Tag: Sarah Monzon

17 February 2025

Book Review | An Overdue Match by Sarah Monzon

Librarian Evangeline Kelly has sworn off love since her fiancé dumped her after she was diagnosed with alopecia—in her case, total and permanent hair loss. She has now moved to a new town where no one knows her or her diagnosis, where she can start again. Evangeline meets Tai in the library after he returns a book full of dog-eared pages. Her librarian heart is appalled, then intrigued with the town bad boy and tattoo artist.

Tai is a fabulous hero.

Sure, his visible tattoos, penchant for wearing black, and constant flirting combine to give off a bad-boy impression, but first impressions aren’t necessarily correct. As the story progresses, we see his insight and his heart, and I loved the way he was able to show Evangeline respect and love in action.

I could see why Evangeline thought Tai was a bad boy, what with his black leather jacket and almost-unforgivable action of folding down the corners of library books. However, An Overdue Match is a lesson in not jumping to conclusions.

I could also see why Evangeline thought he was a flirt—she has such low self-esteem that she figured any man who flirted with her must flirt with every woman he sees. After all, who could possibly find her attractive? Her ex certainly hadn’t.

Evangeline was likeable, admirable, and a little annoying.

A hopeless romantic and rom-com fan, she decides that given she will never experience romance for herself, she will play matchmaker to the patrons of the library where she works. Her first attempted match almost becomes a spectacular failure when Tai tells her the man she is trying to match is already happily engaged. Oops.

An Overdue Match starts in first person point of view. My first thought was that annoys some readers, although I enjoy it. Somewhere close to halfway, I realised that while Evangeline’s scenes are written in first person, the scenes from Tai’s point of view were written in the more normal third person. I usually find the switch between first and third person point of view jarring, so well done to Sarah Monzon for making An Overdue Match such a compelling read that I didn’t even notice!

I also got to that halfway point before I realised that while I thought the story was contemporary Christian romance, there hadn’t been anything to point toward the Christian element of the romance. Sure, there hadn’t been any sex or swearing, but there also hadn’t been any references to church or faith or God. Rest assured, there is a lovely faith arc, although it doesn’t become apparent until well into the second half of the story.

Overall, An Overdue Match is a wonderful romance featuring a heroine with an embarrassing condition, and a hero who works it out and loves her anyway.

Recommended for fans of contemporary Christian romance and rom-coms.

Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

About Sarah Monzon

A Carol award finalist and Selah award winner, Sarah Monzon is a stay-at-home mom who makes up imaginary friends to have adult conversations with (otherwise known as writing novels). As a navy chaplain’s wife, she resides wherever the military happens to station her family and enjoys exploring the beauty of the world around her.

Find Sarah online at:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter

About An Overdue Match

Can a librarian’s matchmaking mischief lead to a love that rewrites their stories?

If the covers of every romance book ever published didn’t convince librarian Evangeline Kelly that she isn’t heroine material, her fiancé calling off their wedding when she lost her hair to alopecia did. But what’s a girl head over heels for love to do when her feelings are unrequited? Matchmake, that’s what. Armed with library patrons’ check-out histories, she’s determined to make at least one love connection–even if it’s not her own.

Tattoo artist Tai Davis is used to people judging him with a single glance, so it doesn’t surprise him when the town’s quirky new librarian believes his bad-boy reputation without giving him a chance. He can’t help being intrigued by her, though, so when he discovers Evangeline’s secret matchmaking scheme, he’s not above striking a bargain with her. She just has to agree to one date with him for every time she uses his hometown knowledge to set up library patrons on a romantic rendezvous. The deal is made, but in the process, they both might learn you can’t judge a book–or each other–by the cover.

This is a sweet he-falls-first, opposites attract, matchmaker romantic comedy with disability representation. Perfect for fans of books about books and kisses-only romances.

Find An Overdue Match online at:

Amazon | BookBub | ChristianBook | Goodreads

Don’t forget to click here to check out my Amazon shop for my top picks in Christian fiction!

7 February 2025

First Line Friday #377 | An Overdue Match by Sarah Monzon

It’s First Line Friday! That means it’s time to pick up the nearest book and quote the first line. Today I’m quoting from the upcoming release from contemporary Christian romance author Sarah Monzon, which features a librarian heroine and a tattoo-artist hero.

Here’s the first line from the Chapter One:

What’s the book nearest you, and what’s the first line?

About An Overdue Match

Can a librarian’s matchmaking mischief lead to a love that rewrites their stories?

This is a sweet he-falls-first, opposites attract, matchmaker romantic comedy with disability representation. Perfect for fans of books about books and kisses-only romances.

Find An Overdue Match online at:

Amazon | BookBub | ChristianBook | Goodreads

Click here to check out what my fabulous fellow FirstLineFriday bloggers are sharing today.

And you can click here to check out my previous FirstLineFriday posts.

Share your first line in the comments, and happy reading!

Don’t forget to click here to check out my Amazon shop for my top picks in Christian fiction!

1 February 2025

February 2025 | New Releases in Christian Fiction

It’s February (already!), which means it’s time to share the new releases in Christian fiction from members of American Christian Fiction Writers.

There’s lots of new Contemporary Romances this month, including the next Trinity Lakes Romance: Only You Can Love Me by Carolyn Miller.

I’ve already read An Overdue Match and Uneasy Street and my reviews will post later this month.

I’m looking forward to reading the new releases from Milla Holt and Toni Shiloh.

And if you’re looking for something other than Contemporary Romance, I recommend Bronze and Brokenness by Christine Dillon, which is Biblical fiction centred around the Midianites.

What are you planning to read in February?

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Contemporary Romance

Small Town Harmony by Milla Holt — Faith, fame, and family collide as a Christian music power couple hides a secret discord. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Only You Can Love Me by Carolyn Miller — Dr. Jess Martin–Doc Martin to her local community–might be used to solving the veterinary problems of rural south east Washington, but she can’t solve the problems of her lonely heart. Cooper Reilly never pictured himself as finding his future or contentment on a ranch. But when a corporate reshuffle sees him kicked to the curb, he finds himself right back where he started. And right back to trying to convince a certain pretty vet to give him a second chance. But she’s not playing, convinced she’s found her Dream Match already. Can these two friends look past previous mistakes and find a future? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

An Overdue Match by Sarah Monzon — If the covers of every romance book ever published didn’t convince librarian Evangeline Kelly that she isn’t heroine material, her fiancé calling off their wedding when she lost her hair to alopecia did. But what’s a girl head over heels for love to do when her feelings are unrequited? Matchmake, that’s what. Armed with library patrons’ check-out histories, she’s determined to make at least one love connection–even if it’s not her own. (Contemporary Romance from Bethany House Publishers)

I have already read An Overdue Match and written my review. It’s an excellent rom-com with heart.

Winning the Twin’s Heart by Rebecca Reed — College rodeo roper Yoani Alliegro can’t stop looking over her shoulder despite, or maybe because of, her recent success. She longs for family––the one she lost, and the one she hopes to have. When rejection shatters Yoani’s sense of belonging and sends her running in search of truth, will it lead to the family she’s dreamed of and freedom from her past, or will she discover she’s left all that in Montana? Bull rider Chantz Nannenga is caught between following his dream of teaching and upholding tradition by managing the family ranch. Should he settle for less than his dream or push forward when conquering his regrets could prevent him from winning Yoani’s heart? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Where I Found You by Betsy St Amant — Will the treasure hunt lead them to find a prize worth more than gold, or will the longstanding family feud continue for yet another generation?⁠ (Contemporary Romance from Sunrise Publishing)

The Nature of Love by Toni Shiloh — Dr. Erykah Kennedy, a renowned orthopedic surgeon, finds herself at a crossroads in life. At forty, she’s achieved remarkable success in her career, yet when it comes to her love life, she is feeling fractured. But when she meets Christian Gamble, a passionate wildlife conservationist, an unexpected bond forms between them despite their contrasting worlds. Despite his passion for saving the planet, Chris has yet to find someone to share his adventures with. But as his friendship with Erykah begins to blossom, he finds himself falling for her in every way. When tragedy strikes and Erykah suddenly becomes guardian to her nieces, Chris helps her pick up the pieces. With their lives turned upside down, finding their way to a lasting love while putting their faith in God may be the biggest challenge they’ve ever faced. (Contemporary Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])

Uneasy Street by Becky Wade — A wealthy, cynical CEO who has everything except love. An etiquette expert set on helping her niece solve the mystery of her birth. Equally matched in a battle of wills with their hearts on the line, they’ll have no choice but to confront their history – and the undeniable spark between them – while living side by side on uneasy street. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Pets Amore by Amy R Anguish, and Linda Fulkerson, and Heather Greery and Beth E Westcott — Four romantic comedy novellas with a bit of matchmaking help from the pets. (Contemporary Romance Novella from Scrivenings Press)

Contemporary Women’s Fiction

The Promise by Pat Nicols — For Erica, Wendy, And Amanda, there are old wounds, and new challenges. Will they have the courage to face them all? (General Contemporary from Armchair Press)

Biblical Historical

Dawn of Grace, Mary Magdalene’s Story by Jill Eileen Smith — Bound to the demons within her and incapable of freeing herself, Mary Magdalene walks in shadow–until one day she encounters a healer, a rabbi who is radically different from the religious leaders and family members who could do nothing to help her. One touch from Jesus and Mary is never the same. Now Mary’s one mission in life is to serve the one who freed her. She is determined never to leave his side, fearing that if she loses him, she’ll return to her former bondage. Even when the unthinkable happens and her savior is arrested and sentenced to execution, she cannot abandon him as so many others did. On the brink of despair, Mary is about to discover that while the life of faith is never perfect, perfect love casts out fear–and Jesus makes all things new. (Biblical from Revell)

Historical Romance

Heart of Beauty by Danielle Grandinetti — Discover the origin of Crooked Tooth Ranch in this 1870s western retelling of Beauty and the Beast. (Historical Romance from Hearth Spot Press)

Tides of Healing by Sandra Merville Hart — A Southern belle fights to reclaim her home, but will her spying destroy the Union officer she never meant to love? (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

Mail-Order Hotelier by Edwina Kiernan — California, 1860. A disillusioned woman must gain a mail-order husband or lose her beloved hotel. (Historical Romance from Moliant Publishing)

Snow and the Seven Brothers’ Circus by Megan Miles — Upon her twenty-first birthday, Catherine Penner is set to inherit her late parents’ vast estate and thriving coal mines, if she can make it to her birthday. An undiagnosed wasting disease threatens to steal her life, leaving her parents’ legacy in the hands of her cold guardian. As Catherine wrestles with the hopeless meaning of her short life and her fragile health, it becomes clear that something sinister is playing with her future. Will she find enough hope to push through to a promising future? Or will her life fade away like her beautiful memories? (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Redeeming Rupert by Susan Pope Sloan — Hannah and Rupert must navigate the challenges of a marriage of convenience and learn to fight for each other as they protect their family legacies. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

Midnight on the Scottish Shore by Sarah Sundin — Desperate to escape the occupied Netherlands in 1941, Cilla van der Zee agrees to become a spy in Britain. But her plans to betray the Germans and work for the Allied cause are derailed when a suspicious Royal Navy officer finds her on the shores of his Scottish home. (Historical Romance from Revell)

The Bandit’s Redemption by KyLee Woodley — A holdup gone wrong, a reluctant outlaw, and the captive she’s sworn to guard. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

Crime Mystery

Chilled to the Bone: A Jake Sledge Mystery by BD Lawrence — A prominent attorney is found murdered outside his River City office. Jake Sledge and his partner, Bobo Johnson, are drawn into a case that quickly spirals out of control. They uncover chilling connections to frozen evidence, shadowy underworld figures, notorious neo-Nazis, and a dangerous game involving the high-stakes casino industry. The lawyer’s death is only the beginning. (Crime Mystery, Independently Published)

Western Romance

Whispers of Fortune by Mary Connealy — In 1875 California, Brody MacKenzie arrives at Two Hearts Ranch on a mission to find his runaway brothers, worried they may have fallen into harm. Instead, he finds them thriving at the ranch’s school and orphanage under the care of Ellie Hart, a woman with a heart as resilient as the land she calls home. When the boys show him a mysterious journal that has been guiding their travels and may hold the key to a lost treasure, Brody and Ellie are captivated by the possibility of a thrilling adventure. With winter approaching, Brody and Ellie race against time to decipher cryptic clues and unearth the hidden fortune. (Western Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])

Speculative Fiction/Allegory

Whispers and Flame by Demi Griffin —
A new generation haunted by their parents’ legacy must find a way to save their world. A new generation was poised for leadership in Everlasting. Secrets kept by their parents hindered what should have been a seamless transition. When Everlasting faces destruction through a massive flood, the newly chosen Sentinels must decide how to respond. Would they transition into their destined roles or adapt to present circumstances? When the king of the water domain becomes a threat of epic proportions would the next generation be equipped to defend the foundations of Everlasting? (Speculative Fiction, Independently Published)

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month

A Hundred Magical Reasons by Laura DeNooyer — This split-time novel (early 1900s and 1980) is a whimsical and poignant story rooted in a girl’s childhood friendship with The Wizard of Oz Author, L. Frank Baum, and his influence across four generations. (Literary Historical)

For No Apparent Reason by SK Derban — A calloused murder, a chance discovery – two unplanned events become the catalyst that proves: “in all things, God works for good…” (Legal Mystery)

Bronze and Brokenness-Midianites by Christine Dillon — Reuel rejected all the gods, and Jael followed his lead. But is what she has all she’ll ever have? Why does her sister, Zura, find such hope in the God of Israel, even though she remains blind? All are broken, but can they, like bronze, be recast? (Biblical Historical)

The Seed’s Price by Erin Greneaux — A special seed might help Everly find her lost cat, but is she willing to pay the price? (Children’s/Middle-grade)

Uncovering the Truth by Carol J Post — When Alyssa Anderson stumbles upon her ex-boyfriend’s illegal art theft operation, she goes on the run—and narrowly escapes a drive-by shooting. With the help of her high school sweetheart, Spencer Cavanaugh, and his service dog, Apollo, Alyssa tries to stay one step ahead of her ex who will do anything to find her. (Romantic Suspense)

Mara: The Unseen Battle by Blossom Turner — Mara holds a secret she must bury…if she wants to survive. A story of faith and the power of the unseen.. (Supernatural Suspense)

5 December 2023

Bookish Question #307 | What Christmas books or novels do you recommend?

The obvious nonfiction pick here is the Bible 🙂

Fiction is a little harder to pick, partly because there is so much fiction (especially Christian fiction) featuring Christmas. Some authors feature Christmas in all their stories because it’s popular all the time.

I can see the appeal, although I prefer summer stories. Lots of authors combine to produce Christmas collections. My favourite was the An Aussie Summer Christmas collection, where all the novellas were set in Australia. As a Kiwi, I loved the summer Christmas stories 🙂

I have read a couple of Christmas stories in recent months, although some are more “Christmas” than others (if that makes sense). My favourite was You Make It Feel Like Christmas by Toni Shiloh, which is an expanded and republished version of I’ll Be Home. Click here to read my review.

I’ve also recently read and enjoyed All Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon. While it centers around Christmas, I read it during the New Zealand winter to get the seasonal feeling. But it’s still centered around Christmas, with a neurodivergent main character and a fun workplace rivalry. Click here to read my review.

What about you? What Christmas books or novels do you recommend?

11 September 2023

Book Review | All’s Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon

Mackenzie enjoys her job as a graphic designer, where she works with her best friend and housemate. But she’s less than thrilled when her boss says she’s up for a promotion to a supervisory role that will mean supervising staff and working more closely with clients, even though it will mean a pay rise—which she needs to pay for her mother’s nursing home.

Sofiya has pitched Mackenzie against Jeremy Fletcher, her longtime secret crush, and someone who always has the right words to say. But Mackenzie has to try, for her mother’s sake. And she’s noticed something about Sofiya’s promotion strategy: promotions always happen around Christmas, and always go to the person who does the best job of bringing Christmas cheer to the office.

I have mixed feelings about office romances in general, and about the trope that pitches the hero and heroine against each other for a promotion (which is probably a hangover from years working in HR).

I think Sarah Monzon managed those two aspects of the plot brilliantly.

It was funny and believable and romantic. And while the story certainly delivered on the romance front, that wasn’t what made it special.

I loved the way the story featured a main character with a mental health issue—social anxiety–in a sensitive and realistic way.

I loved the way the story struck just the right balance between believing God for healing while acknowledging that God sometimes uses modern medicine to perform that healing.

I appreciated the acknowledgement that mental health issues are health issues, that doctors can help, that it’s not enough to think positive or practice gratitude or even pray for healing.

I especially loved the way we gradually got to know the real Jeremy and watch as he began to see–and fall for–the real Mackenzie, social anxiety and all.

Like Kiss Me on Christmas, All’s Fair in Love and Christmas is a fun Christian Christmas romance which delivers all the romantic feels along with a healthy view of people with mental health challenges. (If you enjoy this, I also recommend checking out Sarah Monzon’s 2022 release, Kiss Me on Christmas).

Recommended for anyone looking for a Christmas rom-com or for a Christian workplace romance with a serious side.

Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

About Sarah Monzon

Find Sarah online at:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter

About All’s Fair in Love and Christmas

Two workplace rivals. One festive competition. And a romance that upends it all.

Every December two things are guaranteed for graphic designer Mackenzie Graham–Christmas celebrations and the annual promotion at her workplace. Those two things are by no means mutually exclusive. In fact, the better an employee is at harnessing the Christmas spirit, the more likely they’ll win the new job. With her social anxiety, Mackenzie never thought she’d be a contender in her company’s holiday competition, so how exactly has she found herself dueling her workplace crush with wrapping paper tubes and using tinsel as her weapon of choice for a much-needed raise?

Jeremy Fletcher’s life is meticulously planned out, including how to win this year’s promotion at work. Not only will the new position fulfill some of his career goals, but as a single guardian to his twin niece and nephew, he needs the salary increase to support his family. Jeremy has barely noticed Mackenzie Graham around the office, but now that she’s his rival, he can’t stop thinking about her. Her quirkiness intrigues him, and he’s afraid that if he can’t get his head on straight, the promotion isn’t the only thing he’ll end up losing to Mackenzie.

Find All’s Fair in Love and Christmas online at:

Amazon | BookBub | ChristianBook | Goodreads | Koorong

Don’t forget to click here to check out my Amazon shop for my top picks in Christian fiction!

9 January 2023

Book Review | Kiss Me on Christmas by Sarah Monzon

Kaitlyn Stafford is the solo mother of ten-year-old Liam. Liam has been diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (GAD, ADHD, and ASD). Kaitlyn’s sister announces she’s getting married at Christmas, which is going to be a big and possibly difficult disruption to Liam’s Christmas routines.

What could have been a difficult trip is made easier when Liam recognises his favourite YouTuber, Beckett Walsh, as they are about to board the plane. Beckett turns out to be the best man at the wedding they are about to plan.

Yes, that’s totally the setup for every Hallmark Christmas movie ever: an unlikely couple thrown together in a small town for a white Christmas.

The romance between Kaitlyn and Beckett develops quickly (well, this is a novella so it kind of has to), but it never feels rushed. That’s quite an achievement. It’s also based on an attraction to the inner person, which is something I like in romance. The developing relationship was perfectly paced and had all the feels.

What sets this story apart is Liam. Stories with sole parents (usually mothers) aren’t unusual, but stories with characters with ADHD or ASD are rare to non-existent. (If you can think of any, let me know.) It wasn’t just that Liam was a neurodiverse chararacter. It was that he was such an endearing and likeable character and was portrayed so realistically.

Kaitlyn and Beckett were inspiringly patient with Liam and their willingness to engage with him on his terms. They also taught him how to engage with other people. Kaitlyn’s interactions with her mother were particularly touching in this area.

Sarah Monzon has partly based Liam on her son, Elijah (with his permission). This is why Liam comes across as such a believable and well-rounded character. However, Monzon also points out in her Author’s Note that Liam is unique:

“If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met exactly one person with autism.”

It’s been a long time since I’ve read a novel (or novella) I want to re-read, but this is definitely on the list.

Recommended for fans of Christmas romance, or those looking for Christian fiction with neurodiverse characters.

About Sarah Monzon

Find Sarah online at:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter

About Kiss Me on Christmas

Single mom Kaitlyn Stafford has never considered Christmas a balancing act, but when her sister calls with the news that she’s getting married in less than two weeks—on Christmas Day—that’s exactly what the holiday looks like becoming. Helping with the out-of-state wedding will be fun. The challenge will be doing so while accommodating her neurodivergent son’s need to keep every single one of their Christmas traditions while they’re away from home. It’ll be tricky, but she can do it.

At least, that’s what she thinks before her son’s favorite YouTuber, Beckett Walsh, shows up on the scene, knocking her world off-kilter with his speaking glances and knowing smiles. How on earth is she supposed to pull off her balancing act when her world’s just tilted on its axis?

Kiss Me on Christmas was published as part of the multi-author Destination Christmas novella collection.

Find Kiss Me on Christmas online at:

Amazon (Novella) | Amazon (Collection) | BookBub

6 January 2023

First Line Friday #267 | Kiss Me at Christmas by Sarah Monzon

It’s First Line Friday! That means it’s time to pick up the nearest book and quote the first line.

Today I’m sharing the first line from Kiss Me at Christmas, a novella by Sarah Monzon. Yes, I know most people read Christmas novels and novellas in December, but they are the kind of lighthearted holiday reading that I prefer to read when I’m on holiday … and that’s after Christmas. So now I’m reading the Destination Christmas novella collection I bought in October (and which is currently on sale for around a dollar for the ebook version).

Here’s the first line from the Chapter One:

What’s the book nearest you, and what’s the first line?

About Kiss Me on Christmas

Helping with the out-of-state wedding will be fun. The challenge will be doing so while accommodating her neurodivergent son’s need to keep every single one of their Christmas traditions while they’re away from home. It’ll be tricky, but she can do it.

Find Kiss Me on Christmas online at:

Amazon | Goodreads

Click here to check out what my fabulous fellow FirstLineFriday bloggers are sharing today.

And you can click here to check out my previous FirstLineFriday posts.

Share your first line in the comments, and happy reading!

Don’t forget to click here to check out my Amazon shop for my top picks in Christian fiction!

2 February 2021

Bookish Question #162 | Have you read any books featuring teachers or educational locations?

It’s back to school this week for students in New Zealand and Australia, and it’s the first year since 2004 that I don’t have the back-to-school rush of buying stationery and checking the school uniforms still fit. Yes, my children are now out of full-time education!

But I can still remember school and learning through the books I read.

Have you read any books featuring teachers or educational locations?

I loved boarding school stories as a child and teen, and read as many as I could: The Naughtiest Girl and Mallory Towers books by Enid Blyton, and the Trebizon series by Anne Digby. As an adult, I read the Harry Potter series, which is set in a slightly different educational institution.

Reading these stories left me wanting to go to boarding school and experience these adventures for myself. In hindsight, I wonder if these novels were a subliminal trick to get children and teens to want to go to school, and to socialise them to the idea of boarding school and leaving home. (As an aside, I did spend one year at boarding school, and it was a great experience).

As an adult …

I’ve read Elaine Fraser’s series of Young Adult books, set in Australia. They are modern stories dealing with many of the problems facing teens today and presented from an understated christian world view.

I’ve also read a lot of books which feature teachers as main characters. However, the school of the job of teacher tends to be more background than main plot. For example, Molly by Sarah Monzon features a teacher who is fired right at the beginning of the novel, and immediately hired as a nanny by a desperate single father.

I’ve also read a few historical novels where the main character is a governess – one of the few respectable occupations for unmarried ladies. The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky is a favourite.

What about you? What books have you read featuring teachers or educational institutions?

11 January 2021

Book Review | Nicole (Sewing in SoCal #3) by Sarah Monzon

Hairstylist Nicole Applegate is a single mother and vegan with a social conscience.

But her friends think she should have a man, so set her up on what turns out to be a bad blind date. She is rescued by Drew, who she knows socially, but who she is not interested in romantically. Ha. Famous last words, because this is their romance story.

Nicole finds Drew is the assistant coach for her daughter’s football team.

My initial thought was that football meant soccer, but no. It meant American football, and Sierra is the team’s quarterback–and the only girl on the team. But she’s her mother’s daughter, so that doesn’t phase her at all.

Despite being a doctor, Drew always has time for football practice, friends, and for Nicole. I’m not sure how realistic that, but it made for a good story. It meant that there were plenty of opportunities for Drew and Nicole (and Sierra) to spend time together, and to overcome Nicole’s hesitance about another relationship.

Nicole is the third book in Sarah Monzon’s Sewing in So-Cal series. I’ve read the first (Molly), but haven’t read the second (Jocelyn, although it’s on my Kindle to-read pile). However, I don’t think I missed anything in Nicole from not having read Jocelyn. After all, they’re romantic comedy. We know the hero and heroine are going to end up together. We’re reading to be entertained as we watch them get their happy-ever-after.

And Nicole is certainly entertaining.

The writing is funny without bringing in the cringe factor, the characters are excellent, and the story touches on relevant contemporary issues, such as taking a knee in sport (something this non-American 100% doesn’t understand. Isn’t kneeling supposed to be a sign of submission?). I also loved seeing a main character on the plus-size side of humanity, but who wasn’t continually wishing she was a size 2.

I recommend Nicole by @MonzonWrites for anyone who enjoys a good romantic comedy with a little bit of real life thrown in. #ChristianFiction #CleanRomance Share on X

Recommended for anyone who enjoys a good romantic comedy with a little bit of real life thrown in.

Thanks to the author and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

About Sarah Monzon

Find Sarah online at:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter

About Nicole

Who has time to date when she’s trying to raise a miniature human by herself AND save the planet from its irresponsible inhabitants? Not to mention my winning personality (snort) and my curves-have-curves figure (eyeroll) don’t exactly attract the opposite sex. Unfortunately, none of these reasons have stopped my best friends and SoCal sewing sisters from taking on the archaic role of matchmakers, and they’re not beneath a little bribery if that’s what it takes to get my cooperation. Let’s just say everyone has their weak spot, and donations to my favourite charities is mine.

If I were to consider a romantic relationship, my dream guy certainly wouldn’t be immature, everything-is-a-game Dr. Drew Bauer. The man raises my body temperature faster than global warming does the Earth’s! But life seems determined to keep throwing us together, especially now that one of my SoCal sewing sisters is engaged to his best friend, in which case there can only be one of two outcomes:

1. I kill him in a fit of annoyance.

2. My common sense escapes me, and I fall in love with him.

Honestly, I’m not sure which would be worse.

You can find Nicole online at:

Amazon | Goodreads

4 December 2020

First Line Friday | Week 164 | Nicole by Sarah Monzon

It’s First Line Friday! That means it’s time to pick up the nearest book and quote the first line. Today I’m sharing from Nicole by Sarah Monzon, the third book in her fantastic Sewing in SoCal romantic comedy series. Here’s the first line from the Chapter One:

What’s the book nearest you, and what’s the first line?

About Nicole

1. I kill him in a fit of annoyance.

2. My common sense escapes me, and I fall in love with him.

Honestly, I’m not sure which would be worse.

You can find Nicole online at:

Amazon | Goodreads

Click the button to check out what my fabulous fellow FirstLineFriday bloggers are sharing today:

You can then click the link which will take you to the master page of all this week’s #FirstLineFriday posts.

And you can click here to check out my previous FirstLineFriday posts.