Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Bookish Memorable + Romantic Moments in Unique Locations

s another Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl!

Today’s official topic is TTT Rewind, to pick an older topic or one missed. I’m doing my own spin on a bookish list of romantic moments and picking three fun locations these scenes take place: in the grocery store, on a boat, and on a train. A little more about my list…

My family and friends know I get just as excited about going grocery shopping as any other kind of shopping (especially if it’s a new-to-me store!). It’s no surprise I’ve noted a few grocery store scenes as remarkable while reading. I also love trains, and think they’re romantic in and of themselves. Trains are another unique spot on my list. I know I have read many stories with coastal settings or scenes on boats, but in thinking about a third place to add to my list, the first one I thought of was Courtney Walsh’s Nantucket series. So, boats round out place number 3.

These scenes *MIGHT* spoil a few moments of some of these stories, so I want to give you a head’s up if any of these are still on your TBR.

10 Bookish Memorable + Romantic Moments in Unique Locations

In the grocery store…

The Off Limits Rule by Sarah Adams | review | Chapter 26, Cooper walking the aisles looking for Lucy

This is an ADORABLE exchange between Cooper and Lucy shopping with her son, Levi. There’s opportunity for little boy shoulder rides, a little parenting 101, flirty banter, and even a kiss in an unexpected outside-a-bathroom setting. It’s pure fun.

Stay With Me by Becky Wade | review | Chapter 16, while grocery shopping…

This moment between Sam and Genevieve is the culmination of a LOT of tension and seriousness between them ***spoiler: he initiates a kiss!***. And it happens in a grocery store just in front of the coffee beans! A sweet little old man makes an appearance here, too, and it’s delightful and hilarious.

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay | review | July 6 entry (epistolary format)

Sam and Alex share a tiny moment of honesty and remembering in this scene. It’s less romantic and more heartfelt as his encouraging comment sparks a focus on good memory of Sam’s fraught childhood. Also, it involves OREOS, and it has always stuck in my brain as a pivotal growth scene for Sam.

On a Train…

The Cautious Maiden by Dawn Crandall | review | Chapter 7, a train trip from Maine to Boston in the private Everstone car

This chapter is a chance for Vance and Violet to share vulnerability and work out tentative family reactions to their marriage of convenience + talk about Vance’s past and Violet’s hopes. It’s a tension-filled private moment for them, and it fits nicely in the story to see their tenderness for each other start to grow.

The Matrimonial Advertisement by Mimi Matthews | review | Chapter 15, Justin and Helena on a train to London

They have an honest conversation about their worries for something they’re about to face in London, and the romantic moment happens when Justin reassures her of his commitment and support as her husband. It’s a sweet moment because, as fitting with his personality, simply voicing his emotions in that manner is unexpected.

Written on the Wind by Elizabeth Camden | review | Chapter 17 overlooking a moonlit field from a caboose.

In this scene, a cross country train trip turns very personal as Dimitri holds Natalia and confesses his deepest personal reservations about a relationship. Theirs is a wholly unique opposites/friends-to-lovers dynamic that’s groundbreaking in its depiction. I ❤ them so much!

On a Boat…

Beyond the Tides by Liz Johnson | review | Chapter 16, on a night watch on a lobster boat in the harbor

Meg and Oliver have an enemies to lovers situation happening, and in this chapter and scene, Oliver shares a great deal of his past with her, revealing the reasons his actions caused their “enemy” dynamic. It’s a touching scene, and one that ends with a sweet embrace while Meg realizes just what he endured as a young man.

Whose Waves These Are by Amanda Dykes | review | Chapter 34

Several great friendship-building moments occur between Annie and Jeremiah in boats, but a touching moment happens when he takes her to a secluded sea cove in a canoe to see some special microorganisms that tie in with the theme of Light and Darkness and embracing the waves. It’s poignant and sweet because it reinforces how he *sees* her.

Is It Any Wonder by Courtney Walsh | review | Chapter 23 training in a sailboat for the regatta

While Lou and Cody share a few significant moments on boats, including a rescue and a regatta, the most significant scene, I think, is when Lou experiences a panic attack and Cody talks her through it. Their guards are down, and it’s a sweet moment for her to realize the electricity still between them (second chance romance trope!).

A Modest Independence by Mimi Matthews | review | Chapter 8, on a steam ship bound for Malta

While Tom and Jenny could’ve fit into the TRAIN moments category, this scene early on in their journey to India captures an unguarded moment of attraction between them as Tom tends to Jenny while she’s seasick. It’s a classic sickbed scene that shows his tenderness for her while they trade a little banter and good conversation.

Top Ten Tuesday: 11 Titles That Would Make Good Band Names

It’s another Top Ten Tuesday, now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl!

Top Ten Tuesday at The Green Mockingbird

Official topic: Titles That Would Make Good Band Names

This week’s topic combines two of my favorite things: books and music! With all kinds of band names out there in many genres of music, ranging from quirky to straightforward and clever, it’s reasonable to think that some book titles would also make great band names.

My list includes descriptors and names I think could make it in the music world and be memorable. I’d like to think a group called The Thorn Healers would be folksy, Lizzy and Jane would be a sister duo, and Bear No Malice would be an indie rock band! 😉

11 Titles That Would Make Good Band Names

Two Blue Doors (series) by Hillary Manton Lodge

The Thorn Healer(s) by Pepper Basham

Mortal Arts by Anna Lee Huber

Lizzy and Jane by Katherine Reay

The Saturday Night Supper Club by Carla Laureano

The Spice King by Elizabeth Camden

Bear No Malice by Clarissa Harwood

Hometown Girl by Courtney Walsh

Rose in Three Quarter Time by Rachel McMillan

Emerald Illusion by J. Rodes

Blind Spot by Dani Pettrey

Your turn! Did you participate in Top Ten Tuesday this week? Have you read any of these books?

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Signs You’re a Book Lover

It’s another Top Ten Tuesday, now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl!

Top Ten Tuesday at The Green Mockingbird

Official topic: 10 Signs You’re a Book Lover

This week’s topic was SO FUN to play with! I’m guilty of most of these on my list…

10 signs you're a book lover

10 Signs You’re a Book Lover

  1. A peek inside your purse (or bag) reveals a book (or two!) in progress… I’ve been known to carry around a paperback or an ebook device all the time, especially on road trips or vacations.
  2. Your TBR (to be read) pile has turned into a bookshelf all its own… or maybe it’s haphazardly scattered through the house. Or tracked on Goodreads. But at least YOU know which books you haven’t read and which ones you must-read-next!
  3. Your Amazon order history is 90% book related… Books. Notebooks in which to write about books. Ebooks. Books to gift all of your family and loved ones. Shelves and bags to house books.
  4. Random conversations or historical tidbits make you think about fictional characters... Someone mentions WWI spies? You think of Kate Breslin’s stories. Or a mention of the name Callum instantly causes all the feels and a need to visit TX (Jane of Austin by Hillary Manton Lodge).
  5. You have a pet named after a fictional character… OK, so I don’t have one named Darcy or Thornton or Oliver YET, but those names are on the future pet list!
  6. You have a dangerously high stack of books on your nightstand… and, like me, your mom has warned you about the stack falling on you while you sleep.
  7. You keep a spreadsheet on your computer with a list of books you’ve read, and a separate list sorted by historical eras… or maybe that’s just me. 😉
  8. Your friends and family gift you bookish things… like bookmarks, cookbooks, gift cards to your favorite bookstores, or that one novel you’ve been dying to get your hands on!
  9. Your favorite movies or series are adaptations of your favorite stories… like North & South, Emma, or maybe The Count of Monte Cristo and Jason Bourne are more your thing.
  10. You spend time making lists like this… ABOUT books!

Your turn! Did you participate in Top Ten Tuesday this week? Do you share any of these book-loving-signs with me? Drop a link in the comments!

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 One Word Titles (Recommendations + TBR)

It’s another Top Ten Tuesday, now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl!

Top Ten Tuesday at The Green Mockingbird

Official topic: Books with Single Word Titles

I had to look back through my Goodreads shelves for this list! I found that books with 3-5 word titles are most common. Two, plentiful enough. One? Rare considering the hundreds of titles I browsed through!

I’m sharing a few of what I consider “classic” Christian fiction titles today in recommendations (ahem, ones that I read years ago), along with some recent gems. And, I’m featuring 5 titles on my TBR.

10 One Word Titles

Recommendations

Rekindled by Tamera Alexander | I remember loving the setting as much as the unique plot

Facade by Pepper Basham | Espionage, a secret mission, and sweet romance

Freefall by Kristen Heitzmann | The first I read by Ms. Heitzmann that made me an instant fan!

Reclaimed by Jennifer Rodewald | Humor AND a serious redemption arc that will make you cry

Duchess by Susan May Warren | I remember enjoying at inside look at classic Hollywood glamour contrasted with the wartime events of the era.

TBR

Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson | A sweet romance everyone says I need to read!

Bethlehem by Ka ren Kelly | I LOVE this cover.

Nightshade by Ronie Kendig | For when I’m in the mood for action and an ensemble cast, I look to Ronie.

Sway by Amy Matayo | Music + a YA feel

Submerged by Dani Pettrey | I need to catch up on Dani’s debut romantic suspense series!

Your turn! Did you participate in Top Ten Tuesday this week? Have you read any of these books? Which one from by TBR do I *need* to read soon?

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Book Titles with Numbers

It’s another Top Ten Tuesday, now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl!

Top Ten Tuesday at The Green Mockingbird

Today’s official topic:  Book Titles with Numbers In Them

In looking through my stacks of books and Goodreads shelves, I found several books with numbers in the titles, up to five! And, a couple fun number and count ones. I’ve read most of these books. Have you read any of them?

10 Book Titles with Numbers

The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White

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

Just One Kiss by Courtney Walsh

Count Me In by Mikal Dawn

Reservations for Two by Hillary Manton Lodge

Where Two Hearts Meet by Liz Johnson

Love in Three Quarter Time by Rachel McMillan

Three Little Words by Melissa Tagg

Four Dreams of You by Sondra Kraak

Five Days in Skye by Carla Laureano

What kind of “number” books did you come up with for this week? Have I mentioned any of your favorites? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Couples in Books

It’s another Top Ten Tuesday, now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl!

Top Ten Tuesday at The Green Mockingbird

Today’s official topic: Favorite Couples in Books

Since this is Valentine’s week, this topic is appropriate and a cute choice. Coming up with the couples was easy, narrowing it to 10 was difficult. I have made a list, which really is just me listing 10 of my gazillion favorites and gushing over why they are perfect together.

All of these couples have (eventual) happily-ever-afters in common, though they face distinct struggles and overcome all sorts of barriers (both physical and emotional ones) to be together. It will be no surprise that I’m including some of these couples (like Pepper’s, Rachel’s, or Liz’s!).

In no particular order, my list….

10 Favorite Couples in Books

CONTEMPORARY STORIES

ROSE AND OLIVER| Rose in Three Quarter Time by Rachel McMillan

A friendship-turned-marriage-of-convenience-to-romance, their story is as rich as whipped cream with its tiny acts of care (cereal!) and tension and alllll the happy sighs.

JULIETTE AND NEIL | “Two Blue Doors” series by Hillary Manton Lodge

Through all of their ups and downs, family secret discoveries, and world travels, theirs is a deep connection and complimentary relationship.

EMILY AND BEN | A Portrait of Emily Price by Katherine Reay

A smart match that goes beyond a fast-moving relationship to the challenges of new family and the importance of commitment and forgiveness. And, Ben has excellent taste in art.

NORA AND JOHN | True to You by Becky Wade

Seemingly an opposites attract story, these two have so much in common! Their friendship naturally progresses and the richness of their intertwined stories makes them quite a special couple.

CADEN AND ADAM | Where Two Hearts Meet by Liz Johnson

These two connect and just click, even with the vulnerability that comes along. I love their sweet dynamic! (And that first kiss scene is pretty special, too.)

PETE AND JESS | Wait for Me by Susan May Warren

They can’t deny the magnetic pull between them, and face plenty of obstacles to being together (some self inflicted), but as their story unfolds over several books, they learn and grow and become better people – and finally arrive at a selfless place of being together.

HISTORICAL STORIES

LIBERTY AND NOBLE | The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz

History and society dictate their unlikely association and later, their romance. But they are soooo sweet together! Liberty’s strength and Noble’s integrity just make them a great couple.

DAVID AND CATHERINE | The Thorn Keeper by Pepper Basham

They find love unexpectedly and surmount the odds during WWI challenges. And oh, the redemption of their romance!

SIMON AND EVELYN | High as the Heavens by Kate Breslin

Spies, occupied WWI Europe, and secrets all try to separate these two, but their marriage and rescue situation? put them together. They have to rely on each other, only strengthening their bond.

THOR AND AVEN | Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof

Ah I love them. Her quiet strength and patience and his protectiveness… they are just meant to be together!

Your turn! Did you participate in Top Ten Tuesday? Have you read any of these books? Who are your favorite fictional couples? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Books with Bookish Heroines (and Heroes!)

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

Top Ten Tuesday at The Green Mockingbird

Today’s official topic: Ten Books That Feature Characters ____________: Examples: Ten books that feature black main characters, characters who hold interesting jobs, characters who have a mental illness, characters that are adopted, characters that play sports, etc, etc. 

This meme is (usually) all about books, so let’s explore that topic further with book characters who ARE #bookish themselves!!! Because let’s face it, bookish people are the coolest. And we booknerds will instantly like and relate to bookish characters. These are a few of my favorites…..

And, because Goodreads is a fun place to hang out, I started a listopia list for this topic!

Inspirational Fiction Books with Bookish Heroines/Heroes

Please feel free to come vote for your favorite bookish characters and add to the list!

(click covers to visit my reviews!)

10 Books with Bookish Heroines (And Heroes!)

A Name UnknownA Name Unknown by Roseanna M. White: Peter Holstein

To put it simply, Peter is the ULTIMATE bookish hero. He writes. He writes stories and letters and scribbles notes on the nearest surface. And don’t get me started on his library, even if it is the messiest and most intimidateing library ever known to man (or, at least, known to Rosemary 😉 ).

The Bronte PlotThe Brontë Plot by Katherine Reay: Lucy Alling

She “sets aside a day for books”, sells rare books, AND visits classic literature destinations.True to You

True to You by Becky Wade: Nora Bradford

I don’t think there can be a more bookish heroine enamored with the idea of fairy tales. In all of this, she stays grounded and learns important real-life lessons on what makes a true hero.

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The Captive Imposter by Dawn Crandall: Dexter Blakeley

While Elle is the one who reads classics aloud to an older lady, Dexter is the one that names his animals after literature figures. Like Pip and Knightley. YES.

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Here to Stay by Melissa Tagg: Autumn Kingsley

She’s proud of her eclectic book collection. She even carries books around in her purse.

Lizzy and Jane by Katherine Reay

Lizzy and Jane by Katherine Reay: Nick

While Lizzy is more eager to discuss books AND food and such, Nick’s intelligent appreciation of books makes an appearance. And when he reads a book that Lizzy loves and does something with THAT ONE AUSTEN “LETTER, his bookish game conquers.

The Road to Paradise

The Road to Paradise by Karen Barnett: Margie Lane

Margie’s bookish ways have to do with the outdoors’ flora and fauna. This story challenges her and puts her head knowlenge to the test in some exciting ways!

The “Herringford and Watts Mysteries” series by Rachel McMillan: Merinda Herringford

Merinda Herringford is intelligent and smart. Her problem-solving skills are further influenced by her love of Sherlock and application of his methods. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, anyone?!

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Told You So by Kristen Heitzmann: Grace Evangeline

Grace is an author, so she’s automatically bookish. Getting inside her head and seeing her work and develop story is a fun part of the book. And when that combines with Devin’s prowess? Look out, world!

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Whispers in the Reading Room by Shelley Shepherd Gray: Lydia Bancroft

Lydia loves books AND she works at a library!

Did you participate in this week’s TTT? Do you have a favorite bookish hero or heroine?

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Memorable Dads in Literature & #BookDadQuotes

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

Top Ten Tuesday at The Green Mockingbird

The official topic is ~ Father’s Day related Freebiefavorite dads in literature, best father/daughter or son relationships, books to buy your dad, worst dads in literature, etc. etc.

Dads can offer that bit of wisdom you need to hear, the funny inside joke to brighten a moment, or the insight to looking at life in a new way. My dad was like that — ready to share his thoughts on the subject, if you sought out his opinion. And sometimes when you weren’t exactly looking for advice :).  Appropriately, this week’s topic leading up to Father’s Day is all about dads!

I had multiple ideas for this topic, but because it’s my blog, I decided to go with 2 different ones! First up, as in last month’s Mother’s Day Freebie, I’m listing 10 memorable dads in literature. I really *could* have just referenced the dads or father figures in each of those stories, from the “mom” list, but I decided to change it up and go with different books this holiday. Secondly, I’ve put together a few favorite book quotes from or about dads. Some of these match the 10 memorable dads in my list, too. Dads can offer that bit of wisdom you need to hear, the funny inside joke to brighten a moment, or the insight to looking at life in a new way. My dad was like that — ready to share his thoughts on the subject, if you sought out his opinion. And sometimes when you weren’t exactly looking for advice :).

10 Memorable Dads in Literature

Like Never Before by Melissa Tagg1. & 2. Case and Logan Walker in the “Walker Family” series by Melissa Tagg

3. Ben King (and his father Chet) in Wild Montana Skies by Susan May Warren

4. Reese Mitchell in A Twist of Faith by Pepper Basham

5. Charlie Lionheart (nontraditional dad) in The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof

271385786. Devin Bressard in the “Told You” series by Kristen Heitzmann

7. Morgan Spencer in The Breath of Dawn by Kristen Heitzmann

8. Mr. D’Alisa in the “Two Blue Doors” series by Hillary Manton Lodge

To Win Her Favor9. Gilbert Linden in To Win Her Favor by Tamera Alexander

10. Mr. Woodhouse in Emma by Jane Austen

And….. #BookDadQuotes

“I am nothing without God,” he said. “And I don’t ever want to try to be.”

– Charlie Lionheart in The Lady and the Lionheart

“Sometimes in life, when what we want most is just beyond our reach… and the ground beneath us gives way, we must grab hold of the nearest branch.” He closed his eyes briefly, “And hang on.”

– Gilbert Linden in To Win Her Favor by Tamera Alexander

Over and above their love as father and daughter, they now had a common bond, a kinship that had nothing to do with blood. They were newspeople who loved the smell of ink and the demand of a deadline.

– from A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman

“…having faith is the bravest thing we can do. It’s the unwavering confidence that God loves us. That although we can’t see the road ahead, we can see God.”

– Chet King in Wild Montana Skies by Susan May Warren

There were no wracking sobs today, not like that day at the depot when he’d finally set free so many years of furrowed hurt. Let his dad encircle him with all the strength and comfort he’d pushed away since the day he’d left town. It has been an unshackling. A letting go.
Today was a holding on. To courage in the midst of fear. To faith in the midst of uncertainty.
To a father’s love he knew had never once wavered.

– from Keep Holding On by Melissa Tagg

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 things that will make me instantly want to read a book

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

Top Ten Tuesday at The Green Mockingbird

The official prompt is Top Ten Things That Will Make Me Instantly Want To Read A Book. I decided to spin this to apply to particular books instead of “making-me-want-to-read” situations, like rainy days on the porch or cozy days by the fire. Because I read mainly inspirational or Christian fiction, my instantly-want-to-read books would be within those parameters. This list is a little bit thrown together, so I’m not going into as much detail as I could about it. For instance, I could talk about # 1, 3, 5, and 9 for a looooong time.

Ten Things That Will Make Me Instantly Want To Read A Book

  1. good reviews from blogger friends – the books I keep hearing about, high praise from #bookbesties, etc. You know who you are.
  2. endorsements or recommendations from favorite authors. These DO matter!
  3. favorite authors… new books are #mustreads! This must-read-author list keeps growing every year. *happy sigh*
  4. indie books from fav authors. A bold move like self-publishing deserves a chance… and often promises a pleasantly different type story. Favorites that come to mind are Told You So by Kristen Heitzmann, The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof, and Just the Way You Are by Pepper Basham.
  5.  a unique premise or setting – or a premise related to cooking. Let’s just face it: I’m a food-aholic.
  6. gorgeous covers – because sometimes it’s all about that instant cover appeal
  7. books from favorite publishers
  8. almost anything infused with classic literature. Katherine Reay, I’m talking about YOU!
  9. similar to number 8, story retellings: like P&P, Beauty and the Beast, My Fair Lady, etc.
  10. an era I love – favorites including any time around the Revolutionary War in America, WWII, or post-Civil War American west.

That’s it for my list! What things make YOU instantly want to read a book? Do share your TTT posts or thoughts!

 

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Novels with the Most Unique Settings

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

Top Ten Tuesday at The Green Mockingbird

The official prompt is: Top Ten Of The Most Unique Books I’ve Read or a variation on “unique books”. This one was a little harder to decide on because what think is unique might not be to you. So, I’ve settled on unique settings because that’s a pretty concrete story element we might agree on.

Some of these are highly unique because of their geographical setting and some are more so because of the combination of setting + era. In no particular order……

Top Ten Tuesday 10 book cover graphic for unique settings.jpg

10 Novels with the Most Unique Settings


1. The Lady and the Lionheart
by Joanne Bischof

Setting: a circus in Victorian-era Virginia. Lions (and their amazing trainer) and elephants all traveling by wagon, oh my! (No surprise it’s on another TTT list. I could talk about this book all day.)


2. The Red Door Inn by Liz Johnson

Setting: A little bed-and-breakfast inn in modern Prince Edward Island, Canada. The first of two contemporary stories on my list this week, the setting is charming and picturesque while it makes its way into the heart of the heroine.


3. The Thorn Healer
by Pepper Basham

Setting: Hot Springs, NC that hosts a post-WWI German refugee camp. It’s a cultural wake-up call for the heroine as she learns to overcome prejudices in her little Appalachian community.


4. The Brontë Plot
by Katherine Reay

Setting: a good part comprises a literary tour of England, complete with London and a visit to the Brontës’ hometown, Haworth. This is the second contemporary story on the list!


5. The Measure of a Lady
by Deeanne Gist

Setting: Gold Rush San Francisco, CA (mid 1800s) with all its roughness and rugged coastal beauty — this is a place the heroine does not want to be, but the people there inexplicably draw her in…


6. The Captive Imposter
by Dawn Crandall

Setting: a wealthy family’s hotel in the mountains of Maine during the Gilded Age (early 1900s).


7. The Sentinels of Andersonville
by Tracy Groot

Setting: Andersonville prison in Andersonville, GA during the Civil War. This prison held Yankees, including one of the main characters.


8. Duchess
by Susan May Warren

Setting: the “Golden Age” of Hollywood, CA, in the 1930s then Europe during crucial parts of political unrest just before WWII.


9. Saving Amelie
by Cathy Gohlke

Setting: a little village in hostile Germany during WWII.


10. A Moonbow Night
by Laura Frantz

Setting: a family lodge and way station of sorts in the wilderness of the Kentucky frontier in the mid-1700s. Think Daniel Boone!

What is one of the most unique settings you’ve read about? Did you participate in TTT this week? Share your thoughts in the comments!