From the Hollow

Secrets You Can’t Keep  is my second time reading Debra Webb and the third book in the Vera Boyett series , and once again she proves she knows exactly how to pull readers into a tightly woven mystery without leaving anyone behind. One of the things I appreciate most about Webb’s writing is her commitment to accessibility. You don’t need to have read the earlier books in the series to follow this one. The story stands firmly on its own, yet the subtle breadcrumbs about Vera’s

St. Lucia Day, observed on December 13th, is a cherished festival celebrated primarily in Sweden, Norway, and parts of Finland, though it also has connections to Italian traditions. This unique holiday is deeply rooted in both Christian and pagan customs, symbolizing light, hope, and the triumph over darkness during the long winter nights. Its significance and beauty have made it one of the most beloved holidays in Scandinavia. St. Lucia, or Saint Lucy, was a Christian martyr

Wednesday Recipe Share – The Hollow Exclusive Winter calls for dishes that feel like a warm hug—and this week’s recipe absolutely delivers. Our Winter Vegetable Gluten-Free Pot Pie is hearty, comforting, aromatic, and packed with seasonal produce. Whether you're snowed in, craving something cozy, or just need a nourishing midweek meal, this pot pie is the kind that makes the kitchen smell like home. Rich but not heavy, rustic but still elegant enough to serve to guests, this

Background art is titled "Girl With Corset" by Jen Sequel, traditional fine art portrait in oils. Portraiture has always been more than a visual record—it is a dialogue between artist and subject, a study of light and shadow, and a mirror reflecting the evolution of human expression. From the anatomical perfection of classical realism to the emotionally driven styles of today’s fine art, portraiture has traveled an extraordinary path. As an artist working within this lineage,

The holidays are sneaking up on us, and there’s nothing like the aroma of fresh citrus and sweet cranberries to make your home feel warm and inviting. This Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Loaf   is perfect for those cozy mornings with a cup of tea or coffee—or even as a delightful treat for guests during the season. What makes this loaf extra special is the balance of tart cranberries with the bright, fragrant zest of orange. And because it’s gluten-free, everyone at the table c

Mystery. Silence. Sacred rites hidden behind closed doors. Few deities in ancient Rome embodied secrecy and feminine power quite like Bona Dea, the “Good Goddess” whose worship was so exclusive, even her own name was considered too sacred to speak aloud. For centuries, Roman women sought her blessings for fertility, healing, protection, and purity, gathering in ritual spaces men were forbidden to enter. Though her temples once bustled with activity, much of her story has been

In the quiet countryside of ancient Greece—far from the polished marble temples and crowded agora of Athens—the Rural Dionysia unfolded each winter as one of the most spirited celebrations of the year. Rooted deeply in agricultural life, this festival honored Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility, ecstasy, and the transformative powers of nature. While the city-oriented Great Dionysia is often more widely recognized, the Rural Dionysia held a more intimate, communal importance

The Poseidea is a relatively obscure festival from the ancient Attic calendar, held in honour of Poseidon, god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses. It took place in the lunar month called Poseideon (roughly late December into January). Although details are limited, the festival provides an intriguing insight into how the Athenians and other Greeks recognized the power of the sea and its perils — especially in winter. Date & Calendar Context The Attic month Poseideon is identi

The Feast of Hathor & Sekhmet is a remarkable example of how ancient Egyptian religion could combine celebration, myth, and communal catharsis. Celebrated in honour of the goddesses Hathor (goddess of joy, music, fertility) and Sekhmet (lioness goddess of war, healing and the “Eye of Ra”), the festival marks the transformation of destructive power into benevolent protection, and invites the community into ritual renewal via celebration, intoxication, and symbolic release. Myt

As the Attic calendar turned toward the close of autumn, the people of Athens observed Plerosia (Πληρωσία), a festival whose very name means “fullness”  or “abundance.”  Falling within the month of Maimakterion (roughly late November to early December), Plerosia was a time to give thanks for the bounty of the harvest and to honor the gods who sustained life through the coming winter. A Festival of Gratitude and Completion While few direct references to Plerosia survive, schol

These bars are the best use for leftover cranberry sauce — sweet, tart, buttery, and entirely gluten-free. Bake them ahead for a grab-and-go treat for visiting family or a cozy breakfast on Black Friday morning. Ingredients: 1 ½ cups gluten-free rolled oats 1 cup almond flour ½ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar ½ cup melted butter or coconut oil 1 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade) Zest of 1 orange Directions: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 pan with par

Warm, hearty, and nostalgic — this creamy chicken and wild rice soup tastes like a hug in a bowl. It’s perfect for a pre-Thanksgiving week dinner, gluten-free comfort at its best. Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced 1 cup carrots, chopped 1 cup celery, chopped 1 onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup wild rice (uncooked) 6 cups chicken broth 1 cup coconut milk (or cream for non-dairy-free) 1 tsp thyme ½ tsp rosemary Salt and pepper

Empty Boxes  by Robin Acton delivers a tightly paced mystery rooted in the grit and shadows of Pittsburgh’s underbelly. When crime reporter Rita Locke begins investigating the murder of a funeral director, she doesn’t expect to find empty coffins—or uncover a far-reaching conspiracy that stretches far beyond western Pennsylvania. What starts as a local crime quickly expands into an international web of danger, deception, and medical intrigue that leads her all the way to a Ca

Starting a new artistic journey can feel overwhelming. However, with the right guidance, anyone can develop their skills and enjoy the creative process. I have found that beginner art tutorials online provide a structured and accessible way to learn. In this post, I will share insights into how these tutorials can help, what to look for, and practical tips to get the most out of your learning experience. Why Choose Beginner Art Tutorials On YouTube? The internet offers a vast

Kathy Reichs returns with another sharp, unsettling thriller in Evil Bones , bringing forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan into one of her darkest investigations yet. What begins with a series of bizarrely mutilated small animals around Charlotte quickly spirals into something far more sinister. When the cruelty escalates to a family pet—and then to a human victim—Tempe realizes she’s dealing with a perpetrator whose fascination with violence is evolving in deeply distu

As the days grow shorter and the crisp November air nudges us closer to winter, there’s a special kind of magic in slowing down, gathering, and letting ourselves bask in the glow of creativity and connection. Whether it’s around a cozy table, a flickering candle, or the glow of a computer screen as you write your next story, this is the season to celebrate the things that light up our hearts—and our homes. Gather Around Your Passions Gathering doesn’t always mean a crowded ro

Hekate is among the more fascinating deities in the Greek pantheon — a goddess of magic, boundaries, crossroads, the night, and the underworld. While her worship in classical antiquity had specific ritual forms, modern practitioners have also adopted particular dates in November for her honour. This article explores the “night(s) of Hekate,” how they are observed today, what their roots may be, and how you might choose to mark them yourself. The Ancient Practice: Deipnon, Nou

When exploring the world of horror, anthology series offer a unique and captivating way to experience a variety of chilling tales. These collections bring together different stories, often with distinct themes, settings, and characters, providing a fresh experience with each episode or season. For those who appreciate art, literature, and creative storytelling, these thrilling horror collections present an excellent opportunity to dive into diverse narratives that stimulate t

This salad tastes like Thanksgiving in a bowl — tart apples, dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a sweet-tangy maple Dijon dressing. It’s gluten-free, vegetarian, and makes an ideal side or light lunch. Ingredients: 5 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix) 1 crisp apple (Honeycrisp or Gala), thinly sliced ¼ cup dried cranberries ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts ¼ cup crumbled feta (optional) Dressing: 3 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar 1 tbsp pure mapl

Nash Falls  introduces readers to Nash — a man who seemingly has it all. Intelligent, disciplined, and successful, he’s climbed to the top of Sybaritic Investments through sheer determination. With a wife, daughter, and a stable, comfortable life, Nash appears to be living the dream. But that illusion shatters after his estranged father’s funeral, when the FBI shows up in the middle of the night with an impossible request: infiltrate his own company to expose a massive money-