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Where the Honeysuckles Grow
Not yet published
Expected 20 Oct 26124 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 20, 2026
About the author
Ashley Rose Schlax
3 books21 followersWhen she was young, Ash learned to find the places where the light comes through, and she’s never stopped. Nature and literature have been a refuge—the place she could always go to find peace. Words, to her, have always been a little magical: from eagerly waiting for the chime to turn the page with read-aloud cassettes as a child, to stapling together her own illustrated books, to eventually pouring herself into lines of her own.
Raised in the northeast, Ash now calls Arizona home with her husband, three children, and their beloved cat and dog, Samwise and Bo. When she's not writing or painting, you'll find her tending their little desert cottage and garden, homeschooling, or in deep conversations over a cup of coffee.
Her debut book of poetry releases October 20th with Owl’s Nest Publishers.
You can find Ash on Instagram at @ashschlax_.
Raised in the northeast, Ash now calls Arizona home with her husband, three children, and their beloved cat and dog, Samwise and Bo. When she's not writing or painting, you'll find her tending their little desert cottage and garden, homeschooling, or in deep conversations over a cup of coffee.
Her debut book of poetry releases October 20th with Owl’s Nest Publishers.
You can find Ash on Instagram at @ashschlax_.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 16, 2026
This poetry collection is a wonderful meditation on growing up that is at once whimsical, weary, joyful, and grave. Some poems will remind you of Mary Oliver and others of Wendell Berry as poet Ashley Rose takes you through the literal seasons—and seasons of life. Intended for teen readers, this is also a great book of poetry for adults!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received a digital advanced reading copy from Owl's Nest Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
To be honest, I was originally attracted to this collection by it's beautiful cover, but the poetry inside did not disappoint! This book contains over a hundred pages of thoughtfully created poems, organized by seasons. Each poem relates the complexities of the human experience and it's connection to nature. Sometimes that connection is introduced through questions or memories, and sometimes it is a softer, subtle, hint.
I read several of these poems as a read aloud to primary school aged children. We discussed what we thought certain lines meant and words that stood out. We created art afterwards. It was wonderful seeing how the children were able to connect to the poems, even at a young age. For a seven year old, a memory was sparked of raccoon mischief and mystery. For a preteen, we had a several minute long discussion about foraging for wild strawberries and the positive feelings it incites- even when they turn out to be sour. I was able to guide that conversation to compare it to the highs and lows of life and she related the meaning of the poem to taking notice. As an adult, many of the poems resonated with me in a completely different way than it did for the kids. And isn't that exactly how it should be?
As always, Owl's Nest books are a reliably good source of reading for children through teens. While I feel older children to teens may have a greater connection or understanding to Ashley's book of poems, younger readers will still enjoy them. Where the Honeysuckles Grow nourishes a love of words and grows them in to a garden of questions and insights- exactly as good poetry should.
To be honest, I was originally attracted to this collection by it's beautiful cover, but the poetry inside did not disappoint! This book contains over a hundred pages of thoughtfully created poems, organized by seasons. Each poem relates the complexities of the human experience and it's connection to nature. Sometimes that connection is introduced through questions or memories, and sometimes it is a softer, subtle, hint.
I read several of these poems as a read aloud to primary school aged children. We discussed what we thought certain lines meant and words that stood out. We created art afterwards. It was wonderful seeing how the children were able to connect to the poems, even at a young age. For a seven year old, a memory was sparked of raccoon mischief and mystery. For a preteen, we had a several minute long discussion about foraging for wild strawberries and the positive feelings it incites- even when they turn out to be sour. I was able to guide that conversation to compare it to the highs and lows of life and she related the meaning of the poem to taking notice. As an adult, many of the poems resonated with me in a completely different way than it did for the kids. And isn't that exactly how it should be?
As always, Owl's Nest books are a reliably good source of reading for children through teens. While I feel older children to teens may have a greater connection or understanding to Ashley's book of poems, younger readers will still enjoy them. Where the Honeysuckles Grow nourishes a love of words and grows them in to a garden of questions and insights- exactly as good poetry should.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
*I'VE RECEIVED AN ARC FROM OWL'S NEST PUBLISHERS FOR AN HONEST REVIEW*
a deep, heartfelt musing of reflections. while being my first read work by Ashley Rose Schlax, i can definitely say that it will not be my last.
in her debut poetry collection, ashley not only welcomes you into her oasis of a garden, but she gladly extends a hand for you to stop and smell the flowers too. you will not be able to help yourself during your reading as you too may feel a sense of safety and calm as the author takes you through the four seasons of life. schlax is on par with the poet laureate, mary oliver.
this was such a wonderful read and i cannot wait to see what ashley grows from her garden next.
a deep, heartfelt musing of reflections. while being my first read work by Ashley Rose Schlax, i can definitely say that it will not be my last.
in her debut poetry collection, ashley not only welcomes you into her oasis of a garden, but she gladly extends a hand for you to stop and smell the flowers too. you will not be able to help yourself during your reading as you too may feel a sense of safety and calm as the author takes you through the four seasons of life. schlax is on par with the poet laureate, mary oliver.
this was such a wonderful read and i cannot wait to see what ashley grows from her garden next.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews