Tomorrow's First Light: a marriage of convenience romance with faith, hope and drama

Tomorrow’s First Light is the first book in the Texas Promise series by Naomi Rawlings. Sam Owens grew up in an orphanage in the small dusty town of Twin Rivers. All he dreamed about was a spread of land of his own and a family. For a year, he has been writing to Ellie Spritzer, who agreed to come to Twin Rivers and become his wife; however, she was bringing her siblings with her. Sam had no issue with it, looking forward to a ready made family. He wasn’t prepared for the eight young children who arrived with Ellie. As Sam and Ellie start to figure out life together, with a brood of children and limited resources, someone from the shadows tries to steal his land from him. They are now in a fight to hold their new family together on the land they all have come to love. 

Naomi Rawlings is a new author to me and I enjoy mail order bride historical fiction. Tomorrow’s First Light is a great read, fast paced and page turner filled with drama, faith and struggles, filled with love, friendship and support. I loved the struggle with faith and doubt of Ellie as she faced the drama with the land, entering a marriage with a stranger and questioning her decisions. I enjoyed Sam as a young man who knew hardship and the support of friends and held a deep faith in God that he moved forward despite the overwhelming odds in front of him. His friends were great characters and I enjoyed their interactions. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to the rest of the series. If you enjoy marriage of convenience with faith, hope and new beginnings, I highly recommend Tomorrow’s First Light. 

Tomorrow’s First Light is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

My Dear Hamilton: a historical fiction novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton

My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie is the novel about Eliza Schuyler Hamilton, a founding mother who is responsible for preserving the legacy of Alexander Hamilton. A general’s daughter, Eliza Schuyler came of age during tumultuous times in the colonies and the fight of independence hanging on by a thread. When she meets Alexander Hamilton, he is a handsome, passionate aide-de-camp of General George Washington. Penniless yet brilliant and charismatic, Hamilton wins Eliza’s heart. After the war, as the country struggles to establish itself, Eliza and Alexander find themselves in the middle of glittering highs and bloody lows including the Reynolds Affair, America’s first sex scandal. After Hamilton’s death in the famous duel in 1804, Eliza struggles to survive and later preserve her husband’s legacy as a founding father as well as other prominent figures in the Revolutionary War.  

I have always loved historical fiction, fueling my own research into the real historical events and figures. I am also a fan of the musical Hamilton (2015) and I have read the Ron Chernow biography. I have eagerly read other historical fiction books about Hamilton and the Revolutionary War. While My Dear Hamilton is a historical fiction novel, I feel the authors strayed too much from what is known about Eliza to try and fill in the holes of what is not known, especially with modern attitudes that, I feel, would have been too progressive for the time, even for a rebellion against a monarchy. My Dear Hamilton just didn’t live up to my expectations and I found myself skimming sections. I did not have an emotional reaction to this story and I was glad it was over. I do not recommend My Dear Hamilton. 

My Dear Hamilton is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Who are the anointed? Why can't we come against them? and the misinterpretation

Every time a pastor or church leader is criticized or accused, I will always hear “You can’t come against the anointed” in defense against the criticism or accusation. Instead of addressing the criticism or accusation, wagons will be circled and people will be told you can’t do that. Even personally, when I have raised a concern about a pastor’s teaching or use of a Bible verse, I was told you can’t come against the anointed. Alarm bells go off in my head when I hear this statement. Even God allows our questions (Matthew 7:7, Isaiah 1:18, Proverbs 2:6), so why not pastors or church leaders? So I wondered who are the anointed? Why can’t we come against the anointed? What happens if someone does come against an anointed? And are all pastors or church leaders automatically anointed? 

The anointed ones are individuals set apart by God for special services, primarily kings, priests and prophets. Kings like Saul, David and Solomon. Priests like Aaron and his sons. Prophets like Moses, Elijah and Elisha. Even Cyrus the Great, a non-Jew, was anointed by God for a divine purpose. The anointing was done with oil showing God’s selection and support with His Spirit for a task, representing His presence and blessing. 1 Chronicles 16:22 (also Psalm 105:15) states, “Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.” These verses signify God’s protection over those with a specific divine assignment. This command was for a specific person for a specific purpose. Queen Jezebel is a famous example of someone who came against the anointed prophet Elijah (1 Kings 21) and died horribly (2 Kings 9:30-37). Anointing was more prevalent in the Old Testament. The closest thing to anointing in the New Testament is the practice of laying of hands (Acts 8:18); however, there is no mention of special protection (Gonzales, 2019). Even Paul writing to Timothy in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 about the qualifications of pastors and deacons, he makes no mention of any anointing or special protection for being God’s anointed (Gonzales, 2019). 

“Touch” means physical harm, slander, malicious mockery or interfering with their God given mission. However, this does not mean no constructive criticism or concerns. It is often used by a televangelist, a faith healer or a proponent of the prosperity gospel in defense of their actions, which makes them no better than false teachers who utilize these verses for control and their own personal gain (Gonzales, 2019). The scriptures are filled with examples of the anointed  and church leaders and teachers being challenged and demonstrates that the anointed are not above reproach as they are still flawed people. Nathan openly criticized and confronted King David after he sinned with Bathsheba and tried to cover it up (2 Samuel 8:1-14). Paul confronted Peter about his hypocrisy (Galatians 2:11-21) and the Bereans questioned Paul’s teaching (Acts 17:11) and examined the Scriptures every day to make sure they were true. Even Jesus gives us instructions on how to confront a fellow believer in Matthew 18:15-17. First, we are to speak to the individual privately about the sin (verse 15). Second, if he or she doesn’t repent, then we are to bring two or more witnesses to discuss the matter (verse 16). Lastly, if he or she still doesn’t listen and repent, then we are to take the matter to the church leaders (verse 17). The purpose is restoration and protection. Paul writes in 1 Timothy 5:20 “Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly so that the others may take warning.” 

The warning not to touch the anointed has been massively misinterpreted and used to shield religious leaders from accountability and using the verses in ways God did not intend. The passages are often used in Pentecostal and Charismatic circles to defend and deflect preachers from criticisms and accusations; however, they aren’t the only ones who misuse these passages. People who promote themselves as pastors and their ministries as “anointed” to warn off their critics. It is used to preempt any questions and scrutiny and allows them to spread falsehoods, bad theology and even predatory behaviors. Some in the prosperity gospel circles have also interpreted these passages to mean that all Christians are promised protection from all bad things. God never promises protection from harm from evil people, He only promises that he will deliver us from troubles (Psalm 34:19). In John 16:33, Jesus teaches “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus tells Paul, “my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). 

In conclusion, in the Old Testament, the anointed were people given a special purpose by God. Kings, prophets and leaders, to attack them maliciously was to attack God Himself. The demise of Queen Jezebel being a prime example of divine judgment and retribution. However, In the New Testament, no special anointing is described for pastors. In fact, every believer in Christ is anointed with the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 1:21-22). We are allowed and encouraged to bring legitimate concerns and criticisms to the individuals, the church and the public with the purpose of repentance and restoration. To claim to be anointed is not a free pass to do and say what you want and avoid accountability. The next time, when you bring up a legitimate concern or criticism and you are told you can’t do that, know that you can and should. 

References

Gonzales, Nitoy (April 30, 2019). 6 Reasons Why “Touch Not the Anointed” Verses Are Not for Pastors. Delighting Grace. https://delightinggrace.wordpress.com/2019/04/30/6-reasons-why-touch-not-the-anointed-verses-are-not-for-pastors/. Retrieved February 3, 2026. 

Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing: a painful and gritty memoir with humor, wit and stark realism

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry is a painful and gritty memoir. The opening line: “Hi, my name is Matthew, although you may know me by another name. My friends call me Matty. And I should be dead” says it all. The riveting story of acclaimed actor Matthew Perry from his childhood and his dream of fame, to addiction and recovery in the aftermath of a life-threatening health scare. A story of a young boy being shuffled from his mother’s in Montreal to his father’s in Los Angeles. A story of a fourteen year old nationally ranked tennis star in Canada. A story of a twenty four year old who would land the role of a lifetime and the fame he always dreamt of. To the outside world, Matthew Perry had it all. However, hidden behind the smile and wise cracking jokester was a man who was lonely, feeling unworthy of love and in a dark battle of addiction to drugs and alcohol. Matthew Perry’s journey to sobriety is filled with his trademark humor and a stark realism that many have never seen and he takes readers on this journey with frankness, self-awareness and extreme vulnerability. 

Many who know me know that I love Friends. It is my comfort show. A show I watch when I want to laugh and to relax. My favorite character has always been Chandler Bing. The vulnerable man who uses humor to hide his fears, insecurities and loneliness. Matthew Perry has been one of my favorite actors for years and his death in 2023 hit me hard. When he released this memoir, I was torn about reading it. I wanted to read it and yet, I was afraid. Recently, I got the opportunity to listen to the audiobook. I usually don’t listen to audiobooks; but there is something about this book and listening to Matthew Perry narrating it. It was difficult to listen to. It is deeply intimate and eye-opening. I was in tears, knowing he had come so far, so filled with hope and yet he is gone from this world. His voice reminds me of someone else I know who battled with addiction and it added to the pain of his story. He intended his memoir to help those who struggle with sobriety and I pray that it does. I highly recommend Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing. 

Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing 

is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

 

What New Beginnings Are Made Of: an abandoned inn and new beginnings

What New Beginnings Are Made Of is the first book in the Star Gazer Inn of Corpus Christi Bay series by Debra Clopton. After the sudden death of her husband, fifty-five year old Alice McIntyre visits Star Gazer Island, where she first met her husband. There, she finds the abandoned Star Gazer Inn for sale and on a whim, she buys it. Her four adult sons are not happy; but she needs a fresh start. Her oldest son, Jackson, is shocked by his mother’s decision but he is determined to help her move on. Lisa, Alice’s best friend and recent divorcee, comes to the inn to join Alice in opening the inn. Nina Hanson is an artist who lives next door to the inn. She loves the quiet life especially since she has a reason to keep a low profile. 

Debra Clopton is a new author to me, even though her name is one I recognize from bookshelves. I like storylines of new beginnings and from the opening chapters, I enjoyed the introduction of Alice, Jackson and Nina. I especially enjoyed Jackson’s and Nina’s first meeting over a wayward puppy. However, going forward, I feel there were too many storylines and some were not fully developed. I quickly became bored and the story slowed down. I would have liked to see more into Nina’s story and the past she was trying to leave behind. I did enjoy Ms Clopton’s description of the island and the beach was gorgeous. Overall, I did not enjoy this story and will not be continuing this series. However, if you enjoy Debra Clopton’s books, you may enjoy What New Beginnings Are Made Of. 

What New Beginnings Are Made Of are available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Ice Falls: a romantic suspense in an Alaskan small town

Ice Falls is the first book in the Firelight Ridge series by Jennifer Bernard. Molly Evans credits her three best friends for their support as she grew from a misfit to a successful attorney. When one of them suddenly goes missing, Molly makes it her mission to find her friend, Lila. She tracks Lila to Firelight Ridge, a small town in Alaska, and she immediately stands out in a town who stays out of each other’s business. It doesn’t take long before she finds herself in the middle of a local mystery and a reclusive group and must deal with a surly but very attractive pilot. Sam Coburn is the ultimate lone wolf; keeping to himself. When Molly steps onto his plane, he is intrigued by the feisty and fierce woman. Little does he know that she will provide a way to access the wilderness family he had tried and failed. A whirlwind of events will change their lives forever. 

I have read Jennifer Bernard’s books before and loved them. When I found Ice Falls, I was looking forward to this romance suspense. I liked that Molly was willing to jump on a plane to find her friend. Even though Lila was always a bit flighty, Molly felt enough intuition to think something was off and find her and make sure she is okay. Her first interaction with Sam was funny with great banter. From there, the story seemed to be all over the place introducing Lila’s new life in town, the mysterious family who Sam is trying to get information about and the mystery that is supposed to tie it all together. The pace was slow and lost my attention. Overall, I was bored and really didn’t care for the characters or the mystery. I am not sure if I will continue this series; however, if if you enjoy romantic suspense, you may enjoy Ice Falls. 

Ice Falls is available in paperback and eBook

Metal Slinger: a romantasy with action, magic and adventure

Metal Slinger is the first book in the Fire and Metal series by Rachel Schneider. With no memory of her origins, Brynn grew up among the Alaha. Even though she’s not one of them, she has been training to be a guard. The chance to attend the annual market hosted by the Kenta is one every young guard looks forward to; however, Brynn does not count on breaking a century long peace treaty. One encounter with an enemy soldier threatens everything including what Brynn believes about herself and the people she thought she knew. Her loyalty to the Alaha is tested when the enemy soldier reveals her true identity and his mission to return her to her true home. Now she is in a fight for her life as she learns a whole new world of magic and fate with questions of loyalty, love and betrayal. 

With the second book in this series releasing in June this year, I was given the chance to read Metal Slinger. I usually do not reach for a romantasy book; however, I do enjoy a good fantasy book and a good romance book, so I decided to give this romantasy book a chance. The beginning of this story was a bit slow as the author built the world around these characters. However, when Brynn leaves the Alaha people and enters a world she knows nothing about, the story picks up speed. As the story went along and I thought I knew where the story was going to go, the last quarter left my jaw on the floor. It does end with a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see how this story continues in book 2. If you enjoy romantasy books, I recommend Metal Slinger. 

Metal Slinger is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Wordsmith: can love be stronger than familial duty?

The Wordsmith is the seventh book in the Emerson Pass Historical series by Tess Thompson. Adelaide “Addie” Barnes didn’t want to fall in love with him. He was too old, too English and too much her sister’s best friend. At least that’s what she tells herself as James West arrives in Emerson Pass to spend the summer with the Barnes family. What was worse, James is set to marry another woman at the end of the summer. Addie had grown into a beautiful and ambitious young woman who dreamed of becoming a published author. James must marry the daughter of one of the richest men to save his family from ruin and his own career. Duty pulls him in one direction; but his heart started to pull him in another. He has fallen in love with Addie and yet he knew he could not have her. Would he be able to walk away from the only woman he loves? And would Addie let him? 

The Wordsmith picks up four years after the end of The Musician. Addie is now a young woman with a heart filled with unrequited love. James was hoping the summer with the Barnes family would be his last great time before he married. Of course, summer is a time of change, of hope and courage. Addie and James’ romance was sweet. I felt for Addie as she was willing and ready to let James walk away because she thought it was what he wanted. I enjoyed watching James come to the realization that he loves Addie and yet doesn’t feel worthy of her. There were twists and turns with a few tears and gasps and a happy resolution that brought a smile to my face. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and it breaks my heart a bit that there is only one book left. If you enjoy clean, sweet historical fiction, you will enjoy the Emerson Pass Historical series. I highly recommend The Wordsmith. 

The Wordsmith is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Color of Hope: the twists and turns of life and second chances for love and happiness

The Color of Hope is the third book in The Color of Heaven by Julianne Maclean. Diana Moore’s life has been near perfect. As the daughter of a wealthy senator, she lived a glamorous life as a lawyer with her handsome live-in boyfriend. But soon her life would be turned upside down as she learns that there is a woman working nearby who looked exactly like her. Compelled to find out who this woman was and how she could look like her. Nadia Carmichael’s life was not so charmed as she has had to struggle all her life. As Diana and Nadia merge their lives, their path would be marred with secrets and betrayals. When Diana meets Dr Jacob Peterson, a brilliant cardiac surgeon, who helps Diana see the resilience of the human spirit and a new sense of hope. Can there be a second chance for love and happiness? 

The Color of Heaven is a series of standalone stories each with life altering events and second chances. The Color of Hope is a fast paced, drama filled story of one woman who learns there is more to life and love than what she thought. Nadia knew only disappointment and pain. When the two meet, they couldn’t be more different than night and day. The drama ensued as their lives intertwined and hearts were broken. Drama that could be seen coming a mile anyway and yet, like life, red flags are ignored. However, I liked that Diana still had a heart for Nadia and would support her in her time of need. I particularly liked Jacob who was the strength and support that Diana was looking for and needed at the right time in her life. Overall, I enjoyed this story with its ups and downs. I recommend The Color of Heaven. 

The Color of Hope is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Sonora: the girl who dove with horses and her inspirational story

Sonora by Jenni L Walsh is based on the inspirational true story of Sonora Webster Carver, the girl who dove with horses which became the Disney’s film Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken (1991). It is 1923 and a want ad looking for a girl to dive with horses. Once 19 year old Sonora sees a girl dive with the horse, she is hooked. She wants to be that girl. With plenty of spirit and a bit of wanderlust, she trains with determination. Little does she know that the American carnival world is filled with danger, excitement and cutthroat competition. However, her natural talent and fierce dedication brings the crowds in droves as well as individuals who want nothing more but to see the show shut down for good. When a tragic accident changes her life, she finds herself in limbo. Her desire to dive again soon becomes a fire she cannot deny. Can she find the courage to make that 50 foot climb and dive again? 

I love the movie Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken and when I heard that there was a book based on her life, I jumped at the chance to read it. From the very first page, Sonora’s courage, attitude and dedication is apparent and she will let no one tell her she can’t do anything especially when she sets her mind to it. Sonora is a wild ride into the heyday of the American carnival shows and a found family who bind together through thick and thin. Even though I know Sonora eventually becomes blind, the author’s descriptions of the accident and the aftermath were heartbreaking. There are moments of great banter, especially between Sonora and Doc Carver and Sonora and Al, Doc’s son and Sonora’s eventual husband. The romance between Sonora and Al was very sweet too. Half way through this book, I bought Sonora’s biography to read later and I want to watch Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken again. I highly, highly recommend Sonora! 

Sonora is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Nothing But Trouble: an ex-quarterback, his assistant and a love neither of them saw coming

Nothing But Trouble is the first book in the Credence, Colorado series by Amy Andrews. For the past five years, Cecilia “CC” Morgan’s life has revolved around the personal assistant to Wade “The Catapult” Carter, a former NFL quarterback. She has decided she has had enough and prepares to quit, but then his father’s health fails and she finds herself in his hometown. CC will stay, for now, but seeing Wade outside the bright lights of Denver has her thinking things she has no business thinking. CC’s plan to quit throws Wade for a loop as he cannot imagine his life with his “left tackle,” his Girl Friday. Now they are under the same roof in his hometown, bantering like an old married couple, Wade starts to see CC as just more than his assistant. Will Wade open his eyes and his heart to the woman he cannot live without? 

Nothing But Trouble is a sweet romance with a bit of spice as well as great banter, sigh worthy moments and humor. I loved CC and Wade from the moment they appeared on the page and their attraction together is apparent to everyone but them. To see them slowly come to that realization were great moments, especially Wade’s. The moment it hit him brought a smile to  my face and I enjoyed his grand gestures. Yes, multiple. He fumbled a few times. Their supporting characters were awesome too. The small town characters were alive and well in Credence. The family banter, the friendly insults and touching moments helped boost their story. I loved this story and I was sad to see it end; however, I look forward to the rest of this series. If you love a sweet spicy romance with great moments, I highly recommend Nothing But Trouble. 

Nothing But Trouble is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Something Like Hate: an enemies to lovers football romance

Something Like Hate is the first book in the Chicago Grizzlies series by Piper Rayne. Miles Cavanaugh is the best safety in the league and when he was traded to the Chicago Grizzlies, Bryce Burns was ecstatic. She couldn’t be happier. They have had a love-hate relationship since college. Finally, she has breathing room. That is until she lands her dream job with a national sport magazine in Chicago. The city is big enough for both of them…right? The best laid plans soon go awry when she temporarily takes over reporting on the Chicago Grizzlies which means traveling with the team, interviewing the players and all with an all-access pass. Miles and Bryce decide to play nice for the sake of both of their jobs. However, they soon realize that the attraction between them is stronger than their mutual hate. 

The Chicago Grizzlies series is a spin off of the Kingsmen Football Stars series and picks up after that series ends. Something Like Hate is a spicy enemies to lovers romance. Bryce is a nonsense reporter so calls it how she sees it, regardless of the players’ ego. Miles takes criticism very seriously and he is still steaming from an article Bryce wrote in college. However, he feels drawn to her as she builds a fire under his feet to be better, to do better. As they spend time together, they both realize there is more to the other than meets the eye. Miles isn’t your typical football player and Bryce is fighting past hurts. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this series and I look forward to the rest of the series. If you enjoy enemies to lovers, football romance, I highly recommend Something Like Hate. 

Something Like Hate is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

Me and Mr Just Right: a messy public break up, an escape and a forced proximity rom com

Me and Mr Just Right is the first book in the Enchanted Forresters series by Kaylee Baldwin. Singer/songwriter Aurelia “Lia” Halifax needs to flee from the spotlight. After a messy public break up and a betrayal, she seeks an escape at an Alaskan island. It was perfect. Deserted with minimal communication. The island isn’t as deserted as she wanted and she is surprised when three hot brothers arrive. To say they weren’t happy would be an understatement. When a sudden storm hits, they are stranded on the island together. Haydn, the oldest brother, is a photographer, and the kind of person she was hoping to avoid. Soon, she is inspired to write again by Hayden and feelings she never thought she would feel again. However, trust isn’t going to come easy for Lia especially when Hayden has a secret, a secret that could be behind the biggest betrayal of all. 

Me and Mr Just Right is a cute sweet rom-com with great banter and humorous moments. They were great characters but with not a lot of depth. The story wasn’t filled with a lot of romance but Lia and Haydn together were sweet. The interactions between the brothers were fun and filled with sibling squabbles. There wasn’t much to the plot and the story behind the betrayal and breakup was obvious and I thought, even in the beginning, that there was more to the situation that Lia knew. The ending was a bit cheesy for me even for a rom com. Overall, the story was fine. However, I was not pulled into the story enough to care about the other characters and I will not be continuing the series. If you like sweet, cute rom com that would be a cozy weekend read, I recommend Me and Mr Just Right. 

Me and Mr Just Right is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Finding Jack: a reverse Rapunzel romance

Finding Jack is the first book in the Fairy Tale Flip series by Melanie Jacobson. Emily Riker is smart and practical. She just landed her dream promotion and is in a steady relationship with her boyfriend, Paul. When she finds herself engaged with an internet prankster, hired by her best friend, her world turns upside down. While at first Emily is annoyed and yet she finds herself drawn to the mystery man on the internet. Jack Dobson has a great sense of humor with a generous spirit and yet he hides a great deal of pain and secrets. As she travels to meet her new friend, their time together is marred with his biggest secret. A secret that might break apart their unique relationship. Can their online flirtation turn into something real? Can one secret break it all apart? 

I opened this book looking for a fun romance with a little bit of heart. It did not live up to expectations. Right off the bat, I did not like Emily. I did not find her relatable. I know I was supposed to hate her boyfriend, Paul, but Emily seemed happy and content with him. I did not like her friend, Ranee, as she started the pranks and did not stop when she was told to. I did not find any humor or fun in this story. Jack’s secret was very poignant and a very emotional moving moment in the story. However, the story around it fell apart. Overall, I did not enjoy this story and I will not be continuing this series. I do not recommend Finding Jack. 

Finding Jack is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Agony: a football, best friends and secret love

Agony is the first book in the Entangled Hearts Duet by Kaylee Ryan. Cooper Reeves and Reese Latham have been best friends since childhood. They were inseparable until college. Tired of being in the friend zone, she made a move and it didn’t play out the way she had hoped. After college, Cooper plays professional football and leaves Reese behind with a broken heart. What she doesn’t know is that Cooper is in love with her. Refusing to ruin their great friendship, he didn’t act on his feelings. Even when he knew she felt the same, he pushed her away to preserve their friendship. The longer they are apart, the more he realizes that Reese is more than just his best friend but the love of her life. Now she is engaged and the thought of living without her is agony. 

I love football with a friends to lovers romance and Agony was filled with funny friendship banter, romance scenes and plenty of drama. The story quickly moves through Cooper and Reese’s college years. My favorite character was Cooper and while there were moments when I wanted to reach through the book and tell Cooper to just tell Reese the truth, like many of the other characters urged him to do, I understood his fear. I loved their supporting characters who added humor and a dose of reality when needed, even when it is not heeded. I could not put the book down and eagerly read through the day. It does end on a cliffhanger and I am so eager to read the second book for the continuation of Cooper and Reese’s story. I recommend Agony. 

Agony is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Mixtape: a story of grief, healing and strength

The Mixtape by Brittany C Cherry is a story of grief, love and the harsh limelight. Being a part of powerhouse duo, Alex & Oliver was a mixed bag for Oliver. When his twin brother died in a tragic accident, Oliver is caught between pleasing their fans and finding himself. Emery is raising her daughter while struggling to hold down her job as a bartender and keep their apartment. Until Oliver walks into her bar. He is determined to drink his problems away but the fans and the paparazzi won’t let him. Emery helps Oliver lose the mob and when they find themselves alone, they learn they are both walking a path of pain and loss. As they find comfort together and find a hope for their future. Can they survive the harsh criticism of the public? Can their newfound love win over any battle in their personal lives? 

The Mixtape was brought to my attention in an “You May Like” recommendation email. I was intrigued by the premise and eagerly read this story. The opening of the book hooked me and I was ready for a great story. This book has everything, grief, angst and drama except romance. I expected a great and sweet romance between Oliver and Emery. They were great characters and a great couple; however, their romance seemed to be lacking something. There was a lot of drama between Oliver and his ex-girlfriend that his romance with Emery was in the backseat. Overall, while The Mixtape did not have the romance I was expecting, however, I still enjoyed the story of Oliver’s healing from grief and finding himself without his twin brother. I also enjoyed Emery’s strength to fight for her daughter, Reese. If you enjoy a story of grief, healing and strength, I recommend The Mixtape. 

The Mixtape is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Is anxiety a sin?

I came across a TikTok that made the claim that anxiety is a sin. As someone who has anxious moments from time to time and has experience dealing with anxiety in others, I was concerned as well as curious. Is anxiety really a sin? There are numerous verses in Scripture that tell us not to worry. Jesus talks about not worrying many times throughout the gospels. But is worry the same as anxiety? I have always thought worry and anxiety were somewhat different. Worry is defined as feeling troubled about actual or potential problems. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety is defined as “an emotion characterized by apprehension and somatic symptoms of tension in which an individual anticipates impending danger, catastrophe, or misfortune.”  Is anxiety a sin? In what context can anxiety be sinful? What do we do with anxiety when we experience it? 

According to John Piper (2014), yes it is as Paul says Philippians 4:11-13 that we must learn contentment in our circumstances and trust in God. He cites Matthew 6:25 in which Jesus teaches in the Sermon on the Mount not to worry about our lives, our food, drink or our body. Jesus concludes this lesson on worry with “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34). According to Mr. Piper, “the physical brain and the spiritual soul are interdependent in ways that we cannot fully see” and since the spiritual and the physical are connected, as we grow in faith, the less anxiety we can experience” (2014). Anxious thoughts can trigger the fight or flight stress response in our bodies. And if we are in constant fight or flight mode, the stress can wear down our bodies and can mimic serious conditions like heart attacks and digestive issues. This has been true for me in many aspects; however, I think anxiety goes a bit deeper than that. 

According to Joe Carter (2019) of The Gospel Coalition, if anxiety is a sin depends on the context. Fear and anxiety can have four types. First, it could be a God-given emotional response for our benefit. Anxiety is an emotional response to a real or perceived future threat. A warning system of impending danger for survival. This could not be perceived as a sin. Second, it could be clinical anxiety. Clinical anxiety is a disordered physiological response. A malfunction that can be debilitating and interferes with daily functions such as eating, sleeping and social interactions. This could not be perceived as a sin. Third, anxiety could be the result or natural consequence of sinful behavior. For example, some long term recreational drug use can lead to the development of anxiety disorders. Another example is someone with a gambling addiction and then worries about paying their bills. Lastly, anxiety could be a sinful response to God’s providential care. This anxiety results because an individual has a lack of trust in God. This is what Jesus is referring to in Luke 12:22-30 and Matthew 6:25-34 when he teaches about worry. 

So which type are we dealing with? When we encounter anxiety in other people, we need to be careful how we approach it because we do not know which type someone is dealing with. Proverbs 12:25 says that “an anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” If you come across a person who is dealing with anxiety, speak softly with comforting words. Do not assume someone’s anxiety is due to sin when it could easily not be due to sin. However, when we are dealing with anxiety ourselves, we can have a clearer picture of our circumstances. We should search our hearts and examine our emotions to determine whether our anxiety is stemming from something we cannot control or it is connected to sinful behavior. If the anxiety is due to a psychological stressor, we can learn the various breathing techniques to help relieve the physiological response such as the Box Breathing technique. Box Breathing is inhaling for 4 counts, holding the breath for 4 counts, exhaling for 4 counts and holding again for 4 counts.

In conclusion, a blanket comment that anxiety is a sin can be damaging and simply wrong. Can anxiety be the result of sin? Yes. Is all anxiety sinful? No. It is important to remember to never assume someone’s anxiety is due to sin. So, what can we do? In Philippians 4:6, Paul tells us to “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Simply, turn your anxiety into prayers. Take your concerns to God and open your heart to him about your worries and concerns. 1 Peter 5:7 tells us to “cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Let God shine a light on where our anxiety can be the result of sin and let him take it away if it is not. 

References

American Psychological Association. Anxiety. https://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety. Retrieved January 18, 2026.

Carter, Joe (March 26m 2019). Ask TGC: Is Anxiety a Sin? The Gospel Coalition.  https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/ask-tgc-anxiety-sin/. Retrieved January 7, 2026.

Piper, John (February 19, 2014) Anxiety: Sin, Disorder or Both. Desiring God. https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/anxiety-sin-disorder-or-both. Retrieved January 7, 2026.