Learn more about Meissner’s writing process, approach to research and where the idea came for her McCarthy-era novel Susan Meissner’s The Map to Paradise — just released in paperback — is a story about the bond between three women as they navigate the challenges of the late 1950s. The plot centers around blacklisted starlet Melanie Cole, her housekeeper, Eva, and their agoraphobic next-door-neighbor Elwood, who Melanie sometimes chats with through open windows.  When Eva and

The Bookery Podcast is back for Season 2, launching March 5! Ready for even more of The Bookery? The Bookery Podcast will kick off on March 5 with episodes and conversations centered around the Bible, books and baking. From short Scripture meditation episodes that encourage us to ponder God's Word to sharing our favorite recipes and books, there's plenty of fun planned for the podcast this season. Season 2 will include four episodes a month, mixing in shorter Scripture Medit

Cookbook Chronicles is an on-going series at The Bookery. Over the course of the next year, we’re exploring The Pioneer Woman’s (Ree Drummond) latest cookbook, The Essential Recipes , cooking one recipe a month and sharing our thoughts.  For a while, I pretty much gave up on making the perfect waffle at home. I like my waffles tender on the inside, but perfectly crisp on the outside — and every time I attempted to make them at home, the waffles turned out limp and lackluster.

A church potluck favorite, featuring broccoli, bacon and creamy dressing I personally love broccoli salad. I know broccoli can be polarizing — you either like it or you don’t and few people are ambivalent about this cruciferous vegetable. But for me, this salad was a favorite side dish at church potlucks when I was growing up.  This version features raisins (another polarizing ingredient!), sunflower seeds, onion and crispy fried and crumbled bacon. It takes a few steps and a

Biblical forgiveness is an intentional choice to let go of malice. If we were listing out God’s characteristics, I think most of us would find “forgiving” somewhere on the list. In fact, in Exodus 34:6-7, it’s a characteristic God claims for himself.  As believers, we know that it is because of God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness, made clear in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, that we can be saved and live in daily relationship with our Creator.  But, in our world, w

Four cookbooks (or books about cooking) we’re looking forward to in 2026 I love cookbooks, and I come by it honestly. My mom has a big collection of cookbooks, and when we go to antique shops together, we often find ourselves thumbing through cookbooks looking for old community or church cookbooks (where you’re sure to find some great recipes from excellent home cooks).  A lot of amazing cookbooks and books about cooking are coming out in the next few months, but here are a f

Looking for new recipes to liven up your dinner table? We’ve got five you should give a try! Figuring out what to make for dinner can be the hardest decision of the day sometimes. So, to help make the daily shuffle a little easier, we’re exploring a few new dinner ideas to add in to your weekly rotation.  Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup As we begin the slow transition from winter to spring, there’s nothing better for dinner than a hearty bowl of soup. This recipe from Tieghan Ge