J. Rene’ Foster, a native of Bogalusa, recently completed her book of poetry and inspirational messages, titled, “Melodies of the Heart.”

The book will be officially released on Wednesday, Feb. 14. It will be available in both paperback and e-book, and can be pre-ordered today on Amazon.com.

Foster teaches CNA classes to students in the Bogalusa City School System. Her mission is to prepare future nursing students to set high goals and to always reach for the skies. For the past 13 years as a nurse, she has been able to serve the elderly, encourage the young, and give from her heart out of love for her patients.

Foster said that although she can never see herself outside of nursing, she is pleased that God has also instilled in her the love and gift of writing, which Foster said is her first love.

Foster said that writing poetry was birthed in her at a very young age. It was through writing love letters to her mother, Ida, that Rene’ discovered her gift. After her mother transitioned, Rene’ was then able to rekindle her love for writing.

“I was able to find peace and solace through writing,” Foster said. “I knew God had given me that gift as a way to heal myself, and to use my words to help heal others.”

Foster is a member of Living the Word International, located in Slidell under the leadership of pastor Lawrence Weathersby Sr. and pastor Chiquita Weathersby. At church, she uses her gifts by serving as the director of the Mass Choir. She is also a member of the Worship Team, and in her spare time, she enjoys “blinging” tennis shoes and other items through her business, J. Rene’ Blings and Things.

Foster will have a “Meet the Author” event on Sunday, Feb. 18, after the 9 a.m. worship services in the vestibule of Living the Word International, located at 2528 Old Spanish Trail in Slidell