Author: Bunny

Rory Gilmore | Halloween Costume

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Hi Friends,
Let’s face it, Rory Gilmore is the ultimate reader and fall girl. Her style is casual yet put together, with effortless hair and minimal makeup. So this Halloween, dressing up as Rory Gilmore is not only a super simple costume but also perfect for any book lover. Here, you’ll find everything you’ll need to help you nail the Rory Gilmore look, ensuring your Halloween costume is on point.

The Outfit
I wanted to keep this outfit simple, something Gilmore Girls fans could easily spot as Rory Gilmore-approved. The chunky white sweater has become known as the Rory sweater. Honestly, besides her Chilton uniform, it’s probably her most memorable fashion item from the show. Rory is such a casual girl, so throw on a pair of jeans and add some suede ankle boots—since let’s face it, she and Lorelai wore a lot of boots. Don’t forget to add a backpack to help complete the look and store your costume props, like a book!

The Hair
Let’s be real—her hair wasn’t the most stylish part of her look. She kept it simple and natural most of the time. However, I think her bangs were pretty iconic. A style I noticed her wearing a lot in the earlier seasons was straight hair with two tiny French braids on either side. Later in the show, especially during the college seasons, she embraced her naturally wavy hair or styled loose curls, pinning the sides back while leaving some pieces out to frame her face.

The Makeup
Right before she went off to Yale, Rory complained about having so many beauty products, but she really kept her makeup minimal. To achieve her look, remember to let your natural beauty shine through, ensuring that your focus is on creating a flawless, matte base.

For her eyes, she kept things easy, sticking to brown and skin-tone shades, and using brown eyeliner. She lined her top lash line and only the outer corner of her bottom lash line. She also wore mascara, and her blush was always a rosy pink shade. As for her lips, she was clearly a gloss girl, tending to wear nude or light pink shades.

Like I mentioned earlier, no Rory Gilmore costume would be complete without a book, so don’t forget to carry one around—maybe even a Luke’s coffee cup! To really sell the costume, throw out a few classic Gilmore Girls quotes! My favorites are “Oy with the poodles already” and “In omnia paratus.”

Shop the Look
Sweater: https://amzn.to/4hcHr7z
Jeans: https://amzn.to/3Y7WuGM
Boots: https://amzn.to/4f8eU0Y
Backpack: https://amzn.to/48i0iKr
Gilmore Girls Book: https://amzn.to/3NBLZqy
Book: https://amzn.to/3NE9HCk
Luke’s Coffee Cup: https://amzn.to/3Yv3RJZ

This costume will be a hit among your reader and Gilmore Girls-loving friends. It’s creative and perfect for a night of handing out Halloween candy because of how simple and casual it is. If you like this post, be sure to check out my Gilmore Girls book recommendations post as well. In the comments, let me know what you’re going to be for Halloween! Don’t forget to like and share this post with other book lovers. If you’re a reader and Gilmore Girls fan, hit the follow button so you never miss a post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Mystery & Thriller | 2024 Goodreads Choice Awards

- Bunny 2 Comments

Hi Friends,
It’s almost time for the 2024 Goodreads Choice Awards, so I thought it would be fun to share my predictions for certain categories. I might have more predictions in some categories than others, depending on how often I read that genre. In this post, I’ll discuss the mystery and thriller category and talk about ten books I think will be nominated. Please keep in mind that a book needs a Goodreads rating of at least 3.5 to be nominated for the Goodreads Choice Awards.

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
This 2024 mystery thriller release surprised everyone. While it leans more toward mystery and suspense, it still fits within the mystery and thriller category according to Goodreads. With a solid rating and overwhelmingly positive reviews, I expect it to receive a nomination.
Related Post: First Lie Wins | Book Review

The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley
Lucy Foley has not only been nominated before but also won in 2020 with her book ‘The Guest List’. However, this book hasn’t generated much discussion, and I haven’t heard many opinions about it. Still, considering she’s a past winner, I don’t see her getting left out as a nominee. However, I don’t think it will win or make it into the top 10.
Related Post: The Guest List | Book Review

Middle of the Night by Riley Sager
I’ll be shocked if Riley Sager’s newest book isn’t nominated or doesn’t make it into the top 5. He’s pretty much a staple in the mystery thriller genre, and I believe he’s received nominations for almost every new release. While this book didn’t receive as much hype as some of his previous ones, its average rating is decent enough for a nomination.

The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak
This is probably just wishful thinking on my part because I loved ‘Hidden Pictures’ by this author, which won the horror category in 2022. I have high hopes for his latest book to be nominated. I’m placing it in the mystery and thriller category since Goodreads lists thriller as the primary genre, but it could just as easily fit into the horror category.
Related Post: Hidden Pictures | Book Review

The Housemaid Is Watching by Freida McFadden
I have no doubt that this book will be nominated. Honestly, I predict that multiple Freida books may receive nominations, as they did last year. However, I hope that doesn’t happen again, since nominating only one book per author would give other writers a better chance of winning. Still, given the popularity of the Housemaid books, I see this as an automatic nominee.
Related Post: The Housemaid | Book Review

Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
This book was one of the most hyped mystery thrillers of the past year. I haven’t read it yet, which is a bit disappointing, but I’ve heard the story and twists are amazing. I’m pretty sure it gained popularity with the help of Bookstagram and is still being recommended frequently. So, if they select books based on ratings and popularity, it will most likely be a contender in the mystery and thriller category.

The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave
This book released in September, and while the ratings aren’t incredibly strong, they’re still good enough for a nomination. Given that her book ‘The Last Thing He Told Me’ won in the mystery and thriller category, I don’t think she’ll get snubbed this year. However, I don’t predict a win, as this book has been overshadowed by other 2024 releases.

We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
I haven’t seen much buzz about this book, but it has a fairly high rating. Plus, Richard Osman has a solid fanbase and has received nominations in the past. His book ‘The Last Devil to Die’ placed fourth in the mystery and thriller category in 2023, but that was the last book in a series. Since this is the first book in a new mystery series, it could give him a better chance of winning.

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
This book could be a strong contender for the mystery and thriller category this year. Not only does it have over a 4.20 rating on Goodreads, but I also haven’t seen many reviews below 4 stars. While I don’t know much about the plot, it seems to lean more toward the mystery and fiction side of things. Liz Moore received a Goodreads Choice Award nomination in 2020 and made it into the top 10 that year.

Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth
TThis might be the underdog of my predictions. Sally Hepworth is a successful mystery and thriller author, but she doesn’t get much attention in the book community. I was surprised to learn she’s only been nominated once for the Goodreads Choice Awards, back in 2019, despite her books having decent ratings. I’ve heard great things about this one and have been wanting to read it. I’d be pleasantly surprised to see it nominated.

And that wraps up my predictions for the Mystery and Thriller category on Goodreads. In the comments, let me know if you agree or disagree with my predictions, and feel free to share any books you think will be nominated. I’m unsure how many of these books are available on Everand, but you can get a free trial using my link [here]. Don’t forget to share this post with others and hit the like button as well. If you love bookish content, follow the blog so you never miss a post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Housemaid | Book Review

- Bunny 2 Comments

About The Book
Every day, I clean the Winchesters’ beautiful house, care for their daughter, and prepare their meals. I try to ignore Nina’s messes and lies while envying her perfect life with her handsome husband, Andrew. But after Nina learns I tried on one of her dresses and I realize the door to my attic room locks from the outside, it’s too late. Fortunately, I have a secret. The Winchesters don’t know what I’m capable of.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3BUQNow

My Rating

This was a fun thriller that left me shocked and entertained. I was hooked from the start, and just when I thought I knew what was going on, the author would throw me for a loop. The plot is so well done that you honestly cannot see the twist coming. I love a good shocking turn of events in a mystery/thriller, and this book had a fantastic twist.

The main character, Millie, was likable, but she was a bit naive at times. However, I think this worked for the storyline. The star of the show was the plot, and I loved how fast-paced the book was because we didn’t get any unnecessary filler chapters. I felt like the story progressed with the turn of every page.

The writing was amazing! The author did a great job bringing the story and characters to life. I was completely engaged in her writing, and I could see why a lot of people enjoy her storytelling style. The book is very well thought out, and I believe that the shocking twists showcase that she took a lot of time with the story.

“This room could be a death trap.”

I really enjoyed the book. The twist didn’t come out of nowhere, and I liked how it all wrapped up. The last few chapters took me by surprise, and I think this book has one of the best ending twists I’ve read. As someone who loves a good mystery/thriller, that is a high compliment.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone looking to read a top-notch mystery/thriller. If you want a story that will keep you engaged and an ending that will leave you shocked, then this one is for you. I’m not going to say that everyone won’t see the twist coming, but I didn’t, and that’s good enough for me.

In the comments, let me know if you have read this book. Did you figure out the twist? If you would like to support my book blog, please give it a follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Final Girls | Book Review

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About The Book
Ten years after surviving a brutal massacre, Quincy Carpenter is trying to move on with her life, despite being part of the infamous “Final Girls” group. But when Lisa, a Final Girl, is found dead and Sam, another Final Girl, shows up unannounced, Quincy must confront her traumatic past and uncover the truth before history repeats itself.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4hd1JxD

My Rating

Unfortunately, this book frustrated me quite a bit. I believe it’s Riley Sager’s debut novel, and it definitely reads like one. The premise is intriguing, but the main character really got on my nerves, making it hard for me to enjoy the story. Oddly enough, this seems to be a recurring issue for me with Sager’s protagonists.

The book follows Quincy, a final girl who survived a mass murder but has no memory of the attack. When she hears that another final girl has died, apparently by suicide, she reconnects with the only other survivor she knows of, Samantha. However, once Samantha enters her life, Quincy starts remembering her attack and quickly realizes Samantha might not be trustworthy.

Quincy comes across as really naïve for most of the book. Sure, she tries to act like she’s fine, even though she’s dealing with unresolved trauma, but I feel like someone who went through what she did wouldn’t be so trusting of Samantha. There were times I just wanted to shake Quincy.

Samantha, on the other hand, was an intriguing character. I liked her personality and wanted to know more about her. Her backstory, for me, was the most captivating part of the entire story. Besides Samantha, the other side characters weren’t that important, except for Quincy’s boyfriend, who I actually felt bad for at times. There was also the cop who saved Quincy the night of the attack, and let’s just say he and Quincy have a special bond.

“You can’t change what’s happened. The only thing you can control is how you deal with it.”

The story includes flashbacks that help the reader piece together what Quincy forgot about the massacre. I wouldn’t necessarily call her an unreliable narrator, but as the story went on, there were moments when I wasn’t sure who to trust or what twists were coming. Riley Sager has a way of making me second-guess who’s telling the truth and who’s lying, which, in my opinion, makes for a good thriller.

However, I found the ending quite predictable. I figured it out about halfway through and was hoping for something more surprising, so I was disappointed with how the book concluded. In my opinion, there wasn’t much suspense throughout the plot. Although the story did become more exciting as the plot progressed, I found it difficult to stay interested for most of the time.

Overall, I’m trying to remind myself that this is a debut novel, especially since I’ve enjoyed other books by this author much more. Despite the plot having promise, it didn’t shock or surprise me, and I saw most of the twists coming. Still, I’m glad I read it, even though it wasn’t the most thrilling experience. If you like the final girl trope, you might enjoy this book, but I wouldn’t call it a must-read.

In the comments, let me know if you’re a fan of books that revolve around “final girls.” If so, share which one you’d recommend. Don’t forget to like and share this post, and help my blog grow by following it.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

5 October Reads | Book Recommendations

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
The spooky season is ending soon, so I thought it would be fun to share some books that I think would make great October reads. I’ve put together a list of 5 books to recommend that will work for many different types of readers. I understand that not all of us enjoy thrillers and mysteries but still want a book to get us in the mood for the season.

House of Hollow By Krystal Sutherland
I think this is a great book for anyone who wants a tamer horror story. This book nails the creepy and mysterious elements, but since it’s a young adult book, it isn’t too scary.
Related Post: House Of Hollow | Book Review

Hidden Pictures By Jason Rekulak
This is one of my all-time favorite thrillers! If you love a suspenseful page-turner, you’ll enjoy this book. It has plenty of twists and turns and played out like a thriller movie in my head. Hopefully, we’ll get a screen adaptation one day.
Related Post: Hidden Pictures | Book Review

The Only One Left By Riley Sager
This book got me to jump on the Riley Sager bandwagon. The fact that it’s a Lizzie Borden retelling of sorts makes the plot even more intriguing. I found the story captivating, thrilling, and the twists were really good.
Related Post: The Only One Left | Book Review

How To Survive Your Murder By Danielle Valentine
This book isn’t the most complex plot, and some might find it over the top and a little far-fetched. However, I loved it! It’s a classic teen slasher with a twist. The book is set on Halloween, which makes it perfect for October, and the ending was wild.
Related Post: How To Survive Your Murder | Book Review

The Ex Hex By Erin Sterling
I found this to be a cute, witchy romcom! It kind of has a Good Witch feel to it, which I found quite fun. I’m not the biggest fan of second-chance romances, but I think this book really embraces Halloween vibes. If you’re someone who only reads romances, this is a great fall book option.
Related Post: The Ex Hex | Book Review

In the comments, leave me some fall book recommendations. You can find all of these books in my Amazon storefront! And don’t forget to use my link [Here] to sign up for a free trial of the audiobook and ebook service Everand, so you can read some of these books. Are you a fan of book recommendations? Let me know by giving this post a like and following the blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Gilmore Girls 2024 Readathon | Days 9 & 10 Highlights

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
I’m back with my updates for days 9 and 10 of the Gilmore Girls readathon! We’re well past the one-week mark, and it’s crazy to think there are only a few days left in the readathon.

Day 9: October 15, 2024

Morning Update: This morning was pretty boring. I had a cup of coffee and then decided to do some blog work. As far as reading goes, I didn’t do much. I was focused on getting my ‘Days 7 & 8 Highlights’ post up.

Afternoon Update: I pre-filmed a couple of BookTok videos, and afterward, I worked out. Other than that, I didn’t do much and wasn’t really in the mood to read.

Evening Wrap-Up: I decided to finish reading ‘The Pumpkin Spice Café‘ before my husband and I watched a Halloween movie. It was a quick read, and I probably could have finished it in a day if I’d really tried. I ended the night with some hot chocolate while watching Halloweentown 2.

Day 10: October 16, 2024

Morning Update: I didn’t have the best night’s sleep and woke up around 3 a.m., which seems to be a trend for me these days. On the bright side, I had a yummy big breakfast and enjoyed a cup of peppermint coffee.

Afternoon Update: I needed to reorganize my bookshelves and decided to start my next read. I picked ‘Mistletoe Season‘, a collection of three holiday short stories. They’re all set around Christmas, so they fit the prompt of “a book set in my favorite season.” If you couldn’t already guess, my favorite season is winter.

Evening Wrap-Up: I had a pretty crazy night—let’s just say life with pets is never easy! I ended the evening with some more reading and made it through 70% of the book. The stories are really cute and quick reads.

I hope you’re enjoying these updates. Please feel free to share this post with other readers and give it a like as well. Don’t forget that following the blog really helps it grow, so please consider clicking the follow button before you go.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Nightbooks | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
A boy named Alex finds himself imprisoned by a witch and must tell her a new scary story every night to survive. As he runs out of stories, Alex desperately searches for a way to escape. This contemporary fantasy by J.A. White blends suspense and creativity, making it perfect for fans of dark yet accessible tales. Budding writers and readers alike will enjoy its clever twists and themes of storytelling.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4e4BqY1

My Rating

This fun, spooky story follows Alex, a boy who a witch tricks into becoming her prisoner. From the start, the plot feels creepy and original, moving at a fast pace that kept me engaged the whole time. Even though it’s a middle-grade book, it’s perfect for anyone craving a spine-chilling read that won’t keep them up at night.

Alex is a really likable main character, especially with his love for storytelling. He feels like a real kid—he loves writing creepy tales but doesn’t enjoy living one out. Alex also struggles with feeling different from other kids and thinks he’s weird, which makes him even more relatable. I rooted for him and his friends to escape, and while there were moments I worried for them, the story overall wasn’t too scary.

“And now I realize—so what if I write scary stories?”

The author keeps the story engaging with creepy twists and a few surprises. While middle grade isn’t a genre I usually read, I tend to enjoy it more when it involves fantasy and horror, and this book didn’t disappoint—it entertained me from start to finish, and I’m glad I picked it up. Don’t worry about the horror label; it’s a tame read, so there’s no need to feel nervous if you’re not into sscary books.

Overall, I recommend this book! I’m excited to watch the movie adaptation because I could easily picture it as a film while reading. As much as I enjoyed the book, I have a feeling I might love the movie even more. If you or a younger reader are looking for a great fall read, it’s perfect for spooky season vibes without being too frightening.

If you’ve read the book or watched the movie, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to like this post and share it with fellow readers. You can also listen to the audiobook on Everand, and if you’re interested, grab a free trial using my link [Here]. To stay updated and help support my blog, be sure to hit the follow button so you never miss a post!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Gilmore Girls 2024 Readathon | Days 7 & 8 Highlights

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
Here are my updates for days 7 and 8 of the Gilmore Girls readathon! I actually read a new favorite book during these past two days, which is awesome! So, I’d say the readathon is going very well.

Day 7: October 13, 2024

Morning Update: I had a surprise awakening by one of my dogs, who somehow got into the bedroom and jumped on me and my husband. After taking care of the pets, I went outside with some coffee and enjoyed the cooler weather we had this morning. It’s beginning to feel a little like fall.

Afternoon Update: I continued reading ‘Daisy Darker‘, and it just keeps getting better. I really love the isolated setting and plot. I uploaded a fun BookTok video and a Bookstagram post. I also did some online shopping because sometimes you need a little retail therapy.

Evening Wrap-Up: My husband and I decided to watch a movie, and what better film to watch this time of year than Halloweentown? It reminds me so much of my childhood, even if the ending scene is a bit cheesy now that I’m older. I finished the night off by reading and was able to get to the 70% mark, which was past my reading goal for the day.

Day 8: October 14, 2024

Morning Update: I woke up and once again did my normal morning routine. I got ready for the day and had some breakfast. I decided to finish my book and binged the last 30%. Let me just say, it was amazing!

Afternoon Update: Then I started cleaning for the day. I did a deep clean of the house, so I wasn’t able to read much. I finished off the afternoon by doing some yoga and making dinner.

Evening Wrap-Up: I decided to start my next book, which is the group book for the readathon, ‘The Pumpkin Spice Café‘. I flew through the first half and, by the time I went to sleep, I had gotten 50% into it.

Let me know if you’re participating in the readathon and what you’ve been reading. If you haven’t already joined the Discord, you totally should! Don’t forget that following the blog really helps it grow, so please hit the follow button before you leave.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The House Across The Lake | Book Review

- Bunny 2 Comments

About The Book
Casey Fletcher, a recently widowed actress escaping bad press, retreats to her family’s lake house in Vermont, where she observes glamorous neighbors Tom and Katherine Royce. After saving Katherine from drowning and befriending her, Casey discovers their marriage isn’t as perfect as it seems. When Katherine disappears, Casey suspects Tom, unaware of the shocking secrets lurking beneath the surface.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/486Htd2

My Rating

This is a thriller with so many twists and turns that you won’t see coming. The main protagonist, Casey Fletcher, is an unreliable narrator due to her drinking problem and is determined to find out what happened to one of her neighbors across the lake. Soon, a crazy mystery and thriller unfold.

I really enjoy stories with unreliable narrators because I think they make the plot—especially in thrillers—much more interesting, and this book was no exception. Casey is not only struggling with her alcoholism but also with her husband’s passing, her failing acting career, and fears that the husband across the lake might have done something to his wife.

I wouldn’t say that the book had me hooked from the start, as I think it took a while for the plot to get going. However, I found it interesting that we got chapters from the present, then the past, and finally, by the end, the timelines catch up to one another. I don’t normally love books that start in the present day and then take us back in time to show how we got to this point, but it worked in this instance.

“After all, following someone on social media is just a more acceptable form of spying.”

I had so many guesses about what was going on and how the story was going to end, and I didn’t guess a single thing correctly. The author added so many twists and surprises that I didn’t see coming. Some of those things were in the back of my mind, but I didn’t believe they were actual paths that the story would follow.

The writing wasn’t very fast-paced, and the plot was a bit out there, so I can see why some people wouldn’t enjoy the book. However, I really like Riley Sager’s storytelling, even if his plots aren’t the most intense. This book caught me off guard many times, and I was stunned by so many of the reveals. The ending was fantastic and shocking, and I didn’t see it coming at all, which is why I gave the book 4.5 stars instead of just 4.

Overall, I believe that if you are a fan of unreliable narrators, shocking twists, and character-driven plots, then you should give this book a chance. If you like Grady Hendrix’s works, this book has a similar style, though it’s not so much campy horror like Hendrix’s books. Still, I think fans of ‘My Best Friend’s Exorcism’ might also find this to be a fun read.

In the comments, let me know if you have read this book and your thoughts on it. If you know other readers, feel free to share this post with them. Don’t forget that you can find more bookish content like this on my blog, so please give it a follow so that you never miss a post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Gilmore Girls 2024 Readathon | Days 5 & 6 Highlights

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
I’m back with my updates for days 5 and 6 of the Gilmore Girls readathon! I’m having such a great time, but I’m nervous that I’m falling behind on the prompts. I don’t think I’ll get to as many books as I had hoped, but that’s fine by me.

Day 5: October 11, 2024

Morning Update: This morning, I had a lovely breakfast of homemade biscuits and watched the horror movie Scream 2. I listened to a chapter of ‘Given Our History‘ while taking the dogs out but didn’t get much further into it.

Afternoon Update: This afternoon, I had to run more errands, so while I was out, I got the chance to stop by Spirit Halloween. I was lucky enough to find my husband’s anniversary gift while I was there. In case you were wondering, we got married on Halloween. I also stopped by Starbucks today, and yes, I am all too aware of how often I get coffee out.

Evening Wrap-Up: I ended the night with some yoga and by scheduling my blog post for the following day. I was finally able to get some reading done and flew through the rest of ‘Given Our History’. I still need to gather my thoughts and write the review, but I really enjoyed the story and characters.

Day 6: October 12, 2024

Morning Update: This morning, I slept in until 9 a.m., which is very unusual for me. I woke up, had a delicious breakfast of French toast, and watched Casper. I didn’t get around to starting my book because I decided to take the morning easy.

Afternoon Update: I went out with my mom this afternoon, but besides that, I didn’t do much of anything. I spent most of the day mindlessly scrolling on social media and watching clips of Faking It on YouTube, which is crazy since that show aired years ago and I didn’t even watch it when it was on.

Evening Wrap-Up: I started a new book before I went to bed. I decided to read ‘Daisy Darker‘ by Alice Feeney. I got 15% into it, and let me just say that this book has me instantly hooked! I also love that it takes place on Halloween.

I feel like this update was a bit boring, but hopefully, you’re still enjoying these brief insights into my days. Honestly, they are all pretty much the same. Let me know in the comments what you are currently reading. Don’t forget to like and share this post with others. If you’ve enjoyed my content, hit the follow button so that you never miss a post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny