January, With a Twist
Read on for this month's highlights and curated recommendations.
Well, hard to believe it is already Dry (Martini!) January. The end of last year was a blur of absolute splendor, launching Last Call at the Savoy into the world just ahead of my favorite season, the holidays. If you want a look back at some of the truly epic moments, scroll all the way down. And yet, for the first time in years, I am genuinely delighted to be back in January, even if it does mean my countdown to Christmas clock has officially reset.
Since becoming a writer, a title I am still learning to say without hesitation, I have found that the quiet downtime I once resisted is now exactly what I need. January in Florida is for writing, with intention and focus, especially with some major travel coming up in February. It is also for reading, watching, and the kind of productive daydreaming that happens best with a notebook nearby and toes in the sand. New projects are taking shape, and I cannot wait to share them.
That said, the clear highlight of my January so far has been virtually visiting book clubs reading Last Call. I truly love these conversations and getting to meet readers from all over the country has been such a joy. If you have a book club, please reach out. I am always happy to Zoom in, martini in hand.
And now, back to our regularly scheduled programming…
Delightful…
January is perfectly aligned with my current rhythm of writing, reading, and watching, and the coming weeks are an embarrassment of riches.
People We Meet on Vacation
If you have not read Emily Henry, I invite you to start now. The movie is charming, just like all of her rom-com novels. I had the added benefit of watching it poolside on a girls’ weekend. Perfection.
Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials
Need I say more? You had me at Agatha Christie.
The Night Manager
Do you remember the first season from 2016?? Well, it’s back, and I’m crossing my fingers it was worth the TEN year wait for season two.
Bridgerton
Enough said.
Also worth noting, my audiobook pre-order of Skylark by Paula McClain just dropped. Given how much I adored The Paris Wife, I already know I’m going to love this one too.
Delicious
January in Florida also means more meals at home. When I came across a new Spaghetti Carbonara recipe in NYT Cooking, I knew it had to be made. And by made, I mean I printed it out and handed it to my husband, who is the far better cook. As always, it was excellent. Bellisimo!
De-lovey
One more January indulgence. Because most of my reading happens on audiobook, these stretches also give me permission to pull out a jigsaw puzzle. I am extremely picky about puzzles. Over the holidays, I discovered Piecework, and now I am fully committed to both a puzzle binge and a book binge. Drool-worthy.
And now, back to it. I hope your new year is off to a fabulous and restorative start.
Comment below on what you’re looking forward to in 2026!
And finally, as promised, here are a few highlights from my over-the-top December.
First, my annual Christmas-palooza kick-off at The Carlyle with my Christmas bestie, James. Where he presented me with a whole collection of thoughtfully curated Last Call at the Savoy themed Christmas ornaments. Every one perfectly chosen, wildly thoughtful, and deeply on brand. My heart grew several sizes.
Then, what I’ve dubbed my “author coming out party,” hosted in my home by Christina Baker Kline and Patti Callahan Henry, to introduce me to the New York literary community. Sitting in front of a room filled with bestselling authors I admire to talk about my book felt completely backward and completely thrilling. Side note, these two women are among the kindest, most generous, most inspiring, and most formidable people I know, and I do not take lightly how lucky I am to have them in my corner.
And yes, we closed out the year with our annual show tune singing Times Square New Year’s Eve extravaganza. We watched the ball drop, then welcomed Jonathan Bennett (aka Aaron Samuels from Mean Girls!), who stopped by after his television duties to warm up. A longtime friend and fellow musical theater obsessive, he joined the rest of us in geeking out over impromptu Broadway performances, including a one-woman revival of Diana with Broadway’s Diana diva herself, Jeanna de Waal. Richard Kind even popped up to raise a glass. And yes, despite being surrounded by vastly more talented Broadway and opera friends, I contributed a few martini-fueled numbers of my own well into the early hours.
Cheers,
Well summarized!! Crazy busy, but fun!
This was such a joy to read—thank you, Brisa, for all the inspiration, and especially the puzzle recommendation!!! I’ve taken up needlepoint this year, which feels so fitting for this season. What a meaningful year 2025 has been, and I’m grateful for you and all that’s to come in 2026. 🤍