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