Moon Tunes: Livin' La Vida Lunar

I recently picked up a bargain book that looked promising, Night Music by Jojo Moyes.  It's one of her earlier novels, published five years before Me Before You, which put Moyes on the map.  Having loved that trilogy (as well as Sheltering Rain and Windfallen), I expected a sad but satisfying second chance story.  And I got it!

The Spanish House (which isn't in Spain, but England) is a tumbledown mansion that too many people covet.  So when the owner, nasty old Mr. Pottisworth, finally croaks, it sets a chain of events rippling through the village.  The long-suffering Mrs. McCarthy and her conniving husband, who live in a smaller house at the edge of the property, think they deserve it for putting up with Pottisworth.  A down-on-his-luck developer wants to knock it down to build commuter housing.  Yet it's recently widowed violinist Isabel Delancy who inherits it and moves in with her two teenagers.  Left penniless after her husband is killed in a car accident, Isabel is forced to leave a life of luxury in London for a monstrosity in the middle of nowhere.  The house has no plumbing, heat, or electricity, and parts of it are literally crumbling.  It's a mess with which Isabel's ill-equipped to deal, especially in the wake of her loss.  As a career violinist, music has been the center of her world, so much so that it's cut her off from the rest of it, at least according to the children's nanny as she comforts Isabel's oldest:

"And she was fragile, a little like a child herself, Mary had said.  "You often find that with people who have a talent," she had told Kitty one evening.  "They never have to grow up.  All their energy goes towards doing the thing they love."  Kitty had never been able to tell whether or not she had meant this as a criticism." (60)

Faced with feeding her family and salvaging her strange new home, Isabel has to put music on the back burner, playing her violin only at night when she's lonely and thinks no one can hear.

Still, the Spanish House isn't the end of Isabel's story.  Instead, it opens her up to a countryside full of characters, some incredibly kind and others unscrupulous as their greed for the Spanish House spirals.  Their subplots intersect and overlap, weaving an intricate web of rural life and the motivations that fuel it.  Yet it's Isabel's transformation from sheltered lady to forest forager (among other things) that anchors the novel.  Despite her city sophistication, Isabel is naïve about everything else.  Although starting over is painful, she digs deep and finds that she has pluck, armoring her against her enemies and deepening her bond with her children.   

Rich with all the charm, heart, and, yes, melancholy that is Moyes' calling card, Night Music supports the old adage that big houses bring big problems.  But it also shows us that there's more than one way to make music -- and, ultimately, a home.

Primarily Prairie

Top and skirt: LC Lauren Conrad, Kohl's; Headband: INC, Macy's; Shoes: Worthington, JCPenney 

Bag: Amerileather, Zulily; Stretch bracelet: Cloud Nine, Ocean City; Bangles: B Fabulous; Ring: Making Waves, Ocean City

Top and skirt: LC Lauren Conrad, Kohl's; Bag: Mellow World, Kohl's; Shoes: Nine West, Amazon

Carla Colorblock Necklace

Yellow and red bangles: B Fabulous; Green and blue bangles: Burlington Coat Factory; Ring: Charlotte Russe

Top and skirt: LC Lauren Conrad, Kohl's; Headband: New York & Company; Shoes: Chase & Chloe, Zulily

 

Studded bangle: JCPenney; Green ring: Express; Red ring: Making Waves, Ocean City; Bag: LC Lauren Conrad, Kohl's

I talk about primary colors a lot.  And also, for some reason, prairies.  Which is funny because I suspect that if I ever visited a prairie, I wouldn't like it.  But I do like these prairie-esque skirt-and-top combos from LC Lauren Conrad.  

See what I did there?  

This is the part where readers usually groan and think, oh no, not more paid advertising.  But I can proudly say that Kohl's has never paid me for pumping up its products -- and something tells me it never will.  I do it because I love it.       

And now I'm off to do more things I love.  And also a few that I hate.  

Don't look surprised, exercise.

Have a Happy and a Healthy, Not a Sordid and a Stealthy

Okay, so this title's a bit of a stretch, even for me.  But whatever family drama you've got going on today (and there's always something!), consider this: It can't be as bad as what happens in Leslie Meier's Turkey Trot Murder.  Because it's all fun and games and cranberry sauce until someone falls through the ice.

So, don't fall through the ice.  And have a happy Thanksgiving!  

Covert Missions and New Traditions: Home is Where the Tart Is

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Sophie Kinsella's stories make me happy.  These books are sunsets stuffed in cupcakes wrapped in rainbows.  So when it was my turn to pick for the book club I'm in with my mom and sister, I went with Kinsella's latest, The Party Crasher, a quirky family dramedy with all the feels.

Twenty-six-year-old Effie Talbot is devastated by her parents' divorce.  To make matters worse, her father has a sexy new girlfriend, a nightmare of a woman named Krista who's persuaded him to sell Greenoaks, the Talbots' beloved, so-ugly-it's-cute family home.  Effie's older brother and sister have adopted a stiff upper lip, but stubborn and sensitive Effie is having none of it, refusing to attend Krista's farewell gala, which she wasn't exactly invited to anyway.  But then Effie remembers that her cherished Russian nesting dolls are still hidden somewhere inside Greenoaks.  So she decides to slip into the party incognito to find them, without any of her siblings -- or her now-famous childhood sweetheart -- seeing her.  I don't have to tell you that this is a mission riddled with narrow escapes, epic eavesdropping, and surprises for everyone.  Throughout it all, Effie finds out that things aren't always what they seem, forcing her to finally, maybe, grow up.

Effervescent with all the madcap humor, warmth, and spot-on character insights that ignite every Kinsella novel, The Party Crasher is plus-one perfection.  I don't know how she does it, but, as always, Kinsella delivers a fun and witty confection of a story that also offers up truths about life.  She just gets it.    

The Party Crasher is one party you won't want to miss.

Autumn Rays, Denim Days

Jeans: LC Lauren Conrad, Kohl's

Boots: 2 Lips Too, JCPenney; Bag: Current Mood, Dolls Kill 

Belt: Izod, Marshalls; Rings: Claire's, Delia's, Charlotte Russe, Miami accessories cart

Bandana scrunchie: Wild Fable, Target; Fuzzy scrunchies: Lady Arya, Zulily; Necklaces: The Tote Trove

Top: So, Kohl's

Boots: Mossimo, Target

Bag: Wild Fable, Target

Camisole: Hippie Rose, Macy's; Top: Free People, Belk's; Belt: Steve Madden, Zulily

Tropical Trinkets Necklace

Jacket: Candie's, Kohl's

Bag: Nine West, Ross; Maroon bangle: Iris Apfel for INC, Macy's; Pink bangle: Amrita Singh, Zulily

Top: IZ Buyer, Kohl's; Jeans: Earl Jeans, Macy's

Ah, autumn rays.  The thing about them is that they're few and far between, especially now as we close November.  Just yesterday I ran errands and bundled up in a button-down, sweater, and puffer coat (pics to come; here at The Tote Trove, we're rarely timely).  I was roasting in the car but cold once I got out.  You know how it is.  Anyway, I thought I'd post some pics of jeans I wore recently.  Because to me, that's the true mark of the changing seasons, going from sundresses and flip flops to jeans and boots.  Even this cold-shoulder top outfit, which I wore last month to get my latest COVID shot (watch out, Omicron!), seems like it's from forever ago.  October was a simpler time when all you needed was a jacket.  And sometimes, not even that.  As I recall, that day I was sweating in this pleather moto-coat, peeling it off during my post-shot trip to JO-ANN Fabrics.  Of course, that outing was unpleasant for other reasons, as I was forced to put back a bunch of jewelry-making supplies that I thought were on sale but weren't.  Oh, the shame!  That sort of thing never happens online, where you have the luxury of seeing how your total will play out before deciding to make it official.  Also, you don't have to deal with snarky cashiers.  Or wear suitable outerwear.  Or even pants.

Is it any wonder I prefer the virtual world?

Still, making this Tropical Trinkets Necklace helped me work through my nostalgia for summer and my annoyance at retailers.  Including JO-ANN's, because that's where I scored the set of (thankfully 50% off) island charms.

Big Apple Bites and Lean Cuisine Nights: Death Never Takes a Vacay

Most people go on vacation to relax -- or at the very least sightsee.  But Lucy Stone has other ideas.  When she leaves Tinkers Cove, Maine for The Big Apple, it's to track down her childhood bestie Beth's killer.  Which means stalking -- um, interviewing -- Beth's four ex-husbands, a motley crew that includes a crooked tycoon, a gang-member-turned-artist, a handsy chiropractor, and a cult leader.  In between narrow escapes, Lucy unplugs in her Airbnb studio with a Lean Cuisine from the corner bodega.  Well, except for the night she steps out of the shower to find a stranger hovering over her suitcase.  

Depressing -- not to mention scary -- isn't the word.  Worst of all, Lucy doesn't even tell anyone what she's up to.  Her husband thinks she's just getting back in touch with her NYC roots, taking in a show or two to unwind from the daily grind of housewifery and part-time journalism.  (Not that I blame her for wanting some time off from Bill; he can be a bit of a caveman.)  Yet knowing that I would never do any of these things is what entertained me as I devoured Leslie Meier's twenty-fifth Lucy Stone novel, Silver Anniversary Murder.  The humor hooked me too, especially this bit about the crooked tycoon:

"Even hardened New Yorkers were horrified by Beth's gruesome end, and her friends were deeply shaken, coping with guilt as well as grief.  But not Jeremy, once her nearest and dearest, who was happily bopping around the city collecting awards and consorting with call girls." (124)

Because sometimes reading about characters who are different from you can be as comforting as reading about characters who are you (but with better cars and haircuts).  They make you thankful that you're not squandering your hard-earned money, vacation time, and safety to play detective.

Which, I suppose, explains why I was always more of a Bess Marvin than a Nancy Drew.

The Face That Launched a Thousand Quips

Flannel, tee, and skirt: So, Kohl's; Barrettes and bag: Dolls Kill; Belt: Izod, Marshalls; Tights: Isadora, Zulily; Boots: Simply Vera, Kohl's

Top: ELLE, Kohl's; Skirt: Dolls Kill; Bag: Elizabeth and James, Kohl's; Tights: Mixit, JCPenney; Shoes: Nine West, Kohl's

Sweater: Nine West, Kohl's; Skirt: Wild Fable, Target; Tights: HUE, Amazon; Boots: JustFab, Zulily; Bag: Apt. 9, Kohl's

Headband: Zulily; Sweater: JCPenney; Skirt and tights: Xhilaration, Target; Shoes: Nine West, Kohl's

Sweater: Modcloth; Skirt: Mossimo, Target; Tights: HUE, Amazon; Boots: Betsey Johnson, Zulily; Bag: Amazon

As you know, when I'm in between new outfit pics -- or just need a laugh -- I like to post old B roll.  Today is one of those days.  So enjoy this quintet of quirky facial expressions from falls and winters past.  Because I may not be Helen of Troy -- but if I float one boat, then I've earned by Greek yogurt. 

By which, of course, I mean ice cream.🍨

From Pals to Wow: Catfish Tales That Tip the Scales

Christina Lauren's novels are fun.  Breezy and clever and steamy and sweet, these rom coms get right to the heart of romance.  And now I count 2018's My Favorite Half-Night Stand as one of my, well, favorites.

Millie and Reid have been friends for years.  They're both professors at UC Santa Barbara; Millie is a criminologist with a focus on female serial killers (so don't mess with her!), and Reid is a neuroscientist.  Millie is a hoot but closed off, whereas Reid is introspective and -- holy grail of men -- in touch with his emotions.  Three other academics round out their Y-chromosome-heavy circle: earnest Chris, sexy Alex, and never-quite-grew-up Ed.  Which is just fine with Millie.  As a tomboy with no female friends, she feels at home with "her boys" and their antics, right down to a running gag that involves gifting Chris with rooster paraphernalia.

Then one drunken night, Millie and Reid end up in bed.  As if this doesn't throw enough of a monkey wrench into things, the five friends sign up for a pricey but vetted online dating app called IRL to find plus-ones for an upcoming gala.  Millie adopts a fake persona in an attempt to weed out the creeps (of which there are many, even in this Cadillac of matchmaking platforms) and discovers that she's 98% compatible with none other than, you guessed it, Reid.  Under the guise of her made-up moniker Catherine (chosen because it's her middle name, not because it sounds like "catfish," which she thinks is "just a show on MTV"),  Millie feels free to open up to Reid in ways she can't in real life (pun intended).  Reid is instantly hooked and finds himself falling.  Still, he doesn't know whether to pursue this "new" woman or Millie or Daisy, the buxom bimbo (hey, it wouldn't be a rom com without one!) with whom he also matched on the app.

Is a mistaken identity plot a little contrived?  To be sure.  Yet Christina and Lauren (for this is a writing team) deftly craft theirs to reveal the depths of their characters, so I gave it a pass.  Plus, as a sucker for friends-to-lovers tropes, getting-to-know-you love letters, and sweet and nerdy (but still cute!) male leads, I triple-hearted My Favorite Half-Night Stand.💖💖💖      

Fall From Space: Celestial Reasonings

Dress: So, Kohl's

Boots: Penny Loves Kenny, Amazon

Top: So, Kohl's

Bag: LC Lauren Conrad, Kohl's; Bangles: B Fabulous; Ring: Mixit, JCPenney

Fabulous Felt Autumn Elegance Barrette

Dress: Jessica Simpson, Amazon

Choker and barrettes: Kohl's

Ring: Mixit, JCPenney; Bag: Privileged, Zulily; Boots: Penny Loves Kenny, Amazon; Tights: HUE, Amazon

Skirt: Rewind, Kohl's

Bag: Mellow World, Kohl's; Ring: Charlotte Russe; Red and yellow bangles: B Fabulous; Zigzag bangle: Strawbridge & Clothier; Green bangle: Burlington Coat Factory

Shoes: Chase & Chloe, Zulily; Tights: HUE, Zulily

Top: LC Lauren Conard, Kohl's

Now that we're into November, it's finally starting to feel like fall.  And not just because it's cooler and leaves are actually falling from the trees.  But because Halloween is behind us, with Thanksgiving just around the corner.  So, wearing gold and boots and leaf-themed things feels less like a bit and more like real life.  I even busted out last year's Thanksgiving dress and made a new leaf barrette complete with a crescent moon.  And you know what?  It turns out that autumn, although not my usual cup of tea, is very colorful.  And also very nice.  

 

Harvest Moon Barrette Brooch

So, welcome fall!  I'm finally happy that you're here.

I'll miss you come December when I'm dragged, kicking and screaming, into Christmas.

Flowering Trees and Sparkling Seas: The Power of Prince Edward Island

You know how you read a book and it turns out to be bad?  And then you read another book, and that one's bad too?  And they're both so bad that you want to forget about them and most certainly not blog about the experience?  Well, that's what happened to me last week.  So I turned to a tome that could never let me down: The Landscapes of Anne of Green Gables.

In this pictorial treasury, creative writing professor Catherine Reid highlights the life and times of Anne of Green Gables author L. M. Montgomery.  Which was a delight and a comfort to me because Anne of Green Gables is my favorite book.  Reid weaves passages from Montgomery's -- scratch that, Maud's -- books and journals with photographs of her beloved Prince Edward Island in a way that makes you feel like you're there.  Unmatched in its unkempt beauty, this smallest of the Canadian provinces beats at the heart of Maud's classic novel.  Anyone who's read and been changed by Anne of Green Gables knows that it's Anne's connection to the natural world that makes her story so special.  For this eleven-year-old orphan, every earthly thing brims with whimsy.  Flowers are friends, forests are haunted, and brooks always mind their manners.  Humans have failed Anne for so long that she turns to nature for strength and solace.  And the same was true for her creator.

Although not an orphan, Maud was raised by her grandparents and suffered from a series of hardships, including depression.  Writing about rainbowed skies, ice crystal-cast woods, and rioting gardens -- and a girl who wouldn't let life beat her -- transported her to a more welcoming world.  Even the title of her most famous book showcases the color of nature, rebirth, and second chances.

The other night, I was crafting and re-watching You've Got Mail, which is a movie I thought I didn't like (random, I know, but stay with me), when I was struck by the scene where Meg Ryan's Kathleen Kelly is closing her bookshop for good.  One customer tells her that Kathleen's mother, who owned the shop before her, sold her a copy of Anne of Green Gables and advised her to read it with a box of tissues.  Then the woman starts sobbing, and Kathleen produces some Kleenex.  By that point, the movie was already growing on me (due in no small part to Kathleen's confession that daisies are the friendliest flower), but that cinched it.  Because anyone who understands Anne -- from Kathleen Kelly to Nora Ephron to that crying customer -- can't be all that bad.

And Reid, to use Maud’s own parlance, tops this list as a true kindred spirit.  Her love and reverence for Maud and Anne radiate from every page of her heartfelt tribute. 

In Anne of Green Gables, Anne famously says, "I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."  And although, as you know, I'm no fan of fall, I appreciate the sentiment.  

Because I'm so glad to live in world where there's Anne and Maud and Prince Edward Island.