Light and ephemeral, spring's delicate beauty stirs our spirits, awakening long-dormant dreams and drawing us out-of-doors into a world bursting with new life. The earth shakes off her crystalline mantle, green shoots stretch towards the sun, and we find ourselves longing to gather up all the splendor unfolding around us. To hail this luminous occasion, the editors of Victoria are pleased to present Seasons of Bliss: SPRING . Filled with a potpourri of ideas for celebrating these pleasant months, this lovely hardcover volume can be turned to year after year for inspiration or in moments when one simply needs a gently escape. Beginning with chapters "Nature's Awakening" and "Seasonal Adornments," we invite you to immerse yourself in an enchanting collection of photographs, poetry, and quotes, as well as a parade of pretty keepsakes that extol the fresh promise of nature's vernal months. Ideas and recipes for gracious get-togethers fill the chapter "Lovely Gatherings." With doors thrown open, we linger over lunch on the sunporch, venture beneath blue skies for a meal amidst cheery daffodils, and reflect on the blessings of this time of rebirth by hosting Easter on the lawn. "Plentiful Blossoms" bursts with bouquets of lilacs, hyacinths, and lilies of the valley - each flower so exquisite it seems you can almost catch their fragrance.

Even more floral splendor awaits in "Garden Paths," as we take in the spectacle of thousands of tulips blooming in Europe's framed Keukenhof Garden. Finally, we offer a thoughtful selection of delicious fare in "Seasonal Recipes." Dishes prepared with fresh herbs, tender asparagus, rhubarb, and other early gifts from the garden bring bright flavor to the table and prove especially perfect for teatime. The editors of Victoria hope this compendium - the first volume in our Seasons of Bliss series - captures the sweetness of days that often flee too fast and allows our readers to revel at length in spring's tender gifts and rich possibilities.