Blog Tour and Giveaway: Abigail and the Waterfall

I have a deep love for nature and a strong commitment to protecting the environment. It’s always a pleasure when a picture book highlights these themes. I especially appreciate when such books incorporate spiritual elements, as I believe God and nature are closely connected. There’s something peaceful about gazing at a beautiful waterfall or spending a day by a body of water—at least, that’s how I feel. These themes are beautifully captured in a new picture book titled Abigail and the Waterfall by Sandra L. Richter.

 

Learn More About the Book:

 

 

Abigail and the Waterfall

Written by Sandra L. Richter

Illustrated by Michael Corsini

Ages: 4-6 | 32 Pages

Publisher:  IVP Kids (2025) | ISBN: 978-1514008928

Publisher’s Book Summary: "Explore the wonders of creation with Abigail and learn to care for God’s good earth!

Abigail loves Saturdays—especially when her family goes hiking! Follow Abigail and her family as they hike through the lush landscapes of Appalachia, encounter fascinating animals, and marvel at a big, beautiful waterfall. On their adventure, Abigail learns about caring for creation — about loving and stewarding the world God created.

Written by parent and university professor Sandra Richter and brought to life with enchanting illustrations by Michael Corsini, Abigail and the Waterfall is more than just a storybook—it’s an invitation for families to discuss what the Bible says about caring for the environment, animals, and the beautiful world around us.

Why families will love Abigail and the Waterfall:

• A captivating story about faith, nature, and stewardship

• Thought-provoking themes to help kids learn to love the environment

• A special note from the author to encourage meaningful conversations about creation care

Give your young readers a story filled with wonder and discovery. With Abigail and the Waterfall, families can experience the joy of exploring and protecting the world God has entrusted to us. Teach children to love all of God’s good earth and get your copy today!"

 

You can purchase a copy of Abigail and the Waterfall at Bookshop, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and IVP Kids. Also, you can learn more about Sandra L. Richter by visiting her website and connecting with her on Instagram. 

 

The Giveaway:

I've partnered with Sandra L. Richter to celebrate the publication of Abigail and the Waterfall. Enter for a chance to win one of five copies of the book. Plus, one grand prize winner will receive a special Book Lover’s Bundle—complete with a Starbucks gift card and the opportunity to select a book of their choice from Amazon. Good luck! Abigail and the Waterfall: Book Giveaway

 

 

Book Review: If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia

Pages: 512

Genre: Romance

Pub. Date: September 2, 2025

Publisher: Berkley

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "My new next-door neighbor seems to have everything figured out. Small town golden boy? Check. Single dad extraordinaire? Check. Hot baker forearms? I didn’t notice them, I swear.

I, on the other hand, don’t–at all–have anything figured out.

Trust me, I didn’t think taking over my mom’s dream bed and breakfast in Copper Run Vermont was going to be easy. It should be a good place to heal after my divorce. But apparently my scones belong in the garbage with my small talk skills. As pointed out by none other than Cliff.

Cliff is inescapable. He knows exactly what people need–always. His charm, the way he wears flannel, and even his pastries, make not wanting to be friends with Cliff and his daughters pretty hard.

Friends? I can make friends. That’s safe.

Except I’m leaving in three months to pass the inn off to my little sister and get the promotion in Seattle I’ve been working towards.

So ask me why I’m thinking about kissing my hot neighbor."

 

Michelle is down on her luck. At her mother's funeral, her husband announces he is leaving her. So, now she is newly divorced and has inherited her mother's bed and breakfast in Vermont. She reluctantly returns to Vermont; this is just temporary, though, as she plans to go to Seattle for her dream job in a few months. Michelle, a city girl, is a fish out of water at times in charming Copper Run, which is the quintessential small town. While there, she meets the town's most popular dad, Cliff, who also runs the town's much-loved bakery. Cliff is also a single dad, and they connect over the inn despite their vastly different personalities. As time goes on, they develop a bond, but can Michelle really fall for Cliff? She plans on leaving town soon, so this can't be something real, or can it? Julie Olivia's If It Makes You Happy is reminiscent of a 90s rom-com, complete with a cozy setting and all the fall vibes.
 
While Michelle is focused on achieving her goals in Seattle, her time at Copper Run brings about a gradual transformation within her. This part of the story highlights her journey of self-discovery and personal growth as she helps manage her mother's bed and breakfast, which is out of her comfort zone. Ultimately, this aspect of the narrative adds emotional depth to If It Makes You Happy.
 
If you enjoy a slow-burning romance, If It Makes You Happy is for you. I really enjoyed Michelle and Cliff's romance, and while it was slow at times, I think Olivia does a good job of making it feel real and not overly rushed. I appreciated the fact that Michelle and Cliff were mature, divorced, and not right out of college.  However, the 500+ pages for a romance novel are tough, and at times, I felt the pacing was off. I found myself putting the book down and not rushing to pick it up again.
 
However, if you love 90s rom-coms and are looking for a cute (with some spice!) fall romance, I'd say If It Makes You Happy is a safe bet. The seasonal details were fantastic - Halloween celebrations, fall treats, falling leaves, pumpkins, nights on porches, fall festivals, and more. It was cozy, and the town of Copper Run reminded me of Stars Hollow in the best way possible.  And who doesn't want to be transported to the 90s without social media and cell phones? Is If It Makes You Happy on your fall TBR list? Let me know in the comments below.

 

Blog Tour and Giveaway: The Mental Edge for Young Athletes

Both of my boys have participated in competitive sports, and the mental aspect of competition plays a significant role in their success. It can be challenging for young athletes to stay positive and mentally resilient, especially during tough times. That’s why I’m thrilled to be part of the blog tour for family therapist and elite mental coach Jeff Greenwald’s book, The Mental Edge for Young Athletes. This book is an excellent resource for athletes, coaches, and parents, providing strategies to help children thrive mentally in their sports.

Learn More About the Book:

 

 

The Mental Edge for Young Athletes: A World Champion's Toughness Guide for Athletes, Parents, and Coaches in the Digital Age

Written by Jeff Greenwald, MFT

Ages 10+ | 209 Pages

Publisher: Greenwald Performance Publishing (2025) | ISBN-13: 979-8-9926109-1-8

Publisher’s Book Summary: "The Mental Edge for Young Athletes is a practical, one-of-a-kind guide for athletes and their parents (includes a powerful parent guide) written by two-time world champion and elite mental coach Jeff Greenwald, MFT. A licensed psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience helping youth athletes and their families, Jeff shares real-world, proven tools to build confidence, manage performance anxiety, improve family dynamics, and reinforce your child’s new mental and emotional skills.

Through short, easy-to-read chapters, this guide brings real conversations with young athletes to life—along with inspiring stories and mindset strategies used by the world’s top competitors. Kids will learn how to bounce back from mistakes, stay focused under pressure, and compete with greater motivation, clarity, and resilience. There is also a parent’s guide with Jeff’s top recommendations on how you can successfully navigate the most challenging moments we face with our young athletes.

While many mental training books for kids offer surface-level advice or rigid checklists, The Mental Edge for Young Athletes goes deeper. It bridges the gap between theory and real-world application—bringing to life the mindset tools used by elite performers in a way that young athletes (and their parents) can truly relate to. With real stories, actionable techniques, and a compassionate voice, this book offers what most guides miss: authenticity, relevance, and lasting impact.

Whether you’re a parent supporting your child, a coach guiding your team, or a young athlete striving to succeed, this book will become an essential companion in both sport and life."

You can buy your own copy of The Mental Edge for Young Athletes at Amazon, and you can find out more about Jeff Greenwald on his website.

 

The Giveaway:

I've partnered with Jeff Greenwald to host an exciting giveaway to celebrate the publication of The Mental Edge for Young Athletes. Enter for the chance to win a copy of the book. Good luck! 

The Mental Edge for Young Athletes: Book Giveaway

 

Mini Reviews: Spooky Reads for Kids

Halloween is almost here, so I'll be sharing lots of spooky books for kids and tweens. However, these two titles stood out right away, and my son and I decided to read them before fall even began. Finding engaging novels for middle to upper elementary kids—ones that aren't too mature or too childish—can be challenging. These two definitely fit that need!

 

Troubling Tonsils by Aaron Reynolds 

Genre: Children's (ages 6 - 9 years)

Pub. Date: September 2, 2025

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Source: Publisher for review

 

 

Goodreads says, "Jasper the Rabbit is back! A little older and wiser, he collects creepy stories to share as cautionary tales. If you’re ready for some chills and chuckles alike, tune in as Jasper weaves the yarn of Charlie Marmot and the particular pickle he found himself in.

See, Charlie here has a his tonsils have become infected and have to come out. No biggie, right? But when he decides he wants to keep them in a jar for show and tell, things get creepy… First, strange slurping sounds in his room keep Charlie awake the night before his surgery. Then, he goes to the doctor only to be told his tonsils are already gone! Could it be they’re out for revenge?

Join Jasper and Charlie in this first Creepy Tale chapter book and learn from Charlie’s mistakes before it’s too late!"

 

 

I was delighted when Simon & Schuster offered me a review copy of Troubling Tonsils, as Reynolds’s Caldecott Award-winning picture books like Creepy Carrots have long been fall favorites in our home. Now, Reynolds has expanded his world with a spin-off chapter book starring Jasper Rabbit, who shares his creepy tales perfect for Halloween. In Troubling Tonsils, Jasper recounts the tale of Charlie, a marmot whose infected tonsils need to be removed. Charlie dreams of keeping his tonsils in a jar and showing them off at school, but things take an unexpected and eerie turn, reminiscent of The Twilight Zone. Fans of Reynolds’s picture books will find this a delightful introduction to the horror genre—spooky without being too scary. Even more exciting, the next book in the series is scheduled for release in early 2026.

 

 

 

Monster Blood (Goosebumps Graphic Novel #2) by R.L. Stine

Genre: Children's (ages 8-12)

Pub. Date: September 2, 2025

Publisher: Scholastic

Source: Publisher for review

 

 

Goodreads says, "While staying with his great-aunt Kathryn, Evan Ross visits an eerie old toy store. Among the dusty shelves, he finds a can of something called “Monster Blood.” The odd, sticky substance really does look like the blood of a creature. It has a greenish glow and sometimes feels warm to the touch. But the most alarming thing about the toy ooze is the way it keeps growing ― overflowing its container, then a bathtub, then filling up a whole trash can. Evan worries that all that growing has given the Monster Blood a monstrous appetite...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our house is overflowing with Goosebumps books—my oldest son’s long-time favorite. Now, my younger son is starting to try out the "horror" genre. The perfect introduction for him is through this graphic novel, and Scholastic recently sent us Monster Blood, just in time for the spooky season. This graphic novel adapts the original story in a page-turning way. In Monster Blood, Evan Ross stays with his great-aunt and visits a mysterious toy store, where he discovers "monster blood." As the story progresses, the monster blood grows bigger and becomes more dangerous! R.L. Stine masterfully keeps the scares mild—enough to make kids eager to read, but not too scary to keep them up at night. For upper elementary students who may be reluctant readers, this graphic novel is a great gateway to the genre. Maddi Gonzalez’s full-color illustrations add to the excitement, making it likely to engage even the most hesitant readers. And with Goosebumps now on Disney+, it's more popular than ever!

 

 

What do you think of these new fall reads? Are you a Goosebumps fan? Let me know in the comments below. 

 

Mini Reviews: New Releases

There are two books that I didn't get to feature this summer, but I realize that they actually are perfect for the fall season. One is a heartfelt family drama and the other is a murder mystery that involves influencers. 

The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff

Pages: 288

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: April 22, 2025

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Source: Personal Copy

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Ryan and Lillian Bright are deeply in love, recently married, and now parents to a baby girl, Georgette. But Lillian has a son she hasn’t told Ryan about, and Ryan has an alcohol addiction he hasn’t told Lillian about, so Georgette comes of age watching their marriage rise and fall.

When a shocking blow scatters their fragile trio, Georgette tries to distance herself from reminders of her parents. Years later, Lillian’s son comes searching for his birth family, so Georgette must return to her roots, unearth her family’s history, and decide whether she can open up to love for them—or herself—while there’s still time.

Told from three intimate points of view, The Bright Years is a tender, true-to-life novel that explores the impact of each generation in a family torn apart by tragedy but, over time, restored by the power of grace and love."

 

It's 1979 in Texas, and bank teller Lillian Wright meets Ryan Brighton. After a lengthy courtship and despite all his complicated family history, Lillian marries Ryan. But she has a secret about a pregnancy she had before she met Ryan. This will come into play later in the novel when her son comes back into the picture. Also, Ryan's life wasn't easy in a family that struggles with alcohol, and then Lillian finds out that Ryan also has issues with alcohol. After a heartbreaking miscarriage, they have daughter, Georgette. But Ryan never chooses his family over alcohol, and the vicious cycle continues for generations with long-lasting impacts. Sarah Damoff's debut novel, The Bright Years, is a heartfelt story that was moving, poignant, and oftentimes very sad.

The Bright Years alternates points of view between Georgette and Lillian (and later Ryan), which really offers readers a perspective and insight into these characters and how Ryan's choices have a rippling effect on the lives of the people he loves. Damoff is a social worker, and readers can tell how she obviously has experience with this topic and can truly illustrate how addiction impacts families. The story felt like it rang true, and while I found it heartbreaking and depressing, the final pages did leave me with hope. If you enjoy moving novels about generations of people and families, look no further. Damoff's debut is well-written and memorable.

Everyone is Lying to You by Jo Piazza

Pages: 336

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: July 15, 2025

Publisher: Dutton

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books By Author: The Sicilian Inheritance

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

Goodreads says, "Lizzie and Bex were best friends in college. After graduation, Bex vanished, leaving Lizzie confused and devastated.

Fifteen years later, Bex is now Rebecca Sommers, a “traditional” Instagram influencer with millions of followers who salivate over her perfect life on her ranch with her five children and handsome husband, Gray. Lizzie is a struggling magazine writer, watching reels while her young children demand her attention.

One night out of the blue, Bex calls Lizzie with a career-making proposition—an exclusive interview with her about her multimillion-dollar business venture and an invitation to MomBomb, the high-profile influencing conference.

At the conference, Bex goes missing and Gray is found brutally murdered on their ranch. Lizzie finds herself plunged into the dark side of the cutthroat world of social media that includes jealousy, sordid affairs, swingers, and backstabbing. She must learn who her old friend has become and who she has double-crossed to try to find her, clear her name, and maybe even save her life.

Piazza’s master storytelling and razor-sharp insight into the world of social media brings us a pulpy, juicy, and cleverly plotted read that will have you guessing all the way through and leave you gasping for more."

Bex and Lizzie were best friends in college, but after a falling out, they haven't spoken in years. Sure, Lizzie has stalked Bex, now Rebecca, and a "tradwife" influencer on Instagram, but they haven't actually talked in years; that is, until Bex sends Lizzie a message. Bex would love to reconnect with Lizzie and involve her in an interview with her to break some big news that Bex is hinting at. Bex isn't on social media for fun; this is her livelihood, and she is raking in the dough as she peddles farm life, baking, and other "tradwife" hobbies. Lizzie, a struggling journalist, jumps on this opportunity despite her hesitation and agrees to meet Bex at Mombomb, an influencer conference. After a night of reconnecting with Bex and many drinks, Lizzie wakes up to the news that Bex is missing, along with her six children, and her husband, Greyson, is dead...murdered! Lizzie, the journalist, wants to find out what is happened, but also wants to help her friend. And that's when the murder mystery part of the story unravels, and it will keep readers guessing. Jo Piazza's Everyone is Lying to You is a fun murder mystery that kept me flipping the pages, but it is also a peek into the behind-the-scenes life of an influencer.
 
I am always a fan of Jo Piazza's novels, and Everyone is Lying to You was no different. The story felt like readers were peeking behind the curtains at not only the type of women that are featured on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Duggars, etc, but also influencers that come across your feed on Instagram. I like how Piazza peels back the layers in that none of this is real. These influencers are a business, and while they are trying to tell women to just bake cookies at home or milk their own cow, they are actually raking in the dough with endorsements, partnerships, etc. While this message felt a little preachy over and over again, I was still invested in what happened to Bex, her husband, and I wanted Lizzie to uncover not only what happened, but also what Bex's life is actually like on the farm with her sexist husband and her gaggle of kids. Originally pitched as a summer read, I am glad I left this book for September, because it's the perfect fall read, especially with the murder mystery.

 

 

Have your read The Bright Years or Everyone is Lying to You? Let me know you thoughts in the comments below.