About the Book:
Title: From This Day Forward
Series: Dearly Beloved #2
Author: Deb L. Brown
Publisher: Peshina Publishing
Release Date: November 2, 2026
Genre: Contemporary Christian Women’s Fiction
Can a woman rediscover herself after spending decades putting everyone else first?
With an empty nest and a marriage that leaves her feeling less like a soulmate and more like a roommate, Brenda throws herself into helping everyone around her. But no amount of serving can fill the ache inside. When her mother’s health fails, Brenda embraces the role of caregiver, convinced that the only way for her to feel loved is by being needed.
As the responsibilities of caring for an aging parent intensify, she slowly loses sight of herself. The more she pours her energy into serving others, the more depleted she feels. A friend’s divorce forces her to take a hard look at her own marriage, while Marcus’s health struggles reveal a side of her husband she has overlooked for years.
Caught in the midlife demands of the sandwich generation, Brenda wonders if she can find purpose after motherhood.
My Thoughts:
I don’t read very many digital books anymore, but every so often one catches my eye. This one sounded like my style, and it sure was. The narrator, Brenda (the book is written in first person, present tense) is nearly my age, and has been married only a few years less than I have at this point. However, though she is experiencing the same type of physical changes that I am, she has an empty nest. (This is one of the many times I’m thankful to have a large family, and still have young children in my home!) Suddenly, she feels alone and unneeded. Throughout the book, she struggled to feel like she was worthwhile for more than what she did, for what she was. I can identify with that feeling. There were a number of times that I wanted to reach into the book and shake her, though, when I saw her feeling sorry for herself or disrespecting someone’s wishes. This is an encouraging and inspiring book for woman who are nearing menopause and trying to relearn who they are after their children leave home.
I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it. Links may be affiliate links, which will benefit Esther’s website if purchases are made through them.
About the Author:
Deb L. Brown is an Amazon bestselling author and Carol Award finalist who writes stories that explore loyalty in marriage and faith in God in the face of life’s challenges. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Women’s Fiction Writers Association, her books handle heavy issues with a touch of humor. She’s mom to her five children and Graham Cracker to her grandchildren. She lives with her husband in Minnesota.
Connect with Deb by visiting debbrownauthor.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.
The Series:
From This Day Forward is a stand-alone book in the Dearly Beloved series. This Christian novel has themes of marriage renewal, caregiving, and reinventing yourself in the second half of life. For fans of Karen Kingsbury, Katie Powner, Sara Brunsvold, and Amanda Cox.
More in This Series: To Have and to Hold
To purchase your copy: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a signed copy of From This Day Forward and To Have and to Hold, plus a $25 Amazon Gift Card and some surprise swag to go with each book!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 2, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 9, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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