I hope that you are taking time today to worship the One who freed you from sin and established you as His beloved child. God bless you today and always.
Jesus Paid It All-Lydia Walker
The Old Rugged Cross-Alan Jackson
Author: vicklea
I love to read! I’m a retired teacher with a spouse of 45 years, three amazing children and nine wonderful grandchildren. I am blessed!
Paying a Debt
God warns us in His Word not to go into debt because then we are a slave to that person to whom we owe money. After decades of working on paying bills, getting out of debt and then falling right back into it again when an emergency of some sort arises, I know without a doubt that debt is not a good thing.
It’s always a good feeling to pay off a loan or a bill and know that money can be used for something else, hopefully a better choice than another debt. I don’t know many people who have had their loans and credit card bills paid off by a friend or family member. The rule seems to be that you get into and out of debt by yourself. But there is a huge exception.
Our sin is a debt that we can never repay, a chasm between us and our Creator who did not create us to be separated from Him by our own foolish choices to sin. So, He Himself provided a way for our debts to be paid once and for all. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, our debt is paid in full. We can go boldly before God’s throne, knowing that the price is paid and that we are accepted by Him because of the sacrifice of Jesus. When Jesus said, “It is finished,” He was saying that the debt was paid in full. There is no daily sacrifice or burnt offering necessary for us. He paid it all, so to Him we owe our lives, our everything that we will be and all that we are able to do to accomplish His purpose for us…we owe it all to Jesus. He is not a slave master but calls us His friends and His brothers. We are the children of God because He stood in the gap and paid the high cost of sin for us. Thanks be to God for His plan, His willingness to give His Son to sacrifice for us, and His great love for each of us!
Whispering Tree
bigskybuckeye.com/2026/03/12/whispering-tree/
Please go to the original post, like and follow. Richard does a wonderful and inspiring job of expressing how I feel about spring.
Review of EYEWITNESS SKETCH by Danielle Grandinetti
About the Book
Published by Hearth Spot Press
© 2026 Danielle Grandinetti
Kindle ISBN: 978-1-956098-51-8
ASIN: B0FJK7ZDMN
EPUB ISBN: 978-1-956098-52-5
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-956098-53-2
CHICAGO, Ill., 1931—Gabriella Salatino, an illustrative journalist for the Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency, never planned to return to her island home at the tip of Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula. Nor did she plan to witness a murder. But when her life is threatened, she has no choice but to hide out under the protective care of the man she left behind.
Deputy Andri Jóhannsson has been coming to Gabby’s rescue his entire life, but having her in his secluded home tests the limits of his patience. The woman has no sense of self-preservation, and he has a smuggling ring to ferret out. Except, her skill with sketchpad and pencils might be the very investigative tool he needs in order to catch the bootleggers.
With a murderer on her trail and criminals evading detection, Gabriella and Andri must set aside the past or risk its eruption. Because this time, the collateral damage might include more than losing their friendship. It might cost them the lives of those they love.
La Verità con Integrità. Truth with Integrity. The Legacy of a (Girl) Stunt Reporter.
Read the Whole Series (does not need to be read in order)
Prequel: 1892 – Undercover Wish
Book 1: 1931 – Eyewitness Sketch
Book 2: 1932 – Sabotage Games
Book 3: 1932 – Shrouded Trail
Book 4: 1933 – Fraudulent Progress
Book 5: 1935 – Pursuing Dust
Book 6: 1936 – Hostile Ally
My Thoughts
With a fast pace and a story that begs to be read in one sitting, this book presents Gabriella Salatino, an artist whose life is in danger because she can sketch the scenes of a crime. Escaping to the small island where she was raised, Gabriella is put into the protective custody of a previous beau, Andri Johannsson. Andri is tasked with keeping the reluctant Gabby safe even as the two of them work to uncover who is behind the death of her good friend back in Chicago. Gabby is a talented artist with en eye for details and Andri is an observant and determined investigator who is good at following and clues and solving mysteries. Together, the two of them made a formidable pair and an absorbing tale of romantic suspense. The action engaging, the characters are believable and the suspense is compelling. The DiStasio Giournaliste Agency has a home in my heart and on my bookshelf with stories that are clean, easy to read and totally entertaining.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
About the Author
Danielle Grandinetti is an award-winning author of 1930s historical romance, where mystery and suspense intertwine with hope. Her work has received recognition, including a Distinguished Faith in Writing Award, two National Excellence in Storytelling Awards, and finalist honors in the FHLCW Reader’s Choice, Selah, Holt Medallion, and Daphne du Maurier contests.
A second-generation Italian-American rooted in Midwest traditions, Danielle draws inspiration from tea, books, and the creative beauty of nature. Holding a master’s in communication and culture, and driven by a lifelong love of stories, she crafts tales that celebrate resilience, diversity, and belonging. Danielle lives along Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan shoreline with her husband and two sons. Find her online at daniellegrandinetti.com.
Purchase Links
Recognizing God’s Leader
narrowpathministries.wordpress.com/2026/03/10/recognizing-gods-leader/
Go to the original post, comment, follow and then remember to appreciate your pastor. God puts them in place to lead you, not to be criticized by you because they aren’t perfect.
Have a blessed day!
Review of THE LIAR’S TREASURE by Connie Mann and Q and A with the Author
About the Book
ISBN-13:9781496487445
Publisher:Tyndale House Publishers
Publication date:03/10/2026
Series:A Speranza Team Novel , #2
Pages:368
Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble)
Camille Abernathy ignored rumors of The Liar’s Treasure and her family’s connection to it . . . until someone put a target on her daughter’s back. Growing up in New Orleans, such tall tales were as common as beignets and gumbo. But when Camille’s teenage daughter, Cass, posts pictures of a centuries—old diary her uncle gave her, she unwittingly attracts dozens of treasure hunting fanatics who are convinced Cass and the diary can lead them to a valuable cache.
To keep her daughter safe, Camille enlists the help of Speranza, a secret society always ready to help women in need. Together, they set out on a globe—trotting journey to find The Liar’s Treasure while also investigating a suspicious death related to Camille’s childhood friend. The deeper they dig, the more they suspect it’s all connected.
Chasing clues from New Orleans to Italy to the Bahamas, Camille and her friends receive unexpected assistance—and unwanted competition—from a handsome treasure hunter from Camille’s past. Then Cass is kidnapped, and finding the treasure truly becomes a matter of life and death.
My Thoughts
This intriguing and captivating story took me on a delightfully wild ride as the Speranza Society is seeking a long-lost treasure, fighting off the bad guys repeatedly and trying to protect endangered family members, too. They do all this as they travel from one exotic location to another, use their Speranza sources and call on their computer guru Picasso each time the need arises. This is like a mixture of Indiana Jones meets a group of female James Bond-types, but without the steamy scenes or the cocktails. With a firm foundation of faith and a fast pace that kept me on the edge of my seat, this novel was an amazingly original story. It even included a little romance along with the sword fights, rappelling, rescuing and figuring out clues. My favorite character was Gran, a feisty Speranza Society member who is ready for the challenge of taking care of her granddaughter Cass while her daughter Camille goes to seek the treasure. There is even a swashbuckling hero who also wants the treasure, but he may want Camille in his life even more than the riches. As I said, there’s romance brewing along with the danger and plenty of engaging dialogue between the characters as they risk their lives for an unidentified treasure. The story is mesmerizing, the characters are relatable and dynamic and the entire novel was a pleasure to read. If I could give it more than five stars, I would since I don’t remember the last time I raced so quickly through a book just to find out how it would end. Where this book is concerned, sleep is highly overrated!
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
About the Author
Connie Mann loves taking readers on heart-pounding, suspense-filled adventures featuring strong, determined women who fight for what they believe – and for those they love. She is the author of the Speranza Team novels, the Florida Wildlife Warriors series, the Safe Harbor series, and several stand-alone titles. She is also a USCG-licensed boat captain and gets to introduce Florida visitors to dolphins and manatees, which is as much fun as it sounds. Visit her online at: www.conniemann.com.
Questions and Answers with the Author
What kind of research did you do for this book? What was the most interesting thing you discovered in your research? Have you traveled to the exotic locales in your Speranza series?
The Liar’s Treasure is, at its heart, a treasure hunt and I had a blast researching what items people consider “treasure” and some of the clever, creative and often downright scary devices, traps and gimmicks they’ve used to hide and protect their valuables from those who want to get their hands on them. It was great fun!
I’m delighted that I’ve been able to visit most, if not all, of the locations I used in the Speranza team series. Choosing just the right settings for my stories is important to me and being able to bring them to life for my readers is one of my favorite parts of the writing process.
When did you know that you wanted to be an author?
I’ve always been an avid reader and penned my first story in 3rdgrade, an epic tale about my hamster. After college, I wrote non-fiction; lots of marketing materials and parenting articles before I mustered up the courage to try my hand at fiction. It took years of writing and dozens of rejection letters before my first novel was published in 2009. The Liar’s Treasure is my 10thpublished novel, something I’m very excited about.
What is your writing process like? Do you know the ending when you start writing?
Every writer’s process is different, but I am a plot-first writer. The action elements of the story are what I imagine first, like a movie playing in my head. The characters become 3-dimensional and get fleshed out as I write and get to know them. I always know WHAT the ending will be, even if I don’t quite know HOW; otherwise, I can’t start writing, any more than I can get in my car without knowing where I’m going. The ending is my guide.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not writing or reading a book?
Besides writing, I’m also a USCG-licensed boat captain and get to introduce Florida visitors to dolphins and manatees, which is great fun. Hubby and I love to travel and explore new places, especially in our RV and even more so if our travels include a visit with our two adorable grandsons.
If you could travel to any place in the world and cost was not a problem, where would you go and why?
I want to see all of it! If cost was not an issue, I would book an around-the-world trip so I could see as much as I could, experience different cultures, architecture and terrain, taste the cuisine, meet the people.
Thanks so much for the chance to be your guest and visit with your readers. I enjoyed it very much.
Purchase Links (Preorder TODAY! Releases tomorrow)
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LJtWBa
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/3WKcMFS
Christian Book: https://bit.ly/4nQe7Xb
God Is Faithful
This beautiful verse can also be prayed. I plan to add it to my memory verses and pray it daily.
Our very finite minds cannot fathom the faithfulness of God. He never sleeps, slumbers, changes or lies. He always keeps His promises…always.
If you are having difficulty trusting God and waiting in His waiting room, just add your name to the comments and I commit to praying for you. No matter the problem or trial or temptation, God is always faithful.
Review: The Bookstore Diaries by Susan Mallery
About the Book
ISBN-13:9781335629708
Publisher:MIRA Books
Publication date:03/03/2026
Pages:384
Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble)
Jax has a slight issue with control—as in, she needs it. Always. Too bad she has power only over the Painted Lady Bookstore, the Victorian mansion turned bookshop she inherited. No one else listens to a word she says. Her ex gets engaged for questionable reasons. Her beloved sister, Ryleigh, wants to move away to find a husband. And the handsome contractor Jax has chosen to convince Ryleigh to stay is only interested in Jax.
Still, she’s living the bookworm dream—until an unhappy accident erases the names from the bookshop lockboxes where the town keeps their diaries. Which means the only way to find a diary’s owner is…to read it.
As secrets spill and scandals surface, life at the Painted Lady Bookstore gets a lot more colorful and chaotic. But for a woman who’s always had to take charge, Jax will see that losing control—especially with the right wrong guy—can set you free.
My Thoughts
This novel is more than a romance since it also includes some valuable life lessons and insights on what not to do if you want to have a successful relationship. It had me in stitches during the back-and-forth banter between the characters. It also included a favorite character who was not human but rather Ramon the parrot. I never knew what Ramon would do or say next, but suffice it to say that the author gave that bird some personality with a capital “P.” I think that this is one of the best books by this talented author that I have ever read, with a depth to it that drew me into the story quickly and a delightfully readable plot, switching between the main characters and their individual dilemmas. Jax is a control freak, so relationships with her are tough. That may be the reason that her closest friend seems to be Ramon, her parrot. Ryleigh is her younger sister, a teacher who doesn’t want to grow old alone so she is trying to decide whether to move or not in order to find love and start a family. The secondary characters are equally engaging, with Shawna as the fiancée of Jax’s ex-husband, a nice girl who has no idea what she is getting herself into when she accepts Harris’s proposal. I really liked the custody agreement that Jax and Harris have so that their children can stay in their home and the parents take turns living with them. Those scenes showed that divorce can be amicable if not totally agreeable. The entire book was fun to read, with appealing characters, a charming setting (who wouldn’t love a bookstore in a Victorian house) and a little tease of a mystery about the diaries that are kept in the bookstore, with some startling revelations that occur as a result of the renovation in the bookstore. This book is a slam dunk success with me, from beginning to end. I was invested in the lives of each believable character, even the ones I didn’t like much. I was absorbed by the threads of the dual storylines and loved how the author wove them together even as they seemed to be tearing apart. This book has a well-crafted and charming plot and was such an enjoyable read that I am enjoying just picking it up again and reading sections over and over, just to get another laugh from such a refreshing and warm-hearted novel.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
About the Author
SUSAN MALLERY is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that shape women’s lives—family, friendship, romance. Library Journalsays, “Mallery is the master of blending emotionally believable characters in realistic situations,” and readers seem to agree—40 million copies of her books have sold worldwide. Her warm, humorous stories make the world a happier place to live. She’s passionate about animal welfare, which shows in the many quirky animal characters she has created.
Susan grew up in California and now lives in Seattle with her husband. Website: Susan Mallery.com
Purchase Links
Sharing Your Burden
Where you go when you fall determines how you rise again.
I really wanted to start with that today. ☺️
Because I’m always impressed by how honest the Bible is when it tells stories about heroes of faith. It doesn’t pretend these people were superhumanly strong or emotionless. Instead, it shows us where they brought their very human feelings.
Daniel was no exception. He wasn’t unshakable, but he was deeply anchored.
When Daniel 10 describes how he mourned for three weeks, ate no rich food, and collapsed in exhaustion, we see a man who was overwhelmed. BUT, look closely:
He didn’t complain horizontally—he cried out vertically! He didn’t throw himself at the feet of his friends—he threw himself before God!
And because of that, something incredible happens: God Himself strengthens him.
An angel tells him, “Daniel, you are very precious to God…” (Daniel 10:11, NLT)
Wouldn’t you want to experience that too?
Deeply challenging seasons are often moments when people may not be able to reach your heart… But God can! ❤️ Daniel shows us a spiritual principle we often forget:
People can walk beside you on the outside, but only God can restore you on the inside.
Yes, we need friends. Don’t get me wrong. But we also need a place where we are truly allowed to fall while already knowing with certainty: here, I won’t just fall… here, I will rise again!
Maybe you’re thinking right now, “I can’t—and I don’t want to—always be strong.” Then please hear this: you don’t have to be. You only need to know where you’re bringing your weakness today.
Because one thing is certain: where you go when you fall determines how you rise again.
You can be sure of this: God loves you too.
And, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” (Isaiah 40:29, NIV)
You are a miracle!
Here’s the link to the original devotional and information about the author:
A Miracle Every Day: Deborah Rosencrantz
My Thoughts
As someone who has fallen a great deal (physically), I can tell you that I think this is a wonderful analogy. No matter who is walking beside me, I can still fall, and not gracefully either. How I get up again takes a lot of maneuvering with chairs, canes and even my walker.
The spiritual analogy is spot-on accurate. No matter how far away you turn from God, you always have to turn back. He will help you get up again and face whatever the future brings if you just take things to Him to help you handle them. God brings complete restoration, not a band-aid to our problems. He understands that we are human and make dumb choices at times, but He also has a plan for that. It’s called kneeling at the cross, repenting and asking Him to help you get up again.
Vickie's Book Nook and Meditation Corner 