Tour Book Review: Poetry and Ponderings by Diamante Lavendar

This is a lovely, uplifting collection of poems and encouraging affirmations.

Poetry and Ponderings: A Journey of Abuse and Healing Through Poetry
by Diamante Lavendar

File Size: 4355 KB
Print Length: 138 pages
Publisher: Written Dreams Publishing; 1 edition (April 26, 2017)
ASIN: B071NHM79W
Genre: Poetry, Inspirational
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

From Award-winning author of Breaking the Silence, Poetry and Ponderings by Diamante Lavendar
A Journey of Abuse and Healing Through Poetry

A raw collection of religious poetry and prose based on one Christian woman’s experiences of being abused, and how she healed herself with God’s love in order to move past the assaults.
In this rare collection of nonfiction Christian poetry and prose based on real life experiences, Diamante Lavendar, a victim of abuse, shows the reader the raw emotions of pain, hate, and denial that occur before a victim of abuse can find a way to heal from the pains of assault. Knowing herself the very difficult journey of being a victim, Diamante was abused as a child, and turned to alcohol and drugs to numb the pain. Many years later, she started to heal under God’s watchful eyes and was able to find love in her life again. She shares these truly inspiring, religious poems in the hopes that it may help other victims heal their hurts, as she did while writing the poetry collection.

Review:
When this book was offered for review I sensed it would be one I would like. As I started to read it this was confirmed. Some of the poems reflect a foundation of faith, trust, healing and hope in God. Others reflect emotional memories and positive views to face the future.

I have not suffered through abuse and I certainly cannot imagine what Ms. Lavendar’s childhood of abuse was like and the pain she came through. She does not make it graphic but she does share enough to give the reader a feeling of sorrow for the sadness of a child denied love and protection. Somewhere along her journey she found faith, healing and the beauty of love. She shares this beauty and wonderful positive encouragements in this book.

Not all the affirmations are ‘new’ thoughts but they are beautifully worded and reminded me of encouragement cards I used to buy for friends in my youth. I could share many of the affirmations but one I particularly like is on page 117: “Hardships are often gifts in roughly presented packages.”

One of my favorite of the poems was the second poem, on page 2, Take Time to Know Me. This is a poem where God encourages His child to stop and look around at creation and see Him there and know His love. Another is Laughter, on page 110, which encourages finding laughter on a hard, trying day as it will help you triumph over the trial.

I soon thought of several friends to whom I would like to gift this book as I know they would appreciate the positive beauty and affirmations of life and love. I highly recommend this to anyone who needs a lifting word and to those who just want to experience the beauty of recognizing joy in the journey, no matter how difficult.

I am thankful to the author and tour to have received this print book for tour review through Poetic Book Tours.

Advance Praise:

Poetry and Ponderings is the most loving and beautiful dedication to Diamante Lavendar's daughter. Anybody who has gone through a grieving time needs to read this classic expression of love and devotion. I tip my hat to the author for this marvelous collection of wisdom, insight and truth. -Mel Novak, Actor, Best known for his role in Bruce Lee's Game Of Death.

Tragedy turned triumph. Poetry and Ponderings beautifully leads the reader from gut wrenching pain to glorious freedom and healing. A must read for survivors and those who love them. -Sarah Boes, Founder of More Precious Than Rubies, reaching victims of commercial sexual exploitation.

Diamante's Poetry and Ponderings are an affirmation, and flow to the close of her book with the summation of her awakening. She has, in each poem, walked us through to her understanding and acceptance; we are the creation of God's breath, as souls to live life to the fullest, and with forgiveness...'Writing is her way of leaving her mark: one poem, one story at a time.' This book achieves this endeavor. -Sam Eastwood, International Poet

About the Poet:

Diamante Lavendar has been in love with reading since she was a child. Diamante believes that everyone should try to leave their own positive mark on the world, and to make it a better place for all. Writing is her way of leaving her mark—one story at a time. She began writing in college and has published poetry in anthologies over the years. Most of her writing is very personal and stems from her own experiences, and those of her family and friends. She writes to encourage hope and possibility to those who read her stories. To learn more about Diamante Lavendar and her books, please visit her website at: www.diamantelavendar.com.