Circe: the retelling of the mythological Greek witch with gods, monsters and legendary heroes

Circe by Madeline Miller is a retelling of the mythological Greek witch, Circe. Helios, the god of the sun and the mightiest among the Titans, has a daughter, Circe. Circe is not like his other children. Not as powerful as her father nor as alluring as her mother. When she doesn’t find her place among the gods, she turns to mortals for companionship and she discovers that she does possess a power. The power of witchcraft to transform her rivals to monsters and become a menace to the gods. When Zeus becomes threatened by her power, Circe is banished to a desecrated island. There she hones her craft, tames wild beasts and crosses paths with famous figures. As she battles some dangerous foes, she finds herself pitted against the one Olympian who is the most terrifying and the most vengeful. In order to protect everything and everyone she loves, Circe summons all her strength and her knowledge of the gods and her potions. 

As a fan of Greek mythology since high school, I have wanted to read Circe for a while and I got the chance to listen to the audiobook (narrated by Peridita Weeks). From the opening chapter to the final pages, readers are taken deep into the world of gods, monsters and heroes of legend including Hermes, Scylla, and the cunning Odysseus. While I did not know the entire Circe myth, I was excited to see her interact with the characters that I did know and gasped at the parts of the myth that I did not know. There were a few moments that I even laughed as Circe would call out the antics of certain gods like Hermes. With gritty actions, this story grabbed me and took me on a wild ride through ancient Greek mythology. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and Ms Weeks’s narration really made the story exciting and engaging. If you enjoy retellings of Greek mythologies, I highly, highly recommend Circe. 

Circe is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

Saltwater Cove: a second chance romance with a touch of drama

Saltwater Cove is the first book in the Wescott Bay series by Amelia Addler. Second chances can happen at any time. Margie Clifton discovers this as she starts life over on San Juan Island. When her brother gives her a property, she knows exactly what she wants to do. The property would be the perfect place for a wedding venue. She soon meets Hank Kowalski, the town’s Chief Deputy Sheriff. Gruff and ruggedly handsome, the last thing Hank wants is a relationship especially that his beloved wife passed away two years ago. However, Margie’s strength and beauty draws him in and he begins to wonder if a new love would be possible. Margie has a secret, a secret that could destroy everything. Can they find the courage to fight for their second chance and find their happily ever after? 

Saltwater Cove is a sweet second chance romance with plenty of humor, drama and a bit of mystery. Margie is a sweet woman who doesn’t like to say anything bad about anyone. Her ex-husband? She bites her tongue in order to keep the peace for her adult children. Her man child son in law? She doesn’t want to be involved in her daughter’s marriage. And the secret she is holding, she has kept for over 20 years. When readers first meet Hank, he is bored and Margie’s presence adds a spark that his life needed. There were moments when I wanted to shake the characters, especially the son in law. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I look forward to the rest of the series. If you like sweet second chance romance with a touch of drama, I recommend Saltwater Cove.  

Saltwater Cove is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Keep Me in Mind: a second chance romance

Keep Me in Mind is a book in the Brewer brides series by Kerry Evelyn. When Liam Brewer left town, he told the girl he loved that he would be back. However, she would send him an email which left him heartbroken. Nine years later, she never left him heart or mind. Now, he is back in town in order to renovate a family barn into a wedding venue for his cousin. Little does he know that the contractor hired to do the job is the woman who broke his heart. Beck is shocked to discover that the architect she is supposed to meet is the man the boy she loved became. The moment their eyes met, the old feelings came rushing back. While Liam is willing to give their love a second chance, Beck feels she doesn’t deserve it because losing him again would be unbearable. 

Keep Me in Mind is a quick, sweet second chance romance. A story of young love whose life circumstances would tear them apart, Liam and Beck never forget each other. Liam did not know the reasons behind her sudden Dear John email. I loved the matchmaking plot that Liam’s cousin puts into motion in order to get Liam and Beck back in town at the same time. I understood Beck’s hesitation about taking a second chance on a relationship with Liam. And my heart broke to hear of the events which led to her email. However, I enjoyed Liam who was lovingly patient with her and showed her that his love had never gone away. It was a quick read great for an afternoon of reading. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I look forward to future stories in the Brewer bride series. I recommend Keep Me in Mind. 

Keep Me in Mind is available in paperback and eBook

The Oxford Guide to Scandals and Lies: a post World War II espionage adventures

The Oxford Guide to Scandals and Lies is the first book in the The Oxford Guide series by Kate Westbury. In Oxford, England in 1951, Ginevra “Gin” Bishop is following in her mother’s footsteps by studying at Oxford. With her impeccable red lipstick, clever comebacks and top marks, she wanted to prove she is more than just a society debutante. Sidney Braithwaite is a brooding young man who is determined to ignore his memories and nightmares of the war as he forges a new life in Oxford. When they first meet, it is obvious Gin and Sidney have very little in common; however, when the British Security Service pairs them together. With her charm and his espionage experience, they are the perfect team to pick up the trail of a Soviet spy operating at the university. At first, Gin and Sidney clash; however, there is a spark they cannot deny and they must find a way to finish the mission before they get caught in the enemy’s crosshairs. 

I found the premise of this book to be interesting and looked forward to getting into the world of spies with a bit of romance. Set in post World War II Oxford University, The Oxford Guide to Scandals and Lies is the debut novel by Kate Westbury. The book sets to layer mystery, romance and academia. Unfortunately, I was bored. The story dragged on and was a bit dull at points. There were just too many characters to keep track of and a lot of information thrown out. I didn’t care for Ginevra at all while I did enjoy Sidney. I felt Sidney had more depth and substance to him. Overall, the story did not live up to my expectations. I was disappointed that I did not enjoy it more. I was looking forward to an exciting story of mystery and romance. If you enjoy espionage stories, you enjoy The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies. Unfortunately, I do not recommend The Oxford Guide to Scandals and Lies. 

The Oxford Guide to Scandals and Lies is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

What is the difference between prescriptive and descriptive scriptures? Why does it matter?

Over recent months, I have seen various social media posts which try to claim that the Bible condones certain acts and behavior because it is featured in the scriptures. It is usually used as a gotcha moment in order to silence Christians as they try to use the Scriptures as their moral compass and guide to live by in life. However, it usually fails and only shows the individual’s ignorance in the Bible itself as the Bible is a mix of different types of literature. Literature such as poetry, biography, prophecy, narratives, discourse, letters and proverbs. Within these types of literatures, there are prescriptive and descriptive scriptures. What are prescriptive and descriptive scriptures? What is the difference and why is it important to know the difference? 

Prescriptive Scriptures is a clear moral rule or command. In the form of direct rules, laws and ethical instructions. These scriptures are telling people how things should be done, how to live, speak and act. Timeless directives for holy living, helping individuals and communities to live and walk in obedience. One example of prescriptive scriptures in the Old Testament is the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:1-17. As well as the Mosaic Civil and Moral Law and wisdom directives found in the Proverbs would be directions for holy living. While the wisdom of the Proverbs are not direct commands, they are guidelines to live by. For example, Proverbs 3:5-6 says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” The teachings of Jesus, i.e. The Sermon on the Mount, and apostolic instructions are examples of prescriptive scripture in the New Testament. For example, Philippians 2:14 says “Do everything without complaining or arguing.” It is an explicit call to adopt a Christ honoring attitude which would consistently align with God’s revealed character and would remain relevant today. 

Descriptive Scriptures are observations and facts that explain how things happened. These scriptures tell a story or record an event without endorsement of these events. These are historical events, human choices, and cultural settings. The records simply show what happened and not necessarily what should have happened. In the Bible, there are books which are historical and narrative in nature. For example, Genesis, Judges, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, and Acts. An example of a descriptive scripture would be 1 Kings 11:1-3 in which King Solomon has many foreign wives despite the prohibition against marrying foreigners and three concubines. Many individuals will use this scripture as proof that God endorses polygamy. However, it is a simple historical description of a broken action. It does not command or approve as many people fall to read further as verse 3 ends with “his wives led him astray” and leading him to turn away from the Lord and toward other gods (1 Kings 11:4) and doing evil in the eyes of the Lord (1 Kings 11:6). A New Testament example is in Acts 2 as the early church shared their money and property. It is a description of their unique situations; however, it does not command all modern churches or believers to do the exact same thing. 

How do readers of the Bible tell the difference between prescriptive and descriptive scriptures? First, it is important to know that the writers of the Bible wrote with a specific purpose for a specific audience. When reading a passage, it is important to ask who is the author and who was his audience? Many authors wrote to inform, correct, challenge, teach and explain to the people of their time. Since modern believers are not the original audience, our goal is to discover the original message in order to bridge the historical and cultural gap. It is only then can we be able to apply that meaning to our own time and culture. Second, prescriptive scriptures can be direct commands by using starting with “Do not” or “Do.” Third, check the literary genre which will clue readers to whether the passage is prescriptive or descriptive. The epistles, legal codes and wisdom literature, like the Proverbs, are more likely to be prescriptive in nature. While descriptive passages recount an event with a command to repeat. For example, the early church meeting in individuals' homes explains how the early believers gathered but there is no command for modern believers to do the same. 

Why does the difference matter? When the difference is understood correctly, the distinction preserves spiritual integrity while acknowledging the unity and consistency of Scripture. First, the proper application of scripture. When one understands which commands remain binding today and which passages are merely a historical record. Second, spiritual growth. Understanding the difference allows for the clearly prescriptive scriptures to be actions we are to follow exactly. For example, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says to pray continually. Also descriptive accounts of Christ’s ministry reveals how He showed compassion, encountered opposition and confirmed his divine identity through his miracles. These narratives can inspire faith; however, it doesn’t impose any command for every believer to perform an identical ministry. Lastly, avoiding legalism. Overapplication of descriptive passages as though they were commands can lead to legalism. By differentiating the text’s intent, believers can avoid imposing unnecessary burdens that Scripture does not prescribe. There are practical guidelines for believers to follow in order to interpret Scriptures correctly. First, pay attention to the context. The context can give us clues if the text gives us a direct instruction like “honor your father and mother” (Exodus 20:12) or a text which is not a specific test for every believer like the fleece for confirmation in Judges 6. Second, a whole Bible perspective. To see the harmony across the Bible reaffirms that some Scriptures are prescriptive instructions while others are descriptive as to why. 

In conclusion, both prescriptive and descriptive Scriptures are vital as they both document how God has worked in history as well as gives believers instructions to live holy lives. While prescriptive scriptures explain how God commands believers to live; however, descriptive scriptures are faith rooted histories and testifies to the trustworthiness and historical reality of God’s interactions with humanity. It is important to study both prescriptive and descriptive scriptures and recognize their purpose in our lives. Believers, study the Bible in full. Take inspiration and learn from the descriptive scriptures and use the prescriptive scriptures as guidelines to live and grow spiritual in our relationship with the Lord.  And even be able to defend our faith and our God to those who would use his holy word against him. 

The Gods Will Sing Our Song: a World War II historical romance with magic, myth and the power of love

The Gods Will Sing Our Song by Autumn Krause is a sweeping World War II historical romance with magic, myth and the power of love. In 1942, the world is at war and two lives are set to meet and their lives will change forever. Seventeen year old Ren Hamada has a troubled past that seems to follow him. Violet Aratani seemingly has the perfect life with loving parents and a bright future with college in front of her. However, in May 1942, Ren, Violet and their community of Japanese Americans were rounded up and sent to the Manzanar Relocation Camp in the California desert. Ren and Violet have little in common except the family relics they prize. Together, they discover a god walks among them as his mortal form is tethered to the camp and only Ren and Violet have the power to release him. Would a divine favor be powerful enough to save them and their families? Will they have the strength and resilience to fight for their survival? 

I was first pulled to this story by its cover and then I knew I wanted to read it when the blurb. Inspired by the author's true family history of internment and resilience, The Gods Will Sing Our Song is a fast paced, intriguing story with emotion and tensions. The internment of the Japanese Americans during World War II is another horrible, devastating period of American history. Ms Krause describes the internment camp and its condition in vivid detail that my heart broke for these people who loved the US and their only crime was being Japanese. I enjoyed the mixture of history and Japanese mythology. Ren and Violet’s interaction with the god was fun and powerful as Ren is skeptical and Violet believes. I could not put this book down as tensions rose. I even loved reading the author’s note as she explained the inspiration for this powerful story. While this book is categorized as young adult, I highly, highly recommend The Gods Will Sing Our Song for everyone. 

The Gods Will Sing Our Song will be available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

on September 1, 2026

Aloha Hideaway Inn: a small bed and breakfast, a big resort and a budding romance

Aloha Hideaway Inn is the first book in the Getaway Bay Resort series by Elana Johnson. Stacey Stapleton has big plans for Aloha Hideaway Inn, her bed and breakfast. But when Sweet Breeze, the new high rise resort opens in the bay, her plans come to a halt. She decides to go undercover and spy on the resort by spending a night. She learns that the resort cannot hold a candle to her quaint bed and breakfast. No matter how flawless it looks or how handsome and smart the owner is. However, when a tropical storm hits the bay, she and her guests must take refuge at the Sweet Breeze. As they wait out the storm, Stacey spends more time with Fisher DuPont, the owner of Sweet Breeze, and she realizes he is not the corporate monster she imagined. Can Stacey and her beloved Aloha Hideaway Inn survive the changes and the start of a new budding relationship? 

Aloha Hideaway Inn is a sweet clean romance in the Hawaiian tropical paradise. Unfortunately, I feel like I’ve read this story before. A small inn, a big resort and a forbidden romance between their owners. I liked Stacey as she tries to preserve her family’s legacy in her beloved bed and breakfast. I also liked Fisher as a man who is trying to overcome the shadow of his unscrupulous father. I enjoyed the supporting cast of characters. I enjoyed how the community came together as they faced the storm. I did not enjoy the miscommunication conflict as Stacey and Fisher constantly jump to conclusions and simply don’t clear the air by communicating! Overall, the characters were good but I just couldn’t shake the feeling I had read this story before. I will not be continuing the series. However, if you enjoy a clean, sweet romance in a tropical paradise, I recommend Aloha Hideaway Inn. 

Aloha Hideaway Inn is available in paperback and eBook