Gena Bessire - Christian Romance Writer: Blog | Page 5 of 19

top of page

gena_bessire_christian_romance_writer_logo

Search

Book Review: Broncos and Ballads by Jody Hedlund

Book Review: Broncos and Ballads by Jody Hedlund

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

Book Review: Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham

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

Book Review: Spurs and Sparks by Jody Hedlund

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

Instagram

Those EYES. 😂

Seriously, this guy has the biggest eyes ever. I’m beginning to wonder if there’s a little lemur hiding somewhere in his family tree. 😄

#catlife #catsofinstagram #catlover #catpeople #bigeyes #cutecat #petlife #authorlife #writerslife #bookishlife #everydayjoy #simplemoments #lifeathome

Those EYES. 😂

Seriously, this guy has the biggest eyes ever. I’m beginning to wonder if there’s a little lemur hiding somewhere in his family tree. 😄

#catlife #catsofinstagram #catlover #catpeople #bigeyes #cutecat #petlife #authorlife #writerslife #bookishlife #everydayjoy #simplemoments #lifeathome

Green bean season is going strong! 🫛💚

I’m blanching some of our extra green beans to tuck into the freezer for future meals.

Just trim the ends, blanch them in boiling water for about 3 minutes, then transfer them straight into an ice bath to stop the cooking. Pat them dry, spread them on a cookie sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once they're frozen.

They’ll be perfect for cozy fall dinners, soups, casseroles, and quick side dishes!

Do you freeze anything from your garden?

#greenbeans #greenbeanharvest #gardenfresh #gardenharvest #growyourownfood #homegrownfood #freezerfriendly #freezermeals #preservingtheharvest #gardenlife #backyardgarden #vegetablegarden #pnwgarden #summerharvest #fromgardentotable

Green bean season is going strong! 🫛💚

I’m blanching some of our extra green beans to tuck into the freezer for future meals.

Just trim the ends, blanch them in boiling water for about 3 minutes, then transfer them straight into an ice bath to stop the cooking. Pat them dry, spread them on a cookie sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once they're frozen.

They’ll be perfect for cozy fall dinners, soups, casseroles, and quick side dishes!

Do you freeze anything from your garden?

#greenbeans #greenbeanharvest #gardenfresh #gardenharvest #growyourownfood #homegrownfood #freezerfriendly #freezermeals #preservingtheharvest #gardenlife #backyardgarden #vegetablegarden #pnwgarden #summerharvest #fromgardentotable

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God!
-- Psalm 42:11 ✝

Verse of the Day via @YouVersion

#HopeInGod #FaithOverFear #BibleVerse #ChristianEncouragement #TrustGod

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God!
-- Psalm 42:11 ✝

Verse of the Day via @YouVersion

#HopeInGod #FaithOverFear #BibleVerse #ChristianEncouragement #TrustGod

I planted these native Douglas spiraeas, hoping they would enjoy the wet clay soil in my yard. As you can see, they’ve adapted beautifully and filled a once-bare spot in my border with color. 💗

#DouglasSpirea #NativePlants #WashingtonNativePlants #ClaySoilGarden #GardenBeauty #GardenBeauty #SummerBlooms #NatureLover #SimpleJoys #BlueSkyDays

I planted these native Douglas spiraeas, hoping they would enjoy the wet clay soil in my yard. As you can see, they’ve adapted beautifully and filled a once-bare spot in my border with color. 💗

#DouglasSpirea #NativePlants #WashingtonNativePlants #ClaySoilGarden #GardenBeauty #GardenBeauty #SummerBlooms #NatureLover #SimpleJoys #BlueSkyDays

Book time! 📚 I’m pulling Faithful of Heart by Tracie Peterson from my TBR pile. I can’t wait to settle into my favorite porch chair and start reading, @authortraciepeterson !

#bookstagram #readerscommunity #igreads #TraciePeterson #FaithfulofHeart #bookstagram #christianfiction #readthisbook #christianauthor #amreading Tracie Peterson

Book time! 📚 I’m pulling Faithful of Heart by Tracie Peterson from my TBR pile. I can’t wait to settle into my favorite porch chair and start reading, @authortraciepeterson !

#bookstagram #readerscommunity #igreads #TraciePeterson #FaithfulofHeart #bookstagram #christianfiction #readthisbook #christianauthor #amreading Tracie Peterson

After a rough start, my tomatoes have officially gone wild. 😂🍅

What is growing out of control in your garden?

#GardenLife #TomatoSeason #SummerGarden #Homegrown #GardenHumor #WritersLife

After a rough start, my tomatoes have officially gone wild. 😂🍅

What is growing out of control in your garden?

#GardenLife #TomatoSeason #SummerGarden #Homegrown #GardenHumor #WritersLife

Another beautiful volunteer making itself at home in the garden. 🌻

#VolunteerSunflower #GardenBeauty #SunflowerLove #GardenLife #SimpleJoys

Another beautiful volunteer making itself at home in the garden. 🌻

#VolunteerSunflower #GardenBeauty #SunflowerLove #GardenLife #SimpleJoys

I 💙 this lake! It is one of my favorite places to dream up new stories.

#WriterLife #WritingInspiration #AuthorLife #StoryIdeas #CreativeLife

I 💙 this lake! It is one of my favorite places to dream up new stories.

#WriterLife #WritingInspiration #AuthorLife #StoryIdeas #CreativeLife

How could you not love this sweet face? 😍 Why is he sitting in the basket? Your guess is as good as his. LOL.

#CatLife #CatLove #SweetFace #PetLife #FurryFriend

How could you not love this sweet face? 😍 Why is he sitting in the basket? Your guess is as good as his. LOL.

#CatLife #CatLove #SweetFace #PetLife #FurryFriend

Good morning, sunshine. 🌻

#GoodMorning #SunflowerLove #GardenJoy #MorningSunshine #SimpleBeauty

Good morning, sunshine. 🌻

#GoodMorning #SunflowerLove #GardenJoy #MorningSunshine #SimpleBeauty

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”
-- 2 Corinthians 12:9 ✝

Verse of the Day via @YouVersion

#FaithOverFear #GodsGrace #BibleVerse #ChristianEncouragement #StrengthInWeakness

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”
-- 2 Corinthians 12:9 ✝

Verse of the Day via @YouVersion

#FaithOverFear #GodsGrace #BibleVerse #ChristianEncouragement #StrengthInWeakness

A side effect of summer vacation: coming home to a garden that didn’t take the week off. 20 pounds of beans later… 🫘😮🫘

I processed, blanched, and froze them all for later. 😅

#GardenLife #SummerGarden #GardenHarvest #GreenBeans #Homegrown #CountryLife #GardenHumor #SimpleJoys #SummerDays #BackFromVacation #HarvestSeason #GrowingFood

A side effect of summer vacation: coming home to a garden that didn’t take the week off. 20 pounds of beans later… 🫘😮🫘

I processed, blanched, and froze them all for later. 😅

#GardenLife #SummerGarden #GardenHarvest #GreenBeans #Homegrown #CountryLife #GardenHumor #SimpleJoys #SummerDays #BackFromVacation #HarvestSeason #GrowingFood

I plucked all but a few of the MANY volunteer sunflowers from my garden this year—but this beauty got to stay. 🌻

#SunflowerLove #VolunteerSunflowers #GardenLife #SummerGarden #BloomWhereYourePlanted

I plucked all but a few of the MANY volunteer sunflowers from my garden this year—but this beauty got to stay. 🌻

#SunflowerLove #VolunteerSunflowers #GardenLife #SummerGarden #BloomWhereYourePlanted

So excited to find these beauties while on vacation! My TBR list has officially gotten much bigger—and I’m not complaining. 📚

@jessicarpatch @jaimejowright @samiaabrams @laurascottbooks @katyleeauthor @jillkemerer @susannedietze @heidimccahan.author @virginiavaughanauthor just to name a few! 😍

#BookHaul #TBRList #VacationFinds #ChristianFiction #RomanticSuspense #BookishLife

So excited to find these beauties while on vacation! My TBR list has officially gotten much bigger—and I’m not complaining. 📚

@jessicarpatch @jaimejowright @samiaabrams @laurascottbooks @katyleeauthor @jillkemerer @susannedietze @heidimccahan.author @virginiavaughanauthor just to name a few! 😍

#BookHaul #TBRList #VacationFinds #ChristianFiction #RomanticSuspense #BookishLife

My daughter was worried I wouldn’t photograph these beauties before they expired. 😂 So she took matters into her own hands.

I think she did a great job. I may have just gained an unofficial photography assistant—especially for time-sensitive beauty.

Photography by my middle little 😊

#FamilyMoments #FlowerPhotography #BeautyInTheEveryday #AuthorLife #BehindTheScenes #LifeInBloom

My daughter was worried I wouldn’t photograph these beauties before they expired. 😂 So she took matters into her own hands.

I think she did a great job. I may have just gained an unofficial photography assistant—especially for time-sensitive beauty.

Photography by my middle little 😊

#FamilyMoments #FlowerPhotography #BeautyInTheEveryday #AuthorLife #BehindTheScenes #LifeInBloom

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pride and Practicality, another awesome read by @pepperbasham !

Pride and Practicality is a joy to read. It is filled with humor, compassion, and, of course, two well-meaning people falling in love...

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

Preorder Today! https://www.amazon.com/Pride-Practicality-low-spice-high-swoon-Regency-ebook/dp/B0GRG9TQMK/

#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.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pride and Practicality, another awesome read by @pepperbasham !

Pride and Practicality is a joy to read. It is filled with humor, compassion, and, of course, two well-meaning people falling in love...

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

Preorder Today! https://www.amazon.com/Pride-Practicality-low-spice-high-swoon-Regency-ebook/dp/B0GRG9TQMK/

#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.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.
-- Isaiah 43:2 ✝

Verse of the Day via @YouVersion

#Isaiah432 #GodIsWithUs #FaithReminder #ChristianEncouragement #BibleVerseOfTheDay #HopeAndFaith

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.
-- Isaiah 43:2 ✝

Verse of the Day via @YouVersion

#Isaiah432 #GodIsWithUs #FaithReminder #ChristianEncouragement #BibleVerseOfTheDay #HopeAndFaith

I was finishing up one last bit of work today and had to stop for this view. The sky was too beautiful to hurry past. God is so good.

Makes me want to sit down and write a while. 📝

#GodIsGood #EveningSky #SimpleJoys #GratefulHeart #EverydayGrace
#LookUp #WritersLife

I was finishing up one last bit of work today and had to stop for this view. The sky was too beautiful to hurry past. God is so good.

Makes me want to sit down and write a while. 📝

#GodIsGood #EveningSky #SimpleJoys #GratefulHeart #EverydayGrace
#LookUp #WritersLife

More peony pretties from June! 😍 This one was such a bright, beautiful color. I couldn’t walk past it without taking a picture!

#peonies #peonyseason #gardenflowers #flowergarden #pnwgarden #gardenlife

More peony pretties from June! 😍 This one was such a bright, beautiful color. I couldn’t walk past it without taking a picture!

#peonies #peonyseason #gardenflowers #flowergarden #pnwgarden #gardenlife

You people! 😹 The face you make when you’ve been bundled like a burrito for mandatory snuggling. He may not look impressed, but he stayed put. 😂

#catlife #catattitude #catsofinstagram #cozycat #catburrito #petlife

You people! 😹 The face you make when you’ve been bundled like a burrito for mandatory snuggling. He may not look impressed, but he stayed put. 😂

#catlife #catattitude #catsofinstagram #cozycat #catburrito #petlife

⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Happily ever after isn’t the destination. It’s the journey.” - Bookmarked for Love

I believe that sums up this book perfectly.

Martha Aldridge is not quite forty and still single, but she is content as Little Creek’s librarian in charge of the children’s programs, working alongside her fellow librarians, Haley and Evangeline. That contentment is shaken when her boss tells her her job is in jeopardy unless they secure outside funding. Martha comes up with a plan to ask the one person she knows who could help: Mr. King, her parents’ employer and the owner of a publishing house, even though he once crushed her dreams of becoming a writer.

But when she steps into his office, she is surprised to find not Mr. King Sr., but his son, Julien King, her childhood crush, now all grown up and in charge. Julien makes her an offer she can’t refuse. If she helps him find the next up-and-coming children's author, he will give her the money the library so desperately needs to keep its children’s program running.

This book was fun to read. Generally, stories about older main characters don’t always pull me in, but Sarah Monzon did a wonderful job creating characters who were relatable, experienced, and yet still falling in love for the first time. Martha is charming and dedicated to her young readers. Julien is kind and connects with his employees in an encouraging way.

Martha’s childhood crush grows into a deeper admiration for Julien as a grown man as they work together. She sees the good in him and helps him deal with the crushing stress of his father’s expectations. Julien notices and admires the mature Martha not just for her kindness and beauty, but for her knowledge and compassion. Their reconnecting sparks not only romance but a supportive friendship. It was also fun to catch up with Evangeline and Tai, and Haley and Levi along the way.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from @sarahmonzonwrites and Bethany House. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

#bookstagram #bookmarkedforlove #happyreleaseday #releaseday #christianfiction #bookreview #sarahmonzon #booklovers #romcomvibes #romance #cleanreads

⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Happily ever after isn’t the destination. It’s the journey.” - Bookmarked for Love

I believe that sums up this book perfectly.

Martha Aldridge is not quite forty and still single, but she is content as Little Creek’s librarian in charge of the children’s programs, working alongside her fellow librarians, Haley and Evangeline. That contentment is shaken when her boss tells her her job is in jeopardy unless they secure outside funding. Martha comes up with a plan to ask the one person she knows who could help: Mr. King, her parents’ employer and the owner of a publishing house, even though he once crushed her dreams of becoming a writer.

But when she steps into his office, she is surprised to find not Mr. King Sr., but his son, Julien King, her childhood crush, now all grown up and in charge. Julien makes her an offer she can’t refuse. If she helps him find the next up-and-coming children's author, he will give her the money the library so desperately needs to keep its children’s program running.

This book was fun to read. Generally, stories about older main characters don’t always pull me in, but Sarah Monzon did a wonderful job creating characters who were relatable, experienced, and yet still falling in love for the first time. Martha is charming and dedicated to her young readers. Julien is kind and connects with his employees in an encouraging way.

Martha’s childhood crush grows into a deeper admiration for Julien as a grown man as they work together. She sees the good in him and helps him deal with the crushing stress of his father’s expectations. Julien notices and admires the mature Martha not just for her kindness and beauty, but for her knowledge and compassion. Their reconnecting sparks not only romance but a supportive friendship. It was also fun to catch up with Evangeline and Tai, and Haley and Levi along the way.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from @sarahmonzonwrites and Bethany House. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

#bookstagram #bookmarkedforlove #happyreleaseday #releaseday #christianfiction #bookreview #sarahmonzon #booklovers #romcomvibes #romance #cleanreads

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
-- James 1:5✝️

Verse of the Day via @youversion

#James15 #BibleVerse #FaithReminder #SeekGod #ChristianEncouragement #WisdomFromGod

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
-- James 1:5✝️

Verse of the Day via @youversion

#James15 #BibleVerse #FaithReminder #SeekGod #ChristianEncouragement #WisdomFromGod

This view! 😍

I looked outside and had to stop for a picture. The colors, the clouds, the light—God sure paints a beautiful sky.

Do you take lots of sunset pictures? Because I sure do. 😊

#sunsetview #eveningsky #pnwsunset #godspaintbrush #simplejoys #pacificnorthwest

This view! 😍

I looked outside and had to stop for a picture. The colors, the clouds, the light—God sure paints a beautiful sky.

Do you take lots of sunset pictures? Because I sure do. 😊

#sunsetview #eveningsky #pnwsunset #godspaintbrush #simplejoys #pacificnorthwest

Pea season is coming to an end, and I’m feeling so grateful for the bounty we’ve received. 💚 Our freezer is stocked for the Fall!

What has been growing in your garden—or on your table—this season?

#GardenBlessings #PeaSeason #GardenHarvest #GratefulHeart #SimpleJoys
#FreshFromTheGarden #WritersLife

Pea season is coming to an end, and I’m feeling so grateful for the bounty we’ve received. 💚 Our freezer is stocked for the Fall!

What has been growing in your garden—or on your table—this season?

#GardenBlessings #PeaSeason #GardenHarvest #GratefulHeart #SimpleJoys
#FreshFromTheGarden #WritersLife

My buddy and me. 🎶🐾

These two have become best friends over the last few months. Their friendship includes wrestling, Marvel-worthy leaps and tackles, and finally, exhausted moments of peace. 😹

#bestbuddies #catlife #catnap #catsofinstagram #petfriends #authorlife

My buddy and me. 🎶🐾

These two have become best friends over the last few months. Their friendship includes wrestling, Marvel-worthy leaps and tackles, and finally, exhausted moments of peace. 😹

#bestbuddies #catlife #catnap #catsofinstagram #petfriends #authorlife

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
--(Psalm 27:14)✝️

Verse of the Day via @YouVersion

#Psalm2714 #christianquotes #bibleverse #faithinspiration #jesusislove #scriptureoftheday #christianencouragement

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
--(Psalm 27:14)✝️

Verse of the Day via @YouVersion

#Psalm2714 #christianquotes #bibleverse #faithinspiration #jesusislove #scriptureoftheday #christianencouragement

Easy peasy! 😄

I’m blanching the last of our surplus peas to freeze for future meals.

Just 90 seconds in boiling water, 2 minutes in an ice bath, pat them dry, and spread them on a cookie sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.

They’ll be perfect for fall stir-fries and chicken pot pies!

Do you freeze anything from your garden?

#peaharvest #gardenfresh #freezermeals #growyourownfood #pnwgarden #gardenharvest

Easy peasy! 😄

I’m blanching the last of our surplus peas to freeze for future meals.

Just 90 seconds in boiling water, 2 minutes in an ice bath, pat them dry, and spread them on a cookie sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.

They’ll be perfect for fall stir-fries and chicken pot pies!

Do you freeze anything from your garden?

#peaharvest #gardenfresh #freezermeals #growyourownfood #pnwgarden #gardenharvest

Today’s garden spotlight belongs to this overachieving clematis. 💜 One or two blooms would have been lovely, but this vine clearly had bigger plans.

#Clematis #PurpleClematis #GardenBlooms #FlowerPhotography #InMyGarden

Today’s garden spotlight belongs to this overachieving clematis. 💜 One or two blooms would have been lovely, but this vine clearly had bigger plans.

#Clematis #PurpleClematis #GardenBlooms #FlowerPhotography #InMyGarden

Another beautiful peony is showing in the yard. 🌸 I love the colors, the textures, all the tiny details.

#PeonySeason #PinkPeony #PeonyGarden #GardenBlooms #FlowerPhotography

Another beautiful peony is showing in the yard. 🌸 I love the colors, the textures, all the tiny details.

#PeonySeason #PinkPeony #PeonyGarden #GardenBlooms #FlowerPhotography

Peas are here!!! 😍 Picked this bowl from the garden today, and there are still more coming. Fresh peas are definitely on the menu this week! 💚

#peasgalore #peaharvest #gardenfresh #homegarden #pnwgarden #growyourownfood

Peas are here!!! 😍 Picked this bowl from the garden today, and there are still more coming. Fresh peas are definitely on the menu this week! 💚

#peasgalore #peaharvest #gardenfresh #homegarden #pnwgarden #growyourownfood

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

Follow Gena on Instagram

gena_bessire_christian_romance_writer_banner_crw_3

Don’t forget to connect with Gena here:

bottom of page