blumoonfiction-blog

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Books, Badges, and Big Plans: My 2024 Reading Recap and 2025 Challenge

It’s January, and the only New Year’s resolution I make consistently is my annual reading challenge. Last year, I ambitiously aimed for 36 books. Spoiler alert: I fell way short. Between juggling life as a mom to a busy 5-year-old, working full-time, and running my blog, I’ll admit I set myself up for failure. But even though I didn’t reach my lofty goal, I’m proud of what I did accomplish. Let’s…

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#ShowsWeLove: LAID

What would you do if your past came back to haunt you – quite literally? That’s the tantalizing premise of Laid, Peacock’s 2024 dark comedy that’s equal parts hilarious, mysterious, and surprisingly heartfelt. Created by Nahnatchka Khan and Sally Bradford McKenna, this remake of the Australian series of the same name introduces viewers to a story about love, growth, and hexes…yes, hexes. With its…

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Fairy Tale 101: Myths & Legends - The Winter Solstice

“The winter solstice is the time of ending and beginning, a powerful time—a time to contemplate your immortality. A time to forgive, to be forgiven, and to make a fresh start. A time to awaken.”— Frederick Lenz, Surfing the Himalayas The shortest day and longest night of the year mark a turning point—a reminder that even in the depths of winter, light begins its return. This poetic thought has…

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New Beginnings and Timeless Tales: Progression, Reflection, and the Power of Stories

January is the perfect time to embrace new beginnings. As we turn the page on another year, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the past, set goals for the future, and dive into stories that inspire growth, change, and possibility. At Blu Moon Fiction, we’ve kicked off 2025 with a celebration of the theme “New Beginnings and Timeless Tales,” exploring how books, films, TV shows, and folklore help…

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Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: Words as a Weapon for Change

Every year in January, my classmates and I would take on a project about Martin Luther King Jr. It was a staple of the school calendar, a tribute to the man whose dream gave us the day off. We’d listen to recordings of his “I Have a Dream” speech, dissect his words from the March on Washington, and study his poignant “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” address. We learned the facts: Dr. King was born…

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Bleu's Reviews: The Midnight Library

Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library is a beautifully crafted exploration of life’s infinite possibilities, regret, and the search for meaning. It begins with Nora Seed, a woman drowning in despair, overwhelmed by missed opportunities and a life that feels unbearably empty. Fired from her job, estranged from her family, and grieving her cat, Nora’s decision to end her life sets the stage for an…

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#ShowsWeLove: Bridgerton

Dearest Readers, I promised a review of Netflix’s Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, and I would never dream of disappointing you. By now, many of you know about my journey into the world of Bridgerton, inspired by my magical evening at the Bridgerton Ball (I’ll link that post here). After becoming a newfound fan of the Bridgerton universe, I was advised to watch Queen Charlotte before…

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FairyTale 101: Myths & Legends - Gryla (The Winter Witch)

“Far in the cold regions of Jotunheim, the Frost Giants dwell, their icy hearts as unyielding as the frozen lands they call home.” — Inspired by Norse Mythology The Frost Giants, or Jötnar, are among the most fascinating and fearsome beings in Norse mythology. Representing the chaotic and untamed forces of nature, these colossal beings play a central role in the mythological tales of the Norse…

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FairyTale 101: Myths & Legends - Gryla (The Winter Witch)

“From the darkness she comes, with a sack full of woes, searching for children to stew in her pot.” – Inspired by Icelandic folklore Gryla, the Winter Witch, is one of the most chilling figures in Nordic folklore. With roots in Icelandic mythology, she is a terrifying ogress who preys on naughty children during the harsh winter months. Her legend has been passed down through generations,…

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#ShowsWeLove: Bridgerton

Dearest Gentle Readers, I must confess, though Bridgerton had been on my radar for quite some time, I had never read a single book or watched a moment of the show. However, after purchasing a ticket to Riot Nerd’s Bridgerton: Diamond of the Season Ball, I decided it was time to dive into this world of regency romance and intrigue. Little did I know, I was about to fall down a rabbit hole and…

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#ShowsWeLove: Come Away

Some films take beloved tales and twist them into something entirely new, and Come Away does just that. Directed by Brenda Chapman in her live-action directorial debut, the 2020 fantasy drama film was written by Marissa Kate Goodhill and stars David Oyelowo, Anna Chancellor, Angelina Jolie, Clarke Peters, David Gyasi, with Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Michael Caine, and Derek Jacobi. It serves as an homage…

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Fairy Tale 101: Myths & Legends - Susie Snowflake

“Here comes Susie Snowflake, dressed in a snow-white gown. Tap, tap, tappin’ at your windowpane to tell you she’s in town.”~From the song “Susie Snowflake” written by Sid Tepper and Roy C. Bennett Snowflakes may seem delicate, but in folklore and pop culture, they’re often tied to powerful imagery of transformation, individuality, and the magic of winter. Susie Snowflake is no exception, a…

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#LitPhilly: The Bridgerton Diamond Ball at World Cafe Live

Dearest Gentle Readers,It is with great delight that I recount an evening brimming with regency-era elegance, modern melodies, and spirited revelry. On December 28, 2024, World Cafe Live transformed into a haven of opulence as Riot Nerd presented its Diamond of the Season Ball. This Bridgerton-inspired soirée allowed attendees to step into the grandeur of the ton for one magical evening. Though…

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#ShowsWeLove: The Polar Express

Some movies become more than just holiday entertainment—they transform into magical experiences. The Polar Express, directed by Robert Zemeckis and released in 2004, is one such film. Based on Chris Van Allsburg’s beloved children’s book, this groundbreaking animated movie takes viewers on an unforgettable journey to the North Pole. With its innovative motion-capture animation, heartfelt story,…

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ShowsWeLove: Holiday Classics

Some holiday traditions never grow old, and for me, these cherished classics have always been a part of the season. From Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, these animated treasures hold a special place in my heart. As a child, I couldn’t wait to see these magical stories light up the screen, and now as an adult, I’ve passed this tradition on to my son. Whether it’s…

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#ShowsWeLove: The Holiday

Some films have the unique ability to wrap you up in their charm, and The Holiday is one of those gems. Directed by Nancy Meyers and released in 2006, this romantic comedy has become a Christmas classic over the years, offering a heartfelt story with an all-star cast, including Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jack Black, and Jude Law. Streaming on platforms like Amazon Prime, The Holiday blends…

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#ShowsWeLove: Red One

When it comes to Christmas movies, there’s no shortage of feel-good flicks that fill us with holiday cheer. But every once in a while, a film comes along that redefines the genre. Enter Red One, an action-packed, heartwarming Christmas adventure directed by Jake Kasdan and written by Chris Morgan. Premiering in 2024, this Amazon MGM Studios production blends festive fun with high-octane action,…