The book synopsis for The Ex-Wives Club by Sally Hepworth 

When a restaurateur and serial philanderer turns up stone-cold dead, his trio of exes falls under suspicion in a sharp-witted and suspenseful short story by the New York Times bestselling author of Darling Girls.

Celebrity chef Ian Curley is found dead in his walk-in freezer. The prime suspects are his three ex-wives, who meet up every Friday evening in their favorite corner booth of his restaurant. It’s a tradition for Anita, Mary-Jane, and Rosie to drink, dine, and commiserate. But commit murder? All aggrieved, each one has a motive and an alibi. And a brilliant detective has reservations. Who did it? The night will tell.

Sally Hepworth’s The Ex-Wives Club is part of Alibis, a collection of stories about lies, truth, and deception. It’s just a matter of what you can get away with. They can be read or listened to in one sitting.

You might also like: Book Review: Merry Little Vengeance by Joan De La Haye

Discussing The Ex-Wives Club by Sally Hepworth 

Where to find The Ex-Wives Club by Sally Hepworth online:

 Buy now: The Ex-Wives Club Amazon affiliate link

Add to your shelf: The Ex-Wives Club on Goodreads

Want to know what others thought about this book? Check out these book reviews:

• "an enjoyable read that will keep you guessing until the reveal." Read the full review by Emerald Maple 
• "This book was a quick-paced, light and fun read as we follow along these interesting characters through their interviews with the detective, keeping us curious and busy piecing stories together in efforts to discover who killed Ian? A very clever ending." Read the full review by D G Kaye Writer
• "Despite its brevity, there’s a lot of meat here. I got a strong sense of every character, tough to accomplish in a short story with this many characters." Read the full review by Blue Mood Cafe

Staying Active When Working From Home

Finding a healthy routine when you work from home can be a real balancing act. When your desk is just a few steps from your sofa, it’s all too easy to slip into a sedentary lifestyle. Throw multiple chronic health conditions into the mix, and staying active becomes even more of a puzzle.

Having worked from home for years while managing fluctuating energy levels and health conditions, I’ve learned that the standard advice—like "just go for a brisk 30-minute walk every morning"—doesn't always fit real life. When you’re dealing with chronic illness, rigid workout regimes can lead to post-exertional crashes or flare-ups.

Instead, the key to staying active at home is flexibility, gentle consistency, and embedding movement seamlessly into your day. Here is how I manage to keep moving while working from home without compromising my health.

1. Shift the Focus to "Movement Snacking"

Rather than viewing physical activity as one large, daunting task, think of it in terms of small "movement snacks" throughout the day. Breaking up long stretches of sitting behind a computer screen with just two to three minutes of gentle movement can make a massive difference to your circulation and joint mobility.

Some low-impact ways to break up your working hours include:

• Gentle seated stretches for your neck, shoulders, and lower back between tasks.

• A brief stroll around the house while waiting for the kettle to boil or taking a phone call.

• Light ankle rolls and leg lifts under your desk during longer virtual meetings.

Moving frequently in tiny increments helps prevent stiffness without demanding a massive toll on your energy reserves.

2. Match Activity to Daily Energy Levels

Managing chronic health conditions means energy levels fluctuate from day to day—and sometimes hour to hour. Pushing through severe fatigue or pain often backfires, so adopting a flexible approach is crucial.

• On high-energy days: Take advantage of feeling well by adding a longer walk, doing a light session of low-impact exercise, or doing some gentle gardening.

• On low-energy or flare-up days: Focus on rest and very gentle, restorative movement. Simple bed stretches, mindful breathing, or a few minutes of restorative yoga can help keep your body moving gently without triggering additional exhaustion.

Listening to your body and pacing yourself ensures that staying active remains sustainable long-term.

3. Build Activity Into Work Routines

If an activity isn't scheduled or tied to a habit, it's easy to forget when you're deeply focused on work. Anchoring small physical movements to existing daily habits helps make them second nature:

• The Coffee Break Stretch: Every time you step away to grab a drink, do five slow shoulder rolls or a gentle calf stretch.

• Standing Breaks: Set a soft timer or use a smart watch notification every 45 to 60 minutes to remind yourself to stand up, stretch your legs, and look away from the screen.

• Active Transitions: Create a physical boundary between the end of the workday and your evening. A short, slow walk outside—or even a gentle walk around the garden or house—helps signal to your mind and body that work is finished.

4. Optimise Your Workspace Ergonomics

Staying active isn't just about stepping away from your desk; it's also about how you sit and position yourself while working. Poor posture can aggravate joint pain and muscle fatigue, making activity even harder.

• Adjust your setup: Ensure your monitor is at eye level, your feet are flat on the floor (or on a footrest), and your lower back is supported.

• Change posture periodically: If possible, alternate between sitting, using a standing converter, or placing a laptop on a higher surface for short periods to shift muscle engagement throughout the day.

5. Be Kind to Yourself

Living with chronic health conditions while working from home requires self-compassion. Some days, staying active simply means gently stretching your arms above your head or shifting your position in your chair. Other days, it might mean going for a walk. Both are valid.

By letting go of "all-or-nothing" exercise mindsets and focusing on gentle, regular movement, you can build a sustainable work-from-home routine that supports your health rather than draining it.

Disclaimer: Everyone’s body and health conditions are unique. It is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional or physical therapist to tailor physical activities safely to your specific medical needs.

70+ Spooky Halloween Blog Post Ideas for Every Niche

If you’ve popped by my corner of the internet before, you’ll already know how much I love putting together idea lists! (Find more inspiration in my Blog Post Ideas Hub!) Brain-dumping fresh creative concepts is always such a joy, and because every single blogger brings their own unique style, voice, and spooky aesthetic to a prompt, these roundups are a total win-win for everyone.

As October rolls around, the days grow shorter, the shadows get a little longer, and the internet fills up with all things eerie, cosy, and atmospheric. Whether you’re planning a full "31 Days of Halloween" extravaganza or just looking for a few seasonal features to dark-mode your blog this October, I’ve gathered a comprehensive list of Halloween prompts organised by niche. Pour yourself something warm, light a pumpkin-scented candle, and let’s get planning!

Book Blogging

1. Gothic Classics That Withstand the Test of Time: Revisit timeless eerie tales like Dracula, Frankenstein, or The Picture of Dorian Gray.

2. Haunted House Horror Roundup: A curated stack of novels featuring creepy, sentient, or claustrophobic settings.

3. The Ultimate October Reading Tag: Participating in or creating a prompt-based tag inspired by black cats, cauldron brews, and ghosts.

4. Cosy vs. Terrifying Halloween Reads: Grouping book recommendations into "mildly spooky" or "absolutely terrifying" categories for every reader level.

5. Books to Read with the Lights On: A spotlight on truly unsettling psychological thrillers or horror books that keep you up at night.

6. Witchy Fiction Recommendations: Stories featuring modern covens, historical witch trials, or practical magic.

7. Halloween Picture Books for Kids: Heartwarming, slightly spooky reads to share with young family members in October.

8. Eerie Audiobooks for Dark October Evenings: Immersive, highly atmospheric audiobook productions perfect for listening to in the dark.

9. Book & Movie Horror Pairings: Matching classic horror or thriller novels with their best cinematic adaptations.

10. My Halloween Reading Slump Breakers: Fast-paced, spooky novellas or short story collections to get you through October.

Health & Fitness

1. How to Enjoy Halloween Treats Mindfully: Balanced tips for enjoying spooky sweets and chocolates without guilt or sugar crashes.

2. "Spooktacular" Indoor Workouts: Festive, fun themed workout playlists and movement flows to keep energy up on dark evenings.

3. Nourishing Pumpkin & Squash Dishes: Beyond pumpkin spice—healthy, savory recipes using seasonal gourds and root vegetables.

4. Night Walking Safety Tips: Practical advice for staying visible, warm, and secure during late-autumn evening walks.

5. Managing Spooky Season Overstimulation: Mindfulness tips for those who find the horror aesthetic, loud events, or jumpscares stressful.

6. Witchy Herbal Brews for Wellness: Exploring soothing teas made with elderberry, ginger, chamomile, and seasonal spices.

7. Post-Halloween Sugar Reset: Gentle hydration and whole-food habits to feel refreshed after a holiday weekend.

8. Sleep Protection in Spooky Season: Creating a grounding bedtime routine if horror movies or late nights disrupt your sleep.

9. Dark-Moon Evening Yoga Flow: A relaxing, restorative movement session designed for late October nights.

10. Healthy Halloween Party Snacks: Fun, wholesome snack ideas like fruit "ghosts" and veggie-based dip platters for gatherings.

Hair & Beauty

1. Vampy Lip & Dark Glam Makeup Tutorial: Step-by-step guide to rich berry lips, smoky eyes, and drama for Halloween night.

2. Easy Costume Makeup with Everyday Beauty Items: How to create dramatic looks without buying cheap, skin-irritating face paint.

3. Post-FX Skincare Rescue: Deep-cleansing and soothing skincare steps to recover skin after heavy makeup or spirit gum.

4. Witchy Nail Art Inspiration: Simple DIY designs featuring celestial moons, glossy black finishes, and subtle spiderwebs.

5. Temporary Hair Colour Hacks: Testing out spray-in colours, chalks, or semi-permanent glosses for Halloween hair transformations.

6. Dark & Mystic Fragrance Profiles: Perfumes featuring moody notes of dark plum, smoky incense, amber, and patchouli.

7. Retro & Vintage Halloween Hairstyles: Tutorials for victory rolls, 1920s flapper waves, or classic gothic updos.

8. Cruelty-Free Halloween Beauty Guide: Highlighting ethical, high-pigment brands for bold seasonal looks.

9. Glove & Scarf Friction Repair: Deep conditioning hair treatments to repair friction damage caused by high collars and wool hats.

10. My Everyday "Low-Key Goth" Makeup Look: Subtle ways to introduce autumn drama to your daily beauty routine.

Travel

1. Top Haunted Places to Visit Near You: A guide to local ghost tours, historic ruins, or rumoured spooky landmarks.

2. Exploring Historic Cemeteries with Respect: The art of gravestone photography, history hunting, and respectful autumn walks.

3. Autumn Fog & Twilight Photography Guide: Capturing moody, atmospheric lighting, mist, and shadows on camera.

4. Visiting Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes: Local destination reviews or itineraries for outdoor autumn attractions.

5. Off-Season Castle Escapes: Exploring ancient fortresses, palaces, or historic estates during their spookiest month.

6. Halloween Weekend Road Trip Essentials: Route planning, car prep, and atmospheric podcasts for long drives in October.

7. Unique Halloween Traditions Around the World: Exploring how different cultures honor spirits, ancestors, and autumn harvests.

8. Quiet Destinations for a Non-Spooky Escape: Peaceful nature getaways for people looking to avoid Halloween crowds and noise.

9. Self-Guided Ghost Walks: Mapping out historical dark-history walking routes through classic towns or cities.

10. Packing Light for Autumn Micro-Breaks: Layering essentials for chilly, wet, or unpredictable October weekend trips.

Lifestyle

1. My Favourite Halloween Traditions: Sharing personal nostalgic memories, favourite films, and yearly October rituals.

2. Classic Horror & Thriller Movie Watchlist: Grouping films into sub-genres (80s slasher, psychological, spooky comedy, family friendly).

3. Low-Stress Halloween Hosting: Creative ideas for a cozy movie night, potion-making party, or board game evening.

4. Eco-Friendly & Zero-Waste Halloween Hacks: Reusable decorations, natural carving alternatives, and low-waste party ideas.

5. Creating a Halloween Playlist: Curating atmospheric tracks, film scores, and dark-wave tunes for the season.

6. October Journal Prompts for Shadow Work: Thoughtful reflection prompts focused on growth, fears, and personal transformation.

7. Comforting Evening Routines for October: How to structure dark, chilly evenings around reading, tea, and winding down.

8. DIY Halloween Costume Ideas from Thrift Shops: Creating iconic characters using second-hand, everyday wardrobe pieces.

9. The History & Magic of Halloween Symbols: Fun facts behind jack-o'-lanterns, black cats, trick-or-treating, and costumes.

10. Beating the Post-Halloween Slump: Transitioning smoothly into November without losing your creative momentum.

Home & Garden

1. Subtle & Chic Halloween Home Decor: Elevating your space with dark florals, velvet, brass, and warm lighting rather than plastic.

2. The Art of Pumpkin Carving & Painting: Creative designs, preservation hacks, and safety tips for carved jack-o'-lanterns.

3. Stovetop "Witches' Brew" Simmer Pots: Natural home scents using apple peels, cloves, cinnamon, and star anise.

4. Decorating the Front Porch for October: Welcoming guests with hardy chrysanthemums, gourds, lanterns, and door wreaths.

5. Using Harvested Garden Produce for Decor: Styling squashes, dried corn, seed pods, and autumn foliage indoors.

6. Creating a Moody Ambient Lighting Scheme: Using amber bulbs, battery-operated candles, and fairy lights to banish overhead light.

7. Preparing the Garden for the First Frost: Essential late-October chores, clearing beds, and protecting overwintering plants.

8. Repurposing Pumpkin Carving Waste: How to roast pumpkin seeds and use remaining flesh for soups or purees.

9. Creating a Cosy Dark-Academia Corner: Styling a reading nook with vintage books, rich fabrics, and soft warm lamps.

10. Post-Halloween Decor Transition: Moving seamlessly from Halloween props into general autumn and harvest home styling.

Fashion & Style

1. Everyday Goth Style Inspiration: How to style black lace, leather, and dark tailoring for a subtle, everyday alternative look.

2. Styling Vintage & Antique Pieces: Incorporating velvet blazers, brooches, and lace collars into modern autumn outfits.

3. Costume-Free Halloween Outfits: Color-coordinated outfits inspired by iconic characters (e.g., Wednesday Addams, Morticia, Beetlejuice).

4. Outerwear Focus—Coats That Make a Statement: Highlighting dramatic trench coats, capes, and wool coats for October weather.

5. Thrifting the Perfect Halloween Look: Sourcing unique, dramatic wardrobe staples second-hand.

6. Accessorising with Dark Elegance: Using chunky silver, dark stones, wide-brimmed hats, and boots to finish autumn looks.

7. Weather-Proofing Outdoor Outfits: Staying warm and dry during cold, windy pumpkin patch visits or evening events.

8. Chic Black Footwear Guide: Styling Chelsea boots, combat boots, and dark loafers across multiple autumn outfits.

9. Dark Florals for Autumn: How to wear deep-toned floral prints during the colder months.

10. Day-to-Night Spooky Style: Quick additions to take a casual black-jumper-and-jeans outfit into an evening dinner look.

Design Elements That Define Vintage Elegance

Whether you are updating your everyday accessories or hunting for a standout heirloom-style piece, vintage-inspired jewelry is one of the easiest ways to elevate your personal style. It adds instant charm to any outfit, but knowing what details to look out for makes all the difference when building a collection you will love for years. Let's take a closer look at the key elements that give these pieces their timeless appeal and how to find the perfect fit for your collection.

Vintage-inspired jewelry brings a sense of history to pieces designed for modern life. You can see its influence in delicate metalwork, unusual gemstone arrangements and details that reward a closer look. Unlike jewelry that follows a short-lived trend, these designs often draw from techniques and styles that have still been appealing for generations. You don’t need to wear an antique piece to enjoy that character, either. Modern jewelers can borrow historical details while using contemporary materials and construction methods, giving you jewelry that feels distinctive without becoming difficult to wear. When you understand what creates that vintage look, you can choose pieces that suit your taste and feel personal rather than simply fashionable.

Historical Design Features That Inspire Modern Jewelry

Jewelry designers often look to different historical periods for inspiration. Art Deco designs favour geometric shapes, symmetrical layouts and strong contrasts, while Victorian-inspired pieces often feature romantic motifs and intricate detailing. Edwardian influences can bring delicate filigree and airy arrangements into contemporary designs. Think about which visual language suits you before you shop. If you prefer clean lines, geometric details may work better than ornate decoration. Someone who enjoys softer, more romantic jewelry might gravitate towards floral motifs, milgrain edges or intricate scrollwork. Identifying those preferences makes it easier to narrow your choices.

Craftsmanship, Materials and Design Details

Vintage elegance often comes from the small details rather than the overall size of a piece. Hand-applied engraving, filigree, milgrain edges and carefully shaped settings can give jewelry depth and texture. These features also create visual interest when you look at a piece up close. Well-designed vintage engagement rings demonstrate this approach through fine metalwork around the centre stone or smaller gems set into the band. When you assess a piece, look closely at how the stones sit within their settings and whether the metalwork feels crisp and intentional. Good construction matters because secure settings and well-finished edges help your jewelry withstand regular wear.

Materials also influence the final character. Yellow gold can create a warm, traditional appearance, while platinum or white gold can emphasise the crisp geometry associated with historical styles.

Modern Consumers

Today's jewelry buyers often want personality without sacrificing practicality. Vintage-inspired designs can meet that preference because they offer recognizable historical influences while still fitting contemporary wardrobes. You can make a vintage-inspired piece easier to wear by choosing details that complement what you already own. A ring with subtle engraving may work for everyday outfits, while a more elaborate necklace can add character to a simple dress or tailored look. The best choice ultimately depends on the story you want your jewelry to tell. When historical craftsmanship meets your personal style, you can enjoy the charm of another era without feeling as though you are wearing a costume.

Books: First Lines Fridays 9th October 2026

First Lines Fridays is a weekly feature for book lovers hosted by Wandering Words. What if instead of judging a book by its cover, its author or its prestige, we judged it by its opening lines? 

• Pick a book off your shelf (it could be your current read or on your TBR) and open to the first page 
• Copy the first few lines, but don’t give anything else about the book away just yet – you need to hook the reader first 
• Finally… reveal the book!

My Pick For This Week

The first lines of the book:

And the book is...

Book synopsis Marriage Spells Murder by Bella Colby

She's a witch sworn off magic, but when peanuts poison the bad-tempered bridegroom, can she summon a solution before the killer gets away with murder?

Skylar Blackwood hasn't used magic since the love spell she cast on her high school sweetheart backfired and ruined her marriage. Now she’s a wedding celebrant in the sleepy seaside town of Tidewater, where the only magic is the fake kind performed by her friend and fellow outcast, Herb.

But Skylar’s peaceful life is turned upside down when the grumpy groom drops dead at the altar and Herb is arrested as prime suspect. Worse still, Skylar’s ex-husband (who she might still be a teeny bit in love with) shows up as the lead detective on the case.

Skylar is going to need more than a touch of magic to find the murderer and get Herb out of prison, while keeping her witch identity a secret, and beating her doubting ex in solving the case.

Together with Wolfie, her disgruntled grey wolf familiar, Skylar races to reveal who really killed groomzilla, as the body count continues to rise.

If you like a twisty magical mystery to mull, second chance romance, quirky characters and snappy dialogue with more snark than you can boil a brew at, join the fun in Marriage Spells Murder.

Conjure your copy now to start solving the crime.

Where to find Marriage Spells Murder by Bella Colby online: 

 

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