The Hardest, Longest Race: an ambitious race and one man's determination to make sure his car won

The Hardest, Longest Race: Henry Ford and the Cross-Country Contest that Changed America by Eric Moskowitz is the story of the first true coast-to-coast automobile race in U.S. History. In 1909, America was home to 253 automakers who were visionaries, schemers and would-be barons of a new century. M. Robert Guggenheim, a playboy millionaire, announced an audacious “Ocean to Ocean” contest from New York City to the Seattle World’s Fair with three companies brave enough to try: Acme, Ford, and Shawmut. Oddsmakers favored the pricey imports while dismissing the pint-sized Model T and the long shot Shawmut, a company struggling to survive after a factory fire. With the rough terrain, they didn’t believe the cars would reach the finish line. But Henry Ford was determined to prove that the Model T could go the distance and three weeks later, a Ford crossed the finish line. However, the victory was a fraud. 

I had never heard of the Ocean to Ocean race and I was intrigued at this piece of automobile history. The Hardest, Longest Race is a fast-paced tale of the gritty and determined drivers, told from their perspectives, braving the hostile terrain, mechanical failures and sabotage and subterfuge to ensure victory. I wasn’t surprised that Henry Ford had cheated in order to win the race. However, it is also a love letter to America and the car which would help transform the landscape of the automobile. There was a lot of mechanical information that someone without basic automotive knowledge would get lost. However, even if you do not understand basic car mechanics, the history and the high stakes would be worth the read. Overall, I enjoyed the tale of the Ocean to Ocean race and the men who drove it. If you enjoy history and automobiles, I highly recommend The Hardest, Longest Race. 

The Hardest, Longest Race:

Henry Ford and the Cross-Country Contest that Changed America

will be available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook on June 2, 2026. 

The Unicorn Hunters: a historical fiction fantasy of one woman's determination to keep her country's future secure

The Unicorn Hunters by Katherine Arden is a historical fiction fantasy of one woman’s determination to keep her country’s future secure. Anne of Brittany is an orphaned duchess who decides to use the world of myth and magic in order to buy herself time. When she was a child, her country was invaded, her home surrounded and her father driven to his death. Now the country’s treasury is empty, the land is filled with enemies and she has been ordered to marry the King of France or risk a renewed war. Anne had promised her father that Brittany would never be conquered. In secret, she betroths herself to France’s greatest enemy and in order to formalize the union, Anne takes her court deep into a legendary forest under the guise of hunting an unicorn. However, it is all a ruse or so Anne thinks when a unicorn appears and she finds herself in a world of enchantment where she must find the power to change her own as well as her country’s destiny or be lost forever. 

I loved Katherine Arden’s Winternight trilogy with a mix of historical events and magical elements. When I had a chance to read The Unicorn Hunters, I looked forward to it as I was intrigued. I knew of Anne of Brittany, the historical figure, as well as the story depicted in the famous Unicorn Hunt tapestries. From the opening pages to the closing chapters, this story was engaging with a political strategy, historical figures and mystical intrigue. Anne is strong willed, fiercely loyal to the memory of her father and the people who depend on her. I enjoyed watching her strategize as she tried to avoid marriage with the King of France. I enjoyed the eerie atmosphere of the country and the legendary forest. There is a romantic element to the story; however, I feel it did not overwhelm the story. Overall, I enjoyed this reimagined story of the historical Anne of Brittany and the magical myth of the elusive unicorn. If you enjoy historical fiction with magical elements, I highly recommend The Unicorn Hunters. 

The Unicorn Hunters will be available June 2, 2026 in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

The Windsor Affair: the rivalry between an English queen and an American socialite

The Windsor Affair by Melanie Benjamin is the story of a scandalous affair, a power struggle for the throne and a rivalry between an English queen and an American socialite. Edward David Windsor, heir to the British throne, the future Edward VIII, the suave Prince of Wales and his brother, Albert, known as Bertie, “the spare.” Wallis Simpsons, an American divorcee, and Edward’s lover, and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, Bertie’s wife. Between them, a rivalry that would last the rest of their lives, fuel gossip and headlines for decades. Telling their stories from their beginnings through their love stories and ultimately the bitter feud that created sides in the royal family as well in the British public, The Windsor Affair sets the stage for the Abdication, World War II, coronations, funerals, marriages and births, and the two women who maintain a bitter, sharp tongued feud. 

I have been a long admirer of Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon as I have read her biography and saw her strength as she supported her husband in a role he never wanted and helped guide the British people through World War II with courage and tenacity. Wallis Simpson has always been the woman who won the heart of a prince and then vilified as he abdicated the throne for her. Yes, the women were catty and each fueled the hostilities between them which, to me, make them more human. I enjoyed the author’s characterization of David Windsor as Peter Pan, a man who was never going to grow up and take the responsibility his birth demanded. Overall, I enjoyed the story. I would have liked more indication of which point of view was featured in the chapter. If you enjoy royal drama, I recommend The Windsor Affair. 

The Windsor Affair will be available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook on June 2, 2026. 

Memories of the Beach: a mysterious letter brings two women to a beach resort town and changes their lives forever

Memories of the Beach is the first book in Blue Heron Cottages by Kay Correll. Aspen receives a mysterious letter from her estranged mother, asking her to come to an all-expenses-paid week at the Blue Heron Cottages. The very mother who disappeared from her life over twenty years ago. After losing her job and her apartment, Aspen heads to the small town of Moonbeam to stay and figure out her next movie. Willow also receives a letter asking her to come to the resort; but she is reluctant until she realizes that this letter may be related to what her mother was trying to tell her with her dying breath. As Aspen and Willow arrive at the cottages, nothing can prepare them for the revelation they are about to learn. 

Memories of the Beach is a fast paced, sweet story of two women whose life is about to change with a single letter. Aspen is a woman who has known struggles but always lands on her feet. Willow is a woman who has lived a great life and doesn’t know what to do with this mysterious letter urging her to a place she has never been. The revelation that awaits them will throw their world for a loop. Overall, it is a sweet story but I felt too many loose ends were left. I am assuming they will be wrapped up in the rest of the series. However, I don’t know if I am invested enough to want to find out. However, I recommend Memories of the Beach. 

Memories of the Beach is available in paperback and eBook

Things We Left Behind: a friends-to-enemies-to-lovers romance as the Knockemout trilogy comes to an end

Things We Left Behind is the third and final book in the Knockemout trilogy by Lucy Score. Lucian Rollins is a lean, mean mogul with vengeance on his mind. With a mission to clear the horrible stain his father put on the family name, Lucian has gained the power of an indestructible business empire with the ability to pull strings and end careers with a single word. He is seemingly untouchable. Untouchable except for Sloane Walton, the feisty Knockemout librarian, the one woman who could set him free and the one woman he would rather die than ask for help. Sloane inherited her father’s quest for justice and would do anything for anyone in need. However, she doesn’t trust Lucian as fall as she can throw him. When their fierce bickering turns into foreplay and eventually a steamy one night stand, they find themselves unable to walk away from each other. 

It was sad to say goodbye to the residents of Knockemout; however, Lucian and Sloan’s friends-to-enemies-to-lovers story was a great sendoff. Lucian is determined to avoid the sins of his father and Sloan wants a loving marriage and family just like her parents did. They seem to be on opposing sides and yet they have a connection and a history that no one else understands. Their bickering was fun and their friendship was sweet. It was heartbreaking knowing how their friendship ended. The rebuilding of their friendship was great and their romance was spicy. I loved the interactions between Lucian, Nash and Knox as great as any sibling bickering could be among lifelong friends. Overall, I enjoyed this story and this series. It tied up all loose ends and sets the sun on their amazing love stories. I highly recommend Things We Left Behind and the rest of the Knockemout trilogy. 

Things We Left Behind is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Shippers: rom-com with childhood friends to lovers and hijinks on a cruise ship

The Shippers is the newest comedy romance by Katherine Center. Jojo Burton has been bad at love her entire life. With the help of her sister and a little pop psychology, she figures out the source of her intimacy issues, JoJo decides that she is going to fix them once and for all at her sister’s destination wedding aboard a cruise ship. Her first crush and first kiss will be a guest at the wedding and she decides to woo him for some closure. The snag in her plan, she needs a wingperson as her sister will be very busy with the final details of the wedding. Enter Cooper Watts, her childhood bestie. Cooper agrees to her plan, which is dubbed Project Conquest. As they participate in the ship's activities in order to catch the attention of her first crush, they also have late night talks and walk down memory lane. Something feels off, can JoJo figure it all out before it’s too late?

Katherine Center has been an autoread author for years and when she announced her newest novel, I eagerly waited. Unfortunately, the story started off iffy for me as I did not like JoJo. I found her naive, annoyed and very immature. However, she did grow on me by the end, I was cheered for her as she figured it all out. I figured out the piece of childhood memory didn't happen as she thought it did and maybe I was supposed to. I loved Cooper from the very beginning and begged JoJo to truly see him behind the childhood bestie she once knew and loved. By the end, I laughed, sighed and closed the book with a smile. I am so happy that I stick with it and I love this childhood-friends-to-lovers romance with plenty of heart. I also love the play on words as the majority of the story takes place on a ship and the slang “ship.” I highly recommend The Shippers. 

The Shippers is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

The Starfish Sisters: two women's friendship is tested as they face betrayals and heartbreaks

The Starfish Sisters by Barbara O’Neal is a story of two women, friends close enough to be sisters, as they face betrayals, heartbreaks and finding refuge in true friendship. Phoebe and Suze met at the age of twelve as Suze moved to the small coastal town in Oregon as Phoebe visited her grandmother. They became as close as sisters until secrets threatened their friendship and even their lives. Decades later, Suze is a famous actress who needs a safe haven after a brutal attack. . Phoebe is now a successful illustrator and fabric designer living in the small town she enjoyed so much. As Suze arrives in town, Phoebe is both excited and unsure how to face her return and the drama she brings. Phoebe had let Suze down once before and she doesn’t want to do it again. Can Phoebe and Suze confront their past and strengthen their friendship? 

The Starfish Sisters has been described as “a moving story about the complicated nature of female friendships, and the joys and heartbreaks of life and the resiliency and power that women possess.” Sounds powerful, right? The opening prologue certainly set the scene for a dramatic story. However, I did not care for Phoebe or Suze, either as young girls and as older women. Phoebe and Suze are supposed to be as close as sisters and a little jealousy is understandable as young girls but the jealousy and resentment as older women was eye rolling. Overall, I was bored. The Starfish Sisters was my third book by Ms. O’Neal and I see the same issues I had with the other two books. The story is bogged down with too many flashbacks, a slow moving plot, and a rushed and disappointing ending. I do not recommend The Starfish Sisters. 

The Starfish Sisters is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Color of Love: the strength love can gives us to survive and thrive

The Color of Love is the sixth book in The Color of Heaven series by Julianne MacLean. Carla Matthews is a single mother who struggles to give her daughter, Kaleigh, the life she deserves. When Seth, Kaleigh’s absent father, begs for a second chance at being her father, Carla is hesitant. She will always wonder if he will leave them again for his first love: being an alpine climber and the next mountain to conquer. When Seth’s plane goes down in the harsh Canadian wilderness, Carla is left wondering if he is alive or dead. Will they ever know what happened to the plane? One year later, a man is found, half dead, floating on an iceberg in the North Atlantic. He has Seth’s wallet and journal on him, could he truly be him? How did he survive? Does Carla dare hope he could be the man she always dreamed he could be? 

The Color of Heaven series has been a whirlwind of questions and hopes against hope and The Color of Love is no different. After meeting Carla in the previous book, we get her story as she struggles as a single mom with a man who never truly wanted to settle down. When the calls come in that first, Seth is missing after a plane crash and second, he has been found, she is hit with emotions she wasn’t prepared for. The Color of Love is a story of survival, both at home and in the wilderness, and how love can give us the strength to keep going. I thoroughly enjoyed this story as it has deep emotions with a few twists and turns. This series continues to be a great look into the crazy adventures that we can experience in life and the tough questions with no easy answers. I highly recommend The Color of Love. 

The Color of Love is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Falling for the Fake Boyfriend: three dates, a few simple rules and a fake relationship that becomes too real

Falling for the Fake Boyfriend is the first book in the Clearview Falls University series by S.E. Rose and Sierra Hill. Emmett Hudson is trying to keep every aspect of his life in control as he thought he was doing a good job. That is until his coach pulls him aside and threatens to bench him if he didn’t get his grades up. He needs a tutor. Lucy Parker has no time for football players. Well, maybe for the one who she has been crushing on since high school. As she is assigned to tutor Emmett, they strike a deal. He promises to help her get his teammate’s attention if Lucy commits to being his fake girlfriend for three events as a way to keep their tutoring sessions a secret. Even with their rules in place, their fake relationship starts to feel all too real. 

Falling for the Fake Boyfriend is a sweet college sports romance with plenty of banter, laughs and spiciness. I enjoyed Emmett and Lucy as individuals as well as a couple. Despite the obvious title, the sparks between them flew pretty quick and they did try to keep to their agreement in the beginning. I especially enjoyed Lucy as she starts to come out of her shell. I enjoyed Emmett as the caring, yet private, young man. I also enjoyed their cast of supportive characters from the goofy teammate to the girly besties who see the sparks long before Emmett and Lucy do. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I will be continuing the series. It was a quick read as I was pulled into the romance of Emmett and Lucy. If you enjoy sweet college sport romances, I highly recommend Falling for the Fake Boyfriend. 

Falling for the Fake Boyfriend is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Vengeance: a dramatic new look in the the infamous battle on its 150th anniversary

Vengeance: The Last Stand of Custer, Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull by Tom Clavin is a dramatic new look at the events leading up to the infamous battle as the 150th anniversary approaches. On June 25-26, 1876 The Battle of the Little Bighorn, also known as Custer’s Last Stand, was fought between the combined forces of the Lakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes and the 7th Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army. The battle would result in a devastating defeat of the US forces and the most significant victory of the Great Sioux War of 1876. Featuring the points of view of the US Forces and the arrogant Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer as well as the Native American figures of Sitting Bull and Crazy House, the book looks at the impact on the Plains Indians and the events leading to the massacre at Wounded Knee in 1890. 

I remember studying the famous battle in history classes and I always sided with the Native American as Custer was an arrogant, narcissistic man whose ego was boosted by his celebrated bravery at the Battle of Gettysburg (1863). He was searching for more and more fame and envisioned it as he would be the one to end the Native American resistance. What he didn’t envision was his failure and his own demise as he underestimated the Native American forces and their determination to fight for their way of life and freedoms. Mr Clavin deep dives into the historical record and presents the nitty gritty of the events which shaped the individuals involved with this massive battle and how the events shaped the US response in the aftermath. Vengeance is filled with action, legendary characters and the profound impact on the US, the Native Americans and the American West. I highly, highly recommend Vengeance. 

Vengeance: The Last Stand of Custer, Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull

Is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

Things We Hide from the Light: when the shadows one tries to hide and the one who helps them fight back

Things We Hide from the Light is the second book in the Knockemont trilogy by Lucy Score. Nash Morgan was the good Morgan, always with an easy smile and charm for everyone in town. Now Nash is recovering from being shot and his Southern charm has given way to panic attacks, nightmares and missing pieces in his memory. While he tries to hide it, he is a brooding shell of himself and is desperate to keep his struggles from everyone. That is until his new next door neighbor moves in. Lina Solavita is smart, sexy and sees the shadows behind his forced smile. When she helps him through one of the worst panic attacks yet, he realizes that Lina may be the key to feeling like himself again. However, they both have secrets, secrets that could keep them apart for good; unless they are willing to fight their shadows for the simple chance at love. 

Things We Hide from the Light is a great continuation in the Knockemont series. While it doesn’t have the banter and tension that the first book had, it had its own struggles and sweet moments between Nash and Lina. Their story was definitely more slow burn, emotional and with psychological struggles. I loved to see Nash return stronger and more aware as he discovers issues within the department and moves to deal with them. I also loved the addition to his dog, Piper, and her own anxiety which in turn helped Nash with his. I liked Lina’s job as it was a bit unconventional and yet adds to the drama and adventure of the story. I also learned a lot about panic attacks and methods to calm them. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to the third and final book in this trilogy. I highly recommend Things We Hide from the Light. 

Things We Hide from the Light is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

Sweet Waters: a sweet clean romance with plenty of faith and drama

Sweet Waters is the first book in the Otter Bay series by Julie Carobini. With her mother remarried and her own heartbroken as she was left at the altar, Tara Sweet leaves her home in Missouri to return to Otter Bay, California where she has nothing but fond memories. She meets the handsome but complicated Josh Adams, a local firefighter. As the truth of the past reveals multiple secrets, Tara realizes that her idyllic memories have turned into a soap opera. Soon, she finds herself at odds with families, her faith, the quirky townspeople and even Josh, despite their budding romance. Can she face the truth and be set free for the life she desperately wants? 

Sweet Waters is a sweet, clean romance with plenty of faith and drama. I liked the faith aspects and the characters struggles with the secrets they discover. I liked Tara and her sisters; although, their nicknames for each other were annoying and grating at times. I liked the relationship between Tara and Josh as well. I loved the descriptions of the small town and the beach areas. Overall, it was an enjoyable read; however, I am not sure if I will continue the series. If you enjoy clean romance with plenty of faith and drama, I recommend Sweet Waters. 

Sweet Waters is available in paperback and eBook

Summer Island Book Club: a second chance romance and old friends

Summer Island Book Club is the first book in the Friendship Beach series by Ciara Knight. Widowed Julie Boone thought she was content with her life until her daughter, Bri, shows up with a surprise. Bri had invited her three childhood friends to celebrate Julie’s fiftieth birthday. Julie begins to panic. The arrival of her friends begins to overwhelm her once peaceful life with melodrama, makeovers and matchmaking schemes especially with the handsome new stranger in town. Trevor Ashford comes to their small town after his failed marriage. His only wish is to open a small boat charter company and live quietly. That is until Houdini, a mischievous ferret, leads him on a merry chase and into the arms of Julie. Will Julie and Trevor take a second chance for love?

Summer Island Book Club is a sweet, mild romance with the meddling antics of old friends. There was a little humor especially with Houdini. His antics were pretty funny. Ms Knight certainly gave him a great personality. Unfortunately, there isn’t an actual book club in the story. It is what Julie and her friends called themselves during their childhood. At first, I was a bit confused as to why Julie wouldn’t want her old friends to come back to the island. Then I understood. I did enjoy Julie as she slowly starts to reclaim herself and her passions beyond her what if questions. Overall, it is a sweet, quick read story. A great story for a weekend read. If you enjoy second chance romances and old friends, I recommend Summer Island Book Club. 

Summer Island Book Club is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Parisian Chapter: a story of friendship, literature and finding home in the City of Lights

The Parisian Chapter by Janet Skeslien Charles is a story of friendship, literature and finding home again. Paris, 1995, Lily Jacobsen and her best friend Mary Louise wanted to pursue their dreams in the City of Lights. After five years of their shared tiny walkup and surviving on brie and baguettes, Mary Louise suddenly moves out. Lily feels so alone before she gets a job as a programs manager at the American Library, following in the footsteps of her beloved French neighbor, Odile, back home. Fueled by Odile’s stories of heroic World War II librarians, Lily sees a chance to make her own experiences. At the library, she discovers the library is in financial trouble. In the attic, Lily discovers a box that may contain information about Odile’s time at the library. Could what she finds help save the library? 

I loved Janet Skeslien Charles’ book, The Paris Library and I was eager to once again visit the American Library. Sadly, I was bored and disappointed. There were too many characters with chapter POVs. I couldn’t connect with any of them, especially Lily. I found her to be whiny and annoying. I wasn’t sure what the conflict between Lily and Mary Louise was and if Mary Louise’s reason to move out was fully explained. Or maybe I missed it. I also wasn’t aware this book was supposed to be a spin off of The Paris Library. It just doesn’t have the same impact I felt when I read The Paris Library. Overall, I was bored and underwhelmed. I didn’t see the power of friendship, literature of finding home again. It was not the story I was expecting. I do not recommend The Parisian Chapter. 

The Parisian Chapter is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Tip Off: it was supposed to be a simple summer job

The Tip Off is a short story by Karen McQuestion. When Geoff comes across the death notice of an old boss, his wife Marcy thinks about that one summer job. The Lakeside is a prestigious restaurant and Marcy was counting on generous tips and counting the day until the fall semester. There she meets unfriendly and standoffish coworkers, an owner who is a little handsy, and an overall unwelcoming atmosphere. The only bright side is Geoff, a fellow college student, who works in the kitchen. When Geoff shares his suspicion about inconsistencies with the restaurant's inventory, finances, and the strange behaviors of the managers. He is convinced something is off and convinces Marcy to help solve the mystery. Their investigation turns into something far more serious and Marcy must decide if their questions are worth more than just her job. 

Karen McQuestion is one of my go-to authors and when I got the chance to read her new short story, I jumped at the chance. There was so much happening in this story that I didn’t notice it was nearly the end. At the beginning of the story, when Geoff brings up the death of their old boss, I was a bit surprised at Marcy’s nonchalant indifference. However, as she looks back at the summer, her indifference made sense. Then I was engaged in their investigations as there seemed to be nefarious activities going on. There were definitely characters acting cagey when their behaviors were noticed. There was a nice little twist at the end that surprised me. Overall, it is a great quick read for an afternoon. I actually didn’t want the story to end. I highly recommend The Tip Off. 

The Tip Off is available in eBook

A Match for a Bookish Bride: a clean historical romance with a bit of mystery

A Match for a Bookish Bride is the first book in The Mystery Matchmaker of Ella Pointe series by Tess Thompson. In the spring of 1910, Amelia Young saw an advertisement in a Boston newspaper that would change her life. A wealthy family is in need of a secretary on Whale Island and this person must have an affinity for books. It fit her perfectly. When she is offered the position, she packs her merger belongings and travels to Washington state. Her new employer is Benedict Tutheridge. She didn’t expect him to be handsome or interesting but she knows that he would never see her as more than an employee. After the death of his father, Benedict is expected to run the family business. He fully expects his new secretary to be a man and is shocked when his new secretary is a beautiful woman. As the two work together, they find themselves drawn together. Do they risk their work relationship for something more? 

After reading the prequel, The Making of a Matchmaker, I was intrigued about the Tutheridge family and the matchmaker who would find their perfect matches, even the mystery behind the death of the Tutheridge patriarch. I enjoyed Amelia as a woman who pulled herself up from a poor beginning through hard work and her love of books. Benedict is a man who was tortured by his father and believes every horrible thing his father believed about him. However, it is when Amelia arrives, she begins to break out the falseness of what Benedict believes about himself. My heart broke for Benedict and I had my suspicions about his difficulties. The family dynamics were a great source of drama as they deal with their past and the situation surrounding their father’s death. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to the rest of the series. If you enjoy clean, historical romance, I recommend A Match for a Bookish Bride. 

A Match for a Bookish Bride is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Should Christians date to Marry?: Courtship, dating and my thoughts

The first time I heard the concept of courtship, I was in college and it was foreign to me. Courtship came to the national stage as a famous family burst into the homes of the world (and I do not need to name the family nor do I want to), many people, Christians and non-Christians, had opinions and questions. What is courtship? Courtship is the purposeful and intentional approach to finding a life partner rooted in Christian beliefs and values” (Evans Francis Organizations, 2023). A couple enter into a courtship agreement with the intention to marry at the end of the courtship. Courtship is supposed to set Christians apart from secular dating which may not have the ultimate goal of marriage. What are the biblical principles behind courtship? Why is courtship portrayed as an alternative to secular dating? What are my own thoughts on courtship? 

While the Bible is silent on exact courtship procedures, proponents use the examples of Ruth and Boaz, Jacob and Rachel, and Isaac and Rebekah as a guide. The biblical principles behind for Christian courtship can vary; however, here are a few common ones. First, the couple would seek God’s guidance and trust his timing. To pray for his wisdom, clarity and guidance for their relationship and ultimately their marriage. Proverbs 3:5-6 says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Second, the couple would seek to honor purity (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). Clear physical and emotional boundaries are set. Sexual intimacy is saved for the covenant of marriage while other intimate contact, such as kissing, hand-holding and other contact may vary from couple to couple. Third, courtships usually involve the couple's families and older mentors. Families involvement can be seeking wisdom and guidance of trusted family members who can give valuable insights and accountability. Proverbs 15:22 says “plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” 

Many proponents of courtship view the system as a better alternative to secular dating. For three reasons. First and foremost, the involvement of God. Courtship is a commitment to honor the Lord and his purpose in their lives (Psalm 9:10). The assumption is secular dating involves romantic interest with focus on immediate gratification with the desire Second, the intent. Christian courtship is grounded in the idea that dating should have a purpose. As mentioned before, proponents believe that dating should have the ultimate goal of finding a life partner, while claiming secular dating focuses on the present with no clear goal of long term commitment. “The nature of causal dating is usually to have fun with the responsibilities of commitment (Institute in Basic Life Principles). I highly disagree with this as many secular couples do dating with the goal of long term commitment. Does every relationship end in marriage? No and nor should they. And Christians are not “selfish, impulsive or immature” if they chose dating over courtship (Fielta, 2015). Third, physical boundaries are important in Christian courtship. Physical boundaries are set to maintain purity while secular dating can vary in terms of physical boundaries which are influenced by social norms. 
                                      

The rise of courtship came about in the late 1990s/early 2000s with the rise of purity culture. I don’t like the one size fits all approach that some churches propose because every relationship is different as each couple is different. Courtship isn’t a guarantee of a successful relationship. I knew couples who went through the courtship ritual and they were divorced within ten years. I wasn’t able to find exact statistics but one article reported that the divorce rate is high (Umstattd, 2014), which makes sense as the high involvement of fathers in the courtship continues after marriage which is direct violation of the leave and cleave principle (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:5). As a young adult in my 20s, I was very uncomfortable with the idea of courtship and I still am. My husband and I didn’t practice courtship; however, we did discuss certain boundaries and expectations continually. Healthy relationships are about making the most of our interactions with the opposite sex which leaves us with no regrets. The key is open communication about expectations and boundaries. We can still honor God in our dating relationships without adding all the extra rules and requirements. 

In conclusion, on its face, courtship seems to be a great dating process; however, courtship is not a right path for every Christian couple. While marriage is God ordained and blessed; however, not everyone is called to be married. Marriage and singleness are both gifts from God, each with its own purpose (1 Corinthians 7:7). To answer the ultimate question of courtship is should Christian date to marry? If marriage is your goal, then yes dating is the process which you discover if the other person is someone who you want to commit a lifetime to. Do you need to enter into a courtship? That is up to each individual couple. In my personal opinion, courtship is not necessary; however, if you feel you would struggle with physical intimacy boundaries and need the accountability, courtship might work for you. However, not all Christians need to follow this process. 

References

Evans Francis Organization (March 5, 2023). Biblical Principles for Christian Courtship. courtshiptomarriage.com/biblical-principles-for-christian-courtship/. Retrieved March 29, 2026. 

Fileta, Debra (March 1, 2015). 4 Reasons Christians Should Stop Pushing Courtship. True Love Dates. https://truelovedates.com/christians-should-stop-pushing-courtship/. Retrieved March 29, 2026. 

Institute in Basic Life Principles (no date). What is courtship? https://iblp.org/how-courtship-different-dating/. Retrieved March 29, 2026. 

Umstattd, Thomas (August 12, 2014). Why Courtship is Fundamentally Flawed. https://www.thomasumstattd.com/2014/08/courtship-fundamentally-flawed/. Retrieved March 29, 2026. 

The Island Club: three women in the 1950s, the game of tennis and a friend that will change their lives forever

The Island Club by Nicola Harrison is a story of friends among life struggles and secrets. 1956, Balboa Island, off the coast of California, is a place where life was perfect, at least on the surface. The lives of three women begin to fall apart, however,  their friendship and the game of tennis helps them build something stronger. Milly Kinkaid had hoped moving to Balboa would save her troubled marriage. She believed the move would help incentivize her husband to get home from work on time; but now sometimes he barely comes home at all. Sylvia Johnson is the society matriarch, and along with her husband, has become pillars of their community. Her new business venture, The Island Club, is a place where members could swim, play tennis, and dine in style. When she learns that her husband makes a financial decision that threatens everything. Adele Lambert is the standoffish loner on the island and lives in fear that her past would be revealed. 

I was eager to start this book as it was described as “unputdownable” and the cover is absolutely gorgeous. However, I found myself putting this book down often. I could not relate to any of these women, especially Milly. Milly is a mother with young kids. How do you not ask your four, almost five, year old child if they need to go to the bathroom and expect them to go when they need to. One, you are in a new place, did they even know where the bathroom was? Two, so what if a teenager was “watching” the kids, it is still your responsibility to check on your kids! The constant mentions of Elvis was annoying. I got it. It is 1956 and Elvis was the new and hot in music. Overall, the story is well written and I am just not the audience for this story. However, if the story intrigues you, I recommend checking out The Island Club.  

The Island Club is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

Last Kiss of Summer: heartbreaking young adult love story of one summer

Last Kiss of Summer by Jessica M. Fellerman is a heartbreaking young adult love story of one summer and a devastating turn. Sera Watkins and her family return to their summer house on Cape Cod after two years. She has one goal in mind: to stay away from the boy who broke her heart two years ago. Luke Tisdale is their next door neighbor and he literally has a piece of her heart. When Sera received a new heart as a baby, her healthy values of the old heart were given to Luke. They spent summer days on their secret beach, bonding over their physical connection as well as their mutual love of art and painting. Their friendship seemed like it was evolving into something more. Except one fateful night and a family secret sent Luke spiraling and broke Sera’s heart in the process. Now she is determined to pick Luke as a friend and nothing more. But when she receives devastating news, she is more determined to make this the summer to remember. 

Last Kiss of Summer is described as “A Walk to Remember meets Everything We Never Said.” While I have not read Everything We Never Said, I have read and seen the movie A Walk to Remember, so I was prepared for an emotional story. From the opening chapter to the closing pages, I was hooked on Sera and Luke’s story. My heart warmed at the tender romance between Sera and Luke and I stopped breathing as Sera suffered setbacks that made her future look grim. There was drama and life lessons with tender moments. Oh the tears that fell during the last couple chapters. I kept going back and reading again and again, thinking what just happened didn’t really happen. I closed the book with tears streaming down my face. This story isn’t just a story of summer love. It is a story of learning to truly live and embrace all the storms that life will bring in your path and yet find the joy and beauty in life itself. I highly, highly recommend Last Kiss of Summer. 

Last Kiss of Summer will be available in paperback, eBook and audiobook on April 28, 2026. 

To Bind Fire: an engaging fantasy as one young woman learns she is destined to save the world, a world she doesn't know

To Bind Fire is the first book in the Empire of Ash and Song trilogy by D.E. Carlson. Iris is thrust into a foreign world she has never known. She knows little about her past and even less about her heritage. The only life she has known is the remote mountain cabin she lived with her mother and brother. When a tragedy brings her down the mountain, she learns the land has been torn by war and is now ruled by the powerful Fire Emperor. She also learns she has a terrible power, a power that can save the world or burn it forever. Besaun is the Crown Prince of the Fire Empire who has no desire for the throne. He has no patience for all the bowing, scraping, and politics. He just wants to tinker with his inventions. Little do they know, they are both fated to save the world. 

I discovered D.E. Carlson on TikTok and I was intrigued by her fantasy books. I decided to start with To Bind Fire. It has been described as “Perfect for fans of the faith themes of the Chronicles of Narnia, the powerful writing style of A Court of Thorns and Roses, and the clean sweet romance of Caraval!” While I haven’t read A Court of Thorns and Roses or Caraval, I love the Chronicles of Narnia and looked forward to how Ms. Carlson weaved faith themes into her story. From the opening chapter to the closing pages, I was hooked on this story. There is action, adventure, intrigue and drama with a smidge of romance. I loved the faith elements with the fantasy magical system. While I was left with questions and suspicions, I can’t wait to finish the trilogy and Iris’s story. I highly, highly recommend To Bind Fire. 

To Bind Fire is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Liar's Dice: a coming of age historical fiction of one girls fight against all odds

Liar’s Dice by Juliet Faithfull is historical fiction, coming of age story of a teenage girl in 1970s Brazil who must learn to fight even against all odds. Dolores and Mita are identical twins who grew up in rural Brazil. At the age of seven, it is discovered that Mita has a degenerative condition and Dolores does not. By the age of 12, her condition becomes debilitating and suddenly, their parents send Mita to a hospital in their father’s native London and the family moves to Rio and begins to live an obstacle lifestyle. However, Dolores is miserable. She misses her sister, her small town and struggles in her new school. It all starts to change when she meets a brave, headstrong girl who shows Dolores a new side of Rio and how to survive. Soon tensions rise with the dictatorial government cracking down on protesters and dissenters. Dolores is determined to find the truth, discover where her sister and her own place in the world. 

I was looking forward to Liar’s Dice as it is a historical fiction which takes place in a different place and time that isn’t normally talked about. Liar’s Dice is described as a “heart-rending and hopeful” coming of age story as one young girl learns to form her own identity, the price of secrets and the courage to forge a different path. Dolores is a sympathetic character and I felt her pain and confusion. I liked the use of Portuguese phrases; however, I would have liked some form of translation in the context of the dialogue or description. Not a glossary at the end of the book which I didn’t know was there until I was finished. There were a lot of time jumps without explanation that pulled me out of the story at times. Overall, I did enjoy it, especially Dolores’s tenacity to find her sister and make sure Mita knows she is not forgotten. If you enjoy historical fiction, I recommend Liar’s Dice. 

Liar’s Dice will be available in paperback, eBook and audiobook on April 28, 2026.