The rhyming makes it a fun read-aloud, and the gentle message about courage, faith, and facing fear comes through in a warm, kid-friendly way. This would be a really cute pick for families wanting a story with heart.
I received an advance review copy through NetGalley, and all opinions are my own.
★★★★★
There’s a lot of insight packed in here. The mix of research, real stories, and explanations really shows how trauma shows up in everyday life, and why healing isn’t just about changing your thoughts. Some parts really clicked for me and gave me a whole new perspective.
It can feel dense and a bit overwhelming in places. There’s a lot to take in, and it’s not something I could just sit and fly through without breaks. Definitely more of a slow, take your time kind of read. Take notes. Reread.
I actually have both the Kindle and paperback versions in my library, and I like having both since it’s the kind of book I’ll probably come back to.
Overall, it’s powerful, eye opening, and worth the time, even if it’s not the easiest read.
★★★★☆
It is difficult to give a full review since the ARC copy only included three of the devotionals, but even from this limited glimpse, the heart of the book is clear.
Come, Follow Me Living as a Disciple of Jesus keeps things refreshingly simple and grounded, focusing less on lofty ideas and more on how faith shows up in everyday life. It centers on Jesus’ invitation to follow Him not just in belief, but in the daily choices we make, which immediately drew me in.
The book is structured around short, Scripture based reflections paired with practical, actionable steps. Nothing feels overwhelming or performative. Instead, it leans into small, meaningful rhythms like prayer, hospitality, service, and showing up for others in tangible ways.
What stood out most is the tone. It is warm, welcoming, and full of grace, speaking equally to new believers and those who have been walking this path for years. The reflections acknowledge the doubts and struggles of the original disciples, which makes the call to follow Jesus feel honest and human rather than idealized. There is a consistent reminder that transformation flows from God’s love, not from pressure to strive.
It also feels very versatile. This could easily be used for personal quiet time, a small group study, a seasonal focus, or even as a meaningful gift. The keepsake style and invitational voice make it something you can return to without guilt, which makes consistent use feel more natural.
If you are looking for deep theological analysis, this is not that kind of book. But if you want encouragement, clarity, and a gentle nudge toward living your faith with intention, this devotional serves as a steady companion. It leaves you with a simple but powerful question that lingers after each reading: what does following Jesus look like for me today?
★★★★★
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
Release Date August 1, 2026
This bright and engaging book is a delightful blend of education and hands on creativity. Cooking with Fruit stands out immediately for its vibrant, colorful pages that draw readers in and make the learning experience feel fun and inviting from the very beginning.Rose Miles does a wonderful job connecting simple, approachable recipes with educational themes, making this more than just a cookbook. Each recipe feels thoughtfully paired with learning opportunities, helping readers understand not only how to prepare the food, but also why it matters. It is especially effective for younger readers or families who want to bring learning into everyday activities in a natural, enjoyable way.
The recipes themselves are practical and easy to follow, making them accessible for beginners while still being interesting enough to hold attention. The focus on fruit adds a fresh, healthy element, and the variety keeps things from feeling repetitive. It is easy to imagine using this book in a homeschool setting, classroom, or even just for fun weekend cooking with kids.
What truly makes this book shine is the balance between education and enjoyment. It never feels overly instructional or dry. Instead, it encourages curiosity, creativity, and confidence in the kitchen while reinforcing useful knowledge.
Overall, Cooking with Fruit is a cheerful, well-designed resource that successfully blends learning and cooking into one enjoyable experience. It is a wonderful addition for anyone looking to make education more interactive and delicious.
★★★★★
Release Date: June 16, 2026
This is one of those self-help books that is relatable right from the beginning. It taps into that feeling of going through the motions where everything looks fine on the outside, but you’re wondering what you actually want next.
I will say I am definitely guilty of the Rushing Drift for sure, and this book really made me recognize how easy it is to fall into that pattern without even realizing it.
The idea of living on autopilot really stood out to me and how easy it is to drift into routines, expectations, and habits without questioning them. The author explains this so well and shows how it doesn’t usually happen all at once, but through small choices over time that slowly pull you away from what you actually want.
The exercises are not just there for filler, they actually make you pause and reflect. Some help you figure out what really matters to you, others help you spot patterns in your life, and some gently encourage you to start making small changes. I really liked that they felt realistic and not overwhelming. It’s not about flipping your whole life upside down, but making small, intentional shifts that add up.
The tone is very supportive and encouraging, almost like someone sitting down with you and helping you think things through without judgment. It definitely feels like a book you go through slowly, maybe even with a notebook nearby so you can really engage with the prompts.
This title is especially good if you’re feeling a little stuck or like you’re just going through the motions and want to start making more intentional choices.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
★★★★★
Release Date: September 15, 2026
I enjoyed this book and found it to be such a rich, thoughtful read. It’s not a quick or light book, it is very informative. It’s one you take your time with, reflect on, and maybe even come back to again. It blends gardening with mindfulness and spirituality in a way that feels very intentional and meaningful.
As a gardener, my absolute favorite part was the recipes. I loved the idea of using what you grow to create something beautiful and delicious. It added such a rewarding, hands on element and really inspired me to think about my own garden in a new way.
This book also came at the perfect time for me. I’ve mainly focused on vegetables, but I’ve been wanting to branch more into flowers. The rose sections especially are incredibly detailed. You can tell how much knowledge and research the author has, and if you’re even a little curious about roses, there is so much to learn here.
I also appreciated the deeper approach the book takes. It’s about more than just gardening, it’s about creating a space that feels peaceful and personal. While it is definitely a more immersive read, I found that to be part of its charm.
Overall, this was a beautifully written, informative, and inspiring book that I really appreciated. It made me want to slow down, spend more time in my garden, and explore new ways of growing.
Thank you to The Collective Book Studio and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
★★★★
From the Archives - 2010
My four oldest kids are in Atlanta this summer, and today the boys got to climb Stone Mountain. My grandparents lived there when I was growing up, and we visited often—our whole crew of cousins racing to the top like it was a competition. I knew that mountain by heart.
One of my favorite memories is from a church youth trip when we stopped there to climb. Such good times and great friends.
This was such an easy, feel good read with a cozy charm that really pulled me in. The Scottish setting is a big part of the appeal, and it’s described in a way that makes you want to pack up and go there immediately. It has that peaceful, small town atmosphere that just feels comforting.
I liked how character focused it is. The story leans into personal growth, new beginnings, and finding your place, and it does it in a gentle, steady way. The relationships feel warm and genuine, and it’s easy to settle into the rhythm of the story without feeling rushed.
It’s definitely on the lighter side, so if you’re looking for high drama or big twists, this isn’t that kind of book. But for what it is, it works really well. It’s calm, uplifting, and just nice to spend time in.
Overall, this is a cozy, satisfying read that’s perfect when you want something comforting and easy to get lost in.
Thomas does a wonderful job building characters that feel real and relatable, allowing readers to connect with their struggles, growth, and bond. The pacing is steady and thoughtful, giving each moment space to breathe and resonate.
The writing style is clear making it an easy yet meaningful read. It is also a wonderful read aloud book, easily encouraging thoughtful conversation and connection, whether shared with children, students, or a group setting. There is a warmth in the storytelling reflecting on the importance of companionship, understanding, and perseverance.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.
★★★★★
I really enjoyed the chemistry between the characters. The banter was cute, a little flirty, and kept things light without feeling forced. It’s definitely the kind of story you read for the vibes more than anything super deep, and it delivers on that.
Since it’s shorter, I didn’t feel super emotionally attached, but I still had a good time with it. It made me smile, and honestly sometimes that’s exactly what I’m looking for in a read like this.
Overall, a really enjoyable and cozy little romance that’s perfect for a quick pick-me-up.
★★★★
Sometimes life just stinks. No silver lining, no lesson—just a heavy, frustrating day. Today felt like that. Not all of it, though.Before I could stay there too long, my two‑year‑old grabbed my hand, pulled me into the living room, and insisted we dance to a song from Robin Hood. Just like that, everything shifted a little.So here we go—time to count the blessings again.Dancing with my kidsSticky, unexpected kissesFirst wordsBelly laughsLittle whispers“Mom, I love you”A car that worksPetsComfort moviesLittle hands and feetSoft music in the backgroundFresh sheetsAir conditioningThe day doesn’t fix itself. Life still feels messy. But there are small, steady blessings sitting right in the middle of it, waiting to be noticed.
I’m not usually a big CoHo fan, but this one is easily in my top three. The structure hooked me right away, with Fallon and Ben only meeting on the same date each year. It gives the story a built-in tension and makes every chapter feel significant. You watch them grow separately and together, which made their connection feel more earned than rushed.
Fallon’s backstory adds real weight, especially how it shapes her confidence and choices, and Ben is charming at first but becomes more complicated as the story unfolds. The twist shifts everything and forces you to rethink what you’ve read, which I appreciated even if parts of it felt a little heavy.
It’s emotional without completely tipping over into melodrama, and it stayed with me after I finished. Not perfect, but memorable and worth the read.
★★★★
I really enjoyed this one and found it to be a gripping, fast paced read that kept me engaged the entire time. The tension builds steadily, and the story leans into that unsettling feeling of not quite knowing who to trust or what’s coming next. It has that page turning quality that makes it hard to put down.
The book does a solid job blending suspense with emotional stakes. The characters feel real enough to stay invested in, and there’s a strong sense of urgency throughout. Some moments feel especially intense because they tap into realistic fears, which adds to the overall impact.
I read along on Kindle while listening to the audiobook, and I HIGHLY recommend that experience. The narration truly elevates the story. It adds depth to the characters and enhances the tension in a way that makes key scenes even more compelling. This is absolutely one of those books where the audio version makes a great story even better.
Overall, this is a strong, immersive read that I would definitely recommend to thriller and suspense fans, especially in audio format.
★★★★
Piper is a lot at first, but she grew on me a bit as the story went on. I liked seeing her figure things out and find her footing outside of her usual world. Brendan is solid as the grumpy, steady counterpart, but their dynamic didn’t always feel as swoony to me as I expected.
The chemistry is there, and the banter can be fun, but parts of the relationship felt a little rushed or surface level. I wanted a bit more emotional depth to really balance out the physical side of things. The small town setting is cozy though, and that added a nice comfort read feel.
Overall, it’s an easy, entertaining romance with some great moments, but it didn’t quite stick with me. Good for a light, quick read, just not a standout for me.
This was a solid, middle of the road romance for me. I appreciated the relatable theme of unresolved feelings that linger longer than expected. The story had moments that genuinely worked, especially when it leaned into character vulnerability instead of clever banter.
There is charm here. The writing is good and engaging, the romance is easy to follow, and readers who enjoy low angst contemporary stories may find this satisfying.
★★★
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
