In a turn of events, I had substantially more free time than expected in October. While not thrilled with the circumstances, I rolled with the punches, as they say. As promised, I’ve read two more spooky season reads that I’m excited to share with you and, with my extra time, some contemporary fiction pieces released earlier this year.
I haven’t baked in forever, but as soon as the temperature drops five degrees and the first leaf drops, I want to be in the kitchen whipping up something sweet and comforting. I’m realizing this month as I write all my fall/spooky/thanksgiving/pre-holiday related posts that...EVERYTHING IS BETTER THIS TIME OF YEAR.
I tell myself I’m not a Halloween person, and yet every September I find myself impatiently waiting for October. The world is getting moodier, and usually so am I. With the dying leaves comes bursts of color and the innate urge to be festive af. And I am not immune to this festivity.
The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris is self-described as Get Out meets The Devil Wears Prada. Given that, I got my hands on a copy as soon as humanly possible. There’s no way I was missing out on one of the best movies I’ve ever seen clashing with one of my favorite chick…
When I started writing book reviews what feels like forever-ago in March, I started off with The Vacationers by Emma Straub (click on the link to read my full review!). The novel ended up being a 4-star read for me. Straub’s writing style is simplistic yet captures unique details that ultimately shape the story she’s…
On Thursdays we have a game night with our friend Tyler. The game is Gloomhaven and it’s essentially Dungeons and Dragons. While it rightly earns the adjective “nerdy” it’s a highlight of the week. Tyler shows up at 5:30, Gloomhaven in hand. While I cook dinner, Jacob and Tyler go outside to move a dresser…
St. Genesius, a small Caribbean island, is home to the set of The Siren, Cole Power’s newest film. The newest thriller written and directed by Cole Power’s own son has a setting and cast to die for. Among the cast and crew calling the island home for the next few months are Stella, Cole Power’s ex and fallen star with a supposed alcohol and rage problem, and her new and mysterious assistant Felicity Fox. The island is filled with cast members who run on their own schedule (island time, one could say) and at the very frustrating end of the schedule is producer Taylor. Tasked with managing celebrities and her own tarnished reputation, Taylor isn’t having the most relaxing time on St. Genesius. To cap it all off, a hurricane is brewing close to shore.
also dealing with the horrible actions and death of her son, Jonah. She’s a single mother trying to take care of her teenage daughter who’s been through so much, her husband also long gone. Isaac and Lorrie’s friendship was torn apart after the death of their sons. It’s not until the strange arrival of a sixteen year old, pregnant girl that the two adults are able to face each other. Evangeline raises questions for the struggling adults and acts as an unlikely binding force.
One of the largest fires in Malibu history began the night of Nina Riva’s party of the year. Every year Nina throws an exclusive end of summer bash, and anyone who is anyone shows. People beg for invitations to this sought after party with the Riva siblings: Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit, children of the famous and beloved Mick Riva. This year’s party is bound to get out of control as the four siblings unravel the truths of their family history, discover each other’s secrets, and admit hard truths to themselves.
Just a few weeks before, we started watching camper van tours and renovation videos. We joked around about getting a van, sent Facebook Marketplace listings to each other throughout the day. Maybe we should buy this one? But it wasn’t real. Until we found a great deal on a Ford in Iowa. Should we do it? I think we should do it...
Kelliemarie Mash 