from where it rests on the coffee table, and began making a list. I seamlessly wove together things I love and things I’m thankful for. Perfect timing because here we are with Christmas just around the corner. The spirit of the season seeps into our hearts. For the sake of time, I tried to narrow my list down to 50, but I couldn’t. Now this says it all! And I went a few over! 🙂 These are in no particular order.

  1. Family time.
  2. Sharing life’s adventures with my best friend, my husband, for almost 36 years (37 since we met).
1989

3. My dog, Copper. He’s 14 years old and doesn’t go fast and far anymore, but he’s doing well.
4. Good health – this is no laughing matter, as my dad used to say. I don’t think I grasped the profound meaning when I was young, but now I get it.
5. Baking – carrying on my mom’s tradition.
6. Singing – my passion since I was 9 years old.
7. Barbara Streisand – my vocal idol who I was fortunate to see in concert – the most magical evening!
8. Elvis Presley – I was only a teenager, but his voice was incredible and he was so handsome. 🙂 I was lucky to see him in concert with my family two years before he passed away so young.
9. Redwoods – I feel a sense of peace and reverence whenever I’m in their company.

10. My childhood cabin – memories of Yahtzee nights and Mom’s lasagna!
11. Chocolate chip cookies made from scratch right out of the oven!
12. Sunsets, especially at our favorite lake.

13. Writing! Poetry, Fiction, a children’s book – trying new genres for a challenge.
14. Reading – getting lost in poetry that resonates or in the pages of a compelling book!
15. Poetry of Mary Oliver – I feel deeply moved by her poems.
16. Beautiful gardens – the colors, the life, the connections, the honey bees!
17. Addictive Netflix shows – Virgin River, Schitz Creek, Grey’s Anatomy, Gilmore Girls, & New Amsterdam.
18. Long phone chats with my daughter in TN.
19. Long phone chats with my son in CO.
20. Chardonnay on a Friday night after another work week has come to an end.
21. Going to the movies – the whole experience of relaxing in the recliner chairs and munching on popcorn.
22. Music – singing, dancing, listening, going to concerts.
23. A quiet drive on country roads.
24. Wine country in the spring and fall.
25. All animals, esp. dogs, and elephants – After I read two non-fiction books about elephants, I fell in love with the magnificent creatures.
26. Chocolate!

27. Hawaii.
28. Camping in a tent – I don’t mind roughing it and getting a little dirty.
29. Campfires in the wilderness.

30. The color blue like the clearest sky, a tropical ocean, and my husband’s eyes.
31. Musicals – The Sound of Music with Julie Andrews and Christopher Plumber top the list.
32. Small, charming towns.
33. Reminiscing through old photo albums. The memories…
34. Moving furniture around in the house.
35. RomComs: Pretty Woman, While You Were Sleeping, Sleepless in Seattle, You’ve Got Mail, The Proposal, When Harry Met Sally

36. A hot shower after tent camping for a week.
37. Air conditioning on a 100 degree summer day.
38. A fun day at the county fair. I have great memories of going as a family, checking out the art exhibits, the pig races and petting zoo, riding the ferris wheel, and eating fun fair food: gyros and chocolate mint ice cream.
39. Noisy holiday gatherings with children’s laughter that evoke wonderful family memories of when my parents were still with us.
40. Christmas decorations inside and outside.
41. Coffee with hubby no matter where we are.

42. Typing.
43. A great sense of humor 😂
44. Kind people.
45. Ethical politicians.
46. Tacos and a margarita.
47. Jeans and t-shirts.
48. Hokas – my saving grace to mitigate foot nerve pain.
49. Jewelry – Silver, gold, beaded, all kinds. Necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets. I love to accessorize!
50. Blogging and the wonderful friends I’ve made!
51. My Apple watch – changing the photo & using for exercise. It’s simply fun.
52. The moon!
53. Visiting my daughter in TN.
54. Visiting my son in CO.
55. Technology when it works! LOL
56. My white Mazda CX-5.
57. Disneyland – Childhood memories of having Disneyland in my backyard. I love Disney!
58. Compassionate and trustworthy doctors – I am grateful for the care and treatment my family has received at Kaiser over the years.
59. Purses.
60. Backpacking with my husband! The tranquility, carrying all we need on our backs, the photos, the memories!

61. Hiking.
62. Holding a book in my hands. There’s something special about the feel of the cover and pages.
63. When Paxlovid kicked in during Covid, even though the metallic taste in my mouth was unpleasant for a week.
64. Organization.
65. Playing in the snow: sledding, snow shoeing, tobogganing, tubing.
66. A lush, green lawn.
67. Carrot cake. Did you know it counts as a vegetable? 🙂

Made by my son for my birthday a few years ago.

68. Sitting on our patio on a summer evening, watching the hummingbirds.
69. Stinson Beach.
70. Heat in the house on a cold winter’s morning.
71. A live Christmas tree adorned with ornaments the kids made and ornaments that were given to us.

72. A new roof that cost too much but that keeps us dry.
73. A house we call home.
74. The feeling of euphoria I had after giving birth to my daughter and son.
75. Walking hand in hand with my husband.
76. Paying someone a compliment.
77. Waking up early in the morning and enjoying quiet time to read, write, or blog.
78. Reveling in the joy when my husband gets home from an awesome motorcycle ride.
79. A simple walk around the neighborhood. Each time, it’s a different experience.
80. When my kids tell me they love me.
81. Receiving Christmas cards.
82. Getting together with friends.
83. Motorcycle rides with my husband.
84. Lucille Ball. The laughter never ends!
85. Enjoying a day at the beach.
86. Attempting a new creative endeavor and succeeding.
87. Reading the blogs I follow.
88. Listening to the rain from inside my cozy home.
89. How comfy my bed feels at night when I’m tired.
90. Any body of water.


91. The excitement of a new year’s possibilities.
92. Riding bikes in Lake Tahoe.
93. Weekend getaways.
94. Having something to look forward to.
95. When my children graduated from UC Davis.
96. Self-publishing a new book.
97. My poetry and stories getting published in literary magazines.
98. Opening all windows in the house on a beautiful spring day.
99. Emojis ❤️🥰🎉🤗🙏 What can I say? They’re fun! 😍
100. Bodega Bay.
101. Pain-free days and nights.
102. Samuel P. Taylor Park.
103. Point Reyes.
104. West Marin.
105. The Cheese Factory.

Could any of these land on your list? I’m sure some from Brian’s are the same for mine. And that’s okay. Like- minded individuals!
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Thanks for taking the time, and for stopping by today!
I appreciate you all for visiting my little corner of blogland. ❤️

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

New Release! Click on the image if you’d like
to purchase a copy! ❤️🙏

Gobblers by Masticadores shares the news about my new book, Cora’s Quest!

Dear Family and Friends,

I’m honored and thrilled that my new children’s book, Cora’s Quest, has been promoted today on Gobblers by Masticadores! Thank you to Manuela Timofte for publishing this exciting news! 🙏

Dear Family and Friends,

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 her beautiful artwork.

Full transparency, this is my first children’s book. So, I hope that anyone (adults or children) who gets 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 fascinating animals. 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…

You can find out more about Chris and his work on Instagramhttp://www.instagram.com/1mcd

Cora’s Quest is available on Amazon (paperback and e-book)
Click on the links for more purchase options:
Barnes & Noble (paperback and e-book),
and Kobo (e-book only).

To read more about my book, please visit Gobblers by clicking on the link below.
Thank you for supporting Manuela and her team. ❤️

I appreciate your visit today, and I wish you a wonderful week ahead!
~ Lauren ❤️

(I have closed comments here and invite you to visit
Gobblers to ‘like’ or leave a comment there. Thank you so much!

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

New Release! Click on the image if you’d like
to purchase a copy! ❤️🙏

Resa kicks off the book launch for Cora’s Quest with an array of colors!!!

Resa rocks, enough said, and I’m sharing a bit about her if you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her:

I’m an amateur photographer who has a passion for taking pics of outdoor ephemeral art.

Eagle ! to Natasha

My name is Resa McConaghy, and my site, “Graffit Lux and Murals”, was originally dedicated to showcasing & documenting Graffiti Art  and Murals in Toronto and Winnipeg.

However, I now find I am featuring the Street Art of other cities around the globe through travels of mine, and guest contributors.

Taking these pics is a passion and a joy. Each work of graffiti art or mural evokes thoughts in me, and these thoughts are reflected in the titles of my Post.

Resa has posted and reviewed my last two books, Ever So Gently and More than Coffee, and now she’s done it again for Cora’s Quest, my first children’s book illustrated by my nephew, Chris Mendez! She creates stunning masterpieces weaving art and books together seamlessly like needle and thread.

Have a wonderful weekend ahead, and I hope to see you at Resa’s!

Lauren 💖

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

New Release! Click on the image to purchase
your copy!
 ❤️🙏

New Children’s Book Release: Cora’s Quest

Dear Family and Friends,

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:

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! 🙏

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 ❤️

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