Morning Leaves: Cultivating a Life of Beauty, Meaning, and Joy

by Laing F Rikkers, Kelly Leahy Radding (Illustrator)

120 pages, Hardcover

Published March 24, 2026

Reviews

[Bookish Emili Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morning Leaves is a beautifully crafted blend of poetry, nature‑inspired art, and heartfelt reflection that explores grief, healing, and the slow rediscovery of joy. Laing F. Rikkers invites readers into a tender, contemplative space shaped by her own experience of loss, using nature and creativity as pathways toward emotional restoration. Her poems—paired with Kelly Leahy Radding’s stunning botanical illustrations—create a soothing, meditative reading experience.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its ability to be both visually and emotionally immersive. The gentle verse, combined with luminous artwork, offers comfort and grounding, making it a meaningful companion for anyone navigating grief or seeking a deeper connection with themselves and the natural world. Reviewers have praised the poems as “tender, compassionate and full of wonder,” a sentiment that certainly rings true.

That said, the book’s reflective, often delicate pace may feel slow for readers wanting a stronger narrative arc or more detailed storytelling. Its meditative structure is its charm—but it may also limit its resonance for those who prefer more traditionally structured memoirs or self‑help works.

Overall, Morning Leaves is a moving, beautifully produced collection that succeeds in what it sets out to do: offer solace, hope, and a renewed appreciation for the small beauties that carry us forward. It’s a book to savor slowly, and one that many readers will return to during life’s quieter, more contemplative seasons.

A heartfelt, artfully created work—worthy of four stars.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Metaphors for grief, resilience, and growth written during the pandemic and in mourning of the author's sister, interspersed with GORGEOUS pages of artwork from the artsit Kelly Leah Radding. The visuals complemented the poems, and there were some cases where they overshadowed them. This version is updated after its initial release.

A cute addition to your coffeetable. Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What lovely pieces describing nature which alluded to loss and growth. The author’s personal messages in the beginning and end of this poetry book were very heartfelt and helped me to connect even more to the pieces she wrote, especially as a healthcare worker. Each poem was accompanied by a beautiful illustration and it all helps to paint a very beautiful picture in the reader’s head. The poems were refreshing and thoughtful. Thank you very much NetGalley for this advanced readers copy.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author reminds us to live our lives now. She shows us that by connecting with nature we can also connect with ourselves.

The descriptions of nature make you feel like you can see yourself in nature. In the positives and also the imperfections.

You can connect to the emotion in the poems. I really liked Ancient Pines. “Yes, I am deeply grounded. And yes, when it is too much, I must seek solace in the stars.”

I also really enjoyed the artwork scattered throughout the book.

[Elsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way these poems wove together grief, growth and nature. To me, nature and emotions go hand in hand and it’s done so well here.

My favorite poem that shows this is
**”Scorched”**:
”I am scorched. Blackened. A searing gash within
[…]
And by some combination of instinct/will/miracle, a green sprout pushes its way up, through the ashes.”

The illustrations were amazing and really enhanced both the experience and the emotions brought forward.

[Emily]

Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley! This was a deeply emotional poetry collection about the grieving process and navigating internal and external challenges in the face of pressure to be okay. Sometimes it manifests as sadness, anger, and melancholic joy when something otherwise mundane reminds you of the people you have lost.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

An updated version of the 2023 release, with poignant and elegant poetry describing the author's grief after losing her sister to undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea, and exquisite art revealing nature's healing beauty. A moving must-read!

[Hayley✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a breath of fresh air.. The pictures, the words.. Like magic and whimsy in a bottle. I can't wait to gift copies to my loved ones and future children someday. This collection is just so delicate and delightful. Like faeries describing nature to curious animals. I look forward to Laings future works. What a privilege it was to read this.