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. 

 

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.

Countdown to 2026....Favorite Reads of 2025

 I can't believe it's time to write my new year's countdown post! This year flew by.

2025 was a banner year for great books. Rather than a top 5 list, I'm listing my favorite top 6 books because I couldn't leave any of these off my list. 

Adventure was the word of the year in terms of reading. These books live rent free in my head, and you'll still be thinking about them long after you close the book.

I discovered a couple of new-to-me authors (Susan L. Tuttle and Christine Hill Sunz), but I also noticed that four of my auto-buy authors (no surprise) made the list.

In no particular order, here's my top 6 list. Did any of these make your favorites list? Any books I'm leaving out? I'd love to know.

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

You can read my review of The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry here.

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

                                       You can read my review of First Love, Second Draft here.

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

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

The Birds' Christmas Carol is a Bittersweet Story

The Birds' Christmas Carol should come with a PSA warning. You will need Kleenex when reading this gem of a story.

Author Kate Douglas Wiggin is best known for Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm. A few of her writer contemporaries include Charles Dickens, Louisa May Alcott, Mark Twain and Jack London. Many of Wiggins novels were made into films. Most notably, the 1938 version of Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm starring Shirley Temple. Also, Summer Magic (1963) starring Haley Mills and Dorothy McGuire was based on her novel Mother Carey's Chickens.

I think I was about nine or ten years old when my mom read us this bittersweet story of Carol Bird, a Christmas-born child whose loving and generous nature brings joy to all those she meets. I loved how her abundant and sweet character brought delight to her whole family. 

My heart can only take reading this story every few years. At only 74 pages, this emotional story will stay with you long after you closed the book.

Along with the tears, the author also provides numerous comical moments with the nine Ruggles children. One minute you'll be shedding tears, the next minute you'll be laughing through your tears. 

If you've never read The Birds' Christmas Carol, I urge you to check it out. It's a poignant Christmas story that will tug at your heartstrings even 138 years after its publication.  

Reading is an adventure,

    Emilee