Friday, February 27, 2026
Suspense by Mary Alford
These are FANTASTIC stories by Author Mary Alford:
🌾 UNSOLVED AMISH ABDUCTION...coming soon!
An Amish woman forced back to the life she fled.
A child caught in the crosshairs.
A police officer who doesn’t know the whole truth.
Three stories.
Three battles for justice.
One mission: Seek the truth—no matter the cost.
What’s more dangerous — a killer hunting in the shadows… or a secret someone you love is keeping?
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday]
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup Coca-Cola
3/4 cup miniature marshmallows
1 square (1 ounce size) semi sweet baking chocolate
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup cocoa powder
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup buttermilk
2 cups sugar
2 1/3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
***Frosting***
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup Coca Cola (plus 2-3 Tbsp. additional if needed)
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup chocolate syrup
PREPARATION:
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Fatal Witness: (Romantic Suspense K-9 Thriller Cold Case) by Patricia Bradley
Book Description: As a child, artist and potter Dani Bennett witnessed the brutal murder of her parents. With no memory of the incident or her true identity, she was forced to take on a new name and a new life, hidden away in Montana for the past 25 years.
Mae Richmond has spent the same stretch of time searching for her granddaughter, who went missing the night her daughter and son-in-law were murdered. Convinced the woman she saw in a pottery magazine feature is the woman she's been searching for, she enlists the help of K-9 officer Mark Lassiter of Pearl Springs, Tennessee, who tracks Dani down.
Skeptical but curious, Dani sets out on a journey to uncover the secrets of her past and reclaim her true identity. But someone close to her is determined to keep the truth of what happened all those years ago hidden.
Monday, February 23, 2026
It's almost time....New book by Mary Alford
In just 24 hours, the secrets buried on Hope Island rise to the surface.
A barn that holds a deadly memory.
A past that refuses to stay silent.
A love tested by truths that could destroy everything.
Tomorrow, the storm breaks.
💙 TANGLED PAST releases Tuesday, February 24.
👉 Preorder today: https://amzn.to/3Ndw19c
Courting Mr. Emerson by Melody Carlson
Book Description: When the fun-loving and spontaneous artist Willow West meets buttoned-up, retired English teacher George Emerson, it's not exactly love at first sight. Though she does find the obsessive-compulsive man intriguing. Making it her mission to get him to loosen up and embrace life, she embarks on what seems like a lost cause--and finds herself falling for him in the process.
- Publisher: Revell
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0800735277
- ISBN-13: 978-0800735272
Sugarcreek Surprise, #2 By: Wanda E. Brunstetter
Book Description: Welcome to Sugarcreek, Ohio, where the Amish schoolteacher has a determined admirer. Tragically losing her parents as a child, Lisa Miller has grown up being afraid of loving and losing. She dedicates herself to teaching at an Amish schoolhouse and helping the grandparents who raised her, all the while avoiding the advances of newcomer Paul Herchberger. Paul enjoys antiques and meets Orley Troyer while looking for unique old milk bottles at yard sales. Orley and his wife offer prayers and advice as Paul tries to reach Lisa’s closed heart. But when secrets are revealed, will Lisa use them as an excuse to close herself off again?
My Thoughts: I am really enjoying this new series of Wanda Brunstetter's Creek Town Discoveries.
This is the second book in the series. If you remember the first book you'll remember that this is set around an antique store with some unusual pieces and unusual folk.
Of course, it is about Amish folk. Now that Orley Troyer and his wife own the local antique shop and are dedicated to the Lord. So when they have a garage sale and Paul Herchberger who is a newcomer to their area arrives looking for antique milk bottles. Orley and his wife talk with Paul and then offer to pray with him as he needs some guidance.
Also Lisa Miller is the new school teacher in their area. She is helping her grandparents. Lisa is afraid of loving and losing because it seems that all her life she loved someone and they left. So when Paul wants to get to know her she backs way off but Paul doesn't let up.
A sweet and insightful story on the dealings of the human heart.
A grand story!
Friday, February 20, 2026
Tangled Past: Hope Island Securities Series Book Seven by Mary Alford
Book Description: A murdered police chief. A missing truth. A witness who can’t remember.
Twenty-five years after his father’s unsolved murder, Asa Dutton returns to Hope Island determined to uncover the truth. His only lead is Maya Callahan—the little girl found hiding in the barn the night his father died.
Maya has no memory of that stormy night. But as fragments of her past resurface, so does danger. Someone is watching. Someone who will kill to keep the truth buried.
As Asa and Maya grow closer, the stakes turn deadly. Because remembering the past may be the only way to survive it.
My Thoughts: I absolutely love books authored by Mary Alford and this story did not disappoint.
This is book seven in the Hope Island Securities series. These are nice sized books with great font. There are usually around 169 pages per book so it's an easy read. I read this book in a couple of hours.
But here's the real kicker...my nonfiction loving husband picked up this book before I did and began reading it. He loved it! He said the use of adjectives and imagery was GREAT! And he loved the story. That's how good Mary Alford writes.
I haven't read each story in this series. This is the second book I've read and they are each stand alone stories. Of course, some of the characters come into the story from past books but that wasn't a problem for me.
These books are not only FANTASTIC reads but they are VERY affordable.
If you love suspense, you'll love this book and the previous ones!
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
An oldie but goodie...Controlling Interest by Elizabeth White
Book Description: THERE'S TROUBLE IN RIVER CITY Matt Hogan's Memphis detective agency has been on the skids since a recent attack of conscience cost him an important case. When a wealthy investor steps in and saves River City Investigations, Matt thinks all his prayers have been answered—until he finds out that with the investor comes a new partner. Fresh out of criminal justice school and a two-year stint in the Tunica County Sheriff's Department, Natalie Tubberville is out to prove she can cut it in the world of private investigations. But her reluctant partner is just as determined to have nothing to do with her—until Natalie makes him an offer he can’t refuse! If Matt solves the next case before she does, she will return her share of the company. And the race is on. As two strong personalities compete, mutual attraction grows…while a simple case of a runaway bride threatens to become an international incident. Will Matt and Natalie call off the competition—or discover an entirely new arrangement?
Monday, February 16, 2026
Courting Mr. Emerson by Melody Carlson
Book Description: When the fun-loving and spontaneous artist Willow West meets buttoned-up, retired English teacher George Emerson, it's not exactly love at first sight. Though she does find the obsessive-compulsive man intriguing. Making it her mission to get him to loosen up and embrace life, she embarks on what seems like a lost cause--and finds herself falling for him in the process.
- Publisher: Revell
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0800735277
- ISBN-13: 978-0800735272
Psalm 91 for Mothers (God's Shield of Protection for your Children) by Peggy Joyce Ruth & Angela Ruth Schum
A wonderful encouraging read that makes a nice gift for that new mom, too!
- Paperback: 192 pages
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1616387343
- ISBN-13: 978-1616387341
- Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 4.9 x 0.6 inches
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Friday, February 13, 2026
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}
3. Cover in Cool Whip.
4. Layer and repeat.
5. Consume
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
The Devoted Life by Marjorie Jackson
Book Description: This topically guided creative journal for teen girls offers inspiration and encouragement for those who desire to live their lives fully devoted to Christ. Amidst the loud, confusing voices of the world, trying to tell them which way is the right way to go, girls need to stop, rest, refuel, and reflect in the presence of their truest Friend and most loyal heavenly Father. Whether it’s through creativity, meditating on scripture, prayer, or writing, readers will join young author and artist, Marjorie Jackson, for a time of life-giving fun, faith-strengthening encouragement, and God-glorifying growth. As girls connect with their first love, Jesus, they will begin to understand that life is truly good with a God who is absolutely great!
Monday, February 9, 2026
What I could Tell You by Liz Tolsma
2019—College student Tessa Payton and her cousin take a popular DNA heritage test only to discover they don’t share any common ancestors. In fact, the test reveals Tessa is a Greek Sephardic Jew. This revelation threatens her tenuous faith. Always the overlooked child in her family, she empties her savings account and jets off on a journey to Greece to discover where she belongs and which God demands her allegiance. The enchanting curator at the Jewish museum guides her as she navigates life in Thessaloniki, helps with her genealogical research, and loans her a fascinating journal written by a Jewish woman during WWII. Tessa’s search, however, may open old wounds and uncover long-hidden secrets that could fracture her family forever and leave her with more questions than when she started.
Friday, February 6, 2026
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Beautiful Wisdom Daily Devotions by Barbour Books
Book Description: God's Word is living and powerful and sharper than a sword (Hebrews 4:12), and through His Son, we have new life (Romans 6:4). This lovely daily devotional collection will bless women of all ages with scriptures carefully selected from the easy-to-understand New Life Version of the Bible. Each devotion includes a title, scripture, faith-building reading, and prayer—designed to draw you closer to your heavenly Father through daily quiet time with the One who loves you most. This gorgeous devotional is perfect for personal use or makes a thoughtful gift that will be cherished for years to come and pairs perfectly with the Beautiful Wisdom Bibles, available from Barbour Publishing!
My Thoughts: I love, simply love devotional books! I'm always on the lookout for THAT one special book. Well today I believe I have found THAT book for this year.
It has 365 Encouraging readings for the believe to read and think about.
At the top of each page is the day. Eg. Day 183. Then the title of the devotional. Then a scripture that goes with the devotional. Next the devotional which takes up most of the page which is appropriate since it is a devotional book.
At the very end of the page is a short prayer for you to pray after reading the devotional or add to the prayer somewhat like a prayer starter.
It's a beautiful devotional chockfull of God's goodness for every day of the year.
The only drawback of this devotional book which doesn't affect me but something to be aware of when buying is that the font is small not tiny but maybe small for some to read.
It's the perfect gift for a young woman for graduation or for a birthday gift. It also makes a nice "card" for that person who needs encouragement.
Monday, February 2, 2026
All's Fair in LOVE and Cupcakes by Betsy St. Amant
Book Description: Kat inspected rows of the same old cupcakes. They seemed to blink back at her, as if they knew she was capable of so much more.








