China Bayles' Book of Days (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: herb guild, signature herb, floral calendar, Pecan Springs, Nicholas Culpeper, Native Americans (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Albert's mystery series featuring China Bayles sets the stage for this celebration of the role of herbs in everyday life. Fans of China Bayles will revel in the way this diary fleshes out their heroine and offers in detail explicit connections between the novels' characters and the real leaves, flowers, and seeds that constitute Albert's well-imagined fictional botanic environment. Albert engagingly shows off her astounding knowledge of herbal lore that extends from the Middle Ages to the present. For example, she explains how beer used to be flavored with rosemary or anise until the introduction of hops in the seventeenth century. She gives instructions for creating a tussie-mussie, an herbal nosegay for fending off unpleasant odors. Further recipes for similar bouquets and for comestibles pepper the text as well. Each day's entry also includes one or more book titles for further exploration of the entry's subject. Mark Knoblauch
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Description

A companion treasury from the author of the national bestselling series.

Readers of the China Bayles mystery novels are familiar with the usefulness and wonder of the many herbs the amateur sleuth sells in her beloved Thyme and Seasons shop. Compiled by national bestselling author Susan Wittig Albert at the request of her fans, China Bayles' Book of Days gathers together tidbits and treasures about plants and reveals ways you can put more green into your daily life.

Featuring 365 days of recipes, crafts, gardening tips, remedies, and more, this special volume is a personal calendar of the legends and lore of herbs and also features brand-new essays from the author, clues from China's mysteries, and some special contributions by the irrepressible members of the Myra Merryweather Herb Guild, Pecan Springs's oldest civic organization.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Berkley Trade (October 3, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 042520653X
• ISBN-13: 978-0425206539
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 7.7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #282,593 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars china bayles' book of days, March 8, 2007

By	Beverly K. Credle "bev credle" (hampton, va) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is sheer delight for all China Bayles' fans. I highly recommend it for anyone who shares my passion and hobby of herbs. Each day is filled with magic, useful information, gardening tips, recipes and so much more. I look forward to reading it each day. This is a super gift for friends who share a love for herbs. You will look upon each day of life as a gift and blessing. Thank you. BKC

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Feast of herbal facts., January 19, 2007

By	QueenMummy (Hawthorne, NJ USA) - See all my reviews

I bought this book before Christmas, for me, and wasn't at all disappointed in it. I have always loved the idea of a book one can turn to as the days pass. This one has fascinating facts about herbs and lovely illustrations to boot. I enjoy looking through it as I relax and find the information engrossing.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Book of Days by China Bales, January 10, 2007

By	Dianna R. Collins (Ottumwa, IA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Written in an easy to read daily format. You can skip around at will. Fascinating detail of herbs with their lore and uses. She writes anecdotes, recipes and a cornicopia of information to keep you grabbing it at every free moment. And she gives "Read more about it" references. Truly as enjoyable as it is educational.