Welcome April

April is a reminder that life is a beautiful, ever-renewing cycle.

~ E.E. Cummings

Derry Girls (2018-2022)

L-R: James Maguire, Michelle Mallon, Erin Quinn, Orla McCool and Clare Devlin

The life of a teenager is hard but growing up in a war-torn country fueled by political and religious prejudice...well that's not exactly ideal living. In the mid 90s the town of Londonderry (or just Derry), Northern Ireland is a prime location for bombings and riots from the warring catholic/protestant sides, and also never-ending trouble from 16-year-old Erin Quinn and her best friends. Whether it's sneaking out to a concert (in spite of an escaped polar bear), getting rid of drug infused scones, stressing about their exams, endless conflict and confusion amongst their families and even getting arrested, it's safe to say that there's never a dull moment in Derry.

Content Warning: There is a lot of swearing in this show and sexual content that is more or less implied!

The Adventures of Merlin: Season 3

12 years ago, I wrote the season 2 review for Merlin, thinking that the season 3 review would be following shortly afterwards...

So now here we are...

Anyways, my husband (who knows nothing about Arthurian legends), and I are going through the series, and it has been the best rewatch experience for me! I had totally forgotten what a comfort watch this show is and what sold the show was the very believable bromance between Arthur and Merlin, which gets better and better with every season.

Goodreads Review: A Conjuring of Valor

A Conjuring of Valor: Book Two by J.C. Wade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Valor - great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle

A few months after the events of The White Witches Daughter and Lady Edyth Ruthven nee DeVries is trying to adjust to her new life in the Scottish Highlands. It is not an easy task as she is seen as an English outsider. Although she was acquitted of her crime of witchcraft, she is still looked upon with suspicion due to her medical knowledge of herbs and brews.

Edyth's fiery sister-in-law, Catriona (Cait), faces a future of uncertainty as her brother arranges her to be married to a man she has never met all in the name of family protection and clan unity. However, Cait's defiant spirit and competitive nature might be more than either family bargained for.

Finally, Ewan Ruthven's loyalty and leadership come under fire when the English invade his family lands. Caught between the two warring nations, Ewan's every move is scrutinized and any decision he makes for his family, and his people could cost them their livelihoods and even their lives.

The second installation was exciting and emotional and admittedly, I found the shorter chapters made the read much easier. While Edyth and Ewan are still the main leads, Ewan's younger siblings are beginning to emerge with their own stories as well. However, how many children are actually in the Ruthven family? Every several chapters it seems like, yet another obscure Ruthven child is mentioned. Then again, I was almost finished with The White Witches Daughter before I realized that Ewan and Iain were brothers. All that to say, family stories are some of my favorite genres and I'm enjoying learning more and more about the Ruthven clan.

Inklings ~ February 2026

Welcome to February Inklings! 💖 

1. At any time during the month, on your own blog post a scene from a book or film that matches the prompt.

2. Link-back to Heidi's blog with a link to you Inklings prompt.

February's prompt

A poignant moment between old friends in book or film

Welcome March

By March the worst of the winter will be over. The snow would thaw, the rivers begin to run, and the world would wake into itself again.

~Neil Gaiman

Favorite Film Dialogues

A small collection of my favorite film dialogues that live rent free in my head and inspire me in my own writing as well.