Heirs of Infamy: two teens from rival gangs join forces for a heist of a lifetime

Heirs of Infamy by Kyla Zhao is a story of friends to lovers among two rival crime families in postwar San Francisco. The East Phoenix deals in secrets and stealth while the West Dragon is fists and fear. However, with the rise of the Red Scare and anti-Chinese hostility, both crime families have a fragile truce that weakens with each passing day. Alexis Sung is the daughter of East Phoenix’s crime boss and all she wants to do is join the family business. When her first job goes wrong, her father refuses to allow her to join any other jobs. Her friend and classmate, Zachary Ren is a brilliant orphan who was raised by West Dragons. He is desperate to leave the crime life. When given a chance for a large payday for both families, Alexis defies her father’s orders and joins Zachary in a shaky alliance. As they plot and plan, old wounds are reopened and new sparks fly. 

With the gorgeous book cover and a title that caught my attention. I was intrigued by this story and I couldn’t wait to read it. The story started out great and grabbed my attention. I loved the history of the postwar atmosphere of San Francisco and Chinatown and the racial tensions of the day. I loved the relationships between Alexis and Zachary. However, the heist they were planning slowed the story down. The actual heist takes place off the page and I was disappointed. I wanted to see them succeed or fail but not be told what happened. The ending itself was disappointing and felt rushed, although I liked where Alexis and Zachary end up. Overall, I enjoyed this story. The author’s writing is beautiful and I enjoyed that she included the Chinese characters for the idioms the characters used. It added to the realism of the characters and I also appreciated that she followed it with the translation. I recommend Heirs of Infamy. 

Heirs of Infamy will be available in hardcover and eBook on October 13, 2026

Saved by the Rockstar: a woman who social anxiety and the rockstar who helps her find the strength to step into the world

Saved by the Rockstar is the first book in the Rich and Famous romance series by Michelle Pennington. Julie Chambers is a famous author who has crippling social anxiety so she avoids the spotlight. Her only interaction with the outside world is her weekly vlog to connect with her fans. When she raves about the rock star who had inspired her writing, she is surprised when he responds. As the lead singer of Sterling House, Ryland Sterling loves his music and performing, just not the fake women that go along with it. When his little sister shows him the vlog of her favorite author who mentions his band, he is intrigued by her. With the possibility of meeting in person, can Julie find the courage to face her anxiety and step into the world she has been avoiding? 

Saved by the Rockstar is a sweet, action packed romance. It was a quick read as I could not put it down. I immediately loved Julie and felt for her as she fears large crowds. I also loved Ryland who was so gentle and understanding with Julie. Their chemistry and connection was immediate and clear. I enjoyed their interactions online, via text and in person. The conflicts between the characters felt genuine as well as their resolutions. I knew there was someone waiting in the wings to destroy their budding relationship. I had an idea who this person was and the reveal confirmed my suspicion and yet I held my breath as I read. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I look forward to the rest of the series. I highly recommend Saved by the Rockstar.

Saved by the Rockstar is available in eBook

The Apothecary Diaries Vol 5: Maomao's adventure continue as new threats lurk

The Apothecary Diaries Vol 5 by Natsu Hyuuga is a light novel based on the manga series of the same name. With the birth of Consort Gyokuyou’s son has elevated her to the status of Empress and Jinshi can no longer continue to pretend at the rear palace the political atmosphere has changed. Although life seems to be settling after the destruction of the Shi clan; however, new threats wait in the wings from a potential plague of insects to enemies from distant lands. And despite her best efforts, Maomao finds herself right in the middle. When Jinshi orders an expedition to Gyokuyou’s homeland, Maomao finds herself heading west. Something is lurking in the shadows of the glittering city and Maomao races against time to discover the truth before it is too late. 

As a fan of The Apothecary Diaries anime, I have been excited to read the light novels. So for my recent birthday, and the upcoming season 3, I received the fifth volume as a present. Season 3 will begin with the events of volume 5 and I immediately jumped and joined Maomao on her newest adventures. I enjoyed this story so much and I can’t wait to read the rest of the light novels as well as the newest seasons of the anime. There were moments that I literally dropped my jaw as Maomao reveals the how and why to the events, especially at the end and the clues and hints to certain relationships and future events. If you are a fan of The Apothecary Diaries, I highly recommend the light novels. 

The Apothecary Diaries Vol 5 is available in paperback and eBook

Chasing Home: a woman running from a painful past finally finds the home she didn't know she wanted

Chasing Home is the first book in the Triple Star Ranch series by Emma Woods. After a tragic loss in her young life, Emily is a woman who doesn’t stay in one place for long. She comes to Birch Springs, Wyoming for work always with the door open to be on the road once again. She quickly meets Nate, a local charmer, and she decides that he is no good. Unfortunately, she learns that he is also a volunteer at the Triple Star Ranch when she joins the organization. However, as they spend time together, she and Nate grow closer and Emily is conflicted with a choice she desperately didn’t want to make. Does she leave as planned? Or does she finally put down roots for love and the home she didn’t know she wanted and learn that home is where the heart is? 

Chasing Home is a clean contemporary romance with cowboys. It is a sweet romance although a bit melodramatic for me. Emily is a woman on the run from the past, from the hurt and pain she doesn’t want to confront. Nate is a young man who is trying to figure out himself. I liked that together, Emily and Nate find their future and stability. The conflicts were settled a little too quickly and easily for me, especially one particular conflict which was a serious topic that deeply affected Emily. While marketed as a Christian romance, the Christian themes are subtle and aren't too heavy. It is great for those who like Christian lite stories. There are moments of emotion and crying out to God. Overall, I enjoyed this story and look forward to other stories in this series. I recommend Chasing Home. 

Chasing Home is available in paperback and eBook

Mail Order Duchess: family duty and a mail order bride with grief, faith and love

Mail Order Duchess is the first book in the Lords of the Rockies series by Misty M Beller. The five Balfour brothers were raised on the family’s Montana ranch nestled in the Rocky Mountains. When the eldest son of an English duke dies suddenly, Enoch Balfour must take his place as the heir of the family title, the Duke of Clarence as well as marry the mail order bride his brother had sent for. However, Enoch has no intention to open his heart to this unknown woman. Mandie Beaumont is desperate to leave her family’s home. When she arrives in Montana, she suffers an accident which takes her recent memories, memories that conceal a secret. As the Balfour brothers take care of Mandie, giving her a place to rest and recover, her resilience begins to thaw the ice around Enoch’s heart. When Mandie’s past comes to his front door, Enoch must decide to risk his heart again to save her. 

Mail Order Duchess is a great clean romance with dramatic, faith and struggles. Enoch is a man who understands family duty. Grieving for his brother doesn’t stop that. Mandie finds herself in a situation where she feels her only option is to run. She answers an ad for a mail order bride. I have always been amazed at the courage that these women had to travel to somewhere they have never been to marry a man they’ve never met. And Mandie felt that a man in Montana must be better than the one who is trying to run from. Enoch and Mandie’s story hooked from the very beginning and I could not put this book down. I enjoyed the realistic depictions of the struggles with grief, loss and moving forward with faith. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I look forward to the rest of the stories in this series. I highly, highly recommend Mail Order Duchess. 

Mail Order Duchess is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

 

Marrying Mandy: a marriage of convenience between best friends and a love they have both been denying

Marrying Mandy is the first book in the Brides of Clearwater series by Melanie D. Snitker. After her parents’ divorce and their abandonment, Mandy Hudson vowed never to marry. Even though she was raised by her loving grandparents, she feels that real love just doesn’t last. When her grandmother dies, Mandy learns there is a shocking stipulation in the will. In order to inherit her grandparents’ estate, including a bed and breakfast, she must marry. Preston Yarrow has been Mandy’s childhood best friend and he has been in love with her since they were teenagers. He proposes a solution: a marriage of convenience. A marriage they would both benefit from. Mandy would be able to keep the bed and breakfast and Preston will be able to focus on his new woodworking business. They agree to the terms and marry. Life throws curves that Mandy isn’t prepared for especially for the realization that life was better with Preston at her side.

Marrying Mandy is a sweet romance with tearful moments and finding faith in oneself, someone else and in love. I enjoyed Mandy and Preston as individuals and as a couple. Mandy is a woman who learned to do things by herself and protects herself against being hurt. Preston is a man who is content with being Mandy’s best friend, even when he would like more. When Mandy is in trouble of losing the only home she has known, He jumps in to help with no other motive than to help. I loved that as each curve is thrown and Mandy is scrambling to deal with it, Preston is there, lovingly and gently, telling her that she does not need to handle it alone. I also loved how the community gathers together to show Mandy the same thing. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I highly recommend Marrying Mandy. 

Marrying Mandy is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Thoughts that have been on my mind and heart with recent events

I had something completely different topic set for this month’s bible study; however given recent events and the anniversaries of Charlie Kirk’s death and 9/11, I feel I need to talk about something that has been on my mind and heart for a while. It is not that I am afraid of the future because I know who holds the future; it is a conflict between what my head knows and what my heart feels. I often turn to prayer for peace of mind and remind myself that Jesus said, “do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself” (Matthew 6:34). However, every now and then, the events of the world weigh on my mind and heart more than usual. I wonder if I have studied the Bible well enough. I have taught my children enough, preparing them for the world they will see outside our door. How do I discuss topics with someone who will argue for the sake of arguing? Who argues with feelings and refuses to listen to facts? These thoughts and questions flooded my mind more recently as I reflected on the anniversaries of this month. 

The amount of hatred and mockery of Christianity on social media has seriously hurt my heart. While I am not surprised as Jesus said in John 15:18, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first,” it still hurts. As I have seen the redemptive and transformative power of belief in Jesus Christ can bring to someone and in my own life, I have seen His work in my daily life that it is undeniable to me. Someone denying Christ is not surprising but the venom I see online toward God, Jesus and those who believe in Him, I fear, has turned my heart cold to them. Especially online, I usually roll my eyes and move on without trying to correct them. And I hate that I feel this way. However, without realizing it, as I write this God was listening and recently He put in front of me reminders. Yes, as believers, we are called to share the gospel; however, in Matthew 7:6, Jesus said, “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.” Meaning? It is useless to try to teach holy concepts to people who don’t want to listen and will only tear apart what we say. If someone comes to me with genuine questions, I have answers and the willingness to look up the answers if I don’t. However, if someone were to come to me with questions in order to belittle me or to attempt to break my faith, I will not entertain such a person.

In the year since Charlie Kirk’s death, I have seen clips of his meetings with skeptics and doubters, and while I was not a fan before his death, I now admire his resolve to bring the truth to as many people as possible. And I am humbled at his passion and resolve. I know I could never be as articulate or knowledgeable as he was, but I hope that I could stand on my faith and the truth as he did. It sickened me as I saw people celebrate his death and still celebrated as the anniversary arrived. There are people in the world I dislike or even despise; however, I would l never celebrate them being sick, ill or even their death. I may not have much sympathy or have no feelings either way for their circumstances; but it feels so wrong and evil to celebrate. While God told us that good would be called evil and evil good, He also proclaimed trouble to those who would do so (Isaiah 5:20), I still struggle with the deep sadness, anger and disgust I feel when I see people celebrating evil. I know Charlie Kirk was aware of the target he put on himself when he chose to stand up, speak out and try to educate others about the lies they have been told. And Christians should also be aware that there is also a target on us as well. Maybe the threat isn’t as strong as Charlie Kirk faced but the day will come when we won’t be able to be as free to worship as we, especially in America, have been. 

I have been a believer for over 30 years and sometimes I still struggle with and feel powerless in the state of the world today. At these moments, I turn to God, to His word and yet, I feel what can little old me do? I am nobody in a world of billions of people. While I know I am somebody to my Lord, to my husband, to my daughters, and my loved ones, I feel like a faceless, powerless nobody. Why would anyone care what I had to say? So I often stay silent and I hate myself when I do. Even as I do these monthly bible studies, I do them for myself and write about what I have learned and post them. I know people read them but do they have any impact in their lives? Does it even matter that I post these at all? As I said at the start, recent events have lit a fire, so to speak, that I want to be different. I want to be prepared to meet any enemy and be prepared to stand up for my faith, even if it means my death. Death?!? Someone might exclaim. Yes, given the state of the world right now and the growing battle against Christ and believers, I believe the day will come when we might be faced with that question and I hope I will be able to say “Yes, I believe in Christ” and lose my life in the process. Because Jesus said that “whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it” (Matthew 16:25, Mark 8:35). 

In conclusion, I set out to write this blog as an honest disclosure of what I have been feeling and thinking recently. As I started writing this blog, my mind was heavy and as I took a few days to further reflect and came back to writing it, I remember that my struggle is with understanding, an understanding that is beyond me. It is an understanding that God, in his wisdom, is telling me his grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). I am reminded of the book of Philippians, which is one of my favorite books of the Bible. It is a book of hope which seems odd as Paul wrote it while in prison. In Philippians 4, Paul writes to rejoice in the Lord (verse 4) and to not be anxious about anything and to turn to God with our worries in prayer and petition (verse 6). I may not be able to completely battle the mockery of my faith online or understand the celebration of evil, however, I will commit myself to further and deeper study of the Bible and find peace in Jesus Christ.