Take Ten: books that have patriotic covers

This week's Top Ten list is kind of a patriotic theme, with the 4th of July right around the corner. So, here is my list of red, white, and blue covers. If you are interested in learning more about the book, just click the picture to go to Amazon and read more. This post does contain affiliate links.

1. Oath of Honor

This one is also rather patriotic, since it is about a family involved in law enforcement. I've adored both the books that are out!


2. Dear America, Cannons at Dawn

While I don't remember reading this one, I did read a lot of the Dear America books when I was younger and enjoyed them.

3. Inkheart

Okay, so this one is actually by a German author, but something about the cover made me think it suited the theme.;)

4. The Lady and the Lionheart

Okay, so not real patriotic looking, but I see the big top and think it fits.

5. Fatal Frost


6. Waves of Freedom

I adored this mystery series that brought to life the roles women had during WWII!

7. A Matter of Trust

A Montana rescue crew that battles natural disasters seems to fit.

8. The Sea Before Us

Okay, so the heroine is technically British, but I still feel like the book fits nicely.;)

9. Right Where I Belong

Something about the colors and the beach screams all American to me.;)

10. All American Girl

For obvious reasons. lol.

What books are on your list?

Take ten: Books I meant to read in 2017 but didn't

1. The Fill-in Boyfriend
Or, basically just more Kasie West, since they are the perfect book to read when needing a pick me up.;)


2. Love, Lies, and the List


3. Ravenswolde
I have had this one on my kindle way to long!


4. The Illusionist's Apprentice
I've read all of Kristy's books up to this point, and they are always enjoyable. I need to make time for this one!


6. Magnolia Storms
Janet is an incredible author, so I really need take the time to read this one!


7. Surprised by Motherhood


8. Raising Boys by Design


9. The More of Less


10. In 27 Days
This one just looks fascinating.

Take ten: books I hope are left under the tree

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Honestly, this one is kind of a hard one for me, since I want a lot of books that have yet to be released. I may just include them, since they can always be pre-ordered.;)

1. Claymates

This one is super cute!

2. The Princess takes a vacation

My daughter and I love this series, so it would be nice to have the complete set.;)

3. The Mysterious Play date


4. Wonder

I have yet to read this one. With their now being a movie, I would love to read the book!

5. The Why's Have it

This one looks excellent! I'm not even sure how I came across it, but I would love for it to be under the tree,

6. Everywhere You want to be

Why do I have to wait until May for this one?! I loved the first one and wish this would magically appear under my tree.

7. Wild Heart Summer

I need more humorous books in my collection, and Jenny's are the best!

8. Cold Case Justice series


9. The Thief of Corinth

This is another one that doesn't release until summer of 2018, but I would love it now!

10. Bling Betrayal

I enjoyed the previous two books!

This actually wound up not being too hard, since I could of come up with a whole list of kids books.
What books do you hope to find under your tree?

Top ten books on my Winter TBR list

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1. The Ladies of Ivy Cottage

I adored the first book in the series, and look forward to reading this one (even though I will have to wait a whole year for the final book!) soon. I may be holding off just a bit to savor it.

2. Until We Find Home

Cathy's books can be a bit hit and miss with me, but I look forward to picking up this one, since it looks like one I will enjoy!

3. Willowkeep

I've really enjoyed Julie's other books, so I look forward to reading this Regency based story.

4. The Empowered

This one looks like an interesting, suspenseful story, set in New Orleans and dealing with a kidnapping, cult, and trafficking.

5. My New Crush Gave to Me

This one looks like it could be a cute, YA story to read, with the holidays coming up!

6. No One Even Asked

I love Katie's other books, so I look forward to this one. It deals with a struggling school, politics, and what happens when two very different worlds collide.

7. As You Wish

This one looks like it has a lot of potential, since it is about a small town where people are granted one wish.

8. P.S. I Like You

I love the premise of this book: awkward teen gets a chance to really get to know someone when she starts receiving notes from a fellow music lover. This book just screams adorable to me!

9. The Distance Between Us

Another Kasie West, since I enjoyed Lucky in Love so much and hope to have time for her other books this Winter.

10. The Weight of Lies

This one is different from my normal fare, but I have heard a lot about it, which has made me want to pick it up!
What is on your Winter TBR list? Are there books I should add to my list?

How did you do with your Autumn TBR list? I feel pretty good about mine, since I have read 8 out of the 10, thus far! I just have to complete What Hope Remembers and The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey

Take ten: Books I am thankful for

This week, the subject over at Broke and Bookish is all about books we are thankful for. So, here is my list! It does include affiliate links.

1. Life After

This book is incredible! I love the message of getting out there and living the life we have, since we never know when life as we know it will end.

2. Under the Overpass

This one is incredible book about two young men who decided to be homeless for a year. It's been a while since I read it, but it made me look at the homeless in a whole new light.

3. The Mother Letters

I'm not going to lie, this one makes me cry, since it is such a beautiful collection of letters that are written to inspire mothers. They are so encouraging!

4. Control Girl

This one has been an amazing book to go through with the women's group I am in! It has made me look at women in the Bible differently, and made me think how I want to be remembered.

5. Mere Christianity

This is another incredible book that our group went through this year. It sparked some interesting discussions!

6. The Circle Maker

We did the 40 day prayer challenge/devotional, and it was one of my favorite devotionals! I highly recommend this one.

7. In Our Backyard

This is an excellent book on sex trafficking that opened my eyes to just how prevalent it is. I love that this book equips readers to do something about it.

8. Door to Freedom

The whole series is excellent and deals with some difficult subjects.

9. A Harvest of Thorns

Honestly, this book could of been better, as far as the writing and story line went, but I did appreciate that it brought up the dangers of working in the sweat shops in third world countries.

10. The Lost Girl of Astor Street

This one was just enjoyable, though by no means a fluffy read. It was one of my favorite books of the year!
What books are you thankful for? Do you tend to lean towards fiction or non fiction?

Take ten: books I want my kids to read

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1. The Chronicles of Narnia

Are you surprised this on is on here? lol. We've kind of started on this one with the Voyage of the Dawn Treader. I will probably wait to read the others with them.

2. Harry Potter

Another one we will wait to read, but I look forward to reading these with my kids!

3. Lord of the Rings

Are you sensing a nerd theme?

4. Little House on the Prairie

I should start reading these aloud, since I loved them as a girl!

5. All of a Kind Family

Another of my childhood favorites that I can't wait to share with my children!

6. Molly

I loved all the American Girl books, but Molly was my favorite.

7. Little Women


8. Jo's Boys

This one might be one more to my son's liking.:)

9. Eight Cousins

It's been forever since I picked this one, but I loved it when I was a kid!

10. The Scarlet Pimpernel

Another one I should re-read before we read together (though, we have a while with this one!)

I went with books for older kids, since we read a lot of board and picture books. It will be some time before we tackle this list though.
What books should I add to the list?

Take Ten: Halloween Freebie

I'm not really one for Halloween, since I have an overactive imagination and don't get into the creepy/ghoulish side of the holiday. But, I do like costumes and chocolate. lol. So, I think I will go with ten of my favorite covers that have costumes I would love.

1. Betrayal

I almost bought a dress like this one back when I was young and single, just because it was on sale and I loved how it looked on me. I talked myself out of it, since I didn't have a clue where I would wear it.;)

2. The Storyspinner

I've always loved the look of the corset over a white blouse!

3. The Door in the Hedge

Are you starting to see a theme? If I had been more of a seamstress when I was a teen, I would of had so many unusual dresses.;)

4. Luther and Katharina

I wish this cover showed the front of the dress, since it looks just gorgeous from the back! I love the different fabrics.

5. The Sandcastle Sister

If I could pull it off, I would totally were 1950's dresses all the time. Alas, I am not built like Audrey Hepburn.;)

6. The Emperor's Conspiracy

Why is it generally the back of the dress that is shown? I love the color contrast on this one!

7. Persuasion, Captain Wentworth, and Cracklin' Cornbread

I love the cheery color of this dress!

8. Eleanor and the Iron King

I love the color of this one, along with the sleeves and how it has a full skirt, but not too full.

9. A Heart Most Certain

I love the Edwardian style dresses, like this one!

10. Havencross

I love this style too! I guess it's obvious that I like historical style dresses.;)
What costumes should I have put? Or, what styles would of you have chosen?

Take ten: Most unique book titles

1. A Fool and His Monet

I love the play on words that the titles in this series does, so I will cheat and include all three of them.;) Not only are the titles fun, but the series is wonderful!

2. Another Day, Another Dali


3. Over Maya Dead Body


4. The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake

Well, I guess it gets you to look twice at the title.;)

5. In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day

I've enjoyed Mark's books, so perhaps I just need to read this one in order to get the title.;)

6. How to Survive a Robot Uprising

Okay then...

7. How to Survive a Garden Gnome Attack

Even better.;)

8. Death by Petticoat


9.I Lick my Cheese


10. Do Chocolate Lovers have Sweeter Babies?

This one actually looks kind of interesting.:)

What books are on your list?

Take ten: Yummy foods/restaurants mentioned it books

1. A Table at a Window

Family restaurants and recipes!

2. Let them Eat Cake

It's been a while since I read this one, but I remember loving the French bakery!

3. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Turkish Delight! (which, after wanting to try for some time, I didn't actually find that amazing. lol)

4. One Paris Summer

I felt like this book could of been a lot better, but it did leave me craving a good chocolate croissant.;)

5. The Welcome Home Diner


6. My Blue is Happy

Okay, so this one isn't really about yummy food, but I love the popsicle! It makes me think of summer days.

7. Lizzy and Jane

This is such an interesting look at food and cooking for those going through chemo.

8. A Portrait of Emily Price

A trip through Italy, marrying into a family who owns a restaurant, this is the perfect foodie book.;)

9. Jane of Austin

English tea shop meets Texas. I love the combination!

10. Where Two Hearts Meet

I love that Caden is a baker!

Wow, this wound up being harder then I thought it would be! I apparently don't pay much attention to food in books, unless it's a bit part of the story, like a family restaurant.
What about you? Does the food in books stand out to you?