Reading, Writing & Pondering

  The Roman Holiday Rule by Andra Loy captivated me from beginning to end. Loy is a debut author and this book is a wonderful debut! Lexi Walker is off on an Italian adventure. She has an itinerary to complete the dream trip she had planned with her mother before her mom passed away. Her mom is an artist and she will present her final painting at a festival. Lexi is also carrying letters her mother left her to open at certain locations in Italy. Mark Russo is an Italian-American Archetect who was once burned by an American tourist so he is a bit leary of Lexi upon meeting her.  Still, he is captivated by Lexi as they share their flight to Rome--and an interest in photography.  I loved The Roman Holiday Rule . I could have read it in one sitting if I had had the time. This book has some mystery, some history and a romance that I thoroughly enjoyed seeing from beginning to end. There is also humor as it is a rom-com. Even though there is a sadness in Lexi from her mother's...

For me, Amanda Cox is an auto-read author. I have read all of her books up until now so I always look forward to her latest release. Things We Cannot Keep held my attention from beginning to end and was worth the wait. Tess Holcomb escaped a difficult upbringing and started a new life in a new town with a new name in Alabama. She works with a team to repair family heirlooms. She specifically is the clock repair person. She thinks her past is behind her when she receives a box sent to her former name. About the same time the box appears, Elliot Sullivan shows up at her workplace. He is someone she knew in her past who has a history with her. She isn't sure why he showed up and struggles to trust is true motives as their history wasn't all good.  As the book goes on, Tess decides to work with Elliot to uncover the mystery in the box. I love that Things We Cannot Keep is a book with mystery, history, family drama and a bit of romance. This author has a way of drawing you in and ...

    Twelve Days and Twelfth Night by Sarah Sundin is a Christmas novella set in San Diego during World War 2.  World War 2 USO Director Maggie Oliver is in charge of putting on a Christmas show in San Diego for thousands of sailors. She enlists Prescott Duke, a former Hollywood heartthrob who hasn't acted since an accident left him with burn scars. Maggie and Prescott are inspired by Shakespeare's Twelth Night and the Twelve Days of Christmas to put on a show that will lift the sailors Christmas spirits. Can they put it together in time? Also, what about the secret that Maggie discovered? I enjoyed Twelve Days and Twelfth Night . It is a romance and, since it is a historical novella, things happen fairly quickly in the story. I especially liked the history that the author included about the area and Balboa Park. I was in San Diego a couple of years ago and saw some of the areas in the story. I like how the author brought this history and part of the country to life. Her ...

  Have you ever seen The Parent Trap movie? There are a couple of versions out there so you may have seen at least one of them. I saw the older version and remember it pretty well as a fun flick. Matchmaking Christmas by Toni Shiloh is a fun book with a modern take on the Parent Trap movie theme. Regina Parker moves back to her hometown with her daughter to open a candle shop after her husband passed away unexpectedly a few years previously. She has a daughter, Kyleigh. Theo Evers never left his hometown. He has a busy job managing a Christmas Tree Farm and being a single dad to his daughter, Malea.  Malea and Kyleigh are the same age and become best friends at school Both girls want to know what it is like to have time with the opposite parent so one day they decide to switch places. Kyleigh heads to Theo's house on the bus. Malea heads to Regina's house on a different bus. What they don't know is that Theo and Regina have history. How will they handle the switch? Matchma...

  Do you know a perfectionist or someone with OCD? I do. We Wish You a Messy Christmas by Melody Carlson is a Christmas novella with a theme of trying to help someone heal from perfectionism.  Olivia Bradshaw an Malcolm McEntire grew up next door to each other. Then they went their separate ways and saw each other again as Olivia goes to Malcolm's vet clinic with her roommate's cat. Malcolm and Olivia started dating and enjoy time together. However, they have a roadblock to overcome--Olivia's mother doesn't like the McEntire's. She finds them messy and unorganized. For Olivia's mother, Jane, the holidays, and her home on most days, has to be perfect. In We Wish You a Messy Christmas , both families work together to stage an intervention--although nature sort of takes its course and creates its own intervention. I found this to be an interesting book. I have a close family member that is very much like Jane so I found a lot to relate to in this book. . . There w...

Are you looking for a devotional that focuses on helping you get out of despair, pain or other heartache? Fight for Joy by Michele Howe includes 30 devotional readings with this focus. Each of the 30 devotionals in Fight for Joy start with a Bible verse, as you would probably expect. Then there is a story relating to the Scripture from life today. Following the story reading, there is a prayer under the My Heart's Cry heading. That is followed by a section entitled Fighting for Joy. This section gives the reader some questions to ask themselves, something to think about or something to do that relates to the reading of the day.  Fight for Joy could be a good book to read when you are in the midst of struggles. It may also be a good book to gift a Christian who is struggling to find joy in their life for some reason. I received a copy of this book from the author and the publisher. All opinions  are my own.

    Are you looking for a new book to improve your business relationships? Two Types of People by Pat Sitkins recently released from Revell Books.  Understand Hidden Patterns That Allow You to Reach Uncommon Levels of Clarity and Success · Unlock your own transformation · Eye-opening interviews with high-achieving individuals like Navy SEALs, Olympians, CEOs, disruptors, and more · From an in-demand speaker and entrepreneur Those top performers and high achievers we all admire? Each one is living in the tension between confidence and doubt, willpower and hesitation, sociability and solitude. They are tough and vulnerable, driven and exhausted, structured and spontaneous. They’re human beings, just like you. Which means you can be just like them. Through eye-opening interviews with high-achieving individuals like Navy SEALs, professional athletes, CEOs, disruptors, and astronauts, strategic entrepreneur and in-demand speaker Pat Sitkins reveals the hidden pattern...

  In a Word, Yes by Kit Tosello is my first book by this author, but I know it won't be my last. This is the most touching book that I have read this year so far. It is definitely a five star read for me. It also doesn't hurt that part of the book is set in a tea store and in a bookstore--two of my favorite places! Lucy Montgomery is a single mom raising an autistic son by herself for the past 5 years in Charity Falls, Oregon, after being married to an abusive husband. She started to get a journalism degree years ago and then left in the middle of the program. However, she works behind the scenes at the local newspaper and has some chances to write--if she will take them. Wyatt Hayes is a local law enforcement officer who also enjoys writing, words and adventures. Lucy is drawn to his kind heart and adventurous spirit, along with his love of words.  Carly Montgomery is Lucy's mom and a beloved woman's Bible study leader who is growing weary in her profession and wonder...

  Mousie Doesn't Have to Go To Sleep by Karissa Taylor is an adorable bedtime board book.  I love how the author writes through the parents in the book that the child doesn't have to go to sleep. So many times young children fight sleep and sometimes bedtime can be a bit of a battle. This book could take some of that away as children are invited to go through the bedtime routine--in a fun way--without having to go to sleep.  This board book is made of thick cardboard pages that are easy for little hands to hold and turn the pages. The book measures roughly 7 inches square and is one-half inch thick. There are 20 pages to the story. Mousie doesn't have to go to Sleep is aimed at children ages four and under. I think this adorable book would be a favorite with my son if he were still that age.   I received a copy of this book from Tommy Nelson through Amazon Vine. All opinions are my own. 

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 ...

  One of the ways I like to relax is with some good old-fashioned coloring time. Cozy Life Cute Coloring Book by Jade Summer released today from Tarcher Publishing.  I love the heart-warming, cute designs. There are 45 designs on single-sided pages so you could use markers, colors, colored-pencils or even paints. The pages are fairly thick so most mediums would work.      I received this coloring book from Tarcher Books. All opinions are my own. 

  It has been several months since I have read a historical fiction novel. . . The Light of the Stars by Jenelle Hovde was a wonderful read to break back into the genre. Kitty Grenville is expected to wed Sebastian Sinclair. The last time they met, they were children, and it didn't go all that well. When Kitty was a child, The East India Company via her grandfather tore her and her brother from their parents in India and took them to England to live with her grandfather. Sebastian represents that very company, which doesn't win him any points to start with. Sebastian, for his part, goes to England to wed Kitty to fulfill the long-standing betrothal set up by their grandfathers. While Kitty makes it clear she doesn't want this marriage, Sebastian is attracted to her keen mind and spirit and chooses to give them time to get to know each other. He won't force her to marry him but hope she will come around. Kitty takes her time but is then involved in a scandal and does de...

  I was anxiously waiting for Martha Aldridge's story after reading the first two books in the Checking Out Love series by Sarah Monzon. Bookmarked for Love is the third book in the series and it did not disappoint me.  Martha is the children's part-time librarian. Besides her paid work, she also volunteers her time to provide some extra programs because she enjoys working with the children so much. She lives on a horse farm where she does some work in exchange for her living quarters so she can afford to do that. However, when budget cuts come up and Martha's job is cut, Martha doesn't want to disappoint the children, but she also can't afford to work entirely free either.  Martha decides to talk to a publishing company to see if they could donate enough money to repair a damaged roof and pay Martha. She has a history with this company already as her parents work for the owners. She winds up talking to Julien King, son of the owners, and he hires her to do some co...

      The Vanished series continues with  Shattered : In a turbulent world reshaped by the Rapture, ancient prophecies stir as the ominous Antichrist rises. In a world turned upside down by the cataclysmic events of the Rapture, the unraveling of divine prophecies stirs chaos and uncertainty. Saul Katz, a gifted scientist, finds his life irrevocably changed as he joins the 144,000 chosen evangelists. In the shadows of Istanbul, John Haggerty embarks on his own perilous journey, driven by vengeance. He holds Matthias Vilks, the ominous face of the Antichrist, accountable for the collapse of America and his own heart-wrenching loss. But between the dangerous lures of power and the call to resist the satanic forces gathering, Haggs finds his choices shadowed by peril. As darkness gathers and prophecy, betrayal, and redemption intertwine, faith and courage are the world’s final bastions of hope against impending doom. About the Author Dr. David Jeremiah ...

It's easy for puppies to get distracted by new things. In Willa and the Way Home by Jennifer Moorman, Willa the puppy gets distracted by a butterfly shortly after moving to her new house with her human family.  In Willa and the Way Home, Willa realizes she is lost after following a butterfly near her new house. In the story, a bird and a cat befriend Willa and help her find her way home in this heartwarming story. The story is cute and also is one that could be encouraging to children as the focus is on having courage and getting help from friends. Both of those can be good things for sure. I also liked the cute illustrations. I love dogs, cats and birds, besides humans, and the illustrations in Willa and the Way Home are so cute. They are also vibrant and eye catching with bright colors. It all works together to make a fun new book to read with children. Willa and the Way Home is a hardcover book that measures 8 1/2 by 11 inches in size and is 38 pages long. This book releases f...