Parade

Nobody in the Shrine Auditorium on the night of February 28, 1996, knew it was coming.

Tupac Shakur walked out to the Grammy Awards stage in a Versace suit and a Death Row Records medallion. What the crowd expected was a presenter. What they got was something nobody had seen in nearly 17 years. 'You know how the Grammys used to be,' he said, 'all straight-lookin' folks with suits, everybody lookin' tired, no surprises. We tired of that. We need something different. So let's shock the people.'

From the wings came Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss, the original, founding lineup of Kiss, in full makeup and their Love Gun-era costumes. The last time those four men had shared a stage in that makeup was December 1979. Sixteen years of estrangement, legal disputes, solo careers, and bad blood had passed. None of it was visible that night. The Shrine erupted.

The appearance was brief. The four presented the award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal (which went to Hootie & the Blowfish for 'Let Her Cry') and walked off. But the two minutes those men stood on stage in their elaborate costumes was an undeniable sign that improving relations between the group of rock royalty was real.

Related: Gene Simmons Just Did Something He's Never Done Before — and He Did It for Ace Frehley

The groundwork had been laid six months earlier. On August 9, 1995, Kiss performed on MTV Unplugged at Sony Music Studios in New York, and Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons contacted former members Peter Criss and Ace Frehley to participate. Fan reaction to Criss and Frehley at the Unplugged show was so positive that it became the catalyst for the full reunion. It was the first time the original four had shared a stage since 1979, though notably without the makeup, a distinction that made the Grammy reveal six months later that much more satisfying.

On April 16, 1996, six weeks after the Grammys, the band held a press conference aboard the USS Intrepid in New York City to announce the Alive/Worldwide Tour, with the event MC'd by Conan O'Brien and simulcast to 58 countries. Gene Simmons admitted later he wasn't sure they could fill arenas. Tickets for the first show went on sale on a Friday night, and by Saturday morning the band's manager called to report they had no more tickets left. The entire stadium had sold out in under an hour.

The Alive/Worldwide Tour lasted just over a year, playing 192 shows across North America, Europe, Japan, Australia, and Latin and South America, and earning $143.7 million, the most successful Kiss tour in the band's history. The setlists drew almost entirely from the 1970s catalog. The pyro was back. So was Simmons breathing fire and spitting blood. The four men who had not gotten along well enough to stay in the same band had gotten along well enough to sell out stadiums on five continents, though that positivity would not last.

It had all started with two minutes at the Grammys. Tupac told the room he wanted to shock the people. He delivered.

The rest of the night belonged to Alanis Morissette, who took home four trophies for Jagged Little Pill, including Album of the Year, a record-tying haul that made her the youngest artist to win that award at the time.

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Winter travel dressing is less about chasing trends and more about choosing pieces that truly work. Cold-weather clothing takes up valuable suitcase space, layers need to function together and outfits should feel comfortable enough for long travel days while still looking intentional once you arrive. The best winter wardrobes are built on a handful of dependable staples that can be worn repeatedly in different combinations without feeling repetitive or bulky.

To narrow it down, I spoke with two fashion experts and celebrity stylists about the winter wardrobe essentials they consistently recommend and personally rely on, and how to style them. These are the pieces that earn a spot in your cart because they solve real problems: staying warm without overheating, packing efficiently and transitioning seamlessly from airport to sightseeing to dinner. From outerwear that anchors every outfit to accessories that quietly pull a look together, these essentials are designed to work hard so getting dressed while traveling feels easier, not more complicated.

Related: 5 Things You'll Never Regret Packing, According to Travel Pros

Protect Your Hands: Cole Haan Leather Cashmere Blend Lined Basic Tech Tip Gloves

For Charlotte Rose Coleman, a New York City-based celebrity fashion stylist and former fashion editor at O, The Oprah Magazine, winter travel dressing comes down to choosing versatile pieces, such as these gloves, that work harder in your suitcase. "As we age, cold hands can make winter travel incredibly uncomfortable. A cashmere-lined glove provides warmth without being bulky or hard to tuck away. The touchscreen feature also makes it easy as you're checking directions or showing boarding passes throughout your travels. I always suggest a leather glove as it instantly elevates more winter attire. An outfit instantly becomes more polished and less sporty when paired with them," she says.

Go Hands-Free: Quince Italian Leather Patchwork Crossbody Bag

One of the best accessories to wear during the winter is a cross-body handbag. There are so many layers and volume when it comes to dressing, and to keep your hands warm, a cross-body bag is a simple way of being practical and stylish at the same time. “They are ideal for sightseeing as they are secure but also lightweight enough not to weigh your shoulder down. I suggest choosing a bag that can at least fit your phone, wallet, and glasses. Choosing a neutral-colored bag works well, as it transitions from daytime to dinner. I also find that leather bags hold their shape even when being tucked away in a suitcase," Charlotte says.

Related: I Traveled the World for a Year With One Suitcase—This Shoe-Packing Trick Saved Me

Warmth You Can Wrap: Aritzia Cashmere Soft

A cashmere scarf is one of the most versatile accessories you can pack, adding warmth while giving you flexibility in how it’s worn. For Rap Sarmiento, a Los Angeles-based fashion stylist and editor, he says it’s an easy way to add interest to travel outfits without overpacking. “The Aritzia Cashmere Scarf adds an effortless pop of color to your travel looks as you might be focused on packing neutrals to make mixing and matching easy,” Rap says. “It can also double as a makeshift hood or pillow on the plane.”

Layer Without Bulk: Uniqlo HEATTECH Cashmere Blend Turtleneck

A thin turtleneck works as a reliable base layer that adds warmth while remaining easy to layer under coats, blazers or sweaters. "A lightweight turtleneck is an easy way to stay warm while moving between outdoor temperatures or inside planes and restaurants. Always look for a turtleneck with some soft stretch; these tend to lay smoother and provide a more flattering fit than their bulkier and thicker counterpoint," Coleman recommends.

Related: The One Item To Never Leave Out Of Your Carry On, According to Travel Experts

Statement Coat That Does It All: Quince 100% Merino Wool Coat

A versatile wool coat grounds winter outfits and transitions easily from casual daytime wear to evening plans without requiring outfit changes. "This Quince Merino Wool Coat pairs with sweats for smoothie runs in the morning, denim and a crew neck during the day, and with a ribbed knit dress and boots for the evening," says Sarmiento.

Cozy Boots Made for Walking: VIVAIA Faux Fur Platform Chunky Wedge Boots

Sometimes, thick socks are not enough to keep your feet warm during the colder months, especially when you’re spending long days walking outside or dealing with unpredictable winter weather. "Picking a lightweight boot (these are fur-lined) is a great option as the sole will keep you safe as you navigate wet pavement or cobblestone streets.  Keep in mind that an ankle boot pairs best with a straight-to-wide-leg jean, while a mid-calf boot pairs best with leggings or fleece-lined tights. It's about looking streamlined and chic," says Coleman.

Elevated Cold Weather Pants: Uniqlo Washable Ribbed Knit Pants

Leggings and sweatpants are winter go-tos—we don’t blame you. But when you’re traveling, it’s worth reaching for pants that deliver the same cozy factor while instantly looking more put-together, especially for long days on the move. "Instead of athletic leggings or sweats, elevate your look with the Uniqlo Ribbed Knit pants. Wear with a coat and sweater layered over a collared shirt, and you’ll still be cozy and chic whether you’re on a long layover or on a hop-on hop-off bus tour," says Sarmiento.

Related: I live Bicoastally—Here's My No-Fail Airport Outfit as a Woman in My 30s

Sources:

Charlotte Rose Coleman is a New York City–based wardrobe stylist specializing in on-camera styling. A former fashion editor at O, The Oprah Magazine, she has clients including the cast of Top Chef, Olivia Culpo, Stacy London, Clinton Kelly, and supermodel Iman, with television work spanning Netflix, Bravo, Peacock, and Amazon Prime Video.  

Rap Sarmiento is a Los Angeles- and formerly New York City-based fashion stylist and editor. He has worked with celebrity clients including Jamie Chung and Collin Kaepernick and his work has been featured in Vogue Philippines, GQ, Hypebeast, L’Officiel, Maxim, Elle, Elle France and Refinery 29, to name a few. 

Related: I’ve Tested 20+ Pairs of Travel Pants—These Are the Ones I Trust on Every Flight

Bindi Irwin has been following in her father's footsteps since she was a little girl and she says one of her greatest joys is now getting to share that passion for animals with her young daughter.

The conservationist, 27, took to social media on Thursday (Feb. 26) to open up about involving her four-year-old daughter Grace in her work with the Australia Zoo.

"One of the best parts of my entire existence is getting to share our conservation work with Grace. She is such a kind and beautiful soul who feels everything with her whole heart. Especially when it comes to wildlife care," she wrote on Instagram.

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Irwin, who shares Grace with her husband Chandler Powell, added that the family recently had a special experience while releasing two turtles back into the wild.

"We recently had two turtles brought to our Australia Zoo wildlife Hospital for life-saving care and treatment. A green sea turtle and a hawksbill turtle," Irwin shared. "Thanks to the remarkable care and dedication from our Hospital team, both turtles made a full recovery."

She continued, "They finally received the go-ahead for release back into the wild. We asked Grace if she wanted to help us release them back into the ocean and her joy and excitement was out of this world!"

Looking back at the photos, Irwin says it was the "perfect day" with a calm ocean and perfectly blue skies.

"We felt so at peace letting these turtles begin their second chance at life in the wild. It's moments like these that remind me exactly why we do what we do. We have dedicated our entire lives to the protection of wildlife and wild places. It is the honour of a lifetime to get to be part of something so much bigger than yourself," Irwin concluded.

In the comments, Irwin's mother Terri shared her own heartfelt message, writing, "This is the best! You are the best parents, this is the best outcome for these sea turtles, and the future of wildlife conservation is in the best hands with Grace. I am so happy!"

You can see all of the photos from their special day here.

With 13 studio albums, 82 singles, and three number-one hits, whittling down the best Billy Joelsong might be as hard as deciding if you want a bottle of white or a bottle of red. Or deciding which of The Beatles is your fave.

Joel released his debut album, Cold Spring Harbor, in 1971, kicking off a remarkable five-decade career that took him from Hicksville, Long Island, to Madison Square Garden to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Along the way, he released a bevy of hit songs like “Just The Way You Are,” “She’s Always a Woman,” and “River of Dreams,” as well as his anthem, “Piano Man.”

Yet, one song that Joel never released as a single is considered his best piece of work. It’s found on the end of side A of 1977’s The Stranger, a seven-minute opus called “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant.”

“Billy Joel’s greatest song is the only known example of Long Island prog, a bastard child of Chuck Berry’s ‘You Never Can Tell’ and the Abbey Road medley that proves there’s an opera out on the L.I.E, as much as on the Jersey Turnpike,” wrote Rolling Stone’s Brian Hiatt when ranking “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” as Joel’s No. 1 song.

“Musically," writes Hiatt, "it’s a deceptively quirky seven-minute-plus journey that gels against all odds, packing in odd rhythmic flourishes,  jazzy bits, accordion swells, solos on both a tenor and soprano saxophone, and the late Doug Stegmeyer’s memorably hyperactive bass lines.”

“In all,” adds Hiatt, “it taps into some of the same post-Sixties ennui that produced ‘Fire and Rain’ and ‘Running on Empty,’ with more than a hint of American Graffiti-styled nostalgia along the way.  Brenda and Eddie couldn’t go back to the greasers, and neither could anyone else.”

The comparisons to Abbey Road are not far off. When discussing the creation of “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant,” Joel admitted he used the medley on the Beatles' penultimate album as a guide.

 “I had always admired the B-side of Abbey Road,” Joel told USA Today (h/t Far Out), “which was essentially a bunch of songs strung together by [producer] George Martin.”

“What happened was The Beatles didn’t have completely finished songs or wholly fleshed-out ideas, and George [Harrison] said, ‘What have you got?’ John [Lennon] said, ‘Well, I got this,’ and Paul [McCartney] said, ‘I got that.’ They all sat around and went, ‘Hmm, we can put this together, and that’ll fit in there.’ And that’s pretty much what I did.”

Though it was not released as a single, it’s become a fan favorite—and Joel named it his favorite song. Plus, in addition to crowning it his best song, Rolling Stone ranked it No. 324 of its 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Rolling Stone’s Top 10 Billy Joel Songs

01. “Scenes From An Italian Restaurant”
02. “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)”
03. “New York State of Mind”
04. “Vienna”
05. “Summer, Highland Falls”
06. “Goodnight Saigon”
07. “Piano Man”
08. “Captain Jack”
09. “Only The Good Die Young”
10. “Miami 2017 (Seen The Lights Go Out on Broadway)”

Related: Billy Joel's 'Chick Song' That Got The Seal of Approval From This Legendary '70s Female Rocker

Marshals is a Yellowstone sequel series, but it’s very different from any other show in executive producerTaylor Sheridan’s ever-expanding universe.

It’s the first show in the franchise to air on CBS, and it has a different style and format from the Paramount Network/Paramount+ shows. It’s a fast-paced, action-packed procedural drama following Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes), John Dutton’s (Kevin Costner) conflicted prodigal son, as he puts his Navy SEAL training and life of cowboying to use as a member of an elite unit of the U.S. Marshals, capturing bad guys on Montana’s rough-and-tumble frontier. 

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The series is created by Spencer Hudnut, who previously worked as a writer and executive producer on all seven seasons of the action drama SEAL Team. He describes Marshals as a “non-traditional procedural” that “takes the elements of Yellowstone and blends them into a CBS show.” When Yellowstone producer 101 Studios approached him with the idea for the spinoff, it was an easy yes for him. He was already a fan of Yellowstone, and Kayce was the character he connected with the most. 

“He had this strong moral compass, but no matter what he did, he always seemed to end up on the wrong side of the fence,” Hudnut tells Parade. On Yellowstone, Kayce’s willingness to do anything to protect his wife Monica (Kelsey Asbille) and son Tate (Brecken Merrill) and the things he believed in resonated with him, as did Kayce’s sense of duty being torn between his father's side of the family and Monica and Tate. And having worked on SEAL Team for many years, Hudnut understood “the warrior that was underneath it all.” 

“That was really interesting to me, because this guy is carrying around so much,” Hudnut says. 

Related: Get a First Look at Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell’s New Taylor Sheridan Series ‘The Madison’

Tatanka Means as Miles, Ash Santos as Andrea, Logan Marshall-Green as Pete Calvin, Arielle Kebbel as Belle, and Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton in 'Marshals'

Sonja Flemming/CBS

How is Marshals different from Yellowstone? 

Adapting the Yellowstone universe to a procedural format presents unique challenges. Sheridan is famously “allergic to exposition,” and he tries to write as little explanatory info-dumping dialogue as possible and instead focus entirely on character. His shows are full of philosophical speeches and scenes that don’t drive the plot forward. But for broadcast procedurals, exposition is part of the genre. As a rule, characters speak very directly about what’s going on so viewers can easily understand the plot. So Hudnut had to figure out how to be faithful to the spirit of Sheridan’s character-driven writing style while also servicing the demands of the format — or as he puts it, build 

“I think it's less about trying to follow his writing style per se, but always being true to the universe and to the characters,” Hudnut says. “Not every scene in a CBS procedural can be John Dutton talking to his daughter at the corral about her dead mother. There are moments where you just need to get out that shoe leather and get the case moving along. But I think it's about trying to be mindful of tapping into the themes that the Yellowstone audience really related to.

"And so I do think within these episodes, and particularly with Kayce, we are continuing to explore everything — whether it's man versus nature, the consequences of violence, family, vengeance, grief, all of those things. So we’re really trying to be true to the world and those themes, knowing full well that there are moments that will not necessarily feel like a Yellowstone show.

"But we’re also trying to do that procedural stuff in a way that is also still different from maybe some other type of network shows where we're not just so focused on that. Hopefully those moments where you have to get that exposition out are also rooted in a character moment, or revealing something about one of our characters. And so, again, I think with Taylor, what people related to and liked so much about Yellowstone were the characters. There were always multiple things going on with those people at one time. And we're trying to carry that over into the show.” 

“And then you have moments where it looks, sounds and feels like Yellowstone,” Hudnut adds. “And so I'm definitely doing a Taylor Sheridan cover band in certain places.” 

Sheridan is not involved day-to-day on Marshals, but “obviously his fingerprints are all over the show,” Hudnut says. “He made himself available to me and was super helpful in kind of getting this off the ground and really nailing down what the show should be. If anything ever comes up and we need him, he's there for us. But he has so much on his plate that I really sort of view it as my job to keep from adding to that.”

Related: ‘Yellowstone’ Brings in the Green—Co-Creator Taylor Sheridan’s Net Worth in 2026 Is Well Earned!

Mo Brings Plenty, Gil Birmingham as Thomas Rainwater, and Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton on 'Marshals.'

Sonja Flemming/CBS

Do you need to have watched Yellowstone to enjoy Marshals? 

Marshals starts about six months after the Yellowstone finale. There are a handful of characters moving over from the original series, including Broken Rock Reservation leader Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham) and his right-hand man Mo (Mo Brings Plenty). Everything in Kayce’s past is part of the character on Marshals, but it’s a forward-looking story. Hudnut says making sure there’s Yellowstone lore for fans while keeping it accessible to people who might just be tuning in knowing nothing requires a “balancing act.” 

“There's so much great backstory for Casey and for the Duttons, and he's still in the same exact place where [Yellowstone] took place, so to turn our backs on that would seem foolish,” he says. But at the same time, Marshals has a whole bunch of new characters who are not connected to Yellowstone at all.

“What's super helpful is that Kayce’s joined a team where some of them are from different parts of the country and don't know all the Dutton legends. And so we can kind of spoon-feed the audience while his teammates are learning about him. But also, when you talk about the ‘Zone of Death,’ if you've watched Yellowstone, you know what that means.” (For the uninitiated, it’s an uninhabited area of Yellowstone National Park that’s supposedly not under any legal jurisdiction — so when people have bodies to dispose of, they take them there). 

Hudnut says that the main thing Marshals will carry over from Yellowstone are the relationships between characters, especially the one between Kayce and Rainwater. “One of the best scenes in all of Yellowstone was the scene in the finale between Rainwater and Kayce where they become brothers, and you really see that personal connection developing.” Kayce has lost so many people, and Rainwater becomes a sort of surrogate father/older brother figure to him. “And so bringing those two closer together, examining that relationship, is something that we're doing a lot of in Season 1,” says Hudnut. 

Related: ‘Landman’ Season 3 Will Premiere in November – Here’s Everything We Know So Far

Logan Marshall-Green as Pete Calvin on 'Marshals.'

Sonja Flemming/CBS

Who are the new characters in Marshals? 

Kayce is brought into the Marshals Service by Pete Calvin (Logan Marshall-Green), his former team leader in the SEALs. Pete recently transferred to Montana, and recruits Kayce for his local knowledge and fearlessness in battle. Kayce joins a unit that already includes Andrea Cruz (Ash Santos), a fish out of water from the Bronx; Miles Kittle (Tatanka Means), who’s a local hailing from Broken Rock; and Belle Skinner (Arielle Kebbel), a former ATF agent who’s secretive about her personal life. They’re an elite team who have each other’s backs, but they’re not totally sure about the new guy.

“It's really just throwing this group together and seeing if they can, you know, kind of pull together,” Hudnut says. “And really about Kayce exploring whether or not this is going to be a newfound family for him.” 

Kayce and Pete’s brotherhood is one of the show’s most intriguing dynamics. Hudnut says that Grimes and Marshall-Green had immediate chemistry the first time they stepped in front of the camera. Pete is a complex character, a former operator who struggled after he left the military and sees the Marshals as his salvation. Kayce, meanwhile, is “enjoying his time as a marshal, but kind of has the attitude of, if he lost his badge, it wouldn't be the end of him,” Hudnut says. “The way that Kayce conducts himself — kind of coloring outside the lines every now and then — it’s gonna create a lot of tension between the two of them as we get deeper into the show. And Logan just has that presence and that command. He's brought so much to this role.” 

Marshals premieres Sunday, March 1 at 8/7c on CBS. It will be available to stream on Paramount+. 

Related: Every Taylor Sheridan Series Ranked — Including His Newest Hits

Priscilla Presley revealed that her life-changing television role came on the heels of a little white lie.

Elvis Presley's only wife shared details of the fib that landed her a role on the television series Dallas during an appearance at the 27th annual Old Bags Luncheon at the Breakers in Palm Beach, reported PEOPLE Magazine.

She told the crowd in attendance that she "lied" to secure the coveted role of Jenna Wade. “I lied, to be honest with you. I never saw the show. I never saw Dallas," she revealed.

"So I went in and did the interview, and they asked me, 'Have I seen the show?' And I went, ‘Oh yes, it's wonderful. It's really a good show. I love the cast.’"

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Presley said the questions continued, leaving her more concerned about her answers. "Then he says, ‘Well, have you ever been to Dallas?’ And I said, ‘No, but I'd love to go to Dallas. It's just, I've heard so much about it.’ ”

She worried “I'm in big trouble. I'm in really big trouble here. Help me out of this.”

RELATED: Priscilla Presley Imagines How Elvis Would Have Celebrated His 91st Birthday

Presley would eventually win the coveted role, playing the character from 1983 through 1988. Her character's most significant storyline was her long love affair with Bobby Ewing (Patrick Duffy).

While Dallas was her first major acting role, Presley continued to have a long Hollywood career. Following the series, Presley starred in the Naked Gun series of movies alongside Leslie Nielsen, followed by appearances in Tales from the Crypt (1993), Melrose Place (1997), and voice work for the animated series Agent Elvis (2023).

RELATED: Inside Elvis and Priscilla Presley’s Secret Love Language

In a 2014 interview with Express, Presley revealed she always wanted to become an actress, but during her marriage to the King of Rock and Roll, she put those dreams on hold to be a full-time wife and mother.

"Elvis had the same attitude that a lot of men had back then — a woman's place was in the home. I'd been on set for some of Elvis' movies and acting had always appealed to me, but the thought of standing up in front of a room full of people scared the hell out of me," she added.

Priscilla Presley remains in the public eye as an animal activist, author, and co-founder and chair of Elvis Presley Enterprises.

Supermodel Cindy Crawford helped launch George as the face of John F. Kennedy Jr.’s political magazine’s first issue, and now she’s sharing the handwritten letter he sent her once the cover image was solidified.

Dressed as George Washington, Crawford's cover became the symbol of the magazine, currently playing out on Ryan Murphy's limited series, Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette, about Kennedy and wife Carolyn Bessette's romance. Amid the latest episode, Crawford decided to dig back into her own archives, reminiscing about the moment.

"Taking a trip down memory lane with @lovestoryfx… 1995 — the inaugural cover of JFK Jr’s George Magazine, shot by the one and only Herb Ritts. Not just politics as usual…," Crawford posted on Instagram. In addition to some images and news footage, Crawford included the handwritten note from Kennedy, where he revealed the cover to her.

Kennedy penned that the team arrived at this image after hours of debate, and he hoped she liked it. The cover, which was revealed at Federal Hall in New York City on Sept. 7, 1995, was referred to as a symbol of the magazine, a cross-section of politics and pop culture.

View this post on Instagram

The magazine's evolution is playing out in Love Story, flicking at how Bessette had more of a hand in George's aesthetics. While it was Kennedy who made the final decision to have Crawford on the first cover, Bessette played an important role in shaping the magazine's flavor.

George magazine’s art director, Matt Berman, recalled Bessette's influence and impact, admitting that he was initially worried when Kennedy suggested she be involved. “I thought, Oh God, this fancy girl from Calvin Klein is going to just totally make my life miserable. And it was the opposite,” he told Vanity Fair. “She saw what I was trying to do, especially with tough subject matter.” Adding, “So John would say, ‘Make it so you and Carolyn like it.'"

The FX limited series Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette currently airs on Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT and streams the next day on Hulu and Disney+.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned after years of covering Trader Joe’s launches, it’s this: the shelves never stay boring for long. Blink, and there’s a new salad, a globally inspired snack, or a freezer find that suddenly makes weeknight dinners or long car rides a little more bearable.

And as people who treat a TJ’s run like the competitive sport that it is, we can confidently say this latest drop is not only well anticipated, but well worth it. We happily loaded our cart with many of the new finds here because they were just too good to pass up.

From limited-time sweets that practically beg to be tucked into an Easter basket to globally inspired bites pulling from Korea and Thailand, this round proves once again that Trader Joe’s knows exactly how to keep shoppers curious, interested and, of course, buying.

Chocolate lovers, spice fans and salad stans all get something to enjoy this month. There are some practical staples, like toaster waffles and protein-packed chicken bites, too, in case your everyday routine needs a little makeover. There’s a dill-heavy cream cheese built for bagels and lox and even chocolate-covered corn kernels that feel wrong and right all at the same time.

Whether you’re stocking the freezer, building a snack board or just aimlessly wandering the aisles for fun (the correct way to shop at TJ’s, btw), here are the 15 best Trader Joe's finds for March 2026 to toss in your cart.

Related: 31 Things You Should Always Buy at Trader Joe’s (If You Can Find Them)

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The 15 Best March Trader Joe’s Finds1. Sweet Onion Style Pretzel Twists

Trader Joes'

These crisp, crunchy pretzel twists are coated in an aromatic sweet onion-style seasoning that delivers savory, slightly sweet, allium-rich flavor with every snap. They’re sturdy enough for dips yet satisfying on their own, making them ideal alongside sandwiches, burgers or a cold beer. "I love it! It’s giving Southwest Airlines snacks. Tastes very similar. Except I get a way bigger bag. 😍," says one Instagrammer. Find it for $3.69 in the snack aisle.

Related: All Dot's Pretzels Flavors—Ranked Best to Worst

2. Blonde Bar

Made in Italy by a third-generation confectioner, this creamy white chocolate bar is flavored with lightly salty caramel for its signature blonde hue and mixed with crumbled sugar cookie bits for crunch. And it's darn good. It’s silky, sweet and texturally interesting—great on its own, mixed into a trail mix or paired with a hot cup of coffee. Find it for $2.69 (2.64 oz) in the candy section. "Lord I'm never going to reach my fitness goals 🤣" says one Redditor.

3. Chicken Breast Bites with Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce View this post on Instagram

These fully cooked chicken breast bites are lightly seasoned with garlic, salt and pepper and come with a sweet-savory honey mustard dipping sauce blended with white wine and warm spices. With 22 grams of protein per package, they’re an easy grab-and-go lunch or afternoon snack with zero heating required. Redditors aren't too crazy about the price, but some are interested to try it anyway: "Oh that sounds perfect to have for quick lazy meals," says one. Find it for $3.99 in the refrigerated section.

Related: Trader Joe’s Fans ‘Can’t Wait’ to Try This New Chicken Salad Flavor

4. Dill•icious Cream Cheese Spread View this post on Instagram

This limited-time spread combines cool cream cheese with generous dill for a bright, herby flavor that not only breaks up the winter monotony but pairs perfectly with bagels and smoked salmon for a fancy breakfast option. It’s also excellent stirred into scrambled eggs or served with crackers. "eating it rn. can confirm it’s absolutely delicious," says one Redditor. Find it for $2.79 in the refrigerated section.

5. Toaster Waffles

https://www.reddit.com/r/traderjoes/comments/1re4rrr/new_item_toaster_waffles_249/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

Made in Belgium and designed for the toaster, these thinner waffles crisp evenly while staying tender inside. Crafted with whole eggs, wheat flour and oat flour, they work equally well with syrup or savory toppings like avocado and eggs. "These are so good!! Just the right amount of sweetness. I love the packaging too," says one Redditor. Find them for $2.79 in the frozen section.

Related: I Tried 9 Frozen Waffles From the Grocery Store, and One Stood Out Instantly

6. Spicy Cheese Crunchies @candace.kristin

Are you going to try them?Spicy Cheese Crunchies. #traderjoes#new#foodie #fyp #try

♬ i want it i got it - Official Sound Studio

These gluten-free corn snacks are flavored with cheddar cheese powder, garlic and chili pepper for bold heat and crunch. Snack straight from the bag or crush over mac and cheese or tacos for extra texture and flavor. We can confirm that these are delicious and dangerous to eat straight out of the bag. Find it for $2.49 (7 oz) in the snack aisle.

7. Marshmallow Eggs View this post on Instagram

These limited-time marshmallow treats are fluffy, colorful and made without corn syrup or gelatin, with hues derived from vegetable sources. People are super excited to have an alternate TJ's version for their Easter baskets this year! "Their marshmallows are amazing, so I’m imagining that their Peeps' style treats are going to be amazing too!" says one Instagrammer. Find them for $1.49 in the candy section.

Related: 18 Personalized Easter Baskets for Kids You Can Reuse for Years To Come

8. Greek Style Chicken Salad

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Tender pulled chicken is mixed with artichoke hearts, sundried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, garlic, parsley, dill, mayo and lemon juice for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired salad. Serve in lettuce cups, on croissants or with crackers. "Oh I will definitely be trying it," says one Redditor. Find it for $5.49 for 10 ounces in the refrigerated section.

Related:Trader Joe’s Is Bringing Back a Spicy Fan-Favorite Snack

9. Korean Bugak Sticky Rice and Seaweed Crisps

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Inspired by traditional Korean temple cuisine, these crispy little discs combine seaweed and sticky rice, then are fried and seasoned with sesame seeds and kelp powder for deep umami crunch. "I picked up a bag yesterday. I'm afraid to open it because I know I'll finish it in one sitting," says one Redditor. Enjoy as a snack or topped with spicy tuna for a fun snack or light lunch. Find them for $3.29 in the snack aisle.

Related: The 10 Best Keto Snacks at Costco, According to Dietitians

10. Freeze-Dried Apricots

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These single-ingredient Turkish apricots are sliced and freeze-dried for a light, crunchy texture with sweet-tart flavor. Enjoy straight from the bag or add to yogurt, cereal or baked goods. Available now through June. Find them for $4.99 in the nuts and dried fruit section.

Related: How Unhealthy Is Trail Mix, Really? Registered Dietitians Explain

11. Breakfast Bowl View this post on Instagram

Mornings are chaotic enough without having to choose between speed and satisfaction. This fully cooked Breakfast Bowl combines fluffy scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes, melty cheddar cheese, crumbled pork sausage and uncured bacon for a classic, no-brainer combo. A creamy cheese sauce ties everything together and helps prevent dryness during reheating, which is a total bonus. It only takes about 3 minutes to heat up, which means you don't have to wake up any earlier. Find it for $3.49 in the frozen section.

Related: I Tried 10 Popular Bacon Brands and the Winner Totally Blew Me Away

12. Thai Style Yellow Curry Flavored Potato Chips View this post on Instagram

These limited-time chips channel the bold, aromatic flavors of Thai yellow curry, delivering mild chili heat, tangy lime, a hint of brown sugar, and layers of garlic and onion—all on a thin, crisp potato chip. What could be bad about that? "omggg i tried the trader joes ones last night they’re pretty buss 🤭," says one Instagram fan. The flavor is savory and spice-forward but balanced enough to keep you reaching back into the bag. Available only through April. Find it for $2.99 in the snack aisle.

Related: All 29 Utz Potato Chip Flavors Ranked, From Worst to First

13. Spicy Spuds

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These frozen, bite-sized potato chunks are seasoned with cayenne, Parmesan, lime juice and smoked paprika for a savory, slightly smoky kick. They crisp beautifully whether roasted, sautéed or air-fried, making them an easy, flavor-packed side. But they’re also more versatile than they first appear. You can fold them into a breakfast hash, stuff them into burritos, or use them as a base for a cheesy casserole. Find it for $4.49 in the frozen section.

14. Dark Chocolate Covered Crunchy Corn Kernels View this post on Instagram

Sweet meets salty in these crunchy corn kernels coated in rich Colombian dark chocolate. The roasty, lightly salty crunch of the corn pairs surprisingly well with the subtly fruity undertones of dark chocolate, creating a snack that’s both nostalgic and unexpectedly refined. They’re perfect for movie nights, game nights or just handful-by-handful snacking. Trust us: they're hard to stop eating. Grab a bag for $3.99 in the candy section.

Related: The 22 Best Five Below Candy Finds, According to a Superfan

15. Toasted Coconut Mini Sheet Cake @lazvegazliz

Let’s eat some sweets! 🥥🍫 Disclaimer: The views expressed on this platform are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Trader Joe’s. I am solely responsible for the content posted here. #traderjoes #traderjoesfoodreviews #traderjoesmusthaves #traderjoesfinds #traderjoesnewitems

♬ Soft Sunlight (Lofi) - Prodbyecho

TJ fans love a good mini sheet cake moment. And this limited-time Mini Sheet Cake leans into coconut in two ways: coconut milk in the batter for a tender, moist crumb, and toasted coconut flakes throughout for texture and subtle caramelized nuttiness. Topped with rich cream cheese frosting, it strikes a balance between tropical and classic comfort dessert. Grab one now, because they're only available through April. Find it for $5.99 in the bakery section.

Up Next:

Related: Wait, What Does the Trader Joe's Bell Mean?

In 1964, Brian Wilson heard a Billboard No. 1 ultimate breakup song and wished he had written it himself.

In an interview with Record Collector, Wilson said that he wished he had written the "great record" that was a top-charting hit for the Righteous Brothers in 1964. The Phil Spector-produced song remained at the No. 1 position on the Billboard charts for two weeks.

"I wish I had written 'You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,'" the Beach Boys legend said. "It was such a great record, nobody could believe it."

He continued, "I think what makes that a great song is the background track, the chord pattern, the melody, the lyrics, and the Righteous Brothers' voices. I liked Bill Medley better than Bobby Hatfield."

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"You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" has a runtime of 3 minutes and 45 seconds, and compared to the brisk hits of the ’60s, it feels almost cinematic. The song builds layers of vocals, dramatic pauses, and orchestration that give it an epic sound.

The song was added to the Library of Congress in 2014. Written by songwriting legends Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" became the most played song on American radio in the 20th century, with over eight million plays.

Wilson claimed that he and The Beach Boys did a version of the song that was never released. "I did the track, the piano, all the instruments and voices all by myself," he shared.

Other songs that inspired Wilson were 1965s "Here I Am" by Burt Bacharach, sung by Dionne Warwick. Wilson said the song had "a great melody and harmonies."

Additionally, Wilson was also inspired by The Ronettes' 1963 hit, "Be My Baby." He said, "I like Phil Spector’s music. I like the background track and the melody of 'Be My Baby' and Ronnie [Spector’s] voice very much. The Ronettes were my favorites because of Ronnie’s voice."

Brian Wilson praised "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" for its emotional depth and intricate production. His admiration helped cement the song as a timeless classic in pop music history.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women, and more than half of American adults don’t know it. Needless to say, when it comes to heart disease, a lot of us have a thing or two to learn. One of the hardest things to accept, perhaps, is that heart disease can and may affect you or a loved one. It’s sad and feels unreal, but it’s true. Prevention and intervention are key—and two reasons why it’s so important to know the symptoms. 

Further, acknowledging the symptoms for what they are and taking the appropriate steps after is paramount. According to cardiologists, people often dismiss concerning symptoms. Yep, that random chest discomfort or breathing concern could be something more serious than a case of aging or stress. 

To take care of your heart health (before it becomes a problem and if/when it does), you might take a walk, which is one of the best habits for heart health, or get your cholesterol checked, which is a heart-healthy habit that’s especially crucial for people over 50. That’s far from all, and again, knowing the signs—and acknowledging that’s what they are, rather than brushing them off—is huge, too. Ahead, cardiologists share heart disease symptoms that people often dismiss, plus more tips on keeping your heart happy and healthy.

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4 Heart Disease Symptoms That People Often Dismiss, According to Cardiologists

Before we dive into those signs, let’s note the two that are most commonly dismissed as “normal aging” or “stress.” Spoiler alert: They're fatigue and shortness of breath, according to the two cardiologists Parade interviewed. 

“People who have these symptoms should talk to their doctor right away,” says Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, MD, a board-certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California.

Related: What Your Heart Looks Like at 30, 40, 50 and Beyond—and Why Age Alone Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story

Those signs aren’t the only ones, though. Ahead, read life-saving information about those two signs and others.

1. Chest discomfort

More specifically, chest pressure, tightness, burning or heaviness with exertion. If you’re young or otherwise healthy, it’s easy to assume that chest symptoms are “normal” or “not that big of a deal.” You might think they're due to heartburn, muscle strain or temporary anxiety. While that may be true sometimes, it can also be a warning sign of heart disease. Those particular chest symptoms “can reflect reduced blood flow to the heart muscle due to blockages in the coronary arteries,” says Dr. Jeffrey Tyler, MD, an interventional and structural cardiologist with Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Orange County, California.

Related: The One Thing You Should Never, Ever Do If You Wake Up With Chest Pain

2. Getting winded after doing activities that used to be easy

Cardio will definitely get you out of breath—and to some extent, that’s a good sign. You may also notice this more as you age. “Many people attribute this to getting older, being ‘out of shape’ or weight gain,” Dr. Tyler says.

However, if you unexpectedly experience it, a visit to the cardiologist may be necessary. It can signal blocked coronary arteries, heart failure due to weak or stiff heart muscle, or arrhythmias due to irregular heartbeats, he says.

3. Less stamina or more fatigue with your day-to-day routine

Besides getting winded, you might feel like you don’t have the energy to exercise for as long, or you may tire more quickly. “A decline in stamina or fatigue with routine activities can signal reduced cardiac output or poor oxygen delivery due to heart disease,” Dr. Tyler says. “It is commonly dismissed as aging, poor sleep or stress.”

4. Pain in other areas of the body

Cardiac pain isn’t limited to just the chest, and that’s because of shared nerve pathways. “This type of discomfort is frequently misattributed to arthritis, neck problems or sleeping in an awkward position,” Dr. Tyler says. He says it’s particularly concerning if the pain worsens with exertion and improves with rest.

How To Keep Your Heart Healthy

Besides paying attention to the symptoms above (and perhaps more importantly, taking them seriously), you can protect your heart proactively and reactively in several other ways, cardiologists say.

Know the lesser-known signs of heart disease

Other symptoms to be aware of (and that may manifest gradually) include lightheadedness, fainting, palpitations, pain in the jaw or left arm and swelling in the feet and legs. However, it’s also important to note that not having those symptoms doesn’t automatically mean you’re in the clear.

“‘Silent’ heart disease refers to heart damage that occurs without the typical symptoms of chest discomfort, or with only minimal symptoms,” Dr. Chen says. “This could occur either because of underlying diabetic neuropathy, which reduces the perception of pain, or because people attribute their symptoms to something else and do not seek medical attention for it.”

Related: The Silent Symptom Most People Don’t Realize Could Be a Heart Issue, According to Cardiologists

“Silent” heart concerns are more common than you may realize, too. Statistically, up to one in five heart attacks are “silent,” according to the CDC. Because of that, Dr. Tyler recommends being aware of risk factors you may have, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or a family history of heart disease. “If there are concerning changes, discussing them with a physician is far more reliable than relying on at-home tests,” he adds.

See a cardiologist and schedule cardiac examinations 

Speaking of needing medical attention: If you experience any heart-related symptoms—or if you want to prevent them—seeing a cardiologist is vital. Since that may sound scary, Dr. Chen explains what to expect.

“Your doctor will take a thorough history of your symptoms and perform a physical examination,” he says. “They will also likely perform an electrocardiogram (ECG). Depending on their suspicion of heart disease, they may order other heart tests such as an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) or a stress test.”

Practice heart-healthy habits

This tip is a given, but it’s also one that many of us forget about or ignore, am I right? “To help prevent heart disease in the first place, I recommend that people eat a heart-healthy diet low in sodium, get regular physical activity, avoid alcohol and tobacco, keep [their] blood pressure and cholesterol numbers under control, maintain a healthy weight, get enough quality sleep and avoid stress,” Dr. Chen says.

But even if you practice those habits, don’t ignore concerning symptoms, like the four cardiologists mentioned above.

Up Next:

Sources:

• Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, MD, is a board-certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California.
• Dr. Jeffrey Tyler, MD, is an interventional and structural cardiologist with Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Orange County, California.
• Heart Disease Facts, CDC
• More than half of U.S. adults don’t know heart disease is leading cause of death, despite 100-year reign, American Heart Association

Nina Dobrev has spent the past two decades transforming from a teenage soap opera actress into an international star worth millions, and her net worth shows it. The Bulgarian-Canadian actress—best known for playing not one, but multiple characters on The CW's The Vampire Diaries—has built an impressive $11 million net worth that extends far beyond her television paychecks.

Born Nikolina Kamenova Dobreva in Sofia, Bulgaria, Dobrev moved to Toronto at age two and grew up immersed in the performing arts, training in dance, gymnastics and acting before pursuing her dreams in Hollywood. Dobrev not only transitioned from Canadian teen dramas to American primetime hits to international blockbusters, but she's also leveraged her fame into lucrative partnerships with legacy brands like Christian Dior, Reebok and LUX.

The 37-year-old has graced red carpets from Paris to Cannes as a Dior ambassador, co-founded a wine company, invested in startups and built a massive social media footprint—with over 22 million followers on Instagram alone. Along the way, she's been refreshingly candid about the challenges women face in Hollywood—including the pay disparity that led to her departure from The Vampire Diaries.

With recent roles in Netflix rom-coms, action thrillers and horror comedies—plus high-profile brand deals that reportedly pay in the millions—Dobrev has proven that strategic career moves and entrepreneurial thinking can transform acting success into lasting wealth.

So how exactly did the actress who captured hearts as Elena Gilbert build her multimillion-dollar empire? Let's bite into how she does it all and get into Nina Dobrev's net worth.

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How did Nina Dobrev become famous?

Dobrev's path to superstardom began in Canada, when she played Mia Jones on Degrassi: The Next Generation from 2006 to 2009. Her character was a teenage single mother navigating high school life and it not only showcased Dobrev's dramatic range, but also introduced her to North American audiences.

But it was The Vampire Diaries that transformed her into an international icon. When the supernatural drama premiered on The CW in September 2009, Dobrev took on the demanding role of Elena Gilbert—and then kept adding more characters. Over six seasons, she played the show's protagonist—plus Katherine Pierce, a 500-year-old vampire doppelgänger and several other variations. As you can tell from that sentence alone, TVD became a cultural juggernaut and would go on for eight seasons. While Dobrev exited the series after Season 6, the show still holds an 86% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Dobrev and Somerhalder accept a People's Choice Award for The Vampire Diaries in 2014.

Photo by Allen Berezovsky on Getty Images

Her performance earned her multiple Teen Choice Awards and People's Choice Awards, and the show's devoted fanbase turned Dobrev into a household name. The series followed Elena as she became embroiled in a love triangle with vampire brothers Stefan and Damon Salvatore, eventually transforming into a vampire herself!

Related: ‘Vampire Diaries’ Star Ian Somerhalder Just Reignited the Damon vs. Stefan War

What is Nina Dobrev's net worth in 2026?

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Nina Dobrev has a net worth of $11 million. Her wealth comes from her television and film career, major brand endorsements, business ventures and even real estate investments. Yes, she does it all!

How much did Nina Dobrev make from 'The Vampire Diaries'?

Although some on the Internet speculate that Dobrev earned $40,000 per episode on The Vampire Diaries, there’s no reputable source to tell us exactly how much. Despite playing multiple characters, she revealed that throughout her time on the show, she had to fight for pay equity with her male co-stars, revealing that ultimately, it was part of her decision to leave in 2015.

During her time on The Vampire Diaries, Dobrev had to constantly fight for pay equity with her male co-stars.

Photo by Michael Loccisano on Getty Images

In Samantha Highfill's 2025 book—I Was Feeling Epic: An Oral History of The Vampire Diaries—Dobrev shared that even when she returned for the series finale, the network initially lowballed her with an offer "five times less" than her previous episodic rate—something she successfully fought back against.

What movies has Nina Dobrev been in?

Dobrev has built an impressive film resumé spanning multiple genres. She appeared in The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) as Candice Kelmeckis alongside Emma Watson and Paul Rudd. But her biggest box office success came withxXx: Return of Xander Cage (2017), which grossed over $346 million worldwide and became Revolution Studios' highest-grossing film ever. She starred opposite Vin Diesel and Samuel L. Jackson in the action flick.

Other notable film credits include Let's Be Cops (2014), The Final Girls (2015), Flatliners (2017), Dog Days (2018) and the Netflix rom-com Love Hard (2021). Most recently, she appeared in The Bricklayer and Reunion.

After The Vampire Diaries, Dobrev returned to the small screen in the 2019 sitcomFam (2019), but CBS canceled the show after one season.

Related: Nina Dobrev’s Next Role Comes With a Dark Twist

What are Nina Dobrev's major brand endorsements?

Dobrev's brand partnerships represent a significant portion of her wealth and showcase her marketability beyond acting. In 2019, she became a beauty ambassador for Christian Dior, attending Paris fashion shows, the Cannes Film Festival and New York galas representing the luxury brand.

In 2021, Dior expanded her role when she was named U.S. fragrance ambassador for Maison Christian Dior. The promotion positioned her to promote fragrances created by François Demachy—Dior's acclaimed perfumer-creator—while continuing to support the brand's makeup and skincare lines. While her exact Dior earnings aren't public, luxury brand ambassadors typically earn millions—Robert Pattinson made $12 million from his Dior deal, while Charlize Theron earned $55 million promoting Dior's J'adore fragrance.

Dobrev also became a brand ambassador for the athletic wear collaboration between Reebok and Les Mills. As a fitness enthusiast known for her active lifestyle, the partnership aligned perfectly with her personal brand.

She's also appeared in the iconic Got Milk? campaign alongside her mother in 2012, joining A-list celebrities like Britney Spears and Beyoncé in the legendary advertising series. Additionally, her long, glossy hair landed her a deal with LUX haircare products for the Japanese market, where she appeared in television commercials.

With a whopping 22 million Instagram followers, Dobrev can also command upwards of $100,000 per sponsored social media post.

What business ventures has Nina Dobrev launched?

In 2021, Dobrev and her best friend Julianne Houghlaunched Fresh Vine Wine, a premium low-carb, low-calorie wine brand produced in Napa Valley. The friends met through their mutual hairstylist Riawna Capri and bonded over both their shared values and passion for wine. Ultimately, they decided to create a health-conscious wine option that complemented their active lifestyles.

The wine collection featured a California Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Rosé and a Limited Reserve Napa Cabernet—all gluten-free, keto and vegan-friendly. In December 2021, Fresh Vine Wine went public on the New York Stock Exchange, raising $22 million in its initial public offering. Dobrev and Hough rang the closing bell at the NYSE to celebrate the milestone.

However, the company faced significant financial challenges and leadership changes. By August 2023, Fresh Vine Wine stopped paying Dobrev and Hough their $300,000 annual licensing fees. After a planned merger with Notes Live fell through in mid-2024, the company pivoted. In November 2024, Fresh Vine Wine announced a new merger agreement with Amaze Software, a creator economy and social commerce platform.

Beyond wine, Dobrev has invested in Smart Sweets, a Canadian-owned, female-led low-sugar candy brand that aligns with her health-conscious philosophy.

Is Nina Dobrev married?

No, Dobrev is currently single. She was previously engaged to Olympic snowboarder Shaun White. The couple began dating in 2020 and got engaged in October 2024. However, they ended their engagement and relationship in September 2025 after five years together. The split was reportedly amicable.

Dobrev's most famous relationship was with her Vampire Diaries co-star Somerhalder, whom she dated from 2010 to 2013. Their real-life romance mirrored the on-screen chemistry between Elena and Damon that captivated fans worldwide. Delena forever!

Next up: Nina Dobrev’s Vacation Photos With Famous Friends Have Fans Saying ‘Shaun White Blew It’ 

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Cold-weather outfits often default to darker, purely functional pieces, but actress Jennifer Lawrence continues to show that winter style can still feel intentional and chic. Recently spotted at JFK Airport, she wore an airport look that felt fresh without being impractical, anchored by a butter-yellow coat by The Row and the latest Christian Dior book tote.

Rather than leaning into predictable neutrals, Lawrence balanced the soft yellow with black separates and an unexpected pop of red at her feet—a combination that felt considered and modern. The unexpected color pairing adds a personal, unique style to an otherwise streamlined travel outfit, reminding us that winter dressing doesn’t have to be subdued to be smart.

To decode the look, I spoke with two celebrity stylists, Rap Sarmiento and Shane Clark, on how to recreate the same feel without the designer price tags.

View this post on Instagram

Related: Forget Leggings: 2 Celebrity Stylists Share the 7 Airport Outfits That Actually Look Polished

Butter Yellow Statement Coat

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Undoubtedly, the coat is the statement. “A butter-yellow wool coat is a smart winter travel essential because it instantly pulls the entire outfit together,” says Clark. “I love how Jennifer Lawrence layered it over cozy, pared-back separates—it changes the tone of the whole look.”

The shade dominated last spring and summer, but Lawrence’s styling makes a strong case for carrying it into winter. Paired with darker basics, the soft yellow feels intentional rather than seasonal, reinforcing the idea that cold-weather dressing doesn’t have to rely on heavy neutrals to feel chic.

Black Long Sleeve Top for Layering

Macys.com

While the full look underneath the coat isn’t entirely visible, it appears Lawrence opted for a monochromatic base, pairing black silk pants with a slim black long-sleeve top. The streamlined foundation allows the coat to remain the focal point while keeping the overall outfit cohesive. A fitted black long-sleeve top is one of those wardrobe staples that works just as well for travel as it does for everyday wear—easy to layer, comfortable for long stretches and adaptable across seasons.

Related: 7 Best Travel Beauty Sets, According to Celebrity Makeup Artists

Silk Pants

"Silk pants bring the comfort of at-home pajamas while still feeling appropriate for travel," says Sarmiento. The subtle sheen of silk and fluid texture adds dimension to a monochromatic look, keeping it visually interesting without feeling overdone. Paired with simple layers, they work especially well for a stylish airport outfit that still feels comfortable for long days in transit.

Cashmere Red Socks

Macys.com

Jennifer Lawrence added a pop of color with red socks worn alongside her flat shoes. The unexpected detail brings personality to the look while remaining a practical choice for travel. Adding a colorful sock is also a playful way to style shoes with an open vamp, letting the hue show through.

Related: 8 Carry-On Essentials Every Traveler Needs, According to Travel Pros

Ballet Flat Sneaker

Larroude.com

These ballet flats have a similar feel to Jennifer Lawrence’s airport shoes, sitting between a sneaker and a classic flat. The low profile, rounded toe and adjustable strap give them a grounded and walkable feel. The Velcro-style closure adds a subtle sporty note, making them an easy choice for long days on your feet when you want something comfortable but not overtly athletic.

Bright Yellow Tote

The spacious Christian Dior book tote Jennifer Lawrence carried retails for $3,550, but a similar option from Alex Mill comes in the same sunny shade of yellow. Just as roomy, it works seamlessly with the rest of the outfit while capturing the same visual impact. It’s an easy way to get the look while still carrying all of your essentials.

Sleek Black Carry-On Suitcase

Portland Gear

A sleek black carry-on with a minimal design is a strong substitute for the Tumi suitcase Jennifer Lawrence is seen carrying here. The structured hardshell helps it keep its shape while moving smoothly through the airport from point A to point B. From Portland Gear, the carry-on is lightweight yet durable, making it well-suited for frequent travel.

Related: I live Bicoastally—Here's My No-Fail Airport Outfit as a Woman in My 30s

Queen Elizabeth's favorite song was a number-one smash that made her move her feet.

The late monarch was reportedly a huge fan of ABBA's "Dancing Queen." A radio show host was said to have overheard the queen share her love for the song during a dinner both attended.

In 2017, PAPER Magazine reported that Radio 2 host Chris Evans was said to have heard the monarch say the following about the hit song. "I always try to dance when this song comes on, because I am the Queen, and I like to dance." 

Elizabeth was known for her love of dancing. She held an annual ball at her Balmoral estate, at the end of every summer, called the Ghillies Ball, a tradition begun by her great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, according to Town & Country.

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In a YouTube video, the queen is seen dancing not to her ABBA favorite, but a traditional Scottish country dance called The Eightsome Reel. Also seen in the clip are Princess Diana, Princess Anne, and Prince Philip.

"Dancing Queen" was not only a favorite of Queen Elizabeth's but a global hit. The ABBA song was released in December 1976 and reached the top spot on the Billboard charts in April 1977. It charted for an impressive 22 weeks in total.

American Songwriter quoted ABBA singer Agnetha Fältskog, who discussed the success of "Dancing Queen." “We knew immediately it was going to be massive."

Her co-vocalist, Anni-Frid Lyngstad, reportedly was so moved by the song, she cried. “That was before me, and Agnetha had even sung on it!” Lyngstad said. “I knew it was absolutely the best song ABBA had ever done.”

RELATED: Queen Elizabeth Shattered This Royal Record After More Than Six Decades on The Throne

In June 2025, the song reached a remarkable milestone, according to U Discover Music. The song's accompanying video reached 1 billion views on YouTube.

The song was a track on the group's fourth album Arrival. “Dancing Queen” was ABBA's only U.S. No. 1. 

Actor Mariel Hemingway, 64, may have started her career at just age 14, a time when age and aging are not even a blip on the radar, but now she's spending her days as a holistic mental health advocate dedicated to "helping heal women’s grief of unlived dreams and rising into the life they were meant to live." Her latest take on wrinkles is a must-read.

Hemingway's first role, at 14, was in Lipstick, and she went onto get a Best Supporting Actress Academy award nomination for her role in the film Manhattan. After that, she held several other memorable roles in Personal Best and Star 80 and, a favorite of mine, as the character Sharon, who delivers the controversial same-sex kiss (eyeroll) on the Roseanne show in 1994. There's definitely a pattern of breaking barriers for Hemingway.

Related: Mariel Hemingway, 64, Is a Stunning Blonde in Bare-Faced Photo as She Reflects on the Challenging ‘90s

On her Instagram, Hemingway posts and advocates regularly for women through "emotional sovereignty, nervous system healing, and the sacred return of the feminine self," In her latest post, she offers alternative way of thinking about aging and, yes, the wrinkles that come along with it.

Hemingway's post, which sits aside a very candid photo of her face—one that doesn't try to hide the lines around the actor's mouth—gets real about coming to terms with her changing skin and appearance. She says, "Some days I do not care. Other days it feels like a punishment."

View this post on Instagram

The word "punishment" here is such a gut punch. No woman should ever have to feel this way about her appearance, yet our culture tells us differently. We're overwhelmed with images of youth, as well as images of age being outrun with the help of "beauty" interventions and even full-blown surgeries. None of this makes embracing aging (aka, being a human being) easy, especially for women.

Hemingway even calls out the idea that feeling great as we age is as simple as just looking on the bright side. "I know it is fashionable to say we earned our wrinkles. That this is graceful. That this is beautiful. And yes… part of me knows that is true," Hemingway writes. "But another part feels something deeper. What I realized is this. The ache is not about the wrinkles. It is about identity."

Then she beautifully breaks down the myth of beauty as identity, "Somewhere along the way we start to believe the mirror is telling us who we are. That youth equals value. That smooth skin equals worth. That beauty equals belonging. And that is the lie." Hemingway goes onto to say, "This is not about pretending you love every wrinkle. It is about remembering you are not the wrinkle."

More of this, please! In a world where women are bombarded by one idea of beauty, alternative thinking is welcome. Learn more about Mariel Hemingway's work on her website Return of the Queen.

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Half a century ago, an instrumental theme song for a popular, yet short-lived, police show called S.W.A.T. officially became a No. 1 hit song when it topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The song, "Theme from S.W.A.T.", was written by Barry De Vorzon, but the famous version of the track was performed by an American funk group Rhythm Heritage. While the TV show didn't last long, both the series and its theme song made their mark on entertainment history.

"Theme from S.W.A.T." was a surprise hit, rushing up the music charts. It took the prestigious top spot on Feb. 28, 1976, and only held the position for one week. Despite the short time spent in the No. 1 spot, the song remains one of the few TV theme songs to ever reach this milestone.

As for the TV series itself, S.W.A.T. aired for two seasons between February 1975 and April 1976. The show starred Steve Forrest as Lt. Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson, Rod Perry as Sgt. David "Deacon" Kay, Mark Shera as Officer Dominic Luca, Robert Urich as Officer Jim Street, and James Coleman as Officer Travis Joseph "T.J." McCabe. It followed a newly-established SWAT unit in a California city based on Los Angeles, following the team as the officers took on a variety of intense situations, including robberies, bomb threats, hostage negotiations and more.

Related: S.W.A.T. Star Jay Harrington Finally Opens Up About Being Left Out of The Spinoff

S.W.A.T. wasn't around for long, but decades later, the show is seen as a cult classic cop show and it successfully spawned a franchise that is still airing on TV today. The show was adapted into a film in 2003, with Forrest and Perry of the original cast making cameos. While the movie had two direct-to-DVD followup films as well, most people are familiar with the reboot TV series, also called S.W.A.T., which aired for eight seasons between 2017 and 2025.

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The reboot starred Shemar Moore as Sergeant II Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson Jr., Jay Harrington as Sergeant II David "Deacon" Kay, Alex Russell as Officer III James "Jim" Street, Stephanie Sigman as Captain Jessica Cortez, David Lim as Officer III Victor Tan, and more. It had a similar premise to the original and was a major hit, with fans distraught after it was canceled in 2025.

Luckily, a spinoff called S.W.A.T. Exileswas soon greenlit, with Moore continuing to lead the show alongside a new cast of characters. So far, some cast members from the 2017 series are making short appearances. The new show's first season premieres this year.

Related: 43 Years Ago Today, a Broadway Show Flopped So Hard It Closed on Opening Night

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Sandal season is quickly approaching. If you’re already planning your spring break outfits, we’ve found the perfect shoes for your seasonal trip. Right now, you can get this pair of “stylish” leather sandals for up to 43% off at Amazon. Customers said wearing the “lightweight” sandals feels like “walking on clouds.” With 11 styles to choose from, you’re sure to find one (or multiple) you love. 

The Project Cloud Leather Garda Sandals are on sale now in sizes 5.5 to 11. The neutral color options are chic and make the shoes look much more expensive than they actually are. Choose between beige, black, light brown, dark brown, tan, olive green, and white. There are rose gold, silver, and gold buckle options available, so choose which color best suits your style. 

Project Cloud Leather Garda Sandals, $34 (was $60) at Amazon

Court

Crafted from genuine leather, these slides are both “durable” and “chic,” according to shoppers. The non-slip outsole provides great traction, and the memory foam cushion will keep your feet comfy all day long. They also feature a slingback design, with an adjustable strap that provides support. 

“I have worn them nearly every day for months, and they still look brand new,” one shopper said. “I am on my feet most of the day, and these sandals kept my feet comfortable.” 

Whether you’re sitting by the pool, taking a swim at the beach, or exploring a new city, these will be your new go-to shoes for spring and summer. They’re versatile enough to be dressed up or down, and are sleek enough to pack in your bag when traveling. 

Related: Clarks Has a Pair of Strappy Sandals on Sale for $51 at Macy’s That Are 'Great for Traveling'

Shoppers were impressed with how these sandals stood up to comparable shoes. One shopper even mentioned that the “quality of these sandals matches, if not exceeds” that of those that cost “about twice as much.”

Shop More Deals 

• Project Cloud Genuine Leather Flats, From $40 (was $50) at Amazon
• Cushionaire Lane Cork Footbed Sandals, From $33 (was $50) at Amazon
• Cushionaire Lela Cork Footbed Sandals, From $40 (was $60) at Amazon

Complete your spring and summer wardrobe with these shoes. Snag the Project Cloud Leather Garda Sandals for just $34 now at Amazon. 

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week. 

James Patterson is setting the bar quite high for his upcoming new novel.

As he gears up for the release of his new courtroom thriller, Judge Stone, co-written with EGOT-winner Viola Davis, the prolific author made a strong statement about what readers can expect from the new book while comparing it to the 1960 classic, To Kill a Mockingbird.

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The Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Harper Lee is one of the most well-known and celebrated books of the 20th century, selling more than 40 million copies worldwide. It was voted America's best-loved book on PBS's The Great American Read in 2018.

While recently promoting his and Davis' new novel, Patterson boldly wrote on Instagram, "Not since TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD has there been a novel quite like this one."

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Many of Patterson's followers seemed to be taken back—or impressed—by his gutsy comparison, with several users commenting "Wow" under the post.

"Ohhhhhh snappppp," one user wrote in the comments, while another echoed, "Oh wow!!! Can’t wait to read this."

Judge Stone which includes a number of similar thematic elements to Lee's renowned To Kill a Mockingbird, is described on Patterson's website as "The blockbuster courtroom drama of 2026."

According to the official website, Patterson and Davis' novel follows Judge Mary stone, "the most respected citizen in Union Springs, Alabama (population 3,314). She holds two responsibilities sacred: running her family farm and presiding over her courtroom. It’s there she draws the most controversial case in the history of the South."

"Criminally, it’s open-and-shut. Ethically, there is no middle ground. Essentially, it’s a choice between life and death," the teaser reads. "No judge can satisfy everyone. It would be dangerous to try. But Judge Stone is willing to fight to bring justice to the people and place she loves."

Judge Stone officially hits bookshelves on March 9.

Related: Katie Couric Announces March Book Club Pick That Readers Are 'Raving' About

Smuckers is giving one of its most popular items a makeover.

For three decades, Smucker's jams and fruit spreads have been instantly recognizable by their classic label design featuring the familiar gingham pattern on the lid.

And while it's not unusual or unheard of for brands to give their products a fresher look as the years go on, it's also a big deal when it happens for the first time since the 1990s.

Smuckers' jelly jars may be getting a modernized look, but don't worry, the iconic elements you love aren't disappearing entirely.

The update to the packaging was announced during a recent presentation for investors, with The J.M. Smucker Co. revealing that many of the products would be part of the makeover this year, with an emphasis on "modernizing" the labels.

What's Changing?

The gingham pattern on the fruit spreads' lids will still be there, with a slight alteration, as it will now be displayed on the front label as well.

The bulk of the redesign focuses on the front of the jar, with the fruit (be it strawberry, raspberry, or grape) more centered, bigger and prominent, drawing your eye to it almost immediately.

Despite the more contemporary feel of the label, the overall aesthetic will continue to evoke the comforting and homemade feeling that has made Smucker's a go-to and familiar choice for customers—both young and older—when they see it on store shelves.

Related: Target Just Became One of the First Retailers to Make This ‘Industry-Leading’ Change in the Cereal Aisle

Why Now?

After nearly 30 years, many consumers may be wondering what the decision behind the new look is. The company revealed that the new marketing is focused on "modern eating moments" as many consumers use the products beyond the traditional peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

"For Smucker’s fruit spreads, we are modernizing the iconic product with a new, fresh label redesign, intentionally connecting our fruit spreads to our full portfolio of Smucker’s-branded products, including Uncrustables," said Mark Smucker, CEO, President and Chair of the Board for The J.M. Smucker Co, per AllRecipes, with the emphasis on Uncrustables and Jif peanut butter.

Of course, the biggest concern for those shelling out their hard-earned money is taste, which will not change!

The new and improved jars will be debuting this spring.

What Else Is Getting a Makeover?

Based on the presentation, Jif peanut butter, the perfect pairing for Smucker's fruit spreads, will release a Simply version made with "limited ingredients," all while retaining the same taste consumers love.

Next, Uncrustables Is ‘Finally’ Launching a New Flavor Fans Can’t Wait to Try: ‘Huge News’

Yerin Ha is stepping into the spotlight and claiming her power. The Bridgerton Season 4 breakout star recently pulled back the curtain on the season's steamiest scene, explaining why her character Sophie Baek takes control at a pivotal moment that redefines both romance and agency in the Netflix fan-favorite series.

Mirroring a classic Cinderella tale, Sophie, born into nobility but forced into servitude after her father’s death at the hands of a cruel stepmother, lives between two worlds. At a glittering masquerade ball, she captures the attention of the restless artist Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson), who becomes obsessed with finding the mysterious “lady in silver.” What he doesn’t realize is that the woman haunting his dreams is the same one standing before him every day. And despite the rigid class boundaries of Bridgerton, he finds himself falling hopelessly in love with Sophie all the same.

Because of her station, Sophie is usually forced into a more submissive position in her everyday life. Still, as she also falls deeply in love with Benedict, she begins to reclaim her power, as shown in that steamy bathtub scene that played out in the second part of season 4.

Benedict and Sophie’s bathtub scene in the finale proves even more intimate than their first time together, as Sophie takes the lead, pushing Benedict back into the water, creating a cascading splash, and embracing newfound confidence that reshapes the dynamic in their connection.

"I think pushing him to the back of the bathtub was choreographed with [intimacy coordinator] Lizzy [Talbot], but reaching to the back, I’m pretty sure, was script," Ha recalled to Harper's Bazaar. "And if I’m not [mistaken], I think that’s actually the first time we see a female pleasure a male in the Bridgerton intimacy world, which is quite interesting—because I think pleasure goes both ways. I think there’s a weird idea that receiving is the only way [to feel] pleasure. Just because you are pleasing somebody else doesn’t mean that that’s not pleasurable for you."

Ha laughed, reminiscing about the tub size. "The bathtub was really long, so I was like, 'How are my legs going to turn around and push him? Because I have nothing to anchor myself onto!'" she exclaimed. "It’s a lot of problem-solving and piecing together and seeing what’s achievable in the confinement of the space [in rehearsals]. So, obviously, we’ve got the script, and the intimacy scenes are written quite thoroughly."

She continued, "There were certain beats that we wanted to hit and make sure that we brought to life, and then there were certain other things that Lizzy would come up with and be like, 'Oh, I think this would be really steamy'—everything Lizzy does always has intention or motivation. So the pushing back into the bathtub is very much Sophie coming into her power and into her sexuality as well, and steering the ship. I think that’s really powerful as well for her, for someone who’s never done that."

The entirety of Bridgerton Season 4 is currently streaming on Netflix.

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And just like that, March is already here. After a snowy and cold first two months of 2026, spring is just around the corner, and many of us are dreaming of sunnier days ahead. Warmer weather is still a few months away, but you can always escape the last few weeks of winter with a good book that transports you away to another place. Just in time for the new month, Parade polled two librarians to get their picks for the best book releases coming in March 2026.

In February, the librarians we spoke to shared a list of 11 hot new releases for the month, ranging from sentimental reads and psychological thrillers to mysteries, romances and sci-fi finds. For March, we're featuring an equally versatile list filled with mysteries, fantasy and suspense. To compile the list, we consulted RoxanneLape, a middle school librarian who is known as @lapethelibrarian on TikTok, and librarian Rachael Welsh, who goes by @rachaelreads on Instagram.

Together, the avid readers came up with recommendations for the 11 best book releases in March 2026 that you'll want to add to your bookshelf as soon as they come out.

Related: 25 Best Short Books You Can Easily Read in a Day, According to Librarians

Highly-Anticipated March Releases

Each month, a new crop of books is released. In March 2026, there's a wide variety of titles just waiting to be read. Below, we've highlighted several of the books the librarians we spoke to are eagerly anticipating, plus a few others you might want to check out.

• Literary Fiction: Westward Women by Alice Martin
• Non-fiction:Judy Blume: A Life by Mark Oppenheimer 
• Romance: Love Song by Elle Kennedy 
• Fantasy: Innamorata by Ava Reid
• Mystery/Thriller: The Secret Lives of Murderers' Wives by Elizabeth Arnott
• Self-Help: How to Be Okay When Nothing Is Okay by Jenny Lawson

Related: 29 ‘Must-Read’ Magical Realism Books, According to Librarians

11 Best Book Releases in March 2026, According to Librarians1. 'Want to Know a Secret?' by Freida McFadden

Amazon

Available March 3

Lape has been a fan of Freida McFadden's work for ages.

"There’s something about her novels that stays with me long after I’ve finished reading," she tells Parade. "They’re fast-paced and twisty, and I very rarely guess the ending."

The librarian is particularly psyched to read this new release.

"Want to Know a Secret? follows an influencer who appears to have a perfect life, until the truth lurking behind the screen begins to surface. It’s the kind of psychological thriller McFadden excels at: compulsively readable and full of surprises," she explains.

Influencer and baking sensation April Masterson is the fictional protagonist of the story and has a lot of secrets in her personal life. Per the book description, these secrets are "enough to destroy" April, and someone's determined to make that happen.

Related: 13 Best Audiobooks Narrated by Julia Whelan, According to Librarians

2. ‘The Secret Lives of Murderers' Wives' by Elizabeth Arnott 

Amazon

Available March 3

"Wives of convicted killers form a friendship in the 1960s and then find themselves the perfect team to investigate when a new string of murders occurs," Welsh shares. "I love every part of this description and cannot wait to read it."

The novel follows Beverley, Elsie and Margot, whose husbands are "some of California's most infamous murderers," per the book description.

Each of the women copes with the discovery of her husband's crimes in a different way, but they find themselves uniting when they learn about several local murders. Along the way, the book explores how the "deep bonds of female friendship can empower, uplift and lead us to endure."

3. 'Lady Tremaine: A Novel' by Rachel Hochhauser

Amazon

Available March 3

"I love fairy tale retellings, especially those that tell the tale from a different point of view. In Lady Tremaine, Cinderella's stepmother has the chance to tell her story. And maybe she's not as wicked as we all thought," Welsh explains.

Lape is also excited about the upcoming release.

"Comparisons to Circe, another novel I loved, made this an easy addition to my TBR list," she gushes. "Exploring Lady Tremaine as a fully realized character rather than a one-dimensional villain promises a fresh and compelling perspective on a familiar fairy tale."

In the novel, Hochhauser explores how Lady Ethel Tremaine takes care of her two daughters and a stepdaughter as she navigates life without her late husband. When she scores an invitation to a royal ball for all three of her daughters, she's disappointed "to see her hopes fulfilled by the wrong one."

"As an engagement to the future king unfolds, Ethel discovers a sordid secret hidden in the depths of the royal family, forcing her to choose between the security she craves and the well-being of the stepdaughter who has rebuffed her at every turn," the book description reads.

4. 'Turn Off the Light: A Novel' by Jacquie Walters 

Amazon

Available March 3

"Told through the perspectives of two women separated by hundreds of years, this novel asks a chilling question: Is it simply a haunted house they're living in or something far more sinister? Blending historical fiction with horror, Turn Off the Light combines two of my favorite genres into what I hope will be a truly heart-racing read," Lape says.

The book follows Edith, a healer who makes a "desperate choice," per the book description, when she's afraid that she has "opened her home to the Devil." Meanwhile, Claire is a woman who doesn't believe in ghosts. When she returns home to take care of her dying father, she fears that her childhood home is haunted and there's something stirring "that has waited a long time to rise."

"As the danger mounts, Edith and Claire will discover they'll need each other to survive. But they are separated by four hundred years. And time is running out for them both," the book description reads.

5. ‘Westward Women: A Novel' by Alice Martin

Amazon

Available March 10

Welsh is looking forward to reading this novel from new author, Alice Martin.

"In the future, women become afflicted with an infection that causes them to abandon their lives and travel West," she explains. "This is a debut novel, and I can't wait to read it!"

Per the book description, women ages 18 to 35 become "drawn to the Pacific Ocean" and vanish once they reach it.

The novel follows three women who are "on the edge of transformation" and "in search of a way forward." Aimee, who is following the trail of her missing best friend, joins Piper, a man who leads infected women out West. Teenie "clings to a single memory" as she travels with Piper. Then there's Eve, a former journalist who is "chasing the story that might just consume her."

Related: The 19 Best Books on Kindle Unlimited Right Now, According to Librarians

6. ‘Judy Blume: A Life' by Mark Oppenheimer

Amazon

Available March 10

"Judy Blume's books were ever-present in my childhood and adolescence," Welsh shares. "Being able to learn more about the woman who gave me so many stories is such a gift."

This biography shares the life story of one of the most iconic authors of our time, whose books include Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, Summer Sisters, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing and many more.

While writing the book, journalist and historian Mark Oppenheimer interviewed Blume, analyzed her novels and unpublished works and accessed her papers and correspondence. The end result is an exploration of Blume's "complicated childhood, varied relationships and marriages, unabashed sexual experiences, bouts of heartache and loss and enduring legacy as a champion of free speech and contemporary literature," per the book description.

7. ‘Innamorata (The House Of Teeth Duology)‘ by Ava Reid

Amazon

Available March 17

"I love a dark fantasy and this has all of the makings of a gothic romance! Magic, romance, forbidden libraries—what's not to love?" Welsh shares.

The novel tells the tale of an island where the dead once walked the earth and seven noble houses "ruled by the arcane secrets of necromancy," per the book description. When a conqueror defeats the rulers, the remaining members of the House of Teeth are determined to defy the new order.

One of them, Agnes, needs to "recapture the secrets of death magic and avenge her family’s fallen honor." Along the way, she needs to arrange a marriage between her cousin Marozia and Liuprand—the heir to the conqueror’s throne—to obtain access to the forbidden library in his castle. However, Agnes finds herself drawn to Liuprand.

"This passion is as treasonous as it is powerful, poisoning the kingdom’s roots and threatening to tear the already shattered realm in two," the description reads.

8. 'One Word, Six Letters' by Adib Khorram

Amazon

Available March 17

"Two teenage boys are figuring out who they are and who they want to become. I love books that make our teenagers think about their place in the world as they become who they will be and make their ways in the world," Welsh says.

The novel follows two high school freshmen named Dayton and Farshid. At a school assembly, Dayton accepts a dare and "shouts the f-slur at a visiting author," per the book description. Afterwards, the boys' stories converge.

Dayton's friends and parents are disappointed in his actions, and Farshid ends up examining his feelings "about the quiet struggle of coming to terms with his queerness in a world steeped in heteronormativity." Both boys must then confront "what kind of men they want to become."

9. ‘Wolf Worm' by T. Kingfisher 

Amazon

Available March 24

"T. Kingfisher has a rare talent for crafting engrossing stories in under 300 pages, never sacrificing world-building or character depth," Lape states.

The librarian is eagerly awaiting this new release.

"Set in the 1800s, Wolf Worm follows a young woman entering a male-dominated field as she is tasked with illustrating a collection of insects, along with uncovering the collector’s increasingly insidious motivations," she explains. "I’ve yet to be disappointed by this author, and this eerie historical horror sounds especially promising."

The protagonist, Sonia Wilson, is a scientific illustrator who gets the opportunity to illustrate a collection of insects for a man named Dr. Halder. When she moves to his North Carolina manor house, she begins to experience "dark happenings" in the woods, per the book description. Sonia wonders what happened to her predecessor and why the animals in the woods are acting "so strangely." She also hears local rumors about "blood thiefs."

By teaming up with a housekeeper and a healer, Sonia learns that Halder is involved in some dark activities. "His ground-breaking discoveries come with a cost―one that Halder is paying with human flesh. If Sonia can’t find a way to stop the monstrosity, she may be next under the knife," the book description reads.

10. 'Dig: A Thriller' by J. H. Markert

Amazon

Available March 24

"This novel explores the aftermath of mass psychosis following a young boy’s horrific crimes. Dig sounds like the kind of book that hooks you from the very first chapter," Lape explains. "Described as a 'surreal horror,' it is easily one of my most anticipated reads of the year and promises to be unsettling in all the right ways."

As a child, Jericho Dodd killed a dozen people with an axe. Even after his own death, Jericho's town, Crow Island, has been a "dark and unsettling place," per the book description.

When Jericho's father starts to dig up the past, a "compulsion to dig sweeps over the island," with everyone eager to "uncover buried secrets." Violence ensues and neighbors begin turning against each other. Along the way, the island's signature tupelo honey changes.

"As dread and paranoia seep up from the ground, it becomes clear that the island itself needs something from its residents–before it digs itself apart for good," the book description reads.

11. 'Son of Nobody: A Novel' by Yann Martel

Amazon

Available March 31

Lape has already added this book by the author of Life of Pi to her March reading list.

"When a forgotten epic poem about the Trojan War is discovered, a man who once abandoned his family to study at Oxford is tasked with translating it," the librarian says. "As he works, he begins to notice unsettling parallels between the poem’s hero and his own life. As a longtime fan of Greek myth retellings like Circe and The Song of Achilles, this is one I’m especially eager to see unfold."

The book follows protagonist Harlow Donne, a Canadian academic who left his wife and daughter behind to study at Oxford. As he translates and interprets an ancient poem called The Psoad, he dedicates it to his daughter, Helen.

"Under his gaze, a personal message to his beloved child appears in the ancient text, like a palimpsest. Despite the thousands of years and hundreds of miles that separate Psoas and Harlow, a thread hasn’t frayed: the universal song of homesickness and regret, of love, ambition, and grief," the book description reads.

Up Next:

Related: 21 Books Like 'Fourth Wing,' According to Librarians

Sources:

• Roxanne Lape is a middle school librarian who is known as @lapethelibrarian on TikTok.
• Rachael Welsh is a librarian who goes by @rachaelreads on Instagram.