About Me I am a retired librarian and I now support books and authors through my reviews.

I have always loved to read and I was able to share that love through my work as a public librarian for 22 1/2 years. I now promote literacy by reading, and then writing reviews. I love to support authors by sharing my reviews with others!

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Wisdom of an Elder: Weekly Devotionals to Help You Reach Heaven by Larry Scanlan

Wisdom of an Elder: Weekly Devotionals to Help You Reach Heaven
ABOUT THE BOOK

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”
Matthew 24:35

As he is approaches becoming an octogenarian, “elder statesman” Larry Scanlan wishes to share the wisdom he has learned through the years on work, family and friends, and how to live life in this world to ensure we get to eternal life in the next. He has found one amazing tenet to be studying the Bible, God’s word, is the key.

So why read the Bible?

Surveys released in 2025 on the Bible reading habits of Americans indicate thirty-seven percent read their Bible once a week. Almost two-thirds of Bible readers find more peace after reading, and eighty-seven percent feel encouraged. The largest increase in Bible reading habits came from Millennials and Gen Z generations. Half of those surveyed wish they read their Bible more. But only ten percent read their Bible every day.
These weekly devotionals will encourage and challenge you to read your Bible more, if not every day, just as we eat and drink every day. The Bible has been around for thousands of years and always will be, just as Jesus said. Why has it survived never-ending attempts to marginalize it? Because of the powerful impact reading and studying it has on the way people live and interact.

Sometimes humorous, at times heart-tugging and humble, these weekly devotionals are written with poignant reflections on faith, family and friends. After all, at the end of life, what else really matters? Each will direct you to God’s word, which will then point you to Jesus and how to accept his offer of life in heaven, while positively impacting your daily way of living.



MY THOUGHTS.....

The title of this book couldn't be more fitting! Author Larry Scanlon is almost 80 years old, and over 65 years of his life have been spent as a Christian. He's been able to read God's Word many times, and he firmly believes that Bible study is the key to achieving every Christian's goal: eternal life!

Wisdom of an Elder
is a collection of 52 devotions, one for each week of the year. Each devotion is a cornucopia of scripture, personal recollections, and 'good old common sense'. Scanlon's writing is articulate. enlightening, and often conversational. I was encouraged to dig deeper into God's Word and challenged to make a difference each week!

I received a complimentary copy from the author through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.



My rating: 4 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Larry Scanlan, CPA, FHFMA, has worked as a CFO and CEO of several hospitals and as a President and Managing Director of multiple national consulting firms. He is the author of the book, Business Practices, Biblical Promises, and a contributor to Upper Room Magazine.

In addition, Larry currently serves on the board of directors for a college in Pennsylvania and for a healthcare system in Maryland. He has also served in the role as board chairman for both of these organizations and as a deacon and trustee at various churches. He and his wife live in Harford County, Maryland.

Monday, March 2, 2026

Amelia's March Arrangement (An Amish Romance Birthday Series, #3) by Mindy Steele

Amelia's March Arrangement (An Amish Romance Birthday Series, #3)
ABOUT THE BOOK

One funeral. Three orphaned boys. And two hearts torn between duty and desire. 

Owen Miller had no plans in returning to Cherry Grove, Kentucky until now. At the wake of his brother’s funeral, Owen discovers three young nephews need him to stay as well as the young aunt now responsible for them. He will do his part, for a time, but his life isn’t here anymore.

Amelia Delagrange lost more than a sister. She lost her best friend. No one knew her heart like Mary did. Now with three boys needing her, Amelia must muster up the strength to become a mother to them. She cannot let their uncle take them, even if her only option is to marry a man she doesn’t love. What choice does she have?

One quick decision is about to change the lives of many.






MY THOUGHTS.....

Almost five years ago, after reading her debut novel, I predicted that Mindy Steele had a bright future as an author. Believe me, I was right! Her latest book is a heartwarming story filled with love of family, faith in God, and hope for the future. It is also a realistic portrayal of immense loss as two relatives step up to honor their loved ones. Would the Amish community accept that an unmarried woman was now the sole provider for her orphaned nephews? Could Owen's temporary visit to Cherry Grove become an answer to Amelia's dilemma?

I admired Amelia's bravery as she faced her new responsibilities, but it was her unwavering acceptance of God's plan that touched my heart. How many of us would be willing to accept an arrangement that might bring heartache? And then there's Owen! His return to Cherry Grove was filled with painful memories, but he didn't run and hide. We should all be so blessed to have someone like him in our lives!

I loved the character development, the inclusion of several beloved characters from Steele's previous novels, and the special Kentucky setting, but the highlight was the special chemistry between Amelia and Owen! I highly recommend Amelia's March Arrangement to all who enjoy Amish Christian romance.

I received a complimentary ARC from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars





ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Raised in Kentucky timber country, Steele writes Amish Romance peppered in humor, using her rural surroundings as her muse. She is a best-selling author and the winner of the 2022 FHLCW Reader's Choice award for sweet romance. Steele creates realistic characters for her readers and believes in engaging all the senses to make you laugh, cry, hold your breath, and root for the happy-ever-after ending. Readers can find themselves, somewhere within the pages of her Amish fiction or romantic suspense novels.

Learn more by visiting Mindy's Website
You can also follow her on Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter