Die einde van my Cherry Lane seisoen

Ek sit vanoggend in Cherry Lane met ‘n swaar gemoed en ‘n hart wat bietjie seer is. Ek moes ‘n besluit neem oor my werksituasie, en die vryheid wat ek geniet het – soos om op ‘n weeksoggend in ‘n koffiewinkel te sit en werk – het nou tot ‘n einde gekom. Vanaf die einde van die maand gaan ek voltyds in ‘n kantoor werk.

Laat ek by die begin begin.

Hoe het my Donderdagoggend-Cherry Lane-dae begin?

Ek het in 2023 van die huis af begin werk. Dit was lieflik, maar ek is ‘n mense-mens en die alleenheid vang jou bietjie. Ek het allerhande planne probeer maak – dalk om ‘n spasie te kry wat ek een of twee keer ‘n week kon huur om van daar af te werk. Ek het selfs probeer om die leë spasie by Etienne se werk te gebruik (hulle wou nie daarvoor val nie). Ek het ook gekyk na die “pods” wat mens by inkopiesentrums kry, maar dit is bietjie duur.

Ek het toe een oggend besluit om my rekenaar op te pak en sommer net by ‘n koffiewinkel in die dorp te gaan sit en werk vir ‘n rukkie. My gunsteling was nog altyd Cherry Lane, so dit was vanselfsprekend my eerste keuse. Dáár het my “seisoen” begin.

Woensdae is vir braai so Donderdae was vir koffiewinkels.

En so het ek elke Donderdagoggend hier kom sit. Later het dit so bekend geraak dat, wanneer ek instap en kom sit, my cappuccino mét room sommer vanself op my tafel verskyn het. Dit het my huis van die huis af geword.

So op my eie het ek dan sit en werk en baie gedoen gekry. Ek was tussen mense, lekker musiek en my tweede familie (so voel dit vir my).

Cherry Lane is my ‘backdrop’ vir van my sosiale media videos ook. Jy kan gaan kyk hier, hier en hier. Ek het ook ‘n hele ‘highlight‘ op Instagram vir my koffie liefdesverhouding en meeste is Cherry Lane.

Vanoggend toe ek hierheen ry was ek so bewoë want dis die laaste Donerdag. Ek stap in en waai vir almal en kry net smiles en ek vertel toe dat dit my laaste Donderdag is, maar ek verseker almal dat ek sal terug wees op ‘n ander dag wanneer ek myself ingesettle het by die nuwe werk. Gelukkig is dit op die dorp en net om die draai. Al weet ek dit is nie die einde-einde nie is dit maar nogsteeds ‘n ‘ek gaan julle mis’ -oomblik.

Wat ek vanoggend wil sê is, dankie julletjies dat ek altyd welkom voel wanneer ek hier instap. Dat my koffie warm en vol room net verskyn op my tafel. Dat ek hier kan sit so lank ek wil en net kan wees. Die koffie het altyd hope liefde in (behalwe vir die room) en die kos is altyd met liefde gemaak.

Ek sien julle verseker weer oor naweke tot ek daai ‘ander dag’ vasgestel het.

This is not the end! I will be back.

E xx

This morning I’m sitting in Cherry Lane with a heavy heart and a little ache in my chest. I had to make a decision about my work situation, and the freedom I’ve enjoyed – like being able to sit and work in a coffee shop on a weekday morning – has now come to an end. From the end of this month, I’ll be working full-time in an office.

Let me start at the beginning.

How did my Thursday morning Cherry Lane days begin?

In 2023, I started working from home. It was lovely, but I’m a people-person, and the loneliness started to get to me a bit. I tried all sorts of ideas – maybe finding a space I could rent once or twice a week to work from. I even tried to use the empty space at Etienne’s office (they weren’t keen), and I looked at those “pods” you get in shopping centres, but they were a bit expensive.

One morning, I decided to pack up my laptop and simply go sit at a coffee shop in town to work for a while. My favourite has always been Cherry Lane, so of course, that was my first choice. That’s where my “season” began.

Wednesdays were for braais, so Thursdays were for coffee shops.

And so, every Thursday morning, I came here to sit. Eventually, it became so familiar that when I walked in and sat down, my cappuccino – with cream – would just appear at my table. It became my home away from home.

I would sit and work on my own, and got so much done. I was surrounded by people, good music, and my second family (that’s honestly how it felt).

Cherry Lane was also the backdrop for many of my social media videos. You can go look here, here, and here. I even have a whole Instagram highlight for my coffee love affair – and most of it is Cherry Lane.

This morning, driving here, I felt emotional – because it’s the last Thursday. I walked in, waved at everyone, got big smiles, and then I told them it was my last Thursday. But I assured everyone I’ll be back on another day once I’ve settled into the new job. Thankfully, it’s still in town – just around the corner. And even though I know this isn’t the final goodbye, it’s still one of those “I’m going to miss you” moments.

What I want to say this morning is: thank you, you lovely bunch, for always making me feel welcome when I walk in. For letting my warm, creamy coffee magically appear at my table. For allowing me to sit here as long as I want and just be. The coffee always has heaps of love in it (besides the cream), and the food is always made with heart.

I’ll definitely see you over weekends – until I’ve figured out what that “other day” will be.

This is not the end! I will be back.

E xx

Turkey Dimple – An interview

I can’t tell you exactly where I first heard of Turkey Dimple—I kind of forgot, and I’m sorry. But I vividly remember falling in love with the earrings instantly and it has been years since that happened.

These were my first pairs. After that, my collection grew. I even got some for my nieces, and now the girls are Turkey Dimple girls too! So, if you want to know where my earrings are from – Turkey Dimple.

I’ve met Shalain a few times, and man—I like her so much. She’s down-to-earth, super creative, and so much fun to chat with.

I wanted to share my love for Turkey Dimple and tell you a bit more about it, and of course get you converted to a Turkey Dimple girl – or guy! I asked Shalain a few questions.

1. Who is behind Turkey Dimple?

Turkey Dimple is a one-woman-show, run by me, Shalain Gregson. I live in Cape Town with my husband, son and three fur babies.

I love coffee, sunsets, ice cream, being around animals and out in nature. I’m a true Gemini with two sides to me i.e. I love horror movies and creepy things but also adore rainbows and unicorns, etc.

On a side note from me – I can’t wait for Sunday’s to see what ice cream the Gregson’s will have and best of all sometimes it is home made!

2. When did you start your business & why the name Turkey Dimple?

I started working with polymer clay in 2013 but only really started Turkey Dimple late 2014. 

When I was a child I used to collect paint swatches from Builders and hardware shops. There was a pink colour that I loved which was called Turkey Dimple. I loved the name, it was so quirky and fun. I kind of always had this dream of having a quirky, creative business and naming it Turkey Dimple. 

3. Why polymer clay? Is something you always wanted to do?

I’ve just always loved clay! My fingers just love playing with it and making these out of clay has always just felt natural to me. It was modelling clay all the years from childhood, but when I used polymer clay the first time, I was instantly in love. 

4. Where do you get your inspirations from?

This one is tough because I get it from everywhere. My family, things I love, nature, trends, baked goods, etc. Some days I simply sit and visualise the kind of earrings I would love and make that. 

5. How do we order from you?

You can shop via my online store/site : www.turkeydimple.co.za. I may be based in Cape Town but ship nationwide. I don’t do a lot of markets or events but if you follow me on social media, I do post info of the ones I do trade at. 

Side note, Turkey Dimple was at Comic Con 2025 in Cape Town recently.

6. What is the one thing you can not live without?

If we’re not counting my family then definitely coffee!

A lady after my own heart. You had me at coffee.

Instagram is where all the fun happens. Follow Turkey Dimple here

Till next time!

E xx

** All photos except for the kitties, Credit: Turkey Dimple

The Silent Book Club Cape Town North

A book club where you don’t have to finish a prescribed book in a set amount of time. A place where you can read at your own pace, surrounded by like-minded people. Everyone loves books, and everyone enjoys reading alongside fellow book lovers. Sign me up!

Welcome to The Silent Book Club.

I came across The Silent Book Club on Instagram ‘by accident,’ and I wanted to go so badly. Every time I planned to join one of these sessions, something came up. It was also always held in the Southern Suburbs, which made attending a bit challenging, but still doable. So when I saw a North Chapter, I told my husband, “Enough is enough—I’m going to one of these gatherings!”

And so, we attended our first event. I loved it so much! It was a completely new and different experience for me. I’m still planning to join another session, and then another, but you know how it goes… life happens.

I met Jessica and Siobhan, such lovely ladies and wonderful hosts, and I asked them a few questions to learn more about where it all began.

1. How, where, why did the Silent Book Club start?

      SN: Silent Book Club (SBC) is a global community of readers with over 1,500 chapters in 54 countries. It began in San Francisco in 2012. Unlike traditional book clubs, SBC doesn’t require assigned reading or discussions—attendees simply bring their own books (e-books, audiobooks, comics, etc.) and enjoy an hour of quiet reading in a public space, such as a café or library. After reading, participants are welcome to socialize if they wish.

      For more information visit https://silentbook.club/pages/about-us

      JB: Silent Book Club was founded by two friends in the U.S. in 2012, and since then, “chapters” have been popping up all over the world. Shawn, originally from the U.S. but living in South Africa for several years, started the Cape Town Chapter in 2024.

      I came across SBC and was immediately intrigued. I attended my first gathering in late 2024, where Shawn mentioned he was looking for someone to help set up a chapter in the Northern Suburbs, as his gatherings were mostly held in the Southern Suburbs, CBD, and Deep South.

      Siobhan and I—strangers at the time—both volunteered and decided to start the Cape Town North Chapter, specifically focused on the Northern Suburbs to help make SBC more accessible to book lovers on this side of the boerewors curtain.

      We held our first gathering in November 2024 at Col’Cacchio in Durbanville and have since been meeting once or twice a month. The community continues to grow!

      2. How did you get involved?

      JB: My personal “why” is simple, I love books! I have been reading since I was a young child and it has brought me so much joy. I absolutely love the idea of being able to bring people together over a shared love of books, and that is what SBC represents for me!

      SN: Shawn launched the Cape Town Chapter in May 2024, and the gatherings were drawing around 150 people each month. Jess and I met at one of these events, held in the Northern Suburbs, in October 2024. It was my first SBC gathering, and I was immediately hooked. During the event, Shawn mentioned that, due to the chapter’s growth, he was looking for volunteers to assist with the Northern Suburbs—and that’s when Jess and I decided we’d love to help!

      3. Apart from running this chapter, what do you do for a living?

      JB: I am an occupational therapist by profession, working with adults in in-patient rehabilitation. I also teach children’s yoga.

      SN: I’ve been a travel agent for 10 years, and now I run my own business as an Independent Travel Manager. This is my true passion! I love traveling and enjoy helping people turn their dream trips into reality, being a part of their travel journey every step of the way.

      4. How did you get into reading?

      JB: My parents both loved reading, so there was always some sort of reading material around! My dad read whatever he could put his hands on, and my mom loved audiobooks – so it has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.

      As a child, my dad had a subscription to the Readers Digest magazine, and he always used to keep these on his bedside. I used to love reading the short stories in the Readers Digest and I remember reciting them to my parents as well.

      I was a shy, conservative child and books offered a new world of imagination for me, and a bit of respite from the crazy world around me.

      SN: I guess you could say I was quite the bookworm growing up. I loved getting lost in different stories—those kinds of books that pull you in from the very first page and never let go. Every new story was an adventure, and I couldn’t wait to see where each one would take me!

      5. What is your favourite book to recommend, and why?

      JB: One of my favourite books to recommend is A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.

      SN: When it comes to authors, Jodi Picoult is at the top of my list! But my favourite book of all time is The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. The book captivated the timeless themes of hope, sacrifice and courage. And who doesn’t enjoy a little bit of Magic!

      6. Favourite bookish quote?

      JB: Favourite bookish quote? I am unashamedly a massive Harry Potter fan, as this was the first series of books I read as a child. I love the messages and the life lessons these books hold, but one of my favourites has to be:

      “It is our choices, Harry, that show who we truly are, far more than our abilities.”

      SN:

      “I wish, as well as everybody else, to be perfectly happy; but, like everybody else, it must be in my own way.” – Sense and Sensibility, Jane Austin.

      7. Where can we find you (the book club)? (Facebook/Instagram etc.)

      JB: @cptnorthsilentbookclub

      SN: https://www.instagram.com/cptnorthsilentbookclub/

      8. What is one bookish thing you do (dog-earing pages, looking at how long the chapter is, reading the end of the book before starting etc.)?

      JB: I keep a note page in my phone with my favourite quotes from all the books I read! I have also gotten into the habit of listening to an audiobook and reading a physical book at the same time-haha. One for my drives and one for home.

      SN: I definitely tend to first look at how long a chapter is before starting!

      We’ll see you at the next one! Be sure to follow them on Instagram so you don’t miss anything

      For those in the Southern Subarbs: cptsilentbookclub.

      E xx

      Reasons to stay alive – Matt Haig

      How do you rate a memoir or biography? Is it even fair to rate one? These are the questions that keeps me awake at night.

      I rated this memoir. I liked it, but not as much as I thought.

      It was a 4-star for me. Read more about my rating system here.

      There’s nothing particularly wrong with it. It reads more like a collection of thoughts and feelings, but I suppose that’s the nature of dealing with depression and anxiety. I should know.

      I LOVED the lists, and although I didn’t relate to most of it, everyone experiences anxiety and depression differently. I think this book will help a lot of people. I certainly took away some great tidbits.

      I love that Matt shares a list, such as ‘How to Live (Forty Pieces of Advice I Feel to Be Helpful but Don’t Always Follow)’—because we all do this. We create lists and ideas, yet 90% of the time, we don’t follow them (hint, hint).

      One thing that particularly stood out for me was –

      ‘Don’t believe in good or bad, or winning of losing, or victory and defeat, or up and down. At your lowest and at your highest, whether you are happy or despairing or calm or angry, there is a kernel of you that stays the same. That is the you that matter.’

      How profound!

      One other thing from this list that I also loved is –

      ‘Read a book without thinking about finishing it. Just read it. Enjoy every word, sentence, and paragraph. Don’t wish for it to end, or for it to never end’

      I am most definitely changing my reading style after that.

      He provides practical and meaningful examples of how to support someone with depression or anxiety. I love this. I don’t always know how to express it, and he put it into words for me.

      I didn’t read this as a self-help book. I read it as Matt’s thoughts, feelings, and tips—that’s how it felt. His raw experience is what I treasure.

      He wrote down ‘Things That Make Me Worse’—some of which I can relate to. He then follows with ‘Things That (Sometimes) Make Me Better’. The word ‘sometimes’ is so important because not everything works all the time, and that’s something we need to understand. Today, my cup of coffee might fix everything (sorry for the pressure, buddy), but tomorrow, it might not help at all.

      It was a quick read. It was a very easy read Some parts resonated with me, while others didn’t.

      If you have depression or anxiety, or know someone who does—whether it’s a friend or loved one—I highly recommend reading this. It’s worth it.

      I’m going to sit down now and make my own two lists. I think it will be a good exercise.

      E xx

      75 Hard…okay, Soft

      It’s been almost a year since I took on this challenge. Currently, I’m busy with a new 75 Soft, though it’s not going as well as it did last year—that’s a story for another time. Let me tell you about our challenge last year.

      I needed to change something—anything. I was stuck in a slump.

      In 2021, I created a group with two of my friends where we shared what we were up to and motivated each other to get moving or tackle tasks we had been putting off. So, what better place to start than by asking my friends to join me and help me make the changes I needed?

      On May 6th, 2024, we started our 75 (Hard) Soft challenge. If you’re unfamiliar with the 75 Hard challenge, you can read more about it here. The beauty of this challenge is that you can use the list as a guide and tailor it to your own needs—which is exactly what we did. Here’s how it went.

      I wanted to get moving, read more, and build healthy habits for both my home and myself. My five things were:

      • Drink 2L of water a day
      • Move for 30 minutes
      • Dress for success
      • Read 10 pages
      • Clean the kitchen

      Let’s break it down.

      Drink 2L of water a day

      Apart from the fact that our bodies need water to survive, it also has countless health benefits. I once had renal tubular inflammation—it was incredibly painful. After that experience, I promised myself I would never neglect water again. But guess what? I did. And to this day, I’m still terrified of going through that again, which is why I made water intake a priority in this challenge.

      At the beginning, I really struggled. I don’t like drinking water—I swear my body runs on coffee. But deep down, I knew it would benefit not only my overall health but also help me manage my diabetes.

      Looking back, I probably shouldn’t have jumped from drinking little to no water straight to 2 liters a day. It was a real challenge. Some nights, I’d be sitting there at 10 PM with a full liter still left to drink. But over time, I started noticing the benefits—better glucose levels, reduced hunger, proper hydration, and cutting down on coffee and calorie-loaded soft drinks.

      I remember nearing the end of the challenge, I just wanted day 75 to arrive so I could take a break from drinking so much water—haha!

      Next time, I’ll do things differently. Instead of forcing myself to hit an arbitrary number, I’ll find my own ‘sweet spot’—the amount of water I feel comfortable with—and start from there.

      Move for 30 minutes

      I hate exercise. Funny enough, in my 20s, I was really active—I used to run, go to the gym, bike, hike… you name it. Looking back, though, I wasn’t necessarily happy, but staying active did help with my diabetes management.

      This time around, I wasn’t aiming to become super fit; I just wanted to move again so I wouldn’t feel so stiff. My goal was simple—30 minutes of any kind of movement, whether it was stretching, Pilates, gym, walking, or swimming.

      Did it make a difference? Yes, yes it did. Did I enjoy it? No. Most of the time, it felt like a chore. Will I do it again? Maybe.

      But one thing I did realise—any bit of movement is necessary. It doesn’t matter what form it takes.

      Dress for success (sing it like Roxette!)

      Working from home has been an absolute blessing. But as we all know, it’s easy to slip into that ‘slouchy’ look—because, really, who’s going to know?

      I’m not a fan of working in my PJs, and I remember during lockdown, my neighbor told me she got dressed and put on makeup every day as if she were going to the office. She said it helped her stay focused and avoid falling into a slump.

      I set this challenge for myself because joggers and crew necks were my go-to—especially in winter. And you know what? It made a difference. I felt fancy, and it forced me to dig deep into my wardrobe and get creative with what I already owned. In the process, I figured out what was comfortable and what I didn’t actually like wearing. I ended up donating the items I knew I’d never wear again.

      This was a good one, and I really enjoyed it! Here are my outfits from the 75 days.

      Read 10 pages

      This seemed like a no-brainer—something that should be easy. But nope! I completely misjudged the actual work involved in reading 10 pages a day.

      I’m an avid reader, and it’s my absolute favorite hobby. Looking back, I should have phrased this challenge differently. The moment I attached a specific page count to it, it started feeling like a task rather than something I enjoyed.

      That said, I stuck with it—I read 10 pages (sometimes more, depending on the book) every single day. But some nights, I found myself reading at 11:30 PM just to hit that number, and honestly, it wasn’t worth it.

      Next time, I’ll include this challenge again—but without a fixed number. Reading should be about joy, not obligation.

      Clean the kitchen

      My kitchen doesn’t look like one of those ‘let’s-clean-the-dirtiest-kitchen’ episodes on YouTube. I promise. The issue stemmed from the fact that, after the party’s over and dinner is done, the kitchen often gets forgotten, and I’d just go to bed. We all know that ‘I’ll do it in the morning’ routine—yup, that was me.

      So, I added this rule: the kitchen had to be tidied up before bed—counters wiped, stovetop cleaned, all dishes rinsed and neatly stacked in the scullery, and the rest (dishwasher-safe dishes) put in the dishwasher (not left on top).

      Did I do it? Yes, yes I did. And it made such a difference! In the morning, I no longer dreaded walking into a messy kitchen. I could start my day without scrambling to clean up before work. This has become a solid habit now, and for that, I’m really thankful.

      I absolutely loved doing this, especially with my friends. It was so motivating and empowering. There’s almost nothing more satisfying than setting a challenge and completely acing it. I was so proud of myself, and I will definitely do it again.

      That being said, I did take a break after the challenge ended. It’s hard work! No, I didn’t stop reading, and I didn’t stop cleaning my kitchen, but I just took it slow.

      This year, we’re doing it again, and I’ll let you know how it went once the 75 days are over.

      E xx

      Foxy

      Here’s what I know. My heart is broken. It looks like this 💔.

      My ‘hondjie’, my ‘seun’, my ‘seuntjie’, foxeloxy, it was unexpected and completely too sudden. I thought you were going to be with us for much longer.

      Now you’re just gone. You’re no longer lying by the gate, waiting so that I can say, “But we’ll be back soon,” and when we return, “Hello, boy, I’m going to open now”.

      All the leftover sauces must now be washed down the drain because there’s no longer a bowl of dogfood I can soak in.

      I can’t ask, “Do you want a cookie?” or “Shall we go for a walk?” and then have you freak out. You were so incredibly fond of walks. And you’d just open the car door and jump in to ride along.

      You climbed so deep into everyone’s hearts. People along the way would stop me because they just wanted to give you a scratch or a hug. You were always so happy. You had the most beautiful personality.

      I’m going to miss that smile on your face. I’m going to miss our hugs. I’m going to miss how you were always so close by. I’m going to miss how you never minded the kittens – as if they weren’t even there. You were so happy when you were at Grandpa and Grandma’s and when you scared the people in the street by the gate. And then your tail would wag.

      I miss you, Foxy. You came when I needed you. You were love itself. Know that your grandpawrents and family loved you dearly.

      Go chase those bunnies you always chased under the bed in your dreams.

      I love you. Thank you for everything.

      27 December 2024 ✝️

      A Court of Mist and Fury #2

      Synopsis

      Feyre survived Amarantha’s clutches to return to the Spring Court–but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can’t forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin’s people.

      Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might just be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two.

      Source: https://sarahjmaas.com/books/a-court-of-mist-and-fury/

      My Thoughts

      This review is more about the feelings I had while reading this book. For my thoughts on the world-building and the start of the series, you can find my review of the first book here.

      It seems I am now adding Fantasy to my list of genres. We’ll see how I feel after I finish the series.

      This book was jam-packed with so many details and twists, and oh, my heart! It gave me all the feels!

      Happiness and “aww, sweet man” moments were felt. Giddiness! I gasped. I said “oh shit” out loud (this doesn’t happen often). I felt angsty. I got angry, so, so angry. Hate was felt very strongly. Sadness played a role. And then satisfaction and “YES” ruled at the end.

      I cannot wait to see where Elain’s and Nesta’s stories are going.

      I really enjoyed this one. The characters developed beautifully, and the story and plot thickened even more.

      I have a feeling that the next book is going to be even more jam-packed.

      So, on to the next book!

      E xx

      Olive

      Synopsis

      OLIVE is many things.

      Independent.
      Adrift.
      Anxious.
      Loyal.
      Kind.
      She knows her own mind.

      And it’s ok that she’s still figuring it all out, navigating her world without a compass. But life comes with expectations, there are choices to be made and – sometimes – stereotypes to fulfil. So when her best friends’ lives branch away towards marriage and motherhood, leaving the path they’ve always followed together, she starts to question her choices – because life according to Olive looks a little bit different.

      Moving, memorable and a mirror for every woman at a crossroads, OLIVE has a little bit of all of us. Told with great warmth and nostalgia, this is a modern tale about the obstacle course of adulthood, milestone decisions and the ‘taboo’ about choosing not to have children.

      Source:https://www.emmagannon.co.uk/books

      My Thoughts

      I simply loved it. I loved it.

      I resonate with Olive SO much and this is the first book I have read about a woman who chooses not to have children. The topic was handled with flair.

      I enjoyed the characters and their development throughout. I loved the dynamics of the 4 friends and it came so close to my heart. The topic of friendship was also executed with finesse.

      I even learned a few things about myself and that is saying something.

      The writing was easy and I did not have to figure out anything. I was invested from the start.

      If you are someone who chose not to have children and feel lost, uncertain, even judged – please read this. Firm recommendation from my side.

      I am still crushing my TBR (to be read) pile! Only 6 more to go!

      On to the next book!

      E xx

      A Court of Thorns and Roses #1

      Warning – May contain Spoilers.

      Synopsis

      When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not truly a beast, but one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

      As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for the faerie, Tamlin, transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she’s been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow over the faerie lands is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it . . . or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

      Source: https://sarahjmaas.com/books/a-court-of-thorns-and-roses/

      My Thoughts

      This is not my usual genre, so it is safe to say that it is outside my comfort zone. However, I am a Twilight fan, and this fact, among others, seems like a good enough reason to give this a go. My husband has been begging me to read this series, as he is a fantasy fan and loved it. When I saw that Tandem would be hosting an ACOTAR read-along, it seemed like a good idea to finally get into it.

      I was nervous because I was scared that I wouldn’t like it at all and that it would be a disappointment. I am happy to say that I was wrong, and I really liked this book—though not as much as everyone else. In my defense, it is not my usual genre.

      I enjoyed the world-building, I liked the characters, and I liked the fact that they are flawed but grow—this is always a win for me. There’s nothing worse than flat characters.

      Later in the book, after having so many questions, Alis shared everything with Feyre. I feel that this was a bit of information overload, but it tied everything together—though not entirely. There is one missing piece, and this left me guessing. I like that!

      What I liked most was that I was guessing the whole time. I was also constantly asking questions and wondering what was happening. I just needed to keep reading because I was so invested.

      This did give me a little bit of Twilight vibes, but I’m not complaining—I’m a fan!

      Out of everything, I can’t get parts of one particular passage (Chapter 19) out of my head—

      “There you are. I’ve been looking for you”, said a deep, sensual male voice I’d never heard.

      I stepped out of the shelter of my saviour’s arm and turned to thank him. Standing before me was the most beautiful man I’d ever seen.

      All in all, since this is not my usual genre, it’s a solid 4-star read, and I do want to continue with the rest of the series. All in good time, though.

      I think it’s safe to say that if you liked any of these—Beauty and the Beast, Twilight, The Hunger Games, and Game of Thrones—you will enjoy ACOTAR. It has a bit of everything.

      This was read as part of a read-along. We had daily prompts and questions to answer. Please have a look at my Instagram story highlight here and join the conversation. I really had to tap into my creative juices, and there are a few reels and posts as well.

      Thank you once again to Tandem and Bloomsbury for this oppertunity. I had fun!

      On to the next book!

      E xx

      Hidden Pictures

      Synopisis

      Fresh out of rehab, 23-year-old Mallory Quinn finds the perfect new job: Working as a babysitter in the idyllic suburb of Spring Brook, New Jersey.

      She’s caring for a five-year-old boy named Teddy who loves to draw — but as his pictures turn increasingly sinister, Mallory suspects supernatural forces at work.

      With help from an eccentric neighbor and a handsome landscaper, Mallory investigates a long-ago murder on the property—and discovers that Teddy’s strange drawings might be pointing her to the culprit…

      Source: http://www.jasonrekulak.com/

      My Thoughts

      I bought this book in October 2023 during my trip to Johannesburg for my work’s forum.

      I wanted to write a review for this one, but instead of annotating or just writing down an opinion, I decided to keep some kind of journal.

      I started the book on July 6th.

      It is so easy to read thus far, and I just do not want to put it down. I like all the pictures except for when it starts getting strange (you will know when). My word. I actually had a bit of an “oh my word” moment. I am actually kind of scared if I am brutally honest with myself. But, I am intrigued.

      We will see if all is kosher with this family. I suspect some irregularities.

      I would love to keep on reading, but I have a date tomorrow (well, later today as it is past midnight) and a long drive. Let’s just say, things are getting interesting and I am here for it!

      27% done in 2 days. This is quite a pace for me.

      13/07: Geez, journaling went out the window a bit. I am very invested in this book. I enjoy the characters and the bat-shit-crazy stuff happening.

      This is one of those books you want to read and do not want to read. You want to because you want to know what happens. You do not want to because then it will end. Yes!! I love these!

      I am sure if I did not have adult responsibilities, this would have been finished already, but alas – I am still reading.

      It is Saturday, so let’s see if I can finish this before the Wimbledon Women’s Final this afternoon.

      Still Saturday the 14th…. Whoa! What a book, people!!! My word. I enjoyed this a lot. Definitely a recommendation if you like mystery and a little bit of thrill.

      I enjoyed the story. I was constantly guessing, and the surprises were real surprises! There was not one character that I disliked, and I adore how the book ended.

      Well done, Jason! A 5-star read for sure! If you are not familiar with my rating system, you can check if out here.

      I am crushing my TBR (to be read) pile! Only 7 more to go!

      On to the next book!

      E xx