Book Reviews

Book Review: Broncos and Ballads by Jody Hedlund

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Soulful country singer meets beautiful model! Broncos and Ballads is a heartwarming story about two people finding something real...

Gena Bessire

Book Review: Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ What can I say except—oh my goodness, Pepper's done it again! This Regency story is brimming with heart, humor, and a good dose of...

Gena Bessire

Book Review: Spurs and Sparks by Jody Hedlund

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Grumpy cowboy meets sassy, sunshine nurse! Spurs and Sparks is full of heart, hope, and a sweet love story that made me smile...

Gena Bessire

Book Review: The Highland Heist by Pepper Basham

Book Blurb: Grace Storms a Scottish Castle to Save her Sister Lord Astley surprises his wife with a trip to America to see her family...

Gena Bessire

Book Review: Two Seconds Too Late by Dani Pettrey

Book Blurb: A missing woman. Two hit men. When every second counts, who will survive? In the stark but beautiful wilds of northern New...

Gena Bessire

Book Review: Everything's Coming Up Rosie by Courtney Walsh

Book Blurb: Sometimes what you think you want and what you actually want turn out to be different things . . . Rosie Waterman has one...

Gena Bessire

Book Review: The Collector of Burned Books by Roseanna M. White

Book Blurb: In this gripping World War II historical about the power of words, two people form an unlikely friendship amid the Nazi...

Gena Bessire

Book Review: Uneasy Street by Becky Wade

Book Blurb: Christy Award Hall of Fame Author Once upon a time Max Cirillo and Sloane Madison were close friends and business partners....

Gena Bessire

Book Review: The Other Sister by Jessica R. Patch

Book Blurb: She thought she was the only one lying about her identity. Until she stepped into her sister’s life. Charlotte Kane has...

Gena Bessire

Book Review: Some Like It Scot by Pepper Basham

Book Blurb: She lives her life on the fly. His heart is double-knotted to home. Can two different souls create a life together? Popular...

Gena Bessire

Book Review: The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson

Book Blurb: She's written dozens of smash hit romance novels. Too bad no one knows it. Aspiring author Bryony Page attends her first...

Gena Bessire

Book Review: With This Ring by Amy Clipston

Book Blurb: Dakota Jamison spends her days making brides’ dreams come true. But when will the time finally come for her own storybook...

Gena Bessire

Book Review: Fiance Finale by Angela Ruth Strong

Book Blurb: Charlie Newberg is sure about one thing: Nicole Lemaire is the woman God wants him to marry. There's a slight problem,...

Gena Bessire

Book Review: Courting the Country Preacher

Book Blurb: Every Preacher Needs a Wife, Right? Being a preacher in the countryside is not for the faint of heart nor faith. Four...

Gena Bessire

Book Review: Hunted For The Holidays By Deena Alexander

Book Blurb: Keeping out of sight is the only way to stay alive. When Shae Evans spots a familiar face at a Christmas pageant, she knows...

Gena Bessire

Book Review: Hope Like Wildflowers by Pepper Basham

Book Blurb: An Appalachian Girl Seeks a Place to Belong Return to the mountains of 1910s Appalachia with beloved author Pepper Basham to...

Gena Bessire

Book Review: Saved by the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund

Book Blurb: After her annulment is finalized, Enya Shanahan finds herself caught in a web of scandal and obligation while carrying a...

Gena Bessire

Book Review: The Cloverton Charade by Sarah E. Ladd

Book Blurb: A long-held family feud reignites when two rival antiquities brokers arrive at the same house party in Regency England....

Gena Bessire

Book Review: Cole and Laila Are Just Friends: A Love Story by Bethany Turner

Book Blurb : Cole and Laila have been inseparable since they could crawl. And they've never thought about each other that way. Except for...

Gena Bessire

Book Review: His Treasured Bride By Patti Stockdale (Jody Hedlund)

Book Blurb: In twenty-four hours, marriage, mystery, and mayhem. After recently arriving in Vancouver Island on a bride ship, aspiring...

Gena Bessire

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“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of our God endures forever.” 🌿✨
—Isaiah 40:8

Verse of the Day via @YouVersion

#Isaiah408 #BibleVerse #ScriptureOfTheDay #EnduringWord #FaithInGod

Late-season beans—and they’re still coming! 🌱💜

#GardenHarvest #LateSeason #FreshFromTheGarden #HomegrownGoodness #VeggieLove #WritersLife #WritingCommunity #WritingGarden

❤Happy Release Day, @pepperbasham !!!❤

Such an excellent read! See my review for more details: https://www.genabessire.com/post/book-review-sense-and-suitability-by-pepper-basham

Request it from your local library or order it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0840717067/

#bookstagram #releaseday #christianfiction #bookreview #pepperbasham #romance #blameitonabashambook #cleanreads

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Pepper Basham and Thomas Nelson Fiction. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

It’s National Dessert Day! 🍰🍪🍩 We’re headed into apple season, which brings apple crisp to the top of my list. What’s your favorite dessert? 🍎✨

If you're interested in my family's go-to Apple Crisp recipe, check it out here ➡️ https://www.genabessire.com/recipes/family-favorite-apple-crisp-cobbler

#NationalDessertDay #SweetTooth #DessertLovers #AppleCrispSeason #SweetCelebration #WritersLife #WritingCommunity

“You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand.” ✨

—Deuteronomy 11:18

Verse of the Day via @YouVersion

#Deuteronomy1118 #BibleVerse #ScriptureOfTheDay #FaithJourney #GodsWord

Hydrangeas in their late-summer glow—soft whites with just a kiss of pink. 🌸💚

#HydrangeaLove #GardenBeauty #FlowerMagic #BloomsOfInstagram #NatureInspires #WritersLife #WritingCommunity #WritersGarden

I definitely don’t have a favorite cat…but if I did, this guy would be in the running. He loves to join me on my garden walks—talking the whole way and trying his best to trip me. 🐾🌱

#CatCompanion #GardenBuddy #TalkativeCat #CatPerson #LifeWithCats #WritersLife #WritingCommunity

“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

-- Romans 5:8 (ESV)

Verse of the Day via @YouVersion

#Romans58 #BibleVerse #GodsLove #ChristDiedForUs #ScriptureOfTheDay

I saw that it was International Coffee Day…so I googled it, and there’s no International Pepsi Day. Now I’m sad. 🥤😢

This pic is from our Hawaii trip last year when we were touring the Battleship Missouri Memorial at Pearl Harbor, and the kids insisted I needed a picture of this vintage Pepsi dispenser. 😁 So cool! 🌺🥤🇺🇸

#PepsiLove #SodaLife #StillBetterThanCoffee #TeamPepsi #PepsiForever #MyCoffeeOfChoice #WritersLife #Pepsi

Just a girl and her cat, soaking up a quiet afternoon together. Makes me want to sit down and write their story. 🐾✍️

#CatLove #CozyMoments #WritingInspiration #CatLife #PeacefulVibes #WritersLife #writinginspiration #WritersCommunity

Coming October 14!!!! 🥳

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sense and Suitability, another fabulous read by @pepperbasham !

What can I say except—oh my goodness, Pepper's done it again! This Regency story is brimming with heart, humor, and a good dose of romance...This story captured my heart, made me laugh, and kept me reading long past bedtime. Thank you for another delightful read. Highly recommend!

See my full review: https://www.genabessire.com/post/book-review-sense-and-suitability-by-pepper-basham

Preorder Today! https://www.amazon.com/dp/0840717067/

#bookstagram #comingsoon #christianfiction #bookreview #pepperbasham #romance #blameitonabashambook #cleanreads

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Pepper Basham and Thomas Nelson Fiction. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ...set your hearts on things above, not on earthly things.”

-- Colossians 3:1-2

Verse of the Day via @YouVersion

#Colossians312 #BibleVerse #FaithInChrist #ChristianLiving #ScriptureOfTheDay #GospelTruth #DailyScripture

We had a bounty of peaches this year, so I’m trying out drying them for the first time. 🍑✨ Have you ever tried drying peaches?

#PeachSeason #FoodPreservation #DehydratedFruit #HomemadeSnacks #FromTheGarden #WritersLife #WritersGarden #WritingCommunity

Rose of Sharon showing off its white petals and pink centers—simple beauty in the garden today. 🌸

#RoseOfSharon #GardenFlowers #FlowerLovers #NaturePhotography #BackyardBlooms #WritersLife #WritersGarden #WritingCommunity

Cat in a box! 🐈😍

#IfIFitsISits #CatInABox #BoxBoss #FelineAttitude #CatitudeInCardboard #Writerslife

"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."

-- Joshua 1:8

Verse of the Day via @YouVersion

#BibleVerse #ScriptureOfTheDay #Surrender #FaithOverFear #JesusSaves #ChristianLiving #GospelTruth #DailyScripture #WalkByFaith #TrustInGod #LivingForChrist #JesusIsLife

Pretty kitty + cozy blankets + a favored child's lap = the perfect nap combo. 😴🐾💛

#SleepyCat #CozyVibes #CatNaps #FurBabyLove #Purrfection #WritersLife

"Come to me all you who are weary and burdened. And I will give you rest."

Matthew 11:28

Verse of the Day via @YouVersion

#Matthew11 #BibleVerse #ScriptureOfTheDay #RestinChrist #JesusSaves #ChristianLiving #GospelTruth #DailyScripture #WalkByFaith #TrustInGod #LivingForChrist #JesusIsLife

For years, my husband and I have been searching for the perfect little camper—our own tiny oasis for road trips. 🚐✨ We finally found it! After swapping the Queen bed for a King 😊 -hello, cozy comfort! It’s adventure-ready and perfect for all our getaways! 🏕️💛

#CamperLife #AdventureReady #HomeOnWheels #RoadTripVibes #TinyOasis #WritersLife

Have you ever tried plum crisp? I hadn't either until we had a bumper crop of our plum-cherry hybrids. 🍒🍑 Oh my… it’s SO good! ❤️

#PlumCrisp #SummerHarvest #BumperCrop #FromTheGarden #HomemadeGoodness

"You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word."

Psalm 199:144

Verse of the Day via @YouVersion

#BibleVerse #ScriptureOfTheDay #Surrender #FaithOverFear #JesusSaves #ChristianLiving #GospelTruth #DailyScripture #WalkByFaith #TrustInGod #LivingForChrist #JesusIsLife #GodsWord #GodsPromises

Golden hour light, summer skies, and blooms that look like they’re brushed with velvet. 🌸✨ God’s artistry is everywhere. 💛

#FlowerPhotography #GardenBeauty #GodsCreation #NatureLovers #Writerslife
#GoldenHourGlow

✨ 70 pounds of peaches picked… and the tree is still loaded! 🍑😲 The girls and I spent the morning slicing, bagging, and filling the freezer so we can enjoy peachy goodness for the months to come. Grateful for this bountiful harvest! 🌿💛 #PeachSeason #HarvestJoy #GratefulHeart #WritersGarden #Writerslife #WritingCommunity

"I am sure what we are suffering now cannot compare to the GLORY that will be shown to us."

Romans 8:18

Verse of the Day via @YouVersion

#BibleVerse #ScriptureOfTheDay #Faith #FaithOverFear #JesusSaves #ChristianLiving #GospelTruth #DailyScripture #WalkByFaith #TrustInGod #LivingForChrist #JesusIsLife #GodsGlory

What is the favored dessert in our house? Blackberry Cream Cheese Pie with a Pecan Crust, it is soooo yummy!

See Recipe: https://www.genabessire.com/post/best-blackberry-cream-cheese-pie-with-nut-crust-family-favorite

#wrìterslife #favoriterecipe #familyfavorite #bestpieever #glutenfreerecipes #familyfavorite #blackberrypie #pecancrust

One of the best things in life is getting to cuddle a new kitten. He's not ours but we treasured getting to love on him. 🐈❤

#Writerslife #kittencuteness #kittensarethebest #catlover #catsofinstagram #catsoffacebook

One of our favorite parts of visiting the lake each summer is watching the thrilling storms roll through. 🌩️ We all gather on the porch overlooking the water, as sheets of rain pour down and thunder rumbles across the sky. Moments like these remind us—God is truly an amazing Creator! 💙

#LakeLife #SummerStorms #GodsCreation #stormyweather #NaturePhotography

A sweet friend let us come find a treasure from an estate sale that had ended. Can you believe no one chose this beautiful lemonade pitcher and cups? I love the beautiful hand-painted cabbage roses. ❤

#writerslife #vintagestyle #vintagevibes #flowerlover #beautifulartwork #lemonadepitcher #cabbageroses

Summer beauties! 😍 My yard is a riot of colors!

#GardenWalk #MorningMoments #FlowerLovers #LilySeason #GardenJoy #BackyardBliss #BloomAndGrow #NatureBeauty #StopAndSmellTheFlowers

'Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done."

Psalm 105:1

Verse of the Day via @YouVersion

#Psalm105 #BibleVerse #ScriptureOfTheDay #Surrender #FaithOverFear #JesusSaves #ChristianLiving #GospelTruth #DailyScripture #WalkByFaith #TrustInGod #LivingForChrist #JesusIsLife

These are my favorite snack ever! And they are only available at the Dollar Store, so when I'm lucky enough to find them there, I stock up! 😁

#writerslife #writingsnack #sotasty😋 #saltygoodness

We had a baby fawn bed down on our land. We snuck a picture of it, then gave it its space. The sweet baby was pretty sure that it was the best hider ever since we left it alone. 😂

#countrylife #writerslife #naturephotography #deersighting🦌 #countryliving

With just a month until my kiddos head back to school, I’m stepping away from social media to soak up these last sweet moments of summer with them. Wishing you all a wonderful month—see you soon! 🌞📚

#SummerBreak #FamilyFirst #VacationMode #SmallBizLife #SeeYouSoon #OutOfOffice #MakingMemories #WritersLife #MomFirst

“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Me and for the gospel will save it.” — Mark 8:35 ✝️✨

Verse of the Day via @YouVersion

#Mark835 #BibleVerse #ScriptureOfTheDay #Surrender #FaithOverFear #JesusSaves #ChristianLiving #GospelTruth #DailyScripture #WalkByFaith #TrustInGod #LivingForChrist #JesusIsLife

Started my day with a peaceful stroll through the garden — and these peonies stole the show. 🌸✨ There’s nothing like nature’s gentle reminder to pause and breathe in the beauty around us.

#Peonies #GardenWalk #MorningMoments #FlowerLovers #PeonySeason #GardenJoy #BackyardBliss #BloomAndGrow #NatureBeauty #StopAndSmellTheFlowers

He wakes himself up with the softest little meow, and if you dare say hello — he’s in your lap, sound asleep in seconds. 🐾💤

#CatLife #LapCat #SleepyKitty #FurryFriend #CatSnuggles #CuddleBuddy #CatLovers #PetLove #CatNaps #MeowMoments

“Weeping may stay overnight, but there is joy in the morning.” — Psalms 30:5 🌅✨

Verse of the Day via @YouVersion

#Psalm305 #BibleVerse #ScriptureOfTheDay #FaithOverFear #JoyInTheMorning #GodsPromises #ChristianEncouragement #HopeInJesus #BibleTruth #DailyScripture #ChristianLiving #TrustHim #JesusIsHope

Took a quiet morning stroll through my garden and the peonies absolutely stole the show. 🌸✨ Their beauty never gets old — soft petals, sweet fragrance, and a reminder to pause and savor the simple things.

#PeonySeason #MorningWalk #GardenJoy #PeoniesInBloom #SlowLiving #FlowerLovers #BackyardBliss #GardenTherapy #NatureInBloom #PeacefulMoments #FloralInspo

Sunshine, peonies, and a picket fence — my little corner of paradise in full bloom. 🌿🌸✨ There’s nothing quite like being among flowers to remind me how sweet the simple things really are.

#GardenBliss #PeonyGarden #BackyardBloom #CountryGarden #FlowerLovers #GardenInspiration #BloomAndGrow #NatureLover #SimpleJoys #GardenLife

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” — Revelation 21:4 ✨

Verse of the Day via @YouVersion

#Revelation214 #BibleVerse #Scripture #Faith #HopeInChrist #ChristianEncouragement #GodsPromises #BibleTruth #DailyScripture #ChristianLife #TrustGod #JesusIsHope #PeaceInHim

Grape-scented iris—my childhood favorite 💜
One sniff and I’m right back in the garden of my childhood. Sweet, simple memories in every bloom.

#IrisLove #GardenMemories #GrapeScentedBliss #FlowerFavorites #BackyardNostalgia #Writerslife

"I’m sorry… were you trying to do Bible study?" 😼📖
Because clearly, lap time takes priority.

#CatIntervention #BibleStudyBuddy #FelineDistractions #LapCatLife #HolyInterruptions #Writerslife

“The stone that the builders rejected became the cornerstone.”
— Mark 12:10 ✨

Verse of the Day via @YouVersion
#Cornerstone #Mark1210 #FaithInChrist #GodsPlan #ScriptureStrength #BibleVerseOfTheDay

Beautiful Korean lilac blooms in full glory! 💜
Delicate, fragrant, and absolutely enchanting—nature’s perfume at its finest.

#LilacLove #KoreanLilac #SpringBlooms #GardenMagic #FlowerJoy #Writerlife

"I’m sorry, sir… you don’t quite fit."
But does he care? Absolutely not. This box is now his throne. 🐾📦

#IfIFitsISits #CatInABox #BoxBoss #FelineAttitude #CatitudeInCardboard #Writerslife

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Freddie and Grace Mystery!!!Coming July 1st! The Highland Heist (Book 4), by @pepperbasham

I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of Freddie and Grace’s adventures. In The Highland Heist, they once again find themselves knee-deep in murder, mystery, and this time, all things Scottish. Just as they’re returning from their honeymoon, Frederick surprises Grace by rerouting their travels to America so she can visit her father, sister Lillias, and meet her new nephew. But the happy reunion they expect quickly unravels. They arrive to find the family home sold, Lillias’ husband Tony murdered under suspicious circumstances, and a Scottish barrister seeking them out to deliver surprising news: Grace and Lillias have inherited a Scottish castle from their late mother. [see full review]
https://www.genabessire.com/post/book-review-the-highland-heist-by-pepper-basham

Preorder at your favorite retailer:
https://www.amazon.com/Highland-Heist-Freddie-Grace-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0F36H5R5W/

#bookstagram #readerscommunity #bookmail #happybookmail #igreads #blameitonabashambook #freddieandgrace4ever #thehighlandheist #freddieandgrace #pepperbasham #bookstagram #christianfiction #romancenovel #mysterynovel

"Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come." – 1 Timothy 4:8 🕊️💜

Verse of the Day via @YouVersion
#FaithFirst #1Timothy48 #SpiritualGrowth #Godliness #DailyInspiration #FaithJourney

The first of my peonies are here! 🌸
Soft petals, sweet scent, and all the joy of spring wrapped in one beautiful bloom.

#PeonySeason #GardenJoy #FirstBlooms #FlowerLover #PetalPerfection #Writerslife

Mini road trip with my sweet husband 💕
He said, “Want to come with me for a ride to look at a car?” 🚗 …and how could I say no? Love these little adventures together. 🛣️💑

#RoadTripVibes #SpontaneousAdventures #LoveTheLittleThings #TimeTogether

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7 (NIV)

Verse of the Day via @YouVersion
#VerseOfTheDay #YouVersion #BibleApp #Philippians47 #PeaceOfGod #ScriptureDaily #FaithOverFear

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Don’t forget to connect with Gena here:

Book Review: Broncos and Ballads by Jody Hedlund

Book Review: Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham

Book Review: Spurs and Sparks by Jody Hedlund

Book Review: The Highland Heist by Pepper Basham

Book Review: Two Seconds Too Late by Dani Pettrey

Book Review: Everything's Coming Up Rosie by Courtney Walsh

Book Review: The Collector of Burned Books by Roseanna M. White

Book Review: Uneasy Street by Becky Wade

Book Review: The Other Sister by Jessica R. Patch

Book Review: Some Like It Scot by Pepper Basham

Book Review: The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson

Book Review: With This Ring by Amy Clipston

Book Review: Fiance Finale by Angela Ruth Strong

Book Review: Courting the Country Preacher

Book Review: Hunted For The Holidays By Deena Alexander

Book Review: Hope Like Wildflowers by Pepper Basham

Book Review: Saved by the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund

Book Review: The Cloverton Charade by Sarah E. Ladd

Book Review: Cole and Laila Are Just Friends: A Love Story by Bethany Turner

Book Review: His Treasured Bride By Patti Stockdale (Jody Hedlund)

​

Follow Gena on Instagram