Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Books Set Outside the U.S.

It’s another Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by  The Broke and the Bookish

Today’s topic sounded like a fun thing to talk about, especially for this native southerner. While I have traveled a bit within the US, I’ve never been out of the country. What better way to learn about another culture or experience another location (without actually going) than books? For today, let’s “pack” our suitcases and talk about books set outside the U.S. For fun, I’m splitting this list up into 2 types: books I’ve read and books on my TBR.

10 Books Set Outside the U.S.

Books I’ve Read

The Thorn Keeper by Pepper D. Basham

Derbyshire, England during WWII

The Red Door Inn by Liz Johnson

Prince Edward Island, Canada

The Sound of Diamonds by Rachelle Rea

Holland and England during the Protestant Reformation

Valley of Decision by Lynne Gentry

Carthage, Tunisia during the 3rd century

Maggie Bright by Tracy Groot

England and France during WWII

Soon-ish TBR

London Tides by Carla Laureano

London, England and probably a little Scotland because the hero is Scottish ❤

A Lesson in Love and Murder by Rachel McMillan

1910s Toronto, Canada (and Chicago). What could be next for these daring girls?

Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson

England (Bath and the countryside) during the Regency Era

A Portrait of Emily Price by Katherine Reay (!!!!)

Italy (and Atlanta). It’s by Katherine, so I KNOW it will be good.

Can’t Help Falling by Kara Isaac

Oxford, England. This was first added to my TBR solely because of the cover. Since then, reviews of Kara’s work have completely convinced me I need to read it!

 

What places do YOU like to visit through the pages of a book? What are some of your favorite books set outside the US? 

Top Ten Tuesday: Music & Books (or, my favorite music from book to screen adaptations)

It’s another Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by  The Broke and the Bookish

This week’s theme is books we’d give theme songs to or songs we wish were books. Well, I’m stretching it a bit and going with my favorite instrumental music from book adaptations. If music with no words is not usually your thing, I get it. I really do. But, trust me here, you might just be captivated by the emotion and beauty in some of these themes.

 

Top Instrumental Music from Book Adaptations

1. Poldark by Winston Graham – “Theme from Poldark” composed by Anne Dudley (BBC series)

2. Emma by Jane Austen – “Knightley’s Walk” composed by Samuel Sim (2009 BBC series)

3. North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell – “Northbound Train” composed by Martin Phipps (2004 BBC series)

4. & 5. Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen – “Mrs. Darcy” and “Leaving Netherfield” composed by Dario Marianelli (2005 Focus Features film)

6. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott – “Orchard House” composed by Thomas Newman (1994 Columbia film)

7. The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper – “Main Title” composed by Trevor Jones and Randy Edelman (1992 Fox film)

8. Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell – “Tara’s Theme” composed by Max Steiner (1939 MGM film)

9. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen – “My Father’s Favorite” composed by Patrick Doyle (1995 Sony Film)

10. The Horse Whisperer by Nicholas Evans – “The Rhythm of the Horse” composed by Thomas Newman (1998 Buena Vista film)

What are some of your favorite series/film themes or scores? Have you seen any of these? What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Top Ten Tuesday: Top 9 Books or series I wish someone would make into a movie/series

It’s another Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by  The Broke and the Bookish

This week is a freebie topic! I’m choosing to go with books I wish someone would make into miniseries, TV series, or movies. So, make yourself some popcorn and read on for my ideas!

Top 9 Books or Series I wish someone would make into a movie/series

Miniseries

#1 The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn by Lori Benton

No question about it, this book is my number one pick for being adapted into some form of film. I have always said it should be a miniseries, that way there would be enough time for all the little details to be included. Plus the budget would be higher for filming on location in rural TN. And we need authentic costumes. I can dream, right? Basically, I’d volunteer to work on the crew just to see it done. (History Channel, AMC, or Hallmark, are you listening?)

#2 The “Price of Privilege“ series by Jessica Dotta (Born of Persuasion, Mark of Distinction, Price of Privilege)

It should be no surprise to see this on my list. Favorite. Series. Ever. And a miniseries would be awesome, yes?

TV series

#3 The “Redemption” series (and subsequent related Baxter Family books) by Karen Kingsbury (some with Gary Smalley)

We have 23 books in 5 series that could be adapted, so I think it could be a very long-running series. (Ahem, Hallmark, since you’ve already adapted Karen’s The Bridge and book-based Cedar Cove, this could be your next hit series.)

(2/4 update: we have a contract! Karen & Roma Downey will be working together to bring the Baxter Family series to television!! http://deadline.com/2016/02/roma-downey-the-baxter-family-faith-based-novel-tv-series-1201694238/)

#4 “Christiansen Family” series by Susan May Warren

This is another that fits the TV series format! Though the 6 books could be a series of movies, too, what with each sibling having their own book.

Movie

#5 The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron

In the vein of The Book Thief or Woman in Gold, this would be an excellent historical drama on screen with 2 intertwining stories — present day and WWII.

#6 Five Days in Skye by Carla Laureano

Besides this being a great story, it made me want to go to Scotland. If it were made into a movie, I might not actually have to go there to see all the wonderful locations referenced in the story. Plus I’d like to see a cast with the great chemistry of James and Andrea (with Henry Cavill, of course).

#7 The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck

With a large cast, this would be a fabulous family drama with flashbacks to the early story of a couple certain characters. It would be a perfect June Hallmark movie!

#8 The Headmistress of Rosemere by Sarah E. Ladd

Who doesn’t love a good Regency period drama with mystery and romance? With the right casting, it could be a new favorite!

#9 Here to Stay by Melissa Tagg

Because the world needs more good rom-coms! Why not one with realistic characters, a serious story of forgiveness, and small-town charm.

 

Well, that’s my list for now. How about you? Do you have any favorite books you’d like to see adapted to film of some kind? Share in the comments!

Top Ten Tuesday: Top {11} Most Anticipated Releases of 2016

It’s another Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by  The Broke and the Bookish

This week’s topic is actually top 10 most anticipated releases for the first half of 2016…but since that was a bit challenging for me to do, I’m changing it up slightly. So we’re going with the whole year (because some of these don’t have release dates) and 11 titles.

Top {11} Most Anticipated Releases of 2016

In no particular order…..

1. Like Never Before by Melissa Tagg

After the cover alone inspired this novella, I have to read this one.

2. The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder by Rachel McMillan

The prequel novella won me over! This one will be read soon.

3. The Goodbye Bride and 4. Just a Kiss by Denise Hunter

I’m anxiously awaiting these stories about the other 2 brothers after Falling Like Snowflakes.

5. The Cautious Maiden by Dawn Crandall

You probably know my love of Dawn’s Everstone Chronicles series already. This one is likely book 4!

6. Together at the Table by Hillary Manton Lodge

I need to know how Jules’ story will go. Like, yesterday. (Reviews for book 1 & book 2)

7. You’re the One that I Want by Susan May Warren

I’ll be sad to end the series, but I’m anxious for Owen’s story of redemption. (most recent in series, book 5, review here)

8. A Flight of Arrows by Lori Benton

Part of her Pathfinders series, whatever transpires, this will be epic.

9. Where Trains Collide by Amber Stokes

Hopefully releasing in 2016!!!??? Whenever it does, you can count on me to read it pronto. (related novella review here)

10. Told You Twice by Kristen Heitzmann

Not sure of a release date here, but after a fabulous series debut, I’m excited.

11. Under Scottish Stars by Carla Laureano

I know, I still need to read book 2 first, but this one sounds promising. (book 1 review here)

What about YOU? What 2016 releases are you anticipating?

Top Ten Tuesday: Top {11} Book Quotes

It’s another Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by  The Broke and the Bookish

This week is a FREEBIE topic for Top Ten Tuesday! So, looking back through past topics, I was inspired to share some favorite book quotes (originally a topic in 2010, I believe). While I have many favorite book quotes, I have chosen 11 to share here that hopefully make sense out of context. Narrowing it down was not easy!

Top {11} Book Quotes

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

Taking a sip of tea, she felt immediately better. Tea was comfort. Tranquility. Civility. – Love’s Awakening by Laura Frantz

She felt that she could so much more depend upon the sincerity of those who sometimes looked or said a careless or hasty thing, than of those whose presence of mind never varied, whose tongue never slipped. – Persuasion by Jane Austen

“You put new meaning to the word bookworm. More like a book… boa constrictor.” – Blake in Here to Stay by Melissa Tagg

We said goodbye at the end of the day with the kind of reluctance usually reserved for small children leaving Disneyland. – A Table by the Window by Hillary Manton Lodge

“…one cannot turn one’s back on the truth. One cannot wish it away, or pray it away, or even live it away.” – Verity in Ross Poldark by Winston Graham

“I know it’s difficult to see right now, but if we trust Him, God can bring us through these dark places, through our fears and even what we think is impossible, to give us more. More of Him. Even more of ourselves, through Him. In fact, He can do more than you can ask or imagine if you let Him.”  – Grace in When I Fall In Love by Susan May Warren

“I wanted to see the place where Margaret grew to what she is, even at the worst time of all, when I had no hope of ever calling her mine.” – Mr. Thornton in North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

“Do you know-” her tone went musing- “belief does something marvelous to courage. Courage is something to be drummed up without it, but if you have belief, it does the drumming.” – Clare in Maggie Bright by Tracy Groot

Not everything that happens to us in this life will bring us joy. …But in time God will work even the worst things men do to us for our lasting good. Eternal good. Trust in the Almighty, in His love for you, and you’ll have no need to dread anything He has befall you. For with a test, a trial, He gives an equal measure of grace to bear it and the comfort of His fellowship as He strengthens us. He is acquainted with suffering. – The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn by Lori Benton

Imagine how differently we’d treat people if at the beginning of an acquaintance we were given opportunity to know how that person would affect our life. – Mark of Distinction by Jessica Dotta

Have you read any of these? What are some of your favorite book quotes?

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books Which Feature Characters Who Cook/Bake

April 28 It’s another Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by  The Broke and the Bookish

Top Ten Books Which Feature Characters Who _____ (Cook/Bake)

Today’s topic is one of the fun fill-in-the-blank kinds. Anyone who knows me well knows I LOVE to eat cook or bake. So, what better thing to share some of my favorite books which feature prominent characters who bake or cook – often for a living?!? These characters’ culinary creations have made me hungry at times. But, one of them doesn’t exactly cook well…. let’s just say I won’t be caught eating at Glynna’s table (from Fired Up)

In no particular order, here goes:

1. The Wishing Season by Denise Hunter

Quaint small house-turned-fine-restaurant/foster transition home with a sweet romance

2. A Table by the Window by Hillary Manton Lodge

So many beautiful dishes – and actual RECIPES in the book! My favorite so far that I’ve tried is the French apple cake from the book.

3. When I Fall In Love by Susan May Warren

A cooking competition in Hawaii. Enough said.

4. Fired Up by Mary Connealy

This one is rather comical…. Glynna is not a very good cook. But she does have some people who help her remedy the situation 🙂

5. Lizzy & Jane by Katherine Reay

Two opposite sisters, brought together, in some ways, by food.

6. Indivisible by Kristen Heitzmann

It’s been a while since I read this one – I remember character Tia Manning worked at a bakery. I think some of her muffin combinations sounded delicious!

7. While Love Stirs by Lorna Seilstad

Another light and fun read, with the main character stirring up trouble!

8. A Beauty So Rare by Tamera Alexander

Eleanor Braddock selflessly cooked for a wonderful cause – to support war widows and orphans. (I got to feature a recipes from this story in these posts: savory quiche and shortbread)

9.-11. “The Michelli Family Series” by Kristen Heitzmann

Secrets, Unforgotten, Echoes

Romantic suspense with an Italian family who loves to cook.

How about you? Do you like to read books that feature a main character who cooks or bakes? Have you read any of these?

Top Ten Tuesday: Top 10 Characters I Wish Would Get Their Own Book

It’s another Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by  The Broke and the Bookish

 

Top Ten Characters I Wish Would Get Their Own Book

When I saw this week’s topic, I knew I had to throw together a last-minute post. There are so many great characters and series out there from fave authors, but sometimes you just want MORE! Especially from those lovable minor characters. In no particular order, these are some characters I would love to read more about — I couldn’t quite come up with 10 on short notice.

Cody Coleman from the Above the Line / Bailey Flanigan series by Karen Kingsbury

After journeying through 3 or 4 great series with Bailey Flanigan and Cody Coleman, I would really like to see what Cody is up to now.

Andra Ballantyne (Ansel’s sister) from The Ballantyne Legacy series by Laura Frantz (book 3 reviewed here)

She’s a minor character who is not-so-lovable. Ok, she’s just plain crabby. But I’d love to know WHY she’s that way, and what makes her tick! And I’d like to see her have a belated happy ending.

Nico D’Alisa (Juliette’s brother) from A Table by the Window by Hillary Manton Lodge (see my review here)

Juliette’s brother just seems so cool. I hope we get to see more of him or even a side plot involving him in book 2!

Gabe O’Connor (little sister) from the Winds of Change series by Julie Lessman (see my review of the series here)

She is such a spunky tomboy, I’d love to see her feisty personality all grown up!

Naomi (Eleanor’s immigrant friend) from A Beauty So Rare by Tamera Alexander (see my review here)

She was a very minor character, but she was so grateful. I would enjoy learning her backstory.

Tara Spencer (Morgan’s little sister) from The Breath of Dawn by Kristen Heitzmann

I remember Kristen mentioning her in a Twitter conversation as maybe getting her own story, and I heartily agree! Plus we’d get to catch up with Morgan, Quinn, Noelle, and Rich.

 

Do you agree with my choices? Share your thoughts or links for TTT in the comments!

Top Ten Tuesday: Top 10 Books On My Fall TBR

It’s another Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by  The Broke and the Bookish

 

Top Ten Books On My Fall TBR

The turning of the season makes one reflect on the one just passing… in this case, I’m talking about my summer TBR. It looks like I made it through 7 out of my 10 books from this summer’s. Here’s hoping that I’ll make it through the leftover 3, too, before the year is over! FYI, I’m adding a few that release late in 2014, so this is going to be my fall/winter TBR posting.
Today’s post is a little last minute, so no book cover graphics this week. Better just a list than none at all, right? 🙂

Carried over from my summer TBR: Made to Last, Barefoot Summer, and A Broken Kind of Beautiful

The Bound Heart by Dawn Crandall (After a great debut by Dawn, I’m excited to read more about these characters)

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

Evergreen: A Christiansen Winter Novella by Susan May Warren

A Lady at Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E. Ladd (I’ve been waiting on this one since reading the first 2 in January!)

How A Star Falls by Amber Stokes (ya’ll have you seen the cover??)

Surprised by Love by Julie Lessman

The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury (I can’t believe I haven’t read this one yet… they’re even making a Hallmark movie out of it!)

To Everything a Season by Lauraine Snelling (It’s been a looong time since I’ve read a book of Lauraine’s)

Burning Sky by Lori Benton

The Wishing Season by Denise Hunter

What’s on your fall TBR???

 

 

Top Ten Tuesday: Top 10 Books People Have Been Telling Me I MUST Read

It’s another Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by  The Broke and the Bookish

Top Ten Books People Have Been Telling Me I MUST Read

Some of these are on my TBR, some are just ones people have been telling me I MUST read, and some are new to me authors I haven’t had the chance to check out yet. My list includes a little over 10 books this week. I thought it was going to be a little tough to come up with 10, but it proved to be very easy!   In no particular order, here are the ones I keep hearing about:

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Born of Persuasion by Jessica Dotta

I’ve heard fellow bloggers and reviewers say they loved this one – and some say they didn’t like it at all. I’m anxious to see who I agree with. I have a copy sitting on my shelf, just waiting….

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The “Daughters of Boston” series by Julie Lessman (A Passion Most Pure, A Passion Redeemed, A Passion Denied). 

Because I LOVED the follow-up series (“Winds of Change”), I know I’ll enjoy these, too. Julie never disappoints. Several blogger friends have recommended this series.

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Once Upon A Prince by Rachel Hauck

I hear this is a realistic and cute modern-day fairy tale. Everyone dreams of becoming royalty, right? 😉

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Stones for Bread by Christa Parrish

The cover alone should be enough to convince me. After reading some great reviews of this one, it’s found a place on my eventual TBR list.

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The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

After reading Jamie’s gushing review (and after reading Dear Mr. Knightley), I’m intrigued by the letter format of this story. I have a copy I’m itching to get to.

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“The Heart’s Spring” series by Amber Stokes (Forget Me Not, Bleeding Heart, Morning Glory [one of her current WIP])

I really do want to read this one – it’s by fellow blogger and author Amber Stokes. She’s pretty fabulous, so I’m sure her stories will be, too. I’ve heard some great things about her writing. And have you seen her latest cover reveal????!!!

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The “Alaskan Courage” series by Dani Pettrey (Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, Silenced, Sabotaged releasing 2/2015 )

The McKenna family gets a lot of publicity time in the blogosphere. I think I need to read these to see what the all hype is about 🙂 Really, a contemporary suspense/romance series set in Alaska seems like the perfect setting.

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The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

It seems everyone and their best friend has read this one… at least some of my friends and family have. I’m not totally convinced yet, because I HAVE seen the movie, and I’m not all that interested in spending my time to read it because I know how it ends (plus some of its content seems a little much for me). (Is that awful?)

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Have you read any of these??? Are there any I’m missing that I simply MUST add to my TBR?

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Authors I Own The Most Books From

It’s another Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by  The Broke and the Bookish

 

Top Ten Authors I Own The Most Books From

It’s been a while since I’ve participated in a TTT, so I thought this would be a fun one to join in on. It’s the top 10 authors I own the most books from! I decided to stick with fiction authors/books. This was fun to go through my shelves (and my Goodreads shelf) to see which authors really are the most popular with me. Just know that some titles are ebooks, so I don’t have THAT many weighting down my shelves. But that’s a topic for another day…

 

Here’s my list of authors:

1. Karen Kingsbury (by looking at my shelves, it’s obvious I own a ton of Kingsbury books….I know 30+, so I didn’t even bother counting. At least 4 of which are on TBR)

2. Tracie Peterson (Latest count, 23, 2 on TBR,  though some are in a stack to get rid of… any takers?)

3. Kristen Heitzmann (11 total, 1 on TBR)

4. Lauraine Snelling (9, 2 on TBR)

5. Tamera Alexander (7, 1 TBR)

6. Deeanne Gist (7, 1 on TBR)

7. Colleen Coble (7, 3 on TBR)

8. Lori Wick (7, 2 on TBR)

9. Susan May Warren (7, 3 on TBR)

10. A TIE: Francine Rivers (5, 4 of which are on TBR. Crazy, right?)  and Laura Frantz (5, 1 on TBR)

 

Which authors do YOU own the most books from???