Maria: A Novel of Maria Von Trapp by Michelle Moran

October 7, 2026






Top Ten Tuesday: Books that Bring Happy Memories

October 6, 2026


Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Artsy Read Girl.
Each week features a book related topic to spotlight your Top Ten.

Topic:
Books that Bring Happy Memories

Books aren't just something to read or even to use as an escape, but they hold happy, warm fuzzy memories from the time of life you read them or how they helped you through a hard time, giving you that moody feeling that can match what you need. Or even that bonding with friends or family. 

Books can offer so many things. I'm very thankful for all the opportunities that they offer.

Without further ado, an assortment of reads that hold a place in my heart. 


The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

This series got me back into reading years ago when life was not at the most pleasant. Recently, I've been listening to the Full Cast Audio version, which is phenomenal! This series brings me joy each time I read it. I've shared it with my kids in book form and movies. 



This series is such a fun Contemporary, Western. The characters are fun, there is humor and and heart. It follows the lives of Lynda from the publishing world and Brady from the Rodeo world. This was a series I dove into when I was in high school and really brought new genres to my attention. 

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

This is just become a quintessential read. It's a classic that brings the cozy feelings. The loving family, the seasonal aspects. It is just a cozy read. It is one that holds a close place to my heart as it is one of the stories my Grandpa bought be when I was learning to read, since I was older when I learned. He wanted me to have so many books to have access too. 


This series bring the dark, moody atmosphere. I found this series after having gotten back into reading for a few years. It changed the reading atmosphere for me. It brings the dark, moody, gothic feel. When going through things, sometimes having a happy read isn't what is needed. 


The Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer

This series, maybe a bit cheesy, but along with Harry Potter, this series got me through a really hard time and helped me connect to some amazing friends. Reading the books and watching the movies, which are even more cheesy then the books, still bring the warm happy fuzzy memories of times with friends. I will always cherish the series for those memories.  

 

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins 
Welcome to the dystopian genre. This was my first foray into the genre and boy did it hook me and lead me down a new genre of books I hadn't thought to explore before. This is a series I've enjoyed in book form and audio. The movies are good too, but the books have just stuck with me. 


Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

After Harry Potter and Twilight, I discovered Outlander and boy did it hook me. I haven't finished the series yet. I still have 2 books to read to get caught up. This historical backdrop is amazing and just captures you into the story. This series is massive, but has been a good read. I've enjoyed it in book form and audio. I've watched the show, but not all of it. I had the last 2 seasons to finish. I just haven't had the heart to close it out yet. 


Mainly Sean Donovan and Donovan's Daughter. These 2 books have popped out of the series for me. The stories were fun and one I've enjoyed since high school. They are sweet romances. I reread them so many times. 

Love Come's Softly by Janette Oke

This series means a lot to me. It was given to me by my aunt the Christmas after I had learned to read. This story kept me reading and really set me into the historical fiction genre. I've read all of the books by this author because of the impact it has left on me. 

The Princess by Lori Wick

This story introduced me contemporary romance when I was in high school. This story was full of emotion and kept me so captivated. I reread this book so many times. It's a little dated now, but it is story that still hold up. 

A Veiled Reflection by Tracie Peterson

It isn't just this book, this author really held my attention with reading all through my high school career. This story through was unique in this series and stood out, but these books always promised a wonderful historical background and strong female characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this author for a while. I haven't read the books lately, but I know I will enjoy them when I do dive back in. 


What books stick with you? 
What books bring happy or peaceful or those moody memories?


Can't Help Falling by Courtney Walsh

September 30, 2026







Top Ten Tuesday: Fall Cover Vibes

September 29, 2026

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Artsy Read Girl.
Each week features a book related topic to spotlight your Top Ten.

Topic:

Fall Cover Vibes

Having a Fall TBR is nice, but having Fall vibe reads can be better. Sometimes you need a book that fits that Fall feel or look. Whether it is that cozy autumnal colors, or the spooky, gothic reads, having a book that helps the fall feel really just gets that mood in that happy fun pumpkin and apple, red, orange, yellow feel. The Fall reads are most needed when the a/c is fighting for it's life with the hundred degree days that are trying to hang on for dear life and and squash the dreams of seventy five degree days, rain, and clouds.

Here are the books that bring the feels and views of fall.


Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
Many Sparrows by Lori Benton
The Wood's Edge by Lori Benton

Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon
The Gold in These Hills by Joanne Bischof
Autumn at the Cat Cafe by Kathleen Fuller


Blue Ridge Sunrise by Denise Hunter
The Daughter of Rome by Angela Hunt
The Memory of You by Catherine West


Shadow Among the Sheaves by Naomi Stephens
Like Never Before by Melissa Tagg
Can't Help Falling by Courtney Walsh


What fall theme did you pick to feature for this freebie? 
Do you like to read seasonal reads?


Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder (Full Series)

September 23, 2026








Top Ten Tuesday: Books on my Fall TBR

September 22, 2026

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Artsy Read Girl.
Each week features a book related topic to spotlight your Top Ten.

Topic:

Fall TBR

I feel like fall brings so many books from so many different genres. Some have those perfect fall vibes, several new reads are getting ready to be released, and there are even new releases that have already come out that I haven’t gotten to yet. And with Christmas basically right around the corner, Christmas reads have also started sneaking their way onto this list.

Hopefully, I’ll be able to make my way through these, but I have a feeling there will be a few others that wiggle their way in, demanding that I read them, too. Because apparently, my TBR has a mind of its own.


Autumn at the Cat Cafe by Kathleen Fuller
Brighter Than Before by Courtney Walsh


Threshing Day by Rebecca Yarros
Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

Crown of Destiny by Ashton E. Dorow
Winter's Dawn by Morgan L. Busse


The Palace Spy by Tessa Afshar
Belle's Christmas Carol by Michelle Griep
Merry Ex-Mas by Courtney Walsh


What are you hopping to read this fall? Are you hoping for new reads or more seasonal fall vibes?


Top Ten Tuesday: Author's I've Met

September 15, 2026


Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Artsy Read Girl.
Each week features a book related topic to spotlight your Top Ten.

Topic:

Authors I've Met


I've only met a couple of authors face to face. 
But I've communicated with several in some groups or back in the day through email.
 The author's I've spoken with have been so kind and have shared some amazing writing inspiration. 

These author's I've read for a long time and will always enjoy their stories. 


There have been other author's I've seen at signings, but these are the 5 that have stood out in communications. 


What authors have you met or communicated with?

Top Ten Tuesday: Traditional Authors Who Published Independently

September 8, 2026


Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Artsy Read Girl.
Each week features a book related topic to spotlight your Top Ten.

Topic:

Traditional Authors Who Published Independently


The independent publishing world has had a massive uptick in the last few years. Years and years ago, it was on the fringe of the publishing world. But with the recent changes with the reading and publishing world, independent publishing has found a solid footing. 

Many authors who I adore, have now independently published their stories. Some are continuations of stories they started with a traditional publishing house, others have just published their stories through this way. And I'm so glad they have done this! Some stories needed these continuations and other stories we wouldn't have without it.

Today, I'm featuring authors who have traditionally published their books in the beginning and now can find some of their stories indie published. 


Can't Help Falling by Courtney Walsh
Love & Baseball by Jaime Jo Wright w/ Chloe JoAnne


Stay With Me by Jody Hedlund
The Cinderella Plot by Pepper Basham


Bourne & Tributary by Lisa T. Bergen
Colors of Truth by Tamera Alexander


By the Waters of Babylon by Mesu Andrews
The Fearless Cowboy by Jody Hedlund

Where Grace Appears by Heidi Chiavaroli
Enamored by Jody Hedlund

 
What indie published books have you enjoyed?

What are you featuring on this indie freebie week?


Top Ten Tuesday: Books With Nationalities In The Title

September 1, 2026

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Artsy Read Girl.
Each week features a book related topic to spotlight your Top Ten.

Topic:

Books With Nationalities In The Title


This one I found a little tricky. Instead of nationalities per se, I opted for books that featured countries in their titles. First half are from the ancient setting and the second half are more modern settings. 

When looking through the titles, finding nationalities was far tricker. I could find titles like "The Colonel's Lady", "The Hidden Prince", or "The Palace Spy". Finding titles and jobs or titles was easier, but to stay on topic, I bent it a little bit to fit it. 


Star of Persia by Jill Eileen Smith 
Jewel of the Nile by Tessa Afshar
The Sisters of Corinth by Angela Hunt
Daughter of Rome by Tessa Afshar
The Daughter of Rome by Angela Hunt


Once Upon an Irish Summer by Lisa T. Bergren
The London House by Katherine Reay
The Berlin Letters by Katherine Reay
Some Like it Scot by Pepper Basham


What national books did you find to share this week? 
Was this an easier topic or more difficult topic for you?




Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish Places I’ve Visited

August 25, 2026

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Artsy Read Girl.
Each week features a book related topic to spotlight your Top Ten.

Topic:

Bookish Places I've Visited


I've done something similar with this topic before, it seemed like a fun topic to try again, but a little different way. 

The states featured are states that I have either lived in or visited. Instead of focusing on one book per state to feature, I found a handful of states and then found several books for these states. 


Submerged by Dani Pettry (Mystery Family Series set in Alaska)
Love Finds you in North Pole Alaska by Loree Lough (Contemporary Romance)
Treasures of the North by Tracie Peterson ( Historical Fiction)


Tacos for Two by Betsy St. Amant (Contemporary Romance)
Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade (Contemporary Romance)
A Bouquet of Love by Janice Thompson (Contemporary Romance)
Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer (Historical Romance)


Widow of Gettysburg by Jocelynn Green (Historical Fication)
Love's Reckoning by Laura Frantz (Historical Romance)
The Killer Angles by Michael Shaara (Historical Fiction)


Beyond All Dreams by Elizabeth Camden (Historical Romance)
Circle of Spies by Roseanna M. White (Historical Romance)
Wedded to War by Jocelynn Green (Historical Fiction)
With Every Breath by Elizabeth Camden (Historical Romance)


Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (Classic)
Voyager by Diana Gabaldon (Historical Romance)
Rebellious Heart by Jody Hedlund (Historical Romance)
Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden (Historical Romance


A Scattering of Light by Lori Benton (Historical Romance)
Spy of Richmond by Jocelyn Green (Historical Fiction)



A Match in the Making by Jen Turano (Historical Romance, Humor)
In Good Company by Jen Turano (Historical Romance, Humor)


A Note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander (Historical Romance)
A Beauty So Rare by Tamera Alexander (Historical Romance)
A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander (Historical Romance)


What states are you featuring this week? 

I will say there are so many places I would like to visit that I have read about. They are definitely on my bucket list. 


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