Holly and Nick Hate Christmas By Betsey St. Amant

Holly and Nick Hate Christmas
By Betsey St. Amant
Published by WaterBrook & Multnomah

Description from the publisher:
When a Christmas-hating woman’s brother sets her up with a fellow Grinch and it backfires, she decides to out-Christmas her date by setting up a festive battle wills in this enemies-to-lovers holiday romcom.
Holly Sinclair has hated Christmas for as long as she can remember. Who names their Christmas baby Holly in the first place? She was teased mercilessly growing up. Holly Berry, Holli-days, Holly Jolly…not to mention the fact that her birthday is often totally overlooked amidst the season.
To make matters worse, instead of getting the promotion she was expecting, Holly’s been downsized—which is just fancy holiday talk for fired. Now Holly has to go home single, unemployed, and turning thirty. Bah, humbug.
Holly’s big brother, Ryan, has dragged his best friend, known holiday-hater Nick Kinsley, home with him. But when Holly discovers that Nick’s here to be her pity date, she decides the best revenge is to play along…and Christmas like she’s never Christmas’d before. Commence Naughty List. The fact that she’s attracted to Nick is totally not the point. She’ll teach him a lesson, one ho ho ho at a time.
The holiday grows more complicated when Holly and Ryan find out their parents asked all the siblings to come home for Christmas this year, but refuse to say why. The rest of the Sinclair siblings descend, each with their own sleigh full of secrets. Rumors spread as everyone tries to guess the reason for their parents’ demand—and Nick turns out to have a secret of his own. Will this be a Christmas to forget? Or will Holly and Nick discover there is so much more?

My Review:
I am a sucker for a book with good banter, so I was hooked right from the get-go with this one. I thought Holly and Nick were totally adorable. This was actually on track to be a five-star book for me, but it lost a star with the last couple of chapters. I was totally fine with the way things played out between Nick and Holly, but I was irritated by how Holly's family issue, her feelings of being ignored in her family, particularly with her birthday being overshadowed by Christmas, was resolved. It just came too easily and wasn't really satisfying. All in all, still a fun read and one I totally recommend for those looking for a great Christmas read.
4 stars.
I read a DRC provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

If You'll Have Me by Esther Hatch

If You'll Have Me
By Esther Hatch
Published by Shadow Mountain
Publication Date: February 3, 2026

Description from the publisher:
Anna Atwood returns to Breckenridge, where she spent one blissful summer as a young woman. This time, though, she comes to the quaint town as a penniless spinster with a single hope: to build a life free from the constraints her father’s death put on her and free from the persistent suitor Mr. Green, whose plans for marriage are Anna’s worst nightmare. When she runs into David Tate, the boy she knew from that memorable summer, she finds he has grown into a confident and striking man. As they rekindle their friendship, David offers her warmth and protection in the moment she needs it most—when Mr. Green appears in town and threatens to destroy Anna’s carefully laid plans.
David Tate remembers Anna as the spirited woman who once brought light into his dark childhood. Now a man of means, he has a promising future, if he can withstand the powerful Lord Murphy—a man whose menacing hold on the town he owns is surpassed only by his relentless hold on David’s life. When David meets Anna again, he realizes he has a chance to save her from Mr. Green’s schemes, even if it means putting David in danger of Lord Murphy’s wrath and revealing David’s deepest secrets.
In a moment of desperation, David and Anna agree to a proposal of convenience to provide the safety they both need. But as their attraction ignites, the looming dangers from Lord Murphy and Mr. Green threaten to destroy their budding happiness.

My Review:
What a terrific story. I loved the "meet cute" (although I suppose "re-meet cute" might be a more accurate term). David's adorable teasing of Anna drew me right in. (Part of me wishes that this story were duel POV so we could have seen David's thoughts more...but I also don't know that there's any scene I don't want from Anna's POV, so I'm glad there are glimpses of David through the journal entries interspersed throughout the book).As the book progressed and it became obvious that he was bearing heavy burdens, I love that he was still kind to everyone, Anna especially. I also really loved how he was willing to sacrifice for Anna and that Anna in turn was willing to fight for him.
I hope this ends up being the first in a trilogy because I really want to see books with David's two siblings as protagonists!
Definitely add this to your to-read list!
5 stars.


I read a complimentary copy of this book; all opinions are my own.

Hearts in Circulation by Sarah Monzon

Hearts in Circulation

By Sarah Monzon

Published by Bethany House

Publication date: November 18, 2025

Description from the publisher: 

Little Creek's bookmobile is more of a death trap on wheels than a vehicle of literary delights, and circulation librarian Haley Holt is afraid it's going to careen down a mountainside with her in it. Yet she sees it as a way to serve her community and be worthy of the liver transplant that saved her life as a child. However, her fears come true when the bookmobile breaks down and a rockslide traps her in the small hollow of Turkey Grove. 

Reclusive mechanic Levi Redding lives in tiny Turkey Grove to get away from people. He can handle getting the bookmobile running again, but the endless chatter and unsettling touch from the vibrant librarian leaves him overstimulated. When forced proximity leads to a misunderstanding, a note of apology begins an epistolary friendship, proving that sometimes the happiest of endings aren't contained within the bindings of a book. 

My review: 

What a cute book! I loved seeing Levi go from retreating from life due to being overwhelmed by everything to being willing to open himself up and explain his needs and his wants. I also liked seeing how he prodded Hayley to examine her own issues and stop being held back by them. I really appreciated how they actually communicated with each other; so many books could be resolved with one conversation but drag on forever because the characters won't just talk to each other. So it was quite refreshing to see how Levi and Hayley shared their real feelings, both in their letters and in their conversations. I did feel the book was a bit lacking as far as Christian content and had a few too many references to Levi's size, but all in all, the story is great and I like how it's inclusive, with Levi's Sensory Processing Disorder and 

Hayley's liver transplant. 

 

4 stars. 

 I read a DRC provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Elisabeth: Mother of John the Baptist by H.B. Moore

Elisabeth: Mother of John the Baptist
By H.B. Moore
Published by: Mirror Press
Publication Date: November 1, 2025

Description from the publisher:
Her greatest sacrifice became her greatest legacy.
Zacharias has loved Elisabeth all his life. When negotiations are made for their marriage, the childhood friends trust that their future will be bright. But as their story unfolds in their village near Jerusalem, the life they build together is marked by both the joy of love and the sorrows of loss and longing, for as the years pass by, the steadfast couple is never blessed with the thing they desire above all: a child.
Now beyond childbearing years, it seems that the couple’s righteous desire will never be granted—until a divine promise is made, and they learn that their fate will transcend the bounds of age and mortal comprehension. Elisabeth and Zacharias are destined to play a pivotal role in the fulfillment of ancient scripture, and they soon come to understand that God’s plan is far grander than they ever dreamed.

My Review:
I always love the historical details H.B. Moore brings to her biblical stories! The day-to-day life for Elisabeth really shines through, making someone I've read about my whole life become more developed in my mind. I loved seeing her and Zacharias early on in their relationship, as well in their later years when they finally receive the miracle of a son. I also really loved the scriptures that were woven into the story; the prophecies are beautiful and reading them as Elisabeth is considering them was really a neat experience. The one thing I wish the book included was insights into those in-between years; the book is split between the beginning of their marriage and then their later years. I think those middle years, actually seeing Elisabeth dealing with the disappointment month after month, year after year, and details about how she handled it (Did she weep? Did she ever rail against God? What helped her keep her faith?) would have made her a more relatable character, especially for women who have experienced infertility but also for anyone who has endured a long trial. Overall, it's still a lovely look at an admirable women from the Bible, giving readers lots to ponder.
4 stars.
I read a DRC provided by the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Free State of Jax by Jennifer A. Nielsen

The Free State of Jax 

By Jennifer A. Nielsen 

Published by Scholastic Press

Publication Date: October 21, 2025

Description from the publisher:
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen, this charmingly quirky coming-of-age story about a boy fighting for his freedom and a place to call home is brimming with mystery and adventure.
Jaxon Averett has had some terrifically bad luck. Because only the worst luck in the world can account for the fact that he has to live with his Uncle Clive Grimmitz, Aunt Helga, and their six kids in dead-end Walkonby, Kansas. Life with Jax's cousins isn't easy--they're all bullies, and his aunt and uncle can't even remember his name.
Which is why, on the night before his twelfth birthday, Jax sneaks over to the neighboring property, floats a raft out into the middle of the hot springs lake, and drops anchor.
Jax is now the president and sole citizen of his own micronation, the Free State of Jax.
With the help of new friends, a local lawyer, and the property owner Owen O'Keefe, Jax's micronation begins to flourish. But the Grimmitzes will do anything to get him back and they are not above sabotage. On top of that, Jax is quickly embroiled in the mystery of Owen's missing brother--and a lost windfall of the town's money.
Investigating puts everything Jax has built at risk, and when long-buried family secrets are unearthed, he must find the courage to do what's right, even if it means losing his only chance at freedom.
New York Times bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen weaves an extraordinary mystery and a moving and hilariously zany story about family, forgiveness, and the courage it takes to do what's right, no matter the cost.

My Review:
Jax was such an endearing character. I was really hooked by his personality and and his sense of humor. The premise of the book was unique and I think it could have been dismissed as just a weird idea from a kid, but Jax's personality sold it. I loved his thoughts about his family life, government, and more--things such as "I don't even like creamed corn and I'm still not sure what Spam is" and "I didn't even bother writing down Congress. I'd never heard a single person say they liked Congress." It was heartwarming to see his interactions with Mr. Owen O'Keefe and other people in the town. Some parts of the mystery were a bit far-fetched, and think the whole thing wrapped up a little too neatly...but at the same time, it's what we all wanted Jaxon to get, so, I can't exactly mind too much.
Overall, fun book that just got itself added to my buy-a-print-copy-for-my kids list.

4 stars.

I read a DRC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Maid of Sherwood Forest by Sian Ann Bessey

The Maid of Sherwood Forest (A McQuivey's Costume Shop Time Travel Romance)
By Sian Ann Bessey
Published by Shadow Mountain
Publication Date: November 4, 2025

Description from the Publisher:
Mariah thought Robin Hood was just a legend—until time pulled her into his world and the outlaw stole her heart.
Nothing about Mariah Clinton’s passion for archery or her work as a sous-chef in contemporary London prepares her for the moment she’s pulled into another time—and another life. One minute, she’s stepping into McQuivey’s Costume Shop to rent a medieval gown. The next, she’s standing in a castle kitchen in twelfth-century Nottingham—with no idea how she got there or how to return to modern time. Forced to pose as a kitchen servant, she must draw on ingenuity and courage to survive in a world in which she shouldn’t exist. But when her skill with a bow draws the attention of outlaws in Sherwood Forest, she’s swept into a conflict that is more dangerous—and more thrilling—than she could ever have imagined.
Robin Hood has spent years outwitting the sheriff, protecting the innocent, and keeping his men one step ahead of Prince John’s reach. But when he crosses paths with a mysterious archer who shoots like no woman he’s ever met, he knows she’s hiding something. Her words, her ways, even the fire in her eyes—none of it belongs in his time. Yet the more she stands at his side, the harder it becomes to imagine Sherwood Forest without her.
Mariah is torn between a past she understands in modern-day London and an uncertain future with an outlaw who has stolen her heart. But as the sheriff’s grip tightens and betrayal looms, one truth becomes clear—some choices are impossible to undo, and love, once found, is not so easily left behind.

My Review:
I have always loved Robin Hood, so I was totally excited when I saw Sian Ann Bessey's latest book would be a Robin Hood retelling...and I was even more excited once I started it, because it is terrific! I love how there were some nods to traditional Robin Hood versions but also unique elements. I really enjoyed how much we get to see of "Marian" and how she's a fully-developer character, not just Robin's love interest. I also really liked Robin and seeing his concern for others. The romance was sweet and satisfying, the side characters added humor and wisdom, and the entire book was just a great read. I would totally love to see this developed into a spin-off series with Will Scarlett, Little John, and others as main characters in their own books. Highly recommend!

4.5 stars.

I read a DRC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham

Sense and Suitabiity
By Pepper Basham
Published by Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: October 14, 2025

Description from the publisher:
After two failed social seasons, her family may think the third time will be a charm, but Emmeline Lockhart just wants to survive with her dignity (and singleness) intact. She thought she'd found her perfect match in Simon Reeves--charming, handsome, a veritable hero from a novel--until he vanished from her life without so much as a "farewell" or "my deepest regrets" (or even a vague apology scribbled on the back of a calling card). Lesson learned: never fall for a man known for his charm.
Fortunately, and unlike many of the other eligible young ladies of the ton, Emmeline has no need for a husband--because she's already found success in her scandalous (and very anonymous) profession as an author. Why bother with matrimony when she can make her own fortune and write men exactly the way she wants them?
But fate--or the misfortune of Simon's reckless patriarchs--has other plans. Simon's once-proud estate is in shambles, his family fortune has been gambled away, and the younger impressionable siblings in his care are running wild across his estate (and possibly across all of England). Simon is in desperate need of a wealthy, prestigious bride...and a friend.
Emmeline may not fit the role of heiress, but she can certainly be a friend. Just a friend. She'll help him find a suitable match, ensure his reputation remains intact, and keep things strictly platonic--no matter how dangerously appealing his new-and-improved sincerity and regret may be.
There's just one small problem: the undeniable chemistry that still smolders between them. Can Emme play matchmaker for the man she's still in love with without losing her heart all over again? And is it possible that some love stories--especially the messy, inconvenient, impossible ones--are worthy of a rewrite?
Filled with lively banter, adorable children, a frog named Blast, and swoony kisses, Sense and Suitability is the sweet Regency romance you've been looking for. Basham brings her signature humor to the Regency era where social strictures keep the tension tight in this second-chance, enemies-to-lovers romance.

My Review:
I've read (ok, devoured because I loved them so much) some of the author's contemporary romances, so I was excited to check out this Regency romance by her to see what I thought. I might not have loved it quite as much as her contemporary books, but I still really liked it. I really liked both Emme's kind heart and how she's willing to help Simon even if it means she doesn't get what she wants, and I felt so badly for Simon with his burdens and how he wanted so badly to do what was right for his family and their reputation. Secondary characters added a lot of humorous moments to the story, along with bits of wisdom. I hope we'll see more stories from Basham that allow some of those secondary characters to take center stage.

4 stars.

I read a DRC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Echoes of the Sea by Sarah M. Eden

Echoes of the Sea (Storm Tide #2) by Sarah M. Eden
Published by Shadow Mountain
Publication Date: September 2, 2025

Description from the publisher:
A modern-day London actor is hurled back to 1803, where a love that defies the centuries awaits.
For Kipling Summerfield, the glamour of Hollywood is becoming a distant memory. After losing the role of a lifetime, he’s forced to take a lesser job as a historical reenactor on England’s Guilford Island. But a sudden storm changes everything, casting him into the ocean—and into the care of a mysterious lighthouse keeper. Kip assumes everyone he meets and the island’s historical setting are just an elaborate performance—until he meets the captivating Amelia Archibald, whose quiet strength feels too real, making him question everything about Guilford.
Amelia has spent her life as an unimportant poor relation and is now trapped by her late grandfather’s will on an island she loathes because of her great fear of the sea. When Kip stumbles into her world, his strange ideas and warm presence are both a disruption and an unexpected light.
As Kip and Amelia work to save Guilford Island, an undeniable connection blooms between them. But when Kip uncovers the truth about where—or when—he is, he must make an impossible choice: rise to meet the expectations of Amelia’s world and build a life worthy of her station or walk away from the love that has redefined his very existence.

My Review:
Time travel is not my favorite trope, but I was totally pulled in by this story. I thought the whole storyline with Kipling thinking everyone was extremely in character all the time at a historical reenactment site was quite clever and unique--a good reason for him to be unaware that he'd even time traveled for a good portion of the book. It was a fun twist that made a not-so-favorite trope totally work for me.
I really liked Kipling and Amelia. They were both vulnerable but strong; they faced hard things but didn't get bitter and grumpy; they just kept trying t figure things out and move forward. I also really liked how kind they were to each other. They could tease each other (and there were moments that totally made me laugh out loud) but were also gentle and supportive of each other, and that was just really sweet. I absolutely loved them together. Secondary characters were also endearing; I like how the community came together to help Amelia and how they also gave some really good advice to help Kipling and Amelia think about things a bit differently.
Two quibbles with the book: I didn't feel like the reason Amelia's grandfather was so cruel was adequately explained...and I want to know what Kipling's tattoo looks like, not just that he has one!
This was a pleasure to read. Highly recommend! 5 stars.

I read a DRC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Julia by Heather B. Moore

Julia
By Heather B. Moore
Published by Shadow Mountain

Publication Date: September 2nd, 2025

Synopsis from the publisher:
Before she stepped into the spotlight as a master of French cooking, Julia Child navigated the shadows as a WWII intelligence officer.
On the sunny shores of California, Julia McWilliams is poised to embrace a life of comfort and financial security, with a marriage proposal from a wealthy man to consider. But as World War II erupts in the US, her patriotic fervor compels her to abandon her secure future. Trading country clubs for covert codes, Julia joins the Office of Strategic Services, where her sharp mind aids the Allied cause in the shadowy realm of espionage.
Amid strategic missions in Ceylon and China, Julia crosses paths with Paul Child, a fellow OSS officer whose delight in art, culture, and cuisine awakens a new hunger within her. Their chance meetings ignite a spark that blossoms into romance, leading to a proposal that Julia eagerly accepts. Together they embark on a new chapter in postwar Paris.
In the City of Light, Julia grapples with a different kind of challenge: she refuses to be confined by the societal expectations of a married woman. Drawn to the tantalizing world of French gastronomy—a pursuit her peers deem superfluous—she enrolls at the famed Le Cordon Bleu, and with Paul’s unwavering support, Julia immerses herself in her new passion.
Facing skepticism and prejudice in the male-dominated kitchens of Paris, Julia’s resolve never falters. Her relentless pursuit of culinary mastery not only transforms her own life but also introduces a revolutionary change in kitchens throughout America. From intelligence officer to beloved chef, Julia takes readers on an extraordinary journey.

My Review:
Having never actually watched Julia Child or so much as peeked inside any of her cookbooks, the WWII tie in was the biggest draw for me going into this book. I really liked learning about Julia's war work ad well as her blossoming romance with Paul Child. I really liked how she and Paul supported each other. It was also interesting to see all of the work that went into her first cookbook--all the cooking and revising and changing things to work for American cooks with different ingredients and resources available. Although I went into this book knowing very little about Julia Child, I was quite impressed with her and how her determination and optimism shone through the pages.

4 stars.

I read a DRC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

To Love a Beast in Texas by Karen Witemeyer

To Love a Beast in Texas (Once Upon a Time in Texas #1)
By Karen Witemeyer
Publication date: June 10, 2025

Description from the Publisher:
Beauty & the Beast in 1800's Texas.
Once known among New York's elite as the American Adonis, Everett Griffin now lives as a recluse in the wilds of Texas. The treachery of a former admirer left his face and his spirit riddled with scars, so he hides himself away, his only companions a trio of trusted servants and an oversized dog. Locals whisper of the beastly man who lives in the gloomy manor outside of town and his tendency to attack anyone who dares approach. Everett relishes his fearsome reputation and uses it as a shield to guard his privacy. Until a young woman as stubborn as she is beautiful infiltrates his sanctum and lays siege to his defenses.

When an injury to her father jeopardizes the family's book binding business, Callista Rosenfeld determines to fulfill the contract herself, and no insufferable client or woman-eating dog will deter her. Finding unlikely allies among Mr. Griffin's staff, Callista secures her position and sets to work transforming the manor's remarkable library. Her employer transforms as well, his ill-tempered growls subsiding to reveal a considerate, intellectual nature. Affection blooms as Callista and Everett discover hidden depths in each other, but the evil schemes of a vengeful hunter threaten to leave their love and their lives in tatters.

My Review:
I love fairy tale retellings, but with so many out there, sometimes they get repetitive--so I was very pleased to find so many unique elements in this one! While there were definite nods to the beloved Disney version (I love the staff's names, for example!), there were so many things that really made this story stand out--such as how Everett became a "beast," why Callista encounters Everett, and what the villain's motivations were. I was hooked from the start and thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book. I especially appreciated seeing into Everett and Callista and what made each of them act as they did.

5 stars!

I read an ARC provided by the author. All opinions are my own.

A Lesson in Propriety by Jen Turano

A Lesson in Propriety (Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies #1)
By Jen Turano
Published by Bethany House
Publication Date: May 1, 2025

Description from the publisher:
With her father dead, her fortune stolen, and her fiancé casting her aside, Miss Drusilla Merriweather's privileged life has been upended. She is left with only one option: to provide for her family by opening a finishing school in the allegedly haunted castle she's inherited from her eccentric aunt. However, her plan is immediately threatened by unscrupulous developers keen on claiming the coveted estate for themselves, by any means necessary.
Mr. Rhenick Wittenbecker, a dashing architect with a tendency to charm his way out of trouble, is convinced he can protect Drusilla but is challenged by her fierce independence. Yet when strange occurrences--walking suits of armor and unexpected ghostly visitors--arise within castle grounds, Drusilla must decide whether to risk her family's safety and her school on the gallant architect who seems to have found his way into her heart.
In this entrancing series starter, Turano presents a tale of laugh-out-loud adventure, swoon-worthy romance, and delightful mischief in the Gilded Age.

My Review:
Jen Turano is known for her humorous historical fiction, and this book definitely kept me laughing, but what I loved what most about the book was Rhenick and his complete support for women in general and Drusilla in particular. I also liked seeing the women support each other, without a bunch of cattiness and competition like is common in a lot of books.
The plot was a lot of fun--with antics from people and animals alike--and I enjoyed the mystery element. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in the series and seeing what happens once Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies actually opens!
I've read and enjoyed all of Turano's books, so when I say this is my favorite of all of her books, that's high praise. Not only is this my favorite book of hers, but I'm naming it as one of my picks for the best books of 2025.
5 stars.

I read a DRC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A Time Traveler's Masquerade by Sian Ann Bessey

A Time Traveler's Masquerade (A McQuivey's Costume Shop Romance)
By Sian Ann Bessey
Published by Shadow Mountain

Description from the publisher:

 
Romance blossoms when Isla Crawford steps into McQuivey’s Costume Shop in London and is swept back in time to 1605, where she and Lord Bancroft attempt to thwart Guy Fawkes’s Gunpowder Plot.

One moment, Isla Crawford is inside McQuivey’s Costume Shop trying on a Jacobean-style gown for the parliamentary Autumn Ball, and the next, she is standing in an unfamiliar garden, barefoot, coatless, and at the mercy of a fierce storm. Confused, she seeks refuge in a Tudor manor, where she discovers that she has inexplicably traveled back to 1605, mere weeks before the culmination of Guy Fawkes’s infamous Gunpowder Plot.
Simon Hartworth, Lord Bancroft, finds his orderly seventeenth-century life disrupted when a mysterious woman appears on his sister’s doorstep during a storm. Intrigued by the stranger’s quirks and bewildering speech, he feels compelled to protect her and heed her warnings about a fatal plot against Parliament. As Simon is drawn into Isla’s dangerous scheme to stop the evildoers, he can’t help but also feel drawn to her.
With seemingly no way to get back home, Isla uses her twenty-first-century knowledge of the past to try to thwart Guy Fawkes and his coconspirators without altering the course of history forever. She and Simon must race to unravel the threads of the treasonous plot even as they wonder how their hearts will navigate their deepening connection and the seemingly insurmountable four centuries that separate their lives.

My review:
Heading into this book, I knew next to nothing about Guy Fawkes (I had heard of Guy Fawkes Day and knew that Fawkes was a villain, not a hero), but I also knew that Sian Ann Bessey's books are awesome (I've read several and they've all been four or five star books), so I was quick to snap up the chance to read this one. I enjoyed learning more about Fawkes and his plot as well as the Jacobean Era in general. Isla and Simon were fantastic leading characters. I found myself really appreciating that they quickly came to trust each other and that Simon's family was accepting of Isla, too; while some skepticism certainly wouldn't have been unreasonable, it was kind of a relief to have them quickly accept Isla and all work together, with the conflict in the book not stemming from internal issues but rather from external. The romance was sweet and the plot was engrossing.
4.5 stars--and I'm so eager for the next book in this series to come out!

I read a DRC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Tides of Time by Sarah M. Eden

The Tides of Time (Storm Tide #1) 

By Sarah M. Eden 

Published by Shadow Mountain 

Description from the Publisher: 

In 1793, a storm propels Lili forward through time, kindling a love that transcends the ages. 

Fleeing the clutches of Robespierre’s revolutionary Tribunal in France, Lili Minet makes a desperate escape on a ship headed to England, but her dangerous flight takes an unexpected turn when a violent storm catapults her off the ship and eighty years into the future, leaving her stranded in the unfamiliar world of 1873 England. 

When lighthouse keeper Armitage Pierce rescues a woman from the tumultuous sea, he does not anticipate her silent, cold response to his gallant efforts. Though he is wary of this woman and her odd behaviors, he finds she is just as wary of him. And he can sense that she is not telling him something of great import to her. Only Armitage’s grandfather, a man seasoned by the mysteries of the sea, can seem to penetrate Lili’s defenses to offer her support. But as Lili heals from the physical and emotional wounds of her ordeal and Armitage continues to offer light and safety to her, a tender friendship blossoms between the two. 

Yet the shadow of danger looms as the threat that chased Lili from France all those years ago reemerges in her new present. Together Lili and Armitage must navigate the challenges of a romance that grows to defy the boundaries of time and the perils that reach across the decades to ensnare Lili. As the storm clouds gather, Lili and Armitage face the ultimate test—discovering whether their bond is strong enough to rewrite the pages of history itself to save them and their love. 

My Review: 

Neither time traveling nor the French Revolution are things I ever seek out in a book; they're not just big draws for me (and in some cases, they can be big turnoffs). However, Sarah Eden's researching and writing are always superb, so I figured I'd at least like this book--but I more than liked it. I really enjoyed seeing Lilli and Armitage fall for one another. I also loved Armitage's grandpa and the people in his village. There were a couple of twists that I did NOT see coming at all. I do feel like it wrapped up a bit quickly--I have to be careful here so I don't give anything away, but the last 20% of the book could have had a lot more added to do it without bogging it down. I wanted more details there of what happened and how! There is at least one more book to follow this one, so I'm sure some of my questions will be answered there, but I still would hae liked a bit more to explain how certain things were brought about in this book. My one other quibble with this book is the amount of French it; of course it SHOULD have French in it, given that Lilli is French and parts of it take place in France, and there were times when I could get the gist of what was being said just from context...but for obsessive readers like me, who have to go translate every French passage because we want more than just the gist of what is being said, it kinda disrupted the flow sometimes. Not a huge problem, but just something perhaps to be aware of if you're a similar sort of reader. 

All in all, 4.5 stars and I'm very much looking forward to the next book! 

I read a DRC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Some Like It Scot by Pepper Basham

Some Like It Scot 

By Pepper Basham 

Published by Thomas Nelson Fiction 

Publication Date: April 8, 2025 

Description from the Publisher: 

She lives her life on the fly. His heart is double-knotted to home. Can two different souls create a life together? 

 Popular travel writer and podcaster Katie Campbell roams the world collecting other people's stories. She's built a career as "Miss Adventure," known for saying yes to anything new--country, food, or experience--and predictably finding those adventures taking a downward turn into misadventures. 

Offered the chance to explore her ancestral roots through a three-week Edwardian experience, Katie finds herself immersed in the beauty and eccentricity of Scotland. In her period attire, with traditional foods and activities, the opportunities for misadventures are endless, especially with the presence of a maniacal macaw, a jealous co-worker, and an all-too-surly Scotsman. 

Reclusive and protective Graeme MacKerrow doesn't venture far from his island home. A stoic Scotsman, Graeme's comfort zone has always been family, and after his sister's death, he's even more determined to save the MacKerrow ancestral home and keep those he loves close. The sudden intrusion of a six-foot-one American lass, famous for her traveling misfortunes, was far from his plan. 

As this world of folklore, community, and woodworkers-in-kilts tempts Katie to discover her own story, could this one grand series of misadventures lead her directly to where she belongs? And would a settled-in-Scot ever risk loosening his grip on what's familiar to allow a wanderlust writer a home in his heart? How could their very different worlds share the same page of life's story when "home" is in two very different places? But maybe home--and the future--isn't quite what either one imagined it would be. Maybe home is less about a place . . . and more about a person. 

My Review: 

I absolutey adored this book. Everything about it just worked completely for me. I loved Katie--her personality and her fears and her quirks just made her such a fun and relatable character, and her backstory made her believable and endearing. Graeme also stole my heart--his worries and his reactions were also believable. I appreciated how both characters were willing to do some self-examination and try to grow and not just hide away. Despite being a homebody at heart, all of the descriptions of Scotland (and the Scottish words thrown in!) made me want to book a trip to see the beauty of the country for myself. I also adored the supporting characters (at least, the Scottish ones. Some of the other participants in the Edwardian Experience had me shaking my fist at them!) All in all, this book was just delightful! I loved it. I'm definitely going to have to snag the audio version as well because I'm sure it will be even more fun to listen to! 

5 stars! 

I read a DRC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

An Overdue Match by Sarah Monzon

An Overdue Match 

by Sarah Monzon 

Published by Bethany House 

Publication Date: February 18, 2025 

Description from the Publisher: 

Can a librarian's matchmaking mischief lead to a love that rewrites their stories? If the covers of every romance book ever published didn't convince librarian Evangeline Kelly that she isn't heroine material, her fiancé calling off their wedding when she lost her hair to alopecia did. But what's a girl head over heels for love to do when her feelings are unrequited? Matchmake, that's what. Armed with library patrons' check-out histories, she's determined to make at least one love connection--even if it's not her own. 

Tattoo artist Tai Davis is used to people judging him with a single glance, so it doesn't surprise him when the town's quirky new librarian believes his bad-boy reputation without giving him a chance. He can't help being intrigued by her, though, so when he discovers Evangeline's secret matchmaking scheme, he's not above striking a bargain with her. She just has to agree to one date with him for every time she uses his hometown knowledge to set up library patrons on a romantic rendezvous. The deal is made, but in the process, they both might learn you can't judge a book--or each other--by the cover. 

My Review: 

This book started out a bit slowly for me but I ended up really liking it. I liked Tai from the get-go but I wasn't quite as drawn to Evangeline. I thought having a character with alopecia was really interesting and I definitely felt for her with her past experiences and her fears regarding dating. I didn't quite buy into her desire to be a matchmaker, especially using patrons' checkout histories. As any librarian (including this one!) will tell you, it's not really ethical for librarians to look at patrons' histories (some library computer systems don't even have an option for storing them), so that was a bit off-putting to me. Once the plotline moved to feature her and Tai much more than the matchmaking efforts, the book picked up for me a lot. Evangeline's emotions and fears came through really strongly and realistically. The scene where she finally has to tell Tai about her illness--oh my! My heart hurt for her! There is a lot of great banter and fun book references that were super fun to read. Secondary characters were fun as well. 

4 stars. 

I read a DRC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.