The Lenten season started on Wednesday, March 5th. Some Christians practice giving up something during Lent as a form of self-discipline and remembrance of what Jesus gave up for us. This is not a practice I regularly take part in, but I felt compelled to do so this year. It had been something I was thinking about, but my decision was reinforced when my husband asked what I was doing after church on Sunday.

I sighed and said that I had books to read and blog posts to write. He took my hands and said, “This is only a hobby.” Yes, a hobby that I have made too much of a priority in my life lately, forgoing other important things. I did not even make it to church Wednesday night.

Jesus sacrificed His life to atone for my sins, and continuing to prioritize worldly things over my faith feels like I’m turning my back on God. So this Lenten season, I am giving up requesting blog tours, books on NetGalley, and anything with a deadline. While I may not see the full impact of this decision during this season of prayer and fasting, it is a step toward putting my priorities in the right place. Hopefully, I will come out the other side smarter, wiser, and with a greater appreciation of God’s love.

This week I read The Peacemaker and Written in Secret. It’s no surprise that I got two books read since one of them was Amish fiction. I’ll be reading Written in the Deep this week and possibly The Farmer’s Marriage Bargain.

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Last Week On The Blog

The Sunday Post #24: The Twilight Zone: Book Lovers, This One’s For You!

Monday night. The house is quiet, the Kindle glow is soft… and boom—plot twist! My pulse is racing, my husband is sighing, and sleep? Nowhere in sight.

Tuesday. A casual call home. A simple question: Did I get any books in the mail? Cue dramatic music . My car swerves. My heart stops. Do I really need more books? HE ASKS.

Does he even know me?! Is this the beginning of a marital thriller… or just another chapter in my bookish obsession?

–See More Sunday Posts–

February 2025 Wrap-Up. Better late than never? Well, that depends on the situation—just ask a bride mid-vows! But when it comes to bookish wrap-ups, a little delay is totally worth it. February was a whirlwind of great reads, surprising pageview milestones, and a bit of bookstagram pondering. Plus, I may or may not have stayed up late to squeeze in one more book! Curious about what I read, which posts took off, and how my bookish world is evolving? Dive in and let’s chat about all things February!

––See More Wrap-Ups––

The Heart of Christian Romance: Stories That Strengthen Faith and Hope. Some books entertain, but others transform. Christian romance isn’t just about love stories—it’s about redemption, patience, and the whispers of God woven into each page. From faith struggles to unexpected blessings, these stories reflect real-life journeys of grace and growth. If you’ve never given Christian fiction a chance, this might be the sign you’ve been waiting for. Ready to see how these books speak to the soul? Let’s dive in!

––See More Top Ten Tuesday Posts––

Home Baked Bribery by Gina Holder: Author Interview & Giveaway: Murder, mystery, and mouthwatering treats? The Rockport bake sale turns deadly in Home Baked Bribery by Gina Holder, and amateur sleuth Addie Masters is on the case! Can she uncover the truth before she’s next on the chopping block? Plus, don’t miss your chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card! Keep reading for an exclusive author interview & giveaway details! GIVEAWAY OPEN through March 11, 2025.

Watch Your Back by Kristen Hogrefe Parnell: Author Interview & Giveaway: Danger, suspense, and a fight for justice! Private Investigator Avery Reynolds is determined to take down Tampa’s most elusive crime boss—but when a Coast Guard veteran gets in her way, things get even more complicated. Can she trust him when it matters most? Dive into my exclusive interview with author Kristen Hogrefe Parnell and get the inside scoop on Watch Your Back! Plus… don’t miss the giveaway—you could win a print copy and a $25 Amazon gift card! GIVEAWAY OPEN through March 12, 2025.

–-See More Giveaways-–

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New Arrivals

DaySpring

• Everyday Faith: My magazine finally came in! I’ve started reading it and haven’t made quite the indent on it that I’d hoped. Aliza Latta has a touching article about great loss being used to create new beginnings.
• Unwind: A Devotional Cookbook for the Harried & Hungry by Aarti Sequeira was also in the items I purchased. I’ll start on this devoational after I’m done reading Everyday Faith. There is a receipe for every devotion so in total their are 50 recipes. The book is beautiful and even though it’s hardcopy it seems to say open pretty well.

Book Launches:

• The Mother’s Day Bargain I got this one from the author, Martha Fouts, as part of her book launch team. I’ve actually had it for a little bit but she requested that we not post about it until now.

Book Tours:

• Kate Landry Has a Plan by Rebekah Millet came in from Bethany House Publishers for a JustRead Publicity Tours I’ll be reviewing this on March 27^th.

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Tell me something good.

Thank you to the following bloggers for their excellent link-ups!
Caffeinated Reviewer hosts The Sunday Post, Readerbuzz hosts Sunday Salon, and Reading Reality who hosts Stacking the Shelves.