The fact that I made it through four books this month was a feat in and of itself. The last two books I just zipped through, as I always seem to do with the Finlay Donovan series. They are just…

a Charlotte based lifestyle blog
I first started The Avid Pen, a Charlotte based art and lifestyle blog, as a place to celebrate the artistic world. As someone who has always had a love of color, I enjoy seeing the art in everything from beauty and skincare to fashion, food or in the places I travel to. I longed to tell a story both through words and through photographs. I’ve always enjoyed making every moment special, even the most ordinary of moments, and believe that there is beauty in the everyday. Learn More...
The fact that I made it through four books this month was a feat in and of itself. The last two books I just zipped through, as I always seem to do with the Finlay Donovan series. They are just…
After an exhausting start to our weekend, working in healthcare is not for the faint of heart… I decided to go ahead and send out my first On the List since making the switch over to Substack for Flodesk. I’ve…
This is the first book I’ve read by author Elise Hooper, and I can safely say it will not be my last. Set in present-day San Francisco with flashbacks to pre-WWI to post-WWII, this book will have you intrigued from…
I’m officially one week into my second term of nursing school and up to my eyeballs in chemistry terms. I’m reading a novel by a New Zealand author whenever I have a spare moment, with more author Q&As coming your…
This is another month filled with stories about strong women. In Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘em Dead, our heroine must figure out who wants her ex-husband dead while keeping her children out of harm’s way. In Nothing Ever Happens Here, Shelby…
Author Q&A, Books ·
A Beauty Queen’s Guide to Murder and Mayhem (part of a series featuring a stable hand-turned-beauty queen/amateur detective) is yet another favorite of mine from author Kristen Bird. The story, which is set in the small town of Aubergine, Virginia…
... and merci, beaucoup for joining me in this space as I share about beauty/skincare, food, style, and travel inspired by my love of art and all things French.
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