100 Train Journeys Of A Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Rides by Everett Potter

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book)

Wow - what a beautiful book! 100 Train Journeys Of A Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Rides by Everett Potter is a must-read for railfans. Chock full of gorgeous photographs depicting the beauty of riding the rails, this is THE perfect book to flip through for inspiration when planning a train trip. Especially, as it's filled with ALL the travel info you'll need/want about the 100 ultimate rides. Journeys to South Africa, India, Italy, and The Grand Canyon - reading about these exciting and amazing adventures will spark the wanderlust gene in us all. You'll fall in love with so many far-flung places that you'll fill up a notebook trying to figure out where you want to go and when. Potter provides the inside scoop on the trains themselves, along with intel about which ones have the most comfortable seats and delicious meals. His writing is informative and exciting - you can't help but get lost in his vivid and detailed descriptions of the train stations, the towns you'll stop at, and the adventures you'll have along the way. It's truly an inspiring book. Talk about top notch armchair travel. 

I would happily recommend this book to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read, or looking for a wonderful holiday gift - 100 Train Journeys Of A Lifetime is a terrific travel guide and gorgeous coffee table book. Make sure to check it out! You'll have fun just flipping through all of the awesome rail trips Potter writes about in his book - they are unforgettable! I know I loved spending time with this book and dreaming about all the places I want to go. In fact, I'm pretty sure I heard the book shouting, "All Aboard!" at me, as I turned its pages :)

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

My Friday Five...

1. I'm still reading this book.

2. I'm feeling exhausted lately. Not sure if it's my anemia or my depression. Or it could be lack of sleep. Ugh. 

3. I'm still participating in some of the art journal advents I signed up for. I'm really enjoying two of them the most. One is a daily doodle and the other is a bible study. I'm hoping to focus on my creativity in the new year, which is why I chose the doodle one. 

4. I'm itching to get a new pen for Christmas. I spotted it online at shop called Topdrawer. The pen is a Romeo No.3 ballpoint. I just love the classic look it has - black and gold vintage. 

5. The ten dollar tree I bought has 4 ornaments on it. I'm just not in the mood to decorate. I'm going to make Christmas cookies next week in the hopes that it will cheer me up and put me in the holiday spirit. However, grief has me looking the other way, so who knows. 

And now, I'm off to read that book that I can't seem to finish. Wishing you all a lovely weekend. Happy reading!

Three Things...

1. Sophie Kinsella. Her books were always such a treat to read. I'm looking forward to rereading them soon. May she rest in peace. 

2. Gratitude is key. That's something I'm trying to remember. To be thankful for all the things - that I can get out of bed on my own, that I can see the blue sky, that I get to hug my mom, and that I am able to share my love of books with you all. Thank you!

3. Shopping small. I visited my sister in St. Augustine and they had a Mistletoe Market. There were local vendors, food, and a Santa. I wound up with a lovely ring engraved with the words, Trust God. Ever since my anxiety and depression have tried wrecking my life, I've leaned into my faith hard. So, this ring felt like a sign to keep believing.  

Wishing you all a lovely Thursday. Happy reading!

Monday Musings...

Road tripping can be exhausting when traffic is crazy in the morning - like, what is everyone doing out at 4am? Yes, I leave that early - to avoid traffic. LOL! And yet, even with all the traffic, it's always a fun time. Getting to see different towns is always a treat. Plus, I love popping into Buc-ees. Oh, and a roadtrip music playlist is always a must! Love it!

I did finish a book on my trip and it was a doozy. It was the new McFadden - comes out late January. The story was fun and had loads of twists and turns, but overall it fell flat. I feel like it's always like that with McFadden's books - you love some, you don't love some. Oh well. 

Next up is...

As for TV, I watched a new Hallmark film and it was a huge miss for me. It was called She's Making A List and if my sister hadn't wanted to watch it, I would definitely have chosen something else to see. Two thumbs down! Now, the new Tracker episode - that was a huge hit for me. I loved it! Such a great show! Although I'm hoping to see more Russell. 

And now, I'm back at my desk and ready to play catch up. Hope you all are having a terrific Monday! Happy reading!

My Friday Five...

1. Acid reflux sucks. Mine has been acting up and it is a pain. Ugh. I need to really eat way more healthily. No Christmas treats for me this year. 

2. I finally finished this thrilling read:

I definitely didn't see it coming - whoa! So many twists and turns; and the reveals were shocking! Loved this one. I can't wait to read more of Lapena's works. 

3. Next up will either be:

I just got my copy of the new McFadden, so I'm leaning toward that one first. Hmm...what do you think?

4. I started watching The Americans on Hulu. My sister saw the show when it first came out and told me it was a good one, but I never gave it a chance. And now that I'm watching The Diplomat, I thought I'd give it a go. I binged the first few episodes and my interest is piqued. Plus, I love seeing John Boy on TV. 

5. I wasn't going to celebrate Christmas this year. With my dad passing away earlier this year, it just doesn't feel like Christmas. However, I wound up buying a small pre-lit tree. I just couldn't handle getting out our usual tree and decorating it. So, a small one that cost ten bucks will do the trick. At least I'll have a little Christmas this year. 

And now, I'm off to tackle to-dos. Wishing you all a lovely weekend. Happy reading!