Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

 If you are looking for an inspirational novel that will stay with you long after you have finished the book, I would highly recommend Theo of Golden by Allen Levi.   

Summary of the Book

The book begins when Theo arrives in a Georgia town of Golden on the Oxbow River.  It is a small college town and Theo, a 86-year-old Portuguese-born gentleman, soon settles in and get to know the towns people.  He asks lots of questions but tells very little about himself. 

His walks lead him to a coffee shop called the Chalice where he has a conversation with the owner and sits to enjoy his coffee and the 92 pencil portraits that hang on the wall.  Theo discovers that they are all portraits of people of Golden drawn by a local artist Asher Glissen.  Although they are for sale no one has bought any and they made Theo very curious about the people in the pictures.  Each time Theo comes for his coffee he is intrigued by them.

Theo decides that he wants the people in the portraits to have their portrait so one by one he purchases the portraits and arranges to meet the people in the portraits on a bench by the fountain.  There he listens to their stories and gives each one their drawing.  Through these bestowals we meet the interesting people of the town.  The recipients include people of all walks of life.  There is a bartender, retirees, a homeless woman named Ellen, a street musician, a student cellist, a custodian, children and a single father.  One by one Theo makes a difference in the lives of many people.

Underneath it all the book is about quiet generosity and seeing and being seen.  

There is much more to the book and the last third of the book has some revealing twists.  I don't want to spoil the book by giving hints to those revelations.  To some the book may seem to start slow but I didn't see it that way.  I would encourage you to read it to the end.  You will be glad you did.

Books Road to Success

 This book, which is the author's first novel, was first self-published in 2023. It soon became popular through word of mouth and went viral on the internet.  Then in 2025 it was republished by Atria Books and quickly became a #1New York Times best seller. 

 I heard about it from a friend who had read it soon after it came out.

 I found it to be a delightful book that has so much in it that I will read it again and again.

The Book on Amazon

The book can be found on Amazon in hardcover, paperback Kindle, or audible versions.  Here is a link Theo of Golden

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Nightwork by Nora Roberts

 

I had read Nora Roberts books in past but had not read any in recent years.  I remembered enjoying her books, so when Nightwork was picked as our monthly book club read, I was looking forward to reading another Nora Roberts book.  I was not disappointed, Nightwork was a different type of book then I remembered Nora Roberts writing. (One reviewer calls it a Romantic Suspense Novel)  I  found the book to be an exciting read in which I eagerly anticipated what would come next. 

Book Highlights

The book follows the life of Harry Booth.  When he is only 9 years old he turns to a life of stealing in order to help support his single mother who is very ill.   When she dies he leaves Chicago, but he continues his "nightwork".  Over the years he perfects his craft and becomes a "master thief".  However, he is a thief with his own code of morals, which I found very interesting.  He also was very careful never to draw attention to himself.  As he moved to various towns during his life, he changed his name to keep his past behind him. 

He settled into a comfortable life, getting a job as a teacher and buying a beautiful home in a small southern town.  He meets a woman he adores, Miranda Emerson and everything seems to be going his way, until some dangerous associates from his past catch up with him.  His first response is to leave in order to keep those he cares about safe, but that doesn't work.  The bond between Harry and Miranda has become strong and he finds that he must address his past straightforward and reclaim the life he wants.

Book on Amazon

The book is available on Amazon in the following formats: Kindle, Audible, Paperback, Hardcover.  Here is a link to the book on Amazon Nightwork

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Review of Fall Home Decorations for 2026

 I enjoy changing the decor in my home to fit the seasons and autumn is my favorite season.  I prefer decorations that are simple and classic.  For fall bringing the colors of the season into the home with colorful pillows and throws, leaves, pumpkins and candles give you a warm and cozy feeling.  I have an entrance table that I like to decorate with a fall runner and some simple decorations.  In early fall I have a sunflower runner and add a colorful pot and some fresh flowers in the colors of the season.  Later in the fall I will change to a pumpkin designed runner and some pumpkins and candles.  Below is a photo of my early fall runner and flowers.

Amazon has a lot of interesting fall decorations.  Here are some that I really like and thought they would be a great addition to my fall decor.

Leaves

Leaves make great decorations for a staircase or a fireplace mantle. This colorful leaves with berries and small pumpkins is 6 feet long.  it will be perfect for my mantle.  Here is a link to Amazon for the leaf's pictures above. Fall Leaves

Another great way to bring fall leaf color into your home is with this pair of colorful "Fall Maple Trees".  They are each 22 inches tall and are battery operated.

Here is a link to the trees on Amazon. Fall Maple Trees

Table Runners

Table runners are a great way to add a touch of autumn to your home.  I like to use them several different way.  They are great for my dining room table, my entrance table and sometimes I hang them over the banister leading to our downstairs.  Here are two that I found on Amazon.

Fall Pumpkin and Leaf runner                                                                           

Pumpkin Runner                                                                                               

Pillows

Colorful fall pillows can add a touch of fall to your sofa or chairs.  Here is one I really liked on Amazon.  They are covers for pillows and come in a set of two that are 18x 18 inches each.  What a great way to convert pillows you have into a fall theme.

Pumpkin Pillow Covers                                                                               

Fall Bathroom

I also like to bring a touch of fall into my guest bathroom.  Here are some items I found on Amazon the help give your bathroom a touch of the season.

Fall Hand Towels                                                                                              

Pumpkin Soap Dispenser                                                                                   

Fall Bath Mat                                                                                                 

Flameless Pumpkin Candle

Fall Kitchen

I also like to add a touch of fall decor to my kitchen.  Here are some ideas for you from Amazon.

Pumpkin Trivets                                                                                               

Fall Kitchen Towels                                                                                   

Fall Coasters

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Murder She Wrote Books

 

My husband and I really enjoyed the Murder She Wrote TV series, both when it originally ran in the 80's and 90's and today in reruns.  The original series consisted of 264 episodes all starring Angela Lansbury as Jessica Fletcher.   What we didn't realize until recently is that there is a whole series of books (currently 63) that are written based on the characters from the TV Series.  So now we are enjoying our favorite characters from the TV series in some delightful mystery books.

About the Books

The Murder She Wrote book series began in 1989 and are still being written.  At this writing there are 63 books in the series.  

Jessica Fletcher in the TV series as well as the books, is a retired- teacher who writes mystery books. She lives in the made up town of Cabot Cove, Maine.  Jessica seems to often find herself in places where a murder occurs and she "helps" the local law enforcement.

When we started the book series it was like going back to a familiar small town and greeting familiar people.  Along with Jessica we greet Dr. Seth Hazlitt, the town physician, Sheriff Mort Metzger, and a host of other town residents.

We have found the books can be read in any order, but I would suggest reading book 1 "Gin and Daggers" first.  In this book Jessica is off to London to deliver the keynote address at a mystery writer convention.  She is looking forward to visiting with her mentor, Marjorie Ainsworth.  While at the convention, Marjorie is found stabbed to death in her bedroom.  Jessica is at first a suspect but then goes on to help work with local law enforcement to solve the murder of her good friend.  While there she meets a charming man from Scotland Yard and they develop a friendship.  He comes up in later books.

I really enjoy these cozy mysteries and always look forward to the next one.  

The Books on Amazon

The books can be purchased on Amazon.  We enjoy them on Kindle but I know they are also available on Audible and Paperback.  Here is a link to the books on Amazon.

Murder She Wrote Books

More Cozy Mystery Reviews

I enjoy reading a lot of different genres of books. I think Historical Fiction is probably my favorite, but when I need something lighter a cozy mystery seems to always fit the bill.  Here are a few other cozy mysteries that have been reviewed on Review This.

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The Fatal Flotilla at Sea Oaks Beach 

The Cat in Stacks

Murder at Cape Costumers  

Murder on Cape Cod  

Tea by the Sea  

Everything Bundt the Truth  

Irish Village Mystery Series   

Toes on the Dash

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Review of Carolina Tides

 

If you are looking for some light summer reading while at the beach or perhaps just in a chair on your back deck take a look at these short stories.  They were written by seven different authors and celebrate all that there is about living on the coast.  As an added bonus all of the proceeds for this book will support women in need in Brunswick County North Carolina and Horry County in South Carolina.

About the Book

I really enjoyed reading the short stories in Carolina Tides.  Each story was just the right length to sit down and read all in one sitting.  The sub-title of the book is A Story a Day for a Week  Long Stay.  That was a very fitting title, and although I was at home when I read them, I can very well see this as a great book to take on vacation, when you want a bit of reading time, but not too much.

The book covers many topics of coastal living from the wonderful creatures that live on the coast, to romantic walks on the beach, porch-lit evenings in sleepy little fishing villages, the history of North and South Carolina and even some unexpected encounters.  Each of the short stories were written by a local author from the Carolina coastline.

Here is a link to the book on Amazon.  It can be purchased as a paperback or a Kindle version. Carolina Tides

Stories and Authors

Here is a list of the stories and authors that are included in Carolina Tides

    The Names Beneath the Tide by Teri M Brown

    Winds of Change by Jan Comfort

    Ark of Hope: A Pelican Story by Karen Prescot

    Brighter Days Ahead by Lisa M Pritchard

    Walk Back in Time on the Grand Strand by Lynda Stoy Stear

    Azeleas  by Carol Stigger

    

    The Beach Ball by Jennifer Tirrell

My Visits to the Carolinas in Photos

I love visiting the beach and particularly love photographing lighthouses.  We have made several trips to both North and South Carolina.  The photos below were ones I took while photographing lighthouses in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

More Reviews by Coastal Carolina Authors

Here are several reviews of have written on books by one of the authors in Carolina Tides, Teri M Brown.

Peg Unhinged

10 Little Rules

Daughters of Green Mountain Gap

An Enemy Like Me

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Sunflower Hill Farm

Beautiful Sunflower Silos


In this post I will be reviewing my visit to Sunflower Hill Farm and the beautiful silos painted in sunflowers that are nearby.                   

Sunflower Hill Farm

My cousin and I were looking for a good place to meet for lunch on a sunny afternoon in May.  I mentioned I wanted to photograph the painted sunflower silos in the wine country near us and she suggested a nearby cafe at Sunflower Hill Farms.  It was an excellent choice.  Our food was great and the whole place was a great relaxing way to spend the afternoon.

We ate on the patio and and I enjoyed a delicious veggie grilled cheese, it consisted of provolone and cheddar cheese along with mushrooms, peppers, spinach and onions, all grilled on sourdough bread.  Yummy.

Sunflower Hill Farm is a wonderful event space too. The farm is located on 130 acres.  Along with the cafe there is a shop  with homemade items on sale.  There is also a nursery on the property and a large event space.  The farm has become a delightful wedding and event space.  As you can see in the photo below, the event area sits up on the hill overlooking the Missouri river valley.  

Sunflower Hill Farms is located at 245 Terry Road in Augusta, Missouri.  On their website www.sunflowerhillfarm.com they have listed lots of information about their events, calendar, and a menu from the cafe.  If you are in the area, I would highly recommend this venue.  Here are a few of my photos.

Painted Silos

These beautiful silos were commissioned by the owners of the Sunflower Hill Farm.  They are located near the Katy  Trail just south of the entrance to the farm. It is at mile marker 661.6 on the Katy Trail. They were  painted by artist Anne Molasky and her painting partner Kim Alsop and were finished in the fall of 2023.

These vibrant sunflower paintings are a nice stop for people along the Katy Trail.  There is also acess to them off of Hwy 94 halfway between Defiance and Augusta deep in the heart of Missouri Wine Country.  

I stopped to visit and take photographs of these beautiful works of art just before I visited Sunflower Hill Farms.  They are quite amazing to look at from all different angles. I would have loved to see them as they were being painted.  Very talented artists!

 Zazzle Products

Here is a link to a greeting card made from my sunflower silos photograph.

Sunflower Silo Greeting Card

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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HYBYCOZO at Missouri Botanical Garden

 

In this review I will be reviewing my visit to the HYBYCOZO exhibit at Missouri Botanical Garden.

Missouri Botanical Garden has hosted works from some very talented artists over the years.  This year from April through August they are home to works by HYBYCOZO. This exhibit called Patterns in Nature, allows you to explore 21 intricately designed installations throughout the garden.

 In early May I visited the garden to photograph some of these beautiful works.  I went during the daytime, and they were stunning among all the beautiful blooming flowers in May.  The garden will also be open several evenings for special viewings of the sculptures called LightForm. 

About the Artists

The following information on the artists were copied from the brochure handed out at the garden.

"Artists Serge Beaulieu and Yelena Filipchuk began HYBCOZO in 2014, drawing inspiration from the inherent beauty found in mathematics, science, and natural phenomena.

Originally from Ukraine, Filipchuk attended the University of California, Berkeley and studied Conservation and Resource studies, concentrating on patterns in the natural world, biomimicry, and environmental science.  Beaulieu attended Carleton University in his native Canada and studied Industrial Design.

Together, their large-scale geometric artworks push the boundaries of technology, lighting, and fabrication.  HYBYCOZO has been featured in cities from San Francisco to London and from the galleries of the Smithsonian to the deserts of Burning Man.  The artists created six new custom pieces for St. Louis, inspired by the living collections and conservation mission of the Garden."

My Photographs of the HYBYCOZO Works

The sculptures were all so very different and with the theme of Patterns in Nature they all worked so well into the garden. Here are a few of my favorites.

Here is the sculpture that is at the entrance to the gardens.

This photograph was taken by reaching into one of the works and photographing the tops of the sculpture from the inside.

I love how this one sits between the columns.

These bright pink sculptures sit in the reflecting pool in front of the Climatron.

There are several sculptures in the gardens that are reflective.  They mirror the surrounding garden features.

The Iris were in Bloom

One of my favorite flowers to photograph at the Gardens are their beautiful Iris.  They have a huge area with lots of Iris in a multitude of colors.  They were in full bloom when we visited so I was able to take lots of photos.  Here are a few of them.

Many if my photographs are sold on Zazzle.  Here is a link to one of my Iris cards.

Iris Delight Card

More Reviews of Missouri Botanical Garden 

I have written several reviews on Missouri Botanical Garden over the years.  Here are links to a view of those reviews.

Missouri Botanical Garden in the Winter

Japanese Garden

Review of Missouri Botanical Garden

Origami in the Garden

Garden Photography Tips

Learn More about Missouri Botanical Garden

If you would like to learn more about the garden, here is an Amazon book that you will find interesting and informative. Missouri Botanical Garden

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Review-World Bee Day

 

World Bee Day in an annual day that calls attention to the critical importance of bees in our world.  Did you know that bees are very important to the production of food in the world?  They are among the most effective pollinators which enable fertilization and the production of seeds and fruits.  Approximately 1/3 of all the world's food crops depend on bee pollination.  Without bees many plants would struggle to live and this would lead to diminished food availablily.

World Bee Day

May 20th is an annual observance to raise the awareness of the essential role of bees.  In 2017 the United Nations approved May 20th to be the first annual World Bee Day.  This date was picked to honor Anton Jansa of Slovenia who was a pioneer of beekeeping that was born on May 20, 1734.

The 2026 theme for World Bee Day is "Bee engaged in pollinator-friendly agricultural production."

I found the following YouTube video on World Bee Day.  It was written for children, but it can also be very educational for adults.  It tells about bees and their place in food production.

Fun Facts About Bees

• There is one Queen bee in each hive.  She is the only  one that produces new bees. She may live up to 5 years.  She can lay up to 2600 eggs a day.
• When a queen bee dies the worker bees create a new queen by selecting a young larva and feeding it a special food called "royal jelly" this enables the larva to develop into a fertile queen.
• The rest of the female bees are worker bees.  They all have assigned jobs.  They can live for just 5-6 weeks.
• The male bees are drones.  Their primary function is to mate with the queen bee and pass on their genetics to future generations.

The worker bees have duties assigned them from birth.  Here are a few of the duties I found interesting.

• Scouts- they go out to find where the pollen is most plentiful.  They also search for a place for a new hive.
• Funeral directors- when a bee dies the funeral team takes the dead body out of the hive and disposes of it.
• In order to keep warm in the winter, there are a group of bees that gather and block the entrance to the hive with their bodies.  They beat their wings to send in a warm breeze.  Even when it is below freezing they can maintain the heat in the hive to 90 degrees. 

What you can do to help?

Some of the ways you can help to save the bees include:

1. Planting  native, bee friendly flowers
2. Reducing or eliminating herbicide and insecticide use
3. Leaving patches of bare soil and untidy areas for nesting
4. Providing water sources with stones
5. Supporting local organic farmers

My husband has been learning a lot about bees and last year he encouraged me to plant more bee friendly flowers in my flower bed.

I planted sunflowers, cone flowers, black eyed susans and other bee friendly plants.  Here are some photos of the bees on our plants last year.

More Information on Bees

If you would like to learn more about bees, Amazon has several books available.  Here is a link to one that looks like it would have a lot of information.  https://amzn.to/4eVPt60

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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