Book Talk

The Summer 2016 issue of Bella Grace

It doesn't seem possible we are just a couple of days away from July.  My granddaughter, Faith, shares a birthday with the USA on the 4th.  My newest granddaughter is due in between Faith's birthday and mine.  Lots of birthdays of friends and family in this, one of my favorite months!

I will be sharing a new stack of books next week, those I plan to read in July. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society has been a wonderful reread (I'd forgotten how amusing it is) but with lots to do this time of year, it will be finished just in time.  However, The Illustrated Lark Rise to Candleford will slip into July.  That's okay... both are perfect for summer reading.

One of my favorite people, Carolee Snyder, was in town recently and messaged me with an invitation to get together over lunch.  She would be my friend even if she didn't feed me.  I first came to know Carolee many years ago when she emailed asking if I would be interested in reviewing her first book.

That was one of the best "yes" responses I've ever given.  I loved that book and a long distance friendship was born.  We met in person the first time when she and her husband stopped by our home on their way to a vintage car show in Chicago.  My Hubby still talks with awe about their vintage car.

Carolee is one of my friends I hardly ever see but I feel like we have never parted when we get together again.  I highly recommend her books if you are like me and love gardens and herbs and a very good story.

Ummm... that is why after reading Herbal Beginnings, I stooped to begging to review her second book.  I wanted to know what happens to the characters and I didn't have enough extra spending money to purchase a copy.  I'm happy to say I am also in the possession of an autographed copy of the third book.  It will probably go on my stack of books to read in September.

There are now four books and I completely forgot to ask her if there will be a fifth since she retired from herb farming.  Although retirement is not a word I think of with Carolee, I receive her email newsletter and she is often off somewhere in the world visiting gorgeous gardens and meeting interesting people.  And me.  ;)

Speaking of friends and all... my very good friend in South Dakota ordered a copy of Liz Curtis Higgs' My Heart's in the Lowlands, Ten Days in Bonny Scotland for herself and one for me.  My copy came in just in time to be added to the July list of books to read and reread.

I've done a quick skim through it and it looks fabulous for those of us who love reading about Great Britain.  Although it is a nonfiction book, it reads just as easily as any Liz Curtis Higgs novels.  I can't wait to read it in July.

I save my dollars and put aside enough to buy Bella Grace magazine each season.  It isn't cheap but it is my very favorite magazine and I keep every issue I've purchased to pull out and reread over and over when I need a mental break or a spark to creativity.  The current issue stays out to slowly read for weeks.

It is amazing with no advertisements and a paper that is slightly heavier than normal magazines.  It is meant to come back to often.  I've tried to describe it to those who ask and all I can say is it is for those who love to write, journal, and who love beautiful photography.  I made a trip to Barnes & Noble through heavy construction on the roads in blazing heat (our AC doesn't work in the van) to purchase a copy.  There were only three left so it was worth it.

I'll be back next Tuesday on Book Talk (I think) with a book review.

Books Mentioned in this Book Talk Post
*My Heart's in the Lowlands by Liz Curtis Higgs... here.  (Lots of cheap used copies available.)
*The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society... here.
*The Illustrated Larkrise to Candleford... here. (Out of print but lots of used copies available.)
*Bella Grace... here. (You may find it at Barnes & Noble.)

Carolee Snyder's website "Book Store"... here. 

*Most links to Amazon.com are Associate Links.  I thank you.

Image: Instagram @coffeeteabooksandme