Happy Good Friday to you all.
Last year I wrote about how to celebrate Good Friday, but this year I’ve been thinking more about what it actually teaches us, especially with how things are in the world right now.
For me, one thing that stands out is how we’re always in a rush for things to work out. We want answers straight away, we want things fixed quickly. But Good Friday doesn’t work like that. It reminds us that there are moments in life where things feel heavy, unclear, and even unfair—and we just have to sit in it.
It also makes me think about how we deal with people. It’s easy to cut people off or hold onto things, but this day reminds us that forgiveness isn’t weakness. It actually takes more strength than most things.
I just finished reading The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, and honestly, it hit me hard. The story kicks off with two sisters in France, before the war really changes everything. One sister, Vianne, just wants to keep her family safe. She stays home, tries to hold life together even as the Germans move in. The other, Isabelle, she’s restless, angry at the world, and refuses to sit on the sidelines. She ends up joining the Resistance, taking huge risks, and putting herself in danger to fight for something bigger than herself.
And that’s when you realize, there’s no single way to be brave. One sister survives by staying invisible, the other by refusing to be. Both of them are courageous in completely different ways.
I won’t spoil the ending, but halfway through I kept asking myself: what would I do if my whole world was turned upside down like that? Would I have the courage to act? Or the patience to endure silently? That question stayed with me long after I put the book down.
Happy Tuesday, everyone. Today I’m sharing the denim-on-denim outfit I wore to church a couple of weeks ago. I like to call this look “Cozy Chic Sunday” because it brings together comfort and style so well, especially on those cold mornings when getting out of bed feels like a real struggle.
We all know those days, right? The kind where wearing a dress feels like signing up for frostbite. I wanted to look decent and put together for one of the most important parts of my Sunday—church—but I couldn’t stand the thought of feeling chilly all day, especially since we visited Dawsholm Park LNR, after the service.
So here’s what I wore…
Boyfriend Jeans from Zara: because comfort is key. These jeans are loose enough to feel relaxed but still tailored enough to look chic. They’re my go-to when I want an effortless, “I didn’t try too hard” look that still appears polished and intentional.
Striped Knitted V-neck Jumper underneath: warm and cozy. Stripes are timeless—they elevate basics instantly without being loud.
Quilted Embroidered Front Tie Denim Jacket (Size M, £10.20, by TU): this was such a find. The quilting and embroidery added a texture I loved, and the front tie gave it a subtle, stylish detail that elevated the whole outfit. It’s the kind of piece that makes a simple look feel intentional. I got it from Argos.
But let’s talk about the real star of this look…
Let me take you on the journey I experienced reading it. Imagine it’s a quiet Friday morning, sunlight spilling through the window, a steaming cup of tea beside me, and the pages of The Great Alone calling my name. I couldn’t wait to read this book, and I can promise you, you won’t either.
Kristin Hannah, for those who might not know, is a global bestselling phenomenon. She has an unparalleled gift for capturing human emotion, painting settings so vividly that you feel as if you’re walking alongside her characters, experiencing their fears, their joys, and their heartbreaks firsthand. And in The Great Alone, she does just that, turning the rugged Alaskan wilderness into more than just a backdrop; it becomes a character in its own right.
This novel is an exquisite blend of historical fiction and contemporary drama, with hints of romance and suspense woven throughout. It’s the kind of book that would translate beautifully to the screen, picture sweeping landscapes, the raw, biting cold of Alaska, and a story that grips you until the very last page. While it hasn’t won every major literary award (though I wouldn’t be surprised if it did), it has earned a place in readers’ hearts worldwide.
From the moment I saw the cover, I was drawn in. The muted tones, the hint of vast wilderness, the lone figure in the distance. It perfectly mirrors the themes of isolation, survival, and resilience. Published by St. Martin’s Press, the book exudes quality, and the very feel of it in your hands tells you that you are holding something special.
Oh, the characters. Each one is written with such care, it’s impossible not to feel for them. My personal favorite? Leni Allbright, the young girl whose coming-of-age story runs through the heart of the novel. I admired her courage and her vulnerability, qualities that made me reflect on my own adolescence. And then there’s her father, Ernt Allbright, whose flaws and struggles are both terrifying and heartbreaking. I found myself asking, “If I were in Leni’s shoes, what would I have done?” Honestly, I’m not sure I would have had her bravery.