Pride and Practicality by Pepper Basham

Pride and Practicality
By Pepper Basham
Published by: Thomas Nelson Fiction
Publication Date: November 3, 2026

Description from the publisher:
Thomas Bridges, the new rector of St. Groves, has a simple plan: gain the support of local wealthy parishioners to finance a boarding school for the orphans of St. Groves. With his stellar reputation and good heart, everything seems to be working well, even if he has to avoid his mother's matchmaking with the eligible ladies of the town. But his plans are rerouted when the "lost" sister of Lord Ravenscross returns and she happens to be the same woman in which he shared a secret and unexpected kiss eight months before.

Arianna Reeves has returned home a secret heiress, trying to redeem her past. With money to spare, a desire to earn back the favor of those she loves, and a hope of being useful she not only puts herself in harm's way to help the children of St. Groves but creates an "anonymous benefactress" to support Thomas Bridges' plan. However, their mutual attraction threatens to not only defrock Thomas but also ruin all their best-laid plans for the children. When a man from Arianna's past comes to St. Groves with a plan to expose Thomas and Arianna's secret, their characters and hearts are tested. Could the truth about one unexpected kiss ruin their futures? After all . . . it was just a kiss, right?

My Review:
It’s probably cruel of me to review this now since it doesn't come out for three months—and that is way too long to wait for a book this absolutely delightful! Thomas is earnestly good and lovable, while Arianna is strong, determined, and deeply compassionate. Their banter is incredibly fun, and the romance is just plain cute. I loved how sweet, funny, and deeply respectful their connection felt, making their happily-ever-after so satisfying to watch unfold. The Pride and Prejudice connection was admittedly a bit weak, so skip this if you are only here for a strict retelling. But if you want a story that is utterly enchanting from start to finish, add this to your TBR list right now!
5 stars!

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

A Most Unfortunate Happenstance by Esther Hatch

A Most Unfortunate Happenstance
By Esther Hatch
Published by Arbory Press

Description from the Publisher:
Captain John Calder has finally secured the means and standing to propose to the woman he has dreamed of since the day they met—and a house party offers the perfect opportunity to become reacquainted with her.
But a violent storm on the road to Blackwell changes everything. The cold and damp strike John down with a sudden and violent return of the ague.
Evelyn Blackwell, traveling to her family’s estate to secure a suitor for her disgraced cousin, is caught in the same storm and forced to take refuge alone in an abandoned shepherd's croft. The door flies open to reveal a fevered stranger who promptly collapses at her feet. She keeps vigil through thunder, darkness, and delirium, certain he may not survive.
But he does survive and in the morning light, they promise to leave as strangers, hopefully never to see each other again, bound only by the secret of a shared night together.
However, days later, John arrives at Evelyn’s house party. Now they must spend weeks together while Evelyn balances arranging a match for her cousin with memories of that night—-memories John does not share.
The longer they spend in each other’s company, the more Evelyn wonders if her cousin’s happiness can come only at the cost of her own—and whether the storm that brought her and John together has set her heart on a course to be broken apart.

My Review:
This is another fun story from Esther Hatch! Miscommunication/something that could be resolved with a forthright conversation isn't my favorite trope (I mean, just ask the man who May is), but I enjoyed seeing all of John and Evelyn's interactions, which is a testament to Hatch's writing. I really liked both protagonists and the building attraction between them. I also appreciated the humor in the book--I love good banter, which this book has aplenty. Tons of fun to read--guaranteed to keep you smiling! 

4.5 stars.

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

Part of Your World by Karen Witemeyer

Part of Your World (Once upon a Time in Texas)
By Karen Witemeyer
Published by Hope & Light Publishing
Publication Date: June 10, 2026

Description from the publisher:
She saved him from the sea. He awakened her heart. Now a villainous scheme threatens to destroy them both.
Seawater runs through Muriel Quinn's veins-a fact that has long concerned her father, who longs for his youngest daughter to abandon the waves and embrace the respectable life expected of a grown woman. Yet even when banished from her beloved sea, Muriel feels its pull upon her soul. Drawn to the shore, she witnesses a boating accident and dives in to save a man from drowning. As she brings him back from the brink of death, a dream stirs to life in her heart.
Despite his family's wealth and social standing, Zane Erickson pursues a career in architecture, having no interest in cementing a match with any of the bridal candidates his mother foists upon him. Until a mysterious beauty saves his life and vanishes before he can learn her name. Determined to find her, he is stunned when the matchmaker his mother hired arrives with the very woman who has haunted his dreams. But he soon learns there are darker forces than romance at work in this meeting.
Entangled in a blackmail scheme that grows more deceitful and dangerous by the day, Zane and Muriel must fight not only for their love, but for the lives of those they hold dear.

My Review:
This is such a clever, touching retelling of The Little Mermaid! I love how Karen Witemeyer had so many nods to the Disney movie while also making it very much her own story. I actually preferred this plot to the Disney movie; having Zane immediately recognize Muriel allowed them to actively team up against their blackmailer, which kept the pacing fast and engaging (and made the story about so much more than whether he would ever figure out who she is). I also found the setting to be really interesting and well-written--with details about bathing suits and architecture of the day. 

Zane is totally adorable, while Muriel is relatable--she had a bit of growing to do but also had a kind heart. Their chemistry feels natural and grounded. 

I loved the hymns woven into the story, as well the strong faith elements focusing on relying on God, seeking His will, and finding redemption in Him.

I highly recommend this to anyone who loves clean, faith-based romance and creative fairy tale retellings!

4.5 stars!

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

Brighter Than Before by Courtney Walsh

Brighter Than Before
By Courtney Walsh
Published by Thomas Nelson Fiction
Publication Date: June 9, 2026

Description from the publisher:
In her forties, newly single in the Windy City, and reeling from a major life shake-up, Claire Karadec finds a reset in the most unlikely of places--a dating profile set up by her adult daughter. 

Claire did not plan to end up mid-forties with a daughter studying in London and the unfortunate discovery that her husband is not the man she thought he was. In fact, he's the exact opposite of a faithful, loyal, kind, and good-hearted spouse. And the discovery of his real nature and lack of remorse leads her to do what she never thought she would--divorce him.
After a year of wallowing before hitting rock bottom . . . in public, unfortunately, Claire realizes she needs to finally answer the question her therapist asked her all those months "What do you really want?" It was a question she couldn't answer then, but now she knows it's time to figure it out.
It's the turning point that leads Claire to change her life. And not just a little--a lot. She sells her house in Denver and moves to the city that's always had her heart--Chicago.
With the help of nosy neighbors, new friends, and a daughter who sets her up on a dating site from across the ocean, Claire begins to answer that big, important question by figuring out what she wants and how to live life on her own terms.

My Review:
I was completely swept up in this story and couldn't put it down. Claire is a fantastic protagonist—it was so rewarding to watch her find her footing, embrace her bravery, and build genuine connections. Her resilience through awkward first dates and difficult hurdles felt both relatable and inspiring (and made me laugh quite a bit). Plus, the slow-burn chemistry between Claire and Miles was a total highlight.
The book is packed with beautiful themes: navigating change, the courage to heal, and the power of starting over. It’s heartwarming, hopeful, and exceptionally well-written. My only tiny quibble? Claire’s hobby-turned-business is baking. While it’s handled well, it feels like a very crowded trope in contemporary fiction—I’d love to see more heroines with different vocations!

Overall, I absolutely loved it. Easily a 5-star read and one of my top picks for 2026.

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

Every Beat After by Sara Larson

Every Beat After
By Sara Larson
Published by Shadow Mountain
Publication Date: June 2, 2026

Description from the Publisher:
Years after a life-saving heart transplant, Liv Karlsson lives in the fragile space between gratitude and fear—thankful for every heartbeat and afraid of when they might stop. Running her family’s cozy Swedish bakery gives her purpose, but mounting financial pressures and the shadows of her past leave her wondering: Is she truly living . . . or simply existing?
Then Hunter moves in next door. Guarded, cynical, and annoyingly attractive, he’s everything Liv avoids—and he’s also unfortunately her roommate’s cousin. But when he unexpectedly steps in to help Liv save the bakery with a new marketing plan, their reluctant partnership sparks something neither one is prepared for. He pushes her. Challenges her. Sees her. Suddenly, the girl who’s spent years protecting her heart finds it racing for someone who might just understand her better than anyone ever has.
But just as Liv begins to imagine a future worth fighting for, a devastating revelation threatens to unravel everything. Now Liv must face the ultimate test: Will she find the courage to love, or will fear take it all away?

My Review:
Olivia and Hunter both have a lot of emotional baggage--which makes them relatable to readers, even if their particular burdens aren't the most common. I totally understood why Hunter would lash out during their initial meeting and why Olivia would respond in kind. Their relationship progressed slowly, with a lot of one-step-forward, two-steps-back action, but again, it made sense with their backstories. There's a lot going on here--Olivia's health and her worries, her grandmother's health, the precarious situation of their small business, Hunter's issue, etc.--so it can feel pretty weighty. At the same time, there are lots of funny lines, and so I devoured it for about 80% of the book; I just couldn't get enough....and then there was one more really big problem, and it was maybe one too many things. (I know life is sometimes like that, but for me, it upset the delicate balance of reading something realistic but also reading for escape and entertainment.) I was ready for the happily ever after, not another fifty or so pages of heavy emotions and conflict. Overall, I still enjoyed the book and I think other readers will, too!

4 stars.

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

In Pursuit of Civility by Jen Turano

In Pursuit of Civility (Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies #2)
By Jen Turano
Published by Bethany House
Publication Date: April 21, 2026

Description from the Publisher:
Annaliese Merriweather has been appointed the temporary headmistress of the Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies while her sister is on her honeymoon, but she doesn't feel cut out for the role. Especially after she loses two of her most troublesome students during an outing to a county fair and has to recruit the help of Seth McCormick, an eccentric inventor, to retrieve them.
Soon after, one of those mischievous students disappears again, intent on pursuing a pirate map. Together, Annaliese and Seth set out to find her, accompanied by a menagerie of Annaliese's rescued animal companions. As they stumble from one chaotic situation to the next, sparks fly between Annaliese and Seth. Somehow, they'll need to outwit dangerous individuals also intent on seeking treasure and bring everyone back in one piece--all while deciphering what their hearts desire.

My Review:
Jen Turano is absolutely my go-to author when I need a laugh! Her books are always unique, fast-paced, and filled with quirky characters.
In her latest book, Annaliese a hoot. It's so funny to see her try to wrangle her students while simultaneously keeping track of her animals (including a pet ferret who rides around on her shoulders and occasionally behaves like a guard dog) and falling for Seth. Seth was absolutely adorable--I love how how he cares for Annaliese as she is and doesn't try to change her, supporting her instead. I also appreciated how Annaliese and Seth could be straightforward about their feelings, no dancing around or guessing or whatever.
With great main characters, fun adventures, and a bevy of matchmakers (from mothers to students), this book was lots of fun to read.
4 stars.

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

Whispers in the Valley (Sisters of the Heart #2) by Amanda Cabot

Whispers in the Valley (Sisters of the Heart #2)
By Amanda Cabot
Published by ByDand Publishing


Description from the Publisher:
Victoria Holton has it all, or so it beauty, a doting father, betrothal to one of Philadelphia’s most eligible bachelors. But all that ends the day her father is imprisoned for embezzlement. Suddenly penniless and shunned because of her father’s crime, she flees to Carr Valley, hoping to find refuge with Sophia, her sister of the heart.
With her life upended, Victoria longs to find a new purpose, but what can she do? She wishes she could solve a decades-old mystery that’s haunting a newfound friend, but the only clue leads nowhere. Her attempts at housekeeping in Sophia’s hotel are laughable, and despite a number of would-be suitors, she has no intention of marrying. The only man who interests her is one she could never consider, for if there’s one thing Victoria knows, it’s that she is not meant to be a minister’s wife.
Pastor Peter Mulholland has never doubted his calling to the ministry … until now. Even though he can’t please everyone, he refuses to let the deacons’ demand that he marry determine his future. He knows the kind of wife they expect him to choose, and it’s not a woman like Victoria. Besides, what does he have to offer her? Perhaps his critics are right, and it’s time for him to leave Carr Valley.
But then a stranger arrives and the whispers begin.

My Review:
The second book in the Sisters of the Heart was even better than the first! (Echoes of Sunrise is book one. It's not necessary to read the books in order, but I recommend reading that one as well!) There are not one but TWO romantic storylines, plus a couple of small mysteries to solve. Besides Victoria and Peter, I also enjoyed getting to know Phoebe and Rex. I liked the way each character had to examine his/her heart and values and figure out the right path for him/her. I can't wait to read the next book in the series! 4.5 stars.

Home to Me by Sarah M. Eden

Home to Me (Hope Springs #8)
By Sarah M. Eden
Published by Pineway Books

Description from the Publisher:
Ten years have passed since Finbarr O’Connor’s life was changed forever by the horrific fire that still haunts Hope Springs. He’s learned to navigate the world without his sight. He has even regained much of his independence. But he’s exhausted, worn down, lost. So, when an opportunity arises that would make his life far easier, he’s tempted. But accepting it would mean leaving Hope Springs and all his family. Emma Archer has been away from Hope Springs for nearly half a decade. Distance has helped her escape the ghosts that haunt her there. But the pain she has not entirely outrun catches up with her when a telegram arrives from an unknown sender, urging her to return home for the sake of her sister. She loves her family too much to ignore the plea, yet returning will be painful. Seeing Finbarr O’Connor again, she fears, will shatter her completely. Her unexpected return thrusts them together again. Both struggling with their pasts and unsure of their futures, they begin to find in each other some of the trust they once lost. Is there hope for something more in the pull they feel to each other, a new chance to find home, healing, and love before life pulls them apart once more?

My Review:
I have been anxiously awaiting this book for years--and then when I purchased it, I was a bit nervous to start it, because what if it wasn't as good as I hoped? Well, if you have similar concerns, have no fear, because this book is total perfection. It's beautiful and heartbreaking and hopeful and everything I could have hoped for it to be. I just loved it, start to finish. I really, really hope that we'll see more books in this series (or a spinoff), because I am so not ready to be done getting to know the O'Connors and their neighbors. 5 stars and definitely goes on my Best Books of 2026 shelf.

A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham

A Brewed Awakening
By Pepper Basham
Published by Thomas Nelson Fiction
Publication Date: May 5, 2026

Description from the Publisher:
Daphne dreams of Mr. Darcy. Finn serves up pints and rock music. Can opposites attract when a tea shop princess meets her pub-owning rival?

In the charming mountain town of Wisteria, North Carolina, Daphne Austen clings to tradition like cream to a scone. She's built her life--and her late grandmother's tearoom, Tea Thyme--around all things delicate china, Jane Austen novels, and the comforting predictability of routine. The only thing threatening her perfectly ordered world? The loud, aggravatingly handsome Brit opening a pub next door.
After his ex-wife broke his heart and his business partner nearly destroyed his career, Finn Dashwood packed up his six-year-old daughter and left England behind. He's looking for a fresh start, and the last thing he needs is a fussy, tea-obsessed neighbor criticizing his every pint and playlist. It doesn't matter that she's ridiculously kind (to everyone else) and that his daughter is utterly fascinated by her. Finn's heart is not open to being broken again.
But disagreements turn into prank wars and then a competition when a high-profile wedding needs a last-minute caterer. The townsfolk are thrilled--Wisteria hasn't seen this much excitement since the county fair lost a goat.When the wedding demands both sweet and savory fare, Daphne and Finn are forced to put down their swords and pick up their serving trays. Between burnt pastries, brewing tempers, trending hashtags (#SipsAndSpats, anyone?), and one very adorable little girl, rivalry soon gives way to reluctant friendship--and maybe something that feels suspiciously like chemistry.
Can a tea shop princess and a pub owner with a past mix their lives as seamlessly as clotted cream and jam . . . or will their differences keep them steeped in rivalry forever?

My Review:
Daphne and Finn were both realistic characters. While I liked Daphne, I struggled initially with Finn—he was just a bit too mean and even if I could understand why he was the way that he was, it was still frustrating; I actually had to stop reading for a bit because I was disliking him so much. Luckily, when I dove back in, it was right when he starts to soften a bit and I didn’t have to hope he got a pot of hot tea dumped over his head. Once he realized that he needed to do some changing, I liked him quite a bit. I especially like that he recognized he hadn’t been the nicest to Daphne and needed to do some work to build trust.
I have mixed feelings on the social media comments at the beginning of most chapters. Some of it was really funny, but sometimes it was a bit too much and could have been pared down. Overall, a fun book and definitely one I’ll be rereading.
4 stars.
I read a DRC provided by the publisher via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

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.

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.

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.

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.