Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan - A Review

This one has that soft, nostalgic pull that just settles in and stays with you. The beach setting, the summer memories, and the feeling of first love lingering into adulthood all come together in a way that feels effortless and real.

Sam was easy to connect with. Her mix of longing, uncertainty, and trying to figure out what she really wants felt honest, especially as the past and present start to overlap. The story moves between timelines adds depth, and makes the emotional payoff hit even harder. Wyatt especially stands out in a quiet, steady way that just sticks with you.

It balances romance with reflection. It’s not just about who she ends up with, but about growing up, letting go of old versions of yourself, and being brave enough to choose differently. It feels tender without being overly dramatic, and emotional without feeling heavy.

Overall, this was warm, romantic, and really satisfying. The kind of book you finish and just sit with for a minute because it leaves you feeling so full.

★★★★★

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Perspective - Quote

This quote reminds me how often stress comes from stories I create in my head rather than what is actually happening. When I slow down and stay present, most worries lose their power and clarity feels a lot more reachable.

Honor Thy Mother by Sarita T. Lyons

This one takes a heavy topic and handles it with so much care that it feels supportive instead of overwhelming. The tone is gentle, honest, and encouraging, and it creates space to actually sit with some deeper emotions.

I  appreciated this from a place of already having a healthy relationship with my mom. I’ve been really blessed in that area, but even so, I found myself lifting up prayers for some of the situations and examples shared. It gave me a different kind of perspective and a lot of compassion for stories that are very different from my own.

It balances truth and healing through scripture. It doesn’t avoid the hard parts of mother relationships, but it keeps guiding you back toward growth, understanding, and peace in a way that feels real. A lot of it felt validating and meaningful, even when it wasn’t personally relatable.

There is some repetition, but it felt more like grounding than anything else. The message stays steady, and that consistency made it stick more for me.

Overall, this is a meaningful, healing read. Gentle, thoughtful, and the kind of book that leaves you feeling lighter and more aware of others.

★★★★½

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

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Pinkie the Pink Elephant by George J. Linsenmeyer, III; Illustrated by Artsoluki - A Review

This is such a bright, feel good little read. It has that classic children’s book charm with a warm, encouraging message at its core. Pinkie stands out right away, and it’s easy to see how kids would connect with the idea of being different and learning to accept that. A few parts of the wording felt a little off, but it didn’t take away from the overall heart of the story.

The illustrations are definitely a highlight. They’re colorful, playful, and full of personality, and they really bring the story to life. It’s the kind of book that feels fun to read together and easy for kids to come back to again and again.

The story itself is simple and easy to follow, which works really well for younger readers. It keeps things light while still sharing an important message about confidence and being yourself.

As a mom to five grown children with grandbabies, I always appreciate books like this that can be shared across ages and spark those small but meaningful conversations.

Overall, this is a sweet, uplifting read that’s perfect for young kids and makes a great read aloud.

★★★★

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

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Under One Roof (The STEMinist Novellas, #1) by Ali Hazelwood - A Review

This was such a fun, quick read. It has all the Ali Hazelwood things I love smart characters, forced proximity, awkward tension, and banter that actually made me smile. Since it’s a novella, it doesn’t try to overdo anything, and I liked that it sticks to being light and entertaining.

The forced roommates setup really works here. The tension builds fast but still feels natural, and the chemistry between Mara and Liam is easy and believable. I also liked that both of them feel capable and grounded, even when they’re a little messy emotionally. It makes their dynamic feel more satisfying.

Overall, this is a cozy, low stress romance that delivers exactly what you want it to. Flirty, smart, and easy to read. It might not stick with me forever, but it was a great time while I was in it.

★★★★

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Cougar Cub Tales: I'm Just Like You Sharon Cramer - A Review

Cougar Cub Tales: Lost and Alone is basically a survival story made just right for little kids, but it still packs a punch. It follows Trident, a tiny cub who gets separated from his family, and it feels more like a calm nature show turned into a bedtime story than a loud cartoon.

You can tell Cramer is a fine artist. The forest isn’t overly cute, it’s rich, a little shadowy, and feels real. It gives the whole story a bit more depth than you’d expect.

Trident’s fear is super relatable too. It totally captures that lost in the grocery store feeling, which makes his bravery feel real and not forced.

It’s short, sweet, and doesn’t go overboard on the sugary stuff. It respects that nature can be both beautiful and a little scary.

Such a great read aloud, with lots of heart and just enough edge to keep kids hooked. Perfect for animal loving kiddos.

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5-Minute Aesop's Fables by Ilanit Oliver - A Review

As a mom of five and now a grandma, I’ve read my fair share of children’s books over the years, and this one really feels special. It’s such a sweet and easy win, especially on those busy days when you still want to slow down and share a meaningful moment with your kids or grandkids. I love that each story truly only takes a few minutes, which makes it perfect for bedtime or even just a quick cuddle and read during the day.

The stories are simple and clear, but they still carry those classic lessons we all grew up with from Aesop. I appreciate how natural it feels when those messages come through. It never feels heavy or like you’re lecturing, just gentle reminders about kindness, honesty, and making good choices.

Honestly, this is one of those books I know I’d keep close by and reach for again and again, whether I’m reading to my own children or my grandbabies. It’s comforting, easy, and full of heart.

Perfect for families, classrooms, or anyone who loves short, thoughtful stories.

★★★★★

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This is an honest review.

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A Gift, Not Earned

 

What we earn on our own leads nowhere good, 

but what God freely gives leads to life. Grace changes everything. 

I’m grateful every day for a gift I could never earn but desperately needed.

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

It’s heavy, slow and emotionally intense. Kristin Hannah really knows how to make you feel the weight of survival, especially through ordinary people who just keep going even when everything is stacked against them.

Elsa’s journey is the heart of this story. I admired her quiet strength and resilience, and I appreciated that her growth wasn’t sudden or dramatic. It felt earned, shaped by loss, hardship, and the need to protect her children at all costs. The historical setting is bleak and uncomfortable, but it felt honest, and that made the emotions hit harder.

Some sections felt repetitive in how bleak things became, and I occasionally wished for a little more balance or breathing room. It’s not something I’d recommend if you’re looking for an uplifting or fast‑paced read.

Overall, this is a powerful, well‑written story that left an impression on me. It’s not my all time favorite Kristin Hannah novel, but it’s one I respect a lot and won’t forget anytime soon.

★★★★

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Fudge Pie - Old family recipe

 

Grandma’s classic 4 ingredient fudge pie made easy in the microwave rich chocolate flavor, simple steps, and pure comfort in every bite I made this almost every week in my teenage years and it still feels like home.

Allegiant by Veronica Roth (#3 in series) - A Review

 

Allegiant was the most challenging book in the trilogy for me, but I still found it meaningful and worthwhile. I appreciated how the story expanded beyond the city and finally answered long-standing questions about the world and why it exists the way it does. While the shift in setting and perspective took some adjusting, it made the stakes feel bigger and more personal at the same time.

Tris continues to grow in complicated ways here. Her choices felt heavier, and the themes of sacrifice and moral responsibility were front and center. I didn’t always agree with her decisions, but I respected that they came from conviction rather than convenience. Seeing the characters deal with uncomfortable truths and broken systems made this book feel more reflective than action-driven.

The pacing was uneven, and parts of the plot felt emotionally draining rather than exciting. Some explanations went on too long, and the dual perspectives weren’t always balanced. Still, the emotional core carried me through, especially as everything built toward the ending.

★★★★

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Bad Dates Club by Mary Newnham - A Review

Bad Dates Club by Mary Newnham was a messy, very real look at modern dating, but it did not totally win me over. I really liked the friendship between Maddie and Violet more than romance, and honestly, that was the heart of the book for me. Their dynamic felt natural, funny, and relatable, especially with all the awkward dates, bad decisions, and “why are we like this?” moments along the way.

The book has charm, and some parts made me smile because they felt so true to the chaos of dating in your 30s. I also appreciated that it focused a lot on female friendship, personal growth, and figuring out what you want instead of just chasing romance.

That said, it took me quite a while to get into (over halfway), and the pacing felt a little uneven at times. Some scenes were really entertaining, while others just didn’t land as well for me.

★★★

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Insurgent (Divergent, #2) by Veronica Roth - A Review

Insurgent felt heavier and more emotional than Divergent, and I appreciated the shift. Tris is dealing with real guilt and grief, and while that made her harder to like at times, it also made her feel more realistic. Her struggle with the consequences of her choices gave the story more depth and weight.

I liked how the world expanded in this book. Seeing the different factions interact beyond their stereotypes was interesting, and the constant movement kept the story tense. The stakes felt higher, and the sense of not knowing who to trust added to the unease. The themes of control, truth, and sacrifice were stronger here, even when the plot got complicated.

That said, Insurgent did feel messy at times. Some conflicts dragged on, and Tris’s decisions were frustrating more often than not. The pacing was uneven, and I occasionally felt overwhelmed by how much was happening without enough payoff right away. Still, the ending pulled things together and made the emotional journey feel worthwhile.

★★★★

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Reminders of Greece by Francesca Catlow - A Review

Reminders of Greece by Francesca Catlow has such a beautiful, wistful setup: sun-drenched islands, buried family secrets, old love, new love, and a mother-daughter relationship at the heart of it all. There’s real warmth in the story, and the Greek setting is easily its strongest feature — it feels nostalgic, dreamy, and full of longing.

There’s something genuinely moving about two women carrying unspoken truths while trying to protect each other, and I liked the themes of love, loss, identity, and belonging. At times, it really did feel tender and heartfelt.

I kept waiting for it to land with more force. A lot of the emotions were explained again and again instead of just being allowed to speak for themselves, which made some of the bigger moments feel less powerful than they should have. I also found the pacing quite slow, and some of the reveals felt obvious long before they happened. So while I liked the story and connected with parts of it, it never fully swept me away.

I wanted this to hit harder emotionally than it did. However, In the end, this was a warm, atmospheric read with a strong sense of place and a touching emotional core — I just wish it had trusted its readers more and delivered its emotional punches with a little more subtlety.

★★★

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Sunset Calm Over East Texas Waters

There’s nothing quite like an East Texas sunset settling over the lake.

 

Divergent (Divergent, #1) by Veronica Roth - A Review

I really enjoyed Divergent more than I expected to. It pulled me in quickly, and once Tris made her choice, I wanted to keep reading to see how she would survive in a world that suddenly felt dangerous and unpredictable. I liked that Tris wasn’t fearless or perfect. She was scared a lot, and that made her courage feel real and relatable.

The faction system was interesting and easy to understand, but also unsettling the more I thought about it. It made me question how limiting it would be to define people by just one trait. I also enjoyed the training scenes and the tension that built as Tris tried to figure out where she belonged and who she could trust.

There were a few moments that felt predictable, and some parts of the story could have been developed a bit more. Still, the action, emotion, and characters kept me invested. Overall, this was a solid dystopian read that made me eager to continue the series.

★★★★

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Hook, Line, and Sinker (Bellinger Sisters, #2) by Tessa Bailey

This one was a solid but slightly uneven read for me. I really enjoyed returning to the Bellinger Sisters world and spending more time with Fox, who had depth and vulnerability that felt genuine. His emotional arc was the strongest part of the book and kept me engaged even when the story slowed.

Hannah, however, didn’t always work for me as a lead. At times her self doubt felt repetitive, which made the romance drag instead of simmer. The slow burn was intentional, but it leaned a little too heavy on internal hesitation rather than forward momentum.

That said, Tessa Bailey still shines when it comes to dialogue and chemistry. When the characters finally connect, those moments feel earned and emotionally satisfying. The friend group, town setting, and underlying themes of self worth added warmth to the story, even if the pacing didn’t always cooperate.

Overall, this was a decent follow up that just didn’t hit the same high notes as the first book for me. 

★★★

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling - A Review

This book left a weight on me that lingered long after I finished, and not in a bad way. Just a heavy, honest kind of feeling. It did not offer the comfort or wonder of the earlier books, and I think that is exactly why it works. Reading it felt like saying goodbye.

This journey felt draining, slow, and uncertain, everything became bleak.  They were tired, scared, and unsure, and the story never let them escape that.  Watching Harry step into leadership was especially powerful, not because he was confident or eager, but because he understood there was no other option.

Certain losses happened so quickly that I barely had time to process them, and I found myself wishing the story had paused long enough to let the grief fully settle. The ending worked for me emotionally and thematically, even if part of it felt almost too clean compared to the slow, painful journey that led there.

This was not my favorite book in the series, but it was a meaningful and necessary ending.

★★★★

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The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez - A Review

Abby Jimenez is hands down my favorite rom com author, and books like this are a big reason why. She consistently delivers stories that balance emotion, warmth, and realism, and this one fits beautifully into that pattern.

This is a quiet, character driven romance that leans into tenderness rather than big dramatic moments. The characters feel grounded and familiar, and their relationship develops at a pace that feels natural and earned. The emotional layers around grief, healing, and timing are handled with care, making the story feel sincere throughout.

The romance was steady. It wasn’t flashy or over the top, but it was meaningful, with small moments that carried real weight. There were a few scenes where the emotional timing felt a little too neatly arranged, which pulled me out briefly, but not enough to diminish the overall experience.

This book reflects exactly why Abby Jimenez remains my go to rom com author. Thoughtful, heartfelt, and comforting, with just enough emotional depth to stay with you after the last page.

★★★★1/4

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The Gift Basket Was Claimed

My human put some things in a basket and walked away. That’s usually my cue.

 

The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley - A Review

I really wanted to love this one because the setup is deliciously creepy and the Paris setting should have done a lot of heavy lifting. Unfortunately, it never fully clicked for me. The rotating viewpoints felt more exhausting than intriguing, and instead of building tension, the story often spun in place. I kept waiting for that moment when everything snapped together and made the slow burn feel worthwhile, but it never quite arrived.

There are interesting ideas here and a few genuinely tense scenes, but they are buried under repetitive inner monologues and characters that are easier to tolerate than to care about. By the end, the reveals felt predictable rather than shocking, which took the edge off what should have been a sharp psychological thriller.

Not a terrible read, just one that did not live up to its own promise or hype. If you love atmospheric mysteries and do not mind a leisurely pace, you might enjoy it more than I did. For me, it was fine but forgettable.

★★

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People We Meet on Vacation Henry, Emily - A Review

I loved the friends to lovers setup and the bouncing around through Poppy and Alex’s trips together. Watching the gaps slowly fill in made everything hurt a little more in the best way.

Poppy’s chaotic golden retriever energy paired with Alex’s quiet soul worked so well. Their talks felt awkward, funny, and painfully real. The slow burn was very slow and yes I did want to yell just communicate already more than once.  

Poppy didn’t always hit for me, but when it all finally came together, it absolutely paid off. This one is about timing, growth, and choosing joy over comfort, and that’s what made it stick.

★★★★

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Trusting the Path

 

I don’t always see the whole picture, but He does. When I surrender my plans and acknowledge Him in every step, He’s faithful to guide me exactly where I need to go.

Wanda the Warthog Who Worried by Frances Stickley - A Review

This one was an easy five stars for me. I’m always looking for picture books that open the door to real conversations without feeling heavy-handed, and Wanda the Warthog Who Worried does that beautifully. The writing has a gentle, reassuring tone (with a few genuinely funny moments), and the message about comparison and self-acceptance comes through in a way that feels kind—not preachy. The illustrations are bold and expressive, and they add so much personality.

This great read-aloud will connect, comfort, and spark a conversation. I’d happily recommend this to families, classrooms, and anyone who wants a warm story that helps kids feel good about being themselves.

I received an advance review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

★★★★★

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In Conclusion, Don’t Worry About It by Lauren Graham -A Review

I ADORE Gilmore Girls, and I will not disclose how many times I have watched and rewatched the series, so hearing Lauren Graham’s cadence and personality come through on the page was a big part of the appeal. It immediately felt familiar and comforting.

I enjoyed her warmth and self awareness, and how relaxed the reading experience was overall. There’s no pressure to take notes or find profound takeaways, and I actually appreciated that. What held it back for me was how uneven my connection was from chapter to chapter. Some essays genuinely clicked and made me smile or nod along, while others felt like background noise I drifted through without much emotional engagement.

At times I wanted her to linger longer on the more vulnerable or thoughtful moments instead of smoothing them over with humor. Still, I respected how unpretentious the book was. It never tried to package itself as life advice or motivational wisdom. It felt more like a gentle reminder that not everything needs a tidy conclusion, and that uncertainty is just part of the process.

Overall, this was an enjoyable but light experience. As a fan, I’m glad I read it, but it’s a book I’ll remember more for the comfort of the voice behind it than for anything particularly lasting.

★★★½

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