Passing on a few lovely recommendations for you to read, listen to, or watch ~
Delightful and cozy posts from Elizabeth of Inkberry Hill! Picture books and gorgeously, lovely autumn catch up 🍁
Cora Mabry’s Favorites Bookshelf 🍁
Darryl’s Victorian Parlour Music🍁
Victoria’s 45×45 Reading List🍁
Kim’s lovely cozy-autumn musings & happenings 🍁
Miriam’s September Reading Chat🍁
AdventureDenali’s beautiful fiber arts🍁
Dear Readers~ 🍁Long day of catch up on to-dos and fighting a head cold, but oh, the gorgeous autumn colors! 🍂The 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? I’m hoping to make some chicken, veggie, and rice soup soon with lots of onion and garlic. Maybe it will scare away these head colds? 😅✨
God bless you, friends 🍁
Amy ~
Good morning, friends! I’m snuggling into my sweatshirt as we woke to a chilly, but gorgeously sunny morning here! What a gift! ☺️☀️✨
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 what’s in my PL basket.
Mainly, I have a lot of Sci-Fi choices leftover from Sci-Fi September. I still don’t feel totally sick of Sci-Fi, so may try to see if any of these in photo above catch my fancy! I’m most interested in Green City Wars and Scion, but my 19 yo read Scion and said it was a bit brutal and had language. I’m surprised because I’ve loved James Islington so much and hadn’t run into language before. Have you read any of these? How are they?
My second pile is cozy mysteries! I know, I know, not high literature, 😂 but just the right light reading for me, when I need a break from heavy reading or the chaos around me. 😂Think Hallmark with a side of murder. 🤣📚✨I’m most interested in Autumn at Cat Cafe! 🥰🐈⬛🎃☕️
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 Victober’s that I participated in!!! I think this is my 4th or 5th official year of participation?! It’s the 11th year this wonderful Booktube readathon has been happening! 📚🎃🐈⬛✨🍁
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.
How’s 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 I’ve started tandem reading and listening and it’s just as ridiculous and full of wordsmithing wonder as I remember. Yes, I had read half years ago! 🙃😂
It would definitely fulfill the prompt for Travel and Adventure. Dickens and I are fickle friends, so we’ll see if I can stick it out! I may have to just listen 🎧 while cooking etc.
I’m absolutely loving Poems of the Past and the Present by Thomas Hardy on my Kindle. Some obtuse literature/history/places mentioned, but I’m 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. I’m hoping to attempt The Woodlanders, too. A friend gave me a gorgeous old copy of it years ago, but it’s 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 father’s will conditions. 😳😬
I’m 5 chapters into my local friend’s bookclub read of Dr.Wortle’s School! It’s very easy to read and I like the story. Haven’t fallen in love with any characters yet, though. You could definitely use this for a Character who Has a Secret 🤐 prompt! It’s a nice, short Victorian novel, too, which can be a relief. 😅
Reading Autumn 🍂 ~
whole worlds
leaf by –
my eyes,
heart cries
tumbling in,
passing my kin‘s
by-gone sighs
rustling, flitting
let my soul sink in.
~A.M. Pine♥️🌲
How’s your reading currently? Creating anything? What’s new with you?
Happy Friday! ♥️🥰
First Quarter Reading Favorites
Second Quarter Reading Favorites
Hello, Friends! Happy Victober Eve! 🖤🍂 Can you believe we are headed into the 4th quarter of 2026!? 😳😱♥️ Here are my favorite reads of July-August-September in short snippet reviews ~
Classics ~🍂
Captain Blood by Rafael Sabatini – so, so good! A kind-of ‘gentleman’ pirate with a moral compass, and a Robin Hood-ish loyalty to his men and the less fortunate.
Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh – fading English aristocratic family, questions of their Catholic faith, and deeply, poignant thoughts on change. I was pleasantly surprised by this book! Reading it with my two local friends made it even better!
The Summer Book by Tove Jansson, translated by Thomas Teal- (reread) a heart-wrenching book I was craving about changing familial relationships, growing older, seeing with the eyes of a child, and living close with the land. Beautiful, beautiful book! The little granddaughter’s sassy attitude towards her grandmother bothered me a lot more this time through, just fyi!
The Virginian by Owen Wister – I finished another 50×50 read! I so enjoyed chatting with my buddy reader about this book. Unique POV’s, beautifully written, deeply intriguing characters. I ended up loving this! Brutal western cowboy violence, just FYI and conversations around the birthing of the American West.
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde – I’ll tack this in here, because this was a last minute listen as an early start to Victober! I absolutely loved this hilarious play about two British gentleman and the craziness that ensues from perpetual stretching of the truth.
(random)/misc) Victorian-ish Epislotary Romance~ 🍂
Glass Roses by Britain Kalai Soderquist – If anyone wants a slight Victorian adjacent light romance, I recommend this one! It’s written in letters between two cousins. One cousin’s story is Cinderella-ish and the others Beauty & the Beast. I really enjoyed it!🥰😅♥️
Fantasy/Sci-Fi ~
The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis -(reread) Great characters! Puddleglum, Eustace, and Jill are off on a Narnian adventure. A lion 🦁 included! ♥️ My four younger kids and I are going through the whole series together.
Firebird by Kathy Tyers – sci-fi Star Wars-ish story with unique world and great characters! Deeper conversations about what we believe truly affecting how we live. I read this as part of Sci-Fi September. The first is included free on Audible currently. I’m now reading Fusion Fire, the second in the five? book series.
Mystery ~🍂
A Lesson in Secrets by Jacqueline Winspear – despite the clunky, morally gray additions to this series, I still find Maisie Dobbs, a very compelling character and enjoyed the new chapter in her private investigator life.
The Bangalore Detective Club by Harini Nagendra – A young newlywed couple begins their life together and solve a mystery in 1920’s Bangalore, India. I really enjoyed this first and the second was good, too, definitely will be completing the series.
The Electric Detective by Peter Ward – A droid wakes up realizing she has been created to assist the police in solving a murder. Things aren’t what they seem! AI, technology, and moral questions arise. Fascinating and a little creepy. A touch of innuendo, just fyi.
Resort to Murder by Annie McEwen – Set in Wisconsin, I really enjoyed the family dynamics of running a small resort together! Great characters and the mystery was good too. The second was good, as well. I’m waiting to read on since they follow the seasons and the next have a snowy setting.
Gladwynn Grant Cozy Mystery Series by Lisa R. Howeler – Small town characters and intrigue! I loved Gladwynn and her grandmother! These were so sweet and gentle.
Nonfiction ~🍂
The Opt-Out Family by Erin Loechner – very interesting look at a former social media influencer’s decision to pull out completely from it all! I liked how she presented her information. Personal stories and ideas for alternatives, but not a guilty formula.
Jane Austen’s Bookshelf by Rebecca Romney -I really ended up enjoying this classic book lover’s ode to reading and book collecting. I loved learning about different women authors that may have inspired Jane Austen. A little of the author’s whining, but overall, I loved this!
Do Something Beautiful for God by Mother Teresa – daily quotes pulled from Teresa of Calcutta’s words. Highly recommend!
The Spirit-Controlled Woman by Beverly LaHaye – A bit dated, but powerfully convicting look at how Spirit controlled living can help us with our personal weaknesses and strengthen us to love like Christ.
Magical Realism ~🍂
Crosstalk by Connie Willis – (reread) I loved revisiting this book around a company with a secret project in development to connect romantic couples by mind emotional sensing. The MFC’s family is VERY annoying and the stress of a company environment can be a bit much, but this hilarious book brings up questions on autonomy and telepathic abilities. Innuendo and light language. What we think we want isn’t always right at all. Very cute and ridiculous fun. I reread this for Sci-Fi September.
Dream of Kings by Sharon Hinck – a fantasy retelling of sorts of the Biblical story of Joseph. Light dream telling feels slightly magical. I loved the slow discoveries of our MFC as she deals with grief, finding her place in a new land, and new, complicated friendships. Very slow, sweet romantic subplot.
A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd – a town with a snicker of magic. This is a heart wrenching story of a young girl who dreams of belonging. The writing was lovely and the longing so palpable. The townsfolk and family dynamics, so great and realistic.
I think those were my favorites from a summer of reading! I read so many great books, what a blessing. How about you? What were some of your favorite summer reads? 😍♥️ What things are you looking forward to picking up this autumn? 🍂 🎃 Goodbye, September ~ welcome, October! 🧡🤎🖤🍂🍁🌾
FOR TODAY~
Outside my window…it looks sparkly and sunny after a wild, gorgeous thunderstorm later yesterday!
I am thinking… of getting some laundry going so I can hang it on the line! Also about the books I found in a Little Free Library yesterday! I need to take some back to it. Do you ‘owe’ certain LFL’s books? 😂. I do this all the time.
I am thankful for…all the beautiful stories I have access to and for my little Delft mug my daughter bought me for my birthday! She found it at a garage sale.
From the kitchen… I am hoping to throw ham, rosemary, and potato soup into crockpot as we have church tonight!
I am creating… new reading journal pages! Last month, I decided to change the way I was doing my monthly spreads. Instead of printing off every book cover, I’m just making a monthly header page, a read list/readthon/buddy reads page, and then I want to do review pages for my favorites! I’d like to decorate each favorite’s review and then write out more thoughts etc, rather than just the small, teeny area around the book covers. I get a lot of inspiration from these two amazing reading journal artists: Manda Made and Michala’s Cozy Life ~
I am going… to my in-person bookclub this week! We are finally finished with Brideshead Revisited and I think it’s my turn to pick our next read! Now to narrow it down! I might make my friends read a Victorian novel 😈 with me since we are so close Victober! Or I could be nice and choose something lighter as we are all homeschooling moms. 🤔
I am wearing… probably my black pants and a Tshirt for the morning. It all depends if I end up lawn mowing today. The grass is super wet.
I am reading… a MILLION things. 🤭🫣 I always try to read too much right before school begins! 🙃 I really am trying to finish a few mysteries that I’m reading for the Keep Me in Suspense readthon. I’m super interested in finishing Moby Dick. You can’t read it fast, but over all I am loving it. The wordsmithing is top notch. I’m SO excited to be starting The Brothers Karamazov with my daughter. I’ve heard amazing things about it. An online friend (hi, Elizabeth! 👋) recommended A Snicker of Magic and I just started this morning after reading my Bible and ADORED the writing of the first chapter. I’m also loving my reread of The Summer Book by Tove Jansson. The little granddaughter Sophia is sorta mean to my favorite character (the grandmother) 😖🥲 and that’s bothering more this time through. It’s so, soooo beautiful though! 😌🥹🥰
I am hoping… to continue my clothing purging project! I was so proud of myself for going through my socks & underwear. Ha. Now to my two younger boys! 😬🫣 My 12 yo grew significantly this year, so I want to make a list of needs to check for at thrift stores!
I am hearing… kids getting popsicles from dad for breakfast?! 🤭🫣😂🙃
Around the house… piles, piles, piles. 😒
One of my favorite things… my deck garden, Idlewild!
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… Bookclub, continuing all my class prep for various autumn teaching responsibilities. Our own homeschool, homeschool Charlotte Mason co op, local mom’s homeschool group, and church teen girl’s group! Asking the Lord for peace and wisdom for all these things.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing for you…
How’s your week going? Anything coming up for you? What are you reading or creating? Anything neat you are watching or listening to?
Hello, Friends! 😁♥️✨🌿 We are on the other side of my daughter’s wedding! It was a lovely day. 🥰🥲♥️ I thought I’d do a cozy refresh this week before I dive full force into to my autumn planning for all my homeschool and other responsibilities. The house needs some deeper cleaning and organizing, but mostly, my younger children and I need some summer cozy and fun. I’d like to bring you along and share little bits here and there. 😍🥰☺️ What are you up to this week?
🥰🌿😍✨♥️
I used to participate in this blog link up on my old blog YEARS ago! I don’t think it’s 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! ♥️✨
FOR TODAY~
~Outside my window… it’s gorgeous! Less humidity, sunny and smells so summery!
~I am thinking…about the wedding in a few days! I’m thinking about time flying…😭♥️
I am thankful for…so many things! Today though, for my hubby who works so hard. He puts up with my crazy moods. 😭😆🤣☠️
From the kitchen…not much! It’s been so hot and busy, my cooking is uninspired currently. Brats, hotdogs and watermelon a lot these days. My aunt made delicious food during our visit and I helped by adding fruits and veggies. 🤣
I am creating…just been working on my reading journal a tiny bit. Looking forward to after the wedding to do some writing and penpal-ing.
I am going…nowhere really. 😆 My hubby and I may sneak out for a quick date tomorrow? Maybe get some BBQ and a salad?
I am wearing… blue jeans, black & white patterned button down short sleeve shirt, brown slide sandals, antique-looking cream teardrop stud earrings.
I am reading…a million and one things, but primarily, Sense & Sensibility.
I am hoping…that the wrinkles disappear from these wedding outfits I’m attempting to steam. 🤣🙃🤓
I am hearing…A/C gurgling and blowing.
Around the house…it’s quiet! Children are either working, getting nails done, on a picnic, etc! Hubby working. It’s actually strangely quiet.
One of my favorite things…TWO fat penpal letters in the post today!!! 😍♥️🌿✨
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…steaming clothing, writing 3 minute speech, decorating, and getting myself plus two boys ready for wedding! 💒 Cooking in there, too! 😏
Here is a picture thought I am sharing for you…
FOR TODAY~
Outside my window…golden and pink sunrise with a haze, promises to be very hot today! Yesterday it was near 100 degrees! 🥵
I am thinking…about last night’s local homeschooling mom’s 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 for…my cat Sophie 😂♥️She’s so comforting!
From the kitchen…we’ve 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 🥒 I have to use things up!
I am creating…I just finished my collage and little article for the letter/zine I write for! I really want to write a penpal letter and I’m trying to blog daily here. This autumn I’d love to pick quilting back up and learn to make granny squares!
I am going…possibly to the lake today so the kiddos can cool off swimming and I’ll sit in shade with my water and book!📖
I am wearing…a green tshirt and probably a flowy green, cream, and orange skirt! My pearl earrings and new brown slide sandals.
I am reading…I may take Moby Dick to lake as I love reading it by water! 😍😅 I’m also loving Captain Blood and Jane Austen’s Bookshelf. Among many more. 😉 Here is a wonderful Booktube about some lovely summer reading options!
I am hoping…that my daughter’s bridal shower is ok and not too hot or stormy! It’s outdoors! 😨
I am hearing…ac humming and my 12 yo’s voice (he’s recovering from summer flu 😭). I’m absolutely loving this album! So worshipful and comforting!
Around the house…we’ve have remodeling and wedding messes! 😩🤪🤣 I really need to climb into a storage space to find my daughter’s Christmas ornaments because I’m giving them to her with a new one for her and her soon-to-be husband’s first Christmas! 😭😭😭 I need to check all my boxed books and make sure they aren’t getting damp. 😖 I also need to find our graduation party box to use the platters and twinkle lights for the bridal shower. I also need to make some treats for the bridal shower.
One of my favorite things…early morning with the light pouring through my new sliding glass doors.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…a birthday party/book club with local friends and THE.BRIDAL.SHOWER. 😂😱☠️
Here is a picture thought I am sharing for you…
I’m loosely participating in five? July specific Booktube Readathons! I really enjoy just marking off prompts! 📚✅
I decorated some of my July pages ahead in my to-do pocket Moleskine because there’s some travel and family stuff going on. I usually decorate this one the day of use because it’s so small, but I don’t 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! 😍♥️🌸
Deck-a-TBR-a-Thon! Summerween! Private Eye July! Jane Austen July! Zoom in for Prompts, if interested! 😅📚📚📚
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 I’m 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! 🤪😅😍💛🤎💛🤎💛
VERY ambitious health/mental/spiritual/relational goals for July! 🙃😱😂
What are you creating lately? I so enjoy working in my journals.
~
~listening to~ 🌿♥️
I’ve 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! 😂 I hope to start listening to this audiobook on walks soon! A classic P.I. mystery that I’ve never tried, The Maltese Falcon. If I enjoy it, I hope to watch the Humphrey Bogart film.
~watching~🌿♥️ Booktube, mainly, and I hope to try the 2020 Emma film adaptation to kick off the Jane Austen July readathon! I’m very hesitant about newer Austen adaptations, because I love the old ones so much. Have you seen this one? Is it any good? 😅
~reading~🌿♥️ I’m 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! 😍♥️
~Noticing~🌿♥️ The 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? ~ 🌿♥️
Happiest First Day of Summer and Father’s Day! I’m over here at Hearth Ridge enjoying family, sunshine, flowers, and an Anne of Avonlea reread. Church and feasting, too! God is good! ✨
~
✨Gratitude for the great and small…✨
~
