The Big Oops (Best START) – by Julia Cook (Author), Dale Crawford (Illustrator) - A Review

The Big Oops! by Julia Cook was such a sweet, genuinely helpful picture book about making mistakes—and not letting perfectionism steal the fun. Scooter is trying so hard to paint a picture of his best friend, Pudgy, but every “oops” feels like a disaster…until his friends gently help him see that mistakes can lead to something even better than the original plan.

The illustrations are bright, expressive, and a little silly in the best way, so the message never feels heavy or preachy. I also really appreciated the caregiver guide in the back—it gives practical, realistic ways to respond when a kid spirals over a “wrong” line, a spill, or a ruined project.

This is a great pick for ages preschool–early elementary and would be especially useful for classrooms or any kid who gets upset when things aren’t “perfect.” Overall, this is a really solid, useful read for those moments when kids are learning that messing up is part of life.

 I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through NetGalley this is an honest review.

★★★★ Release Date: August 4, 2026

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Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle - A Review

This book starts with a great what‑if. Daphne gets slips of paper telling her exactly how long every relationship will last, which honestly sounds kind of amazing if you’ve ever stayed way too long with the wrong person. No guessing, no overthinking, no awkward conversations. Just the truth.

At first, it feels freeing. She dates without anxiety because the ending is already decided. Then she meets someone with no expiration date at all, and suddenly the unknown feels terrifying. That shift is where the story really shines. It’s less about the magic and more about how fear, loss, and self protection shape the way we love.

It’s a quiet, slower read. Some parts are predictable, and the side characters don’t all feel fully fleshed out, but the emotional core works. This is one of those books that doesn’t knock you flat, but it lingers.

Thoughtful, a little sad, and very relatable if you’ve ever wondered whether knowing the ending would actually make love easier.

★★★

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The May House by Jillian Cantor - A Review

Three sisters, one beach house, one week every May. That’s the deal they made with their grandmother. It works until the oldest sister, Julia, doesn’t show up one year, and suddenly everything Nora and Emily thought they knew starts to unravel. I loved the premise right away, especially how the house itself holds so much history and emotion, quietly anchoring the story.

The book manages to feel lighthearted while still touching on meaningful family issues, especially the secrets people keep to protect one another and the way those truths shape who you become. The sisters’ dedication to returning every May and honoring their promise to their grandmother was genuinely moving. Each character feels distinct and well developed, and Nate was by far my favorite, bringing a steady, grounding presence to the story.

My main struggle was with the writing style and the time hops. At times the flow felt a bit awkward for me, and the jumps between years sometimes made it harder to stay oriented in the timeline. I am not a fan of nonlinear narratives in general, and occasionally it pulled me out rather than adding depth. That said, the emotional core of the story and the relationships kept me engaged overall.

This is a good choice for readers who enjoy complex family dynamics, everyday life drama, and stories focused on emotional growth. Even with some pacing and structure issues, it’s a thoughtful and heartfelt read that left me reflecting on family, memory, and the meanings we attach to places.

★★★★

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Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC. All opinions are my own.

Sin and the Search for Satisfaction - Quote

Sin is what you do when your heart is not satisfied with God. - John Piper

John Piper is reminding us that sin is not first about broken rules but about misplaced desire. When the heart is satisfied in God, obedience flows almost naturally. But when that satisfaction thins out, even subtly, we begin to look elsewhere for meaning, comfort, identity, or control. Sin then becomes a symptom, not the disease.

This is both convicting and hopeful. Convicting because it asks us to look beneath our behavior and examine what we are really loving or trusting. Hopeful because it tells us the remedy is not merely stronger willpower, but deeper joy. God is not just demanding righteousness, He is offering Himself as enough.

It also reframes repentance. Instead of only turning away from wrong actions, repentance becomes a turning back toward God. Restoring affection, not just correcting conduct.

It’s a reminder that the Christian life is sustained less by fear of sin and more by a growing satisfaction in Christ. When the heart is full, lesser things lose their grip.