Christmas Came Early with On a Midnight Clear

Christmas came early in the form of On a Midnight Clear! It was such a privilege for me to be on Karen's influencer team for this 3-in-1 Christmas novella collection with stories from Tracie Peterson, new-to-me-author Misty M. Beller, and of course my all-time favorite historical author Karen Witemeyer.

I binged On a Midnight Clear in a few days and would have read Karen's novella (A Star in the West) in one sitting had I started it earlier in the evening. I enjoyed The Shepherd's Heart by Tracie Peterson and No Room at the Inn by Misty M. Beller, and both had memorable characters and heartfelt messages. The Shepherd’s Heart offered a touching perspective on love and healing, while No Room at the Inn drew me in with its sense of hope and perseverance. That said, if I had to pick a favorite, A Star in the West was the clear winner for me. I especially appreciated how elements of the nativity tied all three stories together, creating a cohesive Christmas theme that was both meaningful and nostalgic.

Each novella explores faith and surrender in a unique way, but I found Stella and Frank’s journey in A Star in the West especially compelling. Stella Barrington was fulfilled in her life, running her father's household and volunteering at various charities. She believed that God did not design marriage as part of her path. She struck up a friendship with Harvard mathematics professor Frank N. Stentz (Sidenote: What does his name remind you of? The genius of Karen Witemeyer strikes again!) through letters, never anticipating it would evolve into anything more.

I love how Frank pursued Stella with the intention of wanting to marry her. He was not pushy or presumptuous but genuinely interested in her as a person, not just as a potential wife. Their relationship was marked by mutual admiration, shared faith, and a desire to honor God in whatever path He chose. Both Stella and Frank wrestled with sacrifice and calling. Either Stella would be leaving the comfort of her father's home to get married, or Frank would be forfeiting his academic career for the sake of love.

The central theme of the story, and the collection as a whole, is God's sovereignty and the beauty of surrendering to God's will. Whether it is yielding to expectations, comforts, or long-held beliefs about the future, each character learns that God's plan is bigger and better than their own.

Together, these three novellas weave a meaningful Christmas collection. Each is unique, yet they are tied together by the reminder that faith, sacrifice, and God’s sovereignty are at the heart of Christmas.

If you have a book lover on your list who enjoys historical fiction set around the Christmas season, tuck this in their stocking. They are sure to love it.

I would rate On a Midnight Clear as a solid 4 stars. Novellas are tricky because the author must tell a complete story in a shorter word count, and it is a challenge to write a truly satisfying novella. This trio of stories is sweet, faith-filled, and festive. It is a lovely start to the Christmas reading season. 

Reading is an adventure,

Emilee 

The Rules of Falling for You is a Cute Rom Com

 When Mollie Rushmeyer first hinted about The Rules of Falling for You, I have been chomping at the bit to read this story. Jane Austen + Rom-Com= English major dreams!

I was even more ecstatic when Mollie selected me to be on her influencer team for this book. I had the privilege of being on her street teams for The Bookshop of Secrets and The Lost Manuscript. 

Warning: Don't read this book in public if you are prone to laughing out loud. Most of my reading of The Rules of Falling for You was done over my lunch break in the cafeteria. I may have gotten some strange looks from my colleagues. 

Zoe Dufour, a podcast content creator of Regency etiquette and era-approved rules hopes to find her perfect match at a Regency-themed singles retreat, a modern-day gentleman that meets every one of her nonnegotiable checklist.

Harrison Lindquist is her BFF's brother and podcast producer reluctantly agrees to tag along at the event to capture footage. I liked the dual POV of The Rules of Falling for You with both Zoe and Harrison's perspectives. It showed how differently men and women view events.  

The friend-to-more is a classic trope, and I liked how the author kept the reader guessing. Harrison and Zoe's chemistry is what kept me reading this book. At times, Zoe's laser focus on her nonnegotiable checklist for the perfect suitor drove me a little nutty. I may have wanted to shake some sense into her a couple of moments during this story. Perhaps, Mollie wrote Zoe this way to show us we can all be blind to what's right in front of us. 

If you're a Janeite or an Austenite you will absolutely love Mollie's references to this beloved British author's novels. Spot on perfection in this modern-day romance read. It made me want to re-visit some of my favorite works by Jane Austen and also brought a smile to my face. 

I'd rate The Rules of Falling for You a solid four out of five stars. The reason this book wasn't a five-star is mainly due to Zoe. She was so focused on sticking to her list of qualities it made me a little frustrated with her. The plot, pacing and humorous secondary characters made this a delightful read and I look forward to reading more books by Mollie Rushmeyer.   

Reading is an adventure,

     Emilee 

~~The Rules of Falling for You was provided to me by the author herself and the publisher in return for my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of the book.  I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~

Top 5 Auto-Buy Authors

 I have been an ardent reader of Christian fiction for twenty+ years. In this time, I've seen a massive shift in this genre in the exceptional quality of writing and the gorgeous, jaw-dropping covers. I'm not knocking the '90's, but let's be honest...some of the covers were lacking. 

In the past, decade my auto-buy authors have changed.

5.) Becca Kinzer

With three novels under her belt, Becca has quickly gained readers with her ability to create hilarious, zany moments for her characters that tickle your funny, touch your heart and also make you feel like you can relate to. I also LOVE that she includes pop culture references to classic films and stars from Hollywood's Golden Age.  (If she managed to make a Cary Grant reference in all of her books I wouldn't be upset about it.) 

You can read more of First Love, Second Draft here.

You can read more of Love in Tandem here. 

You can read more of Dear Henry, Love Edith here. 

4.) Amanda Cox

I remember devouring Amanada Cox's debut Edge of Belonging a few years ago coming back from a family road trip. It was so captivating I didn't want to stop for bathroom breaks. My sister had to remind me that the characters wouldn't do anything without me if I left the book for five minutes. (She was right.) That's the power of page-turning, I have to find out what happens read.  Four books later, she's still continuing the exceptional dual-time stories. Just when I think I'm not going to cry, Amanda gets me Every.Single.Time. in the end. 

You can read more about He Should Have Told the Bees here.

You can read more of Between the Sound and Sea here. 

The Bitter End Birding Society came out last month and is at the top of my TBR pile. 

3.) Sara Brunsvold 

Sara's author tagline is creating stories that speak hope and life. Let me tell you reader, she does that in spades. Her debut The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip is one of those books that stays with you. PSA: you will absolutely need Kleenex while reading her books. 

You can read more about The Extraordinary Deaths od Mrs. Kip here. 

You can read more about The Divine Proverb of Streusel here.

You can read more about The Atlas of Untold Stories here. 

2.) Sarah Sundin

Sarah Sundin is my go-to WWII fiction author. I'd compare her to Laura Frantz in the amount of history she can cram into a story without make you feel like you're reading a textbook. Whoever designs the covers of her novels knocks it out of the park every time. In no particular order below are a few favorite covers and stories. (Although you can't go wrong with any of her stories).

Through Waters Deep (Waves of Freedom Book #1)

With Every Letter (Wings of the Nightengale Book #1)

The Land Beneath Us (Sunrise at Normandy #3)

Until Leaves Fall in Paris 

1.) Karen Witemeyer

I make no bones about what a die-hard fan I am of historical fiction author Karen Witmeyer! Voted #1 Readers Favorite Christian Historical Author in 2023 it's easy to see why. Twenty-nine books later Karen consistently writes rock solid stories that have feisty heroines, swoon worthy cowboys (because no woman ever dreamed of an accountant), page-turning plots and a gospel message beautifully and seamlessly woven in. It never feels forced to the plot and I appreciate that. 

I recently wrote a top ten list of Karen's favorite books you can read here. 

Taming Lady Temperance (Book 1 in The Secret Society of Spinsters) comes out February 2026 

Did any of my top five authors make your list? My hope is that this auto-buy list of authors excites you if you're looking for new-to-you authors or want to discover a different genre to explore in the world of fiction. 

Reading is an adventure,

   Emilee 

Top 5 Reads of Summer

 Summer may still "technically" be in the Midwest until September 22nd, but once Labor Day is over my mind turns to apple orchards and apple cider donuts. 

I couldn't let summer go without mentioning my top five favorite reads. These books made my list because I'm still thinking about them months or weeks after I've closed the book. They captivated, entertained, and inspired. Everything you want while reading a story.

Any books you'd include or any I may have missed? 

5.) 

You can read my review of The Lawyer and the Laundress here.

4.)

You can read more on my review of Whose Waves These Are here.

3.)

You can read more of my review of The Atlas of Untold Stories here.

2.)

You can read more of my review of To Love a Beast here.

1.) 

You can read more about my review of Every Hour Until Then here.

Reading is an adventure,

 

    Emilee 

Whose Waves Are These is a Mesmerizing Dual Time Story

 

Whose Waves These Are is a dual time novel.

Robert Bliss, a grieving fisherman during WWII pens a poem that's published in a local paper asking readers to send rocks in honor of lost loved ones to create something life-giving. 

Decades later his great-niece Annie Bliss returned to Ansel-by-the-sea, Maine where she spent a memorable summer with her uncle who she dubbed Grand Bob. 

I'm mentally kicking myself for not reading author Amada Dykes sooner. Her debut Whose Waves These Are was published in 2019. I just finished listening to the audiobook version. 

Wow! Such a powerful and beautiful story of family, redemption and hope. I just want to let this tale marinate for a while. 

There are so many aspects I loved about this story. The townspeople, the relationships and connections throughout the story. Amanda's beautiful, mesmerizing cadence that makes you want to let every word wash over you and fully transport you into the story. The pacing in Whose Waves These Are is a little slower, but it didn't bother me because it suited the story. 

PSA announcement: You will cry or at least need Kleenex.  Whose Waves These Are will tug at your heartstrings. 

One of the themes that resonated with me is life is big, but God is bigger. No matter where you are in life this is a great reminder. Life is big, but God is bigger. 

When I really enjoy a novel it's hard for me convey how much I love it. I hope I've done this thought-provoking story justice. 

I'd rate Whose Waves These Are a solid 5 stars, and I can't wait to read more by this author. 

Wes and Addie Had Their Chance is a Failure

I feel like I need to preface this review by saying I've read everything Bethany Turner has written. While it doesn't make me an authority, I'm familiar with her author voice. That being said, I'm upset and crestfallen to be writing this review. Honest reviews are the backbone of my blog, and I will continue uphold this truth even if it's not a popular opinion. (In fact, this might be my most candid review. I don't hold anything back.) I needed to write this review for the Christian Fiction Community. Readers need to make up their own minds and use discernment if this is a book you want to be reading. I usually try not to give spoilers in my book reviews; however, the nature of this plot twist needs to be revealed. 

Wes and Addie Had Their Chance marks the third book in Ms. Turner's first series. She has created a hilarious quirky small-town with characters you fall in love with and a town you don't want to leave. Laughter and clever pop culture references that are humorous and relatable are the hallmark of Bethany's books.

I enjoyed Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other and Cole and Laila Are Just Friends and had high hopes for Wes and Addie's story. 

Wesley "Wes" Hobbes and Adelaide "Addie" Atwater were childhood sweethearts. He left her at the altar at eighteen. Wes became a senator and is running for President of the United States. Addie joined the CIA. Twenty-two years later they are both back in Adelaide Springs. Both have been married and lost their spouses. 

If you don't like reading spoilers stop here.

Spoiler: Wes reveals to Addie that his wife Wray was a lesbian. Not only that, but the subsequent conversation that followed strongly suggested that Wray should have been accepted for who she is. 

After reading this, I groaned in frustration, ready to throw the book across the room. The message in this book is disastrous because it condones sin. To condone sin of any kind is wrong. Scripture is clear: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20). We are indeed called to love others as Jesus did (John 13:34), but biblical love never means celebrating or affirming what God has called sin. Jesus loved people by meeting them with compassion and calling them to repentance (John 8:11). To say that people should simply be “accepted as they are” without any call to transformation through Christ is contrary to the gospel. The Bible teaches that in Christ we are made new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17) and that continuing in unrepentant sin leads to death (Romans 6:23). True love does not ignore sin—it points people to the Savior who forgives and transforms.

Worse yet, she was willing to marry a man who was willing to participate in a lie. That alone reveals his character, and there is nothing healthy about ending up with a man who is morally unethical and even celebrated for it. Addy doesn’t deserve someone like him, nor should she settle for someone like him. This factor alone made the book even more unlikeable. Sadly, many secular stories celebrate women ending up with unhealthy men, and this book is no exception. Yet marriage is meant to reflect Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:25–27), built on love, truth, and sacrifice. To encourage women to accept less is not only poor storytelling, it is spiritually dangerous. On top of that, I felt that the timeline for Wes and Addie's second chance romance was a little unbelievable. They don't see each other for twenty-two years and three days later they are picking up where they left off? Yet another red flag. 

I understand this comes from my Christian perspective, and worldly people will disagree. But Scripture is clear that we are not called to seek the world’s approval: “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? … If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10). My responsibility is not to make the world happy but to point people to Christ, who alone brings forgiveness, truth, and lasting hope.

I'd rate Wes and Addie Had Their Chance as 1 and a 1/2 stars. Publisher Thomas Nelson labels this book Christian fiction, but I wholeheartedly disagree. 

I'm sorry dear readers, I can't recommend this book, and it will not be staying on my bookshelf. Since this author has betrayed my trust in her as a reader, I'm going to be very cautious with her future books moving forward. 

Top 10 Favorite Karen Witemeyer Books

Summer is the perfect time to pick of a historical western romance by author Karen Witemeyer. If you've read my blog for some time you'll know she's an auto-buy author for me. With 20 plus books to her name Karen's books check all my reader's wish list and wants in a story. If you love swoon-worthy cowboys, feisty heroines, a heaping dose of humor and the gospel message seamlessly woven in your TBR pile just got a little taller. 

In case you're having trouble wondering which Karen Witemeyer book you should start with first, I've compiled my top 10 favorites for you. 

10.) Head in the Clouds 

9.) Under the Texas Mistletoe 

                                You can read more about Under the Texas Mistletoe here.

8.) Full Steam Ahead

                               You can read more about Full Steam Ahead here. 

7.) More Than Meets the Eye

                                 You can read more about More Than Meets the Eye here.

6.) In Her Sights

                                           You can read more about In Her Sights here.

5.) Inn for a Suprise (Part of the Kissing Tree collection)

                                               You can read more Inn for a Suprise here.

4.) More Than Words Can Say

 You can read my review of More Than Words Can Say here.

3.) Cloaked in Beauty

                                      You can read more about Cloaked in Beauty here. 

2.) To Love a Beast

                                             You can read more of To Love a Beast here.

1.) Short-Straw Bride

You can read more about Short-Straw Bride here.

Happy Reading! 

Any of Karen's books not on my list you think I should have included?

Reading is an adventure,

     Emilee