Hi Friend!

It seems like things start to get busier once spring arrives, but I hope you've had a chance to enjoy the warmer weather anyway.

This month I'm sharing a recent blog post discussing one of my favorite genres, cozy mysteries! Of course, the post also includes some of my favorite book recs too. (And guess what? I've nearly finished the manuscript for my very first cozy myself! More on this soon.)

I've included an excerpt from one of my books that I hope will give you a boost of encouragement. Definitely don't miss out on the Kalua Pork recipe, because it's delicious!

There's a poll at the end of the newsletter, and I'm excited to see the results of this one. Thanks for reading!

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A Beginner's Guide to Cozy Mysteries (and Book Recs!)

If you’ve ever found yourself curled up with a warm beverage and a captivating mystery novel that doesn’t leave you feeling disturbed or unsettled, chances are you’ve experienced the charm of a cozy mystery.

But what exactly defines this beloved subgenre of crime fiction? Let’s explore the essence of cozy mysteries and their evolution from classic to contemporary. I’m also highlighting some of my top picks that you can enjoy today.

Click to Read the Rest

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Holding On

In one of the books I wrote, there's an excerpt from my journal that reflected my struggle to identify a purpose in a particularly difficult season. For myself, this applies to my life again as I've come through a very hard year with no end in sight. Whatever you're going through right now, I hope that you find some encouragement here:

I was telling a friend recently that I wasn't really sure what exactly the lesson was that I was supposed to "get" over this past year. There had to be something. Surely God was trying to teach me something. I don't believe hardship is ever wasted.

At that moment, I couldn't understand any of it. She has recently come through cancer treatments herself and remarked, "Maybe there is no lesson. Maybe it was just about holding on."

It may sound simple, but I do believe it's also this: treasure every moment. There is never a guarantee of another single day. Live each day the best you can and squeeze all the life out of it that you can get. Don't take your loved ones for granted. Love them. Thank God for all the blessings, big and small.

When I look back over this year, I know it was a time of stretching... painful growth in many ways, unexpected ways. But there were also unexpected blessings... sometimes the people you think will be there for you aren't the ones who are. But on the flip side, others come out of the woodwork to lend a hand or say a kind word. As the saying goes, "There is no desolation without some consolation."

Excerpted from Milspouse Matters.

Order Milspouse Matters

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Milspouse Matters

You Are Not Alone

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Jen's Recipe Box

This recipe comes from our years living in Hawaii. It's perfect for popping in the oven or your slow cooker, whether you're having a busy working day or curling up with a book!

If you’ve visited Hawaii or attended a luau, you may have tried the island version of pulled pork called “Kalua Pig.” Since the traditional Hawaiian way of making Kalua pig involves an entire boar, banana leaves, a deep hole, and a fire pit… it’s unlikely you will attempt to make it this way (and if you do, please share photos!). However, there IS a very easy way to make your own delicious Kalua Pork, a method I was given by several local women I met while we were stationed in Hawaii.

This ALWAYS turns out perfectly moist and seasoned. If you want to Americanize it a bit like my husband does, add some BBQ sauce and serve it on a bun. However, I recommend just eating it as is with a side of rice and mac salad. It’s delicious!

Best of all, there are only three ingredients! Just click the button the go to the full, printable recipe.

Jen's Kalua Pork Recipe

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I hope that you enjoyed reading about the cozy mystery genre, and maybe have a few titles to add to your TBR list.

And if you do end up trying the Kalua Pork recipe, please let me know what you think. If you share about it on social media, be sure to tag me.

I'm really curious to see where my newsletter readers hang out online, so make sure you click your favorite social media platform in the poll above before you go. As always, I appreciate the interaction and notes from you. If there's anything you'd like to hear more about, drop me a line!

See you next time!

Blessings,

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P.O. Box 1086, Cibolo, TX 78108​
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