On My Nightstand

nightstandoct13-2

nightstandoct13-2

One of my autumn highlights is curling up with a cozy blanket and a great book at the end of the day. Add to that a warm mug of tea and I’m all set. And although the weather certainly hasn’t been “fall like” here in SoCal…I’ve got my reading list ready to go the first chilly night that comes along. If you have any great reading suggestions, please share. I’m always looking for a few new books to pile on the nightstand.

The Orchardist – I’m not usually a big fan of fiction, though historical fiction is the exception. Set against the backdrop of apple and apricot orchards in Washington state, is the tale of a solitary Orchardist giving shelter to two runaway teenage girls and the mysterious and compelling consequences of his actions. This first time novelist is getting rave reviews of her depiction of the landscape and intricate characters. Can’t wait to get started on this one.

Mastering the Art of French Eating – As with many of you, I adore all things French. My love affair with authentic French baguettes cannot be denied, pair with that a hot capuccino at a Paris bistro and all is right with the world. When Ann Mah is given an assignment in Paris, she sets out on a culinary adventure to find the perfect pain au chocolate, the subtleties of frites and frangipane, among many other delicacies, all with boundless curiosity and good taste.

The Noticer Returns – This one came by way of a friends recommendation. I’ve heard that it can be life changing in the way you think, with the emphasis being on our perspective of those around us and ourselves. It is a sequel to his first book The Noticer and although sequels usually aren’t as good as the first, this one I’ve heard, is amazing.

Love Does – The back cover of this book drew me in immediately…”Bob Goff has become something of a legend, and his friends consider him the world’s best-kept secret. Those same friends have long insisted he write a book. What follows are paradigm shifts, musings, and stories from one of the world’s most delightfully engaging and winsome people. What fuels his impact? Love. But it’s not the kind of love that stops at thoughts and feelings. Bob’s love takes action. Bob believes Love Does. When Love Does, life gets interesting.” My mom asked me to let her borrow the book when I’m finished…we were both inspired.

Now it’s your turn, let me know what’s on your nightstand!

30 Responses to “On My Nightstand”

  1. katey deasy

    Your stack sounds great. I have read the Orchardist, but your others look like they need to make their way to my table too. Reading the Language of Flowers now. Thank you for your recommendations. It’s always nice to see what others are reading. Katey

    • Heather Bullard

      Thanks, Katey. I wanted to pick up the Language of Flowers over the summer…maybe I’ll put it in my cart for the next batch to be shipped out. 🙂

      • katey deasy

        If you haven’t read The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton, I would put that in your cart first over the Language of Flowers. I am having a slow time getting into LOF. Katey

  2. Julie @ Creating This Life

    I have Love Does on my nightstand and Mastering the Art of French Eating on my Kindle. I have started Mastering the Art yet, but I have read bits and pieces of Love Does. It’s easy to read that way; the chapters stand alone so you can pick it up and put it down when you’re in the mood. It was recommended to me by my teenage son.

    • Heather Bullard

      How great that your son recommended it! It means that it crosses the generational gaps…sign of a great book for sure.

  3. Debe

    Ann’s Mastering the Art is on my reading list right now too. I just finished Paris, historical fiction by Edward Rutherfurd. Set in Paris from the 1400’s on, loved it & learned some history too. Just wanted to share that I thought of you often last Thursday….wore my “I’m a little Vintage” t-shirt to Marburger that I got from you about the time of the first blogger meeting in Warrenton ‘several’ years ago. Got good comments. Your life has certainly bloomed since then!!

    • Heather Bullard

      I remember our get together at Round Top…wow how time flies by! So fun that you still have your t-shirt! Wish I could have made it out this fall…there’s always spring. 😉
      Thanks so much for following along Debe, it’s always nice to have like minded friends along for the journey. xo, H

  4. Bev

    I’m just finishing up Memoirs of a Geisha and didn’t know what to pick up from the library next. Thanks for the recommendations!

    • Heather Bullard

      I didn’t read that one but the movie was amazing!

  5. Linda

    Those all look great, I’ll be adding them to my list. Based on your reading taste, I have a recommendaiton for you… “White Truffles in Winter: A Novel” by N. M. Kelby. Fun read about Auguste Escoffier

    • Heather Bullard

      Thanks, Linda! I’m going to check that one out!

    • Heather Bullard

      Did you love the first one? I haven’t read it yet but heard it’s so great.

  6. Leslie

    Hi Heather,

    This looks like a wonderful line up of fall/winter reading! I am looking for a book club book and you’ve given me some ideas. I’m also going to have to get the French cooking book 🙂

    L.

    • Heather Bullard

      I’ve been thinking of starting a book club once we get settled into our new house. I’ve always wanted to join one but never have….so I figured I’d start my own. 😉

  7. Michele

    I’m glad to have your list because I just finished the Language of Flowers. It was one of my summer books and I enjoyed it so much I didn’t want it to be over. Right now I’m enjoying re-reading Ralph Moody’s Little Britches that I read to my children when they were young. I call his books the Little House on the Prarie for boys. They are about his life growing up on a Colorado ranch in the early 1900’s. Love your blog!

    • Heather Bullard

      Thank you, Michele. How sweet that you’re re-reading Little Britches. It sounds like Bonanza or Gunsmoke…which my husband records on the dvr constantly. Maybe he needs the book. 😉

  8. carol smithback

    I read Love Does this summer. It rocked my world!

    • Heather Bullard

      I’ve heard the same from so many! Hope you’re doing well Carol…I need to plan a visit!

  9. Beth F.

    Right now, I’m reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. I do love your recommendations.

    • Heather Bullard

      Thanks, Beth! Fall is such a great time to curl up with a good book!

  10. Jennifer

    Just finished the Constant Princess and am now starting the Longest Ride. The Orchardist was a good read. I had to move in with the lamp last night as these fall evenings keep getting shorter! Jennifer

  11. angela

    I loved ‘Mr Pip’ by Lloyd Jones (about to be released as a movie). It is fiction however it’s set within the historical context of the Papua New Guinean civil war. Had been longing for a book that I could enjoy from the first page, rather than ‘having to get into it’, and this met that criteria. It’s written from the perspective of an 11 year old girl. Highly recommended.

  12. LLH Designs

    Catching up in the blog world tonight, which means lots of treats all at once here on your blog! I always love your photos and styling, but couldn’t resist commenting on this post. I love books, but had to chime in to say heard Bob Goff speak last month and was blown away. I was one of the few in the room who hadn’t heard of him and didn’t know about his book. His stories took my breath away. I wish I knew more real life people like him…people to inspire me to love like that in everyday life. BIG and BOLD and LIFE CHANGING! My book stacks are growing. Hope to put a serious dent in them this winter…with a big mug of something warm in hand!

  13. Pamela

    Hi Heather, hope you are enjoying MASTERING THE ART OF FRENCH EATING — and maybe noticed, on the flyleaf, the name of the cover photographer? Good luck with Grove House! Such an exciting project! I’ll be comparing notes as I build my own studio, starting in one week :). Happy Thanksgiving!

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