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.

Cloaked in Beauty by Karen Witemeyer

Cloaked in Beauty (Texas Ever After #3)
By Karen Witemeyer
Published by Bethany House

Description from the Publisher:
Letty Hood has spent the last fifteen years of her life hidden away with her grandmother in the backwoods of east Texas to escape the deadly schemes of an uncle who wants her dead. Now, with her twenty-first birthday on the horizon, she is forced to accept the escort of a stranger and return to Houston in secret so she can claim a birthright that will make her one of the wealthiest women in Texas. If she lives long enough to inherit.
Pinkerton agent Philip Carmichael has one duty: get the Radcliffe heiress home alive. Expecting a spoiled girl, Philip is surprised to encounter a woman of rare strength with a kind soul and keen wit. As they journey together, Letty's resilience wins his admiration, breaking through his hardened cynicism. Yet the threat to her survival grows more menacing with every mile, and Philip fears that keeping Letty out of harm's way may be just as impossible as keeping her out of his heart.

My Review:
I enjoyed this book so much! Philip and Letty are such likable characters--good, practical people who don't play games but are honest about their feelings. I like how they were both strong and could work together and rely on each other; Letty took the lead sometimes and Philip did at others.
I also loved the Christian themes; the characters' faith was truly part of their lives and they trusted in the Lord to help them and guide them.
While I really enjoyed the characters, the plot was a bit less interesting to me. The threat was off-screen for so much of the book (we don't really see Letty's uncle much) and thenwhen it was front and center, it all got resolved fairly quickly. I also felt like Philip's legitimate concern about why he and Letty might not have a future together got resolved perhaps a bit too easily (or quickly, in terms of pages in the book)--but I really appreciated the problem was NOT have the stereotypical "I'm not good enough for her because she's so wealthy" theme. Still, the sweet romance, the great characters, and the inspiring messages make this an excellent book.

4.5 stars.

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

Meeting Her Match (The Matchmakers #3) by Jen Turano

Meeting Her Match (The Matchmakers #3)
By Jen Turano
Published by Bethany House
Publication Date: July 16, 2024

 
Description from the publisher:
Miss Camilla Pierpont, a renowned matchmaker and influential member of the New York Four Hundred, has vowed never to marry after suffering a devastating heartbreak during her debut years ago. However, when she is nearly abducted along the Hudson River, she finds herself rescued by an annoyingly outspoken, albeit fascinating, gentleman who challenges her in a manner she wasn't expecting.
After learning that Camilla Pierpont has enjoyed success with taking wayward young ladies in hand, Mr. Owen Chesterfield travels to the Hudson River Valley determined to convince Camilla to sponsor his sister, who is in desperate need of social rehabilitation.
Knowing her life is in danger, Camilla agrees to Owen's proposition and travels with him to West Virginia, finding herself charmed by the less-than-formal attitude of his small hometown, as well as by Owen himself. But danger waits in the shadows, disrupting what she knows would be the most spectacular match she's ever made--her own.

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About the Author: 

Named one of the funniest voices in inspirational romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today bestselling author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publishers Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She's been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers' Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. She and her family live outside of Denver, Colorado. Readers can find her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and at jenturano.com. Photo Credit: © Emilie Haney, EAH Creative
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My Review:
Jen Turano's latest book has all the hallmarks of her writing that fans love: charming characters (including several eccentric ones), hiliarious happenings, entertaininlgy digressive dialogue, and, of course, a lovely romance (or two...or three...or...I lost count in this one! There were a lot!) There are so many funny moments and this book is guaranteed to keep readers giggling. My one quibble is that I wish we'd seen Owen and Camilla together more--there were so many side characters that they took up a lot of page time...and while I can't pinpoint any scenes that I'd get rid of, Camilla and Owen were just so cute together that more of them together would have been nice.

4 stars.

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

Into the Starlight by Amanda Cabot

Into the Starlight (Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing #3)
By Amanda Cabot
Published by Revell
Publication Date: July 16, 2024

Description from the publisher:
After more than a year in Europe, Joanna Vaughn returns to Sweetwater Crossing, her dreams of becoming a concert pianist shattered. As if that weren't enough, her husband, whom she married after a whirlwind courtship, has died. The only thing sustaining her on the journey back to Texas was the thought of her childhood home. But to Joanna's dismay, she's changed so much that the place she once loved no longer feels like home.
After his fiancée married his partner and both blamed him for a patient's death, Dr. Burke Finley believes it's time for a change. A quick trip with his almost-aunt Della Samuels to Sweetwater Crossing turns into an extended stay to discover what happened to his uncle and her would-be husband. But the beautiful and musical Joanna makes it more than bearable.
As the two join forces to help Della, there is no denying the attraction felt on both sides. But ghosts from the past are coming to call--and threatening to destroy any chance at happily-ever-after.

My review:
Having highly enjoyed the other two books in this series, I was eager to read Joanna's story. and see how some questions for the earlier book (especially what happened to Clive) would be answered. I liked both Joanna and her leading man, Burke--and it was fun to have a sweet side romance with Burke's "aunt" Della and the minister. I liked how Joanna and Burke were friends, working together to solve problems and answer questions, and that blossomed into love. I thought the resolution of the book came a little too easily--there was some pretty grus3ome stuff that happened and that they found out and they just seemed to move on from it really easily; things just wrapped up a little quickly for my liking.
Overall, I do recommend this for those whole like smart protagonists and a dash of mystery with their romance.
4 stars.
I read a DRC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

These Tangled Threads by Sarah Loudin Thomas

hese Tangled Threads
By Sarah Loudin Thomas
Published by Bethany House
Publication Date: April 2, 2024

Description from the Publisher:
Set in the shadow of Biltmore Estate, a poignant tale of friendship, restoration, and second chances.
Seven years ago, a hidden betrayal scattered three young friends living in the shadow of the great Vanderbilt mansion. Now, when Biltmore Industries master weaver Lorna Blankenship is commissioned to create an original design for Cornelia Vanderbilt's 1924 wedding, she panics knowing she doesn't have the creativity needed. But there's an elusive artisan in the Blue Ridge Mountains who could save her--if only she knew where to begin.
To track down the mysterious weaver, Lorna sees no other way than to seek out the relationships she abandoned in shame. As she pulls at each tangled thread from her past, Lorna is forced to confront the wounds and regrets of life long ago. She'll have to risk the job that shapes her identity, as well as the hope of friendship--and love--restored.


My Review:
This book took me a bit longer to get into then the auThor's other books--having THREE different times periods (particularly ones that were so close in time, only separated by a few years, rather than decades) threw me off a bit initially. I was also a bit wary with the characters--Arthur, I loved from the start, but both Lorna and Gentry had me on my guard and I wasn't sure if I liked them or not! I think both women were realistic characters and their behaviors were consistent with their life experiences, so they were well-written (definitely realistically flawed), just not always 100% likable! I did enjoy seeing their growth in the book and how things played out for both of them as well as for sweet Arthur.
The setting--both the time period and the location--drew me in right from the start. Having never heard of Biltmore before (I spent the first half of my life in upstate NY and the second half "out west" and I can count the number of times I've been south of the Mason Dixon line on one hand--and none of those trips took me within 100 miles of Biltmore), I was really fascinated by the whole concept of the estate and the work that done there in various industries. It was just really interesting to me and in some ways, that might even have overshadowed the characters a bit for me! I also loved the details of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Thomas is just so good at her settings, bringing places I've never been to life with such skill! (After reading one of her books, I always want to plan a vacation to go see the places she describes for myself, and that was definitely the case again with this book!) I also know absolutely nothing about weaving but was totally drawn in by the descriptions of that as well.
All in all, another wonderful novel by a talented author! 4 stars.

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

If the Boot Fits (Texas Ever After #2) by Karen Witemeyer

If the Boot Fits (Texas Ever After #2)
By Karen Witemeyer
Published by Bethany House
Publication Date: March 12, 2024

Description from the Publisher
One fateful night will change their destinies forever. . . .
Convinced that his stepmother and half brothers have been wrongfully evicted by cattle king Eli Dearing, Asher Ellis uses the cover of an extravagant ball to break into the Three Cedars' ranch house to search for proof. On the verge of discovery, he flees, but a boy's cry compels him to make a daring rescue.
Spunky and independent Samantha Dearing balks when she learns the ball her father is hosting is nothing more than a matrimonial ambush. Taking a break from unwanted suitors, Samantha spots a thief fleeing her home. When the stranger ends up saving her brother's life, she hides the only clue to his identity left behind--his boot--and resolves to find him herself.
When Samantha encounters the older brother of a student she tutors, all thoughts of the bootless mystery man vanish. Asher values family above wealth, a rare trait that opens her heart. Afraid she will discover his past misconduct, Asher tries to keep his distance, but when a series of suspicious accidents befall her, he vows to protect her, even though saving her life could mean losing her love.

My Review:
Oh, man, there's just so much to like about this book! Where to even start?!
Genre--I sometimes find I like the idea of fairy tale retellings better than the execution, but I love this one. There were some really cool nods to the original story along with awesome twists and changes (like a male Cinderella character losing his boot and the stepmother being an absolute sweetheart) that really fleshed out a great story and fixed some of the stupider moments of the original. For example, I've always found it rather ridiculous that Prince Charming supposedly danced with Cinderella long enough to fall in love with her but had to rely on a shoe to find her. Did he not get a look at her FACE? Could he not provide some sort of a description?) So, I loved the fact that our leading lady really didn't get a look at her mystery man's face and relying on the boot to ID him made a lot more sense. I can't say too much without giving away a really great scene, but I also love how the boot was incorporated at the end! It was so much fun to read that scene!
Characters--they are awesome! I loved reading about Asher and Samantha, both with concerns about their families and their futures as well asking questions about their pasts and regrets about things they didn't realize sooner. I also really liked seeing their growing feelings for each other--they were pretty fast but also felt legitimate to me. Their family members--from a misunderstood father to adorable little brothers to a wise aunt to a loving stepmother--also stole my heart.
Plot--there was a lot going, with someone trying to kill Samantha, her finding out a lot about her deceased mother's past, Asher trying to keep her safe, etc. So it was a bit of a whirlwind but I enjoyed the whole thing. I kept sneaking back to this one to get in a few more pages!
Setting--Texas might not be at the top of the list for likely locations for a fairy tale, but I really liked the western setting and all the details of ranch life.
Tone--there's a lot of serious stuff going on, but there was a great balance of lighthearted moments, too. I loved the messages of faith throughout the story.
So, obviously, I'm a big fan of this book! It was a lot of fun to read and I've gotta snag the audio version as soon as I can to give it a listen as well!
5 stars and one of my picks for the best of 2024.

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

My Phony Valentine (Holidays with Hart #1) by Courtney Walsh

My Phony Valentine (Holidays with Hart #1)
By Courtney Walsh
Published by Sweethaven Press

Description from the publisher:
A chance meeting. A hunky hockey player. A fake romance. Hardly an ordinary day in the life of Poppy Hart.
My days usually consist of agonizing over my failing restaurant, worrying about my mountain of debt and nursing my broken heart.
Everything changes when I bump into a man in the coffee shop and claim him as my new boyfriend. To my absolute horror, he turns out to be hockey’s most renowned bad boy, Dallas Burke. To my absolute delight, he goes along with my story.
When his no-nonsense manager and meddling grandmother jump in the picture, they see a win-win solution for my failing restaurant and Dallas’s less-than-stellar reputation.
A full-fledged fake romance complete with contract negotiations, pretend dates and phony PDA.
But as I get to know the real Dallas Burke, who is not the man the press says he is, it becomes clear that if this isn’t real. . . someone better tell it to my heart.

My Review
I absolutely devoured this book! I LOVED it! Just everything about it drew me in. I loved Poppy and Dallas, and Dallas' grandma is a hoot. I just loved how Poppy and Dallas really came to care about each other, to be friends who supported each other and how that developed into more. There were so many lines that just had me laughing out loud. It was just such a pleasure to read this book. My only (really tiny because I liked the rest of it so much I didn't even care) quibble would be that the conflict with one of his teammates that is such a big deal for Dallas at the beginning of the book just kinda falls away with no real explanation. While something like that might have bothered me a lot in another situation, I really did love the book so much that it was easier not to be bothered by that. Again, this was just tons of fun and I loved it. An easy five stars from me.

5 stars.