writer/author

Kristen Gibson

SPRING READS AND ENTERTAINMENT 

This season we are looking forward to more sun, more rain, bright, bursting blooms, and a bumper crop of fresh produce. Here are some fun food and entertainment ideas to enjoy as we head into the season of warmth and renewal. Try one of these 10 Vegetarian Dinners That Celebrate Spring or 15 Spring Breakfasts That Are Ready in 15 Minutes or Less if you’re eager to spring ahead.  

Books

Funny Story by Emily Henry

An unexpected pairing makes for a spicy love story. Daphne’s fiancé, Peter, leaves her for his best friend since childhood, Petra. Daphne is then forced out of the home she shared with Peter when they moved to his hometown of Waning Bay, Michigan. She must move in with Petra’s ex, Miles, as it makes the most sense, at least temporarily. Their forced proximity allows Daphne and Miles time to commiserate and develop a friendship while trying to get on with their newly single lives. During a reunion with Peter, Daphne makes an impulsive decision and claims she and Miles are dating just to make Peter jealous. A plan is then hatched to make both their exes jealous. Soon Daphne and Miles find themselves having fun and falling for each other. This book is being adapted into a movie, so you still have time to read this hot rom-com before you see it.

Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano 

Finlay Donovan is a mama writer struggling to raise her children and meet a book deadline post-divorce. During a lunch meeting at Panera, Finlay shares the plot for her next book, gets mistaken for a hit woman, and then gets entangled in a real murder plot. Trying to unravel the mystery and stay mostly murder-free makes for a humorous and interesting page-turner. It’s also got a full cast of family, sidekicks, love interests, and bad guys. This first book in the series is a great place to start.

Belly Up by Stuart Gibbs 

This is the first in a middle-grade series great for kids and families. Henry the Hippo, the new main attraction at a Texas animal park dies. Teddy Fitzroy is the 12-year-old investigator who suspects foul play and gets wrapped up in the investigation. His mother’s work as a primatologist and his father’s work as a wildlife photographer along with the ten years the family spent working and living in the Congo help inform Teddy’s investigations. This is a fun series that includes mystery, action, humor, and teaches readers about animals and their welfare. 

Entertainment

The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave 
We watched the first season on AppleTV+ and enjoyed it so much, we’re now deep into season two. Watch the show or read the book for the mystery, suspense, family drama, and some very interesting twists and turns. It doesn’t hurt that the show has a stellar cast including: Jennifer Garner, Angourie Rice, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, and David Morse for starters. 
This book description gives you an idea of how it all begins. “Before Owen Michaels disappears, he smuggles a note to his beloved wife of one year: Protect her. Despite her confusion and fear, Hannah Hall knows exactly to whom the note refers—Owen’s sixteen-year-old daughter, Bailey. Bailey, who lost her mother tragically as a child. Bailey, who wants nothing to do with her new stepmother. With its breakneck pacing, dizzying plot twists, and evocative family drama, The Last Thing He Told Me is a riveting mystery, certain to shock you with its final heartbreaking turn.” (Barnes and Noble)  

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Looking for some music suggestions? Here is a list from Billboard of the 15 Best Songs About Spring Flowers, Showers & Everything In Between.

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Enjoy!
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