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One Thousand White Women: The Journals of May Dodd by Jim Fergus - A Review

2026-06-30T10:37:29.125-05:00

This one came highly recommended.

Big disappointment.

Honestly, this sounded like it should have been a good book for me. The premise is fascinating, a woman escapes an asylum and joins a controversial program that sends white women to marry Cheyenne men in the 1870s. Historical fiction, adventure, survival, and culture clash? I was all in.

Unfortunately, the execution never matched the idea.

The characters felt flat, the relationships felt rushed, and I struggled to connect emotionally with anything that was happening. The portrayal of Native culture often felt more romanticized than realistic, and the pacing was all over the place. Some sections were interesting, while others seemed to drag on forever. So very, very unrealistic.

What disappointed me most was the lack of emotional impact. This story had all the ingredients for an unforgettable read, yet I finished it feeling surprisingly indifferent.

I can see why so many readers love it, but for me, this was a great premise trapped inside a book that never quite came to life.

Sometimes a book steals your heart. This one mostly stole my reading time.

★★

The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson - Now Released

2026-06-30T07:30:00.000-05:00

Now Released

This was a struggle for me, honestly. I liked the idea and the coastal summer setting, but I found myself pushing through large chunks of the book and almost DNFing it several times. The writing is polished, but the story moved slowly, and I had a hard time connecting to the characters or staying invested in the drama.

There were moments I appreciated, mostly the atmosphere and the group dynamics, but they weren’t enough to fully carry the story for me. By the end, I was more relieved to finish than satisfied.

It wasn’t a total miss, but it took real effort to get through, and I needed more emotional payoff than it delivered.

I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

★★★

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The Emergency Playbook by Amy Edelman and Chris Begley - Now Released

2026-06-29T07:30:00.000-05:00

Now Released

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.

★★★

I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade - A Review

2026-06-27T10:32:24.188-05:00

This was a layered, emotional read that was more character driven than expected, My Stubborn Heart blends romance, faith, and personal growth in a way that feels genuine.

Kate is a relatable main character. She’s dealing with burnout, disappointment, and a lot of internal pressure, and I appreciated that her struggles weren’t rushed or simplified. Watching her step away from her fast-paced life and land in this quieter, small town setting gave the story a grounded, introspective feel.

Then there’s Matt. He’s the classic grumpy, closed off type, but his emotional walls actually feel earned. His past, his injuries, and the way he interacts with people all build a believable picture of someone who’s been through a lot and doesn’t trust easily. The dynamic between him and Kate is a slower burn, built on small moments, conversations, and gradual understanding rather than instant chemistry.

One of the strongest parts of the book is how it handles healing. Both Kate and Matt are working through different kinds of brokenness, and the story takes its time showing that growth. The faith elements are definitely present, but they’re woven into the story in a way that dells natural.

The pacing is on the slower side, especially in the middle, and there are moments where it leans heavily into internal reflection. If you prefer plot heavy stories, that might feel a bit long, but if you enjoy character development and emotional depth, it really works.

Overall, this is a heartfelt, thoughtful romance about healing, trust, and learning to let people in. It’s not flashy, but it leaves an impression.

★★★★

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The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill - A Review

2026-06-26T08:30:00.000-05:00

This had such an interesting setup, and I really wanted to love it. The whole book within a book idea is clever, and I liked trying to piece together what was real, what wasn’t, and where everything was going. It definitely keeps your brain busy in a good way.

That said, it felt a little distant for me. I never fully connected with the characters, and even as things got twistier, I found myself more impressed with the structure than actually pulled into the story. The pacing is on the slower side too, and at times it felt more like a literary puzzle than a fully immersive mystery.

Overall, I’m glad I gave it a shot. It’s smart and unique, and I can see it really working for readers who love layered, meta storytelling. For me, though, it was more interesting than gripping, and it didn’t stick with me the way I hoped.

★★★

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The Heart Principle (The Kiss Quotient, #3) by Helen Hoang - A Review

2026-06-26T08:17:55.266-05:00

This just didn’t work for me at all. It felt way heavier than I expected, and instead of a romance with depth, it was mostly just emotionally draining.

I struggled to connect with Anna, and a lot of her decisions frustrated me more than anything. Quan didn’t feel like the same character I was hoping for either, or their relationship never fully clicked. The romance felt buried under everything else, so I never really felt that payoff.

The pacing dragged, and I kept waiting for it to come together, but it never did. Definitely my least favorite in the series.

★

This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum - A Review

2026-06-25T14:25:21.124-05:00

I had a really good time with this one. It is fast paced, super engaging, and honestly just hard to put down once it gets going. The tension keeps building in a way that makes you feel a little on edge the whole time, and I loved that constant feeling of not knowing who to trust or what was about to happen next.

The story does a great job mixing suspense with some real emotional weight too. The characters felt believable enough to stay invested in, and there is a strong sense of urgency that keeps everything moving. A few moments hit especially hard because they tap into very real fears, which made the story feel even more intense.

I read this on Kindle while also listening to the audiobook, and I definitely recommend doing both if you can. The narration adds so much to the experience. It really brings the characters to life and makes the tense scenes even more gripping. This is one of those cases where the audio version takes an already solid story and makes it even better.

It is a really immersive and enjoyable read, especially if you love thrillers and suspense. And seriously, try the audio version.

★★★★

The Last One at the Wedding: A Novel by Jason Rekulak - A Review

2026-06-25T10:07:00.000-05:00

The setup pulled me in right away. A remote wedding, a slightly eerie atmosphere, and that underlying feeling that something isn’t quite right made it feel like it had all the ingredients for a really gripping thriller. Listening to it as an audiobook definitely added to the experience. The narrator did a solid job building tension and keeping me curious, and honestly, he sounded so much like Casey Kasem from the old Top 40 days, which gave it this unexpected nostalgic vibe that I actually really enjoyed.

I did like the slow unraveling of secrets, but at times it felt a little too slow. There were stretches where I wanted more momentum, especially since the story leans so heavily on suspense. When the twists started coming, some of them were intriguing, but a few were just so farfetched.

The characters were decent, but I never felt fully connected to them, which made some of the bigger moments feel a bit less impactful. I kept waiting for that moment where everything clicked emotionally, and it just didn’t quite get there for me.

That said, it was still a solid listen and definitely kept me entertained enough to finish. If you like contained thrillers with an uneasy vibe and a gradual build, this might work really well for you.

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Loved by God

2026-06-25T09:01:00.008-05:00

This is the heart of the gospel.

Love that gives. Grace that saves. Truth that invites belief.

God’s purpose was never condemnation, but rescue. Eternal life was offered not through force, fear, or judgment, but through love—freely given in His Son. Belief is not about perfection; it’s about trust in the One who came to save.

The Way of Befriending by Parfait Bassalé - Now Released

2026-06-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

Now Released - June 23, 2026

The Way of Befriending: Transforming Relationships and Organizations for Belonging is one of those books that feels both personal and practical. Parfait Bassalé draws on his experience as a belonging strategist, storyteller, and musician to talk about what it really takes to create spaces where people feel seen and valued. His main ideas of courage, curiosity, and compassion are simple, human, and feel very doable in everyday life.

What really stands out is the mix of real stories and helpful tools. Instead of just telling you what belonging is, he shows it through moments from his own life, examples from organizations, and the original music he created for the book. It makes the whole experience deeper and more meaningful.

Bassalé also points out that belonging is not just about being kind to each other. The way a workplace is built, including its policies, habits, and unspoken expectations, plays a huge part in who feels included. His reflection questions help readers take an honest look at these systems. It is a helpful reminder that belonging does not just happen by accident. Someone has to build it with intention.

One of my favorite ideas in the book is the invitation to “be a bridge.” He encourages readers to approach unfamiliar people and perspectives with openness, even when it feels uncomfortable. His view of compassion as walking alongside someone and honoring their story gives the idea real substance and makes it feel grounded.

Even with these big themes, the writing stays warm and easy to follow. It feels more like a friendly conversation than a textbook. His stories open the door to bigger thoughts about identity, community, and what becomes possible when we choose connection over separation. Leaders, teachers, organizers, and anyone wanting to create healthier and more inclusive spaces will find plenty of useful guidance here.

The original songs included with the book are a great touch. They add emotion and help the messages stick in a way that written words alone sometimes cannot.

Overall, The Way of Befriending is a thoughtful and heartfelt guide for anyone who wants to strengthen relationships or help groups operate with more empathy and respect. Whether you want to shift a workplace culture or simply be more present in your everyday interactions, this book offers practical tools and a gentle push toward more courageous, heart centered connection.

★★★★

I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

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Onyx Storm (The Empyrean Book 3) Kindle Edition by Rebecca Yarros

2026-06-24T12:46:00.000-05:00

I really tried with this one, like three separate times, and I finally had to call it. It just didn’t hold my attention. It felt very repetitive, like the same conflicts and patterns playing out again without much new to keep things interesting.

I loved the first book and really liked the second, so this was a letdown for me. I kept waiting for it to pick up or surprise me, but it never really did. There are still little flashes of what made the earlier books work, but not enough to carry the story this time.

At a certain point, I realized I was pushing myself to read instead of actually wanting to, and that’s usually my sign to stop. So this ended up being a DNF for me.

Overall, not a bad idea, just not enough freshness to keep me invested. I’m officially out with this one.

★★½

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Every Summer After by Carley Fortune - A Review

2026-06-24T09:44:56.130-05:00

The story flips between past and present, following Percy and Sam through six childhood summers and then one present-day reunion. I loved how nostalgic the summer scenes felt. It really captured that feeling of growing up, first love, and those moments that shape you without realizing it at the time. Sam was especially easy to love, and their connection felt real and effortless.

What kept me hooked was the mystery of what went wrong between them. You know from the start that something big happened, and the slow reveal made it hard to put down. When everything finally came to light, it was messy and a little heartbreaking, but also believable, which made it hit harder.

The only reason this wasn’t a full five stars for me is that some parts felt a bit predictable, and I wanted just a little more from the ending emotionally. Still, it was satisfying and fit the story well.

Also, I just started the limited series on Netflix and it’s been fun to see the story come to life in a different way. I’m curious to see how closely it sticks to the book.

Overall, it’s a cozy, emotional, second-chance romance with strong summer nostalgia and just enough depth to make it memorable. Perfect if you want something heartfelt but still easy to sink into.

★★★★

Iron Flame (The Empyrean Book 2) Kindle Edition by Rebecca Yarros

2026-06-23T12:43:00.000-05:00

This one still had me hooked, but I could definitely feel it losing a little of the momentum from the first book. The stakes are still high, and there’s a lot going on, but it didn’t feel quite as tight or addictive as Fourth Wing for me.

I still really liked Violet’s growth. She continues to feel strong in a realistic way, and I appreciated how she keeps being pushed without suddenly having everything figured out. The relationships are still a big draw too, especially with all the tension, but some of it felt more drawn out this time instead of building in a way that felt fresh.

The world expands more here, which is interesting, but it also makes things feel a bit heavier and slower in parts. There were moments where I felt fully pulled in again, and others where it dragged more than I expected.

Overall, it’s still a really solid continuation, just not quite as gripping as the first. It kept me invested, I just didn’t fly through it the same way.

★★★★

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Theo of Golden by Allen Levi - A Review

2026-06-22T14:12:10.153-05:00

This was a quiet, reflective read that slowly, very, very slowly, grew on me. It leans more into relationships, small moments, and a subtle spiritual connection than a traditional plot, with some really meaningful quotes throughout.

At first, the pacing felt too slow and it came across as longer than necessary. I had trouble staying engaged and felt that with stronger editing, this could have been a truly standout book with proper editing. Around halfway through, it finally started to pick up, and I connected more with the characters.

Theo stood out with his gentle, steady presence. The way he shows up for others felt genuine and tied everything together. I also came to appreciate the interconnected structure and the sense of community it built.

Some parts still felt underdeveloped, but overall, it became a thoughtful and heartfelt read. A powerful debut for a new author with a lot of promise.

A 3.5 star read for me, rounded up to four because of its emotional impact.

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Miracle Creek: A Novel by Angie Kim - A Review

2026-06-22T13:00:01.577-05:00

On the surface it’s a courtroom drama, but it also digs into people’s choices, secrets, and the pressure they live under.

The story follows a tragic incident and the trial that unfolds, and I liked how my sympathies kept shifting. The characters felt layered and realistic, with no clear heroes or villains, which made everything feel more emotionally grounded.

Young and Pak stood out, especially with their struggles as immigrants balancing financial stress and expectations. The parents’ storylines also explored love, guilt, and pressure in a way that felt honest, if sometimes heavy.

The pacing was solid overall, though it slowed a bit during legal details. Still, the gradual reveals kept me interested.

While thought-provoking and emotionally impactful, it didn’t fully land for me at times, which is why it’s a three-star read.

★★★

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Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1) by Rebecca Yarros

2026-06-22T10:14:00.000-05:00

This one completely pulled me in. It’s fast paced, intense, and just really hard to put down once you get into it. The mix of dragon riding, training, and constant danger keeps things moving, but it’s the emotional side that really made it stand out for me.

Violet was easy to root for. She’s not the strongest or most prepared, but she’s smart, determined, and learns how to survive in ways that actually feel believable. I loved watching her grow into her own strength instead of suddenly having it all together. And the relationships, especially the tension filled ones, kept things interesting without feeling forced.

The world building is solid without being overwhelming, and the stakes stay high pretty much the whole time. There were a few moments that felt a little predictable, but honestly I was having too much fun to care much.

Overall, this was such an addictive read. It has action, emotion, and just enough drama to keep you hooked the entire time. Definitely one I’d recommend if you want something exciting that still has heart.

★★★★½

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Listen - Quote

2026-06-22T08:20:00.009-05:00

This reminds me of the spiritual call to be still and attentive before God and before others. Scripture often nudges us toward listening hearts, not just busy mouths. When I pause, listen more, and speak less, I notice I am more aware of God’s quiet guidance and more patient with the people around me. It feels like a simple way to practice humility and love in everyday moments, not perfectly, but intentionally.

Toe Beans

2026-06-20T14:17:00.000-05:00

Daily Inspiration for the Purpose Driven Life: Scriptures and Reflections from the 40 Days of Purpose by Rick Warren - A Review

2026-06-20T11:08:00.000-05:00

This was a steady, easy devotional that really fits best into short, quiet moments instead of deep study sessions. The entries are brief and simple, which makes it great for mornings or winding down at night. It feels intentional without asking too much from you, which I liked.

The focus stays on purpose, faith, and everyday life, so it feels grounding and practical. There were definitely a few readings that hit at just the right time and stuck with me throughout the day. It pairs nicely if you’ve read The Purpose Driven Life, but it also works fine on its own.

That said, it can start to feel a little repetitive after a while. If you’re familiar with Rick Warren’s style, there won’t be a lot of surprises. Some entries felt a bit surface level, and I found myself wanting a little more depth here and there.

Overall, it’s a comforting, reliable devotional that does exactly what it sets out to do. It’s encouraging, approachable, and easy to stick with, even if it doesn’t break new ground.

★★★★

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An Undersea Adventure Helen Brown - A Review

2026-06-19T12:03:29.820-05:00

(ARC • NetGalley • Publish Date: 9/1/2026)

This was such a fun, interactive find and seek book that kept me engaged page by page. Each spread is filled with colorful underwater scenes and hidden items to search for, with answer keys included right there, which made it easy and satisfying to check everything as I went.

Reading this had an extra personal layer for me since my son is in the Navy and used to be on a submarine. That connection made the underwater theme even more special, and I found myself appreciating the ocean details a little more.

The illustrations are vibrant and detailed, and I liked how each page encouraged us to slow down and really look. It’s the kind of book you can pick up anytime, whether you want something relaxing or a quick challenge.

This was a solid four-and-a-half-star experience for me (rounded to five) as a light, engaging activity book with a creative ocean theme.

★★★★★

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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A Summer Affair (Nantucket, #1) by Elin Hilderbrand

2026-06-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

This was a nice, easy read for me. I enjoyed the Nantucket setting and the relaxed summer feel made it perfect to pick up and get lost in for a bit. It’s definitely the kind of story you read more for the vibe and atmosphere than anything else.

I liked following Claire and seeing how everything unfolded. Her situation felt real, and even when I didn’t agree with her choices, I still understood them. The relationships felt messy in a believable way, which kept me interested.

I didn’t feel super emotionally pulled in, but I also didn’t mind spending time with it. It’s one of those books that’s enjoyable in the moment, even if it doesn’t leave a huge impact afterward.

Overall, a solid, light summer read.

★★★

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Cozy Afternoon in the Goat Yard

2026-06-19T01:00:00.000-05:00

You have to admit they are pretty darn cute!

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay (Fantastic Beasts: The Original Screenplay, #1) Rowling, J.K.

2026-06-18T11:11:00.003-05:00

This is comfort reading in screenplay form. It’s not trying to be deep or complex, and honestly that’s part of the charm. It’s all about the vibes magic, creatures, and getting to spend time in the wizarding world again. If you’ve seen the movie, everything plays out easily in your head, which makes it a super quick, visual read.

Newt completely carries it. He’s awkward, gentle, and quietly kind, which makes him stand out in the best way compared to the usual bold, loud heroes. The overall tone is lighter and more whimsical than the main Harry Potter series, with more focus on curiousity and wonder than big dramatic stakes, and I really liked that shift.

The screenplay format is definitely a trade off. You don’t get much inner depth, and some characters feel a bit thin on the page. But it works for what it is. This isn’t something you pick apart, it’s something you just enjoy.

Overall, it’s a cozy, nostalgic read that’s perfect for fans who want a little more time in that world. Not essential, but definitely fun.

★★★★

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Sealed With the Spirit

2026-06-18T08:59:00.007-05:00

When you believed, God sealed you.

Not temporarily. Not conditionally.

The Holy Spirit is God’s promise written over your life, a guarantee that what He began, He will finish. Your salvation is secure, your inheritance is certain, and your future already belongs to Him. All of it points back to one purpose: the praise of His glory.

Forever, Papa Bear by Danielle Beerli - Released

2026-06-17T14:38:49.033-05:00

Now Released

Forever, Papa Bear feels simple, yet the message about a father’s love staying with you as you grow is heartfelt and beautifully done.

It is warm and comforting the relationship between Papa Bear and Little Bear felt and a beautiful reminder that the smallest everyday moments are often the ones that stay with us the longest. The illustrations make it even more special, soft, cozy, and filled with little details.

It’s a story that brings your own memories to the surface and makes you think about the people who made you feel safe, seen, and loved. For a children’s book, it carries meaningful emotional depth without ever feeling heavy.

This would make a perfect bedtime read, a thoughtful Father’s Day gift, or simply a beautiful story to share with little ones again and again.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

★★★★★

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