~ REVIEW & SPOTLIGHT, 'IN PLACES HIDDEN' ~

~ REVIEW & BOOK SPOTLIGHT ~

-- 'In Places Hidden', Golden Gate Secrets Book One --

~ Written by Award-Winning Author, Tracie Peterson ~

ABOUT THE BOOK:
 

The search for her missing brother leads to the most dangerous part of the city . . .

Camrianne Coulter's brother Caleb is a successful San Francisco attorney. But when three months go by without a word from the usually communicative Caleb, Camri boards a train to the booming West Coast city to find out for herself why he hasn't written. When she arrives at his home, nobody seems to know where he is, or what has become of him.

Camri's search for her brother leads her deep into the political corruption of the city--and into the acquaintance of Patrick Murdock, who Caleb successfully defended from a false murder charge. Getting to know this handsome Irish contractor challenges all of Camri's privileged beliefs, but Patrick is unshakably loyal to her brother, and he seems to know more about what happened to Caleb than anyone else. As the two edge closer to the truth behind Caleb's disappearance, they risk angering the powerful forces that control the city. Can Camri trust Patrick to protect her from the dangers that lie hidden in San Francisco's backstreets?

LINK TO EXCERPT

------------------------ 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana. Learn more at www.traciepeterson.com

LINK TO AUTHOR Q & A
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MY REVIEW:

I was eager to read this novel because it is set in San Francisco in 1905. I was raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and have spent a lot of time there over the years. I think it's fun to read a story set in a location with which I'm familiar. Also, I have read dozens of Tracie Peterson's historical novels, and I count her among my top ten favorite authors.

The story begins with Camri Coulter's arrival in San Francisco in late November, 1905. She has been sent from Chicago on a mission by her parents to find her missing brother, Caleb, an attorney in San Francisco. Her two previously unknown traveling companions on the train accompany her to Caleb's home as they need a place to stay due to their own misfortunes. The three women forge close friendships during the course of the book.

Kenzie Gifford is a jilted bride from Missouri who was stood up at the altar by her fiancee. She is searching for a new life--one which will allow her to find peace and happiness after the shame suffered by her family because of Kenzie's becoming an abandoned bride.

Judith Gladstone from Colorado is searching for an aunt she never knew existed until her mother passed away. While she was going through her mother's belongings, Judith found an old letter from many years ago addressed to Edith Whitley in San Francisco. She surmised from the contents of the letter that Edith was the older sister of Judith's late mother.

In the course of looking for her brother, Camri meets a former client of her brother's, Patrick Murdock. Patrick is a poor Irish immigrant who is out of work most of the time. Camri is led to believe Patrick has something to do with Caleb's disappearance by Caleb's employer.

The relationship Camri forms with Patrick's terminally ill sister, Ophelia, is touching and heartwarming. I don't want to say too much so as to spoil the story, but this was one of my favorite threads in the book. Ophelia is a beautiful soul with a kind, loving spirit filled with faith and hope.

Camri is persistent in her investigation of the circumstances surrounding Caleb's disappearance, and she is led into some of the more unsavory areas of the City as the time such as the Barbary Coast. Her determination and moxie are admirable.

Camri is a highly-educated woman for the time period, and she ruffles lots of feathers by insinuating that her new friends need to be more educated and liberated to be happy in their lives. She is a bit haughty and arrogant at times, and she learns a lot about how to treat people who are different than she by talking to her new friends, including Patrick Murdock.

As usual, the author has done her research about the San Francisco Bay Area, the clothing and customs of the era, and the lifestyles of the wealthy and poor for the time period. The story is enriched by the author's knowledge of what went on in San Francisco at the turn of the twentieth century.

Corruption, prejudice, poor treatment of immigrants, and the differences between the economic status of various groups are all included in this fantastic novel. The book flows seamlessly, and I'm eager to read the rest of the books in this series.

Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction, California history, mysteries, suspense, romance, inspirational fiction, and Christian fiction.

I received a paperback copy of this book from the publisher, Bethany House, in exchange for an honest review. I received no compensation from any party for posting my review on this blog or any other site.

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COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':

 -- Friday, April 13th: Book Spotlight and Snippet for 'A Place Called Hope'. SLB Tours.
 
-- Monday, April 16th: Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday Post: TBA.
 
--  Tuesday, April 17th:  'Julie' by Author Catherine Marshall. Book Blitz Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity. Includes a book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway!
 
--  Wednesday, April 18th: 'Better With You' by Author Rachel John. Promo Post hosted by I Am A Reader. Includes a giveaway!

--  Thursday, April 19th:  'Whitcomb Springs' Trio April Blast with $50 Giveaway. Promo hosted by I Am A Reader.

--  Friday, April 20th:  'The Burnheart Redemption' Book Spotlight and Snippet. Hosted by SLB Tours.

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~ Author Interview, Spotlight & Giveaway -- 'Perennials' ~

~ AUTHOR INTERVIEW, BOOK

SPOTLIGHT & GIVEAWAY ~

-- 'PERENNIALS: THRIVING FLOWER

GARDENS IN EVERY TYPE OF LIGHT'

BY CEDAR FORT AUTHOR NEDRA SECRIST --

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Master Gardener Nedra Secrist is a retired schoolteacher who teaches gardening seminars at libraries, churches, garden clubs, and civic groups. She has been growing perennials for over fifty years. She and her husband own Secrist Gardens, a home-based perennial nursery with locations in Brigham City, Utah, and St. Charles, Idaho. She uses 'green' gardening methods and hands-on training courses to help gardeners succeed.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW:
June: Welcome to 'Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic', Nedra. Tell us a little about yourself.

Nedra: Hi, My name is Nedra Secrist. I’m both a teacher and a gardener. As the saying goes, "Once a teacher always a teacher." Kids and flowers are God’s most perfect creations, and I’ve been blessed to live and work with these things I love. 

June:  You have a lovely outlook on your life's passions, Nedra.

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June: What is your earliest memory of working in a garden?

Nedra: My earliest memories of gardening are helping my Dad on our farms in western Tremonton, Utah. I’m the oldest of six children so I was lucky enough to be Dad’s son and he taught that if you wanted something, roll up those shirtsleeves and get to work. When my husband, Donrey, my partner of 65 years now, proposed marriage I replied: "Only if you promise I won’t have to live on a farm." Now he laughs as he gazes at our unending perennial flowerbeds and teases, "You’re just a frustrated farm girl."

June:  What a blessing to learn to love and appreciate gardening beside your father.

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June: Please tell us a little about how you selected which flowers to include in this book and how you organized the information in the book.

Nedra: The flowers in both books were chosen by hands-on growing situations of what works. If they grew in the high mountain valleys with cold winters, hot dry summers, wildlife neighbors, and the poorest of alkaline soils plus water they belonged in the books. Perennials with long-lives, excellent foliage, deer resistance qualities and a preference for alkaline soils are also necessary qualities to belong in the books. 

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June: Please share with us what type of research you did for your book.

Nedra: My husband and I have gardened together for over 65 years in both Utah and Idaho, and we know what grows here. Our children and grandchildren are avid gardeners and I felt it was important to get our gardening knowledge in writing. There has been a need in this area for this type of enjoyable reference material for a long time, and I’m pleased the information is now available. 

June:  I'm certain gardeners in Utah and Idaho appreciate having your personal knowledge and expertise in print for their own reference and enjoyment!

---------------------------------

June: Please tell us about your first publication, 'Powerful Perennials: Enduring Flower Gardens That Thrive in Any Climate' published in 2015, and how it relates to your newest release.

Nedra: The connection between my first book, 'Powerful Perennials', and 'Perennials and Light' is that they complete and complement each other. There is so much to teach to ensure success that one book was not adequate! 

June:  Thanks for taking the time to answer this garden-lover's questions and for sharing your expertise with my readers. Best wishes on your gardening and writing endeavors, Nedra.

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CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR:
http://secristgardens.com
http://powerfulperennials.com
https://www.facebook.com/PowerfulPerennials/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/11661896.Nedra_Secrist
https://www.bookpeopleofmoscow.com/

------------------------------------
ABOUT THE BOOK:

Learn to work with the light in your yard to create gorgeous displays for shady spots or take advantage of the hot afternoon sun. Master gardener Nedra Secrist will teach you how to pick the right plants for any spot so your garden can thrive. Spend less time maintaining your garden and more time enjoying its abundant beauty.

BOOK BUY LINKS:
Barnes & Noble

Books & Things

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GIVEAWAY:  The publisher, Cedar Fort Inc., is giving away two e-format copies of Nedra's book to two lucky US or International winners! Please enter to win a copy of this colorful, informative book by using the Rafflecopter entry form below. {Must be over 18 years of age to enter.}

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':

-- Thursday, April 12th: Review of Author Tracie Peterson's newest release, 'In Places Hidden'. Bethany House Blog Tour.

-- Friday, April 13th: Book Spotlight and Snippet for 'A Place Called Hope'. SLB Tours.
 
-- Monday, April 16th: Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday Post: TBA.
 
--  Tuesday, April 17th:  'Julie' by Author Catherine Marshall. Book Blitz Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity. Includes a book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway!
 
--  Wednesday, April 18th: 'Better With You' by Author Rachel John. Promo Post hosted by I Am A Reader. Includes a giveaway!

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~ Spotlight & Review of 'How to Window Box' ~

~ GARDENING BOOK SPOTLIGHT

& REVIEW ~

-- 'HOW TO WINDOW BOX'

BY CHANTAL AIDA GORDON & RYAN BENOIT --

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Grow a few square feet of green no matter where you live. Meet the window box: by far the most accessible container garden for any skill level, space, or quality of light. Whether your window faces south where the sun floods in or north with nothing but shade, these indoor and outdoor projects show you how to easily arrange and cultivate succulents, herbs, cacti, vegetables, monstera, and more. Bright photography and instructions take you from understanding soil and watering needs to personalizing your own box, making this a great primer for anyone who is green to gardening.

Praise for 'How to Window Box'  ~
“Learn how to make the cutest (and most space-efficient) window boxes of your dreams.” –Country Living


“A pocket-sized guide that suggests a range of themed window boxes for the novice gardener [and] talks you through the intricacies of mixing different potting mediums for optimal plant happiness.” –The Telegraph

“This is a great way for apartment-dwellers to dip a toe in the dirt.” –BookPage

“[This book] teaches readers how to build the right window box to fit their individual needs.” –Heirloom Gardener

 

Product Details

Hardcover | $14.99
Published by Clarkson Potter
Feb 27, 2018 | 176 Pages | 8-1/4 x 5-1/2 | ISBN 9781524760243 

MY REVIEW:

This book covers everything you need to know about window box gardening--A to Z! 

The introduction presents basic information such as light requirements for indoor and outdoor gardening, light requirements for window boxes, tools, how to buy plants, etc. I found the soil types charts and hydration information to be extremely detailed and helpful. The authors lead readers through the fertilization and pruning processes and how to replace dead plants. 

'The Boxes' section of the book is colorful, engaging, and intriguing. Here the authors display the various window boxes they have designed and give detailed 'recipes' for each project. The projects range from cacti gardens {The Sand Box} to the lush Rain Forest window box and everything in-between! 

The kitchen boxes are unique and clever. I was fascinated with the 'Edible Petals' project which includes flowers that can be eaten. Nasturtium, alyssum, marigold, geranium, and dianthus are a few of the varieties included in this project. The 'Salad Bar' box includes lettuces, kale, and spinach. The 'Herb Garden' is whimsical with its chalkboard paint sides on which a gardener can label the plants with chalk. This garden includes oregano, thyme, parsley, sage, etc.

The photography is excellent as are the stepped-out instructions for the projects. The type is rather small on some of the sidebars in the book, so be aware of that if you're buying the book for someone who prefers or needs a larger text size.

All in all, this book is highly-recommended for gardeners, plant and flower lovers, inventive cooks, do-it-your-selfers, and parents/grandparents who like to work on DIY projects with their children/tweens/teens!

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for this review. I received no compensation from Blogging for Books or any other party for posting this review here or on any other sites.

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COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Wednesday, April 11th: Cedar Fort Author Nedra Secrist will be my guest on the blog for an author interview and spotlight on her new book about perennials.

-- Thursday, April 12th: Review of Author Tracie Peterson's newest release, 'In Places Hidden'. Bethany House Blog Tour.

-- Friday, April 13th: Book Spotlight and Snippet for 'A Place Called Hope'. SLB Tours.

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~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE -- 'ALIENS GET THE SNIFFLES TOO!' ~

~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE ~

-- CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK 

BOOK SPOTLIGHT & REVIEW --

'Aliens Get the Sniffles Too! AHHH-CHOO!'

Written by Katy S. Duffield

Illustrated by K.G. Campell

LEARN MORE ON GOODREADS

ABOUT THE BOOK {from Goodreads}:

Ahhh-flying-saucer-shooting-star-CHOO! Laughter is the best medicine when you're a little alien feeling under the weather.

Little Alien is sick. And sick is extra-terrestrial bad when you have two scratchy throats, five ears that hurt, and three runny noses. Splatch! Sputter! Spurt! Luckily Mama and Daddy Alien have an arsenal of lunar decongestants and meteor showers on hand to make him feel a little better (not to mention a Milky Way milkshake to help the medicine go down). Even so, the family's alien pooch, Mars Rover, can't stand to see his little buddy feeling out of sorts. Can a loyal pup's funny tricks finally coax a smile?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: {from Goodreads}:

Katy is the award winning author of more than twenty-five books for children including FARMER MCPEEPERS AND HIS MISSING MILK COWS (illus. Steve Gray), CALIFORNIA HISTORY FOR KIDS, and LOUD LULA (illus. Mike Boldt).

Her newest picture book, ALIENS GET THE SNIFFLES TOO, (illus. K.G. Campbell), is forthcoming from Candlewick Press in November 2017.

Katy's work has also appeared in numerous children's magazines, and she has written for several educational publishers.

For more information about Katy and her work, please visit: http://katyduffield.com/HOME.html

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR {from Goodreads}:

K. G. Campbell is the author-illustrator of Lester’s Dreadful Sweaters. He was born in Kenya, raised in Scotland, and now lives in southern California. http://kgcampbell.com/

MY REVIEW:   

This book is set in outer space at the home of Little Alien and his parents. The cast includes his canine companion, Mars Rover.

The story begins when Little Alien comes down with a cold. This is a major event because this guy has two throats, five ears, and three noses. Can you imagine?

Daddy Alien jets off in his spaceship to retrieve some cold remedies from around the galaxy. These clever remedies include a Milky Way milkshake, some water mixed with stardust, and shooting-star ear drops.

Never far from Little Alien's side, Mars Rover gets tired of seeing his buddy suffer. So he does whatever he can think of to cheer up Little Alien as a means of getting the alien to forget how miserable he is with the sneezing and sore throat and everything else. 

I won't spoil the ending for you and your little ones, but there is a great surprise in store for readers at end of the book!

The illustrations are created by award-winning illustrator, K.G. Campbell. The images are colorful and engaging; they enhance the story very well.

**Highly recommended!  This whimsical, unique story with its rich vocabulary and delightful illustrations is certain to entertain youngsters reading after reading.

 ----------------------------------------------------------

NOTE FROM BLOGGER:  I was fortunate enough to win this book in a Rafflecopter giveaway on the KidLit 411 website last autumn around the time of the book's release. I was not compensated by the publisher or anyone else to post my review here or on any other sites. 

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COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
 
-- Monday, April 9th: Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday Feature: Title TBA.
 
-- Tuesday, April 10th: Book spotlight and review of a gardening book written by authors Chantal Aida Gordon & Ryan Benoit. Blogging for Books Blog Tour.

-- Wednesday, April 11th: Cedar Fort Author Nedra Secrist will be my guest on the blog for an author interview and spotlight on her new book about perennials.

-- Thursday, April 12th: Review of Author Tracie Peterson's newest release, 'In Places Hidden'. Bethany House Blog Tour.

-- Friday, April 13th: Book Spotlight and Snippet for 'A Place Called Hope'. SLB Tours.
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~ Love in Bloom Kick-Off ~

~ LOVE IN BLOOM 

APRIL 2018 CLEAN ROMANCE 

EVENT KICK-OFF ~

 

 

-- Love in Bloom

Hosted by I Am A Reader

April 2018 --

Throughout the month of April, we will be featuring 10 fabulous authors who write clean romance. There will be a dozen giveaways, free ebooks, and lots of great deals on books. We’re starting off with a $100 Kick-Off Giveaway. One lucky winner will receive a $100 Amazon Gift Code or $100 in Paypal Cash. Check out this great list of authors we will be spotlighting!  

   

Participating Authors

Melinda Curtis

Liz Isaacson

Melanie D. Snitker

Carol Ross

Laurie (L.C.) Lewis

Rachael Anderson

Delaney Cameron

Donna Hatch

Brooke St. James

Becky Monson

   

Giveaway Details:
$100 in Paypal Cash or a $100 Amazon.com eGift Card Ends 4/30/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via PayPal or gift codes via Amazon.com. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the participating authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

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COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':

-- Friday, April 6th: My Friday Fiction Feature will be a picture book entitled 'Aliens Get the Sniffles Too! by Katy S. Duffield and Illustrated by K.G. Campbell.

-- Monday, April 9th: Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday Feature: Title TBA.

-- Tuesday, April 10th: Book spotlight and review of a gardening book written by authors Chantal Aida Gordon & Ryan Benoit.

-- Wednesday, April 11th: Cedar Fort Author Nedra Secrist will be my guest on the blog for an author interview and spotlight on her new book about perennials. 

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~ MMGM Non-Fiction Feature 'MAKE: Edible Inventions' ~

~ MARVELOUS MIDDLE-GRADE
MONDAY NON-FICTION S.T.E.A.M.
EDUCATION FEATURE ~
-- 'Make: Edible Inventions--Cooking Hacks and
Yummy Recipes You Can Build, Mix, Bake, and Grow'
Written by Author/Educator Kathy Ceceri --

LEARN MORE ON GOODREADS

ABOUT THE BOOK {from Goodreads}:
Believe it or not, there's a lot of inventing going on in the kitchen. Unless you only eat fruits and veggies right off the plant, you are using tools and techniques invented by humans to make food more tasty and easier to digest. When you cook food, you start to break it down into a form your body can absorb. When you add chemicals to make it thicker, gooey-er, or puffy-er, you turn a bunch of boring ingredients into a mouth-watering snack. Edible Inventions: Cooking Hacks and Yummy Recipes You Can Build, Mix, Bake, and Grow will show you some unusual ways to create a meal, and help you invent some of your own.

Projects include:
--3D printing with food
--Chemical cuisine and molecular gastronomy
--Prepared foods like jellies and pickles at home
--Growing your own ingredients
--Cooking off the grid

ABOUT THE AUTHOR {from Goodreads}:
Kathy Ceceri is the author of activity books for kids and families including "Musical Inventions," "Paper Inventions" and "Making Simple Robots" from Maker Media, and "Robotics: Discover the Science and Technology" and "Video Games: Design and Code Your Own Adventure" from Nomad Press. Online, she was the Homeschooling Expert for About.com (now Thoughtco), a founding editor of GeekMom.com, and a top writer for the GeekDad blog. When she's not busy writing, Kathy presents hands-on STEAM workshops based on her books for kids and educators.

**Please note: Kathy was my guest on 'Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic' in early February 2018. Please follow this link to read my interview with this awesome author:

Interview with Author/Educator Kathy Ceceri 


MY REVIEW:  I have been cooking since I was about eleven years old, and I learned so much about the science behind cooking from reading this book!

I learned about the invention of baking powder in 1869 by Eben Norton Horsford. This simple combination of two chemicals made a product that was quicker than waiting for yeast to rise and it also had a long shelf life. The author points out on page 85 that this invention 'made convenience foods like pancake mix possible.'

Other favorite projects included the chapter titled, Grow Your Own Ingredients, where students are taught how to grow celery, sprouts, onions, herbs, etc. in jars and pots. The aquaponic jar project is amazing and uses several recycled items from around the house.

My favorite chapter is Cook Off the Grid. Readers will learn how to cook with the sun by building a solar cooking unit, construct a thermal cooker, and assemble an outdoor tin-can cooker. Detailed instructions with photos are given for each project. Information about the science behind the projects is included in detail. Delicious recipes to cook in the various off-the-grid cookers are included.

As an adult, I appreciated all of the safety tips the author carefully places admidst her instructions. There is a lot to like about this book. Highly recommended for families, teachers, scout leaders, and others who enjoy combining science with food to have some good old-fashioned off-screen fun!
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I borrowed this book from the Children's section of the local public library.

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COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':

-- Monday, April 2nd: My Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday Non-Fiction S.T.E.A.M. Education Feature will be: 'MAKE: Edible Inventions' by Author/Educator Kathy Ceceri.

-- Friday, April 6th: My Friday Fiction Feature will be a picture book entitled 'Aliens Get the Sniffles Too! by Katy S. Duffield and Illustrated by K.G. Campbell.

--  Monday, April 9th:  Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday Feature:  Title TBA.

--  Tuesday, April 10th:  Book spotlight and review of a gardening book written by authors Chantal Aida Gordon & Ryan Benoit.

--  Wednesday, April 11th:  Cedar Fort Author Nedra Secrist will be my guest on the blog for an author interview and spotlight on her new book about perennials.

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