THE ARCHIVE
RECENT BLOG POSTS
My Favorite Books of 2024 (So Far…)
In 2024, I set out on a literary adventure with a simple yet ambitious goal: to diversify my reading palate beyond the comforting confines of my beloved historical fiction bubble. While historical tales have long held a cherished place on my bookshelf (OK, let’s be honest, Aley… historical fiction makes up my entire bookshelf!), variety truly is the spice of life. As the year unfolds, I have found myself pleasantly surprised by the treasures I've unearthed within the pages of novels spanning a multitude of genres. From heartwarming contemporary stories and thought-provoking non-fiction (and yes, more historical fiction), my reading journey has been nothing short of exhilarating. As I reflect on the books that have captured my imagination and stirred my soul thus far, I am thrilled to share my favorite reads of 2024 with you. So, without further ado, let's dive into the literary delights that have illuminated my year thus far.
Holiday Guide | Stocking Stuffers from Virginia’s Wine and Horse Country
Is it just me, or are Christmas stockings perhaps the best gift we can receive during the holiday season? As a kid, I was (as I’m sure most of you were too) most excited about the large, wrapped boxes. However, as I’ve grown up, it’s all of the fun, small, and thoughtful stocking stuffers that brighten the gift-giving and opening experience on my Christmas morning. Keeping in line with my sentiments I discussed in my 2023 Holiday Gift Guide about shopping and supporting small, local businesses, I think it’s even easier to be mindful about supporting small businesses when we are preparing stockings for our loved ones. Here’s a round up of some of the first-rate items in and around hunt country to add to your stockings this holiday season.
A Jane Austen Moment
Photos this whimsical deserve their own special moment on this blog, don’t you think? At our most recent photoshoot, I told my photographer (and friend), Savana, that I wanted to capture photos that would leave me looking and feeling like a lady from one of Jane Austen’s classic works. As always, she absolutely nailed the aesthetic!
My Favorite Books of 2023
Transporting myself to different eras and immersing myself in the past has always been an irresistible allure for my literary senses. Within the realm of literature, historical fiction stands as a bridge between worlds, offering a unique fusion of imaginative storytelling and the rich backdrop of bygone times. In this journey through the corridors of time, I often find myself spellbound by the authors who masterfully weave history into their narratives. Today I am sharing my favorite reads of 2023 — and yes, we still have four months left in the year. However, I have recently become enthralled with a new series (stay tuned) and don’t foresee picking up any books aside from the next one or two in that series for the rest of 2023.