Everyone knows the music in Franklin is world-class, but it is far more than just musicians that make up the creative community here. There are world-renowned photographers, instrument makers, painters, glassblowers, and of course authors among so many others.
While Landmark Booksellers owners Joel and Carol Tomlin have provided a few of their recommended reads for books about Franklin, this time we got their recommendations for great reads by authors that call Franklin home.
Here are their thoughts on what you should add to your reading list today, from some of Franklin’s finest writers. And of course, each of these titles is available at Landmark Booksellers, for curbside pickup or free delivery.
City Farmhouse Style: Designs for a Modern Country Life by Kim Leggett
As we all spend more time inside our homes these days, the desire to change things up and redecorate is bound to hit at some point – if it hasn’t already!
Franklin local Kim Leggett has been inspiring room, and whole home, redecoration for years with her City Farmhouse brand. From books to pop-up shows across the country, including one here in Franklin each year, she has inspired a countless number of redecoration projects.
From Joel & Carol: “In City Farmhouse Style, Leggett offers great style advice, breaking down the design vocabulary that makes for fresh country style. It is the first design book of its kind to focus entirely on transforming urban interiors with unfussy, welcoming, country-style decor.”
Hardened to Hickory by Tony L. Turnbow
President Andrew Jackson spent a lot of time in Franklin because of its proximity to both his famed home in Nashville and the Natchez Trace Parkway.
His connections around town are numerous, including at Landmark Booksellers. The building it calls home is where President Jackson paid soldiers as they returned from the Battle of New Orleans.
In the book, Franklin lawyer and historian Tony Turnbow reveals newly discovered facts about a critical time in Andrew Jackson’s life.
From Joel & Carol: “It is a fascinating story of Jackson’s alleged mutiny, battle with a spy, and rescue by Indians on the Natchez Trace. Turnbow discovered the unpublished information in archives and private collections over the past seven years.
His well-researched nonfiction book tells the story of Jackson’s command of the Tennessee Volunteers down the Mississippi River and Natchez Trace against the turmoil of the War of 1812.”
Walking with Jesus on the Natchez Trace by Troy A. Waugh
Author Troy Waugh lives in the village of Leiper’s Fork, which is a place known for its location just off the Natchez Trace Parkway, a slower pace, and as a place, you can really connect and relax.
That is exactly the feeling Waugh conveys in his stories of Walking with Jesus on the Natchez Trace.
From Joel & Carol: “One day as Waugh was walking along in the beautiful countryside, he heard a voice which he believed to be God. He told him to walk the Natchez Trace Parkway.
This is not a journal about the walk but rather the lessons Waugh learned and how God spoke to him as he set out on the open road. In Waugh’s own words, ‘To seriously connect with God, we must blot out the noise of our daily lives.’ Extremely moving book!”
Find Your Path by Carrie Underwood
For as well known as multi-Grammy Award winner Carrie Underwood is as a singer and performer, she is an equally accomplished songwriter. Her writing talents are not limited to just music, which comes through in her new book, Find Your Path.
From Joel & Carol: “Underwood shares her secrets on how to have a strong body and mind. “Fitness is a lifelong journey.” In her book, ‘Find Your Path: Honor Your Body, Fuel Your Soul, and Get Strong with the Fit52 Life.’ She shares her secrets of how to eat, workout, and feel your best.”
National Parks A Century of Impact by Grandin Hood Publishing
Franklin’s own Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Robin Hood contributed to National Parks A Century of Impact as part of the celebration of the first 100 years of the National Parks Conservation Association.
His photos help trace its history and vision through stunning photography and tales of victory.
From Joel & Carol: “Readers are invited to join NPCA’s centennial celebration and discover how this humble organization has helped to shape the National Park System as we know it. More than that, it is a compelling reminder that the future of this nation’s most sacred spaces lies in the hands of ordinary citizens, united to ensure that America s best idea endures for generations to come.”
The Time of Jacob’s Trouble by Donna VanLiere
Franklin’s Donna VanLiere is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author who has penned several of the Christmas season’s favorite modern titles.
Many of those books, like The Christmas Shoes, The Christmas Blessing, The Christmas Hope, among others have also been adapted into holiday movie classics as well. She taps into topics outside the Christmas season as well, like in her newest release.
From Joel & Carol: “The bestselling author of The Christmas Shoes now explores a future world facing its final days in The Time of Jacob’s Trouble, weaving end-times prophecies into the lives of Emma and her friends as they struggle to survive and come face-to-face with the chilling truth about the disappearances.”