Blog Tour & Review: “Walking on Hidden Wings” by Rachel Scott McDaniel

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Walking on Hidden Wings by Rachel Scott McDaniel hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! I’m sharing a review today followed by info for the tour-wide giveaway. Be sure to enter before you go!

Title: Walking on Hidden Wings: A Novel of the Roaring Twenties
Author: Rachel Scott McDaniel
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: April 23, 2024
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Geneva Ashcroft Hayes’s marriage to a newspaper mogul might have been arranged, but the New York socialite is devastated when her husband’s plane crashes a few short months after their nuptials. When the authorities suspect murder, Geneva sets out on a wild mission to find his killer–and to prove it wasn’t her!

When mysterious notes surface pointing to Geneva’s guilt in his death, they only strengthen her resolve. She has little to go on except for a detective friend’s cryptic list of locations connected to her dead spouse. When the friend also disappears, she trades her sparkling gowns for coveralls and pilot goggles.

Armed with a new name and career as a wingwalker and barnstormer, she travels from town to town in hopes of unearthing clues and locating her missing friend. But Geneva discovers that her past may not belong to her . . . what she once believed as truth may be nothing more than lies and deception.

“A tangled web, a sleuthing adventure, a rekindled romance . . . Walking on Hidden Wings has it all.” –Rachel Fordham, author of The Letter Tree

“Fans of intelligent mysteries, butterfly-inducing romance, and the Roaring Twenties, prepare yourselves–Walking on Hidden Wings will sweep you away to the skies! McDaniel’s lyrical prose is a delight, and readers will be fascinated by the daring beginnings of aviation. A true gem.” –Joanna Barker, author of A Heart Worth Stealing

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop | BookBub

An automatic “favorites list” addition, Walking on Hidden Wings exhibits everything I love about the inspy/historical romance genre and the marriage of convenience trope. What begins as an engaging mystery soon transforms into an adventurous, high-stakes romance — and the high stakes come in the form of a missing friend, an aviation accident (or is it sabotage?), and the subterfuge of a 1920s social ladder.

Author Rachel McDaniel has a prose-like style that fills the story with wonder in its details: in the flying stunts, sisterly devotion, a heroine out of her comfort zone in the country, a protective and empowering hero, and a thrilling romance. Speaking of romance, the narrative has smartly penned flashback chapters amidst “current” angsty tension that tell the origins of the romance and marriage of convenience situation Geneva navigated. This brings life-altering secrets and themes of reconciliation and hope to the forefront. Most impressive in this story framing and narrative is how every single detail of the characters’ lives matters and satisfyingly comes full circle.

Fans of ultra-romantic historical marriages of convenience like Rachel McMillan’s The London Restoration or books by Mimi Matthews should give Walking on Hidden Wings a space on their TBRs.

Thank you to the publisher and Just Read Tours for the review copy. This is my honest opinion. I also purchased a final copy of the ebook for my collection.

Rachel Scott McDaniel is an award-winning author of historical romance. Winner of the ACFW Genesis Award and the RWA Touched By Love award, Rachel infuses faith and heart into each story. She currently enjoys life in Ohio with her husband and two kids.

Connect with Rachel by visiting rachelmcdaniel.net to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of the book plus book-related extras!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 1, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 8, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Click HERE to Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Book Review: “Rocky Road” by Becky Wade

Welcome to my review of Rocky Road by Becky Wade, the second in her “Sons of Scandal” series following the Camden family in New England.

Review of book 1, Memory Lane

FBI Agent Jude Camden handles every aspect of his job with by-the-book professionalism. There’s no reason why his latest assignment—which calls for him to pose as the boyfriend of perfumer Gemma Clare—should be any different.

Except Gemma is different. She’s creative, bold, and feisty. And as soon as she meets Jude, she wants to loosen him up, wrinkle his perfect shirts, and test every ounce of his towering self-control.

The FBI has an iron-clad rule against romances between those working together on operations. Jude’s never met a rule he didn’t respect. But adhering to this one is going to be tough because, as time goes by, he finds Gemma more and more irresistible.

Buckle up! It’s going to be a rocky road.

Escape to Maine for this swoon-worthy “fake romance”! Banter, humor, perfume, and a mystery from the past intertwine in this sweet Sons of Scandal love story.

*A Note from Becky: For a list of sensitive topics in Becky’s novels, visit BeckyWade.com and click the link you’ll find at the top of the “My Books” page.

Goodreads | Amazon

Rocky Road by Becky Wade takes readers on another romantic journey with hints of intrigue alongside the second Camden son, Jude. The story uses tropes in a fantastic way, with fake dating, forced proximity, and a tiny bit of opposites attract with Gemma’s sunshine-y and effervescent personality in contrast with Jude’s serious, always-tidy demeanor. AND, it has a hilarious meet cute for the record books!

Author Becky Wade tackles tricky family dynamics and believably complex, world-we-live-in situations. I admire that Wade is not afraid to handle some heavier topics on occasion, like fidelity, trust, and risk in this series. Some of this depth absolutely sparkles with the rare POV chapters from Jude’s mother, Fiona, and her ongoing role as mother, sister, and friend.

The romance has fantastic tension, skillfully portrayed by Becky, especially in the (finally) first kiss scene. The romance is enough of a slow burn that the reader is absolutely rooting for a *them* and for Gemma to ruffle Jude’s composure. And she does! She has a tendency to knock Jude’s world off-kilter every time they are together, though Gemma doesn’t always perceive it because Jude’s such a good guy hero and has great internal depths. When it finally manifests with a little outward mussiness for Jude, it is quite an adorable moment. I also LOVE how their relationship progresses and how there is **tiny spoiler** no 3rd act breakup **end spoiler**. Their mutual affinity for poetry (Jude!) and chocolate (Jude and Gemma) sets up some fun scenes and banter, too.

I always enjoy learning more about the world around me through story. In this case, Rocky Road reveals facets of the perfume industry and what a normal-ish day job with the FBI entails. I’m looking forward to the enigmatic, humorous Max Camden and his story in the next novel.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. This is my honest review.

Book Review: “London Tides” by Carla Laureano

The MacDonald family trilogy. 9 years ago I read book 1, Five Days in Skye. 9 years ago London Tides came out. I finished it over the weekend! Ya’ll! How have I waited so long to read Ian and Grace’s story?! Many of my thanks in finally deciding to read it go the Carla Laureano’s Facebook reader group and her thoughtful moderation of a group readalong this month.

London Tides is a story that will certainly stick with me. I am eager for the conclusion of this family’s tale with Under Scottish Stars, though I’m going to wait a bit for it in hopes that we will do another Facebook group read of it.

Irish photojournalist Grace Brennan travels the world’s war zones documenting the helpless and forgotten. After the death of her friend and colleague, Grace is shaken.

She returns to London hoping to rekindle the spark with the only man she ever loved—Scottish businessman Ian MacDonald. But he gave up his championship rowing career and dreams of Olympic gold years ago for Grace . . . only for her to choose photography over him. Will life’s tides bring them back together . . . or tear them apart for good this time?

Goodreads | Amazon

London Tides is a brilliant second chance romance from Carla Laureano with authentic characters. While book 1 (Five Days in Skye) balances a flirty instalove story with lightheartedness and serious tones, book 2 delves into depths of longing, pain, and romantic chemistry that sparks off the page.

I appreciate Ian and Grace’s depth, history, and life experiences so much. In particular, I appreciate Laureano’s portrayal of the raw, emotional arc of Grace’s story with serious elements like grief, trauma, and self-worth. The plot is artful, daring, and refreshingly candid throughout. The romantic storyline is direct, surprising, and wonderfully adventurous at different turns. And so much my catnip with Ian and his high emotional intelligence, let-me-understand-and-shoulder-your-cares-because-I-want-to hero status.

I also heart that Grace is a photographer (albeit in a super serious, war zone way) because I relate somewhat to her perspective and really love how this informs her outlook on life. Likewise, Ian’s commitment to rowing (yay for learning new things through books!) is also symbolic of his steadiness of character, even as his association with the sport has already transitioned from Olympic participation to a local, routine level.

I LOVE the following quote from Grace which sums up her outlook and passion for photography:

This is why I love photography. . . Look at it. This moment will never happen again. All these people, together in one place. Change a single thing and it wouldn’t be this moment. Wait five minutes and everything is different. But a photo—it’s the only way you can stop time. It’s proof of a moment you can never get back.

chapter 11

These personal attributes of Ian and Grace combine with some fantastic food-centric, tourist-y experiences to make this an armchair adventure of a story, albeit a serious one. A key portion unfolds in Scotland, too, as we revisit the territory of book 1 (Jamie and Andrea!!!!) with Ian and Grace, learn more of Ian’s familial history, and catch up with already beloved characters.

Book Review and Content Guide: “Once Persuaded, Twice Shy” by Melodie Edwards

Welcome to my review for Once Persuaded, Twice Shy: A Modern Reimagining of Persuasion by Melodie Edwards which just released this week! It’s a new twist on the Jane Austen classic, and Melodie’s sophomore novel after last year’s retelling of another classic, Jane & Edward (a spin on Jane Eyre).

I’m including a content guide at the end of my review with my blog audience in mind (inspy readers, specifically), noting this is a general market book with some mature content, detailed below. The context of my review focuses on the story merits and the content is something I consider separately.

This modern reimagining of Persuasion is full of witty banter, romantic angst, and compelling characters as it captures the heart of the classic Jane Austen novel.

When Anne Elliott broke up with Ben Wentworth, it seemed like the right thing to do . . . but now, eight years later, she’s not so sure.

In her scenic hometown of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Anne is comfortable focusing on her successful filling her late mother’s shoes as town councilor and executive director of her theater company. She certainly keeps busy as the all-around wrangler of eccentric locals, self-centered family members, elaborate festivals, and the occasional attacking goose. But the more she tries to convince herself that her life is fine as is, the more it all feels like a show—and not nearly as good as the ones put on by her theater company. She’s the always responsible Anne, always taken for granted and cleaning up after other people, and the memories of happier times with Ben Wentworth still haunt her.

So when the nearby Kellynch Winery is bought by Ben’s aunt and uncle, Anne’s world is set ablaze as her old flame crashes back into her life—and it’s clear he hasn’t forgiven her for breaking his heart. A joint project between the winery and Anne’s theater forces both Ben and Anne to confront their complicated history, and as they spend more time together, Anne can’t help but wonder if there might be hope for their future after all.

Goodreads | Amazon

Once Persuaded, Twice Shy by Melodie Edwards is a contemporary retelling of Jane Austen’s classic Persuasion, which happens to be my favorite Austen novel. It smartly retains the pillars of Austen’s material, wit, and themes while taking a different, modern slant on certain elements which serves to draw attention to different aspects of the characters. I particularly loved the autumnal, small-town Canadian setting that serves as a colorful character in itself, along with its resident menacing Goose.

One thing that comes across strongly is Anne’s growth and assertion of her independence in stages after Ben Wentworth comes back into her life. And, Wentworth’s pining and heartbreak is closely explored through moments and a few key scenes where he vocally shares his POV. While the story is completely from Anne’s POV, tiny details and moments of care serve to make Wentworth’s true affections *finally* known. I appreciate how the details of this story really make the deeper themes and dynamics shine, like Anne finding freedom and a new sense of self symbolized in her shopping for new shoes.

The romance is a slow burn as expected from Anne and Wentworth’s shared history which is revealed along the way. Wentworth 2.0, as I will call him, demonstrates his care of Anne with such wonderful, swoony gestures (like a heater! and quietly offering a car ride! and an oversized hoodie!). Like the classic novel, Anne’s family is atrocious, the Fairchilds (modern day Crofts) are endearing and charming, and the supporting cast (Anne’s friends) are –often hilariously– sources of wisdom.

Once Persuaded, Twice Shy retains all the pining and longing, with memories of an intimate rapport between Anne and Ben, that makes their finding a way back to each other sweeter. And like its inspiration material, Anne and Ben are better for each other thanks to the years between and the heartbreaks and growth both have experienced.

Content guide: the book does have closed door love scene, but it is handled in text as a tasteful lead up to the door closing (kissing and just a little more are hinted at before it fades to black). There is a medium amount of explicit language throughout, including some use of the f-word and a few instances of pairing God’s name with a swear word.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the review copy. This is my honest review.

Just for fun: One of my most popular posts here on the blog is a collection of my fav quotes from Persuasion. If you have made your way here because of your love for Jane Austen, I’ll add a link if you’d like to read them. Favorite Quotes from Persuasion by Jane Austen

Best of 2023 ~ Books & More

I can’t believe it’s time for another “best of” list!

Today is all about books I read in 2023 and some popular posts here on the blog. I set a reading goal of 80 books this year on Goodreads, and I nearly met it with 77 books and counting. You can see more extensive reviews in the blog archives or my 2023 Goodreads Year in Books. Fun facts: my most read genre was historical romance (no surprise there) and my most read authors were Carla Laureano (4 new to me titles) and Mimi Matthews (2 new, 3 rereads).

Now, onto the book lists! You can find my top favorites listed below, titles linked to Goodreads for more info and a link to a review when applicable. I find myself each year adding three things that describe each of these stories. It’s become a self-imposed rule to keep things brief ;). At the end, I’ll share links to popular posts on the blog.

Contemporary Romance

Pretty Little Pieces by Carmen Schober | Review

Authentic faith. Healing. DIY.

Memory Lane by Becky Wade | Review

Connection. Sculpture. Atlantic Ocean.

The Broken Hearts Bakery by Carla Laureano | Review

Capture the flag. Eclairs. Second chances.

Pixels and Paint by Kristi Ann Hunter | Review

Perspective. Growing pains. Commitment.

The Books Not Easily Categorized: Women’s Fic, Sci-Fi, & Historical Mystery

Sadie on the Rocks by Joanne Bischof

Singleness and independence. Fulfillment. Trying new (scary) things.

Brand of Light by Ronie Kendig | Review

Honor. Destiny. Scent.

A Fatal Illusion by Anna Lee Huber | Review

Riveting. Emotional challenges. Camaraderie.

Historical Romance & Fiction

The Italian Ballerina by Kristy Cambron | Review

Sacrifice during WWII. Charming. Italian pastries.

One Kiss Alone by Nichole Van | Review

Swoony Scotsmen. Authenticity. Highwaywoman.

The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz | Review

Erudite heroine. Castles. Loyalty.

Return to Satterthwaite Court by Mimi Matthews | Review

Adventure. Magnetic romance. Endearing canines.

Yesterday’s Tides by Roseanna M. White | Review

Spies. Family secrets. Poignant romance.

Yours Is the Night by Amanda Dykes | Review

Resilience. Light. Valor.

Popular #ontheblog in 2023

Most popular new posts:

• Top Ten Tuesday: 5 random pairings – Friend or Romantic Match?
• Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Bookish Memorable + Romantic Moments in Unique Locations
• Top Ten Tuesday: 11 Title Headlines
• Top Ten Tuesday: Gilded Age Historical Romances
• Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Eat This, Read That Books & the Foods to Enjoy While Reading Them

Most popular new book reviews:

• The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin
• Jane & Edward by Melodie Edwards
• Memory Lane by Becky Wade
• The Blackout Book Club by Amy Lynn Green
• The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz

As always, thank you for being a blog reader and follower this year. I have appreciated your visits and comments, and look forward to what 2024 has in store. Blessings to you all in the new year!

Bookish Habits & Quirks

Today I’m diving into a post about some recent self-discoveries, if you will, about bookish habits. They might even be considered quirks. (!!!)

I had not realized what a visual learner I am until I started listening to an audiobook recently. The audiobook is Brand of Light by Ronie Kendig. With this book, I have a crazy desire to see the spelled-out names and concepts of this Sci-fi world. Thankfully, I own a hardback copy and have been referring to it to orient myself to Ronie’s world and verbiage. It has been a fun process of re-reading-as-I-go to remind myself of what’s just happened in the story and to see the characters’ language use, places, and names in text form. Besides the way I’m taking it in, it is a fascinating story with quite the audiobook production. I plan to devour the rest of the series in the same manner!

This has me considering how I prefer to take in media. Normally I enjoy print, ebooks, or audiobooks equally (though we know sometimes I want to have a book in multiple formats for options!). Otherwise, I can equally take in multiple formats for learning, though I prefer to read something text-based to supplement something I’m really wanting to absorb.

I also have a bookish habit of not reading back cover copy. Much. I will absolutely seek out a synopsis when first hearing about a book or author, but once I have my hands on a copy, I don’t go back to refresh my memory. I plow ahead to read the story with as few plot spoilers as possible.

Another quirk I have is the tendency to avoid reading too many reviews just as I’m starting a book. Again, I will seek out reviews, especially from reader friends in the bookish community, when I’m first choosing a book to read. But once I start it, I try not to let other opinions influence my thoughts on the story. This goes double for a book I’m reading with intentions to review for a publisher or author.

So! Those are a few of my bookish quirks. Do you have any? Do you share my thoughts on taking in story or avoiding spoilers? I’d love to hear what reading habits you have in the comments!

Top Ten Tuesday: 11 Title Headlines

It’s another Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl!

Today’s official topic is Book Titles That Would Make Great Newspaper Headlines. I’m running with that and listing some books I think would make great headlines… or even column titles.

11 Title Headlines

Breaking News…

A Lesson in Love and Murder by Rachel McMillan

The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn by Lori Benton

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold

The Gryphon Heist by James R. Hannibal

A Castaway in Cornwall by Julie Klassen

The Society Pages…

Tidewater Bride by Laura Frantz

In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh

The Matrimonial Advertisement by Mimi Matthews

Lifestyle: Advice, Travel, & Food…

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay

Five Days in Skye by Carla Laureano

Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish by Bethany Turner

Do any of these “headlines” catch your eye? Did you participate in Top Ten Tuesday? I’d love to see your post or comments below!

A Hopeful Fall TBR ’23

It’s been a while since I posted a topic list or a TBR, so I thought it would be fun to match my favorite season with a list of things I’ve read lately and hope to read in the future. Soonish.

Of course, I’m a bit of a mood reader, so this is subject to change or be in ANY order. I do like my moody historicals in the fall, but this list has a good balance of contemporaries, too, since a lot of what I have read lately is historical.

Recently:

The Widow and the Highlander by Martha Keyes | Scottish setting! I enjoyed the likable heroine who is first experiencing genuine love + her protective hero. And *mild spoiler* it turns into a MOC story!

Can’t Help Falling by Courtney Walsh | A fallish book! (Actual review coming soon here on the blog.) This is one of the multi-author “Sweater Weather” series, contemporary romcoms all set in the fictional town of Harvest Hollow and ALL with cozy fall events. I am interested in the rest of the series, but the two I am really curious about reading are the marriage of convenience and the fake celebrity dating ones listed below.

Currently reading:

One Kiss Alone by Nichole Van | I am SO IN LOVE with these characters + the Penn-Leiths series. Nichole Van can write a kissing scene with the best of them.

The Letter Tree by Rachel Fordham | I have barely started this audiobook, but the premise sounds delightful. I’m mostly reading it because of Rachel McMillan’s endorsement citing You’ve Got Mail and Signed, Sealed, Delivered 🙂

A hopeful TBR:

Faking the Fall by Julie Christianson (the fake dating one!) and A Not So Fictional Fall by Savannah Scott (the marriage of convenience one!) | These are titles in the Sweater Weather series

The Lily of Ludgate Hill by Mimi Matthews | I have an ARC of this upcoming Belles of London book, and I’m ecstatic to read it! I’m waiting a little bit because I want to be in the perfect mood to savor it.

Positively, Penelope by Pepper Basham | The next in her Skymar partly-epistolary series, I’m eager to get back to these places Pepper has created and to catch up with the Edgewood family.

Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other by Bethany Turner | Knowing this is a Bethany Turner book is enough to make it on my TBR. The fantastic cover + premise + BASHEO title acronym are bonuses.

To Free the Stars by J’Nell Ciesielski | I’m dying to finish up this Great War spy-centric duology! I *have* to know Jack and Ivy get an HEA.

Julia Monroe Begins Again by Rebekah Millet | A debut novel, this one promises a New Orleans contemporary romance with 40-something protagonists.

And, a 23 in 23 update + hopeful audiobooks:

Back in January, I chose to participate in the 23 in ’23 reading challenge of reading backlist TBR books during this year. I’m a little over halfway, and I plan to make some more progress with these audiobook versions of books I’ve been wanting to read for a LONG time.

Brand of Light by Ronie Kendig | The Valet’s Secret by Josi S. Kilpack | The Nature of a Lady by Roseanna M. White

Mini Book Reviews, edition 7

Welcome to another round of mini reviews! It has been a little quiet around the blog lately, but I have definitely been reading! I want to share my thoughts on a few books I’ve enjoyed recently.

Per usual, please visit the Goodreads links in each title to learn more about each book!

Yours is the Night by Amanda Dykes | WWI NY & France| Inspirational/Historical Fiction with a Romance Thread

It’s a challenge to put into words all the emotions one of Amanda Dykes’ stories evokes. Yours is the Night conveys deep joys as well as grief and the ravages of war. Amidst it all is a cast of characters that grows and changes with experiences, all wrapped in a theme of light and the resilience of hope. This is a considerate and smart depiction of WWI with characters whose journey brings them face to face with purpose, valor, and vulnerability. Matthew Petticrew is possibly my favorite hero of hers to date!

I 100% recommend the audiobook version as its narrators for the main characters (5 in total, with 3 of them only lending occasional POV) are exceptional in conveying necessary lightness, humor, and the weight of the story.

Sunswept by Carla Laureano | Islamorada, Florida Keys | Contemporary Romance Novella

From the double-booked island rental meet-cute to the stargazing boat ride and the setup for some “fake” dating, this novella by Laureano finds a just-right spot as a beachy romance. It’s the perfect length to have a nuanced portrayal of characters and an insta-love/friendship relationship with *plenty* of romantic spark begin and flourish. Bailey and Zane are a delightful couple and one whose individual quirks, struggles, and dreams I found I could relate to — if not in their specific careers or circumstance then in sentiment and personality.

The Audrey Hepburn Estate by Brenda Janowitz | Long Island & New York City, NY | Contemporary Retelling of Sabrina

I ADORE this smart retelling of Sabrina with the perfect blend of elements of women’s fiction, a historical mystery plot thread, and a bit of a love triangle (of course! like Sabrina!) romance. Emma’s upbringing and adolescent years spent at the novel’s Rolling Hills estate, along with her confidants Henry and Leo, are knowingly parallel to the plot of Sabrina. The novel includes nods to Audrey Hepburn in content and Easter eggs, showing the author, Brenda Janowitz, has a clear love and respect for Audrey’s life.

Apart from those main plot constructs, the story takes turns uniquely its own with Emma’s clinging to her childhood and its happiness and pain as a jumping off point for the story. As she sets out to rediscover parts of Rolling Hill she wants to cherish, she is brought back into the lives of Leo and Henry as they all navigate the lasting reach of friendship, romance, catering events, land developments, and the leftovers of a mystery begun in their childhood. This mystery adds another layer to the plot and magnifies the grandeur and history of the old mansion and its inhabitants.

I especially like how Emma’s character depth is revealed through all of her ups and downs: her discoveries and longing for a lost sense of home, how she seeks out identity and worth in her relationships, and how her career brings her fulfillment and a great friend group. While the love triangle could come off as trite, I never felt like Emma’s choices were predictable (though I was right in picking out the “Linus” character along the way). Instead, the romance element is as organic a complement to Emma’s character as her roots in Long Island and her ease as Chef in the kitchen. Her upbringing, told in flashback chapters, informs the reader of her rationalizations and deepens the overall balance of the story. It is as much a tale of Emma’s heritage and relationships as it is a story of the impact of a single place which contrasts with the transient nature of home.

*Content note: there are a handful of very mild expletives in the story. It is a closed door romance with kisses only on page.*

Needing the Next Door Neighbor by Kristin Canary | San Diego, CA | Contemporary RomCom

This story combines a few different tropes and does them well, especially the slow burn aspect of the romance. It has enough moments of humor and sarcasm to consider it a romcom, but it’s also a character-driven story with the heroine, Kennedy, growing and gaining perspective along with her newfound romance. I loved the kids in the story, Ryan’s nieces, who steal their scenes and bring balance to the story with complex emotions and lightness.

This is the last in a series, but it reads like a standalone– so far I’ve read books 1 & 6 and had no problem keeping up!

My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade | Pennsylvania | Inspirational/Contemporary Romance

My Stubborn Heart is an amazing contemporary romance! I loved it. A wholly relatable heroine, lovable-imperfect-and-swoony hero, and a great cast of supporting characters combine in this wonderfully told story that happens to be Becky’s debut. I’m so glad I went back and took the time for this one, and I enjoyed the audiobook, too.

Have you read any of these stories? What have you checked off your TBR list lately?

Book Review: “In This Moment” by Gabrielle Meyer (Timeless #2)

Books with wholly unique concepts are rare treats. In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer is the second book in her Timeless series which unites historical romance with a time crossing concept– but this one has a contemporary year setting, too! Read on for more about the book and my spoiler free review.

While this stands alone as Maggie’s complete story, I highly recommend reading book 1, When the Day Comes, to learn her mother’s story and more behind how Meyer’s time-crossing concept works.

Maggie inherited a gift from her time-crossing parents that allows her to live three separate lives in 1861, 1941, and 2001. Each night she goes to sleep in one time period and wakes up in another. Until, that is, she turns twenty-one, when she will have to forfeit two of those lives–and everyone she knows in them–forever.

In 1861, Maggie is the daughter of an influential senator at the outbreak of the Civil War, navigating a capital full of Southern spies and wounded soldiers. In 1941, she is a Navy nurse, grappling with her knowledge of the future when she’s asked to join a hospital ship being sent to Pearl Harbor. And in 2001, she’s a brilliant young medical student, fulfilling her dream of becoming a surgeon, yet unable to use her modern skills in her other paths.

While Maggie has sworn off romance until she makes her final choice, an intriguing man tugs at her heart in each era. The mysterious British gentleman. The prickly, demanding doctor. The charming young congressman. She’s drawn to each man in different ways, only complicating the impossible decision she must make, which looms ever closer.

With so much on the line, how can Maggie choose just one life to keep and the rest to lose?

Goodreads | Amazon

In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer has a fascinating concept + compelling heroine! I loved getting another glimpse into Meyer’s story world and, this time, 3 different significant historical eras on the brink of wars. Surprises and twists abound, and I was not quite sure how it would end up until the last few chapters, especially concerning the possible love interests.

I cannot elaborate too much on the various storylines of Maggie’s life because I don’t want to spoil some of the best surprises and constructs of the story. One aspect I can share I absolutely loved is the way the reader sees life through Maggie’s eyes. Like the best crafted stories, this insightful look at a character’s experiences allows the reader to shift perceptions as she learns, grows, triumphs, and even grieves parts of her life that change.

I had to jump on the #BookFaceFriday trend with this one!

This is a historical romance, but I feel that the romance threads are secondary to the overall personal journey Maggie undertakes. A significant part of her journey, through all of her eras, is a gained awareness that God is present and active in every circumstance, even when it’s harder to discern His role.

Maggie has three different love interests: one charming, one brooding, and one enigmatic — except I immediately liked two of them better for her. In other circumstances such a setup could feel like a love triangle (rectangle?), but I never felt that way about the writing of these characters thanks to the sensitive way it is approached and even considered in Maggie’s mind as she lives her days contemplating her different timelines. I was unsure until I was deeply into the story which was going to be favored by Maggie, and I’m quite happy with the ending and the ultimate hero — he is lovingly aware of Maggie at a selfless level the others didn’t quite reach.

If you enjoy historical romances or the occasional mind bending time travel concept, you should consider adding Gabrielle Meyer’s Timeless novels to your reading list.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the review copy. This is my honest review.