Reading, Writing & Pondering

When the Silence Breaks by Elizabeth Goddard is the first book in the new Mercy Ridge series. After finishing this book, my first thoughts were, "Whew, what a ride!" It sure kept me turning pages. Sarah Ellison makes her way to Mercy Ridge after learning that her brother was murdered in relation to a deathbed confession by her grandfather. She hopes to find out why and knows that the government buried some sort of secret in the nearby Cascade Mountains. Can She find it? Former Navy SEAL Ryder Goodwin hasn't worked as a mountain guide for 2 years--not since his dad died in a tragic accident while he was nearby. At first, Ryder says he won't help Sarah but as she continues to face problems, he decides to go ahead and be her guide.  I enjoyed getting to know Sarah and Ryder in When the Silence Breaks . Sarah and Ryder face some obstacles before they head up the mountain. Once on the mountain, they face even bigger obstacles. I don't want to give anything away. This ...

  Grow Wild, My Child by Ainsley Arment is a beautifully illustrated hardcover children's book that was written to encourage children to spend time having outdoor adventures of all kinds. Grow Wild, My Chil d is 32 pages long, aimed at children ages four to eight. This beautiful book measures a little larger than 9 by 11 inches. The illustrations by Bianca Pozzi are gorgeous! The end papers with drawings of various items in nature are also gorgeous. Grow Wild, My Child is meant to instill a sense of wonder in children--wonder at all four seasons outdoors--and having adventures outside through all of those seasons. It also encourages a sense of make-believe and dreaming while outdoors. I think the writing has wonderful rhythm. I love the writing and the pictures. I grew up loving my time outdoors in nature--but that was before the internet got going. I would love to see children continue to love time outdoors in nature and to use their time to dream and imagine as this book encour...

  Happy Release Day to The Happiness Crisis by Jonathan Eckert. This is a great book for those who parent kids ages 9 to 22 today--or for those who are able to teach or mentor kids this age today.  Chasing what feels easy is a human instinct—but it’s only when young people embrace challenges that they become stronger versions of themselves and lead more joyful, meaningful lives. In our happiness-obsessed society, we can become isolated in comfort zones and overly focused on temporary pleasures. Kids naturally do the same. In our effort to protect and help them, we often shield them from discomfort. But are we unwittingly denying them experiences that will form them into strong, capable adults? Could it be that we’re training them to believe that challenges ought to be avoided, and that if they’re struggling, they’re not well? In  The Happiness Crisis , global educational leader Jon Eckert speaks from decades of experience, explaining how he has seen parents, ...

This is my first Chichi and Didi book but this is actually their second children's book from Peace Amadi and Ndidi Amadi. Chichi and Didi Find Their Gifts is fun and the illustrations are cute and colorful. Chichi and Did Find Their Gifts share the stories of Nigerian sisters, Chichi and Didi as they learn what they are gifted to do. One girl figures it out easily and the other girl has a longer quest to find out her special skills and interest that work best with her personality. This hardcover illustrated children's book is 40 pages long and measures just under nine inches square. I love how the illustrations feature the girls throughout the book with colorful, fun illustrations to help tell the story. The book is aimed at children ages three to seven. I love that it is inclusive as the girls are Nigerian. I think most children could relate to the story. As a foodie, I wish that they had shared the recipe and talked more about the Nigerian food they were preparing in part o...

   As we close out July 2026, The United States has celebrated it's 250th birthday.  From Sea to Shining Sea : 50 Daily Devotions from Traveling to Every State in America  is a Christian devotional devotional book that celebrates all fifty states of the United States. This is an especially great year to read this devotional.  From Sea to Shining Sea  has devotions that are designed for short, meaningful reflection, blending faith, Scripture, and real-life travel experiences from across the United States. Each of the fifty readings begins with a travel moment that the authors experienced that coincide with the state featured in that reading. The authors have traveled to all fifty states and have been married 60 years. The travels are from various times in their lives and feature various landmarks and historical interests in the states.  Along with the travel stories, each reading   connects that experience with a brief Scripture passa...

    Do you like Amish romance books? Her Reluctant Amish Heart by Pamela Desmond Wright is an Amish romance book. It is also the third book in the Humble Blessings series but can be read as a stand-alone.  Elam Muller made a mistake. He took part in a street race when he knew better. A teenage boy, Nathan Glick, got hurt that night as a result of the race. Elam was sentenced by the judge to report to the Amish Bishop and to help the Glick family and to help at the local Meals on Wheels program. Elam didn't realize that Nathan's mother and older brother died in an accident and his dad was partially paralyzed before Nathan got hurt. A lot work fell on Anika's shoulders and Elam was there to help her with it all. I liked Elam and Anika. I also liked their families. This book shows life in an Amish community. There are some changes the Bishop made allowing some modern conveniences when necessary. Reuben Glick couldn't get to church as it was too difficult to get the wheel ...