Take ten: Popular books that lived up to the hype

Here is my list of top ten books that lived up to the hype, in my opinion. Some of these are books that my friends raved about, so they won't all be on the best seller list.;) As always, if you are interesting in learning more about a book, click the image to go to Amazon. This post contains affiliate links. Thanks for supporting my book addiction!;)

1. Harry Potter


I didn't get into this series until I was an adult, when my husband had me watch one of the movies with him. I was hooked from there (of course, I had to go back and read the series that went along with the movie;)).

2. The Hunger Games

When the local librarian mentioned that this series was all the rage with high schoolers, I thought it had something to do with eating disorders... I know, showing my ignorance here!

3. Love and Honor

I kept hearing how good Jody's medieval series was, but it took me a while to pick it up.

4. Dear Mr. Knightley

This one is one of my favorites now!

5. An Inconvenient Beauty


6. Fawkes


7. The Bronte Plot


8. I'll Be Yours


9. Sarah Sundin's books

Several of my friends had told me how much they enjoyed Sarah's books, but it took me years to get around to reading them! They are every bit as enjoyable as I was told.

10. True to You

It took me a while to get around to picking this one up, which was kind of nice, since then I was able to read the first and second book back to back.;)

What books are on your lists this week? What books should I have added to my list?

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: 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?