I started doing quarterly wrap-ups lasts year, and toward the end of the year, things got a little lost somewhere along the way. I used my post for the Second Quarterly post from last year, and it’s interesting seeing what I mentioned about April last year, as we now start a new April this week.
As I said in that post, April tend to be the start of a busy part of the year for us, and this one seems to be par for the course, as this week has already been pretty busy. It was also interesting seeing what I wrote last year: “God is so good to His children, and has been with us through it all. He has used the trials of the last few years to hone and train us up, and this year seems to be a testing ground for all those skills and lessons we’ve been learning in previous years. It’s been interesting to see, and oh so comforting to know that He is with us through it all. The strengthened faith and trust in Him is a priceless gift, and something I’m more and more thankful for with each passing day.”
Reading that now, nine months later, it seems a little surreal, but also all the more true. I can say with confidence that this is even more true that I had realized when I typed it, all those months ago. A lot has changed, some things stayed the same, but through it all God’s love and provision remain constant. Steadfast, faithful, and sure, He is with us through it all, and through it all He leads us according to His perfect plan. We each have a part in His grand design, and it’s so beautiful to have gotten some small glimpses of what it might be like to live with Him in His Kingdom forever more!
January
My first read this year was Detecting Deadly Threats by Carol J. Post. As we closed out the final bit of 2025, I needed something light and quick to read. I don’t read LIS titles as often anymore, but I was asked if I would be interested in reading this one when I interviewed the author around that time. If you are interested in reading that interview, click here.
I did end up enjoying this story, and it was just what I needed after the rush to finish some projects before the year’s end. While not my favorite book, it was an interesting read, and good for fans of the LIS style of faith and suspense that’s meant to entertain.
To Outwit Them All by Peggy Wirgau was one I had been looking forward to during the last part of 2025, and I actually started reading it several months before, but didn’t get to finish it until this point.
I had read another similar story about Andre, and well… maybe that was why I didn’t end up loving this one as much as I had hoped to? It was a fun story, and it did keep me engaged for the most part, but as I neared the last few chapters (and the twist I knew was coming), I just felt like it had a lot of potential and promise, yet as I finished reading, I realized that it never quite arrived.
It was good, but seemed to drift without any real direction for much of the story. We knew where things were headed, but perhaps it was more the ‘why’ that was missing? Either way, I enjoyed it while it lasted, but once I had read the last part, I realized that I also didn’t have much to say about it. It happened, it was interesting, but…then it was over. And with it was my excitement for the story.
I also started this one in December, but it took a little longer than planned to finish. It was also a much heavier story than I had originally anticipated, and wasn’t at all what I’d expected, but having read it, I’m glad I did, although I’m not sure I’d be willing to read the rest of the series, if they’re all like that.
This story is a powerful look at what it means to love our neighbor, and to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s unpopular to do so. I’ve never read another story quite like it, and I enjoyed meeting these characters and seeing how things turned out for them all.
I was also reading this one at the same time. Occasionally, I’ll pick up a book that is either so dark or potentially violent/scary that I don’t want to read it before bed, so I’ll switch between two. This was one of those. It’s based on a real serial killer, and the story closely follows the actual testimonies and case files of the event. Little did I know The Last One to Know would be nearly as heavy and difficult for me to read at the time…
I was actually afraid to read this one when it came time. I was part of the launch team, and at first, I was excited, but I ended up dreading it just before I started reading. I am so glad I ended up reading it anyway. Kukla has done a wonderful job with this true crime story, but I also remembered why I don’t read many books like this, haha!
This one was a beta read that I had the pleasure of reading in January! I’m so excited to have the ability to work with this author again. I was actually one of her betas for her debut historical fiction, which was fun, but this one!! These two were precious, and I loved reading their story and look forward to the chance to read it again and share my review with you all.
This was a non-fiction review request that I happened to stumble on, and God knew it’s exactly what I needed. It isn’t really a self-help book, but also kind of is? It’s more about encouraging readers to reevaluate and assess what’s working in their lives, and what isn’t anymore, and then helps by offering examples of the author’s own life on how he dealt with different issues and challenges in his own life.
It was just what I needed at the time, and was a blessed change from some of my other reads after reading so many heavier topics, the authors simple and straightforward approach here was a breath of fresh air that allowed me to reset and shift my mind onto things I could do better in my own life, and also came at a time when an unexpected and wonderful opportunity popped up, and helped me to evacuate that situation more clearly too.
February
For trying to take things more slow and casually this year… I’m sure off to a rough start, lol! I was part of THREE launch teams, a beta read, and a couple of review requests in January… Thankfully, the teams were mostly stagared, so when one ended, the next began, and they weren’t all the same weeks for most of the month. These two (An Apperiance of Impropriety by Jayna Breigh and the next book) were both sort of last minute, and toward the end of January into early February. Both books were February releases, and I wasn’t sure I would be part of Jayna’s team until just before the start. I also jumped on to Sherry’s team literally days before the launch started…But I already had an early copy of the book for a blog tour, and wanted to join in the fun of being part of the launch and helping share the word, since I seemed to be in a rhythm for launch teams at the time, and well… why not?
Needless to say, as evidenced by my reading shelf/list, I did finish reading both books. The third (I mean first) launch team I was on actually had to get shuffled around a bit, but there were also beta reads involved, and…yeah. XD (I’ll get to that in a minute.)
I loved reading Jayna’s debut The Hunted Heir last year, so I knew as soon as I heard about this one that I wanted to read it. I requested it as soon as the ARC/team was announced, but didn’t see the notficationg that I was accepted until a few days before it started. By then, I was already mid-launch for another book. Still, I knew I wanted to read this one anyway, and determined to do better with the ARCs and teams I was part of I made it a priority and read the book. This was such a fun read, and I loved seeing the characters grow in the story. The time spent helping the Junior Jurors was probably my favorite part. I loved JD’s obvious passion for the teens, and seeing Mahalia learning to step outside of her comfort zone was a big part of her character arc. There’s another teen that I couldn’t help but love as well, but you’ll have to read the story for yourself to find out who it was!
This is the one I signed up last minute for… I already had a print copy, but I’m thankful for the ebook from the launch, since that’s what enabled me to be able to read it faster. I tend to read more before bed, and don’t have a light to read printed books with.
Anyway, I could tell from the first few chapters that I was going to love Ben. Cora… she took a little longer, but by the end, I was so happy to have read this one, and am glad I decided to join the launch along the way.
This was the first launch team I was on, and also the one that ran the longest. This one actually started around the end of December, all the way up to the launch a month later. I’m fine with that, and love being part of Taylor’s team, but schedules got a little…hectic for a bit while juggling all three teams.
I actually had to message the author and ask for a little extra time to read this one, since there was no way I could read all three on time. I had read this one previously as a beta reader, so I knew I’d enjoy the story, but I don’t ever review beta reads. That meant that my review came out a little later, but I did squeeze this one in just in time to dive into a beta read for the next in the series… (I know, and I’m working on doing better with this now! I hated that I had gotten so behind anyway, and February was very much a ‘catch-up’ month to help (hopefully) prevent any more timeline collisions. It might still happen occasionally, but I’m trying to do better about time management and planning ahead. I’m also resisting the urge to overbook and sign up for everything… Some things can wait, so I have to consider my time and ability before agreeing to any new tasks or requests.
Despite not having children of my own, I do find myself occasionally reading children’s books for review. I think it probably comes from my time around my brother and sister when they were younger. There’s a large age-gap between us, so I was in my teens when they were born, and even years later I still enjoy reading children’s picture books at times. The Castoff Canine by Jeannette Elum Greulach seemed cute, and ended up being a fun story about a rescued boxer, which I especially enjoyed after having owned two boxers of my own.
I think I forgot to include this on in my monthly wrap-up post, but since I remembered it now, I wanted to be sure to include it here.
March
Another beta read… Although, one I finished this one! And two, after last year’s horribly packed mad dash in August/September, I have learned to space them out… I hadn’t planned to do any this year, or at least not so soon. Somehow, I’ve not only finished two beta reads already, but I’m also working on an alpha read, and have another beta read coming up… Thankfully, they’ve fallen so it’s about one per month, which is doable for most of the year, and I’m slowly making progress on my eARCs and other requests too.
Ah yes! I finally reread this one, and loved it! I had originally read it a while back, I forget if it was fall of 2021 or ’22, but I know it’s been a while. I actually started with this book, but have since read nearly all of Cossette’s backlist! (I haven’t read the GuideStone books and some of the newer companion novellas, but have read all her other novels.)
The Rise of a King by Lewis McDonald was a review copy, and while I believe it served a purpose, and I was probably supposed to read it, I also don’t feel it’s worth including the cover or extra details here. It’s an epic fantasy novella, an origin story of sorts, and filled with magic and blood and death… Yeah, I see now how far I’ve come, and how drastically my reading tastes have changed. This was a horrible story I’ve read some, and this one was definitely better than some, but it’s God-honoring or worth going out of your way for either. Especially if this isn’t your typical type of story.
For fans of epic fantasy books, this would probably be right up their alley, I know in the past I would have loved it, but I’m also thankful to God that He’s teaching me a new way, a better way, to serve Him, and this includes guarding my mind and testing the spirits, even over the books and other media I consume. Therefore, I’m mentioning it here, since I did read it, and I believe the things we consume become a part of who we are, and I also believe this served a purpose, but isn’t one I’m meant to share and promote more than needed. So, it’s here, I’ve read it. Now, I’m moving on.
This was another one that I was excited for, but ended up slightly unimpressed by upon finishing it. It was good, I enjoyed the story, and the characters were fun. I especially liked Gage and enjoyed seeing him come up with some creative ways to keep Anna safe. It was a good story, it’s just not one that really stood out, and likely won’t stay with me as time goes on.
This was another that I wasn’t completely sure about at first. I was on the ARC team, but ended up getting it read a little late, since the beta read took priority just as this one was nearing its launch. I messaged the author, and let her know that I’d needed a little more time. (Something I’m trying to do better about.)
I don’t love sports romances, or even rom-com type romances that tend to be lighter and ‘cutesy’ for lack of a better term. (Think Hallmark…) But occasionally I find one that stands out and actually catches my attention. This is one of those!! It might not be the most amazing book I’ve ever read, but it was exactly what I needed, and I loved it for that! There’s actually some depth and character growth in this one, but also plenty of laughs and lighter moments too.
Where False Start by Maggie Bradford was a lighter read, Southpaw by Tabby R.H. definitely isn’t. While not the heaviest story I’ve read, it carries a much darker tone than some. Funnily enough… it’s not even really the main characters, but the things going on around the main characters that make this one a darker story. Sure, the four MCs have their struggles too, but it’s much more the ominous mystery that has shrouded their lives that makes this one a heavier read. Interestingly, the very darkness that threatens them is the same catalyst that pushes them all together and allows the story to shine the Light of Jesus into the lives of the reader.
I loved meeting these characters, and after three long years, I’m so glad I finally got to read this and enjoy their story! A central theme (well, faith in Jesus is the main focus), but a secondary central theme is to ‘be brave’ even when it’s hard, and I loved seeing how each of the characters took that theme and ran with it. It looks different for each one, but together they are better than when they started, and I enjoyed watching them learn to embrace that along the way.
Looking Forward:
I’m happy, and pleasantly surprised to see that I achaplished most, if not all, of my goals from my Q.2 post last year. (I’m not sure if there was one other Quarterly post, but that’s the one I found first and have used to the outline in this post, so it’s the latest one I’ve been reading.) So, instead of talking about the things I achmplished in the last nine months, I can share a few more goals and things I hope to acheive here this time.
I’ve read some amazing stories already, and have a few more coming up that I’m super excited for! A couple that I have recently beta read are set to release this quarter. Two of them that are high on my list are Out of Deep Tides by A. Jones and In Every Season by Morgan Taylor Giesbrecht. Both of which I have previously beta read, and I’m looking forward to hopefully beta-reading for Morgan again soon. 😏
I’m also looking forward to continuing to work with Taylor S Newport on her Dauntless Defenders series. I’m currently alpha-reading the next one, and I know she has a few releases planned for later this year.
I’m also eager to read Connilyn Cossette’s upcoming book Throne of the Heavens! It’s the last in her current series, and I’m so ready to see how it all plays out! I know the book comes out later on, but as part of the launch team, I’ll likely hear updates about it later this quarter, God willing if we’re still here. XD
As with last time, if you would like to see some books that I have my eye on and am thinking about reading soon, you can see those here on my To-Read and To-Read-UnOwned shelves. So far, 2026 has proven to be an interesting month, both in books and in life. There have already been some major changes, and I can tell it’s going to be an interesting year. This seems to be another amazing year for books, but also a biblical and historic year for life-changing events, too. God told us to watch for the signs, and they are all around, and happening closer and closer together with each passing day. I know that He has a plan, and I look to Him to lead the way. As I wait and watch for Him, I know that I have some wonderful stories waiting for me as well, and I look forward to experiencing and learning the lessons He has for me, and I unwrap the beautiful gifts and blessings He offers along the way. I know that whether in a story, or by some other way, He knows just what we need, and how best to care for us, and I’m delighted to draw near to Him. He is our everything, and He cares for us far more than we can imagine. What a blessing to know Him, and to be known by Him. May you have a wonderful weekend, and may He be the reason you smile today.
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