November Favorites 📖💅🏽

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How did November go by in the blink of an eye? It’s wild that we are already in December. This year has somehow felt both impossibly long and unbelievably fast. For reading and nails, November was a great month. I had one standout holiday read that earned a full five stars and I also discovered a new nail brand that has me questioning if I ever want to go back to anything else.

📖 Favorite read of the month: Grace & Henry’s Holiday Movie Marathon

Thank you Dell Romance, Random House, PRH audio for the free copy of Grace & Henry’s Holiday Movie Marathon by Matthew Norman.

After losing their spouses, Grace and Henry are pushed together by their well-meaning mothers but neither is ready to date. Instead, they form a gentle friendship through a Christmas movie marathon that helps them heal and wonder if love might be possible again.

Grace & Henry’s Holiday Movie Marathon deserves all the stars! I absolutely loved how Matthew integrated beloved holiday movies into the storyline. Grace and Henry were wonderful characters and I appreciated that we got to see both of their perspectives. It was moving to watch how each of them navigated grief and began finding their way forward. Their banter and growing friendship were so sweet and tender. I especially loved how Henry connected with Grace’s children, Ian and Bella which was truly touching. The moments when Henry reminisced about his late wife, Brynn, and when Grace spoke to her late husband were both heartbreaking and beautifully written. The story flowed seamlessly. The supporting characters, including both families, added so much warmth. I also definitely recommend listening to the audiobook! The narrators did a fantastic job bring Grace and Henry to life. I highly recommend picking this one up, but keep a tissue nearby while reading! 

💅🏽 Favorite manicure: Dazzle Dry Heart’s Caress

I discovered Dazzle Dry in mid-November and wow it is a total game changer! I’m genuinely unsure if I’ll go back to my other brands anytime soon. It is easy to apply, everything you need comes in the kit, and the top coat dries in under five minutes. Once it is dry, you can literally go on with your day. It lasts a full week on me which means I can switch colors when I want to instead of when my manicure chips. It also helps my nails grow without any strengthening treatments and leaves them feeling strong overall. It looks like gel but applies and removes like regular polish. I quit gel back in May and finally found a regular polish system that lasts beyond 4-5 days. This one has been a great find and can’t wait to try other shades!

October Favorites 📖💅

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October flew by and I can’t believe we’re already in the final month of fall! This month came with some truly stellar reads, but it was also when I had the most DNFs. I’ve learned that if I’m not hooked within the first few chapters or first 30 pages, it’s best to move on, and it has made reading so much more enjoyable overall.

📚 Favorite Reads of the Month

Instead of choosing just one, I wanted to highlight my three five-star reads from October. Full reviews can be found on Goodreads:

The Mating Game by Lana Ferguson – Thank you Berkley Romance for the free ARC, releases December 2.

Mate by Ali Hazelwood – Target edition

Secret Haven by Catherine Cowles

💅 Favorite Manicure

Lights Lacquer The Restricted Section

Lights Lacquer’s The Restricted Section is a deep gray-green polish with a fine shimmer finish. I was surprised by how much I loved this one since shimmers are usually out of my comfort zone, but it perfectly captured the fall and spooky vibes this month.

Sparrow Falls Inspired Bookish Crafts

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The Sparrow Falls series by Catherine Cowles has become one of my all-time favorites. Each book blends small-town romance, healing, and just the right touch of suspense. While waiting for the final book, Secret Haven, to release later this month, I decided to create something special inspired by the series.

This is the first book-inspired Kindle insert and charm set I’ve created, and I loved every part of the process. It felt like the perfect way to say farewell to a series that’s meant so much to me.

✨ The Charm Set

Each charm represents one of the books in the series:

  • 🐾 Fragile Sanctuary • Rhodes’ dog
  • 🌸 Delicate Escape • Thea’s garden
  • 🧁 Broken Harbor • Sutton’s bakery and Colt’s love for her cupcakes
  • 🥊 Beautiful Exile • Arden and Linc’s boxing gloves
  • 🎀 Chasing Shelter • Keely’s bow
  • 🖋 Secret Haven • Kye’s tattoo machine pen

It was so fun choosing details from each story. I also added mountain and heart charms to represent the full series as a whole.

Here’s another photo including my favorite pop socket featuring my dog and dust plug (I purchased both of these):

September Favorites 📖💅

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It’s officially spooky season! 🎃 The first day of fall 🍂 and my birthday 🎂 both passed last week so it feels like the perfect time to share a few September favorites. Instead of spotlighting just one book, I’m highlighting a whole series I devoured this month along with the mani I loved most.

📖 Favorite Series I Read: Tattered & Torn by Catherine Cowles

This series has been sitting on my TBR for ages. I finally dove in after realizing I already owned the first two books (one of them signed!), and I’m so glad I did. Honestly, I’m kicking myself for waiting so long. Tattered & Torn might just be my favorite Catherine Cowles series yet, tied closely with Sparrow Falls.

Here’s how I’d rank the five books, from favorite to least favorite:

  1. Tattered Stars (Book 1)
  2. Fractured Sky (Book 5)
  3. Shattered Sea (Book 4)
  4. Hidden Waters (Book 3)
  5. Falling Embers (Book 2)

If you’ve enjoyed Catherine Cowles’ Sparrow Falls series or like romantic suspense that balances swoony romance with page-turning tension, the Tattered & Torn series is a must-read.

💅 Favorite Manicure: Lights Lacquer Clueless & Cherry Wine

This month I was all about deep red manis. For my birthday, I decided to go with a red French tip using Lights Lacquer polishes. The base is Clueless and the tips are Cherry Wine. I used the Lights Lacquer nail stamper to get the look. The tips were created easily though cleanup was trickier since Cherry Wine is a bit more liquid than expected. Still, I love how it turned out and it felt so fitting for a birthday mani.

📚Falling Into Romance: Berkley’s September New Releases

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Fall is less than a week a way, spooky season is starting to creep in, and it’s my birthday month! With so much happening, it feels like the perfect time to dive into September’s popular Berkley romance releases. Thank you to Berkley Romance for the free books!

The Princess and the P.I. by Nikki Payne
Pub Date: 9/16/25

Fiona Addai, a famed Reddit detective, finds herself accused of murder when her attempt to expose a ruthless corporation goes wrong. With P.I. Maurice Bennett reluctantly by her side, she has to clear her name while picking up some real detective skills and maybe catching unexpected sparks along the way.

When I heard that Nikki Payne had a new book coming out, I was so excited! I loved her modern Jane Austen retellings and couldn’t wait to see her take a different direction with The Princess & the P.I. I didn’t realize until after finishing the book that Maurice was the younger Bennett brother which made the cameo appearances from the Bennett family even more fun. Fiona was such a great FMC. I really enjoyed watching her character grow as she navigated her strained family relationships. The audiobook narration by Arissa Evans and Jaime Lincoln Smith was fantastic and they truly brought the story to life. The only part that didn’t quite work for me was the chemistry between Fiona and Maurice, but I still thought they made a great team as partners in solving the mystery. As for the mystery itself, Nikki Payne did a terrific job tying everything together with a satisfying ending. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!

The Heartbreak Hotel by Ellen O’Clover
Pub Date: 9/23/25

Reeling from heartbreak and unable to afford her Colorado home after a breakup, Louisa Walsh convinces her landlord Henry to let her stay by turning it into a bed-and-breakfast for the heartbroken. As the Comeback Inn opens its doors, Lou and Henry are drawn together even as secrets threaten their fragile new beginning.

The Heartbreak Hotel is the first book I’ve read by Ellen O’Clover. Unfortunately, this was a miss for me. The story started off strong, but by the midpoint the pacing slowed and the plot took an odd turn. I did enjoy the vivid Colorado setting and the cozy details of the house which gave the book some charm. The story is told entirely from Lou’s perspective. Her chemistry with Henry is nonexistent. Lou’s character growth is nonexistent which was frustrating. I wanted much more depth from Henry. The supporting characters and their personal journeys were the only aspects that held my interest. This book should also come with clear content warnings which were noticeably absent. Overall, this one is skippable.

Soul Searching by Lyla Sage
Pub Date: 9/30/25

Collins Cartwright returns to Sweetwater Peak to help save her parents’ antique shop, but the ghosts she has always relied on have suddenly gone quiet. When she rents a room from newcomer Brady Cooper, their growing connection and a little push from the spirits make her wonder if home might be exactly where she belongs.

Soul Searching is the first book in the Sweetwater Peak series. When Lyla mentioned that this would take place in a neighboring town to Rebel Blue Ranch and include paranormal elements, I was super excited. I loved how she kept the familiar charm of a western small town while also expanding her writing style in new ways. The duet narration by Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor was fantastic and really brought the story to life. Collins and her family were fascinating. I enjoyed seeing the world through her perspective. I just wish there had been more interaction with the ghosts and more depth in that aspect. It was also fun to see cameo appearances from some of the Wilder family. I was glad to get Brady’s perspective, but his character felt underdeveloped and his chapters did not land as strongly for me. I was craving more insight into his personality. While the natural chemistry between Collins and Brady was sweet, the tension I was hoping for was missing. Overall, I would rate this 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars on Goodreads. I am excited for the next book in the series and really hope it features Collins’ twin sister, Clarke.

📚 Discovering Bookish Joy Through Kindle Crafts

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One day while scrolling through TikTok, I came across a video about Kindle charms. A book influencer was showing off the cutest little accessory she had bought from a TikTok shop, and I was instantly intrigued. Down the rabbit hole I went, looking at all the different styles being sold and then I found videos of people making their own which looked even better.

That’s when the wheels started turning. I made a list of supplies, compared the cost of DIY vs. buying ready-made. I realized that if I wanted just one set, purchasing might make sense. But if I wanted several, making them myself would be way more fun and cost efficient. Plus, it felt like the perfect off-screen hobby! I picked up some charms at local craft stores, ordered others online, and got started.

My first charm haul from Michaels for upcoming DIYs.

To my surprise, I loved it. I’ve made three sets for myself, one for a friend, and worked on five more for an Instagram giveaway last week. I enjoy every step from picking a theme to mixing and matching charms. It’s relaxing, it gets me off my phone, and it feels so rewarding to actually use what I’ve made.

Fairytale inspired charms I made for an Instagram giveaway hosted Sep 2-8th.

Once I got hooked on charms, TikTok nudged me toward Kindle inserts. Sellers offered seasonal and themed designs that were cute, but not always my style. When I discovered DIY tutorials, my creativity exploded. Making inserts were inexpensive. I loved that I could design ones that matched my mood like seasonal vibes, favorite quotes, or bookish themes I connected with.

Turned Pinterest inspo into a fall Kindle insert & made a ghost dust plug.

With inserts mastered, I thought why not try dust plugs too? Since I already had the supplies, I followed a TikTok tutorial and was surprised at how easy they were to make.

Lastly, I revisited something I’d always known about but never explored fully: Kindle screensavers. Inspired by all the charms and inserts, I started experimenting with custom screens. Now, whenever I close my Kindle, it feels like an extension of my reading life and personal style.

Created a customized kindle screensaver.

What I love most about this new obsession is how inspiring it’s been. Instead of doom-scrolling, I’m using TikTok to fuel creativity. What started as a random scroll has turned into one of my favorite ways to mix books, creativity, and comfort.

August Favorites 📖💅

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As August slips away, we’re still in the middle of a heatwave as September begins, which comes as no surprise. I’ve already got fall on my mind and just need the weather to catch up. Here are two standouts from the past month that brought me joy: a gripping first book in a brand new series by thriller queen Karin Slaughter, and a dazzling Lights Lacquer polish that has me craving fall more than ever.

📖 Favorite book I read: We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter

Thank you William Morrow for the free advanced copy of We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter.

In the small town of North Falls, the disappearance of two teenage girls during the fireworks proves that no one truly knows each other. Officer Emmy Clifton, burdened by guilt, is determined to find them and uncover the secrets the town has been hiding.

Karin Slaughter is an auto-read author for me so it was no surprise that her latest book, We Are All Guilty Here (the first in the North Falls series), is a 5-star read! This is one of those books you should go into without knowing too many details so you can experience every surprise. This slow-burn police procedural had me on my toes until the very end. I thought I had it all figured out, but twist after twist kept me guessing and I could not put it down. The emotional, deeply flawed characters hit me to my core. Slaughter did an incredible job weaving together two timelines with enough clarity to keep me fully invested. There were moments that felt heavy where I truly sympathized with Emmy or Jude and moments that left me completely shell-shocked. Highly recommend picking this one up. Now I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

💅Favorite Manicure: Lights Lacquer Saddle Up

Saddle Up is part of the Lights Lacquer Headed West fall collection. I’m actually surprised that I chose another red as my favorite given that I don’t really wear red manis that much. I’m obsessed with how this specific shade reminds me of fall. I love how opaque and creamy it is. This will definitely be a repeat mani this upcoming season!

Fall may not be here yet, but my TBR and polish picks are already there. 

📚The Kindle Switch That Changed How I Read

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Last month, I did something I never thought I would: I traded my Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition for the Kindle Basic.

On paper, it looked like a downgrade. My Paperwhite Signature had lots of storage, warm light, waterproofing, wireless charging, and a 6.8-inch screen. I figured I would miss those features the second I let it go. But here’s the surprising part — I do not.

I never realized how little I actually used the 32gb storage and warm light. Th 16gb is more than enough and I found that I read better without the warm light. The waterproofing? Nice in theory, but I was not exactly reading in the bathtub or at the beach all the time. And the wireless charging pad? I never had a need for it since I used the cable to charge.

The real magic happened when I switched from 6.8 inches down to 6 inches. That small change made a big difference. The Kindle Basic feels lighter, more compact, and just easier to hold. I reach for it more without even thinking about it. It also fits in more of my bags as well.

And then there’s the color. I went from standard black to the soft, calming Matcha green. I didn’t think it was going to make a huge difference, but it actually changed the whole vibe. It feels more personal, more me. Now when I see it on my desk or in my bag, I want to pick it up.

The best part? The deal I got. I traded in my Paperwhite Signature and got a $30 gift card plus 20% off. I stacked that with a Prime Day discount and my credit card reward points. In the end, my Matcha Kindle Basic cost me about $30 — roughly the price of a new hardcover.

I thought I was giving up the “better” Kindle for something simpler. What I actually did was find the Kindle that fits me best. And now? I am reading more than ever.

July Favorites 📖💅

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This is my first time doing a monthly wrap-up here. On Instagram, I used to share book wrap-ups, but I wanted to go in a different direction this time. Each month, I’ll keep it simple and share two favorites: a book I loved and a manicure that stood out. Here’s what made July special:

Favorite book I read: Chasing Shelter by Catherine Cowles

Chasing Shelter is the fifth book in the Sparrow Falls series. It’s an interconnected standalone, which means you can start with this one, but it’s best enjoyed in order since there are spoilers for couples from the previous books. I was so excited to see Trace finally get his love story with Ellie. These two are perfectly matched, and this book deserves all the stars.

Ellie’s bond with Trace’s daughter, Keely, was one of the sweetest parts of the story. Watching their relationship grow made every scene with them even more heartwarming. It was also great to learn more about Trace’s past and what shaped him into the man he is now. I loved that we still got the fun sibling group chat, Loli’s antics, and the warmth of the found family dynamic. The suspense element was a nice touch too. I predicted one part but not the other and it definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. The epilogue was absolute perfection. Now I’m counting down the days for Fallon and Kyler’s book. I know Catherine will wrap up the series in the best possible way and I’m thrilled that Dex will get his spotlight in the new series!

I also read the sneak peek of Secret Haven and that prologue had me in tears. I can already tell it’s going to be incredible. Plus, I was so happy to see a preview of Across the Vanishing Sky in the KU version. From what I read, it sounds amazing!

Favorite manicure: Lights Lacquer Cherry Wine

Part of July’s Cherry Coated Trio launch, this vampy red shade was the perfect color to transition from summer to fall vibes. I loved wearing it and know it will stay in my regular rotation. I’m already planning to reach for it again soon.

📚 Summer Reading Challenges Aren’t Just for Kids

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Remember the joy of summer reading programs as a kid? Logging books, collecting stickers, and racing to the prize table? Turns out, some libraries still get it and they’re making summer reading fun for adults too! 🙌

Here are 3 SoCal libraries that totally understood the assignment:

📍 Long Beach Public Library

🎮: Level Up at Your Library

🗓️: June 14 – August 9

📖: Read 6 books and earn prizes along the way

🏆: 2 free books, keychain, patch, book light, and tote bag

📍 Los Angeles Public Library

🌳: Summer With the Library Reading Brings Us Together

🗓️: June 1 – August 1

📖: Read 60 minutes each week for at least 3 weeks

🏆: Sticker sheet & exclusive LAPL tote bag

📍 OC Public Library

🎮: Level Up! Summer Reading Challenge

🗓️: June 16 – August 3

📖: Read once a day for 20 days

🏆: Free book from Friends of the Library or a brand new squishmallow

I’m genuinely so grateful to these libraries for making summer reading fun again and not just for kids, but for all of us book lovers! Some other systems offered only grand prize drawings (no guaranteed rewards), but these three? They showed up and handed out the goods.