The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks - A Review

I picked this one up years ago and remembered enjoying it, but the second time around I paid more attention to Logan. There was something reassuring about him. He wasn't trying to be the center of attention, and he didn't spend the whole book talking about how good a person he was. He just quietly went about his life and did what needed to be done.

I think that's why the story worked for me. Logan and Beth both had baggage, but neither one spent chapter after chapter feeling sorry for themselves. They were just trying to get through the day and take care of the people they loved.

I have a soft spot for stories where people build trust slowly. Too many romances jump from meeting to forever. I enjoyed watching Beth gradually realize that Logan wasn't going anywhere and that he genuinely cared about her and her son.

Nana stole the show more than once. She brought humor and heart to the story and felt like somebody's real grandmother instead of a character created to dispense wisdom.

There were moments when I wanted to shake a few people, and I spent part of the book worrying that things were about to fall apart. Nicholas Sparks has trained me not to get too comfortable. Still, I cared much more about these people finding some peace than I did about the mystery surrounding the photograph.

★★★★

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The Abiding Way: A 40-Day Devotional Study Through the Gospel of John by Jeanine Amapola Ward - A Review

Release Date: October 27, 2026

This devotional offers a practical and encouraging 40-day journey through the Gospel of John, helping readers deepen their relationship with Jesus and better understand what it means to abide in Him daily. Jeanine Amapola Ward writes in a relatable and accessible style that makes Scripture approachable for both newer believers and those looking to strengthen their faith.

I especially enjoyed the format of this study. Each day's reading was clear, engaging, and never felt over your head. The lessons were easy to follow while still providing meaningful insight and encouragement, making it simple to stay consistent throughout the 40 days.

Each day combines biblical insight, personal reflection, and practical application, encouraging readers to move beyond simply reading God's Word and into actively living it. The devotional continually points readers back to the idea that abiding is about staying connected to Christ through faith, trust, obedience, and daily dependence on Him. Because the format is easy to follow and never overwhelming, it helps build sustainable habits that encourage a closer walk with Jesus long after the 40 days are complete.

Overall, The Abiding Way is a thoughtful devotional that inspires spiritual growth, deeper faith, and a closer walk with Christ. It's an excellent choice for anyone seeking a structured yet approachable study of the Gospel of John.

★★★★★

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The Summer Getaway by Susan Mallery - A Review

Robyn Caldwell has spent years putting everyone else's needs ahead of her own. When family problems, financial concerns, and constant demands start piling up, an invitation to spend the summer in Santa Barbara offers a chance to step away and figure out what she wants from the next chapter of her life. 

The family relationships were the heart of the story. Robyn is surrounded by people who love her, but many of them also depend on her so heavily that she has little time to think about herself. Watching her learn to establish boundaries and consider her own happiness was one of the most satisfying parts of the book. 

Lillian brought a lot of life and energy to the story. Her carefree attitude balanced Robyn's tendency to worry about everything, and their time together created some of the book's strongest moments. The friendships and family connections felt genuine, with characters who were imperfect but easy to understand. 

The Santa Barbara setting added warmth and charm without overshadowing the characters. Much of the story focuses on personal growth, family complications, and second chances rather than dramatic twists, which suited the tone well.

A few storylines wrapped up a little too neatly, and some conflicts felt predictable. Even so, the characters kept me interested, and I enjoyed seeing how their relationships evolved.

The mix of family, friendship, personal growth, and romance made this an enjoyable read. It is as much about finding yourself as it is about helping the people you love, and that balance worked well throughout the story.

★★★★

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Ft Pickens

 One of my absolute favorite places in the world. 

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore - A Review

When thirteen-year-old Barbara Van Laar disappears from a summer camp owned by her wealthy family, the case brings attention back to another disappearance from years earlier: her brother vanished from the same property and was never found. What follows is part mystery, part family drama, with multiple timelines and a large cast of characters.

I wanted to love this one more than I did.

The mystery kept me interested, but the story felt overloaded at times. There are a lot of characters, a lot of jumping between time periods, and a lot of backstories. Some of it added depth, but some of it slowed the book down more than I wanted.

The strongest parts were the family secrets and the tension between the wealthy Van Laars and the people who worked for them. For me, it was a solid mystery that took a little too long to get where it was going. It didn't completely live up to the hype.

★★★

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Doing Something New by Mitali Perkins - Now Released

Now Released

This is a really soft, calming book. It’s less of a story and more of a gentle prayer for kids who are nervous about starting something new, a new school, a new place, a new routine. It doesn’t try to fix anything or rush past the fear. It just sits with it and says, you’re not alone.

There’s no big plot here, just reassurance and repetition, which honestly feels right for the audience. The illustrations are quiet and warm, and the whole book feels like something you’d read slowly, maybe more than once, especially during a tender season.

Not exciting, not flashy, just steady and comforting in a way that feels very intentional.

★★★★

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

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Our Perfect Storm - A Review

Frankie is left by her fiancé the morning after her wedding weekend begins, and instead of letting her honeymoon go to waste, she ends up taking the trip with George, her lifelong best friend. As they spend time together in Tofino, old memories, buried feelings, and years of unfinished business start coming to the surface.

I liked that Frankie and George already knew each other so well. They weren't strangers falling in love. They had years of history, inside jokes, old arguments, and memories connecting them. That made their relationship feel more complicated and more interesting.

The Tofino setting added a lot to the story. Between the beaches, forests, and storms, it felt like the perfect place for two people to stop running from difficult conversations.

There were times when I wanted both characters to be more honest about what they wanted, but I stayed invested in them and wanted to see where they ended up.

For me, this was more about friendship, timing, and finally facing the truth than it was about romance alone.

★★★★

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins - A Review

Rachel is not an easy character to like, but she is fascinating to follow. Her life is messy, her memory is unreliable, and she often makes terrible choices. That frustration actually added to the story because it was never clear whether what she believed was true.

The changing points of view gradually reveal how connected everyone's lives are. Small details that seem unimportant at first end up carrying a lot of weight later. The story spent a lot of time inside the characters' thoughts, and that made the secrets, lies, and misunderstandings feel believable rather than exaggerated.

Several characters were difficult to trust, which created constant uncertainty about what had happened and who was telling the truth. Each new chapter seemed to shift the picture slightly, making it hard to settle on a single explanation.

A few sections felt repetitive, particularly when Rachel's personal struggles took center stage, and some developments were easier to predict than others. Even so, the mystery held my attention, and the final revelations tied the story together well.

The combination of damaged characters, hidden motives, and tangled relationships made for an entertaining read. The story spends as much time exploring obsession, loneliness, and deception as it does solve the mystery, giving it more depth than a straightforward crime novel.

★★★★

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The Inn on Harmony Island by Ann Marie Meyer

Josie returns to Harmony Island to save her family's inn, but coming home forces her back into situations she left behind years ago. Between family tension, old disappointments, and running into Miles again, there's no way to avoid the things she's spent years trying not to think about.

The town feels lived in. People know each other's history, local businesses matter, and the inn sits at the center of much of what happens. I could easily picture the setting and understand why the characters stayed connected, even when they wanted distance from one another.

Josie makes mistakes, holds grudges, and doesn't always know what to do next, which made her easy to understand. Miles balances her well without taking over the story. Their connection comes from shared experiences and unfinished conversations rather than instant attraction.

Most of the book focuses on family relationships and the effects of old wounds that never fully healed. Watching those relationships shift over time kept me turning the pages more than the romance did.

A few disagreements went around in circles longer than I wanted, but I was invested enough in the characters to keep reading. By the end, I felt like I'd spent time with real people working through messy situations, and that made me curious about the rest of the series.

★★★★

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Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah - A Review

This book completely pulled me in from the very beginning. More than anything, it’s a story about friendship, and I felt connected to both Tully and Kate almost right away. Their relationship felt so real, showing not only the love and loyalty that come with a lifelong friendship, but also the misunderstandings, sacrifices, and growing pains that can happen when two people spend decades sharing their lives. It had me thinking about my own friendships and the people who have been there through different seasons of life.

Kate was the character I connected with the most. As a wife and mother, she often put everyone else's needs before her own, and there was something so relatable about her quiet strength. She wasn't flashy or attention-seeking, but she loved deeply and showed up for the people she cared about. Tully was her complete opposite in many ways. She was ambitious, independent, and determined to build the successful life she'd always dreamed of, but underneath all that confidence was someone carrying her own hurts and loneliness. Watching these two women take such different paths while remaining connected made their friendship feel even more meaningful.

This story also hit very close to home for me as a breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed at 38 while pregnant with my fifth child.  There were moments that felt painfully familiar, and I found myself reflecting on my own experiences. The fear, uncertainty, strength, and overwhelming love woven into those chapters felt authentic, and they added an even deeper layer to my connection with the story.

What I loved most was the emotional depth. This isn't just a book about friendship. It's about family, motherhood, marriage, dreams, regrets, love, and loss. Some moments were heartbreaking, and there were definitely scenes that brought tears to my eyes, but they never felt forced. They felt honest and true to life.

The pacing kept me engaged the entire time, and I was equally invested in both the past and present timelines. Seeing how Tully and Kate's friendship evolved over the years made every triumph and heartbreak hit even harder because I felt like I'd grown alongside them.

This was a strong four-star read for me because of how deeply it resonated on a personal level. It's an emotional story that lingers long after the last page, especially if you've experienced lifelong friendships, motherhood, or life-changing challenges that reshape how you see the people you love.

★★★★

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Fly Away by Kristin Hannah (Firefly Lane #2) - A Review

Continuing the story after Firefly Lane felt heavy right from the beginning, and that feeling never really let up.

Tully’s journey stayed with me the most. Her grief, guilt, and struggle to move forward felt incredibly raw. There were moments where I felt frustrated with her, but I also understood that kind of pain and how it can affect every choice. It made her feel real in a way that wasn’t always easy to read.

Kate’s absence is felt in everything. The way her family tries to keep going while still holding onto her created such a strong emotional pull. It really highlighted how loss reshapes relationships and how everyone carries it differently.

This story connected with me on a very personal level. I am also a breast cancer survivor, and I was diagnosed while pregnant with my fifth child at 38. That added an entirely different layer to my reading experience. Some parts hit especially close to home, and I found myself feeling the emotions more deeply because of that shared reality.

The pacing slowed a bit in the middle for me, but I stayed invested because of the emotional weight and wanting to see how everything would unfold. The themes of grief, healing, and finding your way back from broken places felt honest and impactful.

This ended up being a four-star read for me because of how deeply it resonated and stayed with me after I finished.

★★★★

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Follow the Money by Alaina Trivax - Now Released

Now Released 

This was such a fun and genuinely helpful way to introduce financial literacy to kids, and it absolutely feels like a 5-star read to me.

I love how interactive it is, because it does not just talk about money in a broad way, it actually walks readers through real life concepts like earning, taxes, budgeting, saving, credit, and investing in a way that feels clear and manageable.

The workbook style format makes it really engaging, and I thought the activities were a great way to help kids connect the lessons to everyday life instead of just memorizing terms. I also really appreciated how much is covered here, including topics that a lot of adults wish they had learned earlier.

This would be such a useful resource for kids, homeschool families, classrooms, and even adults who want a simple starting point for understanding personal finance. I even found myself learning a few things along the way.

★★★★★

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

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The Chosen Presents: Taste and See by Dallas Jenkins, Amanda Jenkins, and Tara Reeves - Now Released

This gorgeous book that beautifully captures the heart of The Chosen and carries it straight into everyday life. I truly adore The Chosen. It has been such a meaningful outreach and such a gentle yet powerful way to remember what the Lord did for us. Watching it helps me hold tight to Jesus in a very real and personal way, and Taste and See reflects that same spirit right off the screen and into the kitchen and home.

Visually, this book is absolutely stunning. The photography and foodscaping are absolutely gorgeous, carefully styled, and deeply inviting. It is the kind of book you want to leave out on a coffee table or keep open on the kitchen counter, not just to admire but to return to often. Every image feels thoughtful and warm, reinforcing the themes of hospitality and shared life.

The structure of the book blends short devotionals, Scripture, personal stories, and recipes in a way that feels welcoming rather than overwhelming. Each section connects back to moments and themes from The Chosen, encouraging reflection on who Jesus is and how He met people exactly where they were. The devotionals feel conversational, like sitting at a table with friends and talking about faith naturally and honestly.

The recipes themselves are simple and doable, yet full of meaning. They invite you to slow down, gather, and make space for connection whether with family, friends, or quietly with the Lord. Food becomes more than just a meal. It becomes a reminder of how often Jesus taught, loved, and connected with people over the table.

What makes Taste and See especially powerful is its emphasis on hospitality and shared faith. It gently reminds us that faith is not meant to be lived out alone. It is meant to be shared, tasted, and experienced together. This book is a beautiful reminder that God meets us in the ordinary rhythms of life and turns them into holy moments. Taste and See is a heartfelt and meaningful tool that helps bring the story of Jesus to life in us.

★★★★★

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Wonders of the Austin Gardens - 1

One of my favorite things about Austin is that there’s always something new to notice when you slow down and look around.

 

A Marriage at Sea: A True Story of Love, Obsession, and Shipwreck - A Review

I was looking forward to this one because it came very highly recommended. A true story involving love, obsession, and a shipwreck seemed like it would be difficult to put down. Unfortunately, it never fully held my attention.

The story contains interesting real-life events, but the pacing felt very slow. I kept waiting for it to pick up, and much of the book felt drawn out. While there were moments that caught my interest, they were separated by long stretches that were difficult for me to stay engaged with.

I also had trouble connecting with the people at the center of the story. Their decisions and relationships should have created more tension, but I often found myself wanting the narrative to move forward.

I did finish the book because I was curious about the outcome, and I appreciate the research that went into telling this true story. It simply wasn't as compelling as I had hoped it would be.

For readers who enjoy detailed nonfiction and don't mind a slower pace, this may be a better fit. For me, it was an okay read, but not one I would be likely to revisit.

★★

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The Getaway by Emily March - A Review

Emily March has a way of pulling you into her characters' lives and making you feel like you're right there with them, sharing their worries, hopes, and messy moments. The Getaway blends romance, family complications, and personal growth into a story that feels both comforting and engaging.

The relationships felt real. Nobody was perfect, and that made the emotional moments hit harder. The chemistry between the main characters developed naturally, and I found myself rooting for them even when they made frustrating decisions. The family dynamics added another layer to the story, giving it more depth than a straightforward romance.

The setting was also a big part of the charm. It created the perfect backdrop for the characters to slow down, reflect on their lives, and figure out what they truly wanted. There were plenty of heartfelt scenes, but there were also lighter moments that kept the story from feeling too heavy.

I have this at four stars instead of five is that a few parts moved a little predictably, and I could see some developments coming before they happened. Even so, I was never bored and happily kept turning the pages to see how everything would work out.

The Getaway is a warm, satisfying story about love, healing, family, and finding the courage to take a chance on happiness. If you're looking for an emotional but comforting read with characters you can easily connect with, this one is worth picking up.

★★★★

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Cooking with Fruit by Rose Miles - Now Released

Now Released

This bright and engaging book is a delightful blend of education and hands on creativity. Cooking with Fruit stands out immediately for its vibrant, colorful pages that draw readers in and make the learning experience feel fun and inviting from the very beginning.

Rose Miles does a wonderful job connecting simple, approachable recipes with educational themes, making this more than just a cookbook. Each recipe feels thoughtfully paired with learning opportunities, helping readers understand not only how to prepare the food, but also why it matters. It is especially effective for younger readers or families who want to bring learning into everyday activities in a natural, enjoyable way.

The recipes themselves are practical and easy to follow, making them accessible for beginners while still being interesting enough to hold attention. The focus on fruit adds a fresh, healthy element, and the variety keeps things from feeling repetitive. It is easy to imagine using this book in a homeschool setting, classroom, or even just for fun weekend cooking with kids.

What truly makes this book shine is the balance between education and enjoyment. It never feels overly instructional or dry. Instead, it encourages curiosity, creativity, and confidence in the kitchen while reinforcing useful knowledge.

Overall, Cooking with Fruit is a cheerful, well-designed resource that successfully blends learning and cooking into one enjoyable experience. It is a wonderful addition for anyone looking to make education more interactive and delicious.

★★★★★

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

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The Unlikely Yarn of the Dragon Lady by Sharon Mondragón - A Review

This book came highly recommended by my mother and sister, and after reading it, I can understand why it touched them so deeply. In fact, they were so moved by the story that they started their own prayer shawl ministry. Knowing how much it impacted them made reading it even more meaningful for me.

Aura, known around town as the "Dragon Lady," isn't someone people easily warm up to at first. She has built walls around herself and keeps others at a distance. As her story unfolds, little by little, the reasons behind her behavior become clearer, and I found myself looking at her very differently.

The friendships that develop throughout the book felt genuine. The knitting group brings together people from different backgrounds who support one another through life's challenges, joys, losses, and new beginnings. The sense of community was one of the things I enjoyed most about the story.

There were several moments that tugged at my heart. The book reminds us that kindness matters, that people often carry burdens we cannot see, and that friendship can appear when we least expect it.

The pacing was a little slow in places, but the characters made up for it. By the end, I was glad I had spent time with them and could easily see why this story inspired my mother and sister to take action in their own community.

This is a touching story about friendship, compassion, healing, and finding purpose. I would happily recommend it to anyone who enjoys books centered on relationships and community.

★★★★

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Who Is Maud Dixon? by Alexandra Andrews - A Review

This was an entertaining read, even though I figured out some of the surprises before they were revealed.

Florence is desperate to become a successful writer and lands a job working for the famous, reclusive author known as Maud Dixon. What starts as an exciting opportunity quickly turns into something much more complicated as secrets begin to surface.

Florence is not always easy to like, but she kept me curious. Her ambition often got her into trouble, and I wanted to see how far she would go to get the life she believed she deserved. The tension builds steadily, and there were enough twists to keep me reading.

The setting and the mystery surrounding Maud Dixon added intrigue, but parts of the story felt predictable. A few developments were easy to see coming, which took away some of the suspense for me. It was still quite entertaining.

Even with that, the book held my attention and was an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. If you like stories about ambition, secrets, identity, and complicated characters, this one is worth picking up.

★★★

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Sharing with the Flock

The chickens are no longer here but the memories are. One of my favorite little routines was tossing extras to the chickens and watching the madness unfold. Just another small, good moment in backyard life.

 

Pumpkin Smash! by Michelle Schaub - Now Released

Now Released

I loved the concept right away—taking leftover Halloween pumpkins and turning them into a hands-on lesson about composting and caring for the environment. As a gardener, this really clicked with me and made the subject matter even more enjoyable. It’s creative, approachable, and makes sustainability feel exciting and doable for kids instead of something overly instructional.

The rhyming text is lively and playful, with a bouncy rhythm that makes it perfect for reading out loud. It has that natural Storytime appeal where kids can easily get pulled in, and I can definitely see this being a hit in classrooms and group reads.

That said, while the illustrations are bright and colorful, they are not as crisp and clear as I would have liked. At times, the slightly fuzzy, busy look made it harder to fully follow what was happening, especially for younger readers who depend on visuals to guide the story. The style has a lot of personality, but I kept wishing for a bit more clarity and simplicity in certain scenes.

This is a strong and meaningful picture book with a great message about reducing waste and thinking about where things go after we’re done with them. It’s fun, educational, and perfect for the season—I just think sharper illustrations would have taken it to the next level.

★★★★

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

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Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood - A Review

This one pulled me in almost immediately. There’s a natural tension between the characters right from the start, and I found myself completely invested in seeing how their story would unfold.

Neither character felt perfect. They’re both carrying their own baggage, keeping parts of themselves guarded, and making mistakes along the way. Watching them slowly lower those walls and let each other in, little by little, was what kept me turning the pages. It wasn’t an instant transformation, and I appreciated that their connection developed over time.

Their dynamic was probably my favorite part of the book. There’s plenty of back-and-forth between them, but it never felt overdone. The tension kept things interesting, and I loved that their conversations often hinted at deeper feelings beneath the surface. Every interaction felt like it mattered, and I found myself looking forward to every scene they shared.

The pacing also worked really well for me. The story kept moving without feeling rushed, and I never hit a point where I felt bored or tempted to put it down. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to read just one more chapter and suddenly realize you've stayed up way later than planned.

Overall, this ended up being a strong four-star read for me. It kept me engaged from beginning to end, gave me characters I could connect with, and delivered a romance that felt layered, complicated, and believable. While it wasn't quite a five-star favorite, it was definitely a story that stayed with me after I finished.

★★★★

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How to Kiss Your Best Friend by Jenny Proctor - A Review

Friends-to-lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and honestly, the idea of two best friends slowly realizing they're meant to be something more always gets me. There's already so much history, trust, and comfort built into that kind of relationship, so I went into this one really hoping it would be a new favorite.

What I enjoy most was the natural friendship between the main characters. They genuinely felt comfortable with each other, and I liked seeing those little moments where their relationship started to shift. The teasing, the growing awareness, and the realization that there might be something more than friendship were some of my favorite parts of the story. Jenny Proctor does a great job creating a sweet, wholesome romance that is easy to settle into.

That said, I never fully connected with the romance on a deeper emotional level. I wanted a little more tension, more vulnerability, and more of those heart-tugging moments that make me completely invest in a couple. While I could see their feelings developing, I kept waiting for that big emotional moment that would make everything click for me, and it never quite got there.

The pacing is quick, the story is light and easy to read, and it's the kind of book you can finish in a day without much effort. I enjoyed my time with it, but once I turned the last page, it wasn't a story that stayed with me for very long.

Overall, this was a sweet, clean friends-to-lovers romance with likable characters and plenty of charm. If you love wholesome romances and best-friend love stories, it's definitely worth picking up. For me, though, I just wanted a little more depth and emotional payoff to make it truly memorable.

★★★

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My Catholic Mass Reflections by Thomas Nelson - A Review

Pub Date: Feb 16, 2027

This is a wonderful resource for anyone who wants to be more engaged during Mass and spend time reflecting on God's message throughout the week. While I am not Catholic, I attended a Catholic school in sixth grade and participated in weekly Mass. Those experiences gave me an appreciation for the beauty and structure of the liturgy that has stayed with me over the years.

Lately, I have become extremely interested in Catholicism and regularly watch several Catholic services and faith-based programs on YouTube. Because of that growing interest, I found this book to be especially helpful and encouraging. It offers a simple and thoughtful way to prepare for Mass, reflect on the readings, and consider how the messages apply to everyday life.

This book does a great job of helping readers become more intentional and active participants in the liturgy without feeling overwhelming. It encourages deeper thought, personal reflection, and a stronger connection to Scripture.

I reviewed this as an eBook, but I enjoyed it enough that I fully intend to purchase a copy when it becomes available. It is the kind of resource I can see myself returning to week after week as I continue learning more about the Catholic faith and growing spiritually.

I highly recommend this book for beginners, those curious about Catholicism, and anyone looking for a meaningful way to engage more deeply with the Mass experience.

★★★★★

I received an advance digital copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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My cat is cooler than your cat