Jessica McCarty, Author

"I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading!" --Jane Austen I have to confess, this quarantine has forced me to get creative with my book choices. I'm often picky about what I read. I get most of my reading material via interlibrary loan, and I don't like to buy a book unless I'm already a fan of it (or the author).  So my May reading consisted of returning to an old favorite and picking up a book that's been on my TBR forever . I forgot about it until I came across it while perusing the shelves of my local library, an old familiar friend, but with a twist. My May reads: Reclaiming Shilo Snow  by Mary Weber This was my third time reading it. I never used to reread anything! If you like sci-fi, dystopian, aliens, or books with imperfect characters, grab this one. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies  by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith This book stays close to the original while happily weaving in zombies throughout. I sti...

Sometimes, I just want to remember what it's like to be small and believe in fairy stories. -- The Story Raider , Lindsay A. Franklin Anyone else reading all the books and watching all the shows during their time at home? I am, as evidenced by the number of books and songs I'll share below. 🤣 Hubs and I binge watched the series  Haven . Then we moved on to Star Trek: The Next Generation . Next on the list is Picard ! I'll watch it while drinking my Earl Gray, thank you. What I've been reading: The Story Peddler  by Lindsay A. Franklin (The Weaver Trilogy, Book 2) I have wanted to read this book FOREVER  and finally broke down and bought it. Amazon had the paperback on sale for super cheap. Yay! The cover is crazy cool. And, honestly, I want a purple wish granting fluff-hopper, guys. Is that too much to ask? This book is a sweet YA fantasy set in a world where 'weavers' can create things through art, story, and song. There...

"Don't make yourself small to fit into someone else's box." --Traci Hines Friends, if you're looking for uplifting content during this strange time, give Miss Traci Hines a follow on Instagram. She's a singer/cosplayer. If you are a fan of The Little Mermaid, Frozen, Disney music and magic, positivity, or fitness, you need to check her out! Might I also suggest . . . For a good chuckle: *CG Drews (@paperfury) *Grumpy Reads *Kiera Cass For motivation: *Steve Harvey For all the hugs to your heart: *Sara Ella *Mary Weber For spot on writing advice: *Nadine Brandes  For singing and sunshine: *Ashley Townsend Things I have baked during quarantine: -Irish soda bread -Pineapple upside down cake -Banana bread -Oatmeal cookies Y'all, I'm going to need to add a third workout to my week if I don't stop. 🙈 Books I read in March: Sky in the Deep  by Adrienne Young ...

It's often the simple things that make life worthwhile, is it not? As a proud aunt, I have to tell you the highlight of my day was clomping footsteps breaking the quiet. It was quickly followed by a voice shouting, "Jessitta! Jessitta! Jessitta!" I scooped up that little bean in my arms to give him a big hug.💙 I hope you find something sweet in your week as well. A text from a friend. A word of encouragement. A joke that makes you laugh until you cry. A song you fall in love with and sing at the top of your lungs. A sunshine filled day. Speaking of sunshine, February is over! Sunnier days are coming! But if it's still dreary and cold where you are there's always a good book and a hot cup of coffee to bring one cheer.  As always, feel free to steal from my reading list.😉 My February Reads From Darkness Won  by Jill Williamson This book, this entire series, was absolutely amazing. They are probably the biggest books I've ever...

Is it just me or did January last forever ? We finally started getting real snow here after a winter of no shoveling. Sickness is going around the schools like crazy. Can it just be spring now? Anyone else? That being said, I hope you have some good books to cozy up with. If not, maybe my January reads can lend some help. 😉 The Piper's Pursuit  by Melanie Dickerson This is book ten in the Hagenheim series. Not only is there one more book coming, but Melanie is working on a new series! The Piper's Pursuit  is a historical fiction novel and retelling of The Pied Piper. There's also a mysterious beast and a rat plague. One of my favorite things in the book was the children. I don't want to give any spoilers, but keep your eye on them. It really made me chuckle! To Darkness Fled  by Jill Williamson This is the second book in the Blood of Kings trilogy. Guuuys! The books are HUGE, but that doesn't matter. They are so incredibly good....

Welcome to the first day of 2020, my friends! I hope you're taking the day to lounge and relax, perhaps jotting out your resolutions to take this year by force. Maybe you're contemplating a word for the year, something to ground you and help you be more intentional. Or you could be looking for titles to add to your TBR list. If that's the case, I think I can help. The following are all the books I read in 2019. In order this year! I credit this organization to a friend who introduced me to Goodreads, the same friend who introduced me to Google Docs. I should listen to her more often. 😉 January Title: Amish Vampires in Space Series: Peril in Plain Space, #1 Author: Kerry Nietz Genre/Type: Science Fiction These books are huge, but you fly through them. They shift between multiple character viewpoints seamlessly. It's a believable blend of Science Fiction and Amish Fiction. Title: The Cruel Prince Series: The Folk of the Air, #1 Author: H...

Happy December, friends! I have to admit, I cannot believe it's almost Christmas. Small confession: I have done exactly zero shopping. My husband, however, is almost done with his. Go hubs! Next month I'll be sharing ALL my reads for 2019. Today's blog should be a short list as I didn't get a lot of reading done last month. My November reads . . . Unraveling  by Sara Ella This was a re-read for me. I loved the Unblemished trilogy. Sara packs so much in her books. I felt a second time through was needed for me to truly appreciate it. Coral  by Sara Ella Coral  is a Little Mermaid retelling. As a huge, forever fan of the movie (and of Sara's) this was a must read for me. The book touches on difficult topics such as depression and suicide. It is a story handled with care, truth, whimsy, and all kinds of heart. I think I'm honestly still processing it and will likely come back to it as well. The Queen of Nothing ...