It’s time to celebrate because Between Flowers and Bones, the second book in The Restorationists series, is finally here! It’s been a wild ride, and I can hardly believe that Beneath the Swirling Sky came out just last year. I’ve been amazed by how many messages I’ve received from readers and parents who’ve loved the book. And I was honored that it received a Selah Award and was a finalist for the ECPA’s Christian Book Award!
I thought I’d take this opportunity to tell you a little bit about the book and answer some questions you might have. Here we go!
What’s this book about?
Twelve-year-old Georgia always assumed she would one day be the last Restorationist protecting art from evil forces. So she is thrilled when her cousin Vincent comes to train at the ranch. But Vincent’s flashier Gift makes Georgia feel like a sidekick rather than a hero. And when the unthinkable happens, Georgia faces an impossible decision that tests everything believes. All the while, she questions whether her small skills matter at all. Until she discovers that every Gift was made to fight the darkness.
What’s up with the title?
The flowers and bones in the title refer to the art of Georgia O’Keeffe–just like the swirling sky referred to Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night. Georgia is the new viewpoint character of Between Flowers and Bones. So I thought her namesake’s art should be a feature of this installment.
I didn’t know a ton about O’Keeffe’s art when I chose Georgia’s name, but I really came to appreciate it while researching this book. I even got to see a great exhibit of O’Keeffe’s paintings while visiting MOMA in New York City for research.
Why did you switch main characters?
Almost as soon as I began writing Georgia’s character in Beneath the Swirling Sky, I knew the second book had to be her story. She’s someone who seems so confident and quirky on the outside. But she’s got a lot more insecurities than she lets on. In book one, she’s someone the reader admires (probably), but in book two, she’s someone the reader can identify with.
Plus, as a homeschooling mom, I want to put more books into the world with homeschooled characters!
Who’s this book for?
It’s middle grade, so ages eight to twelve or fourteen (though many of my most ardent readers are in their late teens).
It’s also a book for anyone who has ever felt inadequate, anyone who has struggled with a difficult decision, and anyone who needs a message of hope and perseverance. And parents reading aloud have told me they loved it just as much as their kids!
Need more convincing? Here’s an early endorsement:
“Carolyn Leiloglou has done it again! Between Flowers and Bones draws readers further into the magical world within art itself. Like the layers of the paintings her characters explore, Leiloglou masterfully textures her work with deeper thematic hues: the uniqueness of everyone, the need to belong and the stories that shape our choices. Families will be delighted and inspired to read this book together—then go visit some museums or pick up a paintbrush!”
J.D. Peabody, author of The Inkwell Chronicles series
And if this series has inspired you to dive into art with your kids, check out the free resources available when you join my author newsletter at carolynleiloglou.com. I’ve created an art study resource and a guide to visiting an art museum with your children.
