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A Feast of Words - The Open Book
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items I’ve been an avid lover of the printed word since I was a toddler, when my parents would read to me before bed. Even after all these years, it’s rare that I don’t end each night snuggled under a blanket in bed, engrossed in a book before turning off ...
Sections
9
For the Bibliophile - Things They (Or You) May Not Need But Really Want
The Younger Years - A Collection of Classics and New Reads For Children And Adolescents
Fine Leather Bound and Other Luxury Editions
Beach Reads and B.R.A.D.s (beach reads after dark)
Elin Hilderbrand
Southern Gothic Gems
For the Bibliophile - Things They (Or You) May Not Need But Really Want
Book-themed gifts are a great idea because they cater to a specific interest. Book lovers often have strong preferences for genres, authors, or even specific books, so book-themed gifts allow you to tailor the present to individual tastes. They can b...
I absolutely adore these intricate DIY Storybook 3D scenes. Crafted from high-quality materials, they are incredibly enjoyable to create. I'm placing this charming bookshop on my entry side table, next to a collection of books. My next purchase, the ...
Bookshop
These miniature bookcases are a unique twist on a the concept of a stress ball. They are a really cute addition to any desk. Help relieves stress, just dump them out and restack the shelves like a librarian!
Vintage Pocket Edition Anxiety Bookcase, Customizable Mini ... - Etsy
These sturdy leather magnetic bookmarks are personalized and ideal for teachers and avid readers. They can also be used to clip papers together. They’re both lovely and reasonably priced.
Custom Magnetic Leather Bookmarks Engraved
Nepalese artisans have revolutionized toe-toastiness tech, transforming a cozy book nook into hand-felted slippers. Each slipper is meticulously crafted from hand-dyed wool and adorned with sweet embroidered details.
Book Lover's Slippers
This is truly a unique idea! Uncommon Goods has designed a line of interactive mugs for bibliophiles. Simply click on the QR code hidden on the mug while sipping your coffee or tea, and you’ll be rewarded with a new quote from classic literature ever...
Literature Every Day Interactive Mug
This is undoubtedly one of those things that aren’t generally necessary but are highly desired by book enthusiasts. It’s been said that a flower whispers beauty, and these delicate roses, meticulously crafted from book pages, not only showcase the be...
Book Page Roses with Stem, Vintage Paper Flowers, Literary Wedding Flowers, Book Shelf Decor, Book Lover Gift, Anniversary Valentine's Gift
This one has a place on my nightstand. Usually, you will find it in the pages of my latest read.
Fell Asleep Here Magnetic Bookmark
The Younger Years - A Collection of Classics and New Reads For Children And Adolescents
We know that children who regularly read for pleasure reap many developmental benefits including better self-esteem and emotional regulation, with lower levels of emotional and behavioral challenges such as anxiety and aggression than those who don't...
Originally published in 1922, The Velveteen Rabbit is a British children's book written by Margery Williams and illustrated by William Nicholson. It chronicles the story of a stuffed rabbit's desire to become real through the love of his owner.
The Velveteen Rabbit: The Classic Children's Book|Hardcover
Give this delightful and humorous tale about a hungry mouse to any reader in your life! It’s a beloved favorite among adults and children and serves as an excellent introduction to Mouse, the star of the If You Give… series. With its concise and rhyt...
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie|Hardcover
Meet Junie B. Jones, the main character of the hilarious chapter book series. She delights young readers with her kindergarten and first-grade adventures. Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus is the first book in Barbara Park’s series. The sweet ... Read all 28 books in order or browse the collection for series box sets, eBooks, and audiobooks.
Junie B. Jones Books
Fine Leather Bound and Other Luxury Editions
If the aroma of exquisite leather evokes a dream of cozying up in a plush, armchair within the grand library of a magnificent estate, then this collection of leather-bound and collectible editions of classic and contemporary literature is sure to bri...
Beatrix Potter, the author of beloved children’s stories, is a true literary icon. This gorgeous, full-color book collects all her most famous works, like “The Tale of Peter Rabbit,” and 23 other magical stories. It even has a map of the magical worl...
Beatrix Potter: The Complete Tales
Anne Rice’s hypnotic and deeply seductive novels have captivated millions of fans worldwide. It all started a quarter of a century ago with Interview with the Vampire. Now, in one chilling volume, you can experience the first three classic novels of ...
The Vampire Chronicles: Interview with a Vampire, The Vampire Lestat, and The Queen of the Damned (Barnes & Noble Collectible Editions)|Hardcover
If you haven’t read this timeless tale yet, this is the year to do so before watching one of its numerous film adaptations. The classic story revolves around the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by the ghost of his business partner, Jacob Mar...
A Christmas Carol: A Faithful Reproduction of the Original First Edition|Hardcover
Beach Reads and B.R.A.D.s (beach reads after dark)
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a beach read is typically a light-hearted work of escapist fiction, such as a thriller or romance. I’ve curated a collection of some of my favorites for your rereading pleasure.
REESE’S BOOK CLUB PICK ∙ AN INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER ∙ Two writers compete for the chance to tell the larger-than-life story of a woman with more than a couple of plot twists up her sleeve in this dazzling and sweeping novel from Emily He...
Great Big Beautiful Life: Reese's Book Club
Honestly, I picked this book up because the title gave me a clue that it was southern women’s fiction. Published in February 2025, this author’s debut novel is set in Charleston, South Carolina, and weaves a story with characters that are so relatabl...
Southern by Design: A Novel by Grace Helena Walz, Paperback
This is a beach read with some depth. You may find this hard to put down to go splash in the surf! A New York Post Most Anticipated Book of the Year. A BookBub Most Anticipated Book of the Year. A GoodReads New Romance to Heat Up Summer. A Boston Globe Best Book of the Summer. A Harper’s Bazaar Top Summer Romance Book of All Time.
It's a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan, Paperback
Elin Hilderbrand
We encourage our membership to support sisters by choosing a book written by a Phi Mu member. It’s also a fun way to reflect on our founding as a literary society. As a member of Phi Mu, after receiving the above encouragement, I read my first novel ...
“Perhaps you and Elin Hilderbrand are already well-acquainted. The novelist has made herself a staple of summer reading over the course of her 30-plus books and short stories, most of them set in and around the island of Nantucket in Massachusetts. I...
A Complete Guide to Elin Hilderbrand’s Books
Can't wait to view this series by one of my favorite authors and sister in Phi Mu
Peacock Announces The Five-Star Weekend Starring Jennifer Garner
“One of Elin’s best books ever…Packed with great surprises, fabulous writing, and an army of wonderful characters, The Hotel Nantucket will keep you pinned to your beach chair until the very last page.”—Brad Thor, TODAY "The Hotel Nantucket has lots to love: great food, juicy gossip, secrets and scandals, and that special something that Hilderbrand delivers novel after novel."—Sarah Gelman, Business Insider Published 2022
The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand, Paperback
Hungry with Hollis is one of the internet’s hottest sites, but when Hollis’s husband dies in a car crash, her peppy posting flags. To cheer herself up, she curates the perfect house party with five close friends. Well, four close friends—and one foll... This was the first novel of Elin's that I read and it is one of my favorites.. Great character development with multiple storylines. Published 2023
The Five-Star Weekend (B&N Exclusive Edition) by Elin Hilderbrand, Hardcover
Quick take: In her final Nantucket novel, Elin Hilderbrand follows a retiring police chief as he tries to solve a mysterious fire.
Swan Song - Elin Hilderbrand
Don’t miss the limited series film adaptation of The Perfect Couple, currently streaming on Netflix.
Watch The Perfect Couple
“A wonderful, wonderful love story…the kind that you read, then recommend to many, many friends—and so, I recommend it to you. Highly.” —James Patterson, bestselling author of Sundays at Tiffany's “A wonderfully poignant behind-the-scenes journey into the world of high-end restaurants, island life, and the inner workings of the human heart. A great summer story.” —Lolly Winston, New York Times bestselling author of Good Grief “Hilderbrand adds depth to the novel with her multifaceted characters. The restaurant comes alive with believable conflicts between the staff and patrons. But the love story between Adrienne and Thatcher is the jewel of the novel. Together they disc...
The Blue Bistro: A Novel by Elin Hilderbrand
Southern Gothic Gems
Southern Gothic novels provide a distinct perspective on the American South by delving into its historical, cultural, and social fabric through the lens of the grotesque and macabre.
Shots rang out in Savannah's grandest mansion in the misty, early morning hours of May 2, 1981. Was it murder or self-defense? For nearly a decade, the shooting and its aftermath reverberated throughout this hauntingly beautiful city of moss-hung oak... This is one of my favorite reads ever. I’m not a big fan of true crime, but I must admit that this particular book stands out as one of my favorites. I’ve grown so fond of it that I’ve even purchased it in hardcover and have read it multiple times.
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil - Barnes & Noble
If you enjoyed Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, you must read Lawyer Games. Written by Dep Kirkland, this book recounts the true story of the remarkable case. Kirkland, the Chief Assistant District Attorney at the time, arrived at the scene w...
Lawyer Games: After Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
This one is a must read before you watch the film. It has elements of the classic southern gothic as well as romace. One of my top 20 reads in 2018
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, Paperback
This novel by literary icon Cormac McCarthy is a dark, so very dark, gripping novel that delves into the complexities of morality and society through extreme violence. In this taut, chilling story, Lester Ballard-a violent, dispossessed man falsely accused of rape-haunts the hill country of East Tennessee when he is released from jail.
Child of God by Cormac McCarthy, Paperback
Here’s a guide to the literary works of the iconic, Pulitzer Prize-winning author.
A Guide to Cormac McCarthy's Books
Twinkle Lights and Merry Nights
I adore Christmas! Besides all my seasonal activities, including Hallmark movie marathons, I make it a point to read at least one seasonal novel each year, sometimes more. Most of my choices are lighthearted and fun. This list is a collection of some o...
This was a short and fun read for the holiday season. " “Sometimes it takes a blue Christmas to bring out true holiday cheer.” — Southern Living
Blue Christmas: A Novel - Mary Kay Andrews
Booked For The Weekend
This collection of weekend reads includes some of my favorites, both new and old publications, spanning multiple genres.
This isn’t a new book; it was published in 1995 and later adapted into a film in 2000. It’s one of those novels that you should read before watching the film. There are several elements that were either omitted or altered in the film adaptation that ...
Where the Heart Is (Paperback)
I hope this message finds you well. Natalie Sue’s “Clever and Engaging” novel follows an overworked employee who, after a bad day, accidentally sends a brutally honest email meant for the drafts folder. Instead of disaster, it leads to an unexpected ...
I Hope This Finds You Well
This novel, marketed as a rom-com, goes far beyond the typical formula. While it does contain a romance, it boasts depth and character development that surpasses it. The writing is incredibly well-crafted, delving into each character’s individuality ...
Just for the Summer (Paperback)
Sometimes, it’s necessary to break a family to mend it. From the author of Good Luck with That and Life and Other Inconveniences comes a novel that delves into heartbreaking truths and hilarious honesty about the true nature of family. Kristan Higgin...
Always the Last to Know
From America’s most beloved superstar and #1 New York Times bestselling author James Patterson comes a thriller about a young singer-songwriter on the rise—and on the run—and determined to do whatever it takes to survive.
Run, Rose, Run
The Thorn Birds” is a sweeping saga that chronicles the Cleary family’s journey over several generations. The story centers around the forbidden love between Meggie Cleary and Father Ralph de Bricassart, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the A...
The Thorn Birds
Food For Thought - A Culinary Journey
Discover inspiring reads that will not only enhance your culinary skills but also elevate your dining experience.
Whether you’re feeding just yourself, a small group of friends, or a large family, Mostly Plant-Based Platters & Boards offers a wide variety of 60 delicious grazing designs and platter starters that are easy to assemble and sure to please everyo...
Mostly Plant-Based Platters & Boards: Gorgeous Spreads for Clean Eating and Great Gatherings|Hardcover
Meg Quinn, a renowned food stylist from Los Angeles, is known for her visually stunning boards. She has created a unique collection of board cards that combine beautiful photographs with recipes. I added them to my collection sometime ago, and not on...
The Cheese Board Card Deck
Ball® Home Canning Products, renowned for their trademark jars, have sold almost 1.5 million copies of this comprehensive guide to home preserving.earning it the nickname “the bible of home preserving.” This newly updated comprehensive guide presents... incorporating new recipes and old favorites, expanded sections on low sugar, fermentation, and acidulation techniques, and reflects 20 years of research.The book includes 400 innovative recipes for salsas, sauces, pickles, chutneys, relishes, jams, jellies, and fr... I love the spiral bound version but there is also a hardcover and paperback edition if you prefer. I honestly consider this a must have for novices home canners and experts alike.
Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving: 400 Delicious and Creative Recipes for Today
The J. WECK Company, renowned for its aesthetically pleasing all-glass home canning jars, has a rich history spanning a century. Stephanie, a culinary enthusiast, has taken this legacy to new heights by creating a comprehensive guide to preserving wi...
WECK Small-Batch Preserving: Year-Round Recipes for Canning, Fermenting, Pickling, and More|Hardcover
There’s nothing more Southern than a delicious bowl of grits. This delightful book offers 101 ways to enjoy them!
101 Things to Do With Grits, New Edition
I purchased this delightful cookbook shortly after its publication in 2018, and I have been using the pie dough recipe and tips ever since. My grandmother and mother made some of the best pies while I was growing up, but I found it difficult to repli... It is full of beautiful photography and recipes like Mama made!
Southern Baked: Celebrating Life with Pie|Hardcover