Happy Tuesday! Spring has definitely sprung around my house. The azaleas are in full bloom now and the dogwoods are showing off. Our blueberry bushes are full of blossoms and seem to have escaped any late frosts! Yay! Along with the beauty outside my windows, I’ve got some book beauties on the shelf. Today’s TTT topic is Spring-yBook Covers. The covers are lightening my mood and adding some really pretty granny squares to my 2025 book blanket project. Find new releases and oldies — I have a bountiful mix on my shelves — below.
Happy Tuesday! Since it’s April Fool’s Day, this week’s TTT topic is you’d be a fool not to read these books. My list contains books I have read this year that I highly recommend you read. As always there’s a variety of genres so you can easily find your next favorite book. Enjoy!
I finally met Pepper Basham in person in January at the Turning A New Page Book Festival in Perry, GA. What fun it was to sit in on the two panels she was on, as well as, talking with her face-to-face! She is so sweet! And funny! If you are a fan of her romcoms you probably would have guessed that already. I also had the great fortune of receiving an ARC of her latest book, Some Like It Scot. It is a fun romp through the Scottish countryside with sheep, a hairy coo, and a swoony hero in a kilt. Main character Katie Campbell is a popular travel writer that has endeared her audience with misadventures. Katie is sweet, kind, and prone to harrowing near death experiences, with this trip to the Isle of Mull no exception. She is also burdened by family dynamics leading her to a flight response in her personal life. I loved Katie. She is a relatable character, even if you’ve never been chased by a cow or fallen off a cliff. 😉 She meets her dream man, but it is definitely not love at first sight for either of them — at least that’s what they tell each other. I really liked how the romance develops between the pair. There are plenty of zany situations and quirky, but lovable characters. I especially fell in love with Lachlan, a young boy wise beyond his years, and Mirren, a woman who nurtures Katie in ways her own mother never did. I also now want to return to Scotland to experience the misty lochs and quaint towns found on Mull.
Some Like It Scot was a quick read with lots of romance, but it also conveys godly wisdom for anyone reading it. It’s definitely a recommended read!
Recommended.
Audience: Adults.
(Thanks to the publisher for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
She lives her life on the fly. His heart is double-knotted to home. Can two different souls create a life together?
Popular travel writer and podcaster Katie Campbell roams the world collecting other people’s stories. She’s built a career as “Miss Adventure,” known for saying yes to anything new–country, food, or experience–and predictably finding those adventures taking a downward turn into misadventures.
Offered the chance to explore her ancestral roots through a three-week Edwardian experience, Katie finds herself immersed in the beauty and eccentricity of Scotland. In her period attire, with traditional foods and activities, the opportunities for misadventures are endless, especially with the presence of a maniacal macaw, a jealous co-worker, and an all-too-surly Scotsman.
Reclusive and protective Graeme MacKerrow doesn’t venture far from his island home. A stoic Scotsman, Graeme’s comfort zone has always been family, and after his sister’s death, he’s even more determined to save the MacKerrow ancestral home and keep those he loves close. The sudden intrusion of a six-foot-one American lass, famous for her traveling misfortunes, was far from his plan.
As this world of folklore, community, and woodworkers-in-kilts tempts Katie to discover her own story, could this one grand series of misadventures lead her directly to where she belongs? And would a settled-in-Scot ever risk loosening his grip on what’s familiar to allow a wanderlust writer a home in his heart? How could their very different worlds share the same page of life’s story when “home” is in two very different places? But maybe home–and the future–isn’t quite what either one imagined it would be. Maybe home is less about a place . . . and more about a person.
Pepper Basham is a best-selling author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed adoration of the UK into her stories. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the wife of a fantastic pastor, mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus. She loves connecting with readers and other authors through social media outlets like Facebook & Instagram.
Happy Tuesday! I was not feeling the TTT topic today — DNF (did not finish) books. Didn’t we just post about that topic? I typically finish all the books that I start primarily because I am pretty picky about the books I choose to read — mood reading, favorite genres or authors, etc. So today I am posting an update about my 2025 book blanket. Below are the books I have recently read and the granny squares I have made to remember them by. And in good conscience, I have to confess that I may be choosing books based on pretty covers. 😉 Do you have any bookish projects going on?
Happy Tuesday! How is it already Spring? Now, I am not complaining. The winter here in the Sunny South was cold by our standards. But how has the time gone so quickly!? While my reading isn’t as quick as it used to be, I am steadily making progress on my TBR list. TTT helps me get it in line too. So here’s my Spring TBR, a mix of review books, book club selections, and just because. Wish me luck! 😉
Happy Tuesday! Today’s TTT prompt is Destination Titles (books with the names of places in their titles). I didn’t anticipate how quickly I could come up with 10 books! My list includes books with cities in the title. The cover art reps the cities as well. Take a close look at A Shadow in Moscow‘s cover! I have a variety of genres and time periods represented — I hope you find one to love!
Pepper Basham has been a favorite author for a long time. With her newest historical romance, Hope Like Wildflowers, the feeling is reinforced. This is a sweet romance that does not shy away from messy life situations, but rather shines a light for God’s truth, love, and care. You do not want to miss this book!
An Appalachian Girl Seeks a Place to Belong
Return to the mountains of 1910s Appalachia with beloved author Pepper Basham to discover Kizzie McAdams’s story.
Kizzie McAdams spent her childhood longing to see beyond the mountains of home, but when her job as a servant in a landowner’s house results in an unplanned pregnancy, her world tips into uncertainty and heartbreak. Disowned by her father, she seeks comfort in the arms of the man who promises to take care of her, but his support is conditional and inconsistent. She finds acceptance in the home of a nearby family who not only offer Kizzie friendship but point her to a deeper understanding of God’s love.
Despite her change of heart, her status as a social outcast brings with it continued threats and alienation so she flees her past in hopes of starting over in a nearby town. But her new world carries many of the same prejudices as the old. It also brings the unexpected friendship of businessman Noah Lewis, a man who lives with the same desire as Kizzie for helping the marginalized.
Unfortunately, Kizzie and Noah’s attempts to help those in need pit them against Noah’s elder brother, a powerful mill owner who holds control of the family finances. Is Kizzie and Noah’s growing romance strong enough to battle family power, social expectations, and Kizzie’s past to capture their happy ending? And when Kizzie’s first love returns to claim her, which future will she choose?
Pepper Basham is a best-selling author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed adoration of the UK into her stories. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the wife of a fantastic pastor, mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus. She loves connecting with readers and other authors through social media outlets like Facebook & Instagram.
Hope Like Wildflowers, the third book in Pepper Basham‘s My Heart Belongs in The Blue Ridge series, is a sweet romance. The characters are real and relatable, and this reader could not help cheering them on towards their HEA! And like others of Basham’s novels, this book does not shy away from showing life in all of its messiness including the follies and flaws of its characters. The overarching message of God’s truth, love, and care shines like a beacon and reminded me yet again how good God is. Main character Kizzie is young and naive and looked for love, attention, and affirmation in the wrong place. Her mistake is costly as she finds herself pregnant and abandoned by her family. This may be shocking to modern readers, but the setting is early 1900s Appalachia, so her circumstances ring true. The first chapters of the book really are heartbreaking, but Kizzie soon discovers what real love looks like. Kizzie is a formidable character — her vulnerability and weakness are strengthened by her faith and hope. Yes, hope is a strong theme in the novel — something unseen but knowable in its certainty. As Kizzie grows in her faith and finds a place of purpose and belonging, she finds that God is a true provider, father, friend, and husband. A hefty dose of suspense kept the pages turning as well.
While Hope Like Wildflowers is a standalone novel, I really want to visit the first two books in the series. My heart yearns for more of that Blue Ridge experience!
Recommended.
Audience: Adults.
(Thanks to Barbour Publishing for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
I’ll let you in on a big secret — Pepper Basham will be attending the Turning A New Page Book Festival in January 2025. Squee!! To say I am excited is an understatement. I cannot wait to meet her!
Today I am featuring Pepper’s newest historical romance, HopeLike Wildflowers which released this past Tuesday. Pepper and her family live in Asheville, NC, and as you may imagine are facing some tough days ahead. Their power has been restored, but it will be weeks until they have water again. Please pray for Pepper and all those who are facing such a daunting future. And if you like the sound of this book and want to help her out, put it on your Goodreads TBR list and/or order a copy to read. Sassafras on Suttonis a fabulous indie bookstore with three locations, including Black Mountain, and Waynesville, NC. You can purchase a copy from their online store, not only helping out Pepper, but a bookstore that has suffered a big loss. Click HERE to order.
Here’s the first line:
A high-pitched howl split through the shadowed dusk, echoing against the towering pines of the forest.
An Appalachian Girl Seeks a Place to Belong
Return to the mountains of 1910s Appalachia with beloved author Pepper Basham to discover Kizzie McAdams’s story.
Kizzie McAdams spent her childhood longing to see beyond the mountains of home, but when her job as a servant in a landowner’s house results in an unplanned pregnancy, her world tips into uncertainty and heartbreak. Disowned by her father, she seeks comfort in the arms of the man who promises to take care of her, but his support is conditional and inconsistent. She finds acceptance in the home of a nearby family who not only offer Kizzie friendship but point her to a deeper understanding of God’s love.
Despite her change of heart, her status as a social outcast brings with it continued threats and alienation so she flees her past in hopes of starting over in a nearby town. But her new world carries many of the same prejudices as the old. It also brings the unexpected friendship of businessman Noah Lewis, a man who lives with the same desire as Kizzie for helping the marginalized.
Unfortunately, Kizzie and Noah’s attempts to help those in need pit them against Noah’s elder brother, a powerful mill owner who holds control of the family finances. Is Kizzie and Noah’s growing romance strong enough to battle family power, social expectations, and Kizzie’s past to capture their happy ending? And when Kizzie’s first love returns to claim her, which future will she choose?
Pepper Basham is a best-selling author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed adoration of the UK into her stories. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the wife of a fantastic pastor, mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus. She loves connecting with readers and other authors through social media outlets like Facebook & Instagram.
Happy Release Day to Pepper Basham! Hope Like Wildflowers, a historical novel set in her beloved Appalachia is now available!
Pepper and her family live in Asheville, NC, and as you may imagine are facing some tough days ahead. Their power has been restored, but it will be weeks until they have water again. Please pray for Pepper and all those who are facing such a daunting future. And if you like the sound of this book and want to help her out, put it on your Goodreads TBR list and/or order a copy to read. Sassafras on Suttonis a fabulous indie bookstore with three locations, including Black Mountain and Waynesville, NC. You can purchase a copy from their online store, not only helping out Pepper, but a bookstore that has suffered a big loss. Click HERE to order.
An Appalachian Girl Seeks a Place to Belong
Return to the mountains of 1910s Appalachia with beloved author Pepper Basham to discover Kizzie McAdams’s story.
Kizzie McAdams spent her childhood longing to see beyond the mountains of home, but when her job as a servant in a landowner’s house results in an unplanned pregnancy, her world tips into uncertainty and heartbreak. Disowned by her father, she seeks comfort in the arms of the man who promises to take care of her, but his support is conditional and inconsistent. She finds acceptance in the home of a nearby family who not only offer Kizzie friendship but point her to a deeper understanding of God’s love.
Despite her change of heart, her status as a social outcast brings with it continued threats and alienation so she flees her past in hopes of starting over in a nearby town. But her new world carries many of the same prejudices as the old. It also brings the unexpected friendship of businessman Noah Lewis, a man who lives with the same desire as Kizzie for helping the marginalized.
Unfortunately, Kizzie and Noah’s attempts to help those in need pit them against Noah’s elder brother, a powerful mill owner who holds control of the family finances. Is Kizzie and Noah’s growing romance strong enough to battle family power, social expectations, and Kizzie’s past to capture their happy ending? And when Kizzie’s first love returns to claim her, which future will she choose?
Pepper Basham is a best-selling author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed adoration of the UK into her stories. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the wife of a fantastic pastor, mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus. She loves connecting with readers and other authors through social media outlets like Facebook & Instagram.
Is it really Fall already? Unfortunately, it is still hot, hot, hot where I live. I hear cooler temperatures are coming, along with a developing hurricane! That I can do without. We will hope for a needed rain event and the ushering in of Fall weather. As to my Fall TBR List, well, as always, it is excessive. It includes books I had high hopes of reading in the summer, review books, and book club books. I need to knuckle down and get some reading done! Let me know what you think of my list.
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