October 31 - My October Reflection

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month 💗

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, my heart is full of gratitude.

This month, I've shared my story, my struggles, my faith, and the lessons I've learned along the way. I've reflected on the challenges of a breast cancer diagnosis, the importance of self-advocacy, the value of early detection, and the countless blessings that followed some of life's hardest days.

I am thankful for 20 years of survivorship.

I am thankful for my mom's 30 years of survivorship.

I am thankful for the doctors, nurses, researchers, caregivers, family members, friends, and prayer warriors who have helped so many people face this disease with courage and hope.

Most of all, I am thankful for God's faithfulness. Through seasons of fear, uncertainty, and struggle, He provided strength when I felt weak, peace when I felt afraid, and hope when I couldn't see what the future would hold. Every milestone, every blessing, and every additional year has been a gift.

Breast cancer touched two generations of my family, but our story is also a story of awareness, early detection, medical advances, faith, perseverance, and hope.

If there is one message I hope people take away from this month, it is this:

Know your body. Schedule your screenings. Don't ignore changes. Advocate for yourself. Hold on to hope.

If our story encourages even one person to schedule a mammogram, perform a self-exam, seek medical attention, or support someone facing breast cancer, then sharing it has been worth it.

Thank you for following along this October and for helping keep these important conversations alive.

💗 Early Detection Saves Lives. Always. 💗

Artwork Idea:
Pink ribbon formed from the numbers 20 and 30 joined together, representing both survivor milestones, surrounded by soft pink flowers and a message of hope.

October 30 - Keep the Conversation Going

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month 💗

As October comes to an end, let's continue talking about breast health and early detection all year long.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month shines an important spotlight on education, screenings, research, and support. But awareness shouldn't end when the calendar turns to November. The conversations we have today may encourage someone to schedule a mammogram, perform a self-exam, ask questions, or seek medical attention when something doesn't feel right.

I've learned that awareness is not just about sharing facts. It's about sharing stories. It's about encouraging one another, supporting those facing a diagnosis, celebrating survivors, and remembering those we've lost. Every conversation has the potential to make a difference.

My faith has taught me the importance of using our experiences to encourage others. Sometimes a simple conversation, a personal story, or a word of hope can be exactly what someone needs to hear. God often works through ordinary people and everyday moments to bring comfort, strength, and encouragement.

As we close out Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let's not close the conversation. Continue talking about breast health. Continue encouraging screenings. Continue supporting research. Continue praying for those affected by cancer. Continue sharing hope.

Awareness saves lives, not just in October, but every day of the year. And together, we can help ensure that more stories are filled with hope, strength, and survivorship.

💗

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak - A Review

I finished this book quite a while ago, and I still catch myself thinking about some of the people in it. Not because they're larger than life, but because they feel like people you could have known. Hans was my favorite. His kindness felt quiet and genuine, never forced.

The writing took me a few chapters to settle into, but once I did, I found myself slowing down and really taking in the story. It's less about big plot twists and more about the relationships, small acts of compassion, and the way ordinary lives are shaped by difficult times.

There are plenty of books set during World War II, but this one felt different to me. More personal. More focused on the people than the history.

★★★★★

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I Have DNFed Six Books and I'm Starting to Take It Personally

I have DNFed six books in the past couple of weeks. Six. Blame the books? Blamed my attention span?  The worst part is that some of these were books I'd been waiting months to read. You know that feeling when a release date arrives or your library hold finally comes through, and you're excited to jump in? Then two chapters later you're wondering if maybe cleaning out a junk drawer sounds more appealing. That.

A few of these books weren't super bad, which somehow makes it more frustrating. If a book is terrible, at least you get the satisfaction of being right. They just weren't working for me. Then I made the mistake of reading reviews. "This book changed my life." Interesting. Because it mostly made me check how many pages were left in the chapter. Sometimes I'm genuinely convinced other readers and I did not read the same book.

After the fourth DNF, I started every new book with the confidence of someone trying to start a lawn mower. At this point, my Kindle recommendations need a timeout.

The good news is I've been here before. Eventually, I stop trying to force books that feel like work and pick up a romcom. Not because they're masterpieces, but because they're reliable. A romcom knows exactly what it's doing. It wants me to sit down, have a good time, and laugh at people making questionable decisions. Honestly, that's all I'm asking for right now.

So, I'm waving the white flag. The serious books can wait. The highly anticipated releases can wait. I'm grabbing a romcom and hoping it reminds me that reading is supposed to be fun. And if that doesn't work, apparently, I'll be DNFing book number seven, which feels a little ridiculous, even for me.

October 29 - More Than Pink Ribbons

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month 💗

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about so much more than pink ribbons.

It's about education that helps people understand their risk factors. It's about prevention and early detection through self-exams, mammograms, and regular healthcare visits. It's about supporting patients, survivors, caregivers, and families whose lives have been touched by this disease. It's about funding research that continues to improve treatments and outcomes. Most importantly, it's about saving lives.

The pink ribbon has become a symbol recognized around the world, but behind every ribbon is a story. A survivor. A fighter. A caregiver. A family member. A friend. A life that has been changed forever.

As a survivor, the ribbon reminds me of the doctors, nurses, family members, friends, and prayer warriors who walked beside me during my journey. It reminds me of the importance of awareness, the value of early detection, and the hope that comes from continued medical advances.

My faith reminds me that every life is precious and that even in difficult seasons, there is hope. Through God's grace, the support of others, and ongoing advances in treatment and research, lives are being changed every day.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let's look beyond the ribbon itself and focus on what it represents: education, awareness, support, research, faith, hope, and lives saved.

That's why awareness matters.

💗

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

The first time I read this book, I honestly didn't care for it. I struggled to connect with the story and never quite understood why so many readers loved it. Years later, I decided to give it another chance, and I'm so glad I did.

On the second read, I connected with the characters in a way I hadn't before. The story felt more emotional, the themes hit harder, and I found myself appreciating the message of grace, forgiveness, and unconditional love much more than I had the first time around. While a few parts still felt overly dramatic to me, the heart of the story really came through.

I'm proof that sometimes the right book finds you at the right time. This one was a completely different experience the second time around.

★★★★

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October 28 - Sending Encouragement

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Today I'm sending love, strength, and encouragement to everyone currently going through treatment.

If that's you, please know that you are not alone.

There will be good days and difficult days. There will be moments when you feel strong and moments when you feel exhausted. Give yourself grace through all of it. You don't have to be brave every minute of every day. You just have to keep going.

Lean on the people who love you. Accept help when it's offered. Let someone drive you to an appointment. Let someone bring a meal. Let friends and family pray for you, encourage you, and walk beside you. You were never meant to carry this burden alone.

Most importantly, hold on to hope and hold on to your faith. My faith in God carried me through some of the hardest days of my life. When I felt weak, He gave me strength. When I felt discouraged, He reminded me that I wasn't facing the journey alone. One prayer, one day, and one step at a time, He carried me through.

Today, my prayer is for everyone in treatment. May you find strength for today's challenges, peace for your worries, comfort in the support of others, and hope for the days ahead.

Keep fighting. Keep believing. Keep trusting.

Better days are ahead. And even on the hardest days, never forget that God is with you every step of the way.

💗

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

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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October 27 - Courage Every Day

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Courage isn't always loud.

Sometimes courage is simply taking the next step forward.

When people think of courage, they often imagine grand acts of bravery. But for those affected by breast cancer, courage is often found in the everyday moments. It's showing up for an appointment when you're afraid. It's waiting for test results. It's accepting help when you need it. It's getting out of bed and facing another day when you'd rather pull the covers over your head.

Courage is found in survivors, fighters, caregivers, family members, and friends. It's found in every person who chooses hope over despair and faith over fear.

My faith in God taught me that courage doesn't mean we aren't afraid. It means trusting Him even when we are. Some days, courage was simply praying for strength to get through the day and believing that God would provide exactly what I needed for the next step.

You don't have to see the whole path to keep moving forward. Just take the next step. Then the next one after that.

Before long, you'll look back and realize how far you've come.

Whatever challenge you're facing today, keep going. One step at a time. One prayer at a time. One day at a time.

That's courage.

💗

Yesteryear by Carolee Whitt - A Review

This was a disappointing read for me, especially because I waited such a long time for my library copy and was genuinely excited to finally read it. The premise had so much potential, and there was an interesting story underneath it all, but it took far too long to get there.

My biggest issue was the portrayal of Christianity. The book repeatedly tells readers the heroine is a Christian, yet I rarely saw the faith, trust, or spiritual maturity I would expect to accompany that claim. Instead, much of the book felt like Christian bashing, with the character strongly identifying with the label while rarely demonstrating any of the qualities behind it. As a Christian reader, that disconnect became more frustrating with every chapter.

The story eventually improves, but not until very late in the book. In fact, the last chapter and epilogue were easily my favorite parts. Unfortunately, by then I had already spent most of the book waiting for the story to begin.

I can appreciate the idea behind this novel, and I think stronger editing, less repetition, and more focus on the actual story would have made a significant difference. There's a good story here, but for me it was buried beneath a portrayal of faith that never rang true.

★★

October 26 - Know Your Family History

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Understanding your family's medical history can help you make informed health decisions.

Knowledge is power.

Breast cancer touched two generations of my family. My mom is a survivor, and so am I. Because of that experience, I understand how important it is to know your family's health history and to share that information with your healthcare providers.

Knowing your family history doesn't mean you'll develop breast cancer, and having no family history doesn't guarantee that you won't. But understanding your risk factors can help you and your doctor make informed decisions about screenings, testing, and prevention.

Talk with your parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, and uncles if you can. Ask questions. Learn about your family's medical history. Those conversations may provide valuable information that could help you or someone you love.

My faith has taught me that knowledge is a gift, and with that knowledge comes the responsibility to take care of ourselves and advocate for our health. We cannot change our family history, but we can use what we know to make wise decisions and take proactive steps.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, take time to learn your family's story. It could be one of the most important conversations you ever have.

Knowledge is power, and awareness can save lives.

💗

October 25 - Blessings After the Battle

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Some of life's sweetest blessings come after its hardest battles.

There was a time when the future felt uncertain. There were obstacles to overcome, fears to face, and days when simply taking the next step required more strength than I thought I had. But through God's grace, the support of loved ones, and a determination to keep moving forward, I made it through.

Looking back, I can see how many blessings followed those difficult days. Time with family. Watching my children grow up. Weddings. Grandchildren. Holidays, birthdays, laughter, and countless ordinary moments that became extraordinary because I was here to experience them.

Cancer changed my life, but it also changed my perspective. It taught me not to take a single day for granted. It taught me to find joy in the little things and to recognize God's blessings all around me.

My faith carried me through the battle and continues to sustain me today. Even during the hardest moments, God was faithful. He gave me strength when I felt weak, peace when I felt afraid, and hope when I needed it most.

Today, my heart is filled with gratitude for the life I've been given and for the many blessings that came after the battle.

I am living proof that some of life's sweetest blessings come after its hardest battles.

💗

October 24 - Stronger Together

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

We are survivors, fighters, caregivers, family members, friends, healthcare professionals, prayer warriors, and advocates.

While each of our journeys is different, we are united by a common goal: supporting one another, raising awareness, encouraging early detection, and bringing hope to those affected by breast cancer.

No one should have to face cancer alone. During my own journey, I learned that strength is often found in the people who walk beside us. Family members who refuse to let us give up. Friends who check in just when we need encouragement. Caregivers who give so much of themselves. Doctors and nurses who provide compassionate care. Prayer warriors who faithfully lift us up through every challenge.

My faith in God taught me that we are stronger together. There were days when I felt exhausted, overwhelmed, and uncertain about the future. During those moments, God provided strength through the kindness of others, peace through prayer, and hope when I needed it most. He reminded me that I was never walking the journey alone.

Breast cancer may affect individuals, but it also touches families, friendships, churches, workplaces, and entire communities. When people come together in faith, compassion, and love, burdens become lighter and hope becomes stronger.

Every story shared, every screening scheduled, every prayer offered, and every act of support matters. When we come together, our voices are louder, our impact is greater, and our hope is stronger.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let's continue to stand together, pray for one another, support one another, and work toward a future where more lives are saved and more families are spared this disease.

Together, through faith, love, and unity, we are stronger.

💗

No Matter What by Cara Bastone - A Review

This was a sweet audiobook, but it didn't completely win me over. The story focuses heavily on healing and rebuilding a marriage.  Unfortunately, the audiobook felt a little juvenile to me at times, and the pacing was so slow that my attention occasionally wandered off. Perhaps the book would have been better than the audio. 

I wanted a bit more momentum. It was a quiet, emotional journey and thoughtful character growth, but with a slower pace and heavy focus on feelings may not work for everyone. For me, it landed somewhere in the middle. Enjoyable enough, just not unforgettable. 

★★★¼

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October 23 - Awareness Leads to Action

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month 💗

Awareness leads to screenings. Screenings lead to early detection. Early detection saves lives.

It sounds simple, but this chain of events has changed countless lives, including my own.

Many people put off mammograms because they're busy, nervous, or convinced they can wait a little longer. But awareness is more than knowledge. Awareness inspires action. It encourages us to schedule the appointment, perform the self-exam, ask questions, and pay attention to changes in our bodies.

As a survivor, I know firsthand how important it is to listen to your body and follow up when something doesn't seem right. Early detection provides more options, more opportunities, and more hope.

My faith has also taught me that taking care of our health is an important responsibility. God has blessed us with one body, and being proactive about screenings and preventive care is one way we can be good stewards of that gift.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let awareness become action. Schedule the mammogram. Encourage a friend to do the same. Share information. Start a conversation. You never know whose life may be changed because of one simple step.

Awareness leads to action. Action leads to early detection. Early detection saves lives.

💗

October 22 - Reach Out

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month💗

Take a moment today and check on someone affected by cancer.

A simple text message. A quick phone call. A handwritten card. A prayer. These small gestures may seem insignificant, but they can brighten a difficult day more than you realize.

Cancer can be an isolating journey. Between treatments, appointments, side effects, and uncertainty, it's easy for someone to feel overwhelmed or alone. Knowing that someone is thinking about them, praying for them, and cheering them on can provide comfort and encouragement when it's needed most.

My faith has taught me that kindness is one of the greatest gifts we can share. Sometimes God uses a simple act of compassion, a thoughtful message, an unexpected call, or a heartfelt prayer to remind someone that they are loved and not alone.

You don't have to have the perfect words. You don't have to solve their problems. Just reach out.

A simple "I'm thinking about you." A simple "How are you doing today?" A simple "I'm praying for you."

Those few words can make a world of difference.

Today, take a moment to connect with someone whose life has been touched by cancer. Your message may arrive at exactly the right time.

💗

Dahlias: Beautiful Varieties for Home & Garden by Naomi Slade

Dahlias have been my favorite flower for as long as I can remember, so this book already had an advantage before I even opened it. Thankfully, it lived up to my expectations. Instead of feeling like a gardening manual, it felt like spending time with someone who genuinely understands why people become obsessed with these flowers.

I love seeing just how much variety exists within the dahlia world. Page after page of different blooms. Some blooms looked elegant, some looked delightfully over-the-top, and a few were so unusual I had trouble believing they were all part of the same family

The photographs by Georgianna Lane are stunning.  I admired the details in the petals.

I also appreciated that Naomi Slade includes growing information and history without overwhelming the reader. There's plenty to learn, but the book never loses sight of what drew me to it in the first place: the flowers themselves.

If you already love dahlias, this book feels like celebrating an old favorite. If you don't, there's a good chance you'll finish it wondering where you can plant a few.

★★★★★

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October 21 - Hold onto Hope

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month 💗

Hope carried me during some of the most difficult moments of my life.

There were days filled with uncertainty, fear, and questions about the future. Days when the road ahead seemed overwhelming and the answers were hard to find. During those times, hope gave me the courage to keep moving forward, one day at a time.

My faith in God strengthened that hope. When I couldn't see what tomorrow would bring, I trusted that He was walking beside me. When I felt weak, He gave me strength. When I felt afraid, He gave me peace. Faith reminded me that even in the darkest moments, I was never alone.

Hope isn't pretending everything is easy. Hope is believing that better days are ahead, even when the path is difficult. It's choosing to trust, to persevere, and to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Twenty years later, hope continues to inspire me. It inspires me every time I see a survivor celebrating another birthday, every time I hear about new medical advances, and every time someone shares their story and encourages another person facing the same journey.

If you're walking through a difficult season today, hold on to hope. Lean on your faith. Accept support from those who love you. And remember that even the smallest light can shine brightly in the darkness.

Hope carried me then, and it continues to inspire me today.

💗

October 20 - Small Acts Matter

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

A card. A call. A hug. A prayer.

Small acts of kindness can mean everything to someone facing cancer.

When someone receives a cancer diagnosis, it's often the simple gestures they remember most. A thoughtful message. A meal dropped off at the door. A friend who checks in regularly. A ride to an appointment. A hand to hold during a difficult moment.

People sometimes worry they don't know the right thing to say or do. The truth is you don't need grand gestures. You just need to show up. Acts of kindness may seem small to the people offering them, but they made a tremendous difference to the receiver. 

My faith also taught me the power of prayer and encouragement. Some of the greatest comfort came from knowing others were lifting me up in prayer and asking God to give me strength for another day. Those prayers carried me through moments when I felt overwhelmed and uncertain.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, remember that you don't have to solve someone's problems to make a difference. A kind word, a listening ear, a note of encouragement, or a simple prayer can bring hope when it's needed most.

Never underestimate the impact of a small act of kindness.

💗

The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave - A Review

I liked the first book, so this one had a lot to live up to. Maybe that's part of the reason it didn't quite work as well for me.

I was happy to spend more time with Hannah and Bailey, and I did appreciate finally getting some answers after everything that happened in the first book. That sense of closure was probably my favorite part. Still, I never found myself completely pulled into the story. I'd read a few chapters, put it down, and wasn't always in a rush to pick it back up.

The relationships kept my attention more than anything else. The family dynamics felt messy, complicated, and real, and those were the moments that stood out most to me. A few situations seemed to wrap up faster than I expected, while other issues felt like they went in circles, so the pacing felt a little uneven at times.

I'm glad I got to see where these characters ended up. I just finished it wishing I had loved it as much as the first book. That one felt more natural to me, while this one never completely won me over.

★★★

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October 19 - Survivorship Is a Journey

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Survivorship doesn't end when treatment ends.

It's a lifelong appreciation for every moment, every blessing, and every milestone. It's learning to celebrate ordinary days, cherish time with loved ones, and never take good health for granted.

Today is especially meaningful because it's my birthday. Every birthday feels like a gift, a reminder of how precious life truly is.

Over the years, I've developed a simple way to remember my breast health routine. I use my birthday, the 19th, as my reminder.

On the 19th of every month, I perform my self-exam. And every year on this day, I make sure my annual mammogram is scheduled. It's a simple habit, but it helps me stay consistent and makes it easy to remember.

As a breast cancer survivor, I know firsthand that early detection matters. Taking a few minutes each month to know your body and keeping up with annual screenings can make a life-changing difference.

My faith has taught me that every day is a gift from God and that caring for our health is one way we honor that gift. I am grateful for every birthday, every milestone, and every opportunity to encourage others to be proactive about their health.

If you struggle to remember your monthly self-exams or annual mammogram, consider tying them to a date that's meaningful to you. A birthday, anniversary, or special occasion can serve as a simple reminder to make your health a priority.

Today, I'm celebrating another year of life, another year of blessings, and another year of hope. 💗

October 18 - Friendly Reminder

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

When was your last mammogram?

If you're due for a screening, consider this your friendly reminder to schedule one today.

As a breast cancer survivor, I know how important regular screenings can be. But I also understand that life circumstances sometimes make healthcare difficult to access.

After my cancer treatment, I went seven years without a mammogram because I didn't have health insurance. One year, while attending our local Relay For Life, I was sharing my story with a volunteer. During our conversation, she asked if I was in remission. My honest answer was, "I have no idea."

She then suggested that I contact a nonprofit organization in Houston called The Rose.

I made the call, and it changed everything.

Through The Rose, I was able to receive free mammograms every year until I obtained health insurance. The peace of mind those screenings provided was priceless. They gave me the opportunity to monitor my health when I otherwise would not have been able to afford it.

Even today, I continue to have my mammograms there. They helped me when I needed it most, and I have never forgotten that kindness. I also love knowing that every paid mammogram helps support someone else who may be facing the same challenges I once did.

My faith has taught me that God often places people in our path exactly when we need them. That Relay For Life volunteer, The Rose, and the caring professionals who helped me along the way were blessings I will always be grateful for.

If you've been putting off your mammogram, please make the call. And if cost or lack of insurance is a concern, don't assume you have no options. There may be organizations in your community ready to help.

Your health matters. Early detection matters. And you are worth taking care of.

💗

October 17 - Remembering Loved Ones

Octoberius Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Today I honor those who lost their battle with breast cancer.

While October is a time to celebrate survivors and advances in treatment, it is also a time to remember the loved ones who are no longer with us. Their lives mattered. Their stories mattered. And the love they shared continues to live on in the hearts of those who miss them every day.

One of my best friends from high school was lost to this horrible disease a few years ago. She fought breast cancer not once, but twice. She faced each battle with remarkable courage, determination, and grace, but ultimately lost her fight. Even now, I think about her often. I remember her friendship, her laughter, and the impact she had on the lives of those who knew and loved her.

Her loss is a reminder that breast cancer affects far more than the person diagnosed. It leaves an empty place in the hearts of family members, friends, classmates, coworkers, and entire communities. For every survivor celebrating another year, there are families carrying the pain of someone they wish was still here.

Many of us carry memories of mothers, sisters, daughters, grandmothers, friends, and family members whose lives were touched by breast cancer. Though they may no longer be with us, the love they gave, the lessons they taught, and the memories they created remain.

My faith in God brings me comfort on days like this. It reminds me that even though we grieve, we do not grieve without hope. I believe my friend is now in the loving arms of her Savior, free from pain and suffering, and at peace in His presence. While I miss her deeply, that faith helps me focus not only on the sadness of loss but also on the gratitude of having known and loved such a special person.

Today, I pray for every family missing a loved one. I pray for comfort, strength, and peace. And I pray for those currently facing this disease, that they will be surrounded by support, encouragement, and hope.

This October, let us honor those we have lost by continuing to raise awareness, support research, encourage screenings, and care for one another. Their stories inspire us to keep fighting for a future with fewer losses and more survivors.

They are gone, but they are never forgotten. 💗

The Love Wager by Lynn Painter - A Review

This book was just plain fun. I picked it up wanting something light and entertaining, and it delivered exactly that. I loved the way these two interacted. Their conversations felt natural, playful, and had me smiling more than once.

What I enjoyed most was how easy it was to spend time with these characters. I wanted to see them text, talk, tease each other, and slowly realize what was right in front of them. The story didn't need a lot of drama to keep me interested because the characters carried it on their own.

This was one of those books that put me in a good mood and left me closing the cover with a smile. Sometimes that's all I need from a romance.

★★★★

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October 16 - For Those Fighting Today

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

If you're currently battling breast cancer, know this:

You are stronger than you think. You are braver than you know. You are not alone.

There will be difficult days. Days when you're tired, frustrated, scared, or simply overwhelmed by everything you're facing. On those days, give yourself grace. You don't have to be strong every minute of every day.

Most importantly, don't be afraid to ask for help.

Let people bring a meal. Let a friend drive you to an appointment. Let family help with chores, errands, or childcare. Let others pray for you and support you. The people who love you want to help, and accepting that help is not a sign of weakness. It's a reminder that no one is meant to carry life's heaviest burdens alone.

Hold on to hope. Lean on your faith. Take things one day at a time, and sometimes one moment at a time. Even when the road feels long, keep moving forward.

There is strength inside you. There is love surrounding you. And there is always hope.

You are not alone. 💗