MAY NEWSLETTER-Springtime joy when “all things become new” plus a book review and a refreshing treat!

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

~~2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)

New beginnings with the flowers of May!

Don’t you enjoy the “newness” of spring with the abundance of flowers and baby creatures showing up? Here in Arizona, our desert climate has flowering bushes, trees, and cacti which add sparkle to our landscape, plus we see little quail chicks scrambling to follow their parents across our yard. This year, we saw a gosling at a local pond. Treasures to enjoy, for sure. Seeing the “new things” around this season also reminds us that as Christians we are blessed to know WE are “new creatures” because of our Lord, as the Scripture above tells us.

BOOK REVIEW

This month, I’m sharing my review of Tina Radcliffe’s upcoming release, The Sheriff’s Secret Past, a story of new beginnings for both the hero and heroine…perfect for springtime renewal. This book is the start of a new small town inspirational romance series!

Love this story…the first in the new Aspen Creek Cowboys series! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’m ready to move to Aspen Creek, Colorado! Small town romances are my favorite. I love the close communities of folks who support each other, the charming main streets with cute shops and fun foodie places to explore….plus the friendly neighbors who encourage others with their faith-filled wisdom. And, of course, romance readers want the sweet developing relationships between protective heroes and the strong women they love.

When Emily Taylor returns to town and buys the local newspaper where she interned one summer, she didn’t expect some of the challenging issues confronting her dream of running the small press. Sheriff Chase Everett, a former acquaintance, is surprised to find Emily has come back. With an upcoming election to retain his office on the horizon, he is worried that an unfortunate incident in his past might be revealed. This could also jeopardize, his planned adoption of his orphaned niece, Sarah.

The developing relationship between the couple is sweet…and faith-filled. I liked the compassion expressed by the characters and the forgiveness displayed. The precious child, Sarah, and the cute puppy, Byron, added to the enjoyment of this romance. The twist at the end was a surprise….and the resolution is just right.

Author Tina Radcliffe writes sweet romances with great characters in settings where you want to spend more time. I’m so excited the Aspen Creek Cowboys series will continue as I want to know more about the various folks of this small community….and sample more treats as featured in the story. Salted caramel brownies, lemon cream cheese icebox cake, sprinkles on ice cream? Yes, please! And, yes, I highly recommend The Sheriff’s Secret Past!

Favorite quotes: 

“Sometimes good things happen when you least expect it and when you think you can’t possibly manage one more thing in your life. And sometimes, they end up being the missing piece in your life.”

“Gram promised me she’d be waiting for me at the entrance to the pearly gates.”

*I received an advance copy of this book with no requirement to write a review. This is my honest opinion.

To order The Sheriff’s Secret Past and to find out more about this new Love Inspired series featuring the town of Aspen Creek, Colorado, check out Tina Radcliffe’s website via the link below. (Pro tip: Be sure to check out the Soul Sisters’ recipe link on the website.)

This book releases May 26, 2026. I highly recommend this uplifting story of new beginnings! A great springtime read!

TEATIME TREAT

Today I’m serving ice cream with a double scoop of sprinkles….just like Sarah, the young girl in the story, likes as a special treat. Yes, this is a perfect springtime refreshment to enjoy on the patio with a good book.

Thank you for joining me for my teatime review and a peek at the new blossoms in my desert yard. I’ll add a few more photos below. Please let me know (in the comment section at the bottom of this post) what new beginnings you are enjoying.

Oh, and here is a photo of my sparkling new stickers featuring a favorite Bible verse and a treasured necklace my mother left to me. I send up Mother’s Day thoughts and appreciation to my mom, who lives eternally in heaven and in my heart.

I hope your May is filled with the joy of new creations you see in nature and in the world.

With prayers and blessings, Sherida

SOME ADDITIONAL PHOTOS OF SPRINGTIME IN MY DESERT AREA