The Atlas of Untold Stories by Sara Brunsvold.

I have absolutely loved reading The Atlas of Untold Stories by Sara Brunsvold.I was very invested in this character driven story and read into the night to finish. The story weaves together family relationships, classic literature, and an amazing road trip. I appreciated the how the story beautifully explored female family relationships and was so relatable. I highly recommend The Atlas of Untold Stories by Sara Brunsvold.

 Blurb: A literary journey beckons them . . . and may profoundly rewrite their stories.

Chloe Vance, dreamer of the family, needs to tell her pragmatic mom, Edie, that she has accepted a low-paying art instructor role at a Christian school in Prague. Her older sister, Lauren--the "responsible one"--is doing all she can to hide the fact she's been fired for a foolish mistake and is desperately seeking her next career move. Meanwhile, Edie, estranged from her own sister following their mother's recent death, is frankly in no mood for anything else to change.

The one thing they can all agree on? Life in books sure is easier to navigate than life in the real world. As the three women embark on a nine-day road trip to visit significant literary sites throughout America's heartland, they hope to find inspiration through the works and lives of literary greats.

Sara Brunsvold (pronounced Bruns- as in RUN, -vold as is in OLD) is the Christy Award-winning author of The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip and The Divine Proverb of Streusel. She creates stories that boldly engage contemporary issues through the lens of hope and unshakable faith. Her passion is to connect with readers first through books, then through meaningful conversation. She lives with her family in Kansas.

Sometimes You Stay by Liz Johnson

Sometimes You Stay by Liz Johnson is a sweet romance that weaves in faith, love and wonderful characters to make an amazing story. Finn has a farm where he raises Newfoundland dogs, and Cretia is a traveling influencer who travels around the world.

Finn and Cretia are two people you will want to get to know, and the contrast of their lives will make you smile. I loved watching them grow and change with the help of each other, their faith, and the sweet community surrounding them. I was so engaged in the story, the character’s lives, and loved the magical setting of Prince Edward Island.

I enjoyed reading Sometimes You Stay by Liz Johnson and highly recommend. This is the perfect read for summer days. 

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review

By day Liz Johnson is a marketing manager. She makes time to write late at night—that’s when she thinks best anyway. Liz is the author of more than a dozen novels, a New York Times bestselling novella, and a handful of short stories. She’s a Christy Award finalist and a three-time ACFW Carol Award finalist. She makes her home in Phoenix, Arizona, where she enjoys exploring local music, theater, and doting on her nieces and nephews. She writes stories of true love filled with heart, humor, and happily ever afters.

Scott and Bothered by Alex Kiley

Scot and Bothered by Alexandra Kiley is a second chance romance with all the feels. Brook and Jack knew each other during their university days. Until it all blew up and they parted and have not seen each other in many years.

There is something about a second chance romance that always resonates with me. This dual POV and dual time-line story comes together seamlessly and draws you in. I enjoyed watching Jack and Brook figure out who they were, to love themselves, and realize the gift they had in each other. It was fantastic to visit Scotland through the pictures the author so eloquently painted and get to walk and adventure on beautiful trails. There are few thing I love better than highland coos.

Scot and Bothered by Alexandra Kiley is a second chance romance that will bring you hope. I recommend.

I received advance copies of the eBook from Harlequin Trade Publishing, and HTP Hive. All review opinions are my own.

CW  Open door, but skippable; 

Alexandra Kiley writes big-hearted romances full of banter, found-family, and deep love. When she’s not writing, you can find her drinking tea, playing with her kids, or gazing adoringly at the mountains of Colorado.  

Her novels are inspired by her semester in Scotland where she fell in love with not only the lush and magical land, but also the people who invited her into their homes and made her feel like family.​

To Kiss A Knight by Grace Hitchcock

To Kiss a Knight by Grace Hitchcock is book number two in A Novel of Best laid Plans series, but can be read as a stand-alone novel.  Vivienne Poppy has a plan to escape her brother and a horrible arranged marriage.  She is going to use her writing pseudonym Lady Larkby until she discovers that is a real name Sir Sebastian Larkby is a Yeoman of the Guard and recently knighted.  When he discovers Vivienne, he is not sure what to do.  Especially since his grandmother is so excited, he has taken a wife.

I thoroughly enjoyed this Regency Romantic Comedy!  What a delightful story that starts out with a bang and had me hanging on each word until the end!  Watching Vivienne and Sebastian both go outside their comfort zone with each other, grow as characters, and discover their hearts was a delight!  They both had great chemistry, banter, and sweet spirits.  The Regency setting was fantastic with wonderful historical details that made the story come alive.  I could not put this one down! 

I loved the romance, setting, faith elements, humor and chemistry between Sebastian and Vivienne.  To Kiss a Knight will be one of my favorite books of 2025!  I very highly recommend! 

I was given a copy and not required to write a positive review!   

Grace Hitchcock is the author of multiple historical novels and novellas. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives near New Orleans with her husband, Dakota, sons and daughter. Connect with her online at GraceHitchcock.com.

A Gentlemen's Reckoning by Jennie Goutet

A Gentleman’s Reckoning by Jennie Goutet is part of the Bachelors of Blackstone series, and is a stand-alone novel.  Lady Eugenia Stanich loves volunteering at The Foundling Asylum for orphans.   She has a heart for children and feels more loved there than at home.  John Aubin, a gentleman who has been shunned from society, is working at the orphanage under a different name.  He is there to seek revenge on the founder who also happens to be Lady Eugenia’s father.  They both connect, like each other, but what if Lady Eugenia finds out who John really is?  

I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet Regency romance with its dual POV.   I loved the sweet banter, romantic tension, and the fascinating setting of an orphanage in Regency London.  The author does a nice job of introducing you to others in Regency England besides the ton.  Lady Eugenia and John were wonderful characters who experienced redemption and became the best versions of themselves.  Watching John transform from a rake to good man was beautiful to see.  Both characters did not let the past dictate their future.  

The author has written such an original, beautiful and memorable story that will stay with you.  I enjoyed this character driven story and highly recommend A Gentleman’s Reckoning by Jennie Goutet.  

I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a positive review.  

Jennie Goutet is the best-selling author of twelve Regency romances, including the Clavering Chronicles, Memorable Proposals, and Daughters of the Gentry series. Her books have received first place in historical romance for the New England Reader’s Choice Awards and have hit the number one spot in Regency Romance on Amazon. They have been featured on BookBub and Hoopla, and are translated into five languages.

Jennie is an American-born Anglophile who lives with her French husband and their three children in a small town outside of Paris. Her imagination resides in Regency England, where her best-selling proper Regency romances are set. You can learn more about Jennie’s books and sign up for her newsletter on her author website: jenniegoutet.com or purchase her books at jenniegoutetbooks.com.

Rules for Ruin by Mimi Matthews

Rules for Ruin is first in the series The Crinoline Academy by Mimi Matthews. It is an extraordinary historical romance. Miss Euphemia Flite has a been a pupil at a lady’s institution that trains young women in the art of disruption. She is required to infiltrate a viscount’s home to discredit him and then she is able to gain her freedom from the Academy’s grip. Gabriel Royce has other plans and want s to use the viscount for his gain to further his agenda. He cannot have Miss. Flite stand in his way.

 
WOW! I was drawn into Rules for Ruin and did not want to leave this amazing story! The banter, tension, and chemistry between Gabriel and Euphemia was simply incredible! Alternating POV's helped me to watch them both develop, change, and grow. Themes of redemption, identity, and found family resonated deeply with me. The historical details and time period were fascinating, and I felt like the author transported me back to Victorian England. I could not get enough of this incredible book.

I was so taken in by Rules for Ruin and absolutely adored it. The story is beautifully written with enchanting characters, fascinating historical content, and wonderful romance! I can not wait to visit Crinoline Academy and its pupils again in the rest of the series. I highly recommend Rules for Ruin! It will be one of top favorite books of 2025.

I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a positive review

USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus, BookPage, and Shelf Awareness, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes an Andalusian dressage horse, a miniature poodle, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.

A Lesson In Propriety by Jen Turano

 A Lesson in Propriety by Jen Turano is a delightful romantic comedy that is the first book in the Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies series.  Miss Drusilla Merriweather’s life has changed drastically after her family lost their fortune.  She moves to a supposedly haunted castle to start a finishing school.  The first day Druisilla meets Mr. Rhenick Wittenbecker ,an architect, trouble, misunderstanding, and sparks start  to fly.

This was a great beginning to a new series.  Drusilla was a fun character with lots of spunk who made me laugh out loud.  Rhenick was a great hero, gentleman, and all-around great guy who I enjoyed rooting for.  I loved the banter, humor, and sweet romance.  Meeting the other characters, the mystery of the castle, and the setting of the Gilded Age made for a great story!

There is nothing quite like a Jen Turano book to make you laugh, reflect, and to take you on a great journey.  I enjoyed A Lesson in Propriety and look forward to the other books in the series.  I highly recommend. 

I was given a complimentary copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review. 

Jen Turano–Named One of the Funniest Voices in Inspirational Romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today Best-Selling Author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publisher Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She’s been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. When she’s not writing, she spends her time outside of Denver, CO. Readers may find her at www.jenturano.com or www.facebook.com/jenturanoauthor or on Twitter @JenTurano.