December 25, 2025 – My Sanctuary

Accountant and freelance personal stylist Carly Porter, daughter of a compulsive gambler, knows the personal cost of a bad bet. But when she partners with her best friend, Sasha—publisher of a floundering fashion magazine—Carly can’t resist. The highly publicized makeover of an Oklahoma City bachelor could boost sales and be Carly’s ticket to her dream profession. The bachelor in question is none other than Sasha’s older brother, Brooks.

Hardly the party boy Carly remembers from high school, Brooks is now an antisocial, work-obsessed physician still struggling with a devastating loss. But if it means helping his sister, he’s in. It’s Carly’s job to get him out of those lived-in scrubs, style him to the nines, and bring Brooks back to life. But so far, the only real connection is between Brooks and Carly—and falling for a client could cost Carly the career she’s worked so hard for.

To move forward, they’ll both have to overcome their painful pasts. And whatever the risk, maybe even take a chance on love.

About The Author

My Review

This is a heartfelt and uplifting romance, blending emotional depth with charm, humor, and warmth. At its core, the story explores love, healing, and self-discovery through two characters shaped by loss but still open to joy.

Brooks, an intensivist devoted to his patients, is an endearing mix of brilliance and social awkwardness—a man so immersed in his work that fashion, flirting, and dating barely register on his radar. His quiet loneliness, paired with his understated kindness, makes him an unforgettable hero. Carly, compassionate and skilled at her job, is equally compelling, bringing empathy, lightness, and gentle encouragement into Brooks’s world.

The relationship unfolds with genuine sincerity, sharp yet affectionate banter, and playful teasing, making their transition from attraction to something deeper feel both natural and emotionally satisfying. Secondary characters—siblings, family members, and a few memorable cats—add warmth and texture without overshadowing the central romance.

This book balances moments of poignancy with humor, crafting a story that’s simultaneously tender and uplifting. The result is a romance that celebrates vulnerability, connection, and finding joy again after hardship.

My Rating

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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.

About The Author

My Review

This is a sweet and emotional small-town romance about healing, second chances, and finding love again. Sarah returns to Lilac Lake with her young twins after losing her husband in a tragic way. Struggling with guilt and grief, she focuses on her kids and her job at her parents’ hardware store, with no plans for romance.

But when she reconnects with Aaron, her old high school boyfriend, things slowly begin to change. Aaron is patient, kind, and great with her kids. Even though Sarah tries to keep things friendly, the sparks between them grow. With help from a grief group and support from her community, Sarah starts to believe she deserves happiness again.

This story is heartfelt and hopeful, with strong, relatable characters. Sarah’s emotional journey is realistic and inspiring, and the romance with Aaron is sweet and satisfying.

My Rating