Hearts in Circulation is a Sweet Rom Com

If you love the grumpy, sunshine trope, forced proximity, 90's rom com vibes you need to read Hearts in Circulation (Book Two in Checking Out Love).

I enjoyed An Overdue Match and author Sarah Monzon totally delivered in book two. In fact, I may have liked it just a smidge more than the first book. Sarah's writing cadence is engaging, and her clever use of pop culture references seem effortless. (Although I know it take a lot of hard work) I particularly loved her Christy reference on page 16. 

While traveling in the death trap bookmobile Little Creek Librarian Hayley Holt is temporarily stuck in Turkey Grove due to a rockslide.

Reclusive mechanic Levi Redding finds the vivacious librarian more than he can handle. He prefers working on cars to interacting with people. 

What unfolds is a delightful opposites-attract romance filled with sharp banter, heartfelt moments, and just the right amount of emotional depth. The forced proximity trope is executed beautifully, giving their relationship room to grow naturally. The chemistry between Hayley and Levi is one of the major reasons I enjoyed this story so much. Their interactions feel authentic, layered, and full of tension in the very best way.  The author strikes the perfect balance.

Hearts in Circulation has everything you want in a rom-com read and more. All throughout this book I couldn't stop smiling and laughing

If you’re looking for a charming, feel-good romance with heart, humor, and swoon-worthy moments, add this one to your TBR immediately. I’m already hoping for more visits to the world that Sarah Monzon has created in her Checking Out Love series. 

 

The Bitter End Birding Society is a Tear-Jerker

 

Before reading Amanda Cox's books I did not read a lot of women's fiction. Now I can't imagine missing one of her books. She pens poignant stories of hope, healing and belonging themes that are so relevant in today's society. I read The Bitter End Birding Society on a beach in Florida and blubbered like a baby the last few chapters. 

Five books in and you'd think I'd be prepared for the fact that I will cry at some point in her books. Part of Amanda's genius and mystery is I have no idea which part of the story will turn on the waterworks. All of her books should come with a PSA warning that you will need Kleenex. 

Kindergarten teacher Ana Leigh Watkins sees the summer as a fresh start to put aside the hometown hero image she feels she doesn't deserve and help her great- aunt prepare for her retirement. 

Not knowing what adventures in Bitter End will lead her to she discovers a family branch involving a moonshiner's daughter and a preacher's son. 

Once again, Amada Cox draws you into the quirky small town of Bitter End as only she can do. My favorite part of The Bitter End Birding Society was the connection the two older women in the story and how the author had the heroine Ana bring them together. It was exceptional storytelling as only Amada can do.

I'd rate The Bitter End Birding Society a solid 5 star read.  Amanda's storytelling that'll tug at your heart strings and stay with you long after you close the book. If you're looking for a story rich in themes of hope, healing and belonging you need to put this book at the top of you TBR pile. 

Through Each Tomorrow is Exceptional

 Gabrielle Meyer's Timeless series is easily one of my top five favorite series and Through Each Tomorrow continues this author's exceptional storytelling. With each new book she gets better and better. 

I've been dangling Through Each Tomorrow as a motivational carrot, and it was worth the wait. Gabrielle proves once again she is the queen of plot twists and 'I didn't see that coming' moments. 

In 1883, Charles Hollingsworth is a poor farmer determined to secure financial stability for his mother and sister as he is unsure which path he'd choose when he turned twenty-five.  He's come up with a risky plan along with his best friend Drew that he hopes could save the farm, but it could also jeopardize his entire future and alter which time-crossing path he'll choose. 

In 1563, he is the true Earl of Norfolk serving in Queen Elizabeth's court alongside his stepsister Lady Cecily. 

At the suggestion of readers online, I re-read books one (When the Day Comes) and three (For a Lifetime) and I'm so glad I did. The way she connects characters is mind-blowing and has you intrigued and excited frantically turning pages to discover character connections. 

The theme of Through Each Tomorrow is trusting in God's timing and His plan is always perfect for our lives resonates truth. 

I'd rate Through Each Tomorrow as 4.75 stars. There was a couple of scenes between friends Charles and Drew where Charles slightly annoyed me. My reasons might seem petty, but it was my initial reaction. In my opinion he overreacted and as a result I liked him less for it. However by the end of the story, I liked him better. 

I'd rank the series as follows...Every Hour Until Then, Until the Day Comes, Through Each Tomorrow, Across the Ages, For a Lifetime and In This Moment.  If you've read the entire Timeless series, I'm curious how you'd rank them. Let me know in the comments.

I look forward to book seven (Into a Golden Era) coming out in May of this year.