No. 1

Into the Wilderness

by Susan Donati

I just started listening to this book on Audible, and I must say I’m enthralled. If you loved Outlander and Last of the Moheicans than this is a novel for you. I am loving the spirit of Elizabeth, the female protagonist, and Nathaniel, her love interest, who is strong, tender, and oh so dreamy!

The depictions of the wilderness are poetic and the drama is high. I am particularly intrigued by the setting just after the end of the War of Independence and the exploration of Native American life during this period.

No. 2

Anne of Green Gables

by L.M. Montgomery

This series is one of my all time favorites, and I love to re-read it every now and again. Anne’s exuberance, imagination, and spunk always gladen me. I love L.M. Montogmery’s voice — her elegant but straight forward writing style.

You can’t help but laugh and cheer for Anne as she stumbles through misadventures and learns valuable lessons. If you want to read the whole series get it here!

No. 3

Under a Gilded Moon

by Joy Jordan-Lake

I just borrowed this novel for free through my Kindle Unlimited membership. I cannot wait to dig in as the novel explores a place dear to my heart and home — the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C.

The book explores the final stages of construction of the estate, it’s impact on the locals, and particularly the life of one young woman living in its shadow — Kerry MacGregor. Her future plans have just been upended when after two years of college in NYC, family obligations call her home. Her family’s land is among the last pieces required to complete the Biltmore Estate.

No. 4

The Botany of Desire

by Michael Pollan

Ever wondered about the history of some of our most popular and common plants and vegetables? If yes, than don’t miss this fascinating exploration of tulips, marijuana, apples, and potatoes. Pollan crafts an absorbing look at each of these plants, delving into their relationship to humans and how they evolved with us and because of us over time.

He offers compelling anecdotes and accessible science that will have you looking at flowers, fruit, and vegetables in new ways!

No. 5

Lady Susan, The Watsons, & Sanditon

by Jane Austen

I’m almost ashamed as an avid Jane Austen fan to admit that I have not read these works. I literally devoured her other novels as a teenager and re-read them quite frequently now. I guess the brevity and unfinished nature of these works put me off a bit, but after watching Sanditon on PBS this past year, I’m determined to read them.

Lady Susan examines the machinations of a clever widow. The Watsons is a brief look at a spirited heroine hampered by poverty and pride, while Sanditon explores a sea side town and its amusing residents and vacationers.

No. 6

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

by V.E. Schwab

Here is another audio book I plan to listen to. Upon reading the synopsis, I was immediately intrigued:

France, 1714: in a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever―and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. Thus begins the extraordinary life of Addie LaRue, and a dazzling adventure that will play out across centuries and continents, across history and art, as a young woman learns how far she will go to leave her mark.

But everything changes when, after nearly 300 years, Addie stumbles across a young man in a hidden bookstore and he remembers her name.

No. 7

Burn For Me

by Ilona Andrews

You might be surprised to learn that I am a huge fan of paranormal and fantasy novels. I love Andrews’ Kate Daniels series, so I thought I would try the Burn series, and I wasn’t disappointed.

High stakes action, interesting magic, and a bevy of humorous and lovable characters create a great story centered around Nevada Baylor whose special talents and work as a private detective take her on one risky adventure after another. Of course along the way she falls for a powerful magic wielding hunk and together they save the world.

No. 8

Bridgerton

by Julia Quinn

Julia Quinn’s charming novels were some of the first romance books I read as a young adult. Her endearing characters, steamy romance, and wit are some of the best in the entire genre. With the new release of the Bridgerton Netflix series, I decided it was time to revisit these love stories.

Linked here is a collection of the first three books in the series about the Bridgerton clan: The Duke and I, The Viscount Who Loved Me, and An Offer From a Gentleman. Each story centers around one of the family’s siblings and how they fall head over heels in love.