The Rival by Emma Lord

 The Rival by Emma Lord is a delightful young adult romantic comedy.  Sadie and Sebastian have grown up next door to each other, with parents who are good friends, and who compete with each other on everything.  They graduate and end up at the same college, and competing again for a space on the school newspaper.  Together they uncover flaws with the school, get to know each other better, and begin to wonder if they are truly  on the same page. 

I really enjoyed this one.  The banter, chemistry, and friendship between Sadie and Seb was magnificent.  Both characters grow, become better humans, and change in this coming-of-age story.  I felt caught up in the world of Maple Ridge University and was glad I could visit.  The story will make you want pancakes and wonder why you have not been eating them regularly.   The author did a good job capturing the transition to college, leaving your family, and individuating that happens post high school. 

This book is a wonderful treat filled with sweet romance, good banter, and story that will make you smile.  I highly recommend you read The Rival by EmmaLord with a plate of pancakes.    

I read a traveling ARC and was not required to write a positive review. 

My name’s Emma Lord, and I’m all three Powerpuff Girls in a trench coat, but also an author based in New York City. When I’m not writing, I’m either running, belting show tunes in community theater, or mildly alarming bakery staff with my enthusiasm for cake. My novels include TWEET CUTE (2020), Reese’s YA Book Club pick YOU HAVE A MATCH (2021), WHEN YOU GET THE CHANCE (2022), BEGIN AGAIN (2023), and THE GETAWAY LIST (2024), with upcoming novels THE BREAK-UP PACT (2024) and THE RIVAL (2025). You can find me posting way too much about dessert and books @dilemmalord on Twitter and Instagram.

Set Your Eyes Higher by Whitney Lowe

Set Your Eyes Higher: A 40-Day Reset to Slow Your Anxiety and Fix Your Focus on God by Whitney Lowe  published by Zondervan is a 40 day devotional book to work on anxiety. The book has a great format of with a 2-3 page devotional, followed by suggested scripture readings, and a prayer for you that relates to the day's topic. This beautiful hardback book is a friendly size filled with photos, wisdom and is aesthetically pleasing.

The book is divided into four themes. I am enjoying reading through each day and appreciate the themes presented. The style of the book is open and inviting. It will help anyone grow in their faith and make progress with anxiety. I highly recommend Set your Eyes Higher by Whitney Lowe. A great addition to your 2025.

I was given a copy and not required to write a positive review.

Blurb: Find peace and rest for your spirit when you fix your eyes on God.
Life feeling out of control? Overwhelmed and need a break? You’re invited to a 40-day reset that will help you let go of what’s not serving you, honor your limitations, and turn your gaze toward a God who loves you. Set Your Eyes Higher is a life-changing devotional journey from anxiety to peace.


We spend a lot of time looking down. Mostly at our phones. Sometimes at ourselves. The artificial blue light in our eyes makes us anxious about the world. It makes us chase trends that have nothing to do with who we want to be. It causes us to put time, energy, and brain space into what won’t last.
It’s time to look up.

Whitney Lowe is a Christian influencer who wants to see young women excited about God’s work: in the Bible, in history, in the world, and in them. She writes and creates on Instagram @ScribbleDevos, a project born from the realization that young women simply do not interact with the Bible enough to be changed by its truth. Whitney is passionate about disrupting the toxic scroll of social media with hope, peace, and light straight from Scripture.

She lives in Denver, Colorado, with her husband, who is a pastor, and their two young children.