What I'm learning, loving, reading, & writing

May 2025 Edition

May. That’s all there is to say.

May left little time for reflection. Each month I wrap up with a piece on a few things I’m currently loving or something I’m learning, or relearning, and a list of what I’m reading and writing.

Welcome to the May 2025 edition.

What I’m learning:

God loves when our prayers hold specificity. Because when we move from the broad stroke prayers it’s harder for us to miss the moment he answers.

I had a situation in May that I needed God to answer in a very specific way, so I asked him in detail. I wrote it in my prayer journal so I could mark the date of answer. It was the very next day. He answered as specifically as I asked. And I was shocked as always.

What I’m loving:

All things wedding. Zachary proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Tabi, in May! And Jacob and his girlfriend, Madi, will be around the corner. It’s an incredibly exciting season of life filled with promises of hope and joy.

Watching your kids build their foundations is next level and I’m here for it. What a gift.

What I’m reading:

I finished 7 books this month. 4 out of 7 had ZERO mention of themes of homosexuality and transgenderism and yet threw in these as major plot twists or even just as a small plot path that didn’t develop. I did not enjoy these themes popping up with no warning, so I’m letting you know in each review.

Mad Honey by Jodi Piccoult

I honestly don’t know why I keep trying her books. I gave this 2 out of 5 stars. Here’s my Goodreads review which has a spoiler.

I hated this book. Jodi Piccoult has turned into an author who writes characters to educate her readers on her social and worldviews. After Spark of Light I said I was done reading her books but decided to try again. The first half was so good then took a blindsiding twist and the 2nd half was all about …..
Spoiler alert. Stop reading if you plan to read this book.

The 2nd half of this book was a very extremely one sided view of life as a transgender. Any character in the story that disagreed was an abusive monster.
She typically references in her books her lack of belief in God. This book had an abortion scene that she wrote as the right decision. Lesbian moms for one of the characters.

A very progressive book.

Splanka: The Redemption of Energy Healing for the Kingdom of God by Sarah Thiessen

4 Stars

I found this book super fascinating and was particularly impressed with the strong theological perspectives offered. I think when we hear the word energy we immediately think new age. She did an amazing job really comparing and contrasting the new age and biblical sides. The science parts were a bit over my head but I enjoyed attempting to understand. I will likely read again!

The Saints of Swallow Hill by Donna Everhart

I gave this 4 stars and enjoyed the audio version. It was a sad story set in a depressing era. It read like a Kristin Hannah to me. Overall, I enjoyed even with the heavy setting and plot.

The Night She Disappeared by Lisa Jewell

3.5 stars. Most thrillers end up being hard to believe. The characters aren’t typically well developed but the plot usually drives. That is how I felt about this book. I did like the ending. But I’m left with wondering how so many connected people can be so deeply twisted. It’s one thing when one character is twisted but when many are it’s hard to believe. Also I dislike the same sex attraction and scenes thrown in midway. Had the book started there I likely would not have finished it.

The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

5 Stars! This book. Oh my word. From the opening scene, I couldn’t put it down. I rarely give a 5 star, but this book is well deserving. To combine in equal measures the depth of character development, the plot, pace, and narrative is so rare in modern literature. Thought provoking sentences that I’ll never forget. Insights into the heart and what makes us do what we do. Is the line between right and wrong so clearly drawn?

To find a book so squeaky clean AND so gripping without being cheesy is also rare. I’d be completely fine with an advanced teen reader reading this book.

Warning: subject matters of child loss, miscarriage, infertility, and stillbirth is front and center. This book is not for everyone.

Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson

4 Stars. Loved the audio. A good, clean romance that reads like a Jane Austen.

The Best of Friends by Lucinda Berry

3 Stars

Complete spoiler alert.

This is the 3rd of 4th book in the last month the twist has been homosexual love. This was teens no less. I wouldn’t have chosen this book had I known. Initially I wasn’t thrilled with the writing but I kept reading and felt it was actually getting better. Until the twist. The ending just left me sad for every life that was completely wrecked and destroyed. The amount of grief was too unreal.

What I’m Writing:

June will hold more writing than May Lord willing!

I wrote a freelance piece I’ll share after it is published. In addition I shared this with paid subscribers:

I hope your May was filled with beauty and intention. Here’s to June and my favorite season- summer!!!

Love,

Renee