Timeless Tales Blog

Reviews, recommendations, and reading advice for every story lover!

Recent Posts

  • Cozy Autumn Reads, Perfect For a Rainy Day!

    Cozy Autumn Reads, Perfect For a Rainy Day!

    There’s something special about curling up with a good book while the rain falls outside. A cozy blanket, a warm drink, and a story that completely pulls you in is one of the best ways to spend a slow autumn day.

    If you’re looking for your next rainy-day read, here are five books that are perfect for fall. Each one has a unique vibe, whether you want something romantic, haunting, or deeply emotional.

    1. The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore

    This book feels like a sweet cup of apple cider on a chilly day. When Jeanie’s aunt leaves her a small café in a quiet town, she has to figure out how to run a business she never expected to own. With the help of Logan, a grumpy local farmer who would rather be left alone, Jeanie slowly starts to find her place in the town. Along the way, there’s a warm romance, lots of baked goods, and plenty of cozy autumn charm.

    Why it’s perfect for fall: It has the same small-town warmth as Gilmore Girls, with a feel-good storyline that makes you want to move to a little town and drink pumpkin spice lattes ALLL DAYYYY.

    2. The Secret History by Donna Tartt

    If you like moody, atmospheric books, this one is a classic. Richard Papen transfers to a small college and finds himself drawn to a group of unusual classmates who study Greek classics under a mysterious professor. Their intense friendship takes a dark turn after a shocking crime, and Richard becomes tangled up in a web of secrets and consequences.

    Why it’s perfect for fall: The setting is an ivy-covered campus full of hidden corners and secrets. It’s dark, intellectual, and completely absorbing, perfect for a stormy day when you want to get lost in a deep story.

    3. Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell

    This is a page-turner that’s hard to put down. Laurel Mack’s teenage daughter disappeared ten years ago, and she’s never gotten over it. When Laurel meets a kind man and his young daughter, she can’t help but notice that the little girl looks just like her missing child. As Laurel gets closer to this family, she starts to uncover disturbing truths about the past.

    Why it’s perfect for fall: The moody, suspenseful atmosphere pairs perfectly with rainy weather, and you’ll want to read it in one sitting to find out what really happened.

    4. If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin

    This contemporary story is tender and heartbreaking. It follows Autumn and Finn, childhood friends whose lives have always been connected. As they grow older, they drift apart in some ways while staying close in others. The book explores love, timing, and all the little decisions that can change a life.

    Why it’s perfect for fall: It’s an emotional story about love and loss that feels raw and real. It’s the kind of book you want to read wrapped up in a blanket with a box of tissues nearby.

    5. The Binding by Bridget Collins

    This book feels like a quiet, haunting fairytale. In its world, memories can be removed and bound into books so that a person forgets them completely. Emmett, a young apprentice, begins to learn the craft of binding. As he works, he discovers a dangerous secret about his own past, one that changes everything he thought he knew about himself.

    Why it’s perfect for fall: It’s mysterious and beautifully written, with a touch of magic and plenty of emotion. It’s a story to savor slowly on a cool evening.

    Final Thoughts

    I truly believe there’s a fall book for everyone. Some will make you feel warm and cozy, others will keep you turning pages late into the night. Whether you want a lighthearted romance, a haunting mystery, or a book that makes you think, there’s something here for every mood this autumn.

    Which one will you pick up first?

  • Spoiler-Free Book Review: A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

    Spoiler-Free Book Review: A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

    Okay, let me just say right off the bat that A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson completely pulled me in. Like I picked it up planning to read for maybe an hour and ended up finishing the half the book. It propels you forward from the first to last page, NO BORING MOMENTS!!! My boyfriend’s sister gave me this book for my birthday, and let’s just say she did NOT disappoint (gotta admit it’s always scary gifting a book to a book lover). This book is the kind of YA mystery that makes you feel smart while also totally invested in the characters and plot. I loved every minute of reading it, despite a few minor plot holes that I didn’t mind ignoring.

    If you haven’t heard about it, here’s the gist: the story follows Pippa Fitz-Amobi, a high school senior who decides to investigate a murder that shook her small town a few years back. A local girl named Andie Bell was murdered, and the prime suspect was her boyfriend, Sal Singh. Everyone thinks it’s a closed case. Sal supposedly killed Andie and then killed himself, but Pippa isn’t convinced. She wants to uncover the truth herself, even though it means digging into dark secrets and putting herself in danger. Basically, she’s determined to prove that maybe the story everyone believes isn’t the whole story.

    What I loved most about this book is Pippa herself. She’s smart, organized, and not afraid to ask the hard questions, but she’s also relatable. She’s not perfect, and she doubts herself a lot, which makes her feel real. I honestly found myself rooting for her from page one. She keeps detailed notes, makes spreadsheets, and even organizes her evidence like a pro detective, but she still struggles with anxiety and pressure from her school and family. Her character development is very clear and timely throughout the book.

    The mystery is structured in a super fun way, too. Jackson includes text messages, interview transcripts, news articles, and even social media posts as part of the story. This makes it feel immersive, like you’re helping Pippa investigate yourself. I actually found myself flipping back and forth through the book to check details, trying to figure it out before she did. That little bit of “am I smarter than the detective?” tension made reading it so addictive.

    Another thing I loved was how realistic the relationships felt. Pippa has friends who are supportive but also have their own lives and personalities. There’s also a hint of romance, but it never overshadows the mystery. Jackson handles it in a way that feels natural rather than forced, which is honestly kind of rare in YA thrillers. The family dynamics are interesting, too, because you get to see how Pippa’s parents react to her curiosity and determination. I will admit that I wanted to see a little bit more of the romance; the elements of it feel sort of awkwardly placed. It’s hardly even a subplot, and I just personally wish it was more prevalent.

    Now, I have to mention the pacing because it’s INTENSE and consistent. The book starts quickly, but in a good place where it doesn’t feel like you started watching a movie halfway through. I usually am really good at predicting plot twists, but I wasn’t expecting it this time. It’s clever without being totally unbelievable, and it ties everything together in a way that actually makes sense.

    The writing style is another reason this book is so easy to get lost in. Jackson has a way of explaining complicated clues without making it feel like a textbook. The story moves quickly, but the details are there when you need them. I highlighted SO many parts of this book. Plus, there are little bits of humor and sarcasm that make the darker moments easier to handle, which I appreciated because murder mysteries can sometimes get super intense.

    If I’m being picky, I will add that the ending was quite rushed. The whole climax could’ve been another 300 pages, but it was way more condensed. I would’ve preferred the book to be a 10 hour read than have the ending so rushed, because the concept of it was SO GOOD. At the end I was like ‘wait, that’s it?’.

    Overall, I would 100% recommend A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder to anyone who loves mysteries, thrillers, or just a really smart protagonist who doesn’t give up. It’s perfect if you like trying to solve a case along with the main character, because it gives you all the clues but still manages to surprise you. I think it’s especially great for teens or young adults, but honestly, anyone who enjoys a good twisty mystery could read this and have a blast.

    My final thoughts: Holly Jackson nailed it. The plot is clever, the characters are relatable, and the mystery kept me glued to the page. I laughed, I gasped, and I felt that weird mix of satisfaction and sadness when I finished. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to immediately pick up the next one in the series, and yes, I definitely did.

    If you’ve ever felt like there’s never enough time to read, this book is the kind that makes you forget about your schedule entirely. I promise you’ll be hooked, and you’ll probably stay up way later than you planned because you just have to know what happens next. So grab a copy, find a comfy spot that you likely won’t move from for 5 hours, and get ready to become obsessed with Pippa and her investigation.

    Rating: 4.5/5

  • How to Read More When You’re Busy

    How to Read More When You’re Busy

    If you LOVEEE books but can’t seem to find the time to read, you’re definitely the only one. Between school, work, friends, and family, it can feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to just sit down and get lost in a story. For a while, I thought reading had to happen in big chunks of time. Like those rare afternoons where you curl up with a blanket and finish half a book in one sitting. While that sounds amazing, it’s just not realistic for most of us.

    Simply put, you don’t need hours and hours of free time to read. You just need to get a little creative and fit reading into the small pockets of your day. Once I started doing that, I went from barely finishing a book a week (that’s still a lot, I know… I was sacrificing sleep, hehe) to finishing several without even noticing how much time I was spending on it. Here are some tips that have helped me read more, even when life feels ridiculously busy.

    1. Read in Small Moments

    One of the biggest mindset shifts for me was realizing that even tiny bits of reading count. Keep a book in your bag, in your car, or on your phone so it’s always there when you need it. But if you’re like me and it takes a minute to get re-submerged into the book, I can assure you that your brain will get quicker at it the more you do this.

    Think about all the random times you end up waiting around during the day. These moments are perfect for sneaking in a few pages:

    • Waiting in line at the coffee shop
    • Sitting in the car before work or class
    • Waiting for dinner to cook
    • Taking a break between classes or tasks
    • Going to the bathroom (while you’re at it, buy this book holder for your bathroom wall so you never forget to pick up on a few pages!)

    It might not feel like much, but ten pages here and there really add up. If you read just ten pages a day, that’s over three thousand pages in a year, which works out to around twelve books depending on what you read.

    2. Listen While You Do Other Things

    Audiobooks are a total game changer. They let you “read” while doing other things, which basically gives you extra time in your day. I like listening while driving or walking to class, but they’re also great for chores like laundry, dishes, or cleaning your room.

    If you’re worried about the cost, check out free options. If you have a library card, apps like Libby let you borrow audiobooks just like physical books. You’ll be surprised how quickly you get through stories when you listen during tasks you already have to do!

    3. Make Reading Part of Your Routine

    If you really want to read more, you need to make it a habit. The easiest way to do this is by tying it to something you already do every day.

    For example, you could read for ten minutes before bed or during breakfast. You might also try reading right after school or work. Once reading becomes part of your normal routine, you don’t have to keep convincing yourself to do it. It just happens naturally.

    4. Choose Books You Actually Like

    This might sound obvious, but when you’re busy, the last thing you need is to force yourself through a book that feels like homework. Reading should be FUN!!!!

    Pick books that genuinely excite you. That might mean thrillers, romance, fantasy, or even graphic novels. If a book doesn’t grab you by the first fifty pages, set it aside and try something else. Life is too short to read books you don’t enjoy, and when you’re excited to pick up a story, you’ll naturally find ways to make time for it.

    5. Set Simple, Fun Goals

    Big reading goals can feel overwhelming, especially when you already have a packed schedule. Instead of aiming for an hour of reading every day, try something smaller like one chapter before bed.

    Tracking your progress can also make reading more exciting. Apps like Goodreads are perfect for this. It’s satisfying to see your reading list grow and look back at all the books you’ve finished.

    Here are a few simple goals to try:

    • Read one chapter a day
    • Finish two books each month
    • Read for ten minutes after dinner

    6. Have Multiple Ways to Read

    Sometimes the reason you don’t read is simply that you don’t have the right format at the right time. I like to keep a physical book by my bed, an ebook on my phone, and an audiobook ready to go.

    This way, no matter where I am, there’s always an option. If I’m stuck in line, I’ll read on my phone. If I’m driving, I’ll listen to my audiobook. If I’m relaxing before bed, I’ll pick up my physical book. Having different ways to read makes it harder to skip.

    You can also try reading more than one book at a time. This one is tricky, and personally I can never read more than two at a time. If you do this, make sure they’re completely different genres or else the stories will mesh together in your head and make for quite the confusing mess. For example, I like pairing a fast-paced thriller with a light, silly romance. That way, switching between them feels refreshing instead of stressful.

    7. Make It Cozy and Ambient

    Reading feels more special when you turn it into a moment you look forward to. Light a candle, grab a blanket, and make some tea or cocoa. Creating a cozy reading space, even if it’s just a corner of your room, makes reading feel like a treat instead of something you “haveeee” to do. 

    Some people like to play soft music or rain sounds in the background to help them focus. Others like to have snacks nearby, like popcorn or chocolate, or maybe something healthy if you’re “that girl”, to make it feel like a mini bookish ritual. Personally I love plain potato chips. Basically, just make your reading space inviting and enjoyable. When it feels cozy and personal, it’s easier to pick up a book and actually stick with it. 

    Start Small and Build Up

    Life will always be busy, and there will always be things competing for your attention. But even a few pages a day can keep you connected to the stories you love.

    The key is to start small and stay consistent. Try reading for five or ten minutes a day, or commit to finishing one chapter every night. Over time, those small moments will turn into a steady reading habit. Before you know it, you’ll be reading way more than you thought possible.

    Books can totally enhance your everyday life, at least according to me. So grab a book, find a cozy spot, and start reading today. Happy reading, book besties!

  • Welcome to Timeless Tales Blog!

    Hi there! I’m Isa, and I’m so excited you’re here. Welcome to Timeless Tales Blog, a cozy corner of the internet where we’ll talk about books, movies, and all things storytelling.

    I started this blog because reading and writing have always been a huge part of my life. Growing up, books were like little adventures I could carry with me anywhere. Whether it was staying up way too late to read “just one more chapter” or curling up with a blanket and a good story on a rainy day, books have always felt like friends to me.

    Now, I’m majoring in English at BYU–Idaho, and I love learning about stories on a deeper level. My dream is to become an author someday, and this blog is a place where I can share what I’m learning while also connecting with other people who love books and movies as much as I do.

    What You’ll Find Here

    Here at Timeless Tales Blog, we’ll explore generally three main things:

    Book Reviews – I’ll share my honest thoughts about the books I’m reading, especially realistic fiction and thrillers (my two favorite genres!). I’ll talk about what I liked, what I didn’t, and who I think would enjoy the story most.

    Movie Reviews – I’ll share my thoughts on movies of all kinds. Sometimes I’ll dive into deep, thought-provoking stories, and other times I’ll talk about fun, feel-good movies that are perfect for a relaxing night in.

    Reading Tips – I know not everyone loves reading right away. Sometimes it can feel boring or hard to focus. I’ll share fun tips to help you read more, find books you actually like, and make reading a part of your life.

    Why I Started This Blog

    I wanted to create a space where anyone—whether you’re a lifelong reader or just starting out—can come to discover new stories. Books and movies have a special way of bringing people together. They let us step into someone else’s shoes, travel to new worlds, and see life from a different point of view.

    For me, reading is a way to learn, grow, and connect. Starting this blog felt like the perfect way to share that joy with others.

    Join Me on This Journey

    Whether you’re here to find your next favorite book, get advice on how to love reading more, or just chat about the latest movie adaptation, I hope you’ll stick around.

    Grab your favorite snack, find a cozy spot, and let’s explore some timeless tales together.

    Thanks for being here. You’re part of this story now!