Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Don’t Let This Get Out in Pinckard by Celeste King Conner - A Review
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.
★★★★
Crockpot Lemon Butter Chicken
From the archives:
6-8 boneless chicken breasts
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.
★★★
Monday, March 30, 2026
A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham - A Review
A Brewed Awakening is the kind of cozy rom‑com that makes you crave baked goods and wish your town had just a little more friendly drama. Pepper Basham blends small‑town charm, playful rivalry, and faith threads into a story that’s warm, witty, and easy to settle into.
Daphne Austen’s devotion to tea, tradition, and Jane Austen is delightful, and pairing her with Finn Dashwood—a gruff British pub owner and devoted single dad—sets the stage for some truly fun banter. Their enemies‑to‑lovers arc is fueled by prank wars, foodie competition, and town commentary that had me smiling more than once. Bonus points for Finn’s daughter, who completely steals every scene she’s in.
The story does take its time at the start, and I found myself wishing the emotional shift happened a bit sooner. But once it hits its stride, the second half delivers sweetness, growth, and a satisfying romantic payoff that’s worth the wait.
Overall, this is a charming, feel‑good read with humor, heart, and a cozy Appalachian vibe. Not rushed, not heavy—just a lovely afternoon escape best enjoyed with a cup of tea.
★★★1/2
(Disclosure: I received a digital review copy from NetGalley.)
Making Room for God A Creative Guide for Praying Through Your Home by Cathy Baker - A Review
What I appreciated most is how accessible and creative the approach feels. Each room becomes an opportunity to pause, reflect, and invite God into ordinary moments that are often overlooked. The prompts are simple but meaningful, encouraging mindfulness without feeling overwhelming or overly structured. It’s a wonderful reminder that prayer does not have to be confined to a specific time or place.
The writing is warm, encouraging, and practical, making this guide easy to return to again and again. Whether you are new to prayer or looking to deepen an existing practice, this book offers inspiration, flexibility, and a sense of calm. It would also work beautifully for small groups or personal devotional time.
Making Room for God is a thoughtful resource that helps transform daily routines into sacred moments, reminding readers that God is present in every corner of our lives.
★★★★★
Halloween Search-and-Find Adventures: A Hunt Full of Tricks and Treats by Gus Morais - A Review
Each page is packed with colorful scenes featuring costumes, pumpkins, candy, and friendly Halloween vibes. I really liked that every spread includes a clear key showing exactly which objects to find. It makes the hunt easy to follow and keeps kids focused without feeling overwhelming.
There is also an answer key in the back, which is a great bonus. If someone gets stuck or feels frustrated, they can flip to the back for help and jump right back into the fun. That makes this a solid choice for independent browsing or sharing together.
The scenes are detailed enough to feel challenging but never too hard, and there is always something new to spot on repeat look throughs. It quietly builds observation and focus while still feeling like a game, not work.
Overall, this is a great seasonal pick for Halloween lovers. It is fun, interactive, and perfect for fall reading time at home or in the classroom.
★★★★★
The Book Proposal by K.J. Micciche - A Review
This book started with great flair and an immediately engaging, bookish setup that promised a fun and heartfelt second chance romance. The opening had energy, humor, and an insider publishing vibe that pulled me in quickly, and I appreciated the nostalgic tone of two former loves reconnecting through unfinished business and lingering feelings.
Unfortunately, that strong start stumbled. The crude bathroom humor early on felt unnecessary and cringy, clashing with the otherwise cozy romantic comedy tone. As the story moved into the middle, the pacing noticeably slumped. Emotional beats were rushed, deeper conversations were glossed over, and the unresolved history between the characters did not get the attention it deserved. Much of the conflict wrapped up too neatly, which weakened the emotional payoff.
Overall, this was a pleasant and easy read with an appealing concept and some genuinely sweet moments, but it never fully delivered on its promise. Enjoyable enough for a light, low stakes romance, especially for book lovers, but uneven execution kept it firmly in three star territory.
★★★
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Doers, Not Just Listeners
James 1:22 is a clear call to action. It reminds us that hearing God’s word isn’t enough on its own. Real faith shows up in what we do, not just what we know or agree with. Listening without living it out can quietly fool us into thinking we’re growing when we’re really standing still.
This verse feels like a gentle but firm nudge. It makes me pause and ask myself where I’m good at listening but slow to act. It’s easy to nod along to truth, highlight it, even share it, and still avoid letting it change my choices. James cuts through that comfort. He reminds me that obedience is where belief becomes real, and that small, everyday actions matter more than good intentions. It’s not about perfection, just honesty and follow through.
An Unexpected Blessing
I wasn’t trying to make anything special today—just pouring frothed cream into my coffee, going through the usual motions.
And then, there it was. A soft, unplanned heart on the surface.
I didn’t try to make it. It just happened. And it made me pause for a second, because it felt like a reminder: beauty doesn’t always come from effort. Sometimes it shows up when you least expect it.
In something as ordinary as a cup of coffee. In a moment you almost missed.
A small surprise, and a good reminder—not everything beautiful has to be chased. Sometimes, it just finds you.
Saturday, March 28, 2026
The Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy by Nora Roberts - A Review
I needed a break from my typical mystery suspense novels, so I selected this from the library—and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Great character development, an engaging storyline, and entertaining pacing make this a very enjoyable read. Clean romance with just the right amount of drama and a hint of mystery!
Owen, the meticulous organizer of the Montgomery clan, runs the family’s construction business with an iron fist—and an even less flexible spreadsheet. Despite his brothers teasing him about his compulsive list-making, Owen is determined to get the Inn BoonsBoro open on schedule. What he didn’t plan for was Avery McTavish…Avery runs a popular pizza place across the street, giving her a front-row seat to the inn’s renovation—and a newfound appreciation for Owen. As her first boyfriend, Owen has never been far from her thoughts, and the attraction she feels now is far from innocent.
As Owen and Avery cautiously explore their renewed relationship, the town of BoonsBoro celebrates the inn’s grand opening. But winning Avery’s trust—and helping her realize that her first boyfriend might just be her last—takes more time than Owen expected.
Book 2: The Last Boyfriend –
I read all three books in the trilogy back to back, and this one was just as enjoyable. A very clean romance with drama, a touch of mystery, and superb character development. The story moves along quickly and kept me thoroughly entertained.
Owen’s story continues in the bustling town of BoonsBoro. While managing the opening of the Inn, he reconnects with Avery, his first love. The chemistry is undeniable, and the novel beautifully explores the rekindling of a childhood romance as the characters navigate their emotions, responsibilities, and community life.
Book 3: The Perfect Hope –
This final installment is absolutely wonderful! Compared to the second book, the writing feels more comfortable and really showcases Nora Roberts’ talent. While the second book was a little repetitive and slower, it was still essential to the story—and this third book makes it all worth it. The characters feel more real, the story flows beautifully, and the resolution is both poignant and satisfying, even a little unlikely in the best way.
What really stands out is the way Roberts weaves in family, friendship, and history, giving the story a warm, fulfilling glow. There’s even a touch of metaphysical awakening, which adds depth and a sense of destiny to the characters’ journeys. Overall, this crowning piece of the trilogy ties everything together perfectly, leaving you with a sense of joy, fulfillment, and a little bittersweet nostalgia for BoonsBoro.
Overall Thoughts on the Trilogy:
This trilogy is perfect for anyone seeking clean, heartwarming romances with just the right amount of drama and mystery. Nora Roberts excels at character development, believable dialogue, and weaving romantic tension with light suspense. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy a fun, uplifting, and engaging series.
From My Archives: May 11, 2018
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Clean, Charming Romance with Just the Right Drama
Friday, March 27, 2026
Tunnel fun
The goats had the best time exploring the tunnel. It's always fun watching how something so simple turns into a whole event for them.
Thursday, March 26, 2026
The Best Good Thing Discovering Joy on a Very Bad Smad Day by Anna Housley Juster - A Review
The Measure by Nikki Erlick - A Review
The story moves through a wide (too wide) cast of characters, from everyday people to those in power, all reacting differently to the same truth. Some open their boxes immediately. Some never do. Some build their entire lives around the number they now know. The novel is at its best when it focuses on the quiet, personal fallout. Marriages strain. Parents make impossible choices. Love starts to feel conditional, measured not in years shared but years remaining.
Erlick’s writing is soft-spoken and thoughtful, which works well for the themes she’s exploring. There’s a steady emotional pull rather than big dramatic swings. The book makes a strong point that knowing more doesn’t make life easier. It often makes it smaller. Time becomes something to hoard, compare, and weaponize, and that shift feels uncomfortably believable.
Where the book stumbles a bit is in its scope. With so many perspectives, some characters feel more like ideas than fully realized people. The social commentary is interesting and often chilling, but it occasionally comes at the expense of deeper emotional connection. Even so, the questions the book raises may linger after you’re done reading.
The Measure doesn’t try to give answers. Instead, it leaves you sitting with the same unease as its characters. If you knew how long you had, would it change how you live. Or would it just change what you’re afraid of.
★★★½
A Sneaky Sill‑Side Spectator
Caught this little explorer peeking out from behind the flowers on the window sill today. Cats always seem to find the perfect spot to hide, watch, and pretend they’re completely invisible.
Crispy Country Corn Fritters
Golden corn fritters made pantry simple, crisp outside and tender inside. Quick to mix, perfect with honey or butter for any meal.
CORN FRITTERS
2 tsp. sugar
3 large eggs
4 tsp. baking powder
2 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
Combine all ingredients and mix just until flour is blended. Cook like thick pancakes until brown on both sides. Good with honey or butter.
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
What If We Were All Honest! A Children's Rhyming Book About Honesty, Trust, and Doing What's Right by C.M. Harris - A Review
This is one of those children’s books that feels simple on the surface but carries a message that really matters. Through easy, gentle rhyme, it talks about honesty as something positive something that helps kids feel good about themselves and their relationships, not something wrapped in fear or punishment.
I appreciated how approachable this felt. The message comes across naturally, making it great to read aloud provoke conversations. It invites kids to think about their choices and how honesty plays out in real life, which is exactly what reflective children’s books should do.
There is such a need for high moral, values centered stories like this, especially ones that respect children’s ability to understand big ideas. This book creates space for trust, empathy, and meaningful discussion in a way that feels warm and encouraging.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy. A thoughtful, heart forward read with a purpose.
What’s That For? by Vanessa Bergeron - A Review
This is a beautiful, joyful read that really stands out for its vibrant, crisp illustrations. The visuals immediately grab attention and beautifully support the imagination play woven throughout the story. I loved how the book encourages kids to wonder, guess, and explore ideas without rushing to give all the answers, making it feel both playful and thoughtful.
It’s the kind of picture book that invites conversation and creativity, especially during shared reading time.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via NetGalley for review purposes. All thoughts are my own.
Pub Date May 05 2026
My Dad, My Hero by Kacey Hoysted, illustrated by Alyssa Yazbek - A Review
This book has a strong and heartfelt concept honoring children of service members, but the execution fell short for me. The Kindle edition was extremely brief, only seven actual pages shown side by side, and it was not labeled as a board book, which made the length surprising and a bit disappointing.
The story is very specific to the Army, which limits its connection for families with loved ones in other branches. As a parent of two sons serving in different branches, one of whom is also a father, broader representation would have made this much more meaningful. I did appreciate the final page that invites the child to draw their service parent, which was a thoughtful and engaging touch. Overall, a nice idea, but far too short and narrow in focus.
★★★
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC copy for my honest review.
The Big Mouse Party by Anastasia Temborska - A Review
This book makes a really strong first impression. The cover is bright and fun, and the first page does a great job showing exactly what you are supposed to be searching for. I really liked having those reference images up front, and it made jumping into the book feel easy and exciting.
After that first page, though, those helpful visual guides disappear. There are no more images reminding you what to look for, which made the search and find experience feel less clear as the book went on. The pages also become very busy, with a lot going on visually, and while the instructions are extremely detailed, they start to feel overwhelming rather than helpful. The interior illustrations aren’t always as bright as the cover either, which makes the experience feel uneven overall. It starts off strong but slowly loses some of its magic.
Overall, it is a cute and creative idea with a promising beginning, but more visual consistency and continued reference images would have made it much more enjoyable.
★★★
I received a free ARC copy from NetGalley and the Publisher for my honest review. APR 7, 2026 Publish date
Across the Vanishing Sky by Catherine Cowles - A Review
This was such an easy book to fall into. It’s definitely a bit long, but honestly, I didn’t mind much because there was always something going on. Every time I thought things might slow down, another layer of the story pulled me right back in. It felt like one of those reads where you keep saying just one more chapter and suddenly a lot of time has passed.
The characters really carried this story for me. They felt real, messy, and emotional in a way that made me care about what happened to them. I loved how the romance built slowly and naturally. Nothing felt rushed, and the connection between the characters grew in a way that made sense given everything they were dealing with. There’s a lot of emotional weight here, but it’s handled really well.
The multiple story lines were a big win. There’s suspense, family dynamics, personal healing, and romance all woven together, and somehow it never felt overwhelming. I stayed interested the entire time because each thread added something important to the overall story. Even the quieter moments felt like they mattered.
While the book could have been a little tighter, I was happy to stay in this world longer because I was invested. It’s engaging, emotional, and full of heart, and it kept me hooked from beginning to end. A really solid four star read for me.
★★★★
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
A Still Moment in Sorrow
Murder at Raven's Edge by Louise Marley - A Review
I
really wanted to like this one, and I stuck with it far longer than I normally
would because the setup had potential and I kept hoping it would tighten up.
Unfortunately, the reading experience never smoothed out for me.
The biggest issue was pacing. Scenes felt padded, with a lot
of circling the same beats—events would move forward, then the narrative would
swing back again, and the constant back-and-forth started to feel like momentum
loss instead of suspense-building. On top of that, there were frequent repeated
thoughts and internal commentary that read as random and redundant rather than
illuminating, so I found myself skimming just to get to the next actual
development.
Because so much page time was spent on repetition and mental
noise, the tension didn’t land for me—rather than feeling pulled through the
mystery, I felt stalled in it. By the time I reached the last stretch, I wasn’t
curious so much as tired, and that’s usually the point where I know a book and
I aren’t clicking.
officially Did Not Finish at 86%. At that point, continuing felt like forcing it,
and I didn’t want to spend more time pushing through material that wasn’t
working for me. That said, if you enjoy a more meandering, highly introspective
style—and you don’t mind frequent reiteration of thoughts—this may work better
for you than it did for me.
I might look up a recap to see how it ends, if I decide I care, but I’m calling it here.
Monday, March 23, 2026
Currently Busy Doing Nothing
Our boy goat chilling in the grass, just chewing away without a worry. Simple, peaceful, and way too cute.
The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer - A Review
The writing is gentle and comforting, and some of the observations about regret and missed opportunities really land. I liked how the story reminds you that life doesn’t have to be loud to be meaningful. There’s a softness to it that makes it an easy book to sit with, especially if you’re in the mood for something introspective.
That said, it didn’t fully pull me in emotionally. Clover’s personal journey felt a bit predictable, and while her growth makes sense, it never surprised me. Some of the side characters felt more like ideas than fully developed people, which kept me from getting too attached.
The pacing is slow and steady—great if you want something calm and reflective, but it might feel flat if you’re hoping for strong plot movement. The romance is sweet and low‑key, but also very safe and expected.
Overall, this is a nice, cozy, emotionally gentle book that touches on meaningful themes without going too deep. I enjoyed it, but didn’t love it—and that’s why it lands solidly in the middle for me.
★★★
My Favorite Half-Night Stand by Christina Lauren — A Review
Millie is the only woman in a tight-knit group of guy
friends, and lately she’s been feeling like the odd one out—especially as
everyone else couples up. After a wild night, she ends up in bed with a
stranger, and when her friends talk her into trying online dating, she connects
with a profile that feels surprisingly perfect. The catch: the “new guy” might
not be new at all.
What worked for me was the humor and the pacing. Christina
Lauren delivers plenty of laugh out loud moments, and I loved the way the story
explores how differently people present themselves in person versus behind a
screen. The friend group is lively, the dialogue is snappy, and the romance has
a sweet undercurrent even when things get messy.
The reason it is 3.5 stars for me is that some of the
conflict relies on miscommunication and assumptions that felt a bit stretched.
A few emotional beats are brushed past quickly, and I wanted deeper
follow-through on certain friendship dynamics (especially once secrets start
stacking up).
Still, if you’re in the mood for a contemporary rom com with
a strong ensemble cast, a modern dating twist, and plenty of charm, this is
worth picking up. Recommended for readers who enjoy friends-to-lovers energy,
light angst, and a happily-ever-after.
★★★½
Sunday, March 22, 2026
Just Austin Being Austin
This is one of those very Austin moments. Prickly pear growing wherever it feels like, soaking up the sun, not worrying about a thing. It’s tough, a little rough around the edges, and still kind of beautiful.
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
This is officially one of my top favorite reads of all time!
I loved this book. Truly loved it. Clear‑the‑schedule, just‑one‑more‑chapter‑that‑turns‑into‑the‑last‑chapter loved it. An easy five stars and exactly the kind of read that pulls you straight out of a reading slump.
The premise hooked me immediately. Parker Navarro is an author still stinging from a brutal review written years ago by Selina Chan, a high‑profile literary critic. When she’s assigned to review his next book, their long‑standing tension erupts publicly, goes viral, and suddenly benefits both his sales and her publication’s traffic. Messy. Complicated. Completely irresistible.
This book stands out because it’s more than banter and chemistry—though it delivers both in spades. It explores the publishing world, criticism culture, and online discourse in a way that feels sharp, current, and grounded. The push and pull between creating and critiquing, and how quickly conflict becomes spectacle, is handled with real insight and heart.
Selina and Parker genuinely clash, and for reasons that make sense. No flimsy misunderstandings. No dragged‑out drama. Every shift in their dynamic feels earned, which makes the enemies‑to‑lovers arc deeply satisfying. The romance builds naturally and lands with intensity, tenderness, and true emotional payoff.
The editing deserves special mention. The pacing is tight, the dialogue snaps, and the story flows so smoothly it’s effortless to stay immersed. It’s fast‑paced without rushing, smart without trying too hard, and emotional without losing the fun.
By the final pages, I was fully invested and already thinking about who I needed to tell. Rioghnach Robinson is officially a new favorite author, and I can’t wait to read what she writes next.
If you love sharp dialogue, publishing‑world drama, and romance that actually earns its payoff, do not skip this one.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!
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.





























That's cute Tammy! My hubby would have let them continue to think it was lion meat though. I'm like you.
those pesky spelling rules!! :) lion would have been much more fun!
Too funny, wow they would eat Lion!
that's classic!
So cute!!!
oh my! That's great. It's funny that they were eager to try it!
Haha, that was laugh out loud funny. Cute little boys... I love boys. They are so much fun.
ReplyThat is too cute!
This put a huge SmiLe on my face! Sounds like something my boys would say too. My fiance would've let them think that too ... the prankster. *huGs* Suzanne
That is funny. I will tell my kids it's lion if they'll eat it.
That was so funny! Darn phonics.
It cracks me up that they wanted to eat LION meat...LOL!