What I'm Reading This Week 11/10/25
FICTION: The Tahoe City Girls by Starla Dekruyf
Starla is one of the very first author friends I made back when I began my writing journey in 2018. She's kind, friendly, warm, funny, and supportive. Not all her books are closed door, so when she published The Tahoe City Girls, I couldn't wait to grab my copy. I'm only one chapter in, but I'm already hooked!
About the Book:
An emotionally powerful story about betrayal, forgiveness, and how friendship can transcend death.
Friends since childhood, Jolene, Kendra, Cristina, and Becca made a pact to return to Tahoe City anytime something monumental arose in their lives. Known as the heart and soul of Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City was a special place for Jolene and her friends, filled with magical memories at Becca’s family cottage, spirited tailgate parties, and almost stolen kisses while scooping ice cream with a childhood crush.
But Jolene hasn’t returned to Tahoe City in nearly two decades—not since the fatal car accident that killed her brother on graduation night.
And now, Becca is dead.
Forced to return to the place she’s avoided, Jolene reunites with Kendra and Cristina in Tahoe City to pay tribute to Becca. She’s determined to pick up the broken pieces of their friendship despite the secrets she’s been keeping.
Harrowing memories of lost loved ones aren’t the only thing Jolene is trying to keep buried in Tahoe City. When she runs into her childhood crush, Bo Dean—the one that got away—hope for a second chance at love arises. But as Jolene reveals her painful secrets, she discovers that even after two decades, some people haven’t changed but where their loyalties lie, may.
In this past and present timeline, the bond of friendship is tested, and Jolene will need to decide if she can forgive and allow herself to believe in love again.
NONFICTION: The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian
About the Book:
Stormie Omartian and her husband, Michael, spent 20 years raising their children...and more than 40 years praying for them. Now, in 32 short, easy-to-read chapters, Stormie shares how you can pray through each stage of your child's life, from early childhood to adulthood. Learn how to put your child's life in God's loving hands in such areas as his or her
safety
walk with God
success in school
friends
family relationships
gifts and talents
It's never too late to discover the joy that comes from being a part of God's work in your child's life. You don't have to be a perfect parent. But you do need to be a praying parent. And you can do that.