Review: The Power of Flowers: Turning Pieces of Mother Nature into Transformative Works of Art by Vicki Rawlins

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

From field to forest and stream to sky, capture the harmony and beauty of the natural world with just some paper, flowers, leaves, and twigs.

Creating stunning yet fleeting works of art, artist Vicki Rawlins of Sister Golden defies the notion that art should be permanent. Using only the natural world and its gifts as her medium, Vicki forages for her materials and arranges them into stunning works of art.

Equipped with just scissors and tweezers, and using gravity as her glue, Vicki creates magical scenes and detailed portraits out of twigs, leaves, and flowers. After documenting her finished piece with a photo, she gifts her materials back to Mother Nature, or repurposes them in her next creation. The process is therapeutic, and the possibilities are endless!

A charming exploration of imagination and possibility, The Power of Flowers offers a window into the creative process behind these natural artworks and abundant inspiration with a striking kaleidoscope of art pieces, including:
- Famous faces, like Frida Kahlo, John Lennon, Einstein, Diana Ross, and more
- Whimsical scenes featuring blooming gardens, moonlit forests, seaside cottages, and woodland animals.
- Seasonal pieces inspired by the magic of the holidays
- Contemplative art reflecting love, inner strength, and positive energy.
 

With her uniquely imaginative artistic vision, Vicki takes you deeper into her world by sharing her process, her sustainable approach to art, and anecdotes about what inspired her to create. Let yourself get lost in The Power of Flowers.

My Review

I've admired this artist's work as I've come across photographs of various pieces online, and I was excited to be able to look at a whole book of her creations. The scenes are sweet and nostalgic, and the portraits creative and fun. The author shares some of her history with a health crisis and the way working with nature helped restore her. It's somewhat disappointing that live plant creations are difficult to preserve or share other than from a photo. I was surprised to learn that she doesn't use any adhesive but just freely lays down the pieces of plant matter in her composition (careful to have no fans or open windows). There's not much in the way of tutorials or instruction, but the artist shares a paragraph or two of her thoughts about each artwork or series of art pieces. The variety of matter is inspiring and I loved the contrasts of colors and textures. A wonderful source of inspiration for foraging and creating!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Review: Groundcover Revolution by Kathy Jentz

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Tired of spending your weekends mowing, trimming, and edging? Then it’s time to say goodbye to your standard grass lawn and join the Groundcover Revolution!

Turns out you’re not alone in your desire to ditch the lawn and replace it with something prettier, more diverse, lower maintenance, welcoming to pollinators, and good for Earth’s climate health. Reducing the lawn is among the biggest trends in homeownership, with an endless stream of homeowners looking for an eco-friendly alternative to a traditional turfgrass lawn. In the last few years alone, over 23 million American adults converted part of their lawn to a natural landscape, and now they’re looking to do even more.

The biggest challenge to adopting this new ideal of the perfect lawn? Knowing how and when to replace your turf, and which plants are the best ones for the job. Groundcover Revolution is here with all the answers you need (and some you didn’t even know you needed!).

Those answers include: 

- How replacing a lawn with groundcovers reduces resource consumption on a significant level
- Why groundcovers require far less long-term maintenance than turf after establishment
- The many additional benefits of groundcovers, including erosion control, a reduction in chemical usage, a boost in biodiversity, and mitigation of climate change as a carbon sink
- The ways groundcovers overcome challenges such as tree roots, compacted soils, poor drainage, and dense shade
- The step-by-step mechanics of how to get rid of your lawn, how to place and plant groundcovers from seeds, plugs, or transplants, and how to care for your new “quilted lawn” once it’s in place

Also included are 40 in-depth profiles of plants that are perfect choices for replacing a grass lawn. There are options for sun, for shade, for dry and wet sites, and for various climates around the globe. There are choices that bloom, options that are evergreen, and selections that are deer resistant. Author Kathy Jentz has also included an incredibly useful chart that gives youall the specifics on each of the 40 choices for quick reference and to make your groundcover selection process even easier.

Don’t let a lack of information stop you from creating the no-mow groundcover lawn of your dreams. Join the revolution and say goodbye to the burden of lawn care and hello to summer weekends relaxing by the pool or camping with family and friends. Whether you want to replace the entire lawn or just reduce the amount of land dedicated to turf, it’s time to usher in a new and improved idea of what a beautiful lawn should be.

My Review

I learned new information and was reminded of things I knew as I read this light book on groundcovers. It only took about an hour to make my way through the author's delightful narrative and peruse the forty plants she selected to spotlight. Because she focused on a smaller number I was able to get a good feel for the plants and which would work in my landscape. Because I live in a climate that often has drought conditions, not many of the specimens featured would be ideal, but I enjoyed learning about the variety she presented and the lovely photographs.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Review: Step by Step by Candace Calvert

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Three years after a tragic accident left her a widow, ER nurse Taylor Cabot is determined to move on, checking off one item after another on her survival list. Her relationship with a handsome plastic surgeon even gives her hope for the last point--"fall in love again." At least until crisis chaplain Seth Donovan steps back into her life, reawakening unanswered questions about her husband's death.

While in San Diego to train community volunteers, Seth hopes to learn why Taylor is backing away from the crisis team and from their friendship. But nothing prepares him for the feelings that arise when he sees Taylor again . . . and sees her moving on with another man.

When a community crisis hits home and puts lives at risk, emotions run high and buried truths are unearthed. Will hope make the survival list?

My Review

I loved San Diego as the setting for this book! It was pretty authentic to the vibe of the city and it was fun to recognize streets, landmarks, and neighborhoods. I wish that I had read the first book in the series before this one so I could have read about Taylor and Seth's previous experiences together, but I didn't feel like I was thrown in the middle of an ongoing story. Themes of grief and trauma are front and center in the lives of the crisis team members and ER nurses, as well as hope for the future and moving on- especially in Taylor's case. The pace of the book starts quickly, but then settles into a much slower pace as the thoughts and angst of the characters are explored - mostly through the viewpoints of Seth and Taylor, but we also have scenes from the perspective of ER nurses Sloane and Kasie. They provide a subplot, which also has an impact of the climax of the book. I wasn't a fan of the love triangle, and wished that the majority of Seth and Taylor's time together wasn't so platonic- although their friendship was great once she decided to stop being so cold to him. I feel like Taylor's need for control to overcome her grief prevented her from feeling emotions, especially ones she didn't understand or want to feel or fit into her vision for the future. It's one of the lessons she learned in the story, but it also had the side effect of dampening the romance until the very end.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Check out the other books in the Crisis Team series . . .

Tour Spotlight: Expired Hope by Megan Besing

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Expired Hope by Megan Besing & Lisa Phillips, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Expired Hope 

Series: Last Chance Fire and Rescue #2 

Authors: Megan Besing & Lisa Phillips 

Publisher: Sunrise Publishing 

Release Date: April 25, 2023 

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

She battled every fire she ever faced.

He’s risking everything for the chance to belong. 

Veteran and therapist Natalie Atkinson watched her Army career explode in her face. All she ever wanted was to help people carry their burdens. Seeking a new future in Last Chance County doesn’t start so well when she’s the one being rescued from a client’s burning house. To make matters worse, now she’s stuck evaluating the truck and rescue squads for the fire department. When the chief overhears why she left her last job, she’s determined to prove to him and her boss that she’s still the right therapist to assess his crew. 

No matter if success takes everything she’s got. Fire Chief Macon James is the right man for the job. He doesn’t need a therapist interfering with the running of his crew or putting his position in jeopardy when a counselor is what tore his family apart. He’s got to get his firefighters to be a team, and he can do it without Natalie’s help. After an explosion destroys her car, it quickly becomes clear she might need him as much as everyone thinks he needs her. If these two stubborn hearts will surrender, they could have everything they want. 

Or it could all go down in flames.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

Excerpt

“Joey, we’ve got to go.” She gulped as darkness feathered on the outside of her vision. “There’s a fire.”

“Hold on a sec.”

She leaned into the storage compartment that was longer than any normal closet. “No, now. Fire—”

He did a fist pump. “Gold level! Take that, Simon.” He stuck the edge of his tongue along his cheek. “Dad usually has a fire when he cooks. He burned nuggets in the microwave once. That’s why we order takeout. Is that where we’re going? I’d rather have your pretzels.”

Natalie didn’t wait to explain. She crawled in farther and grabbed his earphones and the gaming device.

“Hey!”

“We’ve got to get out. There’s an actual fire in the kitchen. Your dad needs our help.”

Joey blinked at Natalie and then nodded. Natalie had a harder time moving backward in a skirt and the cramped space. She reached the closet door and was hit with another wave of heat.

Joey yanked on his gaming system, and it fell from Natalie’s fingers.

She gaped. Joey’s curtains were on fire. So was the basketball goal. The posters on his door curled and turned to ash. Flames flickered up from his trashcan.

She threaded her fingers through Joey’s. “We need to get out of here.” But the door and window were blocked by hot flames. Please, God, not again.

Joey gripped her hand. “What do we do?”

More Books in this Series

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About the Authors

Lisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 50 books that span Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.

Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). As a worship leader for Calvary Chapel churches in her local area, Lisa has discovered a love for mentoring new ministry members and youth worship musicians.

Connect with Lisa by visiting authorlisaphillips.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.  

Despite adoring happily-ever-afters, Megan Besing didn’t unlock a love for reading until her mid-twenties, which quickly expanded into writing. Her stories have won many awards, but her most cherished achievements are being a wife and mother. She lives in a pocket-size Indiana town, centered around extended family. She’s always planning a road trip with a view, yet her favorite place may just be on her front porch drinking tea.

Connect with Megan by visiting meganbesing.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates. 

Discover the world of Last Chance County at www.lastchancecounty.com.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a paperback of Expired Hope and a $10 Gift Card to the Sunrise Shop!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight April 26, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 3, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Review: All That It Takes by Nicole Deese

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

When the ever-cautious Val Locklier moves cross-country with her son for a secure job, everything she'd planned unravels within the first week. After Val reluctantly agrees to rent an apartment from her best friend's brother, an unexpected chance at an elite filmmakers' mentorship ignites fresh hope for a dream career. But as Val's community begins to expand, so do her insecurities, especially those heightened by her growing attraction to a certain friendly landlord.

Pastor Miles McKenzie returns home from a short-term mission trip to discover that not only does he have an intriguing new tenant living upstairs, he's also been reassigned to a local ministry on life support. Disillusioned and restless, he distracts himself by throwing his energy into a host of new projects--not the least of which is pursuing Val--without stopping to consider the future.

As Val struggles to stop hiding behind the camera and Miles wrestles with shattered expectations, they'll find that authentic love and sacrifice must go hand in hand.

My Review

Oh how this book spoke to me! As a mother who adopted, the issues of unexpected pregnancy, abortion, and adoption in All That It Takes are ones I feel passionately about, and I loved the way the author explored them with grace. I didn't get a complete read on Val's personality in the first book, so it was great to get to know the depth of her strengths and vulnerabilities in this story. Miles is a fun and all-around good guy who brings light and humor, but he is going through a rough transition with realistic fears and flaws. The attraction between them is there from the start, and I enjoyed their friendship's natural growth as it shifted to romance with a lovely sense of anticipation. Even with all the walls Val has had up, his genuine friendship and sincerity made it easier for them to come down, and I appreciated that she was low-drama in that regard. They support and encourage each other in their endeavors, yet it is the difficult self-realizations they must come to that create the conflict in the story. I felt connected to the characters and had tears a few different times while reading. Highly recommend!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the first book in the McKenzie Family Romance series . . .

Review: Otherwise Engaged by Joanna Barker

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

She’s never been afraid of breaking the rules—until she risks breaking her heart

Constantly stifled by the rules of Society, spirited Rebecca Rowley enjoys finding ways to quietly—or not so quietly—rebel. But riding bareback and avoiding nosy neighbors are nothing compared to the thrilling secret she is keeping from her family.
 

When Rebecca’s quick thinking saves the life of a young girl, she unwittingly attracts the attention of the child’s dashing brother, Lieutenant Nicholas Avery. As that attention turns flirtatious, Rebecca is forced to tell him the truth: she is secretly engaged—to the one man her family would never approve of. Fortunately, Lieutenant Avery is a navy man with no wish to marry, or so they both assume as they enter into a friendship. Rebecca hopes to change her family’s mind about her betrothed, but the more she comes to know the handsome lieutenant, the more she wonders if she promised her hand too hastily.

After all her carefully laid plans are shattered during a family crisis, Rebecca must force her heart to decide. Should she stay true to the promise she made or fight for the future she’s only just begun to imagine?

My Review

I admired Rebecca's independent spirit and even though I found her little and not-so-little ways of rebelling often immature or thoughtless, the author soon showed us her deeper layers as she became acquainted with Nicholas and a natural friendship developed amid humorous situations, witty banter, and dynamic chemistry. I didn't care for Rebecca's deception (but I also had parents who answered my questions) and Rebecca's frustration grew each time her inquiries were turned aside. A love triangle and misunderstanding create complications that force Rebecca to face some realizations and make decisions that will direct her future happiness. A sweet, slow-burn romance with a satisfying ending!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Review: All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Molly McKenzie's bright personality and on-trend fashion and beauty advice have earned her an impressive social media following, as well as a big paycheck each month. When her manager-turned-boyfriend says she has an audition to appear as a host on a makeover show that nominates underprivileged youth, her dream of further fame seems to be coming true. There's just one catch: she has little experience interacting with people in need.

When her manager-boyfriend convinces her to partner with a local organization, she begins volunteering with a summer youth program. The program's director, Silas Whittaker, challenges her at every turn, but she swiftly grows more attached to the kids--and him--every day.

As Molly experiences an acceptance unlike anything she's known, she wrestles with the lies she's been believing about herself for years. She thought she knew what mattered most in life, but maybe she's had it wrong this whole time, and there's more to being truly seen than what she's built her entire life on.

My Review

Influencers aren't my favorite of characters, and in the beginning I struggled to connect with Molly. I trusted this author to develop her character though, and so glad I stayed engaged to witness her transformation. I loved how she slowly shed the self-absorbed lifestyle and mindset as her awareness expands during her service at the transitional home, The Bridge. She not only helps them, she receives so much through the relationships she develops and invests in. We are shown her deeper strengths that rise from dormancy and stretch as she steps out of her comfort zone, a new understanding blossoming. Silas has an interesting history and he's easy to admire, especially when he begins to lighten up with Molly's growing presence at The Bridge. There is a wonderful cast of secondary characters that shine  and provide opportunities in the story to show the reader small details about Molly and Silas ans they interact together. The difficult moments and lessons showed how those times are the ones that help us grow the most. Excited to read Miles and Val's book next!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Check out the next book in the McKenzie Family Romance series . . .

Review: Her Amish Country Valentine by Patricia Johns

My rating: 2 stars / It was okay

Synopsis

Can a wedding-date deception
Become true love?

Tired of being seen as a lonely workaholic, advertising exec Jill Wickey promises to bring her “casual boyfriend” to her sister’s Valentine’s wedding. Too bad he doesn’t exist! Then Thom Miller, a carpenter working at her aunt’s Amish B&B, offers to be Jill’s fake boyfriend— if they turn the lie into truth. But dating Thom in idyllic Amish country makes Jill wish their temporary arrangement could last…

My Review

I love reading Amish fiction and was disappointed in how Jill's type-A worldly personality contrasted with the more humble characteristics I enjoy in the genre. "Amish Country" may be the setting, but the lifestyle played a small role in the story. She and Thom are definitely opposites-attract, and I wasn't feeling any chemistry between them. I usually find fake-dating schemes entertaining but sadly the elements of the plot could not keep me engaged in the book. I was missing the connection and emotion that pulls me in. While other reader friends had good reviews for this book, it wasn't my cup of tea and I gave up at 40%.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.