Recommended Book Released in July.

As a passionate bibliophile, I am thrilled to share my thoughts on Dragon Forged, the highly anticipated 10th installment in Donna Grant’s acclaimed Dragon Kings series, released on July 8, 2025. This novel is a must-add to your summer TBR list.

Dragon Forged delivers a captivating blend of magic, suspense, and romance that fans of the series have come to love. The story centers on Hector, a powerful Dragon King, and Emilia, a determined seer whose visions drive her to prevent an impending war. Their journey takes readers to Highvale, a secret sanctuary for those with magic, where danger and betrayal lurk. Emilia’s fierce determination to save Hector and confront new and old enemies brings depth and emotional intensity to the narrative.

Donna Grant masterfully balances rich world-building with fast-paced action and complex characters. Even if you are new to the series, the author provides enough backstory and context to dive in without feeling lost. The chemistry between Hector and Emilia is electric, and the twists kept me guessing until the very end.

What stands out most is how Dragon Forged expands the Dragon Kings universe by introducing new locations and characters while maintaining the series’ signature blend of passion and peril. The novel’s dramatic tension and heartfelt moments earned it a well-deserved 5-star rating from me.

For readers seeking a thrilling fantasy romance with dragons, magic, and high stakes, Dragon Forged is an unmissable addition to your summer reading lineup. Don’t miss out on this fiery and unforgettable tale from Donna Grant’s Dragon Kings series.

(I was provided an advance copy from the publisher in order to do this review. All opinions are my own.)

Reading Journals

A reading journal is a fantastic tool for book lovers to track their reading, reflect on stories, and organize their literary goals. Inspired by creators like Jashi Corrin, Erin Smith, AmyPlans, and Planning with Bumble, here’s a guide to setting up and using your own reading journal.

Choosing Your Journal

Top brands for reading journals include:

Leuchtturm1917: Known for its dot grid pages and pre-printed index, perfect for organizing.

Archer & Olive:Ideal for creative spreads with thick, no-bleed pages.

-Moleskin: A classic option with various sizes and styles.

Hemlock and Oak: a Canadian company with a strong focus on sustainability.

Recommended Pens

Sharpie Pen: Affordable and great for clean lines.

Tombow Dual Brush Pens: Perfect for adding color and calligraphy.

Micron Fineliners:: Excellent for detailed writing and doodles.

Setting Up Your Journal

1. Title Page: Create a personalized cover page with calligraphy, stickers, or doodles.

2. Index: Reserve the first few pages for an index to easily locate entries.

3. Books Read List: Include a simple numbered list of books read throughout the year.

4. TBR (To Be Read) List: Dedicate a section to books you plan to read, perhaps inspired by Goodreads’ curated lists.

 Layouts to Include

- One Book Per Page: Write detailed reviews, favorite quotes, and ratings.

- Monthly Recap: Track books read each month with a star rating system or mini-reviews.

- Reading Challenges: Create spreads for challenges like “52 Books in a Year” or genre-specific goal.

- Favorite Quotes Section: Dedicate pages to memorable quotes from your reads.

Creative Touches

For inspiration, check out creators like Jashi Corrin and Planning with Bumble who use vibrant colors, washi tape, and stickers to enhance their journals. Minimalists might prefer Erin Smith’s clean layouts or AmyPlans’ practical designs.

Using Your Journal

Update your journal regularly by logging your reading progress and reflecting on each book. You can add thoughts on characters, plot twists, or even predictions as you read. At the end of the year, review your journal to celebrate your literary journey.

A reading journal is not just a tracker—it’s a creative outlet and a personal archive of your reading adventures!

Journalling for Mental Health

As any of you that have followed me for a while know, I have had a long battle with my Mental Health. I decided that this year I would pull my love for planning in to my planning for my mental health. 

I have never had a bullet journal but I am excited to set one up. If you are interested in journalling for mental health please go subscribe to my youtube channel  A World Outside My Window. I am going to start at the very beginning on what supplies you need, how to choose a journal and then step by step layouts and journalling prompts throughout the year.

I would love to have you participate. Videos will start populating the channel next week so be sure to hit the notification bell. If you know someone who might benefit from this activity please let them know where to find me. I want to build a community that supports each other and shares ideas. Just like the one we have built here over the last 10 years. Until then, happy planning my friends.

25 in 2025 Layout

Creating a "25 in 2025" spread is a fun and motivational way to plan your year. Here's how to make one:

Instructions

1. Gather Supplies:

   - A bullet journal or planner.

   - Pens, markers, stickers, and washi tape.

   - Ruler for straight lines.

2. Design the Layout:

   - Divide the page into 25 sections (5x5 grid works well).

   - Title the spread "25 in 2025" at the top.

   - Decorate with stickers or doodles.

3. Fill in Your Goals

   - Write one goal or activity in each section. Examples:

     - Learn a new craft technique.

     - Visit a local tea shop.

     - Organize a crafting retreat.

     - Create 25 handmade cards.

4. Track Progress

   - Add checkboxes or color in sections as you complete items or for even more fun try dot markers.

Suggestions for Your List

- Try a new papercrafting technique.

- Host a tea party with handmade invitations.

- Explore five new planner layouts.

- Start a gratitude journal for mental health.

Inspiration

Check out these resources for ideas:

- YouTubePlanner layout 25 in 2025: 2025 Planner 

Pinterest boards boards like "Planner Spreads & Inspiration" are a great place to get...well....inspiration.