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Kayla's Only Heart

~ Always learning. Always progressing.

Kayla's Only Heart

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Book Review: The Flatshare

10 Wednesday Mar 2021

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book, book review, love, reader, reading, romance, women's fiction

Beth O’Leary’s debut novel The Flatshare makes such a delightful read. At once like having a drink during a cringeworthy first date and sipping tea with a close friend, it hits all the marks of a comfort read. Tiffy makes a relatable and likable character as she steps from one unfortunate situation to a more awkward one as she lets go of an unhealthy long term relationship. I particularly enjoy how her friends stand by her and how they all give so generously not only to their friend group but their general community. Tiffy and Leon communicate mostly via sticky notes, and it builds the anticipation of their in person meeting so well. Plus, it gives time for them to develop their thoughts and background of each other, which invites the reader into reflection as well. They ease into a friendship and a safe space to work through some of their issues. It also brings to light emotional abuse and gaslighting ramifications, which makes room for readers to consider what makes a healthy relationship and to celebrate the growth from victim to victor. I want to be part of Tiffy’s friend group as another strong woman, and I look forward to O’Leary’s next book releasing soon.

Book Review: The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires

27 Saturday Feb 2021

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book review, books, read, reader, reading, vampires

Sucked right into Grady Hendrix’s The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires, I gripped the pages like a vampire sinks its teeth into its victim. A strong sense of a southern community filled with housewives made a perfect setting for a vampire to sneak into the house next door. The mystery and drama led me through a delightful escape as I grew more interested in the heroine Patricia. It reminded me of Fright Night with an age adjustment and less gore and language. I felt reluctant to return to the real world and continue to yearn to turn these pages again. There will be regular rereads of this in the future. 

Recommended Reading: February 5, 2021

05 Friday Feb 2021

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creative, health, mental health, pop culture, writing

This BP Hope article highlights  foods to fight inflammation. Eating these can boost your physical and mental health.

Cameron Crowe’s classic movie Almost Famous is one of my favorites. As it celebrated its ten year anniversary this fall, the director did an interview with Variety that shares behind the scenes insight.

As a teacher and a writer, I reap the benefits of writing longhand on a daily basis. I’m all for making deeper connections in our brains and using that for personal and professional growth. This especially applies for learning and creative processes.

This New York Times article shares additional creative benefits from exercise. I know I’m thankful for my active life and active imagination. Both keep my spirits up to lead a healthy and meaningful life.

This Book Riot dive into the Twilight soundtracks reminds us of the best part of the series. They have some great music. They don’t mention Collective Soul, but I’d like to remind you of the band and their presence on the first album.

I absolutely adore Valentine’s Day and soak in love in all its angst, glory, and fun through movies, books, and  music throughout the season. To give you a cathartic angst release, I present to you my favorite song to sing. I was pretty excited to realize my physical proximity to Chris Carrabba at the beginning of the pandemic.

Book Review: Marilla of Green Gables

18 Wednesday Nov 2020

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book, book review, reading

Though Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic tale about the beloved Anne Shirley cannot be replaced, Sarah McCoy’s Marilla of Green Gables offers a comforting visit to Prince Edward Island. In this story, we see Marilla’s young adult life before she and her brother Matthew take over Green Gables. It reads like sipping a cup of hot tea while chatting with a best friend as well as while comforting each other during tough times. Each circumstance offers a flavor that makes me want more. As with Montomery’s series, I find myself wishing I could meet the characters.

If you would like your own copy of Marilla of Green Gables, the link takes you to my Bookshop affiliate page. I get a small commission, and we support independent bookstores and authors.

Book Review: Because of Winn-Dixie

30 Friday Oct 2020

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book review, books, children's literature, dogs, friends, hope, Kate DiCamillo, Newbery, support

So far I have adored every Kate DiCamillo story I’ve read, and her Newbery Honor book Because of Winn-Dixie tops my list. Young Opal rescues her new dog Winn-Dixie, but the canine saves Opal as much as Opal saves her. Together, they embark on a journey to find a place to belong. The courage Opal finds with a friend by her side warms my heart, reminding me of the importance of support. Those brave steps forward lead to new friends and shares hope with readers as they sympathize and laugh with Opal. The characters give the story a perfect flair.

*Link is to my Bookshop affiliate page.

Book Review: Keeper of the Lost Cities

23 Friday Oct 2020

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book review, books, fantasy, Keeper of the Lost Cities, middle grade, read, reading, series

After hearing numerous students gush about Shannon Messenger’s middle grade series The Keeper of the Lost Cities, I finally have read the first book myself. It lives up to their hype. Sophie makes a likable, admirable, and relatable protagonist. An encounter at a museum leads her to discover her identity as an elf, and the story follows her adjustment to a new world, family, and friends. Though she feels like an outsider at her new school as much as she did at her human one, she embraces her abilities and explores their potential. Vaguely reminiscent of Harry Potter, I find this a brighter alternative. Messenger achieves a great balance between world building and character development, and I find myself tearing through the pages. I’ve acquired the next installment already and happily reported to my students I enjoyed it (and thanked them for the recommendation).

Book Review: Love Lettering

20 Tuesday Oct 2020

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book, book review, love, reading

Kate Clayborn’s recent Love Lettering invites readers to stroll New York City streets with a hopeful new friend. Meg and Reid met as Meg designed Reid’s wedding program, and he finds his way back to her office a year later because he discovers that she successfully guessed his relationship’s demise. Both at potential turning points in their life, they connect over their new goals. Clayborn utilizes the signs on the streets to give insight into the characters as they progress through their journeys on foot and in their hearts. They get their opportunities to step forward rather than stagnate, leaving readers with a reminder they too can face their obstacles to reach new heights. The signs point the way when they recognize the directives and follow.

Book Review: The Widow of Rose House

16 Friday Oct 2020

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book, book review, fall, reading

Diana Biller’s debut novel The Widow of Rose House invites you into an atmospheric read perfect for the fall season. Though it takes place in a Gothic mansion in Gilded Age New York, it reads more like a modern love story. A possible ghost in a house Alva Webster moves into to restore serves as a vehicle for plot and character development. The setting details provide an escape, and the evolving love story invites reader engagement. Be warned neither the ghost nor the intimate scenes care to close doors. Yet also know Alva holds much more strength than may first meet the eye. This spooky tale has a hopeful outlook and demonstration of love.

Click here to get your own copy from my Bookshop affiliate page.

Book Review: Party of Two

06 Tuesday Oct 2020

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book, book review, books, communication, love, reading, romance

Jasmine Guillory’s latest romance Party of Two surpassed my expectations. With more substance and maturity than her previous stories, these characters had me not only rooting for their relationship but celebrating their personal growth. Lawyer Olivia Monroe and junior senator Max Powell have more age and career experience under their belts than the leads from The Wedding Date and The Proposal, and this serves to their advantage. They have a sense of their values and goals and take the time to consider how their next steps might or might not progress them. The communication and reflection may seem like they would slow down the story, but it allows the readers to savor the romance as well as contemplate healthy relationship adjustments.

Recommended Reading Links

16 Wednesday Sep 2020

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Almost Famous, food, health, healthy, letters, mental health, weekend

Quick and Dirty offers tips for selecting sunscreen. Summer brings sunny times of fun that still require care, and this applies to all seasons.

These healthy foods can prevent clogged arteries. It makes me feel empowered to know I can avoid some damage. The bigger picture of heart health consists of numerous small choices. 

Almost Famous turns 20 this month. I’m having an anniversary celebration weekend. Check out this Entertainment Weekly article for some fun set photos and memories of Cameron Crowe’s masterpiece.

I regularly send and receive letters, and that number has increased during the last several months. It feels good to know I can trust someone enough to share what I write and that they trust me in return. My steady pen pal and best friend has kept me company through supportive letters. This Washington Post article articulates the mental health benefits of letter writing. 

In case you needed more enticement to watch Almost Famous, I present to you the trailer.

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You can't make advances if you don't take chances. These posts share my perspectives of my journey as I step forward, walking in the Light.

Recent Posts

  • Book Review: The Flatshare
  • Book Review: The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires
  • Recommended Reading: February 5, 2021
  • Book Review: Marilla of Green Gables
  • Book Review: Because of Winn-Dixie

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  • Winsome Women Wednesday

RSS my weekly nail creations

  • Starlit Darkness 
              As it felt like I continued to fall deeper into darkness, I reminded myself to keep dreaming positively. My stars matched my pajamas to encourage my sleeping dreams as well.  The following weekend I ventured out with my friends to attend a Taking Back Sunday and The Used concert. Surrounding […]
    KaylasOnlyHeart
  • Falling
          These plain manicures go back to the fall. The season marked a time of change and a new look at my world. Perhaps the perspective in what I held in my hands stole some of the focus and expression I would normally have for my nail art.  I went from a bold […]
    KaylasOnlyHeart
  • Plain Sparkles
    After the Top Shelf plain manicure, I had another plain one with some sparkles added. I just didn’t feel spirited enough to enjoy my me time. I still made myself go through the motions though. I might not have been applying makeup regularly, but I kept my nails polished. The little touches kept me from […]
    KaylasOnlyHeart

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