Monday, November 2, 2026

Joy Isn't Canceled by Carlos PenaVega; Alexa PenaVega

Book Details: 

Title: Joy Isn't Cancelled 

Author: Carlos PenaVega and Alexa PenaVega

Publisher: Nelson

Release Date: November 3, 2026

Pages: 240  

Genre: Biographies & Memoirs/Christian

Book Description:

When suffering takes you by surprise, joy isn't cancelled. Carlos and Alexa invite you into their honest journey through loss to discover unexpected hope, community, and strength.

When Carlos and Alexa PenaVega lost their newborn daughter, Indy, their world stopped. Grief arrived without warning, and nothing felt certain anymore. How would such an incredible loss impact their marriage, parenting, community, and faith?

Joy Isn't Canceled is their vulnerable, deeply honest account of navigating unimaginable pain while discovering the faithful nearness of God. Moving between both of their perspectives, Carlos and Alexa share how worship carried them when words failed, how community showed up before they knew how to ask for help, how grief reshaped their marriage and family, and how vulnerability became the unexpected doorway to strength.

With warmth, faith, and courage, they offer readers a companion for the darkest seasons, reminding you that even when life breaks apart, God is present, your story is not over, and joy can rise from the very places you thought were beyond repair.

My Thoughts: Beautiful and Inspirational

What an inspiring read for anyone, but especially anyone who has experienced this type of loss. It's a beautiful story of loss, grief, healing, and faith. Alexa and Carlos narrate their sides of what they went through with total honesty throughout their journey of pain, healing, and growth. 

Through it all, they also found personal and spiritual growth. Their accounts of these experiences are raw and deeply touching. One example among many is the soil and how the preparation and care of the soil are key to flourishing and spiritual growth. 

Their story is profound, impactful, and moving, and it will deeply touch your heart. I highly recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Nelson Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.

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About the Author:  Carlos PenaVega and Alexa PenaVega

Carlos and Alexa PenaVega are parents to three adventurous children: Ocean, Kingston, and Rio. They divide their time between Maui and Florida but travel often for work. Between the two of them, they act, sing, and have a family vlog on YouTube called La Vida PenaVega. They competed against each other on the same season of Dancing with the Stars and have starred in multiple Hallmark movies. Carlos is a part of the successful musical group Big Time Rush and continues to make music and tour with them around the world.


Friday, October 23, 2026

Chasing Daniel's Daughter (Daniel's Daughters Series Book 3) by Mindy Steele

Book Details: 

Title:  Chasing Daniel's Daughter

Series: Daniel's Daughters Book 3

Author: Mindy Steele

Publisher: Steele Publishing

Release Date: November 2, 2026

Pages: 197  

Genre: Amish Romance

Book Description:

After a storm destroyed her family's home, Martha Jane Raber was certain Aiden would rush back to Miller’s Creek to be with her. While waiting to become his wife, M.J. offers to help a friend learn to read. As the season blooms around Miller’s Creek, M.J. grows more determined than ever to get her own happy-ever-after.

If Sam Lewis could change one thing about himself, it would be the smudge on his last name. Taking a job with Daniel Raber might have cost him, but he soon discovers a new friendship with a woman who speaks to rainclouds and roosters. Being only her friend while she pines over another takes some strength, but Sam knows his place. That was until M.J. disappears, and Sam has no choice but to chase after the miller’s daughter.

My Thoughts: Absolutely Wonderful

Just when I thought this series couldn't get any better, Chasing Daniel's Daughter proved me wrong. It is absolutely wonderful! 

We get to know Martha Jane, M.J., as a wonderful, caring soul who sees the good in everything. We also meet Sam, a true gentleman who is more than his family name suggests. What begins as two people who know each other but don't know each other well eventually morphs into a sweet friendship and more. 

One of the ways their relationship develops is through their conversations, which are deep, heartfelt, honest, playful, and even painful, allowing me to gain insight into the characters and feel all the emotions and situations they experience. Their developing relationship also shows how love, faith, and giving up what we thought was the plan for our lives work together to help us follow God's plan for us. 

The story is sweet, inspirational, full of hope, and deeply heartfelt, and I highly recommend it. 

I received an advance copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.

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About the Author:  Mindy Steele

Raised in Kentucky timber country, Steele is a best-selling and award-winning author who writes in favor of her rural surroundings. Winner of the 2022 and 2024 FHL Reader’s Choice award, Steele has been a welcomed addition to the Amish genre. Her knowledge and admiration for the Amish credits her ability to understand boundaries, and customs, giving her readers an inside view of the Plain life. Her accidental debut into romantic suspense proves she is a writer of words and a storyteller at heart. Her books are peppered with humor, and sprinkled with grace, charming all the senses to make you laugh, cry, hold your breath, and root for the happy ever after ending.



Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Taken By Storm (Gift Shop Mysteries Book 6) by Jan Fields

Book Details: 

Title: Taken By Storm

Series: Gift Shop Mysteries Book 6

Author: Jan Fields

Publisher: Guideposts

Release Date: September 22, 2026

Pages: 288  

Genre: Christian/Cozy Mysteries

Book Description:

When Sarah Morgan and her aunt Nessie attend a lecture about unsolved mysteries in Port Huron, they are fascinated by the tale of a historical kidnapping. The lecturer, Beth Mansfield, is a descendant of Catherine, the woman who escaped her captors. The next day, Sarah is surprised when Beth shows up at Heavenly Presents to continue the story. The dying Catherine entrusted her daughter with a necklace to be given to someone named Rose, but neither Catherine’s daughter nor any of her descendants have been able to find the mysterious recipient. Can Sarah finally solve this long-standing mystery?

Meanwhile, Sarah is committed to serving her community and asks to have an Abundant Blessings Cupboard placed outside her shop. It isn’t long until the small food pantry is vandalized. Why would anyone target something that helps others? Sarah is determined to find the person responsible for this unconscionable crime.

My Thoughts: Delightful

Taken By Storm is a delightful cozy mystery that immediately captivated me. It actually has two mysteries that need solving, which made it even more intriguing.  

The story flawlessly blends mystery, faith, family, and a touch of romance. It flows smoothly between past and present, offering many more clues to the puzzle. As I turned the pages, it kept me guessing as I attempted to piece together the puzzle. 

While this is book six in the Gift Shop Mysteries series and can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend the entire series, especially if cozy mysteries are your thing. You won't be disappointed.

Thank you to NetGalley and Guideposts for providing me with an advance copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.

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About the Author:  Jan Fields

Jan Fields is the author of dozens of cozy mysteries, women’s fiction, and romantic suspense novels. She’s also written for Christian magazines for both children and adults. Her favorite stories always include a little adventure and suspense. 

Though born in sunny Florida, Jan grew up in the mountains of North Carolina, where storytelling is an enduring art form. Now she lives in rural Connecticut, where she gardens with her husband, pokes around all the thrift stores with her daughter, and spends the chilly winter months with a story and a good puzzle.



Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Christmas in Chestnut Crossing: Four Holiday Tales by Amy Clipston, Tia McCollors, Shaen Layle, Heidi Chiavaroli, Guideposts

Book Details: 

Title: Christmas in Chestnut Crossing: Four Holiday Tales 

Authors: Amy Clipston, Tia McCollors, Shaen Layle,                                                    Heidi Chiavaroli

Publisher: Guideposts

Release Date: October 13, 2026

Pages: 304  

Genre: Christian Holiday Fiction

Book Description:

Christmas in Chestnut Crossing is a charming, gift-sized book, filled with inspiring, uplifting, and thought-provoking holiday stories to put you in the Christmas spirit throughout the season.

Inside, discover four heartwarming Christmas stories:

  • A long-awaited reunion: When Sadie Wingate comes face-to-face with someone she had nearly given up hope of reconnecting with, she discovers that forgiveness may be the greatest gift of all.
  • A sweet second chance: Gloria Quincy, a widowed baker rebuilding her life in a new town, finds unexpected joy―and a second chance at belonging―when the holiday baking contest she sponsors leads to new friendships and hope.
  • An unexpected Christmas mystery: When her holiday plans fall through, Ella Hart, a disappointed bookstore owner, finds meaning―and a touch of mystery―when her path crosses with a stranger just passing through town.
  • A Christmas wish waiting to be fulfilled: Deborah Morris finds a decades-old wish inside a Christmas card tucked into the market’s donation box and embarks on a mission to fulfill it.

My Thoughts: Absolutely Awesome!

Christmas in Chestnut Crossing is an absolutely awesome collection of four stories set in a small town during the Christmas season.

The stories have various messages, which include faith, hope, healing, friendship, family, community, and even a touch of mystery. The stories are so heartfelt and deeply touching. 

Although each story has a different author, they blend flawlessly in theme, setting, and even characters.  The collection captivated me with its perfect melding of stories and heartwarming themes, making it a fantastic read that I highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and Guideposts for providing me with an advance copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.

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Authors:   

Amy Clipston:  

Shaen Layle:

Friday, October 9, 2026

Around the World: Bilingual Tour of Unique Animals-Alrededor del Mundo: Recorrido Bilingüe de Animales Únicos by Anna Blankenship, Illustrated by Amanda Marques

Book Details: 

Title: Around the World: Bilingual Tour of Unique Animals                 Alrededor del Mundo:Recorrido Bilingüe de Animales Únicos 

Series: Around the World English/Spanish Book 2

Author: Anna Blankenship

Publisher: Literacy Me

Release Date: October 20, 2026

Reading Age: 4-8 years

Pages: 38  

Genre: Children's Nonfiction/Multicultural Interest

Book Description:

Around the World: Bilingual Tour of Unique Animals takes young readers on a fun journey across the globe to meet fascinating animals and discover the special places they call home.

From rainforest
sloths and colorful toucans to Arctic polar bears and Australian kangaroos, children will explore what makes each animal unique while reading in both English and Spanish.

Each animal includes simple bilingual text and
three highlighted vocabulary words paired with small matching images to help children connect, practice, and remember new words.

Perfect for curious kids, bilingual families, classrooms, homeschool learning, and young animal lovers.

Un libro bilingüe en inglés y español para pequeños exploradores que aman los animales y aprender nuevas palabras.

My Thoughts: Great!

This is such a great book! I shared it with my 9-year-old grandson, and he agreed. He said the illustrations were nice, the information was interesting, and he learned about some animals he didn't know about. He is bilingual, and he enjoyed reading it in English and Spanish. I agree wholeheartedly and think it would be a wonderful resource for a bilingual classroom or any other bilingual setting. It is a great tool for practicing both languages and is loaded with great information. Although the book is suggested for ages 4-8, I feel it is appropriate for up to age 12. I highly recommend it. 

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.

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About the Author:  Anna Blankenship

Anna is a bilingual mom of three boys who love books! She studies bilingualism while working on her dissertation and has always found the value two languages bring to enriching her life. With simple writings in her children's books, she offers visual ways to connect two languages while making it fun for both child and parent!

The joy she found in her son's English and Italian book inspired her to create the same magic for other families. She hopes to continue to write books where children can connect with their parents and their culture. 



Celebrate Puerto Rico!: The Island of Enchantment by Claribel Cora Rodríguez

Book Details: 

Title: Celebrate Puerto Rico: The Island of Enchantment 

Author: Claribel Cora Rodríguez

Publisher: Capstone Press

Release Date: January 1, 2027

Pages: 36

Reading Age: 8-12 years old  

Genre: Children's Nonfiction/Travel

Book Description:

Welcome to the Island of Enchantment! Young readers will become immersed in the natural beauty, colorful culture, and rich history of this treasured Caribbean territory. The diverse culture and traditions of Puerto Ricans are highlighted, giving readers a glimpse into their daily lives. Plentiful activities, including crafts and dances, bring the culture to life, and entertaining sidebars feature Puerto Rico's symbols, famous people, and more. An authentic-voice author provides credibility and genuine insight into the vibrant island territory.

My Thoughts: Fantastic

This fantastic book is packed with valuable information about Puerto Rico. The layout and format are easy to follow. Beautiful photographs, step-by-step instructions for activities, fun facts, a quiz, and a recipe greatly enhance the story. 

I shared the book with my grandson. He found it fascinating and learned a lot from reading it.

This would be a wonderful book for any classroom or home library, and I highly recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.

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About the Author: Claribel Cora Rodríguez

Claribel Cora Rodríguez was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and her master’s degree in reading instruction from the University of Puerto Rico. She discovered her passion for children’s literature while in college, and has worked as a teacher for more than 10 years. Currently, Claribel teaches Spanish to fourth-grade students as part of a dual-language immersion program in Georgia. She loves working with her students’ families and helping them feel confident speaking and learning a second language. 

Monday, September 21, 2026

A Lighthouse Legacy (Gift Shop Mysteries Book 5) by Jo James

Book Details: 

Title: A Lighthouse Legacy 

Series: Gift Shop Mysteries Book 5

Author: Jo James

Publisher: Guideposts

Release Date: September 22, 2026

Pages: 288  

Genre: Christian Mystery/Cozy Mysteries

Book Description:

Gift shop owner Sarah Morgan is helping Justine Hendricks, a young scholar, with a research project—but then a nineteenth-century logbook and diary entrusted to the student disappear! Since Justine is part of a group volunteering at the Port Hope Lighthouse, there are plenty of nearby suspects who could be responsible for the theft. To make matters worse, rumors are swirling that the lighthouse is haunted—a thing Sarah doesn’t believe for a moment.

Soon Sarah and Justine are drawn into the compelling story of a nineteenth-century woman who may well have been Michigan’s first official female lighthouse keeper. Sarah will need all her sleuthing skills if she is to uncover the surprising connections between the modern-day theft, the strange happenings at the lighthouse, and this dauntless woman from the past.

My Thoughts: Wonderful Cozy Mystery

A Lighthouse Legacy is a wonderful cozy mystery that kept me guessing the entire time. The dual timeline is fascinating and really helps pull the story together. The pacing is just right, and the character interactions show a wonderful community and add much to the story. It blends intrigue, faith, humor, and a touch of romance, making the book a truly enjoyable read. 

If you enjoy cozy mysteries, this one is definitely for you. While it is part of the Gift Shop Mysteries Series, you can read it as a standalone. However, I highly recommend the entire series. You won't be disappointed.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.