Authors I Discovered in 2025

Welcome to Top Ten Tuesday!

 While going through the list of books I read last year, I was pretty surprised at how many new to me authors I read! Part of it had to do with me reading more fantasy novels which opened up a new world of books for me. 

So here are some new to me authors that I really enjoy! I will post pictures of their most recent or upcoming novel. 

Christine Hill Suntz 

Christina Baehr

C. C. Warrens 

Emerson Ford 

Heather Camacho

J. J. Fischer

Jenelle Hovde

Morgan L. Busse

Rachelle Nelson

Beth Brower

An Appearance of Impropriety

About the Book

 As the youngest female judge in LA, Mahalia Jackson has her career goals carefully aligned. But when her mentor tells her she needs to break her shell of professionalism and show a little heart by volunteering for the Junior Jurors program, her plans begin to falter.

Attorney JD Cash heads up the Junior Jurors program, a project born out of his own troubled past. He leverages his position as an attorney to fulfill God's calling on his life, supporting the orphans and widows of society who have lost beloved husbands and fathers to TransNation's eighteen-wheeled time bombs roaming America's freeways.

Mahalia's rule—never date a lawyer—is a straitjacket that tightens when she presides over the case where JD serves as a young widow's attorney. But when an earthquake leaves JD and Mahalia in a vulnerable position, her resolve begins to waver and she finds herself opening up to the sad-eyed lawyer. But online, anonymous colleagues and adversaries attempt to destroy Mahalia’s reputation and career.

A legal drama threaded with romance, An Appearance of Impropriety will show readers that real love is worth the risk. (Goodreads)

Order Here!

My Thoughts

I have not read a legal drama in quite a while and sometimes it is nice to read something different! I really love Mahalia's character. She shines throughout this entire novel and we need more female characters like her! The legal stuff at times goes over my head but I felt like I was there in the thick of things. I love JD's backstory and how he grows throughout the pages. There are some tough topics brought up and the author handles them with grace but honesty. The romance is realistic and shows how flawed we are and how we can change and grow. Overall I enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to the next books this author writes. 

Four stars. 

"I received a complimentary copy from Kregel. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own."

Beyond the Clouds

About the Book

 They lost each other once before; now the clouds of war may give them a second chance.

As teenagers, Delia Byrne and Finn Delaney fell in love while flying kites and dreaming of a future together--until betrayal tore them apart. Now, as America enters World War I, Delia works for peace as a paralegal and pacifist. Her values forbid her from supporting the war effort, but she volunteers for a relief organization trying to save millions of lives in famine-stricken Belgium.

Returning to America as a decorated war hero, Finn is eager to get back to the front but is assigned to use his fame to raise funds instead. Little does he know that this mission will bring him face-to-face with Delia, the only woman he ever loved and once hoped to marry. As their shared mission draws them together, old sparks of romance begin to stir--until duty sends them behind enemy lines in occupied Belgium. Will the greatest danger be the conflict raging around them--or the possibility of falling in love again? (Goodreads)

Purchase Here

My Thoughts

I was not quite sure what to expect with this book or where it would take the reader. All of the books that are in this series are very unique. Delia is a spunky heroine that I needed to warm up to a bit before really appreciating her character. Finn is a loyal and caring person who will do most anything to protect innocent people. I really loved reading his war back story and I thought it added a lot to the plot. The first part of the book is more lighthearted. The war seems far away and Delia and Finn do NOT see eye to eye, yet there is some banter. Delia is a pacifist and Finn is clearly not since he is war hero. It was intriguing to read from the view of a pacifist and I was glad to read that perspective. About half way through the book I was a little perplexed at how certain things suddenly were resolved. It felt very sudden and it took me out of the story a little bit. I can't go into detail without spoilers. But then the second part of the book read much differently with added drama and Finn wanting to be the hero. It has a satisfying ending and it was a little bittersweet to say farewell to these characters. So overall I did enjoy this story but I have to give it four stars because it was a little choppy in the middle and I struggled with that. I am eager to read Camden's next book and I do recommend this series. 

Four Stars. 

"I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own." 

Classic Book Goals

Welcome to Top Ten Tuesday!

With it being the start of a new year everyone is setting goals. I really haven't thought about it much this year. So sitting down to write this there is one thing that comes to mind that I really would like to do, though it might not all happen this year! I have not read very many books considered classics. I am starting The Count of Monte Cristo but here are a few others that I need to read. 

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

White Fang by Jack London

Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne

Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

Dracula by Bram Stoker

Not Exactly Mr. Darcy Review & Giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: Not Exactly Mr. Darcy

Author: Carolyn Miller

Genre: Romance/Contemporary/Christian Fiction

Release Date: December, 2025

Pride, Pemberley, and Second Chances

When history-loving Olivia Bennett’s teaching contract isn’t renewed, she is considered her family’s logical choice to care for her ailing grandmother in a tiny English village. While there, she soon finds additional work at nearby Hartbury Hall—one of England’s great houses once used as Pemberley in a filmed production of Pride and Prejudice. The head gardener there, however, proves to be anything but the gentlemanly hero of that famous book. Little does she know that behind Liam Browne’s brusque exterior is both a family tragedy and a legacy that demands truth and honor, creating a crisis that only Liv’s vivacious determination can resolve. Along the way, she may just learn that appearances count for naught. . .and that love can be found in unexpected ways.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Carolyn Miller is an inspirational Regency and contemporary romance author who lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. Together with her husband, she has pastored a church for ten years and worked as a public high school English and Learning and Support teacher.

A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English Literature and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives.

 

 

More from Carolyn

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 6

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 6

The Sacred Line, January 7

Leslie’s Library Escape, January 8

Vicky Sluiter, January 9

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 9

Texas Book-aholic, January 10

Life on Chickadee Lane, January 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 11

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 12

Tell Tale Book Reviews , January 12

For Him and My Family, January 13

Lyssa Loves Books, January 13

Blossoms and Blessings, January 14

Mornings at Character Cafe, January 14

Holly’s Book Corner, January 15

Mrs. Ryan Moser’s book and movie reviews , January 15

Pause for Tales, January 16

Mary Hake, January 16

Cover Lover Book Review, January 17

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, January 18

To Everything There Is A Season, January 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carolyn is giving away the grand prize of a print copy of the book and a $25 Amazon eGift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Giveaway

My Thoughts

This is such a fun story! I will be honest in saying that I started this one very uncertain if it would be for me or not. But I actually really enjoyed it and felt like I was right there with Olivia and Liam fixing up the estate. The characters are fresh and fun and I was a little worried that the estate "fix up" would get boring but it did NOT. The secondary characters are well written and I wanted to get to know them better. The setting is so fun and while I didn't really care about the tie in with Pride and Prejudice I still enjoyed those details. The romance is sweet and I adored Liam's character, he really is a grump-for the first half of the book. About half way through the story it is like he has a complete personality change. So much so that his anxieties and worries about being in a relationship seem to just disappear. Which I get, you can't have him as the enemy the whole time, but it was a stark difference. It was baffling to me as a reader and felt very choppy in the last chapters. Also, the big reveal at the end was so silly and irritating and because of that I couldn't rate this book as high as I would have with a different ending. 

I still really enjoyed this book though and I recommend for a fun quick read!  

Four Stars. 

'I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

The Duke's Bargain Review

About the Book

 Ruined by scandal, Georgiana bargains with a duke to regain her place in Society. But their pretend friendship sparks real love, risking reputations, duty, and unexpected happily-ever-afters.

Eight months after a stolen kiss ruined her reputation, Miss Georgiana Wood is a recluse, cast out of Society without any hope of ever finding a suitable match. Longing for redemption, she never expects her salvation to arrive in the form of a handsome, temperamental duke.

After a failed bargain left the Duke of Marlow without a promised wife and heir, he must face courtship a final time. He plans to entice his future bride with a priceless family heirloom—one now in the possession of Miss Wood, who agrees to return it if he takes her on three outings in London during the Season to restore her reputation.

As the pair navigate Society’s expectations and whispered gossip, Marlow soon sees a new side to Georgiana—an ally and friend. Her wit and courage, grace and allure far exceed that of the eligible ladies he intended to court, and soon, he’d do almost anything to secure her happiness.

As Marlow wrestles with duty and desire, Georgiana begins to hope that she could be loved not despite her past, but because of who she truly is. When hearts are tested, truth and secrets revealed, will love be enough to risk it all? (Goodreads)

Releases May 5th!

Pre-Order HERE

My Thoughts

This story completely captivated me until the final page. There aren't many books that cause me to get emotional but this one did (Marlow and his heart!). I was fully invested in the characters in a way that doesn't often happen and I absolutely adored this book. The Duke and Georgiana are unique because the reader gets to see the other side of things. We get the characters that cause the problems in our other books and are despised by others. We get a woman who made mistakes and she knows it and has regrets. We get a man who feels empty and is angry and harsh. We get two fairly selfish people who are going on a journey and I was not prepared. The romance is perfection. There is real conversation and a friendship that includes grace and honesty. It was also really fun to read what the characters from the author's previous books have been up to. I could not stop reading this book and I can't recommend it enough if you enjoy historical romance. 

Five Stars. 

"I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own"

Most Anticipated Books Releasing in the First Half of 2026

Welcome to Top Ten Tuesday!

Here are just a few of my highly anticipated reads for the start of 2026!

Into a Golden Era by Gabrielle Meyer

Don't Upstage The Body by Naomi Stephens

The Girl Upstairs by Jessica R. Patch

Kill For Her by Melinda Leigh

The Duke's Bargain by Megan Walker

The Lost Story of Via Belle by Melanie Dobson

The Bookshop of 99 Doors by Jamie Jo Wright

The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins by Melanie Dickerson

Beyond the Clouds by Elizabeth Camden

Track of Courage by Susan May Warren

Favorite Books of 2025

Welcome to Top Ten Tuesday! 

As always, coming up with my top ten favorite books from the year is a challenge. I read so many wonderful stories this past year. Here are some of my favorites. 

The Lawyer and the Laundress by Christine Hill Suntz

Echoes From A Missing Generation by Christina Suzann Nelson

Criss Cross by C.C. Warrens (This whole series!) 

Wormwood Abbey by Christina Baehr (this whole series!!)

Quarter Labyrinth by Victoria McCombs

Every Hour Until Then by Gabrielle Meyer

Rules for Ruin by Mimi Matthews 

The Meet-Cute Manuscript by Kim Duffy

Tempest at Annabel's Lighthouse by Jaime Jo Wright

The Indigo Heiress by Laura Frantz 

Most Recent Additions to My Bookshelf

Happy Top Ten Tuesday! The new year has almost arrived. I love celebrating a fresh start and here are some new books that I have added to my shelves. Hopefully I will be able to dive into them in 2026.  

A Menagerie of Dragons by Christina Baehr

Love In A Mist by Sarah M. Eden

The Other Sister by Jessica R. Patch

Whispers at Painswick Court by Julie Klassen

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

Under the Scottish Sky by Amy Coburn Crawford

Awakened by Roseanna M. White

The Heart of the King by J. J. Fischer

A Song in the Dark by Kimberley Woodhouse

Labyrinth Wolves by Victoria McCombs