Review: 
Octopus, seahorse and jellyfish are three ocean animals that evoke mystery and wonder whenever we can glimpse a look.  Their beauty and diversity reels you in for a closer look.  In Octopus, Seahorse, Jellyfish photographer David Liittschwager reveals the work of 12 years of specialized photography of these beautiful creatures.   All of the animals are pictured on white backgrounds through a photographic technique of using condenser lenses that allows light to be focused on the camera lens, increasing the contrast allowing for all of the animals' details and intricacies to come forward.  Each chapter focuses on one type of animal and is accompanied by an essay by an expert in the field to give context and information about the animal, it's environment and special features. 

Through the photography, the octopus dances across the page and stares into your eyes.  Their amazing skin texture and tentacles can be seen up close and in astounding detail. The seahorse, seadragon and pipefish are pictured much bigger than their actual size so that their graceful shapes, intricate patterns and delicate features can be appreciated.  A wide variety of jellyfish are featured with close ups of tentacles, bells, and their overall lack of body parts is apparent.  I was intrigued by their many  different forms and ways to reproduce for a creature that seems so simple.  I had no idea that there were eternal jellyfish or that they went through so many different phases to become the final form that we know as a medusa.  Overall, Octopus, Seahorse, Jellyfish is an amazing display of photography that allows these animals to shine and creates a call to protect these creatures that we share the Earth with. 

About the Book: 

​SECRETS OF ROSENLI MANOR 
BY HEIDI ELJARBO
Publication Date: March 29, 2022
Genre: Historical Fiction
Series: Mysteries of the Modern Ladies’ Society #1


Betrayal and trust go hand in hand in the first book of Heidi Eljarbo’s new turn-of-the-century series.

It’s 1898, and Lilly has spent most of her life motherless and living with a father who never looks for a silver lining. When her great-aunt Agatha passes, Lilly’s existence takes a drastic turn. She packs her few belongings and moves into the old lady’s magnificent estate, Rosenli Manor.

In the days that follow, Lilly tries to understand who Agatha really was, and hidden secrets slowly rise to the surface. Her great-aunt’s glamorous legacy is not quite what Lilly had imagined. She must trust in newly forged friendships, and to her surprise, she discovers what it means to truly fall in love. But not everyone is happy about the new mistress of Rosenli.
Intrigue, mystery, and a touch of romance in the Norwegian countryside fill the pages of Secrets of Rosenli Manor.
Betrayal and trust go hand in hand in the first book of Heidi Eljarbo’s new turn-of-the-century series.

It’s 1898, and Lilly has spent most of her life motherless and living with a father who never looks for a silver lining. When her great-aunt Agatha passes, Lilly’s existence takes a drastic turn. She packs her few belongings and moves into the old lady’s magnificent estate, Rosenli Manor.

In the days that follow, Lilly tries to understand who Agatha really was, and hidden secrets slowly rise to the surface. Her great-aunt’s glamorous legacy is not quite what Lilly had imagined. She must trust in newly forged friendships, and to her surprise, she discovers what it means to truly fall in love. But not everyone is happy about the new mistress of Rosenli.
Intrigue, mystery, and a touch of romance in the Norwegian countryside fill the pages of Secrets of Rosenli Manor.

“Secrets of Rosenli Manor is a delightful mystery about finding what was lost and the power of friendship. The sweet romance added a refreshing dimension to the theme of competent and capable women at a time when females were denied a proper voice. Eljarbo’s lovely writing brings the quaint Norwegian village alive through a cast of characters that will charm the reader from beginning to end.” -Julie Daines, bestselling author of Eleanor and the Iron King

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

Review: 
After Lilly Larsen surprisingly inherits her Aunt Agatha's estate, she has a lot of decisions to consider.  Lilly is already an accomplished woman in 1898 Norway with an advanced degree and job in accounting, but is unsure that she can take on the entirety of her Aunt's household and business.  With the entire rest of the family feeling like they have been cheated out of a substantial inheritance, Lilly must follow the advice of her Aunt's letters, her new friends at Rosenli and most importantly, her heart.  

Secrets of Rosenli Manor is an exciting, fast paced and heartfelt mystery with plenty of adventure.  Lilly's character is intelligent, caring and open minded for her new opportunity.  I really enjoyed the letters that Aunt Agatha left for Lilly.  The letters were compelling and helped Lilly dive into her adventure as well as lead her to solving the many mysteries surrounding Rosenli Manor, Aunt Agatha's life and her own.  The town of Glass Cove seemed charming and idyllic, I do wish there were more descriptions of the countryside and architecture so I could get a better sense of place.  If the description hadn't said it was set in Norway, it could have been anywhere in Europe.  Overall, Secrets of Rosenli Manor is a dramatic quest with great characters and a wonderful focus on expanding women's rights.  I'll definitely want to read more of the Mysteries of the Modern Ladies' Society series.

About the Author

Heidi Eljarbo writes historical fiction. She grew up in a home filled with books and artwork and she never truly imagined she would do anything other than write and paint. She studied art, languages, and history, all of which have come in handy when working as a freelance writer, magazine journalist, and painter.

After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She and her husband have a total of nine children, thirteen grandchildren—so far—in addition to a bouncy Wheaten Terrier.

Their favorite retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summertime and ski the vast, white terrain during winter.
Heidi’s favorites are family, God’s beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.
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If you would like to know more, please visit Heidi’s website. You can also follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

About the Book: 

For millennia, trees have offered renewal and inspiration. They have provided for humanity on every level, from spiritual sanctuary to the raw material for our homes, books, and food. In this beautiful and revealing book, National Geographic combines legendary photography with cutting-edge science to illuminate exactly how trees influence the life of planet Earth—from our personal lives to the weather cycle. Beautifully illustrated essays tell the stories of the world’s most remarkable trees, from Tane Mahura in New Zealand, the ancient Maori "lord of the forest," to Pando, a single aspen spreading over 100 acres: Earth’s largest living thing. You’ll also discover how an astronaut carried tree seeds to the moon and back; the reason "microdosing" on tree gas is a sure way to boost your immune system; and why playing in the dirt boosts serotonin, happiness hormone.

For nature and science enthusiasts, as well as photography lovers, Into the Forest is a beautiful and edifying gift to give or cherish.

Review: 
Into the Forest explores the wonders of forests through beautiful photography and the latest scientific knowledge. The different chapters dive into different parts that make up the forest: trees, earth, water, air and fire before combining them into a chapter on the forests that we know and love.  Throughout the chapter there are absolutely stunning photographs of forests from full landscapes down to the microscopic level, favorite forest quotes as well as up-to-date knowledge of forest ecology and stories of well-known trees. 
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Into the Forest focuses on the interconnectedness of the forest and the many ways that plants, animals, fungus, bacteria, microbes and weather interact.  Combining stories, anthropology and science, the world of the forest becomes alive and it's importance is revealed.  One of the main points that Into the Forest drives home is all the ways that the forest benefits humans.  From medicines to food and materials to releasing chemicals that improve our mental health, the forests have always been there for us, despite our best efforts to destroy it.  Some of my favorite parts were learning more about how trees communicate through different fungus, how soil bacteria has helped to develop vaccines, how trees have adapted to seemingly impossible environments, how trees create lasting aromas and the stories of famous trees that have helped to shape history.  


This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 

MY QUEEN, MY LOVE: A NOVEL OF HENRIETTA MARIA
BY ELENA MARIA VIDAL
Publication Date: November 25, 2021
Mayapple Books
Paperback & eBook; 284 pages
Series: The Henrietta of France Trilogy Book 1
Genre: Historical Fiction/Biography


The youngest daughter of Henri IV, the first Bourbon King of France, Henriette-Marie always knew she would have to marry a prince. When the Prince of Wales, Charles Stuart, travels through Paris he sees her dancing at the Louvre and within two years a marriage is arranged. However, Henriette is Catholic and Catholicism is banned in England. In preparing to become Queen of England, Scotland and Ireland, Henriette has no idea of the obstacles that must be overcome before she can find happiness with Charles. The main hindrance, she soon realizes, is not the difference in religion but Charles’ best friend, George Villiers, the handsome Duke of Buckingham, who is resolved to subdue Henriette to his will. Buckingham forgets that Henriette is also half Medici and underestimates her determination to succeed as well as the depth of her love for Charles. My Queen, My Love is the first novel in the Henrietta of France Trilogy by acclaimed author Elena Maria Vidal. It describes the early years of the tumultuous marriage of Charles I and Henrietta Maria which preceded the English Civil Wars of the Seventeenth Century.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

Praise
“Elena Maria Vidal’s new historical novel captivated me from the beginning. The fascinating story of the often tumultuous life of Henrietta Maria of France, a devout Catholic Queen living in post-Reformation England, is beautifully written. This will especially be appreciated by readers who want to immerse themselves in the world of 17th century England and France. The characters are well-developed and believable. I highly recommend this remarkable book to all who enjoy a compelling story.” —Ellen Gable, award-winning author

“Like the works by Sharon Kay Penman and other exceptional historical fiction authors, My Queen, My Love takes the reader on an intense journey back in time, allowing the reader to feel immersed in the era, the events, the people, the loves and the tragedies (and so much more). Beautifully told.” —Readers’ Favorite

“With My Queen, My Love, E.M. Vidal has brought Henrietta Maria’s passion and character to life with remarkable skill.” —Andrea Zuvich, author of Sex and Sexuality in Stuart Britain

“Elena Maria Vidal envelops readers in period detail with each rustle of silk, every whispered prophecy. A richly told tale of intrigue and betrayal, loyalty and hope, My Queen, My Love rushes headlong towards the tumultuous history of the English Civil War.” —Mary Jo Anderson, author of Male and Female He Made Them

“Henrietta Maria’s life is so richly improbable that it’s unusual that she hasn’t attracted the attention of more historical novelists. Now, we have an exciting, beautifully-researched, and sympathetic first installment in a new trilogy inspired by this remarkable seventeenth-century queen.” —Gareth Russell, author of A History of the English Monarchy: From Boadicea to Elizabeth I and An Illustrated Introduction to the Tudors

Review: 
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Henriette was the youngest daughter of King Henri IV of France and Marie de Medici.  At 13, she caught the eye of Charles Stuart, Prince of Wales. At 15, Henriette is married to Charles and becomes Queen Henrietta Marie.  While Charles and Henriette did find love for one another early on; their relationship is plagued with difficulties.  Henriette has difficulty assimilating to England and learning the language. Henriette is Catholic and was promised in her marriage contract that she could continue to practice, but Charles is Anglican. Lastly, Charles' best friend, the Duke of Buckingham seems to be purposely causing Henriette trouble at every turn.  With Buckingham leading a seemingly ill-fated war against her home country, Henriette's life seems to be ill-fated; however, Henriette is determined to persevere. 


My Queen, My Love is the first book in a trilogy about the life of Henrietta of France.  This book focuses on Henrietta's early marriage to Charles Stuart. The writing incorporated intricate historical detail and I love that Henriette was the focus of the story.  Henriette is very innocent yet determined and much smarter than most people probably realized.  I was intrigued by Charles and Henriette's tumultuous marriage.  It seemed that they truly loved one another, but were greatly affected by religious differences, and meddling by the Duke of Buckingham.  I would have loved to have some insights into the Duke of Buckingham's actions, maybe a chapter of two from his point of view.   With a surprising ending leading into a turbulent time in England's history, I am excited to see where Henriette's story leads next. 

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 

About the Author

Elena Maria Vidal was born in Florence, Oregon in 1962 but grew up in Frederick County, Maryland. She received her BA in Psychology from Hood College and her MA in Modern European History from SUNY Albany. She has been a member of the Secular Order of Mount Carmel since 1986. Elena enjoys cooking, gardening, opera and working with the elderly. She lives on Maryland’s Eastern Shore with her family. She is currently engaged in writing a historical fiction trilogy about Queen Henrietta Maria. Elena’s Tea at Trianon blog deals with social, religious and political issues as well as history. My Queen, My Love is her fifth novel and sixth book.
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For more information please visit Elena’s website and blog.  You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads.