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Book Review: The Book Club Murders by Maggie Allswell

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Book Club Murders #1

Published May 22, 2026 by @Bookouture

For widower Judy, her murder book club is the highlight of the she gets to hear all the local gossip and even discuss a good fictitious poisoning or two. But when local librarian Wendy disappears, Judy follows in the footsteps of her fictional detective heroes only to find her dead in her home, clasping a copy of Romeo and Juliet…

The police rule it a tragic accident, but Judy knows that her friend hated Shakespeare, and suspects foul play. Gathering her fellow book lovers together, soon they discover that several townspeople had motive to want Wendy dead. Was it Nigel from the tavern, who may have been Wendy’s secret boyfriend? Or could it be Bryan, the local bookshop owner, tangled in a bitter rivalry with the library?

The plot thickens at a charity murder mystery night held at Nigel’s tavern. Suddenly more murders come to light, both real and very badly staged. And when Nigel makes an astonishing revelation, the book club agree it’s a plot twist no-one saw coming. Can Judy and her book club solve the mystery before they too fall victim to a killer plot?

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This is not your garden variety cozy mystery story where citizens work alongside police, or a detective, in helping catch a murder. I really had to sit on this review for a few days because I wasn’t sure how I could discuss this without giving too much away.

In this story we see a group of people taking matters in their own hands in the most extreme way. We also see another side of seeking justice, or the lack of the right sort of justice-in this case. Lines are so blurred between justice and retribution that the reader is taken to a dark place that leaves you wondering if the justice will be served. That said, this is the first book in the series and it shall be interesting how the author continues this premise in the next.

I must caution readers about the swear words in this story, and though there are not a lot, there are a few.

Overall, this was a fascinating and yet, crazy story that will have you keep turning the pages.

Stephanie

I received an ARC from the publishers through NetGalley

Author Spotlight: Connilyn Cossette

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Christian Fiction/Biblical Fiction/Historical Fiction/Romance

I’ve had my eye on Connilyn Cossette’s work for sometime now and I’ve decided I want to start with her Cities of Refuge series. That said, It was a toss-up between this series and her Out from Egypt series. Perhaps, I could go back and forth with them. Hmm…

I love reading stories that take place in the Old Testament period, and of course, the New Testament period as well. I may have mentioned Cossette’s before and if I have, it deserves another mention. Also, I like the covers of these books! The second book cover is my favorite! I am hoping to acquire these books soon!

Have you read this author’s work before? Do you read Biblical Historical Fiction novels? Which are your favorites?

Stephanie

A Light on the Hill

Published : February 6, 2018 by Bethany House Publishers

Setting in Israel

Though Israel has found relative peace, Moriyah has yet to find her own. Attempting to avoid the scorn of her community, she’s spent the last seven years hiding behind the veil she wears. Underneath her covering, her face is branded with the mark of the Canaanite gods, a shameful reminder of her past captivity in Jericho and an assurance that no man will ever want to marry her.

When her father finds a widower, who needs a mother for his two sons, her hopes rise. But when their introduction goes horribly wrong, Moriyah is forced to flee for her life. Seeking safety at one of the newly established Levitical cities of refuge, she is wildly unprepared for the dangers she will face and the enemies—and unexpected allies—she will encounter on her way.

Shelter of the Most High

Cities of Refuge #2

Published October 2, 2018 by Bethany House Publishers

The daughter of a pagan high priest, Sofea finds solace from her troubles in the freedom of the ocean. But when marauders attack her village on the island of Sicily, she and her cousin are taken across the sea to the shores of Canaan.

Eitan has lived in Kedesh, a city of refuge, for the last eleven years, haunted by a tragedy in his childhood, yet chafing at the boundaries placed on him. He is immediately captivated by Sofea, but revealing his most guarded secret could mean drawing her into the danger of his past.

As threats from outside the walls loom and traitors are uncovered within, Sofea and Eitan are plunged into the midst of a murder plot. Can they uncover the betrayal in time to save their lives and the lives of those they love?

Until the Mountains Fall

Cities of Refuge #3

Recently widowed, Rivkah refuses to submit to the Torah law compelling her to marry her husband’s brother and instead flees Kedesh, hoping to use her talents as a scribe to support herself. Without the protections of her father, Kedesh’s head priest, and the safety of the city of refuge, Rivkah soon discovers that the cost of recklessness is her own freedom.

Malakhi has secretly loved Rivkah for years, but he never imagined his older brother’s death would mean wedding her himself. After her disappearance, he throws himself into the ongoing fight against the Canaanites instead of dwelling on all he has lost. But with impending war looming over Israel, Rivkah’s father comes to Malakhi with an impossible request.

As the enemies that Rivkah and Malakhi face from without and within Israel grow more threatening each day, is it too late for the restoration their wounded souls seek?

Like Flames in the Night

Cities of Refuge #4

Published May 1, 2020 by Bethany House Publishers

Strong-willed Tirzah wants to join her people in driving the enemy from the land of Israel and undergoes training for a secret mission inside the stronghold of Shechem. But soon after she has infiltrated the ruthless Aramean commander’s kitchen, she makes a reckless decision that puts her and her allies in grave danger.

Fresh off the battlefield, Liyam returns home to discover his beloved daughter is dead. After his vow to hunt down her killer leads to months of fruitless pursuit, his last hope is in a family connection that comes with strings attached. Strings that force him to pose as a mercenary and rescue an infuriating woman who refuses to leave her mission uncompleted.

When an opportunity to pave a path to a Hebrew victory arises, can Tirzah convince Liyam to fight alongside her in the refuge city of her birth? Or will Liyam’s thirst for vengeance outweigh his duty to his people, his God, and the woman he’s come to love?

About the Author:

Connilyn Cossette is a Christy Award-winning, bestselling author who loves digging into the ancient world of the Bible and crafting immersive stories that encourage readers to encounter the Great Storyteller himself. As the grateful adoptive mom of two homeschool graduates and a recent breast cancer survivor, she knows firsthand how Yahweh’s steadfast love redeems every unexpected plot twist. She and her husband of nearly thirty years are based just north of Charlotte, North Carolina, with suitcases always half-packed for their next adventure together.

Book Review: A New Home for the Irish Daughter by Kate Hewitt

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Maggie O’Halloran Book 2

Publication Date: May 22, 2026 by @ Bookouture

Chicago, 1892: Maggie O’Halloran knows she is lucky to have escaped New York City with her life, after a notorious gang threatened her and her brother. Now, twisting the wedding ring on her finger, she knows her friend Brendan O’Donoghue’s plan to pretend to be married is sensible. But can she really pretend to be his wife when she doesn’t love him with her whole heart?

Walking Chicago’s cobbled streets, Maggie is more resolved than ever to rebuild her life and when she secures a job at the famous department store, Marshall Field & Company, she is delighted. But when ghosts of her past appear in the millinery department, she knows her true identity could be revealed at any moment, and her dreams once more reduced to ash.

When a chance encounter leads to Maggie making hats for Chicago’s World’s Fair, her desire to become fully independent feels closer than ever. But as gossip swirls about her relationship with her benefactor, can Maggie keep her head held high in this city she now calls home?

When Brendan finds himself in a perilous situation, Maggie’s courage is tested more than ever before. With danger looming, can she and Brendan survive it together? Or will they once more need to flee their home to find safety, and a chance to begin again?

My Thoughts:

Maggie and her brother Danny are Irish immigrants that made their way to New York for a better life, and to meet their father, and it quickly became a life of hardships, and trouble to say the least. In this story A New Home for the Irish Daughter, Maggie, and her brother fled New York at the help of their loyal friend, Brendan O’Donoghue. They traveled by train to Chicago to start afresh and it is not too long after they stepped off the train, they realize it is not going to be easy to start over. My goodness, they couldn’t seem to catch a break! My heart broke for them.

About half way in the book, I felt a deep sense of dread come upon me and my chest tighten. I knew something dark was about to happen and I was right. There was an assault and attempted rape of Maggie by the boarder’s husband, and I need to be honest, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to finish reading this story. I took a deep breath and carried on, and thankfully, the scene was cut short. That is all I can say about the scene without giving too much away, but I feel readers must know. That said, the author’s telling of the assault and characterization of the attacker, leading up to the moment it happened, was so effective in building tension without the shock value I find too often in stories. Great writing!

There are a few intriguing historical elements to this story and rightfully so considering the timeline for this story. I really enjoyed how the details were weaved in and how it put the characters right in the center of it all. There is also the infamous serial killer Dr. Holmes who plays a role in this story and wow, you get the creep vibe from him the moment he is introduced in the story! Again, great writing by the author.

The story did abruptly end, so I was taken a little back by that, however, there is another book in this series coming up, I believe. Now, I need to go back and read the first book in this series for more context, and background on the characters.

A deeply emotional, hope filled and gripping historical fiction read!

Stephanie

I obtained an ARC from the publishers through NetGalley for an honest review.

Reader’s Log 071: New Books on My Shelf  

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Book Highlights

Today, I thought I would share four books I’ve added to my shelf this week. I’ve added several others, but these really stand out to me. I just finished The Island Bakeshop by Roseanna M. White and I realize this book is the second book. I decided to go back to NetGalley and see if the first book was still available and sure enough, it was and I downloaded it to my Kindle.  Most likely, it will be a quick read because I flew through the second book.

The Daughters of Rosebud by Sonny Buttar sounds so good and I love reading about families, healing broken bonds, forgiveness, second chances.

Everything about The Restoration Garden by Sara Blaydes sounds intriguing, and the cover is beautiful!

Discovering, The Sabbath We Need by John Starke; Jena Starke is timely because the Sabbath has been on my mind a lot lately. I look forward to going more into that at another time. Perhaps, with my review of this book.

What are some books you’ve added to your shelf recently?

Stephanie

Fiction:

The Island Bookshop by Roseanna M. White

Book 1 of The Island Bookshop

Publish Date: May 13, 2025 by Guideposts

When Kennedy Marshall sets off for a prestigious career in the city, she leaves behind the sunlit shores of North Carolina’s Outer Banks—and runs from a love she believes she can never have. With her sister, Lara, managing their grandmother’s beloved island bookshop, Kennedy feels confident she’s escaped the past. But when Lara is suddenly injured, Kennedy is drawn back into the island’s warm embrace—and bittersweet memories she thought she’d buried forever.

For Wes Armstrong, the Outer Banks is more than home—it’s his anchor. Building a successful family business was supposed to bring stability, but life has been anything but steady since his wife’s passing. Haunted by past regrets and facing a life-changing decision, Wes is determined to make the right choice for his family’s future. Yet Kennedy’s unexpected return stirs up old emotions and mistakes he thought he’d put to rest.

As hidden family secrets surface and long-buried truths come to light, Kennedy and Wes must navigate the delicate tides of forgiveness, second chances, and the unspoken love that still lingers between them. Can they find the courage to rewrite their story and create a new future on the island’s shifting sands?

The Daughters of Rosebud by Sonny Buttar

Expected Publish Date: October 13, 2026 by Lake Union Publishing

Teacher Salma Chaudhry lives a quiet life, avoiding all attachments. But after a call from her estranged father, the protective shell she lives within starts to crack and the trauma she’s buried for eighteen years emerges.

Salma and her older sister Asma were inseparable growing up in small-town Rosebud. While Asma was bold and fearless, Salma tried to keep the peace in their fractured family. But amid their mother’s decline and their parents’ rigid expectations, Asma makes a choice that tears the family apart. The fallout changes everything—and forces Salma to choose between her sister and her parents.

Salma has spent years trying to forget. But as she recollects her past and considers reconciliation with her father, a young student opens a surprising connection to Asma’s past. In finally facing her history, Salma finds the bravery to love and hope again.

The Restoration Garden by Sara Blaydes

Published November 1, 2025 by Lake Union Publishing

A landscape architect unearths the tangled history of a once-celebrated English garden—and all its mysteries—in a captivating novel by the author of The Last Secret of Lily Adams.

Julia Esdaile is hired to restore the historic gardens at Havenworth Manor—the grounds of which are now an abandoned snarl of bramble and weeds—to their original splendor. For the enigmatic lady of the manor, ninety-two-year-old Margaret Clarke, the reason for the restoration is the deeply private story of a promise made a lifetime ago, and a vow to keep it before she dies.

It’s 1940, and Margaret’s older half sister, Irene, an aspiring artist, dreams of an exciting world beyond Havenworth. Her only escapes are James Atherton, a handsome officer in the RAF, and her sketchbook of flower drawings. Bonding over their disdain for war, Irene follows James to London, where, irrevocably in love, she is forced to make a choice she never imagined. With that, Irene vanishes from Margaret’s life forever.

Now, with the help of Margaret’s godson, Andrew, Julia is determined to uncover both the long-buried secrets of the past and the truth behind a heartbreaking mystery that only restoring the gardens of Havenworth can solve.

Nonfiction:

The Sabbath We Need by John Starke; Jena Starke

Finding True Rest in a World of Counterfeits

Expected Publish Date: October 13, 2026 by InterVarsity Press – IVP

Detach from Chaos, attach to Christ, and Break Free from the World’s Demands

Our world offers endless prescriptions for wholeness—a sense of fullness through achievement, a perfect work-life balance, the ideal Instagram feed, or the pursuit of well-being and leisure. Yet these cultural visions of fulfillment often leave us more restless than before.

There is a more satisfying path. God invites us not simply to take a day off, but to be transformed to be like him through the joy, delight, and holiness of sabbath all seven days of the week.

In “The Sabbath We Need”, John and Jena Starke guide you away from the world’s anxious systems and into participation with God in his rest. This is not another book about relaxation or self-care. The biblical emphasis on sabbath rest isn’t necessarily about recovering from the week but to be set apart like the God who rested on the seventh day.

Based on their own practices as a family of six living in Manhattan, the Starkes offer a path for detachment from the world for a deeper attachment to Christ, providing hope for a culture exhausted in its search for rest. True sabbath is formation toward divine holiness and counter formation away from worldliness.

With “The Sabbath We Need”, you will discover the difference between counterfeit fulfillment and the true divine fullness of sabbath keeping;

Practical ways to make the sabbath the center of gravity for your week, reshaping your rhythms of life;

How to practice sabbath in different stages of life and in seasons of pain, success, struggle, and loss; and how to receive the gift of sabbath as God intended and practice it in a way that leads to joy, delight, and interior rest.

Choose the way of holy rest. The Sabbath We Need leads you out of worldliness and into holiness, out of anxious systems and into the heart of rest.

Book Review: You Belong Here Now by Dianna Rostad

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Award Finalist of the Willa Literary Award – Women Writing the West

Published April 6, 2021 by William Morrow Paperback

Montana 1925: Three brave kids from New York board the orphan train headed west. An Irish boy who lost his whole family to Spanish flu, a tiny girl who won’t talk, and a volatile young man who desperately needs to escape Hell’s Kitchen. They are paraded on platforms across the Midwest to work-worn folks and journey countless miles, racing the sun westward. Before they reach the last rejection and stop, the kids come up with a daring plan, and they set off toward the Yellowstone River and grassy mountains where the wild horses roam.

Fate guides them toward the ranch of a family stricken by loss. Broken and unable to outrun their pasts in New York, the family must do the unthinkable in order to save them.

Nara, the daughter of a successful cattleman, has grown into a brusque spinster who refuses the kids on sight. She’s worked hard to gain her father’s respect and hopes to run their operation, but if the kids stay, she’ll be stuck in the kitchen.

Nara works them without mercy, hoping they’ll run off, but they buck up and show spirit, and though Nara will never be motherly, she begins to take to them. So, when Charles is jailed for freeing wild horses that were rounded up for slaughter, and an abusive mother from New York shows up to take the youngest, Nara does the unthinkable, risking everything she holds dear to change their lives forever.

***********

You Belong Here is a story of family, overcoming prejudices, acceptance, forgiveness, resilience, survival and healing.  

This story portrays much of how the world saw these children-not all good-and faced with uncertainty at the mercy of adults and environment, determining the decisions made for them, and even more hardships that may come as the result.

Nara and her parent’s interactions with the children- who come from completely different backgrounds from the rural culture-was the driving force of this story. and the change they all made as the result of this fact is heartwarming and beautifully told.

The literary conventions of this story make for a great American classic and will give many people who read this story a sense of nostalgia, not only in the style of language spoken by Nara, her parents and others, but also the mindset, no nonsense attitudes, culture, social norms, and the life-in general- rural people lived.

This is an historical story you are unlikely to forget and I highly recommend this book to all.

Side Bar:There are a few swear words in this story-not a lot-and it is mostly from Nara and her mother doesn’t like it one bit!

Stephanie

About the Author:

Dianna Rostad is a USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author. Her debut novel You Belong Here Now is a 2022 WILLA Literary Award Finalist for Historical Fiction and was shortlisted for Reading the West’s Debut Fiction Award 2022. A favorite task of her creative endeavors is the discovery and research of people and places where her novels are set. She has traveled extensively to pursue the last artifacts of our shared history and breathe life, truth, and hope into her novels. Dianna was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and spends time volunteering for various causes. She loves reading, playing with Bennee her dog, and growing flowers in her garden. She lives in Washington and Florida where she writes big-hearted novels for wide audiences.

Dianna Rostad’s  Website

Reader’s Log 070: A Week of Mystery and Crime Solving

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I tend to gravitate towards mystery reads for several reasons and it’s definitely the same reasons a lot of others do as well. Lately, I’ve increased my reading in the genre and so far, I have not been disappointed with my selection of late!

I love the engagement in solving puzzles and the analytical skills one employs while reading mystery. The race to solve whodunnit and why, and to see the triumph of justice. Suspenseful twists and turns that keeps one turning the page and while at the same time often feeling you don’t want the story to end because you’re invested in the characters lives. Thank goodness for series! Did I mention it is an adventure as well? Yes, it is an adventure to read these stories.

Today, I am sharing three book I am currently reading and I can’t wait to share my thoughts on them! What are you currently reading?

Coming up this week, I will be posting my book review for You Belong Here Now by Dianna Rostad.

Stephanie

Murder with a Side of Shrimp and Grits

by Skylar Warren

Expected Publish Date: May 13, 2026 @Bookouture

Cozy Mystery / Mystery / Fiction / Southern Story

Welcome to Honeybee’s diner, where the scent of butter and garlic wraps itself around you, thick and comforting. Jessie Haynes’ homestyle cooking feeds the hearts and souls of the good people of Willow Bluff. Until someone puts murder on the menu!

Y’all are invited to dig into a steamin’ plate of meatloaf. The diner’s well-worn red chairs have cradled folks from every corner of Willow Bluff—Jessie’s podcasting bestie, Tee, Old Mr Higgins, two mighty mischievous kittens, Biscuits and Gravy, and every tattling townsperson in between—so when the mayor turns blue after a bite of Jessie’s famous shrimp and grits, she finds herself in seriously hot water…

Suddenly, all eyes are swivelled toward Jessie. For fifty years her family has fed Willow Bluff, and Jessie won’t let one mouthful shatter the legacy of her grandmother’s secret recipes. The mayor’s peanut allergy was the talk of the town, so when traces are found in his food, Jessie must fight to clear her name.

An empty peanut packet in the diner’s pantry has Jessie and Tee hot on the heels of the murderer when another case of food tampering occurs at a nearby bakery. Someone is dishing out delicious death sentences—but how many locals will get served before Jessie can crack the case? Her investigation must be a recipe for success or Honeybee’s will be toast…

The Lumber Baron’s Wife by Lynn Austin

Historical Fiction / Christian Fiction / Mystery / Fiction

Published April 7, 2026 @TyndaleFiction

When the young wife of a powerful lumber baron vanishes into the wilds of frontier Michigan, her friend is left to unravel the truth in this captivating dual-timeline novel from bestselling author Lynn Austin.

1873

After a devastating loss, Hannah Wagner never imagined she’d leave her comfortable home for the harsh, unfamiliar wilderness near Lake Michigan. But when Henry Abernathy, a friend of her husband John, offers them a fresh start in a booming lumber town—where John’s skills as a doctor are sorely needed—Hannah reluctantly agrees.

There, she meets Kate Abernathy, Henry’s spirited, much younger wife. Kate’s sharp tongue and outsider status have made her unwelcome among the town’s elite. As she begins confiding in Hannah, it becomes clear her marriage is not what it seems—and that a secret from her past could destroy everything.

Present Day

Ashley Gilbert never planned to settle in Michigan, but when her husband lands his dream job as a conservationist, she agrees to follow. While restoring their historic home—built in the 19th century for a doctor and his wife—Ashley becomes captivated by its past and its connection to the nearby Abernathy mansion, now being transformed into a museum.

While volunteering with the restoration, Ashley stumbles upon the unsolved mystery of Kate Abernathy’s disappearance. What begins as curiosity soon becomes a quest for the truth—one that will connect her to two women whose stories and struggles echo and inspire her own.

Standalone historical fiction about marriage, grief, and the power of female friendships from the author of All My Secrets and Long Way Home A richly layered Christian women’s fiction novel with elements of mystery, perfect for fans of Martha Hall Kelly, Kristy Cambron, and Susan Meissner Includes discussion questions for book clubs

The Last Fatal Hour by Jan Matthews

Published April 7, 2026 @Coffee&inkPress

Historical Mystery / Mystery / Historical / Fiction

For Leona Gladney, former woman soldier of the Union Army, life goes on despite the echoes of the battlefield in her heart. Now a suffragist and budding socialite in Brooklyn Heights, she yearns for a literary life and family. But her husband’s business partner embezzles their money and disappears.

The society matrons of Brooklyn Heights turn a gimlet eye on Leona after the suspicious death of a wealthy friend. Leona will do anything to find justice for her friend and clear her own name, but she finds only secrets, seances and murder.

Bible Scripture Writing

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Scripture provides believers with the tools that equips us for daily guidance (read 2 Timothy 3:16-17), spiritual growth, strength (read Philippians 2:13), and wisdom to live out the life that God has called us to live for His glory, what is pleasing to Him and His will through Jesus Christ our Lord (read Ephesians 4:11-16, Hebrew 13:20-21).

The earliest time I can remember writing down Bible verses was in the early 90’s. I know it was much earlier than that because of growing up in church and memorizing Scripture even in the 80’s. I remember the 90’s most clearly because my aunt (my dad’s sister) gifted me a spiral journal notebook with a Bible verse on the front of the cover and I still have it. I would write verses that really spoke to me and wanted to memorize to always have with me in my mind and heart.

Through the decades I wasn’t always consistent with this practice until recently, and now I write out verses every day. Spending daily quiet time in His word has strengthened my faith, has given me a deeper understanding of His calling, and it brings me great joy, peace, calmness, perseverance, purpose and healing.

For the month of April, I wrote out verses in my daily calendar about self-control and I thought it would be a great idea to post about which verses really stood out to me. Out of the thirty days in April, I chose three verses to highlight.

11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. – Titus 2:11-14 (NIV)

1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)

4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. – 2 Peter 1:4-7 (NIV)

I would like to encourage you to start this faith journey with God. When you do, each and every time you open your Bible, first pray and ask Him to open your heart to His word for wisdom and understanding in the name of Jesus.

May’s Scripture writing is about “Contentment.”

Today is the day for salvation, my friends. Jesus paid your sin debt by shedding His blood on the cross, so that you will have eternal life. If you haven’t accepted Jesus as your savior, I pray that you’ll ask Him to forgive your sins and come into your life, believe in His finish work on the cross, and His resurrection. For there is no greater love than what he did for us.

John 3:16 says: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life,”

1 John 1:9 says: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness”

Acts 3:19 says:“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,”

Romans 10:9 says: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved”

Stephanie

Book Review: The Tuscan Villa by Ella Carey

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(Daughters of Italy #3)

Published Today: Apr 28 2026 by Bookouture

Another memorable story with multiple timelines.

As the war raged through Europe in 1945, Villa Aria in Tuscany, Italy became a sanctuary for the people of Cortona, but soon after Vivi-the owner- disappeared by mysterious circumstances, it left the villa crumbling, and the grounds overgrown. While the people of the village were left with another tragedy, they soon endeavored to pick up the pieces that was left ravaged by the war.

In Manhattan, New York a few years after the war, Fran felt suffocated with her fiancé and her soon to be controlling mother-in-law. She quickly realized she couldn’t go through with the marriage and with the recent news about the villa in Italy- where she grew up- has been sold, and its gardens- her father designed for Vivi-is about to be leveled by the new owner, she made the decision to travel to Italy.

With so many unanswered questions about her past and the unsolved disappearance of Vivi, Fran was determined to save the villa’s garden, solve the mystery of what happen to Vivi, she soon realized there are many secrets to uncover, and it wouldn’t be an easy task because of the towns people reluctance to talk about the past.

*********

What a powerful, heartbreaking and atmospheric story Ella Carey has written.

During the war, Vivi’s dedication to help protect the valuable, despite the danger, showed one of many of her attributes that drew people to her. Her kindness, giving and gentle spirit were a blessing to the town and her disappearance was a great loss. I felt that loss deeply and like Fran, I didn’t want her disappearance to be left behind in the past, I was on the same determined path as Fran to find out what had happened to Vivi.

This story has three timelines, I found each one to be equally as strong and absorbing.

Carey has marvelously created complex characters and not everything was as it seemed with them and I found myself pleasantly surprised by a few of them.

Many of the characters found their way into my heart and I longed to be swept away to Villa Aria with its lush gardens, and its peaceful, timeless surroundings.

Ella Carey is a talented story-teller.  A must read!

Stephanie

I received an ARC from the publishers through NetGalley for an honest review.

@Bookouture

An Early Glance: When Mikan Road Was Ours by D.K. Furutani

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Expected Publication July 28, 2026 by Atria Books

This past Monday, I received an invite via email to read and review, “When Mikan Road Was Ours” from Atria Books,and I am truly thankful, and honored for the invitation to be an early reader for this story. I enjoy reading multi-generational family stories and I’ve been wanting to look more into how Japanese American Citizens were treated during World War II. I am already certain this story is going to be powerful and thought-provoking.

This book is available for pre-order!

Stephanie

Winner of Simon & Schuster’s Books Like Us contest!

Amidst a sweltering Los Angeles heat wave, Murano, a reclusive high school English teacher, is muddling through life. Reeling from his father’s death as well as his own recent cancer diagnosis, he spends his days grading papers and appeasing disgruntled parents while painstakingly counting down the days until summer vacation.

However, the monotony breaks when he inherits his great-uncle Benjiro’s unpublished memoir. He expects the pages to be a grim reminder of his position as the half-white son of the black sheep of the family. Instead, as he reads, Murano is whisked away to 1930s California, to a time when the Murano family was inseparable, relishing life on their bucolic farmland. As Murano is introduced to family members he never knew existed and confronted with the hidden complexities of the past, he is pulled close to the Japanese identity he’s dismissed all of his life.

Ultimately faced with more questions about his fractured family than answers, Murano becomes determined to discover the reasons behind his family’s dissolution following their incarceration in American concentration camps during World War II, no matter what hidden truths he might uncover about his ancestors or himself.

About the Author:

Born and raised in Southern California, D.K. Furutani is the author of When Mikan Road Was Ours, winner of Simon & Schuster’s third-annual Books Like Us contest. His work has received support from the Periplus Collective and the Tin House workshops. He resides in Los Angeles with his wife and three cats.

Book Review: A Body at the Irish Book Club by Lucy Connelly

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Mercy McCarthy Mystery #5

Happy Publishing Day to Lucy Connelly!

Publish Date: April 21, 2026 by Bookouture

Mercy and Lizzie are America twin sisters who inherited their grandfather’s house and book shop in Shamrock Cove in Ireland. Lizzie runs the shop and Mercy is the writer in the family. The day Mercy returns from a book signing tour of her latest book, her sister held a signing at the shop. As the customers were paying for their books at the register, Mercy’s and Mr. Poe-their dog-discovers one of the ladies at the shop has died. Then the mystery begins on what happen to the victim.

A Body at the Irish Book Club is the first book I’ve read by Lucy Connelly. As usual-but not by design-I started this series with the fifth book. The beginning of the story had me asking a lot of questions about the backstory but a few of them were resolved and I was happy about that. By the time I finished the story, I decided to add this series to my to-read list. I am curious about the books before this one!   

I found the side characters to be great supporting characters that helped the story take shape. Mercy tended to get on my nerves at times. When she is on to something, she was like a dog with a bone, but isn’t that the point? She reminds me a little of Jessica Fletcher in Murder She Wrote and Danny Reagan in Blue Bloods. Mercy’s unwavering persistence makes for great crime solving and a writer!

My heart went out to Mercy’s sister, Lizzie. What a loving and supportive sister she is to Mercy. I am looking forward to reading more of their stories in these crime solving cases.

An intriguing story that had me racing to the end to discover the killer. I could not put this story down.

I love a good Irish cozy mystery!

Stephanie

I’ve rated this book four stars.

Thank you to the publishers for ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.