Top Ten Tuesday: Books Set in Another Time

 Today's Top Ten Tuesday is all about books set in another time, which is mostly all I read. These are some of my recent reads set in another time. I have been re-reading a lot of my books and these are some of my favorites! 

An Overdue Match Review

An Overdue Match

Release Date: February 18, 2025

Series: Checking Out Love #1

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

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.

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My Thoughts

I was really excited to read this book because the author tends to write fun lighthearted novels. This story is simply delightful! I love the characters and all of their many quirks. I so appreciate the focus on alopecia and creating characters that aren't "cookie cutter" perfect-whatever that seems to mean. Tai is my favorite in this story because he doesn't give up on Evangeline or himself for that matter. He has a lot of people look down on him and he carries on despite what others think. The library setting is superb and I enjoy every small detail that makes this book full of heart. It is a sweet romance but the bigger overall picture of Evangeline and dealing with her image is what makes this book worth reading. It is a pretty quick read and I am eager to read what Monzon comes up with next! 

Four stars. 

"I received a complementary copy. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Never Reviewed

 Top Ten Tuesday! 

These are books I read that I didn't review on my blog. I get books from ALL of the sources: Kindle Unlimited, the library, online booksellers, real life book stores etc. ALL the places. So often I won't review them unless I really feel the need to share my thoughts. 

So here are some that I will give a quick review on. These were all read within the last few months. 

I have read a few books by this author now and they typically keep me up late into the night because they are suspense murder mystery reads. This one I was pretty well captivated and there were so many puzzling factors in the mystery. It is mostly clean if I remember correctly. I think some language and of course murder and all that goes along with that. I am not sure that I would recommend but I will continue to read this author. 

Klassen always writes books that just make me want to cuddle with a blanket a read. This book is in a series and it is a slower but sweet light historical romance. It isn't my favorite of hers but I do enjoy the family with all of the sisters. There are some very annoying characters that really irritated me in this one but the author did that for good reason. Four stars. 

I love most everything Matthews writes. This book I really enjoyed because both main characters have very strong personalities. It is heavy on the romance side of things but closed door and clean. This one I really couldn't put down and is one my favorites from this series. 

I really enjoyed this one! This is a book out of my typical genre of reading and it was really good! The characters were captivating and the whole premise had my full attention. It seemed a tad slow in the middle but by the end I was ready for book two-can you say cliffhanger?! Four stars. 

This is one of the best by Jaime Jo Wright! All of her books are EXCELLENT and some of my all time favorite novels. This one had a mental health element to it that was really well written. Light romance and of course suspense. I really loved this one. Five Stars. 

I recently discovered Victoria McCombs so I started reading ALL of her books. This is the first in a trilogy set on the high seas. I love books set on ships. It is YA Fantasy fiction that is clean! There is a lot of adventure and mermaids and pirates and curses etc. It is a really fun read and I have enjoyed many of this author's books now. Four stars. 

This is a really fun and sweet regency romance. Sweet and clean and hilarious. I loved the characters and the way everything plays out at this house party setting is great. Five stars. 

I love time travel. So this book takes you back to the Middle Ages and there is non stop action and excitement. A tad bit of a romantic thread but mostly it is an adventure that you can't put down. The first in a series. Five Stars. 

Everything Frantz writes is my favorite. From Virginia to Scotland and with some of the best written characters this story held my attention. Frantz once again has written a novel that has left such a profound impression. The history, the romance, the mystery, and the incredible weaving of God's grace through it all. Excellent story and a must read for historical fiction fans. Five Stars. 

I have really enjoyed this suspense series but this is one of the best books in it in my opinion. It can be a tad gruesome on the murder scene side of things. There is some language. I couldn't put it down. Five stars. 

If All Else Sails Review

About the Book

 In this enemies-to-lovers romance, school nurse Josie agrees to help her brother's best friend, hockey player Wyatt, recover from his knee injury . . . oh, and sail down the intercoastal waterway. What could go wrong?

When elementary school nurse Josie arrives to meet her brother for their not-quite-annual summer trip, instead of finding Jacob, she discovers she has been duped. Jacob can't take off work for a trip and instead is calling in a huge favor from Josie: helping his best friend recover from surgery. Wyatt is the perpetual grump, a famous hockey player Josie has never particularly liked, and a terrible patient. His foot is in bad shape, but nowhere near as bad as his surly attitude.

Begrudgingly, Josie agrees to stay for a week that becomes two. But when she finds out that Wyatt's injury ruined his plans to sail down the east coast on the Intracoastal Waterway, Josie surprises them both by agreeing to be his second set of hands.

Smooth sailing is nowhere to be found, and Wyatt is one cranky captain. With one disaster after another slowing their progress, Josie questions if they'll even be able to make it home without killing--or kissing?--each other. And yet, the longer they share cramped quarters and canned food, the more of Wyatt's layers she peels back until Josie realizes she misunderstood him and perhaps herself as well. (Goodreads)

Pre-Order HERE

My Thoughts

This book is an absolute delight! I haven't laughed so much while reading in such a long time. The author has a way with setting up a scene and dialogue that just makes me so happy. The characters are great and I enjoyed getting to know them better. Wyatt has so many layers and it is a typical grumpy-sunshine trope but it works! The romance is superb! It is sweet and clean and honest and fun. The setting is also perfect for a summer read with a cottage by the water to sailing on a boat. Josie is hilarious and I also really liked the secondary characters of her brother, his friends and Wyatt's mother. 

If you are looking for a fun rom-com this is for you! I couldn't put it down and enjoyed every bit of it! 

Five Stars. 

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own." 

Some Like It Scot Review

About the Book

An American travel writer who has never found a place to belong and a reclusive Scot with a surprising secret find a shocking connection when she enters a Highlands manor house that has been turned into a three-week long Edwardian experience.

Katie Campbell has traveled her entire life. As the daughter of an army chaplain, changing homes--or even countries--was commonplace, so when her wild childhood storytelling turned into a lucrative career as a travel writer, she thought she'd found her perfect match. But as she's nearly thirty with no real place to settle down, she's starting to wonder where "home" actually is. Her own family hadn't felt like home since her sister's death left them all limping through life.

When a lengthy project in Scotland promises to not only give her travel fodder for months but also a shot at a coveted editing position, she accepts and is sent to spend three weeks in the newly created Craighill House, a Scottish home redesigned to offer guests an Edwardian experience. But her entrance to Craighill introduces her to a quirky group of characters and a surly Scot who is helping refurbish the magnificent woodwork of the estate house.

As Katie attempts to live "Edwardian," she learns that all that glitters does not a comfortable lifestyle make . . . and surly Scots may turn out to be dashing and creative uncles raising their orphaned nephews. When a few escapades from the Downton era lead Katie on hunts for mermaids and dragons or to a fireside chat with a family who has grown stronger through tragedy, Katie begins to wonder if "home" looks a whole lot like rolling green hills, magnificent braighs, and a few extra "ayes" thrown in for good measure. But can her world-traveling lifestyle fit in with a Scot whose heart is double-knotted to home? (Goodreads)

Releases April 8th!!

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My Thoughts

 Get ready for a book you won't want to put down! I have read many of Basham's books but this one is her best yet! Scotland. Travel. Books. Romance. Humor. Puns. Local lore and legend. SO much heart. Oh my goodness I loved this book! A story is really special if it can make me laugh and cry and feel everything in between. The characters are terrific all the way around. Katie is hilarious and so real to life. Her struggles many will be able to sympathize with and it is so well written. Graeme has so many layers and it was a joy to read his perspective throughout the book. The secondary characters warmed my heart in many ways and I felt like I was in Mull having a cup of tea with them. I laughed so many times! I was worried that Katie would be over the top and the silliness would take me out of the book but nope it just added to the delight. The ending is so much better than I had even hoped!  It was realistic and I truly didn't want this to end. We need more books in this quaint village in Scotland. Perhaps Graeme's brothers stories?! In any case. This is one of the best books I have read this year. Very fun and yet keeps you pondering life long after you finish reading the last page. 

Five Stars. 

"I received this book from NetGalley for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

When The Stars Light the Sky Review

About the Book

 Inga Klein's carefree life in New York takes a dramatic turn when she sails for Berlin, Germany, to serve as the secretary for America's ambassador. Amid the glamour of life at the embassy, she continually finds herself at odds with the straitlaced and imposing Benedict Kincaid, the diplomatic chief of staff who harbors deep misgivings toward the German-born Inga.

As Europe hurtles toward World War I, Benedict's determination to keep America out of the conflict adds to the already tense atmosphere. Despite their relentless sparring, Inga and Benedict succeed in keeping the embassy afloat through one crisis after another. But when they run out of diplomatic options, a marriage of convenience between them may be Inga's only hope of escape from the impending war.

In this entrancing Gilded Age romance, Inga and Benedict will be swept into a dangerous world on the brink of war, where two hearts must navigate shadows of uncertainty when stars light the sky. (Goodreads)

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My Thoughts

I am always eager to read the new Camden book and was intrigued by the premise of this story. I know very little of WWI and I haven't read too many books set amid that war. I absolutely love the historical aspect of this book. This author does a tremendous job at explaining history without it being confusing or boring. There are so many details about the American Embassy and the setting of Berlin and I loved reading every bit of it! The secondary characters are delightful and so well written. The reader experiences many years between the pages and is able to really get to know the characters. Inga and Benedict are unique and very much a grumpy sunshine trope. The last few chapters disappointed me a little bit on the romance side of things. Relationships require a lot of selfless love and I have mixed feelings on how all of that plays out in the end. Regardless, I could not put down this book and having read all of Camden's novels I would say this one is one of the most intriguing! 

Four and a half stars. 

"I received this book from Bethany House for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Most Anticipated Books Releasing in the First Half of 2025

 There are so many wonderful books coming out this year. Here are the top ten that I hope to read that are releasing the first part of 2025.

Top Ten Tuesday

Rune Review

About the Book

 Rune wants only one thing from the gods: the heart of a boy who already claims to love her. She wants it enough that she’s willing to make a deal with a god to keep it.

The deal is simple: the heart of the boy, and in return, Rune will make this god revered among the clan.

Then, out of nowhere, the boy proposes to Rune’s sister instead.

In her anger, she renounces the gods. But the gods have plans of their own. They snatch Rune from earth and throw her in Asgard, claiming her as their lost goddess and drowning her in a world of dangerous power. It’s clear a god is pulling the strings here, but Rune can’t guess who, or what her role is in their games. Desperate, she strikes a second deal with a god—one who might be as broken and twisted as she, and quite possibly more capable of breaking her heart than anyone. As her Viking past finds a way into Asgard, it’s clear that someone’s heart will be slaughtered. She can only hope to be long gone before it all crashes down.

A standalone fantasy for lovers of the fake engagement trope, shields and axes, or poison in teacups. (Goodreads)

Pre-Order HERE

My Thoughts

I have really been enjoying books by this new-to-me author. I have been looking for clean fantasty and McCombs delivers just that!! This story was a lot different than I was expecting but I ended up really enjoying it! The characters are strong and while Rune sometimes got on my nerves I also had to think of life from her perspective. There is a lot of physical fighting (with axes etc.) and while those scenes were important I wanted more story and less fighting by the final chapters. BUT the ending came together in a very Hunger Games type of way and it left me a satisfied reader. I wanted there to be more actually and I wouldn't mind another book in this world. The romance is sweet and clean and fit in perfectly with the rest of the story. 

I couldn't put this book down and I really enjoyed it! I recommend if you are wanting something new in the fantasy genre! 

Four Stars. 

"I received and ARC from the author. I am not required to write a positive review."

Best Books of 2024

 Today's Top Ten Tuesday is all about the best books of the year. It is impossible to narrow down to just ten but I will do my best. This was a pretty decent reading year for me. I read a lot more books than I anticipated. Since I was pregnant and had a baby this year, I figured I wouldn't get much reading time in. Thankfully I was able to read quite a few books amidst all of the life changes. I also wanted to read more stories that were out of my "norm", specifically more fantasy, non-fiction, and sci-fi. I think I did okay with that goal but I do hope to continue to read more of a variety in 2025. 

In no particular order, here are my top ten reads for 2024.

Top Ten Bookish Wishes

 Top Ten Bookish Wishes This December! 

In no particular order these are some titles that I have had on my wish list the last few months!