China Bayles' Book of Days

China Bayles

by Susan Wittig Albert

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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Mystery, Gardening, Herbs, Cookbooks, Cozy Mystery

ebook

First published October 1, 2006

About the author

Susan is the author/co-author of biographical/historical fiction, mysteries, and nonfiction. Now in her 80s and continuing to write, she says that retirement is not (yet) an option. She publishes under her own imprint. Here are her latest books.

A PLAIN VANILLA MURDER, #27 in the long-running China Bayles/Pecan Springs series.

Two Pecan Springs novella trilogies: The Crystal Cave Trilogy (featuring Ruby Wilcox): noBODY, SomeBODY Else, and Out of BODY; and The Enterprise Trilogy (featuring Jessica Nelson): DEADLINES, FAULTLINES, and FIRELINES.

THE DARLING DAHLIAS AND THE POINSETTIA PUZZLE #8 in the Darling Dahlias series, set in the early 1930s in fictional Darling AL

THE GENERAL'S WOMEN. Kay, Mamie, and Ike--the wartime romance that won a war but could have derailed a presidency.

LOVING ELEANOR: A novel about the intimate 30-year friendship of Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickok, based on their letters

A WILDER ROSE: the true story of Rose Wilder Lane, who transformed her mother from a farm wife and occasional writer to a literary icon

THE TALE OF CASTLE COTTAGE, #8 in the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter

DEATH ON THE LIZARD, the 12th and last (2006) of the Robin Paige series, by Susan and Bill Albert

TOGETHER, ALONE: A MEMOIR OF MARRIAGE AND PLACE

AN EXTRAORDINARY YEAR OF ORDINARY DAYS

WORK OF HER OWN: A WOMAN'S GUIDE TO RIGHT LIVELIHOOD

WRITING FROM LIFE: TELLING YOUR SOUL'S STORY

Reviews

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

While it has taken me two years to complete reading this book, the journey was worth it! From gardening, herbal lore and uses, recipes and fun facts about each season, each page was a delight. So often, I was transported to the kitchen of my youth listening to my mother and grandmother. I loved that author Susan offered reference books for more study on the topics of the day, such as tea, gardening, cooking, herbal medicine and historic plant lore. This is a favorite I will use often: for quotes to use in birthday cards, recipes when stumped for dinner, on rainy days when I want to be gardening and for memories when I want to feel closer to Mom.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is for fans of the China Bayles series. Each day introduces an herb, plant, or flower, and has interesting stories, facts, myths, or recipes related to the item of the day. Some of them have excerpts from one of the books or from short stories that relate to China, her friends, or Pecan Springs. As each day is its own entity, it can be read in short bursts or as a daily treat.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute. Slowish to start and picked up until all the characters and background had structure. I have lots of questions as there feels a lot of untold stories - I expect those will flesh out in future books. Enjoyed the ending. Can’t wait to meet the mother and hope she is endearing not irritating.

[Ann Boytim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readers of the China Bayles books will be familiar with the contents of this book. Its a good book to pick up and read a few pages each month and has lots of recipes, crafts, gardening tips and more. It teaches a lot about using herbs.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having worked my way through Susan Wittig Albert's China Bayles series, I am familiar to the many references she makes to China's 'Book of Days'. I was delighted to find that it was available at my library. I've really enjoyed reading my way though each 'day'.

[Basaxl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am into Herbs, China Bayles ,and places like Ruby's Crystal Cave. Susan knows her herbs, and her recipes are to die for. I love this book!

[Katey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I may have to purchase a copy of this book and go through it one year.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has an entry for each day of the year with herb lore, recipes, traditional medicinal uses, and other interesting information about herbs. I read it with a stack of post-it notes and now it looks like it's growing little pink tags on the many pages where I want to go back to copy a recipe or review information. Recommended for those who are interested in a nonfanatic introduction to herbs and for fans of the China Bayles mystery series.

[Sallee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Susan Wittag Albert's books. The China Bayles series is a great series and for those who are into herbs and those who are interested, it gives education about different plants. Her book of days is delightful with all kinds of herbal lore.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good non fiction offering while waiting for the newest China Bayles mystery.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun, fun book. of course, i love all of her mystery books and am totally enjoying this book. i'm also planning what herbs i'll grow this season and this is a fun book to plan with.

[Moira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I use this book almost daily - it is on my night table and I have a look at the next day's entry every night before going to bed.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since I love all Albert's books, this one occupies a space on my bookshelves and in my heart. Lots of wonderful herbal lore and suggestions for use.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love her China Bayle mysteries and love this one too. Sorta like a farmers almanac. Lots of good gardening and herbal lore.

[Lindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book - keep it by my computer and look at each day.

[Chris Babcock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like a diary... I read it one day at a time and enjoyed thinking about the day's thought.

[Kim j · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book all about herbs & her passion. Great book, brings China to life.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

As daybooks go this was mediocre. As herbal go, it was even less appealing, less helpful.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gift this book to those who enjoy herbal recipes and remedies, and anyone who is a serious gardener. Delightful, as always, by Albert.

[Jan · Rating 2 out of 5]

A book to dip into rather than read all the way through. A calendar, with details of herbs, recipes, and herb stories for each day.

[Angela Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reference book about herbs, flowers, and other gardening life with plenty of recipes, crafts, and information from the China Bayles' cozy mystery series!