Cedar House Living -- Botanica, Books, Travel

Hús Máls og Menningar in Reykjavík, often referred to by locals as the "Old Bookshop", is one of those places that I remember so fondly from our trips to Iceland—a warm, soulful gathering spot where books line the walls, music drifts through the air, and the spirit of Icelandic storytelling feels wonderfully alive.

I love to discover a city through its bookstores—the ones tucked-away in corners and the stories waiting on their shelves. In Barcelona, e

One of my favorite places in Dublin is Ulysses Rare Books—a cozy, long-running antiquarian bookshop in the heart of the city with a focus on rare editions of 20th-c. Irish literature.

Burial Rites by Hannah Kent is the kind of novel that settles deep into your bones—haunting, stark, and breathtakingly beautiful in the way only Iceland can be.

One of my favorite children's authors and illustrators is Jan Brett, known for her richly detailed and beautifully crafted children's storybooks. Her works often draw on themes of nature, folklore, and cultural traditions, bringing stories to life with intricate illustrations that captivate even the youngest of readers. Since our children were very young, we've been collecting her storybooks. After first reading Mossy, I had the idea of turning this sweet tale into a craft, most suited for children ages two to six.

As an adult, I still love to read and am a sucker for historical fiction and anything botanical-themed. Below, I've included a list of five botanical-themed novels I've read and enjoyed.