The Maidens by Alex Michaelides - A Review

I picked this up because I enjoyed The Silent Patient, and I spent most of the book trying to decide whether my suspicions were right or whether Alex Michaelides was setting me up again.

The Cambridge setting was exactly the kind of atmosphere I enjoy in a mystery. Give me old buildings, secretive groups, strange behavior, and people who seem to know more than they're saying, and I'm interested.

Mariana tested my patience more than once. She locked onto a theory early and refused to let it go. There were times I wanted her to step back and consider other possibilities, but grief has a way of narrowing a person's focus, and she was carrying a lot of it.

I kept changing my mind about who I trusted. Every time I thought I had things figured out, somebody would say or do something that made me rethink everything. I enjoy books that make me second-guess myself, and this one managed that several times.

I will admit there were stretches where I wished Mariana would stop going in circles and make some actual progress. A few plot points also asked me to believe more than I was completely comfortable with.

By the end, I wasn't nearly as confident in my theories as I had been at the beginning, which is probably exactly what the author wanted. I closed the book feeling glad I hadn't peeked ahead to see how it ended.

★★★★

Amazon Link, commission earned

Sent by God by Ginger Chapman

John 5:30

By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me. (NIV)

Sending

Jesus said many times that it was God who sent Him to continue God the Father’s work. He is also sending each of us to continue His work here on earth.

Our question is: Are we listening to where He wants to send us? Are we too distracted to hear, or unwilling to respond and go?

We do not need to look for some big change, like going to a foreign land. God may send us to the grocery store to speak to someone there about Him, His love, and His saving grace.

So often, we miss what God is saying to us or wanting to do through us because we are looking for something big. Let us open our minds and hearts to go wherever God wants us to go, do whatever He wants us to do, and say whatever He wants us to say.

It might be something as simple as offering a smile to someone who needs it or holding a hand. God is just as much in the small things as He is in the big things.

Let us simply go, do, and speak as He leads.

Mr. Wrong Number by Lynn Painter - A Review

This was exactly the book I needed when I was coming off a heavier read. I wasn't looking for anything deep or life changing. I just wanted something fun, and this delivered.

Olivia is a mess in the best possible way. She says things she probably shouldn't, jumps to conclusions, and seems to attract chaos wherever she goes. More than once I laughed because I could see a situation unraveling before she did.

The texting relationship was my favorite part of the book. I looked forward to those exchanges every time they popped up. The humor felt natural, and I could easily picture the conversations happening in real life.

Sometimes a book comes along at exactly the right time. After a string of emotionally heavy reads, this was like opening a window and letting in some fresh air. I finished it with a smile and immediately felt ready to pick up my next book.

★★★★

Amazon Link, commission applies

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold - A Review

I wasn't prepared for how much this book would focus on the family instead of the crime. Susie's murder happens early, but after that the story becomes about all the people she left behind and the different ways they try to live with something that can never be fixed.

I spent a lot of the book feeling sorry for her father. He knew something was wrong and couldn't let it go, even when everyone around him seemed to be moving in a different direction. At times I wanted to shake some of the other characters, especially when their choices hurt the people closest to them, but grief doesn't make people act reasonably.

What got to me were the ordinary moments. Birthdays. Family dinners. The little pieces of life Susie should have been part of. Those scenes hit me harder than anything involving the investigation.

I also liked that the book didn't try to tidy everything up. Life rarely works that way. People drift apart, make mistakes, carry regrets, and keep going because there isn't any other choice.

There were sections where my attention wandered a little, especially when the focus moved away from the Salmon family. Every time the story returned to them, though, I was completely interested again.

When I finished, I wasn't thinking about the murderer nearly as much as I was thinking about the people left behind and how one terrible event changed the course of so many lives.

★★★★

Amazon Link, earns commission

Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover - A Review

I had mixed feelings while reading this one.

I wanted to grab Tate and tell her she deserved better than what she was accepting. I understood why she kept hoping for more, but I also wanted her to stop making excuses for Miles and start paying attention to what was right in front of her.

Miles frustrated me for a good portion of the book. Not because he was cruel, but because he was so determined to keep everyone at a distance. The closer I got to learning why he was that way, the more my feelings about him changed.

The chapters from Miles's past were the ones I looked forward to most. Every time the story shifted back, another piece fell into place. His behavior made more sense, even when I still didn't agree with it.

This wasn't a sweet romance for me. It was uncomfortable at times. I spent a lot of the book wishing the characters would make different choices. Even so, I couldn't stop wondering where everything was headed.

By the end, my heart hurt for Miles more than anyone. The pain he carried for so long affected every part of his life, and seeing the full picture changed the way I viewed the entire story.

★★★★

Amazon Link, commission earned

Not in Love by Ali Hazlewood - A Review

I wasn't always sure I liked Rue, but I understood her. She had worked too hard to get where she was to let anyone mess it up, and honestly, I probably would have reacted a lot of the same way she did.

More than once I wanted to tell her to just have an honest conversation and save herself a lot of trouble. Then she'd do or say something that reminded me why she was so guarded in the first place.

Eli had more patience than I would have. There were moments when I wondered why he kept trying. Then again, if he had walked away the first time things got difficult, there wouldn't have been much of a story.

What I remember most isn't a particular scene. It's the constant tug-of-war between wanting someone close and being terrified of giving them the power to hurt you. Rue seemed stuck in that place for a long time.

I also liked that she didn't suddenly forget she had a career the minute a man showed up. That gets old fast, and Ali Hazelwood didn't go that route here.

This wasn't my favorite book by her, but it may have had my favorite heroine. She frustrated me, made me roll my eyes a few times, and still had me hoping things would work out for her.

★★★★ 

Amazon Link, earns commission

Mad Mabel by B.R. Myers - A Review

Before reading this book, Mabel was just a name to me. It didn't take long before I was completely wrapped up in what was happening in her life.

For me, the relationships were the best part of the book. I paid far more attention to the people around Mabel and how they reacted to her than I did to the historical details. Some supported her, some challenged her, and some clearly had no idea what to do with her. Those interactions kept the story feeling alive.

Mabel herself could be frustrating at times, but that never bothered me. She was the kind of character who made her own decisions and then dealt with the consequences, whether anyone approved or not.

There were sections I liked more than others, but I never lost interest because I wanted to know what would happen next in her life and how her relationships would change along the way.

When I finished, I realized I had become much more attached to the people in the story than I expected. The relationships definitely kept me reading.

★★★★

Amazon Link, Commission earned

The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave - A Review

Hannah's husband disappears without warning, leaving behind a note asking her to protect his teenage daughter. Overnight, Hannah is left with questions she can't answer and a teenager who doesn't especially want her in her life. As the truth about her husband slowly comes to light, Hannah and Bailey have no choice but to depend on each other.

As a parent, I appreciated how Hannah never gave up on Bailey, even when Bailey pushed her away. She could have walked away from the situation, but instead she chose to stay and do everything she could to keep Bailey safe. That commitment meant a lot to me and made Hannah a character I admired.

The story wasn't rushed. The answers came gradually, and each new piece of information changed the picture a little more. I kept wondering what Hannah would discover next and how it would affect both of their lives.

Bailey felt like a real teenager. She was angry, confused, stubborn, and hurting. Hannah was trying to navigate a situation she never expected to face. Neither handled everything perfectly, which made their relationship feel believable.

Family doesn't always come together in the way we expect, and this book captures that well.

★★★★

Amazon Link, earns commission

God’s Best in His Perfect Timing by Ginger Chapman

 Romans 8:28-29

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)

Proverbs 19:21

Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. (NIV)

Good or Best

One of my children is applying for a new position in their job. It looks like a very good opportunity. Often, we see something good and go after it. But God wants more than the good for us. He wants the best.

When we push hard to gain what we see as good, when we force doors open to gain it, sometimes we are settling for only the good when God has the best lined up for us at the right time. It is hard to wait.

I've learned by experience not to force open doors for something I think is good. I've learned to wait on God's timing and find delightful surprises of things so much better than the good I was after.

We have a hard time waiting. We live in a world of instant access. God knows when we are ready to move on to something new. We need to learn to be content where we are, yet, at the same time, always be ready to move on with God to something new.

When He moves us in His time, we can be assured that He has also equipped us for success in the new.

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.

★★★★

Amazon Link, commission may apply

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.

★★★★★

Amazon Link, commission earned

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.

★★★★

Amazon Link, commission earned

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.

★★★

Amazon Link, commission applies

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.

Amazon Link, small commission may apply

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.

★★★★

Amazon Link., small commission may apply

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.

★★★★

Amazon Link, earns commission

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.

★★★★

Amazon Link, small commission may apply

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.

★★★★

Amazon Link, small commission may apply

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.

Amazon Link, small commission may apply

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.

★★★★★

Amazon Link, small commission may apply

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.

★★

Amazon Link, earns commission

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.

★★★★

Amazon Link, small commission may apply