Dear Readers~ πLong day of catch up on to-dos and fighting a head cold, but oh, the gorgeous autumn colors! πThe weather is sublime, and pockets of lovely can be found if I just look hard enough. Planting tulips and daffodil bulbs brought me so much joy, while listening to The Pickwick Papers! I love that bit of hope and color to look for after the long, dreary, frigid Wisconsin winters. I squeezed in some listening while driving to and from grocery shopping, also!
How has your Saturday been? Iβm hoping to make some chicken, veggie, and rice soup soon with lots of onion and garlic. Maybe it will scare away these head colds? π β¨
Good morning, friends! Iβm snuggling into my sweatshirt as we woke to a chilly, but gorgeously sunny morning here! What a gift! βΊοΈβοΈβ¨
I have a massive pile of library checkouts that I may or may not get to due to my Victorian reading focus this month. I thought it would be fun to share whatβs in my PL basket.
Mainly, I have a lot of Sci-Fi choices leftover from Sci-Fi September. I still donβt feel totally sick of Sci-Fi, so may try to see if any of these in photo above catch my fancy! Iβm most interested in Green City Wars and Scion, but my 19 yo read Scionand said it was a bit brutal and had language. Iβm surprised because Iβve loved James Islingtonso much and hadnβt run into language before. Have you read any of these? How are they?
Cozy mysteries β¨
My second pile is cozy mysteries! I know, I know, not high literature, π but just the right light reading for me, when I need a break from heavy reading or the chaos around me. πThink Hallmark with a side of murder. π€£πβ¨Iβm most interested in Autumn at Cat Cafe! π₯°πββ¬πβοΈ
I bought a pack of these charming bookmarks (penpals I hope to send one your way!) and I decorated my first one for Victober on front, other reading possibilities on back. I need to add 2026, so I can keep them as a memory! Maybe I should make ones for the past Victoberβs that I participated in!!! I think this is my 4th or 5th official year of participation?! Itβs the 11th year this wonderful Booktube readathon has been happening! πππββ¬β¨π
To-Dos! β¨Rock paper weight πβ¨
My Moleskine Daily Pocket to-do is almost filled! My 2027 version is on its way! The one quibble I have is the Monday start, otherwise I loooove these. The paper is buttery and I love how they fit in my hand and the monthly and daily set up! The spines have held up to my heavy abuse.
Howβs my beginning Victorian reading going? Good! I had listened to The Importance of Being Earnest a couple of days before October and that was a perfect, lighthearted choice to get me even more excited. I found this free audiobook of The Pickwick Papers and so Iβve started tandem reading and listening and itβs just as ridiculous and full of wordsmithing wonder as I remember. Yes, I had read half years ago! ππ
It would definitely fulfill the prompt for Travel and Adventure. Dickens and I are fickle friends, so weβll see if I can stick it out! I may have to just listen π§ while cooking etc.
Iβm absolutely loving Poems of the Past and the Present by Thomas Hardy on my Kindle. Some obtuse literature/history/places mentioned, but Iβm finding it very readable! This would fulfill birthday month author as we are both June born! I thought I would enjoy his poetry due to his lush writing in the novels I have read of his. Iβm hoping to attempt The Woodlanders, too. A friend gave me a gorgeous old copy of it years ago, but itβs a bit fragile so may read it on my kindle.
I also picked up at 39%? with Uncle Silas as I had started this years ago. Honestly, the first part of this book draggggggged for me. But I have it on good authority, that the next part is better and gets the sinister, atmospheric plot going! So far, the main character Maud? is traveling to live with an estranged uncle to fulfill her fatherβs will conditions. π³π¬
Iβm 5 chapters into my local friendβs bookclub read of Dr.Wortleβs School! Itβs very easy to read and I like the story. Havenβt fallen in love with any characters yet, though. You could definitely use this for a Character who Has a Secret π€ prompt! Itβs a nice, short Victorian novel, too, which can be a relief. π
Reading Autumn π ~
whole worlds
leaf by –
my eyes,
heart cries
tumbling in,
passing my kinβs
by-gone sighs
rustling, flitting
let my soul sink in.
~A.M. Pineβ₯οΈπ²
Damp treasures π₯°β₯οΈβ¨
Howβs your reading currently? Creating anything? Whatβs new with you?
Hereβs a look at my upcoming (October + Victorian Literature = Victober) Reading Possibilities! I also added a few more hopefuls. I usually donβt have such a specific pile of books to read because Iβm a mood reader. Only Victober is special enough to warrant a special TBR plan! ππ₯°β₯οΈThere are specific prompts/challenges and Iβll try to hit those, but mostly attempt what Iβm excited about!
Dark brown Box headings are the prompts for this year which I believe is the 11th Victober!
Iβve already begun Dr.Wortleβs School with my local friendβs bookclub. Iβm very interested in Daniel Deronda, too!
I really want to get to this one sooner than later! If I can get an audiobook in from library, Iβd love to finally get to this play! My Kindle is FULL of Victober goodness and Iβd love to tackle a couple of these! I have even MORE hiding in there. ππ«ππ
Iβm not going to add any buddy reads other than my local friends and maybe attempting to finish the group read! {I started Uncle Silas a few years ago, so hope to finish it!} Iβm pretty full with outside commitments, so need to keep reading open.
Iβd loooove to read this! Itβs on my 50×50 list and Gaskell is legitimately an interest to me. She is my favorite Victorian author. In fact, many of these books are on my 50×50 list!
Hawthorne isnβt technically a Victorian, but he was writing in America during Queen Vβs reign.
Many more lovely things to choose from on the stacks!
Other reads Iβm very interested in for October! I have an βunreadβ Ray Bradbury on my 50×50 list and I think The October Country would be a great listen. I bet an audiobook would add even deeper enjoyment to these creepy short stories.
Another friend or two? let me know that the newly translated Book 2 is now available at public libraries! I canβt wait! Iβm a huge KikiβsDeliveryService fan! Book and film!
Iβm hoping to bake a special meal/treat for the family today and put out a few autumn decorations! We canβt do too much with remodeling, but it will be fun to a little charm. Maybe we could watch Itβs the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, which is one of my fall favorites! Or one of the less creepy episodes of Over the Garden Wall. π€£
Happiest Autumn, friends. ππβ₯οΈπ₯° we have a play and an apple orchard/pumpkin patch visit on the schedule. What are you excited to read, watch, do in autumn? π
~listening to~ β₯οΈπΏ I just barely started a new audiobook called Dream of Kings by Sharon Hinck. Itβs a perfect listen on my riding lawnmower. I have wedding programs to work on later so I will probably listen to more! I heard about this free choice in the Audible Plus catalog if you have an Audible account from the lovely Booktuber, Emily
Colorful stack amongst my deck flowers! π πβ₯οΈπΏ Trying a few and continuing others!
~watching~β₯οΈπΏI really want to try the 1995 βLittle Princessβ movie! π₯ Iβve only seen the Shirley Temple version. It just came in from the library so hopefully my kids and I can watch it soon. Iβm loosely participating in The Hardest Reading Challenge Youβll Ever Do 3.0ππ, so I enjoyed watching the announcement for that, too. Albeit sheβs very opinionated, just FYI. π€£π¬π
β’readingβ’β₯οΈπΏ~ my mood is still somewhat πnonfiction, and I finished up the YRE of Radium Girls (fantastic) and Do Something Beautiful for God (gorgeous!), but I feel a shift to cozy? stories. I did read one of the Great Mouse Detective stories on my deck the other night. Our weather went from boiling and smokey to gorgeous and cool! π Iβm most interested in finishing up my reread of Sense & Sensibility and continuing Jane Austenβs Bookshelf. Iβm currently very intrigued by Artifact by Gigi Pandian (so far some language) and starting The Pink Motel by Carol Ryrie Brink! The truth is I have SO many good sounding books on my physical and kindle stacks. ππβ₯οΈπ Iβve been ordering picture books from library because most of ours are packed away. Itβs been fun to curl on my bed and read these with my youngest three. I find this gals recommendations are overall GREAT!
~noticing~β₯οΈπΏthe details for my daughterβs wedding are slowly coming together! Itβs getting close! π±ππ Iβm struggling staying with some of my rhythms and habits that are helpful, so trying to ease back into them for my sanity. However, trying not to guilt trip myself either. Iβm finally feeling the school planning shift. Making some lists and poking around on websites. Love looking at book recommendations! Where do you look most for homeschool inspiration? β₯οΈ
Well, thatβs all, folks! π β₯οΈBless you! β₯οΈπΏπβοΈβ¨π₯°
I used to participate in this blog link up on my old blog YEARS ago! I donβt think itβs done officially anymore, but loved reading them, so unofficially joining here. My Wednesday Wonders post is inspired by this original one! Thank you to the original creator wherever you are! β₯οΈβ¨
FOR TODAY~
Outside my windowβ¦golden and pink sunrise with a haze, promises to be very hot today! Yesterday it was near 100 degrees! π₯΅
I am thinkingβ¦about last nightβs local homeschooling momβs meeting and how good it was to see the ladies! Need to figure out which book won the vote for our Autumn read!
I am thankful forβ¦my cat Sophie πβ₯οΈSheβs so comforting!
From the kitchenβ¦weβve been making our chicken or tuna salad a lot! Usually shredded carrots, chopped celery, sometimes chopped apples, s&p, canned chicken or tuna drained and dill weed! Yum! We eat it on lettuce, bread, or with crackers. Sometimes I shred any available veggie like cucumber π₯ I have to use things up!
I am creatingβ¦I just finished my collage and little article for the letter/zine I write for! I really want to write a penpal letter and Iβm trying to blog daily here. This autumn Iβd love to pick quilting back up and learn to make granny squares!
I am goingβ¦possibly to the lake today so the kiddos can cool off swimming and Iβll sit in shade with my water and book!π
I am wearingβ¦a green tshirt and probably a flowy green, cream, and orange skirt! My pearl earrings and new brown slide sandals.
I happen to notice that I was listening to βSwimβ by BTS while reading The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Serendipity! π π¦π§π I picked up this narrative poem for Jane Austen July because I believe Coleridge was a contemporary of Austenβs. I think π€ it sounds familiar, I may have read it before! The albatross! π³π
~watching~ β₯οΈπΏI did end up watching the 2020 βEmmaβ film with my daughter and meh. π«€ It was ok. I liked parts of it. It struck me as sort of goofy. π A n*ked backside right in the beginning was weirdo, too. Oh, well. I liked the actors that played Mr. Knightly and Miss Bates. Iβm allowing myself one Booktube video a day in July and it makes me be very choosy. I really enjoyed Chantelβs yesterday.
~reading~β₯οΈπΏ I have massive piles physically and on my kindle, ππ but Iβm mostly finishing up The Opt-Out Family and working on Moby Dick. I also just barely dipped into Jane Austenβs Bookshelf of which I enjoyed the first few pages immensely. I havenβt borrowed anything new from public library (July challenge), just reading from my stacks and Kindle!
~noticing~ β₯οΈπΏ
My hollyhocks are wonderful! π I may have mentioned before that they are biannual and these self-seeded, so I forgot about them! π₯°π»πWhat happiness!
What are you listening to, watching, reading, and noticing? β₯οΈπΏπ Chat below, friends! ~
Iβm loosely participating in five? July specific Booktube Readathons! I really enjoy just marking off prompts! πβ
I decorated some of my July pages ahead in my to-do pocket Moleskine because thereβs some travel and family stuff going on. I usually decorate this one the day of use because itβs so small, but I donβt pack all my journaling supplies when going on trips! I especially love the Jane Austen stickers I saved for the start of Jane Austen July! πβ₯οΈπΈ
Deck-a-TBR-a-Thon! Summerween! Private Eye July! Jane Austen July! Zoom in for Prompts, if interested! π πππ
These are some summer long prompts! I made a great dent in them in June!
Two June Read-a-Thons that I had a lot of fun with! I just read what Iβm in the mood for and make them fit mostly, but I do tailor a few of my choices depending on topic. Read a couple American Revolution type books with my kids etc.
June Reading Journal pages almost full!
I purchased coffee stickers and cute yellow bakery type washi so my July theme is Yellow Coffee & Flower Shop! π€ͺπ πππ€ππ€π
VERY ambitious health/mental/spiritual/relational goals for July! ππ±π
What are you creating lately? I so enjoy working in my journals.
Iβve taken these last few days of June to catch up on listening to Booktube for a birthday month finale! Still eking out as much celebrating as possible! π I hope to start listening to this audiobook on walks soon! A classic P.I. mystery that Iβve never tried, The Maltese Falcon. If I enjoy it, I hope to watch the Humphrey Bogart film.
~watching~πΏβ₯οΈBooktube, mainly, and I hope to try the 2020 Emma film adaptation to kick off the Jane Austen July readathon! Iβm very hesitant about newer Austen adaptations, because I love the old ones so much. Have you seen this one? Is it any good? π
~reading~πΏβ₯οΈ Iβm mostly loving my L.M. Montgomery rereads and diving into Moby Dick. I have a lot of slower nonfiction going, too! I have many kindle books that I got via a gift card from my dad for my birthday! πβ₯οΈ
~Noticing~πΏβ₯οΈThe world is blooming and so fluffy and feathery! Sigh. I saw a Belted Kingfisher on a bridge the other day, which made me so happy!
How about you? What are you listening to, watching, reading, and noticing? ~ πΏβ₯οΈ
Iβm an extreme mood reader, but will make heaps of hopeful piles! Many of these are rereads or books on my 50 books by 50 list! Iβm in a cozy, domestic fiction mood with a side of nonfiction and a vague feeling of something else reading mood. π π€ͺπ
Iβm slowly rereading the Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery series because my Ann with an E is getting married this year! πβ₯οΈIβm on the 3rd book now!
Moby Dick by Herman Melville ~ I love the gorgeous word-smithing and hilarious situations Ishmael finds himself in! I got 3/4ths through this a few years ago, but never finished so determined to now.
Unmaking the Machine by Paul Kingsnorth ~ VERY out of my wheelhouse, but an interesting look at the dismantling of Western cultural foundations and the dehumanization of man. This is so fascinating and honestly, a bit sobering. Iβm not sure what Mr. Kingsnorth is totally trying to say, π but thereβs enough in here to make me really think.
4. The Scent of Water by Elizabeth Goudge ~ Iβm due for a reread of this beautiful story of an older woman moving to an inherited house in the countryside and asking herself if she has ever truly been living.
5. The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery ~ been craving a reread of this one . If you felt you had a short time to live, how would you live your life? Valency Sterling has lived a stifling existence up to this point and jumps at the chance to buck against it!
6. Emily of New Moon by L.M. Montgomery ~ yes, another Maud book! Iβm really leaning into the domestic, cozy fiction. Young Emily Starr is taken in by aunts when her beloved father passes away. Her writerβs soul aches with growing pains and trying to find a kindred spirit in her new situation. Iβm finally feeling ready to really dig into my reread of this sadder trilogy.
7. Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh ~ this is for my in-person book club! We are all busy moms so reading it slowly, but so much to discuss on fading English aristocracy, religion, family and societal pressures.
8. Daniel Deronda by George Eliot ~ this is a book from my 50×50 list and my friend who I trust implicitly with book recommendations said itβs a good summer read! I donβt really know what this is about but looking forward to trying another Eliot!
9. Jane Austenβs Bookshelf by Rebecca Romney ~ Iβve been hoping to read this for a long time and the Booktube reading event Jane Austen July would be perfect. Iβm much slower at nonfiction, so weβll see if I can get to it!
10. Habits for a Sacred Home by Jennifer Pepito ~ Iβve been interested in checking out this home educating title for awhile and am looking for a title to read with our homeschool momβs group this autumn!
~These are just a few of the ones capturing my attention currently! What about you? What books are on your stack this summer? πβ¨βοΈπβ₯οΈπ
Happy Tuesday! Iβm here to wrap up this Booktuber reading challenge. You can still participate by picking and choosing what books you are reading fulfill the prompts! I donβt follow the monthly delineation because Iβm a mood reader, mostly. Small confession: {whispers} Only 3 of these titles were actually on my physical/Kindle shelf! The rest were library check-outs. So I βfailedβ on the reading my shelf. Oh well! All in good fun!ππ€
The first half of this story was so dark and depressing. Our main female character gets caught up in covering up a crime. The guilt, fear, and shame are palpable as she barely moves through life. The last 1/4th of the book was better, a bit more hope, but wow, not my favorite from my favorite Victorian author.
Three or More Objects (on cover) ~
The Labors of Hercules Beale by Gary D. Schmidt ~
This was a lovely story of two brothers working through their grief due to the loss of their parents. They are navigating their new relationship and trying to keep the family greenhouse afloat. Hercules transfers to a new school and a strict new teacher challenges him in ways that truly help him grow! Schmidtβs books are fantastic in a rip-your-heart-out-and -put-it-back together way! I also love Wednesday Wars by this author.
Weapon on Cover ~
Dawn of Wonder by Jonathan Renshaw ~ A beautiful classic quest fantasy with an underdog main character! Aedan and his new found family he gathers truly grow in character and love! This was so amazing! Satisfying ending even though sequel never was released due to the authors health.
Title Includes a Conjunction ~
For Whom the Book Tolls by Laura Gail Black ~ Gal inherits her uncles antique bookshop in this cozy mystery. Unfortunately, a terrible secret awaits her as she wakes up the first morning! Suspicion is aimed at her surrounding a past false accusation. This had an old mansion, treasure, and an old diary as part of the story!
Population 485: Meeting Your Neighbors One Siren at a Time by Michael Perry ~ a beautiful memoir about life & death, philosophy, small town Wisconsin. This was written so well and so true to relationships and culture in the Midwest. Highly recommend with the caveat of some sad explicit emergency situations and descriptions.
Has a Map ~
The Will of the Many by James Islington ~ Roman-like world, epic fantasy with deep themes of love and sacrifice for a son who is driven by revenge for a beloved father. Highly recommend!
Water ~
Dead in the Water by Denise Swanson ~
I thought this was a cozy, but it turned out a bit grittier and with adult themes. I really loved the husband/wife duo in the Chief of Police, Wally and his wife Skye, psychologist. They are expecting their first child and a tornado disaster causes havoc to their small town. A murder, family issues, and the town rebuilding/clean up bring them together.
Animal ~
Cloaked in Beauty by Karen Witemeyer ~
This was a deeper Red Riding Hood retelling. I loved the kindness and love the main female character lived and the Grandmother was awesome! A bit heavier on romance, but wonderful characters and an unique take on this story! I loved the wolf dog sidekick, too!
Bookish~
Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine ~ This is such a unique premise! The Library of Alexandria is the center of all knowledge and special librarians are trained to care for it and guard the knowledge. The new batch of trainees are a mixed bag and full of secrets including Jess our main character. The students uncover corruption at the highest levels. I loved this story and the characters. Unfortunately, a bit of a sneering attitude towards traditional morality, so be aware. Nothing explicit except fantasy violence, so far. I hope to continue with the 3rd in the series soon!
Transportation ~
Hearse and Buggy by Laura Bradford ~
Cozy mystery set in Amish community. I love the bed & breakfast and main characters aunt! This was a little slow and repetitive, but I may return if I want a gentle, quiet mystery. I loved the ex-Amish police detective!
True or False ~
The Secret of Honeycake by Kimberly Newton Fusco ~ if anything, read this story for the exquisite writing. Hurricane is our main character and she finds her life in upheaval when she is sent to live with her aunt and employee. This books deals with grief, chronic illness, loneliness, found family, traditions, carving a life for oneself out of a whole new experience. The Great Depression, class, and PTSD touch Hurricane and her new friends lives in a big way. I loved the βbutlerβ character in this story! This is very slow but so sweet and poignant.
Beauty in the midst of construction zone! π π₯°
Iβve enjoyed Jessicaβs blog for awhile now and I saw she was joining in a bookish blog hop about our 2026 reading! I used to blog hop a lot and really enjoyed linking up with others over a common topic. π Iβm joining her at Words & Peace for this reading meme reflecting about your first six months of reading.
Instructions from Emma at Words & Peace:
In 2021, Jo at The Book Jotter started hosting the meme Six in Six. She stopped blogging in 2025, so I have decided to host it myself.
What is 6 in 6?
The idea is to look back at the books you have read so far in the six months of this year. Now, I love plays with numbers, so Iβm extending this meme: you can post any time in July, or as early as 6/6, June 6th.
What do you post?
Choose 6 books in 6 categories. You can come up with your own category, or choose among the following examples (copied from Joβs blog):
Six new authors to me
Six authors I have read before
Six authors I am looking forward to reading more of
Six books I have enjoyed the most
Six books I was disappointed with
Six series of books read or started
Six authors I read last year β but not so far this year
Six books that took me on extraordinary journeys
Six books that took me by the hand and led me into the past
Six books from the past that drew me back there
Six books from authors I know will never let me down
Six books I must mention that donβt fit nicely into any category
Six books I started in the first six months of the year and was still caught up with in July
Six trips to Europe
Six blogging events I enjoyed
Six bookish things Iβm looking forward to
Six Espionage or Historical Novels I enjoyed
Six Cool Classics
Six Non-US/Non-British Authors
Six From the Non-Fiction Shelf
Six books that didnβt live up to expectations
Six books that I had one or two problems with but am still glad I tried
Six books that are related to The Great War or Second World War
Six bookshops I have visited
Six books Iβve read in an English translation
Six books which are better than the film
Six books which are worse than the film
Six books that have sport as their major theme
Six favourite places to read
Six books read on kindle and then went and bought an actual copy
Six books I abandoned
Six classics I have read
Six books I have read on my Kindle
Six physical books I have read
Six book covers I love
Six book covers that bear no resemblance to the story contained within
Six books to read to avoid politics
Six books I have read but not reviewed
Six books I have read in lockdown
Six classic mysteries
Six books about Royalty
Six pretty book covers
Six books set in a country other than my own
Six books that feature a Pandemic
Six books that are great when self-isolating
Six books recently added to my wish list
Six mysteries, thrillers or crime novels NOT by Agatha Christie
Six books with titles connected to rivers, seas and storms
Six nature related books
Six books about Librarians and Libraries
Six books I really want to buy in the next six months
Six books that feature a building in the title
My categories Iβve chosen to share about are:
Six favorite genres so far
Six favorite reads so far in 2026
Six favorite Booktube Readathons
Six New-to-Me Authors
Six Mysteries I loved
Six Books I Read from My Shelf
My Six Favorite Genres: (many are a mixture of these below! Iβm such an eclectic reader!)
Fairytale/Classic Retellings
Fantasy
Historical Fiction
Mystery
Young Adult
Middle Grade
My Six Favorite Reads so far 2026 (so hard to choose!)
The Secret of Honeycake by Kimberly Newton Fusco (beautiful, heartwarming Middle Grade)
The Robe by Lloyd C. Douglas (gorgeous, Biblical Historical Fiction)
The Will of Many by James Islington (wonderful epic Historical Fantasy)
Through Rushing Waters by Catherine Richmond (Heartbreaking Historical Fiction)
Mistress Pat by L.M. Montgomery (beautifully written classic)
Dawn of Wonder by Jonathan Renshaw (classic fantasy story of an underdog!)
My Six Favorite Booktube Readathons So Far this Year: (You can still join these! I donβt follow the monthly prompts, I just fill them in as I go!)
Iβm taking a Booktube watching break/Instagram break and a few days in, itβs already been nice. Iβve mostly been listening to the birds on my deck early in the morning. Starlings are loud and strange sounding birds. π€£ Recently, I got to hear two owls (Barred?) chattering because I went out there at 4:00 am. I did get in the Agatha Christie audiobook of Dumb Witness, Poirot and Hastings make me laugh! π I also got the audiobook Ruby Holler in, but weβll see if I get to it. I decided to soft quit Calculated, my last audiobook, because I have to be in the right mood for revenge stories. I do like the main female character, though, and setting, so I will probably finish it.
Watching β₯οΈπΏ~ my hubby, three younger kids, and I traveled to see the biggest steam train recently. It was used during WWII to haul big loads over Utah mountains?! We had a fun Tookish adventure together! π β₯οΈ I read almost a whole book there and back! π Otherwise, I havenβt been watching much? I hope to watch the movie βSummer of Monkeysβ with my kids as we are almost finished with the book. π₯°β₯οΈ
Reading β₯οΈπΏ~ I talk nonstop here ππ about my reading, but Iβm currently most enjoying The Mysterious Magic of Lighthouse Lane, What you are looking for is in the library, and The Bride of Fallen Stars is intriguing me on my Kindle.
Noticing β₯οΈπΏ~ Iβm mostly noticing flowers, trees, and seedlings. π± π₯° Itβs a wonderful time of year!
What are you listening to, watching, reading, noticing? β₯οΈπΏ~