Tate Basildon

Mitch Albom’s “The Little Liar” Is the Most Beautiful Holocaust Story I’ve Ever Read—Yes, Really

Can a Holocaust novel be breathtakingly beautiful? Mitch Albom’s The Little Liar proves it can. This gripping story of a Greek-Jewish family’s fate during the Holocaust, narrated by Truth itself, peels back the layers of lies, love, betrayal, and survival in ways that feel gut-wrenching and gorgeously human. If you love historical fiction with emotional depth and prose that reads like poetry, this one’s for you.

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Why I’m Side-Eyeing Indie Books Lately (And Still Not a Snob About It)*

I’m not a literary snob—I promise. But after reading three self-published books in a row that felt like rough drafts, I have some thoughts. Here’s my honest, slightly sarcastic take on the current state of indie publishing, from a reader who just wants a well-written story that doesn’t need a red pen.

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Stop Saying You’re Allergic to Bees (When You’re Really Just Terrified of Nature)

Ever wonder why everyone suddenly claims they’re “allergic to bees”? In this cheeky yet heartfelt take from a chef living with chronic illness, I explore what our bee phobia really says about fear, faith, and city folks who panic at pollen. Spoiler: the bees aren’t the problem.

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Always the Host, Never the Guest: When Generosity Stops Feeling Mutual”

After 30 years of welcoming others into my home, cooking heartfelt meals and creating warm spaces, I realized I’ve rarely been invited back. This post explores the quiet pain behind one-sided hospitality and the longing to feel like a guest in someone else’s home—especially as a professional chef who just wants to be included.

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When an Editor is A CROOK: A Cautionary Tale for Writers

When you’re a writer with chronic illness juggling deadlines, the last thing you expect is your editor ghosting you mid-contract. This cautionary tale dives into how one “faith-filled” editor turned out to be a crook—and what every writer, especially those managing sarcoidosis or other chronic conditions, can learn about protecting themselves (and their wallet).