Writing
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The Greatest Journeys Are Sometimes Found on the Page
Why novels may be the greatest journeys of all — carrying us across centuries, continents, and imagined worlds from the comfort of home. Continue reading
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The Most Important Email I Ever Sent to an Author
Sometimes the most important opportunities begin with an email you never expect anyone to answer. Continue reading
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‘Remarkably Bright Creatures’ by Shelby van Pelt
A review of Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby van Pelt — a tale of loss, found family, and the surprising bond between an aging octopus and a lonely widow. Continue reading
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‘Meet Cute Magic’ by Morgan Elizabeth
Romance novels are sometimes dismissed as light entertainment, but I have long believed that every genre is capable of telling meaningful stories. A good novel does more than entertain—it offers readers a chance to recognize themselves in its characters and to reflect on experiences they may never have in their own lives. Meet Cute Magic… Continue reading
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‘A Founding Mother’ by Laura Kamoie and Stephanie Dray
We have recently celebrated the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, making this an especially fitting time to revisit the people who shaped the earliest years of the American republic. Abigail Adams may not be the most famous figure of Revolutionary America, but I came away convinced that she—and the entire Adams family—were indispensable… Continue reading
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‘Whale Fall’ by Elizabeth O’Connor
Some stories are about ambition. Others are about the cost of ambition when it is pursued without compassion. Elizabeth O’Connor’s Whale Fall is both. At its heart, this is a story about the choices people make when they want something badly enough—and the regrets that follow. But it is also a powerful examination of how… Continue reading
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A Linnet and a Sparrow
I have been working like a bird in the spring, gathering the bits and bobs necessary to create a cozy reading corner. Continue reading
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An Invite to the Tearoom
I hope that you visit Ensorcell Avenue. I’ll be posting more about it here. My heart is full – my imagination working at full speed – and I can’t wait to share this story with more people. Continue reading
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A Humbling Day at Art Class
When the actual class began, and it was time to follow along with what the instructor said, I found that my own mind—usually so full of enthusiasm to set brush to paper—couldn’t keep up. Continue reading
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History in Art, #1
Doctor, I die hard; but I am not afraid to go; I believed from my first attack that I should not survive it; my breath can not last long. Haunting and poignant, these are George Washington’s final recorded words, spoken as life slipped from his body. His death occurred on December 14, 1799. He had… Continue reading
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Historic Bite #2: Maude Fealy, Silent Film Actress
Maude captivated the audience’s attention with her angelic looks and rich brown hair. This beauty helped catapult her into the world of filmmaking; soon she would become an easily recognizable celebrity. Continue reading
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Historic Bite #1 – Boticelli’s Muse
Simonetta’s time as an “it” girl was rife with conflict. Soon after she started modeling for Boticelli, her jealous husband began to suspect that his wife and the artist were having an affair. Continue reading
Mariella Hunt & the Tearoom 