The sumptuous photographs featured in Jamie Beck's The Flowers of Provence--taken on location or in her studio--arose from a lockdown Instagram challenge. For the American expat, the flora of the countryside of southern France is "a source of salvation and creative expression." The canvas may be large--lavender and sunflower fields, roses climbing stone walls--or small. Her still lifes are as detailed and colorful as medieval paintings, and incorporate fruit and insects. Irises and poppies play starring roles. Fallen petals and mist, or lilac and spring blossoms, evoke turning seasons. Beck (An American in Provence) creates impressionist homages: a tasteful nude self-portrait recalls Manet's Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe; mother-and-baby scenes with her daughter, Eloise, mimic Mary Cassatt. There's also advice for preserving cut flowers. Beck presents a gorgeous book, perfect for gardeners, romantics, and armchair travelers. --Rebecca Foster, freelance reviewer, proofreader and blogger at Bookish Beck