382 pp.  Softcover.  By Gail Faith Edwards.  Through the Wild Heart of Mary; Teachings of the 20 Mysteries of the Rosary and the Herbs and Foods Associated with Them is richly illustrated with original watercolors, drawings and photographs.

It presents a historical perspective on women's spirituality, an exploration of the roots and evolution of devotion to Mary, and a study of the herbs and foods long associated with the mysteries of the rosary. Its strong Mediterranean flair is inspired by the vibrant culture, customs and diet of the indigenous people of the Apennine mountains of Southern Italy, the author's ancestral homeland. 
 
This book takes the reader on a journey into the Neolithic and Paleolithic past where we acknowledge the brilliance of our ancestors and realize that the roots of the sacred mysteries of the rosary extend this far back in time. It explores the significance of developing our wild hearts and invites the reader to connect with the wild heart of Mary as well as the wild earth, once a key element of the Christian experience.
 
Through the Wild Heart of Mary introduces the Rosary as a tool for meditation and for grounding personal as well as global peace.   And it presents a comprehensive investigation and joyful celebration of the herbs and foods highlighted by the mysteries of the rosary, those that provide us with time tested nourishment and a reliable foundation for health of body, mind and spirit.
 
About the author - Gail Faith Edwards is a practicing Community Herbalist, founder of Blessed Maine Herb Farm and Director of the Blessed Maine Herb Farm School of Herbal Medicine.  She is a mother, grandmother, author and teacher.  Her other books include Opening Our Wild Hearts to the Healing Herbs and Traversing the Wild Terrain of Menopause.  Gail lives on her family farm in Maine during the growing season and spends her winters in the Apennine mountains of Southern Italy.

some reviews:
 
“In this eclectic, interesting and authoritative book Gail offers strong rationales for food pharmacy and the Mediterranean diet. I highly recommend her comments on herbs and foods, there’s good advice here. James A. Duke, The Green Pharmacy Guide to Healing Foods
 
"Herein, herbal traditions are turned endearingly in the author’s hands and contemplated as the beads of devotion. Believers in the Madonna, and peoples of all faiths, will discover a compendium of loving kindness and of spiritual and physical enrichment.  Through stories, recipes and plant lore—all of which are grounded in a thorough knowledge of botany and nutrition—this rich storehouse of wisdom reveals that herbs are a gift from God to nourish our entire beings."  Michael J. Caduto, Herbs for Everyday Life

“Thank you, Gail for inviting us into your ancestral Italian village, sharing the deep genuine relationships you are cultivating with your people, and with Mary, that are all about love, rosemary, rosary beads, plants and prayer. This book is both an invitation and an offering.” Deb Soule, A Women’s Book of Herbs

"I read Gail's first book, Opening Our Wild Hearts to the Healing Herbs and loved it, so I have been eagerly awaiting a new publication. This book does not disappoint! Like everything Gail writes, it is a balance of well researched, fascinating information, and her personal experience. This book begins in a lovely Italian village, and takes you on a journey through the history of feminine spirituality, the foundation for the devotion to Mary, and through the teachings of the Rosary and the foods and herbs connected to them. It is an intellectually and spiritually uplifting book. A wonderful affirmation of living a devoted, present, thoughtful life. Highly recommended." Tracy Donat

“Amazing, juicy info packed into every page! A brilliant way to present a way of life grounded in spiritual practice and connection with nature. Brava!” Ruby Webber

"This is a fabulous book. The connection of mind, body and spirit is told through Gail's writing of her devotional practice to the Blessed Mother Mary, her strong connections to ancestral roots in Italia and the spirit of the plants interweaving all of life. There is much knowledge and wisdom to be gained from reading these pages. A wonderful, wonderful book!" Pauline Horvath