The Cure for Women by Lydia Reeder

★★★★★  The publisher provided a copy for review. 
A stunning look at the medical treatment of women in the 1800s. It carries the development of medicine from assumptions on what was "wrong" with female bodies and minds to increasingly scientific methods of care.

Filled with anecdotes, women's stories, and physicians' understanding - this is an exciting and stunning journey. The Epilogue updates the evolving medical fields that interact with and take care of women's physical and mental needs.

Highly recommended for anyone who loves good stories, cherishes the advances of science, and is interested in how history unfolds.

Start Here: Draw by Moira Clinch

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Beginner? Here's a book of total FUN! If you copy Clinch's illustrations and instructions, you're on the way to illustrating buildings, animals, and anything else you see.

It's the most basic "how to sketch what you see" or imagine. Good pictures, informative text. 

Very helpful if you're teaching or leading and want to put more than a stick-figure on the board, too.

Say It with Flowers by Kelsie Hayes

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Oh so pretty! I'd love this as a gift book or coffee table book. The short notes, followed by flower arrangements are a beautiful tribute to the power of words and flowers. 

Whether you need inspiration for writing a note to someone who has touched your life - or want to browse modern floral trends for ideas - you will enjoy this compilation. It's a treasure trove of classic and current designs.

Making Fairy Garden Accessories Anna-Marie Fahmy; Andrew Fahmy

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
If you are looking for easy and amusing crafts, here's a good instruction manual. Miniatures, especially when they provoke a second look, are currently trending. And fairy gardens have been around for a while, a small second-look in a garden or outdoor space that bring a smile.

I recommend the clear instructions and many photos to gardeners wants a quick project, to parents and kids who need something pretty to make together, and to those who like surprising guests by making them with a double-take in the yard.

Have fun with this one!

The Art of Home by Shea McGee

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
If you like contemporary transitional style - fresh open design and decor - you'll enjoy this book of photos. It's so much more than beautiful visuals, but that's what attracts us to decor, isn't it? 

You'll find instructions for how to begin a design process, how to choose the major components that make your space feel like home. And you'll find details, from layout to lighting to accessories - including trendy paint colors and other choices that make a home seem refreshing, modern, and livable.

Whether you're a designer confirming current American trends, a novice homeowner staring at a blank space and wondering what you got yourself into, or someone who loves beautiful coffee table books, you'll enjoy this.

Self Less by Len Jessup

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

Soooo many books on leadership, so little time. (That's what I thought when I opened the book. But it's easy reading and helpful information.)

If you are inspired by real-life stories of leadership development, this one's for you. Beginning with moving beyond naysayers, dealing with imposter syndrome, and the role of pure hard work, Jessup tells of his journey of business leadership with an attitude of purposeful learning, including when he made mistakes and had failures. 

The author shows how leaders are shaped by their past, their worldviews, and core values. He examines the role of perseverance and resilience, learning from others by listening, and adapting to change. This book is a story of integrity, friendships and mentors, and paying forward all the investments made by others as his leadership developed. 

There's so much more here. If you're discouraged, wondering if you have the guts and ability to lead, or need encouragement for the upcoming season, you'll find it in the story and the "Self-less Lesson"s offered in each chapter. I recommend it for young leaders, leaders in crisis, and those seeking to advance themselves or their organization.

The Arab-Israeli Cookbook by Robin Soans, Claudia Roden

★★★★★  The publisher provided a copy for review. 

This book of stories, photos ,and food will warm your heart and fill your stomach. Lots of recipes from Middle Eastern culture in this award-winning cookbook. 

I like the photos of real people, interesting meals, and backdrops of friendship and neighborly relationships. In this season of war and conflicts, this book is a timely reminder that people are people. Whether someone in power is trying to disrupt, common decency brings us together around the table.

The recipes are organized by type and named for their creators. Made me smile - and hopeful that peace will be rebuilt and prevail through hospitality among Arabs and Israelis (and the rest of us, too.)