writer/author

Kristen Gibson

IS IT SPRING YET? READS AND ENTERTAINMENT 

Normally, we enjoy the various seasons and are not too eager to rush things. This winter feels different though. Perhaps, it’s the workload or some inexplicable bout of spring fever, but we’ve had our fill of shoveling and plowing and are ready to see crocus and daffodils popping up. Since it’s not quite that time, I thought it would be fun to put together a few late winter/early spring-inspired recommendations. Maybe you’ll find something that helps you through the next snowstorm or adds a little sunshine to your day. 
Peruse these 17 Cocktails for the Boozy Spot Between Winter and Spring and What to Cook When You’re Stuck Between Winter and Spring. If you just want a comforting classic, then try one of these 29 Grilled Cheese Recipes That Are Gooey and Delicious, or try this Lemon Cake from Ina Garten for a burst of citrusy sunshine. Finally, here are some books and entertainment ideas to lighten the mood and get you going. 

Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Two rivals confront tension, heat, and more in this contemporary romance. 
“Nora Stephens’ life is books—she’s read them all—and she is not that type of heroine…Which is why she agrees to go to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina for the month of August when Libby begs her for a sisters’ trip away—with visions of a small town transformation for Nora, who she’s convinced needs to become the heroine of her own story. But instead of picnics in meadows, or run-ins with a handsome country doctor or bulging-forearmed bartender, Nora keeps bumping into Charlie Lastra, a bookish brooding editor from back in the city. It would be a meet-cute if not for the fact that they’ve met many times and it’s never been cute. 
If Nora knows she’s not an ideal heroine, Charlie knows he’s nobody’s hero, but as they are thrown together again and again—in a series of coincidences no editor worth their salt would allow—what they discover might just unravel the carefully crafted stories they’ve written about themselves.” (Barnes & Noble)

Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld 
Perhaps it’s because “Saturday Night Live” recently turned 50, or maybe we just need more humor in our lives right now, but I found this book about a late night comedy show writer funny and entertaining. 
“Sittenfeld has a keen eye for relationships, particularly romantic ones, which is what makes Romantic Comedy so enticing…The novel takes a shot of SNL and makes sparks fly.” (Elle)

Baking With Dorie: Sweet, Salty & Simple by Dorie Greenspan
This cookbook is full of sweet, savory, simple and even extra special recipes. Plus, there are tips on playing around with ingredients to switch things up. 

“The chapters are classic: Breakfast Stuff, Cakes, Cookies, Pies, Tarts, Cobblers and Crisps, Two Perfect Little Pastries, Salty Side Up. The recipes are unexpected. And there are “Sweethearts” throughout, mini collections of Dorie’s all-time favorites. Don’t miss the meringue Little Marvels or the Double-Decker Caramel Cake. Like all of Dorie’s recipes, they lend themselves to being remade, refashioned, and riffed on.” (Barnes & Noble)

La Dolce Villa (Netflix)
This new release is a cute, escapist movie. “When his daughter decides to buy a crumbling Tuscan villa, Eric rushes to Italy to talk her out of it—and instead finds beauty, romance and new purpose.” (Netflix)

Reacher Season 3 (Prime Video)

If you need to power through the rest of winter, this could be your show. Starting February 20, there will be three seasons to binge in between shoveling/muscle-building sessions. Just remember to lift with your legs bent, take breaks, and stay hydrated.  

“Based on the Lee Child novel “Persuader”, Reacher hurtles into the dark heart of a vast criminal enterprise when trying to rescue an undercover DEA informant whose time is running out. There he finds a world of secrecy and violence—and confronts some unfinished business from his own past.” (Prime Video)

Happy almost spring!
​​

Read more @kgwrites, on Insta @kgwrites1, on Facebook, and on Goodreads.