TLC Tours - Diana Gabaldon's An Echo in the Bone - Review & Giveaway

An Echo in the Bone

Welcome to those of you new to MoonCat Farms and welcome back to old friends. I hope you all enjoy my review of this wonderful book and be sure to enter the giveaway that Ms. Gabaldon and her publisher have generously offered one lucky reader here at MoonCat Farms Meanderings.

I am extremely honored to have been chosen to participate in this book tour celebrating the paperback reprint of Diana Gabaldon's latest addition to the Outlander series, An Echo in the Bone.  I have been a fan of hers since she first starting putting excerpts on the Lit Forum of Compuserve way back in the very early nineties.  I fell in love with her "Red Jamie" then and still have a mad passion for him and his love story with wife Claire.  My husband and I even used a variation of their wedding vows in ours!

An Echo in the Bone:  Jamie Fraser is an eighteenth-century Highlander, an ex-Jacobite traitor, and a reluctant rebel in the American Revolution.  His wife, Claire Randall Fraser, is a surgeon - from the twentieth century.  What she knows of the future compels him to fight.  What she doesn't know may kill them both.

With one foot in America and one foot in Scotland, Jamie and Claire's adventure spans the Revolution, from sea battles to printshops, as their paths cross with historical figures from Benjamin Franklin to Benedict Arnold.

Meanwhile, in the relative safety of the twentieth century, their daughter, Brianna, and her husband experience the unfolding drama of the Revolutionary War through Claire's letters.  But the letters can' warn them of the threat that's rising out of the past to overshadow their family.

Diana Gabaldon's sweeping Outlander saga reaches new heights in An Echo in the Bone.

My Thoughts:

*I am trying to do a thorough review without accidentally dropping any spoilers for those readers new to the Outlander series.  I apologize if I do give something away, it's not intentional as I want newcomers to meet Jamie and Claire fresh, as I did those many years ago.

An Echo in the Bone is the 7th book in the extremely popular Outlander series.  The saga chronicles the life and adventures of Claire Randall Fraser and Jamie Fraser.  When we were initially introduced to Jamie and Claire in the first book, Outlander, they were both in their early twenties.  In this latest book, some thirty years later, they are starting to acknowledge their age and that time is creeping up on them.  Jamie is still quite the hero and Claire is still getting into scrapes that he must rescue her from, it just takes them a bit longer to get over the aftermath of their escapades.  

I really enjoyed An Echo in the Bone.  Ms. Gabaldon has remained true to form with superior character development and fabulous settings.  By the end of the book (each of the books, actually), the reader feels that they really know these people personally and that this is more of a diary than a fictional novel.  Her characters come to life and make you feel what they're feeling.  You worry for them just as you would your own family member and cheer their victories.

The historical facts are painstakingly researched for accuracy while still allowing the author room to interweave the fictional Jamie and Claire into the timeline.  First we accompanied them during the Jacobite uprising and the '45 and we're now traipsing through the American Revolution along with them.  We need to stay sharp as there are chance meetings with Dr. Franklin (yes, Benjamin Franklin) and other notable figures in the history of America's bid for independence.  

One of the author's methods of delivering vital information in this book was through letters from Claire in the late 1700s to her & Jamie's daughter Brianna, in the 1980s.  I won't get into how they are in different eras as it will give too much away.  The way the letters both give the reader needed details as well as pave the way for current events, is extremely effective and useful.  The sentimental and homesick feelings it stirs up in both Brianna and her husband, Roger carries over to the reader as well.

I'm not going to go any further with my details of the book.  This is one of my favorite books of the year and I highly recommend  it to anyone who loves romance, history, fiction and any combination of the three.  There are some sexual situations in the novel, but they are tastefully done.   Being that this is set during a war, violence also comes into play at times.  I have to admit that I pretty much didn't do anything but read this amazing book over a weekend.  I'm fortunate that my husband is also a big fan of this series, so he took care of the household so I could immerse myself in Claire and Jamie's world.

Any one of these outstanding books can be read as a highly entertaining, stand-alone novel, but I suggest you start with Outlander and read them in order. Each successive book leaves you with a deeper knowledge of Claire and Jamie's history and story.

If you would like to read more about the author, check out Diana's website or find her on Facebook.  She has a graphic novel coming out this fall that is the retelling of Outlander, from Jamie's point of view.  I can't wait! 

There is also more coming out about Lord John Grey, a then minor character we first met in the second book, Dragonfly in Amber.  His own storyline has developed into a secondary, stand-alone series.

Thank you to Lisa at TLC Book Tours for including me on this great tour. 

Now, I'd like to thank Diana Gabaldon and her publisher for providing a copy of An Echo in the Bone for one of you lucky, lucky readers.  The contest closes at midnight, PST on Wednesday, September 1st.  I will draw one winner who will have 48 hours to respond.  Another winner will be drawn if I don't hear from them.

The drawing is open to followers of this blog who are residents of the United States and Canada only.  No PO boxes please.  Just comment on this post and tell us if you've read or heard of Diana Gabaldon and Outlander before and what you think.  That's it!  Good luck :)

~ If you don't want to wait to get started, you can click on the cover of any of the books above to be taken to the corresponding page on Amazon.com.

Disclaimer:  I received this book from TLC Tours for purposes of a review.  I received no monetary compensation and all words/thoughts/opinions are 100% my own.  I am an Amazon.com affiliate and may receive a small percentage from any sales made through my affiliate links.

One Book Shy

.....of a Full Library

That's the name of my new blog, One Book Shy of a Full Library. I decided to start doing the majority of my book reviews on a separate site in order to try to keep with the theme of pets, gardening, and "just life" here at MoonCat Farms Meanderings.

I love to read and have been having a blast doing book reviews. I was one of "those" kids when I was in school who loved doing book reports. If I enjoyed a book, I told EVERYONE about it! So now I've found a niche where people actually WANT to hear my "book reports". The best part is that I will also be doing a lot of book giveaways there too! Please come look around and tell me what you think!

In case you're wondering, I am still planning on doing selected book and other product reviews and giveaways here too, but I am only doing books on One Book Shy. I am really hoping that you will all check out the new blog and follow along with me as I read my way into someday having a Full Library of my own! Happy Reading...

Winner - Anjan Book Giveaway

Congratulations to Nydia!  You're the winner of this lovely book, Anjan by Larus Einarsson.  I'll email you shortly for your mailing address.  Thank you for all for your comments and great summer reading suggestions - I've added them all to my list!

Don't forget to enter the drawing for The Love Ceiling which ends 6/30.  We'll also have the contest to name the colt Wedgie coming up for my 200th blog post - stay tuned my friends :)  Congrats again Nydia.

For those of you who didn't win this time, Anjan is available HERE from Amazon.

TLC Book Tours: The Love Ceiling Book Review and GIVEAWAY

I'd like to welcome all of you who are stopping by MoonCat Farms for the first time via the TLC Book Tour.  I hope you'll enjoy this review and will stay and get to know us a bit.  Thank you as usual of course to our regular visitors and friends!

I was thrilled to be included as one of the tour hosts for the lovely author, Jean Davies Okimoto and her book: The Love Ceiling. 

From the publisher:

After the death of her Japanese American mother, sixty-four year old Anne Kuroda Duppstaad finds the courage to confront the toxic legacy of her father, a famous artist and cruel narcissist, and begins pursuing her life-long dream to become an artist in her own right.

The Love Ceiling draws readers into the soul of a universal theme for women:  the pull between family and creative self-expression.  It is the story of a woman, a daughter, a wife, a mother and a grandmother, and a journey into creativity.

I wasn't sure what to expect with the publicists touting the book as a "coming of age novel for readers over 50...60...70...80...90...!"  I'm in my early 40s and I could see bits of myself in both the main character (64 yr old Annie) and her daughter Cass who is 32.  I would definitely change that blurb to include the 30 and 40 somethings as this book really does cover issues facing women in each of those decades as well as the older generations.  I've read several other glowing reviews of the book with many of the women even younger than I feeling the same way - "It's For Us Too!"

One of my favorite spots in the book is something that I took to heart: 

Ninety year old Martha Jane is setting up her easel and clips a small card to the top.  The card is hand lettered, in spidery script:

"Use the talent you possess,

For the forest would be silent

If no birds sang but the best."

She notices Annie watching and explains, "It's like a Bible verse for me.  I want to remind myself of this each day before I begin, otherwise, one can lose faith - even at my age.  I certainly won't be Grandma Moses, but I can't let that stop me, now can I?"

The author flawlessly weaves such tender and important moments into the story.   She introduces us to some lovely characters who we were left wanting more of (such as Martha Jane and their artist-turned mentor Fred).  But she also balances this out with the true-to-life, not-so-nice people who populate all of our lives. 

The relationship between Annie and her dying mother as well as the relationship with her abusive father really highlight the influences parents can have on their children's adult life.  This plays out as well when we start seeing things from daughter Cass's perspective and the relationship she has with her own parents, Annie and Jack.  It's interesting and dismaying when both Jack and Cass dismiss Annie's part-time job as something small and frivolous. 

The initial idea of the book comes from the author's personal experience with an older aunt who was an accomplished painter.  When Ms. Okimoto visited her, expecting to see a bright, lovely studio - she was dismayed to find that her aunt was painting in a dimly-lit basement.  The title comes from the main character's weary reply to a question from her husband:

'"There's a glass ceiling for women, Jack," I stared at my painting in the dim light next to the washer and dryer. "And it's made out of the people we love.""

I think so many women will end up doing as I did and reading this book in one day.  I became so enamoured of Annie and her story that I only surfaced for drink and restroom breaks and went back to catch up with her immediately.  If I were to have to find something negative or possibly less-than-glowing, it would be that I was left wanting more.  Of course this would actually seem a positive to me as it shows that the author has woven a fine story that you want to continue being a part of. 

There is a reader's guide at the end of the book that I think would be great for book clubs.  A lot of different discussions could be sparked by various points in this book.  The author has been involved in chats with book clubs across the country and can be contacted via her website.

Read more about the author Jean Davies Okimoto and be sure to check out the other great reviews The Love Ceiling has been receiving on the Jean Davies Okimoto’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS:

Tuesday, June 1st: Book Club Classics

Wednesday, June 2nd: Patricia's Wisdom

Thursday, June 3rd: Dolce Bellezza

Monday, June 7th: Lit and Life

Wednesday, June 9th: Rundpinne

Thursday, June 10th: Reading, 'Riting, and Retirement

Monday, June 14th: Joyfully Retired

Thursday, June 17th: Luxury Reading

Monday, June 21st: Erasing the Bored

Wednesday, June 23rd: MoonCat Farms Meanderings

Thursday, June 24th: carpe libris reviews

Monday, June 28th: Feminist Review

Wednesday, June 30th: Crazy For Books

Jean Davies Okimoto has graciously offered a copy of The Love Ceiling to one lucky MoonCat Farms reader.  I will announce the winner on June 30th.  Please leave a comment letting us all know what the last book is that you read.  PLEASE BE SURE TO LEAVE A WAY FOR ME TO CONTACT YOU.  You can gain extra entries by blogging about, tweeting, and/or posting about this review and drawing on Facebook.  Just be sure to let me know what you've done to get the extra entries!  If you don't want to wait for the drawing, The Love Ceiling can be purchased on-line.  It would make a thoughtful gift for the women in your life. 

Thank you so much to Endicott & Hugh Books, Jean Davies Okimoto, Lisa and Jennifer for this great opportunity and lovely book. 

~~~~~

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. The opinions expressed here are 100% my own. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review and received no monetary compensation. The author has provided a copy of the book for the giveaway.

Anjan - A Book Review and Giveaway

THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

Anjan

Larus Einarsson

I recently received this delightful book from the publisher for my review.  I enjoy fantasy and epic type stories so she felt that this would be a match for me.  She was right.

From the start you're drawn into another world (several actually, since the worlds of humans, elves, and that which is hidden is separated by a thin veil.)  The story starts with Kata, a young white witch who is destined for great things.  We follow her from the world of elves into the human realm where she meets up with the man who will aid her in the care and upbringing of a child named Anjan.  Anjan is foretold to be an integral part of a prophecy that will affect all of the worlds. 

I don't want to give too much away, because this is a lovely story full of warmth and adventure.  I think it will be a treat for readers of all ages who enjoy a world tinged with magic and classic good vs. evil.  (I especially enjoyed the fact that Kata works heavily with herbs - a woman after my own heart!)  This book is an easy read and at 216 pages, not too much of a heavy time investment.  I was happy to see that the author is planning on continuing with Anjan's saga in later volumes.  More information about the author and an actual excerpt from the book can be found at anjanbooks.com.

I am offering my gently read copy of Anjan up for one lucky MoonCat Farms reader.  To enter the drawing, just tell me the name of another book you think I might enjoy reading this summer.  I'll draw a winner on Friday, June 25th.  Good luck and good reading.

~~~~~

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. The opinions expressed here are 100% my own. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review and received no monetary compensation. The giveaway prize being offered is the review copy I received.

Summertime and the Living is BUSY

Sorry about being pretty quiet for a whole week! I'm back to spurt-blogging (that sounds almost nasty, but it is pretty appropriate.) It seems like we are outside most of the time now and I have tons to do before I can take the time to sit in front of the computer. So I'll give you an all-around update on life at MoonCat Farms where, as the picture below shows - all is well:

The MoonCats doing what cats do best

Mom is doing pretty well. She has gained some strength and has decided to take up scrap booking.  She's making lists (and lists and lists) of supplies she wants from the crafts store. My niece and nephew were here on Friday and they all three had their heads together plotting their next few projects. We're really looking forward to them being around a lot this summer while they're out of school.  They're great kids and a lot of fun to have around.  Mr. MoonCat and I took advantage of them being here with Mom and ran off to do some shopping together and take in a show (Prince of Persia - cute movie and even cuter Jake Gyllenhaal.)

I am way behind on my crafting, my photography, my letter writing, my blog visiting, my bookkeeping, and pretty much everything that isn't related to the garden.  But we've been eating some yummy squash, peas and onions the last few days.  Of course dinner hasn't been until 8pm or after :(


 I have a book review coming up that you'll not want to miss.  I was thrilled to be asked to participate in a TLC Book Tour for Jean Davies Okimoto's The Love Ceiling.  My stop on the tour is scheduled for June 23rd when I will post my review and GIVEAWAY ALERT: the lovely, lovely author has generously provided a copy of this fabulous book for one lucky MoonCat Farms reader!  It was one of those books that I couldn't put down so I'm tickled that one of you will get to enjoy a copy for yourself.  Be ready to get your entry in!


Speaking of upcoming giveaways...For my 200th post in the next week or so, I will run that contest I mentioned to officially name Wedgie.  Keep your eyes open and you could win a special prize!  (I really do enjoy giveaways - especially ones that involve wearing thinking caps..)  Lemon Verbena Lady has already put her hat in the ring with the very creative "Phantom" which could be very interesting when combined with the parents' registered names.....More info coming soon.

Here's a gratuitous photo of Wedgie who is becoming quite the little ham - notice the swishing little broom tail:

Is this my good side?

Mr. MoonCat got to spend some quality time with his folks last weekend as they were visiting in the area.  We'll all get to see them sometime later this week and return the pan that his mom brought filled with delicious lasagna. YUM.  I'm not a big fan of regular over-tomatoed lasagna, but his mom's is the bomb.  We always look forward to it and it never lasts long!  Mom really enjoys it too which is great since her appetite is still more off than on.

The mad scientist, aka Cindy my sister-in-law, is coming up for a day of soap and paper making.  We've both been gathering supplies like crazy so we'll have many hours of crafting and creating.  We're really looking forward to it and then to going out for sushi that evening with our hubbies. 

So that's pretty much it in a nutshell.  Tomorrow I am getting back in the groove with one of my A-Z Herbs posts: E is for Elecampane.  I may just get to the middle of the alphabet by the end of the year :)

Hayseed's First Race Book Review and Giveaway

HAYSEED'S FIRST RACE

Giveaway is now CLOSED

I would like to introduce you to my new favorite horse - Hayseed. 

Hayseed is the star of a delightful new children's book that will be making it's debut on April 14th.  I was sent an advance copy from the publisher for a review and giveaway to one lucky MoonCat Farms reader.

My Review: 

Hayseed's First Race is a lovely story that is brilliantly illustrated by the author, Sally Schrock.  She tells us about Hayseed and his desire to be a racehorse like the mighty Prince Perfect who is always the winner.  Prince Perfect and the others aren't very nice to Hayseed and make fun of him because he is different and tell him he doesn't belong. 

Ms. Schrock delivers the message beautifully with words and darling pictures that you not give up just because someone tells you that you can't do something.  This is an especially insightful story as the author herself is deaf.  The words that Hayseed's mother say to him "Love yourself for who you are, and never, ever, let anyone tell you that you don't belong" are words that Ms. Schrock's mother told her as a child. 

I highly recommend this book to parents, educators, or anyone with children in their lives.  It is an extremely enjoyable and easy read while delivering an important and powerful message. I really hope that there will be more books to come for Hayseed as the author has created a wonderful character who can be a positive role model and hero for little ones.

The book can be pre-ordered from the publisher Caballo Press or from Amazon and is available currently in English and Spanish.  It is a great deal at only $12.47 and would make a lovely gift for any little one in your life.  A bit about the publisher from their site:  

Caballo Press of Ann Arbor is an award-winning small, innovative, independent publisher specializing in diverse topics related to the equine industry. Its first title won the 2009 Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award, an award that recognizes Thoroughbred horse racing's book of the year. The intention of the press is to publish works in a variety of genres related to horses. A portion of every book we

publish is donated to a non-profit organization related to horses.

Part of the proceeds from Hayseed's First Race will be going to Anna House at the Belmont Park racetrack in New York.  Anna House is an on-site child care center for the backstretch workers at the racetrack. 

One of the fun things for your kids to do is to join Hayseed's Posse where they can print out pages to color, practice their handwriting with Hayseed, do their math problems, and enjoy other fun and educational games.  They can meet the author, Miss Sally and read a message from her HERE. 

Adults might take a minute to learn more about the author and some of the issues she is facing like so many others in these hard times.  Click Dark Horse Battles Predatory Lender to read more about her ongoing battle.  She's an inspirational lady.

 The Giveaway:

 

One lucky reader of MoonCat Farms Meanderings will be the recipient of a copy of Hayseed's First Race. 

Sorry, but this contest is only open to US residents.  The drawing will close at midnight PST on Tuesday, April 13th.  I'll announce the lucky winner on April 14th - Hayseed's Official Coming Out Day!  The winner will have 3 days to respond or I'll have to draw another.  Please be sure you leave me a way to contact you if you're not a blogger. 

There are several ways to enter: (You can put everything you do in one comment & I'll add them up instead of doing a comment for each item - but the first one is MANDATORY)

1. 
   
   Leave a comment on this post and tell me why you'd like to win this book. 
2. 
   
   Become a fan of Sally and Hayseed on Facebook
3. 
   
   Become a fan of  MoonCat Farms on Facebook
4. 
   
   Become a fan of Caballo Press on Facebook
5. 
   
   Post about this on your blog & leave me the link (worth 5 points)
6. 
   
   Be (or become) a follower of MoonCat Farms Meanderings
7. 
   
   Subscribe via email to MoonCat Farms Meanderings
8. 
   
   Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter

~~~~~

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. The opinions expressed here are 100% my own. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review and received no monetary compensation. The publisher is providing a copy of the book for the giveaway winner.

Giveaway Ends Tonight - The Tao of Mia & Leo

Don't forget to get your entry in to win this great book!  Go to the orginal blog post HERE to enter.  The drawing ends tonight at Midnight PST and the winner will be announced tomorrow.  Don't miss out on a chance at this lovely book..

The Tao of Mia and Leo Book Review & Giveaway

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

I received this for review back at the end of December.  With everything going on with Mom, I have just recently been able to sit down (with a couple cups of tea of course) and read it uninterrupted.  It is such a delightful read that I wanted to be able to enjoy it and immerse myself in the message of the book.

The The Tao of Mia and Leo follows the author and the escapades of her cats beginning with her beloved Samantha and then the mischievious title characters.  Jeffra Nicholson writes about living in and finally leaving the corporate world to pursue her dream of writing and shares how it impacted her and the cats.  She takes us with her through the life changes and what she learned about herself and her fuzzy housemates. 

This lovely true story is written by a dedicated cat lover who is able to convey a valuable life lesson to those of us with cats or those without.  I found it to be a very insightful look at both human and feline behavior; showing how interchangeable and instructional it can be at the same time.  Jeffra offers many comparisons regarding Leo and Mia's personalities and the similarities with people. She puts a spotlight on instances where a person could benefit by taking a page (sorry about the pun) out of the cats' book and mimicking how a cat responds to situations. 

One of my favorite examples is when she talks about buying all of the most expensive toys for her cats only to watch them play with a rolled up piece of tinfoil. She noted that people needed to be able to find joy in the simpler things .  I relayed this anecdote to my family members and compared it to buying a big fancy toy (like a jetski), using it 2 or 3 times, and then leaving it sitting in the garage.  Then finding out that something as simple as playing a card game of gin-rummy at the kitchen table brought us just as much joy if not more, than the $7500 water toy that is now gathering dust.  I keep telling them that we each need to find our ball of tinfoil.

Another selection I really related to (especially with some of my cats) is when Jeffra was moving to a new city and was terrified about the change in her life.  Leo's behavior at the airport completely mirrored and conveyed what Jeffra was really feeling, but holding in.  Thank goodness Jeffra's very intuitive mother pointed this out to her after the incident.  I can really understand this on a personal level since I've become aware that when I am especially upset or worried about something and trying to block it out, I will have one or more of the cats plastered to my side.  They are very attuned to our emotions even when we're not.

This is a very easy read as it is not a really long book (around 100 pages).  It has a very positive message that is effectively presented.   I felt connected with the author when I was finished with this book as I also used to be overly wrapped up in my career and didn't spend near enough time with loved ones.  Since leaving that hectic life, I am enjoying my family, friends, and furry ones so much more.  The Tao of Mia and Leo reinforces the positive message that simplifying your life can enrich it immensely and in unexpected ways.

You definitely do not have to be a cat lover to really enjoy this book.  It is very well written and would make a lovely gift for anyone on your list, especially someone in need of a boost in their outlook.  I have a couple of people in mind who I would like to get this wonderful book for.  I know I will be reading my copy again!

GIVEAWAY
The publisher has generously offered a copy of The Tao of Mia and Leo for one lucky MoonCat Farms Meanderings reader.  Sorry to my international friends, but this is only open to US RESIDENTS. 

There are several ways to enter the giveaway, you can do one or all. Just be sure to leave me a separate comment for each thing you do:

1.Leave a comment on this post & let me know if you have cats and how many.  (You don't have to be a cat owner to enter, I'm just nosy.)

2.Become a MoonCat Farms follower.

3.Subscribe to MoonCat Farms Meanderings

4.Follow MoonCat Farms on Twitter and/or Facebook (links on the sidebar to the right>>>>)

5.Become a fan of The Tao of Mia and Leo on Facebook

6.Blog about this giveaway.

7.Tweet about this giveaway

To enter, just leave a comment below, on this post only.  The giveaway closes at midnight PST on Friday, March 5th, 2010.  One winner will be chosen at random and announced on Saturday, March 6th, 2010.  The winner will have 48 hours to respond or another name will be chosen. 

To purchase a copy of this lovely and very reasonably priced book, go to the Amazon.com link below:

~~~~~

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. The opinions expressed here are 100% my own. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. The publisher is providing a copy of the book for the giveaway winner.

Tuesday Tomes - Mrs. Reppert's Twelve Month Herbal

Hello, my name is Julie and I am an herbal book addict...

I have been meaning to start reviewing & sharing some of my bookcase must-haves for quite some time now. While in the midst of packing up my way too extensive/obsessive library for the impending doom - I mean move, I just decided to do it and sit down with a cup of tea and tell you all about one of my absolute favorites. (forgive the poor photos - it's waaaay early & I don't know where the good camera is)

Mrs. Reppert's Twelve Month Herbal by Bertha Reppert

I lalalala love this book! It is such a refreshing change to the standard "this is an herb, this is what it looks like, and this is what it is good for". Don't get me wrong, those kind of books are necessary and I have several, but this little gem is an absolutely lovely read. You will feel like you are reading letters and notes that have been written directly to you. Mrs. Reppert's style is such that she draws you into her garden and her everyday life. Lovely quotes and words of wisdom are scattered throughout the pages. Good old-fashioned (and much needed today) common sense emanates from the book. Her daughter Marjorie Reppert and Rose Kocher provide charming sketches to illustrate the herbs and ideas that she speaks of.

The format is that of a daily diary. She has provided an essay for each day of the year. Recipes, herbal lore and crafts, and gardening know-how are generously shared with the reader. When I first received my copy, I thought I'd read along day by day. I was too impatient and ended up reading it cover to cover that first weekend. What a treat. Now, I go back and read each day's entry as a part of my daily routine (see today's page below). I have found myself making notes on the pages where I usually hate writing in my books. This book, however, seems to encourage and welcome me to add my own thoughts & observations alongside Bertha's.

September 1st entry

A bit about the author from The Rosemary House site:

Bertha Reppert (1919-1999) was the founder of The Rosemary House . She was a Renaissance woman ahead of her time when she opened a herb and spice shop in a conservative East coast town in 1968. Convinced that once everyone learned about herbs they would love these plants as much as she did, she became an avid educator about the secrets of herbs. Lecturing, writing and always promoting herbs, Bertha Reppert became a mentor to many.

Two of her daughters, Susanna and Nancy, continue in their mother's footsteps and share all that is herbal with the world at both The Rosemary House and at Sweet Remembrances Tea Room.

Click here to purchase your own copy of this fantastic book: Mrs. Reppert's Twelve Month Herbal. I am planning on ordering a couple copies to give as gifts and as part of an herb & tea basket I'm making up for Christmas this year.