Take ten: Best Books I have read in 2018 thus far

This is always a fun topic to think on, since it gives me the chance to look back on what I have read, rather than focusing on the ever growing (never diminishing;)) TBR pile. lol. Here are 10 of my favorite books from 2018, thus far!
As usual, the pictures will take you to Amazon so you can read more about the books I have on my list. These are affiliate links. Thank you for helping to supporting my hobby.;)

1. The Story Peddler

I actually just finished this one, and it was amazing! I love that it didn't go quite were I thought it would, in the best way possible. If you enjoy fantasy series, then I highly recommend this one!


2. Fawkes

This one is another fantastic fantasy story! I love how it meshes with history in a creative way.

3. The Hope of Azure Springs

This one is bittersweet. It's well written and a wonderful read though.

4. Called to Protect

This is an excellent series! I love that it is about a family involved in different forms of service, mostly law enforcement.

5. A Defense of Honor

I loved the start to this new series! It brought up some interesting questions.

6. A Song Unheard

Another series I am enjoying immensely! I love that it's about a family of orphaned thieves who wind up working for the British government at the start of WWI.

7. When Tides Turn

It took me a while to get into this one, but once I did, I loved it!

8. The Ladies of Ivy Cottage

I eagerly await the third book in this series, since the first two have been excellent!

9. Come to the Table

An excellent book on hospitality that included recipes.;)

10. Another Day, Another Dali

For some reason, I read this series out of order and finally went back to finish it. It was a fun mystery series!

What books are on your list this week?

Take ten: favorite book names

If you are interested in learning more about the books, click the image. This post contains affiliate links.
1. Atticus Fitch

I'm sure this one will make it onto a lot of lists this time around, since it is such a unique name. And, he was a great character.

2. Daisy Buchannan

By no means my favorite character. I pretty much just like her name.;)

3. Leopold Bloom

I don't even remember this character (I may not of lasted long with this book though), but I like how the name rolls of the tongue.

4. Albus Dumbledore

Another fun one to say! This one actually is a favorite all around character.

5. Lucy Pevensie

Lucy is just such a cute girl's name, and I love how fun Pevensie is to say.

6. Estella Havisham

The name is fun, the character: not so much. (who else grew up with the Illustrated Classics?)

7. Emma Woodhouse and Mr. Knightley

Again, favorite characters with great names.

8. Scarlett O'Hare

Such an awful character, but she has a pretty name!

9. Bellatrix Lestrange

You can see why my husband wants a say with naming our children. lol.

10. Bathsheba Everdene

Not that there aren't neat names in modern literature, but I really love a lot of the combinations from the classics!

Honorary mentions:
Bilbo Baggins from The Hobbit
Hermoine Granger from Harry Potter
Daniel Deronda
Fairlight Spencer from Christy
I could go on, but I will stop there!

Take ten: books that take place in another country

I do believe some of my most favorite stories take place in another country, so this is an easy list for me.;) If you would like to learn more about the book, just click the image to go to Amazon. This post does contain affiliate links (thanks for supporting my book habit!;))

1. Close to You

I loved this one! I mean, it's set in Hobbiton (in New Zealand, in cause you aren't a nerd married to a nerd. lol)and has a gorgeous romance, need I say more?;)

2. Then There Was You

I related a lot to Paige, and love that she travels to Australia, a country that has a piece of my heart.;)

3. Harvest of Rubies

This one is set in ancient Persia.

4. Garden of Madness

I loved the books I read in this series, since it is about the Seven ancient wonders of the world. This one featured Solomon's handing gardens.

5. Emma

Because my list isn't complete without an Austen on it.;)

6. The Bronte Plot

I loved that this one is not only set in England, but also has the characters go on a literary tour!

7. The Hawthorne House series

This one is just an excellent Regency series set in England. I could of made this more challenging and limited myself to one book per country, but I may not of been able to come up with 10.;)

8. The French Twist series

Granted, it has been a while since I read this series (and yes, the cover of this one is not set in another country, I realize that;)), but I really enjoyed the baker having a chance to live in France.

9. The Giftsnatcher

This one makes a lot of my lists, because it was so incredibly well written and totally out of my normal genre, with having elements of magic in with the story of Jack the Ripper.

10. There You'll Find Me

Set in Ireland, this is a humorous, yet deep, YA story.

Just because:
Harry Potter


The Chronicles of Narnia

They are kind of in England.;) I just had to fit them in!

So, that's my list for the week! I look forward to seeing what you all have on yours!