Bookish Wishes

 Today's Top Ten Tuesday is all about bookish wish lists! 

I am sure there are many lists that include our to-read titles and those we maybe have read but want to own. These are all mostly books that I haven't read yet! This is just for fun and this is my official wish list. Maybe you will find a new title you want to read yourself! 

Happy Tuesday! 

Thanks for stopping by! 

Wormwood Abbey Review

About the Book

 As a Victorian clergyman’s daughter, Edith Worms has seen everything — until a mythical salamander tumbles out of the fireplace into her lap. When a letter arrives from estranged relatives, Edith is swept away to a crumbling gothic Abbey in the wilds of Yorkshire.

Wormwood Abbey isn't just full of curious beasts and ancient family secrets: there’s also a tall, dark, and entirely too handsome neighbour who is strangely reluctant for her to leave.

An unexpected bond with her prickly cousin Gwendolyn gives Edith a reason to stay in this strange world — especially when it turns out that Edith herself may have a role in guarding her family's legacy.

But not all of the mysteries of Ormdale are small enough to fit in her lap...and some of them have teeth.

WORMWOOD ABBEY, Book 1 of The Secrets of Ormdale, is a cosy gothic novel of mystery, dragons, and the perils of friendship, perfect for fans of EMILY WILDE'S ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF FAERIES and Maria Grace. (GOODREADS)

Buy HERE!

Learn more about the author.

My Thoughts 

This book is an absolute delight! Set in Yorkshire with a whipsmart heroine, well written secondary characters, and..dragons?! Everything from the setting to the family dynamic made this story one of my favorites of the year. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!!

Five stars!!!

Every Hour Until Then

 About the Book

Gifted with the ability to time-cross between Victorian-era London and World War II Washington, DC, Kathryn faces two lives fraught with danger. In 1938 amid the looming shadow of war, Kathryn is invited to the London Museum as a guest curator to create a groundbreaking exhibit on Jack the Ripper and his reign of terror. As she delves into her grim research, she uncovers a chilling Her own sister is destined to become the Ripper's final victim decades earlier.

In 1888, in a race against fate, Kathryn is assisted by her handsome childhood friend in hunting down history's most elusive killer. As they unravel the threads of mystery woven through time, Kathryn must decide if she'll unmask the murderer history has chosen to hide, forfeiting a life with the man she loves to save her sister.

Bestselling author Gabrielle Meyer presents yet another thrilling time-travel tale of intrigue, loyalty, and romance--threaded with suspense and decisions that could change history. (Goodreads) 

My Thoughts

Meyer has written another stunning novel. The history, romance, and mystery blend together in a way you least expect. The best part? The characters realizing that God is always in control even when Jack the Ripper looms in the shadows and war is on the brink of starting. Oh my goodness what a story!

Five Stars. 

Animal Companions in the Stories We Read

Today's Top Ten Tuesday is all about animal companions in the stories we love. Here are a few that I came up with. 

Jack the dog. A classic story. 

This book has lots of fun animals in it!

This book features a park ranger with her dog. Her trusty companion! 

Charlie and his lions. One of the best books ever. 

Franc-the mini poodle. One smart dog!

Stella and her love for her horses. 

There is a charming frog that adds so much to this story. 

The bees of course. :) 

The baby elephant. Love this book. 

Another classic which includes Snowball the cat. 

Fathoms Review + Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Fathoms (Oceans of Time Book Three)

Author: Lisa T. Bergren

Genre: Adult Historical Portal Fantasy

Release date: April 22, 2025

Can the She-Wolves of Siena survive the lion’s den?

Luciana Betarrini is living a nightmare. Blinded in battle, she is unsure what her future holds.

When Lady Tiliani Forelli volunteers to serve as the young Lady Romano’s governess—in order to protect the child—Luciana quickly follows suit, volunteering as a tutor. But as they navigate life in the

treacherous neighboring castello, they find Lord Ercole a chameleon of adversaries, intent on mastering the She-Wolves of Siena any way he can.

Together, Luciana and Tiliani must find a way to bring Ercole down and buy time for Domenico and Marcello to establish new allies. But Luciana continues to find herself at a crossroads: Is she willing to risk leaving Sir Giulio Greco forever in order to chase healing through the time tunnel?

Or is she called to accept her plight—in light of the myriad blessings of her new medieval life—and make her way through the best she can?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Lisa T. Bergren is the author of over sixty books spanning a variety of genres, from children’s picture books to women’s historical fiction to supernatural suspense and time travel. She lives with her husband and three gradually-flying-from-the-nest young adult children.

 

 

 

 

More from Lisa

I love to read and write books about “found families.” People that are brought together by a shared cause, purpose or passion. More and more, our world seems divisive, so I suppose it’s my small effort to plant a flag in the sand and state, “Look, I know we’re all different, but we can all decide to love first.”

The Forellis created that sort of found family in River of Time for the Betarrinis, especially as Gabi and Lia were mourning their dad. And in Oceans, they again make way for my twin hero and heroine, who are in many ways orphaned. I strive to make room in my life for those around me who are a bit adrift, missing a family “anchor.” Tim and I love to host dinners and make feel people welcome in our home with good meals and good conversations around a fire.

Of course, in medieval Italy, the family is striving to survive when many want to see them die. When it’s “us against them” to the death, that’ll cement a bond. But even in today’s society, I think we have enough against those of us who stand for Christ, family and traditional values, that perhaps we can link arms with one another and grow stronger for the bond. And my hope in doing so, is that we will not distance “the other side,” but rather draw them to us with a winsome, welcoming and loving spirit—seeking places we can bond and celebrate one another, even though we differ.

Blog Stops

The Lofty Pages, May 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 14

Texas Book-aholic, May 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 17

Blogging With Carol, May 18

Artistic Nobody, May 19 (Spotlight)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 20

Sylvan Reads, May 21

For Him and My Family, May 22

Guild Master, May 23 (Spotlight)

Romances of the Cross, May 23

Simple Harvest Reads, May 24 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Fiction Book Lover, May 25 (Spotlight)

To Everything There Is A Season, May 25

Lily’s Corner, May 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lisa is giving away the grand prize of a $75 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

ENTER HERE

My Thoughts

This is the third book in this trilogy and I wasn't sure where Bergren was going to take us. My goodness this has been an action packed and full trilogy-you simply can't put these books down! Fathoms picks up right where the last book left off. You have to read these books in order otherwise you will probably be pretty confused. Luciana and Tilani both have drastic things happen that I was totally not expecting in this story. The romance is well written and there is a lot of things added that make it sweet and simple in this book. Lord Ercole is truly a terrible bad guy and it was shown all the more within this story. I was disgusted by some of his intentions but it did add to the story. 

Overall this is non stop action and the author does an excellent job wrapping up all of the threads from the first two books. If you like time travel, clean romance, lots of action, and a fun family dynamic you will enjoy this book! 

I very much enjoyed this novel and I look forward to what the author writes next! 

Four Stars. 

'I received this book from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review. "

Books That Include Travel!

 Here are some fun books that include travel of some type for today's Top Ten Tuesday. I read a lot of historical fiction so travel looked a bit different in some of these. :) 

Levi's Loyalty with JustRead Tours

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Levi's Loyalty by Lynne Lanning, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Levi's Loyalty
Series: Mountain Men - Longing Hearts in the Wilderness
Author: Lynne Lanning
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: April 22, 2025
Genre: Historical Romance (Christian)

Levi found out how much void a woman could fill in his heart… 

But the heartache and betrayal wasn’t worth it. 

He was better off alone… wasn’t he? 

Levi enjoys his secluded life on the mountain until his friend convinces him he needs a woman in his life. A wife, when you’ve barely been around people, especially women? If only he could pick one out at the store like a shovel or bag of flour. But Levi falls head over heels—ignoring all the warning signs that something is wrong—until a delay in marrying her reveals her true intentions. 

Now, he’s decided heartache and betrayal aren’t worth it. He’s better off alone. But God has a surprise waiting in the wilderness, softening the devastation he had suffered…in the form of a feisty woman who has claimed his mountain home for her own. 

 PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

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About the Author

Lynne Lanning has such an effortless way of evoking emotion from her readers. Her characters are so realistic that the reader can feel their pain during trials and their joy during triumphs. Reviews state: "...it's as if Mrs. Lanning lived through this herself." "Couldn't put it down..." "A real page turner." Lynne enjoys turning history and her love of God into enjoyable, relatable stories with practical life lessons that can benefit people today. Each story tells of true bonds of love and loyalty, mixed with tough times and decisions, with a twist of humor and sometimes devastation...the same is true in life. With a blend of her own family members and heritage along with lots of fiction, it's hard to tell where reality stops and fantasy begins.

Connect with Lynne by subscribing to her email newsletter updates or following her on Amazon.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a gift basket with homemade scented soaps (like you'll find in the story), a print copy of Levi's Loyalty, a print copy of one of Lynne Lanning's 2025 Selah Awards finalist titles (winner's choice between To Trust a Heart or Mail-Order Stonemason), and bookmarks!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 12, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 19, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

My Thoughts

 I liked the idea of this story and it is a very short novella really. With that being the case it doesn't leave much room for character growth and an all encompassing love story. BUT that being said, I did enjoy Levi's character. I also enjoyed the setting with being in the mountains. He is all mountain man and gets his heart broken at the start. He really wrestles with his decision and I thought the author did a great job in writing that struggle. A spunky gal comes into his life a bit after that and she is quite the character. She wasn't what I was expecting and that is a good thing. The love story wasn't my favorite but it all wrapped up nicely in the end. If you are wanting a quick and clean read with a decent hero you might enjoy this story!

Three Stars. 

"I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion."

Buried Wilderness Secrets Review

About the Book

 Uncovering cold case secrets could be deadly…

Montana park ranger Aaliyah Terrence finds a serial killer’s burial ground—and narrowly survives the brutal attack that follows. And when cold case detective Wade Marlowe reveals that her birth mother was the murderer’s first victim, it soon becomes clear that Aaliyah has been marked as his next target. As their search into the past reveals old skeletons and puts Aaliyah in ever-increasing danger, she’ll have to rely on Wade to keep her safe. But will they discover the killer’s identity before she meets the same end as her mother?

From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith. (Goodreads)

PURCHASE HERE

My Thoughts

I am a big Jamie Jo Wright fan and so I was thrilled to discover she wrote another book! While this story is a pretty quick read, Wright did an excellent job of capturing my attention and creating a believable plot with character growth!! Amazing! I love the outdoors so I really enjoyed the setting and sleuthing with Aaliyah and Wade as they looked into murders from years past. There is an adoption story line that really tugged at my heart and is so well written. Things from our past can pop up when we least expect it and it can take a bit to feel steady again. But God. Amazing. There is a sweet romance but it certainly didn't overtake the book and just added some sweetness for two lonely people. Overall, I really enjoyed this suspense read and it had me on the edge of my seat many times. 

Four Stars. 

"I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review."

Sense and Suitability Review

About the Book

After two failed social seasons, her family may think the third time will be a charm, but Emmeline Lockhart just wants to survive with her dignity (and singleness) intact. She thought she'd found her perfect match in Simon Reeves--charming, handsome, a veritable hero from a novel—until he vanished from her life without so much as a "farewell" or "my deepest regrets" (or even a vague apology scribbled on the back of a calling card). Lesson never fall for a man known for his charm.

Fortunately, and unlike many of the other eligible young ladies of the ton, Emmeline has no need for a husband--because she's already found success in her scandalous (and very anonymous) profession as an author. Why bother with matrimony when she can make her own fortune and write men exactly the way she wants them?

But fate—or the misfortune of Simon's reckless patriarchs—has other plans. Simon's once-proud estate is in shambles, his family fortune has been gambled away, and the younger impressionable siblings in his care are running wild across his estate (and possibly across all of England). Simon is in desperate need of a wealthy, prestigious bride . . . and a friend.

Emmeline may not fit the role of heiress, but she can certainly be a friend. Just a friend. She'll help him find a suitable match, ensure his reputation remains intact, and keep things strictly platonic—no matter how dangerously appealing his new-and-improved sincerity and regret may be.

There's just one small the undeniable chemistry that still smolders between them. Can Emme play matchmaker for the man she's still in love with without losing her heart all over again? And is it possible that some love stories--especially the messy, inconvenient, impossible ones--are worthy of a rewrite?

Filled with lively banter, adorable children, a frog named Blast, and swoony kisses, Sense and Suitability is the clean Regency romance you've been looking for. Basham brings her signature humor to the Regency era where social strictures keep the tension tight but the stakes low in this second-chance, enemies-to-lovers romance. (Goodreads)

Pre-Order HERE.

My Thoughts

This story is highly entertaining. It almost doesn't quite read like a historical novel but definitely a rom com. I really enjoyed the characters and Simon is probably my favorite. Emme is a strong willed hilarious woman who really held the entire plot together. There is a fun twist because you don't get to watch the couple fall in love from the start and honestly it really isn't even an enemies to lovers trope either. I don't want to give much away but I was pleasantly surprised with the twists and turns in the plot. And of course there are plenty of swoony moments (this is a Basham book) but it is sweet and clean and at times a bit unexpected. There is a delightful frog and multiple children that added a lot of life and fun.

Overall this is a light and fun read that makes for an enjoyable Regency escape. I recommend! 

Four Stars. 

" I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

A Wager With the Matchmaker

About the Book

 After her brother's entanglement with an Irish gang threatens their family's safety, Alannah Darragh flees St. Louis and her troubled past, seeking refuge as a maid for the affluent Shanahan family. Alannah's resolve to avoid romance is tested by the undeniable attraction she feels for Kiernan Shanahan. Determined to maintain her position and the safety it provides, she vows to resist the pull of her heart despite the growing bond between them and their undeniable chemistry.

In the wake of a devastating fire, Kiernan Shanahan sees a shrewd opportunity to invest in a clay mine and brickyard to aid the city's rebuilding. To secure his venture, he seeks a wealthy bride with a substantial dowry. However, the matchmaker he consults has different plans. As danger looms and Alannah fights to keep her brother safe, Kiernan's protective instincts draw them closer together, but a future with him seems too far out of reach. It will take a miracle--or a wager with the wily matchmaker--to bring the unlikely couple together.

Be swept away in a tale of love, danger, and destiny in this captivating historical romance from bestselling author Jody Hedlund. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

You don't have to read the previous books in this series to enjoy this one but it always adds if you do! I really love the matchmaker, Bellamy, whose presence is in all of the books. He adds so much and makes me smile every time! 

Alannah is a strong willed gal and I liked reading her character grow and develop throughout the story. She loves to read and is determined to read her books when she can and I love that about her. The wagers with the matchmaker are entertaining and made for a fun twist. There is a "forbidden" love situation that I didn't especially enjoy but the author did surprise me in the end with how she handled the family members and conflict. I really struggled to like Kiernan and even at the end he just didn't work for me. His attitude and personality grated on my nerves. So because of this I wasn't totally invested in the love story. But there are lots of "swoony" moments that I am sure Hedlund fans will love. 

There is a good amount of action and a few intense moments that had me eager to flip to the next page. Overall this is a captivating read with excellent secondary characters that I am hoping will pop up in another book! 

Four Stars. 

"I received this book from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Historical Reads That Surprised Me (In A Good Way)

Top Ten Tuesday: Books That Surprised Me

I thought of ten books(plus a 100 more) that surprised me but in a good way! These are ones that surprised me with the many unique historical details. All of these are historical fiction and while I didn't necessary LOVE all of them, they are books I won't forget because of the history within the pages. 

Wow. This book blew me away with history I never had even heard of happening. A must read.

This is French Revolution history and it was fascinating to read. 

This is set in a French colony in Louisiana. I learned a ton and it is simply a great story.  

This book will rip your heart out but the history surrounding the Pacific Theater in WWII makes this book a must read. It should have been a best seller. 

The Native American history in this entire series is completely fascinating and I ended up doing further research because I was so into the history of it!

This book talked about spices and plants etc. coming into the USA. It is set in Washington D.C. and was a very interesting read. 

This book has become wildly popular. I didn't love it BUT the historical aspects were so interesting and I am glad the author shed a light on this time period.

This has unique WWII history. All of Melanie Dobson's books have surprised me with their historical details. 

This one has a bit of history of Yosemite National Park. I thought the historical tidbits were most interesting!

Another WWII setting and in the concentration camps. I will never forget this book.