This is a sweet marriage-of-convenience novella! I enjoy following the author's bookish posts on Instagram, and this novella offered to her newsletterThis is a sweet marriage-of-convenience novella! I enjoy following the author's bookish posts on Instagram, and this novella offered to her newsletter subscribers was calling my name before she published it!
It has a great NYC setting, pining and longing between the main couple (who happen to have a college best friend's brother situation going), mouth-watering Puerto Rican foods that make me want to seek them out, and a unique look at the arts and their presence in community. I enjoyed the nods to the MOC trope staples like forced proximity, a sick bed scenario, and little moments of care between Matt and Antonia. This novella is the perfect length to enjoy in a sitting or two....more
Running Into Forever is an exemplary interpretation of a believable contemporary marriage of convenience. Author Jennifer Rodewald explores depths of Running Into Forever is an exemplary interpretation of a believable contemporary marriage of convenience. Author Jennifer Rodewald explores depths of integrity, honor, and faithfulness in unexpected ways between the quiet hero and the lovable heroine. Through each point of view, the story unfolds with an idyllic island on the Great Lakes. My favorite aspect of the story is how Taylor and Sonora both appreciate and seek an intentional existence. Of course, I also enjoyed how their opposite personalities played out into some fun moments (blushes and some great "my wife" lines) and a meaningful, faith-centered romance....more
A perfectly satisfying story conclusion. ALL the little things I love about a Laureano story: -a smart, compassionate, no-nonsense heroine, Rose -starcA perfectly satisfying story conclusion. ALL the little things I love about a Laureano story: -a smart, compassionate, no-nonsense heroine, Rose -starchy and serious WILL finally cracks open his passionate side and gets his HEA! -the Larkspur House's secrets are revealed! -the story kept surprising me -- wholly unpredictable in the best way -the Colorado setting feeds my soul. I want to visit the fictional town of Haven Ridge and hang out with this cast. -maybe someday we'll get twin Erin's story?!? ...more
What a treat to catch up with the Humes in this novella! And, to see Orin all grown up into such an honorable gentleman is delightful. This is a storyWhat a treat to catch up with the Humes in this novella! And, to see Orin all grown up into such an honorable gentleman is delightful. This is a story both bittersweet and hopeful, and I appreciate how it handles a second-chance romance delicately and with enough time developing great depths of the characters. I feel like I know the "adult" Orin and his love, Maryn, as well as any of Frantz's characters after spending a shorter time on-page with them. Another favorite aspect of this story is its use and focus on the merits of literature....more
I'd rate it 5 diamonds if I could. What a FUN heist romp around Europe with a sparring rivals-to-romance pair. Longer review to come.I'd rate it 5 diamonds if I could. What a FUN heist romp around Europe with a sparring rivals-to-romance pair. Longer review to come....more
Meddling With Mistletoe takes fans of Liz Johnson back to the Red Door Inn for rom-com antics, the joys of the Christmas season and all it entails, anMeddling With Mistletoe takes fans of Liz Johnson back to the Red Door Inn for rom-com antics, the joys of the Christmas season and all it entails, and for a story of two strangers finding friendship and a little romance in unlikely circumstances. If you’ve never visited the Red Door Inn or Prince Edward Island in Liz’s other stories, you are in for a treat discovering the steadfast and vibrant characters who make up this story world. If you’re a returning traveler, you will be joyous to revisit characters like Marie and Seth, Aretha Franklin and Jack, and a new generation of kids to like — especially precocious Julia May who steals a few scenes in this story with her funny holiday and personal observations.
The romance has the right balance of complexity, twinkling lights, friendship, and pies. Daniel is a new beta hero to add to my bespectacled book boyfriend list with so much kindness behind a sometimes-stoic exterior. My favorite thing about his romance with Whitney is how they both see each other’s integrity and heart, even in the tentative first parts of their friendship. The way Whitney excels at pastry but holds a little uncertainty about her future and dreams is smartly portrayed and encouraged — never judged — by Daniel, which makes their dynamic all the more appreciated.
My thank Revell Publishing and the Revell Reads program for the review copy. This is my honest review....more
Summerlin Groves is an intriguing story of resilience, hope, and the influences of history. It’s a contemporary story that’s part mystery and perseverSummerlin Groves is an intriguing story of resilience, hope, and the influences of history. It’s a contemporary story that’s part mystery and perseverance, part second chance romance. Impressively, this is Camden’s first foray into the contemporary genre, and this tale proves she is highly capable of penning captivating stories set in any era. Each time I read one of her novels, I know I am going to be enamored with the story while also learning something — in this case, fascinating orange-growing info and Eastern Europe/Cold War history.
I appreciate how mature both Wyatt and Jenny are, even with their flaws. My favorite thing about their second chance dynamic is how each sees the “bigger picture” and has the emotional intelligence to analyze the other’s perspective and motives. This spills over into how realistic themes are explored in the story, from moments of grief and loss to facing insecurities and life plans. Paired with these bigger issues are heart-deep moments of friendship and romance, and one particular moment where Wyatt says something like “just let me hold you” and I think I swooned.
Elizabeth Camden impresses me with her historical stories, and with this contemporary tale she highlights the nostalgia and significance of history through a little Russian history lesson and Cold War secrets. Jenny Summerlin’s journey shows respect for history and its impact and importance still today — a reason I enjoy history and historical fiction, in fact.
If you’re a history buff, too, and the Eastern European historical elements of this novel intrigue you, I highly recommend you check out my favorite book by Elizabeth Camden set during the early 1900s, Written on the Wind, which has a fabulous hero.
My thanks to the author for the review copy. This is my honest review....more
The Something Borrowed novella collection tells three romance stories all threaded with wartime and sacrifice and a unique dress that binds them togetThe Something Borrowed novella collection tells three romance stories all threaded with wartime and sacrifice and a unique dress that binds them together. The dress connects them in a surprising way, a bit nontraditional in its origin, acquisition, and presence as a motif, which I really loved. While collections like this usually have a standout favorite story for me, I can’t pick a favorite in this particular collection because I enjoyed and was impressed by each story for different reasons.
A Heart in Disguise by Rachel Scott McDaniel is a second-chance, WWI era romance with a little intrigue and real-life stateside homefront happenings. The second chance establishes a history and dynamic between the leads, which also show admirable growth through the story.
In A Letter to Eli, author Allison Pittman shows off her engaging authorial voice. This is a captivating, page-turning WWII era story, also a second chance romance with a delightful letter element. I appreciated how the leads showcase memories of youthful days balanced with the weight of conflict and present concerns.
A Daffodil in the Dress by Susie Finkbeiner sweetly uses tropes that feel organic to the characters. This story is about a widowed mother with a darling little girl, Eloise, who happens to work in a bookshop. And, it’s a workplace romance between Kate and her tenderhearted boss, Ike. In a similar vein to the second chance stories earlier in the novella, these two characters have an established respect and professional friendship. Seeing it blossom to a realization of love — through a particularly humorous dinner occasion, too — is a treat.
My thanks to the authors and Kregel publishers for the review copy. This is my honest review....more
The Cold Light of Day is a fascinating, suspenseful historical mystery that unfolds amidst the turmoil of the Irish War of Independence. This story seThe Cold Light of Day is a fascinating, suspenseful historical mystery that unfolds amidst the turmoil of the Irish War of Independence. This story sees Sidney and Verity in Dublin on the hunt for Verity's friend and cohort, Alec, all while they untangle a separate mystery involving the upper class. With rich historical detail, Huber paints both sides of the conflict with appropriate empathy as the bigger issues of occupation, violence, rights, and culture clash and introduce points to ponder for Verity, Sidney, and the reader, too. It was great, as always, to catch up with Sidney and Verity as they grow closer in their relationship. The relationships and rapport among all the characters, main and side alike, have grown quite intricate with 7 stories in the series so far. This one has twists and surprises -- ones that I happily could not predict -- and comes to a resolution, though I do like the direction and setting I suspect will be the focus of the next in the series.
I listened to the audiobook for most of my reading experience and greatly enjoyed its production, too....more
A Deceptive Composition sees the Gages on a surprising journey to Cornwall, one that will bring with it trials, family secrets, and unearth the past fA Deceptive Composition sees the Gages on a surprising journey to Cornwall, one that will bring with it trials, family secrets, and unearth the past for Lord Gage (Kiera’s father-in-law) in a drastic way. With Huber’s skillful pen, this twelfth (!!! so many books and all so good!) installment in the Lady Darby Mysteries delivers another winding, unpredictable tale with equal parts intrigue and emotional resonance.
The writing style showing Kiera’s 1st person POV really shines in matters of logic and deduction. To read it is to see human nature through Kiera’s eyes, familiar ones for faithful readers who’ve followed the series thus far. Kiera’s view is a precise and insightful analysis of the world around her, yet written in such a way as to be certain of other characters’ manners, motives, and demeanors. As she engages with the estranged family members, truths and complexities about her own immediate family are brought to light. She is the first to comprehend how a particular character’s past experiences result in a certain prickliness and worldview that has influenced the present.
As a person who looks for the romance in every story, I have always I liked the growing dynamic between Gage and Kiera, and more recently in this series the possibility of their personal staff, Bree and Anderley, getting together. In A Deceptive Composition, there are wonderful moments that highlight the everydayness of Gage and Kiera’s love at this stage in their relationship. Huber does a great job showing how they are just as smitten with the same delightful tension and chemistry between them, yet showing their consideration and kindness in the practicalities, too, like caring for little Emma and making sure a carriage ride is comfortable (or, with a baby, tolerable).
The Cornwall setting is nicely depicted and brings to my mind visuals from the Poldark series complete with the country gentry, shipwrecks, and smuggling activities. Real-life places and personalities were the author’s inspiration for some of the story framework, which I appreciate.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance ebook copy. This is my honest review....more
Cole and Laila Are Just Friends is a love letter to friendship, New York City, and You've Got Mail. That last thing, You've Got Mail, is just one of mCole and Laila Are Just Friends is a love letter to friendship, New York City, and You've Got Mail. That last thing, You've Got Mail, is just one of many NYC-centric pop culture things that are hilariously and lovingly referenced by Bethany Turner throughout this story.
Readers of Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other will recognize best friends Cole and Laila who slowly (or all at once, kinda) realize their all-encompassing friendship can and SHOULD include romance for them. The dawning of this fact is a treat to read about and experience alongside the characters, as they go through some other life realizations (hello, themes of belonging, identity, and purpose!).
I love that Bethany Turner does two things simultaneously -- and equally well -- with the friends-to-lovers trope here: 1. This story elevates friendships, specifically platonic guy-girl ones, in a special way. The tone and unfolding of the story makes you see Cole and Laila with understanding, in a way that makes sense for them to be BFFs for YEARS without any romantic feelings. It brings Brynn and Seb into this, too, and recognizes the importance of core adult friendships.
2. The story makes you ROOT FOR the finally-romance realization because you, as the reader, know it will be epic. The slow burn, nearly meandering story start (pre-NYC setting) makes this extra as it is foundational to the connectedness and history between Cole and Laila. Never once does the addition of romance to the dynamic diminish the friendship, as it should be, but somehow this story is a lens for appreciating/highlighting "just friends" relationships....more
An automatic “favorites list” addition, Walking on Hidden Wings exhibits everything I love about the inspy/historical romance genre and the marriage oAn automatic “favorites list” addition, Walking on Hidden Wings exhibits everything I love about the inspy/historical romance genre and the marriage of convenience trope. What begins as an engaging mystery soon transforms into an adventurous, high-stakes romance — and the high stakes come in the form of a missing friend, an aviation accident (or is it sabotage?), and the subterfuge of a 1920s social ladder.
Author Rachel McDaniel has a prose-like style that fills the story with wonder in its details: in the flying stunts, sisterly devotion, a heroine out of her comfort zone in the country, a protective and empowering hero, and a thrilling romance. Speaking of romance, the narrative has smartly penned flashback chapters amidst “current” angsty tension that tell the origins of the romance and marriage of convenience situation Geneva navigated. This brings life-altering secrets and themes of reconciliation and hope to the forefront. Most impressive in this story framing and narrative is how every single detail of the characters’ lives matters and satisfyingly comes full circle.
Fans of ultra-romantic historical marriages of convenience like Rachel McMillan’s The London Restoration or books by Mimi Matthews should give Walking on Hidden Wings a space on their TBRs.
Thank you to the publisher and Just Read Tours for the review copy. This is my honest opinion. I also purchased a final copy of the ebook for my collection....more
I haven't read many middle ages/medieval historical romances set in Scotland, so the premise of this one intrigued me! I'm also a fan of the enemies-tI haven't read many middle ages/medieval historical romances set in Scotland, so the premise of this one intrigued me! I'm also a fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope this takes advantage of in the form of neighboring rival kingdoms and warrior-like royalty. And, it adds in a marriage of convenience trope. :)
Overall, I liked this story and its strong elements of faith and courage. Duncan and Cyrene are great leading characters whose match and chemistry is fun to see unfold in complex circumstances. I did feel the story grew to be too melodramatic near the later half, especially concerning certain doubts Cyrene harbored over Duncan's loyalty and motives. I did like the clear setup for future stories, and I'm curious to know what will happen between a few of the secondary characters in the second book and beyond....more
This is a really sweet, short contemporary romance that utilizes the single mom trope to its advantage! Hero Rene's French heritage, phrases (!!! swooThis is a really sweet, short contemporary romance that utilizes the single mom trope to its advantage! Hero Rene's French heritage, phrases (!!! swoon), and total flirty-with-a-heart-of-gold role complements Heather's role as a fiercely independent heroine with a heart of service. I adored seeing Rene realize the gem Heather is, and going through the "let me take care of you just because I can -- even though I know you're a boss" setup. A FAV microtrope of mine. Heather, too, sees his heart and shows him a kind of friendship and deep relationship like he hasn't experienced before. Throw in some good coffee, croissants, a red dress or two, an adorable eight year old, and a SWOONY first kiss moment (wrist kisses are my microtrope Kryptonite), and you have a delightful romance.
The setup of Rene and Heather and the fictional town in Savannah Scott's "Sweater Weather" novel, A Not So Fictional Fall, makes them prime for a short timeline romance centered on Valentine's Day (!!!). Readers of the prior story will delight in glimpses of Tasha and Pierre in their HEA glow....more
The Berlin Letters is an intriguing look at history through a unique generational perspective of the Berlin Wall -- from both behind it for its duratiThe Berlin Letters is an intriguing look at history through a unique generational perspective of the Berlin Wall -- from both behind it for its duration and as seen from a Western perspective near its end in the 1980s. It is a story of family, reconciliation, and of truths surviving impossible circumstances.
Reay has done a fabulous job with historical detail and accuracy, as evidenced by the gripping narratives of Luisa and Haris and supported by her informative author's note. The elements of freedom and life in the U.S. contrast with the determined and steadfast survival of those living in danger behind the wall. This juxtaposition combines with unfolding family secrets in Luisa's life connected to ongoing CIA activities to pull the reader into a memorable story experience. For me, this book raises questions and curiosity about those who lived closely to these events and survived the atrocious conformity of communism.
I especially enjoyed the audiobook production and the emotions the narrators lent to the story, enriching the experience with German accents and inflections.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the audiobook copy. This is my honest review....more
Once Persuaded, Twice Shy by Melodie Edwards is a contemporary retelling of Jane Austen’s classic Persuasion, which happens to be my favorite Austen nOnce Persuaded, Twice Shy by Melodie Edwards is a contemporary retelling of Jane Austen’s classic Persuasion, which happens to be my favorite Austen novel. It smartly retains the pillars of Austen’s material, wit, and themes while taking a different, modern slant on certain elements which serves to draw attention to different aspects of the characters. I particularly loved the autumnal, small-town Canadian setting that serves as a colorful character in itself, along with its resident menacing Goose.
One thing that comes across strongly is Anne’s growth and assertion of her independence in stages after Ben Wentworth comes back into her life. And, Wentworth’s pining and heartbreak is closely explored through moments and a few key scenes where he vocally shares his POV. While the story is completely from Anne’s POV, tiny details and moments of care serve to make Wentworth’s true affections *finally* known. I appreciate how the details of this story really make the deeper themes and dynamics shine, like Anne finding freedom and a new sense of self symbolized in her shopping for new shoes.
The romance is a slow burn as expected from Anne and Wentworth’s shared history which is revealed along the way. Wentworth 2.0, as I will call him, demonstrates his care of Anne with such wonderful, swoony gestures (like a heater! and quietly offering a car ride! and an oversized hoodie!). Like the classic novel, Anne’s family is atrocious, the Fairchilds (modern day Crofts) are endearing and charming, and the supporting cast (Anne’s friends) are –often hilariously– sources of wisdom.
Once Persuaded, Twice Shy retains all the pining and longing, with memories of an intimate rapport between Anne and Ben, that makes their finding a way back to each other sweeter. And like its inspiration material, Anne and Ben are better for each other thanks to the years between and the heartbreaks and growth both have experienced.
Content guide: the book does have closed door love scene, but it is handled in text as a tasteful lead up to the door closing (kissing and just a little more are hinted at before it fades to black). There is a medium amount of explicit language throughout, including some use of the f-word and a few instances of pairing God’s name with a swear word.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the review copy. This is my honest review....more
When I read an Amanda Dykes story, I know I am going to have a reading experience of wonder as she delivers deep characterization, adventurous tales, When I read an Amanda Dykes story, I know I am going to have a reading experience of wonder as she delivers deep characterization, adventurous tales, brightly painted settings, and characters with vibrant personalities, and deeply meaningful + overarching themes. The added brilliance of her storytelling prowess includes the ever-changing eras, settings, and varied storylines. With Born of Gilded Mountains, readers are swept into a tale of adventure and discovery as the protagonist, Mercy Windsor AKA Mary Beth Spatts AKA Rusty's pen pal, seeks a haven in to the town of "Mercy Peak" in the Colorado Rockies.
What I first thought would be a story of identity and discovery grows into so much *more* in every way. It unfolds much like the history of the characters themselves in a careful, measured way which layers in meaning and magnitude to the tiniest of details. I'll leave the details of the friendship and adventure to be discovered in the story, but I'll expound on my favorite themes and elements. I SO love and appreciate the aspects of friendship and kindred spirits we see through the establishment of Rusty and Mary Beth from their young introduction. This element of friendship is built upon to expand into community and restoration, with further themes broaching grief, romance, honor, singleness, and trust.
And, if you have access to the audiobook in any way (maybe through a library?), I highly recommend it as a bonus to the reading experience. The narrator gets the emotions and excitement of the story's delivery *just right*.
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