Taming Lady Temperance is Tremendous

Taming Lady Temperance is my first 5 star read of 2026 and what a way to begin the year! Whenever I get one of Karen's books in the mail I go through the same agonizing struggle every reader faces. Do I binge it in a matter of days or do I savor every chapter? This time, I choose to linger and I'm so glad I did. 

I've been eagerly anticipating the launch of the Secret Society of Spinster series and Karen did not disappoint.  The tone she sets from the first chapter is filled with such warmth and conviction. I immediately connected with the story. In today's society spinster doesn't have quite the same negative connotation and as a single woman over a certain age, I'm glad. At times being single can still feel lonely and sometimes isolating. Karen reminds us to see our worth not defined by marital status, but who we are in God's eyes. I was saying a lot of Amens throughout the first chapter. 

Noreen O' Sullivan is an enthusiastic member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union. She believes it's her calling to defend the cause of prohibition. This puts her at odds with many of the men in the community particularly the handsome town deputy. Joining the Secret Society of Spinsters, Noreen sees this as her opportunity not only for friendship, but to rally others to her cause and shut down the local saloon for good. 

The way Karen wrote Noreen she strikes the perfect balance. She's a strong opinionated woman who is unapologetic in her convictions, but she is never harsh or self-righteous. She'd bold without being overbearing, principled without losing tenderness. 

Deputy James Paxton believes in preserving peace. He also has high hopes of seeking to be elected as the new sheriff. When she ropes him into assisting her with a temperance march being seen as her ally could cost him this dream. As he gets to know Noreen, he comes to appreciate her take-charge personality in a crisis combined with her level-headedness. 

James Paxton. Imagine my moony-eyed expression over this hero. Karen can write heroes you want to be real that you wish would step off the pages into your life. Think of him as combination of Travis Archer (Short-Straw Bride) and Philip Carmichael (Cloaked in Beauty). By this I mean he's got the intense protectiveness that readers love about Travis combined with Philip's honorable to the core character trait. (Now I have an urge to re-read both of these books.) James is protective without being domineering, honorable without being rigid.

 I like how he both challenges and encourages Noreen in her causes, but more importantly spiritually. Their dynamic isn't about one overpowering the other, but about mutual respect and admiration. I loved watching James and Noreen slowly fall in love with each other. It was my favorite part of the story. 

Taming Lady Temperance reminds us that God uses unlikely partnerships, strong personalities, and even conflict to shape our hearts. 

If this is how the Secret Society of Spinisters series begins, I can't wait to see what comes next. Without hesitation 5 very shiny stars. Bravo Karen! I can't wait to read more. 

Top 10 Favorite Rom Coms

I’ve always had a soft spot for romantic comedies. These films that ae filled with sparkling dialogue, winsome charm, and the slow, delicious build toward love. The ten films on this list are the ones I return to again and again. No matter how many times I’ve seen them, they still make me laugh out loud, swoon a little, and believe that love is worth the risk.

When I finally sat down and looked at my completed list, I noticed something I hadn’t planned at all: half of these films star Cary Grant. Completely unintentional… but not surprising. There’s something about his effortless wit and debonair presence that defines the golden age of romantic comedies for me. Apparently, my heart has a type. Tall, dark, suave and it wears a perfectly tailored suit. 

These films span six decades, from screwball comedies to ‘90s classics rewatches, but they all share sharp chemistry, unforgettable banter, and romances that feel both magical and grounded.

I’d love to know if you were making your own top ten, which romantic comedy would you refuse to leave off? And which one do you turn to when you need to fall in love with love all over again?

10.) The Philadelphia Story (1940)

9.) When Harry Met Sally (1989)

8.) It Happened One Night (1939)

7.) That Touch of Mink (1962)

6.) His Girl Friday (1940)

5.) Walk Don't Run (1966) 

4.) Pillow Talk (1959)

3.) While You Were Sleeping (1995)

2.) You've Got Mail (1998)

1.) An Affair to Remember (1957)

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.