Monthly Archives: December 2025

Review Card & Book Review – 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.

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

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Review Card & Book Review- It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas By Hayley Dunlop

Can life be like a made-for-TV Christmas movie?

Mally Allister prides herself on being nice and predictable, just like the trope-filled festive films she turns to for comfort every winter.

But when she faces the prospect of spending Christmas alone in her London flat, Mally is sent on a writing assignment to try to recreate the cheesy Christmas movie experience in her humdrum British hometown.

With the help of familiar faces from her formative years, including her teenage crush Tom, Mally starts ticking off the classic holiday romance movie tropes in unexpected ways.

But can real life ever live up to the magical movie experience?

About The Author

My Review

This is a warm, witty tribute to the beloved Hallmark-style Christmas movie, complete with snow-dusted streets, second chances, and small-town magic—but with a smart, self-aware twist.

At the heart of the story is Amelia “Mally” Allister, a corporate-minded woman with a deep love for cheesy holiday films. She’s created an entire bingo-style drinking game based on their tropes, never imagining she’d one day live them out herself. When her exuberant (and borderline pushy) best friend Elle challenges her to write a heartfelt feature article for The Helix, Mally agrees—on the condition that she returns to Scarnbrook, the hometown she’s avoided for two decades due to a family tragedy.

What follows is both humorous and surprisingly heartfelt. Dunlop cleverly weaves the classic Christmas romance clichés—mysterious reappearances, small-town charm, and rekindled teenage crushes—into Mally’s real life, as she finds herself unintentionally checking off each trope. Yet beneath the whimsical surface, the novel touches gently but powerfully on grief, healing, and the complexities of returning to a place that no longer feels like home.

Mally is relatable in her awkwardness and emotional hesitations, and though the romance is sweet, it’s her personal growth and reconnection with her roots that drive the story. Supporting characters add richness, though Elle, while dynamic, comes off as overbearing—a flaw that seems intentional and well-executed.

Overall, it is a cozy, clever, and touching seasonal read. It’s perfect for fans of meta-romance, light-hearted drama, and anyone who enjoys a bit of introspection with their festive cheer.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review- Where You’re Planted By Melanie Sweeney

A single mum. A grumpy gardener. Can they let love bloom?

Busy librarian and single mum Tansy Perkins doesn’t have time for love – she’s either lost in a book or in a pile of homework.

Grumpy gardener Jack Reid has sworn off relationships since his divorce. Right now, he’s only interested in growing flowers, not feelings.

So when a hurricane forces Tansy to move her library into Jack’s pristine botanic gardens, it’s safe to say that neither of them are thrilled by this new distraction. But soon the chemistry between them grows impossible to ignore …

Will they dig in their heels, or let love take root?

About The Author

My Review

Set in post-hurricane Houston, the story follows Tansy, a devoted single mom and librarian, and Jack, a grumpy yet principled botanical gardens director. Thrust into reluctant proximity when their institutions must share space after storm damage, the two clash over nearly everything—until working together on a community festival forces them to reconsider the stories they’ve told themselves about love, vulnerability, and connection.

The stakes are real—both personally and professionally—as Tansy and Jack navigate single parenthood, emotional wounds, and a high-stakes grant competition that could secure or dissolve their futures. Yet despite the external tensions, it’s the inner evolution of the characters that truly anchors the novel.

Tansy is thoughtful, overextended, and fiercely devoted to her daughter and her community. Jack is guarded, emotionally scarred from a failed marriage, and deeply rooted in his work. Their chemistry is slow-burning, delightfully combative, and grounded in mutual respect that builds organically. Sweeney doesn’t rush their connection—she allows their vulnerability to unfold with patience and authenticity.
This book is a celebration of second chances, not just in love, but in life—and proof that even amid ruins, something beautiful can grow.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review- Last Stop On The Winter Wonderland Express By Rebecca Raisin

A honeymoon for one on the most romantic train journey in the world… what could possibly go wrong?

When Aubrey’s fiancé dumps her – literally at the altar – just days before Christmas, her first thought is for the honeymoon. A luxury snow train, winding through Europe’s most beautiful Christmas markets, stopping in places like Paris and Stockholm, before ending in Lapland, to stay in igloos under the Northern Lights.

It was meant to be the most romantic ten days of her life. And now she has to go it alone. But arriving on the train – where, not wanting to be known as someone who was jilted, she might have accidentally implied her new husband died in a horrible accident – she finds she’s not the only singleton on board.

The group of single passengers quickly nickname themselves ‘The Unlucky in Love Travel Club’… But – as the train gathers pace – so do Aubrey’s feelings for absurdly handsome travel journalist, Jasper.

And she starts to wonder – as fireworks explode over the snow – whether her magical Christmas honeymoon-for-one might be just what she needs. And if she might not be as unlucky in love as she’d thought…

About The Author

My Review

Set aboard a luxury train bound for the Northern Lights, this novel is both a magical winter escape and a journey of healing for its heartbroken heroine. Aubury,, abandoned at the altar just days before Christmas, is left reeling when her fiancé Miles vanishes without explanation. Devastated but determined not to let the pre-paid “once-in-a-lifetime” honeymoon go to waste, she boards the Winter Wonderland Express alone—choosing to pose as a widow rather than admit she was jilted. What follows is a snow-dusted adventure filled with heart, laughter, and unexpected self-discovery.From glittering Christmas markets to ice hotels and enchanting Northern scenery, the setting sparkles with festive magic. Aubury’s transformation from heartbroken to hopeful is believable and touching, helped along by a quirky group of fellow travelers. Chief among them is Princess, a larger-than-life character who becomes an unexpected source of strength and encouragement.

While the novel touches on themes of grief, shame, and identity, it never becomes heavy. Instead, it strikes a lovely balance between emotional authenticity and feel-good escapism. The twist of dreams potentially coming true at the Christmas market adds a fairy-tale flourish that’s perfect for holiday reading.

Overall, it is a cozy, romantic, and uplifting winter read filled with hope, friendship, and a touch of magic.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review – The Forever Wedding Date By Tif Marcelo

He tried to play Cupid…

But was he playing with fire?

Wedding planner Gabriella Espiritu’s down on her luck: first, she flunks the CPA exam, then her long-distance internet boyfriend vanishes just before her brother’s wedding! Fortunately, Gabby’s best friend, Chip Lowry, jumps in as matchmaker. Unbeknownst to Gabby, though, Chip’s been crushing on her for years! And the more he tries to play Cupid, the more he falls under the spell of his lovely friend. But he can’t help fearing that finally baring his soul to his bestie would destroy everything…or is going from friends to lovers a leap worth taking?

About The Author

My Review

Gabby is reeling after being ghosted by her internet boyfriend right before her brother’s wedding. Life feels like a mess, and she’s bracing herself for an awkward, lonely few days. Enter Chip—her steady, dependable best friend—who swoops in with a plan to help salvage her pride and lift her spirits. But his support comes with some unexpected complications, namely: Gabby’s sudden awareness of how attractive, attentive, and undeniably charming Chip truly is.

Chip, for his part, has been harboring deeper feelings for Gabby for a while. His quiet longing and subtle gestures paint him as the kind of romantic hero who wins your heart through patience and sincerity rather than grand declarations. Watching him wrestle with the fear of losing their friendship if he confesses the truth adds an emotional depth to his character.

The chemistry between Gabby and Chip grows naturally and believably. The stakes feel real—this isn’t just a fling, it’s a relationship that could change everything for both of them. Their journey is sweet, awkward, honest, and full of moments that will make readers smile and sigh in equal measure. This is a delightful friends-to-lovers romance with emotional depth, witty dialogue, and a couple worth rooting for.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review- Marriage Made In Hate By Julia James

You can’t escape the enemy…
when you’re his wife!

After she spent a lifetime destitute and alone, Bianca Mason’s delight at discovering the family she never knew existed turns to dismay. Her dying grandfather commands her to wed Luca D’Alabruschi. The ruthless Italian who once put his billions and his privilege before her…

Though she has no choice but to act the benevolent bride-to-be, Bianca won’t forgive or forget the pain Luca caused. Except as each day passes, more memories of their ill-advised affair return… And it’s clear the hate between them is only hiding the agonizing passion still simmering beneath!

About The Author

My Review

Luca is a man of power and control, and from the start, he fits the mold of the brooding, emotionally detached alpha male. Unfortunately, for much of the book, he veers closer to cruel than compelling. His treatment of Bianca—dismissing her feelings, belittling her intelligence, and ignoring her worth—makes it difficult to root for their reunion. While there is some softening by the end, for readers who value emotionally satisfying redemption arcs, Luca’s transformation may feel too little, too late.

Bianca, on the other hand, is the heart of the story. Initially naive and in love, she suffers heartbreak but refuses to let it define her. Her growth over the years—pursuing education, building confidence, and developing a stronger sense of self—is genuinely admirable. When her circumstances change and she’s thrust into a marriage of convenience with the very man who once broke her, Bianca doesn’t wilt—she challenges him. She’s a well-rounded heroine whose journey is worth following, even when the romance feels lopsided.

The plot offers plenty of dramatic tension: revenge, class differences, a surprise inheritance, and a forced marriage. These tropes are handled with flair, and the writing is clean and immersive. James knows how to keep readers turning pages. Yet for those who prefer mutual respect in their romances, the power imbalance and emotional distance may overshadow the book’s strengths.

Marriage Made in Hate delivers high drama, emotional intensity, and a compelling journey of personal growth. While Luca may challenge readers’ patience at times, his evolution adds depth to the story, and Bianca’s strength and resilience shine throughout. If you enjoy fiery enemies-to-lovers romances with complex characters, layered emotions, and a richly dramatic plot, this one offers a rewarding and memorable read.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review- The Soldier By Susan Stoker

When Chad Young moves home, it’s not a decision he makes lightly. A former military man, he doesn’t make any decision lightly. But his father’s passing has left the family—and their business—reeling. Now more than ever, they need to stick together.

Britt Starkweather moved to Maine with her boyfriend, never imagining he’d abandon her there. With no money and nowhere to go, she accepts the Youngs’ offer of a job and room on their property. What more does she have to lose?

Although they just met, Chad makes Britt feel safe in a way no one has before. And she makes him feel things he’d given up on finding. But even as they grow closer, Britt realizes that something is amiss at Lobster Cove…and Chad will do whatever it takes to keep her safe.

About The Author

My Review

Chad Young is a former Army sniper returning home after the death of his father. With his military career behind him, Chad is navigating the emotional challenges of transitioning to civilian life while helping his family run their local businesses. He’s calm, grounded, and fiercely loyal—qualities that make him a compelling hero without leaning into over-the-top alpha tendencies.

Britt Starkweather is down on her luck after her boyfriend abandons her and steals everything she has. Homeless and jobless, she’s sleeping in her car when Chad steps in. What follows is a quietly moving story of kindness and community, as Chad and his family take Britt in and offer her not only stability but a sense of belonging.

The romance between Chad and Britt develops slowly and sweetly. There’s no instant drama or forced conflict—just two people learning to trust again. Their chemistry is gentle and genuine, making their emotional connection feel earned. Britt’s resilience and kindness shine through despite her painful past, while Chad’s protective instincts are warm and sincere, never possessive. The suspense element, centered around theft at the family business, adds just enough tension to keep the plot moving without overpowering the character-driven heart of the story. It also gives Britt a chance to show her strength, not just as a survivor, but as someone who actively protects those who helped her.

Overall, this is a heartwarming small-town romance with a gentle pace, lovable characters, and just the right touch of suspense. Set in a cozy town in Maine, this story blends emotional healing, family loyalty, and second chances into a satisfying read.

My Rating

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Review Card & Book Review- Rear View By K.C. Harper

Xavier Bosch has yet to find a rally-car course he can’t handle—or a woman he wants to share the road with. He’s worked hard to keep his criminal record a secret, but when the news breaks that his abusive father will soon be released from prison, his past threatens to catch up fast. Letting a woman into his world would only make her a target.

But when a nasty crash brings Ryah Nolan into his life, all bets are off.

Psychology student Ryah Nolan doesn’t trust easy. Not with a professor determined to make her life hell, an ex-boyfriend who isn’t quite an ex…and a terrifying stalker no one but her best friend takes seriously. Letting someone in is a risk. But despite his gruff exterior and need for speed, Xavier makes her feel safe.

The closer Xavier and Ryah become, the more they want to put their pasts in the rear view. As they race the clock and the dangers they’ve run from give chase, one thing is certain—they will win or lose together.

About The Author

My Review

Xavier Bosch is far from your average romantic hero. A rally car driver addicted to speed and haunted by his past, Xavier carries the heavy burden of grief, guilt, and a harrowing family history. His decision to put his abusive father behind bars marks a pivotal and defining part of his character—he’s not just damaged, he’s doing the work to break the cycle. Xavier’s inner struggles add a layer of gritty realism that’s rarely explored so honestly in romance.

Then there’s Ryah Nolan—a psychology student with a soul-deep resilience. For two years, she’s lived in fear, stalked and repeatedly failed by a justice system that’s supposed to protect her. Her journey is both terrifying and infuriating, yet Ryah never reads as a victim—she’s fighting every step of the way. When her path collides with Xavier’s, their bond begins as one of necessity and empathy, but evolves into something beautifully restorative.

The relationship between Xavier and Ryah is anything but rushed. There’s chemistry, yes—but more importantly, there’s time, patience, and emotional nuance. Suspense, romance, and personal growth are perfectly balanced here, with the backdrop of rally racing and psychological tension adding urgency and flair. This is a compelling, emotionally intelligent romance that lingers long after the final page.

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Review Card & Book Review- The Love Fix By Jill Shalvis

Lexi Clark’s life is falling apart!

Summoned home to Sunrise Cove, the last thing she wants to do is face all the complications she left behind. Her past, her stepsister Ashley, and especially her infuriatingly gorgeous childhood nemesis-turned-crush Heath Bowman.

Lexi’s way too focused on her job as an art appraiser, she doesn’t have time to believe in trust, love, or Happily Ever Afters. Her stepsister, on the other hand, is so full of life it hurts to look at her. But Lexi can’t refuse Ashley’s plea to honor their late mother’s final wish. So, on behalf of her estranged mother’s estate-and with Heath in tow as the executor-Lexi embarks on a road trip to repay all the people her gambling addicted mother owed money to.

Soon, all of Lexi’s complicated feelings come to a head; missing her mom, missing Ashley, and most of all, missing Heath. For the record, she doesn’t like it, or the way he has of scaling the walls she’s built around her heart. The road trip shenanigans that ensue are both funny and heartbreaking, but Lexi finds something shocking along the way. Acceptance. Family.

And, unbelievably… love.

About The Author

My Review

At the heart of the novel is Lexi, a woman scarred by a lifetime of disappointment from a mother who seemed more absent than nurturing. Her mother’s death reopens old wounds—but also opens the door to unexpected healing, through a series of letters that pull Lexi back to the one place she never thought she’d return. There, she must face both her estranged sister Ashley and Heath, the man who once stirred her heart.

Lexi is a compelling, layered character—guarded and understandably skeptical, but yearning for something more. Her emotional journey feels authentic as she grapples with grief, betrayal, and the possibility of rebuilding the relationships she once gave up on. Ashley, in contrast, brings a sunny optimism and determination that masks her own secrets and motivations. She’s not just the cheerful sister—she’s a woman with her own version of pain and hope, hoping desperately to create the family she missed out on.

Heath, ever the caretaker, is kind and reliable to a fault. His tendency to prioritize everyone else’s happiness over his own sets up a quietly powerful subplot about self-worth and emotional boundaries. His chemistry with Lexi is slow-burn and believable, rooted in shared history, tension, and unresolved feelings.The emotional weight of the characters’ pasts is balanced by the warmth of their present connections. The letters from their mother serve as a catalyst for truth, healing, and unexpected revelations, giving the story depth and resonance.

This is a heartfelt, character-driven story filled with sorrow, redemption, and hope. It’s about finding love—not just romantically, but in family and in oneself.

My Rating

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