Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Back to Her Future is a work of fiction in the women’s fiction, interpersonal drama, and slice-of-life subgenres, and is part of the Gen X series penned by author Cary J Hansson. The plot follows Meryem, abducted from England to Turkey as a teenager and now, thirty years later, liberated and affluent in Dubai. Her father's confession sends her back to London, where she reunites with childhood friends Alma and Sammy for an impromptu 80s weekend, triggering memories of her abduction and straining their bond. Through a blend of history, everyday life, and tragedy, Hansson crafts an unforgettable narrative exploring friendship, resilience, and self-discovery in the face of trauma.

Author Cary J Hansson puts heart and soul into crafting an immersive and highly emotional novel, navigating Meryem's journey from victim to empowered survivor. Meryem's mantra of looking out for herself is an interesting double-edged sword, showing both strength and vulnerabilities as she tries to protect herself from the world, but also be part of it. The author balances this incredibly well in the narrative, and the interplay between past trauma and present-day struggles is poignant as a result, highlighting the complexities of healing and rebuilding relationships. Hansson's writing skillfully weaves together nostalgia, emotional depth, and suspense with fluidity and confidence, keeping readers engaged until the final page with never a dull moment in the storyline. The novel delivers a powerful thematic punch on the importance of friendship and the hidden resilience we find amidst adversity, which is a deeply worthy message to take away. Overall, I would certainly recommend Back to Her Future for fans of poignant women’s drama.

Reviewed by Sherri Fulmer Moorer for Readers' Favorite

In Bride Swap by Beth Carter, Paige is a popular newscaster who has it all: a great job on the news desk, and a clandestine engagement to the anchor at their rival station. She’s keeping the engagement a secret until they can quietly plan a wedding that’s sure to make a splash on the local scene but there is an unexpected development. Her boss decided to shake things up and put her on a new assignment covering sports. Suddenly, she’s away from her desk and traveling with a new co-anchor hoping to make his mark in the sports world. The only problem was that Paige hated sports, and knew nothing about them. How can she catch up and plan a wedding? In desperation, she turned to her best friend, Emma, a single mother with her own business. Surely Emma can save the day? But Emma had her own life and issues that immediately intruded on wedding planning. These included a daughter starting kindergarten with a swoon-worthy teacher, a thriving business, a home, and too much happening to keep up with the passing of each day. Soon months went by, and no plans had been made. Now what?

Bride Swap by Beth Carter is a charming romantic comedy that will captivate you from the first page. This book was just what I needed. I was looking for something with a solid plot, yet more lighthearted than my usual science fiction and mystery novels. I found it in Bride Swap. This is an appealing story of love and friendship that shows how women with very different lives can form a unique friendship. The author creates a wonderful world full of relatable characters who have the same trials and struggles as women in today's society. I especially liked the way she showed their resilience and ability, not only to cope but to thrive through the unexpected twists and turns of life. This is a great, captivating novel that will keep you engaged and reading well past your bedtime.

Reviewed by Donna Parrey for Readers' Favorite

From the hook of the first two pages to the rollercoaster ride of emotions throughout, readers will be drawn into JJ Elliott’s There Are No Rules For This. The fact that this is JJ Elliott’s debut novel makes one greedy for the next. A tight quartet of women friends becomes a grief-stricken trio when one commits suicide. This is not a spoiler as it is the basic premise of the book right from the beginning but might serve as a trigger warning for some readers. The story rolls out in more than a dozen chapters with intriguing names like “The Time Wine Shot Out My Nose” and “The Time We Got Caught on a Stakeout.” JJ Elliott weaves each chapter with memories that Max, Liddy, and Ali have of Josephine “Feeney” Simms and their newly-hatched plan to hold their own funerals while they are still alive.

There Are No Rules For This gives readers a compelling story and a lot to think about. JJ Elliott’s superb writing kicks in early and never lets up. Readers can relate to her descriptive passages of sorrow, angst, joy, guilt, and peace of mind. The author manages to let us get inside the skins of these women as if we, too, knew one another for years and shared Wine Wednesdays with them in California wine country. The story is well-paced as we follow both the flashbacks that Max, Liddy, and Ali have of Feeney and their struggles to deal with things not said. There Are No Rules For This is women’s fiction at its best, and JJ Elliott is an author you’ll want to hear more from.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

When Cardinals Appear by Katie Eagan Schenck is a good, old-fashioned love story that will tug at readers’ heartstrings. Lanie McAllister is struggling to deal with her mother’s early death from cancer. She’d moved away from their hometown of Cedar Haven to Seattle, to study teaching emotionally and educationally challenged children. The move had resulted in the breakup of her and her high school sweetheart, Nate, but she had since moved on, entering a long-term relationship with James. Now that she had her Master’s degree, she and James planned to live together in California, where Lanie had accepted a job teaching in a school that specialized in children with difficulties and James had transferred from his company’s Seattle office. But now she was back in Cedar Haven. Named by her mother to be the executor of the estate, Lanie must organize the selling of their family home and other possessions. Can Lanie cope with the deep emotional trauma of losing her mother, as well as the likelihood of running into Nate again in this small town?

When Cardinals Appear is an absolute joy to read. I do love a good love story, especially one that has a myriad of backstories and character development and this book fits the bill perfectly. Author Katie Eagan Schenck has created a multifaceted character in Lanie who has strength, depth, and courage which is equally balanced by her vulnerability, uncertainty, and seeming inability to control her destiny. I particularly appreciated her doubts as well as frustrations with the realization that all the people she loved in life seemed determined to control her future and direction, without any regard to what she truly wanted. The irony was, of course, that she didn’t know what she truly wanted because she had been following her mother’s exhortations to get away from Cedar Haven and never settle for less than she deserved. What I found so refreshing, despite it being an oft-told tale, was Lanie’s willingness to embrace her feelings once she finally permitted herself to have legitimate feelings, desires, and aspirations of her own. Everyone, it seemed had an opinion on what was best for Lanie, except for Lanie herself and this was perfectly expressed in the character of her father who struggled to understand why a life in Cedar Haven shouldn’t be good enough for anyone. Every so often, we need a bit of lightness, happiness, and love in our reading and this book fills that need exceptionally well. I loved this book and highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Keana Sackett-Moomey for Readers' Favorite

The Space Between Us is a hilarious romantic comedy by Melanie Summers that centers on two prospective lovebirds, Gwen Fox, an astrobiologist, and Ty Sterling, a wealthy CEO. Ty wants to cut funding for Gwen and her research team, but Gwen isn't about to let that happen. She's just as feisty and stubborn as Ty. Thus begins a romantic adventure with this dynamic duo. Gwen and Ty are forced into close proximity on a business trip in the jungles of Peru. This is all part of Ty's dying business partner's final request. Sharing a small tent prompts these two enemies to finally "see" each other and acknowledge their mutually growing attraction. It's only a matter of time before they give in to their feelings. Or will pride get in the way? For the sake of our hearts, we hope it's the first scenario.

If you love reading enthralling enemies-turned-friends-turned-lovers sagas, this intoxicating novel has it all. I recommend The Space Between Us by Melanie Summers to every romance lover. This rom-com is no doubt a 5-star read. Gwen and Ty are fantastic. I feel like a spectator in their love story. I admire their personalities, red-hot chemistry, and how well their relationship progressed throughout the storyline. I enjoyed reading the story from both their POVs. Altogether, the passion, chemistry, racy banter, and spicy moments between them will have your head (and heart) in ecstasy for days without ceasing. End conclusion—if you're looking for a steamy read with good character development, this alluring rom-com is the perfect book for you.

Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite

It Could Happen by Melissa Baldwin is a fantastic romantic comedy about a wedding, a secret that threatens to blow up the bridal party, relationships, friendships, and finding love when you least expect it. Tori Hayes is surprised to receive a wedding invitation from her friend Caroline, who also wants her to be a bridesmaid. Tori is single and open to finding love. She hates change but is excited to participate and meet the other bridal party members. Caroline's wedding will be a three-day, non-stop party, complete with tradition, pomp, and circumstance. Tori doesn't know it yet, but she is about to be thrown into a drama that will take her out of her comfort zone. She is also about to meet a man who's full of himself and annoys yet completely intrigues her.

I loved the writing, the wedding drama, the romance, chaos, tension, and suspense. I could read books like this all day long. It Could Happen by Melissa Baldwin was highly addictive as it had everything I craved. This delicious, slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy warmed my heart. It's full of drama and funny, messy, and also flirtatious scenes that will especially appeal to hopeless romantics. It Could Happen proves that risk-taking, leaving your comfort zone, and accepting change can benefit you. It's a story to treasure and perfect for the summer season. I dare all hopeless romantics not to devour this book in a single sitting.

Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite

Miss Snickers: A Little Romance, A Little Mystery, A Little Adventure by Lynn M. Hoerauf follows the protagonist, Sydney, as she becomes engrossed in the relationship troubles of a couple named Tony and Mindy. As she watches a relationship advice show on TV, Sydney parallels Mindy’s situation and her relationship with her fiancé, David. Set in a New York loft-style apartment and told from Sydney’s perspective, Miss Snickers combines romance, humor, and self-discovery as Sydney reflects on her journey to finding happiness and love. She attempts to sort out her love life with time apart from David, giving her more time with her Aunt Josie, who she calls her voice of reason.

Miss Snickers is a delightful romantic comedy that captures the ups and downs of love in a relatable and entertaining fashion. Lynn M. Hoerauf’s writing style is engaging, and the characters are developed remarkably, allowing readers to empathize with their experiences. The protagonist guides the narrative, offering insightful observations and reflections that resonate with readers. The New York loft setting adds charm and modernity to the narrative, while Sydney’s introspection adds depth to the plot. Overall, Miss Snickers is a fun and heartwarming story that will leave readers smiling and hopeful about their own romantic journeys. It will have readers laughing, crying, and engaging in thought-provoking conversations around the table with friends. Miss Snickers should be at the top of the romantic comedy list for those who are fans of the genre.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Nicki Got Spunk is a work of fiction in the contemporary romance, interpersonal drama, and slice-of-life subgenres, and it forms the third novel in the Colors of Happiness book series. The work is best suited to the general adult reading audience and contains some non-graphic romantic scenes. Penned by author Annette G. Anders, we find ourselves along for the ride with protagonist Nicki, who intends to escape the errors of her last relationship by having a little rest and relaxation with her sister on Martha’s Vineyard. Little does she know that the hunk she wants to pick up for some harmless fun comes with a lot more baggage, intensity, and deep feelings than she’d bargained for.

Author Annette G. Anders has packed a lot into this bright and fast-paced romantic read, not least in the swell of character development and intense relationship dynamics that she creates right from the start. Nicki is an instantly likable rogue of a character, attempting a regret-free lifestyle after ditching the prospect of a terrible marriage in her future. Parker is a well-developed male lead with a ton of complications of his own, and I really enjoyed the way the author conveyed familial pressure and expectations in his emotional story arc. This makes for some highly realistic interaction and a believable romance plot that deepens well over time and really has you rooting for the couple’s happiness by the end. Overall, Nicki Got Spunk is a very entertaining read for those who want to get deeply invested in a well-penned immersive love story.

Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite

With an exciting start to My Best Mistake: My Best Series Book 1 Tasha's Story, author Carole Wolfe introduces the story of Tasha Gerome; a single mother facing different challenges while trying to balance everything including parenting. Tasha is struggling under the weight of her responsibilities after her absentee ex-husband, Doug, left her to take care of the children by herself. She can only hope the newly hired housecleaner does not quit after seeing the state of her house. She is also being accused of posting bad reviews and making false accusations against a powerful doctor. In addition, Tasha is trying to improve her dating life and Doug is stalking her, attempting to coax her into a suspicious new deal.

I enjoyed Tasha’s growth throughout the story as she took charge of her life and learned to stand up for herself. I also loved that her strained relationship with her sister changes and becomes stronger as Sara helps Tasha face her challenges. I appreciated that the book explores common life situations that its audience will be able to relate to. I enjoyed the humorous conversations and the surprising scenes woven into the plot. While Tasha faces numerous obstacles, there are also happy, uplifting moments included and the end is satisfying. Themes about sisterhood, managing relationships, growth, and finding one’s voice are adeptly brought out in the story. My Best Mistake by Carole Wolfe is a fun and inspiring read with a likable main character. Looking forward to more of Wolfe’s work.

Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite

The engaging, soul-stirring story, What's Not Lost: A Novel by Valerie Taylor, follows a woman’s journey to finding herself and discovering happiness. Once again, Kassie’s life falls into disarray after her late husband's burial when her fiancé’s pregnant ex-girlfriend shows up at her door. Despite the new turn in Kassie’s and Chris’s lives, she is optimistic and excited for him. Kassie is also looking forward to going to Paris for a business assignment; a life-changing opportunity she earned by herself. Kassie’s best friend warns that the distance could strain things between her and Chris. Still, Kassie is excited and takes up the assignment. By chance, she meets a Greek businessman who changes her perspective. She forges new friendships and discovers more love and happiness than she has ever known.

Valerie Taylor masterfully creates characters who are real and vulnerable. I loved Kassie’s growth throughout the book; how she finds her true self and can follow her heart. I also loved the characters’ vulnerable moments and how believable they were. Taylor’s ability to create secondary characters whose lives are entangled with the main characters’ stories is fully displayed. I found Kassie’s cat’s viewpoint at the beginning of the story amusing. I also loved that the story is suspenseful and slowly builds its way to a satisfying conclusion. What's Not Lost is a lovely, captivating novel with a host of colorful characters and many moving moments. Readers will find Kassie’s emotional journey compelling and enjoy its happy ending.