My January Reads 2026

Please note that posts may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on a link, add it to your cart, and complete your purchase, I will receive a small percentage. We are very grateful for this additional source of income. Thank you.

Good morning, y'all! I hope you've had a fantastic week. Are y'all ready for the weekend? I know I am. Any plans for Valentine's Day? Today, I'm sharing my January reads! I know I'm a little late with this but that's oaky. 

Here's how my book recap goes. 

~I have included pictures if I have them and have provided links to them on Amazon so you can find out more about the books before you buy or check them out at your local library. 

~ If I left a more detailed review for a book, I'll include the link under the book so you can check it out. I leave reviews for books I really like or have received for reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and this blog. 

~If I receive a preview book, I'll include the release date for you.

~ Each book will have a rating in bold. I rate each book with a numbered star.

The rating system I use is as follows ~

*5 This book was amazing! I couldn't put it down. I loved the book so much that I either bought the book or planned to buy it to add to my ever-growing collection so I could reread it. 

*4 This means the book is definitely worth reading. I really enjoyed the book. I liked it, but not enough to buy it and add it to my collection. 

*3 This book was good. It wasn't the best book I've read, but I did enjoy it. I wouldn't need to read it again. 

*2 This book was okay. I finished it but had to force myself to. I probably didn't like the plot or the characters. The story just didn't work for me. 

*1 This means I didn't like the book at all, and I couldn't finish it.

This month, I only read 3 books. I've been busy organizing the house and helping Therese prepare for her new bundle of joy. 

1. The Christmas Cottage by Fiona Baker 

     Rating~ **** Stars

This is the 1st book in Fir Tree Grove Holidays series from Fiona Baker. There are four books in this series. This was a sweet holiday romance. There's plenty of holiday cheer. Vanessa heads home to help her grandmother, Mabel run her toy store during the Christmas season. While there, Vanessa meets Jackson, the owner of the local diner. Can he help Vanessa find her Christmas spirit? Will their friendship grow into more? With the magic of Christmas, it's pretty likely.

2. Starting Over in Sedona by Lynne M. Spreen

    Rating~ ***** Stars

This is fantastic read about a woman starting over. Sue Weston is tired of grieving her old life and her late husband. She's excited when her estranged sister contacts her and promises to leave her the family home and land in Sedona. Things don't go as planned, but Sue finds what she was searching for. This a great book about an older character. As I've gotten older, I love finding stories with characters around my age. I can relate to them more. A lot of the stories that focus on 20 somethings, I can no longer relate too. They seem to immature. There are two more books in this series, and I can't wait to read them. 

3. The Taming of a Wicked Rogue by Samantha Holt

     Rating~ *** Stars

This was a freebie from one of those stuff your Kindle days. It's a quick read. It's written fairly well. It's not the worst historical fiction I've read. Now a days, I find most of the "historical" fiction stories are too "modern" for me. The language, descriptions, and the plot are not realistic. The writers have done a poor job researching in my opinion. I was able to finish this one. There have been a few I couldn't. Rebecca and Lord Leonard have a past and reunite unexpectantly. Life changes drastically for them as they keep their connection a secret. 

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Till Next Time,

Monique

My Reading Goals for 2026

Please note that posts may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on a link, add it to your cart, and complete your purchase, I will receive a small percentage. We are very grateful for this additional source of income. Thank you.

Hello friends! Today I'm sharing my reading goals for the year!

I'm a little late getting this post up, but I wanted to share my reading goals for 2026. My goal is to share what I read each month and a few book reviews along the way. I keep track of all my books on GoodReads. 

Here are my reading goals for 2026~

1. Read 125 books. This includes regular books, eBooks, and any new books I've added to my Sunday school lessons. I'm keeping the same goal as last year since I think this year will be a little busy with a new grandbaby!

2. Read 25 faith-based books. This includes my Bible study books, books about the Saints, and any other book about my Catholic faith.

3. Read 25 books from my Want to Read list on GoodReads. It is currently at 634 books. I just keep finding more books to add. It's like the old saying, so little time, so much to read. I think I might have read only 5 off the list last year. I want to make a better effort at this year. 

4. Read 20 books from my own bookshelves. I keep adding books whenever our library has a used book sale. I need to start reading through them. I need room on the shelves, so I have to read a few and make some room. 

5. Read/reread 5 classics. 

Do you have any reading goals? Any good challenges that you're doing? Any book recommendations?

I'd love to hear about them!

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Till Next Time,

Monique

Happy Reading~ My November 2025 Reads

Please note that posts may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on a link, add it to your cart, and complete your purchase, I will receive a small percentage. We are very grateful for this additional source of income. Thank you.

Good morning, y'all! I hope you've had a fantastic week and a very Happy Thanksgiving. Are y'all ready for the weekend? I know I am. I do think we're supposed to get a few snow flurries, though. Today, I'm sharing my November reads! 

2025 Reading Goal~ 125 Books

I've currently read 121 books, so I have 4 more to go before the end of the year. I have 5 books started so I'll probably finish the year a little over my goal. 

Here's how my book recap goes. 

~I have included pictures if I have them and have provided links to them on Amazon so you can find out more about the books before you buy or check them out at your local library. 

~ If I left a more detailed review for a book, I'll include the link under the book so you can check it out. I leave reviews for books I really like or have received for reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and this blog. 

~If I receive a preview book, I'll include the release date for you.

~ Each book will have a rating in bold. I rate each book with a numbered star.

The rating system I use is as follows ~

*5 This book was amazing! I couldn't put it down. I loved the book so much that I either bought the book or planned to buy it to add to my ever-growing collection so I could reread it. 

*4 This means the book is definitely worth reading. I really enjoyed the book. I liked it, but not enough to buy it and add it to my collection. 

*3 This book was good. It wasn't the best book I've read, but I did enjoy it. I wouldn't need to read it again. 

*2 This book was okay. I finished it but had to force myself to. I probably didn't like the plot or the characters. The story just didn't work for me. 

*1 This means I didn't like the book at all, and I couldn't finish it.

This month, I read 9 books. 

Christmas Wishes in Wild harbor by Grace Worthington

4****

This is book 3 in the Wild Harbor Beach series. Mila returns home for the holidays and suddenly finds herself being set up by her matchmaking grandma. I love this series. The cute little town is the perfect setting for a small-town romance. 

Rooted and Radiant by Mallory Smith

5*****

This was the book for my weekly Bible study from Walking with Purpose. Each year our women's' church group choses one or two books from Walking with Purpose to study. This book was a journey through Colossians. 

Food Babe Family: More Than 100 Recipes and Foolproof Strategies to Help Your Kids Fall in Love with Real Food by Vani Hari

4****

This book was one I picked up at the library. It was on the new books shelf. I'm always looking for new cookbooks, especially ones with tasty and healthy recipes. I've heard of Food Babe before, so I was already familiar with her ideas and concepts. 

A Scottish Christmas Hideaway by Ellie Henderson

4****

I loved the Scottish village in this book. Reading Christmas themed books during this time of the year is a favorite past time of mine. This is a Christmas romance story. Jessica returns home for the holidays after a crazy year. She loves coming home and seeing the familiar faces, Christmas lights, and her brother's infuriating best friend. It's Christmas time. It's time for some Christmas magic and a sweet romance to bloom. 

The Oak Inside the Acorn by Max Lucado

5*****

This was a read for my 1st grade Sunday school class. It's a great book to help little ones realize that with God we can become so much more. We all start out small, but God has big plans for each and every one of else. 

One Snowy Swedish Christmas: A Spicy Holiday Novella

3***

This was an ARC read. I always have problems with novellas. I always end up needing more of a story line. I personally didn't care for the characters, and the plot was just oaky to me. It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't one of my favorites either. You can read my full review over at Goodreads.

The Gingerbread House by R.M. Whitaker 

5*****

I absolutely loved this one! It is the perfect Christmas romance story. Great characters, a wonderful small-town setting, and a fixer upper job restoring the Gingerbread house. What's not to love?

Christmas at Serendipity Springs by Ella Score

5*****

This was another 5-star Christmas romance story. A charming, small-town setting, a winter wonderland, and two reluctant people falling in love. It's the perfect book to curl up with on a cold, snowy day!

Hazelnuts and Homicide: A Bonne Annee Mystery by N.E. Carlisle

4****

Another fantastic ARC read! A quirky little town. Amazing characters. A furry sidekick. A murder mystery that keeps you guessing until the end. Grab a cup of hot chocolate and sit back and enjoy.

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Till Next Time,

Monique

Happy Reading~ My September 2025 Reads

Please note that posts may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on a link, add it to your cart, and complete your purchase, I will receive a small percentage. We are very grateful for this additional source of income. Thank you.

 

I'm a week late, but I wanted to share a book review last week. I can't believe September has come and gone. Another month of reading has come to a close, and the end of 2025 is fast approaching. I have no doubt I'll reach my reading goal. In fact, I have a feeling I may exceed it this year. 

2025 Reading Goal~ 125 Books

I've read 102 books so far this year. Good reads says I'm 11 books ahead of my schedule this year, so I'm thinking I'm going to exceed my goal. 

Here's how my book recap goes~ 

~ I have included pictures if I have them and have provided links to them on Amazon so you can find out more about the books before you buy or check them out at your local library. 

~ If I left a more detailed review for a book, I'll include the link under the book so you can check it out. I leave reviews for books I really like or have received for reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and this blog. 

~If I receive a preview book, I'll include the release date for you.

~ Each book will have a rating in bold. I rate each book with a numbered star.

The rating system I use is as follows ~

*5 This book was amazing! I couldn't put it down. I loved the book so much that I either bought the book or planned to buy it to add to my ever-growing collection so I could reread it. 

*4 This means the book is definitely worth reading. I really enjoyed the book. I liked it, but not enough to buy it and add it to my collection. 

*3 This book was good. It wasn't the best book I've read, but I did enjoy it. I wouldn't need to read it again. 

*2 This book was okay. I finished it, but had to force myself to. I probably didn't like the plot or the characters. The story just didn't work for me. 

*1 This means I didn't like the book at all, and I couldn't finish it.

Here are this month's books~

Framed and Frosted by Kim Davis

4****

This was the third book I read by Kim Davis. I love the sweet, quirky mysteries she writes. They are an easy read, but I just love the characters. 

Barefoot Promises: A Small Town Second Chance Romance by Stephaanie Tyo *ARC Review

3***

This was an ARC review for boksirens. I really wanted to love this book. I enjoyed the characters, and the plot had so much potential. I just didn't enjoy the writing style and the mistakes throughout the book were distracting. You can read my full review on Goodreads. 

Meet Me in The Dark by Laura Ahley Gallagher  *ARC Review

4****

This was another ARC Review I received. This was my first time reading a book by this author. The characters are great! I loved the book. It's a spicy romance, so if you are not a fan of spice, this may not be for you. The story is great, though, and who doesn't want happily ever after? You can read my review here. 

Mom, Rediscovered by Jen Butler *ARC Review

5*****

This is Jen's debut memoir, and it delivers. It is a must-read for moms of all ages. She recounts her life and struggles as a mom. I'll be posting a review in a few weeks!

An Irresistible Harvest by Rebecca Goldie

3***

An Evergreen Desire by Rebecca Goldie 

3***

This was another new author for me. I think I got these two books from a stuff your Kindle day. I honestly don't remember. I was in the mood to read a fall-themed book, so this one was the first one I came across on my Kindle. I then, of course, just followed up with the 2nd book (which is set during Christmas). Both books are about a small-town romance. They are cute and I liked all the characters. They were easy, quick reads. 

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Till Next Time,

Monique

Happy Reading~ My August 2025 Reads

Please note that posts may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on a link, add it to your cart, and complete your purchase, I will receive a small percentage. We are very grateful for this additional source of income. Thank you.

A week late, but hey, it's always better late than never. Another month of reading has come to a close. August went by way too quickly, if you ask me. As far as reading goes, August was a slow month for me. We had a few projects going on in the house, so I didn't have as much time to read as I would have liked. 

2025 Reading Goal~ 125 Books

I've read 96 books so far this year. Good reads says I'm 13 books ahead of schedule this year, so I may exceed my goal. I joined a new book club with ladies from church, and I rejoined my Bible study group, so those books will add to my goal. 

Here's how my book recap goes. 

~ I have included pictures if I have them and have provided links to them on Amazon so you can find out more about the books before you buy or check them out at your local library. 

~ If I left a more detailed review for a book, I'll include the link under the book so you can check it out. I leave reviews for books I really like or have received for reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and this blog. 

~If I receive a preview book, I'll include the release date for you.

~ Each book will have a rating in bold. I rate each book with a numbered star.

The rating system I use is as follows ~

*5 This book was amazing! I couldn't put it down. I loved the book so much that I either bought the book or planned to buy it to add to my ever-growing collection so I could reread it. 

*4 This means the book is definitely worth reading. I really enjoyed the book. I liked it, but not enough to buy it and add it to my collection. 

*3 This book was good. It wasn't the best book I've read, but I did enjoy it. I wouldn't need to read it again. 

*2 This book was okay. I finished it, but had to force myself to. I probably didn't like the plot or the characters. The story just didn't work for me. 

*1 This means I didn't like the book at all, and I couldn't finish it.

Here are this month's books~

Don't Tease Me (Mad Men #1) by Renee Rose   3 stars

This was a free eBook I got during one of those stuff your Kindle days. It's your typical age-pag romance stories that are out there. The plot was the same old story. The characters were developed well. Unfortunately, most of these stories seem to be all the same. It's a quick read that you don't have to concentrate on too much. 

Hour is Come (A Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery) by Victoria Tait 4 stars

This was another freebie I received. I actually received this one straight from the author. It's a mystery-solving book like Agatha Christie books (which I've never read). The story wasn't bad. It had a Labrador Retriever in it. I like the man character Dotty. She is a young (not too young) military widow starting over. For me, the story didn't grab me right away. It took a little bit to get into it. Once I was, I was trying to figure out who did it. If you like mysteries, I highly recommend the series. 

The Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros  5 stars

I bought this book for our trip to the beach. Wrong choice! This is not a light, easy read for a vacation. I quickly realized I wanted to focus more on this story, so I put it away until we got home. This is a fantastic historical fiction book. I fell in love with the characters and was deeply involved in their story. The story has a few twists and turns I didn't see coming, but I absolutely loved the story. It goes back and forth from the present day to letters from World War II. This is a story I will reread again.

Summer Nights in Wild Harbor (Wild Harbor Beach Book 2) by Grace Worthington 4 stars

This is book 2 in the Wild Harbor Beach series. I really enjoyed the first book so I was eager to read the rest of the seires. I loved how the characters are relatable and I'm a sucker for a sweet romance. 

Book 1 in the Series 

In Too Deep (The Castell Brothers #1) by Izzy Williams  2 stars

This was another freebie from Stuff Your Kindle day. Sadly, I'm finding most of the books offered during these promotions are not very good. Poor writing and lots of typos.  I really need to stop adding from these days. I hate reading a book that sounds like a 6th grader wrote it. It drives me crazy. Not good. It really feels like so many of the authors just copy stories from one another. I know I'm not a writer, but get your own storyline.  

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Till Next Time,

Monique

Happy Reading~ My July Reads

Please note that posts may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on a link, add it to your cart, and complete your purchase, I will receive a small percentage. We are very grateful for this additional source of income. Thank you.

Well, another month of reading has come to an end. July was a busy month, so I didn't read as much as I wanted. I also had a few more migraines this month, and reading can be difficult when your head is pounding, your eyes hurt, and you just want to sit in a dark room. 

2025 Reading Goal~ 125 Books

I've read 90 books so far this year. Good reads says I'm 17 books ahead of schedule this year, so I may exceed my goal. 

Here's how my book recap goes. 

~I have included pictures if I have them and have provided links to them on Amazon so you can find out more about the books before you buy or check them out at your local library. 

~ If I left a more detailed review for a book, I'll include the link under the book so you can check it out. I leave reviews for books I really like or have received for reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and this blog. 

~If I receive a preview book, I'll include the release date for you.

~ Each book will have a rating in bold. I rate each book with a numbered star.

The rating system I use is as follows ~

*5 This book was amazing! I couldn't put it down. I loved the book so much that I either bought the book or planned to buy it to add to my ever-growing collection so I could reread it. 

*4 This means the book is definitely worth reading. I really enjoyed the book. I liked it, but not enough to buy it and add it to my collection. 

*3 This book was good. It wasn't the best book I've read, but I did enjoy it. I wouldn't need to read it again. 

*2 This book was okay. I finished it, but had to force myself to. I probably didn't like the plot or the characters. The story just didn't work for me. 

*1 This means I didn't like the book at all, and I couldn't finish it.

Here are this month's books~

1. Dangerous Pursuit by Bethany Rosa   3***

An age-gap erotic romance. The characters were okay. The story was predictable. I won't continue with the series. 

2. Summer in Sweetbriar Cove by Meloday Grace   5*****

I really enjoyed this small-town spicy romance story and enjoyed meeting the characters. 

3. Love at Wild Harbor by Grace Worthington   4****

A chocolate shop, a fixer-upper, three sisters, and the small town boy returns home. A sweet love story comes to life. 

4. One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune   5*****

Good things happen at the lake, at least that's what Alice's grandmother says. This is the perfect read for summer. 

5. The New Menopause: Navigating Your Path Through Hormonal Change with Purpose, Power, and Facts by Dr. Mary Claire Haver   4****

A great book for those of us dealing with all the craziness that comes with perimenopause and menopause.

6. All For You by Meloday Grace   4****

This is the second book in the Sweetbirat Cove series.

7. Sam the Guardian Angel by Lis Luwia   4****

This book is perfect for teaching little ones about their Guardian Angel and the importance of Mass. 

8. Jesus Enters Jerusalem by Jane Fryer   3***

This book retells the story of Jesus entering Jerusalem.

9. The Week That Led to Easter by Joanne Larrison   3***

This book retells the story of Holy Week and Jesus' crucifixion. 

10. A Week to Remember by Ruth O'Leary   5*****

I loved this story about three Irish women on the journey of a lifetime. I enjoyed the book so well that I plan on reading more from this author. 

11. Possessive by Willow Winters   3***

Unrequited love, maybe? I read it. It was okay. A quick read, but it wasn't really a great story. 

 Well, that's it for today! Stay tuned for my August reads. I'll get them posted in the first week of September. I have some good ones I've started!

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Till Next Time,

Monique