The Forest by Edward Rutherfurd

The Forest by Edward Rutherfurd is a collection of short stories that follow a set of family lines in the English New Forest through history. The families are fictional but the events they live through are historical facts. It's a great way to learn what was happening in and around the area. I found myself skeptical at first that I would enjoy this book but I found myself hooked. The stories had all the right elements:

Coming of Age Sacrifice Epic Battles Falls from Grace Love

Revenge Trickery Mystery Danger Intrique

Don't let the size of the book intimidate you either. The stories keep it bite sized and very manageable. I even found myself so attached to the family lines that I was sad when the book ended.

So what are you reading lately? 

Feeding My WanderLust

A Dose of Local History

 I was out with the kids and it was getting late. We'd missed lunch so we decided to head over to Highcliffe Castle for tea. I never thought I'd be saying that kind of thing while growing up in America. Funny how things work out in life. If you're ever in the area, I strongly recommend you stop by. It's not just for the amazing history of this place but there is an incredible little cafe that serves one of the best bacon, brie, and tomato pannini's I've ever had. 

Ciao,

xoxo