‘Do You Doubt the Daffodil? Meditations from the Garden.’
Gadfly Publishing
Hardcover, 124 pages
$24.95.

Author Bobbi Junod makes her debut with an inspirational walk through the garden. Filled with meditations accompanied by drawings, photographs and humor. To order, call 703-282-9448.

On Sunday, May 16, at Oatlands in Leesburg, author Nan K. Chase will talk and sign copies of her new book, “Eat Your Yard! Edible Trees, Shrubs, Vines, Herbs and Flower for Your Landscape.”

The signing is 1-2:30 p.m. and Oatlands is at 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane. $5. 703-777-3174, http://www.oatlands.org.

‘Periwinkle: The Healing Princess and Her Fairy Friends’
Xlibris publishing
Hardcover, 138 pages
$81.99
Softcover, 138 pages
$71.99

Author L.R. Ramgren, of Herndon, tells the story of a flower fairy in the picture book “Periwinkle: The Healing Princess and Her Fairy Friends,” bringing color and magic to readers’ hearts. To order, call 888-795-4274, ext. 7479.

‘Simply Sullystone’
Making Life Better Publishing
Hardcover
100 pages
$24.95

Loudoun County’s Ann Sullivan put together a collection of recipes and anecdotes about her journey as a wife and mother at Sullystone Farm in Round Hill. To order, visit http://www.simplysullystone.com.

‘Honoring Their Paths: African American Contributions Along the Journey Through Hallowed Ground’
Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership
Softcover
248 pages
$20

Written by Loudoun author Deborah Lee, this book looks at the realities of slave life, freemen, nationally acclaimed artists and civil rights leaders, revealing 300 years of untold contributions to our American heritage. To order, call 540-882-4929.

‘The Horse in Virginia: An Illustrated History’
University of Virginia Press
Softcover
304 pages
$39.95

Julie Campbell writes about famous figures in Virginia history and their special bonds with their horses. Order online at http://www.upress.virginia.edu.

‘The Sea Kings of Rome: Champions of the Naumachia’
By Sterling Nixon
Black Rose Writing
380 pages
$16.15
theseakingsofrome.com

“The Sea Kings of Rome,” by Loudoun author Sterling Nixon, is historical fiction geared toward those ages 13 and older who are looking for a book that mixes fast-paced action with historical accuracy.

The book is set in 79 AD, when two men heralded as demigods stepped onto Roman ships as they prepared themselves for an epic gladiatorial sea battle known as the Naumachia.  They were both champions, having proven themselves through bloody gladiatorial combat; but now, as they looked over the dozens of ships crowded in the man-made harbor, they would have a chance to join the ranks of legend.

One gladiator is named Priscus, the other Verus; one is favored for his brutality, the other for his mercy. They win glory and honor and become the acclaimed Sea Kings of Rome.  As tension builds between these warriors, emperor Titus,  selects them to inaugurate the newly completed Coliseum.  Two will enter the arena—only one will leave alive. 

What started out as a traditional fight to the death ended up being the most dramatic gladiatorial bout ever recorded blow for blow. The bout’s curious place in history stems from its unique beginning and remarkable end.

“The Sea Kings of Rome” was published in November.

Nixon lives in Lovettsville with his wife, Julia.

‘Froggy Fun’
By Treva Jean Edwardson
Illustrated by Carolina Seth
Tate Publishing
Paperback
36 pages
$11.99
http://www.tatepublishing.com

Artist and Lansdowne resident Carolina Seth has illustrated “Froggy Fun,” a book in rhyme by children’s author Treva Jean Edwardson.

“Froggy Fun” is the story of Freddy, who has a talent for playing the autoharp but is too shy to play for anyone except his friend Franny. She encourages him by reminding him that he’s special because he was made by God. One day something happens that convinces him that Franny is right.

Seth was trained as a fine art artist in her native Spain. A longtime resident of Reston, she and her family recently moved to Lansdowne where she paints and designs in her home-based studio.

“Froggy Fun” will be released in bookstores nationwide in March. For inquiries or to order a prerelease copy, visit http://www.tatepublishing.com. For more information on Seth or to contact her, visit http://www.carolinaseth.com or e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

The artist will be donating copies to local libraries and to the Seldens Landing Elementary School, where her daughter is a student.