Book Review Policy & Guidelines

Greetings, 

As I mentioned earlier this year I have some new things instore for this blog and reviewing books has slowly been becoming a regular thing on The Gathering Room. With my current review load, I felt that is was time to lay out a few guidelines for book reviews moving forward. I want this place to be a vessel for building new authors up because that was something I have not had in my career as a writer. So here it is...

The Characters of The Hope of Inheritance

Greetings, 

It turns out that God has some interesting timing. 

When I released my Award Winning Novel, The Hope of Inheritance, over the summer it turns out I neglected to post the Character Profiles for the story on this blog. 

Well, I'm about to do a relaunch for the book and Character Profiles are the perfect way to get that all started. Its going to take place over the next few months, but you got to start somewhere, right? 

Take a look at all of the wonderful characters from this story that changed everything for me. 

See you in the pages, 

M. J. E. 

A Little February Update (and an Invitation for the 15th)

Greetings,

Since today is Valentine’s Day, I hope you’re finding a moment to breathe, to rest, and to feel connected to the people who matter most in your life. Holidays have a way of reminding us how much community shapes us — and how much we need it.

That’s part of why I wanted to share a quick update with you.

Book Reviews: And They Were Persuaded by Naomi Craig and Donna E. Lane

Greetings, 

I pray that everyone reading this is doing well. This blog has been quieter for a few weeks than I normally like, but that's all for good reason. Those of you on my email list will hear more about that when my monthly email goes out.

For this post, I have another review for you. And They Were Persuaded by Naomi Craig and Donna E. Lane, released on 1/27, and I was invited to be a part of their launch team. This review is my honest thoughts, and I was not persuaded (did you catch that) in any way to share my thoughts. I truly enjoyed reading this one and can't wait for you to read the book for yourselves. 

See you in the pages, 

M.J.E.

Stepping Into 2026

Greetings,

In 2026, you're going to see more posts like this. Shortly after I send out my monthly email, I intend to post a blog-worthy version of what they get sent to them, with a few minor, but meaningful things taken out. My hope is that my readers will want to know more. 😉 For this one, I kept pretty much everything, but moving forward, this will change. 

Book Reviews: ADHD Time Management Toolkit by Sophie Brooks

Greetings, 

I've got something different for you all today, and it is a book that hits really close to home. As someone who was given their own diagnosis with moderate ADHD in the last year, this was a book that found me on my personal social media pages. I've been on a pretty incredible journey with this diagnosis, and others: GAD (General Anxiety Disorder), Dyslexia, and OCD.  

When you include some trauma from my childhood, I was desperate for answers. I've read so many books/articles on ADHD and Anxiety this year. All of which have been helpful in understanding just how important my mental health is. I have so much more to say about all of that, but this toolkit put a lot of things into perspective for me, and it is a pleasure to share this review for Sophia Brooks and her book, ADHD Time Management Toolkit For Adults.  

A Christmas Message for 2025

Greetings, 

I hope this holiday season has been rewarding to you and that you are all ready to enjoy Christmas tomorrow. Christmas has always been one of my favorite times of the year. As a child, I loved the idea of presents, not because it meant that I would be receiving the things, but because it was the one time of year; I really felt seen.