Hope Between Heartbeats

by Liz Newman

As gentle as a summer rain, Liz Newman writes with a mellifluous style, reminiscent of the classical poets. There is a gentle, soothing syntax in her words, a lovely treasure trove of poetic compositions. The author addresses the very elements of life, crafting a book into sections which form the cornerstones of human experiences; Life, Love, Loss, and Learning. Each section is skillfully comprised of words that touch the soul. “Your body is failing you, but so am I, because I don’t know how to save you,” is a heart-wrenching stanza from the poem, ‘Mu-tiny on Immunity.’ For the reader, the feeling of the helplessness and impending loss is permeable and real. Throughout this beautiful book, there are hidden jewels which cause you to revisit the poems again and again. The author suggests that the poems herein can also be read randomly. I especially enjoyed that this book can be appreciated, regardless of where one chooses to read; each piece stands on their own merit. A debut for this author, Liz Newman has created a beautiful collection, a joy for readers who love a classically written compilation. Brenda-Lee Ranta author, Allegories

106 pages, Paperback

Published October 7, 2017

About the author

Liz Newman is a blogger and a poet from the Midwest who writes primarily on grief, faith, life, mental health, and relationships.

Her poetry book "I Look to the Mourning Sky" received a Readers' Favorite Bronze Medal in 2022 in the Inspirational Poetry Category.

Her words have been shared on "Her View From Home", "Read Poetry", "Love What Matters", and "The Mighty". They have also appeared in the London Underground.

She believes in the power of words to comfort, connect, and bring hope. Her journey through grief has been a humbling reminder of how desperately we all need grace and each other.

She writes with the hope that her words can meet people right where they are and make them feel seen in their own difficult seasons.

Reviews

[John Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love poetry that speaks to life in all its darkness and glory, and this collection does just that. The poems are grouped in four sections: life, love, loss, and learning.

These poems address the pain that life can bring, and the unexpected joy of second chances.

Fear makes you believe
that you’re safer in the confines
of your own mind
instead of the comfort
of another’s arms
(from Fear)

There are beautiful windows into how love can be healing, transformational , and enduring.

You were
my first glimpse of spring
after a lifetime of decay
(from Spring)

but in those moments
when we had nothing
but love and each other,
we had everything
(from Plastic Cups)

I like that so many of the poems about love are not contrived romanticism, but authentically portray the shelter that love can bring from the storms of life. After all, that's what really matters. We need a love that is both exhilarating and durable enough to withstand whatever may come.

I want a love that grows,
that changes and adapts,
that adjusts its sails for the
rough winds of change
(from I Want A Love That...)

There are poems of loss also, for some love stories have endings, and things may not turn out as we thought they would. Through this collection, even in the darker moments, the thread of gentle hopefulness is always picked up again. There is a compassionate understanding of the experiences of being human which underlies all the poems.

Hope Between Heartbeats uses poetry to speak meaningfully about the seasons of the heart. There is something here for everyone, and as such, it makes a great gift idea. I enjoyed it, and hope that you will too, perhaps finding something of yourself in the poems.

[Araceli Ream · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were tears in my eyes as I read this lovely collection of poetry. Liz Newman truly has such a beautiful, loving way with words, a refreshing style of writing that both moves my spirit and calms my soul.

[Mark Heathcote · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pages of this book are filled with inspirational ideas and helpful tips that are genuinely expressed, like this from the poem.
Fear (second verse).

When the truth is
Your mind can be
more of a battlefield
than the world outside
and you’re going
to need to let people in
to survive

There is also a sense of spirituality, being a part of something much bigger than just oneself.
I enjoyed this book for its well-structured thoughtful approach, each idea is well communicated and all-encompassing
. I guess it is about surviving the trials and tribulations of life with an element of grace and being faithful to an inert self that needs a nudge and requires a little reawakening.
I give this book 5 out of 5

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! Can't recommend it enough. Simple, yet profound poetry. You can feel the emotion. Congratulations on your debut book, Liz. Bravo!