Encouraging, uplifting, grounding.

Watering the Soul is a new poetry/prose book from Courtney Peppernell. Enchanting in its use of a fairytale-esque character and heartwarming in its recipe to watering the soul, the book has many nuggets of wisdom and the writer's emotions can be clearly felt as the reader goes along. It feels like I'm in the secret garden, reading by sundown on a tree swing. I enjoy how this book does not downplay pain but instead shows us how pain can help us overcome and be stronger. The whimsical illustrations add to the overall calming mood and I enjoyed the mix of prose and poetry. Well done to the writer!

A refreshing read for the mind and the soul. The formatting of the text created a quick pace and an engaging atmosphere. The illustrations in between each section added visualization of a physical version of what the author was intending for readers to understand throughout the section. Peppernell tackled difficult topics such as anxiety, grief, heartbreak, and love to convey the purpose of struggle is to facilitate growth, the growth that ultimately creates the person you are.

I am new to poetry, as in I don't read poetry at all so my opinions are based purely on this single experience. As a bookseller I found myself replenishing Peppernell books on a regular basis and I was always intrigued. Finding an eArc of Watering the Soul was the perfect opportunity to explore my curiosity.

Watering the Soul focuses heavily on themes on forgiveness, gratitude, love, self-worth and healing. Peppernell reminds us to enjoy the little moments and to slow down. Some pages explicitly mention anxiety or allude to depression and dark thoughts but the messages are light and uplifting.

As a reader with both clinical depression and GAD I found some of the messages particularly memorable. Page 151 was the most impactful to me and I'll likely refer back to it again as a reminder. I can picture this title as a gift for those struggling with their own mind, someone needing a little bit of light or those who surround themselves with happiness and gratitude.

I was sent an ARC by the publisher for an honest opinion.
What is there not to love about this book.
I've read more from this author before and have read and enjoyed the series called pillow thoughts.
The theme and content of this book is very relatable considering the crazy and stressful time that we continue to live.
a perfect read before i turn in for the day.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. I love everything Peppernell writes, but unfortunately I cannot read it not in the Kindle format. Thank you.