The bravery to lay oneself vulnerable in sharing something so personal amazes me. The fluidity and lyricism in the language are astounding and truly enviable. It‘s a privilege to get a close glimpse into the lives of such remarkable people as Leon Hale and Babette Fraser Hale. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Read the full review on my blog Carpe Diem Chronicles at maidamalby.com

Filled with wonderful characters, vivid descriptions, and emotive prose, Amethyst, The Shallows is a transportative work of fiction that is simply magical. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The full review is on my blog Carpe Diem Chronicles at maidamalby.com

The interconnected stories are varied. Some are funny, some are sad, some are both in equal measure. All of them are evocative, always eliciting a reaction from me–laughter and sympathy being the most common. They feature a fascinating cast of multinational characters that are drawn so vividly, they seem like real people. And they all take me to the streets of Cairo, Egypt, fulfilling my goal of traveling through books. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

It‘s no wonder Linda Broday is my go-to author for Historical Western Romance. She delivers an immensely entertaining read every time. Every. Single. Time. Courting Miss Emma, the second book of her The Hangman‘s Daughters series continues Ms. Broday‘s long list of excellent books with memorable lead characters, heart-in-your-throat action, unpredictable storylines, despicable villains, and a motley crew of support characters. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

“Vida, I give you these arrhae as a pledge of my total dedication to you and constant concern for your welfare.” ~ Rafa

🪙🪙🪙🪙🪙🪙🪙🪙🪙🪙🪙🪙

Dear Reader, seat yourself in a comfortable chair, grab a can of Pringles, fasten your imaginary seatbelt, and enjoy this fantastically entertaining amusement ride of a fairy tale story. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Forevermore, a Romance Anthology is a collection of new and never-been-published stories by the authors that brought you Pasko Na, My Love, A Holiday Romance Anthology, and from exciting voices in Filipino-American Romantic Fiction.

Lola Naty is back along with her sprawling multicultural family, friends from all over the world, and a gatecrasher or two.

When a book educates you, makes you cry, and provides you valuable resources you can apply to daily life, you have yourself one for the keeper shelf. Every Ounce of Courage is a one-of-a-kind book that defies genre definitions. Part memoir, part historical drama, and part cookbook, it‘s a totally engaging read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

For its engaging storyline, fascinating characters, well-paced action, balance of angst and humor, and swoony romance, Something Borrowed, Something 90% Dark is my favorite of the series so far. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

What happens when a fire marshal falls in love with an arsonist? Find out in TESTED BY FIRE (Texas Sisters Press) by C.J. Peterson.

#newrelease #ChristianFiction #Action #Suspense #Romance #TexasAuthor

Quiet, super trope-y, and sweet, Lucy Parker‘s newest release is sure to delight her fans. In Codename Charming, she employed a lot of themes I enjoy in a Romance novel — Beauty and the Beast, Opposites Attract, Grumpy/Sunshine, Workplace Romance (between equals), and Fake Dating. Throw in height difference and a little bit of a “fated mates” vibe and it‘s hitting all my soft spots. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My full review is on my blog Carpe Diem Chronicles.

With its combination of an adorable heroine, clueless duke hero, witty repartee, and steamy sexytimes, Not That Duke is my favorite of the series, so far. Of the three heroines, short, plump, bespectacled, freckled, clumsy, and clever Stella answers best to the title Would-Be Wallflower. I love that she didn‘t have to change herself in order for Silvester to fall for her.

Read my rave review on my blog Carpe Diem Chronicles at maidamalby.com.

You are cordially invited.

Our beloved Filipino American family from PASKO NA, MY LOVE hosts a gathering at Hacienda Luz this autumn for another grand celebration – Vida and Rafa‘s long-anticipated wedding. As promises of fidelity and infinity fill the air, ten couples live and relive intimate stories that attest to the true meaning of happily ever after.

I enjoyed this coming-of-age new adult romance. The main characters Eva and Alex are youthful but are not childish. They are appropriately daring to experience new things and at the same time cautious of making mistakes. Their reluctance to share their secrets is natural and relatable even for older adults like me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My fourteen-year-old son and I read The Puppy Adventures together and after we finished it, we shared the sentiment of wanting to go to the nearest shelter to adopt a dog. Not right away though, according to my son. Not until he‘s read the book a few more times to make sure he knows how to train the future new member of the family to behave like Porter and Midge. That speaks well of the authors.

4 1/2 ⭐️

With its kooky characters, zany situations, offbeat humor, and marvelous sense of place, Confessions of a Knight Errant is an immensely entertaining read. Its episodic format lends itself well to a cinematic adaptation, particularly that of a situational comedy. Hollywood, check this thing out!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ full review is on my blog Carpe Diem Chronicles at maidamalby.com

This book wrecked me and affirmed me all at the same time. The first is self-explanatory and expected given the title and subject matter. The second is surprising and what made me appreciate “So Sorry For Your Loss” and Ms. Gachman‘s writing of it even more. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

From the incredibly evocative first page, Winning Maura‘s Heart grabbed my attention and my heart and didn‘t let go until the tenderly sweet ending. This story of outcast sisters, abandoned children, an unforgiving society, and morally ambiguous men had me tearing up in parts and once again admiring Ms. Broday‘s remarkable writing prowess. She is an auto-read for me whenever I get a hankering for a good old-school Western romance. 4.5 ⭐️

A solid start to a new craveable series. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My full review is on my blog Carpe Diem Chronicles at maidamalby.com

Utterly bananas and I love it!

Totally bonkers plot. Over the top theatrics. Fantastic characters. Hothothot sexytimes. An absolute delight of a book. One of my top 23 reads of 2023. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My new favorite cozy mystery series is back and it‘s as engaging as ever! Amber Royer‘s A Study in Chocolate entertains with its fast pace, scrumptious food descriptions, confounding mysteries (yes, plural), adorable animals, amazing information about several topics, and a huge cast of fascinating characters. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Read the full review on my blog Carpe Diem Chronicles by Maida Malby at maidamalby.com

An utterly delightful novella by a new-to-me author, Double Happiness lives up to its title by delivering a funny and low-conflict friends-to-lovers story that‘s filled with witty banter between lovable characters. A true rom-com.

My full ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review is on my blog Carpe Diem Chronicles by Maida Malby.

I knew from the start that I would like this story because opposites attract is one of my favorite Romance tropes. And boy, are Rafi and Étienne opposites. Rafi is so controlled, super organized, and a lot uptight while Étienne is a little chaotic, seize-the-day kind of person. ⭐️⭐️⭐️?

My full review is on my blog Carpe Diem Chronicles by Maida Malby.

Aidan (in NE Thailand): “When do you plan to go to the Tanglin apartment?”
Maddie (at her East Coast flat): “Sunday night. Why?”
Aidan: “I had something delivered for you there. For tonight.”
Maddie: “Oh. For Valentine‘s? Is it something that wilts or melts?” 💐🍫
Aidan: “You won‘t know until you go and get it, will you?” 😉
Maddie: “Aidan!” 😲
Aidan: “Happy Valentine‘s Day, Madeleine.” 😍

Discerning God‘s will is never easy. For young couple Destynee and Travis, following God‘s plan becomes a struggle when separated by distance and ambition. That they‘re miles apart during the holidays, having their faith–in God and in each other–shaken by doubts makes Finding My Destynee an affecting read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Age never matters; these things are about bravery and heart.”

PASKO NA, MY LOVE, A Holiday Romance Anthology

From acclaimed and bestselling Filipino American authors— Elle Cruz, Maan Gabriel, Maida Malby, Mia Hopkins's Books, Author Sarah Smith and Tif Marcelo —comes Pasko Na, My Love, a holiday romance collection that is sure to warm your heart and uplift your Christmas spirit. 🇵🇭 🇺🇸 🎄

Spanning nearly five decades, I'll Be Seeing You tells the incredibly riveting story of Ruby/Lauren Eaton. In this genre crossover between women's fiction and historical fiction, Ms. Easley takes Lauren back and forth between Texas and New York from 1938 to 1985 - working, loving, winning, losing, learning, failing, and altogether living a fascinating life uniquely her own. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Action, adventure, danger, excitement. Romance. Faith. Concrete Evidence has them all and so much more. Like the approaching hurricane in the story, the events in this book happen fast and furious with surges of violence and the occasional calm that only portends of more devastating crises to come. It wasn‘t until the very end that my heartbeat settled into its normal pace. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

An incredibly gripping symphony of music and faith, The Lost Melody held me in thrall from its darkly dramatic beginning to its gentle, hopeful finish.

Read my full review on my blog Carpe Diem Chronicles.

Last year, Creatrix Rising was one of my Top 21 Reads of 2021. After this re-read, it‘s one of my favorites of 2022 as well. With nearly 4,000 unread books in my TBR mountain, I don‘t often re-read. I made an exception for this book because I know my time and attention will be rewarded with invaluable pearls of wisdom, uplifting affirmations, and unparalleled inspiration. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Achingly poignant, uncomfortably true-to-life in many parts, and subtly spiritual, Love And The Dream Come True is a truly touching read.

Magnolia Bluff, Texas has juicy small-town secrets with big-mouth gossipers and evil behind walls.

Weaving filial piety, magical realism, found family, friendship, the Beatles, food, and romance into a cohesive story requires mad skills and loads of talent. Ms. Lim has those in abundance. 4.5 stars

From its heart-wrenching start to its sigh-worthy ending, Linda Broday‘s Fancy takes the reader on a highly evocative ride. 4.5 stars

Read my full review on my blog Carpe Diem Chronicles.

With its increasingly diverse and representative cast of characters, absolutely amazing competence porn, exciting and fascinating whodunit cases, mouthwatering food descriptions, and excellent sense of place, Amber Royer‘s Bean to Bar Mysteries is quickly becoming my favorite cozy mystery series to read of late. 4.5 stars

There‘s only one bed. 🛏

Out on July 12, 2022. https://books2read.com/FlamesFlirtsFestivals

A quiet, slow-burn (eight years in the making) romance between a duke and his secretary. Not as angsty as some of Ms. Heath's books but still has some touching moments. I liked the respect accorded Pettypeace by the duke and his cohorts the Chessmen. I also really liked the way the author doled out the duke's growing feelings for Penelope. The main conflict was an intriguing twist I haven't read before. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

With its atypical characters, zany humor, low conflict, and modern sensibility, How to Be a Wallflower would suit readers looking for light and fluffy books to escape to during these fraught times.

The book's main characters are two of the quirkiest leads in historical romance I've ever read.

As per usual with Ms. James, expect plenty of Shakespeare and cheeky servants. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A light, slow-burn, trope-y romance, Betting On Love will delight fans of romcoms and, if adapted into a film, would fit perfectly in the programming lineup of a certain greeting-card channel famous for their holiday tv-movies. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

With its bananas time-travel plot, whirlwind-fast pace, and considerable evidence of diligent research, Stealing Time is one heck of an entertaining read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Read my full review on my blog Carpe Diem Chronicles.

Methodical and surprising, Stacy Wilder‘s debut cozy mystery Charleston Conundrum shows enormous potential for a long, successful run. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Read my full review on my blog Carpe Diem Chronicles.

In what I consider her most sensual book to date, Lara Temple‘s The Earl She Should Never Desire delivers everything this avid reader wants in a Romance–remarkably well-rounded characters, superlative dialogue, seemingly insurmountable obstacles, loads of longing and pining, and a slow-burn journey to happy-ever-after.

Read my full review on my blog Carpe Diem Chronicles.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

With only a handful of pages, The Baby with Three Families, Two Countries, and One Promise tugged at my emotions and never let go until the happy end. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Read my full review on my blog Carpe Diem Chronicles by Maida Malby - https://maidamalby.com/2022/03/24/the-baby-with-three-families-two-countries-and...

I‘ve been looking forward to The Spark of Love ever since I read the wildly intriguing teaser for it in the previous book Dreams Rekindled. I‘m happy to say the entirety of it lived up to my high expectations for the third installment of this brilliant series by Amanda Cabot. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Read my full review on my blog Carpe Diem Chronicles.

In times of overwhelming stress, there is no better escape for me than losing myself within the pages of a great book. I seek comfort in cozy mysteries with their assurance that whodunit will be revealed and villains will get their comeuppance. When the cozy involves chocolates, an adorable dog, and romantic elements, it immediately gets taken out of my Mount TBR and into the Read and Reviewed Library.

Full review at Carpe Diem Chronicles.

Yummy wines, a marriage of convenience with a little deception thrown in, and cats with loads of personality. A great recipe for a lighthearted romance and Lenora concocts it so well. She delivers once again an entertaining read that's feminist but not rabidly so. 3.5⭐️s

“She bent over her father‘s proffered hand and pressed her forehead to it in the Filipino way of Mano.”

Rolling-on-the-floor-laughing-my-ass-off-tears-running-down-my-face-almost-peed-my-pants FUNNY!!! 🍆🍑👍🏼👍🏼 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Lighthearted and well-paced, The Yes Dare tells the entertaining story of Ryan's campaign to win back Coco's heart after finding out the invalidity of their divorce a year later. 4⭐️