Oops and Daisies

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Book Review: If You Like Unique Literary Thrillers, Read “All The Colors of the Dark”

September 2, 2026 by Liz SanFilippo Hall Leave a Comment

All The Colors Of The Dark by Chris Whitaker intimidated me, and not just because of its behemoth size, clocking in at nearly 600 pages. I also don’t read many thrillers, because I feel like they often lack the character depth I want in books. But one of the many reasons I love book club (I’m in THREE, if you count my writing group) is that it helps me step out of my “comfort zone” in the books I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Writing, Books, & Resources Tagged With: All the colors of the dark, book recommendation, book review, Bookshop, literary fiction, Liz Reads A Lot, quotes

My 10 Favorite Books From the 59 I Read in 2025

January 1, 2026 by Liz SanFilippo Hall

Favorite Books of 2025

I almost hit my Goodreads reading challenge in 2025: 60 books read in 2025! (I was only one shy, and I blame the fact that I typically read two to three books at a time). Even so, as usual, I read a huge variety of books, from middle-grade fiction with my kids to lengthy fantasy books based on incredible worlds.  So, out of these 59, which were my favorites? Keep reading for a round-up and why … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Uncategorized, Writing, Books, & Resources Tagged With: book reviews, books, historical fiction, inspiration, middle grade fiction, young adult fiction

My Favorite Books about Books and Writing

August 1, 2025 by Liz SanFilippo Hall

Favorite books about books and writing

If you know me at all, it’s no secret that I love to read. When someone asks me what I’m currently reading, I often list a handful of titles… because what I pick up depends on the time of day and my mood. But one thing I will always adore: books about books/writing or set in book-ish settings, like bookstores and libraries. Here are just some of my favorite reads about books and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Writing, Books, & Resources Tagged With: book review, books about books, children's books, writing life

Homeschool Isn’t Going As Planned, and That’s Okay

March 14, 2021 by Liz SanFilippo Hall

Homeschool Isn't Going as Planned

When we first decided to homeschool our two kids, I went a bit crazy with all my curriculum shopping. I bought curriculums, books, art supplies, and science experiments galore. I read up on how kids learn (especially through play). As nervous as I was to be responsible for teaching my kids, I was also excited to go along with them on their journey of exploring, discovering, and learning. As … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Family & Lifestyle, Homeschool, Writing, Books, & Resources Tagged With: creativity, imagination, learning, learning at home, learning through play, School Disrupted, YouTube

Mindfulness Practices Even When We’re Busy: Book Review of ‘Everyday Mindfulness’

January 20, 2021 by Liz SanFilippo Hall

I have always loved the concept of mindfulness: slowing down and being present. But as a mom with two young kids? Practicing mindfulness can be, shall we say, difficult. While I have found small ways of working it into my life over the years, I've always been on the lookout for new approaches to mindfulness that work with my crazy, busy life on a regular basis. *** Oops & Daisies … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Writing, Books, & Resources Tagged With: book review, busy mama, journal, meditation, mindfulness, mindfulness practice, mindfulness workbook

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Recent Posts

  • Book Review: If You Like Unique Literary Thrillers, Read “All The Colors of the Dark” September 2, 2026
  • Join Me on My Personal Writing Journey August 25, 2026
  • The Kids Are Back in School! Here’s My Work-From-Home Schedule August 22, 2026
  • How Can Anyone Be Bored? August 13, 2026
  • I Want to Bring ‘Michigan’ Home With Me August 10, 2026

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authorlizsanfilippohall

Multi-genre author. 📚BECOMING CHARLOTTE CORDAY, a YA historical fantasy coming 4/27/2027 from Apprentice House Press

Everything we feel is valid. Multiple things can b Everything we feel is valid. Multiple things can be true at once.#september11th #WeRemember #BigFeelings
I’m Team Listen to Music While I Write… and in my I’m Team Listen to Music While I Write… and in my latest Substack, I talk about how music influences my writing process, both in how I show up to the page and in what words I write. Consider this an invitation to use sound to amp up your stories! The full post is on Substack (link in my bio and stories!) #WritingExercises #Creativity #Cowriting #WritingInvite
The first draft is far from the last draft… this j The first draft is far from the last draft… this journey to publishing Becoming Charlotte Corday has had a LOT of ups and downs, but if anyone ever asks for proof I wrote it… I’ll have plenty to show them 🤣 (Not pictured: all my research from primary sources and my thesis for my master’s degree, which was the basis for my debut). #WritingProcess #BecomingCharlotteCorday #HistoricalFantasy #YAReads
Now the question is… when do I start my countdown Now the question is… when do I start my countdown to book launch day? 🎉🙌💖If you like: 🌸 family secrets 🌸 time travel 🌸 alternate history 🌸 powerful women🌸 revolutions… Then I think you’ll like my book! Coming 4/27/27. #HistoricalFantasy #AlternateHistory #YoungAdultFiction #LizsWritingJourney
Not everything you write needs to make it into you Not everything you write needs to make it into your book… writers, what’s your approach to world building? Do you create your own “historical documents” too? Please tell me I’m not the only one! #AmWriting #WorldBuilding #HistoricalFantasy #AuthorsOfInsta
What creative projects am I juggling this week? We What creative projects am I juggling this week? Well, actually, I’m trying to focus on just one… and I’ll have some updates about Becoming Charlotte Corday soon! #HistoricalFantasy #Books #WritingLife #LizsWritingJourney
I feel like it should come as no surprise that my I feel like it should come as no surprise that my son inspired a picture book I’m working on. 🤣#TheThingsKidsSay #WritingLife #MomLife #Books
What are you reading today? This is everything th What are you reading today? This is everything that I’ve been reading lately 🤣To be honest, I had every intention of finishing Atmosphere before picking up Love Hypothesis but the latter is due TODAY. (FYI, I’m barely in Atmosphere and I’m already in love). I’m reading Frindle with the kids.And the bottom three are all non-fiction and I’ve been very slowly reading through all of them in bits and pieces… and lemme tell you, they’re all very different! Your turn! What’s on your reading list today? #ReadABookDay #AmReading #MyReadingList #Books
That’s what I tell my kids, too! One of the many r That’s what I tell my kids, too! One of the many reasons to read. Thanks for the reminder, @bookstoreofge 💖#ShopLocal #BookQuotes #AmReading
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