Adventure Awaits

What is the first thing you think about when you hear the word “travel”? Is it white sandy beaches? The crisp cool breeze from the mountain tops? Or exploring a new city or country? For us, it’s finding new places to explore and experience new adventures. We enjoy learning the history of different towns, tasting the culture through food, and finding local hidden gems of the places we have visited. But what happens when you can’t travel, explore, or be hands-on with new experiences? Books. Experience life through books. Books are the least expensive vacations I have ever taken, and not to mention I can travel to any part of the world by the turn of a page. Not only have I been able to experience places through the eyes of others, but I have also been able to see adventures unfold, mysteries solved, and relationships rekindled. Reading is a way to connect with strangers through words, expand your horizon, and give you the courage to find your passion. Here are a few of my favorite books that have allowed me to travel from the comfort of my couch, ignite curiosity, and give me the drive to enjoy more life adventures.

The Hideaway by Lauren K. Denton

This sweet story takes you on a southern journey by mending the bond between a grandmother and granddaughter. Megs, the grandmother, lived a life of southern charm. When her world came crashing down at a young age, she moved away from her family and husband to start a new life elsewhere. Little did she know the impact a small-town bed and breakfast would have on her life. This impact would extend to her granddaughter Sara, a prominent young shop owner in New Orleans. Growing up, Sara had a hard time relating to her grandmother, who raised her after her parents passed away. Sara couldn’t understand why she dressed and acted the way she did, not caring what other thought. It wasn’t until after Meg’s death that Sara could reconnect with her grandmother, discover the secrets of her past, and find the missing link to her family. This story is a favorite of mine because it shows being yourself, staying true to who you are, and knowing the past helps to mold a bright future not just for you but for your family as well.

Origin by Dan Brown

This book takes you on a trip around Spain, learning about religion, history, monuments, and technological advancement. During Professor Robert Langdon’s trip to Spain, he meets with one of his former college students, Edmond Kirsch, who has set up a museum tour with a surprise revelation at the end. Langdon is given a VIP treatment throughout the museum by Edmonds personal assistant, Winston, via headset. At the end of the tour, each guest who attended the event is brought to an open area where Edmond Kirsch is on stage giving a speech about a discovery that will change the world. During the speech, an untimely assassination takes Edmond’s life, and now Langdon is thrown into a modern-day “who done it” while trying to avoid being arrested since he is now the main suspect in the case. While searching for the truth, Langdon learns more about his friend, discovery, and the length taken to keep it a secret from the world.

Magnolia Lake by Emily Page Skeen

Set in a small town in Georgia, Cora and high school sweetheart Jeff start their new school year off hanging out with friends, football games, and practices. She is delighted to have classes with him at school and see him on the first day of school. As the first few weeks of school continue, Cora realizes Jeff is not the boyfriend he once was and discovered how unfaithful he could be. Threw telling her side of the story, she finds new love with Landon’s good friend and recounts their story. Cora encounters a horrific event that will rock her unique relationship to the core during this new relationship. Landon tells his side of the story that has him searching for his high school love, the danger he encounters along the way, and both discover true love through recovery. This novel will take you back to your high school days while keeping you guessing what happens to this young couple along the way. They learn to keep faith first and embrace love every day.

The Fifth Avenue Story Society by Rachel Hauck

New York City is a large populated melting pot of people worldwide whose world crosses paths daily. But what happens when paths cross intentionally by a simple invite to a story society meeting at one of the cities oldest buildings? For five people, this was a question they would ask themselves every Monday. What do a college professor, widower, Uber driver, executive assistant, and young CEO have in common? This journey is not necessarily about traveling to a specific place but more of a journey of the heart, perseverance, self-worth, and the ability to trust and love again. Through self-reflection, being open and honest, and rediscovery, these five strangers learn what true friendship is about by digging deep into their past and revealing hidden secrets they otherwise would have taken to the grave.