writer/author

Kristen Gibson

HAPPY SPRING READS AND ENTERTAINMENT 


Now that spring is here, let’s dive into some of the season’s food, flowers, and entertainment. It’s a great time to celebrate longer days and recharge. Use the abundance of spring produce coming into season and try one of these 32 Vegetarian Dinners You’ll Want to Make This Spring. Sip on one of these 15 Cocktails and Mocktails Just Right for Spring Brunches. Then treat yourself to one or more of these 47 Spring Cookies to Celebrate Warmer Days.  


Earth Friendly Books

Pansies: How to Grow, Reimagine, and Create Beauty with Pansies and Violas by Brenna Estrada (New release)


How Can I Help? Saving Nature With Your Yard by Douglas W. Tallamy (April 8 release)


Mysteries and More

Easter Bonnet Murder by Leslie Meier
Searching for clues to the disappearance of fellow resident of the Heritage House senior center, Lucy Stone sees the darker side of things. 
“Known for its cheerful staff and elaborate annual Easter Bonnet Contest, the Heritage House senior center regularly attracts new residents and positive press. But once the town’s retired librarian, Miss Julia Tilley, checks in to recover from an illness, Lucy sees a side of the facility that isn’t quite so perfect and pristine. And the place may soon be making headlines for different reasons following an unexplained disappearance…
Lucy can’t fathom how Agnes Neal could go missing from assisted living over a silly Easter bonnet contest, or why so few seem concerned as signs point to foul play. A retired journalist with an independent mind, Agnes had an eye for details and little interest in conforming to catty cliques or rules set by her caretakers—traits that threatened some and angered others. While police stall the investigation without answers, Lucy realizes backstabbing has no age limit when alarming parallels bloom between her daughter’s college frenemies and social circles at Heritage House. Gathering clues as flimsy as a half-eaten milk chocolate bunny, Lucy must hop to it and discover what happened to Agnes—before her own story becomes another springtime tragedy left unsolved.” (Barnes & Noble)​

Acts of Violets by Kate Collins (A Flower Shop Mystery)
Flower-themed mysteries for spring? Yes, please. Plus, these have been around long enough to have a whole series and have been made into Hallmark movies, so you can read and watch as much as you’d like. “During the annual Pickle Fest, Abby’s boyfriend Marco inexplicably disappears for a day. When he returns, he’s the main suspect in the death of a clown. It seems the cops have found Snuggles pushing up water-spurting daisies—and Marco was the last person seen leaving Snuggle’s house. Although Marco is still a mystery to her, Abby knows he’s innocent. Now she has to find a way to prove it.


The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett 
A childhood classic first published in 1911. It’s on my list to reread and see how it has aged. Plus, we could all benefit from some healing and gardening. “On the grounds of Misselthwaite, her Uncle Archibald’s estate near the Yorkshire moors, nine-year-old Mary Lennox finds a walled-in-garden that has been locked securely for years. With the help of Dickon Sowerby, a young local boy who can charm animals, Mary cultivates the garden, an experience that both improves her health and raises her spirits. Ultimately, the secret garden proves beneficial not only to Mary, but to her sickly cousin Colin, whom her estranged uncle has locked away in solitude following the death of his beloved wife, Colin’s mother. Nurtured with love and tenderness, the secret garden proves it has the power to heal the heart.” (Barnes & Noble)


The 23 Best Spring Movies to Get Rid of Your Winter Blues (Cosmopolitan)

Not sure I’d put all of these on my best of list, but there are some solid choices. Plus, there are a few new to me ones I’ll have to check out. Maybe one will help you shake off those winter blues.


Twisters (Prime Video)

Want to add some adventure and suspense to your spring? We have this on our watch list.

“The blockbuster disaster epic returns with whirlwind thrills as Kat and Tyler, rival storm chasers with distinct styles, race to survive a tornado season like no other.” (Amazon Prime)

Happy spring!
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