The Lost Bookshop
Road Trip Destination Mash-Up:
‘The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods’ + Hermitages = Peaceful satisfaction that stimulates your curiosity
This week when we merge travel destinations and great mystery books, we consider the humble hermitage. I love the comfort and security that comes from staying in tiny spaces, and hermitages are the epitome of coziness.
I mistakenly thought that hermitages existed only in the distant past. I pictured the fairytale illustrations I looked at when my parents read to me.
Didn’t Hans Christian Andersen have lost children wandering around in an enchanted woodland before they saw a little cottage and felt enticed to go inside it? Technically, you could consider these stories as my first introduction to the mystery-suspense genre.
Fact check: Hermitages can, though not always, look like enchanting cottages in the woods.
Staying overnight at a hermitage began to seem appealing to me after I saw my first bona fide hermitage in person. It was on the other side of a calm pond, and behind it were gorgeous maple trees and oaks in autumn glory. The reflection on the water of the white hermitage and yellows, oranges, and reds against a bright blue sky, was stunning.
Of course, the children in Hans Christian Andersen’s stories were attracted to these small, peaceful places. Count me in, too!
Learning that anyone can stay at a hermitage for a nominal or reasonable price, and simplifying their lives was very appealing to me.
If you do go to a hermitage, please consider bringing ‘The Lost Bookstore’ by Evie Woods. This story brings you into fascinating time loops linking the past with today through interesting touchstones and characters that are immediately likeable.
If you can’t get to a hermitage just yet, you can still read this great book, but choose a location where you won’t be interrupted.
Taking Trips with Books, and Through Books:
Hermitage considerations for your next personal retreat:
🌳ARC Retreat Community: Host Ruth Halvorson welcomes you to your single dwelling within a peaceful setting. Amenities include a kitchenette, screened-in porch, writing table, and reading area.
Ph. 763-689-3540
ARC Retreat Community
1680 373rd Ave. NE
Stanchfield, MN 55080
🌳Dark Retreats: The Hermitage Guatemala is historically based on the documented works of monks and lamas in Tibet, Kogi Mamos in Colombia, ancient Egyptians, and 15th CenturyFrance. Nutritional support and detox.
San Pablo La Laguna / Atitlan – Guatemala
🌳Loose Leaf Hollow: Hosts Joe and Pam Zarantonello welcome you to contemplative retreats for reflection, grace, relaxation, and re-energize. Kitchen, full library, zendo are amenities on site.
Ph. 502-348-0201
Loose Leaf Hollow
250 Leaf Drive
Bardstown, KY
40004
🌳Well of Compassion: Hosts Blair and Betty Anderson welcome hermits at a Hospitality Center for orientation. Amenities include minimal furnishings, no electricity, a gas hotplate for making coffee and tea. Bread, fruits, cheese, water provided. Located in beautiful west central Minnesota. Please call 612-207-1151 for more information.
🌳Pacem in Terris (Peace on Earth): Hermitage Retreat Center, founded in the Franciscan tradition is located within 80 acres. There are walking trails and shower facilities available for hermitage guests. Please call 763-444-6408 for more information.
The Pacem in Terris Legacy Fund
26399 Minnesota Hwy 47 NW
Isanti, MN 55040
