Wednesday, July 8, 2026

All Aboard WOW Wednesday

 

There is something about a train—the rhythm, the destination, the nostalgia—that just makes for the best stories. Whether it’s the magic of a snowy holiday romance or the wonder of a child’s first journey, trains always seem to lead to an adventure.

This week, the train theme is in honor of my son's 22nd birthday this week.  He was obsessed with trains when he was younger and I’m Taking a Trip on My Train was one of his absolute favorites, and revisiting it brought back so many great memories. It’s a reminder that the best books are the ones that travel with us through the years.

What’s on your reading "track" this week? We’d love to see what you’re diving into, whether it’s a cozy escape or a new discovery.



I'm Taking a Trip on My Train by Shirley Neitzel  The rhymes and the rebuses made this a bedtime favorite where my son could read along and as a mom I could relate to not wanting to take my own trip on his trains strewn on the floor while he was playing with them throughout the day. 

The Mistletoe Express by Tara Baisden - it wouldn't be a proper 'train' week without a little holiday magic. The Mistletoe Express by Tara Baisden is the ultimate small-town romance. With its snow-covered setting, cozy holiday atmosphere, and that classic 'meeting on the train' trope, it’s exactly the kind of feel-good story that makes you want to curl up with a soft fuzzy blanket, even in July if your air conditioner is cranking!  It’s the perfect reminder that sometimes, the best destinations aren't places—they're the people we find along the way.

The Elsewhere Express by Samanta Sotto Yambao My search for a train-themed cover led me to this gem. The cover itself is beautiful, but the story is what truly stuck with me. It’s a magical, dreamlike tale about a train that appears specifically for those who have lost their sense of purpose. Sometimes, I could use a reminder that even when I’m feeling lost, the right journey has a way of showing up when I need it most. It’s a poetic read about finding your true calling, even in the middle of a surreal adventure.

How to Join the WOW Link-up

Want to join in on the fun? Participating in What’s On Wednesdays is easy! Every Wednesday, I’ll be sharing a specific book-themed prompt to help us all get our reading lists organized. Here is how you can join the link-up:

  1. Write your own post: Create a blog post that features your books based on that week's theme.

  2. Add your link: Come back here to my weekly WOW post and click the "Add your link" button below.

  3. Spread the love: Link back to my post so your readers can find the rest of the group, and be sure to hop around and visit a few other bloggers who have linked up!

New to the meme? Don’t worry about needing to be perfect. The goal is just to connect, share our love for books, and maybe find a few new favorites for our TBR piles!


Next Week’s Theme: Spectacular Spectacles

Since I’m rarely seen without my own glasses, I’ve developed a soft spot for characters who wear them, too. We'll be  celebrating all the characters who aren't afraid to rock their frames. Whether it's reading glasses or stylish shades, we want to see the covers that feature some seriously spectacular spectacles




Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Sparks are Flying! A WOW Wednesday

 


Happy Wednesday, everyone! Since we are counting down to the Fourth of July, I decided to lean into the theme with a "Red, White, & Blue" edition of Waiting on Wednesday. There is just something about a little bit of friction, small-town charm, and explosive chemistry that makes for the perfect summer read!

Here is what is fueling my reading fire this week:



Fireworks and Frenemies by Elle Rush- You know I can never resist a good small-town romance trope, and this one has been calling my name!

Sparks Fly by Hazel Henry - I found this book last week and added it to my TBR because the cover is gorgeous but also, sometimes I just need a YA summer romance and this one looks like it's perfect to pack for my family's upcoming getaway.

The Hometown Hero's Fourth of July by Tanya Agler- To finish out my trio is a brand new Harlequin release that just came out today with just enough angst as former high school sweethearts, Josh and Erin square off as they both want to buy the same piece of land. Sparks are sure to fly as the town is divided - can't wait to watch this one play out. 

(This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.)


How to Join the WOW Link-up

Want to join in on the fun? Participating in What’s On Wednesdays is easy! Every Wednesday, I’ll be sharing a specific book-themed prompt to help us all get our reading lists organized. Here is how you can join the link-up:

  1. Write your own post: Create a blog post that features your books based on that week's theme.

  2. Add your link: Come back here to my weekly WOW post and click the "Add your link" button below.

  3. Spread the love: Link back to my post so your readers can find the rest of the group, and be sure to hop around and visit a few other bloggers who have linked up!

New to the meme? Don’t worry about needing to be perfect. The goal is just to connect, share our love for books, and maybe find a few new favorites for our TBR piles!

Next Week’s Theme: ALL ABOARD:

Next week my son will celebrate his birthday and  his favorite things when he was younger were trains. In honor of the many times, we had picnics at the park by the train station, next week's theme will be all about trains. I'm looking for books with a train or train tracks featured on the cover—if you have a favorite, start getting your links ready to share!