Category: Non-Leonberger Book Promotions

Adventures with a Dragon in Mandoreum

This is a Leonberger blog but sometimes I post about books that are not about Leonbergers but that are books that I love and want to promote. This is another one of those. I recently read “The Secret Dragon” Paperback – by Esther Moonstomp. It is a children’s book I bought for the children of friends of ours. Below is an overview of the two formats for the book.

  • Paperback –  Publisher : Troubador Publishing (July 4, 2025), ISBN-10 : 1836283881, ISBN-13 : 978-1836283881, 72 pages, Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.81 ounces, dimensions ‏ : 5.83 x 0.2 x 8.27 inches, it cost $7.70on US Amazon. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
  • Kindle – Publisher : Troubador Publishing Ltd (July 28, 2025), ASIN : B0FCMZ6LMW, ISBN-13 : 978-1836288800, 38 pages. It is currently 3.99 on Amazon.com and free with Kindle Unlimited. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
The title and author name and an illustration of a girl holding a small green dragon.
Front cover of The Secret Dragon by Esther Moonstomp. Click here or the picture to visit the Amazon.com page for the paperback version of the book.

Amazon’s description of the book

When Saffy discovers a dragon statue at the bottom of her garden, her boring summer holiday becomes full of excitement. The statue is a real dragon called Lily.

She’s from the magical world of Mandoreum, a place that’s in danger and in need of Saffy’s help.

There are clues to solve, a wicked witch to battle and secrets to be kept at all costs. Will Saffy be able to save Mandoreum before it’s too late?

This is my five-star review for The Secret Dragon

A Friendly Dragon and the Magical Land of Mandoreum

I remember when I was a kid and we were asked to tell the class about our summer vacation as we returned to class. It was not fun when you hadn’t done much or gone anywhere but many other kids had done amazing things. In this story Saffy is having a boring summer holiday. They have not gone anywhere, and the weather is bad. This is when she discovers a statue of a dragon in her garden. The dragon, named Lily, comes alive and so begins a magical adventure. Lily participates in the rescue of a magical land called Mandoreum and fights a mean witch. She ends up having a spectacular summer adventure.

I think the themes of the book, magic, witches and a friendly harmless dragon is something that children would like. The description of the fantasyland Mandoreum is special and intriguing. The story is very imaginative, action packed and I believe it is a fun story for children. The book is well written, and it is a good story. I bought this book for the children of friends of ours, but I read it myself first. We have a two months old grandson, but he is still a little bit young for this book. This book is excellent for reading out loud to children, and for young readers. I highly recommend this sweet and fun book.

The Amazon description of the book and a witches hat at the bottom.
Back cover of The Secret Dragon by Esther Moonstomp. Click here or the picture to visit the Amazon.com page for the Kindle version of the book.

Click here to visit the author’s website

Female Gunslingers Once Upon A Time In the West

This is a Leonberger blog but sometimes I post about books that are not about Leonbergers but that are books that I love, and I want to promote. This is another one of those. I recently read “When Cottonfields Burn” Paperback – by Sara Flower Kjeldsen. Below I am giving an overview of the two formats for the book.

  • Paperback –  Publisher : Independently published (October 29, 2023), ASIN : B0CM1KZSGM, ISBN-13 :  979-8865779650, 173 pages, Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8.5 ounces, dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.39 x 9 inches, it cost $11.99 on US Amazon. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
  • Kindle – Publisher : Independently published (October 28, 2023), ASIN : B0CM1PDNN8, 175 pages. It is currently 2.99 on Amazon.com and free with Kindle Unlimited. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
The title and author and a picture of burning cottonfields.
Front cover of  When Cottonfields Burn. Click here or the picture to visit the Amazon.com page for the paperback version of the book.

Amazon’s description of the book

A seasoned female outlaw.

Two young partners who stick with their leader no matter what.

Lydia is an outlaw who steals for a living. When she discovers that her daughter has been kidnapped by her ex-master, she and her two partners, Crow and Tyke, ride south to save the young girl. When she runs into her old friend, Mary, who was once an outlaw but is now settled down on a farm, she can’t resist forcefully bringing her along. After the shock wears off from being kidnapped, Mary pledges to help Lydia get her daughter back. The group rides to Arkansas where a battle on a cotton plantation awaits – and many unsavoury characters along the way.

When Cotton Fields Burn is a tale of adventure, betrayal, revenge, redemption, and unbreakable bonds between people who love each other.

This is my five-star review for When Cottonfields Burn by Sara Flower Kjeldsen

Gunfights for Freedom

I should say I read the paperback version of this book. This gripping and captivating story takes place at the end of the 19th century. Lydia a former slave and an outlaw discovers that her daughter has been kidnapped and illegally made into a slave by her former slave master. Lydia and her young companions Tyke and Crow assemble a team with the goal of freeing her daughter. I can add that illegal slavery was a practice that was prevalent after the civil war, and I did not know anything about it before reading this book. Therefore, I looked it up and I read more about it. I learned something about another dark chapter of history.

This book features a few characters from the first book in the series, The Broken & Foolish, which is also a great book. I was already familiar with these characters, especially Mary, but they were introduced well enough in this book. You can read this book without reading the first book. I can add that Lydia (and Mary) are both very skilled gunslingers and so are their companions. The book features a lot of violence and shootouts, many people die, but it is a Western after all, a somewhat feminist Western.

There are many intense and exciting situations. The story is fast paced but the character development is thorough, and it is easy to empathize with Lydia, Mary and the other protagonists. I think the book highlighted the fact that for many African Americans the end of slavery was not really the end of it, as I had thought. It brings attention to the evils of injustice and racism in the 19th century. At the same time, it is a hopeful book and an inspiration for standing up for yourself when you are being mistreated and justice is not coming to your aid. I highly recommend this captivating, fun, and fast paced book.

Photo of Sara Flower Kjeldsen and the text of the Amazon description of the book.
Back cover of  When Cottonfields Burn. Click here or the picture to visit the Amazon.com page for the kindle version of the book.

About Sara Flower Kjeldsen

Sara is a Canadian multi-genre author who loves tea and adventures. This is a list of her published books.

To read my review for the first book in the series; The Broken and the Foolish Click Here.

The Voices of Trees

This is a Leonberger Dog Blog but sometimes I post about other things such as this review and promotion of the Overstory by Richard Powers. This is a great Pulitzer Prize winning novel about Trees by Richard Powers.

Below is an overview of the four formats of The Overstory

  • Hardcover – Publisher : W. W. Norton & Company (April 3, 2018), ASIN : ‎ 039363552X, ISBN-13 :  978-0393635522, 512 pages, Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.85 pounds, Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.3 x 6.2 x 1.5 inches, it cost $13.61 on US Amazon. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
  • Paperback –  Publisher : W. W. Norton & Company (April 2, 2019), ASIN : ‎ 039335668X, ISBN-13 :  978-0393356687, 512 pages, Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.24 pounds, Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1.2 x 8.3 inches, it cost $16.89 on US Amazon. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
  • Kindle – Publisher : W. W. Norton & Company (April 3, 2018), ASIN : B073VX7HT4, ISBN-13 :  978-0393635539, 513 pages. It is currently $2.99 on Amazon.com. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
  • Audio Edition –  Publisher : Recorded Books (April 03, 2018), ASIN : B078PJ4Q9D, Listening Length : 22 hours and 58 minutes, it cost $0,99 with membership. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
The cover features a brown circle and a background of the woods. There is also the title, author name, and a medal stating Winner of the Pulitzer Prize.
Front cover of The Overstory by Richard Powers. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the paperback version of the book.

Amazon’s Description of The Overstory

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction

Winner of the William Dean Howells Medal

Shortlisted for the Booker Prize

Over One Year on the New York Times Bestseller List

Named One of the Best Books of the 21st Century by the New York Times Book Review

A New York Times Notable Book and a Washington Post, Time, Oprah Magazine, Newsweek, Chicago Tribune, and Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year

“The best novel ever written about trees, and really just one of the best novels, period.” ―Ann Patchett

The Overstory, winner of the 2019 Pulitzer Prize in Fiction, is a sweeping, impassioned work of activism and resistance that is also a stunning evocation of―and paean to―the natural world. From the roots to the crown and back to the seeds, Richard Powers’s twelfth novel unfolds in concentric rings of interlocking fables that range from antebellum New York to the late twentieth-century Timber Wars of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. There is a world alongside ours―vast, slow, interconnected, resourceful, magnificently inventive, and almost invisible to us. This is the story of a handful of people who learn how to see that world and who are drawn up into its unfolding catastrophe.

This is my five star amazon review of The Overstory

This Novel will Change how you view Trees and Life

The main characters in this epic story Nicholas Hoel (Watchman), Olivia Vandergriff (Maidenhair), Mimi Ma (Mulberry), Douglas Pavlicek (Doug-fir), Adam Appich (Maple), Dr. Patricia Westerford, Neelay Mehta, Dorothy Cazaly Brinkman, and Ray Brinkman, all have interesting and sometimes tragic life stories that somehow connects them to trees. Their life stories are told in a captivating but fast paced manner that sometimes seemed compressed but for a good reason.

The book did not just tell us about the current personalities of the characters without giving the history. Our personalities are partially formed by our parents, grandparents, great grandparents, cultures far away from where we live, by nature and by trees. In some cases, the history of several generations was covered in a couple of pages. I am a curious person, and I found this kind of novel character development powerful and very entertaining.

In a fashion that reminded me of Stephen King’s the stand, the life events of the characters and their family history bring them together in the defense of old growth redwood forest in Oregon. There are also hints of paranormal phenomena. In Oregon, things get very wild and even violent and it became difficult for me to put the book down. It felt very real and very tense and mistakes were made, bad mistakes. The book is certainly a page turner.

The Overstory asks whether humans are the only ones that matter by challenging human-centered perspectives and exploring the lives, consciousness, and value of trees. The book shows that other beings have their own valuable and interesting experiences, and presents scientific ideas that trees have a form of communication and intelligence. I learned that trees communicate with each other through a network of fungi in the soil. By looking up the facts about this I found out that this was not fiction made up by the author. There is an entire new science on this topic called mycorrhizal ecology or biocommunication, sometimes referred to as the “Wood Wide Web”. Dr. Patricia Westerford is based on a real person, Dr. Suzanne Simard of the University of British Columbia. The book also points out that we humans do not understand the amount of destruction that we are causing to the world’s forests. This is a book that speaks for the trees, but in addition, the trees speak for us.

This is one of the most fascinating novels that I’ve read. It has an important message that some of us will understand but that some of us may not grasp. In any case, I can certainly understand the books popularity. I highly recommend it.

The black and brown back cover features praise of the book provided by various prominent people.
Back cover of The Overstory by Richard Powers. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the Kindle version of the book.

Doggie Haiku

This is a Leonberger blog, but I also post about other topics including book reviews for books that I love and want to promote. With this post I would like to promote Doggie Haiku: A Novella in Haiku for Dog-Lovers by Laura Stamps.

Below is an overview of the two formats of Doggie Haiku
  • Paperback –  Publisher : Prolific Pulse Press LLC (November 15, 2024), ASIN : 1962374327, ISBN-13 :  978-1962374323, 39 pages, Item Weight : 2.72 ounces, dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.83 x 0.1 x 8.27 inches, it cost $10.00 on US Amazon. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
  • Kindle – Publisher : Prolific Pulse Press LLC (November 15, 2024), ASIN : B0DKYNN7MM, ISBN-13 :  978-1962374330, 44 pages. It is currently $4.99 on Amazon.com but free with Kindle unlimited. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
The front cover features a beach with a woman in a chair and a chihuahua on the sand, as well as the title and name of author written.
Front cover of Doggie Haiku: A Novella in Haiku for Dog-Lovers by Laura Stamps. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the paperback version of the book.

Amazon’s Description of Doggie Haiku by Laura Stamps

Cindy is a shopaholic. She’s also the “Treat Lady.” There’s always a treat in her pocket for the neighborhood dogs. But what she really wants is a dog of her own. One day she sees Hazel at the local shelter. A tiny, frightened, senior Chihuahua. And she can’t resist. However, walking a dog in the snow is not her thing. So she applies for a transfer at her job. Soon Cindy and Hazel are on the road to the Florida office. To blue skies, sandy beaches, sunshine, and those Southern men. (Oh, my!) Let the adventures begin…!

What others say:

“In this charming novella, award-winning poet Laura Stamps gallops her way into our hearts one Haiku syllable and one cute doggie at a time. Her pace is fun and intentional. I read Doggie Haiku first thing this morning. It was a delightful way to start my day. Marvelous storytelling. Beautiful, fun, and very well done. You’ll laugh and smile!”

– Zaneta Johns, Author of Encore: A Collection of Poetry

“Absolutely LOVED it! This new novella by the super Laura Stamps is a delightful treat. Full of doggy fun and an owner’s adventures, it’s not to be missed. All the cute pictures will make you laugh out loud too. Don’t wait. Get it now!”

– Laura Besley, Author of 100neHundred

“This was such a fun read! If you want a dog (or to find true love), this charming and funny novel written in haiku is for you. You’ll smile through the adventures of Cindy (a certifiable shopaholic) and Hazel (her Chihuahua). Read it whenever your spirits need a lift!”

– Nolcha Fox, Author of Words into Elephants

This is my Amazon five-star Amazon review of Doggie Haiku

A Cute, Funny and Touching Adventure with a Dog

This poetry novelette takes the reader on an adventure with Cindy and her Chihuahua Hazel. Cindy loves dogs more than anything. One day she picks up a scared black and white chihuahua from the shelter. Poor Hazel had been abandoned. So, begin their adventure together. They move to Florida, where they meet people and dogs. Cindy goes on dates and takes Hazel with her, which ends in some accidents. Don’t worry, to Cindy dogs matter a lot more than men do.

It is a fun and lighthearted story full of humor and laughter, but also lots of doggy love. The story is told in the form of 123 Haiku poems, which adds to the fun. This short book is above all cute, funny and touching, and I highly recommend it to all dog lovers.

A picture of a beach and praise for the book.
Back cover of Doggie Haiku: A Novella in Haiku for Dog-Lovers by Laura Stamps. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the Kindle version of the book.

About the Author of Doggie Haiku

Laura Stamps is a poet and novelist who loves to create experimental forms for her poetry and fiction. Author of over 50 novels, novellas, and poetry books. Winner of the Muses Prize. Recipient of a Pulitzer Prize nomination and 7 Pushcart Prize nominations. Published in more than 2000 literary magazines and anthologies worldwide. Lover of Chihuahuas, Yorkies, and cats.

Click here to visit her website

Click here to visit the review for another one of her books :

One Evening in the Life of Jim Garraty

This is a Leonberger blog, but I also post about other topics including book reviews for books that I love and want to promote. With this post I would like to promote Comings and Goings – The Art of Being Seen: A Jim Garraty Story (The Reunion Duology) by Alex Diaz-Granados.

Below is an overview of the two formats of Comings and Goings

  • Paperback –  Independently published (July 1, 2025), ASIN : B0FFBJG5KQ, ISBN-13 : 979-8289407344, 51 pages, Item Weight : 4.6 ounces, dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.13 x 9 inches, it cost $9.99 on US Amazon. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
  • Kindle – Publisher : ADG Books via Kindle Direct Publishing (June 22, 2025), ASIN : B0FF5FLL87, 53 pages. It is currently $2.99 on Amazon.com but free with Kindle unlimited. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
Title and name of author written slanted across the front cover. In the background there is furniture in a small room.
Front cover of Comings and Goings – The Art of Being Seen by Alex Diaz-Granados. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the paperback version of the book.

Amazon’s Description of Comings and Goings by Alex Diaz-Granados

Boston, 1984. A party Jim Garraty never wanted to attend. A girl who didn’t look away. A night stitched together by mixtapes, quiet courage, and the ache of choosing to stay.

Jim isn’t chasing romance—he’s just trying to outrun the noise. But when Kelly Moore enters the room with her drink, her Rachmaninoff references, and her uncanny ability to see without pressing, everything shifts. Over cassette tapes and Heineken beer, conversations deepen, touch becomes language, and for the first time, intimacy feels less like performance and more like breath.

Comings and Goings – The Art of Being Seen is a quietly luminous companion to the Reunion Duology, capturing one night’s transformation from awkward beginnings to the kind of closeness that rewrites your inner dialogue. It’s about music, memory, and the rare kindness of someone meeting you where you are—with patience, humor, and unexpected grace.

This isn’t a story about first love.

It’s a story about the first time you didn’t have to explain yourself.

This is my Amazon five-star Amazon review of Comings and Goings

From Awkward Misery to Adventure

I think this novelette is best read as a companion to the author’s larger masterpiece Reunion: Coda. Alternatively, it serves as an introduction to the author’s writing style and storytelling prowess. The author has an exceptional skill in crafting and delivering compelling narratives that engage audiences, and this short novelette could be one of the many chapters in the life of the protagonist Jim Garraty, a man who will become a celebrated professor at Columbia University.

In this book Jim Garraty is a first year student at Harvard and he is attending a party where he does not know anyone except for a fellow student who is quite busy elsewhere and leaving him on his own. He feels lonely, awkward and out of place until a girl, Kelly Moore, takes interest in him and his miserable night turns into quite an adventure. What stands out about this book is the realistic description of emotions, inner thoughts, and the realistic dialogue. It serves as a prelude to what to expect from his other books. I highly recommend this short novelette.

An overview of the book, a photo of the author and an introduction to the author.
Back cover of Comings and Goings – The Art of Being Seen by Alex Diaz-Granados. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the Kindle version of the book.

About the Author of Comings and Goings

Alex Diaz-Granados (born 1963) has spent decades weaving words into stories, critiques, and screenplays, always with an eye for nuance and emotional depth. His journey began in the early 1980s as a staff writer and Entertainment Editor for his high school newspaper, later serving as Diversions Editor for Miami-Dade Community College’s South Campus student publication.

Fueled by a passion for cinema, he has been sharing his thoughts on film—raving about masterpieces and ranting about misfires—since 2003, contributing reviews to platforms like Amazon, Ciao, and Epinions.

Beyond criticism, Alex has collaborated with actor-director Juan Carlos Hernandez on several screenplays, including A Simple Ad, Clown 345, Ronnie and the Pursuit of the Elusive Bliss, and Sunny in the Village of the Crickets, all of which can be seen on YouTube. His writing extends to blogging, with general-interest articles once featured on Yahoo! Voices (formerly Associated Content).

As an author, Alex is best known for the Reunion Duology—the novella Reunion: A Story and its sequel Reunion: Coda. These works explore themes of nostalgia, regret, and the enduring bonds of friendship, set against the atmospheric backdrop of Miami and New York City. With cinematic storytelling and emotionally authentic characters, his work resonates with readers seeking a blend of memory and new beginnings.

Click here to visit the author’s website

Poetry Wisdom Love and Happiness

This is a Leonberger blog, but I also post about other topics including book reviews of books that I love and want to promote. With this post I would like to promote a beautiful poetry book full of wisdom, Celebrating Poetry by Cindy Georgakas.

Below is an overview of the two formats of Celebrating Poetry by Cindy Georgakas

  • Paperback –  Publisher : Literary Revelations LLC (November 16, 2024), ASIN : B0DNCRS8W8, ISBN-13 : 979-8991332538, 183 pages, Item Weight : 11.8 ounces, dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.42 x 9 inches, it cost $6.99 on US Amazon. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
  • Kindle – Publisher : Literary Revelations LLC (November 15, 2024), ASIN : B0DNBPC4GP, ISBN-13 : 979-8991332521, 183 pages. It is currently $0.99 on Amazon.com. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
A colorful beach with grass, blue water and a stone wall. The front page also includes the title, “Celebrating Poetry”, the author’s name, and the text “A companion guide to recreate and celebrate.”
Front cover of Celebrating Poetry by Cindy Georgakas. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the paperback version of the book.

Amazon’s Description of Celebrating Poetry by Cindy Georgakas

Cindy Georgakas is not just a wellness therapist; she is a beacon of hope and creativity through her exceptional poetry. Celebrating the profound impact of her written words, we find that her beautiful verses resonate deeply with those who seek to overcome obstacles in their lives. Each poem serves as a reminder that it’s possible to celebrate success, regain trust in yourself, and ultimately embrace love and happiness. The spirituality of the book is of a religious quality.

In a world where many feel lost or disconnected, Cindy Georgakas offers not only words but also a chance for readers to reconnect with their inner selves and rediscover joy amidst adversity. Embrace the opportunity to explore her work; you may find that within each line lies the key to your own healing journey.

This book is a must read.

This is my Amazon five-star Amazon review of Celebrating Poetry

The Poetic Book of Wisdom

This book is best read as a companion guide to another book by the author; Re-Create and Celebrate. However, as I understand this collection of conversational poems can easily be read stand-alone, which is what I did (the paperback). The book is a collection of motivational poems grouped into 4 steps; Trusting your path, From darkness to light, Ignite insight, and Celebrate. Each step features an introduction of words of wisdom related to life and explaining the purpose of the section.

The poems express thoughts, reflections, wisdom, personal experiences, love, and life lessons. The poems are beautiful and offer hope, comfort, encouragement and deeper meaning. They celebrate nature and the beauty of life. The book is also well organized and offers a flowing and delightful reading experience. The book features thousands of pearls but I would like to mention a couple.

On page 123: I place my shells on my bedside with the ashes and small bones of my grandmother and remember her crooked teeth, her one blue eye and one brown, her wrinkles and I smile, remembering it never mattered how she looked but how she made me feel.

On page 169: I guess we’ll all have to take that chance and see because no matter how much I care and love you, I just must be me and so do you.

An overview of the book, a photo of the author and an introduction to the author.
Back cover of Celebrating Poetry by Cindy Georgakas. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the Kindle version of the book.

About the Author of Celebrating Poetry

Cindy is a San Francisco native and currently lives nestled in the trees in a small community with her husband. She is a health and wellness professional, a certified life coach, personal trainer, yoga/meditation teacher, and bodyworker. She draws inspiration from her clients, friends, four children, 4 legged furry kids and nature.

Her new book Celebrating Poetry is a #1 New Top Release on Amazon. It is a companion guide to her book, Re-Create & Celebrate: 7 Steps to Live the Life of Your Dreams, has over 41 5 Star Reviews. She was voted Author of the Month on Spillwords Press in April 2023 and Publication of the Month on Spillwords in October 2022.

She is a co-author of #1 Amazon Bestseller, Wounds I Healed: The Poetry of Strong Women, #1 Best Seller of Hidden In Childhood: A Poetry Anthology and is also a Treasured Contributor to MastecadoresUsa.

You can read more of Cindy’s work at Unique Times by Cindy Georgakas

Click here to visit Unique Times

Dog Poems of Love and Grief

This is a Leonberger blog, but I also post about other topics including book reviews of books that I love and want to promote. With this post I would like to promote a beautiful and touching poetry book that is about a Labrador called Copper: King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry by Lauren Scott.

Below is an overview of the two formats of King Copper by Lauren Scott

  • Paperback –  Publisher : Baydreamer Writes (August 6, 2025), ASIN : B0FK21KS3T, ISBN-13 : 979-8349341014, 66 pages, Item Weight : 3.53 ounces, dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.14 x 9 inches, it cost $14.99 on US Amazon. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
  • Kindle – Publisher : Baydreamer Writes (August 6, 2025), ASIN : B0FJJ3VWJ6, 70 pages. It is currently $5.99 on Amazon.com. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
The front cover features the title and author, a big photo of Copper and a pumpkin.
Front cover of King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry by Lauren Scott. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the paperback version of the book.

Amazon’s Description of King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry by Lauren Scott

When I knelt down to Copper’s level, my heart melted. His amber, soul-searching eyes told me all I needed to know.

I recalled sitting at the table, perusing a Labrador rescue website. A lab sporting a copper-colored coat stood out like a citrine crystal in a bowl of black diamonds. I had to meet the handsome fellow.

So, on a late winter March day in 2012, my family drove to Oakland to meet Copper. A woman was fostering him in her small apartment. He had a gentle demeanor, and after a walk around the block and some play time, I was ready to take him home. My son and I were excited to welcome Copper into our lives. But my husband and daughter were hesitant to adopt another dog so soon. Would we be replacing Lucky Girl, our black lab mix, who passed just four months earlier?

Despite telling the woman we needed time to make a decision, only three days later, we found ourselves signing the adoption papers. Copper effortlessly jumped into the back of our car for a ride to his new home. We heard that the best way to get past the grief of losing a pet is to get a new one, and that’s what we did. Lucky Girl would always be in our hearts. But after many conversations, we felt the timing was right. I, especially, couldn’t shake the feeling that Copper was meant to be our next canine friend.

From the hugs, cuddles, and games of fetch, Copper learned to trust us. And so, he became family. For thirteen years, he gave us unconditional love. He crossed over the rainbow bridge this past March. It is serendipitous to know that he came into our lives in March and left our earthly world also in March – the month of new beginnings. He was a bright light in our lives that will shine eternally. This is the power of our dogs or any pet. They leave a positive, long-lasting imprint on our souls.

This is my Amazon five-star Amazon review of King Copper

The Life of a Dog named Copper

Copper, a rescue Chocolate Lab, was picked up from a foster home in March of 2012 by a loving family and in return they received 13 years of unconditional love from Copper, who turned out to be a quite remarkable dog. This touching and beautiful book recounts his life in the form of poetry. What better way to tell the life of a dog, than through poetry. Some of the poems are from Copper’s perspective and some of them are from the author’s perspective. Some of the poems are fun, some speak of love, and some speak of grief. I think that everyone who’s ever owned dogs will recognize themselves in this book. I certainly did.

Dogs have personalities, they can express themselves, they are innocent, they are fun, they are loving, they can sense your mood and feelings, and they want to comfort you when you are sad. They love you and they can do amazing things, and they are part of the family. All of this is beautifully expressed in this book. This is a heartwarming book that will leave no heart untouched.

There are also a lot of great color photos in the book. I thought it was fun to look at the various photos of Copper and the people he interacted with. There is also explanatory background information. The book is well written and well laid out and the author is obviously a great poet. I highly recommend this book to all dog lovers. Actually, I recommend it to everyone.

An overview of the book and a tilted photo of Copper, on a dark-brown background. The text says: “A poetic account of the joy that arises when a lovable chocolate lab walks into your life and changes it forever. And the eventual heartache you feel when he crosses the rainbow bridge thirteen years later and still too soon.”
Back cover of King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry by Lauren Scott. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the Kindle version of the book.

About the Author of King Copper

Lauren Scott is a poet and writer of fiction, memoir, and children’s books. She has authored three collections of poetry: New Day, New Dreams (2013), Finding a Balance (2015), and Ever So Gently (2023). In 2021, she released her memoir, More than Coffee, and in 2024, Cora’s Quest, her first children’s book was published. Lauren’s poetry and stories have been published on Spillwords Press, a literary Ezine where she was voted Author of the Month in May 2023.

She is a contributing author in the anthologies, Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships (2022), This is How We Grow (2023), Petals of Haiku (2024), and Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku (2025). Her poems are shared monthly on the online literary site, Gobblers and Masticadores. Writing inspiration comes from her love of family, spending time in the great outdoors, and finding joy in the simple things.

Click here to visit the author’s website

Solar Sail Spacecraft to Saturn

This is a Leonberger blog, but I also post about other topics including book reviews of books that I love and want to promote. With this post I would like to promote an exciting and imaginative science fiction book called The Solar Sea by David Lee Summers.

Strange new particles are detected that seem to be coming from Titan the largest moon of the planet Saturn. Whales change their songs in curious ways. As a result, a major space expedition to Saturn is launched. At the center of this book is a spaceship called Aristarchus named after an ancient Greek astronomer named Aristarchus who presented the first known model that placed the Sun at the center of the known universe with the Earth revolving around it.

I can add that the fact that Earth orbited the sun did not become common knowledge until much later because of Copernicus and Galileo Galilei. However, they were not the first to suggest it. On the other hand, the fact that earth was roundish or near spherical has been common knowledge for thousands of years, at least among educated people. About 2,300 years ago, Eratosthenes a Greek philosopher calculated the circumference of Earth and got very close. This history is explored in this blog post.

Below is an overview of the two formats of The Solar Sea

I should mention that even though this book (second edition) was released on Amazon in 2018 the story was completed by the author in 2004.

  • Paperback –  Hadrosaur Press (March 16, 2018), ISBN-10 : 1885093845, ISBN-13 : 978-1885093844, 206 pages, Item Weight : 9.6 ounces, dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.52 x 8.5 inches, it cost $12.95 on US Amazon. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
  • Kindle – Publisher : Hadrosaur Production (March 21, 2018), ASIN : B07BHFS2WV, 208 pages. It is currently $3.99 on Amazon.com. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
The front cover features Saturn with its rings, a man in a space suit and humpback whales.
Front cover of The Solar Sea by David Lee Summers. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the paperback version of the book.

Amazon’s Description of The Solar Sea

Whales around the world changed their songs the day scientists announced the discovery of powerful new particles around Saturn’s largest moon which could solve Earth’s energy needs. The Quinn Corporation rushes to build a solar sail space craft to unlock the secrets of these strange new particles. They gather the best and brightest to pilot the ship: Jonathan Jefferson, an aging astronaut known as the last man on Mars; Natalie Freeman, a distinguished Navy captain; Myra Lee, a biologist who believes the whales are communicating with Saturn; and John O’Connell, the technician who first discovered the particles. Charting the course is the mysterious Pilot who seems determined to keep secrets from the rest of the crew. Together they make a grand tour of the solar system and discover not only wonders but dangers beyond their imagination.

This is my Amazon review of The Solar Sea

Fun and Easy Hard Science Fiction

Solar Sea is a fast paced and imaginative hard science fiction story. Strange things are happening. Whale songs are changing into what seems to be binary code. Something strange is going on nearby Saturn’s moon Titan, and weird particles are discovered. Earth is facing an energy crisis that might be solved by the discovery of the new particles. A manned flight using a solar wind powered spaceship called Aristarchus is launched toward Saturn. The spaceship was named after Aristarchus an ancient Greek astronomer who presented the first known model that placed the Sun at the center of the known universe with the Earth revolving around it.

The author, an astronomer, clearly liked to keep the story both imaginative and scientifically plausible. He included drawings of the spaceship and explained how it worked. Despite being hard science fiction, the book is easy and lighthearted reading. Above all it is filled with adventure, mystery, and it is fast paced and captivating. Several plot elements and perhaps plot twists reminded me of my favorite film Interstellar, but this book was written in 2004 a decade before Interstellar. However, the story itself is quite different from Interstellar, and it features some quite surprising but fun plot twists.

The character development is well done but not overdone, and the sometimes-tense interactions between the characters are realistic and interesting. Some of the characters have some big secrets that they are hiding and seeing how this develops adds to the mysteries. I also loved the good feeling of the ending. This is a fun, creative and unique science fiction story that I highly recommend.

An overview of the book as well as a recommendation for the book, both written on a blue background.
Back cover of The Solar Sea by David Lee Summers. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the Kindle version of the book.

About the Author of The Solar Sea

David Lee Summers is an author, editor and astronomer living somewhere between the western and final frontiers in Southern New Mexico. He is the author of twelve novels. His short stories and poems have appeared in numerous magazines including Cemetery Dance, Realms of Fantasy, Star*Line, and The Santa Clara Review.

David also edited Tales of the Talisman Magazine for ten years. When he’s not writing, he operates telescopes at Kitt Peak National Observatory.

Click here to visit the author’s website

Click here to visit his blog

Click here to visit my blog post review for another book by David Lee Summers

The Life of Jim Garraty

This is a Leonberger blog, but I also post about other topics including book reviews of books that I love and want to promote. With this post I would like to promote a delightful book called Reunion: Coda: Book 2 of the Reunion Duology by Alex Diaz-Granados.

Below is an overview of the three formats of Reunion: Coda

  • Hardcover –  Publisher : Independently published (April 5, 2025), ASIN : B0F3VRRW3R, ISBN-13 : 979-8316859467, 471 pages, Item Weight : 2.85 pounds, dimensions ‏ : 8.25 x 1.25 x 11 inches, it cost $30.00 on US Amazon. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
  • Paperback –  Publisher : Independently published (April 5, 2025), ASIN : B0F3VWJGDD, ISBN-13 : 979-8316867066, 529 pages, Item Weight : 2.29 pounds, dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8 x 1.2 x 10 inches, it cost $ 26.00 on US Amazon. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
  • Kindle – Publisher : ADG Books via Kindle Create (April 4, 2025), ASIN : B0F3V5HK2R, 473 pages. It is currently $5.99 on Amazon.com and free with Kindle unlimited. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
The front cover features a colorful nighttime photo of Manhattan from above.
Front cover of Reunion: Coda: Book 2 of the Reunion Duology by Alex Diaz-Granados. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the hardcover version of the book.

Amazon’s Description of Reunion Coda

In Reunion: Coda, Jim Garraty’s journey continues as he navigates the intricate dance between past regrets and present hopes. Now a successful history professor, Jim’s life is a tapestry of unspoken love, haunting memories, and the pursuit of emotional closure.

As Jim reflects on his high school years and the profound impact of his relationships, he grapples with the lessons learned from missed opportunities and the unpredictable nature of life. Through introspective moments and heartfelt letters, Jim uncovers the strength to confront his deepest fears and embrace new beginnings.

Reunion: Coda delves into the complexities of love, loss, and the enduring power of memory. It also explores the significance of friendship and the unpredictable turns that shape our lives. This poignant novel is a heartfelt exploration of the choices that define us, the connections that sustain us, and the hope that guides us on the journey of self-discovery.

This is my Amazon review of Reunion: Coda

The Mystery of Life and Love

This is a love story complicated by life. Jim Garraty is a successful History Professor who has tragically lost love and found love again. The story follows two timelines. One is focused on Jim’s high school days and his secret love Martina Reynaud, as well as everything that goes on in high school. The second timeline is focused on Jim’s life as a professor at Columbia University, memories of love lost and a divorce, as well as a newfound love, Maddy. The switch between the two timelines is obvious and clearly stated and yet seamless. The two timelines are built upon each other in a way that creates a captivating story and the fascinating world of Jim Garraty and his lovers and friends. I should mention that there are surprising connections between the two timelines, serendipity if you will.

The story is touching and romantic but also real and thought-provoking. I found the many subplots fascinating and insightful. For example, the story about one of his students becoming ensnared and bamboozled by far-right propaganda and acting upon it. That story was a good story on its own, but it also added to the overall narrative. Life is complicated and difficult, people will disappoint you, and mishaps in your professional life as well as traffic effects your romantic life as well. There were many other sub plots. The book enlightens us on subjects like lost love, courage, disappointments, tragedy, integrity and forgiveness. Life can be good but never perfect. We recognize ourselves in the stories and it helps us feel and grow.

The character development is astounding, and the prose is beautiful and lyrical. The writing is of a very high quality and the story telling is epic. I read the hardcover version of this book, which featured a lot of black and white illustrations. It is far from a graphic novel, but I appreciated the appealing and interesting illustrations. I highly recommend this book.

An overview of the book and a photo of the author when he was young.
Back cover of Reunion: Coda: Book 2 of the Reunion Duology by Alex Diaz-Granados. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the paperback version of the book.

About the Author of Reunion Coda

Alex Diaz-Granados (born 1963) has spent decades weaving words into stories, critiques, and screenplays, always with an eye for nuance and emotional depth. His journey began in the early 1980s as a staff writer and Entertainment Editor for his high school newspaper, later serving as Diversions Editor for Miami-Dade Community College’s South Campus student publication.

Fueled by a passion for cinema, he has been sharing his thoughts on film—raving about masterpieces and ranting about misfires—since 2003, contributing reviews to platforms like Amazon, Ciao, and Epinions.

Beyond criticism, Alex has collaborated with actor-director Juan Carlos Hernandez on several screenplays, including A Simple Ad, Clown 345, Ronnie and the Pursuit of the Elusive Bliss, and Sunny in the Village of the Crickets, all of which can be seen on YouTube. His writing extends to blogging, with general-interest articles once featured on Yahoo! Voices (formerly Associated Content).

As an author, Alex is best known for the Reunion Duology—the novella Reunion: A Story and its sequel Reunion: Coda. These works explore themes of nostalgia, regret, and the enduring bonds of friendship, set against the atmospheric backdrop of Miami and New York City. With cinematic storytelling and emotionally authentic characters, his work resonates with readers seeking a blend of memory and new beginnings.

Click here to visit the author’s website

Review of Poems About Ancient Egypt

This is a Leonberger blog, but I also post about other topics including book reviews of books that I love and want to promote. With this post I would like to promote a delightful poetry book called Ancient Voices: Poems About Ancient Egypt by Dawn Pisturino.

Below is an overview of the three formats of Poems About Ancient Egypt – May 1, 2025, by Dawn Pisturino

  • Hardcover –  Publisher : Horse Mesa Press (May 1, 2025), ASIN : B0F4PQ7G4F, ISBN-13 : 979-8991244770, 165 pages, Item Weight : 10.9 ounces, dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.57 x 9 inches, it cost $15.99 on US Amazon. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
  • Paperback –  Publisher : Horse Mesa Press (May 1, 2025), ASIN : B0F4859LW5, ISBN-13 : 979-8991244763, 165 pages, Item Weight : 10.9 ounces, dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.38 x 9 inches, it cost $11.99 on US Amazon. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
  • Kindle – Publisher : Horse Mesa Press (May 1, 2025), ASIN : B0F3JZHL1N, 169 pages. It is currently $5.99 on Amazon.com and free with Kindle unlimited. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
The front cover features the title and author, hieroglyphs and a decorated cat on a reddish-brown background.
Front cover of Poems About Ancient Egypt by Dawn Pisturino. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the hardcover version of the book.

Amazon’s Description of Poems About Ancient Egypt

The Ancient Egyptians loved life and celebrated it with joy. Their deepest desire was to live an honorable life and achieve immortality in the afterlife, where they could exist in perfect harmony with the cosmic order and never experience pain, suffering, and hardship again. These original poems by Dawn Pisturino reflect the hopes and dreams of people who were not much different from us. They worked, loved, raised families, worshipped their gods, honored the dead, enjoyed festivals and celebrations, imbibed beer and wine, danced, sang, and played, aspired to better themselves, and appreciated the beauty and wonder of nature. Take a journey back in time to explore the minds and hearts of the Ancient Egyptians.

This is my Amazon review of Poems About Ancient Egypt

Poems and Poetic Stories about ancient Egypt

This poetry book feature 82 poems and poetic-stories about ancient Egypt. The book also includes information about ancient Egypt, an explanation of the various gods and terms to know. The poems are about animals, family life, the afterlife, the Nile, the Sand, ancient Egyptian culture and beliefs, Heliopolis, temples, Djeser-djeseru, rulers, pharaohs, Cleopatra, Alexander the Great, and the various gods, Ra, Amun-Ra, Isis, Aten, Ptah, Imhoteb, Anubis, Osiris, etc. The poems often form stories that are interesting to read, and you learn something from the stories. The language is intentionally poetic and old fashioned in a way that reminded me of, for example, the Psalter and the five books of Solomon. I found the hymn to Amun-Ra to be especially impressive.

The author is obviously knowledgeable about and fascinated by the ancient Egyptian culture, history and society. As I was reading, I looked up some of the topics and gods that the poem was about, and I ended up learning a bit more that way. In summary, this is a different but interesting poetry book that was a delight to read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes poetry or is interested in ancient Egypt.

An overview of the author and a description of the book on a reddish-brown background.
Back cover of Poems About Ancient Egypt by Dawn Pisturino. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the paperback version of the book.

Other Books by Dawn Pisturino

About the Author of Poems About Ancient Egypt

Dawn Pisturino’s international publishing credits include poems, short stories, and articles. Her debut poetry book, Ariel’s Song: Published Poems, 1987 – 2023, earned five-star reviews and ranked #60 on the Amazon Best Seller list for Haiku & Japanese Poetry. Her short chapbook, Lunar Gazing Haiku, became a #1 Amazon New Release in six categories.

Haiku for the Midnight Hour, her third book, achieved #1 Amazon New Release status in three categories. Her fourth book, Sun Haiku: 365 Days of Sunshine, climbed to #1 Amazon New Release in Japanese Poetry & Haiku. She is a member of several author organizations.

Click here to visit the author’s website