The square cover shows an image of a swan sitting in a calm river with three docked kayaks in the distance. A leafy branch from a tree hangs down in to the top left corner and dense leafy green trees can be seen on the far bank of the river in the distance. The title, “Stratford Gems”, fill the width of the cover with large text in two lines, the word “Stratford” in gold and “Gems” in white script. The words “Book One” is positioned over the right end of the title in smaller gold text. The subtitle “A Poetic & Photographic Journey of Stratford” is positioned under the title to the left in smaller white text. The Author’s name, “Heidi Sander”, is placed at the bottom right of the cover in white, next to the swan.

The book Stratford Gems by Heidi Sander sitting on a white blanketed background

An interior page from the book Stratford Gems by Heidi Sander sitting on a white background.

An interior page from a book by Heidi Sander on a wooden background.

An interior page from a book by Heidi Sander on a light countertop surrounded by tea and croissants.

Two copies of the book Stratford Gems by Heidi Sander stacked on a light wooden background

Stratford Gems: A Poetic & Photographic Journey of Stratford

By (author)Heidi Sander

Discover the magic of Stratford through award-winning poet Heidi Sander’s words and photography in “Stratford Gems”.

Features:

Exquisite photography: capturing the essence of Stratford.
Eloquent poetry: accompanying each photograph.
An ideal gift: for those seeking inspiration, beauty, and a connection to the wonders of Stratford.

$45.00

“It was heightened by memorable moments at dusk, when lights swam in the water and geese lifted into the air. This steady undercurrent of my life is Stratford, and this book is a love song to my hometown.”

-excerpt from Stratford Gems: A Poetic & Photographic Journey of Stratford

Stratford Gems: A Poetic & Photographic Journey of Stratford by award-winning poet Heidi Sander evokes the magical and dream-like heart of Stratford, calling upon images of lush gardens, tranquil rivers and captivating artwork, as the poems navigate history, memory and the many pathways home. “Stratford feels like home to everyone I meet”, says Sander.

Sander elegantly blends poetry with her photography, as a love song to her hometown. With a thematic arrangement ranging across relationships and families, the urban and natural world, history and the future, there is a great sense of community woven throughout the collection. It transports readers across place and time, and opens doors to understand Stratford, art and memories.

This is the first book in the Stratford Gems: A Poetic & Photographic Journey of StratfordStratford Gems: A Poetic & Photographic Journey of Stratford series, as Sander continues to pay homage to her hometown. This captivating journey is more than just a book – it’s an experience to immerse yourself in the history, culture, and charm of Stratford, Ontario. Whether you’ve visited Stratford many times or have yet to discover its wonders, this book will ignite a passion for this hidden gem.