June 14 - July 3, 2026

 Another set of books for the Reading Challenge.  

The Soldier's Surprise Family by Jolene Navarro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a heart warming story of second chances at love. Both Garrett and Anjelica carry both emotional and physical scars from past trauma. Each feels they are just fine. With the arrival of two children in need of love and care challenges both of them to look forward in new ways. I loved the way we see the Ortega family and the community shows up to support them on this journey. #CMCon27

View all my reviews Under the Maui Sky by Kellie Coates Gilbert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book examines the way a family reacts to the death of a love one. The story opens up with Ava getting ready for her husband’s funeral. As the story unfolds we see that there is more to the story. We become enmeshed in all the family drama. We also see one woman’s journey through her grief. #CMCon27

 

View all my reviews Crossing Paths by Violet Howe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is full of deep emotions and we get to see things unfold not just through the eyes of Cat and William but also others impacted by their story. The book also takes us back to the beginning of Willian and Catherine's relationship as we see everything that happened leading up to Caroline’s birth and Cat’s new life. I also like seeing them in the present as they navigate their feelings and the feelings of those around them. This is a beautiful second chance story. #CMCon27

View all my reviews Forever Mine by Monica Burns
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this book but it really captured my attention from the first chapter. This story contains so many elements that it should appeal to a wide audience. I love Nick and Victoria’s characters both in the past and present as we see them grow and develop. The end of the book includes a note by the author about the plot points she chose added even more depth to the story. I listened to the audio version and it was very well done. I highly recommend it. #CMCon27

View all my reviews Tell Me Something Good by Jamie Wesley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great enemies to lovers story. Tate is all about sports and keeping things loose. Noelle gives advice and knows that commitment is important. They get thrust together by the bosses and things don’t go to either of their plans. It was fun to see both of them try to justify what was happening as their relationship starts to grow. Noelle is strong enough to walk away. Tate has to find his own strength. And of course we see how things from your past have such an impact on your now. #CMCon27

View all my reviews The Queen's Faithful Companion: A Heartwarming Novel of Queen Elizabeth, Prince Phillip, Beloved Corgi Susan, and the Royal Family by Eliza Knight
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great lighthearted look at royal life from the perspective of a royal pet. Having watched other “royal” shows about Queen Elizabeth I could picture some of the scenes and situations but it was also unique view of these same events. Even though it is historical fiction it is still a peek at what royal life can be like. #CMCon27

View all my reviews Blue Plate Special by Layla Reyne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

We see Hudson a young man that feels he need to run for his life. We jump forward to Noah a man who loves his job and friends but feels he will have to move on soon. But another person from his past shows up in town and he isn’t sure what to do next. Ezra recognizes him Hudson but also see him differently now. Things come to a head and Noah has some important decisions to make. Great ending to their story. #CMCon27

View all my reviews Love, Die, Neighbor by Joanna Campbell Slan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kiki is settling into her new home while caring for a toddler. Her husband wants her to make friends in the neighborhood. But everyone is a bit strange. Then her neighbor is dead, the police at her door, and she has to wonder what her husband is up too. It’s a lot to figure out while unpacking boxes. I really loved Kiki’s spirit as she figured a way through everything going on around her. This is a fun cozy mystery series. #CMCon27

View all my reviews Miss Thornfield's Daring Bargain by Addy Du Lac
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story opens where we meet three young school girls bonding over being “different”. We see Ada again as an adult. The action gets started when her brother is kidnapped the ladies are there for her. Her brother’s best friend shows up with more information and they hatch a plan that involves just a bit of marriage. What follows is much danger and intrigue as they work to rescue her brother but also get to the bottom of the event. Along the way Ada and Basil realize they may have feelings that they aren’t willing to voice. Things come to a head that is one of my favorite scenes in the book. While the main threat is dealt with in the book there is still a shadow in the background. This is the first book in a series and I look forward to finding out what happens to the other two friends.

View all my reviewsThe Four Seasons by Gabbi Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Christmas Courtship - Henry & Johnson - Johnson takes a chance with the quiet man in the booth across from him. Letting Henry set the pace it’s the start of something beautiful.

Anything’s Possible - Carter, Byron - A fun grumpy/sunshine story where some adorable pups bring them together. While an unlikely pair they build a friendship that becomes more.

The Office Hotshot - Orlando, Knight - This is an office romance that’s really sweet. Both Orlando and Knight have been fighting their attraction to each other. But one night sparks things off with an HEA in their future.

Pumpkin Spicy - Clay, Ashton - Clay’s having a great sales weekend at the craft fair. Ashton is shy and uses pumpkin carving to start a conversation. Clay has to track him down later but things look good for them.

Returning to You - Gil, Cullen - This is sweet little story of reconnection when the time is right and finding a happy ever after.

View all my reviews