Last month I warned/noted my ambition to theme this month as Christmas in July. As you’ll soon read, that was precisely what I did. I did read a few non-Christmas books because I absolutely had to for various reasons. But through all of this, you’ll find some solid recommendations.

I’ve added many books to your TBR and the Christmas recommendation post pending for November! You are beyond welcome!

Probably ought to buckle up though, it’s a long post (AGAIN). 😃

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A Seasonal Pursuit by Rebecca Connolly

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

This series had been on my list for a hot minute (it came out in November of 2024, LOL) and so here I am getting into the spirit! A delightful series.

This first book kicks off the backstory of these cousins who receive their letters from their dying aunt. To receive their inheritance, they’ll have to marry basically, but their different situations are considered and tailored. For Rose, she must marry in order to inherit a cottage.

Notes:

• Rose is 29yo
• Webb is 30 something
• witty banter
• instant friendship

This is book one in the Regency Christmas Brides, multi-author series. Not necessary to read in order.

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Rules of a Ruse by Laura Beers

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

Another cute read! Quick story or marriage of convenience, but also quite hilarious when his attempts are about thwarted.

Notes:

• Alden will inherit the horse farm if he marries a girl in a Scottish village. He plans to inherit and sell.
• Elinor has been running the horse farm fine for years and is reluctant to let it go without a fight
• All Elinor’s attempts to get Alden to leave even if he offers to marry her
• “You are married, not dead.” – Aunt Cecilia

This is book two in the Regency Christmas Brides, multi-author series. Not necessary to read in order.

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Yuletide Bride by Kasey Stockton

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

A sweet marriage of convenience between friends. I enjoyed how their love unfolded afterward and her feelings for him were revealed later on.

Notes:

• Colin is 28yo
• Mercy is 26yo
• Mercy has crushed on him forever
• She’s turning into a spinster with younger sibling marriages
• Colin needs the marriage to inherit and save his estate
• Colin’s expectations must be dealt with and I liked how they were handled

This is book three in the Regency Christmas Brides, multi-author series. Not necessary to read in order.

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A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

A wonderful standalone novella. Absolutely loved it!

Adelaide receives a letter notifying her of who her father is and asking for her presence in a principality called Montovia where she is next in line to the throne due to circumstances. This story has found family, mystery and royalty all wrapped up in one. Anton was pretty easy on the imaginative eyes as well.

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Married by Twelfth Night by Anneka R Walker

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

ABSOLUTELY ADORED THIS.

I laughed out loud at this so many times. Richard (I don’t even like this name, but I need a Richard like him in my life, LOL) and Grace dance. He asks her to solve this riddle, which ends in him setting his sights on her sister Ruth – to marry her and inherit by twelfth night. The more Grace and Richard spend time together in order for him to get close to Ruth, the more they get to know one another and develop feelings that muddle the whole thing.

I didn’t even make any notes with this one, but I have some quotes.

“I shivered because the necessity of this conversation displeases me. You were the best I could do at the moment.”

His eyes sparked in what could only be further amusement. “How very kind of you to convince me to leave my friends so you could criticize me in private.”

The man was as toxic as any strong drink, and she was determined to stay sober.

There was also one time when Richard calls Mr. Dobson an old boy and he was like “What a greeting. I’m only twenty-six.” I cracked up, LOL.

This is book four in the Regency Christmas Brides, multi-author series. I guess it’s not necessary to read in order… but I say yes.

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A Christmas in the Alps by Melody Carlson

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

A GOOD read, but nothing spectacular.

Relative dies leaving Simone treasure over seas, causing her best friend to encourage her to go. Meeting a stranger on her first flight and reconnecting in unexpected ways at her destination blooms love and answers.

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All’s Well That Friends Well by Gracie Ruth Mitchell

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

It was on a Tuesday when I returned home from work when this (along with three more precious paperbacks) graced me with their presence. I had to dive right in. HEAD FIRST. My head was buried in this book for three straight days.

I didn’t give five stars because I’d recommend it to literally everyone I know (I probably wouldn’t), but if you’re a fan of Gracie Ruth Mitchell or are into cringy, awkward beginnings and want to be relieved for a solid, happily ever after, then this is for you!

Notes:

• Age gap, strangers to friends to lovers in the workplace, LOL
• Juliet is 24yo
• Luca is 31yo (turns 32 in the book and it’s hilarious and sweet)
• He’s renting her parents house while they’re out of the country – they met in book one
• She ends up working at his office
• Juliet definitely goes after what she wants (and it’s Luca 🙂 )
• Luca executes thoughtful gestures disguised as helping himself
• “Middle finger” mentioned
• Dark humor
• Couples living together before marriage mentioned (MC recounts this)
• Alluding to people sleeping together / innuendo
• Pink Starburst by Nightly came to mind when I read this
• THE WAY LUCA CARES ABOUT JULIET, ugh, so good

I also didn’t know why the workers in this place didn’t know what position Luca has. It was revealed late in the book, but didn’t this place have some type of workplace system that showed a chain of command? Is that not common? LOL. As someone in a large organization, I thought that was something all companies had.

A solid read that was hilarious, but definitely not for everyone I don’t think.

This is book two in the Lucky in Love series. I’m excited about the next two books!! We need big sister Aurora and older brother Cyrus’s stories.

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Christmas in Winter Hill by Melody Carlson

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

Solid Hallmark vibe read for Christmas!

I didn’t LOVE this one, but it had all the making of a perfect Christmas read.

A new city manager shows up and doesn’t realize how big Christmas is in this little town. More things unfold as she settles into her work and she’s shown kindness and generosity by some while met with skepticism and rudeness by others.

“Even in the hard times, well, it’s a good reminder that God allows the rain to fall on the just and the unjust. We’ve all had our troubles.”

“That’s true. And I like to think our troubles make us stronger,” she declared.

“And perhaps more empathetic too.”

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That Time I Kissed My Beachfront Boss by Julie Christianson

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

I’m getting into Julie Christianson’s book after a few now, LOL. I’ve been really enjoying this large family and their shenanigans. The names still make me laugh – the fact that the sisters named all their sons Bradford and caused them all to have different nicknames to make up for it. Neither of which is an MC in this, but they obviously present themselves as side characters through all the books anyway.

Notes:

• Hudson is 29yo
• Hudson’s mom didn’t want kids – left him and his dad early in life
• Olivia (Liv) – don’t know age
• Olivia has the huge family
• People (not main characters) living together before marriage
• Olivia finds out she knows more about her cousins (like recalling favorite pizza toppings!!) than she thinks and it feels good
• First impressions can be wrong
• She has a nightmare and he’s there for her
• She wears his clothes
• Hospital stay – he’s there for her

That moment you find out that Julie Christianson books all connect (loosely but they’re in like timeline order) so read them in published order not necessarily just in series order. I have been reading one series at a time, but I have the first book in her McCoy series which will be about Mac (one of the Bradfords! LOL).

This is book three in the Abieville Love Stories series.

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The Inn Dilemma by Tawny Suchy

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

This is the first book I’ve read by Tawni Suchy and wow! So good.

This is the story of a prodigal daughter returning home after years away living in sin. I liked how that was dealt with and not just completely forgotten. None of the characters in the story are portrayed as perfect, though some are at least a little wiser, but they all come to an understanding and wanting to draw closer to God in their own times of need.

Notes:

• Nova is 23yo, turns 24yo in book
• Holt is 6y older, 29yo
• Nova’s brother’s best friend
• Parental verbal abuse, perfectionism
• Emotional affair by parent, doesn’t become physical
• Reconciliation for whole family
• Navy SEAL w/ scar and story – Holt
• Biker – Holt
• Runaway at 19yo recounted
• Controlling themes

I think this is worth the read and I would also like to read more by this author! She reminds me of Latisha Sexton who is also on my list to read more of.

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The Holiday Exchange by Jordan Millsaps

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

This was a super cute and quick read! I didn’t LOVE it just because it’s hard to love the quick romances, but this was satisfying.

Kayla gets a little in over her head with a school program and Trevor steps in with a deal she couldn’t refuse. They strike up this exchange and begin working together. I loved their interactions, even if they were awkward. Those are some of my favorites, don’t you know? Haha

I enjoyed the ending for Kayla with her family and how things were resolved. I’ve never read anything by this author, but would enjoy reading more!

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The Seaside Homecoming by Julie Klassen

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

It’s rare in this life that one comes across a Julie Klassen book unsatisfied with the outcome. I absolutely loved this one and I’ve loved this whole series so far! As I impatiently await the next book coming in just a few (hopefully) short months, let me tell you what I loved about this one!

This book highlights Claire’s story and we find out all the details of what happened between her and Lord Bertram (can’t stand that rake!). All the trepidation she felt was easy to understand and even more so as the tale went on. Mr. Hammond presented himself and was so mysterious, but humorous. I loved his sense of humor that at first kind of took Claire by surprise. Their relationship was obviously a focus of this book, and the slow burn was so worth it. It kept me flipping the pages, especially near the end!

Notes:

• Mr. Hammond’s mysteriousness
• He wipes her cheek of dirt moment
• His thoughtfulness
• Claire’s reunion with her family
• Diplomats
• Paintings
• Innkeeping / Boarding house
• Claire is almost 29yo / Didn’t catch how much older Mr. Hammond is exactly, but nearer to 40?
• Hope and reconciliation – importance of relying on the saving grace and mercy of Jesus and not on what others want us to do or say we should do
• Sisterly bonds – talk of brothers we’d like to have or not have, LOL

Quote:

“Have you ever done anything wrong? Anything you’re ashamed of?”

Sadness tinged the woman’s eyes, and her cheerful mouth turned downward. “Oh, my dear girl. At my age? Of course I have. Many things. Many regrets. But do you know … for years, I hid away here. Too ashamed to go out. To go to church. To the shops. To see my old friends. But when I did-thanks to your sister Viola-what did I find? Forgiveness. Friendship. Freedom.”

“Really?”

“Yes, my dear. Whatever it is, don’t keep it hidden. Burdens only grow heavier the longer we bear them alone. And you are not alone. For we all have sinned and fallen short.”

In each book we get Sarah’s perspective, which I’ve enjoyed in each because I know her story is coming!! Sarah and Callum. ♥

I’ll also be looking forward to Georgie’s because she’ll be growing into a woman so soon.

The next book can’t get published soon enough. 🙂

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The Mistletoe Countess by Pepper Basham

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

This was a 3.5 rounded up for me. I read online that others loved this one, but it just wasn’t for me for some reason. I couldn’t get into it and it felt too long, drawn out.

Notes:

• Grace is 19, Frederick is older so it’s an age gap but idk by how much
• Marriage for financial gain, convenience
• Fade to black between married couple
• Faith prominent
• Scandals: affairs, illegitimate children, deaths, unwanted advances, children out of wedlock
• Intimacy
• Mystery
• Talk of novels and romance
• The what ifs steal the joy of what is
• He could have chose for duty and practicality, but God chose for his heart.

Quote:

She would choose hope instead of despair, because she refused to be anything less than a heroine in her own life.

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Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend by Kate Watson

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

I cannot tell you how much I loved this. If I were one to annotate and highlight fiction books, this whole thing would be filled with markings.

WHAT I LOVED:

• The witty banter
• The HEART of these two beautiful MCs
• The nicknames
• How well SHE supported, cared for and LOVED him so fully in all the ways he NEEDED
• The side characters! KAYLA’S BROTHERS and the BASEBALL TEAM, LOL

OTHER NOTES:

• SO CLEAN AND ADORABLE YOU HAVE TO READ IT
• Sean is 34, 6’4″
• Kayla is 32, 5’10”
• They both have exes that appear in this and cause drama – loved how they were put in their places in different ways!
• Because of their exes, they have emotional things to still work through
• He’s a pro hockey goalie
• She owns a baseball team
• Marriage of convenience
• One bed trope
• She wears pantsuits like a boss, drives a pearl white hybrid Mercedes Benz
• Side character light development prepping for those next books in the series THAT I CANNOT WAIT FOR. Fletch? Scottie? Lucas? Hello! Need.

You’re probably like, CALM DOWN WITH THE ALL CAPS. All I have to say is, NO.

QUOTES:

“I hated it. That’s not how a woman should feel in her home. Like she’s not safe to make a mistake.”

An alarm sounds in my head.

I set down my spatula and fix my full attention on her.

“Kayla, you are always safe to make a mistake here. With me.

I know you said this living arrangement works for you, but if you change your mind, you need to know that wherever we are, you’re safe to make a mistake.”

She leans back like the words packed a punch. And then she blinks a few times and fans herself. “Whew. You are really pulling out all the stops, aren’t you?”

“T’m not trying to seduce you.”

She cocks an eyebrow. “No, but if I didn’t know better, I’d think you were trying to make me fall for you.”

I grab the pan and take it over to her, shaking my head all the way. I let the omelet fold onto her plate. “Do you know better?”

She holds my eye, the corner of her mouth barely curving up. “Maybe not.”

Sean takes my hand and leads me out of the building.

I sniff. “It’s a good thing you were here, or I’d have torn that woman apart.”

He gives me a confused look. “Why?”

“No one talks to my man like that.”

“I’m vour man, huh?’”

“For better or for worse.”

“T’ll take those odds.”

Fortunately, they ignore Sean and me altogether, fixing their sights on …

Fletch.

Fletch, who has the tact and emotional availability of a

sledgehammer.

I could almost pity them.

“Coach Fletcher,” the first says, with a sugary smile that doesn’t mask her venom as much as she thinks. “You clean up nice. You ever think about what a shame it is you’re single?”

Fletch tears a hunk off his roll and sticks it in his mouth. “I appreciate the offer,” he says dryly. “But I’m holding out for someone who’s into true crime, good conversation, and keeping her hot takes about other people’s marriages to herself.”

Sean snorts into his sweet tea. I bite my lip to keep from doing the same.

I set down the knife. “I don’t know. I don’t want to just protect her from the heavy stuff. I want to make her strong enough that the weight doesn’t crush her. And then I want to carry whatever I can, too, not because she needs it, but because I love her too much to let her do it alone.”

This is part of the Catching Feelings series AND I THINK I CAUGHT SOME. So many feelings. 🫶🏻

I am dying for Oliver Fletcher’s book to come out already. That man 🥹😍🔥

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That Time We Kissed Under the Mistletoe by Julie Christianson

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

I loved this one! Not a TON of Christmas stuff that’s in your face, but this is definitely a sweet Christmas love story of second chances! I loved all the shenanigans and the closeness the two had to endure, making them kind of face their true and still there feelings.

Notes:

• Sara is 28, turns 29 at Christmas
• Three is 29
• Sara is an attorney
• Three is… a teacher but also does a lot of other things in his spare time 😂
• Second chance romance – they broke up at 19
• Sort of forced proximity?
• He’s missing the family Christmas cruise vacation because of her giving him a concussion 😅
• She tries to get him to be not so grumpy and get him in the Christmas spirit while she’s keeping an eye on him (it’s the least she could do right???)

Wasn’t a fan of the “listen to your heart. It won’t steer you wrong.” But also not a Christian book so it is what it is. 🙂

Bringing you joy brings me joy.

Three to Sara ❤️

This is book four in the Abieville Love Stories series! I don’t know if there will be more, but we need Nella and Carver’s story!

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Books read this month: 15

Books read this year: 108

Goal for the year was 100… 🙂

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I hope you are staying cool, have this wonderful invention called air conditioning and can curl up with hot chocolate, a blanket and a good book real soon!!

Feel free to comment what you read during the patriotic yet rather Christmassy month of July! ♥