Books I'm Reading | gena-bessire

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: 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: Chasing the Horizon by Mary Connealy

Book Blurb: Upon uncovering her tyrannical father's plot to commit her to an asylum, Beth Rutledge fabricates a plan of her own--she will...

Gena Bessire

Book Review: The Irish Matchmaker by Jennifer Deibel

Book Blurb: A daughter of a well-known matchmaker, Catríona Daly is no stranger to the business of love--and sees it as her ticket away...

Gena Bessire

Book Review: Rocky Road by Becky Wade

Book Blurb: FBI Agent Jude Camden handles every aspect of his job with by-the-book professionalism. There's no reason why his latest...

Gena Bessire

Book Review: One Wrong Move by Dani Pettrey

Book description: Taunting riddles. A deadly string of heists. Two broken hearts trapped in a killer's game. Christian O'Brady was pulled...

Gena Bessire

Book Review: Wedding at Sea by Melissa Tagg

Book Blurb: Two enemies. One wedding. And a seaside mystery decades in the making. Lilian doesn’t remember anything about her life before...

Gena Bessire

Instagram

“The LORD is a mighty tower; where his people can run for safety.”
— Proverbs 18:10 ✝️

Verse of the Day via @YouVersion

#Proverbs1810 #StrongTower #GodOurRefuge #Faith #HopeInChrist

Working on some bookish ornaments for a bookish friend. 📚✨

#BookishCrafts #HandmadeOrnaments #ReaderGifts #CozyMakes #CraftTable #WritersLife #ReadingCommunity #BookishFriendsAreTheBest

Pretty black and white kitty, paws crossed and dreaming. 🖤

#CatNap #PrettyKitty #CozyCorner #PawsForDays #MyWritingBuddy #WritersLife

#Thanksgiving #HappyThanksgiving #Thankful #Grateful #Thanksgiving2024 #Blessed #FamilyTime #bibleverse #biblequotes #biblememes

Getting yardwork done with my girls before it gets too cold—making a little cloud art with hydrangea blossoms. ☁️🌿 My little artist says this is a gummy bear. 😜

#Hydrangea #GardenCleanup #WinterPrep #DriedBlooms #SimpleThings #WritersLife

“Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” — John 6:35

Verse of the Day via @YouVersion

#John635 #BreadOfLife #LivingWater #Jesus #Faith #ChristianFaith #BibleTruth

Just finished my ARC copy of Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson...5 Star Read!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Melissa Ferguson, @ourfriendlyfarmhouse , has such a unique and delightful voice! Her blend of fun, quirky characters is a joy to read.

Penelope Dupont is the personal assistant to Hugh Griffin—a legendary mystery writer—and the unofficial babysitter to six other respected authors. She loves her job and, most of the time, her magnificent seven, as she affectionately calls them. After months of preparation, she’s about to embark on an adventure with the group—a cruise where the writers will mingle with readers and discuss their craft. But the perfectly planned event goes up in smoke when she wakes to find Hugh dead on their very first day at sea...

This book has heart, mystery, and a rewarding finish. My only complaint? I didn’t want it to end. I’ll definitely reread this one—and gift it to others to enjoy. What a fun ride!

See my full review: https://www.genabessire.com/post/book-review-without-a-clue-by-melissa-ferguson

Preorder Today! https://www.amazon.com/Without-Clue-Novel-Melissa-Ferguson/dp/0840716915/

#bookstagram #comingsoon #bookreview #MelissaFerguson #romance #withoutaclue #cleanreads #cozymystery #romcom #bookstagram #bookstagrammer

Quick holiday favorite: 🥔 Tater Tot Casserole—crispy top, cozy middle, crowd-pleaser. Recipe ➡️ https://www.genabessire.com/post/tater-tot-casserole-by-gena-bessire

#HolidayComfort #EasyDinner #CasseroleSeason #FamilyFavorite #TaterTots #WritersLife #BestRecipe #ReadingCommunity

Looking pretty and patiently waiting for the door to his girl’s room to be opened—by me, bossy cat. 😹🐾

#FelineBoss #DoorDuty #PetParentLife #CatDemands #ButlerToACat #CatPeople #WritersLife #WritingCommunity #CatCommunity

Soft pink hydrangeas, fading sweetly into fall. 🌸🍃

#Hydrangea #BlushTones #GardenMoments #SimpleThings #FallTransition #FlowerPhotography #WritersLife #WritersGarden #WritingCommunity #nofilter

“He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins.”
— Ephesians 1:7 ✝️

Verse of the Day via @YouVersion

#Ephesians17 #Grace #Forgiven #Faith #BibleVerse #Scripture #ChristianLife #JesusSaves #GodsGrace #DailyVerse

🥗 Favorite recipe time!

The most demanded (yes, you heard that right) “salad” in my arsenal — Apple Snicker Salad! 🍏🍫 Sweet, creamy, and totally irresistible. Calling it a salad makes us all feel better about having seconds. 😉

https://www.genabessire.com/post/thanksgiving-favorite-snicker-caramel-apple-salad

#FavoriteRecipe #AppleSnickerSalad #DessertSalad #SweetTreat #CrowdFavorite #Yum #HomeCooking #FallFlavors #EasyRecipe #FamilyFavorite #WritersLife

Some of the trees got the message it was fall — and they’re showing off in the best way. 🍁✨

#AutumnVibes #FallInLoveWithFall #NatureInspires #RedLeaves #SeasonOfChange #CozyMoments #FallFavorites #WritersLife #CountryLiving

“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.”
— John 1:14 ✝️

Verse of the Day via @YouVersion

#John114 #BibleVerse #Jesus #Faith #Scripture #GodWithUs #ChristmasVerse #LightOfTheWorld #ChristianFaith #DailyScripture

My friend… good thing I didn’t need that hand to read. 😴🐾

#CatNaps #BookLover #CozyMoments #CatLife #SleepyKitty #CaturdayEveryday #FurryFriend #WritersLife #ReadingCommunity

Fall is such a lovely time to take pictures — the colors are rich, the air is crisp, and every bit of sunlight feels like gold. ✨🍁

#FallVibes #AutumnMagic #GoldenHour #NaturePhotography #FallColors #CozySeason #AutumnInspiration #BeautifulLight #WriterLife #PhotoOfTheDay

A little blaze on wet pavement—color that won’t quiet down. 🍁🌧️

#BrightRedLeaf #RainyDay #PopOfColor #FoundBeauty #WetPavement #MoodyTones #SimpleThings #LeafLove #WritersLife #WritingCommunity #ReadingCommunity

“Everywhere, from east to west, praise the name of the Lord.”
— Psalm 113:3 ✨

Verse of the Day via @YouVersion

#Psalm1133 #PraiseTheLord #BibleVerse #Scripture #Faith #Worship #ChristianLife #BibleTruth

Just keeping an eye on the fish. 🎣🐟

#WritersLife #CatTV #FocusedFeline #FishWatcher #CatLife #CatMoments #CaturdayEveryday

🍂 Red leaves, crisp air, cozy days — fall has officially arrived. ❤️🍁

#FallVibes #AutumnColors #HelloFall #CozySeason #NatureBeauty #RedLeaves #FallInLoveWithFall

This leaf made me pause mid-walk—vibrant beauty against a stark backdrop. 🍁✨

#VibrantLeaf #PopOfColor #FoundBeauty #ShadowPlay #NatureOnTheGo #PauseAndNotice #SimpleThings #MoodyTones #WritersLife #nofilterneeded #WritingCommunity #ReadingCommunity

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
— Matthew 28:19 ✝️

Verse of the Day via @YouVersion

#Matthew2819 #BibleVerse #GreatCommission #Faith #Scripture #Jesus #ChristianFaith #BibleTruth

🍁 The air’s getting crisp, which means it’s chili season! 🌶️ There’s nothing like a hearty bowl of homemade chili to kick off fall and make the house smell amazing.

🍲 Try my easy, zesty chili recipe here: https://www.genabessire.com/post/zesty-homemade-chili-recipe-by-gena-bessire

✨ Bonus: Pair it with my cinnamon roll recipe for the ultimate cozy fall combo. 😋

#FallComfortFood #ChiliSeason #EasyChiliRecipe #HomemadeGoodness #CozyVibes #WriterLife #Recipes #AmWriting

Here is one of my favorite summer garden walk pics that I never got around to posting during the season. 🌿🌸☀️

#GardenWalk #SummerVibes #NatureBeauty #FlowerLovers #PeacefulMoments #WritersLife #WritingCommunity #WritingGarden

“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

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

Follow Gena on Instagram

#genabessire

@genabessire

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: Hope Like Wildflowers by Pepper Basham

Book Review: Saved by the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund

Book Review: Chasing the Horizon by Mary Connealy

Book Review: The Irish Matchmaker by Jennifer Deibel

Book Review: Rocky Road by Becky Wade

Book Review: One Wrong Move by Dani Pettrey

Book Review: Wedding at Sea by Melissa Tagg

​

Follow Gena on Instagram