Finding Evie – Ilana Hepburn

Book Review
Fiction | Emotional | Family | Abuse

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

Finding Evie is a powerful and emotional novel that tells the story of Evie, a young woman who moves to post-war London with a heart full of hope but faces numerous betrayals and struggles in life. The story is narrated through dual timelines, with the present-day storyline following Alice as she uncovers the hidden truths about her family’s past and her estranged grandmother, Evie.

The novel is beautifully written and features well-developed characters that bring depth and complexity to the story. The author’s portrayal of Evie’s life is heart-wrenching and at times difficult to read due to the emotional and physical abuse she endures. The theme of abuse and abandonment is interwoven into the narrative, and the readers will find themselves empathizing with Evie’s plight. I was personally fuming with rage while reading the atrocities committed by her husband, Frank.

The story is captivating, and the plot moves at a steady pace, keeping you engaged throughout. The author’s use of descriptive language creates vivid imagery and transports the reader to post-war London, where they witness the struggles and hardships that Evie faced.

One minor criticism is that the storyline could have been expanded upon, allowing for the full impact of the story to be felt. Even though, there were no loose ends, I was expecting more from the story. Despite this, “Finding Evie” is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged novel that explores the lengths people will go to protect the ones they love.

Overall, “Finding Evie” is a poignant and beautifully written novel that delves into themes of love, abuse, and abandonment. Despite the difficult subject matter, the book manages to convey a message of hope and resilience that will stay with the reader long after the final page.

PS: This was an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC), you can find more about this book on Reedsy Discovery

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Poet in the Park

Dear ol’ poet in the park,
with a smile spread across the face
and hands in the air
you welcome passersby
to stop by your side for a while.
Be it sun or rain,
you’re there all day, every day.
A hope to the hopeless,
a pause for the busy,
a smile for a frown,
a joy for the moody.
When I stopped by and noticed the twinkle in your eyes
I realized that stars don’t just shine bright from afar,
they sing sweet poetic words of melody.

Don’t miss the chance to talk to Garrett Buhl Robinson outside the New York Public Library. *.*

People We Meet on Vacation – Emily Henry

Book Review
Fiction | Love | Friends | Travel

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Alex and Poppy. Poppy and Alex, are the People We Meet on Vacation in this book. It’s an easy, breezy fun read. It’s a book that you can take along with you on a vacation. Read it while sipping on a piña colada or maybe a gin tonic, while chilling at the pool or relaxing by a fireplace, whatever the weather may be. Then lose yourself to Poppy Wright as she’s going to take the lead.

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Thirty-Minute Friend

Daily writing prompt
Describe a random encounter with a stranger that stuck out positively to you.


Ten years ago, on my way to college, I got on my regular bus, which was fortunately not crowded and had a few vacant seats. I sat by the window and started reading a book that they were teaching in my Literature class, Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. At the next stop, a girl got on the bus and sat next to me. She noticed what I was reading, then smiled at me and asked, “Is that by Daphne du Maurier?” That was the conversation starter. The route to my college usually takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on the traffic. The entire time, we chatted without a pause. We talked about all the books we enjoyed reading, the authors we love, and I cannot forget the enthusiasm with which we would laugh and agree if we both named a book that we mutually enjoyed reading. We also talked a bit about our personal lives, I guess, but I don’t remember much about that. All I know is that her name was Hannah. I did not meet her again but the joy that I felt while talking to her was surreal. I usually dislike and dread conversations with strangers as it makes me very uncomfortable. I do not like small talk, I do not like listening to random people rambling about their life. But with Hannah, it was a two-way conversation about topics of similar interests that brought out the best version of ourselves.

It is strange how we can sometimes connect with strangers, while there are certain people with whom we can spend a lifetime together and still be uncomfortable showing our real side.

Positive Change

Daily writing prompt
Describe one positive change you have made in your life.

Practicing yoga daily has brought a positive change in my life, both physically and emotionally. I recall a time when making time for self-care amidst a demanding work schedule seemed like an unattainable feat. However, prioritizing myself has brought a happy balance into my life.

I took a break from formalities and sat down on the floor.
To bask in the sunlight and look up at the blue skies.
I allowed a moment for myself and let out a content sigh.

Period. End of Sentence.: A New Chapter in the Fight for Menstrual Justice by Anita Diamant

Book Review
Non-fiction | Social Science | Essays | Stories | Support

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Period. End of Sentence.: A New Chapter in the Fight for Menstrual Justice sheds light on the stigmatization of menstruation. It’s time to break the silence around this natural process and educate people about it. Unfortunately, in many developing countries, menstruation is still considered taboo and discussing it openly is discouraged. This lack of education and access to menstrual products leaves women facing numerous challenges, including period poverty, and prevents them from fulfilling basic human needs.

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Toronto: Where Culture, History, and Modernity Meet!

Top Tourist Attractions and Hidden Gems in Toronto

It’s been a while since I last shared my travel experiences, but I’m excited to finally write about my recent trip to Toronto, Canada. Over the course of fifteen days, I had the pleasure of staying with a friend while discovering the city’s many attractions. Planning was key, so I crafted a detailed itinerary that took into account our work schedules and included must-see landmarks and restaurants. Despite having only two weekends to spare, we made the most of our vacation by visiting a plethora of incredible destinations. If you’re planning a trip to Toronto or are a local looking for new spots to check out, I highly recommend these places. Now, let me take you on a journey through my unforgettable experiences!

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The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

#Book Review
Dystopian Futuristic | Feminist | Tragedy | Fiction | Speculative | Oppression | Science Fiction | Disturbing | Powerful |

Rating: 5 out of 5.

What did I just read? I am still in a bit of a daze trying to understand what I just finished reading. It is one of those books which is hard, extremely hard, to review because it’s a masterpiece. Words fall short to describe the greatest novels of all time, The Handmaid’s Tale, being one of them. I started off by feeling super impressed with Margaret Atwood’s style of writing, which is beautifully and brutally rich in description. I made notes, highlighted sentences, and took pictures on my phone while I was still at the first few pages of the book so as to take inspiration from her writing. But I couldn’t continue doing that because I couldn’t allow any interruptions. The more I read the book, the more it asked for my attention, it is captivating and terrifying all at once.

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