Lily of the Tower

About the Book:

Lily of the Tower: A Sweet Rom-Com Retelling of Rapunzel (Once Upon a RomCom Book 3)

Title: Lily of the Tower
Series:Once Upon a RomCom #3
Author: Marie Soleil
Release Date: February 4th, 2026
Genre: Contemporary Romance

She’s stuck in a tower. Falling in love was not part of the plan.

I’ve been a prisoner for five hundred and fifty days.

Okay, technically I’m just stuck in my aunt’s four-story tower, experimenting with cartwheels and making friendship bracelets. And yes, Aunt Agatha is more “eccentric book club queen” than evil captor. But still—no piano, no freedom, and no escape from the memory of my own mistakes.

Like almost marrying a guy who pretended to love me just to get back at my brother.

Yeah. That mistake.

So when Ryder Hawthorne—my brother’s best friend and absurdly hot Hollywood stuntman—shows up climbing my actual tower, I assume I’m hallucinating. He says he’s here to check on me. I think he’s here to test my willpower.

I swore I’d never fall for smooth talk and a killer smile again. But Ryder’s visits become the highlight of my day… and the flutter in my chest says I might be in more danger than ever.

After everything I’ve lost, is it foolish to hope for something real?Lily of the Tower is a closed-door, romantic comedy retelling of Rapunzel with no spice and swoony kisses only! The stories in the Once Upon a Rom-Com series follow the siblings of the Stone family as they find their happily ever afters. The stories are standalone, but if you like continuous stories, I recommend reading them in order.

Book Review:

I loved this book! I am a huge fan of fairytale retellings, and this one was so cute. I would totally recommend it for anyone who loves clean romance with family vibes and an adorable romance.

I loved Lily from the beginning! She’s definitely more of a softer FMC, and I related to her as she navigated trying to advocate for herself while also still feeling like she had to pay for her past mistakes. She was genuinely trying to learn and grow, and her family had to learn to let her go and make her own decisions. While I sympathized with her family’s desire to protect her, I also think that Lily did have to learn how to be her own person at that same time.

I loved Ryder! He was honestly such a sweetheart. He acted tough but he had a huge heart which really came out with Lily and also Gwen. I love how he grew for Lily, and he supported her without being overbearing or taking over her life. He really tried to do the right thing no matter the circumstance, and I so appreciated that there was no miscommunication trope! I thought his relationship with Gwen was also really sweet, and I can’t wait to read Gwen’s story as well.

The side characters in this one had so much personality! I want an Aunt Agatha in my life. She sounds so quirky and full of life, and her book club is hilarious. This small town definitely feels like somewhere I would want to live. This is a clean romance perfect for anyone who loves an HEA!

Love Undercover

About the Book:

Love Undercover: A Small Town Christian Romance (Love in Blackwater Book 6)

Title: Love Undercover
Series: Love in Blackwater #6
Author: Mandi Blake
Release Date: January 17th, 2026
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

He once saved her life. Now she needs him to help save someone else.

Zach Wilson never meant for things to go so far. Abducting Lauren Vincent was supposed to get him answers—until his brother took things too far. Sparing Lauren was the only right thing Zach had ever done, but one good decision couldn’t erase a lifetime of bad ones. So when he gets out of prison, he never expected to find the woman he hurt most waiting for him with forgiveness in her eyes.

Lauren has spent years haunted by that night and the man who saved her. She doesn’t understand why Zach protected her, but she’s never forgotten he’s the reason she’s still breathing. Now her cousin has been missing for years, and Zach is the only one with the connections to find him.

Living next door while helping with repairs, Zach tries to keep his distance, but Lauren sees glimpses of the honorable man he’s fighting to become. Despite his reluctance to risk her safety, she’s determined to find her cousin—even if it means trusting her heart to the man who once held her life in his hands.

As danger closes in and old enemies resurface, will they find answers, love, and redemption before it’s too late?

If you loved the Blackwater Ranch series and the Wolf Creek Ranch series, get ready to fall in love all over again in Blackwater, Wyoming.

Book Review:

Ahh, I loved this one! It was a lovely story about redemption and learning to trust God. I am so sad to see that this series has come to an end but I am so excited to see what is to come. Love Undercover is the last book in Mandi Blake’s Love in Blackwater series.

I loved both Lauren and Zach! They were so sweet together and I loved the growth of their relationship. Lauren’s faith had been tested through the years but I love how she continually trusted God. Life had not been kind to Zach and he honestly was just trying to survive. But Lauren shook up his life and helped him see that God could use everything for good.

I adored Lauren! She saw the good in the world and strove to do good. I also love how we got to see that although she trusted God, she still struggled at times with her faith and finding hope. She was such a sweet character who wanted to help Zach and find her cousin. She had been through a lot but she could also see God’s faithfulness. Throughout the book, she was challenged to rely more on God and continually love others. It was cute how Zach became her person and helped be her protector.

Poor Zach, he had been through a lot. He was hardened by life and honestly didn’t see how good could ever happen to him. But I loved his growth throughout the book as he learned to choose good over evil. He was such a sweetheart to Lauren and although he was still figuring himself out, I loved how he tried to protect her in his own way. It was cool to see Zach grow to see the good in others and himself, choosing to trust God.

This was such a wonderful book! I didn’t want to put it down. I loved the blend of romance, faith, and action. There were so many different parts and the characters were just lovely. I loved that we got to see old characters and it made me want to re-read their stories. We also got to meet some new characters who I hope get their own stories. I would totally recommend this book! Love Undercover is a clean Christian romance.

I received a complimentary copy

An Heiress for Mr. Bradbury

About the Book:

An Heiress For Mr. Bradbury (The Wyntercrest Series Book 2)

Title: An Heiress For Mr. Bradbury
Series: The Wyntercrest Series #2
Author: Michelle Angus
Release Date: December 5th, 2024
Genre: Historical Romance

An American heiress with a fiery spirit. An English engineer with a revolutionary mind. Chance meetings, where love and ambition collide.

Harriet Crocker, an American heiress, has her sights set on England, determined to secure a titled husband and prove her worth to her powerful father. Overwhelmed with the whirlwind of London’s social season, a Christmastide house party offers a welcome respite. However, when a fierce winter snowstorm derails her journey, it leads her into an unexpected encounter with a handsome stranger, whose reserved demeanor masks a brilliant mind and a passionate heart.

Thane Bradbury, a somewhat reserved yet gifted engineer, has spent the last few years investing in the building of one of England’s first steam engines, a project close to his heart. Leaving his family for the first time since his father’s death, he seeks respite at the same house party and longs for a break from the relentless demands of his work.

The moment he encounters the mysterious Harriet, he is captivated by her wild spirit and her unconventional charm. Their connection continues to deepen with each shared moment until a revelation threatens to cast shadows of doubt on their intentions toward one another.

As their trust wavers and discoveries emerge, they must both navigate societal expectations and family loyalties, all while trying to ignore the pull of their hearts. Can their friendship and love survive the pressures of their worlds, or will they forge a new path, fueled by their desire for something more?

Book Review:

What a fun historical romance! This is my first historical from Ms. Angus and I am excited to read more! This is the second in the series, but I read it as a standalone. Though I do wish I had read the first book, it was easy to jump into this one!

Harriet was so fun! I admired her vibrancy and her courage. She was not easily deterred. She had a strong personality and was unafraid of standing out in social settings. Harriet seemed to connect with people quickly and it was so fun to read about her getting to know other characters. She was so sweet with Amelia and I loved their friendship.

Thane was a sweetheart! He worked so hard and I loved his relationship with his family. He really cared for them and did his best to support them, even though they had gone through some difficulties. He and Amelia were so cute! I loved their little schemes together to support their friends and how they genuinely enjoyed each other’s company. It felt very genuine!

There was a lot of twists and turns in this story! Even though it was over a relatively short time period in the story, it was full of adventures and surprises. I loved the way that hints were shown early in the story of connections and how things would unfold. It definitely picked up in the second half and I could not put it down as things were revealed! Thane and Amelia’s relationship felt very natural and I loved how she also got to know his family. The Wynters were lovely and I cannot wait to read more about them. Overall, this was a very sweet historical romance set around the holidays. It has only kissing.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

The Brave Queen

About the Book:

The Brave Queen: Book 1 (Hidden Scrolls: The Mystery of the Ancient Map)

Title: The Brave Queen
Series: Hidden Scrolls: The Mystery of the Ancient Map #1
Author: M. J. Thomas
Publisher: Zonderkids
Release Date: February 3rd, 2026
Genre: Children’s Christian Fiction

Through fast-paced and edge-of-your-seat action, The Mystery of the Ancient Map books teach children Biblical literacy and how to understand and appreciate God and his word through the stories of the Bible. The Brave Queen is the first book in the new Mystery of the Ancient Map series that expands the world of The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls, but it can be thoroughly enjoyed by readers not familiar with Peter, Mary, and Hank’s previous adventures.

Peter and Mary are getting ready for a new school year after a summer of time travelling with Great Uncle Solomon’s hidden scrolls, but life seems very boring after all their adventures. Then they get an invitation to go to Israel where Great Uncle Solomon is getting a Lifetime Achievement Award in Archaeology. During Great Uncle Solomon’s acceptance speech, a mysterious woman slips Peter an ancient map with red Xs marking different locations. When they investigate the map, the kids discover a new hidden scroll that takes them to Persia, back to the time of Queen Esther, where they meet Mordecai, the evil Haman, and Queen Esther, and try to solve the secret of the scroll.

The Brave Queen:

Follows the events of Esther: 1-10.
Reminds readers that, like Esther, God has a plan for their lives.
Is the first book in a chapter book series perfect for emerging readers ages 6-9.
Includes illustrations throughout, bringing all the action and adventure to life.
Great gift for readers who love The Magic Tree House and I Survived series.

Book Review:

This was a really fun children’s fiction! I love time travel stories in general, but I really appreciated how this one taught kids more about the Bible.

The kids in this story felt like real kids, and I think elementary schoolers will be able to relate to them. They were a little bit impatient at times and argued with each other, but you could tell that they still cared for one another. I really liked how they learned with the reader about the importance of trusting God especially with this story of Esther. Also, Thomas did a great job of showing how God is the hero of the story even though the kids are the main characters.

While this story is a spin off of another series, I was still able to follow what was happening. I think some readers may prefer to read the first book and then this one though. The kids are thrust into the story of Esther as they learn about the importance of trusting God. Thomas did a great job of showing the severity of Esther’s situation in a child appropriate manner. I would definitely recommend this children’s fiction to elementary schoolers! It is a short chapter with some pictures included.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

If You’ll Have Me

About the Book:

If You’ll Have Me (Proper Romance Regency)

Title: If You’ll Have Me
Author: Esther Hatch
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishers
Release Date: February 2rd, 2026
Genre: Historical Romance

A lady desperately seeking freedom. A prosperous younger man. An unexpected connection.

“I loved everything about If You’ll Have Me—the warmth, the charm, the Austen-esque romance and circumstance. It was a joy to read.” —Amy Harmon, New York Times best-selling author

Anna Atwood returns to Breckenridge, where she spent one blissful summer as a young woman. This time, though, she comes to the quaint town as a penniless spinster with a single hope: to build a life free from the constraints her father’s death put on her and free from the persistent suitor Mr. Green, whose plans for marriage are Anna’s worst nightmare. When she runs into David Tate, the boy she knew from that memorable summer, she finds he has grown into a confident and striking man. As they rekindle their friendship, David offers her warmth and protection in the moment she needs it most—when Mr. Green appears in town and threatens to destroy Anna’s carefully laid plans.

David Tate remembers Anna as the spirited woman who once brought light into his dark childhood. Now a man of means, he has a promising future, if he can withstand the powerful Lord Murphy—a man whose menacing hold on the town he owns is surpassed only by his relentless hold on David’s life. When David meets Anna again, he realizes he has a chance to save her from Mr. Green’s schemes, even if it means putting himself in danger of Lord Murphy’s wrath and revealing his own deepest secrets.

In a moment of desperation, David and Anna agree to a proposal of convenience to provide the safety they both need. But as their attraction ignites, the looming dangers from Lord Murphy and Mr. Green threaten to destroy their budding happiness.

Book Review:

This was just so good! I keep on saying that about the books that I have been reading lately but they have honestly been amazing. The characters and story draw you in. If You’ll Have Me is written by Esther Hatch and it was sweet and yet still gut wrenching at times.

I loved both Anna and David. They had been through so much and were just trying to find joy in the world. I loved how they encouraged each other and brought out the best in each other. Their relationship was so sweet especially as they started to fall in love. They found their person in each other and their hope.

The story was engaging and I wanted to know more about both David and Anna. I love the little journal entries at the beginning of each chapter that helps you understand David a little more. David had a past that made him hesitant to let Anna in and there was so much to learn. I love how Anna helped bring him out of his shell again and how Anna could be herself with him. The side characters had so much to give too and I am hoping that they get their own books.

This was a lovely book and I would totally recommend it! If You’ll Have Me is a clean historical romance.

Content warnings (spoilers)

Past child abuse, death of a parent

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

The Caring and the Cursed

About the Book:

The Caring and the Cursed (The Intertwined Tales): Puss in Boots and Snow White & Rose Red Retelling

Title: The Caring and the Cursed
Series: The Intertwined Tales #2
Author: Amanda Thomas
Release Date: October 4th, 2024
Genre: Fairytale Retelling

A cursed prince. A miller’s daughter who is willing to do anything to save her family. Are they the only hope to save their kingdom?
When Crown Prince Alexander is cursed into the form of a cat, he fears all is lost. Little does he know that when he stumbles upon two sisters he has found his sweetest and bravest companions.
Eirwen loves her family deeply and is willing to enter into a loveless and miserable marriage for their sake. Neither she nor her younger sister, Rowan, will inherit the mill so this is how she can do her part.
When a talking cat scares them both, Eirwen is afraid that evil has come to destroy her family. But is he really an evil cat, or is it possible there’s more to meet the eye with this new furry friend? And is he someone she could have a future with and not be miserable?
Can these two sisters aid the talking cat in facing off against the evil that is plaguing their country, or are they all doomed for more curses?
Two Intertwined Tales. One Happily Ever After. The Caring and the Cursed is a sweet clean retelling of Puss in Boots and Snow White & Rose Red and part of the Intertwined Tales series. The Intertwined Tales is a multi-author series of clean fairy tale retellings. Each novella entwines a famous fairy tale with a lesser-known story to create one happily ever after. These standalone stories can be enjoyed in any order.

Book Review:

A charming fairytale inspired story! This was a sweet story and a creative combination of fairytales.

Eirwen and Rowan were so lovely. I love how they contrasted and supported one another. Sisters are one of my favorite things to read about. They truly cared about one another, but they did not always agree. I enjoyed seeing Alex’s journey! He found himself cursed and now was trying to find the solution. He had to learn some things about his own weaknesses and expectations. It was sweet to watch them all get to know one another and the gentle romance that was a secondary plotline.

I enjoyed the combination of fairy tales (Puss in Boots with Rose Red and Snow White). It combined well, with the inspiration coming through. I loved the themes of sacrifice and kindness. This is a shorter story and I did feel like it could have been expanded, however it was a standalone with its HEA! The story moves along at a medium-pace, with some areas of the journey being a bit slower. It is part of a series, but this has been the only one I have read so far! This is fantasy romance, with only kissing.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

The Dragonfly Pool

About the Book:

Title: The Dragonfly Pool
Author: Eva Ibbotson
Publisher: Puffin Books
Release Date: August 29th, 2009
Genre: Children’s Fiction

At first Tally doesn’t want to go to the boarding school called Delderton. But she soon discovers that it is a wonderful place where freedom and selfexpression are valued. Tally organizes a ragtag dance troupe so the school can participate in an international folk dancing festival in Bergania in the summer of 1939. There she befriends Karil, the crown prince, who would love nothing more than to have ordinary friends and attend a school like Delderton. When Karil’s father is assassinated, it is up to Tally and her friends to help Karil escape the Nazis and the bleak future he has inherited.

Book Review:

I love Eva Ibbotson’s books! She has such a unique way of writing, and all of her characters are so fun and eccentric. Her talent for describing her characters is unparalleled, and I feel like I can almost see them.

The Dragonfly Pool is probably my favorite out of all of her books! I love the themes of friendship and courage even in dark times. While Tally and Karil are living opposite lives, they are ultimately both children in the midst of a horrible war. Both of them have to decide how they want to live their lives even with outside pressures. I love how the book sets up both of their stories, and when they are introduced together, they just fit.

Tally is such a brave girl! I love her spirit and determination. She is willing to do whatever it takes to help her friends or do what she thinks is right. Her friends at Delderton are such fun too! They are honestly the most eccentric group of people, but they also deeply care about each other. Yet, at the same time, none of the children in this book are too perfect. They feel like real children without being caricatures who act too young or too old for their age.

I would totally recommend this book to children and adults! I have loved it since I was a kid, but I can still enjoy it now as an adult. There are some darker themes, so it is more suitable for middle grade children. However, the thread of hope throughout the book along with Ibbotson’s trademark humor

Hearts on the Fly

About the Book:

Hearts on the Fly: A Christian African American & Black Hockey Romance of Forbidden Love and Friends to More

Title: Hearts on the Fly
Author: Toni Shiloh
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: February 3rd, 2026
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

When the game changes, love finds a way to score.

Jabari Hall has spent his entire life chasing victory on the ice–but one devastating hit leaves him benched, not just from hockey but from the future he thought he had. Now, as he struggles with deteriorating eyesight, his well-meaning teammates set him up on a date, hoping it will cheer him up–only the date they choose is none other than Val Elliott, his ex’s sister.

Val never expected to be sitting across from Jabari, especially after the way he broke her sister’s heart. But when Jabari opens up about his diagnosis, Val’s guarded heart softens, and she offers him a listening ear. What begins as a simple friendship quickly turns into something more.

As Jabari navigates life off the ice, he’s drawn to Val in ways he didn’t expect. With her loyalty to her family on the line and Jabari searching for faith and a new purpose, can they make it to the goal together, or will their hearts wind up in the penalty box?

Book Review:

Okay, so this was so cute and good! I adore Toni Shiloh’s books and I was so excited for this new series. Hearts on the Fly is the first book in Toni Shiloh’s new series. I read this book so fast, I didn’t want to put it down.

I fell in love with these characters as they tried to make sense of their lives and everything they were going through. I really liked both Val and Jabari, they felt like real people who I could be friends with. Their romance was so so cute! I loved how Jabari didn’t push Val but tried to wait on her timeline. They were a safe place for each other and I love how they were able to be themselves with each other.

I felt for Val as she tried to navigate her family and the kind of person that she wanted to be. She was so sweet but she was also learning how to stand up for herself. I loved how she learned to trust God throughout the book. Jabari had been through a lot and his eyesight deteriorating was the straw that broke the camel’s back. It was cool to see him learning to live with his diagnosis and trusting God.

I loved Val and Jabari together! They became friends first but as they spent time together, they began to hope for something more. Jabari’s hockey teammates were so fun and I like how they became his family. I loved Fran but the rest of Val’s family was a bit much. The plot was engaging and I really enjoyed it! I am so excited for the next book! I would totally recommend this book! Hearts on the Fly is a clean Christian contemporary romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Wonderstruck

About the Book:

Wonderstruck: A Sweet Celebrity Romance (Starstruck Love Stories Book 5)

Title: Wonderstruck
Series: Starstruck Love Stories #5
Author: Dana LeCheminant
Release Date: January 16th, 2026
Genre: Romantic Comedy

He’s Hollywood’s golden boy. She’s determined to stay invisible. When their lives—and their secrets—collide, neither is ready for what comes next.

After years of living for the cameras, Derek Riley needs an escape. Training for a movie role on a remote river sounds perfect, until his whitewater guide, Donovan, treats him like he’s just another tourist. For the first time in his career, Derek doesn’t know his lines…or how to uncover the person beneath Donovan’s armor.

Donovan left her old life behind for good reason, but Derek’s kindness and warmth make him far too easy to fall for, even if he threatens the careful walls she’s built. Letting him in means facing a past she swore to forget, but she can’t help but be drawn to the flawed man beneath the perfect veneer.

When the tabloids close in and old wounds resurface on both sides, Derek and Donovan have to choose between the safety of silence and the risk of something real. Because sometimes, love is the most dangerous truth of all.

Wonderstruck is a closed door celebrity romance that’s a standalone story with character connections to the other books in the series. Full of witty banter, mutual respect, and sizzling chemistry, it’s perfect for fans of protective heroes, confident women, and love that heals.

Book Review:

Insta Wedding

About the Book:

Insta Wedding: A Sweet {INSTA} Novella (The Insta Series)

Title: Insta Wedding
Series: The Insta Series #5
Author: Jen Atkinson
Release Date: September 14th, 2023
Genre: Romantic Comedy

An {INSTA} Series Novella
Iris, Ebony, Beth, and Coco are together, at last, for a final novella adventure!

Iris has spent the last year planning and preparing for the perfect mountaintop wedding. Everything is in place. Everything is ready to go. Everything is set… Now if only her wedding party would cooperate!

One does not plan to go into labor the day for their twin sister’s wedding. Nope, in fact, Ebony would have chosen any other moment in time to give birth. But apparently she doesn’t get to choose. Peanut is coming, no matter how much she tries to convince herself otherwise.

Beth has a secret. A couple actually. She is great at keeping secrets. Well, sort of great. Maybe don’t ask Tate or Ebony about how great she is… But significant others and best friends don’t count, right? Yeah… just don’t ask Tate’s or Ebony’s opinion on the matter.

Being thrust into motherhood has gotten Coco ready for the madness this wedding has become. She can handle Iris, Ebony, and Beth, as well as the craziness they are throwing at her. Why? Because she’s been living with a six-year-old for the past two months, and now she has superpowers. That’s why.

Join Iris, Ebony, Beth, Coco, and, of course, all of Instagram for the wedding adventure of a lifetime!

Book Review:

We get to see Iris’ wedding! I love how this series ends because it feels very full circle as Insta Boyfriend was the first book. Iris and Dean are adorable together, and while their wedding has its ups and downs, it’s also perfect.

I love getting to see everyone interact together! For most of the books, the characters are in different places location wise, so we don’t get to see everyone together. It’s delightful chaos, and I love how the families collide so wonderfully together. I wanted to keep reading! I finished this in almost one sitting because it was just so fun. Everything ties up nicely, but if you want more, I would definitely pick up the Bailey brothers series. This little novella was the perfect end to a fun series!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.