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

Her No 1 Fan: a psychological thriller as a woman must fight her her life and her freedom

Her No 1 Fan by Abby Davies is a psychological thriller which grabs readers from the beginning and will not let go. Rachel Brown plays Doctor Elouise Sparks on the popular TV series “Emergency,” Despite her success, she receives devastating news that brings her dreams crashing down. Before she can tell her husband, Mikey Bell takes Rachel from her home to his remote mountain cottage. He has a strange request and he promises to let her go by Christmas, if she fulfills this request. However, there is someone else in the cottage who makes it clear that they will not honor Mikey’s promises. They have a different request for Rachel and make it clear that there is no intention to let her leave. What vicious plans are being made? Is there a way out? Can Rachel figure out a way to escape? 

Abby Davies is a new author to me and Her No 1 Fan is a thriller I never read before. From the very beginning, I was pulled into Rachel’s story and the terrifying situation she must fight to survive. The tensions build as Mikey lovingly takes care of Rachel, she feels she can appeal to him to let her go. The second person in the home, I don’t want to reveal who, was the truly terrifying person and their presence adds to the tension. I enjoyed Rachel’s resolve and determination to gain her freedom whether by being let go or fighting her way out. The only let down was the ending. While exciting, the story ends abruptly. I closed the book with a “What?” Overall, I enjoyed the story despite the abrupt ending. If you enjoy psychological thrillers, I recommend Her No 1 Fan. 

Her No 1 Fan is available in paperback and eBook

Just Add Romance: it was supposed to be a brief fling, what happens when they add a little romance?

Just Add Romance is the first book in the Everly Falls series by Heather B. Moore. Everly Kane’s might has always been on the Plan B track. Despite her mother’s objections, she is perfectly happy with her job, her nights at the movies and leaving the past behind her. She definitely doesn’t want the reminder that her sister is soon to be married to her ex boyfriend. When she runs into an architect who is in charge of the renovations for her beloved theater, her life is about to change. Austin Hayes is a widower with a young daughter. The last thing he wants is to juggle a relationship. Since he is in Everly Falls for only a few weeks, he doesn’t need to worry. However, when he meets Everly, he can’t help but be drawn to her. She doesn’t want a commitment. All he can do is give the time he is in town. They agree to a fling. What happens when they add a little romance? 

Just Add Romance has been on my To Be Read List for a while. I finally got the chance to read it. From the very beginning, I sympathized with Everly. First being named after her hometown, missing her late father and dealing with her mother’s constant disappointment, she is determined to live her life on her terms. Austin is a man still hurting from his wife’s death and figuring out single fatherhood. When the two start hanging out, there is a connection neither one could deny. Their romance was sweet with laughter and fun banter. The drama and conflict was good without being overpowering and even a little surprising with how it was resolved. Overall, I enjoyed this story. It was fun, fast paced. I was hooked and couldn’t put it down, finishing it in a few hours. I am looking forward to the other books in the series. If you enjoy a fast paced clean romance, I highly recommend Just Add Romance. 

Just Add Romance is available in paperback and eBook

When the Moon Hatched: a romantasy that failed to live up to the hype

When the Moon Hatched is the first book in the Moonfall series by Sarah A Parker. When the Creators created their beloved dragons, they never expected they would fall and they punished those responsible. Raeve’s job is simply to kill. As a member of the rebel Fíur du Ath, she must complete her orders without being caught. When a well-known bounty hunter is employed by the Crown to capture members of the Ath, Raeve finds herself at the mercy of the Guild of Nobles who intended to use her as a political statement. Kaan Vaegor took the crown as king and continued his hunt for the moonshard when he stumbled across Raeve in shackles. As a song from the past begins to echo louder and louder, they learn of some truths that may be more dangerous than they ever imagined. 

When the Moon Hatched has been all over social media for a while with both rave and not so rave reviews. With a gorgeous cover and an intriguing premise, I was excited for the romantasy that story of “fast paced fantasy romance” with “witty banter and strong sassy protagonists.” The book is a beast at 576 pages and over 89 chapters. The prologue reeled me in; however, the rest of the book failed to keep me hooked. The author knows how to develop mood and atmosphere; however, I was bored and completely lost at times. There was so much going on with the magic system, the mythology and the politics that it was overwhelming. Overall, I was expecting to be taken to a magical world of action adventures and disappointed in this book. I do not recommend When the Moon Hatched. 

When the Moon Hatched is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Lost Letters of Aisling: historical drama of love, courage, and confronting one's past

The Lost Letters of Aisling by Cynthia Ellingsen is a historical drama of love, courage and confronting one’s past. After a near fatal illness, she only requested one thing from her granddaughter, to take her home. To Ireland, to the country she fled after World War II. Despite being close, Rainey knows very little of her grandmother’s past, she knew she could not tell her grandmother no. When they arrive at Aisling, Rainey discovers a trunk filled with letters. The letters take her to 1945 Dublin as the Germans surrender, there are celebrations in the street. Fourteen year old Evie meets her best friend, Harding McGovern. Harding is fiery and the two become as close as sisters. When rumors fly that Harding is involved in black market trade, while dangerous, would be able to fund her dream to immigrate to America. While uncertain of the truth, Evie is determined to stand by her friend at all costs. 

I love historical fiction with a good dual time point of view. The Lost Letters of Aisling promised to be a story of family, friendship, love and the freedom that comes from letting go of the secrets that we hide. From the opening chapter, I was excited until one piece of information took me out of the story entirely. During the celebration, the author writes that the crowd began to sing “God Save the Queen.” However, in 1945, King George VI was King of Great Britain, so “God Save the King” would have been performed. From that point on, I didn’t trust any of the author’s historical details, and there weren’t many, and the characters used phrases that wouldn’t have been common. There were also a few loose ends left at the end of the story which gave an unsatisfying ending. Overall, I did not enjoy this story. I do not recommend The Lost Letters of Aisling. 

The Lost Letters of Aisling is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Last Caretaker: a mystery suspense thriller which doesn't live up to its premise

The Last Caretaker by Jessica Strawser is a mystery suspense as one woman tries to move forward with her life. Katie needed a fresh start and her best friend, Bess, offered her a new start. The job is as a residential caretaker at a nature preserve. She wasn’t exactly a nature person but she is willing to try. From the moment she arrived, something was off. The farmhouse looks like the last caretaker simply disappeared and her belongings were left behind. When a frantic, terrified woman arrives late at night, Kate realizes that the caretaker job is much more than she realized. Unsure who to trust or where to turn, Katie begins to dig deeper into what the last caretaker left behind and she must decide how much she is willing to risk in order to do the right thing. 

I was intrigued by the premise and I looked forward to a spine tingly mystery. However, from the beginning, I was bored. Even after the woman arrives late at night and the mystery opens up, I was bored. There was no intrigue. It was so slow for a thriller suspense. The storytelling didn’t flow smoothly and I found my attention drifting. The writing style was choppy and some sentences were confusing and did not make sense. There was no suspense, no thrilling tension and the final twist fell flat. The characters weren’t people I wanted to root for or see to the end. I understand what the author was trying to do and cover an important topic; however, I feel it didn’t work well. I did not enjoy this story at all. I do not recommend The Last Caretaker. 

The Last Caretaker is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Love on the Rocks: a second chance romance with faith, struggles and a happily ever after

Love on the Rocks is the second book in the Crane’s Cove by Kerry Evelyn. Kat Daniels regrets the day she chose barrel racing over her fiance, Easton Crane. A year later, she returns to Crane’s Cove with a secret. Easton Crane has loved Kat for as long as he can remember. When she shows up a year after their broken engagement, he is confused and conflicted. Especially when he sacrificed six years of his life to care for her after her traumatic brain injury. He is full of questions: what brought her back to town? Is she going to stay? What is she hiding? When a hurricane hits the cove, the life of Kat’s beloved horse, Easton and Kat must work together to save her. Can they also battle the storm of old memories? Can the wounds heal? Can their second chance at love be even stronger than before? 

Love on the Rocks is a clean, sweet Christian based romance with a small town community. It has been a while since I read the first book; however, the story in this book was easy to follow without a lot of information from the first book. From the beginning, Kat was closed off and hiding a secret that she tried to drink away. When the storm threatened her beloved horse, my heart dropped. I was even angry at Kat for her animosity toward Easton. However, as Kat’s hard facade began to crack, my heart broke for her. I loved the struggles with faith the characters experience in this story. Many authors who write faith based stories don’t really dive into struggles; however, Ms Evelyn does this beautifully. It felt real and relatable. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I highly, highly recommend Love on the Rocks. 

Love on the Rocks is available in paperback and eBook

The Purple Thistles: three women return to their hometown after the death of a loved one and have their lives changed forever

The Purple Thistles by Carolyn Brown is a story of three women who recent an inheritance which brings them back to their Texas small town. Kate, Elizabeth and Gloria come from three very different backgrounds and were never friendly in high school. Kate was a part of their town’s elite until she was disowned and shunned by her parents. Elizabeth fled her religiously strict family and returned with a secret. Gloria grew up in poverty with an alcoholic mother and struggles with her own demons. Their only common thread is the love and care from Ula, a beloved nanny and mother figure to them all. When Ula passes away, each woman inherits a portion of Ula’s estate. As they work through their painful pasts, heartbreak and their newfound friendship, Kate, Elizabeth and Gloria see the possibilities of bright futures and unexpected romances.  

The Purple Thistles is a bittersweet story of three women who find friendship and a community through their grief and strength to stand up to their families and their pasts. From the very beginning, my heart broke for these women as they came back to town with broken dreams and painful memories. However, through their shared memories of Ula, they find strength with each other and their newfound community and even have second chances at love. There were moments of great laughs and loving moments. I cheered for these women as they each confronted those who would try to keep them down. I also loved the symbolism with the thistle. Overall, I loved this story and was a bit sad to see it end but enjoyed the happily ever after Kate, Elizabeth and Gloria are now living. I highly recommend The Purple Thistles. 

The Purple Thistles will be available on December 1, 2026 

in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Broken Lies: a Hollywood movie star and a personal trainer romance

Broken Lies is the first book in the Second Chance Chicago series by Gina Azzi. Eli Roth is a Hollywood heartthrob who could have any woman he wanted. He wants Zoe Clark. She captivated him from the moment he laid eyes on her with her wicked curves, wise cracking mouth and bold confidence. Even when she rejected him, he was amused and set out to hire her as his personal trainer on set in the Seychelles. As she focuses on her job to keep him in shape for his role, the spark between them turns into a wildfire blaze. He even begins to see a future with her that he never thought he deserved. However, Zoe harbors a secret and finds lies with pretty words. Eli falls for it all. 

Broken Lies is a fairly short book which ends on a cliffhanger and Twisted Truths, the second book, is the continuation of Eli and Zoe’s story. I was irritated at Zoe as she alluded to her secret and she refused to talk to her loved ones about it and in turn, readers are also left in the dark as well. While I could guess and assume what her secret was, I disliked the constant alluding to her secret. Eli and Zoe’s romance was okay and it is a bit irritating that I would have to read book 2 in order to see their happily ever after. Overall, I was bored and did not enjoy this story. I will not be continuing the series. I do not recommend Broken Lies. 

Broken Lies is available in paperback and eBook. 

The Girl at the Party: a thriller mystery of a young girl's death and someone wants to keep it unsolved

The Girl at the Party by Danielle Stewart is a thriller mystery of one girl’s death. Stephanie left the end of the year party and walked home alone. Some say she was crying while others heard an argument between Stephanie and someone else. However, no one would see her alive again. Four years later, Stephanie’s friends are still haunted by the events of that night. She was the perfect one, who stayed out of trouble and looked out for her friends. Where were her friends looking out for her? Laura is truly stuck as she cannot move past Stephanie’s death especially since her case went cold. All she wanted was to forget that horrible night. Until one day when another friend, Chris Mills comes to her with a proposal: help him investigate Stephanie’s death and discover the truth. Together, they start their investigation and it becomes clear that someone does not want them to discover the truth. Warnings and break ins meant to scare them off. Is Stephanie’s killer closer than they think? 

The Girl at the Party starts off interesting as readers see the final moments of Stephanie’s life However, as Laura and Chris start their investigation, the story slows and gets bogged down. The book is described as a slow burn mystery; unfortunately, it is so slow that almost nothing happens until the mad run to the ending. I didn’t care for the long winded paragraphs about the patriarchy, women being forced to be caretakers and ableism. While those topics are interesting and important to discuss, there is a better way to blend them into the story without being a lecture. The mystery of Stephanie’s death certainly became secondary and the personal lives of the other characters were the main focus. Even with Chris and Laura’s statements that Stephanie had been forgotten and they seem to forget why they are investigating in the first place. And the reveal about the details of Stephanie’s death was so disappointing. I did not enjoy this story. I do not recommend The Girl at the Party. 

The Girl at the Party is available in available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Ashes of You: a slow burn romance with mystery and suspense

Ashes of You is the fifth and final book in the Lost and Found series by Catherine Cowles. Five years ago, Halston “Hallie” Astor was kidnapped, held captive and tortured. When she managed to escape, one man, a stranger with striking blue eyes, found her and brought her to safety. As she recovered and rebuilt her life, this man’s blue eyes remained in her memory and brought her peace whenever she recalled them. Now, she is determined to get a fresh start and comes to Cedar Ridge to interview for a nanny job for a single father with three sons. What she doesn’t expect is that the father would be the man with the striking blue eyes. Lawson Hartley is the eldest of the Hartley children who is trying his best to raise his three sons. There is an attraction that they both try to fight and stay professional. When a threat from their past comes back, will he be able to save her this time? 

It was hard to say goodbye to the Hartley siblings and their lives in Cedar Creek; however, Ashes of You is a wonderful end to this amazing series. I immediately loved Hallie and Lawson together. Despite their age gap, and I usually don’t like age gap romances, they were seemingly meant for each other. Their romance was a slow burn and exciting. The reveal of who was behind Halle’s original abduction and the current threat was a complete shock. He was not even on my radar at all! Also, over the course of the previous four books, readers see the growing tensions between Lawson and his eldest son, Luke, and I knew we would see their conflict come to a head. That moment was filled with shocking revelations and so many tears. Oh the tears! It was a great healing moment for father and son. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I highly, highly recommend Ashes of You and the rest of the Lost and Found series. 

Ashes of You is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Women in White: thriller mystery with parapsychology experiments that go wrong and one woman's search for the truth.

The Women in White by Sarah Pekkanen is a thriller mystery as a woman searches for old friends and finds herself investigating a decades old mystery. In 1964, four young women at a respected university became subjects of parapsychology experiments by a visionary scientist. These women truly have a special gift whether it would be called extrasensory perception or a sixth sense. When something goes terribly wrong, the four women mysteriously disappear. Decades later, Riley Bell begins to work for an elderly widow, Betty, as her live-in caretaker. Betty’s home is trapped in another era with no television, no cell phones and no internet. Why would Betty live in such isolation and why does she need Riley now? When Riley innocently offers to find Betty’s friends that she hasn’t seen in decades, she finds herself chasing the truth of secrets long buried. What starts as a simple plan to reunite old friends becomes a life or death situation. 

The Women in White is a dual timeline between Riley in the present day and Betty in 1964 as the mystery unfolds with paranormal elements. From the opening chapters, I was intrigued as the story unfolded with questions. Why did Betty need Riley? Were the women truly gifted? The story also gave a clear picture of the unethical practices which were common at the time when dealing with human subjects. The beginning of the story was a bit slow as the mystery unfolded; however, once Riley was deep into her investigation, the story sped up and I was on the edge of my seat. Overall, I enjoyed this story. There were shocking moments and moments when I was angry at the treatment these women were receiving. I closed the story with a “wow” and I was satisfied with the ending. If you enjoy a dual timeline story with a thrilling mystery, I highly recommend The Women in White. 

The Women in White is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

Reign: a modern royalty romance

Reign by Roxie Noir is a modern royalty romance. Prince Kostya of Sveloria has his life mapped out: obey his father, marry an appropriate woman and take the throne. It’s the least he can do to serve his people well after decades of political turmoil. Then he meets Hazel Sung, the daughter of the US Ambassador and a hot mess. After dropping out of medical school, she has been backpacking through Europe before joining her parents in Sveloria. When their first meeting was a disaster and her welcome banquet doesn’t go well either, Hazel just wants to keep a low profile. After an accidental late night meeting on the castle ramparts, Kostya finds himself wanting to spend more time with her and willing to break every rule he knows. With the crown on the line, will Kostya choose his country or his heart? 

I usually don’t read modern royalty romance but I was intrigued by the premise. However, from the start, I was disappointed. The insta-lust was annoying. When he first meets Hazel, he is immediately turned on because she is wearing leggings! And then later relieves himself with mental images of her! Seriously?!?! I did like Kostya’s character as a crown prince who seems to have everything but hides troubling memories of the past. I did not care for Hazel’s character. I didn’t find her messy, quirky personality endearing. Given her mother’s high position, she doesn’t even attempt to be presentable? Overall, I did not enjoy this story. I did not like the stereotypical man who just can’t help his urges and a woman, an American woman at that, who lacks decorum. Maybe modern royalty romances just are for me. I do not recommend Reign. 

Reign is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Shadows of You: a small town refugee becomes threatened, the town gump steps in for protection

Shadows of You is the fourth book in the Lost and Found series by Catherine Cowles. Aspen Barlow wanted a fresh start and the small town of Cedar Ridge was the perfect place to hide and stay safe. She just wanted to raise her daughter, Cady, and live their quiet life in the mountain town. The last she wanted or expected was Roan Hartley. Roan is the quiet, surly mountain man who arrives to help her save an injured deer during a sudden snowstorm. He seems to have a permanent scowl on his face and rarely smiles. Until Cady’s childlike wonder easily brings a smile and suddenly the gentle way he speaks to her softens Aspen’s heart. When her past seems to have found them in Cedar Ridge, Roan is determined to keep them safe and there is someone out there who doesn’t want her to be happy. He doesn’t even want her to be alive. 

When I started the first book of this series, I knew Roan’s story would be my favorite. Behind the scowl and gruff exterior, Roan hides a caring heart and a man deeply wounded by a secret he has kept for years. And little Cady was the perfect sunshine to break through his grumpy exterior. Aspen is a woman who has survived horrors and still found the strength to give Cady that life of laughter and joy. I loved to see Roan and Aspen come together in love and heal from the past and give each other the encouragement to share the burden with those who love and support him. And the villain in this story completely surprised me until the reveal when I gasped, “No, it can’t be?!?!?” I loved this story and I can’t wait to start the fifth and final book in this series. I highly, highly recommend Shadows of You and the Lost and Found series. 

Shadows of You is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Full Armor of God: the defenses and weapons that believers need to fight the spiritual battles

Spiritual warfare is a very real reality for Christians. Though Satan’s power has been defeated and his future is doomed (Revelation 20:7-15), he lives in the present. He still schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11). He still stalks (1 Peter 5:8). He still deceives (Revelation 12:9). He still ensnares (2 Timothy 2:26). He still hinders (1 Thessalonians 2:18). He still tempts (Ephesians 6:16). The thought of spiritual warfare scares many believers; however, the focus of spiritual warfare isn’t Satan, it’s Jesus and each piece of the armor comes from our Savior. As Jesus gave his apostles the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), He didn’t send them out alone. We aren’t alone either as God equips us (Ephesians 4:7-16), He empowers (1 Corinthians 12:11) and He accompanies (Matthew 28:20) as we engage in the spiritual warfare battles. Ephesians 6:10-12 instructs believers to be strong in the Lord and to put on the full armor of God in order to stand firm against the devil’s schemes. What is the full armor of God?

The first two pieces of the armor are the belt of truth and breastplate of righteousness. The belt of belt is a defensive piece as Satan fights with lies. Lies so go that it sounds like the truth. By focusing on God’s truth in his Word, we can defeat Satan’s lies. When we have genuine faith in the truth of God’s word we can recognize Satan’s lies that would otherwise defeat us. As believers, we need to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). We need not to cover sins but confess them. We need not to slander but speak with honest words. The breastplate of righteousness is to protect our hearts. Satan will attack our hearts as the seat of our emotions, our self-worth and trust. However, in Christ, we have a new identity as a new creation with the old gone and the new has come in its place (2 Corinthians 5:17). We can stand confidently in Christ’s righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21) rather than adopt worldly identities (Kell, 2021). The world would point out my every flaw and tell me how I am unworthy. However, I know that by Christ’s sacrifice, by his resurrection and by my faith, God reminds me that I am His child (1 John 3:1). 

                                          

The next two pieces of the armor are the footgear of readiness and the shield of faith. The footgear of readiness is for us to be prepared to spread the Good News. Being ready in the word and protecting our feet as we go out in the world, we can protect ourselves against compromise as Satan wants us to believe that telling others the Good News is worthless and hopeless; however, the footgear of God gives us the motivation to continue to proclaim the true peace that is available in God. This is where I struggle in my personal life. I fear saying the wrong thing or being unable to proficiently tell others about the Good News and counter the skepticism. The shield of faith protects from Satan’s attacks in the form of insults, setbacks and temptations. The shield protects and reminds us that with God’s perspective, we can see beyond our circumstances and the ultimate victory is ours. 1 Peter 4:12-14 says “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though suffering strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the suffering of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed for the Spirit of Glory and of God rests on you.” 

The final two pieces of the armor are the helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit. The helmet of salvation is protection of our minds. Satan wants us to doubt God, to doubt Jesus and doubt our salvation. We are to protect our minds with the peace of God (Philippians 4:7). The peace of God is not the power of positive thinking. It is not that everything in a believer’s life will be peaceful. The peace of God is that despite the struggles, despite the pain, despite the conflict, we can know that God is in control (Proverbs 19:21, Colossians 1:17) and he will not leave us behind (Hebrews 13:5). The sword of the Spirit is the only piece of the armor that is an offensive weapon. The sword is the Word of God for when we need to be on the offensive. Hebrews 4:12 says “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword” The pieces of the armor may sound an odd metaphor for us in this modern age. However, the armor metaphor would have been very familiar to the original audience among the early Christians (Winger, 2023). The illustration of the full armor reminds believers of Isaiah’s warrior King: the belt of truth (Isaiah 11:1-5), shoes to pronounce the gospel (Isaiah 52:1-10), breastplate and helmet (Isaiah 59:17), and sword (Isaiah 49:1-6). 

This armor is still important to us today as believers. Every part of the armor is easy to remember to put on except the footgear and sometimes I forget to pick up my sword. As I mentioned before, I struggled with sharing the gospel for fear of saying the wrong and pushing someone further away from God. Sometimes it is more than fear, we get busy and forget our armor, letting our guard down. However, when we falter, we can cry out to God and he will not allow us to be taken from Him (John 10:28), he will restore our souls (Psalm 23:1-3) and in Jesus, we are strengthened to go back into battle (Romans 16:20) (Kell, 2021). Calling out to God when we are weak reminds me of the Twila Paris song The Warrior is a Child (1984). It is a favorite song of mine to remind myself that despite my showing outward strength, I still need the comforting calm of my Lord and Savior. It is a song that never fails to bring me to tears as I am comforted in the knowledge that I do not go through this life alone. I know the Lord of all Creation is beside me, encouraging me, guiding me and even smiling down on me. Every day, my heart prays that I am doing a good job in His name as a wife, a mother, a believer in a world that continues to push him aside. 

In conclusion, the full armor of God are the tools every believer uses to fight in the spiritual battles that we can face every day. The majority of the pieces are for defense to protect our minds and our hearts. To shield us from the enemy’s attacks. Our offensive weapon is the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. Even when the world rejects the authority of the Word of God, God reminds us in Jeremiah 8:9, “The wise will put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the Lord, what kind of wisdom do they have?” And when people reject us as believers, and this is something I need to remind myself quite often, we need to remember that they are not rejecting us but God. 1 Thessalonians 4:8 says “Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.” So believers, arm yourself with the Word of God and put on the full armor and prepare for battle.

References

Kell, Garrett (January 18, 2021). Tempted and Unarmed Why We Need the Armor of God. Desiring God. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/tempted-and-unarmed. Retrieved July 2, 2026. 

Winger, Mike (February 7, 2023). Explaining EACH Piece of the Armor of God. YouTube. https://youtu.be/Wvcwe-wqN6M?si=qK3uV9gGqPNUt3Lu. Retrieved July 2, 2026.