With the implementation of social distancing practices and shelter in place rules, a lot of people have had to cancel their travel plans. But good news, my friends! You can travel from the comfort and safety of your couch.
I’ve listed some books you can read, most set in Europe with one set in Australia. These books are so well-written, you’ll feel like you’re there! And they’re perfect for curling up on the couch in your favorite pajamas when you need an escape.
European Tour
Kristy Cambron’s Lost Castle series not only helps you travel through time but through Europe as well. Each novel features three storylines, two in the past and one in the present. The storylines drop you right into the time period and setting, perfect for traveling without ever leaving your couch.
The Lost Castle is the first in the Lost Castle series and sets place in France. The contemporary storyline features Ellie Carver, a woman who travels to France to learn more about her grandmother’s past. A younger version of her grandmother serves as the focus of another storyline, set during WWII. Cambron wove these two storylines seamlessly as Ellie’s search begins to reveal answers. The third storyline is set during the French Revolution.
Trust me when I say that once you read this, you’ll want to grab the sequel.
Castle on the Rise centers around Laine Forrester, Ellie’s best friend. Laine travels to France for a wedding and then goes to Ireland, where the rest of the story takes place. Between the contemporary storyline and the two historical storylines – set during the revolution of the late eighteenth century and the Easter Rising of 1916, Cambron tells a story of love and loss and new beginnings.
This may have been my favorite of the series. But the next one is amazing, too. I actually read the last book first, and it didn’t dim my enjoyment of it or the rest of the series.
The Painted Castle concludes the series with a trip to England. The contemporary storyline centers around historian Kiera Foley who goes to England to study a painting believed to have been commissioned by Queen Victoria. The historical storylines take place during WWII and the Victorian era, and they all revolve around an estate in East Suffolk. These intricate storylines merge into a richer story, something Cambron seems remarkably skilled at.
(I previously reviewed The Painted Castle here on the blog. You can read my full review here.)
England
Second Impressions is perfect for Jane Austen fans. Nora comes to Bath to participate in the Austen festivities. Ethan is there on business. But a hotel reservation mix-up puts them in close quarters. Between Nora’s adventures with other Austenites make you feel like you’re experiencing them, too. And Nora and Ethan’s romance is entertaining in itself.
What I love is that this novella kind of has a sequel about Nora’s friend, Jane. So not only do you get to see Nora again, but you get another story in England.
Travel to Bath, England, in this hilarious novella by Pepper Basham. Inn housekeeper Jane Warwick teams up with novelist Titus Stewart to unlock the secrets of a mysterious journal. Basham provides plenty of description of the sights Jane and Titus visit as they search for clues. This heartwarming story is perfect for a peaceful evening. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone, I highly recommend reading it after Second Impressions.
That concludes our trek through Europe and the lovely jaunt in Bath, England. Europe is grand and wonderful, but have you been to Australia? I haven’t, but Jessica Kate made me want to go.
Australia
In Jessica Kate’s rom-com, Kimberly Foster chases a man she can’t stand to Australia. What follows next is an uproarious chain of events as she tries to convince Samuel Payton to come back to the States and continue his ministry. Kate makes you feel like you’re right there with Kimberly as she helps Sam and his sister on their farm. Best part is, you won’t have a bit of jet lag!
(I previously reviewed A Girl’s Guide to the Outback on the blog. You can read my full review here.)
Sadly, this is the only book I’ve read set in Australia. But if you want more stories set here, there’s a list on Goodreads. I can’t vouch for the suggestions there as I haven’t read any of them, but one might pique your interest.
So whether you’re in the mood for a European tour, jolly ol’ England, or the Outback, these books will sweep you away to another place without ever leaving your home.
