A Touch of Southern Grace

 Spring has sprung, the weather is warming up, and the season of for reading a ridiculous amount of books if finally here. Honestly, any time is a perfect time to read a book, in my opinion, but there’s something about sitting by pool, on a beach, or even the comfort of your own back porch that makes the reading experience that much sweeter. Megan Miranda is such a talented suspense writer. The first book of hers I read was “All the Missing Girls”, and I was hooked after the first few pages. Her newest book, “Daughter of Mine”, is another suspense that is pretty much impossible to put down. 

Miranda has an amazing talent for weaving a web of drama, mystery, conflict, twists that will keep you guessing with each turn of a page, that will draw you into a dynamic world she has created.

The death of Hazel Sharp’s father, detective Holt, brings her back to her hometown of Mirror Lake. On the heels of detective Holt’s death, a drought begins to unearth some secrets from years ago. In the small town of Mirror Lake, where everyone knows everyone, and everything that is going on, the town can’t stop buzzing about a car that the drought reveled that had been found in the lake with its license plates missing. 

In quick order Hazel soon finds out that she has inherited the family home, which brings another layer of drama and conflict. Shortly after another car is discovered in the lake, but this time, in the lake that is right behind the house Hazel just recently inherited. 

Hazel soon begins to wonder if the two cars are related to her mother’s departure decades ago… She soon starts an investigation of her own once she finds out that her brother’s wife and once childhood friend has gone missing. With the mystery of her mother and her missing sister-in-law Mirror Lake soon starts to take on the light as a town being full of secrets and dark corners.

If you have not picked up your copy of “Daughter of Mine” yet, I highly recommend this book. The writing and storyline is simply fantastic. If you are a fan of mystery and suspense you will absolutely love this book! 

 Is it just me or does anyone else feel like this year is going by at a lighting pace? I feel like time is literally like sand running through my fingers at the moment. On a lighter note, I am so glad it is finally the weekend and I am so loving the fact that Nashville is going to experience one last cold and cozy weekend before the hot days of summer take hold of everything. 

One// Lilly Pulitzer

Lilly Pulitzer is one of those brands that does not have a sale very often, so you have to take advantage when they do; some styles are even under $50! This is the perfect opportunity to stock up for all your summer events that are just around the corner! 

Two// How To Know If Your Solar Eclipse Glasses Are Fake

The excitement surrounding the upcoming solar eclipse is beyond contagious. I never thought of someone trying to take advantage of the situation and sell fake glasses until I read this article from Martha Stewart’s website…

Three// Claire Saffitz Peach Cobbler

I have been such a fan of Clair Saffiz since her days in the test kitchen on bon appetit. In my opinion it is always a perfect time of year for a cobbler of any sorts and peach cobbler with a scoop of ice cream on top is my absolute most favorite. 

Four// Sarah Flint Secret Garden Scarf 90

I have a slight scarf obsession… I feel like buying a nice scarf can always be justified, because it is something that will always be in style, and really nice scarves are something that can turn into a generational piece. This new scarf from Sarah Flint is simply stunning! The elements of art that went into creating this piece and the design is really very stunning and timeless. Use code: SARAHFLINT_CCLAURENAID to save 15% on your order!

Five// Merit

Merit is one of my newest makeup obsessions. I love the whole “clean” movement that is taking place within the makeup industry right now. So far my favorite product has been the ‘Flush Blam Cream Blush”!

 I feel like this past week was a complete bluer and everything just kind of blended together… does anyone else feel that way? I’m always so torn around this time of year – I love the spring weather, flowers, and the fact that the earth is coming back to life, but at the same time I am always a little sad to leave the cozy months behind. To be completely honest time markers, like the start of a new season always make me panic a little… I have a list of things I want to experience and accomplish, and I feel like the passing of a season is another reminder that time is moving on wheatear I’m ready for it to or not. On a sunnier note, with each new week, month, season, and year, there is always a sense of renewed hope. For now, here are a few links from this past week that I am completely loving! 

One// Claire Saffitz Best Cinnamon Rolls of Your Life

I feel in love with Claire Saffitiz’s cooking videos when she was on Bon Appetit; her videos are entertaining, fun, and relaxing. Plus, these Cinnamon Rolls look amazing!

Two// Hill House Home The Harper Lady Jacket Cardigan

My grand-millennial loving heart has completely fallen for the cardigan and Lady Jacket trend that is currently underway. This Cream colored  Lady Jacket from Hill House is so beautiful and so classic, and can be worn pretty much year round. Absolutely love it! 

Three// Lunar Eclipse 

I have a new found love for stars and all things space related; it’s just really humbling to think that we are a small piece of something so big. This article tells you how to see the upcoming Lunar Eclipse!

Four// Krewe Sale

Krewe is without a doubt my most favorite sunglasses ever, it’s honestly turned into a bit of an addiction. This is a fantastic sale – all sale items are up to 70% off, and this is a company that does not have a sale very often

Five// Tour of a 5^th Ave Penthouse 

I was in NYC on and off last year, and I feel completely in love with the city, the vibe, and all the exhibits, shows, culture, food, and shopping that’s at your fingertips. I honestly want to move there one day… Nashville is a wonderful city to live and to visit, but honestly, we’ve had such an influx of people move here and just the amount of tourist, it makes me feel really boxed in sometimes… So obviously I now follow a ridiculous amount of NYC Instagram accounts. The apartment this realtor shows in this reel is amazing, and the light fixtures are incredible!