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Mission Tejas State Park is located between Crockett and Grapeland along Highway 21. I found this park when looking at the State Park map to find parks near-ish us. When looking at photos, I became absolutely infatuated, and the park definitely lived up to my hype. The park's infrastructure was impressive, especially when compared to other state parks. The trails were mostly clear, we saw little to no trash or debris, and the stairs were well-built and reinforced. front and b

Merry and Bright by Ali Rosen Merry and Bright by Ali Rosen (4.5/5 stars) was an absolute delight. This short story was my first introduction to Ali Rosen, and if this is any indication of her style, I’ll definitely be seeking out more of her work. Witty, warm, and perfectly paced, it’s the kind of holiday read that feels effortless but leaves a lasting impression. I laughed out loud so many times while listening to this—truly one of those rare stories where the humor lands

Winter Nights at the Bay Bookshop by Jessica Redland Winter Nights at the Bay Bookshop (4/5 stars) was a sweet, cozy holiday read that felt like wrapping up in a blanket with a warm drink and a stack of well-loved books. What truly stood out to me were the descriptions of Icelandic holiday traditions. I’ve had a bit of an obsession with Jólabókaflóð ever since I first learned about it years ago, and seeing it woven so lovingly into the story was genuinely delightful. The at

After spending the day at home with the boys on Christmas, I decided we all needed some fresh air, away from games and toys, and a little adventure. Fort Boggy is essentially in our backyard, and we have never made it out there, so I felt like today was as good a day as any, given the temperatures in the 70s. Gotta love Central Texas weather!! Our 5-year-old is not always the most enthusiastic about a long walk, but can occasionally be coaxed. He started out jumping out of th

A Heart for Christmas by Sophie Jomain I really wanted to love A Heart for Christmas: My Christmas Advent , and the concept is ultimately what earned it a solid 3 stars for me. The idea of a Christmas advent-style story—unfolding day by day with emotion, reflection, and seasonal meaning—is genuinely charming and full of potential. Unfortunately, the execution didn’t fully live up to that promise. The biggest struggle for me was how dense the story felt. For a book built aroun

The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore The Pumpkin Spice Café (4/5 stars) is the definition of a cozy comfort read—with plenty of spice layered in. It’s warm, charming, and exactly the kind of book you pick up when you want to escape into something fun and feel-good. I gave this one 4 stars, and it absolutely lived up to its autumnal promise. Logan completely stole my heart. I loved everything about his character, from his quiet strength to his natural caretaking instincts

How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying, Dark Lord Davi series book 1, by Django Wexler This was a fun book. The female protagonist brings plenty of humor and attitude to the story, using wit, sarcasm, and a healthy dose of hormones to add flair. The pop culture references and quick quips give the book a snappy, modern tone that’s easy to enjoy. “Never fuck anyone you would be upset having to kill, that’s my new motto.” Without giving anything away, my only complaint lie

Say You'll Be Mine by Naina Kumar Say You’ll Be Mine by Naina Kumar (4/5 stars) is a sweet, charming romance that truly shines because of how richly Indian culture is woven into the story. From family dynamics and traditions to food and expectations, the cultural elements feel lived-in and essential, not decorative—and that was easily my favorite part of the book. The romance itself unfolds gently and sincerely. It’s soft, warm, and emotionally grounded, focusing just as muc

The Art of Money Getting by P.T. Barnum “How many have almost reached the goal of their ambition, but, losing faith in themselves... the golden prize has been lost forever.” This is going to be a short reviw considering this book is a little over 30 pages. That being said this was a good little book. I really enjoy how older finance and self-help titles tend to be short, focused, and free from the abstract fluff that modern books often get lost in. The Art of Money Getting

The Richest Man In Babylon by George S. Clason I realized yesterday that I was dropping the ball. Not on purpose, per se. I’m on chapter 11 of the 1,100-page Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson. I’m also a little more than halfway through How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying by Django Wexler. Not to mention the short read The Art of Money Getting by P.T. Barnum that I only read on nights my youngest asks me to lay with him while he goes to bed. He’s been very momm

Greek Fire, Poison Arrows, and Scorpion Bombs, by Adrienne Mayor I don’t read as much nonfiction as I probably should, but when a book blends solid research with good storytelling, it grabs me. Greek Fire, Poison Arrows, & Scorpion Bombs did exactly that. Adrienne Mayor dives into the darker, stranger corners of ancient warfare—where science, superstition, and fear were just as important as sword and shield. This isn’t a dry academic take on military history. It’s a vivid lo

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows ( 4. 75/5 stars) is a powerful, emotional conclusion to a series I’ve loved for most of my life. It’s a book filled with loss, courage, loyalty, and quiet moments that hit just as hard as the battles. I love this book for so many reasons, and every reread reminds me why this ending feels both earned and unforgettable. One of the most striking aspects of this installment is the way Harry

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling I have a definite love–hate relationship with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (4.5/5 stars). Every time I reread the series, this book hits differently—and not always in a good way. It’s brilliant, layered, and emotionally heavy, but it’s also deeply frustrating when you know exactly what’s coming next. On one hand, this book offers some of the most fascinating lore in the entire series. The deep dive into Voldemor

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (5/5 stars) is, without question, my favorite book in the entire series. It’s emotionally heavy, politically charged, and deeply character-driven in a way that makes it unforgettable. This is the book where the magic takes a backseat to grief, anger, injustice, and love—and it’s all the stronger because of it. Harry is at his most raw here. He’s angry, isolated, and overwhelme

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (4/5 stars) is a major turning point in the series, both in tone and in scope. The story expands the wizarding world in exciting ways and begins the shift from childhood adventure to something much darker and more dangerous. While this book includes many elements I truly love, it’s still probably one of my least favorite installments in the series overall. Some of the highlights are among

Holy Sister, Third Book of the Ancestor by Mark Lawrence It says a lot when I actually finish something. I know you wouldn't guess it...

Love Blooms by Jennifer Faye Love Blooms by Jennifer Faye (4.25/5 stars) was one of those books that quietly worked its way into my heart and stayed there. I already enjoy Jennifer Faye’s warm, emotionally grounded romances, but this one hit especially close to home for me. Coming from a long line of firefighters, the themes of service, sacrifice, resilience, and love woven throughout the story felt deeply personal and incredibly moving. At its core, Love Blooms is a story

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (5/5 stars) is easily one of the strongest books in the entire series and my second favorite overall . This is the book where the story truly matures—emotionally, thematically, and structurally—without losing any of the magic that made us fall in love with the series in the first place. Most notably, this is our first introduction to Sirius Black , a character who completely cha

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (4/5 stars)deepens the magic introduced in the first book while adding a much darker, more ominous tone. On this reread, I was reminded how unsettling this installment can be—mysterious messages on the walls, whispered voices only Harry can hear, and the growing fear spreading through Hogwarts. The story expands the wizarding world in meaningful ways, introducing house-elves, Pars

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling I’ve honestly lost count of how many times I’ve read this book since it first came out—and every reread still feels like coming home. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (4/5 stars)is one of my all-time favorite introductory novels, not just because it starts an iconic series, but because of how effortlessly it pulls you into Harry’s world. This book does a beautiful job of introducing Harry’s lonely, difficult life and