Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood - A Review

This one was a fun surprise. I didn’t expect to get so pulled into a story about chess, but it ended up being one of my favorite parts. It made everything feel different and actually really interesting without being hard to follow.

I liked Mallory. She felt real, a little stubborn, a little guarded, and easy to understand. Watching her slowly open back up to chess and everything that came with it was honestly satisfying. Nolan was exactly the kind of love interest I enjoy quiet, a little intense, but really soft underneath.

The chemistry was there without feeling over the top, and I liked that the story focused just as much on Mallory figuring herself out as it did on the romance. It had that mix of emotional moments and lighter scenes that kept it balanced.

I had a really good time reading it and stayed invested all the way through.

★★★★

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Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella - A Review

This one was a fun, slightly chaotic read for me. It definitely has that classic Sophie Kinsella energy light, a little over the top, and full of awkward, relatable moments that made me laugh more than once.

The whole idea of a couple being told they might have decades of marriage left and then spiraling into “wait… what now?” was actually really interesting. I liked seeing Dan and Sylvie try to shake things up and “surprise” each other, even if some of their ideas went completely off the rails. Some of those surprises had me cringing and laughing at the same time because they were so well intentioned but such a mess.

I also liked that underneath all the humor, there were real relationship insecurities being explored. It wasn’t just random antics there were moments where it slowed down and showed the cracks, which made it feel a little more grounded.

That said, it did feel a bit drawn out at times, and some of the humor leaned a little too repetitive for me. I found myself more entertained by the situations than truly emotionally invested in the outcome.

Overall, it’s a cute, easy read with plenty of funny moments and classic Kinsella chaos, even if it didn’t completely stick with me.

★★★

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What to Do When I'm Gone: A Mother's Wisdom to Her Daughter by Suzy Hopkins - A Review

This was a mixed read for me. The premise—a mother leaving advice for her daughter after she’s gone—is deeply meaningful, and that love comes through on every page.

The format stands out too. It reads almost like a guide for life after loss, moving from the first few days forward, with advice, recipes, and everyday reminders woven in. Some moments felt especially sweet and comforting, especially the gentle push to care for yourself and keep going one day at a time.

I also liked the illustrations. They add personality, make the book feel more intimate, and give the heavier subject matter a lighter touch.

That said, it never goes very deep, and I felt that. I kept wanting something rawer and more emotionally layered. Parts also felt repetitive, since the advice stays in a very similar tone throughout.

Overall, I get why this resonates with so many readers, especially anyone looking for something gentle and comforting. For me, it was a nice read, but not one that truly lingered.

★★

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Peace from the Inside Out by Gina Prosch - A Review

Release Date September 8, 2026

As a Christian mom of five and a grandma to two, I love this book. It offers such an important lesson that children truly need. It gently explores something we all struggle with, learning how to stay in control and understand big emotions.

It shares such an important lesson that children truly need, learning how to recognize, process, and respond to their emotions in a healthy way. It gently steps into something we all struggle with, staying in control and making sense of big feelings.

It is hard enough as adults to navigate what we are feeling, so I especially appreciated how honestly this story shows that it is even harder for children who do not yet have the words for it. This book has such a good lesson in it that kids need to see. It reminds them that emotions are not something to hide or feel ashamed of, but something to understand.

One of my absolute favorite parts was how the child described what she was physically feeling, and the mother helped give those feelings names. That moment felt so real and so powerful. It models exactly what children need, someone patient enough to help them connect what is happening inside their bodies to words they can understand. That kind of guidance builds confidence, self-awareness, and emotional strength that will stay with them.

I thought the entire story was brilliant in the way it handled such a big concept with gentleness and clarity. It opens the door for important conversations in such a natural, approachable way. This is not just a one-time read for us. We will absolutely be rereading this on repeat to help instill core values through everyday situations.

Books like this are truly a gift because they go beyond storytelling and help shape a child’s emotional foundation in the most caring and thoughtful way.

★★★★★

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy. All thoughts are my own.

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The Perfect Spot by Susana Torrubiano illustrated by Luisa Vera - A Review

Release Date September 8, 2026

As a mom of five and now a grandma to two, I have read more picture books than I can count, and this one truly made me pause and smile in the sweetest way. From the very first page, it just feels calm and inviting, like it is gently reminding you to slow down and really look.

I love how much there is to discover on every single page. It is one of those books where little eyes can wander and find something new each time you open it. I found myself lingering, pointing things out to my grandkids, and even noticing new details the more we went back to it. That is always a sign of a special book to me.

The illustrations are just beautiful. They are clear, crisp, and so thoughtfully done. Everything feels intentional and clean while still giving you so much to explore. As a former educator, I really appreciate how visually engaging it is without feeling overwhelming. It naturally invites conversation, curiosity, and those sweet little moments of connection while reading together.

This is absolutely one I will keep in our rotation. It feels cozy, meaningful, and full of little details that make reading time extra special. Honestly, it is just as enjoyable for the grownups as it is for the kids.

★★★★★

Huge thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.

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Consider the Night Sky Jennifer Grant Julianna Swaney - A Review

Release Date: September 01, 2026

As a grandma to two and a mom of five, and with my background as an educator, this book absolutely won my heart. I’ve read a lot of children’s books over the years, but this one feels extra special. It turns a simple moment like looking up at the stars into something meaningful, peaceful, and quietly educational without ever feeling like a lesson.

This book just naturally opens the door to conversation. It’s not something you simply read and move on from. You find yourself pausing, taking it in, and wondering a little longer. The soft, flowing words combined with those gorgeous, dreamy illustrations create such a warm, cozy feeling, more like sharing a quiet moment than reading a structured story. It’s the kind of book that gently slows everything down in the best possible way.

As a former educator, I always appreciate when a book teaches without announcing that it’s teaching. This one does that so well. Storytime becomes learning time, and the kids don’t even realize it. They’re soaking in wonder, curiosity, and even a bit of science just by being present in the moment.

And as a grandma, I treasure how it creates connection. It’s perfect for bedtime, for quiet evenings, or even just a reset during a busy day. It reminds me that some of the best learning happens in those calm, shared moments.

This is one of those books I know I’ll keep reaching for again and again. It’s gentle, meaningful, and just plain lovely. 

★★★★★

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt - A Review

This one took me a while to get through, like…four tries kind of while. I kept picking it up, putting it down, and coming back to it, but I’m glad I finally stuck with it.

There’s something really warm and gentle about the story, and I liked the mix of characters and how everything slowly comes together. Marcellus definitely stands out and adds a unique charm that makes the whole book feel a little different in a good way. You can tell it’s meant to be thoughtful and quietly emotional.

That said, it didn’t fully pull me in. The pacing felt slow, and it took a while for me to feel invested. Even though I appreciated what it was doing, I didn’t feel super connected the whole time, which made it harder to stay engaged.

I also watched the movie, and honestly, I’d rate them about the same. Both are solid, both have heart, but neither totally wowed me.

Overall, I’m glad I finished it, but it took some effort to get there. It’s a sweet, thoughtful story, just not one that fully clicked for me.

★★★

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Children of God

 

Being a child of God isn’t something we earn or inherit — 

it’s a gift we receive through believing in Jesus. 

No matter where we come from or what our story looks like, 

God welcomes us in and calls us His own. 

That truth is humbling and comforting all at once.

The Last Letter from Your Lover by Jojo Moyes

This has a soft, emotional pull to it. The dual timeline does work here, though I am never a fan, and I liked how the past and present slowly connect. It kept me curious about how everything would come together, especially with the mystery around the letters.

The love story itself feels tender and a little bittersweet. There’s a lot of longing, missed chances, and that ache of what could have been. I liked how the letters added an extra layer of intimacy, it made everything feel more personal and heartfelt.

That said, it did feel a bit slow at times. Some parts dragged, and I didn’t always feel equally invested in both timelines. I found myself more drawn to one storyline than the other, which made the pacing feel uneven in places.

Overall, it’s an emotional, quietly romantic read with that classic Jojo Moyes feel. A touching story.

★★★★

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The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower - A Review

This keeps the cozy, character driven charm from book one, and I enjoyed being back in Emma’s world, but it didn’t hold my attention quite the same throughout.

The writing is still a highlight. The journal style feels very personal, and Emma’s voice is sharp, observant, and quietly funny. Her subtle wit makes the slower pace feel intentional and cozy most of the time.

There’s not much plot, it’s more about relationships and Emma slowly finding her place, which is comforting if you like slice of life historical fiction.

That said, this one felt even slower. Some parts dragged a bit, and I found myself wanting a little more movement or tension. There are changes happening, they’re just very gradual.

I’m still interested in where Emma’s story goes, and I think fans of low stakes, character focused reads will enjoy it. For me, it was a nice continuation, just a little less engaging than I hoped.

★★★1/2

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Twenty Something Else by Stephanie Mack - Now Released

Now Released

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.

★★★1/2

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.

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Dune (Dune, #1) by Frank Herbert, Scott Brick, et al - A Review

This one was interesting, but definitely not something I could just breeze through. I picked it up three times before completing it.  The world building is huge, and you can tell how much detail went into it. Once I settled into it, I could really appreciate how immersive it is, but it also takes some patience.

I liked the political tension and how layered everything feels. There’s a lot going on under the surface with power, survival, and control, and that part kept me engaged. Paul’s journey is compelling, but I didn’t always feel super connected to him emotionally, which made parts of the story feel a little distant.

The pacing can be slow, and there’s a lot of information thrown at you, especially in the beginning. I found myself having to stop and process things more than I usually like to when reading for fun. It’s more of a think about it kind of book than a get lost in it kind of book.

Overall, I can see why it’s such a classic. It’s rich, detailed, and clearly influential, even if it wasn’t an easy read for me. I’m glad I read it, but it took some effort to get through.

★★★½

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The Last Time We Drowned by Saratoga Schaefer - A Review

This one ended up being a really fun read for me. The first half is definitely slow, and I honestly was not sure it was going to win me over. There is a lot of setup, influencer drama, and lots of repetition, and I really do think tighter editing would have made this an even higher rating for me.

But once it picks up, it really picks up.

The trapped on a yacht during a hurricane setting was such a strong backdrop. It brought all the tension, secrets, and messy friendships right to the surface. I loved the eerie atmosphere, that closed in claustrophobic feeling, and how the second half leans fully into a darker, more intense thriller. That shift is what made this book for me.

Charlie is not always the easiest to connect with, and honestly most of the characters are a mess, but it works here. Everyone feels a little suspicious, everything feels slightly off, and it keeps you guessing. It is very much one of those stories where the tension builds between the characters just as much as the situation itself.

If you like locked room thrillers, rich people drama, toxic friendships, and a slightly creepy edge, this is one to throw in your beach bag. I am really glad I stuck with it, because the second half turns it into a total binge.

★★★★

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

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Return to the Shack by Wm. Paul Young - A Review

I was a little hesitant because The Shack left such an impact and the bar high for me. And I will say, I still prefer the original it just hit differently on an emotional level. But this book had a quiet, deep way.

It was like reading a story and more like sitting down for a real conversation about faith. The kind where you pause, think, maybe even feel a little challenged, but also comforted at the same time. It does not try to recreate the same experience as the first book, and I actually appreciated that. It leans more into unpacking ideas like forgiveness, identity, and how we see God and ourselves.

There were a few moments that honestly pulled me in and made me stop and reflect. Not in an overwhelming way, but in a gentle nudge kind of way. It is one of those reads that does not rush you, it just sits with you.

If you are open to something more thoughtful and reflective, it really does have something meaningful to offer. It felt steady, honest, and encouraging without trying too hard.

Return to the Shack definitely added something valuable to the initial storyline. 

★★★★

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

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The Liar's Wife by Kiersten Modglin - A Review

This one starts off with that uneasy feeling right away like something is off in the marriage, but you’re not totally sure what yet, and that tension is what pulled me through most of the book.

I liked how fast everything moved. Short chapters, a lot of little reveals, and just enough questions to keep me turning the pages. The story leans a lot on secrets in the relationship and that constant back and forth of who’s telling the truth, which made it really bingeable.

There are quite a few twists, and while some of them were fun, a few felt a little over the top for me. It almost felt like every time things started to settle, something new would get thrown in just to shake things up again. It kept it interesting, but it also made it a little harder to fully believe everything.

The characters were interesting in the sense that I wanted to figure them out, but I didn’t feel super connected to them. It was more curiosity than emotional investment, like I wanted answers more than I cared about anyone.

I think it’s a good pick if you want something quick, twisty, and easy to fly through. It just didn’t leave a lasting impact for me.

★★★

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Point of Retreat (Slammed, #2) by Colleen Hoover - A Review

This one just didn’t work for me the way I hoped it would. I liked Slammed, but this felt like a step back. A lot of the conflict felt more drawn out than it needed to be, and instead of pulling me in, it started to wear on me.

I struggled with the characters more this time around. Some of their choices felt frustrating, and the emotional tension leaned more toward dramatic than meaningful for me. I kept wanting things to either move forward or dig a little deeper, but it sort of stayed stuck in the same loop.

There are still some sweet moments, and you can see what it’s trying to do with love, trust, and working through complicated feelings. But for me, it just didn’t hit as well as the first book.

Overall, it wasn’t a bad read, just not one I connected with. I finished it, but mostly out of curiosity rather than being fully invested.

★★

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Quiet Joys of Farm Life

Here’s to simple joys, soft mornings, and the animals who make the farm feel like home. 

 

Please Don’t Go by E. Salvador - A Review

This was one I really wanted to love, and I can absolutely see why it works so well for a lot of readers, but for me it landed more in the middle.

The premise is incredibly emotional right from the start. It opens with Josie at her lowest point, literally standing on the edge, and Daniel stepping in with those three words that change everything. That initial setup is powerful and honestly one of the strongest parts of the book. It immediately pulls you into a story about grief, survival, and two people finding connection in the darkest moment. 

Throughout the story, it leans into themes of loss, mental health, and healing. Both Josie and Daniel are carrying heavy grief from losing close family members. The book does a good job showing how that pain lingers in different ways. Their relationship isn’t about “fixing” each other but about learning how to live with that pain and not feel so alone in it, which I thought was really meaningful.

This is definitely a quiet, emotional slow burn rather than a typical sports romance, and that felt very accurate. The emotional depth is there, but the pacing didn’t always work for me. 

I had mixed feelings about the character connection. I liked both Josie and Daniel individually, and I understood what the author was trying to do with their “two broken people finding each other” dynamic. But emotionally, I didn’t always feel as pulled in as I wanted to. Their growth is there, but at times it felt a little uneven or distant, like I was observing it more than experiencing it.

It is a heartfelt, emotional story with important themes and some really strong moments, especially at the beginning. It just didn’t come together for me in terms of pacing and emotional connection. Still, if you love slower, character-driven romances that focus on healing and heavy topics, this one will probably hit much harder for you.

★★

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Yours Truly (Part of Your World, #2) by Abby Jimenez - A Review

This one totally won me over. It’s warm, funny, and just has so much heart without trying too hard. Abby Jimenez really knows how to write characters you actually care about, and I was hooked pretty early on.

Jacob was easily my favorite. He’s a little awkward, super thoughtful, and just feels real in a way that stands out. His connection with Briana builds slowly, and I loved that it’s more about conversations and small moments than big dramatic stuff.

It’s also a really nice mix of light and emotional. It made me smile a lot, but it also hit on things like anxiety and trust in a way that felt honest without getting too heavy. Nothing felt rushed, and that made the payoff even better.

Overall, this is just one of those romances that feels good to read. Sweet, a little emotional, and super easy to get attached to.

★★★★★

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Forever, Papa Bear by Danielle Beerli - A Review

Forever, Papa Bear feels simple, yet the message about a father’s love staying with you as you grow is heartfelt and beautifully done.

It is warm and comforting the relationship between Papa Bear and Little Bear felt and a beautiful reminder that the smallest everyday moments are often the ones that stay with us the longest. The illustrations make it even more special, soft, cozy, and filled with little details.

It’s a story that brings your own memories to the surface and makes you think about the people who made you feel safe, seen, and loved. For a children’s book, it carries meaningful emotional depth without ever feeling heavy.

This would make a perfect bedtime read, a thoughtful Father’s Day gift, or simply a beautiful story to share with little ones again and again.

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

★★★★★ 

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Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals by Rachel Hollis - A Review

This one had some solid motivating moments, but overall it landed right in the middle for me. Rachel Hollis brings a really confident, high energy tone, and at times it does feel like the kind of pep talk you might need on the right day. I liked the reminders about not shrinking yourself, being honest about your goals, and taking ownership of your growth.

At the same time, it started to feel repetitive and a bit preachy. A lot of the advice is pretty general, and it leans heavily on personal success stories that don’t always translate into something practical or relatable. 

The whole push harder mindset also didn’t fully land for me, since it doesn’t leave much room for rest or different life situations.

Overall, it’s a decent pick if you’re looking for a quick confidence boost or a little motivation, but it didn’t stick with me long term. There are good ideas here, just not a lot of depth to really set it apart.

★★★

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5 Minutes with Every Book of the Bible: Old Testament - A Review

Release Date: October 6, 2026

This is such a meaningful and incredibly approachable 5 star read for me. I went into this hoping for something that would help break down the Old Testament in a simple, manageable way—and it absolutely delivered, and then some.

It makes Scripture feel accessible. Each section is short enough to fit into even the busiest day, but still rich enough to walk away with something to reflect on. It really helps you build a steady, consistent habit of spending time in the Word without feeling overwhelmed.

The short intros you usually find at the beginning of books in many Bibles are helpful, but having a resource like this that brings everything together in one concise, focused format makes it so much more useful and intentional. Each book includes quick facts, a timeline, an outline, key verses (which were my favorite), and clear life lessons. That combination gave me a better overall understanding while still keeping it simple and easy to follow.

The structure is another highlight. Moving through each book in small, digestible sections makes it easier to grasp the bigger picture without losing the details. It provides just enough context and insight to deepen understanding while still leaving room for personal reflection and connection.

I also really appreciated how versatile this is. Whether you’re new to the Old Testament or have read it many times, this works beautifully as a daily devotional, a study companion, or even a gentle way to get back into Scripture.

The tone throughout is warm, encouraging, and never overwhelming. It feels like an invitation rather than a lesson, which made me actually look forward to sitting down with it each day.

Overall, this is a thoughtfully designed, practical, and encouraging guide that makes spending time in the Old Testament feel both doable and meaningful. It’s one I will definitely come back to again. I am looking forward to the New Testament title. 

★★★★★

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

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Abounding in Hope

 

Joy, peace, and hope don’t come from having everything figured out, but from trusting God and letting the Holy Spirit do the work in me. When I’m running low, this reminds me where true hope comes from.

Pumpkin Smash! by Michelle Schaub - A Review

Release Date: July 31, 2026

I loved the concept right away—taking leftover Halloween pumpkins and turning them into a hands-on lesson about composting and caring for the environment. As a gardener, this really clicked with me and made the subject matter even more enjoyable. It’s creative, approachable, and makes sustainability feel exciting and doable for kids instead of something overly instructional.

The rhyming text is lively and playful, with a bouncy rhythm that makes it perfect for reading out loud. It has that natural Storytime appeal where kids can easily get pulled in, and I can definitely see this being a hit in classrooms and group reads.

That said, while the illustrations are bright and colorful, they are not as crisp and clear as I would have liked. At times, the slightly fuzzy, busy look made it harder to fully follow what was happening, especially for younger readers who depend on visuals to guide the story. The style has a lot of personality, but I kept wishing for a bit more clarity and simplicity in certain scenes.

This is a strong and meaningful picture book with a great message about reducing waste and thinking about where things go after we’re done with them. It’s fun, educational, and perfect for the season—I just think sharper illustrations would have taken it to the next level.

★★★★

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

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Finding My Way: One Man’s Spiritual Quest For the Divine Presence by Marc A. Crowley - A Review

Release Date: June 9, 2026

This is one of those books you don’t rush through—you take it in a little at a time. The mix of poetry and reflection made it feel very honest and real, like you’re walking alongside the author as he tries to understand faith, loss, and what it means to feel connected to something bigger.

It’s about the search—figuring things out, questioning, and learning as you go. It felt grounded. The nature imagery and quiet, reflective moments—especially tied to travel and time spent out West—gave the whole book a calm, peaceful vibe. It’s the kind of read that makes you slow down a little and think about your own life while you’re reading it.

There’s a lot of heart here too. You can feel the vulnerability in writing, especially in the parts about forgiveness, relationships, and personal growth. It’s simple, but in a way that feels intentional and sincere.

This was a quiet, reflective, read recommended if you like spiritual or introspective books.

★★★★1/2

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

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