August 29, 2025 – My Sanctuary

Review Card & Book Review – The Serendipity By Emma St. Clair

He’s a no-nonsense businessman. She’s a free-spirited baker. But the magical building they live in seems to think they’re a perfect match…

When billionaire Archer Gaines needs to escape his father’s corrupt shadow and a related scandal, he purchases The Serendipity, a historic apartment building far from New York City.

He believes in bottom lines and big business deals, definitely not in the local folklore surrounding the town of Serendipity Springs. So he’s eager to move forward with plans to flip the building into luxury lofts.

But The Serendipity doesn’t particularly care what Archer believes, and the building has plans of its own.

Willa never believed in the rumors about her “magical” building. But that was before she walked into her closet looking for a sweater and found herself in another apartment altogether–in the penthouse closet of the grumpy and unfortunately attractive new building owner.

This is less of a meet cute than a meet ugly, and things only go downhill from there.

When Archer announces sweeping changes that include a rent increase, he becomes public enemy number one for the residents. And by charging Willa for use of the commercial kitchen, he puts her fledgling baking business at risk.

With his progress being (magically) blocked at every turn, Archer grows desperate for help.

But the bewitching woman he found hiding in his closet seems to present both the answer and a larger problem: because Archer never planned to fall in love or stay in Serendipity Springs forever …

About The Author

My Review

Billionaire Archer Gaines buys The Serendipity, a historic apartment building, to escape his father’s corrupt legacy and turn it into luxury lofts. He dismisses the town’s folklore about the building’s magic—until Willa, a resident, mysteriously stumbles into his penthouse closet. As Archer and Willa navigate their growing connection, the building’s matchmaking magic works in unexpected ways.

One of the novel’s strongest aspects is its mental health representation. Both Archer and Willa struggle with anxiety, but in distinct ways, making them deeply relatable. Archer, used to control and structure, battles the pressure of expectations and a lifetime of being in his father’s shadow. Willa, on the other hand, experiences anxiety that manifests in uncertainty and fear of change. The way their struggles are portrayed with care and authenticity adds depth to their characters and their relationship. The Serendipity is a heartwarming and engaging romance, blending small-town charm with a touch of magic. The novel shines with charming characters, sweet romance, and strong mental health representation, as both protagonists deal with anxiety in different ways. Though the magical elements could have been explored more, this is still an enjoyable, heartwarming start to a multi-author series.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Happy Publication Day – 29 August 2025

One More Made Up Love Song By Jenny Proctor

The Hating Game meets Anyone But You—but she’s a costume designer, he’s Hollywood’s hottest problem, and one dropped cufflink launches them into a fake engagement with real feelings and zero escape plan.

Yay, I’m engaged… to the biggest jerk in Hollywood. If Finn Lockhart ever wrote an AITA post, the answer would be a unanimous yes. Why am I engaged to someone I can’t stand? Funny story. I work for Finn—costume designer on his latest movie. One day on set, I dropped a box of cufflinks. Finn kneeled down to help. The paparazzi snapped a photo. Voilà—engagement.

The fake news goes viral. Suddenly, Hollywood’s most notorious (and hottest) bachelor is off the market. And his PR team? Obsessed. Finn’s stressed about the film, and I’m not one to ruin a good production. So, I play along. I move into his absurdly luxurious penthouse where his cat gives me side-eye from a marble windowsill. Clearly, brooding disdain runs in the family. But I know how this story goes. Men like Finn don’t fall in love. Especially not with women like me.

Then his lips crash onto mine. And suddenly, pretending is the most dangerous thing I’ve ever done.

Review Card & Book Review – In The Market For Love By Shanna Hatfield

He’s never opened his heart to anyone. She wears her emotions on her sleeve. When romance blooms, will they realize love is what they both need?

Ransom Kressley possesses the gift of gab, striking good looks, and a blistering disdain for his family’s Idaho ranch where he resides with his father and identical twin brother. His genuine passion is football, but a knee injury shattered his dreams of an NFL career. After years of channeling his frustration and anger toward those who care about him most, Ransom resolves to change. He accepts a job in Portland as a promotions manager for an arena football team and eagerly steps into his new life. As he makes a fresh start, his past continues to plague him, interfering with his chance to get to know the woman who lingers in his thoughts.

Despite her sunny smile and tender spirit, Kelly Truman isn’t in the market for love or even a relationship when she agrees to have lunch with her best friend’s soon-to-be brother-in-law. Familiar only with Ransom Kressley’s notorious reputation, Kelly is determined to keep her guard up around him. However, Ransom proves to be nothing like she expected. Soon, she realizes she cherishes time spent with the man, but fears trusting him with her heart.

When their friendship evolves into something more, will Ransom’s charm and silver tongue split them apart or bind them together?

About The Author

My Review

It is a heartfelt, faith-filled romance about redemption, healing, and the power of unexpected love. Ransom Kressley is determined to change his life and rise above the mistakes that have haunted him. His path collides with Kelly Truman, best friend to his twin brother’s fiancée, who has every reason to be wary of Ransom and his past. Yet, as circumstances draw them together, both are challenged to see beyond first impressions and guarded hearts.

Ransom’s journey of self-forgiveness is authentic and inspiring, while Kelly’s cautious vulnerability adds depth to their growing relationship. With strong themes of grace, personal growth, and community spirit, this is more than a love story—it’s a reminder that even broken paths can lead to new beginnings. Overall, it is Uplifting and heartwarming story , it’s a promising start to the series.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

Amazon