Just Shelved: Recent Reads

Accomplice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer - I binged this series at the end of January / beginning of February, and it was such a fun time. There’s a pretty big reveal at the end of this third book, and I was immediately checking Net Galley for the ARC of the fourth. It wasn’t up yet, but I am anxiously awaiting its release later this year!

• Content: The first two books were no spice, but this one had one vague open door scene (pages 319-320). It also has some strong language and LGBTQ side characters.

Betting on You by Lynn Painter - This was a sweet young adult read with fake dating and a ski trip. Overall, I think it was my least favorite of her YA romances, but I still enjoyed it!

• Content: Kissing, occasional strong language

The Golden Goal by Annah Conwell - This was a super fun hockey romance following Shaw and Sutton. I loved the history they shared, and I am so excited to continue the series!

• Content: Kissing, no language

Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center - I have enjoyed everything I have read by Katherine Center, and this was no exception. I love the way she writes, and specifically, I loved the way this book touched on forgiveness, second chances, and connection with others in such a beautiful way. I can’t wait to finish reading the rest of her backlist!

• Content: closed door spice, occasional strong language

The Brain at Rest by Joseph Jebelli - This was my first non-fiction read of the year, and I really enjoyed it. He discusses different ways our brains rest including nature, sleep, play, solitude, mind-wandering, and more. I found this super interesting and am excited to put what I learned into practice!

The Names by Florence Knapp - This story follows three different timelines of what life would’ve been like if a mom had given her son three different names. I found this concept so intriguing; however, I didn’t end up enjoying it as much as I thought I would. There are some heavy things in this book so keep that in mind and check trigger warnings if you need to!

• Content: rare moderate language, allusions to spice, LGBTQ character

On My Nightstand: Current Reads

Normal People by Sally Rooney - I started this last night, and in all honesty, I’m not too sure about it right now. I love the concept of following two people over years of their lives who keep coming back to each other. However, already there has been a little spice that has made me wonder if I will end up DNFing it. It did take me a minute to adjust to Sally Rooney’s writing style with no quotations for dialogue, but now that I have, I feel like it doesn’t bother me. Look for an update on what happens with this read in March’s Pages I’m Turning!!!

Wild at Heart by John Eldredge - This book has been on my list to read for a while to better understand my husband and how to serve and love him well. I am excited to keep reading!

In the Queue: Upcoming Reads

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley - This one has been on my radar ever since I watched Haley Pham rave about it. I feel like because it is not strictly sci-fi but is blended with some romance and action, I will really enjoy it! I am wanting to try some more sci-fi in general, specifically Project Hail Mary before the movie comes out!

• I think I heard this maybe has a scene or two or spice? I will keep you all posted.

The Keeper by Charles Martin - This is the fourth book in his Murphy Shepherd series which I started reading back in 2020 when the first book came out. This series is fiction with romance, action, mystery, and suspense, and I truly love the way he writes. He weaves Christian themes and lessons into his stories so beautifully, and I am really excited about this one!

• This shouldn’t have any spice or language. It is considered Christian fiction!

More to come, friends!

Caroline