The Last Caretaker: With Unexpected Job Tasks (5 Stars)

I recently finished reading my November First Reads book, The Last Caretaker by Jessica Strawser. After her recent divorce, Katie needs a new start. When her best friend, Bess, suggests a position as a caretaker of a nature reserve, Katie jumps at the chance, even though she’s not really a nature person. Katie soon discovers…… Continue reading The Last Caretaker: With Unexpected Job Tasks (5 Stars)

My Pity Party Revelation: Next Time, Listen to the Spirit

Several years ago, I was feeling like I didn’t have a friend in the world. I was having a bit of a pity party for myself. After a few days of feeling like no one cared, I began to pray. I prayed for one of those church magazine or General Conference story moments where someone…… Continue reading My Pity Party Revelation: Next Time, Listen to the Spirit

This is No Magic Trick: Another Writing Contest Loser

It’s time for another writing contest loser. This entry came from “The Chilling Pen Award.” The criteria were that the story needed to be under 1,000 words, it should have a bit of a scary element, and it should involve betrayal. The contest results were announced on Halloween. I decided to write a story about…… Continue reading This is No Magic Trick: Another Writing Contest Loser

Casalvento: House of the Wind- Italian Vineyard Inheritance (4.5 Stars)

Recently, I finished reading Casalvento: House of the Wind by Gudron Cuillo. This book is about Erika Germoglio, who lives in New York City. Just as things in her life really feel like they are falling into place, she learns that she’s inherited an Italian vineyard. Before long, her whole life is turned upside-down. What…… Continue reading Casalvento: House of the Wind- Italian Vineyard Inheritance (4.5 Stars)

Cross the Line: A Nonwinning Protest to Impress Story

A while back, I entered a writing contest for “Not Quite Write.” When I entered the contest, I knew almost nothing about the company, so I entered based 100% on the contest rules. There were four rules. First, it had to be no more than 600 words. Second, it had to have someone cross a…… Continue reading Cross the Line: A Nonwinning Protest to Impress Story

Distilling Lies: Small Town Secrets (4.5 Stars)

In July, I won a Kindle copy of Distilling Lies by Carolyn Dennis-Willingham. I finished reading it a few days ago. This book, which I got through a Goodreads Giveaway, came out in May. The story takes place in Texas during the time of Prohibition. The Basic Plot Distilling Lies has kind of a slow…… Continue reading Distilling Lies: Small Town Secrets (4.5 Stars)

The Red Fox Ran: Can He Hide From His Destiny? (3 Stars)

When I was recently offered the chance to read an ARC of The Red Fox Ran by December Knight, I was intrigued. The descriptions that I read for the book were vague but interesting. Ultimately, I have mixed feelings about this book, which will be published on Leap Day next year (February 29, 2024). Basic…… Continue reading The Red Fox Ran: Can He Hide From His Destiny? (3 Stars)

Forgiveness: Do I Really Understand What It Means?

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about forgiveness. Like many people, I sometimes find this principle difficult to fully understand. It’s easy to confuse forgiveness with allowing that person to continue to hurt you. Because I don’t fully understand it, I don’t always apply forgiveness properly in my life. Sometimes, I’m not 100% sure if…… Continue reading Forgiveness: Do I Really Understand What It Means?