• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About Me
    • Connect With Me
    • Policies
    • Testimonials
    • (Closed) Request A Review
    • (Closed) Beta Reading Requests
  • Book Review Archive
    • Book Review Archive
    • Audiobook Review Archive
    • Spooky Children’s Book Review Archive
  • Resources
    • A Running List of 2023 Horror Book Releases
    • A Running List of 2024 Horror Book Releases
    • Interview Archive
    • List of Horror Author Online Bookshops
    • List of Horror Publishers That Sell Books Directly
    • Podcast Recs
    • Referral Links
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bluesky
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Goodreads
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

Erica Robyn Reads

a horror book review blog

Recent Posts

Black Out The Stars by Christopher Bond - book sitting on wooden flooring. Book cover of Black Out the Stars by Christopher Bond, cover illustrated by Todd Kiesling. The design showcases a dark, atmospheric pond and sky filled with swirling fog and scattered stars. The title is prominently displayed in bold, white, pink and purple lettering, contrasting against the deep purple and black hues of the background.

Black Out The Stars by Christopher Bond | Book Review

Indie Bookstore Day 2025 | Book Event

A tablet lies on dry grass and surrounded by dandelions in a natural outdoor setting. The screen displays the cover of the book Everybody Is in the Place by Emma J. Gibbon. The cover features a colorful, fantastical illustration of a female figure with glowing eyes and curved horns, holding something mysterious in her hands. Stars and swirling cosmic elements fill the background, giving the cover a magical and otherworldly feel. The title text is in bold, colorful letters across the top and middle, with the author's name at the bottom.

Everybody Is in the Place by Emma J. Gibbon | Book Review

[Wrap-Up] March 2019

April 1, 2019      Erica Robyn      36 Comments

At work this month, we has SO much going on. At the beginning of the month, we all had a small Mardi Gras celebration! Look at this pretty cupcake below!

For the rest of the month, there were a TON of renovations going on. There was a lot of paining and rug replacement. I had to leave the office on a few occasions because the fumes were way too much for me. Luckily my boss rules, and he let me work from home a few times. And boy do I miss working from home!

Toward the end of the month, my body had enough of the fumes and allergens… I had to take a sick day. I was so mad about it because earlier that week I had joked about taking a sick day… and then on the actual day I had off, I just got sicker and sicker as the day went on. My body was definitely flushing the allergens out…

For the first time in quite a while, I got my inbox for my main email account cleared out! I laughed out loud when I got this funny message from MailBird (that’s the email platform I use). Now if only I could do this with my blog related email account!

One of the highlights of this month was going to a book event for Diane Les Becquets! I’m so excited that Alex went with me! But not only did Alex take me there so I didn’t have to go alone, he also bought me the book so I could get it signed, and treated me to dinner after. What a guy!

I finally got our shadow box created! Since taking this photo, the two pictures inside lost their glue, so I’ll have to restick them. But overall I’m very happy with how it turned out!

A group of friends decided to go for a hike up Mount Major this month! It was absolutely terrifying because it was SO icy! But we made it safely!

On the 30th, Alex and I attended a mortgage and first time home buyers seminar. We learned so much and I am so happy that we went. However, this event further proved that we’re at least two years out from buying a house, which I’m still wrapping my head around. I really wanted to be out of our place at the end of this year.

Alex has been helping me sort all of our things out so we can get rid of the items we’re not using and don’t need, or box up items we want to keep but aren’t currently using. All in the hopes that we can organize our place better so I feel less claustrophobic. Hopefully we can keep this up and really get things looking better!

Without further delay, let’s dive in to my monthly wrap-up!

My Reading Breakdown for March:

  • 5 Stars- 8
    • 100 Work Horrors Part 2 by Kevin J. Kennedy
    • The Last Woman in the Forest by Diane Les Becquets
    • The Lost Man by Jane Harper
    • Santa Cruise by Mary Higgins Clark & Carol Higgins Clark
    • Screechers by Kevin J. Kennedy and Christina Bergling
    • Don’t Sell Me, Tell Me: How to use storytelling to connect with the hearts and wallets of a hungry audience by Greg Koorhan
    • Sir Simon: Super Scarer by Cale Atkinson
    • Wraith (Welcome to Christmasland #1-6) by Joe Hill, Illustrated by Charles Paul Wilson III
  • 4 Stars- 5
    • The Luckiest Leprechaun, written by Justine Korman Fontes and illustrated by Denise Brunkus
    • Say Cheese and Die! by R.L. Stine
    • Shadow Roads by Cullen Bunn (Author), Brian Hurtt (Author), A.C. Zamudio (Illustrator), & Carlos Zamudio (Illustrator)
    • The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales by Jon Scieszka, Illustrated by Lane Smith
    • The Teachers from the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler, illustrated by Jared Lee
  • 3 Stars- 1
    • Inspection by Josh Malerman
  • 2 Stars- 1
    • State of Wonder by Ann Patchett
  • 1 Star- 1
    • The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
  • DNF- 1
    • Bottle Grove: A Novel by Daniel Handler

Monthly Musings

Watching: 

The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009 Film)
While I enjoyed this adaptation more than the book, I still didn’t love it. Check out my full review here.

Captain Marvel (2019 Film)
I LOVED THIS SO MUCH! What a perfect introduction film! Brie Larson was absolutely perfect. I cannot wait to see more of her as this character! 5/5

The Birds (1963 Film)
When Alex told me he hadn’t seen this film, I immediately snagged it from our local library. Alex did not enjoy it… I, personally, LOVED rewatching this! I saw it for the first time when I was way too young, and it terrified me. Each time I rewatch, I remember the original fear, but I just love how humorous I find it now. 5/5

Krampus (2015 Film)
I went into this one totally blind. I saw it on the shelf at my local library and snagged it simply because it said “Krampus.” Oh my goodness, I LOVED this movie! Comedy Horror is definitely my favorite genre, and this was the most perfect blend of the two! The casting was awesome as well! 5/5

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018 Film)
As soon as I saw this DVD on the shelf at our local Target, I grabbed it and Alex and I watched it that night. We both absolutely loved it! The artwork is amazing. The soundtrack was great. The plot was interesting. Definitely one of my favorite Marvel films!! 5/5

Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes (2019 TV Series)
I finally started watching this… my god, this series will get your blood boiling! Each episode is wonderfully organized. If you are interested in True Crime, I highly recommend this. But be warned if you haven’t heard much about this case, it’s brutal and very unsettling to see Bundy’s face. 5/5

The 2000’s (2018 TV Miniseries)
The first two episodes of this totally got me hooked! And then I hit the episode that centered around 9/11… I could not stop crying. This is such a powerful series. I definitely recommend checking it out if you haven’t yet! 5/5

Playing: 

Nothing this month.

Drinking:

This month, I tried a pretty decent green tea with matcha from Lipton. I enjoy it, but I definitely prefer the same type of tea from Traditional Medicinals Tea.

Listening to:

I had this song by Beartooth pop up on my shuffle when I was cleaning one afternoon, and I cannot stop listening to it!

And of course, I’m still hooked on this song. Into the Spider Verse refreshed that obsession! 🙂 This video rules!!

In the bookish community:

  • The Night Circus is going to have a film adaptation! Stay tuned to IMDb for more info!
  • Looking for an awesome book chat? Join the #SocialBookChat hosted by Michelle of Free (Read and) Write! Stay tuned to her Twitter account to learn about the next event!
  • Be aware that a man named Michael Huges has been a bit of a jerk about promoting his book on Goodreads. I got a comment from him myself, but the account he was using must have gotten banned because the comment is no longer there. To learn more, check out this post from Chuckles Book Cave: Authors Behaving Badly.
  • Amy from A Magical World Of Words posted an awesome blog: Social Media Tips & Tricks To Rock Your Account.
  • Angela of Musings of A Literary Wanderer posted: What Makes You DNF A Book.
  • Author L.M. Schukraft put together a wonderful post where she shares her experience with requesting reviews from authors as well as tips for fellow authors on how to request properly. Fellow book bloggers, if you have time, head over to her post and give her come comment love! 🙂 One of the scariest things you will do as an Indie author… by L.M. Schukraft.
  • I got the amazing opportunity to meet Diane Les Becquets at Gibson’s Bookstore in Concord, NH!
  • My friend heather and I finally did our second round of our bookish chat! Feel free to check out that post here!

Monthly bookish related haul:

Book of the Month:

I skipped picking a new book for March as I just wasn’t interested in any of the options. I also finally got around to reading my pick for last month, Early Riser, but had to DNF it.

Book Club:

I had to skip book club again this month 🙁

My favorite bookish photo this month:

In Case You Missed It:

  • [Wrap-Up] February 2019
  • [Book Blogger Hop] Print Books & eBooks
  • [Book Photo Sunday] My March 2019 TBR
  • Honest Review Requests Done Right
  • H & E Bookish Chat: The Time Traveler’s Wife
  • [Book Blogger Hop ] Purchasing & Keeping Books
  • Discussion of the Film Adaptation of the Time Traveler’s Wife
  • [Book Event] Meeting Diane Les Becquets @ Gibson’s Bookstore In Concord, NH
  • [Book Blogger Hop ] Using NetGalley
  • [Bookish Discussion] Reasons Why I May DNF A Book
  • [Book Blogger Hop ] Reading Along To Audiobooks
  • [Book Photo Sunday] #Shelfiesunday
  • [Book Blogger Hop] A Classic I Have Ben Meaning To Read
  • Spring Into Horror 2019 | Readathon

Looking forward to: 

In April, I’ll be headed to my friend Amber’s baby shower! I cannot wait to celebrate her, Rob, and Max!

I also have a doctors appointment coming up in April. It’s one that I’ve been hesitant to schedule… Over the course of the last few months, I’ve been writing down notes about my symptoms. So I’m hoping to go in and discuss and see where that goes.

Thanks for reading!

How was your month? Have any special plans for April? I’d love to hear about them in the comments section below!

Here are a few more recent posts you might like:

  • Black Out The Stars by Christopher Bond | Book Review
  • Indie Bookstore Day 2025 | Book Event
  • Everybody Is in the Place by Emma J. Gibbon | Book Review

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Angela says

    April 1, 2019 at 7:46 am

    Looks like you had a really good reading month! I didn’t know there’s going to be a Night Circus movie, that would be amazing! We really enjoyed Into the Spiderverse, too. I hope everything goes well with your upcoming doc appointment, I know how scary that can feel.

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      April 1, 2019 at 4:28 pm

      I sure did! I couldn’t believe how many books I was able to read considering everything else we had going on. I have very high hopes for Night Circus! That’s definitely one I’ll be trying to see in theaters! 🙂 And thank you so much! This time I’m going in with a list of things to go over so I don’t panic and stop talking or let them convince me to just let it go too early. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Donna says

    April 1, 2019 at 8:53 am

    I love The Birds too, but mostly because it scared my older sister so much (she is scared of all fowl). Check out my monthly wrap up and be sure to enter the giveaway if you haven’t already.

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      April 1, 2019 at 4:32 pm

      😀 Awesome, thanks for sharing your link!

      Reply
  3. Barb (boxermommyreads) says

    April 1, 2019 at 8:56 am

    Good luck at the doctor’s. I went through a few things around Christmas and it all worked out but it definitely opened my eyes on paying attention to medical issues and trying to get ahead of them. I ended buying the Stranger Things book too although now that I think of it, I don’t think I ever hauled it. The shadowbox looks great and you’ll be in a house before you know it. Mr. Barb and I paid ours off a few years ago and man, I don’t think I ever want a payment back so I can’t see us moving. Have a wonderful month!

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      April 1, 2019 at 4:33 pm

      Thank you! Yeah! I’ve found that taking notes for myself really helps. I tend to panic a bit when I’m actually there… Oh awesome! I hope you enjoy the Stranger Things book! I think I may be reading it next month 🙂 Congrats on paying off your house!! That’s amazing!

      Reply
  4. Lauren @ Always Me says

    April 1, 2019 at 10:04 am

    Yes, Captain Marvel was so awesome – I cant wait to see more of her character as well.

    I also saw The Birds much too young and it terrified me. I still love it too. 😁

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      April 1, 2019 at 4:29 pm

      😀 Two wildly different but amazing films!

      Reply
  5. Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction says

    April 1, 2019 at 11:27 am

    Sorry that your allergies have been acting up. I can definitely relate—my allergies have been horrible all my life and fumes or that sort of thing make things much worse! Love your photo box, though. And I’m glad you got to visit a favorite author!

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      April 1, 2019 at 4:34 pm

      Ugh yeah allergies are the worst! And thank you so much 🙂 I’m so happy with how it turned out!

      Reply
  6. Abby Miller says

    April 1, 2019 at 12:30 pm

    Looks like you had a really great reading month! I still need to go see Captain Marvel, I’ve heard great things about it. Hope you have a great April!

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      April 1, 2019 at 4:38 pm

      I sure did! Phew! Fingers crossed April goes the same way 🙂 And yes! I hope you enjoy the film when you get to see it! Have a great April as well!

      Reply
  7. ShootingStarsMag says

    April 1, 2019 at 1:35 pm

    Oh gosh, I loved Into the Spiderverse. And the Ted Bundy Tapes were fascinating. I am planning on seeing Captain Marvel this week, and I can’t wait!! I hope you have a great April – and that the doctor’s appointment goes well!

    -Lauren

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      April 1, 2019 at 4:38 pm

      Wahoo!! Enjoy the film! And thank you <3

      Reply
  8. Greg says

    April 1, 2019 at 3:41 pm

    Buying a house is such a to-do but I hope you guys find a place you love! 🙂

    The Birds is a trip, but yes a bit dated haha! And I have heard that Into the Spider-Verse is really good.

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      April 1, 2019 at 4:39 pm

      Yeah… phew! I’m SO glad we went to our first seminar to start learning about the finer details of the process. There’s certainly a LOT to think about!

      I definitely recommend Into the Spider-Verse!! 😀 I’d love to hear your thoughts on it when you give it a watch!

      Reply
  9. Olivia Roach says

    April 1, 2019 at 5:40 pm

    I really loved Spiderman into the spiderverse too! And yay for being able to clear out your email. You get a lot of points for managing to do that 😀 I also hope you will be able to clean out a lot of your things. I have been able to declutter and spring clean this month which made me happy.

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      April 1, 2019 at 8:31 pm

      Oh my gosh, such an awesome film!! I’d love to see more comic related films like that! 🙂 And phew, yeah! I still can’t believe it. It didn’t last long, but I’m hoping to get it back to 0 again soon! 🙂 I’m in total spring cleaning mode! We have two bags ready to be dropped off at our local second hand shop, but I’m sure we’re going to fill more! We have soooo much clutter that needs to go!

      Reply
  10. Deanna says

    April 1, 2019 at 10:18 pm

    I would love to have ZERO emails. Tell me your secrets!

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      April 2, 2019 at 6:45 pm

      haha! It was a LONG time getting there!

      Reply
  11. Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum says

    April 1, 2019 at 11:42 pm

    Looks like a fun hike! Chilly though! 😀

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      April 2, 2019 at 6:46 pm

      It wasn’t too bad, but it wasn’t a nice warm hike either! haha I wish there had been much less ice…

      Reply
  12. Lindsay says

    April 2, 2019 at 2:12 pm

    Looks like you got a few things done. Have fun reading and watching. Best of luck in April. https://nrcbooks.blogspot.com/2019/04/monthly-wrap-up-march-2019.html

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      April 5, 2019 at 5:28 pm

      😀

      Reply
  13. Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature) says

    April 3, 2019 at 9:13 pm

    It was a busy month for you, and lots of great movies you saw. I really liked Krampus too. That cupcake looked yummy! But then I’m a sucker for cupcakes. Thanks for visiting my Monthly Wrap-Up post earlier! Have a great April!

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      April 5, 2019 at 5:20 pm

      <3 Have a great April as well! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  14. chucklesthescot says

    April 8, 2019 at 9:02 am

    I’m really pleased that the varnish I’m using for the fence has no smell to it. Industrial paint seems to stink but over here there has been a huge improvement on fumes from paint for home painting. I used to be ill from that!

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      April 8, 2019 at 7:57 pm

      Phew! Yeah that’s so good!! Paint fumes are no joke!

      Reply
  15. Tina @ As Told By Tina says

    April 9, 2019 at 4:55 pm

    It was a busy month for you! I totally forgot to include Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse into my wrap up but I bought it for the little ones when it came out and we loved it so much. They keep watching it over and over. The Shadowbox looks so cute!

    I hope you have a wonderful April!

    Tina @ As Told By Tina

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      April 9, 2019 at 6:24 pm

      It sure was! And yay!! I’m glad you guys enjoyed the movie.

      I hope you have a wonderful April as well! Thanks so much for stopping by!

      Reply
  16. Danielle Hammelef says

    April 13, 2019 at 4:31 pm

    Thanks for sharing those awesome photos from your excursions! The dogs made it too! This looks like everyone had fun and enjoyed each other’s company as well as those amazing views. Great book month too!

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      April 13, 2019 at 6:42 pm

      It was a memorable hike, that’s for sure!! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  17. Sam @ Sharing Inspired Kreations says

    April 15, 2019 at 11:04 am

    Looks like you had a great month! That cupcake looks amazing and delicious! Good luck at the doctor!

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      April 16, 2019 at 4:32 pm

      Thank you! <3

      Reply
  18. Jen says

    April 16, 2019 at 8:14 pm

    That cupcake is absolutely adorable! And I love hiking! It looks like you guys had a beautiful day for hiking and I’m so glad you made it safely to the top!

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      April 17, 2019 at 7:17 pm

      <3 The cupcake was amazing!! And the hike was treacherous but so fun!! Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Welcome to Erica Robyn Reads!

Erica Robyn of Erica Robyn Reads
Hello! I’m Erica, a Mainer living in New Hampshire who runs on hot tea, good books, and loud music. Join me as I seek out amazing horror tales and help support the indie horror community!
 

Subscribe via Email

Loading

Search This Blog

Browse By Category

An Easy Guide to Locating Horror Reviews Without Losing Your Mind created by Lori of Barks At The Ghouls
Featured Book Reviewer
Shirley's Book Blogger List
Ultimate List of the Best Book Review Blogs by Kindlepreneur

Copyright © 2025 Erica Robyn Reads