Art from Christmas Sweater Weather.
Across the Ages.
By Gabrielle Meyer.
Nov. 2024. 384p. Bethany House, paper, $17.99 (9780764244209); e-book (9781493448234).
Caroline Reed Baldwin lives two lives 200 years apart, but no matter what century she finds herself in, she is frustrated by people’s corruption and complacency. Fleeing an arranged marriage in 1727 and navigating the razor-like margins of her preacher father and family’s reputation in 1927, Caroline is determined to find answers to her time-crossing abilities and the freedom to choose her destiny rather than conform to others’ expectations. But the answers she seeks will force her to confront both the blessing and the burden of choice, and the impact that duality will have on her future. The fourth installment in Meyer’s popular Timeless series is a captivating blend of historical romance and fantasy featuring time-crossers. Equally engaging as a stand-alone or within the series, the novel delves into themes of self-discovery, second chances, and hidden truths. Readers will be transported from the historical streets of Minneapolis and navigating policing politics to the perilous decks of a mutinous pirate ship, encountering figures like Charles Lindbergh and Ernest Hemingway along the way. Caroline’s compelling journey across time in search of identity, belonging, and love creates a richly layered narrative that resonates with evergreen relevance. —Kate Campos
The Anti-Social Season.
By Adele Buck.
Oct. 2024. 288p. Harlequin/Afterglow, paper, $12.99 (9781335574848); e-book (9780369750297).
Thea Martinelli has spent the last decade working as a firefighter, but after her colleague is injured, she decides it is time to lay down her helmet. As luck would have it, the Emergency Services Department is looking for a socialmedia coordinator to start ASAP. As the busy holiday season is ramping up, Thea agrees to give it a shot. She knows everything about fire safety, but social media? Not so much. So she is paired with the social media coordinator at the local library to help get her up to speed. But when librarian Simon Osmon agreed to mentor the newbie, he had no idea it would be his high-school crush. Thea has always been the life of the party. Simon is a buttoned-up rule-follower. But the two quickly realize they have more in common than they think, and as the weather cools down, their chemistry heats up. The second book in Buck’s First Responders series manages to be both cozy and sexy; a perfect romance for the holiday season. —Patricia Smith
The Blooming of Delphinium.
By Holly Varni.
Sept. 2024. 320p. Revell, paper, $17.99 (9780800744984); e-book (9781493447268).
In her second Minnesota tale, following On Moonberry Lake (2023), Varni introduces Delphinium “Delphi’’ Hayes, the owner of Delphinium’s Flora Emporium, who has a singular talent—she senses each person’s floral scent. A whiff of poppies indicates a natural storyteller, while liars emit oleander. Generosity smells like lilies, kindness like pink azaleas. But Delphi is in danger of losing her business when her elderly accountant, Henry, turns her back room into a refuge for denizens of the Gardens Senior Care Facility. Delphi lays down the law. If they want to play poker in her cooler, they have to help around the shop. When Elliot Sturgis, the director of the senior home, charges in, demanding that the residents return, the lines are drawn. But stuffy Elliot turns out to have a soft spot for quirky Delphi, and affection begins to bloom. There’s an It’s a Wonderful Life–feel about Varni’s story as Delphi becomes involved in the seniors’ lives, and they band together to save the Flora Emporium. This is for readers who enjoy small-town tales and sweet romance. —Candace Smith
Bull Moon Rising.
By Ruby Dixon.
Oct. 2024. 432p. Berkley, $30 (9780593817025); e-book (9780593817032).
In this instant-classic from Dixon, Aspeth has fled her comfortable, if unloving, home and her snobby fiancé to apply at the famed Royal Artifactual Guild dressed as a commoner. Aspeth believes she can study and work hard enough to be allowed to search for precious items that would save her family home from being overrun by a neighboring greedy noble. The one problem (of many) is that the guild doesn’t employ women, especially young, unchaperoned women who can’t help but act like nobility. The only solution is for Aspeth to marry her teacher—a hot, yet nerdy minotaur who needs a companion for the coming months to get through his species’ rut. Dixon weaves a fun tale of intrigue, conspiracy, warring families, a plucky heroine, and a found family that will warm the heart of readers. The new world Dixon creates is full of details but also has potential for further development of adventure and fun as the series continues. Fans of The Mummy, Dungeons & Dragons, and good old-fashioned spicy romance will adore this latest true-love monster tale from Dixon. —Lindsey Allen
Can’t Help Falling in Love.
By Sophie Sullivan.
Sept. 2024. 304p. St. Martin’s/Griffin, paper, $17.99 (9781250910608); e-book (9781250910615).
Formerly a college student on a full-track scholarship, Lexi is now an online student working two jobs while living back home in Seattle. She is paying off debts three (2024) with a slow-burn, fun, fakeengagement rom-com with appealing growth arcs for Will and Lexi. —
