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

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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Built on the Rock

This verse always feels like a gentle reality check for me. It reminds me that hearing truth is only the beginning. The real work happens when I try to live it out in everyday choices, conversations, and reactions. Building on the rock does not feel dramatic most days. It looks like small, steady obedience when no one is watching. I am learning that those quiet decisions are what keep me grounded when life gets shaky.

Living Set Apart in Everyday Moments

1 Corinthians 6:11

And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (NIV)

Sanctified

                 The word “sanctified” means to be set apart.  When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, God sets us apart.  He expects us to be different from those who are not sanctified.  He has a specific purpose for us.  Can people tell that we are different form the unbelievers?  Do we have to wear a cross around our neck or have some kind of Christian symbol on our car for people to know we are different?  They should be able to tell by our speech what we do, what we don’t do and even how we drive.  Think about what you did yesterday, what you said, what you didn’t do and how you drove.  Were you a reflection of Jesus?  Let us practice being true to our sanctification.  Let us demonstrate to the world how a sanctified person acts, speaks and the things we don’t do.  Let us consistently honor our calling to follow our Lord Jesus, God’s Son, by reflecting Him in all we are. 

Devotion by Ginger Chapman

When I think about being sanctified, I remember that it is not about looking religious, it is about living changed. Following Jesus means something happened on the inside, and over time it should show on the outside. Not perfectly, but honestly.

I catch myself realizing how easy it is to blend in, to talk the same way, react the same way, or rush through life without thinking about who I represent. Sanctification reminds me to slow down and ask, does this sound like Jesus, does this reflect His patience, His kindness, His love.

Sometimes it is the small things. How I speak when I am tired. How I respond when I am frustrated. Even how I drive when I am in a hurry. Those moments reveal more than church stickers ever could.

Being set apart does not mean being better than others. It means being aware that my life is meant to point to Him. Every day is another chance to practice living like I belong to Jesus and to let the Spirit shape how I act, speak, and love.

Finding Stillness Along the Limestone Creeks of Austin, Texas

Sometimes Austin surprises you with how calm it can be. You’ll come across a stretch of limestone and water like this, and everything just slows down on its own.

The creek moves gently over the rock, collecting in shallow pools that reflect the sky. The limestone is worn smooth in places, rough in others, showing exactly how much time it’s been sitting here doing its thing. Leaves gather along the edges, the water stays clear, and nothing feels rushed.

This isn’t the kind of place you hike hard to reach or plan a whole day around. It’s the kind of place you stop at without meaning to—and then stay longer than expected. You stand there, listen to the water, watch the light shift, and forget about whatever was on your mind a few minutes before.

Austin has a lot of energy, but spots like this are a reminder that there’s also plenty of quiet if you know where to look. Just water, rock, and a little space to breathe.

---

 

Kalbi

The ribs hit the grill with a sweet, smoky sizzle, caramelizing to that perfect island char. One bite delivered everything the dish was known for in Hawaiʻi—tender meat, bold flavor, and the familiar comfort of home.

Korean short ribs - one of my ALL-TIME favorite recipes

4 lb. short ribs
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 cup minced green onions
1/2 teaspoon minced ginger pool / teaspoon sesame oil
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon minced garlic

If short ribs are thick, score on both sides. In a large bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Marinate short ribs in sauce for 4 hours. Arrange ribs on rack of broiler pan. Broil 3 inches from until in electric oven for 3 lo 5 on each side. Makes 6 servings.

A Not So Meet Cute by Meghan Quinn - A Review

Far, far far  too spicy for me—I almost DNFed it. Definitely need to start checking spice levels before picking books!

Still, it’s a cute, over-the-top romcom that knows exactly what it is. The fake engagement trope is fun, the banter is great, and Lachlan and Lottie’s chemistry works.

Light, funny, and very steamy. The audiobook narrators were fantastic. Awful title, though!

Awful title, though!

★★★(extra ★ if you like steam)

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Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens - A Review

Where the Crawdads Sing is a quiet, emotional story about loneliness, resilience, and the need to belong. Set in the marshes of North Carolina, the novel follows Kya Clark, the so called Marsh Girl, who grows up largely abandoned and must learn how to survive on her own.

Kya’s coming of age unfolds alongside a small town mystery, and the two storylines slowly weave together. Owens’ nature writing is the true standout. The marsh feels alive, almost like a character itself, offering beauty, danger, and refuge in equal measure.

While parts of the story move at a slower pace, the emotional weight carries it forward. It is an immersive and heartfelt read that lingers after the final page. 

★★★★

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Raccoon Key Donnah M. Cole - A Review

Raccoon Key is an easy mystery with a strong sense of place and a dual timeline built around a real unsolved lighthouse death from the 1870s. Cole does a great job bringing the coastal setting to life, the marshes, water, and island community feel vivid throughout the story. The historical mystery is interesting, and the slow-burn, second-chance romance adds some emotional depth without overwhelming the plot. 

The book leans heavily on description, and while fans of detailed prose may enjoy this, it often slows the story down. The momentum noticeably dips before the middle. With tighter editing, the story could have been trimmed without losing anything essential, allowing the mystery to feel more engaging and focused. 

Overall, this is a solid, pleasant read with a compelling concept and strong atmosphere. Best suited for readers who enjoy calm, descriptive mysteries and don’t mind a slower pace.

★★★½

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Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. These are my honest thoughts.

Snuggling Memories of My Little One

These photos mean even more now Those soft snuggles, the warm little body, the way he trusted completely — those moments stay with me.

He may be gone now, but these memories bring back all the sweetness of who he was. The gentle cuddles. I’m grateful for every second of it. These quiet moments are the ones that last. (YES, we were laying on the couch watching TV together.)

 

This chair has been officially claimed

One look says it all: comfortable, confident, and not moving anytime soon.

 

Don’t Let This Get Out in Pinckard by Celeste King Conner - A Review

This is a quiet but heavy story that slowly settles in rather than grabbing you right away. Set in a small Alabama town, it focuses on secrets, silence, and the way people choose comfort over truth. The atmosphere feels tight and tense, full of things everyone knows but refuses to say.

The characters are believable and flawed, and their choices make sense even when they’re frustrating. Nothing feels overdramatic. Instead, the story stays focused on the emotional weight of keeping secrets and how that silence impacts an entire community. It’s a slower read, but it lingers afterward.

Readers who enjoy literary, character driven stories will likely connect with this one. It’s not for everyone, but it resonates strongly with the audience it’s meant for.

★★★★

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

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Crockpot Lemon Butter Chicken

From the archives:

Easy crockpot lemon chicken with a buttery sauce that’s perfect over mashed potatoes or rice.

6-8 boneless chicken breasts

1 cup lemon juice
1/2 stick butter (no substitute)
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Put all in crockpot and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours, or cook on HIGH for 5-6 hours.

This is good served with mashed potatoes or rice. The lemon sauce is great over the potatoes or rice.

The Emergency Playbook by Amy Edelman and Chris Begley - A Review

This book has strong ideas and clearly comes from experienced voices in emergency management. The authors cover preparation, communication, and leadership in a way that feels grounded in real world situations, and the core message is practical and relevant for anyone involved in crisis planning or response.

Unfortunately, the presentation makes it harder to fully benefit from the content. The book relies on constant changes in font, size, bold text, and italics, which quickly becomes distracting. There are no usable charts or lists, and what could have been helpful visual breakdowns are instead poorly structured and difficult to follow. Because of this, the book really needs reformatting to improve clarity and readability. As a reference style resource, it feels more exhausting than efficient.

Overall, the ideas are solid, but the layout works against them. With cleaner formatting and clearly organized lists or charts, this could be a much more effective and reader friendly guide.

★★★

I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon link, small commission may apply  Release date June 23, 2026