#MorningLeaves #NetGalley
Every entry in this title refers to the natural world. A few examples include Plum Tree, Black-eyed Susan, Geranium, and Pine. All have meaning in these pages.
The author tells his own story of the loss of his sister at the beginning of this volume. This was clearly very painful. The reader know that the author has empathy for any losses others may also face.
In these pages, losses are acknowledged, along with the grief that follows. There is also some hope for joy.
My favorite part of this book was the beautiful illustrations. I could easily return to them again and again.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Red Hen Press for this title. All thoughts are my own.
Pub date: 24 March 2026
From the Publisher:
Description:
from the publisher
AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR
“Morning Leaves is a gift to all who open their eyes to its images and their hearts to its whispers and exhortations.”—Faith Salie, Emmy-winning contributor to CBS News Sunday Morning and author of Approval Junkie
A radiant fusion of poetry and nature art, Morning Leaves: Cultivating a Life of Beauty, Meaning, and Joy is a tender, soul-stirring meditation on grief, healing, and the quiet joy of rediscovering beauty one morning at a time.
Steeped in beautiful art and verse that invites reflection, Morning Leaves is the perfect gift book or self-purchase. Steeped in beautiful art and verse that invites reflection, Morning Leaves is the perfect gift book for self-purchase or those seeking greater meaning and joy.
An award-winning blend of reflection, poetry, and nature-inspired art, Morning Leaves invites readers to slow down into the beauty of everyday life. With honesty and warmth, Laing Rikkers offers insights on healing, presence, and hope.
Through the lens of nature and creativity, she reveals that in uncertain or chaotic times, there is a path to meaning, connection, and light. Walk with her through the garden of imagination and rediscover your own wellspring of joy.
AWARD WINS FOR MORNING LEAVES:
2023 FOREWORD INDIES AWARDS WINNER
2023 PUBWEST DESIGN AWARDS WINNER
2024 FEATHERED QUILL BOOK AWARDS WINNER | GOLD
2024 IBPA BENJAMIN FRANKLIN AWARDS WINNER | GOLD
MORE PRAISE FOR MORNING LEAVES:
“The poems within Morning Leaves are tender, compassionate and full of wonder. Laing’s writing and Kelly’s illustrations are conduits for healing and hope.”
—Kristin A. Meekhof, co-author of A Widow’s Guide to Healing
“So beautifully written and thoughtfully constructed. Visceral. Visual. Vulnerable. The passages cracked open my heart.”
—Amy K. Hutchens, award-winning speaker and bestselling author of Get It and The Secrets Leaders Keep
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 