Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got the scoop on the best Christmas markets in EU and US, aspirational holiday decor, marzipan treats around the world, and more.
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got the scoop on the best Christmas markets in EU and US, aspirational holiday decor, marzipan treats around the world, and more. {more}
We wrap up season 7 with a big bow.
Listen, subscribe, and read the show notes.
Trevor Hall! |
We had an adventure! In a big, creaky house! 12 December 2025 |
|---|---|
Wales! |
Come with us to a new favorite place. 5 December 2025 |
The holidays might turn even the happiest elf into a Scrooge. As the poet and prophet Elf says, 'The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!' Addendum: And listen to this podcast episode. {more}
— Helen Exley
What happens when you get 40 book lovers together in a Georgian manor house? So many good things! From bubbly on the lawn to deep book discussions and rambles outdoors, here's a brief recap of our time in North Wales. {more}
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got 20 Japanese words for rain, Arctic vs. Antarctic excursions, a cute classic book wallet, new in the public domain, and more. {more}
There are so many things that make Wales feel magical. Outdoor adventures? Check. Delicious things to eat? Absolutely. Ancient folklore? Definitely. Plus, a beautiful sleepover library and one of the best poems ever. {more}
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got food in Shakespeare, a glam Christmas Market train, 10 new crime novels, literary pet names, the m-dash demystified, and more. {more}
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got Spain's nun cookies, Shetland noir, a moving essay about Costco, vintage costume ball pics, a videogame about soup, and more.
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got fashion and literature, holiday paper crafts, Frankenstein locations, Hooker's green, other people's to-do lists, and more.
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got Gothic novel reading lists, must-visit Hong Kong restaurant, Christmas in Paris, the new Veronica Speedwell mystery, and more.
Strong Sense of Place is a website and podcast dedicated to literary travel and books we love. Reading good books increases empathy. Empathy is good for all of us and the amazing world we inhabit.
Strong Sense of Place is a listener-supported podcast. If you like the work we do, you can help make it happen by joining our Patreon! That'll unlock bonus content for you, too — including Mel's secret book reviews and Dave's behind-the-scenes notes for the latest Two Truths and a Lie.
Join our Substack to get our FREE newsletter with podcast updates and behind-the-scenes info — and join in fun chats about books and travel with other lovely readers.
We'll share enough detail to help you decide if a book is for you, but we'll never ruin plot twists or give away the ending.
This 30-page Reading Atlas takes you around the world with dozens of excellent books and gorgeous travel photos. Get your free copy when you subscribe to our newsletter.
Content on this site is ©2025 by Smudge Publishing, unless otherwise noted. Peace be with you, person who reads the small type.