Sunday, March 22, 2026
Family Recipes - Derby Pie
3/4 c. sugar
1 c. chocolate chip morsels
1 tsp. vanilla
1 unbaked pie shell
½ c. all-purpose flour
2 eggs
Melt margarine and cool. Mix sugar and flour. Add margarine. Slightly beat the eggs and add to the preceding mixture. Add chocolate chips and vanilla. Pour into pie shell and bake 40 minutes at 350°. Serve hot or cold with ice cream or whipped cream. I always double this.
Saturday, March 21, 2026
In Our Bones - Quote
John
Piper
Friday, March 20, 2026
More Than Friends by Denise Hunter, Narrated by Kim Churchill - A Review
Jenna and Ty’s relationship felt easy and familiar in the best way. Growing up as next-door neighbors and best friends gave their chemistry a natural foundation and watching that friendship shift into something deeper was handled beautifully. Their connection never felt rushed, and the emotional development between them was believable and heartfelt. I especially appreciated how the story explored finding your place in life, career uncertainty, the realities of dating a first responder, and the idea of what “home” really means.
Bad Words by Rioghnach Robinson - A Review
I loved this book. Truly loved it. Clear‑the‑schedule, just‑one‑more‑chapter‑that‑turns‑into‑the‑last‑chapter loved it. Easy five stars and the kind of read that pulls you straight out of a reading slump.
The premise hooked me immediately. Parker Navarro is an author still carrying the sting of a brutal review written years ago by Selina Chan, a high‑profile literary critic. When she’s assigned to review his next book, they clash publicly, the argument goes viral, and suddenly their long‑standing tension is great for his sales and her publication’s traffic. Messy. Complicated. Completely irresistible.
What makes this book stand out is that it’s not just banter and chemistry, though it absolutely delivers on both. It dives into the publishing world, criticism culture, and online discourse in a way that feels sharp, current, and real without ever feeling heavy‑handed. The push and pull between creating and critiquing, and how quickly the internet turns conflict into spectacle, is handled with insight and heart.
Selina and Parker are stubborn, driven, and wonderfully flawed. They don’t just mildly dislike each other — they genuinely clash, and their arguments actually make sense. No flimsy misunderstandings. No dragged‑out drama. Every shift in their dynamic feels earned, and watching them slowly learn to listen instead of react was incredibly satisfying.
Enemies to lovers is done right here. They truly resent each other at the start, professionally and personally, which makes every crack in the armor and every moment of connection hit harder. The romance builds naturally and lands with intensity, tenderness, and real emotional payoff.
I also need to say this: the editing is spectacular. The pacing is tight, the dialogue snaps, and the story flows so smoothly that nothing pulls you out of the experience. The polish on this book is obvious, and it elevates an already fantastic story into something exceptional.
Fast paced but never rushed. Smart without trying too hard. Emotional without losing the fun. I was fully invested from beginning to end, and the final pages had me grinning and immediately wanting to tell someone about it.
I officially have a new favorite author, and I cannot wait to read what Rioghnach Robinson writes next.
If you love sharp dialogue, publishing‑world drama, and romance that actually earns its emotional payoff, do not skip this one.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to St. Martin’s Press for providing an advance review copy
BLUEBERRY DELIGHT DESSERT
Make crust with crushed graham crackers, butter and ¼ cup sugar. Cream the cream cheese and sugar together. Add eggs. Spread mixture over crust. Bake 20 minutes at 350°. Cool and spread with blueberry pie filling, then spread on Cool Whip. Keep refrigerated.
KUNG PAO CHICKEN WITH PEANUTS
KUNG PAO CHICKEN WITH PEANUTS
Whisk egg white lightly with salt and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Add chicken and mix. Set aside. Deep-fry peanuts in a small saucepan until golden. Drain on absorbent paper.
Set aside. In
another bowl, mix sherry, soy, and sugar. Heat wok and add 2 tablespoons peanut
oil. When oil is hot, add chicken and stir-fry until it turns golden. Add
sherry mixture slowly around edges of wok. Add peppers and cook until slightly softened. Add peanuts and mix well. Add 1 to 3
tablespoons pepper oil depending on spiciness desired. Use
cornstarch-water
mixture to thicken if necessary.
I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman - A Review
This was a quiet, heavy read, and I’m glad I chose the audiobook for it. The story is very minimal and bleak, focused more on ideas than plot, which I appreciated in theory even when it felt slow. There’s a lot of reflection and repetition, and at times it felt emotionally distant for me.
The narrator on the audiobook was excellent and honestly
made a big difference. Her calm, steady voice fit the tone perfectly and helped
keep me engaged during the slower sections. Without that performance, I think
this might have been a tougher read.
Overall, this landed right in the middle for me. Thought
provoking and memorable, but not something I loved or would rush to reread.
★★★
Amazon Link, small commission may apply
Visit your local library, I did.
Thursday, March 19, 2026
The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn - A Review
The novel digs into themes like agoraphobia, addiction, alcoholism, grief, anxiety, depression, and distorted memory. Anna shoulders it all and watching her struggle to navigate reality — or decide if she even wants to — gives the thriller its emotional punch.
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Twenty Something Else by Stephanie Mack - A Review
This book strongly captured that familiar “wait…is this
adulthood?” feeling. It speaks to the season of life where you have checked the
boxes you believed you were supposed to check, yet still feel unsettled. As a
working mom who raised five wonderful humans and who still feels like I am
figuring things out, I connected with the pressure the story places on having
life mapped out and neatly planned. Stephanie Mack’s writing is approachable
and easy to sink into.
That said, this was a mixed reading experience overall.
While the premise is engaging, the story takes time to fully settle into
itself, and my engagement fluctuated as a result. The pacing is uneven. The
middle portion lingers longer than necessary, causing the narrative to lose
momentum, while other moments that deserved deeper exploration moved too
quickly. Several plot threads were introduced with promise but not developed as
fully as they could have been, leaving parts of the story feeling underexplored.
I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator was a notable
strength of the experience. Her performance added nuance to the characters and
helped maintain momentum during slower sections. Emotional scenes were handled
effectively, and the dialogue felt natural and engaging through her delivery.
Overall, this is a solid, character‑driven novel with humor
and heart that did not fully come together at the level I hoped for. Readers
who enjoy reflective stories centered on personal growth and evolving
relationships will likely appreciate it more than I did. While it is not a
standout favorite for me, it was still a worthwhile experience.
★★
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance review copy. All opinions are my own.
Stoicism for Beginners: 7 Simple Principles You Can Use Today
I have been reading several books and researching Stoicism and have discovered something that surprised me. It is not about being emotionless or pretending nothing hurts. It is about building a steady mindset so you can handle what life throws at you and still show up as the person you want to be.
As a Christian, I also see some clear overlap with what Scripture calls us to practice, like self-control, humility, patience, and endurance. For me, Stoic ideas are most helpful when they support my faith, not replace it. They give me practical reminders to pause, pray, choose a wise response, and trust God with the results. Proverbs 16:32 says, “Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.” Romans 12:2 says, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”If you’re new to Stoicism, think of it as a toolkit for
staying steady under pressure and making better choices day to day. Here are a
few core ideas in plain language, followed by quick examples you can try right
away.
- 1.
Focus on what you can control: Put your energy into what’s in your power, like your
choices, effort, attitude, and response. Let go of what isn’t, like other
people, surprises, and outcomes.
- 2.
Love your fate:
Instead of only accepting what happens, look for how you can use it to
learn, adapt, and grow.
- 3.
Prepare for setbacks:
Occasionally imagine things going wrong before they happen, so you’re less
shocked if they do. This can reduce anxiety and help you respond calmly.
- 4.
The obstacle is the way: When something blocks you, treat it as practice.
Obstacles are opportunities to train virtues like patience, courage,
creativity, and discipline.
- 5.
Remember life is short: This isn’t meant to be gloomy. It’s a reminder to
spend your time on what matters and not get stuck on small worries.
- 6.
Think of the bigger community: Remember you’re part of a larger whole. Aim for
empathy, fairness, and service, because your life is connected to other
people’s lives.
- 7.
Self-discipline over ego: Choose humility and temperance over status and
applause. Work on your character, manage impulses, and measure success by
virtue—not validation.
Quick Daily-Life Examples
- At
work:
If a project is delayed for reasons outside your control, stop spiraling
about the outcome and focus on the next action you can take today.
- During
a setback:
Practice loving your fate by treating a failed meeting or missed
opportunity as feedback—then use it to improve.
- When
you’re angry:
Pause and separate the event from your judgment about it. You can choose
not to take offense—and you can choose your response.
- When
setting goals:
Use the fact that life is short as a filter: invest time in relationships
and meaningful work before chasing things that won’t matter later.
Emma of 83rd Street by Audrey Bellezza & Emily Harding - A Review
This was a fine, easy read, but nothing that really wowed me. I liked the general idea and the whole city romance vibe, but honestly, it felt way too long. I kept thinking it would wrap up sooner and it just kept going. By the end, I was a little tired of it.
Some of the dialogue and moments were cute, and I didn’t hate my time with it. I just think it could have used a good trim. There were plenty of scenes I could’ve done without, especially the spicy parts. That’s not really my thing, so I ended up fast forwarding through those, which didn’t help the pacing for me.
Overall, it was okay. Not bad, not great. If you love longer romances with spice, you’ll probably enjoy it more than I did. For me, it was a solid middle of the road read. I will not be continuing the series.
★★★
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Choosing Growth Through Emotional Honesty, Key Quotes - Say Yes to Goodness by Chantal Keide
This collection of highlights captures the heart of Heide’s message: growth is both a choice and a practice. Each quote reinforces the central themes of responsibility, alignment, and emotional openness.
Several quotes focus on the company you keep. Heide reminds readers that people operating from drama or ego may not align with your path, and that’s okay. Growth naturally attracts growth, and surrounding yourself with emotionally mature people strengthens your own evolution.
Altogether, these quotes form meaningful guidance. They encourage readers to rise, to feel deeply, to choose peace, and to believe in the possibilities waiting on the other side of emotional honesty.
Most profound quotes
“Being someone intent on growth myself, I’m going to choose people who aren’t creating drama and seeking people to sympathize with the issues they manifest.”
“It doesn’t take much for someone to turn themselves around and switch from destructive patterns to growth. Just a willingness to identify and overcome one’s own ego.”
“Remember that like attracts like, and if you decide to grow, you’ll find yourself surrounded by people who mirror your emotional goals.”
“What you think is what you are. It can be no other way.”
“You need to learn how to become comfortable feeling uncomfortable.”
“As low as you’ll go emotionally, you’ll be able to access places that are equally high if you give yourself the chance.”
“Allowing yourself to express your grief will cleanse it from your body, and ease it from your soul, giving you space to allow happiness to fill you.”
“You can’t avoid negative feelings, thinking doing so will bring you closer to happier ones. It doesn’t work that way.”
“The more you feel like you already have what you need, the more likely it is you’ll get what you strive for.”
“If you’re looking in the direction of incompleteness, of lack, you’re always going to be there.”
★★
The Dog Park Murders by Angela Barker - A Review
What I liked most is the vibe. It’s not super dark or violent like a lot of crime novels. Instead, it has that cozy mystery feel where you’re following along trying to figure out who did it while dealing with small-town gossip, awkward encounters, and a bunch of dogs running around.
There’s also this dynamic between Juliette and Joel, a cafĂ© owner who claims he hates dogs. Their back-and-forth adds some humor and a bit of romance while they try to solve the case.
The mystery itself is interesting, though the real appeal is the characters and the small-town setting. If you like stories that mix murder, humor, and a little romance, it’s a pretty enjoyable read.
It’s the kind of book you’d pick up when you want a mystery that’s entertaining, light and cozy rather than intense. A perfect palate cleanser.
I received a free ARC from The publisher and NetGalley for my honest review
Amazon Link, small commission may apply
Miss Addison, Green eyed beauty
For St. Patrick's Day I thought I would share my green-eyed goddess. Meet Miss Addison — our country cat who does whatever she wants. Some days she’s on the fence watching everything, other days she’s wandering the yard like she’s on a mission.
She loves fresh air, green grass, and stopping by just long enough to remind us she’s in charge. She fits country life perfectly and makes this place feel like home
For St. Patrick's Day I thought I would share my green-eyed goddess. Meet Miss Addison — our country cat who does whatever she wants. Some days she’s on the fence watching everything, other days she’s wandering the yard like she’s on a mission.
She loves fresh air, green grass, and stopping by just long enough to remind us she’s in charge. She fits country life perfectly and makes this place feel like home
Monday, March 16, 2026
Say Yes To Goodness: 10 Steps To A Complete And Happy You by Chantal Heide - A Review
Say Yes To Goodness has a kind message, but honestly, if you’ve read a few personal growth books before, this one probably won’t surprise you. The ideas about mindset, emotional awareness, and choosing positivity are solid, but they’re also pretty familiar. Nothing really jumped out as fresh or different.
The strongest parts are the sections about emotional acceptance. Heide really leans into the idea of getting comfortable with discomfort, and she shares a lot about her own emotional highs and lows. Those moments feel genuine and give the book some heart, even if the concepts themselves are things many readers have heard before.
If someone is brand new to personal development, this could be a gentle and encouraging starting point. But for anyone who’s been on this journey for a while, it feels more like a reminder than a revelation. Sweet intentions, warm tone, but not much that stands out.
★★
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Dehydrated Oranges for a Better Old Fashioned
I’ve started dehydrating oranges in my Breville air fryer, and they’ve become my favorite garnish for an Old Fashioned. It’s an easy step that makes a big difference. The dried slices keep their color, add a light citrus aroma, and look great in the glass without falling apart like fresh fruit.
Old Fashioneds are all about balance—sweetness, bitterness, and the depth of the whiskey. A dried orange slice adds a final touch that fits right in. As it warms in the drink, it releases a soft, concentrated citrus note that blends naturally with the bitters and bourbon.
The process is simple: slice the oranges evenly, dry them in the air fryer, and let them turn into crisp, bright rounds. They store well, last a long time, and are always ready when I want to make a drink feel a little more special.
It’s a small step, but it really elevates the whole experience.
I’ve started dehydrating oranges in my Breville air fryer, and they’ve become my favorite garnish for an Old Fashioned. It’s an easy step that makes a big difference. The dried slices keep their color, add a light citrus aroma, and look great in the glass without falling apart like fresh fruit.
Old Fashioneds are all about balance—sweetness, bitterness, and the depth of the whiskey. A dried orange slice adds a final touch that fits right in. As it warms in the drink, it releases a soft, concentrated citrus note that blends naturally with the bitters and bourbon.
The process is simple: slice the oranges evenly, dry them in the air fryer, and let them turn into crisp, bright rounds. They store well, last a long time, and are always ready when I want to make a drink feel a little more special.
It’s a small step, but it really elevates the whole experience.
Friday, March 13, 2026
Favorite Quotes from Books - My Friends by Fred Backman
Some quotes don’t just speak to us, they pause us. They make us notice the places where we’ve been shaped, challenged, lifted, or left wondering. These lines from My Friends trace the quiet ways confidence is taken, the power of presence, the ache of loss, and the miracles found in belief and love. They remind us that we are formed not only by what we endure, but also by those who see us, carry us, and help us rise.
Below are the quotes that resonated with me most, followed by my reflections in red.
"A lack of self-confidence is a devastating virus. There’s no cure. "Confidence isn’t lost by accident. It’s taken, slowly, by the world around us.
"Adults often think that self-confidence is something a child learns, but little kids are by their nature always invincible, it’s self-doubt that needs to be taught." We aren’t born questioning ourselves. Someone teaches us to.
"Art is what we leave of ourselves in other people." Every story told, every brushstroke shared, becomes a quiet legacy.
"You can choose to be alone, but no one chooses to be left." Solitude is a decision. Abandonment is a wound.
"Yet the most remarkable thing about losing a parent is that you don’t even need to miss them for their loss to be felt. The basic function of a parent is just to exist. You have to be there, like ballast in a boat, because otherwise your child capsizes." Presence itself is a form of protection.
"The world is full of miracles, but none greater than how far a young person can be carried by someone else’s belief in them." Sometimes faith is the only foundation someone gets.
"Disappointment is a powerful thing. Used correctly, it is stronger than fear, more terrible than physical pain, if you see it in the eyes of the one you love, you’ll do almost anything to make it stop." Love motivates change more deeply than fear ever can."He said that thing that you always said, the thing that painter said. That you should paint like the birds sing. But (he) said it was never like that for him. He said he painted the way we laughed." Art shaped by connection, not instinct. Beauty born from belonging.
All In (Full Tilt #2) by Emma Scott - A Review
Emma Scott knows exactly how to write emotional moments without making them feel heavy just to be heavy. By the end, the book leaves you with that warm, hopeful feeling that things can hurt and still get better. It’s exactly the kind of vibe that made me add her to my auto approved list.
★★★★
Pop’s Casbah Peanut Butter Pie
Pop’s closed long ago, but the peanut butter pie recipe never faded. It passed from friend to friend until it became one of our favorite desserts. Every time we make it, it feels like a small piece of Pop’s Casbah lives on — simple, sweet, and still bringing people together.
1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup confectioners sugar
1 (9 ounce) container Cool Whip
1/3 cup milk
1 (9 inch) crust (pastry, graham or cookie)
1/3 cup peanut butter
Cream together first 4 ingredients. Add vanilla and fold in Cool Whip. Pour into crust and freeze. Serves 6-8.
Peanut Butter Crumbles (2‑Ingredient)
2 tablespoons peanut butter
2–3 tablespoons powdered sugar
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Full Tilt (Full Tilt, #1) by Emma Scott - A Review
Kacey Dawson is a musician caught in a storm of fame, burnout, and self‑destruction. Jonah Fletcher is her opposite in almost every way—steady, thoughtful, quietly brilliant. What makes this book shine is the way their personalities balance each other. Their relationship grows slowly, with a genuine tenderness that gives every scene weight. There’s no rush, no forced drama; just two people finding a safe place in one another.
The emotional pull of the story never feels manipulative. Instead, it’s built through small, intimate moments that show how love can help someone rediscover themselves. The romance is heartfelt, the character growth is meaningful, and the writing captures both the fragility and the fierce beauty of choosing to truly live.
Full Tilt is a book that stays with you—not because of shock or twists, but because it reminds you how powerful a single connection can be.
★★★★
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell - A Review
None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell delivers another tense, twist-filled psychological thriller with None of This Is True. The story revolves around Josie and Alix, two women who cross paths on their 45th birthdays, leading to a web of secrets, lies, and unexpected revelations. Told through podcast transcripts and cinematic-style storytelling, the novel keeps you guessing about what’s real and what’s fabricated.
The suspense is excellent, with several jaw-dropping twists and dark themes that linger long after reading. The structure is creative, and Jewell’s writing draws you into the psychological tension. That said, the characters can be difficult to connect with, and some of their decisions are frustrating, which may make it harder for some readers to fully engage.
Overall, it’s a gripping, unsettling read for fans of intense psychological fiction, but not a light or easy story.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
My Friends by Hisham Matar - A Review
What hit me most was how honestly it talks about growing up and carrying those early bruises around. It nails that teenage mix of thinking you’re unstoppable while also falling apart. Extremely relatable.
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
1 Peter: Sustained by a Living Hope, A 5‑Week Study, Mariel Davenport - A Review
Mariel Davenport’s five‑week study 1 Peter: Sustained by a Living Hope is a warm, encouraging, and easy‑to‑follow guide through the book of 1 Peter. Using the TEND method—Take time to pray, Examine the Scriptures, Notice the lessons, and Do what it says—Davenport helps readers grow in a steady, simple rhythm that makes Scripture feel approachable for anyone.
The study offers gentle guidance for believers who feel
scattered, misunderstood, or weighed down by life. Davenport continually brings
readers back to Peter’s message of living with a steady hope rooted in our
identity in Christ, not our circumstances. Each week connects beautifully to
this theme, making the study feel clear and uplifting.
One of the best parts of this book is how well it teaches
you to study the Bible for yourself. Davenport’s prompts, journaling pages,
tools, videos, and leader helps make this an excellent resource for personal
study or group use. Whether you’re new to Bible study or experienced, the
structure feels supportive and meaningful.
Her focus on remembering who God has made you to be is
especially encouraging. The study invites readers to rest in their inheritance,
trust God’s promises, and live with confidence. The practical application steps
help turn learning into real spiritual growth.
This study fits well in women’s ministry settings as part of
the God Hears Her collection, but its message is helpful for any believer
seeking hope and stability. It’s a wonderful resource for small groups or
personal quiet time—and I will most certainly be purchasing hard copies for
myself.
★★★★★
I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley and Our Daily Bread Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.




















