Hello, and welcome to the Saga!

I’m not new to reading at obsessive levels, but I really thought October would be another slow month for me. It was not. I was able to get quite a few moments to read this past month – which was great!

Because we have so much to talk about (and fangirl over), I better cut the pre-chitchat and get into the book chat.

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Dare to Hold by Amber Nicole

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

Quick background: Amber Nicole was formerly a spicy romance author who felt such deep conviction against what she was writing that she stopped and pivoted to Christian romance that explores true faith in God that’s clean and worthy in the eyes of the Lord. She went so far as to pull her previous books from publishing which had to have been hard because it’s like you’re starting over with a whole new business. I applaud that kind of faith and determination knowing that God is powerful in bringing success through that and for His glory.

I deeply enjoyed this book and appreciated the coming to faith and wrestling with new faith in it. It felt very relatable and real, especially now in this time we’re in. It seems like there’s a lot of conviction being had in the world and people coming to faith or deepening the faith they already had. I think many new Christians would love this relatable work – as well as those who have witnessed this in others.

I related to this book in a less obvious way because I’ve been the Christian in a relationship with someone who didn’t have true faith or wasn’t on the same level as me spiritually. I appreciated that Gray knew that he couldn’t be with someone who didn’t see faith the same way, but I didn’t love how he kind of pushed Ivy at times to get there, but again, I feel like that’s relatable.

Notes:

• Ivy
• Gray (short for Grayson, but he doesn’t go by that name at all since he turned his life around)
• Ivy’s friend Harper (who will be MC in book two!!) is hilarious!! So aggressive toward Micah, who’s really tall compared to her
• Micah has glasses (so cute, IYKYK)
• I DON’T KNOW HOW OLD THESE PEOPLE ARE. But gotta be in their mid to late twenties.
• Boundaries to protect their relationship and keep God at the center 🫶🏻

Quotes:

Not because it’s perfect. Not because I am.

But because He can breathe purpose into anything.

“I don’t care who made you believe love had to hurt, or that your ‘yes was the only way to keep a man. They were wrong. And they didn’t deserve you.”

I forget to breathe.

His voice drops even lower, rough with conviction. “If a man isn’t strong enough to honor your no, he’s not strong enough to deserve your yes.”

“I had no idea who you were. But somehow…l think part of me already knew you were going to change everything.”

His voice softens as he takes a step closer.

“I used to think love had to be loud to be real. Wild. All-consuming. But then you came in-soft and sure, and somehow wrecked me in all the right ways.”

This is the first book in the Dare to Love series. This was a sweet debut Christian novel and I can’t wait to see Harper in book two!!

Because I preordered this bad boy, I’m including all the photos that ooze my excitement.

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The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

Did I pick this up at my favorite bookstore and read it all before its actual release day? I sure did, bud!!

After the past few okay reads by Denise Hunter (in my opinion) this one was back on track with what I expect from her. I absolutely loved the page turning action and romance.

Two books back to back with main characters named Gray? WEIRD!! lol

Notes:

• Shelby is 28
• Gray(son) is 28 also
• I loved how Shelby had Liddy (best friend and sister-in-law) to encourage her and also advocate for her between Shelby and her older bro, Caleb.
• Older bro Caleb was SUPER protective
• Enjoyed Gray’s connection to Riverbend Gap!!
• Flashbacks to eleven years ago when they were 17-18 helped build the story
• I didn’t LOVE that TWICE Shelby found herself in relationship when her feelings for Grayson came up, but her adult instance was handled BETTER.
• Second chance romances are one of my favorite tropes. Grayson was so misunderstood by the community but was such a cinnamon roll. His ability to control his anger and outrage at it all was truly inspiring.

Quotes:

“Is it fear of heartbreak or fear of abandonment?”

“They seem to be one and the same for me. How did Caleb survive unscathed? Mom left him too.”

“Oh, he didn’t. That particular issue has reared its ugly head a time or two. We’re working through it though. What we have, the love we have, is worth it. You remember what it feels like to be so deeply in love.” She studied Liddy, who’d been married to Caleb for five years. “But doesn’t it … It can’t burn like that forever, can it? Doesn’t the thrill fade over time?”

Liddy smiled softly. “Well, it does change. New love is kind of like a sapling tree that pushes to the surface, fresh and beautiful and vibrant. But it’s also vulnerable because it’s young and fragile. Then over time its roots sink down deep so it can hold through the tough times storms and droughts because they’re inevitable. Mature love grows deeper, stronger, with a beauty all its own. That’s what Caleb and I have together. And it’s worth waiting for. It’s worth making yourself vulnerable in order to find it.”

This is a standalone novel with a connection to Riverbend Gap which was such a nice surprise to come across in reading!!

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Loyally, Luke by Pepper Basham

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

I haven’t been a HUGE fan of this series, although still enjoyable. The highlight has been listening to it by audio. I just don’t think I could have gotten through reading it. The narrators for this series were AMAZING so I highly recommend that route.

Luke was in a word, dreamy. Princess Ellie was smitten from the start. I mean, a man in flannel who’s the sweetest cinnamon roll of all? Get real. 🙂 This had all the royal vibes I actually enjoy. It was a fun “read.”

This is the third and final book in the Skymar series. I love how it ended on such a high note!

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The Friendship Variable by Marie Soleil

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

I would give this even more stars if I could!!! FREAKIN LOVED IT.

I couldn’t put this one down (I did when life forced me to) so, WOW. Such a great book. The SWOON FACTOR. Someone get a fan.

Notes:

• Claire is 27
• Ryan is whatever he is 🙂 I think he’s older
• Both are math instructors at the community college
• Claire gets engaged to Zach at the beginning of the story (who’s kind of a bum)
• No cheating! Only big-time yearning from Ryan ❤️
• Pi Day!
• Moving Day!
• HE TAKES CARE OF HER
• THE LOVE CONFESSION
• THE HEA

Quotes:

“Oooh,” James says, coming up to my podium. “You and Professor Beaumont?”

“What?” I can hear my voice sounding panicked. This is how rumors get started, and I don’t want to damage her reputation. “No. No way. She’s engaged.”

“To you?”

“Obviously not.”

He shrugs. “Well, from here, it looked like more than that.”

I shake my head. “We’re just good friends.”

“Well, good friends can be tangent to romance, am I right?”

I sigh heavily. “James, don’t use calculus against me.”

He just laughs and walks away. “See you Wednesday, Professor.”

DID I MENTION I LOVED THIS?

This is the first book in Marie Soleil’s new STEM series!! So cute and exciting! Can’t wait for more.

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Fire and Icing by Savannah Scott

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

Five stars because Dustin is a walking green flag. Like most guys in books are that are MCs but you can’t get any more green than this guy.

I started reading this on my Kindle app and loved it! I just couldn’t focus on my phone and thought I’ll just get the book!! Plus, I love it anyway and there’s something about having the physical copy of a book you love. Will get the whole series at this point. 🙂

Only note I had was that Dustin is 26! LOL

I loved this one just because DUSTIN was so likeable. I didn’t love that Emberleigh kind of just didn’t appreciate the sweet Dustin at first – I mean, come on. But I get it. That’s how it is sometimes.

The chemistry and all the moments they shared were the best. I loved how him helping her and going to the baking competition with her really pushed them together and gave them opportunities to learn and grow together.

The first book in the Firemen of Waterford TN series!

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Never the Bride by Kortney Keisel

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

OKAY. I am LOVING this series. So many good things to talk about here.

Notes:

• Harrison (Hess) Taylor (22 when they get married, 28 when the story picks back up and he makes a slide presentation)
• Camila (Cami) Jimenez (21 when they get married, 28 when the story picks back up)
• Cami is one of Carly’s best friends (Carly is from book one)
• Ch 1 they get married so she gets money from the living trust. The marriage arrangement is a 6yr deal. They got married, went their separate ways and wouldn’t see each other again (that was the plan).
• Ch 2 is 5.5yrs later
• THE TEXTING AT THE ENGAGEMENT PARTY 😂
• Hess’s slide presentation – worth mentioning twice😂
• The plumbing incident!!!
• Hess’s parents😂
• WAFFLE HOUSE
• THE FLOWERS
• Dual POV
• Cami’s not super likable at the beginning but Hess and life work on her. 🥰

Quotes:

“You’re just full of questions, aren’t you?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. Is my curiosity over who I’m marrying bothering you?”

The corner of his mouth lifts as he whispers, “T’ve never sealed a business arrangement with a kiss.”

“There’s a first time for everything,” I mumble as his lips fall to mine.

“How long have you known?”

“Since you walked onto the plane.”

“And you didn’t say anything?”

“Excuse me for thinking my wife would recognize me all on her own.”

“The first thing you need to know about me”-he flashes a charming smile over his shoulder “is that I take care of my woman.” There’s a bit of a drawl to his voice that makes me think he’s joking, but that doesn’t stop me from giving him a long, measured look.

“T’m not your woman.”

“That’s not what the state of Arizona says.”

“…Maybe independence doesn’t mean doing everything alone. Maybe it’s about choosing someone who doesn’t take away from you but makes you more yourself.”

The only thing that was weird was that Hess was in a relationship by the time Camila appears back in his life, near the end of their marriage agreement, but Hess is a big believer in the institution of marriage. I felt like though his relationship to said girlfriend is a key point in this whole debacle, it seemed contrary to the beliefs of the character and the fact that he was technically, on paper, married. I would have liked to see him (and Camila) abstain from all relationships, even if he wasn’t seeing Camila.

This is the second book in the Always Say Never series. You do not have to read these in order, but it always helps. Plus, Never With You was an amazing book (and it was single POV).

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The Parent Playbook by Elsie Woods

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

This was cute and enjoyable – more than I thought, but also, not my favorite???

Notes:

• Angel
• Scotty is 35
• Both have kids that are 12yo
• Angel has a son named Andy
• Scotty has a daughter named Lily
• Scotty has all the charm and dad jokes
• Hilarious and random phrases
• Talking to the universe instead of God ????
• Didn’t feel like we had good background info on Angel. Had plenty about Scotty though.

Quotes:

“every group has room for one more, especially if you find the right moment. You’ve just got to keep showing up, keep being you. It’s not about changing to fit in; it’s about finding the space where you fit.”

This is book five in the Love on Thin Ice series.

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The Uncomplicated Cafe by Rachael Bloome

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

I have LOVED this series, and this may be one of my favorite books in it. I know, I’m late reading this one! I’ve had it since it came out and boom – here I am.

Notes:

• The story is a continuation of Logan and Abigail’s story and their POV
• Jayce – dark Italian good looks
• CeCe – wears glasses (27)
• Fake engagement
• Best friends to more
• Adoption process
• Lost sailor
• Jayce’s mother’s reaction

Quotes:

“I’m not afraid,” he’d countered, knowing exactly what she meant without her needing to elaborate.

“Yes, you are,” she’d argued. “Acting is safe. You don’t care if you succeed or fail at it. But writing is your passion. It matters. And that terrifies you. So you keep it locked in a box, untouched. Because you can’t fail at something you’ve never tried. But that’s where you’re wrong. It is a failure. A failure to fight for the life you really want. Be a fighter, Jayce. Don’t let your dream dwindle until your dying day, when all you’ll have is what if.”

“You’re right,” Evan admitted, “and that stinks. But you have to stop viewing yourself as one of the statistics, as if the outcome is inevitable.”

“Isn’t it, though?”

“Of course it isn’t. You have a choice, Jayce. A choice to love CeCe with a fire that burns beyond the initial flame of infatuation. You can choose patience, forgiveness, grace, and perseverance. You can choose to see the good in her, day after day, long after the first rush of excitement fades. You can continue to be her best friend and her biggest supporter, to honor your commitment to stand by her, no matter what. That’s on you, with God’s help. And then you gotta trust Him for the rest.”

This is book four in the Blessings Bay series. I recommend reading in order since it’s a continuation of the previous books.

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To Love a Beast by Karen Witemeyer

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️❤️

Rating explained:

I cannot express just how much I loved this one. Deserves an infinite amount of stars.

A western retelling of my favorite story? Come on. This is IT for me.

Notes:

• Everett Griffin – from NY but moves to TX to be a recluse – probably older than Callie
• Callista (Callie) Rosenfeld – 26
• Everett’s older bro – Alex Griffin
• Everett’s father – Bradley Griffin
• There’s even a Gaston character! Of course 🙂
• EVERETT GRIFFIN – swoon!!!!
• Did I mention EVERETT GRIFFIN?
• The back story.
• The growth of Everett.
• The bravery of Callista.
• THE BEAUTY AND THE BEAST STORY.
• The books.
• The paintings.
• The everything.
• Must. Read.

Quotes:

Lightfoot shook his head, unimpressed by Everett’s quip. “It’s not a man’s appearance that forms his identity, it’s his character. You are more than your face, Griff. You always have been.”

He’d spent hours on the details, desperate to get everything just right. An impossible task. For the more time he spent in her company, the more beautiful she became to him. A beauty too deep for paint to capture.

This is book one in the Once Upon a Time in Texas series. This will probably be my favorite of the series, simply because it’s Beauty and the Beast, but I am looking forward to the rest of the series, for sure!

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Strawberry Fields for Never by Kate Watson

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

Okay, so I started this as an ebook and couldn’t get into it. I even tried audio. I got the physical book this month and boom. 🙂 Funny how that works.

Once I started reading this, I just loved it even more. The instant chemistry between Tripp and Jane – I loved that. They both had growing and learning experiences in this, it wasn’t just all romance. I REALLY enjoyed that part. So many good things.

Notes:

• Sweet and swoony
• Flirtations to kind of enemies to friends to more ??
• Misunderstood, farming MMC
• Company owner, boss woman FMC
• Dr. Seuss hating MMC 🤣
• Tripp – never felt wanted by family 😢
• Jane – taking care of everyone all the time
• The friend banter between Tripp. Rusty and Duke cracked me up 😂
• Minor innuendo throughout

First book in the Sweet as Sugar Maple series and I can’t wait to get to the next ones! Yes, I do have them on my shelf now. 🙂

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Sign Me Up by Dulcie Dameron

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

Another I started as an ebook and just couldn’t stay into it as an ebook! Glad I got this one. I’ve never read a book about a deaf main character! It was interesting and well written.

Notes:

• Parker is 24yo
• Jamie – unsure on age, probably same
• They became best friends quickly after she they started working at the company
• He calls her PINKY
• Best friends to more
• He takes care of her
• Minor innuendo
• Mishaps and team building activities at work
• Depth

Quotes:

Instead of watching my feet, I’d rather watch my fist slam into Lucas’s smug face, but I also don’t want to get fired, so I refrain. Besides, my dad taught me a long time ago that violence is never the answer.

I know Lucas thinks he’s better than me because he has use of all of his senses, but I don’t care. My sensory difference has no bearing on my ability to read a situation. I’d rather have self-awareness-something that Lucas clearly lacks— any day.

Her soft smile shows the truth in her words. “You see, Parker is different, but not in the way most people see him. He’s more in-tune with the way things feel. He experiences the world through sight and touch, through vibrations. And I think because of that, he’s a more sensitive individual. It’s not his deafness that sets him apart, it’s his intuitiveness.”

This is book one in the Kissing a Kent Brother series. I’m excited for book two!

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Acting Merry by Martha Keyes

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

Reese and Cole had an interesting meeting. 😂

I loved this story. I’m not usually a fan of insta-love but man, this one hooked me from the first page. Imagine starting a book at 8pm and getting about 60% through it and then waking up at 4:30am and finishing it before you start work!!

Quote:

”I had a feeling it would come to this, Reese’s Pieces.”

“Come to what?”

“You begging for me back.”

This is a standalone Christmas story and I highly recommend for your Christmas reading this season!

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Gold Digger by Skylar J Kent

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

This is a new to me author I stumbled upon through another author I follow!

Notes:

• Keaton, 33 – in fam business to take over a distillery – womanizer
• Layne, unsure on age but she’s in her 20s I believe – has chronic illness
• Marriage of convenience
• Tatum – oldest bro to Keaton (37) – lawyer
• Kingsley – youngest bro to Keaton (27) – a monk
• Wentworth – is a twin – younger bro to Keaton
• Layne’s older bro Tripp is 8yrs older than Layne
• Keaton’s friends: Dalton & Xavier been friends since they were 6
• Hosea & Gomer – modern story
• Danger throughout – ramps up as the story progresses

The depth of Keaton only grew as the story progressed. At the beginning, even I have to fight the feeling that he’s too far gone but through the story and scripture and the light that Layne brings to his life, it’s true that no one is too far gone for God to reach and bring back.

I didn’t LOVE this because so much of it was dark to me, but I did enjoy the faith journey of the characters and the strength Layne had through her chronic illness.

This is book one in the Unconquerable Faith series.

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Book and Ladder by Savannah Scott

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

Ooooookay, I thought I loved book one. I love book two more.

I need to watch You’ve Got Mail. I’m sure I watched it when I was a kid, but that was a hot minute ago. What a classic. And this book really made me want to watch that.

Back to the story at hand, did I mention I loved this? Let me share some notes.

Notes:

• Patrick – fireman, secret/anonymous book podcast host, drives a mustang (basically the ideal man, LOL)
• Daisy – bookshop owner, not a fan of Patrick (rather, the opposite)
• The swoon factor of Patrick – I mean… his knowledge of books, his banter with Daisy…
• You’ve Got Mail vibes
• Pride & Prejudice vibes
• Perfection
• Firemen/friend banter

Quotes:

“I don’t know. He’s awfully sweet to be a villain,” Effie defends.

“That’s part of his diabolical scheme,” I say plainly. “The looks, the smiles, the unflappable nature. It’s all a part of lulling people into blind affection and denial of his darker nature.”

“Adrenaline is my friend,” he says, smiling with relief. “I think I saw my life flash before my eyes.”

“Nah. That was the sparks flicking off the beam that almost took you out,” Cody says with a chuckle.

We joke because if we don’t, we won’t last.

“I bet you he’s wearing his lucky underwear,” I tease.

“The Cheetos?” Cody asks.

“Nah. Today it’s chili peppers,” Dustin admits.

We burst into the kind of laughter that comes after surviving a crisis. Nothing else needs to be said. The unspoken realities hang in the air around us.

At the word books, her face betrays her-softening before she can stop it.

I know the feeling.

Daisy and I might disagree on nearly every subject, but we both love books.

She’d be mortified to know we had anything in common, especially books.

“Is that flirting? Are you … flirting with me?”

“If I ever were to flirt with you, you’d know it.”

“If you ever flirt with me, it’ll be the last thing you do,” she fires back. But there’s a little less bite to her words than usual.

Not only am I hiding a part time occupation, but I’m in a clandestine online friendship. The best parts of my life are ones I can’t share with anyone I know.

This is book two in the Firemen of Waterford, TN series and I cannot wait for the rest!! I don’t know if any will top this one, but I’m keeping an open mind because I’ve come to love Savannah Scott’s books.

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Everything’s Coming Up Rosie by Courtney Walsh

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating explained:

Yes! I finally read this one! I’m super late to the party.

This was so sweet! I loved all the growth that Rosie had throughout the story and especially the HEA for her. This would probably make a great movie. The community was hilarious and quirky and I loved Booker’s character and how supportive he was – just a go with the flow guy.

Notes:

• Rosie – 29
• Booker – 33
• Connie when Rosie meets her when Booker brings her into the theater 😂
• Bertie to Rosie: “Ha. Connie never met butter she didn’t like to spread.” 😂 talking about gossiping, LOL
• Single POV

Quotes:

Sometimes dreams shift and change and grow, and changing along with them isn’t failing. Pivoting isn’t quitting. Happiness isn’t linear, and seeking it isn’t selfish.

This is a standalone novel.

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Books read this month: 15

Books read this year: 145

Book goal for year: 100

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Thanks for stopping by! If you made it this far, you’ve read over 4000 words, which is like reading a few chapters probably.

Feel free to share what you read in October in the comments! Did we read any of the same books?