Hello, everyone!

We’re wrapping up the final week of May as I’m writing this, I can already say it’s been another eventful month.

May marked the end of some of the things we’d been working toward, and the beginning of a few others. Schedules are changing, summer is dawning, and for now I’m content to just take a moment to breath before life gets busy again.

I did manage to finish both my Alpha and Beta reads from the previous months. I was a few days late on one, and right on time for the other (despite trying to get to it a bit earlier this time) but both were good, and both were wonderful stories! I also met a few other important reading deadlines, got to attend another musical recital, and witnessed God do some amazing things. All told, it was a delightfully blessed month, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of what Yah has planned in the days to come.

May the LORD go before me, and direct my path!

What I Read in May:

May Reads:

Having finished the two pre-reads, and another short story beta read, I was already off to a good start this month, as far as reading goes. Including my others, I finished eight stories this month. I can’t quite say ‘books’ here, since one was a ten page short story that I beta read. (It was really good though, but not really a ‘book’ on it’s own.)

I didn’t read quite as many pages this time, but some of that was because I’d read most of the pages in my alpha and beta reads during April. It was still an impressive number though, and more than the I got to enjoy some amazing stories.

I’ve been slowly too post at least weekly, although some weeks have still been too busy to allow for much consistency. I just haven’t been able to plan and create content lately, so posts have been sporadic, whenever I get time and an idea strikes. I’ve also played around with some ideas, and have tried testing out some different styles and ideas, since I’m curious to learn and grow in my content designs and presentation formats.

TRR3 by Morgan Taylor Giesbrecht (Beta Read) –

This one doesn’t have a cover yet…Or a title even. I can say it’s part of her Reluctant Romantics series, but that’s all I can say right now. Oh, and that it caught me by surprise just how much I loved these characters (and how quickly it happened!).

Hope by Amanda Tero (Beta Read) –

This was another beta read. It was a short story of just a few pages, but wow does it pack a punch! Such a beautiful tale!

Ground Zero by Taylor S Newport (Alpha read) –

Ah, one that actually has a cover! One of the hardest thing about pre-reading books like this (not sure that’s a word, or how it’s used if so…?) but one of the hardest things is that so often they don’t even have the cover or title revealed, and I forget to note it and share the reveals when they are shared publicly. I do often try to share about the book some when it’s nearly the actual release, but yeah, I always love it when I can at least mention having enjoyed it while the story is still fresh in my mind when possible. Often, unless the cover is already revealed, I just don’t mention having beta read them at all, or at least not until I’m getting ready for a ‘reread’ with the ARC or final version so that I can review it and actually share my thoughts with you all, finally! 😁

Hours We Regret by Chelsea Michelle (review copy) –

This was a fun short story mystery. I’ve seen this series around, but it was interesting to finally meet the characters and see for myself what it’s all about.

Leadership Lessons by Diane Cheryl Gaa (review copy) –

A short nonfiction business and leadership book about the author’s experience and insights on becoming a leader and developing the skills needed to make a difference. It has some help tips, but overall probably wasn’t the most revolutionary read on the topic.

Genesis Amidst the Chaos by Josh Wood (review copy) –

This one surprised me. I don’t really read devotionals, but I saw this one offered and decided to give it a chance. While I don’t agree with everything he says, Josh Wood did bring up some interesting points, and the overall read was interesting. He also noted some things I had missed and connection in Genesis that I’d never considered previously, which I enjoyed reading about in his casual yet reverent way of speaking about how mind-blowing the Bible actually is.

Making Russian Dolls by Kimberly Anne Conway (review copy) –

Not a Christian book, and not one I would really recommend. The history and concept was intriguing, but the story fell flat and was far too new age centric, not something I’d suggest after having finished it.

Chaos We Unravel by Chelsea Michelle (review copy) –

Yep, I actually read both mini mysteries in this series this month. This one was actually much better, at least with being consistent and believable, and well… As far as endings go, I preferred this one.

In Every Chapter by Morgan Taylor Giesbrecht (eARC) –

Last day, last book. I finished this one just before the new month began, but that means I also found it before it comes out on Tuesday, so double win! I beta read this one previously, and love getting to go back and read the eARC or finished product so that I can officially review it and share about what I loved with you all! This one was an instant favorite for me, and this latest read through just reminded me of how much I love these characters! (The next one’s going to be amazing too! 😏🤭)

(Each title listed is directly linked to the corresponding review post for that book)

As mentioned the first few books included two beta reads and an alpha read. I also read several review copies for work this time, a few of which are shown, and a couple that I’m currently still reading. Lastly, I’m reading through the Watson Twins Mystery series and managed to finish the eARC for In Every Chapter just before release day too.

May Alpha/Beta Reads:

  • Ground Zero by Taylor S Newport (alpha read)
  • TRR by Morgan Taylor Giesbrecht (beta read)
  • Hope in the Darkness by Amanda Tero (short story, beta read)

May Book Mail:

March Book Mail:

I didn’t order any new physical books this time, since I’m still working on reading through the others I had.

  • None

Audiobooks:

  • None

I still need to listen to Wildflower on the Prairie by Tasha Hackett. I started listening a few weeks ago, and am pretty sure I’ll love it but have just been so busy this month that I haven’t gotten back to it yet.

Have you read any of the books listed this month?
Are any of them on your TBR?
Or, tell me what your favorite book was in May?

Feel free to comment about them below!

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