This week’s TOP TEN TUESDAY – hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl – Places Mentioned In Books That I’d Like to Visit (or visit again!) I don’t know about you, but I LOVE to travel internationally via my reading. As I live in Australia (a melting pot of cultures), I’ve loved learning more about countries and communities abroad. And by abroad, I mean Europe and Africa, South America, Asia, and more. So much of the reading I do is set in the US (not that there’s anything wrong with that!), but it’s a breath of fresh air and stimulation when an author takes me somewhere different than my usual haunts. This list of ten books is by no means definitive – there are plenty of other places I’ve travelled or would love to travel and ten books just can’t do that justice!
I’d love to know if you have read any of these novels…
Places Mentioned In Books That I’d Like to Visit (or have visited)
Montana seems a popular location for stories, so I have to admit, I’d love to see the incredible vistas (not so much the flatlands!) of this state, especially the way Susan May Warren describes the views and the locals in her Montana Rescue series, beginning with Wild Montana Skies 😉
Catherine Palmer’s stories set in Zanzibar and Mali began a fascination with the varied nations of the African continent. The Treasure of Timbuktu is decades old now, but still a story I remember well, as much for the location as the action and romance.
Remaining in Africa, I’ve long been intrigued by Ancient Egypt and visiting the sites now would be amazing…and not a little dangerous, so travelling there with Noel Hynd in his thriller, Countdown to Cairo is not a bad way to do it!
Who wouldn’t want to visit the Garden of Eden, before things all went pear shaped for Adam and Eve? Tosca Lee’s imagined depiction of Eden is wonderful and I highly recommend the fascinating Havah.
The architecture and history of Petra must be a sight to behold! Tracy Higley takes readers back in time in Petra: City in Stone which again appealed to my love for ancient times.
Colorado is another US state that sounds fabulous in books, and from what I’ve seen and heard from friends who live there, it’s quite the place to be. Kristen Heitzmann’s The Breath of Dawn makes it even more appealing…nothing to do with Morgan Spencer, nothing at all!!
I’d love to visit the Scottish Highlands one day, the contemporary Scotland rather than the 17th Century one Kathleen Morgan depicts in Embrace the Dawn, with warring clans and questionable medical practices! But the countryside and the lairds sound fabulous!
France is one place I’ve visited…and loved. The French countryside comes alive – both contemporary and historical – in Siri Mitchell’s fantastic novel, Chateau of Echoes. In fact, it might just be time that I read it again.
Carla Laureano’s London Tides gives away the place I’d love to visit…again. My sister lived in London for 7 years and we had the pleasure of spending time with her in London and the gorgeous English countryside a long time ago. I’d return in a heartbeat!
China is a place of contradictions and discovering those would be fun, though in 2019 rather than the swashbuckling times described in the late Jane Orcutt’s excellent and intelligent historical romance, All the Tea in China.
Finally Japan – another place I’ve experience via a high school study trip, MANY moons ago. So different, the contrast between the overwhelming metropolis that is Tokyo to the tiny villages that still seem to be in a time warp. Moon Over Tokyo is a fun novel that will take you there!
Where would you like to visit, reading friends?
Rel
February 26, 2019 at 4:18 pm
Though it would be a practical vacation I could make work, I’ve never been to Colorado, but it’s on my list of want-to-see places, too. It sounds gorgeous, and I’ve heard people say it is just that. Actually my cousin drove through last fall, and said it’s pretty. Also, London and Scotland would be wish list locations for me! 🙂
Thanks so much for visiting Finding Wonderland, friend.
February 26, 2019 at 4:23 pm
There are so many places in Australia I haven’t been too either, Rissi. Did you know it’s often cheaper for us to travel internationally (in Asia, at least) than to travel within Australia? Crazy, but true!
Thanks for stopping by – always makes my day!
February 26, 2019 at 4:22 pm
Petra is super high on my travel list! I majored in Anthropology in college and would love to see it in person – we talked so much about it in some of my classes!
February 27, 2019 at 12:54 pm
My parents have been and their photos are amazing – and we know photos can never do it justice. Hope you get there one day, Jenn!
February 26, 2019 at 4:47 pm
The places that you’ve mentioned do sound amazing. I love visiting London. It’s busy but super interesting.
February 27, 2019 at 12:55 pm
Yes, I think the English countryside is more to my liking, but it’s all so fascinating to us Aussies 🙂
February 26, 2019 at 11:28 pm
I’ve been to Colorado, and it’s beautiful. You should definitely visit it someday. 🙂
My Top Ten Tuesday post.
February 27, 2019 at 12:57 pm
Love your list of imaginary literary places to visit, Lydia! Thanks for stopping by.
February 27, 2019 at 2:05 am
Oh man, do I miss Catherine Palmer. I’m thankful to have her books, but I wish she was still writing. She did make Africa rather exciting. I love how you used so many old favorite in this week’s list. These books still need love even though they have been out for years. For me, they are old friends that I like introducing to new people.
February 27, 2019 at 12:58 pm
I loved all her books, but that first series and it’s African settings were do enticing. So glad you enjoyed seeing some of the oldies, but goodies in my list, Brittaney. I love looking back over my books from years past, too.
February 27, 2019 at 2:21 am
I’ve been to France and London quite a bit but nowhere else on your list. I’d love to go to Eygpt, it seems like heaven for a history nerd like me!
My TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2019/02/26/top-ten-tuesday-200/
February 27, 2019 at 1:00 pm
I’d love to visit Santorini, too! Loved your list, Jo.
February 27, 2019 at 3:58 am
I drove through Colorado many years ago and it’s a beautiful state! Montana would be pretty cool to see, too, especially for a desert dweller like myself. And anywhere outside the US is cool to me.
Here is our Top Ten Tuesday. Thank you!
February 27, 2019 at 1:04 pm
Great TTT list, Cholla – thanks for stopping by.
February 27, 2019 at 12:11 pm
Egypt would be fun to visit. I’ve seen a challenge where you read a book from every country out there… that would be fun to do.
February 27, 2019 at 1:05 pm
Great idea, Brooke! Challenging to find books in every country, but that would be part of the adventure too.
February 27, 2019 at 1:14 pm
TAKE ME TO CAIRO!
February 28, 2019 at 2:50 am
BITTERSWEET CAFE!!!!! SHOW ME THE FOOD!!!! I’ll go where my taste buds dictate. I’ll enjoy the scenery getting there – but my destination is where the food is a feast for the eyes and a satisfaction for my tummy!