Just Shelved: Recent Reads

Cover Story by Mhairi McFarlane - It has been on my list to read one of Mhairi McFarlane’s books since I first heard Haley Pham talk about them. I did find myself struggling at first to get into the story due to her unique vocabulary and writing style, but once I did get into it, I really enjoyed it! The story was romance and women’s fiction with a touch of mystery. No spice.

The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter - I think I have enjoyed every single Denise Hunter book I have picked up, and this one was no different. It was such a perfect blend of women’s fiction, romance, and a little hint of mystery / suspense. I was rooting so hard for the couple because they had so much stacked against them. I felt all the emotions while reading and loved the reminder this story gave to offer grace and forgiveness. No spice, no language.

Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross - This will probably be one of my favorite books of 2025! I loved the fantasy setting, the stakes, and the relationships. This book was page turning but also had such an endearing romance. 5 stars! Two short, vague open door scenes (pages 419-420, 423).

Can’t Help Falling in Love by Sophie Sullivan - I absolutely adored the opening scene in this book. I could picture it so well and loved how chaotic and yet perfectly written it was. If you are looking for a dash of fall, but not a book that is trying too hard to put fall on every page, this is it! No on page spice - however, I do feel like Sophie Sullivan’s books have more allusions, innuendos, and scenes that can walk the line.

Drawn Together by Juliana Smith - This was my first Juliana Smith book, and it did not disappoint! I loved so many things about this story - the “you’ve got mail” parallel, the friends to lovers arc, the bookish elements, the found family. The NYC fall setting was also perfect, and the author made it feel small and cozy, like their own little corner of the city.

On My Nightstand: Current Read

Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter - The Amazon description of this book calls it a “friction to romance” which I have never heard of before, but I like it. It follows the story of a couple trying to find their way back to each other after she falls off a ladder, gets amnesia, and forgets that they ever fell in love. Like I mentioned before, I always love Denise Hunter’s writing - she writes a more emotional romance, and I am excited to see where we go with this one!

In the Queue: Upcoming Reads

It’s in the Contract by Jessica Flory - This is a young adult romance set in Seattle, and the cover has the prettiest fall leaves! Jessica Flory is a new to me author, and I am very excited because I love finding new authors! I also feel like fall is the perfect time for young adult romance.

The Unplugged Hours by Hannah Brencher - Ever since reading The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer (highly recommend), I have been very interested in digital minimalism, slow tech, and ways to be present in the real world. This book has been sitting on my TBR forever and was actually recently recommended to me by one of you - so I am ready to start it soon. I am planning to dive more into the topic of screens and how to unplug more on my YouTube channel.

More to come, friends!

Caroline