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Wendy’s Bookshelf

@wendy_recommends

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Release Date: 16 Oct 2026
Author: @mikaylarobbinsauthor
Series: Montana Brides

This is the second book in the Montana Brides series. The books can be read as a standalone, but note that Travis and Josie, who are featured in the first book, are prominent side characters in this one.

This is an interesting read with heavier undertones. The book captured my attention from the beginning and kept it through to the end. As the trials hit the Walsh family hard, we are reminded how harsh life could be in Montana in the late 1870s.

I did enjoy the relationship between Alice and Jeremy. I did have to chuckle though because at one point I thought "this isn't a love triangle, this is a love square." You'll get what I mean when you read the story. However, one thing that I did like was that while the main reason Jeremy and Alice married was because Jeremy promised to protect and provide for her, they both confessed their love quickly for each other. While it started as a marriage of convenience it quickly turned into a real marriage that they both wanted. Although, that didn't mean that their path was smooth.

The hits and the tragedies keep coming in this book. We get death, famine, the threat of starvation, massive injuries, family feuds, and revenge. However, we also get hope, friendship, love, forgiveness, and healing. This is a Christian romance where the characters struggle with their faith, but find their way back to God in the end.

Quotes:
"So many if-onlys, and it wasn't fair. Why couldn't she have the life she so desperately wanted?"

"Why must everything fall apart."

"I don't want a perfect woman, just one who makes me happy."

#theresonlybeenyou #mikaylarobbins #montanabridesseries #christianromance by @wendy_recommends

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10 hours ago

Release Date: 16 Oct 2026
Author: @marionderewrites
Series: London Regents FC

This is part of the London Regents FC series. While all the books can be read as a standalone, you'll want to spend more time with all the characters and will want to read the full series.

Marion De Ré has quickly become an auto-read author for me. I enjoy her writing style and love how she can create characters that you quickly become endeared to, are relatable, and you cheer for throughout the story.

Everly and Finn's relationship starts out as friendship when Finn steps up to help her son, Sam. And then, he steps up to help Everly when her ex starts to cause problems. And then of course, feelings start to be had and the slow burn starts to burn bright.

Finn is the best walking green flag! I love how caring and protective his character is. I also love how Everly is a strong character, but finally gets the chance to have someone show up for her and stick around. I always enjoy a good marriage of convenience story and this one is delightful!

The epilogue gives us a peek into the next book in the series, Kick it Like Cupid. I'm so excited for Cameron's story as it's been hinted about throughout the series.

I received an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Quotes:
"People leave. They make promises they can't keep. They swear they'll help, then disappear when things get difficult...Disappointment hurts a lot less when you're only relying on yourself."

"I'll fight for the two of you if it's the last thing I do."

"You're strong - stronger than you probably even realize."

"You're everything I didn't even realize I was looking for."

"I've got you."

"You're everything to me."

#scoringmrsright #mariondere #Londonregentsfc by @wendy_recommends

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a day ago

Release Date: 16 Oct 2026
Author: @authorjenatkinson
Series: Amelia Duology

This is the first in the Amelia Duology and the ending will have you diving right into book two.

Jen Atkinson has turned into an auto-read author for me. She is a master at creating characters that you quickly become endeared to and crafting a story that has you instantly invested.

I love that we get a bit of a mystery. In this single POV story, Olivia has inherited her grandmother's house. But the kicker, she really didn't know her grandma Amelia. Now, she has an amazing opportunity to get to know Amelia and form a connection with her.

We also get the biggest green flag MMC, Logan. I love how supportive he is with Olivia and that there was an instant connection. Olivia's family has high expectations of her. Unfortunately, to meet those expectations, she has pushed aside what she wants and Logan is helping her realize what she truly wants. I also like that their relationship isn't perfect. There are some bumps and the scene at the end tugs at your heart - another reason why you need to have book two handy when you finish this one.

I may or may not have stayed up way to late reading, and pushed all adulting aside, because this one is super hard to put down!

I received an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Quotes:
"Because Mom makes everything better."

"But you can't miss what you don't have."

"Who can think of men when there are books to be read."

"Olivia, you are silly because you lack so much confidence in yourself. You are completely unaware that you are insanely amazing and capable of doing anything."

#knowingamelia #jenatkinson #ameliaduology @happilyeverreaders.services by @wendy_recommends

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2 days ago

Release Date: 14 Oct 2026
Author: @tomitabbauthor
Series: Friends of the Unexpected Royals

This is part of the Friends of the Unexpected Royals series, but the books can be read as a standalone.

This is a cute slow burn romance where both of the main characters are athletes - Katie is a tennis player and Max is a dancer/actor.

I really liked this story. My attention was captured from the first chapter until the end. I've been reading a lot of sports romcoms lately, and it was a nice change to have one that focused on Tennis.

I enjoyed how the relationship progressed between Katie and Max. There was a quick connection, but there relationship needed some time, and some rough spots, before they decided they were falling in love. I felt like the characters were relatable since they each had things and insecurities that they were trying to work on. And while there could have been a 3rd act break up - and if we are being honest it came close - I appreciate that there wasn't one.

I also really enjoyed the side characters. This is my first read by Tomi Tabb, but I am excited to read the other books in this series and I am hopeful that there will be another book that will feature Zoe's story.

When you read this book, make sure to download and read the bonus epilogue as we get more of Katie and Max.

Quotes:
"Distractions are only dangerous if you're scared of them."

"I never expected to meet you, Katie...And when I did, I thought...this is the girl. This is exactly who I've been looking for."

"I've got you."

"Some people are only meant to find each other for a little while."

"Life is short..."

"The people who stop improving are usually the ones who think they've got nothing left to learn."

"I don't need you to be perfect..."

"...there's not much point in chasing success if you don't have anyone to come to afterward."

#settolove #tomitabb #Friendsoftheunexpectedroyals
@happilyeverreaders.services by @wendy_recommends

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3 days ago

Release Date: 09 Oct 2026
Author: @lauralangawrites
Series: Waves Baseball Series

Wow - this is a great read and it packs in all the feels. While this is part of the Waves Baseball series, the books can be read as standalone. Just note the characters do crossover and there are events that are talked about that happened in the other books.

I was pulled into the story from the first sentence and may have stayed up way past my bedtime to finish the book. I quickly became endeared to Willow and Shane. Laura Langa is a master at creating characters that are relatable and have you wishing that they were real so that you could be friends with them in real life. While Willow and Shane are opposites, they are the perfect match. I love how Shane is a kindhearted grump and, from the moment he met her, he is super protective of Willow. I also love how Willow is Shane's biggest cheerleader and has no problems putting others in their place when it comes to how they view and/or talk to Shane.

I enjoyed that this book packed all the feels - one moment I was laughing and the next my heart was melting with how sweet and tender Willow and Shane were with each other. They both have their quirks, but they genuinely accepted and loved each other for who they are.

There are some heavier moments with a T1D diagnosis, harsh words, and family bullying, but Laura Langa always treats these moments with care. There are some books that stay with you long after the last page has been turned, and this is going to be one for me!

I am really loving this series and can't wait for the next book!

Quotes:
"A lot of things are out of your control, but how you respond is always up to you."

"I want you. I want to keep you, but I don't know if I deserve to."

"I want to finally be enough this time."

"He just my-wifed her."

"I know you..."

"...just this once, let me spoil my wife."

"I want forever with you."

"I just want you. Every day, in every situation...I just want to breathe your air, to have the privilege of being next to you."

#lovebeyondthediamond #wavesbaseballseries #lauralanga
@bookedwiththeemilys by @wendy_recommends

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4 days ago

✨✨Cover Reveal✨✨

This is one you won't want to miss!

Title: The Thief on the Throne
Coming Nov 2026

Blurb:

Charlotte Galland has always felt out of place.

With parents she struggles to form a connection with, and a cousin who perfectly embodies their ideal daughter. Charlotte has learned to escape into books, searching for a place where she might finally belong–both in her family and in her kingdom.

Then a missive from the palace unravels her fragilely woven life. The crown prince is coming to visit. However, in Asharia, a royal visit is not a reason to rejoice. Rumors whisper that conscription, imprisonment, or even death follow in the prince’s wake.

The prince’s visit sends Charlotte down unfamiliar streets of mistaken identities, magical objects, simmering revolutions, and deadly power struggles. Charlotte is thrust into a whole new world where thoughts cannot be hidden and loyalties are never as they appear. Forcing her to decide who she is willing to trust–and who she is willing to become.

Because sometimes finding where you fit in means having the courage to stand up, stand out, and choose your own place in the story.

#Thethiefonthethrone #nikkicrown #Fairytalesrewoven @author.nikkidcrown by @wendy_recommends

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5 days ago

Release Date: 13 Oct 2026

★Twenty-two authors. Twenty-two unforgettable love stories★

This is a delightful collection of Christmas Novellas. Many of these authors are new to me.

I am going to focus my review on the novella A Majestic Christmas by Sydney Schmied, as this was the main reason I was excited for this collection.

I so excited when it was announced that Sarah and Marcus were getting their own story. I've wanted to know more about them and read their story since reading The Darling's Daughter.

In this novella, we get danger while Marcus tries to find and stop the criminals hitting Chillicothe. But not only do we get danger, we get to see the love and devotion between Marcus and Sarah. I became endeared to them in The Darling's Daughter and the continuation of their story did not disappoint. Sydney Schmied does an amazing job in creating a story that pulls you in quickly and keeps your attention to the end. Novellas are fun because a lot of packed in a short story. And while Sarah and Marcus get the start to their HEA, I'm now intrigued about Sarah's sister, Agnes. There is a mystery surrounding Agnes and her situation. I'm wondering if we are going to get more of her story in future books in the series.

I received an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Quotes from A Majestic Christmas by Sydney Schmied

"...you are much more special than my job."

"I've got you."

"...you are worth the risk."

#avintagechristmastoremember #multiauthor by @wendy_recommends

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6 days ago

When I read Falling Under the Big Sky, I knew I needed to read the rest of the series. Not that I needed to to understand what was going on, but because I liked Ashley McKenna's writing style and knew I'd enjoy her other books.

I was pulled into this story from the very first line. I enjoyed how Ashley weaved in movie references that had me chuckling throughout the story - especially the While You Were Sleeping reference at the end. Pure Gold!!

I enjoyed Sammy and Colter as characters and was quickly endeared to them. Each of them had situations in their past that they had to work through before they could fully give their trust and love, but I loved that they were the soft place for each other. And that they quickly formed the kind of bond that had them sharing hurts that they hadn't shared with anyone else. I also feel that I was able to relate with them as the path wasn't easy for smooth for them. Life happens, misunderstanding occur, love may come easy but we truly have to fight for it. In their story, of course there were misunderstandings that caused them to fight, but they allowed themselves the time and grace to work through some of their own emotions and then choose not to run away.

I also enjoyed the Carter family dynamics. The relationship Sammy had with her brother Tucker and how her parents were opposites but still very much in love after years of marriage.

This is a perfect Christmas Romcom that comes with some drama but a guaranteed HEA.

Quotes:
"We've all trusted the wrong person a time or two, it's part of life. Sometimes we see what we hope rather than what's actually there."

"I've got you."

"Just because your wounds aren't visible doesn't mean they're not real. Some scars take a long time to heal."

"I don't want fear calling the shots."

"You are enough..."

#christmasunderthebigsky #ashleymckenna #christmasromance by @wendy_recommends

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7 days ago

Release Date: 08 Oct 2026
Author: @annekempauthor
Series: Alexandria Dominion Hockey

I am loving this series! While all the books can be read as standalones, many of the characters do crossover.

In this book we get Eva and Liam's story and I believe at it's core it is about showing up, being chosen, and choosing someone.

The chemistry between Liam and Eva had me smiling and kicking my feet throughout the story. I thought it was great how vulnerable they could be with each other and loved that Eva was actually the one to kiss Liam first.

Anne Kemp is a master at being able to weave a story that has you invested from the first page. Whether they are main or side characters, she is able to create characters that shine and has you wishing that they were real so that you could be part of their friend group. And this is just one of the many reasons she has become an auto-read author for me!

Make sure to get the bonus epilogue because it gives us a hint towards the next book in the series - which I'm super excited for!

Quotes:
"I'm an introvert to my core, but some things aren't meant to be done by yourself."

"If you don't ask, you don't get."

"I've spent most of my life wanting something that stays."

"Maybe letting go of one part of ourselves doesn't mean giving up on the whole thing. Sometimes it simply means we've finally made room for whatever comes next."

"Maybe, just maybe, we don't have to clutch everything we think is so important so tightly to us all the time."

"You learned not to expect people because expectations gave them the chance to disappoint you."

#theovertimepersuasive #annekemp #Alexandriadominionhockeyseries
@bookedwiththeemilys by @wendy_recommends

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9 days ago

I am super excited to be part of Jen's ARC team for the Amelia Duology!

Knowing Amelia
Release Date: 16 Oct 2026
Tropes:
💖 Small town
💖 Boy next door
💖 Found Family
💖 Grandmother’s journal
💖 Self-Discovery

Becoming Olivia
Release Date: 25 Oct 2026
Tropes:
💖 Small town
💖 Boy next door
💖 Found Family
💖 Grandmother’s journal
💖 Self-Discovery

My reviews coming soon.

This is a duology you won't want to miss!!

#knowingamelia #becomingolivia #jenatkinson #ameliaduology

@authorjenatkinson @happilyeverreaders.services. by @wendy_recommends

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10 days ago

Release Date: 05 Oct 2026
Author: @chelseyvick.author

This is a Hallmark movie wrapped in 627 pages, and it was pretty great!

This book was different than I thought it would be. The FMC is snarky and has just been fired. The MMC is grumpy, but his farm/orchard isn't failing. However, the FMC still needs to figure out what she wants and quickly falls in love with the small town and the MMC.

The banter between Hetty and Beck is great. I found myself laughing out loud several times throughout the story. Although, you can tell what the favorite phrases are as they are used multiple times throughout the story.

There are some great side characters - Sloane, Lucy, Mae, Emma, and Tom - that bring an additional banter and humor element - especially in the highlighted comments on the social media posts.

The book is on the larger side, but it didn't feel like a long book and I was able to finish it quickly.

One thing that I also need to get used to is the writing style that features shorter sentences and short character conversations. The first half of the book didn't seem to be too bad, but the I really noticed it in the second half of the book.

Quotes:
"I have nowhere else I want to be."

"I just want you to know that it's ok to do something because you love it...not just because it's what's expected."

"Every choice did not have to be permanent."

"But home wasn't something she had to choose once and keep forever. Maybe home could change. Maybe she could too."

#stayingforoctober #chelseyvicks #cleanreads by @wendy_recommends

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11 days ago

Release Date: 06 Oct 2026
Author: @teahthewriter
Series: Rivals and Romance

This is the final book in the Rivals and Romance series. Each book can be read as a standalone, however, many of the characters crossover. And while you can technically read them in any order, you'll want to read this one last, as this book reveals who won the festival rivalry.

I really liked the books I read in the series, but I think this one is my top favorite. While Everett and Camille are opposites, they are perfect for each other. I felt that they were relatable as both of them had struggles, fears, and pasts that had them putting up walls, but they are both willing to see where things could go - even though the road had some bumps. And it was pure gold when Everett took care of Camille and then she was there for him when he needed her most!

I enjoyed their meet cute - when Camille accidently steals Everett's truck. I also enjoyed how they were able to joke with each other and although both of them had super awkward moments, they were able to laugh about it and not take it too seriously.

We also get some great side characters that bring their own sparkle and laughter to the story.

There are some hard moments and loss in this book, but Teah Kemp Weight handles them with care and had the families (chosen and by birth) coming together and being loving and supportive.

This is the first book I've read of Teah's and I am looking forward to more. I am super excited that it's been announced that this book is the start of a new series that hopefully will not only have more of Everett and Camille, but Derrik, Tabitha, Kate, and Michael because I have so many questions! I need to know what happens with Derrik and Tabitha and what is happening specifically with her. I need to know if Michael and Kate will start to have a romance or if they end up with someone else. So many questions that I hope will start to be answered in the new series!

Quotes:
"Is it too much to ask someone to love me for me..."

"Maybe it's better to take the risk before the chance passes me by."

#flannelandflirting #teahkempweight #rivalsandromanceseries by @wendy_recommends

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12 days ago