Favorite Bookcase

Favorite Bookcase
My favorite bookcase—Gladys Taber, Elizabeth von Arnim, Rosamunde Pilcher, Elizabeth Goudge, Persephone, British Library Women Writers, Virago Classics and more!

Thursday, July 16, 2026

Beaumont Cottage by Andrea Tarwater πŸ€©πŸ“—πŸ’™πŸ‘

Happy Book Friend Friday! πŸ’š

Today, I want to highlight my dear book friend, Andrea!

✨✨I'm doing a GIVEAWAY for a paperback copy of Beaumont Cottage on Instagram! Ends on midnight EST on July 24, 2026.✨✨

Before I get into my review, I want to thank Andrea for trusting me with her baby (this wonderful and amazing novel) ☺️✨✨

Back in January 2025, Andrea told me that she was writing a novel and asked if I'd like to read some of it. Of course, I absolutely JUMPED at the chance! The two of us had been buddy reading many vintage romances (and children's books) for at least a year together. So, I knew that we already shared a very similar taste in books. When she described the premise of her novel, I was even MORE excited. It sounded like a dream (and...spoiler...it was!

Click on the photo to read the summary!

By February 2nd, she had shared the three first chapters with me and I was truly hooked

As the year went on (and into the beginning of this year), Andrea shared more chapters with me and I was able to read chunks of the story at a time. I loved the way the story evolved and changed gradually. I also felt privileged to be asked for edits, feedback and suggestions. I wanted to do all I could to support my talented friend. 

I can't tell you what a joy it was to see the painting of Ada and Farris created by Andrea's father for the cover! It was everything that I imagined it would be! 🀩 After seeing this sweet couple standing in front of Beaumont Cottage, the story became even more real for me πŸ’š

Getting updates from my soon-to-be-author friend over the past year and a half has been a wild dream and I'm incredibly thankful to her for sharing so much with me. Being able to read Beaumont Cottage from start to finish made me so happy! πŸ€—πŸ’–πŸ’– 

I am in love with my signed hardcover copy gifted to me by Andrea herself. Now, I have both a signed paperback AND hardcover to my collection (along with the cutest postcards and bookmark)—yay! Thank you so so much, my lovely friend!

RATING: 5🌟 

If you’re in the mood for something cozy, heartfelt, and just brimming with charm, let me introduce you to Beaumont Cottage by Andrea Tarwater—because WOW, this one completely swept me away in the best, warmest, most comforting way.

From the very beginning, Ada’s story pulls you in with that tender mix of grief and curiosity after her mother’s sudden passing. The premise alone—inheritance of a mysterious cottage tied to her mother’s past—already had me hooked, but what truly makes this book shine is how deeply immersive and cozy everything feels. I’m talking about the kind of cozy where you can practically smell the clean linens, hear the soft clink of dishes, and see the sunlight filtering through lace curtains.

One of my absolute favorite things? The details. The chapters filled with cooking, cleaning, decorating—yes, cleaning!—were so satisfying. Watching Ada bring Beaumont Cottage back to life, unpacking furniture, arranging rooms, and discovering little treasures made me ridiculously happy. And don’t even get me started on the attic: hidden staircase, mysterious boxes, forgotten furniture… it felt like uncovering secrets right alongside her. Opening those boxes was such a moment.

Also—can we talk about the chapter titles? Fantastically clever. They added such a playful, thoughtful touch that made each section feel special. And I have to shout out Chapters 5, 16, 19, and 23 in particular—they just hit differently in the best way.

The setting and side characters add so much warmth, too. The Parker family? Adorable. I loved the descriptions of their living room and clothing—so vivid and comforting. And sweet Beau with his polka dot bowtie? I mean…come on. 😍 That detail alone made me smile every time he appeared. The romantic thread is gentle and sweet, perfectly woven into Ada’s journey without overpowering it.

STANDOUT SCENES THAT I LOVED: 
πŸ’™ The laundromat and bookstore scenes—pure cozy bliss. The tinkling bell at the bookstore? I could hear it! 
πŸ’š The housewarming party at the cottage—so heartfelt, and the gifts were such a lovely reflection of community and found family. 
πŸ’™ The county fair chapter—honestly, SO charming and fun. The fortune-telling element (which I absolutely loved) added this whimsical, slightly magical layer that gave me subtle Nancy Drew vibes in the best possible way. 

And then there are the literary nods sprinkled throughout—references to Pride and Prejudice, The Blue Castle, Pollyanna—such a thoughtful touch for book lovers. It made the whole story feel like a love letter to classic, comforting literature.

Ada’s mother’s journals were another highlight—mysterious, emotional, and really key to unraveling the past. (I adored the handwriting font used for the journal entries!) And that portrait with the white fluffy dog? Such a cool, almost haunting detail that added depth to the story’s atmosphere.

There’s even a tragic twist involving Ada’s father and Great Aunt Jewel Beaumont that adds an unexpected emotional layer—definitely one of those moments that makes everything feel more interconnected and real.

By the end, I felt like I had lived in this story. It played out in my head like a movie—every scene so vivid, every emotion so genuine. 

The ending is sweet, grounded, and satisfying in a very “this feels right” kind of way.

Overall, this book is charming, nostalgic, and full of heart. It’s about grief, yes—but also about rebuilding, rediscovery, and the quiet, beautiful ways love finds its way back in.

If you love cozy domestic fiction with rich detail, gentle romance, and a touch of mystery, Beaumont Cottage is an absolute joy. I didn’t want to leave. πŸ’š

 Where Can You Buy This Amazing Book?

Formats: E-book, paperback, hardcover and signed hardcover

  • If you're in the United States—buy HERE on Amazon.com.
  • To buy a signed, hardcover copy—fill out THIS FORM.
  • Send some love to Andrea by commenting on this Instagram post

Let me know in the comments if you're going to buy a copy of her debut novel 🀩

Wishing my sweet friend all the luck in the world and much deserved success! πŸ₯°πŸ“š❤️

Thursday, July 9, 2026

Bel Lamington & Fletcher's End by D.E. Stevenson ☺️πŸ’™πŸ’š

Happy Furrowed Middlebrow Friday! πŸ₯³πŸŽ‰

Can I tell you how happy I am that Dean Street Press has republished TWO MORE of D.E. Stevenson's warm and wonderful novels?? Yipppeee! I'm in heaven! 

Not only do these books have gorgeous covers, but now there are over 100 Furrowed Middlebrow titles. Unbelievable! 😱

So far, I've read 65/103 of the FM books. I'm slowly making my way through and looking forward to the rest with happy anticipation!

Okay, back to Bel! 

I've read this duology three times and now I also have three different editions—so fitting, right? Wooo! 

Here are my thoughts on each... 

1. BEL LAMINGTON

RATING: 4.5🌟 A delightfully cozy novel!

Bel hated taking a firm line with anyone, but sometimes it was essential. It will be alright once Mr. Brownlee comes back, thought Bel as she made ready for bed. Mrs. Brownlee's faith in her son was infectious. 

WHAT I LOVED: 

πŸ’š Cozy descriptions of homes, food and nature (especially once Bel goes to Scotland)
πŸ’š Kind and competent Bel 
πŸ’š Dependable, interesting and handsome Mr. Ellis Brownlee
πŸ’š The caring Mrs. Brownlee and dynamic Young Jim Copley
πŸ’š Lively Louise and her wonderful father
πŸ’š Another “glimpse” of James and Rhoda!

WHO I DIDN'T LOVE:

❊ Horrible and jealous Mr. Wills
❊ Scheming, dishonest and nasty Miss Goudge 
❊ Self-centered Mark Desborough

NOTE: The quote above is at the end of Chapter 12 and is my favorite passage. My thoughts and emotions (in general) are very similar to Bel’s, so I’m very sympathetic to her character. I also adored the section of Bel's lovely visit to see Mrs. Brownlee! In my vintage paperback edition, this was on pages 127-130.

2. FLETCHER'S END 

RATING: 4.75🌟 A terrifically charming and romantic sequel to Bel Lamington! 

...all the things she loved about Fletcher's End;...the friendly feeling when you came in (as if it were welcoming you home)...the old oak beams...the curve of the staircase and the smoothness of the banister-rail beneath your hand...the morning sunshine pouring in through the windows and shining on the polished floors...the singing of the birds at dawn...the clock on the tower of St. Julian's striking the hours...the crackle of logs burning in the big stone fireplace...the gentle creaks and sighings as the old house settled down for the night...

Bel thought of Mrs. Warmer—nice kind Mrs. Warmer; and Mr. Carruthers, talking about 'chimbleys'; and little Mr. Fuller, walking about the 'garding' and enjoying the 'luverly flowers'—invisible to everyone except himself. They were all part of Fletcher's End. She thought of the aspen tree outside the staircase window and the rustle of the wind among its leaves; she thought of the roses, Ellis' roses, which would bloom for him next year.  She thought of the 'apricocks' on the south wall—not next year, but perhaps the year after, their branches would be bowed down with little golden globes. 

WHAT I LOVED:

πŸ’š Bel and Ellis' loving and supportive relationship
πŸ’š Fletcher's End itself (I want to live there!)
πŸ’š Steady, practical and hardworking Ellis
πŸ’š Lovely and energetic Louise along with her understanding (and patient) father, Dr. Armstrong
πŸ’š Cozy and old-fashioned Mrs. Warmer (I would love a home helper like her!)
πŸ’š Reading about all of the home repairs to Fletcher's End
πŸ’š Bel's friendship with Margaret Warren (from Bel Lamington)
πŸ’š Descriptions of the garden, rose bushes, and violets
πŸ’š The stunning painting of Mrs. Lestrange (with I could see it, if it existed!)
πŸ’š Mini mystery concerning the wardrobe bought from Roy Lestrange
πŸ’š Learning more about Alec's character and his struggle to get his life in order

Although I didn't love this DES novel quite as much as the first time I read it in 2019, I still consider it one of my top favorites.

!CAUTION: SPOILER AHEAD!

*
*
*

ANOTHER PART I LOVED:

"Happiness filled her heart to overflowing—for Fletcher's End was safe. It belonged to her and Ellis; it was their very own. They would live here and enjoy its peace and beauty all their lives...Presently Bel became aware of the scent of violets, it was faint at first—perhaps it was just imagination—but gradually it grew stronger until the delicious fragrance filled the room. Bel glanced up at the picture and it seemed to her that Mrs. Lestrange was smiling."

Although I love Fletcher’s End a tiny bit more, I still adore Bel Lamington. I enjoyed it even more this time around! I highly recommended this series!

Once again, I have Victoria of Dean Street Press to thank for these gorgeous new paperback editions! She truly chose the perfect artwork for these covers. I'm in love! Thank you, thank you, dear friend! 😍❤️πŸ“š

Let me know in the comments if you've read these books and which (if any) you love more.

What are you reading this weekend, book friends? 

Much love and summery hugs! πŸ’›☀️πŸ€—☀️πŸ’›

P.S. Sharing a couple of photos of a couple of bouquets from my little New Hampshire garden, too! The mixed rose bouquet includes David Austin roses (the pink and yellow). The next has peach roses and day lilies (about to bloom). All of the roses smell amazing! (Once my rose bushes grow a bit bigger, I hope I'll have more than a few roses per season. Right now, they're about 1-2 years old at most.) The last photo shows two kinds of daisies and a pretty sunflower type that's new to me! Hope you like them! 



 

Beaumont Cottage by Andrea Tarwater πŸ€©πŸ“—πŸ’™πŸ‘

Happy Book Friend Friday! πŸ’š Today, I want to highlight my dear book friend,  Andrea! ✨✨I'm doing a GIVEAWAY  for a paperback copy of Be...