Hello, everyone!

Eh, well. I guess I should start out by addressing the fact that I’ve been away and haven’t really been active, well, basically since I opened this second blog. It wasn’t my intention, and I’m still glad it’s up and that I can pop on here and literally just start posting again. The basic layout and such is done (yay!) so much of the stress is also relieved. I do still need to figure out what types of posts I want to share, more so which posts you all enjoy most! But that comes with time and pratice.

I will admit that I started this blog in the midst of a major burnout. Not only was I in a cavernous reading slump, but emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually in some ways, I was…running on empty. Last year was a hard one, in so many ways. It seemed I was dealing with one crisis after another, and as soon as the coast seemed clear, WHAM! another one hit.

In some ways, I took the dive and started this site to fulfill a desire I had been afraid to attempt for years. Now, I’ve always toyed with the idea of having a ‘(dot).com’ and actually taking blogging a little farther, honestly just to see what would happen. I never really expected to get rich, or even really start a business from my blog, although if God leads me that way, I’m not against it. I know in so many ways my reviews and connections to the book world have been a blessing to me, but also to others, maybe (hopefully) even some of you! I have also recently had some wonderful opportunities that have come along from my time in this wonderful community, and I’m so thankful for all the good that has come from it. God truly has a plan for each of us, and even the little things play into His ultimate desires for our lives. Nothing is too small or obscure for Him to use for His glory, if only we choose to trust Him and allow Him to lead the way. May He continue to lead me, and use me, here and everywhere else, according to His perfect will.

Welcome to my Sunday Post hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly or for a monthly wrap up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme

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Prayer Requests & Updates:

Last time I posted a Sunday Post, it was in January, and I was reflecting on how winter was a time of reflection, and how Passover (or two weeks prior, technically) marks the start of the year, according to God’s Word. We celebrated ours at the beginning of March, early by many standards, but still the appointed time for us to observe it. It is such a blessing to learn God’s way and to follow according to His leading and wisdom!

This year has been interesting in its own way, and it’s only getting started! I know God is in charge, and nothing will ever surprise Him. I take comfort in this, and in the promises and assurances found throughout His Word.

I’m also so thankful that, along with the spring, He has breathed new life back into me! I know the journey isn’t over yet, and the path will still have challenges, but after the trials and setbacks of the last few years, I can also tell I’m coming into this new season stronger, not my strength, but His. He has carried me through time and again, and I know with confidence that He will do it again. May His will be done, and may I walk upright and with integrity according to His will as I walk the path that He has set before me. I know He is with me every step of the way, and that He goes before me and prepares the way. May I be strong and courageous when needed, having my trust firmly planted in Him, and may He grant me the ability to speak boldly as I ought to speak if and when it’s needed, according to His Word and the teaching of the Holy Spirit. May I not shrink back, but to stand firmly on the Truth of His Word, as we are shown time and again in scripture. May we all draw nearer to Him, forsaking the world and the ways of the world for a closer walk with God. May it be as He has said. Not my will, but His be done. All for His glory, amen.

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”
(Psalm 46:10)

“And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,“
(Acts 4:29)

“And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.”
(1 John 2:28)

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.
Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces.
For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee.
Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good.”
(Psalms 122:6-9)

“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”
(Luke 21:28)

“For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,”
(1 Thessalonians 5:9)

“Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.”
(Revelation 3:10)

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
(John 14:3)

Looking Forward:

Last time I spoke of the unpredictability of life, lack of time for hobbies, crochet ideas, and kitchen renovations. Well… not much has changed, and yet in ways everything has? Lol! It’s been an interesting few months. I still haven’t had a lot of extra time for hobbies, in part because I want to catch up on the things I missed deadlines and such for last year. I’ve also somehow managed to do a beta read each month for the last few months (and an alpha read starting today), even without trying. I mean, I do try to do well on the reads and feedback, but I’ve honestly tried to avoid adding extra responsibilities to my list, at least for now, and yet somehow it’s just fallen this way? I signed up for both the beta reads before the end of 2025, so I’m just thankful that they’ve landed the way they have. (I think they were both before, I’m also on the launch team for one, and it’s a series…so, maybe not?) That same author is the one who asked me directly if I would be interested in alpha-reading the next book, though. That’s pretty much how it’s been lately, but I can tell God is working things together, and it’s been such a blessing to step back and watch Him moving in the various areas of my life.

I am currently on launch teams for three series, I think? I’m on a ‘forever team’ with one author, a new series coming out this summer, and the ongoing series I mentioned above. (Oh, and a cozy mystery series…that one I just joined, so I almost forgot to include it, oops!) I think that’s a good number. I have also been priortizing a few new releases/past eARCs each month, so I’m slowly making a little progress there. The last six months have sort of snowballed, so I’m a lot stricter on signups and such, which has really helped! I’m still trying to post and share my thoughts, current reads, and such when I can, either here or on IG. (Oh, I’m also on Connilyn Cossette’s team, but that one is another summer/fall book, so hopefully I’ll be more caught up by then, God willing and if we’re still here.)

I was trying to post here on M, W, F and have posts read for IG on Sunday, T, and Th. But… that doesn’t seem to work for me as well as I’d hoped. Maybe, I’ll figure a schedule out at some point, but I’m thinking I might flip those, and have a few extras like reveals and new release posts scattered throughout? I don’t know, it just seems to work out better that way, and I know I do best when I get blog posts scheduled on Sundays for the rest of the week, or at least mostly written out and planned ahead. I still struggle with IG captions, and I have no idea why, since I’ve been on IG/bookstagram on and off for right at ten years now!? You’d think it gets easier, but apparently not? I actually think that in my experience, it has gotten harder in the last year or so… Which I still don’t really understand. Thoughts?

Either way, I do love the community there, and really enjoy the community I have built up here and on my other site, too! Both have been such a blessing, and I’m excited to see what God has in store for us!

New Books:

  • Chancing the Frontiersman’s Heart by Andrea Byrd (Print & eARC)
  • Waves of Redemption & Ripples of Glory by S.L. Kline (direct-Print)
  • The Letter by April Barcalow (Print – you may recognize this one from our interview together!)
  • Freedom’s Fire by Kathryn Douglas (Print)
  • The Trusted Thief by Anna Rydell (Print)
  • The New Best Recipe by Cook’s Illustrated (Print!)
  • Prairie Gold by Deananna Koch (Print)
  • Southpaw by Tabby R.H. (Print – Currently reading)
  • A Promise to Protect by Patricia Bradely (Print)
  • Of Faith and Dream by Tonya B. Ashley (Print)

What about you?
Have any fun plans this week?
Thoughts?
Let me know in the comments below!

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