Bouquet of Wisdom

Author: Deanna Nowadnick
Genre: Devotional
Pages: 121
Release Date: February 1, 2023
Publisher: Rhododendron Books

Bouquet of Wisdom is a book of thirty reflections, personal stories paired with a flower and a lesson. Deanna looks back on a little girl who found courage in a bouquet of sticky dandelions. She remembers the teenager who wilted in the spotlight of a daffodil pageant. She treasures Christmas memories that included poinsettias in a hospital, paperwhites sitting on rocks, and beautiful blue hydrangeas in Brazil. Some blossoms remind her of God’s faithfulness; others emphasize his care. Each experience was a lesson learned.

In life’s memorable blossoms is a God who’s been in the details of our life. And in those experiences, he helps us find wisdom and gain understanding. Yes, the flowers surrounding us create a unique collection of memories, and those memories can come together in an exquisite bouquet.

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Reviewer: Katie Slocum

If I could only choose one word to describe this devotional, it would be refreshing. Every entry felt like a cold drink on a hot day, and I looked forward to taking it in whenever I had the chance. It was encouraging to sit with such a sweet read full of examples of how God works through the seemingly common, ordinary happenings of life.

Each of the 30 short entries makes a connection between a Bible verse, a flower, and a memory of the author that is full of wisdom and important lessons yet very easy to relate to. The three questions after each story really made me think about my own experience with God and how to apply the principles to myself. I also appreciated that all the chapters included a photo, as it really helped me to picture in my mind the point the author was trying to make. I felt like I got to know her through these accounts from her past, and I could easily identify with many of the things she shared. She was honest, not trying to hide her mistakes but showing how she learned from them, and we can too. I enjoyed the abundance of simple yet profound reminders of God’s continued faithfulness and care toward His children.

I read a lot of devotionals and typically pass them on to someone else when I finish. This one, however, will be staying on my shelf as I look forward to reading it again. I do plan to buy a copy to give away, too. This little book was a joy to spend time with. I look forward to reading other books by this author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Interview & Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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