books
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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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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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3 Lessons We Learn Rereading Old Books
Why have I decided to reread old favorites in 2026? I believe it will satisfy an emotional need. Venturing back to The Secret Garden will make me reminisce about childhood. A trip to Hogwarts will remind me of my teenage years, when the Harry Potter books made everything around me vivid. Too often, a brand-new… Continue reading
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The year of reading old books
This year, I am doing something that feels unnatural to me. Instead of going out and looking for new books to add to my shelves, I’m going to look at those shelves for books I already own. It is not necessarily in the spirit of anti-consumption, for if I won the lottery, I would still… Continue reading
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Things I’m letting go of
Originally published on Substack In the first week of January, 2026, I got my hands on a few new journals. One is going to be used for Bible notes and prayer. The other is a bulleted journal, and I have decided to use it for short daily notes, as well as ‘sidebars’ where I will… Continue reading
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James Madison, Father of the Constitution
Madison tends to melt into the background when compared to the other Founders. This doesn’t mean that he was less significant: he helped to shape our country into what she is now. Continue reading
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5 Reasons to (Finally) Read 1776
This year, I was beckoned by the book 1776 by David McCullough. I remember purchasing it long ago, soon after it was published. I purchased it in the spirit of “Everyone is buying it. Therefore, it must also be on my shelf.” Continue reading
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The Early Sorrows of Martha Washington
Much of the Washingtons’ union remains a mystery. After George’s death, Martha burned most of the letters they exchanged. Continue reading
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31 Years Old & Reading Fairy Tales
At the young age of 31, though I wish I’d managed to achieve more by now, I am reminded of the C.S. Lewis quote: I am old enough to begin reading fairy tales again, and I’m going to make my reading this coming year more intentional. Continue reading
Mariella Hunt & the Tearoom 