Author: Iola Goulton

20 December 2025

Book Review | Gelato at the Villa by Robin Jones Gunn

The cute cover of Gelato at the Vila gave me the impression the book was lighthearted summer read or perhaps a rom-com. There were some lighthearted and even comedic parts, but hidden underneath were deeper messages about life and faith.

Friends Grace and Claire decide to visit Italy together after Claire watched an inspiring travel documentary, so plan a week in northern Italy visiting Venice, Florence, and Bellagio. Yes, it sounds fabulous.

The story progresses in a fast-paced touristy kind of way that often reads more like a travelogue than a novel. I got the impression these moments were based on the author’s real-life experiences, and they gave the novel a real sense of authenticity. They make the locations and events come to life.

Grace and Claire crammed a lot of experiences into a short space of time.

They seem to spend a long time (well, a lot of pages) in each of their three locations, yet they are only away a week–a week that seems to last a lifetime. This is exactly like being on a good holiday (although Italy deserves a lot longer than a week as a holiday destination).

There was a soft faith element in the second half of the story as both Grace and Claire learn some lessons about God and love from the people they meet on their journey. It’s great to see American characters travelling outside their comfort zones and learning from Christians in other countries.

The story is written in first person from Grace’s point of view. I found her a little annoying at times, and would have liked to have had Claire’s point of view as well. The other thing that annoyed me was that while I could see the sights of Italy through Grace’s eyes, I couldn’t taste the food.

Yes, now I want to travel to Italy again.

Gelato at the Villa is an easy read, recommended for women’s fiction readers and armchair travellers.

Thanks to Revell and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

About Robin Jones Gunn

ROBIN JONES GUNN is the best-selling author of over 100 books, including the timeless Christy Miller series for teens. The characters continue in Christy & Todd: The College Years, The Married Years, The Baby Years and Haven Maker series.

Her multi-award-winning Christian fiction includes the Glenbrooke, Sisterchicks and Suitcase Sisters series. Four of her novels have been made into Hallmark Christmas movies. The Father Christmas movies broke records for the network by becoming the most watched and highest rated movies in 2016 and 2017.

Robin’s popular non-fiction includes, “Victim of Grace” along with “Before You Meet Your Future Husband” and “Praying for Your Future Husband” both co-authored with Tricia Goyer. Her acclaimed gift book, “By the Sea” is a fan favorite.

Robin speaks at international and local events. She and her husband have two grown children and live in California where she co-hosts the “Women Worth Knowing” podcast with Cheryl Brodersen.

Find Robin Jones Gunn online:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | X (Twitter)

About Gelato at the Villa

Chi trova un amico trova un tesoro.

“Whoever finds a friend finds a treasure.” Italian saying

Grace and Claire have formed a close friendship over their love of reading. After many years and many books that provided armchair adventures, the time has come for them to go somewhere instead of only dreaming of someday.

Traveling to Venice, Florence, and Bellagio, the Suitcase Sisters find themselves immersed in the magnificent works of art, scrumptious gelato flavors, and endless pasta variations of Italy. And they discover a vulnerability to disclose their struggles in ways they never did at home. As Grace experiences a newfound freedom and confidence in who she is, Claire wrestles with painful memories of her teen years.

A special dinner party brings unexpected revelations about faith and God’s nearness. Then a life-changing moment on the shores of Lake Lugano causes Grace and Claire to discover they are not just tourists but pilgrims on a path to becoming all God created them to be.

Find Gelato at the Villa online at:

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12 December 2025

First Line Friday #413 | Waves of Endless Love by TK Chapin

It’s First Line Friday! That means it’s time to pick up the nearest book and quote the first line. I’m quoting from Waves of Endless Love by new-to-me author TK Chapin. Here’s the first line of Chapter One:

What’s the book nearest you, and what’s the first line?

About Waves of Endless Love

Be swept away to North Carolina’s Emerald Isle with this romantic beach read…

Samantha Richardson bolts from Orlando, her life a tangle of hurt, seeking refuge in Emerald Isle at her sister Janet’s house. In this poignant Christian romance, the sunset over the waves soothes her restless soul—until Chase steps into her path, stirring echoes of what she thought she had outrun.

Chase is reeling. Word of his old friend Lance serving far-off in Africa twists something deep, pulling him away from the life he knows and to the family beach house in Emerald Isle. This inspirational fiction tale finds him off-balance, haunted by what’s been lost—until Samantha’s presence cracks open a part of him he thought was closed.

She didn’t expect his quiet strength to steady her. He didn’t think her nearness would wake old hopes. In Waves of Endless Love, a stirring Christian coastal beach romance, the coast becomes more than a hideaway—faith glimmers, grace calls, and a second chance whispers through the salt air.

Is this God rewriting their story? Perfect for lovers of Christian romance and second chance romances, this tale of broken pasts and tender possibilities beckons you to the water’s edge.

Find Waves of Endless Love online at:

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Click here to check out what my fabulous fellow FirstLineFriday bloggers are sharing today.

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Share your first line in the comments, and happy reading!

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8 December 2025

Book Review | Risking His Heart by Emily Conrad

Neenah’s life plan was to be a cop and steer well clear of romance.

She’s forced to reconsider her plans at the age of thirty-two, when an injury forces her out of her job and when she becomes guardian to a teenager on the same day. Fortunately, her best friend, Cody is around to help … (yes, it’s pretty obvious where this is going, and isn’t that the fun of reading friends-to-love romances?)

Cody has had feelings for Neenah for years but she turned him down flat the one time he dared ask her on a date.

Worse, she told him never to ask again. He’s honoured her request and instead the two are partners and best friends. At least, until she was forced out of the police force. Meanwhile, Cody has his own problems, involving this boss and father, who doesn’t want to promote him to detective no matter how hard he tries, and his latest case: the mysterious yeti stealing Christmas decorations from homes around Redemption Ridge.

Risking His Heart is a quick and easy read that gets into a surprising amount of depth considering the relatively short length (or maybe that’s more a reflection on how quickly I read it). Neenah and Cody both have issues they need to work through separately and together, and throwing a mourning fifteen-year-old and a yeti (!) into the mix makes that easier and harder.

I’m a big fan of friends-to-love stories, especially when the guy falls first.

Risking His Heart delivers on what fans of this trope expect, with a little more. It really shows what both Neenah and Cody have to lose if their relationship fails, but it also has a beautiful scene that convinced me (and Neenah) that’s not going to happen.

I especially liked the fact that both Neenah and Cody were Christians, and their faith was an important part of their romance.

Risking His Heart is part of the Redemption Ridge multi-author series set in and around the town of Redemption Ridge. The books are all standalone contemporary Christian romances featuring some common characters.

Recommended for contemporary Christian romance fans, especially those who like law enforcement or friends-to-love plots.

Thanks to the author for providing a free ebook for review.

About Emily Conrad

Emily Conrad writes Christian fiction. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband and two 60+ pound rescue dogs. Some of her favorite things (other than Jesus and writing, of course) are coffee, walks, and road trips to the mountains.

Find Emily Conrad online at:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | X

About Risking His Heart

Falling for her best friend is not on her (forced, way-too-early, medical) retirement bucket list.

Career-driven cop Neenah Casper is forced by an injury to turn in her badge at age thirty-two. The same day she’s named guardian of an orphaned fifteen-year-old girl. With all her plans in pieces, it’s no wonder she starts feeling more than friendship for her supportive best friend Cody. But life’s taught her nothing lasts forever, and surely these feelings will pass once she finds a new life’s purpose.

Though Neenah friend-zoned him years ago, Officer Cody Adams has never stopped watching her back and hoping for more. Helping with her new ward could be just the opportunity to show her how much more he could be. Meanwhile, he’s also fighting to earn a promotion and impress his unpleasable police chief father by catching a home burglar and a Christmastime prankster. Neenah’s newly minted neighborhood watch might help him save Christmas and earn the job, if only the group didn’t bring complications of its own.

As Neenah and Cody wrangle octogenarian vigilantes, Christmas bandits, and complicated families, the chemistry between them only grows. But if they act on it, they won’t be able to go back. With their friendship and careers on the line, is love worth the risk?

Find Risking His Heart online at:

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5 December 2025

First Line Friday #412 | Prelude for a Lord by Camille Elliot

It’s First Line Friday! That means it’s time to pick up the nearest book and quote the first line. I’m quoting from Prelude for a Lord by Camille Elliot. This is the first of her Regency romances I’ve read, but I remember enjoying her contemporary romances (written as Camy Tang).

Here’s the first line from Chapter One:

What’s the book nearest you, and what’s the first line?

About Prelude for a Lord

An awkward young woman. A haunted young man. A forbidden instrument. Can the love of music bring them together . . . or will it tear them apart?

Bath, England—1811

At twenty-eight, Alethea Sutherton is past her prime for courtship; but social mores have never been her forté. She might be a lady, but she is first and foremost a musician.

In Regency England, however, the violin is considered an inappropriate instrument for a lady. Ostracized by society for her passion, Alethea practices in secret and waits for her chance to flee to the Continent, where she can play without scandal.

But when a thief’s interest in her violin endangers her and her family, Alethea is determined to discover the enigmatic origins of her instrument . . . with the help of the dark, brooding Lord Dommick.

Scarred by war, Dommick finds solace only in playing his violin. He is persuaded to help Alethea, and discovers an entirely new yearning in his soul.

Alethea finds her reluctant heart drawn to Dommick in the sweetest of duets . . . just as the thief’s desperation builds to a tragic crescendo . . .

Find Prelude for a Lord online at:

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Click here to check out what my fabulous fellow FirstLineFriday bloggers are sharing today.

And you can click here to check out my previous FirstLineFriday posts.

Share your first line in the comments, and happy reading!

Don’t forget to click here to check out my Amazon shop for my top picks in Christian fiction!

1 December 2025

Book Review | Old Town Symphony by Milla Holt

Kezia Blair is a professional session singer who dreams of making it big and proving to her parents that music is a real career. Zach Falconer is about to launch Starbound, a reality TV show looking for Britain’s next great singing talent.

Old Town Symphony is the very definition of a slow-burn romance. Kezia isn’t interested in someone as popular as Zach, especially not after he delivers a stinging critique of her Starbound audition. Zach isn’t interested in another relationship with a musician who just wants to use him to climb the ladder to success, especially not one who’s performing on his show.

As the story progresses, the two slowly (oh, so slowly!) thaw towards each other.

That’s where the romance arc really gets interesting, because it’s clear Zach isn’t going to make a move until Kezia is out of the contest … which puts the focus of the story clearly on the music, and on the relationships between the contestants and their mentors.

Kezia, meanwhile, has to work out what Zach really thinks of her, and what she thinks of Zach. This is a romance, so we know she’s going to change her mind, and watching her emotional journey makes for compelling reading. There’s plenty of tension, and that kept me flicking the virtual pages. There were also enough mentions of other members of the Falconer family (especially Ezra and Martha) to keep series readers happy.

Old Town Symphony is the third book in Milla Holt’s Rhapsody of Grace series, following Home Town Melody and Small Town Harmony, and I loved them all.

Recommended for fans of contemporary Christian romance, especially those who like reality TV and slow-burn or forbidden romances.

About Milla Holt

I write inspirational romance with an international twist, with stories that uplift and encourage. Heroes with honor and integrity and strong, can-do heroines are my thing. And the good guys always get their happy ending. My fiction reflects my Christian faith.

I’m not a fan of writing about myself, but here goes. I used to be a lot of things: a journalist, a communications manager for a health activist group, and a freelance copywriter.

Before all that, I was a diplomatic brat, trailing along as my mother’s job took us to various diverse locations around the world.

Now, I’m homeschooling my children in the east of England and devoting every spare moment to writing.

Find Milla Holt online at:

Website | Facebook | Instagram

About Old Town Symphony

He created stars. She became his universe.

Kezia Blair believes true talent shouldn’t need shortcuts. But after years of singing backup and recording anonymous jingles, her shot at a real music career is slipping away. When a last-ditch audition lands her on Starbound, TV’s biggest reality show, Kezia faces a painful choice: chase stardom on someone else’s terms—or walk away for good.

Zach Falconer created Starbound to launch fresh talent—not get tangled up with it. Burned by a fame-hungry ex, he’s determined to protect his show from scandal and his heart from pain.

But Kezia’s passion, honesty, and refusal to play the game shake his carefully controlled world. And the deeper their connection grows, the harder it becomes to protect the lines between love, loyalty, and career.

In an industry where image is everything, can they hold onto what matters most… or will success cost them the truth—and each other?

A soulful, slow-burn Christian romance about integrity, ambition, and the price of staying true.

Find Old Town Symphony online at:

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Click here to check out my Amazon shop for my top picks in Christian fiction!

1 December 2025

New Releases in Christian Fiction | December 2025

What books are you buying people (or yourself) for Christmas? Here are some suggestions …

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Children’s/Middle Grade

Key’s Secret by Jennifer Arrington and Albrey Arrington — A strange blue envelope greets the kids of Coral Canal right before Labor Day weekend. Inside it contains a riddle and a set of instructions. Nobody, not even their parents, seems to know who sent the riddle, and the children only have five days to solve it and send photographic proof. (Children’s/Middle Grade, Independently Published)

Contemporary Romance

An Unexpected Texas Reunion by Heidi Main — After a traumatic experience, Brenna Park hopes that leading a youth summer camp with her emotional support dog, Lulu, will help ease her back into her life. Only, she didn’t expect to be sharing the responsibility with the man she left behind a decade ago. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Not Exactly Mr. Darcy by Carolyn Miller — What happens when history teacher Olivia Bennett travels to an English village and encounters a surly gardener at the nearby ailing Hartbury Hall? Can she find a way to thaw his heart and restore the Hall’s fortunes? (Contemporary Romance from Barbour Publishing)

The Gift of Mercy by Rena Bell Yeager — He’s the new wrangler, with a lot to lose. She’s the boss’s sister, with everything to gain. Will he win her love or lose it all – again? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Christmas Wishes by Carmen Peone — They are so close… Can Christmas Dreams Come True? With conflicting dreams, and a wedding countdown ticking, can their love survive the season? (Contemporary Romance Novella from Iron Stream Media)

General Contemporary

Every Voice Heard by Sarah Hanks, N.Y. Dunlap, and D.T. Powell — Three novellas about Church hurt and abuse. (General Contemporary, Independently Published)

Historical Romance

Courting Love: Three-in-One Collection by Jodie Wolfe — Courting the Love sisters should be easy. With their surname, they should be primed for romance. But the three men tasked with wooing them have their hands full. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

A Christmas to Remember by Penny Zeller — He’s running from his past. She’s seeking a better future. Love in Time is a tender love story that reminds us that God’s timing is always perfect. (Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)

Love in Time by Penny Zeller — When Otis MacCallum agrees to deliver much-needed food and medicine to the remote town of Hawthorne, Montana, he knows there’s a real possibility he’ll again see the woman who broke his heart. Belinda Finnigan had reasons for declining Otis’s proposal, but it still hasn’t lessened the pain of losing his friendship. When Otis arrives on her doorstep one wintry December day with food and medicine in hand, can two broken hearts be reconciled? Will theirs be a Christmas to remember? (Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)

Romantic Suspense

Mine by Sami A. Abrams — Escaping her past…means risking everything to stop a twisted obsession. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

A Killer in Texas by Jessica R. Patch — In the search for a murderer, the hunter becomes the prey… While guarding a person of interest in several homicides, bodyguard Libby Winters is attacked by the real serial killer. The Eye, as he’s known, has been stalking her for the past two months, and now he’s ready to make his next move. Determined not to repeat past mistakes, protection specialist Axel Spears vows to keep his partner safe and take down the man who murdered his wife. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense [Harlequin])

Hooked by Stephanie Sanders — What begins as a family trip to the Outer Banks spirals into fear as a stalker emerges from the shadows, forcing Lexi Martin to face her anxiety, navigate a complicated secret relationship, and find her way back to a faith she’s long abandoned. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Speculative Fiction/Fantasy

Reyuul’s Redemption by David Liberto — Joern was once the Scourge of Cordiae—a reyuul whose dark magic was so terrifying that the god, Lohem, forged new weapons to stop him. After 400 years of evil, Joern’s now a deformed cleric confessing his sins before the very people he once terrorized. (Speculative Fiction/High Fantasy, Independently Published)

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month

The Prodigal by L.D. Baldwin — Frank Martin searches for his estranged son while confronting his own war with God. (Historical Mystery)

Mail-Order Duchess by Misty M. Beller — A marriage born of duty. A love neither expected. (Historical Romance)

Fields of Shadow and Glory: 1863 by Elizabeth Ann Boyles — Held captive in the shadows of the American Civil War, Tom, Terry, and Sara must exercise faith and courage if they are ever to arrive at their journey’s end. (Historical Romance)

The Basement Angel by LeeAnn Christian — A desperate man and a curious young girl form an unlikely friendship within the walls of a forbidden basement. (Contemporary Suspense)

The Songbird and the Surveyor by Denise Farnsworth — A marriage of protection. A past full of pain. In Georgia’s wild gold country, love might strike when it’s least expected. (Historical Romance)

Charlie’s Trip by David Hollenstein — He needs to prove his innocence, save his marriage, and definitely wants to find a way back into God’s embrace. (Biblical Suspense)

Washington Island Romance Series: Boxed Set by Annette M. Irby — This set includes Finding Love in Friday Harbor, Washington; Finding Love on Bainbridge Island, Washington; and Finding Love on Whidbey Island, Washington. (Contemporary Romance)

Even in This by Dianna Lanser — With a chance at first love and a recording contract pending, sixteen-year-old Miah Brennan stands on the riverbank of her future, awaiting permission to jump in. Weeks before 9/11, tragedy strikes in cruel succession, destroying her future and forcing her to make impossible choices. (General Contemporary)

Irish Rose Orphans’ Christmas by Susan G. Mathis — This heartwarming prequel sets the stage for the upcoming Irish Rose Orphans: A Thousand Islands Gilded Age Series, where seven spirited young women serve the islands’ elite! (General Historical)

A Place to Belong: Josephine’s Story by Heidi Gray McGill — A wounded Civil War veteran. An unwed mother with nowhere left to turn. In a town full of second chances, will a marriage of convenience become the love story neither dared hope for? (Historical Romance)

Haven for Love by Naomi Musch — A corporate marketer and camp owner find unexpected connection, while a landscaper and teacher navigate faith and forgiveness. (Contemporary Romance)

Dangerous Shadows by Gail Pallotta — A horrifying assault, a stalker, and a murdered gambler — is it possible to put the pieces together in Dangerous Shadows? (Romantic Suspense)

A Thorn in Winter’s Grasp by Davalynn Spencer — She deceived them. They love her. Is there hope for forgiveness by Christmas? (Contemporary Romance)

Fireman’s Lesson in Love by Mishael Austin Witty — A burned-out teacher and a smitten firefighter must uncover the truth behind a deadly arson before it destroys their nascent love. (Romantic Suspense)

28 November 2025

First Line Friday #411 | Risking His Heart by Emily Conrad

It’s First Line Friday! That means it’s time to pick up the nearest book and quote the first line. I’m quoting from Risking His Heart by Emily Conrad, another standalone romance in the multi-author Christmas in Redemption Ridge series.

Here’s the first line from the Chapter One:

What’s the book nearest you, and what’s the first line?

About Risking His Heart

Falling for her best friend is not on her (forced, way-too-early, medical) retirement bucket list.

Find Risking His Heart online at:

Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads

Click here to check out what my fabulous fellow FirstLineFriday bloggers are sharing today.

And you can click here to check out my previous FirstLineFriday posts.

Share your first line in the comments, and happy reading!

Don’t forget to click here to check out my Amazon shop for my top picks in Christian fiction!

25 November 2025

Book Review | The Rules of Falling for You by Mollie Rushmeyer

Miss Zoe Dufour works part-time at the local Christian radio station and is the voice behind a popular podcast, “Love According to Miss Gladwin”, her favourite Regency author. She decides to follow Miss Gladwin’s list of courting tips in the hope it will lead her to her own happy-ever-after … ideally before her impending thirtieth birthday. She’s also a Type I diabetic, and I did enjoy seeing how her illness played into the story.

Harrison Lundquist is Zoe’s best friend’s brother (which has to be one of my favourite tropes). He’s back in town after his career implodes, and Eden ropes him into helping manage the sound on the podcast (forced proximity, another fun trope). He’s not against the idea … despite two failed attempts to show Zoe how he feels.

At first, I thought this was going to be a Regency version of Husband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong (which I really enjoyed). It was, but it put a new spin on the idea: Zoe, Eden and Harrison are invited to attend a Regency romance retreat, where they will spend a week pretending to be Regency lords and ladies, complete with period clothing and games, all arranged by a matchmaking host.

I will admit, there were a couple of aspects of this that were pretty unbelievable. How much would it cost, given all the attendees were provided with a week’s worth of fitted Regency outfits? How would the matchmaking organiser find sufficient men to participate? Would any modern woman truly be interested in the kind of guy who’s happy to cos-play as Mr. Darcy (the Colin Firth version, of course).

Never mind. Mollie Rushmeyer made it believable. Or, at least, she had me hooked enough that I wanted to find out what happened …

The Rules of Falling for You was a fun Christian romance that will appeal to Pepper Basham and Carolyn Miller fans … and anyone who enjoys Pride and Prejudice.

Thanks to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

About Mollie Rushmeyer

Mollie Rushmeyer writes contemporary fiction with a heart for history, a blend of modern settings, and fascinating historical elements woven throughout. A born-and-bred Midwestern gal, Mollie makes her home in central Minnesota with her husband and two beautiful daughters. She is not only a bibliophile (the dustier the better, in her opinion), she’s a true Britophile at heart. Tea and coffee fuel her travels, by Google maps at least, and her passion for the written word.

Find Mollie Rushmeyer online at:

Website | FaceBook | X

About The Rules of Falling for You

She thought she knew the rules of love. Turns out, love makes its own.

The perfect match can’t be far–certainly not at a Regency-themed singles’ retreat–or so podcaster Zoe Dufour believes. After years of creating content for her relationship podcast inspired by Regency etiquette and era-appropriate rules for romance, she knows her listeners have anticipated this retreat. But she also attends with expectations of her own: finding the ideal modern-day gentleman who can meet every one of the nonnegotiables on her checklist.

Harrison Lundquist, Zoe’s podcast producer and best friend’s brother, reluctantly agrees to tag along on the retreat to capture footage while seeking a career-advancing promotion. He views the retreat as ridiculous. And Zoe’s methods for finding her real-life Mr. Darcy? Downright absurd! But as he films her whirlwind dates, his growing feelings for her are sidelined by suitors vying for her attention. When Zoe realizes her checklist for the man of her dreams might be holding her back, she must decide if she’s willing to rewrite her rules and take a chance on the person who has been there all along.

Find The Rules of Falling for You online at:

Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads

Click here to check out my Amazon shop for my top picks in Christian fiction!

21 November 2025

First Line Friday #410 | Old Town Symphony by Milla Holt

It’s First Line Friday! That means it’s time to pick up the nearest book and quote the first line. I’m quoting from Old Town Symphony by Milla Holt, the sequel to Home Town Melody and Small Town Harmony, both of which I loved.

Here’s the first line from the Chapter One:

What’s the book nearest you, and what’s the first line?

About Old Town Symphony

He created stars. She became his universe.

Zach Falconer created Starbound to launch fresh talent—not get tangled up with it. Burned by a fame-hungry ex, he’s determined to protect his show from scandal and his heart from pain.

In an industry where image is everything, can they hold onto what matters most… or will success cost them the truth—and each other?

A soulful, slow-burn Christian romance about integrity, ambition, and the price of staying true.

Find Old Town Symphony online at:

Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads

Click here to check out what my fabulous fellow FirstLineFriday bloggers are sharing today.

And you can click here to check out my previous FirstLineFriday posts.

Share your first line in the comments, and happy reading!

Don’t forget to click here to check out my Amazon shop for my top picks in Christian fiction!

17 November 2025

Book Review | Hearts in Circulation (Checking Out Love #2) by Sarah Monzon

Hearts in Circulation is the second book in Sarah Monzon’s Checking Out Love series, based in a library in the small town of Little Creek in the foothills of southeastern Tennessee. The first story, An Overdue Match, was the romance between Evangelina, who has alopecia, and Tai, the town’s tattoo artist.

This story has Hayley Holt, Evangelina’s fellow librarian and Tai’s cousin, driving a Volkswagon Transporter that has seen better decades, into the tiny towns around Little Creek as the modern-day equivalent of the packhorse librarian in Lynne Austin’s Wonderland Creek.

And this one has all the tropes. All. The. Tropes.

It’s grumpy-sunshine, with Levi as the introverted loner and Hayley as the extrovert with a built-in desire to make life better for everyone around her.

It’s Beauty and the Beast, because Levi is a reader who has an enviable library of his own. He’s also more than a foot taller than Hayley, and in a grizzly bear kind of way.

It’s epistolary, as Hayley and Levi get to know each other through letters (because grumpy Levi is not a big talker).

It’s forced proximity, after Cletus (the bookmobile) breaks down in a town with no accommodation options.

Despite their differences, Hayley and Levi discover they have a lot of similarities, not least that they both love reading. There’s also an almost-instant attraction between them, but one that feels authentic and based on more than the physical. There is also a strong faith element, although that took a while to bubble up. Once it does, it’s a powerful reminder that we can’t earn our salvation. It’s a gift … just like life.

I loved Hearts in Circulation, perhaps even more than An Overdue Match.

I loved the writing. I loved the tropes. I loved the way the mix of first person (for Hayley) and third person (for Levi) gave each character a unique voice. I loved the literary references (especially the hat-tip to Daddy Long Legs by Jean Webster).

Most of all, I loved the way Hayley and Levi’s unique issues gave them both eyes to see beyond the other person’s exterior to their true God-given identity underneath, and that was the basis for their attraction and their romance. That, to me, is what convinces me they are meant for each other – and isn’t that the happy ending we all want to read?

Recommended for fans of contemporary Christian romance, especially those who like trope-driven bookish romances.

Thanks to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

About Sarah Monzon

A Carol award finalist and Selah award winner, Sarah Monzon is a stay-at-home mom who makes up imaginary friends to have adult conversations with (otherwise known as writing novels). As a navy chaplain’s wife, she resides wherever the military happens to station her family and enjoys exploring the beauty of the world around her.

Find Sarah online at:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | X

About Hearts in Circulation

Can a rundown bookmobile be the vehicle that brings two unlikely hearts together?

Little Creek’s bookmobile is more of a death trap on wheels than a vehicle of literary delights, and circulation librarian Hayley Holt is afraid it’s going to careen down a mountainside with her in it. Yet she sees it as a way to serve her community and be worthy of the liver transplant that saved her life as a child. However, her fears come true when the bookmobile breaks down and a rockslide traps her in the small hollow of Turkey Grove.

Reclusive mechanic Levi Redding lives in tiny Turkey Grove to get away from people. He can handle getting the bookmobile running again, but the endless chatter and unsettling touches from the vibrant librarian leave him overstimulated. When forced proximity leads to a misunderstanding, a note of apology begins an epistolary friendship, proving that sometimes the happiest of endings aren’t contained within the bindings of a book.

Find Hearts in Circulation online at:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub | Goodreads