Genre: Literary fiction

Synopsis: A moving and complicated love story for our time, The Reckless Oath We Made redefines what it means to be heroic. Zee has never admitted to needing anybody. But she needs Gentry. Her tough exterior shelters a heart that’s loyal to the point of self-destruction, while autistic Gentry wears his heart on his sleeve, including his desire to protect Zee at all costs. When an abduction tears Zee’s family apart, she turns to Gentry—and sets in motion a journey and a love that will change their lives forever.

Content/Trigger Warnings: Drug abuse, Domestic abuse, Abduction, Ableism, Racism and racist slurs, Misogyny, Death and murder

Josh and Gemma Make a Baby by Sarah Ready

Here are 10 tips for keeping your vacation plans on track despite bad weather:



Bring along rain gear

Don't let a little stormy weather dampen your spirits - instead, plan ahead and bring along appropriate rain gear. Stock up on lightweight rain jackets, waterproof shoes, umbrellas, and hats to keep you dry in any unexpected storms.

 

Look for indoor activities

If it's pouring outside, why not get creative and take advantage of all the great indoor activities that most vacation spots have to offer? Try checking out local museums, movie theaters or arcades for rainy day fun. Whether you are visiting New York or Orlando, there are many inside rainy day ideas for you to enjoy. Plus, if you're a Bank of America member, your museum tickets could be free if it's the first full weekend of a month. There may be other ways or other perks to use, but I'm an avid BOA Museums on Us user, so couldn't pass up the opportunity to share that with you.



Visit an aquarium or zoo

Aquariums and zoos are great places to visit when it's raining outside – most aquariums are indoors so you won't even have to worry about getting wet! Zoos can be a little trickier, but may offer rainy day discounts or at least have indoor components to take advantage of.



Take advantage of local shopping

If the rain has spoiled your plans for outdoor sightseeing, why not do a little shopping instead? Many cities and towns offer great indoor shopping experiences that are perfect for a rainy day. Check out local boutiques and malls to find unique souvenirs and gifts for friends and family back home.



Catch up on your reading list

Rainy days are the perfect time to catch up on all those books you’ve been meaning to read! Whether it's a novel or an informative travel guide, there’s nothing like curling up with a good book when it's raining outside. You could also maybe find a special little spot in the city you're visiting so you can get the best of both worlds.



Savor some local cuisine

Food is one of the best things about traveling – and there’s no reason why a little rain should get in the way of indulging in some delicious local fare. Look for restaurants that offer indoor seating, or take advantage of takeout options to enjoy your meal from the comfort of your hotel room.



Take a stroll in the rain

Sometimes, embracing the weather can be part of the fun! Don’t let a little rain keep you cooped up indoors – instead, grab your umbrella and head out on a leisurely stroll through town. You never know what unexpected sights and experiences you might find.



Check out local concerts and shows

Rainy days are a great opportunity for checking out local concerts and shows. Look for indoor events at music venues, theaters, or comedy clubs – it could be the perfect way to spend an evening on vacation.



Take a spa day

Nothing beats a relaxing spa day when it's raining outside! Many hotels and resorts offer indoor spas where you can indulge in massages, facials, or other treatments designed to restore balance and relaxation. It could be just what you need to recharge during your vacation.




So don't let the rain ruin your vacation plans! With a little bit of planning and creativity, it's possible to make the most out of even the stormiest weather. From checking out local museums and malls, to taking a leisurely stroll in the rain - there are plenty of things you can do to keep your vacation on track - no matter what the forecast calls for.

Cookies might be your favorite go-to dessert for the holidays, but there is a world of untapped sweetness. Whether you are hosting a party or spending the holidays alone, there are various holiday bakes to keep your house stocked with goodies all season. The good news is you can either bake these desserts or keep them chilled in the fridge, so you can still indulge in some delightful desserts even if you don't have an oven. Here are some delicious desserts to try out this holiday season.



One-bowl chocolate cake

Satisfy your sweet tooth with an easy homemade chocolate cake this holiday. While there are many chocolate cake recipes, have you tried the one-bowl recipe? It is a quick and easy-to-make dessert that requires minimal ingredients. This rich and fluffy dessert is perfect for you if you’re vegan or lactose intolerant. You, too, can enjoy your holiday desserts without worrying about the ingredients or being picky. You can take it up a notch by topping it with chocolate shavings or fresh berries.



Santa hat cupcakes

Start the holiday season with a cupcake inspired by Santa himself. Bake a soft, moist cupcake of any flavor and top it off with strawberries and yummy vanilla buttercream frosting. You can also use red frosting if you don't want strawberries. This festive holiday cupcake may look fancy, but it is easy to make and the best dessert to impress your friends.



Bourbon balls

Classic bourbon balls with a heavy pour of bourbon can be your chewy dessert for an adult party. These bite-sized balls are ideal for a no-bake night. They are made with chopped nuts, vanilla wafers, rich cocoa, and bourbon. This treat gives a sweet and nutty high, takes little time to make, and can last for weeks. All you need to do is store them at room temperature or in your refrigerator. If you are hosting friends who don't drink, you can take out the bourbon and use apple juice instead.



Gluten-free Christmas pudding

This super moist and light pudding is loaded with delicious dried fruit, nuts, and spices. Don't forget the brandy sauce on top! Though it takes some hours to make, its rich and delicious taste is worth it all. You can enjoy this dessert for as long as three months. You can store it tightly wrapped in your refrigerator. When ready to eat it, bring it to room temperature before taking a slice.



Gingerbread truffles

These crunchy-looking truffles are mouthwatering. They are mixed with gingerbread spices, semi-sweet chocolate, and pure vanilla extract. Gingerbread truffles are one-bite wonders that taste like magic, with the zippy flavor of ginger snaps. If you are tired of gingerbread houses, this could be an excellent replacement.

Get yourself or your loved ones into a joyous mood by offering them a wonderful dessert spread. Once you try them, you won't be able to get enough. Time to bake!