Review: Bloom: The Secrets of Growing Flowering Houseplants Year-round by Lisa Eldred Steinkopf

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

In Bloom, The Houseplant Guru Lisa Eldred Steinkopf unleashes all the secrets on how to grow dozens of indoor plants that produce colorful, intricate, and sometimes fragrant blooms.

If you’ve ever struggled to get an orchid or African violet to rebloom, or if you’ve hesitated to add plants like hoya, anthurium, Madagascar jasmine, or clivia to your windowsill for fear you may never see their gorgeous flowers, Lisa reveals the insider strategies you need to encourage these plants to strut their stuff. In her signature warm and beginner-friendly tone, she introduces simple techniques you can use to encourage bloom alongside all the ins and outs of caring for these beautiful plants. Lush, full-color photography accompanies each in-depth plant profile.

Upping your houseplant game doesn’t have to involve spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on the next trendy leafy-green foliage plant. If you want to expand both your growing skills and the number of specimens in your houseplant family, dive into the world of flowering houseplants instead. New cultivars of old favorites are taking the houseplant world by storm, and other, more unusual, species are now making their way into the limelight, thanks to the interest of millions of new houseplant parents around the world.

Inside the pages of Bloom, you’ll meet: 

- The best flowering houseplants to cascade from window ledges, hanging pots, and plant shelves
- A collection of small blooming houseplants perfect for tabletops, desks, and windowsills
- Houseplants with colorful blooms for the living room, dining room, and bedroom 

 

Fill your home with foliage and flowers, and enjoy all the color and calm they’ll add to your living space.

My Review

This book was much more than I expected! It offers so much advice, from basic tips to technical and scientific information that explain the why's. It's obvious the author is an expert and passionate about helping plant owners be successful with their indoor flowering plants. The first part of the book, about 50 pages are on caring for the plants, and then over 100 pages on individual flowering houseplants with a description and details on light, watering, flowers, propagation, and toxicity.  There is also a chart of indoor plant pests and their control, resources, and an index that includes both common and scientific names. This is an amazing resource that I highly recommend to plant lovers!

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.

Blog Tour, Author Interview & Giveaway: Every Bird That Falls by Sara Davison

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Every Bird That Falls by Sara Davison, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Every Bird That Falls
Series: two sparrows for a penny # 3
Author: Sara Davison
Publisher: Independently published through The Mosaic Collection
Release Date: April 3, 2024
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Lies have kept them apart for eight years.  

Now the truth could destroy them completely. 

Bomb squad leader Tag Monroe’s world is shattered when his sister and her foster sister are abducted by a human trafficker. Eight years later, the two of them have been miraculously freed. As thrilled as he is to be reunited with his sister, Tag has lingering questions. 

How did Jae-won Lin, the third foster sister, elude capture that night? Why didn’t she call the police or Tag to let them know what happened? And where has she been for the last eight years? He loved Jae once, but he can’t let her back into his life until he has more information. 

Unfortunately, time is running out. Someone powerful is coming after Jae, bent on revenge. If Tag can’t get to her before her mysterious pursuer, Jae could take the answers to all Tag’s questions to her grave. 

Along with any hope the two of them might have to find their way to each other again.  

The explosive Christian romantic suspense series two sparrows for a penny by multi-award-winning author Sara Davison continues with this on-the-edge-suspense love story that might finally answer the question: Where was Jae?  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

Interview with Author Sara Davison

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Hmm, let’s see. I was born and raised in Ontario, Canada. Like most Canadians, I love hockey (watching) and baseball (watching and playing), poutine and butter tarts, my family and friends. Above all, I love God, and I love sharing the stories He gives me with readers. Every Bird That Falls is my fourteenth romantic suspense novel. While the writing journey can be frustrating and discouraging at times, it has also been for me a journey of great joy, excitement, and amazing community, and I am grateful every day to be part of it.

What do you do besides writing?

When I’m not writing, I am often pretending to fully participate in other activities and conversations while actually conjuring up characters and scenarios in my head (ha ha). I do love spending time with my husband of twenty-eight years, Michael, and our three pretty much grown kids. I also love going for coffee with friends, reading (of course), road trips, book club discussions, coffee, chocolate, and movies, especially old classics. Casablanca and anything with Jimmy Stewart in it are my favorites, although I’ll settle for Cary Grant, Henry Fonda, or Gregory Peck.

What was your favorite part of researching for this book?

 

My favorite part of researching for this book was looking into how to treat bullet wounds with only ingredients that might be found in a hunting cabin and how to build and detonate your own bomb, both of which have likely landed me on more than one watch list somewhere. 

Do you have images you can share that come close to how you picture your characters? Do you like to find visual inspiration for your characters before or during your writing process?

 

I typically have a pretty good idea of what my characters look like, but I rarely use actual images, relying on the mental image I have of them. With Jae from Every Bird That Falls, though, I did find an image that matched the one in my head. And I found one close to Tag, although Tag is bigger than this and, because he has been trapped in a cabin for a few days, would have more facial hair.

 

 

What are some songs that you listened to or inspired you while writing your book?

Although I know a lot of authors listen to music when they write and even go so far as to have a soundtrack that goes with their story, I am not like that. I’m not a big music person anyway, so I can’t say that any song inspired the story, and I don’t listen to music while I’m writing as I find that too distracting. Having said that, if I had to choose one song to go with this book, it would have to be Kathy Mattea’s “Where Have You Been?” Jae has been missing for eight years, and Tag has been asking this question since the night she disappeared, so that one would be a good fit. 

 

What message would you like readers to ultimately take away from the book?
 

The message of this story and of every story I write is that we are never alone. That no matter what we are going through, what we have done, or what has been done to us, God is there. He sees us and knows us and has promised to never leave us or forsake us. With every book I send out into the world, I pray that each person who reads it will take that promise and assurance with them when they finish and that it will fill them with hope.

What can we look forward to coming from you in the future?

The third book in my Rose Tattoo trilogy, Sharp Like Glass, should come out in the fall of 2024. In the spring of 2025, I hope to release the sequel to The Color of Sky and Stone, book one in my new series, In the Shadows. I also contribute stories to the anthologies that the group of indie authors I am blessed to be part of, The Mosaic Collection, puts out every summer and Christmas. My contributions to those anthologies are always connected to my series and are either prequels or tell the stories of minor characters, so I am starting to add “Suggested Order of Reading” lists to the front of my books so readers can get the full series experience.

More Books In This Series

 

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About the Author

Sara Davison has a passion for writing stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats—and maybe swooning a little. A finalist for more than a dozen national writing awards, including the Christy Award, Davison is a Cascade, Word, and two-time Carol Award winner for romantic suspense. She lives in Ontario with her husband, Michael. Like every good Canadian, she loves coffee, hockey, poutine, and apologizing for no particular reason.

Connect with Sara by visiting saradavison.org to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a $25 Amazon gift card plus a paperback copy of Every Bird That Falls!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 2, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 9, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Review: A Match Gone Awry by Arlem Hawks

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

She needs a match. He's here to help.

Desperate to leave Paris, Gabrielle d’Amilly has set her sights on an English diplomat who can whisk her away to a happier life. But when an attempt to catch his eye goes wrong, she enlists the British navy lieutenant Harvey Barlow to help in her scheme. Under the guise of visiting a friend, Lieutenant Barlow arrives in Paris with the task of checking France’s relations with the discontented colonies. Playing at matchmaking won't hurt his mission, especially for a good cause. But when his intentions to be helpful turn to feelings of love, he finds himself distracted from his duties. In his quest to advance in the navy, he cannot give Gabrielle the happy life she's after. With war threatening, Harvey and Gabrielle are forced to decide to hold to their previous goals or strive for an imperfectly perfect match.

♥ A Match Gone Awry is a clean & wholesome Georgian romance. ♥

My Review

This is the first book I've read set in Georgian-era Paris, and the historical details really made it stand out from the more frequent Regency books I devour. The politics of the day come into play with Harvey working for the British military, and society mingles into the dynamic as the French befriend the English diplomats and their company. Gabrielle thinks she has found the perfect escape from her domineering and abusive stepmother, but love is not cooperating, even with the assistance of Harvey. He gets involved with good intentions, and naturally his friendship turns to stronger feelings. The future seems impossible as Gabrielle digs herself in deeper, and it was entertaining to see how everything wove together to resolve with a satisfying happy 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.

Be sure to check out the other books in the Georgians in Paris series . . .

Review: Only in California: Weird and Wonderful Facts About The Golden State by Heather Alexander, illustrated by Jen Taylor

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

The first in a collection of state-by-state books from the best-selling 50 States series, Only in California! explores the most amazing sites, cities, history, and natural landscapes of the Golden State.

From the bright lights of L.A. to the natural majesty of the Redwood forests, this beautiful book is a deep dive into what makes California so great. Full bleed illustrations capture a sense of place, while pull-out spot artworks zoom in on the most fascinating facts.

Locations also include: San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge, Lake Tahoe, Central Valley, San Diego with its famous beach and boardwalk scene, the coastal kelp forests, Napa and Sonoma wine country, Yosemite Valley with El Capitan, the lowest point in North America, Death Valley, Big Sur, Palm Springs, and many more!

Each book in the state-by-state subseries covers the following areas: 

- Weird and wacky stats and facts
- Historical timeline
- Local sports
- Museums, amusement parks, and cultural events
- Food and drink
- Animals and plants
- Inventions
- Fun festivals
- Changemakers and superstars
- Quiz questions 

 

Get ready to take a whirlwind adventure around the Golden State, filled with fascinating facts, beautiful illustrations, and much, much more!

My Review

This is a beautifully illustrated book with a matte cover, glossy accents, and embossed title. The pages are also matte and heavy weight. The information on each page is interesting and relevant. It made me want to explore more of the great state I live in! I loved seeing my hometown San Diego represented, as well as some National Parks. There are pages that focus on the state overall with statistics, and others explored more specific themes and locations. I especially liked the ones featuring places I have visited. Fun Festivals and Weird, Weirder, Weirdest are full of fun and zany activities, facts, and landmarks. The Changemakers pages were heavy on liberal figures, I would have liked to see it more balanced with some conservative people as well. Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it!

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: Waiting for Morning by Margaret Brownley

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Molly Hatfield comes to Arizona Territory seeking stability and security. But living in Cactus Patch provides her with more than she ever dreamed of.

There is nothing Molly wouldn’t do for her teenaged brother, Donny. Blaming herself for the accident that left him wheel-chair bound, Molly has dedicated her life to his care. But in 1896, gainful employment for a woman is hard to come by. So when Molly learns that an eccentric rancher in Cactus Patch, Arizona, is looking for an heiress--someone to take over management of the ranch in exchange for future ownership--she jumps at the chance to provide a real home for her brother.

If she proves to have a knack for ranching and agrees to remain single for life, the ranch can be hers. Neither stipulation worries Molly. She’s resourceful and hardworking. And she gave up dreams of marriage long ago when she dedicated her life to her brother’s well-being.

However, Molly didn’t bank on meeting Dr. Caleb Fairbanks, the town’s handsome and charismatic young doctor. Caleb has a way with Molly that makes her nervous. But it’s how he is with her brother that really alarms her. Caleb sees past the wheelchair and genuinely likes Donny, but Molly fears he’s putting unrealistic ideas into her brother’s head. Falling in love with Caleb would threaten everything she’s worked for, even her brother’s future happiness.

But it could be the very reason God brought her to Last Chance Ranch.

My Review

Another series I'm reading completely out of order! Fortunately the author wove in enough of the backstory and plot that I didn't feel lost. Molly and Donny have a rough background, yet their loyalty to each other keeps them going. Molly's grit and determination are admirable, and she throws herself into working on the ranch and learning all she can. Her brother struggles with being an invalid, and the doctor has some methods of inspiring him that Molly disagrees with. The bickering, fighting, and immature behavior and thoughts of all three main characters were a bit off-putting. I didn't connect with the emotions of the characters in this book, but it was an interesting read and showed how the times were changing with medicine and the introduction of automobiles.

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 Brides of Last Chance Ranch series . . .

Review: Little Homesteader: A Winter Treasury of Recipes, Crafts, and Wisdom by Angela Ferraro-Fanning

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

This charmingly illustrated seasonal treasury of nature-based crafts, baking recipes, and gardening projects for the winter celebrates the homesteading lifestyle with self-sufficient and eco-friendly fun.

Locally printed on 100% recycled paper, Little Homesteader: A Winter Treasury of Recipes, Crafts and Wisdom offers:

- Easy yet delicious winter recipes and treats that introduce young readers to local and seasonal eating. - From berry cookies, to hot cocoa recipes to warm up after a winter walk, the easy-to-make recipes will inspire kids to get into the kitchen.
- Suggestions for using up unloved parts of produce, such as carrot tops to make a kitchen windowsill garden, demonstrate a naturally zero-waste way of living.
- Accessible and fun crafts, such as making salt-dough ornaments and foraged foliage wreaths, have instructions broken down into clear steps illustrated in AnneliesDraws’ cute and wholesome style.
- The seasonal gardening and growing projects, such as planting bare root berry bushes in the ground or in containers, can be done in a big back yard or on a balcony, making this eco-friendly activity book a fun resource, whether readers are based in town or country.
 

Woven alongside the cooking, crafting, and planting projects are little snippets of seasonal information and self-sufficient wisdom from homesteading teacher Angela Fanning of Axe and Root Homestead, with a focus on enjoying and celebrating the best of what the winter season has to offer.

My Review

I'm a fan of this adorable series of high quality books for young ones. The illustrations are simple yet fill each page with beauty and the joy of the season. The information is basic, yet includes facts and details that many adults may not know. I enjoyed the learning and the fun ideas that are perfect to do alongside children. From plants and produce to animals and insects, many aspects of the winter season in nature is explored. Like the others I would have liked more content, and I hope that the publisher will release all four books combined together in a collection!

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 other books in the Little Homesteader series . . .

Book Tour & Excerpt: These Tangled Threads by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Synopsis

Seven years ago, a hidden betrayal scattered three young friends living in the shadow of Biltmore Estate. Now, when Biltmore Industries master weaver Lorna Blankenship is commissioned to create an original design for Cornelia Vanderbilt's 1924 wedding, she panics knowing she doesn't have the creativity needed. But there's an elusive artisan in the Blue Ridge Mountains who could save her--if only she can find her.

To track the mysterious weaver down, Lorna sees no other way but to seek out the relationships she abandoned in shame. As she pulls at each tangled thread from her old life, Lorna is forced to confront the wounds and regrets of long ago. She'll have to risk the job that shapes her identity as well as the hope of friendship--and love--restored.

In this seamlessly woven historical tale, award-winning Appalachian author Sarah Loudin Thomas delivers a poignant novel of friendship, artistry, restoration, and second chances.

 

Excerpt

Lorna strolled through the dappled shade at the weekly market on the lawn of the Cathedral of All Souls in Biltmore Village. She wasn’t paying much attention to the wares for sale. She’d just needed to get away from her office, away from the weaving room. If only she could get out of her own head as easily.

“Miss Blankenship!” Lorna turned and slowed her pace. A young woman caught up to her. “Miss Blankenship, I thought that was you.” The girl tried to calm her breathing and laid a hand on Lorna’s arm. “I hope this isn’t too much of an imposition, but I wanted to show you something.”

“Not at all,” Lorna said, slipping her mask of professionalism back into place. The girl looked familiar, but she couldn’t place her. “I’d be delighted to see your wares.”

“Oh, it’s not mine,” the girl said with a blush as she steered Lorna toward a table tucked against the wall of the church. “It’s just that I know you’re the best weaver in all of Asheville, maybe in all of North Carolina”—Lorna allowed a faint smile at the praise—“and I knew you’d be interested.” The girl faltered. “Well, I thought you would be. Of course, my eye isn’t as good as yours, but this cloth . . .” She finally let her words spin out.

“What’s your name?” Lorna asked.

“I’m Bernice Collins. I’ve been working in the weaving room for about six months.” She ducked her head. “I haven’t worked with you directly but I know who you are.”

“I’m glad you’re taking your training seriously enough to examine the work of others,” Lorna said, patting her hand. “Now, show me what you’ve found.” She tried to mask her weariness. The last thing she wanted to do was examine some inferior homespun produced in who knew what backwoods holler. While the traditional fabric had certainly started on small homesteads, where women did everything from shearing the sheep to spinning the thread to weaving the rough cloth, what they made at Biltmore Industries was finer and of a much higher quality. She’d make short work of this and then slip inside the church where she might find a moment’s privacy and stillness.

“See?” Bernice lifted a shawl from a table that mostly offered squash, eggs, and some coarse knitted items. She held the garment out as if it were an offering. Lorna blinked. Then she stretched out her own hand to take the fabric. It was soft—­luxurious even—­and the pattern was perfect. The finely rendered plaid in the colors of autumn showed crisp definition while still blending and flowing together in a way that gave it a softness and subtlety she’d rarely seen before. For just a moment, despite the heat and humidity of the August day, she felt the bite of an autumn morning and smelled the earthy, tobacco scent of fallen leaves.

If Mrs. Harshaw could see this, she just might change her mind about plaid.

Lorna turned to the woman standing behind the table. “Did you make this?”

“Why do ye need to know?” she said with a scowl. “If ye like it well enough, buy it.”

Lorna pulled out her purse, and the woman stuck out a gnarled hand. Fishing out some coins, Lorna eyed the woman. “What if I wanted more like this? Do you have others?”

“Could be. But I ain’t got ’em today.”

Lorna extended her hand but didn’t release the coins. “Perhaps I could visit the weaver to buy other cloth directly.”

“Oh, aye, and leave me out of it.” The woman snatched Lorna’s money. “I’m not the one makin’ the cloth, but if you want more, you’ll have to talk to me.”

Lorna felt frustration bubble. If the weaver, clearly highly skilled, had other designs, perhaps she—or he for that matter—could be persuaded to share a unique design with Lorna. Otherwise, she was going to be hard-pressed to satisfy Mrs. Harshaw. She thought quickly. “Tell the weaver I’d like the finest piece of cloth she has.” The woman’s expression suggested her guess that the weaver was a woman had been correct.

“Might need a few coins to persuade her to part with her finest,” the woman said in a wheedling voice.

Lorna tamped down her irritation. She fished out another coin and handed it over. “When can you bring it to me?”

The woman snorted. “Don’t come to town but for market. I’ll be back next week with yer pretty piece.”

“Very well,” Lorna snapped. She could wait a week if it meant saving her reputation. “I’ll look forward to seeing what she sends.” The woman grunted and turned to another customer.

Bernice tugged on Lorna’s sleeve. She’d forgotten about the girl. “It really is very fine, isn’t it?” she asked. “Will you try to make something like it?”

Lorna smiled mechanically and pushed the shawl into the bottom of her basket. It would never do for word to get around that she was getting her ideas from other weavers. “I suppose it might provide inspiration,” she said with an airy wave. “But my drafts are all my own.”

Bernice smiled and nodded with a movement bordering on a curtsy before she scurried back to the Biltmore Industries table with its tea towels and carved bowls. Lorna stared after her, not really seeing the market or the people. She’d just uttered the biggest lie of her life. A lie that grew bigger every day she wove one of the patterns she called her own. Because the truth was, none of them were.

Excerpt from These Tangled Threads courtesy of Sarah Loudin Thomas © 2024, Bethany House Publishers.

About the Author

Sarah Loudin Thomas (sarahloudinthomas.com) is the author of numerous acclaimed novels, including The Finder of Forgotten Things, The Right Kind of Fool, winner of the 2021 Selah Book of the Year, and Miracle in a Dry Season, winner of the 2015 INSPY Award. She worked in public relations for Biltmore Estate for six years and is now the director of Jan Karon's Mitford Museum. A native of West Virginia, she and her husband now live in western North Carolina.

Review: Little Homesteader: A Fall Treasury of Recipes, Crafts, and Wisdom Angela Ferraro-Fanning

 

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

This charmingly illustrated seasonal treasury of nature-based crafts, baking recipes, and gardening projects for the fall celebrates the homesteading lifestyle with self-sufficient and eco-friendly fun. 

 

Locally printed on 100% recycled paper, Little Homesteader: A Fall Treasury of Recipes, Crafts and Wisdom offers:
- Easy yet delicious autumn recipes and treats that introduce young readers to local and seasonal eating. From pumpkin muffins to homemade apple chips, the easy-to-make recipes will inspire kids to get into the kitchen.
 -Suggestions for using up unloved parts of produce, such as ways to make use of apple cores and peel, demonstrate a naturally zero-waste way of living.

- Accessible and fun crafts, such as making a gratitude tree and a woven basket, have instructions broken down into clear steps illustrated in AnneliesDraws’ cute and wholesome style.
- The seasonal gardening and growing projects, such as planting herbs, can be done in a big back yard or on a windowsill, making this eco-friendly activity book a fun resource, whether readers are based in towns or the country.

Woven alongside the cooking, crafting, and planting projects are little snippets of seasonal information and self-sufficient wisdom from homesteading teacher Angela Fanning of Axe and Root Homestead, with a focus on enjoying and celebrating the best of what the fall season has to offer.

My Review

This series of books is adorable. I love the sweet illustrations and information that is at an introductory level for the younger crowd. We learn about apples and pears, pumpkins and gourds, mushrooms and herbs. There are simple recipes, activities, and crafts that focus on using the produce and nature of the season in a variety of ways. I only wish that the book was longer! It would be wonderful if the publisher combined all four books into one. The book size is large and I enjoy the feel of the matte cover and pages.

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 other books in the Little Homesteader series . . .