TBR

136.  A Light in the Window (A Stockingful of Joy) by Justine Dare (Davis) western romance with a Christmas miracle. I enjoy it each time I read it.

137. A Winter Night's Tale (Mistletoe Kisses) by Deborah Hale Regency romance novella. The caregiver side of the story warms my heart. I do skip the bedroom scene; a brief mention would have been enough as the details aren't necessary to the story.

138. A Twelfth Night Tale (Mistletoe Kisses) by Diane Gaston Regency romance novella. Heartwrenching with a lovely happily ever after.

139. A Soldier's Tale (Mistletoe Kisses) by Elizabeth Rolls Regency romance novella. Humorous and touching. I always enjoy rereading this tale.

140. Christmas Cinderella (A Sprinkling of Christmas Magic) by Elizabeth Rolls Regency romance novella. A follow up to the previous novella. The final bedroom scene isn't really necessary to the story but a required scene in secular romance novels by the publishing companies. I enjoy reading the rest of the story of Martindale's HEA. 

Music for the Holidays

...with some of my favorite songs that I listen to all year long...

The first one is simply totally fun.

All I want for Christmas by The Piano Guys

https://youtu.be/c16dH9QezyE 

Little Drummer Boy for King and Country

https://youtu.be/NzEX3QMuVPM 

 

Stille Nacht (Silent Night) by Manheim Steamroller on their Christmas album.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anv4FIQ4tbo 

Believe Again: O Come All Ye Faithful by David Osmond
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF__6qGtwSc 

Angels We Have Heard On High by The Piano Guys
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrLoWt2tfqg 

Baby, What You Goin' to Be by Trinity HS Alumni Choir
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsoB7mmdmFg 

Mary, did you know? by Donny Osmond
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtLCCrEVqPA 

Believe by Josh Grobin on the Polar Express album.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZ19mW-TMRk 

Merry Christmas Darling by the Carpenters.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YR1ujXx2p-I 

Silent Night by David Osmond 
https://youtu.be/PkVATabHBqc 

The Gift by Aselin Debison
https://youtu.be/YeQt6S2O0Qk 

Gentri's O Holy Night
https://youtu.be/g4fvMgNfN0I

A Soldier's Silent Night
https://youtu.be/e29nKH4DCFQ 

A Christmas dedication to our men and women in uniform. A Soldier's Silent Night was originally titled 'Merry Christmas My Friend' and written by Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt in 1987. 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Thanksgiving

~ Helpers

~ Family and Friends

~ Favorite authors

~ God's grace      

Brain Dump

Saw a cold/flu medication commercial where they celebrating being sick, taking the medication, and feeling well enough to go out on a date anyway. Sadly, people are just that thoughtless and inconsiderate. They want to do what they want regardless of the consequences. Absolutely no warnings about being contagious. Remember how everyone was isolated for a year because of being contagious? Insanity. Those who are healthy, please, go out and live your life. If you are sick, STAY HOME. Kindly do not share your illness with everyone. It's rude. It's also dangerous for those who are immune compromised. Never, ever scream about following the science again, because the drug companies are in it for the money. The more people sick, the more money they make. Not that I'm cynical or anything. pfft

Ready for Thanksgiving, tomorrow?

Celebrate with a story.

Giving Thanks

The eleventh novella in the series.

Welcome back to Holiday, USA, small town America, where nothing happens, except holidays... and a little romance, if the hero and heroine trust God.

Eight years ago, Michelle Bronson ran away. Returning Thanksgiving Eve will allow her to settle before anyone knows she's home. Accepting Jesus made her new, but the past won't stay buried. She's strong enough to face it. She must, if she wants to embrace life. Maybe assistant baker at Holiday Sweets is the open door she's seeking.

Theodore Williams III lived his life as Mr. Straight as an Arrow. He remembers Michelle, along with his harsh judgment of her, but she's not what he expected. The choice is his to hold to what he knew or to embrace the new. Perhaps God is opening a door to the future.

Placing God first opens doors never imagined...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071W5C2T6/ref=sr_1_1

If you prefer paperback, Holiday, USA Anthology 2016-17.

All four novellas, 9-12, are available in their entirety in paperback, including the covers on the back, for those who enjoy collecting a series.

http://a.co/5ETTtmt 

 

Giving Thanks quote

 Created by Donna Keevers Driver:

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Blessed rain

~ Finally over my cold, mostly

~ Inspiring books

~ People willing to help

~ God's grace      

Brain Dump

Remember the so-called grassroots "No Kings" protests? Turns out they were more astroturf than grassroots. You can't really call it grassroots if it's financed by George Soros groups, Bill Gates Foundation, Ford Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, unions, and communists, not to mention Riot Inc. Really. For the record, we haven't had a king since 1776. Just because you don't like the current administration doesn't mean they are acting like a king. Might want to look up what kings actually do and note that isn't being done. Case in point, you were allowed to protest; the king you say is in power wouldn't have let that happen. And just because you don't like the Constitution being followed doesn't mean it's king-like behavior. Ya'll really need to learn what fascism really is because that finger ya'll are pointing leaves a few pointing back at you. Wanting to silence others and advocating for the death of those you disagree with is the very definition of fascism. 

TBR

131.  A Ghost of a Chance by Donna Hatch "a haunting All Hallow's Eve regency romance. Paranormal is not usually my choice of reading. This story is an exception. I bought the eformat, in case I didn't like it, but loved it so much I bought the paperback. I'm adding it to my annual October holiday reading list. Sweet, insightful, hopeful.

132. The Best Laid Plans (A Huntresses Novella) by Sarah M. Eden Regency romance. While this is listed as a stand alone story, it includes characters from other series. It was a fun read. Now I want to read the other series. Well played, Sarah M. Eden. Well played. 

133. Silos and Sabotage: Small Town Secrets (Cowboy Brand of Justice series Book 2) by Jo Grafford suspense romance. 

134. In His Steps by Charles M. Sheldon's story of Americans who pledge to ask themselves, before they do anything, "What would Jesus do?" and then do it. An opportunity for self-reflection and recommit myself to following their example in following Him.  

135. The Best Husband Money Can Buy (A Stockingful of Joy) by Mary Jo Putney Regency romance. My annual reading of Christmas stories started with this one. Both the hero and heroine are likable. I see bits of myself in both of them.

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Church and waffles with family

~ Still leaving the door open

~ Dinner with friends

~ Gospel study with friends

~ God's grace      

Brain Dump

Horrors! A ballroom is being added to the White House because no president has ever changed the WH. Oh, wait, what about the one who added a basketball court? Or the one who added a bowling alley? Or the one who added a pool? How about the one who made the Oval Office? Yeah, that wasn't original. Or the one who added to the East Wing? Or the one who added to the West Wing? Or how about the one who gutted the whole building and started over inside? At least the ballroom will be used for visiting dignitaries unlike most which were for personal use only by the one who made the change happen, at taxpayer expense. By the way, the ballroom is being privately funded, as in no taxpayer funds.  

Remember

 

Tomorrow is Veterans Day

On this day, we thank those who have served in the armed forces, more particularly those who are living. Thanks, too, to their families who support them and served with them in their own capacity. 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Leaving the door open

~ Favorite TV shows and movies

~ Gospel study 

~ Dear friends

~ God's grace      

Brain Dump

The minority party is complaining that the current administration is weaponizing the Dept of Justice. That's rich, coming from them, considering their past two administrations actually did weaponize the Dept of Justice. Enforcing the law is not weaponizing just because people you like are being held accountable for breaking the law. Not saying the current majority party is flawless or innocent as lambs. We're all sinners. Nature of the beast. But if you're cheering the death or fantasizing about the death of your political opponents, you are in serious need of repentance. Now. Do not delay. The only One who can save us is Jesus. 

Quote by Anna Julia Cooper

"The cause of freedom is not the cause of a race or a sect, a party or a class—

it is the cause of humankind."

REAL 3 Nov

Every walk, I try to add a little more. Physical therapy almost every day. Managed to not eat the Halloween candy given to me all in one day; I didn't buy any. A friend brought a candied apple and rediscovered my love for apples. Sleep is...a nightmare, one after another. 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Gospel study with friends

~ Cool enough to leave the door open, except in the afternoons

~ Opportunities to serve/help others

~ New book by a favorite author

~ God's grace     

Happy Halloween

Celebrate with a story.

Secondhand Samhain 

The seventh novella in the series.

Welcome back to Holiday, USA, small town America, where nothing happens, except holidays... and a little romance, if the hero and heroine trust God.

Jan Connor, the new manager of the secondhand shop Vintage Holiday, loves her job, her town, and her life. She doesn't need anything except a little bit of help. Her annual Halloween birthday party isn't coming together, and her antiquated computer system is only making it worse.

Trent McDonald, computer guru extraordinaire, is looking for a place to call home. His brother, Cowboy, suggested Holiday might offer what he needs but never mentioned Vintage Holiday's pretty shop manager.

Between one breath and the next, God changes everything...

http://www.amazon.com/Secondhand-Samhain-Holiday-USA-Book-ebook/dp/B01A0IBBQI/ref=sr_1_1

If you prefer paperbacks, Holiday, USA Anthology 2015

All four novellas published in 2015 are available in their entirety in paperback, including the covers on the back, for those who enjoy collecting a series.

https://www.amazon.com/Holiday-USA-Anthology-2015-2/dp/153018617X/ref=sr_1_22 

 

Ready for Halloween?

Thanks to Donna Keevers Driver for creating this:

TBR 2025

126.  Making a Texas Cowboy (Home at Last Texas series Book 1) by Justine Davis contemporary romance. Re-reading the series in preparation for the newest installment. No hardship. 

127. Destined for the Cowboy (Home at Last Texas series Book 2) by Justine Davis contemporary romance. 

128. The Cowboy Comes Home (Home at Last Texas series Book 3) by Justine Davis contemporary romance. 

129. Christmas with the Cowgirl (Home at Last Texas series Book 4) by Justine Davis contemporary romance. The last in the series. A satisfying read and ending. 

130. The Forgotten King (The Forgotten King series Book 1) by Vibeke Hiatt YA Arthurian Myths and Legends. It reminds me a bit of other Quest stories I've read, with a touch of Pilgrim's Progress. 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Pizza with friends

~ Gospel study with friends

~ Leaving the door open

~ Surprise rain

~ God's grace    

Brain Dump

I promised eggs, so here we are again, eggs: I remember when eggs were part of a balanced breakfast. Then eggs were demonized for being too high in cholesterol. Then egg whites were praised while egg yolks were demonized. Then eggs were to be used sparingly. Then eggs were the worst food on the planet. Then eggs were the perfect food. What I learned: Experts are not to be trusted. Check who funded the study. No one warned me about the problems of being allergic to eggs. The only ingredients that contaminates more food are flour and sugar. Vaccines are created using eggs as the protein of choice. I had a doctor who used his brain and ignored the "experts." He became an expert in weight and Fibromyalgia because the so-called experts were clueless. He taught other doctors at medical conferences. He was openminded but not so openminded his brain fell out. He taught me to use my brain and pay attention to my body. He wasn't owned by anyone. He retired because of the unaffordable health insanity. I miss his common sense that isn't common anymore. 

 

REAL 20 Oct 2025

Short walks. Tire easily. Physical therapy almost every day again. Eating healthier, after a lapse. Drinking more water. Sleep...nightmares.  

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Blessed rain

~ Protection

~ New books

~ Favorite authors

~ God's grace    

Brain Dump

Have you noticed? Protein everything everywhere. Remember when Cheerios was touted a good source of bran because it's made of oats? Now, it's Cheerios Protein! Here's the twist in the tail: Remember when they villainized meat? Yep, a great source of protein, but everyone was told to cut back on their meat intake, preferably to vegetarian levels. Save the animals! The animals that don't exist without ranchers and farmers. Now it's protein bars! Protein drinks! Protein chips! Protein cereal. Just so we're clear: Meat is still an excellent source of protein, along with other nutrients. Coming next week: Eggs, again.

TBR 2025

121.  The Billionaire of Dragon Hill (A Wild Oak Romance series Book 4) by Justine Davis contemporary romance. 

122. For the Love of a Child  (A Wild Oak Romance series Book 5) by Justine Davis contemporary romance. This is a series I re-read from time to time because I love the characters and Justine Davis' storytelling. 

123. The 9-12 Project - A Journey Through Healing and Hope by Staci Stallings nonfiction. Another trip through the process and recognizing improvements made and improvements still needed. 

124. Hometown Vendetta (Luke Steele series Book 1) by Traci Hunter Abramson suspense romance. Re-reading in preparation for the newest story in the series.

125. Victim #8 (Luke Steele series Book 2) by Traci Hunter Abramson suspense romance. Heart pounding! Looking forward to the next book, whenever it's coming out. 

Monday Humor from SM

 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Breaking bread with friends

~ Favorite author's new book

~ Blessed rain

~ Faith

~ God's grace    

Brain Dump

If a window is depicted in a chimney, it's A I. Stop it! And no! You cannot put a door in a chimney either! 

 The best revenge is none. 

Heal, 

move on 

and don't become like those who hurt you. 

~ Pamela Short

REAL 2025 Oct 6

It's been a while. I'm endeavoring to take short walks every day. I trimmed bushes and pulled weeds, last Saturday. Eating has been less than stellar, much less, but still trying to improve. I remember physical therapy some days but need to be better about that. Sleep is iffy, but mourning does that. Not giving up.

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Blessed rain

~ Favorite authors

~ More fall like weather

~ Gifted cookies

~ God's grace    

Brain Dump

Banging head on wall. Do not take the Tylenol. I don't know if it's tied to autism. I've seen articles saying that there are numerous studies showing a possible link. However, after the last five years when studies were only reliable if certain people said they were and all others were dismissed no matter how reliable they were I'm skeptical all the way around. This I do know: Tylenol causes liver damage. So does ibuprofen. They don't tell you it also causes kidney damage. I've had kidney trouble my whole life. After I herniated the disc in my back, I was alternating Tylenol and ibuprofen. Because of my history, my doctor warned me and advised me to get off both as soon as possible. He also advised I limit my use of either to no more than once or twice a month. Not week, MONTH. Yes, I'm at higher risk, but that doesn't change the fact that both medications damage necessary organs in your body. Healthy bodies are better able to manage any damage. Not a single medication on the planet is without side effects both good and bad; it's just some are more minor than others and some are more major than others. Nothing on this planet is 100% safe. NOTHING. Life is 100% fatal. Which doesn't mean we should pelt through life willy-nilly because we're all going to die anyway. God gave you your body. It's a gift. I'm not great at taking care of mine, but I'm trying to improve all the time. 

National Black Dog Day

 

Mourn with those who mourn

Five deaths in 3 weeks. People I knew, and people I admired. People who made a difference in my life. God bless the families.

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Friends

~ Books

~ A/C, still needed

~ Gospel

~ God's grace    

Brain Dump

Many are complaining about the firing of a certain late night host. Some says it's because the government is squashing frees speech. Mind you, these are the same people who cheered the ending of Tucker Carlson's show. JK was not fired for free speech: he was fired for lying, blatantly lying; dare I say peddling "misinformation." Please note JK cheered the firing of an actor for her controversial tweet; she had the top rated show on the network. Glaring hypocrisy. For the record, TC was making money for his network and was rated #2 in the nation and was fired because they didn't like what he said, which was the truth. JK's show didn't even come close to cracking the top 20. He was so low in the ratings, his show didn't even show in the listing and was losing over 6 million dollars, which is significantly more than the other late night host, SC, fired for losing money for his network. JK lied and refused to apologize for lying or even admit he lied. Also, for the record, the network was already looking for a replacement, starting months ago. Television is a business not a charity. Unfortunately, I see the major network caved to the mob that threatened them. A few local networks stood their ground, refusing to air more lies or bow the knee to a liar and bullies. Update: JK sort of apologized. He says that he wasn't doing what he was doing. When an excuse is included it isn't an apology. And a true apology will include a change of behavior. Only time will tell if he is sincere. And none of this changes the fact that JK is costing the network more than he's bringing in. Reminder: Networks are not charities. 

TBR 2025

116.  Engaging the Earl (The League of Eligible Bachelors Book 1) by Mind Burbidge Strunk Regency romance. I've been reading Regency era romance novels for years. This is the first time I've read about fish for card games, fish-shaped counters. Charades is a word game including riddles. Of course, this led to thinking of Bilbo and Gollum and their riddles; they were playing charades. Who knew flirting could be so funny? 

117. Angel for Hire by Justine Davis paranormal romance. This was one of her early books and one of my favorites. 

118. Stacy's Horses (A Wild Oak Romance series Book 1) by Justine Davis contemporary romance. I needed to read some old favorites. In this series, there are more steamy scenes and a few more swear words than what is found in her Harlequin books. 

119. To Love a Hero (A Wild Oak Romance series Book 2) by Justine Davis contemporary romance. 

120. The Hero Next Door (A Wild Oak Romance series Book 3) by Justine Davis contemporary romance. 

Happy Birthday Bilbo and Frodo

This is the free desktop paper offered by the fan site, which sadly no longer exists, but the friends made there do.

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Cool enough in the early morning to leave the door open some days

~ Enjoy a delicious meal 

~ Food and conversation with friends

~ Favorite books

~ God's grace    

Brain Dump

"You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." 

Fascism: (political) group, club 1. The principles of the Fascist; also, the movement or governmental regime embodying their principles. 

2. Any program for setting up a centralized national regime with severely nationalized policies, exercising regimentation of industry, commerce, and finance, rigid censorship, and forcible suppression of opposition. 

This is from the Unbridged Dictionary, before the internet was invented.

The current administration and is not fascistic, not when power is being returned to the states and small businesses are being encouraged and empowered, for example. Even the last administration wasn't, though it was on the path toward it. People who advocate for free speech are definitely not fascistic. 

Fascism and fascists are NOT anyone or anything who disagrees with your point of view. Pretending they are is immature and dishonest. 

Repent, before it's too late. Jesus loves you and wants you to embrace the true and beautiful. Yes, He actually gets to decide what those things are, not because He is fascistic but because He authored the true and beautiful. The Master knows His creation. He is trustworthy.

TBR 2025

111.  The Prince's Wedding (Romancing the Crown Book 12) by Justine Davis contemporary romance. I'm curious about the other books in the series by other authors, but it's a very old series, from 2002. I can afford the .99 cent ones but not so much the 8.99. Not all authors tell as good a story, so I'll be satisfied with the last book in the series. I did skip a few pages of steamy scenes but didn't miss out on anything. 

112. The Unveiling (Age of Faith Book 1) by Tamara Leigh Medieval romance. Fascinating descriptions of the customs of the time. 

113. Brentwoods Ward by Michelle Griep Regency suspense romance. An unusual hero and look into the world of the Bow Street Runners. Vivid descriptions.

114. Baron of Godsmere (The Feud Book 1) by Tamara Leigh Medieval romance. A page turner. 

115. Bargaining for the Barrister (Matchmaking Mamas Book 1) by Anneka R. Walker Regency romance. Learned something new. I like the Rebels. 

Grieving

Grief has been mapped out to the point of unbreakable formula, making many believe that all you have to do is go through the seven steps and go on with your life. Grief is the other side of the coin of joy, not an opposite so much as grief makes joy possible. How is it possible to know grief if you know no joy? Grief subsides into the background and then reappears in a storm. Grief ebbs and flows. Grief disappears for a time and then erupts full-blown. Though many describe grief as a negative emotion, they are wrong. Grief is capable of spiraling into severe negativity, usually when accompanying fear is allowed to reign and joy is abandoned. I read on a blog about grace that anger is grief's guard dog. Allow yourself to grieve, for the loss, for yourself, for the unwanted change, for all the facets or as many as you recognize and understand; there may be things you don't. Don't stay in grief too long; allow it to nurture growth into a new, deeper joy. Remember that God grieves, the evil we choose, the pain of His children, the sin that holds us away from Him. In the end, give the grief to Jesus, who suffered all for us. Share in the joy He wants for us.

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ God bless those who stand for the truth and their families

~ Jesus died so we might live

~ Light in the darkness

~ Courage

~ God's grace    

Brain Dump

Did you know that AI plants are sucking up water as coolant? You know the water we're required to ration for human use? So much so that people who live near the plant sometimes don't have access to water? They turn on the tap and nothing. That means no water for pets either for those who think animals matter more than people. How diabolical do you have to be to rationalize diverting life-sustaining resources from actual living beings to machines? 

Never Forget Sept 11

Take a moment

Breathe

Reflect

Consider

Repent as needed

Change

Grow

Strengthen

Become

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ More rain

~ While summer hasn't fully released it's hold, fall is coming.

~ Visit with a dear friend

~ Time with my sister 

~ God's grace    

Brain Dump

AI is needlessly spreading everywhere. The pages I used to follow, on SM, because of their pictures of cabins and cottages, places I'd like to live, are now infected with mostly AI generated pictures. Sadly, most of them are physically impossible and not much better than comic renditions, caricatures, silly, and often stupid. Sorry, but you can't put a window in a chimney. I recently saw what looked like a video of people taking pictures of these amazing dust clouds moving across the desert floor. The problem is that those kinds of dust formations cannot occur in the area depicted because that kind of dust doesn't exist there. What's more, the rock formations were in the wrong places. How do I know? I've been there. It's like when National Geographic squished together the pyramids to make them fit more pleasingly in the picture. The truth will set you free, but sometimes it makes you miserable. 

Fear and Faith

 Fear is an opportunity to exercise faith.

Labor Day

Celebrate with a story.

Faith's Labor

The fifth novella in the series.

Welcome back to Holiday, USA, small town America, where nothing happens, except holidays... and maybe a little romance, if the hero and heroine trust God.

Organic herb farmer Faith Walker regrets many things in her life, none as much as marrying a man who divorced her after their wedding night, leaving her pregnant and alone.

Horse trainer Dusty Harper crushed on Faith all his life. What is he supposed to do when she drops back into his life and turns his world upside down?

God provides unexpected answers to those who seek His will...

http://www.amazon.com/Faiths-Labor-Holiday-USA-Book-ebook/dp/B00X5XJLMM/ref=sr_1_2

If you prefer paperback, then Holiday, USA Anthology 2015

All four novellas published in 2015 are available in their entirety in paperback, including the covers on the back, for those who enjoy collecting a series.

https://www.amazon.com/Holiday-USA-Anthology-2015-2/dp/153018617X/ref=sr_1_22

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Much needed rain

~ Friends

~ Fall is coming.

~ Peace only God gives

~ God's grace   

Faith's Labor Quote

 Thanks to Donna Keevers Driver for creating this:

TBR 2025

106. Hunted (Shadows of Trust series Book 1) by Traci Hunter Abramson suspense romance. This and the next story are found in earlier books.

107. Secrets of St. Augustine (Shadows of Trust series Book 1) by Traci Hunter Abramson suspense romance. I enjoyed this story every time I read it.

108. Shadows of Trust (Shadows of Trust series Book 1) by Traci Hunter Abramson suspense romance. This is a new story with these characters. An unexpected and welcome addition and satisfying.

109. Waiting For Rachel (Those Karlsson Boys series Book 1) by Kimberly Rae Jordan Christian romance. Good story of repentance and forgiveness and becoming a new creature in Christ.

110. Worth the Wait (Those Karlsson Boys series Book 2) by Kimberly Rae Jordan Christian romance. Another redemption story. I enjoyed it. 

Thanks to Donna Keevers Driver for creating this.

 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Air conditioning, fans, and ice packs

~ Chocolate frozen yogurt from Sam's Club

~  Visiting with a dear friend

~ New story by a favorite author, delivered early.

~ God's grace   

Brain Dump

A news report interviewed a pro vac cine advocate. She was intense - actually, she was emotional. She was horrified that some people don't believe those things are safe. The news station was irresponsible for using her as the only "expert." Anyone who's bothered to read a study knows that all m e d s have side effects. ALL OF THEM. Some are mild, some are bothersome, some are catastrophic. Pretending that they are perfectly safe is not only irresponsible it's dangerous. There are a wide range of reasons anaphylactics exist, and even those aren't a sure bet. 

TBR 2025

101. Dreams by Starlight (The Dream series Book 1) by Staci Stallings Christian romance. Loved it, again.

102. Reunion (The Dream series Book 2) by Staci Stallings Christian romance. The two books are really one book, with a 10-year break in the middle. Loved it! 

103. A Wager on Love (Wedding Wagers Timeless Regency Collection Book 11) by Donna Hatch Regency romance. Sweet story.

104. The Final Wager (Wedding Wagers Timeless Regency Collection Book 11) by Heather B. Moore Regency romance. Nail-biting to the end.

105. An Improbable Wager (Wedding Wagers Timeless Regency Collection Book 11) by Michele Paige Holmes Regency romance. Loved this charming story. Keeper. 

REAL 2025 Aug 18

Toastiest week of the year followed by a week with rain that cooled things down to a low of 67 for a brief time in the early morning hours. The heat is not good for walking or sleeping for that matter. The storms are needed and lovely but noisy. Nightmares are abundant. Eating hasn't been great but not horrible. Working to learn and practice healthier habits. 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Air conditioning, fans, ice packs

~ Silk flowers making the outside of my home a little prettier.

~ Decades old etched-glass rose decals making jars a little prettier.

~ Books by favorite authors 

~ God's grace   

Brain Dump

It's a heat wave! 110 degrees and above for 114 day! Only if you live in central Phoenix. You know, where the grass and trees have been replaced by tarmac, cement, rocks, desert landscaping, and black glass solar panels. Can't imagine why it's hotter. Yes, that's dripping sarcasm. I live closer to one edge of the valley, and it has been roller coasting above and below 110. The need for hysteria is wearing. Plant some trees, replace desert landscaping with grass, and instead of black glass use white reflective roof covering. Then let's see what the temperatures are. Until then, ya'll are just demanding drama. I'm done. 

TBR 2025

96. The Long Way Home by Staci Stallings Christian romance. Love, love, love this story. Staci's stories always draw me closer in my walk with God. So grateful. God bless her.

97. Cowboy (The Harmony series Book 1) by Staci Stallings Christian romance. Imperfect characters helping each other find and hold to God and love. Yes, I've read this series before and will read it again.

98. Lucky (The Harmony series Book 2) by Staci Stallings Christian romance. Love watching characters grow into their faith journey. Love even more when I find inspiration that helps me on my own faith journey.

99. Colton in the Wild (The Coltons of Alaska series Book 1) by Justine Davis suspense romance. Other authors are part of this series, but I usually only read Justine's. While the story is both romance and suspense, Justine always focuses on the relationship, weaving in the suspense. A appreciate watching her characters work through their insecurities and misunderstandings and become a team. 

100. Coming Undone by Staci Stallings Christian romance. The hero is facing his father's passing. The heroine works in the hospice center. I reread this book around the time of my father's passing. 

Remember

Anniversaries of the passing of loved ones bring back happy memories and the sorrow of missing them. I'm grateful for having been blessed with these souls in my life. Love is worth the mourning. Some of the mourning has gone on decades, for longer than the relationship, for the simple reason I still miss them. I don't think God minds. I'm grateful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints because I know this life is not the end; it's only part of the story that goes on forever. 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Delicious hamburger with mushrooms thanks to the local grill night team

~ Breakfast with my sister

~ Favorite books

~ Air conditioning, fans, ice packs

~ God's grace   

Brain Dump

I read a brief review of Jonathan Rauch's opinion that atheism and Christianity could blend into a better social compact. It only requires Christians to dull and fuzzy the edges of the Sword of Truth and pretend that God and His word are a little more fluid and less restrictive, so to speak. Wonder what God would think of that? I think I'd rather error on God's side than foolish side with the World. My eternal salvation is a high price to pay to be wrong. 

Quote

 I choose forgiveness, and I choose love. 

~ Staci Stallings from "Lucky" 

REAL 2025 Aug 4

Still too hot to do much walking. I am working to remember to do physical therapy, again. Yes, I forgot for a while. Blessedly, each day provides an opportunity to do better. Eating has improved with some backsliding. "Falling on your face is still forward." Sleep has changed: I sleep a few hours in my recliner, in front of a fan, and then sleep a few hours in bed. I don't seem to wake as often during the night. I think it's an improvement. 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Air conditioning and fans

~ Fall is coming.

~ Overnight lows are still below 90, mostly.

~ New book by favorite author

~ God's grace   

Brain Dump

Someone on social media shared their interaction with AI. I snagged on "your thought partner." No, AI is not a thought partner. AI is an information broker. That's it. That's all. Do not be deceived. 

Friendship Day

Celebrate with a story.

Just Friends

The sixth novella in the series.

Welcome back to Holiday, USA, small town America, where nothing happens, except holidays... and a little romance, if the hero and heroine trust God.

After Mindy Harper's life crashes, she cuts off her friends. What other choice does she have? She doesn't fit in anymore. Holidays commemorating friendship fail to convince her she should celebrate them. A handsome ranch hand won't change her mind.

Cowboy left most of his past behind, with no regrets. The moment he sees Mindy he knows where his future lies. Friendship is the best place to start, but what is he supposed to do when she declares they're acquaintances?

God opens closed doors to those who knock, if it's His will...

http://www.amazon.com/Just-Friends-Holiday-USA-Book-ebook/dp/B017FSC4WG/ref=sr_1_1

If you prefer paperback, Holiday, USA Anthology 2015.

All four novellas published in 2015 are available in their entirety in paperback, including the covers on the back, for those who enjoy collecting a series.

https://www.amazon.com/Holiday-USA-Anthology-2015-2/dp/153018617X/ref=s

 

Friendship Day is coming.

 

created by Donna Keevers Driver for Laurel Hawkes

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Church with my younger brother and SiL

~ More unexpectedly cool weather, for this time of year

~ New book by a favorite author 

~ A little fall of rain

~ God's grace  

Tomorrow is All or Nothing Day

 with a story.

All or Nothing 

The tenth novella in the series.

Welcome back to Holiday, USA, small town America, where nothing happens, except holidays... and a little romance, if the hero and heroine trust God.

Secrets? Angela Goodrich owns a few. Moving to Holiday is her dream come true. As Holiday Sweets' new manager, she wants a fresh start even as she wants to share the truth of who she is. Will she still be welcomed?

Anger issues? Caleb Bronson denies it despite the fact he'd like to throttle his EMT partner's new fiancé for wronging his sister. What does it matter if his anger is dominating his life and spills over on the attractive and newest resident of Holiday?

The truth will set you free, if you're willing to endure the discomfort of letting go of the lies. God knows the pain hidden in the soul anyway...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N7MZC9M/ref=sr_1_1

If you prefer paperback, Holiday, USA Anthology 2016-17

All four novellas, 9-12, are available in their entirety in paperback, including the covers on the back, for those who enjoy collecting a series.

http://a.co/5ETTtmt 

TBR 2025

91. Chance for Home (Chances series Book 2) by Traci Hunter Abramson inspirational romance. Love this series. Yes, I'll be reading it again. 

92. A Change of Fortune by Traci Hunter Abramson inspirational romance. I'm fascinated by the unexpected perspective. I hope I would be more like Brooke than what's typical. Nowhere near deep pockets, I'm trying to be more responsible and thoughtful. 

93. Hawk's Lady (The Ladies of Quality Collection) by Sharon Gillenwater Regency romance. 

94. Amazing Grace by Eric Metaxas. The extraordinary nonfiction biography of William Wilberforce (1759-1833). Wilberforce was friends with John Newton who penned the song "Amazing Grace." Wilberforce was one of the early abolitionists who fought much of his life to end slavery. He also sought to reform manners, to instill the Golden Rule in every day. He lived it. He developed a remarkable circle of friends who supported each other in their Christian walk and their goals to live their Christian faith in every way. An amazing life. 

95. Novel Threat (Pen and Dagger series Book 1) by Traci Hunter Abramson suspense romance. Page turner! Curious to see how the series will continue. Next book isn't out until 2026.