August 18, 2025 – My Sanctuary

Review Card & Book Review- Four Steps To The Perfect Fake Date By Lilian Monroe

A notorious rule follower, the old Daphne Davis could do no wrong. But lately she can’t get anything right.

Jilted by her ex, ousted from her home, and laid off from her job, Daphne retreats to her little hometown, Fernley Island. But even there, she feels out of sync. So, bailing on her own sister’s engagement party, she suddenly embraces a brand-new philosophy: no more goody-two-shoes.

Unfortunately, Daphne’s new mantra lands her squarely in the headlights—literally—of her high school nemesis, Calvin Flint. No longer a scrawny jerk, he’s Fernley’s acting sheriff, filling out his uniform waaay better than he ought to.

He’s also Daphne’s new boss.

As Daphne balances the books after a department scandal, a series of mishaps throws her and Calvin together. The sparks that fly take them both by surprise. But will a fake dating scheme and quest for a stolen heirloom ruin their chance at something real?

About The Author

My Review

The story centers on Daphne Davis, the quiet and responsible one in her lively family. After losing her job, her home, and her fiancé—who left her for being “too boring”—she decides to take more chances. This leads to frequent run-ins with Calvin Flint, the town’s acting sheriff and her semi-co-worker. Daphne still sees him as the reckless guy from high school, but when they agree to fake date to stop Calvin’s mother from setting him up at her vow renewal, their dynamic begins to shift.

The book delivers classic rom-com elements—small-town charm, quirky family drama, slow-burn romance, and lighthearted mysteries. While the relationship between Daphne and Calvin doesn’t feel as compelling as some other romance pairings, the novel is still an entertaining read, filled with heartwarming moments, character growth, and fun twists along the way.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Happy Publication Day – 18 August 2025

Love’s Harvest By Judith Keim

Sarah Bullard Miller returns to Lilac Lake with her four-year-old twin daughters following the death of her husband. She’s always been part of the group of summer kids playing together with the granddaughters of the woman who owned the Lilac Lake Inn, and she loves renewing those friendships. Keeping busy working at her parents’ hardware store and taking care of the girls, she begins the healing process following her husband’s violent death.

Aaron Collister was Sarah’s high school boyfriend. They connected with their sensitivity to nature and poetry, which might have seemed strange unless you knew that big, tough, Aaron was part Abenake Indian and had been given many life lessons by his mother. They renew their friendship, but neither is ready to commit to more until a crisis leads them to their answer.

Review Card & Book Review – Here Comes Trouble By Christy McKellen

Sometimes it’s fun to kiss and tell!

Sensible journalist Jess is not a rule breaker, especially where her career is involved. But trying to extract a tell-all interview from notorious artist and bad boy Xander Heaton is going to test her patience… and self-control. Because she must, at all costs remain professional, respectable and stay focused on the job at hand.

But it’s not long before Jess realizes that Xander spells trouble with a capital T and is living up to his tempting reputation! Trying to keep her distance, Jess decides that maybe she could break her golden rule, just this once to get Xander out of her system and her job back on track. But one night is never enough! And she learns that actually breaking her rules once in a while can lead to more fun than sticking to them!

About The Author

My Review

This book follows Jess, a journalist on the verge of losing her job, who gets a last chance to prove herself by interviewing the elusive artist Xander Heaton. When he invites her to Italy to observe his work, she hesitantly accepts, despite being reserved and professional. As Xander flirts with her, Jess struggles to keep her guard up, but she soon realizes they both have emotional wounds—Jess with body image insecurities and Xander with unresolved childhood pain.

Their time together helps them heal, as Xander learns to prioritize someone else, and Jess starts to see herself through his adoring eyes. Though the romance has some spice, it is woven naturally into their emotional journey. The story is heartfelt and engaging, though the ending feels a bit abrupt, leaving readers wanting more.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo