August 27, 2026 – My Sanctuary

Her Game Plan By Emma Kate

She’ll do anything to claim her father’s empire, too bad falling for the pro quarterback isn’t part of her game plan.

Charlotte Langford has spent her entire life preparing to take over her father’s entertainment dynasty. When he demands she prove herself by leading his pro football team, Charlotte does what any strategic, determined woman would do: she finds a quarterback to fake date… because apparently running a billion-dollar empire requires family values.

Callan Devine is the guy who always says yes. Star quarterback, team favorite, and the man who agreed to fake date the acting owner of his team. The same fiery brunette who never seemed to be able to remember his name. Too bad he didn’t count on what saying yes would cost him.

Somewhere between the work dinners and the moments at home together, the lines start to blur. Turns out, faking it is a lot harder when it starts to feel real.

Love Unlocked By Cecelia Ahern

Melody has vowed never to fall in love again. Al is a hopeless romantic. So, when they quite literally bump into each other, there’s no reason sparks should fly. But the world seems a little upside down lately.

A few weeks ago, Al ordered the removal of all the lovers’ padlocks from one of Dublin’s beautiful bridges. Ever since then, couples across the world have started splitting up. And as Melody begins investigating this mysterious wave of breakups for her podcast, it seems there might be a bigger story to tell.

Together, they decide to uncover what’s unravelling so many love stories. And, in the middle of solving everyone else’s heartbreak, can they unlock their own?

I’m Dreaming Of A New York Christmas By Hayley Dunlop

Will a New York Christmas lead to all she never knew she wanted?

After the worst year of her life, speechwriter and introvert Flora Bell is looking forward to a calm Christmas: home, alone and as peaceful as possible. But when her chaotic mum and sister turn up out of the blue to take Flora on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to New York, it’s clear the universe has other ideas.

When Flora meets cartoonist Ethan in a Greenwich Village coffee shop – who asks for her help to write a best man’s speech – fate and joy seem to be taking the wheel for the first time in her life.

But just as she dares to believe her New York fairy-tale might be coming true, she discovers something that changes everything.

Will Flora ever be able to reclaim her quiet existence? Or will the bells of New Year’s Eve ring in a new life altogether?

In the charming mountain town of Wisteria, North Carolina, Daphne Austen clings to tradition like cream to a scone. She’s built her life–and her late grandmother’s tearoom, Tea Thyme–around all things English: delicate china, Jane Austen novels, and the comforting predictability of routine. The only thing threatening her perfectly ordered world? The loud, aggravatingly handsome Brit opening a pub next door.

After his ex-wife broke his heart and his business partner nearly destroyed his career, Finn Dashwood packed up his six-year-old daughter and left England behind. He’s looking for a fresh start, and the last thing he needs is a fussy, tea-obsessed neighbor criticizing his every pint and playlist. It doesn’t matter that she’s ridiculously kind (to everyone else) and that his daughter is utterly fascinated by her. Finn’s heart is not open to being broken again.

But disagreements turn into prank wars and then a competition when a high-profile wedding needs a last-minute caterer. The townsfolk are thrilled–Wisteria hasn’t seen this much excitement since the county fair lost a goat.

When the wedding demands both sweet and savory fare, Daphne and Finn are forced to put down their swords and pick up their serving trays. Between burnt pastries, brewing tempers, trending hashtags (#SipsAndSpats, anyone?), and one very adorable little girl, rivalry soon gives way to reluctant friendship–and maybe something that feels suspiciously like chemistry.

Can a tea shop princess and a pub owner with a past mix their lives as seamlessly as clotted cream and jam . . . or will their differences keep them steeped in rivalry forever?

About The Author

My Review

This book is about a charming rivalry that brews into romance between two very different café owners in a small Southern town. In this book, Pepper Basham blends sweet romance, faith, humor, and community spirit into a delightful slow-burn love story.

Daphne runs a refined tea shop, while English pub owner Finn champions hearty comfort food. Their competing businesses quickly spark playful tension that becomes the town’s favorite entertainment—especially once social media begins documenting every hilarious and heart-fluttering moment. The cooking rivalry provides a fun backbone to the story, filled with mouthwatering descriptions that make the book feel cozy and indulgent.

Beyond the romance, the novel highlights themes of faith, humility, and leaning on God during difficult moments. Finn’s daughter Lucy adds warmth and emotional depth, often grounding the adults with her innocence and courage. The supporting cast and small-town setting create a strong sense of community that enhances the romance beautifully.

With witty banter, gentle faith elements, and heartfelt emotional growth, this story offers a comforting, feel-good escape. It’s a cozy, uplifting read that celebrates love, family, and finding harmony between tea and coffee.

My Rating