Category: Contemporary

The Charmed Library by Jennifer Moorman

On By TracyIn Audiobook, Contemporary, New To Me Author, Paranormal / Fantasy, Romantasy, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

The Charmed LibraryThe Charmed Library by Jennifer Moorman

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: January 6, 2026

Stella Parker has not been lucky in love, after an especially painful breakup, she has been suffering in silence, sharing her deepest feelings in a journal. But today, Stella has decided enough is enough, she sneaks down to the furnace in the basement of the Blue Sky Valley Library and burns her journal. Never in a million years could she imagine what she had unleashed by that simple act, but Stella’s life is about to change forever.

Stella has always had a way with words but took the safe road in college and earned a master’s degree in accounting, then moved to Memphis to work at an accounting firm. But when her father passed away, she returned to Blue Sky Valley, NC and took a job at the library. She was content with her life, until the man she loved broke her heart. She burned her journal hoping to get a fresh start, and things do change, but not like she expected when she starts seeing more magical words than ever and even learns to call the words. But it isn’t until her boss and surrogate father, Artie suffers a heart attack that Stella really feels the magic of the library and learns secrets that will change everything she has ever known!

I loved the book; I was hooked from the start and held captivated to the very last word. Jennifer Moorman was a new to me author and I didn’t know what to expect, but this book exceeded any expectations I had. I loved the writing style, and the author was able to turn Stella into a very relatable character, clearly making readers feel the pain of losing mother as a young girl and her need to protect her heart ever since. She also wants to make everyone happy, even if doing so doesn’t make her happy. But I love that she finally took control of her own life and learned to say no. The story is full of emotion, found family, dear friends, magic, some drama, secrets, surprising revelations, a swoon worthy book boyfriend and an unexpected happy ending. I highly recommend this book – I read the print version and listened to the audiobook – if you can, I would suggest the audiobook – the narrator was amazing and gave life and personality to every character and read at a steady pace. I will definitely be checking out Ms. Moorman’s backlist and looking forward to future titles!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

View all my reviews

The Kilted Groom by Lauren Smith

On By TracyIn Contemporary, Novella, Scottish/Highlander, Standalone Title, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

The Kilted GroomThe Kilted Groom by Lauren Smith

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone?

Release Date: November 2, 2025

When her grandmother dies, she leaves her estate to Ainsley Hazelwood but to claim her inheritance, she is tasked with returning an old ring to a family in Scotland. Feeling somewhat adrift and a bit lonely since her grandmother passed, Ainsley decides to quit her job and set out for Scotland. But right from the beginning, things do not go as planned when her car gets stuck in the mud on the way to the B&B she is staying at. With no cell service and a raging storm, it looks like it is going to be a long, cold night in her rented car, that is until she is saved by a very handsome local – Leith Creighton. She is wary at first, but he proves himself to be a great guy and they enjoy each other’s company for the night, not expecting to see each other again. Ah, the best laid plans…

Leith Creighton, the Earl of Blair and the owner of Blair Castle, a medieval fortress build on the edge of Loch Awe, is on his way home when he comes upon Ainsley. He offers to take her to the B&B and ends up spending the night there himself. When he returns home the next day, he wonders how he can see her again, even though they agreed to just one night. So, no one is more shocked than he is when she shows up at his door. It turns out her Great-Great-Great Grandmother was engaged to Leith’s Great-Great-Great uncle Daniel, who perished in WWI. Ainsley’s relative Saoirse was heartbroken when Daniel died and left Scotland, she returned their letters to the family, but kept her engagement ring, which was a family heirloom. Leith is shocked that Ainsley is returning it and shares Daniel and Saoirse’s love story with her. Not wanting to break their connection, he offers her a job. Is it possible that they could continue the love story that their relatives had stolen from them?

This was such a great story, I loved Ainsley and Leith and was rooting for them right from the start! The writing was great, it was paced nicely and had just the right amount of spice. Ainsley and Leith have a believable connection right from the beginning and I loved the way the author wove the story of the ring into their story, making their instant attraction almost feel fated. My only complaint was I wish it was longer, and I wanted to experience their HEA, but there is the promise of another story, so fingers crossed this is not the last we will see of them! Other than that, I was enchanted and would happily recommend this book.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *