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Holiday - Single by Dana Williams
Holiday - Single by Dana Williams
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Dana Williams is a singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles, California. Not too long ago, she released a lovely music video for her “Holiday” single.

“My, how time, how it flies away. ‘Cause I used to dream of you, but now I wish you’d go away. It’s only a holiday when you’re away. It’s only a holiday when you’re not here. ‘Cause that’s when I have my space when you’re away. It’s only a holiday when you’re gone. And now the only difference is that I’ve come too far to care. But now the only difference is that you’re not there.” – lyrics

‘Holiday’ tells a bittersweet tale of a young woman who needs a break from her significant other and their problematic relationship.

Oftentimes, she thinks about leaving when he’s away but is too afraid to do so because she fears the loneliness of being single.
Even though they fuss and fight, she admits that she finds comfort in his companionship and that’s why she keeps him around.

‘Holiday’ contains a relatable storyline and ear-welcoming vocals. Also, the likable tune possesses hard-hitting instrumentation embedded with thudding drums and dreamy strings.

“‘Holiday’ is an expression of self-love and realizing that it is better to be alone than in the company of a turbulent relationship.” – Dana Williams

Dana Williams was raised on legendary singers such as Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday.

Not too long ago, her “Honey” single landed on Spotify’s Fresh Finds playlist. So far, the likable tune has amassed over 3M streams online.

Also, Alex Da Kid, a multi-Grammy Award-winner producer (Skylar Grey, Rihanna), will be producing Williams’ upcoming project featuring her “Holiday” single.
  
Sprinkles of Suspicion
Sprinkles of Suspicion
Kim Davis | 2020 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Emory Finds Herself Caught up in a Murder
When Emory discovers that her husband, Philip, is having an affair with her best friend, Tori, Emory naturally gets very angry and gets into a very public fight with Tori. That creates a problem, however, when Emory finds Tori’s very dead body just a few hours later. Naturally, the police consider Emory their best suspect, so Emory sets out to give them other suspects. As she tries to clear her name, is she prepared for the secrets she will uncover?

Between the Orange County, California, setting and the culinary cozy hook, I couldn’t pass this book up. As always, I enjoyed seeing the action taking place in areas I recognized even if I don’t know them super well. This book works in many ways like a TV pilot, readjusting Emory’s life as well as giving us a murder to solve. The murder got overshadowed a bit at times, but I always found the book compelling to read. There are several good surprises and twists to the mystery. The ending was a little weak, but it does answer all of our questions. I certainly sympathized with Emory since she comes across as very trusting, something that creates problems when your life becomes a mystery. I did feel her family was a little too self-absorbed. I’m sure it was supposed to be funny, but I found it more annoying. The 11 recipes at the end include some Western themed dishes as well as a couple of delicious sounding cupcakes. All told, this is a fun series debut that will leave you wondering just where cupcakes and murder will take Emory next.
  
Whale Done
Whale Done
Stuart Gibbs | 2023 | Children, Mystery
5
5.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Message Drowns Out Plot
Teddy Fitzroy is on vacation again, this time in Malibu with his girlfriend, Summer McCracken, and Summer’s mother. They are visiting a friend of Mrs. McCracken who lives right on the beach in Southern California. Unfortunately, the beach stinks right now since a whale has beached itself and died. The head veterinarian from FunJungle is there as well, as he is planning to assist his friend who works for NOAA on the autopsy to find out exactly what happened to the whale, but before they can do that, the whale explodes. Obviously, someone is trying to hide something. Can Teddy figure out what is really happening?

Since the last book was also set away from FunJungle, I was disappointed we didn’t get to spend much time at the park again here. I did enjoy the LA setting since I live here, but it didn’t completely make up for missing the park and regular characters. The plot spends time speculating on why the whale died and why someone who want to hide their involvement, which turns into several lectures on how humans are destroying oceans. Yes, this is an important topic, but it took over and slowed down the story at times. On the other hand, Teddy once again makes some logical connections with great clues that figure things out in the end. The characters we meet along the way are fun, and I liked the development we got for Teddy and Summer. If you are new to the series, I suggest you start with an earlier book. Fans will still enjoy this one.