Taming Lady Temperance by Karen Witemeyer

Taming Lady Temperance (The Secret Society of Spinsters #1)
By Karen Witemeyer
Published by Bethany House
Publication Date: February 17, 2026

Description from the Publisher:
When passion for justice conflicts with the heart, which will prevail?

Noreen O'Sullivan is an enthusiastic member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and believes herself called to defend the cause of prohibition. When she's invited to join the Secret Society of Spinsters, Noreen jumps at the chance to rally others to her movement and shut down the local saloon for good. However, her passionate campaigning often puts her at odds with the men around her--including the local deputy.

Deputy James Paxton believes in preserving the peace, but Miss O'Sullivan has been disturbing his peace for months. If James wants to be elected sheriff, he can't afford to be seen as her ally. But when Noreen ropes him into helping her plan a temperance march, their growing closeness sparks unexpected feelings. Then tensions escalate at the saloon and accusations fly. James must choose between upholding his badge and protecting the woman who's captured his heart--knowing either choice could cost him everything.
Karen Witemeyer presents a swoony Western romance with a determined heroine, cowboys, prohibition, and the rivals-to-lovers and duty vs. desire tropes. Fans of Mary Connealy and frontier romances set in the Old West will savor this clean, historical read.

My Review:
I have read (and loved) every single one of Karen Witemeyer's books, so when I say that this one might be my favorite and that James Paxton might be my favorite hero out of all her books, it's high praise. I absolutely loved this book. The storyline was great, with a fast-pace, a mystery to solve, and of course, the love story between two wonderful characters. I loved Noreen. Her backstory tugged at my heart, and I can totally empathize with her passion for her cause and for said passion leading her to go about things in the wrong way sometimes. I also loved her willingness to learn and grow and change. And I completely adored James and how he quickly came to appreciate and then fall for Noreen for who she was. I loved how he supported her and encouraged her, rather than trying to change her. I also liked how he stuck to his principles and shared his faith as he supported her. This series is off to a great start--I am so excited to read the next books in this series.
This book easily got five stars from me, as well as a place on my Best Books of 2026 shelf.

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

A Love Most Daring (Bow Street #3) by Joanna Barker

A Love Most Daring (Bow Street #3)
By Joanna Barker
Published by Shadow Mountain
Publication Date: March 3, 2026

Description from the publisher:
From best-selling author Joanna Barker: Proper romance meets page-turning mystery in this captivating tale of danger, redemption, and love worth fighting for.

After years of whispered gossip and quiet exile in the countryside, Beatrice Lacey arrives in London determined to reclaim her life. But her resolve is shaken when she witnesses a horrific attack tied to a chilling high-profile murder case gripping the city.
Thrust into sudden danger, Beatrice finds herself under the reluctant protection of Alexander Rawlings—a brooding Bow Street officer with a guarded heart and a fierce sense of duty. Though it's clear he’d rather be chasing the killer than shielding a scandal-stained Society miss, their forced closeness begins to unravel his defenses. In the unnerving moments between danger and discovery, every sharp exchange and lingering glance fans a slow-burning connection—one neither of them expected and neither can resist.
With danger closing in and old wounds resurfacing, trust may be their only refuge—and love their most daring risk of all.

My Review:
This book gets to be the first one I label as "Best Books of 2026"! I absolutely adored it! 

I love how these two characters with opposite personalities end up falling in love--optimistic and energetic Beatrice is the perfect contrast to Alexander's more serious personality. (These two  actually remind me of myself and my husband a bit, lol!) I loved all of their interactions, from their initial not-so-impressed-by-each-other introduction to coming to know one another better, teasing each other, revaluating their initial opinions, and ultimately supporting one another. The slow-burn romance was perfect!

I also loved seeing characters from earlier books in this series. In the middle of this book, I simultaneously wanted to keep reading this one and go back and reread the previous two books! (Although this book is a stand-alone, you should definitely go read the other books while you're waiting for this one to come out!) I also really hope that Drake, one of Alexander's fellow Bow Street runners, will be getting a book of his own very soon! 

The plot was great--there's mystery and danger and romance, with lighthearted moments as well as real pain and frustration mixed in. I really liked seeing how things unfolded.

Absolutely a delight to read! I loved everything about it! 5 stars!

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

Mists over the Channel Islands by Sarah Sundin

Mists over the Channel Islands

By Sarah Sundin

Published by Revell

Publication Date: February 3, 2026

Description from the publisher:
The German invasion of the British Channel Islands shatters Dr. Ivy Picot's peaceful world, forcing her to shoulder the weight of her father's medical practice and hold together a family unraveling under the strain of war. As conditions worsen in Jersey with the arrival of thousands of forced laborers, Ivy's quiet allegiance to the Allies compels her to risk everything by providing medical aid to escaped workers--even as danger closes in.
Dutch engineer and resistance member Gerrit van der Zee volunteers to build fortifications for the Germans so he can secretly send maps and diagrams to the Allies. On his arrival in the Channel Islands, he crosses paths with Ivy, who shows him contempt for the uniform he wears. As tensions mount and their missions grow increasingly dangerous, Ivy and Gerrit must confront the cost of courage, the meaning of sacrifice, and whether love can survive in the shadow of war. Will their covert efforts turn the tide--or will they pay the ultimate price for defiance?

My Review:
Another extremely well-written novel by Sarah Sundin! I have loved how well-researched her books are, and this one is no exception. The details, from food rationing to the medicine shortages and the tragic results of diabetic patients not receiving insulin, are woven into the story so very well.
The characters are also wonderful. They're just so very human, with real problems that resonated with me. I loved seeing Ivy and Gerrit deal with life, from figuring out things such as how to oppose the Nazis and how to stand up to a demeaning sister and even how to nourish one's soul through drawing while not losing track of time. I also appreciated the way they had to work through issues with their faith; so many readers will relate to Ivy's trusting in God's goodness even as a beloved friend passes away and Gerrit struggling with his relationship with God after not seeing the desired outcomes in his life.
The romance aspect of the novel is slow and sweet, as Ivy thinks Gerrit is a Nazi collaborator and resists her attraction to him, and Gerrit wants to do all he can to preserve her reputation. I really liked how sweet Gerrit was, like how he made sure Ivy had paper to draw on and encouraged her to continue her artwork. I also love the connections to characters from the other books in this not-a-series. (The books are very much standalones, but this third book featuring a van der Zee family member does give a glimpse of the van der Zee women featured in earlier books, which I appreciated.)
All in all, a highly enjoyable book. 4.5 stars. I definitely recommend it!

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

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.