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In just over two weeks, I’m headed to Europe for the summer vacation of my dreams, bopping around Italy and Switzerland. The less dreamy part of the trip is that I’ll be spending three weeks living out of a cary-on bag and backpack. Maybe for some this is not a difficult task. But I am historically an over packer. I grew up in a family that checked bags for week long trips. Though my dad might argue otherwise, I was not raised to pack light.
Because I’m an anxious girlie, I may have already packed the Europe bag to make sure everything fits and that I don’t keep talking myself into adding pieces. It does, and I will do my best not to. I have to leave room for foreign purchases, after all.
Oh! And not at all related to the above, but my dear friend Clara, author of
, wrote about why author Emily Henry is our favorite romance author and gave me a chance to weigh in and gush about my love for Charlie Lastra. You can read it below.Traveling Lately: Book Bonanza
Last week, I went on a paid brand trip to Grapevine, Texas with Amazon Publishing to shoot content at Book Bonanza with their authors. “What is Book Bonanza?” you might be wondering. It is basically comic con for romance readers. An event where romance readers can meet their favorite authors. There are panels, signings, parties, books for sale, and more. Or should I say, there were. Because this was actually the last year of Book Bonanza. The final chapter, if you will.
Over several days in Texas, I shot lots of fun content with Amazon Publishing authors, playing games and asking questions in videos which will be rolling out on the Amazon Publishing social pages over the next few weeks/months. Book Bonanza, the brain child of author Colleen Hoover, was made extra memorable this year with the attendance of Blake Lively, star of the film adaptation of Hoover’s novel, It Ends With Us. Attendees even got to watch an advanced (unfinished) screening of the film. Though not me. Because I was on a flight back to LA Saturday morning and missed the movie. So I’ll have to catch the finished film in August when it’s in theaters.
It was really a dream work trip. I was sent home with so many books and goodies (unboxing to come on my IG and TikTok) that the cowboy boots I packed (cuz Texas) actually didn’t fit back into my suitcase, and I was forced to wear them at the airport. I didn’t feel too weird about it at DFW. A bit more self conscious at LAX if I’m being honest.
Reading Lately
A little over halfway through June and here’s everything I’ve read so far (you can check out everything I’ve read in 2024, as well as my favorite books by genre in my Amazon Storefront.)
The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
Our Reading Lately Book Club June book. What a beautiful story, my goodness. It’s nearly impossible believe this is Peters debut novel. Told in dual POV over the span of decades, my heart aches for Ruthie, Joe, and their family. You can learn more about this quietly stunning read in the below post.
Middle Of The Night by Riley Sager
Summer isn’t complete without a new Riley Sager thriller. I listened to the audiobook for this one and enjoyed it a lot! In it, a man must contend with the long-ago disappearance of his childhood best friend—and the dark secrets lurking just beyond the safe confines of his picture-perfect neighborhood.
Happy Medium by Sarah Adler
If you’re looking for a really light, paranormal romance, this is a quick, solid read. I actually didn’t realize it was a ghost story, I probably would have skipped it if I’d known, so that’s on me. A con woman must convince a skeptical farmer of his property's resident real-life ghost if she's to save them all from a fate worse than death.
The Quiet Tenant by Clemence Michallon
This book has been on my radar for a little while, and I only wish I’d read it sooner. A psychological thriller about a serial killer and the women in his life, told from the perspectives of his daughter, girlfriend, and the one victim he’s kept alive. Totally heartbreaking, and a debut that left me excited to read anything else Michallon writes, this thriller is a study of trauma, survival, and the dynamics of power.
honey by Isabel Banta
My current audiobook read. Millennials are going to eat this one up. It’s another debut; a coming of age story about a pop star in the late 90s/early 2000s. Not that being a woman is ever not a challenge, but wow that was a ROUGH time for women in the public eye. I’m especially excited to discuss this with others who have read it, so let me know when you do!
Watching Lately
Only seeing movies this summer with June Squibb in the cast. Summer of Squibb!
Thelma
My favorite movie of the year so far. I attended an early screening at CAA with my mom last month, and we both walked away massive fans. June Squibb, at the budding age of 94, leads this hilarious, heartfelt film. And can you believe, this is actually Squibb’s first lead roll in a film ever? Obviously beyond overdue.
Inspired by a real-life experience of director Josh Margolin's own grandmother, THELMA puts a clever spin on movies like MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE, shining the spotlight on an elderly grandmother as an unlikely action hero.
In theaters this Friday. Absolutely perfect for all ages, go see this movie in theaters with your parents, your kids, your grandparents if you still can. I know my Mumum would have loved this movie.
Inside Out 2
As I already mentioned, I am an anxious girlie and OOF this film hit so hard. Not a spoiler, but “Joy, she wants you” had tears absolutely streaming down my face in the theater. I can just picture the little anxiety creature in my head running in circles every night as soon as my head hits the pillow, and I’m gonna need her to take several seats.
Bridgerton Season 3
Is it bad to say this was my least favorite season so far? (My personal ranking is S2, S1, S3.) Colin just gives me the ick. And I know, there are people who say that’s intentional. He’s supposed to be pretending to be someone he’s not. That only Penelope sees him for who he is. But surely by the end of the season we are meant to find him charming, no? I did not. And it’s hard to enjoy what is ultimately a romance when you aren’t into the leads.
Side note: I am confused by the girl boss/feminist angle this season took in regard to Penelope as Lady Whisteldown. Everyone in the ton was so quick to forgive her for her viscous words because how else can a woman have power if she isn’t writing gossip? Meanwhile, characters like Cressida, who are forced into marriages with old men who will SA them, are villainized for doing everything in their power to escape such torturous fates. It just felt like in this season, the writers were a bit confused about what they were trying to say and I was left feeling luke (no pun intended) warm on the season.
Products Lately
Over the weekend, I received a PR mailer from Benefiber and it included the most me sweatshirt I’ve ever seen (I don’t talk about it here a ton, but I have IBS and my tummy hurts A LOT. It’s not not related to anxiety. We’re working on it.)
Linking the sweatshirt HERE for anyone else who needs it.
Sharing some of my affiliate discount codes below
Tavi Active — code SAMANTHA for 20% off site-wide from Vooray, TAVI, and ToeSox, and code SAMANTHA30 for an additional 30% off sale items
Birthdate Candles — code Samantha10 at checkout
Our Place — discount applied through this link
Kush Queen — code Samantha at checkout
Karma & Luck — code SAM30 for 25% off their site
Quick reminder I (try to) link all my outfits and products on my LTK shop, so if you follow me on other social pages and ever want to know where something is from, you can check that out HERE!