Where Happy Begins by Maxine Morrey - A Review

If you are tired of romances that feel loud, chaotic, or emotionally exhausting, this one might be exactly what you need.

Happiness does not arrive with fireworks here, and I loved that. It grows quietly through small decisions, fresh starts, and the courage to let people back in. The story never talks down to you or spells out the message. It just lets the moments happen and trusts you to feel them.

I connected easily with the main character. She feels real, a little flawed, and genuinely trying. Her search for happiness didn’t feel glossy or forced, it felt lived in. The romance unfolds slowly through everyday interactions, good conversation, and emotional trust. No chaos. No unnecessary drama. Just connection building at a pace that actually makes sense. The banter is natural, and the relationship is given room to breathe.

This is the kind of romance I reach for when life feels loud and I want something gentle but still satisfying. A true palate cleanser with strong comfort‑read energy and a calm, reassuring pace. I really enjoyed this one.

★★★★

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

Power over Mind - Quote

 

What I’ve learned is that most of my stress comes from trying to control things that were never really mine to control other people’s reactions, surprises, timing, outcomes, even the past. When I stay focused there, I feel worn out and on edge. But when I remember that my thoughts, judgments, and responses are actually mine, something loosens.

Power isn’t about forcing life to cooperate. It’s about deciding how I look at what’s happening, how long I let anger or fear hang around, and whether I respond thoughtfully or just react. Even when things feel unfair or painful, I still get to choose my inner stance.

That realization feels grounding. I stop waiting for peace to come from the outside and start building it from within. I might not control the storm, but I do get to decide if I let it take over my head. That’s where my resilience really grows.

 

Life's Too Short (The Friend Zone Book 3) by Abby Jimenez - A Review

If you want a book that will make you laugh-cry in public, this is it. Abby Jimenez is the queen of balancing hilarious banter with heavy, "real-life" stakes.

Vanessa is a travel YouTuber living life to the fullest because of a terminal family illness; Adrian is the grumpy, workaholic lawyer next door. When Vanessa suddenly ends up with her sister’s newborn, Adrian steps in as the world’s most helpful (and handsome) accidental co-parent.

Their chemistry is effortless and genuinely funny. It tackles big themes like ALS and hoarding with incredible grace: It’s a beautiful story about "found family" and making every second count. It’s spicy, emotional, and total perfection—just keep the tissues nearby.

★★★★½

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Green Eyes and Quiet Authority

Green Eyes and Quiet Authority

 

Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry - A Review

I’m honestly pretty bummed, because I had been looking forward to this one for so long. I absolutely loved book one, Shield of Sparrows, and went into this sequel with very high expectations. This one just didn’t hit me the same way. Reading it felt a little like when a favorite TV show suddenly shifts its focus and starts setting up a spinoff, while the parts you actually came for are pushed to the side. I can see the ambition here, and I know this book really worked for a lot of readers, but that shift kept it from landing for me.

The biggest hurdle for me was the introduction of a new point of view character, Caspia. I spent a lot of time wondering who she was and why I was supposed to be so invested in her story. If she was always meant to play such an integral role, I really wish she had been introduced in the first book. I was deeply attached to the emotional core of book one, and her chapters often felt less like added depth and more like interruptions. Instead of pulling me in further, they sometimes pulled me right out.

The romance also felt more distant this time around. That seems like a very intentional choice, but I missed the intimacy and emotional momentum that made the first book so compelling. That same spinoff feeling lingered here too. I wanted more time grounded in the relationship I had already invested in, not just hints at future payoff.

I also want to be fair and acknowledge that format may have played a role in my experience. I read Shield of Sparrows as an ebook and let my imagination set the tone. For this book, I switched to the audiobook. While the narration and production are clearly well done and widely praised, they just didn’t work for me. My imagination was apparently much kinder to these characters than the narrators’ interpretations, and that disconnect made it harder to stay immersed, especially during slower, exposition heavy sections. Side note: Deep, low voices might be sexy in real life, but they can be surprisingly hard to hear and follow in an audiobook.

Despite my disappointment, I will absolutely be reading book three. The foundation of this series is still strong, and I’m hopeful the final installment brings the focus back closer to the emotional heart that made the first volume so special. I just really hope it ends up feeling a little more like Shield of Sparrows again.

★★★½☆

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The Seaside Book Club by Helen Rolfe - A Review

This was a cozy, uplifting read with a lovely seaside feel and a strong sense of friendship running through it. It’s the kind of book that’s easy to settle into, especially if you enjoy gentle stories about community and second chances.

I really liked the idea of the book club and the warmth that comes from women finding connection with one another. The setting adds a lot of charm, and overall the book has a comforting, feel good tone that makes it an enjoyable escape.

My only small hesitation is the balance of character time. There are quite a few characters, and while I enjoyed them all, it felt like one character took up a bit more space than necessary. I would have loved to spend a little more time with some of the others, as a few of their stories felt like they had more potential to explore.

That said, this didn’t take away from my enjoyment too much. The plot is fairly predictable, but in a comforting way. It’s more about the journey and the friendships than big surprises.

Overall, this is a warm, pleasant read that delivers exactly what it promises: heart, community, and a charming seaside setting. A solid pick for relaxed reading.

★★★★☆

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

Healing in the Desert by Christine D'Clario - A Review

Healing in the Desert is a gentle, reflective read for seasons when faith feels dry and prayers feel unanswered. Christine D’Clario writes honestly from her own wilderness and never rushes the reader toward resolution. Instead of framing the desert as failure or punishment, she presents it as sacred space where God works slowly and quietly.

The book speaks especially to those walking through grief, burnout, anxiety, or spiritual weariness. D’Clario often returns to the idea that healing happens beneath the surface, like roots growing deep before anything is visible. While some themes repeat, the steady rhythm feels comforting rather than demanding, especially in fragile seasons.

This is a hopeful book that does not minimize pain or pressure the reader to move faster than they’re able. Not every section may resonate the same way, but the overall message is kind, grounding, and reassuring. If you’re feeling weary, hidden, or unsure of what God is doing right now, this book gently reminds you that desert seasons still have purpose.

★★★★

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Wild About You by Jo Lovett - A Review

I really wanted to love this book because the setting held so much promise. For me, pacing was the biggest challenge. A large portion of the story is spent in extended internal dialogue, often circling the same emotional conflict. It began to feel repetitive, especially when the surrounding environment seemed ripe for deeper exploration and impact.

That said, the opening chapters were strong. The first two chapters immediately drew me in and set high expectations for what followed. Unfortunately, the story did not continue in a way that worked for me overall, making this one not the right fit for my reading taste.

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Living Like We’ve Already Won

Psalms 89:16 - They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness. (NIV)

Watching the rejoicing over the Chicago Cubs winning the world series I can’t help but wonder why we don’t rejoice like that over our salvation and over all the wonderful blessings God freely gives us.  The Cubs fans are so very excited.  Where is our excitement?  We may show some excitement for a moment, but the Cubs fans went on throughout the night with their excitement and they’re still excited today and rejoicing, letting the whole world know they are the winners.  When is the last time we stayed up all night praising our God?  We are the winners of a full, abundant life throughout all eternity.  What are we doing, as individuals, to let all around us know of the joy, salvation and blessing that can be there’s as well?  Enough words written.  Just think about it. Are we doing what Psalms 89:16 says?

Devotion by Ginger Chapman

We get excited so easily about things that don’t last. A winning season, a big moment, something we can see and celebrate together. And there is nothing wrong with that kind of joy. But it does make me ask myself where that same level of excitement is when it comes to my faith.

God has given me salvation, grace, forgiveness, and a future that goes way beyond this life. That is the real victory. Yet I often treat it like background noise instead of something worth celebrating out loud. I rejoice quietly, quickly, and then move on with my day.

This devotion reminds me that rejoicing is not supposed to be a brief moment. Psalm 89:16 says we rejoice all day long. That kind of joy is steady, lived out, noticeable. Not just in church, not just when things are going well, but woven into everyday life.

I do not think God is asking me to shout nonstop or stay up all night praising Him every day. But He might be asking me to live like I truly believe I have already won. To let my gratitude show. To talk about what He has done. To let others see that my joy comes from something deeper and more lasting.

It leaves me asking myself one honest question. Does my life look like someone who is rejoicing in the Lord all day long, or like someone who has gotten used to the greatest gift they have ever received?

When Cat TV Gets Way Too Real

Tonight’s feature film was “Attack of the Giant Goldfish,” starring one very determined kitten who absolutely believed she could catch that fish right through the screen. She wasn’t just watching; she was fully committed, leaping into the action with complete confidence.

But the real standing ovation goes to the photographer (me, bowing graciously) who managed to catch her mid‑jump!  (Not my first attempt though.)

 

Reflection Shapes the Next Step

When I read this quote, it reminds me that I do not have to stay stuck in yesterday. Reflection is not about replaying mistakes or wishing things had gone differently. It is about learning, noticing, and letting God use those moments to shape who I am becoming.

There are things in my past I cannot undo, but I can choose what I carry forward. Taking time to reflect helps me see where I have grown, where I still need grace, and where God might be nudging me to respond differently next time. It turns regret into wisdom instead of shame.

Reflection feels like a quiet pause with God where He gently says, let us talk about this so you can walk forward lighter. What comes next does not have to look like what came before. Each step ahead can be shaped by lessons learned, grace received, and hope renewed.

That is what makes reflection powerful. It does not trap me in the past. It helps guide my next step.

Soft Snuggles

 

Paws for Connections by Jeanine Lauren - A Review

Paws for Connections is an easy, pleasant read that focuses on everyday moments rather than big drama. Set in Sunshine Bay, it follows two single parents who meet through their kids, a local bookstore, and a pair of rescue kittens who gently tie everything together.

The story moves at an unhurried pace. Sarah and Simon don’t fall into an instant romance, and there’s no forced tension pushing them along. Their connection grows through shared routines, honest conversations, and the quiet trust that comes from having already lived full lives. It feels natural and well earned.

The cats are important without taking over the story. They support the theme of finding where you belong and being open to new beginnings, even when you’re not actively seeking change.

The town adds a warm, steady backdrop through the bookstore, rescue work, and familiar faces, all of which feel like part of a real community rather than a staged setting.

This is a calm, thoughtful romance that values connection over chemistry and comfort over conflict. If you’re looking for something gentle, kind, and easy to settle into, this book delivers exactly that. I enjoyed it.

★★★★

Release date: Apr 24, 2026 I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

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The Chosen Presents: Taste and See by Dallas Jenkins, Amanda Jenkins, and Tara Reeves - A Review

This title will be released on June 2, 2026

This is a five star 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 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 makes it especially approachable. It 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 in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Art of Mingling, Fourth Edition by Jeanne Martinet - A Review

As a mom of five and a former pastor, I have spent a good portion of my life in rooms full of people. Church gatherings, school events, community functions, casual parties, and everything in between. Even with all that experience, I know how easy it is to feel socially worn down, out of practice, or just plain tired of small talk. I approached this book hoping for encouragement, practical kindness, or at least respectful guidance for navigating social spaces when energy and authenticity matter.

Unfortunately, this book delivered the opposite.

I was immediately put off by the author’s repeated suggestions to single out “wallflowers,” “party misfits,” and those deemed “socially challenged” as practice tools for improving one’s mingling skills. This framing is not only unkind, it is demeaning. The entire “Practice Your Mingle on a Wallflower” section reads as though people exist merely as social props for someone else’s self-improvement. That alone should have been removed in prior editions.

It only went downhill from there. The section on FIBBING suggests that you cannot be a good "mingler" unless you are willing to lie a little. That is a firm no for me. Encouraging dishonesty as a social lubricant undermines trust and authenticity. The so-called FLATTERY Entree is equally troubling, promoting insincere praise as a tactic rather than genuine interest. Add to that the casual reference to “repugnant occupations,” and the tone becomes outright offensive.

By the 20 percent mark, I had already encountered more than eight statements or concepts that felt condescending, manipulative, or morally tone-deaf. This book is marketed as self-help, but it reads far more like a philanthropic handbook for social climbers, one that prioritizes performance over people and strategy over sincerity.

Social skills do not need to be taught at the expense of compassion. Mingling does not require belittling others, lying, or treating human beings as practice exercises. For readers looking for respectful, thoughtful, and ethical social guidance, this book misses the mark entirely.

Is this a satire or is this or is this title just meant to be offensive?

Pub Date October 6, 2026.
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★ Pub Date October 6, 2026.

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Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions  are my own.

The Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros -A Review

I went into this book expecting an emotional, sweeping romance, and while the concept was intriguing, the overall experience didn’t quite work for me. The dual timelines are clearly meant to add depth, but for me they often interrupted the flow of the story and made it harder to stay fully invested in either storyline. As a result, the pacing felt slow and the book longer than it needed to be.

The characters also fell a bit flat for me. Georgia and Noah’s dynamic felt repetitive at times, particularly Georgia’s ongoing hostility, and I struggled to feel the chemistry that the story depends on. Some of the dialogue and love letters leaned heavily into dramatic and familiar romantic language, which made the emotional moments feel less organic than intended.

I can see why this book resonates with so many readers, and it’s clear I’m in the minority based on its strong overall ratings. The idea at the heart of the story is compelling, but for me the predictable tropes and slow buildup lessened the impact, and the emotional twist at the end didn’t fully offset that. This just wasn’t a favorite for me.

★★

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The Psalms, A Sanctuary for the Soul: Book 1: 1–30 by Marty Folsom - A Review

This book stands out as a truly great and original approach to scripture study. Rather than simply reading or analyzing the Psalms, Marty Folsom invites the reader into a slow, thoughtful process of meditation and personal application. The structure encourages you to place yourself honestly inside each psalm, engaging your own thoughts, emotions, and spiritual journey in a way that feels both intimate and practical.

It is deeply meaningful this method is, making the Psalms feel alive and personal instead of distant or academic. It is especially powerful for readers seeking reflection, prayer, and heart level connection with scripture. The concept of moving through the Psalms as a sanctuary for the soul is beautifully executed and feels refreshing and purposeful.

The Final Embrace is absolutely awesome and serves as a deeply moving culmination of the journey. Page 247 was a standout moment for me and left a lasting impression, wrapping the study in comfort, clarity, and spiritual renewal. This book is both grounding and uplifting, making it easy to connect with it on a personal level.

★★★★★

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

The Great Book Of Bible Verses, Prayers & Decrees by D.T. Wilson - A Review

This book is such a blessing and an absolute joy to use. The Great Book Of Bible Verses, Prayers & Decrees truly feels like having a faith-filled toolbox at your fingertips. Everything is laid out in a clear, easy-to-navigate way, making it simple to find exactly what you need in the moment.

I love how practical and encouraging this book is. The Scriptures are beautifully paired with meaningful prayers and strong decrees that help you not only read God’s Word but actively speak it over your life. It feels empowering, uplifting, and deeply rooted in faith.

I’ve been using the online version, and it has quickly become one of my favorite spiritual resources. It’s the kind of book you keep going back to, whether for daily prayer time, encouragement, or spiritual focus. Because I find myself reaching for it so often, I have already ordered a hard copy for easy access.

Highly, highly recommend this to anyone looking to strengthen their prayer life, stay grounded in Scripture, and speak God’s promises with confidence. 

★★★★★

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Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage by Belle Burden - A Review

Strangers is a raw, inward looking take on love, identity, and what happens when you quiet yourself inside a marriage that suddenly ends. 

The beginning really pulls you in and feels emotionally sharp and close. The second half, which leans more into the legal and social fallout, feels a bit more removed and less personal, but it still matters. 

Overall, it’s a strong look at power, gender roles, and the hard work of finding your voice again. It’s clearly written from a place of privilege, so it won’t fit every experience, but the grief that comes with losing a relationship feels universal.

★★★ (3.5 stars)

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A Thread So Thin (Book Three Cobbled Court Trilogy) by Marie Bostwick

This third and final book in the Cobbled Court Quilts trilogy brings everything together in a really satisfying way. It feels like saying goodbye to friends you have come to know well, while watching their stories come full circle. I appreciated how Marie Bostwick handled lingering struggles with honesty and grace, showing that sometimes healing is slow but still meaningful. 

The sense of faith, friendship, and community is strong here, and the quilting continues to symbolize how even fragile threads can hold when woven with care. Clean, uplifting, and heartfelt, this was a fitting and comforting conclusion to a series I truly enjoyed.

★★★★★
 

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Cobbled Court Quilts Books (Book Two Cobbled Court Trilogy) by Marie Bostwick - A Review

Coming back to Cobbled Court honestly feels like checking in with old friends. This is book two in the trilogy, and it really settles you into the heart of the story and the community. I liked how real the characters feel, all dealing with messy life stuff while trying to do the right thing. 

Nothing is rushed, and the friendships are where this book really shines. The quilting, the conversations, and the quiet moments of faith and growth made this such a comforting read. It is clean, uplifting, and full of hope, and it made me even more invested in the series. I highly recommend this one, especially if you love stories about friendship and second chances.

★★★★★

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A Deal with a Debutante (Audiobook Edition) by Chelsea Bobulski - A Review

Set in 1908, A Deal with a Debutante is a charming Edwardian romance that delivers a satisfying slow burn and marriage of convenience tropes. Calliope and Edward felt refreshingly grounded for a historical romance, and their relationship developed with a natural pace that made the emotional payoff feel earned. The witty banter between them was easily one of the highlights and added a light sparkle without undercutting the tenderness of the story.

The audiobook experience was a bit mixed for me. The main narrator did an excellent job capturing Calliope’s spirit and maintaining the overall flow of the story. Her performance carried the heart of the book well. However, some of the secondary character voices were quite CRINGY. If you enjoy playful and exaggerated character voices, the audio will likely still work for you. If that sort of narration tends to break immersion, I would recommend picking up the physical book or the ebook instead. 

For future releases by this author, I will probably lean toward reading rather than listening, but Chelsea Bobulski is absolutely going on my auto approve list.

This is a clean and wholesome romance that still manages to carry emotional depth and strong chemistry. It is sweet without being shallow, and the connection between the leads is more than enough to keep you hooked. Well worth checking out, especially if you love gentle historical romances with heart.

I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my honest opinion.

★★★★

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Some Love Lasts by Tim Hunniecutt -A Review

If you’re looking for a “clean,” PG romance, Some Love Lasts fits the bill—but beyond the initial sparks, the relationship feels shallow. The story promises a lasting bond yet delivers mostly surface-level attraction, with little sense of shared values, interests, or meaningful conversation.

Frustratingly, the characters don’t truly connect until the final chapter, making the journey feel repetitive and lacking emotional depth. The process of them genuinely getting to know each other is largely missing.

It’s an easy beach read, but it lacks the heart its title suggests. If you don’t mind waiting until the very end for emotional payoff, you may still enjoy it—just don’t expect much depth.

Note to publisher: The premise is appealing, but the story would benefit from deeper character development and a more gradual, believable emotional connection.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. These are my honest opinions. 

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★★★

Important Window Business

 There’s something peaceful about a cat at the window. No rush, no noise—just quiet watching.

A Single Thread (Book One Cobbled Court Trilogy) by Marie Bostwick

This book (first in the series) is a lovely way to begin the Cobbled Court Quilts series. It gently introduces the women of the neighborhood and the friendships that slowly grow as they come together around quilting and shared life struggles. 

I enjoyed how natural the relationships felt, with faith and encouragement woven into everyday moments rather than feeling forced. It is a comforting, steady story about new beginnings, finding your place, and learning you do not have to walk through hard seasons alone. 

Clean, uplifting, and full of heart, this first book sets the tone perfectly for the rest of the series and made me want to keep reading.

★★★★★

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