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I love storytelling and always want my readers to have options. You can find my blogs on my YouTube channel and listen to them on the go.

Food and Recipes Charlene Eckstein Food and Recipes Charlene Eckstein

7 Ways To Have A Stress Free Thanksgiving

I love Thanksgiving, and I am truly thankful for all of my good fortunes. When I think of Thanksgiving, I think of food, family, friends, and football. I know that for many, holiday time can be stressful or depressing, but for me I feel like this is when I really shine.

It really is not about how big, or small your crowd is, but about appreciating how wonderful things are, and hopes of better things to come. My crowd size varies from year year, from as small as six people, to as large as twenty. Personally for me, ten people is the most comfortable size for me to cook for. 

This year I am doing something a little different. I am hosting a pre-dinner the Wednesday before at one home to spend time with those who will not be with us on Thanksgiving.

Then on the actual day of, I will host another Thanksgiving with some different guests at a different house. The menus will be different, as will the locations and ambience, which makes it more interesting for me.

I used to get very stressed out cooking for the holidays, wanting everything to be perfect. But those years are long gone. I am pretty confident in my abilities, but can also shrug it off if something doesn’t turn outright. I also don’t try to go it alone. 

My two daughters are awesome sous chefs, which helps a lot. I love teaching my girls to cook, and seeing that growth from year to year. 

So while my holiday menus are mostly decided, I am now teetering between a roasted or fried turkey. For a while there, I was really on a fried turkey kick, and then I was over it.

In the last three years, I roasted the turkeys, brined for 48 hours before cooking, and they were delicious. But it may be time for a change-up again. Either way, I plan on a stress-free Thanksgiving.

Here Are My Tips For A Stress Thanksgiving...

  • Plan Ahead - Once you know how many people you will be hosting, start planning seating, your menu, and beverages.

  • Make Ahead - Many dishes, especially desserts and appetizers can be made ahead of time.

  • Enlist Help - Have your kids, partner, or friends assist as needed with food prep, serving, and clean up.

  • Bring A Dish - When entertaining large groups, have guests bring side dishes, desserts, or beverages.

  • Perfection Not Required - Remember the gathering is about being together and giving thanks.

  • Size Doesn't Matter - Whether your celebration consists of 2 or 20 people, you have something to be thankful for.

  • Buy Preprepared Meals or Get Take Out - It’s still Thanksgiving even if you are not doing all of the work yourself.

What are your holiday plans? Hosting a dinner? Attending someone else's dinner as a guest? Or going out for a nice steak dinner at a restaurant? Please share your plans and tips for having a wonderful, stress free Thanksgiving!

When you practice gratefulness, there is a sense of respect towards others.  -  Dalai Lama

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Entertainment, Lifestyle Charlene Eckstein Entertainment, Lifestyle Charlene Eckstein

7 Shows To Stream This Fall For A Cozy, Fun, Or Spooky Night In

It’s that time of year again when the weather has cooled and a night snuggled up on the couch sounds more appealing than ever. Maybe you want to enjoy a nice glass of wine, or something hot to drink or perhaps you are looking for viewing options on one of your many streaming services.

There are never-ending options of movies and series to watch if you have the time but if you want some help narrowing down where to start this fall, I have my picks for you. A few are family and others not so much, but all are entertaining and worth a watch. So here’s my list of shows to stream this fall.

7 Shows To Stream This Fall

Bodies

Four detectives in four different time periods of London find themselves investigating the same murder. - IMDB

You will be intrigued by the mystery and the how and why but you need to pay attention to keep track of timelines and investigations. Categorized as crime, drama, and history, Bodies, a limited series, is now streaming on Netflix.

The Fall of The House of Usher

To secure their fortune (and future) two ruthless siblings build a family dynasty that begins to crumble when their heirs mysteriously die, one by one. - IMDB

This Edgar Allan Poe-inspired series is dark, spooky, and sexy. With a strong supernatural element, each episode is named after and closely aligns with a Poe tale. For Poe fans, like myself, you will be intrigued by how each story is woven and connected to his classic work. Categorized as drama, horror, and mystery, you can watch all ten episodes of The Fall of the House of Usher on Netflix.

The Morning Show

An inside look at the lives of the people who help America wake up in the morning, exploring the unique challenges faced by the team. - IMDB

Season 3 just dropped on Apple TV and it does not disappoint. This show is binge-worthy, fun, and completely over the top in some of the best ways. The Morning Show is streaming now on Apple TV.

Goosebumps

A group of five high schoolers unleash supernatural forces upon their town. Now, they must work together in order to save it. - IMDB

Based on R.L. Steins work, this family-friendly spooky viewing. Categorized as adventure, comedy, and fantasy, Goosebumps can be watched on both Hulu and Disney Plus.

The Wheel of Time

Set in a high fantasy world where magic exists, but only some can access it, a woman named Moiraine crosses paths with five young men and women. This sparks a dangerous, world-spanning journey. Based on the book series by Robert Jordan. - IMDB

Season 2 recently premiered after a nearly two-year wait, and it was worth it. It is beautifully shot, and action-packed. We meet new characters, both heroes and villains, and learn more about the world created by Jordan. Seasons one and two are available to watch on Amazon Prime.

The Golden Bachelor

Follow a new kind of love for the golden years, when a hopeless romantic is given a second chance at love in the search for a partner with whom to share the sunset years of life. - IMDB

Yes, I know, this seems like an odd choice to be on this list but I just really enjoyed this show. It’s fun and sweet, and quite surprising. I highly recommend you give it a watch on Hulu.

The Midnight Club

The Midnight Club follows an octet of terminally ill teenage patients at Brightcliffe Hospice as they gather at midnight to share scary stories. - IMDB

Created by Mike Flanagan, the writer behind the Tha Haunting of Hill House and Black Mass. This is a dark show, for several reasons, and full of jump scares. You can watch all 10 episodes on Netflix.

I hope you enjoy my recommendations. Happy Fall watching!

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5 Signs You're Dealing With A User

The word user has many definitions but in today’s blog, we are discussing people who use other people. These users can be partners, family members, friends, coworkers, and even casual acquaintances. Users are selfish, self-serving, manipulative, and often unkind.

Users prey on the kindness, loyalty, and commitment of others to get what they want while giving very little, if anything at all, in return. Sound familiar? Whether or not you have a big heart, a caring soul, or a philanthropic nature, no one likes to feel like they are being used or taken advantage of. If you feel like you have a user in your life, then this blog is for you. Here are the 5 signs to look for that you have a user in your life.

5 Signs He Is A User

You Only Hear From Users When They Need Something

We all know these people. They never bother to call or message you ever. They never show up to any of your events to show support and are never there if you need assistance or just want someone to talk to. They are always too busy for you but expect you to drop everything when they call or need something. You may almost forget about them but when you see they are calling or messaging you mentally prepare yourself because you already know before you respond that they want something from you.

Users Always Play On Your Emotions

You have a soft heart and tend to be generous, which is why users love you so much. Users love to emotionally manipulate people. They always have lots of problems and their problems are always bigger and more important than yours, according to them. They are masters at guilting people and will sometimes not ask directly for money or favors but instead share their dilemma with you in hopes that you will offer your assistance without them even having to ask for anything.

You Do Not Think They Would Reciprocate For You

Users are not about helping or supporting others. The “user” family member or friend seems to be non-responsive when you reach out or ask something of them. They always have an excuse as to why they are too busy to help you or to attend something you invite them to. Although it is not surprising behavior for a user because they are selfish, you still find it hurtful, especially after all you have done for them over the years.

Users Always Expect A Yes

Users are master gaslighters. You are reluctant to say no to an ask or decline an invite from the user because you know you are likely to feel their wrath in one way or another. They may lash out with unkind words, or make you feel guilty for not being a “better” friend, partner, or family member to them. They may even stop speaking to you or ghost you for a bit, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but of course, the ghosting is only until they need another favor from you.

The User Leaves You Feeling Used and Dejected

After each round of rescuing or supporting the user, you feel worse and worse about yourself. Even though you realize you value your relationship with them more than they do yours, you also feel bad about the thought of dropping them completely from your life.

The important takeaway from this blog is for you dear reader to recognize when you are being used and to give you permission to set boundaries with these individuals. Your answer does not always have to be yes. In fact, sometimes the answer needs to be no for your own mental, emotional, and financial well-being.

One-way relationships are hurtful and toxic and you deserve to have people in your life who want to be there and are not only around when it is convenient for them. Learn to advocate for yourself. Learn to say no. And learn how to recognize when it is time to cut people out of your life.

After reading this blog are you able to identify any people in your life who meet the user criteria? If so, what will you do about it? Will you maintain the relationship, discuss it with them, or cut ties? Please share your thoughts and experience.

“Let today mark a new beginning for you. Give yourself permission to say NO without feeling guilty, mean, or selfish, Anybody who gets upset and/or expects you to say YES all of the time clearly doesn’t have your best interest at heart, Always remember: You have a right to say NO without having to explain yourself, Be at peace with your decisions.” – Stephanie Lahart

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5 Signs He’s Deeply In Love With You

When you think you have found the one, you want to know if they feel the same way. It may be hard to tell if the guy you have fallen for is feeling the same way, and while you may crave to hear those three little words, just remember actions always speaks louder than words.

There are always signs early on and throughout relationships that are excellent barometers for determining the health and status of your partnership. Whether those signs are indicating a strong commitment from a loving man or red flags telling you to run the other way. The truth is plain to see if you are paying attention and know what to look for. Here are 5 signs he is deeply in love with you.

5 Signs He Is Deeply In Love With You

He Is Always Team You

A man deeply in love is always team “wife or partner”. He takes the you and me against the world to heart. He is not taking his family’s side over yours and he is definitely not taking his friend’s side over yours. He always thinks about your thoughts and feelings first because he loves you and wants to make and keep you happy. Even if he disagrees with you, that is a private conversation between the two of you and he never entertains outside interference in the relationship.

This man is also your biggest supporter and cheerleader. He wants to see you succeed, even if that means your success outpaces his because he views it as a win for you as a win for you both.

He Won’t Let You Struggle

Marriage and relationships can be tough at times and when you add children to the mix life can become extremely challenging. Whether you are a working mom or a stay-at-home wife or mom, the man who deeply loves you will pull his share and then some when needed. He does not wait to be asked or directed, but instead, he steps in to be a reliable helpmate because he cares about your mental and emotional well-being.

He’s Mentally and Emotionally Present

A man deeply in love does not make a habit of coming home from work and plopping down in front of the television or hopping on video games and not engaging with his partner. Sure, we all need and are entitled to some “me” time, but you will not have to compete with your partner’s phone to get their attention or just to spend time with them. In fact, a man deeply in love cannot wait to spend time with you and to talk and share, or just veg out watching Netflix with you.

He’s Honest With You

A man deeply in love is open and honest with you. He communicates with you about how he is feeling and what he is thinking. He is willing to share his fears, his concerns, and his pet peeves in your relationship in a respectful and constructive manner.

He is also honest about the who, what, when, where, and why. He’s not keeping secrets or being sneaky. If you wanted to see his phone, messages, or emails he would let you because he has nothing to hide and he wants you to know that you can trust him.

He Is Putting In The Work

A man deeply in love wants his relationship to last and for that to happen, he knows it requires work and dedication on both your parts. If that means listening more, putting in more effort, or even going to couples therapy he is willing to do it because to him it is worth it.

There are ebbs and flows in most relationships. Passion may wane but I believe love should still be present if the relationship is to survive. There should be no expectation of perfection but if he consistently has your back, is a great helpmate, is present for you, is honest, and is doing his best to maintain a healthy and loving relationship with you then he may be a keeper.

What are your thoughts on signs a man is deeply in love? Do you agree with my list? What would add or remove? Please share your thoughts and experiences!

"The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves." –Victor Hugo


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Entertainment Charlene Eckstein Entertainment Charlene Eckstein

5 Reasons You Need To Watch Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story

I read all of Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton books years ago and was so excited to hear Shonda Rhimes was turning these sexy love stories into an even sexier Netflix series. The first season premiered and it did not disappoint. While the first season evoked familiar emotions from the books, and maybe this is an unpopular opinion, the second season was good but left me feeling lukewarm about future seasons.

Fast forward to hearing about Queen Charlotte getting a six-episode, limited series, I was not sure what to expect. I knew about the Mad King George and that they had many children but not much else. The series premiered on May 4, 2023, and I was instantly sucked in and binged the series in a day. While I was sad when the series ended, I am hopeful for another season. If you liked Bridgerton, you do not want to miss Queen Charlotte.

5 Reasons To Watch Queen Charlotte

It’s Just So Good

In my opinion, it is the best of the Bridgerton series so far. I laughed and cried, and even yelled at the screen in frustration and concern for George. I love romance novels, heck I write them, but this series hits differently than your typical story because the characters were real people. The stakes were higher and a happy ending was not guaranteed for the couple.

In true Bridgerton style, there are a lot of steamy sex scenes, some not-so-steamy sex scenes, and some brief male nudity. The scenes do not feel gratuitous but add to the story. The term “even days” will have a whole new meaning and make you chuckle.

Makes You Hopeful For Love

The romance, the chemistry, and the sex in Queen Charlotte will make your heart yearn to be loved as deeply as King George loved his Queen. It’s young love and passion with some serious issues making a healthy marriage and relationship more challenging.

Points of view and past and present scenes make the love between Charlotte and George gut-wrenching. When George says, “I love you desperately. I cannot breathe when you are not near. I love you Charlotte. My heart calls your name,” even my heart felt that. Sorry, but it blew, “I burn for you” out of the water.

Makes Being Single Look Pretty Good

Romance, love, and passion are wonderful and can exist perfectly outside the confines of marriage. We know Lady Danbury from the Bridgerton series but in Queen Charlotte we get a chance to learn more about her relationship with Queen Charlotte, how her title came about, her marriage to Lord Danbury, and why she chose to never remarry.

Women were controlled by their husbands and if a woman had an abusive or terrible husband she was screwed. To become a wealthy widow, with complete autonomy for a woman in those days was a win. Days of leisure, a lover or two for fun, and money to keep you comfortable is all some woman need to be quite content in life.

The Beauty and Fashion

The costuming is stunning. We are treated to beautiful dress after beautiful dress, wonderfully paired with hair and wigs that are characters all on their own. All the glitz and glamour are set against the breathtaking backdrop of palaces and their perfectly manicured lawns and estates.

Looking at how exquisite the fashion is in Queen Charlotte almost makes me wish I could be transported back in time just to dress up and attend a ball. I said almost.

It’s Strangely Relatable

Whether you are young and passionately in love or older but still passionate and feeling your bloom you can relate. Or perhaps you fell for someone unavailable or that you cannot be with, or you’re in a loveless relationship or widowed. If you have loved, longed for, or lost a love you will feel a connection. Rich or poor, love and marriage issues transcends class but of course, I think many would prefer the latter.

Queen Charlotte will be emotionally difficult to watch at times but it’s a beautiful love story. Actually, there are several love stories to make your heart ache and break a little but it is so worth it. I hope you give it a watch and if you do let me know your thoughts.


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Lifestyle Charlene Eckstein Lifestyle Charlene Eckstein

10 Quotes About Acceptance

Life will throw you curve balls and how you deal with them is the real test. Sometimes things do not work out as we hoped they would or as we expected, but the ability to accept things outside our control is key to our mental and emotional well-being.

Acceptance is the action of consenting to receive or undertake something offered. Though challenging, accepting what is can be freeing. Once we accept something or someone for what it is or who they are, we can move on and be at peace.

Here are 10 quotes about Acceptance


“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like. ― Lao Tzu

Serenity comes when you trade expectations for acceptance.” ~ Gautama Buddha

“Letting go doesn't mean that you don't care about someone anymore. It's just realizing that the only person you really have control over is yourself.”
― Deborah Reber, Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul: 101 Stories of Life, Love and Learning

“The most confused you will ever get is when you try to convince your heart and spirit of something your mind knows is a lie.” ― Shannon L. Alder

“We cannot change anything until we accept it. Condemnation does not liberate, it oppresses.” ~ Carl Jung

“You have to accept whatever comes and the only important thing is that you meet it with courage and with the best that you have to give.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

“Anything in life that we don’t accept will simply make trouble for us until we make peace with it.” ~ Shakti Gawain

“Accepting all the good and bad about someone. It’s a great thing to aspire to. The hard part is actually doing it.” ~ Sarah Dessen

“If you cannot endure to be thought in the wrong, you will begin to do terrible things to make the wrong appear right.” ~ Sydney J. Harris

“Beauty is about being comfortable in your own skin. It's about knowing and accepting who you are.” ― Ellen DeGeneres, Seriously... I'm Kidding

What’s your favorite quote about acceptance? Please share!

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Books Charlene Eckstein Books Charlene Eckstein

The Most Coveted

Book 3 in The Writer and the Billionaire series is now available on Amazon.

A woman stalked. An enemy with the means to run forever. A plan to find him and finish what they started years ago.

Deep in her heart, Sascha Montague always knew this only ends one way—one of them dead. For years, he was her friend, her confidante, and secretly obsessed. Now, his patience has run out, and he is threatening to crush anyone who stands between them.

Determined to find him before he hurts anyone else, Sascha and her handsome husband, Devon, search the ends of the earth for the man determined to destroy their love and take Sascha for himself.

Despite their nemesis’s attempts to interfere and ruin their happy marriage, Sascha and Devon’s love and bond grows stronger. As they work together to stop a murderer, the victims stack up, and everyone is a suspect.

When an opportunity to face her enemy presents itself, will Sascha risk it all for love, her family, and a chance to be free of her tormentor?

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Lifestyle, Psych and Health Charlene Eckstein Lifestyle, Psych and Health Charlene Eckstein

The Benefits of Self-Hypnosis

The concept of self-hypnosis may sound odd, but the benefits it may provide make it worth giving a try. There is nothing like self-empowerment and finding new ways to cope, heal, and improve. Self-hypnosis can do that for you.

Hypnosis is all about the power of suggestion. Self-hypnosis involves a person using relaxation methods and visualization to enter a hypnotic state. Once in that state, you can implant thoughts, feelings, and beliefs in yourself that may be life-changing.

Benefits of Self-Hypnosis

Help Control Anxiety

Through self-hypnosis, you can use calming techniques to reduce panic attacks and calm yourself in situations that would normally induce stress and anxiety in your body and mind.

Improve Sleep

Self-hypnosis will allow you to put your mind and body at ease, clear your thoughts, and fall into a deep sleep. Self-hypnosis will convince your brain it’s sleepy and it is time to go to bed.

Improve Fitness

Self-hypnosis can put you in a state of can do. Whether it is running or lifting weights, self-hypnosis will help you breathe through physical challenges, allowing you to push your body further.

Control Urges

It’s no secret that many people will visit hypnotists to try to quick smoking and lose weight. Self-hypnosis works the same way. Trying to cut out snacking, watch less television, or just clean up your potty mouth, self-hypnosis may help.

Changing Your Inner Voice

At times, we are unkind to ourselves and can be overly critical, destroying our own confidence and belief in our abilities. Self-hypnosis can give you the positive talk and self-confidence you need to push through and believe in yourself.

How To Hypnotize Yourself

To hypnotize yourself, you need to find a quiet place to be by yourself. You can sit in a chair, sit on the floor in meditation style, or lie down on a bed. Next, you will do a body scan, starting from the top of your head all the way down to your toes, relaxing each part of your body as you do so.

Once relaxed, set your intention, whether that is to focus on anxiety, sleep, improving your inner voice, or any other goal of your choosing. Take slow, deep breaths, in through your nose, out through your mouth as you focus on your intention. Allow your eyes to become heavy and fall closed and you continue your focus on your intention through visualization.

After successful visualization, begin to verbalize your intention with words like “I am a runner. I can run faster. I can run longer.” Repeating the mantra again and again for five to ten minutes, after which time, you can slowly bring yourself out of your hypnotic state.

And that’s all there is to self-hypnosis. The Benefits of Self-Hypnosis is a wonderful way to tap into your subconscious and create meaningful change in your life! Through guided relaxation and visualizations, you can explore and rewire your mental and emotional habits to achieve your goals, reduce stress, and become your best self! Give it a try and let me know how it works for you.

Note - Please be advised, I am not a doctor and this blog is not a substitute for medical advice.


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Healthy Relationship, Love and Relationships Charlene Eckstein Healthy Relationship, Love and Relationships Charlene Eckstein

5 Signs He’s Emotionally Immature

Emotional maturity usually comes with time, age, and life experiences but that is not always the case. Some people have arrested development and maturity stops prematurely.

Emotional maturity is defined as a tendency to express emotions without restraint or disproportionate to the situation. Someone who is emotionally immature may not take situations seriously or may overreact to what others consider normal circumstances.

Emotionally immature people tend to make everything about them and struggle with rational and critical thinking.

5 Signs He Is An Emotionally Immature Man

Liar Liar

Liar liar pants on pants on fire. Emotionally immature men lie all the time. They cannot help themselves because well…they’re immature. They fail to grasp that while their tendency to lie and over-exaggerate used to work years ago when the women they dated were young and immature as well, most of those women have matured and can see right through them.

The lies literally fool no one. It’s embarrassing.

Cheater

Emotionally immature men tend to be cheaters because often like a child, they are selfish, entitled, and don’t think things through, including what the consequences might be for their actions.

These men also tend to be impetuous and poor communicators, falling in and out of love easily. A mature man can say I don’t love you any more or it’s over, or say I’m not interested so move on. You know, like a mature adult.

No Accountability For Behavior

Elements of their personal and professional life are a mess. They have bad relationships with family and exes, but let them tell it, it was them, not me.

What he doesn’t understand is the common denominator factor. He will complain about family, friends, and exes without failing to see that while people and circumstances changed, he continues to have the same issues. Why is this? Because he’s the problem. He’s emotional immature and lacks self-awareness.

Self-Centered

He thinks everything revolves around him. While not nearly as charming or handsome as he thinks he is to women, his personality and lack of maturity leave something to be desired.

The emotionally immature man makes everyone else’s feelings and situations about him. How will it affect him, he often wonders.

Defensive and Easily Offended

The emotionally immature man is a big baby. He whines, he pouts, and he lashes out if he doesn’t get his way. You didn’t want to do what he wanted, how dare you? Don’t his feelings and desires come first?

Not giving him his way? Prepare for gaslighting. He feels disrespected, or unappreciated that you want what you want and are not catering to him.

A relationship with an emotionally immature man is exhausting and not worth it because if you recognize the signs now, he will never catch up to your level of maturity.

What are your thoughts? Recognize the signs from a past or present relationship? Please share your thoughts and experiences!

Immature people always try to win an argument, even at the cost of a relationship. - Unknown


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Entertainment Charlene Eckstein Entertainment Charlene Eckstein

Here’s What You Need To Watch In March

The great thing about streaming services is that there are endless options for movies and shows to watch. Whatever your mood, you have options. You want romantic, they got it. High drama, no problem. And of course, the dark and mysterious or chills and thrills are always an option.

Most of the shows on this list can be found on Netflix, but Apple TV, Hulu, and Amazon also have some great offerings. Here are my viewing picks for March.

Truth Be Told - Apple TV

A true-crime podcaster tries to solve the mystery surrounding a family patriarch's death. - IMBD

Starring Octavia Spencer, each season follows podcaster Poppy as she tries to solve a new mystery. There are currently three seasons of Truth Be Told available on Apple TV.

I have really been enjoying this show. Poppy is a meddler but aren’t all fictional mystery solvers?

You - Netflix

A dangerously charming, intensely obsessive young man goes to extreme measures to insert himself into the lives of those he is transfixed by. - IMDB

Crazy Joe is back and as usual, he cannot seem to stay away from murders. All four seasons of You are available on Netflix. If you enjoy sexy, dark suspense you will not be disappointed.

Firefly Lane - Netflix

Tully and Kate support each other through good times and bad with an unbreakable bond that carries them from their teens to their forties. - IMDB

These two besties are complete opposites but have a wonderful sisterhood. Season two is now available on Netflix.

Jack Ryan - Amazon

Up-and-coming CIA analyst, Jack Ryan, is thrust into dangerous field assignments. - IMDB

Whether it’s Harrison Ford, Alec Baldwin, or John Krasinski, I love the Jack Ryan character. Amazon’s Jack Ryan series now has three seasons

This is a great, action-packed show, filled with nail-biting moments, and suspicions of everyone. I highly recommend it if you enjoy espionage-type drama.

Accused - Fox/Hulu

Chronicles ordinary people getting caught up in extraordinary situations, where one wrong turn leads to another until it's too late to turn back. - IMDB

Anthologies are great. Accused in particular, is unique because each episode starts off with the main character already in custody and facing a trial. The episode shows you how they got there and boy are there some twists and turns. The episodes do not wrap up nice and tidy but instead leave you wanting to know more, and asking, “what happened next?”

Will Trent ABC/Hulu

Special Agent Will Trent was abandoned at birth and endured a harsh coming-of-age in Atlanta's overwhelmed foster care system. Determined to make sure no one feels as he did, he now has the highest clearance rate. - IMDB

Based on a book series, Will Trent is my new favorite show. Will is quirky, but still very likable, and kind of sexy. The character is very intriguing and so are his relationships with his on-again-off-again girlfriend and his new partner.

Somewhat procedural but it is worth a watch.

Dead To Me - Netflix

A series about a powerful friendship that blossoms between a tightly wound widow and a free spirit with a shocking secret. - IMDB

The Final Season of Dead To Mean premiered a few months ago but it is such a fun, dark, and touching show, I had to plug it. Christina Applegate and Linda Carellini are great together and represent an amazing display of friendship and sisterhood.

There are always so many viewing choices when it comes to network television and streaming services but I am here to help you narrow down your search for quality television watching. Enjoy!


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