Review - Fear the Night on Prime

Since Halloween is a couple of weeks away, horror movies are all over the streaming services. I don't care much for horror, but I did watch FEAR THE NIGHT, starring Maggie Q.

You may think this is not a horror film, but I disagree. Any movie where 8 women are at a bachelorette party and masked men with bows and arrows show up and begin killing them one by one? That's a horror film.

ABOUT THE MOVIE

Tess, played by Maggie Q, is an Iraq War veteran and recovering alcoholic, who returns home to heal. Despite her strained relationship with her sister Beth, they join with other friends for their younger sister Rose's bachelorette party at the family farm.

Tess tolerates the group's activities, observing from a distance because she senses something isn't right with the caretakers. Later that night, all hell breaks loose when a band of men attack.

The movie is brutal and gory as the men murder several women, and Tess, the war veteran, returns the favor as she fights to save the women and herself.

The action is intense, and the pace is relentless. It would be nice to think that all women would band together to fight for themselves, but some of the women can't rise above their fear.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

If you're looking for an action flick with no holds barred and a tough as nails protagonist, Fear the Night is for you.

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Monday Magic Free App - Organize Holidays

Take a deep breath. You're going to need it because Thanksgiving is only 38 days away. 

I always think of the time from Thanksgiving Day to New Year's Day as a sprint, not a marathon—it's a 36-day race to get past the first day of the New Year so life can get back to its normal pace.

Don't panic. There's a way to get organized so you can handle all the demands. That's what today's free app is all about.

Any.do is free for iPhones and Android.

Of course, there are 2 tiers to this app: free and subscription. You can read the difference between the two on their website. 

Any.do can take the stress out of the upcoming holidays by helping you put all tasks in one place: shopping, decorating, sending cards, wrapping gifts, etc. As a task management app, you can integrate your calendar, to-do lists, and daily planners.

You can also collaborate with others directly in the app to help plan family gatherings or coordinate holiday events. Advanced features include color tags to mark high-priority tasks and a built-in AI assistant to help you organize your lists efficiently.  Here's an overview of what's free.

FREE PLAN

* Tasks and Lists: Unlimited personal tasks and to-do lists.

* Calendar & Daily Planner: Built-in daily planner view and calendar sync.

* Reminders: Basic one-time reminders.

* Syncing: Real-time syncing across your mobile, desktop, and web devices.

* Grocery Lists: Shared or personal grocery list creation. 

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

If that sounds like the kind of help you need, visit Any.do and get started.

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Resentment - Best Quote Ever

Today's post was inspired by my Darling Hubby's weekly "Happy Friday" to his subscribers.

He often comes up with great quotations to end his remarks. The one he used last week is the one I snagged for today. These words of wisdom come from Nelson Mandela.

You'll love it.

“Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.”

When I read that, I laughed, but at the same time I thought, how very true. I've never understood people who can hold a grudge for a lifetime.

I've laughed at Sheldon Cooper and his list of mortal enemies on The Big Bang Theory, but there are people like that in real life. I know someone who quarreled with his mother and one of his sisters and went for years without speaking to them. I don't know what the argument was, but I was pleased when the feud was over and they were speaking again.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

Life is short, and the older one gets, the shorter life becomes. Why waste precious time and energy keeping resentment and hatred alive?

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Saturday Share - Nutty Butter Bundt

Good morning! I'm postponing my novel writing quota to early evening because I'm going to a baby shower today. 

Parties like that always make me think of cake so this is a great day to share a recipe for an easy party cake—also a good day to blog since I haven't done that in several days.

By the way, you can leave the nuts out if you wish. Of course, you'd have to call it a Butter Bundt then.

Break out the bundt pan and let's get started. 

NUTTY BUTTER BUNDT

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups self-rising flour
• 1 1/4 cups of milk
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 10 tablespoons of butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cup of sugar
• 3 eggs
• 8 ounces of dairy sour cream (not the fat-free kind)
• 1 cup of finely chopped pecans (or your favorite nut)

Directions

1. Prepare a bundt pan and preheat oven to 325°F (165° C). Sift or whisk flour then measure out the amount needed.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.  Slowly add eggs, one at a time, beating about a minute after each. When all are added, beat an additional 3 minutes on medium.

3. Slowly sprinkle in the flour, alternating with the milk. Blend well. Add the vanilla then the sour cream. Mix until well blended.

4. If using nuts, add them now, and mix on low for a couple of minutes..

5. Pour the batter into the bundt pan. Tap the pan on the counter to get rid of any air bubbles and use a spatula to level the top if needed.

6. Bake 45 - 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Remove from oven. Let it set in the pan about 5 minutes then turn it out onto a cooling rack.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

That's all there is to making this light, delicious cake. Of course, you can glaze it with a powdered sugar glaze or a thin chocolate ganache glaze. Personally, I like a slice of this plain with a cup of tea.

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FairyTale Romance by M.J. Schiller

Last month I told you about Four and Twenty Blackbirds by M. J. Schiller which is Book 1 of her new series Fairytale Romance.

 If you're a fan of fairy tales in stories, movies, and TV series, you really should read M. J.'s series.

WHY FAIRYTALE ROMANCE

Here's what M. J. said about this new series.

"Like most little girls, I was totally enraptured by the fairy tales involving a knight in shining armor who flies in to save the princess from the dastardly villain. But as an adult, I like for the princess to be able to rescue herself sometimes and rescue the hero on occasion, too. And as I did research for my medieval romance, I realized that happily-ever-afters in that time period were hard to come by.

"Women didn’t have much choice in whom they wed, especially someone who was chosen by a royal. To decline meant death. So, my FAIRYTALE ROMANCE SERIES has its dark moments, but hopefully that makes the happily-ever-after more poignant and satisfying.

"After all, when life keeps throwing someone curveball after curveball, and they come out on the other side, we like to applaud. It means more."

POCKET FULL OF RYE

 If you love reading series, book after book, you'll be delighted to know that the books in the Fairytale Romance series are being published quickly. Book 1 debuted in September. This month Book 2, Pocket Full of Rye, publishes today, October 7.

Once upon a time, a girl married a prince...but that didn't guarantee her happily-ever-after.

A girl named Izzy was wed to a prince, despite the fact that she was in love with his brother. After all, one does not cross royalty. Although the marriage had a rocky start, Izzy learned to love Carac.

But when his ambition brought danger, who could Izzy count on?

In a dark world, can Izzy ever have a happily-ever-after?

Excerpt from Pocket Full of Rye by M. J. Schiller

“Help him,” she pleaded.

Trevarius went on one knee, thinking it odd that his mother looked to him for help and not to the crown prince. He touched the king’s arm. “My lord father, are you in pain?”

The king’s forehead furrowed as if confused, but Trevarius noticed that the wrinkles were only on one side, which was strange. The king managed a slight nod. Trevarius was relieved that he seemed to understand the question but, at the same time, was concerned about the pain.“Is the suffering so great that Your Majesty cannot bear to be carried to your chambers?” he asked tenderly.

The king’s visage remained unchanged.

Trevarius sighed, speaking out loud. “How am I to aid him when we lack all means to speak to each other?”

Izzy, who still watched the queen warily but had cautiously drawn near, interjected excitedly. “His eyes, my lord. Mark how he moves his eyes.”

Trevarius observed the king. His gaze was shifting from side to side.

Izzy bent. “I believe he means to say nay.”

Trevarius seized upon it. “Is that so, Father?”

Again, the king’s chin dipped almost imperceptibly.

“You give us your leave, then, to bear you to your chambers?”

This time, though still small, the nod seemed to convey the sovereign’s impatience. Trevarius stifled a chuckle, relieved that his father was feeling well enough to be his usual choleric self. He looked up and caught Izzy’s smile, too. Then she lifted her head, peering at something beyond his shoulder, and the smile vanished. Trevarius turned, spying the fierce glare that Carac was aiming at his wife. When he twisted back, Izzy had risen and withdrawn, running her hand across the top of her chair, her gaze downcast.

It is not all joy and sweet bliss with them, then.

He was surprised when this realization didn’t bring him cheer, but seeing Izzy’s sorrowful face only brought him pain.

Books2Read Link for Pocket Full of Rye

MEET THE AUTHOR

M.J. Schiller is a retired lunch lady/romance-romantic suspense writer. 

She enjoys writing novels whose characters include rock stars, desert princes, teachers, futuristic Knights, construction workers, cops, and a wide variety of others. 

In her mind everybody has a romance. She is the mother of a twenty-eight-year-old and three twenty-six-year-olds. That's right, triplets! Having recently taught four children to drive, she likes to escape from life on occasion by pretending to be a rock star at karaoke. However…you won’t be seeing her name on any record labels soon.

VISIT M. J. SCHILLER ONLINE

Website: https://mjschillerauthor.blogspot.com/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/M-J-Schiller/e/B009JOQFQQ

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/m-j-schiller

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/MJ-Schiller-Romance-Author/286382241460365

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mjschiller/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mjschiller

Tumblr: http://mjschilz.tumblr.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mjschiller

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6479377.M_J_Schiller

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

If you're looking for a different kind of romance, POCKET FULL OF RYE is it. Get your copy today!

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Joan participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, affiliate advertising designed to help websites earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon. If you click an Amazon link in her post, she may receive a small commision at no extra cost to you.

Review - The Love Hypothesis

Now streaming on Prime is a new romcom, The Love Hypothesis, based on Ali Hazelwood's novel of the same name which you can purchase from Amazon if you wish.

Before I begin the review, let me give you some interesting history about this book which began life as a Star Wars fan fiction story published online in 2018.

Back then, the story was called Head Over Feet and was about the Reylo ship between Ray and Kylo Ren.

ABOUT THE MOVIE

The Love Hypothesis follows the main character graduate student Olive at Stanford University who ends up in a fake dating relationship with biology professor Adam Carlsen.

She does all this to convince her best friend  that she and the professor are in love so her BFF will also accept love. Of course, those fake feelings become real.

MY THOUGHTS

The movie is delightful with excellent charisma between the main characters portrayed by Lili Reinhart as Olive Smith and Tom Bateman as Dr. Adam Carlsen.

The cast is rounded out by Rachel Marsh as best friend Anh Pham, Nicholas Duvernay as Jeremy Langley, Jaboukie Young-White as Malcolm Browne, Arty Froushan as Dr. Thomas Benton, Jeananne Goossen as Dr. Juliet Aslan, Kenny Wong as McConnell, and Alexandra Petrachuk as Natalie Lazotti.

The plot is unremarkable, but that doesn't mean the movie is without charm. The movie isn't deep and dramatic, and it isn't meant to be. If you're looking for something light-hearted, fun, and funny, this will be your jam.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

If you like the movie, give the book a try Oh, just so you'll know,  a sequel titled The Two-Body Problem is set to publish in February 2027.

Joan participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, affiliate advertising designed to help websites earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon. If you click an Amazon link in her post, she may receive a small commision at no extra cost to you.

Monday Magic - Make a Cartoon of Yourself

Want to create your own cartoon image of yourself to use as an avatar, logo, or other use?

Want it to be free?

Then you want to go to CARTOONIFY, a free web-based tool that will help you do just that.

There are many web apps using the name Cartoonify, the one above has .de on the end of the link. Yes, that's Germany, but the webpage is in English and very easy to use.

So Cartoon yourself in a few easy steps.  No software to install, no account, and no photo to upload. No personal data risk and no hidden subscriptions.

The web app is a free cartoon avatar maker in your browser. You can mix more than 300 graphic parts — face, eyes, hair, clothes, and background — then download your cartoon face as SVG (vector) or PNG.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

Seriously, this is super easy. Try it. You'll probably like it.

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Sunday Thoughts - Worth of Time

Most people think of the novel, Little Women, when they hear the name, Louisa May Alcott.

What they may not know is how wise this 19th century author was.

Sprinkled throughout her novels were bits of wisdom that are as true today as they were then.

What she had to say about understanding the worth of time inspired today's Quote Graphic.

I placed the quotation against a backdrop of beautiful autumn leaves.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

Have a lovely Sunday!

Saturday Share Recipe - Chicken Mushroom Soup

I may be rushing the season, but October brings thoughts of soup simmering on the stove. Yes, it's time for an Autumnal recipe.

CHICKEN MUSHROOM SOUP

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover chicken, chopped
• 1 small can of sliced mushrooms, drained
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1 carrot, diced
• 8 cups of water
• 3 tablespoons Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Base
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream or Half & Half if you prefer
• Slurry made of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed well with 4-5 tablespoons cold water—if you want a thick soup.

Directions

1. In a large soup pot, combine all of the ingredients except the cream and the Slurry.

2. Simmer for a half hour.

3. If wanting a thick soup, whisk in the Slurry and let it simmer a few minutes.

4. Reduce heat to a low simmer and add the cream or Half and Half. Stir to blend. (You add the cream last to a lower heat because you don't want the cream to "break."

5. Serve hot with a crusty bread of your choice.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

You can make it using an equal amount of chicken broth or stop instead of the Chicken Base and water. Either way, the soup is delicious and packed with protein and yummy flavors. 

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How To Verify Amazon Communication

It's usually easy to tell if you have a package from Amazon, isn't it?

But it's not so easy to know if an email or text is actually from Amazon when you see it pop up in your Inbox or on your phone. 

Recently, I received an email from Amazon (verified) detailing what to do if you receive some kind of communication that seems to be from Amazon, but something about it makes you suspicious.

You probably got the same email, but in case you didn't, or you deleted it because you thought it was spam, I'm repeating their 3-steps procedure to verify an email, text, or phone call as legitimate.

Since scams using Amazon's name are on the rise, these are the 3 easy ways Amazon set up for you to verify if a communication is actually from Amazon.

1. Log in on the Amazon shopping app or on Amazon.com and type your question into the Alexa for Shopping chat. Example: "Did Amazon email me?" or "Did Amazon call me?" or "Did Amazon text me?"

2. Visit the Identify a Scam page and submit any message for verification.

3. Submit your question or forward the specific email to verify@amazon.com for verification.

If Amazon sent the communication, you'll know in a short amount of time.

Remember, never engage with any suspicious message in any way before verifying it. 

In the case of Amazon, a report to Amazon internal teams will automatically be submitted and your account will be monitored for suspicious activity.

Visit amazon.com/scams to learn more ways to verify messages, access resources for scam prevention, and understand Amazon's efforts to protect customers from fraudulent activities.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

It's better to be cautious and slow than speedy and impulsive.

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Hello, October, Please Come In

I'm pleased to welcome October and hope it will bring cooler weather to my part of Texas.

The autumnal equinox flitted past a couple of weeks ago and made no difference in the ambient temperature. To me, it's difficult to enjoy the autumnal effects when it's 95-100 degrees outside.

AUTUMN BENEFITS

In case we don't get those lovely Fall effects until late November, allow me to rhapsodize over them here.

• Crisp, refreshing weather
• Trees putting on their "coats of many colors"
• Walking outside and hearing the crunch of dried leaves beneath my shoes
• Dusk arriving early and fading into twilight before 9:00pm
• Wearing cute sweaters
• And flannel shirts! I love flannel shirts—especially those owned by my husband. (I raid his closet.)
• A fire in the hearth that makes everything cozy
• Candles that smell like pine trees or pumpkin spice
• Something homemade baking in the oven
• Halloween and Trick or Treaters ringing the doorbell.   

What's your favorite thing about October?

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

I adore the changing of the seasons, don't you? Let's get something hot to drink.

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