Lifestyle Monthly Favourites

October Favourites 2023

Music

For Those In Love – Dalene

When I first heard ”For Those In Love” I thought it was an overlooked 1980s song. Imagine my surprise in finding out that it is was recorded in 2021 by a Greek band no less!

I Think I Love You – The Partridge Family

This was the highlight of my month-musically speaking. Felt every word the Partridge Family sang and having a special someone in my mind…

Books

The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber

After Jacks, the Prince of Hearts, betrays her, Evangeline Fox swears she’ll never trust him again. Now that she’s discovered her own magic, Evangeline believes she can use it to restore the chance at happily ever after that Jacks stole away.

But when a new terrifying curse is revealed, Evangeline finds herself entering into a tenuous partnership with the Prince of Hearts again. Only this time, the rules have changed. Jacks isn’t the only force Evangeline needs to be wary of. In fact, he might be the only one she can trust, despite her desire to despise him.

Instead of a love spell wreaking havoc on Evangeline’s life, a murderous spell has been cast. To break it, Evangeline and Jacks will have to do battle with old friends, new foes, and a magic that plays with heads and hearts. Evangeline has always trusted her heart, but this time she’s not sure she can…

Marple: Twelve New Mysteries by Naomi Alderman, Leigh Bardugo, etc.

A brand-new collection of short stories featuring the Queen of Mystery’s legendary detective Jane Marple, penned by twelve remarkable bestselling and acclaimed authors.

This collection of a dozen original short stories, all featuring Jane Marple, will introduce the character to a whole new generation. Each author reimagines Agatha Christie’s Marple through their own unique perspective while staying true to the hallmarks of a traditional mystery.

Autumn Chills by Agatha Christie

Autumn is the season of misty mornings and cosy nights in, but as the leaves begin to fall the nights get longer and the shadows grow darker… Secluded cottages, eerie manors and ghostly hauntings and cursed tombs abound in this collection of 12 supernatural mysteries and murderous plots featuring Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple and Agatha Christie’s other favourite detectives.

The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore

When Jeanie’s aunt gifts her the beloved Pumpkin Spice Café in the small town of Dream Harbor, Jeanie jumps at the chance for a fresh start away from her very dull desk job.

Logan is a local farmer who avoids Dream Harbor’s gossip at all costs. But Jeanie’s arrival disrupts Logan’s routine and he wants nothing to do with the irritatingly upbeat new girl, except that he finds himself inexplicably drawn to her.

Will Jeanie’s happy-go-lucky attitude win over the grumpy-but-gorgeous Logan, or has this city girl found the one person in town who won’t fall for her charm, or her pumpkin spice lattes…

Movies

The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)

Two stories. The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame: J. Thaddeus Toad, owner of Toad Hall, is prone to fads, such as the newfangled motor car. This desire for the very latest lands him in much trouble with the wrong crowd, and it is up to his friends, Mole, Rat and Badger to save him from himself.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow: Retelling of Washington Irving’s story set in a tiny New England town. Ichabod Crane, the new schoolmaster, falls for the town beauty, Katrina Van Tassel, and the town Bully Brom Bones decides that he is a little too successful and needs “convincing” that Katrina is not for him.

Only Yesterday (1991)

A twenty-seven-year-old office worker travels to the countryside while reminiscing about her childhood in Tokyo.

Trick or Treat (1952)

When the nephews come to Donald’s house in their Halloween costumes he dumps water on them and laughs at his trick. A witch sees this and decides to help the kids. By magic she gives Donald a bad time and the kids finally get their treats.

The Skeleton Dance (1929)

The clock strikes midnight, the bats fly from the belfry, a dog howls at the full moon, and two black cats fight in the cemetery: a perfect time for four skeletons to come out and dance a bit.

Shops

Little Tree Books and Coffee

?Cavalloti 2, Athens, Greece

Little Tree is a book cafe near the Acropolis and the perfect place for one or more bibliophiles to drink a cup of coffee and enjoy their books. Plus the cafe has it’s own little bookstore if you are in need of a new read.

Bistro 17

?Papastratou 76, Agrinio, Greece

In the ground floor of one of Agrinio’s best luxury hotels -the Marpessa Smart Luxury Hotel- a fine all day bistro is ready to welcome every guest who wishes for a high end dinning experience or looks for a calming oasis to enjoy his morning coffee/evening aperitif.

Chevalier

?Palaiologou 1, Ioannina, Greece

Chevalier is a pretty little cafe in the old city of Ioannina. Cozy and pub-like, it greets locals and tourists alike with warm cups of herbal tea and little carafes of honeyed raki accompanied by appetizers.

Youtubers

Eva’s Literary Parlour

Eva is an English literature student who discusses bookish themes and genres as well as reviewing classical works of fiction. I especially loved her little Halloween series of videos who are centered on Venezuelan supernatural legends.

Writing with Andrew

Andrew treats writing not only as an art but also as a skill which can be learnt. He empowers aspiring writers with practical techniques by explaining principles from rhetorical theory, creative writing, linguistics and philosophy.

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