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.

★★★1/2

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

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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.

Tags: Stoicism, Stoicism for beginners, personal development, resilience, mindset, self-discipline, emotional control, stress management, philosophy, habits

• 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. 

★★★

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Reflection on 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 a meaningful tapestry of 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

1. “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.”

2. “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.”

3. “Remember that like attracts like, and if you decide to grow, you’ll find yourself surrounded by people who mirror your emotional goals.”

4. “What you think is what you are. It can be no other way.”

5. “You need to learn how to become comfortable feeling uncomfortable.”

6. “As low as you’ll go emotionally, you’ll be able to access places that are equally high if you give yourself the chance.”

7. “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.”

8. “You can’t avoid negative feelings, thinking doing so will bring you closer to happier ones. It doesn’t work that way.” 

9. “The more you feel like you already have what you need, the more likely it is you’ll get what you strive for.”

10. “If you’re looking in the direction of incompleteness, of lack, you’re always going to be there.” 

★★

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The Dog Park Murders by Angela Barker - A Review

The Dog Park Murders is a pretty fun mystery if you like lighter crime stories. It’s set in a small town where everyone knows everyone’s business, and the main character, Juliette, is a dog groomer who ends up becoming the prime suspect when a guy is found murdered in the local dog park—using one of her dog leashes.

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 café 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 receive a free ARC from The publisher and NetGalley for my honest review

★★★½

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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

 

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.

★★

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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.

 

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.

★★★★★

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All In (Full Tilt #2) by Emma Scott - A Review

All In feels like the softer, healing breath you need after the first book. Casey is a total mess in the beginning, and honestly, it makes her feel real. She’s trying to figure out who she is now, what her life even looks like, and how to move forward without pretending she’s fine. The story gives her the space to stumble, get back up, and slowly find pieces of herself she thought were gone forever.

The romance in this one is sweet in that steady, patient way that never tries to replace what she lost. It feels safe, honest, and earned. Nothing huge or dramatic. Just two people finding comfort and possibility together.

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.

★★★★

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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

Full Tilt (Full Tilt, #1) by Emma Scott - A Review

Full Tilt is a beautifully paced, emotionally grounded romance that centers on two people who meet at the exact moment they need someone to shake their world awake. Emma Scott writes with a softness that makes the story feel deeply personal, focusing on connection, healing, and what it means to live with honesty and intention.

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.

★★★★

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Visit your local library 🕮

Crime Scene: Kitchen Floor

Fresh eggs on the counter.

Kitten notices. One push.

Eggs everywhere. Bowl down.

Dinner is served. 

 

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: ★★★☆☆

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My Friends by Hisham Matar - A Review

My Friends is one of those quiet books that suddenly punches you in the feelings. It starts soft, but underneath it’s full of grief, love, awkward growing pains, and all the emotional chaos of being human. Hisham Matar just gets people — no drama, no preaching, just truth.

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.

I ended up highlighting so many lines — little observations about grief, loneliness, and love that feel almost too real, like someone finally put words to stuff you’ve felt forever. Another Post here. 

The book really shines when it talks about friendship and love, especially how blurry those lines can be when you’re young. And it doesn’t shy away from the harder things either, like how being loved and accepting love are two totally different skills.

The art moments were some of my favorites — the whole idea that art, love, and grief are all tangled together. It’s soft and a little sad in the best way.

And even though it deals with heavy things, it’s not depressing. There’s laughter woven through it, these small reminders that joy sticks around even when life gets rough.

Overall, My Friends is tender, thoughtful, and incredibly human. It’s the kind of book that sneaks 

up on you and stays. Five stars.

★★★★★

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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.

How Long Has This Been Going On?

I finally caught her drinking out of my glass of water.

No guilt. No apology. Just eye contact.

I feel like this has been happening for a while.

One True Loves: A Novel Taylor Jenkins Reid

One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a thoughtful exploration of love, loss, and personal growth. Emma marries her high school sweetheart, Jesse, who is later presumed dead after a helicopter crash. Years afterward, she rebuilds her life and falls in love again, only to learn that Jesse has survived. The story follows her struggle to reconcile her past with her present and determine the future she truly wants.

The writing is straightforward and accessible, and the emotional tension feels authentic. While some plot points are predictable, the central question—whether a person can have more than one true love—remains compelling.

A sincere and engaging romance.

★★★★

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Reading - Quote

 

“Reading taught me how to sit still and

pay attention.”

MACARONI PIE

Originally from Jeff Smith, Yankee Doodle casserole is a simple, comforting dish with baked macaroni and rich cheese flavor that brings classic homestyle cooking to the table with ease.

2 cups uncooked macaroni
¼ pound butter, melted
Salt
¼ pound grated white or yellow cheese

Boil the pasta in salted water until barely tender. Drain. Mix with the cheese and butter and place in a baking dish. Bake at 350° until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 15 minutes

A Quiet Visitor in the Rose of Sharons

This little possum stopped by for a peaceful visit among the Rose of Sharons, tucked in the perfect hiding spot. There’s something sweet about seeing wildlife pause in a safe, calm place — just resting, watching, and becoming part of the garden for a moment. Nature always finds its way to the softest corners. 

 

INDIAN FRY BREAD

INDIAN FRY BREAD

3 cups sifted flour
4 tablespoons baking powder
water
fat for deep frying
¼ tablespoon salt

Mix all ingredients with sufficient water to make a stiff dough. Place it in a covered bow! And let sit 30 minutes to 1 hour. Pinch off small balls of dough and work out into about a 5-inch circle. Fry in deep hot fat until golden brown. Serve with butter, syrup, jelly, vegetables, or meat. Eat while hot. John Smitley, restaurant manager, Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation, Livingston

HOMEMADE HOT FUDGE SAUCE

Rich, glossy homemade hot fudge sauce, freshly made and ready to drizzle over your favorite desserts. This is the best fudge sauce you ever tasted and so simple to make. 

1 can evaporated milk
3 c. 10x powdered sugar
5 sq. unsweetened chocolate
1 ¼ tsp. vanilla
½ c. butter

Melt chocolate and butter. Add milk and sugar alternately until mixture boils and thickens. Take off heat and add vanilla.

Note: This can be done in a microwave. Heat only a minute so the mixture does not curdle.

Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood - A Review

Love on the Brain delivers exactly what Ali Hazelwood fans expect — with both its strengths and its familiar frustrations.

Bee is a heroine who can be hard to connect with at first. Her tendency to interrupt and her rambling inner monologue tested my patience, and I can see why some readers were put off early on. That said, she’s direct, ambitious, and more emotionally mature than some of Hazelwood’s previous leads.

Levi is the standout. He’s patient, attentive, genuinely funny, and communicates with care — a refreshing and very likable romantic lead. The chemistry between Bee and Levi is sweet, amusing, and develops in a way that feels natural and emotionally grounded.

The story leans heavily on miscommunication and follows a predictable path, and the ending feels a bit over the top. Still, the conflict is well prepared, and the emotional payoff makes the journey enjoyable.

Overall, this was a solid, comforting read. Not surprising — but warm, amusing, and touching enough to recommend.

★★★☆☆

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When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin - A Review

When Crickets Cry is a warm, emotional story set in a small Southern town. The book brings together Reese, a man carrying a heavy past, and Annie, a spirited young girl with a serious heart condition. Their first meeting feels simple, but it quickly becomes clear that they share a deeper connection, especially because Reese knows more about her situation than he lets on.

The book as a blend of heartfelt storytelling, faith, and small‑town charm. The themes of love, loss, and hope stand out, and readers often mention how the characters feel real and easy to root for. Annie’s bravery and Reese’s quiet struggle give the story both warmth and emotional depth.

The novel focuses on healing — emotionally, spiritually, and in ways that take time. The writing has an easy, sincere feel to it, and the Southern setting adds a gentle, comforting backdrop to the more serious themes. Several guides also note that the story leans into the idea that meaningful moments and unexpected connections can help people find their way forward.

Overall, When Crickets Cry is touching without being overwhelming, emotional without dragging you down, and full of heart from beginning to end. It leaves you thinking about second chances and the quiet ways people help each other heal.

★★★★

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