At the beginning of 2024 I decided to manifest a trip to France for myself. I hadn’t been since March 2019, which was also my last international trip, and after enduring a global pandemic, having a baby, and two moves (one of which was cross-country), I decided it was time. I knew we weren’t ready for an international trip with a three-year-old and I was so so so lucky enough to have a good friend interested in and able to…
We Shall Be Monsters by Alyssa Wees 4/5 StarsA dark magical realism fairy tale, We Shall Be Monsters made me feel that if only I had a forest at the edge of my yard, these creatures would be waiting for me. I liked this story, this world, and I liked that there was adventure as well as deep dark soul searching. I would have liked to see a little more character development and a little more of the protagonists proving…
The third book in The Lost Queen series (no longer a trilogy, woohoo!) was impatiently awaited by me for over a year. I was so happy to get back into this series and world that captivated me so much. The characteristic that sets this third book apart from the first two is what I believe to be its biggest weakness: points-of-view from four different characters. The first book was just Languoreth, the second was Languoreth and Lailoken, and this one…
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas 5/5 StarsThis book took the series in a completely different direction than I thought it would go and it is stunning. Beautiful writing, a transporting love story, and only the second book I can remember being so moved by that I think, “yes, this is why I read.” Just read the book. Eleanor of Avignon by Elizabeth DeLozier 4/5 StarsI really enjoyed this book. I love a medieval setting, and…
Bonjour and happy Wednesday! The planning for my most recent trip to France didn’t feel complete until I booked a half-day trip to Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny. I booked through Paris City Vision, a company I have used before so have trust in them. It felt like a lot of information was missing from the tour’s description (how much time will we have to explore? Is there food? Is it a walkable distance to the village?) so I…
A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen 5/5 StarsOne of those books that I loved so much I don’t know what to say about it. I read a physical copy in two days which is not easy for me. Can’t wait for book 2!! The Wild Huntress by Emily Lloyd-Jones 4/5 StarsThis book follows Branwen, Gwydion, and Pryderi as they work together in the wild hunt after they realize their ambitions align. I really enjoyed The Wild Huntress,…
I was utterly bewitched by this book! So many things about it stand out to me. There’s a strong sense of place. It feels very “October.” I like that it has a more natural or innate-ability witch aspect than a one that is more focused on spells. I LOVE the chemistry between Kate and Matthew. There’s a lot of mention of recipes, food, and cooking which is right up my alley. We learn about a few different kinds of witches…
Bonjour and happy Wednesday! I leave for France in less than two weeks and I’m here to share a few things I’ve planned for my fifth trip there. This trip will be unique in that I’m going with a friend; no tour group, no husbands, no kids. Aix-en-Provence. We’re taking the train from the CDG airport and will be spending two nights and one-and-a-half days. I’ve never been to Provence and I’m hoping this will kick off planning for a…
Dark Tide: Growing up With Ted Bundy by Edna Cowell Martin & Megan Atkinson 5/5 StarsAt first I was unsure about this one. It seemed more a memoir of Edna’s than anything else, and it is, but the farther into the book you get you realize what a gift this is. Edna is a deeply private person and was not known publicly until the release of this book. We get her full background, and with it, Ted’s background from the…
Spindle’s End by Robin McKinley 3/5 StarsI love most of the book, especially the first half or three quarters or so. It’s such a cozy medieval read and all of the characters are unique and likable. I love the beast speak aspect. But when there was a fight scene or lots of action or even going into detail about the curse or something else really involved I found I difficult to follow. It really took away from the book as…