Rustic Roads of Waushara County

 This winter, I've been posting video recordings of the Rustic Roads that I rode my motorcycle down last year. I thought you all might enjoy this week's episode (number 16), because it includes R102, the closest Rustic Road to Shack II. As far as I can remember, that's the first Rustic Road sign I ever noticed, possibly on the way to our wedding shower. Eighteen years of "planning", and I finally made it down on a whim thanks to that heat wave we had in November.

R102 starts at 8:45, but there's also a covered wooden bridge around 0:45, which I always enjoy.

December 25, 2022

For our final Christmas book, I have chosen another one that I haven't read yet - but it's on my list for sure! If you are familiar with Gregory Maguire (author of Wicked), his books are re-imaginings of fairy tales and children's stories. I just learned that he has written a version of the Nutcracker story, so that's what I offer you today.

Hiddensee by Gregory Maguire

Find a copy or learn more:

• Bookshop.org
• eBook via Libby

Thanks for sticking with me through this journey through the bookshelves!

December 24, 2022

For Christmas Eve, this children's book is the story of a magical train ride (on Christmas Eve!)

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

Find a copy or learn more:

• Bookshop.org
• eBook via Libby

December 23, 2022

Another suggestion from Bryan, inspired by our very wintery weather!

Attack of the Deranged Mutant Killer Monster Snow Goons: A Calvin and Hobbes Collection Volume 10 by Bill Watterson

Find a copy or learn more:

Bookshop.org

December 22, 2022

It's time for a classic! This novella, published on Dec. 19, 1843, sold out its first edition in six days and has never been out of print. It has inspired numerous film adaptations. (Yes, the Muppets did the best one.)

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Find a copy and learn more:

• Bookshop.org
• eBook via Libby
• Audiobook via Libby
• Free eBook via Standard eBooks (If you are an eBook reader and are not familiar with Standard eBooks, I encourage you to explore. They offer beautifully formatted editions of works in the public domain in the U.S., for free.)

December 21, 2022

For the actual winter solstice, I have a winter thriller that includes murder, scientific discoveries, and complicated families. Written by Danish author Peter Høeg, the protagonist of this book has a unique ability to read the snow. 

Smilla's Sense of Snow by Peter Høeg

 Find a copy or learn more:

• Bookshop.org
• eBook via Libby
• Or borrow Amanda's copy...if you want to read it in German.

December 20, 2022

Today's book is another queer holiday romance, set in Portland, OR. The main character is a cartoonist down on her luck, and the story includes many misunderstandings and jumped conclusions, an engagement of convenience, cozy cabins, and getting snowed in. 

Kiss Her Once For Me by Alison Cochran

Find a copy or learn more:

• Bookshop.org
• eBook via Libby

December 19, 2022

In honor of our young friend who is arriving at our house TODAY, I am highlighting another book I have not read but that comes highly recommended by friends with kids. Did you know there was a dinosaur that lived at the North Pole with Santa? I did not!

The Christmasaurus by Tom Fletcher

Find a copy or learn more:

• Bookshop.org
• Or try your local library!

December 18, 2022

Tonight is the first night of Hanukkah, so I thought it was fitting to feature a Hanukkah romance! In the grand tradition of Jewish creators of Christmas media, the main character is an author who writes Christmas romance novels. 

The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer

Find a copy or learn more:

Bookshop.org

eBook via Libby

Audiobook via Libby

December 17, 2022

Another Christmas novella loaned to me by my neighbor! The author has written three full-length novels in this setting, which I read after reading this one. It is inspirational Regency romance, and the author has a clear love of Jane Austen. 

An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen

Find a copy or learn more:

• Bookshop.org
• eBook via Libby

Apparently enough people have become enamored of Ivy Hill that the author has a comprehensive website  to explore: https://www.talesfromivyhill.com/