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Amish Friends Comfort Foods Cookbook

 Why do we turn to food when our emotions are on a rollercoaster? Why do things like mac and cheese or chocolate chip cookies bring us comfort? Well, this book won’t answer those psychological questions, but it will deliver foods that help you through a bad day or add to a celebration. Brand new from New York Times bestselling author of Amish fiction, Wanda E. Brunstetter, is a new must-have cookbook from Amish and Mennonite cooks. Featuring over 270 recipes divided into traditional categories—from main dishes and sides to desserts and snacks—this lovely book is encased in a lay-flat binding and presented in full color.

Pick up your copy here..

Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends Comfort Foods Cookbook: More Than 200 Recipes That Taste Like Home and Love: Brunstetter, Wanda E: 9781636099736: Amazon.com: Books

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of over 100 books with more than 12 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.

Wanda's fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda's desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda's novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

Wanda's primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern "Englishers." Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too. For more information, visit: www.WandaBrunstetter.com

My Thoughts...

This cookbook with recipes from many people from the Amish community would make a great gift this season. It would be great for those who love to cook and those just learning. It's all easy recipes and the ingredients are in your pantry already.

  Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

Finding Hope When Storms Don't Cease by Valerie Juillerat

 Discover the extraordinary faith that carried one woman through unimaginable trials.

In Finding Hope When Storms Don't Cease, Valerie shares her powerful and inspiring true story of enduring unthinkable hardships. A mother facing the emotional abuse of an alcoholic husband, and the devastation of losing her two sons to drugs and alcohol while watching her dreams slip away. Valerie’s faith was tested like never before while battling the darkness that consumed her life for three years. Through this spiritual battle of good versus evil, she found the strength to say yes to God’s calling, even when it meant risking everything.

In this book, you will learn to:

• Trust God to give you the strength to endure any trial.
• Understand that life will have trials, but God is always good.
• Experience God’s grace and mercy in the darkest times.
• Believe in God’s power to restore what’s been lost.
• Find hope and peace through unwavering faith in God.

Finding Hope When Storms Don't Cease reveals the power of faith in overcoming life’s most difficult challenges. It offers a beacon of light for anyone feeling hopeless.

Pick up your copy here...

Finding Hope When Storms Don't Cease: An Inspiring True Story of Extraordinary Faith through the Unimaginable: Juillerat, Valerie K., Rigdon, Austin V., Rigdon, David M.: 9798991445801: Amazon.com: Books

Valerie Juillerat is the founder of Lessons of the Heart Ministries; a platform in which she shares her testimony and insights as a speaker, author and artist. Her published works including, Anchor in the Storm and Refreshed by His Mercy, reflect her deep commitment to inspiring hope and resilience in others, especially during life’s challenging times. Her notable talk and recently released book Finding Hope When Storms Don’t Cease, resonates widely, underscoring her ability to connect meaningfully with diverse audiences and giving hope to others through their life storms.

Valerie is co-owner and Vice President of EPCO Accounting & Tax Services, Inc where she is a Tax Accredited Advisor.  She also holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Graphic Design.  As Director of the Board for Chandelle Global Education and Leadership team member of Wisdom Word International,  Valerie brings over two decades of diverse experience across the fields of creative arts, finance and ministry leadership with an international reach.

Valerie lives with her husband, Tim Armstrong, in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

My Thoughts...

What an inspiring read. This is sure to bring you up and give you hope and promise that it will get better.

Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

It Ends With Us Movie

 I know I have shared the book with you all but I just had to share the movie as well. It was just as good as the book and a must watch movie. The DVD is available on Amazon now.

Pick yours up here...

Amazon.com: It Ends with Us [DVD] : Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, Jenny Slate, Hasan Minhaj, Justin Baldoni: Movies & TV

Eddie Winston is Looking for Love by Marianne Cronin

 Eddie Winston is 90 years old. He has lived and he has loved, but he has never been kissed.

A true gentleman and incurable romantic, Eddie spends his days volunteering at a charity shop, where he sorts through the donations of the living and the dead, preserving letters and tokens of love along the way. And it is here that he meets Bella, a troubled young woman who, at 24 years old, has just lost the love of her life.

When Bella learns that Eddie is yet to have his first kiss, she resolves to help Eddie Winston finally find love, sparking an adventure that will take them to unexpected places and, they hope, bring Eddie Winston to the moment he has waited for all his life.

A tale of friendship and kindness that reminds us that those we love are never forgotten and it is never too late to try again.

Pick up your copy here...

Eddie Winston Is Looking for Love: A Novel: Cronin, Marianne: 9780063383517: Amazon.com: Books

Marianne Cronin is the author of 'The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot', which was voted 'Most Uplifting Book of 2021' by The Independent, won the American Libraries Association Alex Award, and was shortlisted for a Goodreads Choice award for fiction. It has been translated into over 25 languages.

Marianne's second novel, 'Eddie Winston is Looking for Love' will be released in 2024.

Marianne was born in 1990 and after gaining a PhD in Applied Linguistics from the University of Birmingham, worked in academia until becoming a writer. She lives in the Midlands of England with her family and her cat.

You can find Marianne on Instagram at: @itsmariannecronin

Take a Seat at the Table Anthony Oneal

The table has always been the spiritual, emotional, and relational center of a life well-lived. It's where the real work of life--from the mundane to the magnificent--is dreamed up, planned out, prayed over, accomplished, and celebrated. And the metaphor of the table is critical throughout Scripture.

Yet most people aren't intentional about taking a seat at the table of their own lives--let alone prioritizing the important things that happen around the tables in their homes, at work, and beyond. Utilizing his trademark humor, compelling stories, and lessons from his life, including both his successes and failures, Anthony O'Neal helps readers

• become empowered to make the best financial, career, health, emotional, and relational decisions;
• identify the keys to foster strong relationships with friends and family, build a "work tribe that will help you achieve your goals, and develop a vision for thriving in every phase of life; and
• discover an eternal quality of life filled with meaning, true abundance (including financial freedom), and joy.

Just about every significant decision, conversation, prayer, celebration, affirmation, or critical decision takes place around the table--are you ready to take a seat at the head of your own table?

Pick up your copy here...

Take Your Seat at the Table: Live an Authentic Life of Abundance, Wellness, and Freedom: O'Neal, Anthony: 9781400250066: Amazon.com: Books

 Anthony O’Neal is a #1 national bestselling author of "Debt-Free Degree," a personal finance expert, and the host of the popular podcast and YouTube show, “The TABLE.” Since 2014, he has challenged cultural norms and equipped millions of people to live a debt-free life, break generational wealth gaps, and build true wealth. He has appeared on Good Morning America, Live! with Kelly and Mark, Fox & Friends, Rachael Ray, The Tamron Hall Show, and CNN News, and has been featured in Success Magazine, MarketWatch, Bloomberg, Black Enterprise, and GOBankingrates, among others.

In 2023 alone, his show received over 18.7 million views and 5.3 million downloads, empowering people to achieve financially successful futures. Anthony is a sought-after, dynamic public speaker, addressing audiences of over 40,000 people. He has been recognized by Black Enterprise as one of the Top 40 Under 40 (2023) and by Success Magazine as one of the Top 25 Personal and Professional Development Influencers to Follow (2023).

Anthony is the author of the upcoming book, "Take Your Seat at The Table: Live an Authentic Life of Abundance, Wellness, and Freedom" (January 14, 2025). He resides in the Washington, DC suburbs.

My Thoughts...

 This was a very helpful read, and I hope that everyone grabs a copy. A great resource for everyone.

Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

Life is A Comeback by Daron Fordham

 

Have you ever faced a setback so overwhelming that you thought there was no way forward? Whether it's divorce, bankruptcy, addiction, mental health challenges, or even prison, you're not alone. Life is a Comeback is your guide to discovering how to rise from life's toughest blows, reclaim your power, and chart a path to success and happiness.

Packed with 299 inspiring stories of both famous and everyday people, Life is a Comeback will fill you with hope and determination. Learn how people like Adam Weitsman, who turned his life around after serving time in federal prison to build a billion-dollar empire, and Arunima Sinha, who became the first female amputee to conquer Mount Everest, found the strength to rise again. Each story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, showing that no matter the depth of your struggle, a new chapter of success and fulfillment is possible.

Imagine harnessing that same power of perseverance in your own life. Picture yourself drawing inspiration from Jeff Bezos, who was turned down by 38 investors but went on to create Amazon, or Samuel L. Jackson, who overcame addiction to become one of the most successful actors in the world. These stories, combined with motivational poems and quotes from Daron “Dr. Comeback” Fordham, will remind you that every setback is an opportunity for a greater comeback.

Pick up your copy here...                                                                                                                                     LIFE IS A COMEBACK: 299 Inspiring Success Stories of Redemption, Determination, Second Chances, Forgiveness, and the Amazing Force of the Human Spirit: Fordham, Daron Dr. Comeback: 9798218407988: Amazon.com: Books

Daron “Dr. Comeback” Fordham is a versatile entrepreneur, motivational speaker, author, and filmmaker. With a passion for creativity, he has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry as a screenwriter, producer, and actor. In the mid-90s, he owned an independent rap label, BRI, which was distributed by a major music company. He also created and starred in the Black Spring Break movie series, earning him recognition and features in magazines like Billboard and Black College Today. Daron is an honors graduate of Bethune-Cookman University, an HBCU.

His hip-hop musical, Confessions of a Thug, received accolades at film festivals, showcasing his storytelling prowess. Beyond film, Daron co-founded a two-choice voting app, demonstrating his innovative spirit in the tech space. As a visionary, he continues to explore new and exciting business ideas.

Dr. Comeback has collaborated on books with authors in the self-help and motivational genres and authored his poetry collection, From Dog Poop To God Soup. Following personal and professional challenges, he has devoted himself to helping others embrace their own comebacks and find redemption. He is passionate about sharing his journey of resilience and transformation.

In his personal life, he enjoys spending quality time with his son, "Deuce," whether they're watching movies, attending concerts, or listening to music together.

The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore

 When a secret message turns up hidden in a book in the Cinnamon Bun Bookstore, Hazel can't understand it. As more secret codes appear between the pages, she decides to follow the trail of clues… she just needs someone to help her out.

Gorgeous and outgoing fisherman, Noah, is always up for an adventure. And a scavenger hunt sounds like a lot of fun. Even better that the cute bookseller he's been crushing on for months is the one who wants his help!

Hazel didn’t go looking for romance, but as the treasure hunt leads her and Noah around Dream Harbor, their undeniable chemistry might be just as hot as the fresh-out-of-the-oven cinnamon buns the bookstore sells…

Pick up your copy here...                                                                                                                                     Amazon.com: The Cinnamon Bun Book Store: TikTok Made Me Buy It (Dream Harbor) (Book 2): 9780008641580: Gilmore, Laurie: Books

Laurie Gilmore is a No. 1 Sunday Times bestseller and a USA Today bestseller who writes steamy small-town romance. Her Dream Harbor series is filled with quirky townsfolk, cozy settings, and swoon-worthy romance. The first book in the series, The Pumpkin Spice Cafe, was featured on Good Morning America and was named the TikTok Shop Book of the Year 2024.

She loves finding books with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice and strives for that in her own writing. If you ever wished you lived in Stars Hollow (or that Luke and Lorelai would just get together already!) then her books are definitely for you.

My Thoughts...

I love a fun read that you can get into and forget about the rest of the world. This series has been so a fun series, and I can't wait for the next one.

Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

The Pumpkin Spice Cafe' by Laurie Gilmore

 🍂🍁🍂🍂🍁🍂🍂🍁🍂

When Jeanie’s aunt gifts her the beloved Pumpkin Spice Café in the small town of Dream Harbor, Jeanie jumps at the chance for a fresh start away from her very dull desk job.

Logan is a local farmer who avoids Dream Harbor’s gossip at all costs. But Jeanie’s arrival disrupts Logan’s routine and he wants nothing to do with the irritatingly upbeat new girl, except that he finds himself inexplicably drawn to her.

Will Jeanie’s happy-go-lucky attitude win over the grumpy-but-gorgeous Logan, or has this city girl found the one person in town who won’t fall for her charm, or her pumpkin spice lattes…

Pick up your copy here...                                                                                                                                     Amazon.com: The Pumpkin Spice Café: TikTok Made Me Buy It (Dream Harbor) (Book 1): 9780008610678: Gilmore, Laurie: Books

Laurie Gilmore is a No. 1 Sunday Times bestseller and a USA Today bestseller who writes steamy small-town romance. Her Dream Harbor series is filled with quirky townsfolk, cozy settings, and swoon-worthy romance. The first book in the series, The Pumpkin Spice Cafe, was featured on Good Morning America and was named the TikTok Shop Book of the Year 2024.

She loves finding books with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice and strives for that in her own writing. If you ever wished you lived in Stars Hollow (or that Luke and Lorelai would just get together already!) then her books are definitely for you.

My Thoughts...

I have finally read all three books in this series there are two more to come and my very favorite of all three was The Christmas Tree Farm so if you can only get one that's the one you should pick!

Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

Homestand by Will Bardenwerper

 What happens when a minor league team—the heart and soul of a Rust Belt town in western New York—is shut down by the billionaires who run Major League Baseball?

Batavia, New York—between Rochester and Buffalo—hosted its first professional baseball game in 1897. Despite decades of deindustrialization and evaporating middle-class jobs, the Batavia Muckdogs endured. When Major League Baseball cravenly shut them down in 2020—along with forty-one other minor league teams—the town fought back, reviving the Muckdogs as a summer league team comprised of college players. As MLB considers further cuts and private equity buys up what remains, the mom-and-pop operations once prevalent in baseball are endangered. But for now, the sights and sounds of local baseball live on in Batavia—cheap draft beer and hot dogs, starry-eyed kids seeking autographs, and breathtaking summer sunsets.

With a vibrant, unforgettable cast of characters—from a librarian and her best friend whose relationship deepens with every “crepuscular hour” they spend together in the bleachers, to the former hockey brawler-turned team owner who greets regulars while working the concession stand, to the iconoclastic writer with a contagious love for his struggling hometown—Bardenwerper’s Homestand exposes the beating heart of small town America, friends and neighbors coming together as the crack of the bat echoes in the summer twilight.

Pick up your copy here...

Homestand: Small Town Baseball and the Fight for the Soul of America: Bardenwerper, Will: 9780385549653: Amazon.com: Books

Will quit his job in finance following the 9/11 attacks in Manhattan and volunteered to serve in the United States Army. He spent most of the next decade engaged in United States foreign policy, beginning in 2004 as an infantry platoon leader. After completing his Army service, Will worked in the Washington Bureau of The New York Times before enrolling in The Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, where he graduated with a Master's Degree in 2010. Upon graduation, he was selected to join the Pentagon as a Presidential Management Fellow, where he spent the next four years working on the development and implementation of defense strategy with senior leaders in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

Will was an Airborne Ranger qualified infantry officer in the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany and his service included a 13-month deployment to Nineveh and Anbar Provinces, Iraq in 2006-7. While in Iraq, he helped lead his infantry battalion's reconstruction, civil affairs, and tribal engagement efforts in the city of Hit. His unit helped contribute to the beginning of what would later become known as the “Anbar Awakening.” Will was awarded a Bronze Star and a Combat Infantryman’s Badge.

Will is a graduate of Princeton University, where he majored in English. His book "The Prisoner in His Palace: Saddam Hussein, His American Guards, and What History Leaves Unsaid" was published by Scribner in 2017. He has had Op Eds and feature articles published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Harper's, Outside, Newsweek, and others. He contributes a regular opinion column to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

He new book "Homestand: Small Town Baseball and the Fight for the Soul of America" will be published by Doubleday on March 11, 2025 and is available for pre-sale.

In his free time, Will enjoys playing ice hockey, golf, skiing, and rooting for the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Mets, and Washington Capitals.

Will lives outside Pittsburgh with his wife, Marcy, their son, Bates, and daughter, Shea.

The Weekend Guests by Liza North

 

Five old friends . . . One reunion to die for

After years apart, old college friends Aline, Sienna, Rob, Michael, and Brandon reunite in idyllic Dorset, for a weekend at Aline’s beautiful house perched on a cliff above the sea. It should be the perfect chance to relax, rekindle friendships, and meet each other’s partners; plus, there’s a sitter to watch the kids.

What most of the guests don’t know, however, is that Aline has called them all together for a reason: someone has threatened to expose the dark crime they committed at university. Long ago, these old friends swore one another to silence, and have never spoken of the deed since. But now, menacing postcards have begun to appear—and Aline is convinced it’s one of them turning on the rest.

In Liza North’s propulsive and unsettling dual timeline narrative, truths emerge, secrets surface, and long-simmering grudges explode—and by the end of this reunion weekend, at least one of them will be dead . . .

Pick up your copy here...

Amazon.com: The Weekend Guests: A Novel: 9780063422643: North, Liza: Books

Liza North is a Scottish-based writer of psychological thrillers, OBSESSED and THE WEEKEND GUESTS. She has appeared at various crime and literary festivals and was longlisted for the Crime Writers' Association John Creasey ILP (New Blood) Dagger in 2024.

Also an academic and former journalist, Liza has a BA from Oxford University and a PhD in Philosophy from University College London, and has written for the Financial Times and Guardian. A reluctant runner, insatiable reader, and lover of fancy gin, she lives in Edinburgh with her husband and two daughters.

Tinny Moments Happy Birthday Little One by J. D. Forester

 

With a special cover flap designed for a personalized inscription, this charming board book is the perfect gift for celebrating a baby's first birthday.

Pig’s barnyard friends have thrown the best party for Pig’s first year around the sun. Little ones will love the gentle, rhyming text and adorable art in this delightful read-aloud.

Commemorate some of life’s biggest milestones and occasions with the Tiny Moments.

Pick up your copy here...

Happy Birthday, Little One (Tiny Moments): Forester, J. D., Gore, Christine: 9780593750506: Amazon.com: Books

J. D. Forester is the author of several books for the youngest readers, including the My Tiny Dino Library series of board books.

Tiny Moments on Your baptism Day by J. D. Forester

 With a special cover flap designed for a personalized inscription, this sweet board book is the perfect gift for celebrating a little one’s baptism day.

Following a newborn baby, from their first steps to their baptism, rhyming text and adorable art combine for a delightful read-aloud that little ones will love as they embark on their journeys of faith.

Commemorate some of life’s biggest milestones and occasions with the Tiny Moments series!

Pick up your copy here...

On Your Baptism Day (Tiny Moments): Forester, J. D., Gore, Christine: 9780593750520: Amazon.com: Books

J. D. Forester is the author of several books for the youngest readers, including the My Tiny Dino Library series of board books.

The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore

 Every book in the Dream Harbor series can be read as a standalone.

Kira North hates Christmas. Which is unfortunate since she just bought a Christmas tree farm in a town that’s too cute for its own good.

Bennett Ellis is on vacation in Dream Harbor taking a break from his life in California. And most importantly, taking a break from his latest run of disastrous dates.

After a run in with Kira in her fields, Ben has no intention of offering to help the grumpy owner set up her tree farm, despite the fact she’s clearly got no idea what she’s doing.

Kira knows she should stop being so stubborn, but her farm is not all cute and cozy like people always show on social media, it’s borderline dangerous with no heating, and she’d rather no one saw it.

But somehow fate finds Ben at Kira’s farm once more, and as Kira watches him swing an axe at the first tree, she finds herself appreciating his strength and questioning why she refused help in the first place…

Pick up your copy here...                                                                                                                                     The Christmas Tree Farm: TikTok Made Me Buy It (Dream Harbor) (Book 3): Gilmore, Laurie: 9780008610746: Amazon.com: Books

Laurie Gilmore is a No. 1 Sunday Times bestseller and a USA Today bestseller who writes steamy small-town romance. Her Dream Harbor series is filled with quirky townsfolk, cozy settings, and swoon-worthy romance. The first book in the series, The Pumpkin Spice Cafe, was featured on Good Morning America and was named the TikTok Shop Book of the Year 2024.

She loves finding books with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice and strives for that in her own writing. If you ever wished you lived in Stars Hollow (or that Luke and Lorelai would just get together already!) then her books are definitely for you.

My Thoughts...

Book 3 in the Dream Harbor series did not disappoint. This is really not a Christmas read it can be read year-round. I enjoyed the setting and most of the characters.
The ending was the best part of the whole book.
You have to read this to find out who says being independent doesn't have to mean being alone.
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

The Author's Guide to Murder by Karen White, Beatriz Williams and Lauren Willing

 Agatha Christie meets Murder, She Wrote in this witty locked room mystery and literary satire by New York Times bestselling team of novelists: Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White.

There’s been a sensational murder at historic Castle Kinloch, a gothic fantasy of grey granite on a remote island in the Highlands of Scotland. Literary superstar Brett Saffron Presley has been found dead—under bizarre circumstances—in the castle tower’s book-lined study. Years ago, Presley purchased the castle as a showpiece for his brand and to lure paying guests with a taste for writerly glamour. Now it seems, the castle has done him in…or, possibly, one of the castle’s guests has. Detective Chief Inspector Euan McIntosh, a local with no love for literary Americans, finds himself with the unenviable task of extracting statements from three American lady novelists. 

The prime suspects are Kat de Noir, a slinky erotica writer; Cassie Pringle, a Southern mom of six juggling multiple cozy mystery series; and Emma Endicott, a New England blue blood and author of critically acclaimed historical fiction. The women claim to be best friends writing a book together, but the authors’ stories about how they know Brett Saffron Presley don’t quite line up, and the detective is getting increasingly suspicious. 

Why did the authors really come to Castle Kinloch? And what really happened the night of the great Kinloch ceilidh, when Brett Saffron Presley skipped the folk dancing for a rendezvous with death? 

A crafty locked-room mystery, a pointed satire about the literary world, and a tale of unexpected friendship and romance—this novel has it all, as only three bestselling authors can tell it! 

Pick up your copy here...

The Author's Guide to Murder: A Novel: A Suspenseful Murder Mystery with a Sexy and Suspenseful Edge, Perfect for Fall 2024, Join the Hunt for a Killer Among Writers: Williams, Beatriz, Willig, Lauren, White, Karen: 9780063259867: Amazon.com: Books

I grew up being a voracious reader and it was a natural step to turn my interest to writing. I have published 34 award-winning and bestselling novels including my latest releases, THE HOUSE ON PRYTANIA, published by Penguin Random House in May, 2023. This is the 2nd book in the New Orleans-set Royal Street series, to be followed by a third book, THE LADY ON ESPLANADE, scheduled for publication on November 4, 2025. My next book, THAT LAST CAROLINA SUMMER, will be published by Park Row Books (a division of HarperCollins) on July 22, 2025.

I write what others have termed "grit-lit"--southern women's fiction, as well as two contemporary paranormal mystery series.

I have also written five collaborations with bestselling authors Lauren Willig and Beatriz Williams. The most recent, THE AUTHOR'S GUIDE TO MURDER, was published my William Morrow in November, 2024.

I have two grown children (one of whom appears in several of my books under the alias of Meghan Black), and live near Atlanta, Georgia with my husband and one spoiled Havanese dog, Sophie Belle.

Beatriz Williams is a New York Times bestselling author of historical fiction. A graduate of Stanford University with an MBA in Finance from Columbia University, Beatriz worked as a communications and corporate strategy consultant in New York and London before she turned her attention to writing novels that combine her passion for history with an obsessive devotion to voice and characterization. Beatriz’s books have won numerous awards, have been translated into more than a dozen languages, and appear regularly in bestseller lists around the world.

Born in Seattle, Washington, Beatriz now lives near the Connecticut shore with her husband and four children, where she divides her time between writing and laundry.

I will read anything Karen White writes, so I had to read this one with her name on it. I was not disappointed at all. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did.

Your Brightest Life by Jessie Minassian

 Today more than ever, as a young woman you can use an extra dose of optimism to tackle the challenges and complicated situations in your life. Inside Your Brightest Life, Jessie Minassian draws on over twenty years of questions and feedback from teen- and college-aged girls to dive into the topics you care about, presenting honest truths and tested tips from a Christian perspective that help you live a life of purpose, joy, and faith.

Maybe you’ve heard it all—God loves you, made you perfectly, and has wonderful plans for your life. But when it comes to nervousness about your future, wondering whether that guy likes you, or dealing with the mean girl in your head, sometimes what you know gets lost. The good news is, you don’t have to tackle everything alone. Your Brightest Life pairs humorous yet wise stories with practical tips to help you navigate the most important questions and challenges you face. And with short, easy-to-read chapters made to fit into your busy schedule, it’s the perfect way to start a journey toward a brighter future, filled with deeper wonder, faith, confidence, and a sense of purpose.

Your Brightest Life helps you take control of your life and make the most of every opportunity with:

• inspiration to live life with courage and determination
• real-world advice about everything from relationships to personal growth, time management, exercise, and staying healthy mentally and physically
• tips that address the challenges you face—like loneliness and uncertainty about what comes next—in new and relatable ways

The 70 stories in the book are organized by categories that include:

• boys
• friends and family
• health and beauty
• faith
• mindset

• life skills

Pick up your copy here...

Your Brightest Life: Tips for Navigating Relationships, Health, Faith, Mindset, and More: Minassian, Jessie: 9780310165996: Amazon.com: Books

JESSIE MINASSIAN is a popular speaker, blogger, and author of fifteen books, including Your Brightest Life, and her award-nominated fiction debut, A Gentle Tyranny (pseud. Jess Corban). As the "resident big sis" at Life, Love, and God—a Q&A website for teen- and college-age girls she founded in 2005—she keeps her finger on the pulse of each new generation of young adults. In addition to speaking across the country, Jessie’s work for girls and their parents has been featured internationally through outlets such as Focus on the Family, Parenting Today’s Teens, She Reads Truth, Axis, Revive Our Hearts, and YouthWorker Journal. She and her husband live on the central coast of California with their two teen daughters.

Thoughts...

This would make the perfect gift for your daughter, the young girls at church or in a classroom it is so much a need for our young girls right now.

Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.