EHJ Creative

Hi friends! I have been having a really hard time figuring out how to combine my book posts with my art posts, and my brain has given up. I really want to keep EHJ Creative my sacred space for sharing, writing about, and enjoying art and the business of art. My brain likes things organized in neat little boxes, so I am moving my book-related content over to . If you like Bookgram, join me! If you like art, stay here! If you like both, I’d love to have you in both universes. 💕

📚October Reading Recap📚

This month brought not one but two new favorites — Anathema and The Silversmith — both absolute perfection!! Infinity stars. I’m counting down the days until I can read the sequels. Overall, a solid reading month—minus my heartbreak over Alchemy of Secrets. I’m carrying the spooky, moody vibes straight into November.

The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See

If you like your historical fiction raw and heart-wrenching, this one delivers. The Haenyo, female free divers from Jeju Island, South Korea, dive together, but war and politics pull them apart. Secrets surface, loyalties fracture, and survival comes at unimaginable costs.

⭐️ Rating: 5/5 stars
📚 Highly recommend for a bookclub

Devastating. Unforgettable. Beautifully human.

A note about the art:

Stolen Innocence by Kang Duk-kyung depicts the “comfort women” of Japan—girls and women forced into sexual slavery during the occupation. While not directly referenced in The Island of Sea Women, both works share a time period and echo the devastation of female power stripped away. The painting stands in stark contrast to the matriarchal strength of the Haenyo culture, showing how war and politics fracture women’s will, bodies, and voices.

I’ve mentioned before that most nights you can find me wearing my trusty bedband©️ while listening to an audiobook. This is that bedband: the very inexpensive MusicCozy Headband ($15.99 on Amazon). And honestly? I love this silly little gadget.

By day, I stick with my AirPods Pro. But when it’s bedtime, this headband is my go-to. It has two soft wireless speakers tucked inside, so I can set a sleep timer for “end of chapter,” roll onto my side, and drift right off without earbuds digging into my ears.

Can it double as a sleep mask? Technically yes (Amazon even shows it that way), though I don’t think it’s the best version of one. What it is perfect for: falling asleep with a book in your ears, folding laundry, or walking around the house while still being able to hear the kids. It’s cozy, not noise-canceling—and that’s exactly why I like it.

✨ TL;DR: If you like to fall asleep listening to books, get this. Just don’t expect it to be a premium sleep mask.

This book was everything I wanted for spooky season. Anathema is dark (definitely check trigger warnings), but it hit the perfect October vibe for me. Think crunchy leaves under a full moon, wind whistling through the trees, and shadows that feel a little too close.

The main characters are strong and compelling, and the side characters add so much life (and some delight!) to the story. It’s one of those books that wraps around you and lingers, even after you’ve finished the last page.

I can’t wait to dive into Eldritch (book 2), which just came out. I’ve already heard it brings some fantastic character development. Can’t wait!

Perfect pick if you want a gothic fall read.

Today’s book mail!!

I suspect it will be awhile before I dig into either of these, but I am very excited they are here, even if I can’t capture them in a cute staged pic.

Confession: I have plenty of content saved on my phone, but rarely post it because making things look “aesthetic” (as my 10-year-old says) feels like a full-time job.

Here’s the reality of my reading life: I’m usually pacing around the house in a dorky headband with earbuds in, or audiobook-ing while chauffeuring kids from one activity to the next. The dreamy blanket + latte + cozy reading nook? Gorgeous, but not my day-to-day.

So if you’re following along here, expect:
—low-budget photo and video energy
—ponytails, no makeup, real life
—spontaneous trips into every indie bookstore I stumble across

If that sounds like your vibe—welcome. You’re in the right place. 🥰

📚 September Reading Recap 📚
This month = vibes. Fantasy, heartbreak, swoons, and one audiobook narrator I’ll never forgive. Swipe for ratings and my eight-word hot takes.

Books or art? Why not both. These covers are on my wish list—tell me which one deserves a spot in your gallery!

On Wings of Blood (Book 1 of 3)

If you like your fantasy twisty and atmospheric, this one delivers. Think vampires + dragons tangled in a dark academia setting where secrets lurk behind every page. The tension builds with gothic intrigue, forbidden magic, and enough political backstabbing to keep you guessing.

⭐️ Rating: 4/5 stars
📚 Series: Book 1 in a trilogy
📅 Finale drops: April 2026

Moody. Twisty. Dangerous. Delicious.

Octavia Books (New Orleans) 📚

The staff was delightful, the shelves packed with gems—especially cool art books and a huge, playful children’s section. If you’re in NOLA, I highly recommend a stop here.

Pro tip: grab a delicious lunch at Saba (just a short walk away) and then lose yourself in the stacks.

If you like your fantasy twisty and atmospheric, this one delivers. Think vampires + dragons tangled in a dark academia setting where secrets lurk behind every page. The tension builds with gothic intrigue, forbidden magic, and enough political backstabbing to keep you guessing.

⭐️ Rating: 4/5 stars
📚 Series: Book 1 in a trilogy
📅 Finale drops: April 2026

Moody. Twisty. Dangerous. Delicious.