Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Anyone who has loved a dog (or any pet for that matter) and brought the dog into their home, their life, and their heart, knows the intensity of this cherished bond. We care for these furry friends as a member of our families and love them with an indescribable passion. When it’s time to part ways, and our beloved dog must take the route of the Rainbow Bridge, we are inconsolable and heartbroken. There’s a deep hole in our hearts that nothing can fill; there is no replacement available, nor would we want to seek a replacement. Jacqueline Lemieux-Bokor’s book, Remember Me as Sunshine, is a tender tribute to a loving fur-baby who has moved on. From the beginning of one’s attachment to a specific dog to the soul-crushing final moments, the words and photographs are poignant memories of what we had and what remains only in our memories.

Jacqueline Lemieux-Bokor’s book, Remember Me as Sunshine: Love Notes from My Dog, is a fitting tribute to a cherished family member and best friend. The author’s approach is unique as she describes the compassionate feelings, demonstrating the dog’s unconditional love, in his/her words, as love letters to the owner. The photographs for each letter note entry are sublime as the author not only uses images of cherished dogs but also photographs of flowers and other things that connected her with her dog, like flowers from her garden that the two walked past on their daily outings. At the end of the book are pages for readers to enter their own cherished memories, and letters their beloved pets might write to them. For anyone who has ever owned, loved, and lost a treasured dog, a furry best friend, or an important family member, this book is a sweet and endearing look at how our best friends probably view us. Keep the tissues handy as this is a tear-jerker, especially if you’ve just lost your own best furry friend as I have. Loved it!

Reviewed by Makeda Cummings for Readers' Favorite

Whispers of the Roaring Twenties: Paris Unveiled vibrantly depicts the City of Light during the 1920s when France was still emerging from the horrors of war to greet a new world. Naza Semoniff meticulously sheds light on the changes and upheavals Paris underwent during this pivotal period. She recalls how Paris embraced jazz music, fine cuisine, and a rich culture that stood out among other cities worldwide. From art, sexual expression, architecture, entertainment, and fashion to literature, music, colorful social interactions, and political change, Paris made monumental headway as a city on the rise. Included in this treasure trove are tributes to well-known sites like Montparnasse and Montmartre, and short biographies of historical figures like Jean Cocteau, Jeanne Hébuterne, Nancy Cunard, Tristan Tzara, and Marcel Duchamp, to name a few.

Whispers of the Roaring Twenties: Paris Unveiled is an incredible read. Through her writing, you can tell that Naza Semoniff is very passionate about Paris. But who can blame her? The feeling is infectious. Reading her book is parallel to relaxing in a café and having an intense conversation about Paris with the writer herself. I am impressed by the book’s layout. It is structured with themed chapters that encourage a deep appreciation of Paris during the 1920s. In completion, it looks like a well-written thesis. Each chapter provides in-depth details, intriguing stories, and fascinating photos or artwork. This book can be enjoyed by persons who love Paris and its rich history, as well as potential visitors who would like to experience more than the average tourist attractions.

Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite

If you think homecoming is only about the game and dance, then you are mistaken. Its traditions have united schools, communities, and families for decades, and its less well-known aspects have a deeper meaning and impact on the people of Texas. The homecoming mums, short for chrysanthemums, are one of the less-known traditions, and in Mumentous, Amy J Schultz explains their origins, economics, and value. The crafting and exchanging of these large, bright ornaments bring people together and create memories and mementos for them. The author gives tips on how to make a personalized mum that matches your preferences. She talks about the innovative mothers who have dedicated their time and talents to craft creative mums and become successful entrepreneurs through this business. These mothers share ideas and have formed a long-lasting sisterhood that has outlived generations. The book also covers the rise of the anti-mums, the author's mum museum project, and various heartwarming stories related to the tradition.

Mumentous by Amy J Schultz celebrates a tradition that transcends race, ethnicity, and background. I enjoyed reading this informative book and loved the author's dedication. She uses her writing and photography skills to educate people about mums and adds commentary about her emotional connection to the homecoming tradition, which shows her passion for the topic. The black and white photos gave the book a nostalgic feel and complemented the text. The topic of mums makes this book unique, and the stories surrounding the tradition add an authentic and emotional background that many readers will resonate with. The book is well-written and organized, making it easy to follow and understand, and its beautiful designs make it visually appealing. Traditions give us a sense of belonging, and their continuity is a testament to our preservation of history. This is a great book to read and a must-have for anyone who wants to learn about homecoming traditions. Brilliant work.

Reviewed by Vernita Naylor for Readers' Favorite

Wine is extremely popular in some countries and it has become a part of the many ways that several cultures socialize. At some high-end restaurants in addition to the food menu, you will be presented with a wine list that could have pages of wine choices from whites to red with various types of flavors to suit your palate. You are in for a treat reading Exploring Wine Regions: California Central Coast by author, photographer, and photojournalist Michael C. Higgins. In this book, you will learn about the wines that are special to the California Central Coast area. Michael has carefully crafted a guide using his background and own experiences to help you understand the history behind the wine that many have come to love and enjoy. The California Central Coast consists of Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara Counties. Here you will discover how the location of your ideal wine is based upon its terroir. A terroir is an ecosystem (soil, topography, weather, and climate) that blends with the grapes to help build its wine character. But we wouldn’t have Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, and Grenache without the exceptional creativity of the winemakers, vintners, and other talents that work within the terroir to help build the personality of the wines.

I am a California Bay Area native and have always been familiar with the Napa and Sonoma Valley wineries but during my various stays within the California Central Coast area, I never thought of the wineries within it. Michael has influenced my curiosity. In reading, Exploring Wine Regions by Michael C. Higgins, I am now challenging myself to visit some of these places soon. Additionally, I was fascinated to learn the various terms and professions that are associated with the wine industry: oenologist, appellation, American Viticulture Areas (AVA), and of course, terroir. It was also amazing to learn that there are over 100 soil variations, which may include volcanic ash, lime, or granite, that are unique to the state and influence the bodies of the wines being created. In this book, you will not only learn about the location of the wines and their price point within the California Central Coast area but also details on hotels, restaurants, and activities to experience and explore. Grab a copy of this book, go on an adventure, stay for a while within the area, and explore the beauty and fun that awaits.

Reviewed by Kimberlee J Benart for Readers' Favorite

Art Is About Being Whole: A Memoir by artist and educator Cindy Ingram is a visual feast for the eyes and a fascinating story to read. When you review a book that so many experts have already reviewed, it can be challenging to think about what more you can say. Let me keep this review on the level of someone who is not an expert but a lifelong lover of art in its many forms, both visual and performing. Even if you think you know nothing about art, even if it’s never interested you before, you can’t flip through the visually luscious pages in this book without being wowed. And you can’t read Cindy Ingram’s poetry and prose about her journey to self-discovery and wholeness through art without being moved.

In Art Is About Being Whole, Cindy Ingram gives voice to the transformative power of art to fill our lives with fullness, healing, understanding, and connection. I was fascinated as she unfolded her emotional growth through encounters with various works of art. Ingram writes engagingly, sharing her experiences and emotions as she discovers herself and develops a philosophy about life, spirituality, and purpose. This is an excellent book for anyone going through tough times who may not have considered art as part of their healing and self-discovery process, but it’s also a great read for those who simply enjoy the magic of art and want to embrace it more fully. An epilogue, references, a list of art illustrations, and helpful links are included.

Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite

Your Words Your Heart by Louise Bélanger is a collection of Christian poetry that celebrates God’s gifts to humankind. It is composed of twenty-six poems complemented by forty spring and summer pictures of nature and flowers taken by the author in her hometown in Canada. Each poem is dated and they range from 2 December 2021 to 17 August 2022. The poems are written in free verse, with the first poem paying tribute to the place we call home. This effectively establishes the theme for the rest of the book. Most of the poems in this collection are filled with insight into the moral dilemmas that society faces, with religious themes that center on faith and doubt, love, trust, times, and seasons. The colorful and stunning pictures enhance the universal appeal.

Louise Bélanger’s Your Words Your Heart is her third work of inspirational poetry. What I like most about this collection is not only how the poet skillfully uses the elements of simile, metaphor, and personification, but the spirit of worship that is on every page reminding us of God’s love. Most of the poems give meaning and stability to our lives and make us aware of spiritual realities. My favorite poem in this collection is Petals Like Heart where the author laments an unattended heart when its edges are turning into ice, like petals. However, the poem ends on a positive note with: "The sun can warm one/The Son can heal the other/Petals Like hearts Are subject to frost."

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

On to Plan C: A Return to Travel by Jeremiah A. Gilbert tells the story of traveling again after the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were lifted. Two years of planned trips had been canceled, but now the world was opening up again. It’s 2022, and Jeremiah wanted to use his travel credits from canceled flights to plan a trip for himself and his wife. Up to date with vaccinations and with masks firmly in place, they set off on the first trip, battling health and fitness problems and the ever-changing rules of entry to each country. Is this the new normal, or will travel ever return to the easy way it once was?

On to Plan C by Jeremiah A. Gilbert is a fabulous tale of travel after the pandemic that reflects the issues we all faced when trying to get back to normal. It’s a wonderfully open, honest account of their adventures, the battle to keep up with the entry requirements for each country that seemed to change daily, and the COVID-19 testing requirements in each place, too. There are hundreds of photographs in this book, some color, some black and white, all helping to bring the tale to life. If you haven’t been brave enough to get on a plane since the pandemic was over, read this book. It will help you see how much easier it is now compared to when the world was just beginning to open up again. This is a fabulous book. Jeremiah is a talented writer and photographer, and his words leap off the page at you, with his descriptions and stories written in a way that makes you feel you are living the adventures with him. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Sometimes people involved in creative endeavors can hit a roadblock that prevents them from finding inspiration. In Treasure Found: An Art Journey, illustrator and pattern design artist Cinthia James offers potential creative artists a glimpse into her creative process and search for inspiration ranging from fashion, art, and entertainment to the K-pop musical group ATEEZ. She advises readers to start with the most significant aspect of any creative process: "What do you Love?" This book can be a guide to starting your artistic process, ensuring a continuous stream of inspiration and a visible improvement in your work. You will be able to discover and define your style and feel confident in your art while learning the fundamentals of graphic design, the process of creating in a series and outlining your work, negating self-doubt, and avoiding procrastination.

Cinthia James provides some deep and helpful insights into the process of creating art. She believes in the benefits of placing some constraints on your ideas to sharpen your focus and push your creativity, having a clear and concise vision while creating an idea, and breaking down projects into smaller components. James also explains the key differences between style and concept, inspiration and influence, and shows the application of grids, creative briefs, mood boards, and many other aspects of creating art. I was impressed by how many of James's ideas are not just bound to the realm of illustration or pattern designs but can be applied to other artistic media such as music, writing, and poetry. Treasure Found is truly a book for all the creatives out there.

Reviewed by Kimberlee J Benart for Readers' Favorite

Thangkas are a rare form of fabric wall hanging depicting sacred figures of Tibetan Buddhism. Using a little-known technique called Tibetan applique, these detailed images are created by sewing together pieces of colorful silk. Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo is one of few Westerners who has mastered this tradition. In Threads of Awakening: An American Woman's Journey into Tibet's Sacred Textile Art, she describes not only her transformation from an urban planner/economist working in India for the Tibetan refugee community into a full-time art student but also her spiritual journey as a follower of Tibetan Buddhism. A foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, a preface by Tibetan art educator Pema Namdol Thaye, an appendix with instructions on the technique, a glossary, and photographs are included.

In Threads of Awakening, Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo gives us a wonderful blend of art and autobiography. Her writing style is engaging, well-paced, informative, detailed, and revealing. Just as the thangka communicates spiritual teachings through the puzzle piece-like details in the images created by the fabric, so the author explores the spiritual transformation she experienced as the pieces of her life came together like a puzzle when she saw her first appliqued thangka - an epiphany not unlike being struck by the proverbial light on the road to Damascus - which redirected her life. Bringing this art form to the West, making the study of it available to others from around the world through a virtual apprenticeship program, and helping to preserve a re-emerging traditional textile art that was nearly lost will surely bring many blessings. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Marie-Hélène Fasquel for Readers' Favorite

Faces We Love Shanghai by Derek Muhs and Marisa Tarin is an extraordinary compilation of photographs starring the people of Shanghai. Each picture is complemented by a short description, a sentence, a thought which is shared with us and which we can choose to read after having seen the photograph or before studying it. I personally preferred to start with the picture and try understanding what the aim of the photographer was. Moreover, it is mentioned in the foreword that, "the function of the artist is to disturb". I am not sure this is about disturbing the persons being photographed, but more for us as the audience; to make us think, to make us reflect on customs, traditions, differences.

Faces We Love Shanghai by Derek Muhs and Marisa Tarin is a fabulous work of art mixing writing in its conciseness and straightforwardness with the art of photography. Two different ways of expressing ideas, thoughts, but also of sharing emotions. The whole work focuses on the people who are making a country, who are the real pieces of a puzzle, of a specific, unique community. The pictures are magnificent, the texts are telling. The questions make us doubt what we see and dig deeper. We feel immersed in another community as we examine this superb collection of snapshots. The artists share multiple views, pictures, places, instants, thus giving us a hint of a deeper, stronger message and diverse lifestyles. A great job and a perfect gift for your loved ones.