Leap

by Heather Grace Stewart

"A lovely lilt of language slides between the horrendous and hilarious in these poems." -Penn Kemp, author of 25 collections, celebrated foremother of Canadian sound poetry. “Readers of Where the Butterflies Go will already be expecting accomplished, fresh and lively work from Heather Grace Stewart, but even they will be surprised by the strength of this new collection, this genuine Leap, so direct, political and feminine by turns that it can take your breath away. A must for new and already hooked fans.” —Sally Evans, poet and Editor, Poetry Scotland. Heather Grace Stewart is an Ottawa-born author, poet, and photojournalist now living in Montreal. Please visit her websites: heathergracestewart.com and hgrace.com

From the Author: (2020) Graceful Publications continues to donate all profits from poetry sales to educate and improve life for girls around the world. We are currently sponsoring children through Because I Am A Girl, a program of Plan International, and make monthly donations to help Miriam, 14, and her family in Bolivia.

Genres: Poetry

58 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2020

About the author

I fell in love with storytelling in a rickety childhood treehouse, surrounded by Archie comics and fueled by Jujubes. Since then, the ride has included running drama-class lines with a young Matthew Perry (yes, that Matthew Perry) and auditioning for a musical alongside Alanis Morissette. Spoiler: she got the part. I got the pen.

I’ve since written 24 books—romcoms, time‑travel romances, screenplays, and poetry for people who “don’t think they like poetry” (their words, not mine). More than 400,000 readers have escaped into my worlds of swoony romance, cozy spice, laugh‑out‑loud banter, and the occasional touch of magic.

My mission is simple: to make you laugh, feel, and fall a little in love—whether with my characters, their found families, or the Highlanders who keep stealing the show.

When I’m not writing, you can find me inline skating, cooking and dancing with oven mitts, or attempting to convince one of my cats to take over my marketing. I’m on Instagram, Threads, Substack and Facebook if you want to say hi. Just don’t ask me to audition for anything. I’ve learned my lesson.

Reviews

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful collection of poems and short notes. The poems reflect life today viewed through the eyes of someone who has the ability to step outside the chaos and observe the things that are important. The author reminds us to take time to enjoy the simple things and celebrate the everyday miracles that we sometimes don't notice in our hectic lives. Some of the poems are poignant, some inspirational, and some will make you think. My favourites include Autumn Will, Beautiful Chaos, and A Page From My Notebook. This is a quick read, full of insightful observations about life. Half of the sale proceeds from this book go to help Unicef's Gift of Education project. A book that would make a great gift for friends.

[Mark Stratton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breathtaking, thoughtful and brilliant. A look into the heart of the poet, with photographs that add to rather than take away from the written word. A writer in love with her life, those in it and conveys a childlike sense of wonder with her pen. She also takes time to consider some of the more serious, less sunny moments and events in life. A terrific collection.

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collected works of poetry follows on from Heather Grace Stewart’s first work ‘where the butterflies go’ and which I found to be just as beautiful and captivating. Those of you who loved her first anthology will not be disappointed as these poems were just as accomplished, fresh and lively that contain much depth of thought and meaning. I was blown away by her direct and poignant messages within that captured my very heart and soul, being completely truth-drawing and emotive. As a firm supporter of her work already I was used to her writing style that is so fluid, and which presents to the reader an honesty that touches you. She seems to have that knack for expression with just the exact words, with a certain panache and feminism. These poems are full of whit and warmth, with words spoken by a mature writer who ‘gets’ her readers and draws you in instantly. I was completely entranced by each individual poem which had a certain message to convey, that was thought-provoking to the core. The photographs are beautiful and add so much bringing each poem to life in vivid color before your very eyes. I totally loved in particular the poem ‘five things every woman needs’ and also ‘progress’ which were just exact summaries of the subject matter all in a snapshot. This is a book for those fans of Heather Grace Stewart who have already fallen in love with her first work, and who now want to read something that goes even deeper as the writer gains confidence and self assurance. To those who have not read her poems then I strongly urge that you take that leap and jump in head first, as you will find yourself not in the least bit disappointed. Poetry does have a slight stigma attached to it in that the stereotypical assumption is that poems are boring and dull, hence I cannot enthuse enough about this author and tell you how her work is utterly enjoyable and readable for all. Even if you are not a huge fan of poetry in general I can honestly say that you will fall in love with Heather’s work and be just as captivated by it as I am. A spectacular book to add to my collection by a writer who I cannot enthuse about enough, as she is a total genius and incredible writer.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this collection of poetry by Heather Grace Stewart. The poems, which vary in length and form, touch so many emotions. I laughed at the humour in “Honey-Do List" and enjoyed the number of poems based on social networking; I was moved by the poignancy of “Light Moments” and “Valley”.
The poems that resonated strongly with me were the group which looked at motherhood/childhood. Although my children are adults, I’m revisiting many of these experiences with my young grandchildren - they are such precious times and Heather Grace Stewart has captured them in her poetry.
There are so many good things to discover in this collection - far more than I’ve mentioned here. I know I shall return to them time and again.

[James Brush · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Where the Butterflies Go, I was interested to read more of Heather Grace Stewart’s poetry and so next up was Leap, a shorter collection than Butterflies and interesting for the way it moves between the real and online worlds. There are a number of poems in which the author seems to be wrestling with what it means to live in such a socially interconnected time, but as with her other collection my favorites are the poems inspired by parenting since that’s the focus of my life right now. It’s good to read poems that capture parenting and the way it changes marriage with such insight, wisdom, humor and well, yes, grace. A good read all around especially “Autumn Will,” “Beautiful Chaos,” and “Valley.” I look forward to reading her third collection Carry On Dancing, which is coming up soon in my reading pile.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leap (Heather Grace Stewart)
Poetry

Once again I was not disappointed in this collection of poems. Ms. Stewart, writes with a passion pen bringing about emotions in each piece.
I would say a few that I really connected with were One Hand, Forever August & So Cool Networking. I recommend to poetry lovers, and those who may be curious about poetry; both Leap & Carry On Dancing by Heather Grace Stewart.

[Denise Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful collection of poems and short stories that will leave you feeling unencumbered.
Light and airy, heart-felt, humorous, strong and meaningful. The author has gathered these emotions and feelings onto the written page, along with photos, and has melded them together as one into an awe-inspiring read.
If you feel you need an escape from whatever challenges you're facing, this book will give you what you're looking for.
A wonderful alternative that should be on your TBR list.
Thank you Heather Grace Stewart.

Novels & Latte Book Club
Novels N Latte

[Paul Lima · Rating 5 out of 5]

‎"Leap" by Heather Grace Stewart. Don't by the book because part of the proceeds go to Unicef's Gift of Education project. Buy it for the poignancy, gentle humour and melodic writing.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather's poems speak to me and make me want to write my own poems! Beautiful, simple insights to be found here.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not a poetry reader/fan usually, but decided to check out this book since I like her fiction, and I enjoyed her perspective on things :) it made a very pleasant change to my usual reading habits.

[Beatrice Followill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice collection of poems and musings

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book of poetry by a fellow Canadian. Some of it was "meh" and I skimmed it. Other pieces were thought provoking and clever.