Book Review: Steeped to Death by Gretchen Rue

Author: Gretchen Rue

Title: Steeped to Death

Series: Witches' Brew Mystery #1

Genre: Cozy mystery, Paranormal

Format: ebook

Pages: 299

Published: September 6, 2022

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Phoebe Winchester’s beloved aunt Eudora has a taste for adventure—and a knack for making magical tea. It’s even rumored that she just might be a witch. So when Eudora passes away and leaves everything to her niece—her Victorian mansion, her bookshop/tea store, The Earl’s Study, and one very chubby orange cat named Bob—Phoebe gets more than she bargained for. And she knows she’s in deep when a dead man is found on the shop’s back step, apparently killed while trying to break in.

Two suspects immediately emerge among the townspeople of Raven Creek, Washington. There’s village busybody Dierdre Miller, who seems desperate to buy Eudora’s house, and handsome PI Rich, one of Phoebe’s childhood friends—but how well does she really know him after all these years apart?

Phoebe knows she should leave it to the professionals, but as she starts to dig into the underbelly of Raven Creek, she begins to uncover the truth about Eudora. What’s more, her aunt might not have been the only witch in the family, as Phoebe soon discovers she has unique and unexpected gifts of her own.

Now, it’s just a matter of putting her newfound power to the test and cast a spell that could catch a killer.

Review:

Man. I should've written this review when I finished it, but life is busy. I hate adulting!!!!

Phoebe's beloved aunt has passed away and has left everything to her. Phoebe has a lot dropped on her and soon discovers things can get worse when she discovers she now has witchy powers. Enter in a dead body behind her shop...can things get worse? 

This was a hoot. I liked Phoebe and Bob the cat. So sweet the both of them. 

Loved the shop and the house. Loved the mix of her powers. Love a sprinkle of paranormal! Honestly, I think the author should've added more. It felt too light. Maybe in Book 2, we'll dive more into it. 

The mystery was entertaining. I loved the twists. 

Honestly, I feel like this was too cozy. I think we needed more of everything. More mystery. More magic. More Bob. 

I'll give this 3 stars. I think I would read 2! I liked the cast and world enough. 

Reading Challenges

- Library Love #5

Book Review: Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon

Author: Diana Gabaldon

Title: Dragonfly in Amber

Series: Outlander #2

Genre: Historical Romance, SciFi, Fantasy

Format: paperback

Pages: 947

Published: July 1, 1992

Where I got It: My shelf (Used book store that I am blanking on the name of)

Summary: 

From the author of Outlander... a magnificent epic that once again sweeps us back in time to the drama and passion of 18th-century Scotland...

For twenty years Claire Randall has kept her secrets. But now she is returning with her grown daughter to Scotland's majestic mist-shrouded hills. Here Claire plans to reveal a truth as stunning as the events that gave it birth: about the mystery of an ancient circle of standing stones ...about a love that transcends the boundaries of time ...and about James Fraser, a Scottish warrior whose gallantry once drew a young Claire from the security of her century to the dangers of his ....

Now a legacy of blood and desire will test her beautiful copper-haired daughter, Brianna, as Claire's spellbinding journey of self-discovery continues in the intrigue-ridden Paris court of Charles Stuart ...in a race to thwart a doomed Highlands uprising ...and in a desperate fight to save both the child and the man she loves....

Review:

I read book 1 ages ago, and I meant to go back, but just never did. I've been watching the show and loving it, so it was the push I needed to continue the series. 

We continue watching young Claire fight to try and stop the war, and "modern" Claire goes back to where it all began with her daughter in tow. 

I know this book was written in the 90s, and there is a show about it, but I don't want to spoil anything! 

The duo timeline was fun. We are mainly in the "flashback" following young Jamie and young Claire fleeing to France. There is still hope to change the future, but it seems like fate has other plans for them time and time again.

I enjoyed it. It was long and sometimes long-winded. But I gobbled up each page. There were some stretches of time I had to take a break. It is emotional, especially because you know what is coming. An impending doom for sure. Yes. I teared up a time or two with this one. 

The author does such a great job bringing the worlds and the characters to life! You just want all your beloved characters to live happily ever after. 

Can I say something...controversial? As much as I liked this book and the other one.........I think the show is better. There are some little changes they did that just worked better. Some character development that I really liked. Not saying this is bad, but the show is just a smidge better. I still want to read book 3 one day, though!

Honestly, I think I might do the audio of it. I want to try it!

But yes, this was good, but it is a heavy read. Length and emotions. You need to read book 1 first for sure or have at least watched season 1 of the show. 

All-in-all, it was lovely coming back to Claire and Jamie. It felt like old friends. I do so love them both. 

4 stars. 

Reading Challenges

-  Reading Romance Challenge #4 (series I meant to go back to)

Blodeuedd's Monday: The Nameless Land by Kate Elliott

Book 2 in the Witch Roads series

Author Kate Elliott

Narrated by Ella Lynch

Publication date Feb 24, 2026

Running time 18 hrs

Fantasy/to review

This is book 2 and you definitely need to have read book 1. That one ended with quite some drama.

Erin is travelling with a prince and his people as she knows the way. There are people hunting them. He wants to take over the throne. And she fell in love with a man who died long ago but possessed the prince. Told you it was a lot. Then that man had to leave and the prince was left with wtf? and he remembered and now Erin has to do what he says. And will she ever meet that man again? Remember he is dead...

Their journey will take them to the land that she fled long ago, where people might remember her. Also there are these spores that can kill you . She is also doing her best to protect her nephew who really looks like his mum. And his dad is after him.

They are running from a lot, their are fighting many. There is death and danger.

But you know the best part was the end, because after all this danger the end was like a warm blanket.

Great narration. Exciting story. And I would like more.

When the royal party finds themselves in a land they never believed they could access, it will take all of Prince Gevulin's (admittedly impressive) diplomatic skills to forge a coalition with an unlikely group of would-be allies.

Meanwhile, as Erin mourns her lost love, an unwelcome visit to the land of her birth brings back the traumatic memories of the childhood she shared with her sister.

And a surprise visit from an unwelcome family member threatens to derail the plans of multiple opposing factions.

Loyalty cannot be demanded, only won

Book Review: Cocktails and Chloroform by Kelley Armstrong

Author: Kelley Armstrong

Title: Cocktails & Chloroform

Series: A Rip Through Time #2.5

Genre: Historical Fiction, SciFi, Mystery, Novella

Format: ebook

Pages: 138

Published: December 1, 2023

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

For modern-day detective Mallory Atkinson, being trapped in the body of a Victorian housemaid means overcoming endless obstacles. Her current challenge is winning over the suspicious young parlormaid, Alice. Mallory’s plan starts with teaching the girl to make Molotov cocktails, which is a perfectly valid science experiment and not at all a desperate ploy to gain Alice’s attention. Before the lesson can begin, though, Alice receives a letter that has her slipping off in the night. Concerned for her safety—and naturally curious—Mallory follows.

Mallory finds Alice at what seems like a simple dance hall, watching young men and women flirting and whirling in pretty dresses and dapper suit-coats. But nothing here is what is seems, and what starts as a simple surveillance exercise turns into a full-scale spy mission with Mallory’s boss, Dr. Duncan Gray, at her side. Before the evening is done, those Molotov cocktails are probably going to come in handy.

Review:

This series is really growing on me. I'm loving it. 

Here, we follow Mallory on another adventure and mystery. Being transported into this body of someone who wasn't the kindest, she has a lot of making up to do. She wants to win over Alice. Concerned over her safety, Mallory follows Alice to what seems like a simple dance hall. However, nothing there is as it seems. This will turn into a full-scale spy mission that may or may not involve Molotov cocktails. 

This was a fun side adventure for Mallory. It was nice learning more about Alice and seeing them team up. Even though this is just a side novella, I think you should read it, as it seems it will help the plot and character developments in the next book. 

Honestly, this could've been a full-length. I thoroughly enjoyed the intrigue and loved seeing Alice join in on the adventure and mystery. Maybe she'll have a bigger role in the next books! One can hope!

I ended up doing the ebook version, which worked well still, but I did miss our narrator's voice. She does such a good job. BUT it is nice that this still worked really well as an ebook. If I can't get my hands on the audio version, it won't stop me from reading the next one. 

All-in-all, I was very entertained with this little novella. Honestly, this should've been a full-length. I would love to see more of the mystery and more of Alice being a sidekick. I can't wait to get my hands on book 3! I 100% recommend this series. 4 stars. 

Movie Review: Wuthering Heights (2026)

Title: Wuthering Heights

Length: 2h 16m

Released: 2026

Genre: Drama, Romance
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Theater

SUMMARY:

A passionate and tumultuous love story set against the backdrop of the Yorkshire moors, exploring the intense and destructive relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw.

Trailer

REVIEW:

When I saw the trailer for the first time months ago, I knew I had to go see this. 'Wuthering Heights' is one of my favorite books to date. I read it every few years. I would read it every year, but it is a tragic read for sure. 

Here we have Cathy and Heathcliff. We all know the story. They are toxic, and their love is destructive. He misunderstands her conversation and leaves. She marries Linton. He comes back rich and ready to either have her or destroy everything. 

I will admit....I was nervous about the casting here. Mainly so our Heathcliff. I've seen this acting, and I like him, but I didn't know if he could pull off the dark side of Heathcliff. The youthful and in love version is doable, but the toxic side? I was nervous. HOWEVER, I was proven wrong. He did a delightful job. I wanted to clap. 

The rest of the cast was lovely. They all did a great job making you hate them and/or feel pity for them. I also loved the kid versions they cast. They actually looked like mini versions of our characters. Lovely. 

So, I went with Hubby and our mutual friend. Hubby barely remembered the last version I made him watch, but our mutual friend had never seen or read the book. After the movie ended, he said, "Man. I started off liking them, but I hated them by the end." I replied, "Yep. They are all terrible, terrible humans. Minus Linton, who didn't deserve any of this." And that is why I love this. They are all so toxic to each other. Maybe if everyone just sat down and talked ALL of this drama could've been avoided. So many hurt feelings. So many betrayals. So dang tragic. 

The aesthetic and music choice was interesting. I was a little unsure at first, but I grew to like it a lot. The colors were bold. 

The ending was different from the book. Which is fine. They cut out a whole part of Heathcliff's schemes, but it isn't the first movie adaptation that has done this. 

I was also really annoyed that they didn't include a huge part of Cathy's monologue describing her love for Heathcliff and Linton. It's classic! It is what all of booknerds wanted to hear! Disappointing!

In the end, I did enjoy this. I can see myself watching this again. It was intense and delightful, but in a dark way. They changed the ending, which didn't bug me too much. My biggest complaint is so minuscule, but I LOVE that whole quote. I'll give this 4 stars. 

 

Book/Play Review: The Tempest by William Shakespeare

Author: William Shakespeare

Title: The Tempest

Genre: Classic, Play, Drama, Comedy, Fantasy

Format: paperback

Pages: 218

Published: 1611

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, uses magic to shipwreck his treacherous brother Antonio and King Alonso on his enchanted island. Over twelve years prior, Prospero was exiled with his daughter, Miranda. On the island, Prospero commands the spirit Ariel and the native Caliban, manipulating the castaways through illusions.

Review:

So I have ascended to a new level of nerd....I have been accepted and joined the Flint Shakespeare Club. Weeee! I literally cried when I found out!!! How cool? What is this cool club? Well, it is a club where a bunch of like-minded folks sit around and read the play out loud and then discuss the Act(s) we just went through. Plus snackies at the end!

This was winter's book to read. Which was exciting for me because I hadn't read this one! I have slowly been going through all the plays. 

This is a tale of revenge and forgiveness. Some love and a lot of comedy mixed in. 

This play feels so different than a lot of Billy S's other plays. It still has his humor and wordplay. However, it felt like a goodbye of sorts. One can debate that the ending epilogue was a final goodbye to his fans and the public. This was his last play. Was it planned? Only guesses can keep us warm at night. 

I found this very charming. The characters and the lore and the story....charming and meaningful.

I kept thinking, though....the poor actors who play Prospero. SOOO many monologues and so many lines. Damn. I wouldn't be able to remember all my lines. 

But yes, this was really good. Honestly, I think it may have found it's way onto my top 3 fave plays by Billy S. I still have a few to get through, but this was a lovely read. 

5 stars from me. 

Re-listen: Murder of Crows by Anne Bishop

Author: Anne Bishop

Narrator: Alexandra Harris
Title: Murder of Crows

Series: The Others #2

Genre: UF, Paranormal
Format: Audiobook
Published: March 4, 2014
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

After winning the trust of the Others residing in the Lakeside Courtyard, Meg Corbyn has had trouble figuring out what it means to live among them. As a human, Meg should be barely tolerated prey, but her abilities as a cassandra sangue make her something more.

The appearance of two addictive drugs has sparked violence between the humans and the Others, resulting in the murder of both species in nearby cities. So when Meg has a dream about blood and black feathers in the snow, Simon Wolfgard—Lakeside’s shape-shifting leader—wonders if their blood prophet dreamed of a past attack or a future threat.

As the urge to speak prophecies strikes Meg more frequently, trouble finds its way inside the Courtyard. Now, the Others and the handful of humans residing there must work together to stop the man bent on reclaiming their blood prophet—and stop the danger that threatens to destroy them all.

Review:

I picked this for our re-reads session of my Book Club. I made everyone read book 1 the last time, and they liked it....so I made them read book 2 ;) Plus, I've been itching for some more. This series has evolved into a comfort book series FOR sure. 

Weee third time is a charm!

Humans are at it again. The Others are just trying to live. Meg is trying to find balance and her footing. She gained their trust, but there are still some issues.

I remember finding Meg so annoying and slowly warming up to her as the books goes along. Now I love her. I love all our mains. I'm team Others. I would want to work there. 

This is sad. We get to see a glimpse of how the Humans treated people like Meg, and it will make you mad. So sad. Some trigger warnings to be had. Nothing in great detail happens, but it is mentioned, and you can assume the worse. 

Ooooh, that ending. 

The narrator is a gem, and I can't imagine anyone else doing this series. 

Originally, I had this at a 4 the last two times I read it. Seems like it was because of my frustrations with Meg and Simon having so many issues. Silly issues at times. Yes, still silly in my opinion. I might just keep it at 4. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #5

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Pumpkin Spice and Pour-Overs by Elise Kennedy

Release date: 01-19-23

Length: 1 hr and 37 mins

Narrated by: Andria Mae

Publisher: Elise Kennedy

Categories: Romance

From spotify

It was good for what it was meant for. A short audiobook for when you need something short. Or as for me, when spotify does not tell me how much I have left! Is it 2 h and 59 min or 2 hours and 10 min. Ugh, spotify complain finished.

Right so Becca wants to work in this book store, she meets a hot guy on the train and he also wants the job. Then they have to share a hotel room too, and yes it is a short story so they get busy and things work out for them.

Fall feels, romance, and booklovers.

Becca Habar is determined to get her dream managing a bookstore in Benning Falls, Vermont. The only things standing in her way? A bumpy train, no place to stay, and a bookish, kind, broad-shouldered stranger who is determined to get the job first.

Only one bed. Cinnamon roll MMC. Vermont in the fall. A cozy train ride. Too many coffees. A small-town bookstore. A "good girl".

Book Review: A Royal Kiss and Tell by Julia London

Author: Julia London

Title: A Royal Kiss & Tell

Series: A Royal Wedding #2

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 384

Published: May 19, 2020

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Every prince has his secrets. And she’s determined to unravel his…

Every dashing young man in London’s ton is vying for Lady Caroline Hawke’s hand—except one. Handsome, delectable roué Prince Leopold of Alucia can’t quite remember who Caroline is, and the insult is not to be tolerated. So, Caroline does what any clever, resourceful lady of means would do to make sure a prince remembers her: sees that amusingly risqué morsels about Leo’s reputation are printed in a ladies’ gossip gazette…all the while secretly setting her cap for the rakish royal.

Someone has been painting Leo as a blackguard, but who? Socially, it could ruin him. More important, it jeopardizes his investigation into a contemptible scheme that reaches the highest levels of government in London. Now, Leo needs Lady Caroline’s help to regain access to society. But this charming prince is about to discover that enlisting the deceptively sweet and sexy Lady Caroline might just cost him his heart, his soul and both their reputations…

Review:

I read book 1 a while back, and I remember liking this. I was curious about 2, and it was now available at my library. So why not?

Here we follow Caroline and Leo. Leo has secrets, and Caroline is desperate to uncover them because he doesn't remember her. A Rake? Not remember her Lady of the Ton? Unacceptable. She finds out someone has been painting Leo as a blackguard, but who and why? Socially, it will ruin him, but it could jeopardize his investigations into a scheme that reaches the highest levels of the government. He needs Caroline and her connections. 

This was rough for me to get into. I don't know why, really. I liked the added layer of intrigue and society scrutiny. The two were interesting enough. Caro was a little shallow and selfish, but she is sweet enough. Leo has a huge heart, but he's a bull in a China shop. They truly need each other. 

The intrigue kept me hooked enough to want to finish it. I didn't really even care about their love. I mean...I cared a touch, but....eh. 

But yes, I just don't think I connected with this story. I was interested enough to finish it, but the resolution of this one is good enough for me. I believe there are more in the series, but there are no side characters I care enough about to read more. 

I'll give this 2 stars.

 

Reading Challenges

-  Reading Romance Challenge #3 (Pink Dress)

- Library Love #4

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Lucky Suit by Lauren Blakely

By: Lauren Blakely

Narrated by: Zachary Webber, Andi Arndt

Length: 2 hrs and 25 mins

Release date: 01-31-19

Publisher: Audible Originals

Contemporary romance

Short novella. I do like these. Things have to work fast.

Kristen tries online dating and meets this fun guy Cameron. They talk, the flirt, but when they meet for real something is wrong...

So I can´t tell you what, but Cameron is a good guy and someone really wants these two to find love with each other.

Fun, some intrigues. Some meddling people, and two people who live on different sides of the country. But this is romance and it all works out.

Cute and fun. Good narration

Kristen Leonard is done with setups. She’s not interested in your son or your nephew or your butcher or the guy who mows your lawn, thank you very much, grandma! After all, she’s a modern woman—she’ll take her chances on the algorithms of online dating to find her ideal man. Before long, she meets a man who might just be the one—he’s hilarious, quick-witted, and full of heart. And when she meets up with Cameron in real life, he certainly looks exactly like his profile picture…but something’s not quite right.

There’s really no telling what brought them together and all bets are off as to whether or not they can trust their hearts over their heads. After all, can you fall in love with someone you’re not sure you really even know?

Book Review: On the Way to the Wedding by Julia Quinn

Author: Julia Quinn

Title: On the Way to the Wedding

Series: Bridgertons #8

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: paperback

Pages: 384

Published: June 27, 2006

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

A funny thing happened...

Unlike most men of his acquaintance, Gregory Bridgerton believes in true love. And he is convinced that when he finds the woman of his dreams, he will know in an instant that she is the one. And that is exactly what happened. Except...

She wasn't the one. In fact, the ravishing Miss Hermione Watson is in love with another. But her best friend, the ever-practical Lady Lucinda Abernathy, wants to save Hermione from a disastrous alliance, so she offers to help Gregory win her over. But in the process, Lucy falls in love. With Gregory! Except...

Lucy is engaged. And her uncle is not inclined to let her back out of the betrothal, even once Gregory comes to his senses and realizes that it is Lucy, with her sharp wit and sunny smile, who makes his heart sing. And now, on the way to the wedding, Gregory must risk everything to ensure that when it comes time to kiss the bride, he is the only man standing at the altar...

Review:

Been holding off on finishing this series! It takes so long between each season of the show that I've been slowly making my way through the series. I finally decided to finish the main books of the series and read Gregory's tale. I still need to read the short story about Violet. 

Gregory is not your A-typical guy of the ton. He believes in love and wants to find love. He wants what all his other siblings have. He wants it badly. When he comes across Hermione, he fancies himself in love. She HAS to be the one? Right? ...Right? Enter in Hermione's best friend, Lucy, who likes Gregory. He seems like the best of suitors, so she decides to try to help him win the girl. Lucy is engaged, and there is no way out of it, so why not let her best friend find love? 

So I loved that Gregory truly wanted to be happy and find his own person. He sees how happy everyone in his family is, and he is the last unmarried sibling. He wants it so bad that he finds himself in love with the wrong person. It isn't love...no spoiler. Lucy is his person. He is just a dumb-dumb to not see it. Same with Lucy, but I get why she is blinded to it. She's technically engaged anyway. Not by choice, but family duties and whatnot. 

I struggled really bad for the first...mmm....45% of the book? Gregory's infatuation with Hermione grated on my nerves. Sure. That is the whole story. He eventually wakes up after an event and realizes he never loved her. He loved the idea of being in love. Why SOOOO long? Why not shave that off a bit? Maybe only being in love like....30% of the book? And then fighting to get the real girl. I would've liked to see more time with Gregory yearning for Lucy and making her feel wanted. 

Other than that block. I loved the story. It was dramatic and crazy and just plain fun. Gregory has a huge heart, and he's a big dumbdumb. Silly. 

Lucy was sweet. 

I liked one character a lot (I won't spoil anything). I was really hoping he found an HEA. Maybe the show will flush his story our more *fingers crossed*

In the end, this was a lovely series. I can see myself re-reading this someday. I loved all the siblings, even though they frustrated me sometimes. I'm so glad Netflix is making these books into a show. I would love to see more books like this find the limelight. But yes, totally worth reading the whole series. I had a little issue with this one, but by the end, I ended up having fun. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Reading Challenges

-  Reading Romance Challenge #2 (Wedding)

Audiobook Review: Carl's Doomsday Scenario by Matt Dinniman

Author: Matt Dinniman

Narrator: Jeff Hays
Title: Carl's Doomsday Scenario

Series: Dungeon Crawler Carl #2

Genre: SciFi, Fantasy, Humor
Format: Audiobook
Published: January 6, 2021
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

"The training levels have concluded. Now the games may truly begin."

The ratings and views are off the chart. The fans just can't get enough. The dungeon gets more dangerous each day. But in a grinder designed to chew up and spit out crawlers by the millions, Carl and Princess Donut need to work harder than ever just to survive.

They call it the Over City. A sprawling, once-thriving metropolis devastated by a mysterious calamity. But these streets are far from abandoned. An undead circus trawls the ruins. Murdered prostitutes rain from the sky. An ancient spell is finally ready to reveal its dark purpose.

Carl still has no pants.

They call it Dungeon Crawler World. For Carl and Donut, it's anything but a game.

Review:

Been itching to read book 2 for a hot min, but I had so many other books to dive through first. Finally got my chance! 

We continue down the Dungeon with Carl and Donut. They have made it through the "Training" levels, and they will need to work harder than ever to progress. Between leveling up, they come across a couple of quests they have no choice but to take on. Even worse? Carl still has no pants. 

We are really getting into it now. They have survived the beginning and now get to have some "fun". I loved watching them pick their classes and skills. They even got to change their race if they wanted. Spoiler, they stayed a cat and a human. Thank goodness. I love watching Donut being a talking cat, ordering around poor Carl. 

Mango is adorable. Especially after a certain scene! OMG, I would destroy the world for that lil guy. 

Not only is there action and adventure. But we got to see some political drama unfold as well. That was a hoot BUT I do worry for our team. 

That ending???? Holy cannoli!!! I need to read book 3 asap. 

The narrator was fantastic. I love the sound effects we get throughout the story. It really boosts the storytelling. 

Overall, I def recommend this series. You need to read book 1 first, but it's such a fun and refreshing story. So cool. I wouldn't want to be a part of this, but it's fun to watch them stumble around. Am I as bad as the viewers? *ponders* Nawwwwww. 

5 stars from me. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #4

Book Review: Candy Apples and Clairvoyants by Danielle Garrett

Author: Danielle Garrett

Title: Candy Apples and Clairvoyants

Series: Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries #4.5

Genre: Fantasy, Cozy mystery, Paranormal, short story

Format: ebook

Pages: 53

Published: October 29, 2024

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

It’s Halloween night and I’ve got everything I need for a spooky good time. And by that, I mean copious amounts of chocolate and sugar, and a pile of scary movies.

But when the pumpkins have been carved and the trick-or-treaters have all gone home to count their loot, I find there’s still a spirit stirring, with a reminder from a Halloween I’d almost forgotten.

And frankly, no horror flick can top the spine-chilling prospect of time-traveling back to my high school days.

Let’s just hope I wake up in time to grab a half-price bag of peanut butter cups.

Review:

This series is just so fun. I know this is fall-y and maybe I should've waited, but I have zero patience. LOL

Here, we follow a young Ella. This is her back in High School. Young and still so naive. But still so willing to help!

Boo, there will be no more of this series after this one. I wish there were more! I love Ella and her friends/family!!! I love watching her muddle her way through! Maybe she'll be in more later? I believe there is a spin-off in this world, so I may have to dive into that. 

But this was super cute. I loved seeing a young Ella running amok. 

Booooooooo Chloe! Hate her face. 

This was sweet, and the conclusion? It made me sad for that person. I kinda feel bad. Poor thing. 

I ended up reading this one instead of the audio. I really missed the voice, but it did fine as an ebook. 

All-in-all, this was a nice taste. Short and sweet. I want more though!!!!!! 5 from me. 

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher

Narrated by: Jennifer Pickens

Length: 11 hrs and 50 mins

Release date: 08-19-25

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Fantasy/spotify

I do like Kingfisher, and here we got a story of a healer who has studied poisons since she was a child. Or as she tells it, she studies how antidotes, but really it is poisons.

Then the King comes calling. He thinks some one is poisoning his child Snow, and you can not say no to a King. She is taken on a journey and soon meets Snow.

Something is strange is going on in that house. Something is wrong. The child is not healthy, but why and how? She is always watched.

I liked Anja. She likes what she does, she finds it interesting and when things does not work out she wants to know why. She befriends some people at the estate and tries her best to solve this problem. But something bigger is going on.

A good story, a fairytale that Kingfisher does so well.

The only bad part was that I listened to spotify, and my hours ended 1 hour! before the end. And I had to wait 10 days for more. Ugh, stupid spotify. Yes I know you can buy more, but for 1 hour, nah.

Great story. Great narration. I have so many more Kingfisher books before me and I do enjoy that.

Healer Anja regularly drinks poison. Not to die, but to save—seeking cures for those everyone else has given up on. But a summons from the King interrupts her quiet, herb-obsessed life. His daughter, Snow, is dying, and he hopes Anja’s unorthodox methods can save her.

Aided by a taciturn guard, a narcissistic cat, and a passion for the scientific method, Anja rushes to treat Snow, but nothing seems to work. That is, until she finds a secret world, hidden inside a magic mirror. This dark realm may hold the key to what is making Snow sick.

Or it might be the thing that kills them all.

Best of January

Hellooooo 2026! Here are the bests of January! Hope you like our new trophy logo at the top. They are based off our kitties.

Best Book of the Month:

Blodeuedd - Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher

"Best book of the month. Kingfisher wins January this year again."

Carole -  Letters from Father Christmas by JRR Tolkien

"This was adorable and fun for all ages!"

Best Movie of the Month:

Carole -  Murder Mystery (2019)

"Rewatched this and it was a hoot!"

Blodeuedd - Gladiator II (2024)

"I am horrible remembering what I watched when so my best movie is just one I do remember 😅 Not as epic or good as the first"

Best TV show of the Month:

Blodeuedd - The Good Doctor (s7) & Mooonhaven (s1)

"I watched the last season of The Good Doctor. Moonhaven was really good but I do not recommend it cos there is no s2!!!"

Carole - Fallout (s2)

"Been so good! I wished they would release all the episodes, but I am caught up!"

Best Cover of the Month:

C's pick: A tough pick this month! But this one is just so pretty with all the snow. And that dress? Love.

B's pick: Best cover cos it is as creepy as the book. Not pretty just creepy