Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish and Personal Goals for 2026

 

This week's theme for Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, is "goals for 2026." I really wasn't feeling this post until tonight so I'm of course late posting but....it's been a rough 2024 and 2025 and I'm feeling a bit discouraged about listing goals and expectations. Even typing is tough due to my medical issues so blog posts can be stressful. But I think goals are good no matter where you are in life so here are mine! Maybe this year will pleasantly surprise me. 

What are your goals for this year?

Bookish Goals:

1. Create a TBR list and work hard at it. I have too many books that I keep saying I want to finish. I know, this is one all book lovers share.

2. Join Sample Saturday and post about it. I absolutely love samples but again, way too many that I don't go back and try out. Then, delete them if I know I don't like the book.

3. Continue to read what I like and not what I think I should read. Life is too short. 

4. Find books and authors to promote for Can't Wait Wednesday. I really enjoy this post each week but feel so limited about resources for it. I don't often find what I need on NetGalley so I'm looking for more places to find upcoming releases.

5. Read physical books. I love my Kindle but this is a goal I always set for myself and don't do much with. Some of it is laziness and eyesight and some is that I just honestly forget. I do love holding books though so I'm going to try to go through my bookshelf this year.

Personal Goals:

1. Get my surgery I need and get better so I can return to work. It has been a long, depressing fall and winter in a wheelchair and dealing with my Cushing Disease diagnosis. I'm ready to be healthy and out of the house living a normal life again. 

2. Get my youngest ready for college. My oldest is already a college Freshman and now in August I'll be an empty nester. I have mixed feelings about this as I am very excited for him and for my husband and I to have a new life together but it is definitely bittersweet.

3. Get outside more. I really need to work on this one as I'm not naturally an outdoor person. But when I do go out I'm always glad I did.

4. Go on a family vacation this summer. We have not been able to do this the last two summers and it is time. We are planning a cruise and I could not be more excited!

5. List the things I'd like to improve around the house cosmetically. This is something I've wanted to do for awhile. Go room by room and list everything I'd do if I had unlimited time and money and just start....no matter how big or small. 

Stacking the Shelves #83

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Reading Reality. It's a place to showcase any books I have purchased, borrowed, or been lucky enough to have been given an advance copy of. 

Hope you find something that looks interesting to you or that makes you remember a favorite book you need to finish. Happy reading y'all!

The Crime at Black Dudley by Margery Allingham (Albert Campion Book One)

Free today on Amazon Kindle

I see this author a lot as a Golden Age mystery writer. And I have heard about this series with Albert Campion. So it's worth a shot, especially since it is free to buy on Kindle this weekend. It looks like your typical country house murder mystery, guests caught inside with the killer. But I'm a sucker for these kinds of Golden Age books. And I prefer to start with book one in series reads too.

An Uncivil War by David Field (The Medieval Saga Book Three)

Free with my Kindle Unlimited Trial

I love David Field's books, especially the history based ones. I have read most of this series but not the ones on The Anarchy (this one), Henry II, or Richard I. I skipped them because I knew so much already about those subjects and wanted to focus on the Norman Conquest and Simon de Montfort books. But I saw this one this weekend and just for kicks started it and can't put it down. It's really good and I've actually learned some new things. Looking forward to continuing with these three I've missed. 

The Summer Queen by Elizabeth Chadwick (Eleanor of Aquitaine Book One)

Libby borrow: Free

As if I don't have enough books about Eleanor....I impulsively borrowed this from Libby Friday night and started it. I will probably take awhile to read it but I just wanted to start as it is a goal of mine to read this series and the Chadwick Marshal books as well. I never get tired of Henry, Eleanor, and her family and love the way different authors take the same material and make it their own.

 

Mary, Queen of France by Jean Plaidy (Tudor Saga Book Nine)

 

Publication Date:

January 1, 1964

Genre: 

Historical Fiction

Length:  

305 pages

Series:

Tudor Saga/Tudor Princesses

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

Legendary historical novelist Jean Plaidy brings to life the story of Princess Mary Tudor, a celebrated beauty and born rebel who would defy the most powerful king in Europe--her older brother.

Princess Mary Rose is the youngest sister of Henry VIII, and one of the few people whom he adores unconditionally. Known throughout Europe for her charm and good looks, Mary is the golden child of the Tudor family and is granted her every wish.

Except when it comes to marriage. Henry VIII, locked in a political showdown with France, decides to offer up his pampered baby sister to secure peace between the two mighty kingdoms. Innocent, teenage Mary must become the wife of the elderly King Louis, a toothless, ailing man in his sixties. Horrified and furious, Mary has no choice but to sail for France. There she hones her political skills, bides her time, and remains secretly in love with Charles Brandon, the Duke of Suffolk. When King Louis dies after only two years of marriage, Mary is determined not to be sold into another unhappy union. She must act quickly; if she wants to be with the man she truly loves, she must defy the laws of church and state by marrying without her brother's permission. Together, Mary and Charles devise a scheme to outwit the most ruthless king in Europe and gain their hearts' desire, not knowing if it will lead to marital bliss or certain death.

My Thoughts

Anyone who reads my blog knows I'm a huge Jean Plaidy fan. She takes historical figures and stories and presents them in a straightforward, entertaining way that gets to the point while humanizing the subject. This story about Mary Tudor, (not Queen Mary Tudor) sister of Henry VIII is a great example of her including people that rarely get their own story told. It is a short book because Mary is overshadowed by others of that era but her story is fascinating in its own right and worth reading about.

I knew very little about Mary except that she was very beautiful, was much beloved by her older brother, King Henry VIII and that despite that she was forced into marriage with the very old King of France for political reasons. Her story was very compelling though due to the fact that she went against Henry to later marry her true love, Charles Brandon. Considering all we know about her brother that was a true act of bravery. 

I had forgotten she was also the grandmother of Lady Jane Grey, the tragic nine days queen and that she supported the Catherine of Aragon camp, disliking Anne Boleyn.

The book is very straightforward and no secret information you couldn't find online but Plaidy always finds a way to make it feel like a special, exciting novel. That is what I love....learning history in a personal way. If you want to learn about medieval royalty in a romantic, storylike way you will love this book. The one about her sister Margaret is similiar and another favorite of mine. It is called The Thistle and the Rose. 

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Belle of Chatham by Laura Frantz

 

For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at the book blog, Wishful Endings, I'm featuring, The Belle of Chatham, by Laura Frantz. I have not read anything by her before and normally this isn't my genre but I liked the cover, and the storyline reminds me of a favorite childhood novel I used to love. Also, it is set in New Jersey and New York and being Southern I like reading about the North for a change in historical fiction. Hopefully it also covers a little of the history of the American Revolution.

Hope you have found something you can't wait for! Happy reading y'all!

Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

January 20, 2026

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

In 1777, caught in the crossroads of the American Revolution, sisters Maebel and Coralie Bohannon's quaint New Jersey village becomes a battleground as they house American officers in their home. Rebellion ripples through their family as members take opposing sides--Patriots and Loyalists--causing a deep chasm that fractures their once-unbreakable bond.

As Mae's friendship grows with the American general Rhys Harlow, Coralie continues her liaison with her childhood sweetheart, a British officer stationed in New York. Torn between her growing love for the general and suspicion that her sister is a British spy, Mae leaves the only home she's ever known for the New York frontier. When betrayal strikes in the heart of the wilderness, she's forced to take a perilous journey that tests her very survival and those she loves, all in the name of liberty.

Proclaimed "wordsmith extraordinaire" by Library Journal, Laura Frantz delivers a stirring tale of divided loyalties, sisterhood, and love.

Stacking the Shelves #82

 

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Reading Reality. It's a place to showcase any books I have purchased, borrowed, or been lucky enough to have been given an advance copy of. 

Hope you find something that looks interesting to you or that makes you remember a favorite book you need to finish. Happy reading y'all!

Blood River: A Journey to Africa's Broken Heart by Tim Butcher 

Free with Kindle points

I used to read lots of books like this one. The documentary type stories about other countries and reporters who bravely venture through dangerous territory. I got tired of the genre and hadn't read any for many years. But this story caught my eye and I started it and found it was hard to put down. This daring author retraces the famous Livingstone/Stanley journey into the Congo in the early 2000's. He has an obsession with completing the journey despite everyone warning him not to. 

I'm on chapter 3 and already full of anxiety for him! Not my usual book to post about but I consider it history (he starts with an account of the Congo's long internal conflict and Livingstone and Stanley's journeys), adventure, and current events. It is also a bit of a mystery in that you are kept wondering what scary event will befall him next. I am really enjoying it. 

Mirage: Napoleon's Scientists and the Unveiling of Egypt by Nina Burleigh

Library borrow: Free

Loving all things Egypt and the Napoleonic Era this book looked interesting, combining both. I had absolutely no idea that Napoleon took a group of scientific explorers and intellectuals into the Middle East to investigate, explore, and catalog everything in the surrounding country of the pyramids. 

I am honestly surprised I'd not heard about this as it seems like a pretty amazing undertaking. It took them three years and created a huge written account of the pyramid treasures. 

Trouble On a Country Lane by Isabella Bassett

Free with Kindle Unlimited trial

Of course no Sunday Stacking the Shelves would be complete for me without a cozy mystery! This is book 4 in one of my favorite series about an English socialite turned assistant who keeps getting involved in....you guessed it....murders. Along with her adorable, eccentric Uncle Albert (who she works for), she and her love interest, James, work to find out whoodunit. 

I love the locations for these books, Uncle Albert's quirkiness and affiliation with the Royal Society, and Lady Caroline's humor. It's one series I will continue to stick with. 

A Fatal Encounter in Tuscany by Vivian Conroy (Miss Ashford Investigates Book Three)

 

Publication Date:

April 13, 2023

Genre: 

Cozy Mystery/Historical Mystery

Length:  

369 pages

Series:

Miss Ashford Investigates

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

An escape to Tuscany
An unexpected invitation
A murder at midnight…

When novice detective Atalanta Ashford is whisked away to Italy by her friend, race car driver Raoul Lemont, she anticipates a happy holiday under the Tuscan sun. But a chance meeting on the Orient Express with Italian heiress Catharina Lanetti leads to a party invitation…and front row seats for a mysterious murder.

With their new friend under suspicion Atalanta and Raoul set to work trying to discover who really murdered Catharina’s father. But with more than half a dozen suspects – all with compelling motives – Atalanta may just be facing her toughest case yet.

My Thoughts

This was book three in a really cute cozy series set in locations I love. The characters of Atalanta and Raoul have grown on me enough to keep going with the stories. In this one, the author did a better job than book two of creating an authentic Italian feel including the food, countryside, and hot headed Italian family vibe. There were a lot of references to the Borgia family and although I already know a good deal about them as a history lover, those that don't will find those parts interesting and might end up reading more about the family. 

The murder mystery was exciting and the storyline interesting as we find out more about Catharina and her brothers. Each is set to inherit the family fortune but split in ways no one is happy with. Set in wine country in a sprawling country home, there is a great Tuscan atmosphere with an overbearing, cruel Patriarch who plays everyone he meets against each other. When he winds up dead there are many suspects. Atalanta and Raoul, having been invited to the party are determined to find out what happened. Atalanta, already a seasoned detective is well equipped for the task. And Raoul has always managed to be alongside her when she stumbles on a new crime. 

As they dig further, they find a hidden backstory within the family that connects it all. It seems Catharina's parents have kept many secrets and the new revelations cause the whole family to be turned upside down. With tensions rising, the siblings become more heated with each other and determined to claim their share of what they think is their father's will. Atalanta and Raoul want to clear their new friend's name, but proving she isn't the killer will prove more difficult than they think. Local police seem to be going down the wrong track so it is up to them to find out the truth. 

I really enjoyed this one and it was fun having the two main characters ride on the Orient Express. That was a nice touch. I'll definitely be continuing with this series in 2026!

Stacking the Shelves #81

 

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Reading Reality. It's a place to showcase any books I have purchased, borrowed, or been lucky enough to have been given an advance copy of. 

Hope you find something that looks interesting to you or that makes you remember a favorite book you need to finish. Happy reading y'all!

Arsenic at Ascot by Kelly Oliver (A Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane Mystery Book 4)

Libby borrow: Free

I'm ready to start the next mystery in this series and see what Fiona, Kitty, Archie, and Fredricks are up to. In this one, Fiona is invited to a country house to infiltrate animal rights activists and the death of a horse doctor. I love the mix of humor, WW I history, and Fiona's love triangle with Archie and Fredricks. It's a unique series with lots of fun twists. 

The History of Scotland by History Nerds 

Free with Kindle points

Yes, I'm a history nerd for sure so enough said.....all about Scotland from start to finish, written simply, and easily read by the average person wanting to know more. My favorite kind of history book. 

Crossed Skis: An Alpine Mystery by Carol Carnac (British Crime Classics)

Free with Kindle Unlimited free trial

I'm trying to slowly collect and work my way through this series of British classic mysteries. This one looked interesting from the title and cover. Written in 1952 and taking place in London and the Austrian Alps it looked like a good mystery to try out.

Happy New Year 2026

Wishing all my friends in the bookish world a fun year of reading, blogging, and learning. I hope you have the best year yet! My blog turns four today and I can't believe it. Thank you to everyone who has commented on or read it over the years. And thank you to all the fellow bloggers who are so helpful and give me great new ideas! 

No more reviews this week as I'll be reading, relaxing, and getting ready for new January posts. Happy reading y'all!

New Years Eve 2025 Post....my year in books

 

I love looking back on my reading goals on New Years Eve. Thanks to Goodreads that is easy to do! I am excited to be ending another great year in the bookish community and starting year five on my blog tomorrow. I can't believe it! I hope everyone has a great day today ringing in 2026. Here are my stats from 2025....it's been a great journey in the book world. 

Favorite Book: My re-read of The Land Beyond the Sea

Favorite Author: Sharon Kay Penman

Most read genres: History, Historical Fiction, Historical Mysteries, Fiction

Have you read any of these books? And what were your favorite books/authors this year?

The Sittaford Mystery by Agatha Christie (Read Christie 2025 December Selection)

 

Publication Date:

1931

Genre: 

Cozy Mystery/Historical Mystery

Length:  

288 pages

Series:

None

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

The Sittaford Mystery is Dame Agatha at her most intriguing, as a séance in a snowbound house predicts a particularly grisly murder. 

In a remote house in the middle of Dartmoor, six shadowy figures huddle around a table for a seance. Tension rises as the spirits spell out a chilling message: "Captain Trevelyan . . . dead . . . murder."

Is this black magic or simply a macabre joke? The only way to be certain is to locate Captain Trevelyan. Unfortunately, his home is six miles away and, with snowdrifts blocking the roads, someone will have to make the journey on foot.

My Thoughts

This story is a stand alone, no Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot this time. It was also published under another name in America, The Murder At Hazelmoor. It seems like back in the day the general public was obsessed with seances and boards and the supernatural even more than today. So this story being written in 1931 it's no surprise that it is a feature. When Captain Trevelyan's friends participate in one, declaring him dead, they want to check on him to be sure it's harmless. Major Burnaby makes the long, snowy trek and finds out it isn't all fun and games. 

Trevelyan's nephew's fiance Emily Trefusis quickly becomes the main character in that she spends most of the novel trying to find out who would want Captain Trevelyn dead and why. Her fiance, James has been arrested for the murder and she wants to get to the truth. A newspaper journalist, Charles helps her along with Inspector Narracott. 

I can't say this was my favorite novel, although I liked Emily and Charles and was rooting for them. There was a lot of well played misdirection as usual and it got pretty complicated for awhile with many new characters. I found myself getting a little bored halfway through though and had to really focus hard to finish. I think I just had this sense that we were getting a lot of useless clues and the ending proved me correct in that I don't think the culprit or murder plot took up much time to explain. It didn't involve most of the people mentioned and was not super detailed. At least that was my impression the last few pages. 

This was a good winter read for setting in that it was cold and snowy and definitely felt like a December or January book. It probably isn't on of hers I'd re-read though.