I have read so many good books lately I couldn’t decide which one to review. It was a toss up between “The Obituary Writer,” by Ann Hood and “The Secret Keeper,” by Kate Norton (I don’t know about you but any title that contains the word “secret” draws me like a magnet — maybe it was that early Nancy Drew conditioning).

Seeking gift ideas for that music lover this holiday season, check out the following box set reviews from The Associated Press:

Did you know that every three minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer? Do you think breast cancer affects women only? Think again. Men are not exempt from breast cancer. Many breast cancers are fueled by estrogen, a hormone produced in fat tissue. Although there are numerous reasons why women predominantly experience estrogen dominance (use of birth control, menopause and pregnancy), both men and women are increasingly affected by estrogen dominance.

With nods to nostalgia, exotic motifs and tailored contemporary looks, the fall season in decor has lots to inspire home decorators.

If it happens to be raining hard when you read this, my words might make you want to pelt me with ripe tomatoes — if you had them yet. Still, I’ll say it: Timely watering can eke the best plant growth from any plot of ground in any season.

Each year as the monsoon season descends upon us, we see too many trees uprooted and ruined by poor preparation. With the proper planning and practices, this can all be avoided. Take time to inspect and make certain of the following preventive measures.

Each year as the monsoon season descends upon us, we see too many trees uprooted and ruined by poor preparation. With the proper planning and practices, this can all be avoided. Take time to inspect and make certain of the following preventive measures.

Sweet potato vines decorating window boxes? Blueberry plants prized more for their foliage than their fruit?

Roosevelt Row Arts District (RoRo), in the urban core of downtown Phoenix, is a neighborhood on the rise, with galleries, restaurants, and shops. A $150,000 grant from ArtPlace will bring an infusion of art and design to the area, defining the neighborhood as a destination for locals and visitors alike.

Strawberries and rhubarb all but scream summer.

It’s a win-win partnership for students at both Desert Garden Montessori and graduate students at Arizona State University.

Spring is here. If you’re a gardener, you know it will soon be time to put in your flowers or vegetables. But even if you don’t have a green thumb, you can still take advantage of the season by “planting the seeds” for the growth of another valuable piece of property: your investment portfolio.

Spring is here. If you’re a gardener, you know it will soon be time to put in your flowers or vegetables. But even if you don’t have a green thumb, you can still take advantage of the season by “planting the seeds” for the growth of another valuable piece of property: your investment portfolio.

Container gardening is growing smaller.

Container gardening is growing smaller.

Use of container and raised bed gardens is a practical and ever popular choice with many homeowners. Integrated around your outdoor living areas, they add warmth and character to areas that could otherwise be hard and uninviting. Also, backyards are now typically smaller than years ago; therefore, containers can make an excellent patio garden. They'll add greenery, architectural interest and structure to the patio and around the yard. Container gardens also lend themselves to the renter, as well as the homeowner. Raised bed gardens also add architectural interest and structure to an area and they can also be a practical solution for gardeners with limited mobility.

Use of container and raised bed gardens is a practical and ever popular choice with many homeowners. Integrated around your outdoor living areas, they add warmth and character to areas that could otherwise be hard and uninviting. Also, backyards are now typically smaller than years ago; therefore, containers can make an excellent patio garden. They'll add greenery, architectural interest and structure to the patio and around the yard. Container gardens also lend themselves to the renter, as well as the homeowner. Raised bed gardens also add architectural interest and structure to an area and they can also be a practical solution for gardeners with limited mobility.

If you feel like getting out in the garden, now is as good a time as any to spread rock on the ground.

You love it when your house is decked out in its holiday finest, reflecting all the good cheer and festive spirit inside. At least, you love it until Dec. 26.