Ever find yourself in a space where your reading habits are best described as “miscellaneous”? This reflects my recent reading experience. Some books landed in my lap as blessings—advance copies from generous authors and publishers—while others were titles I simply wanted to read (and all the books I read soon fell into the “want to read” category).
Whether you lean toward witty Christian romcoms, engrossing women’s fiction, or even an Aussie classic written over 170 years ago, I’ve got you covered.
🎨 The English Masterpiece by Katherine Reay is an epic historical fiction art extravaganza. Set in 1970s London, this fast-paced novel is a treasure trove of secrets, ambition, and art-world intrigue. I’ve read several of Katherine Reay’s novels, and once again she’s delivered enthralling women’s fiction where I journeyed from slightly confused to completely absorbed.
Lily’s voyage, from Diana’s eager assistant to searching for answers within the maze she found herself in, hooked me, especially as she blundered through a very public and controversial art moment. I admired the way Reay tied up all the threads in Lily’s messy canvas of a life and left me caring deeply about one Irish-American man. 😉 A semi-intellectual novel with heart, healing, and all things art.
🏍 Love on the Run by Mandi Blake is a fabulous small-town Christian romance and is basically what happens when a runaway bride hops on the back of a motorcycle with her best friend’s grumpy brother. 😂 If you’ve followed Mandi Blake’s Love in Blackwater series, you’ll know Anna and Beau already. If you haven’t, this book is an excellent standalone romance.
Anna’s escape from manipulation and family pressure is both brave and deeply relatable, and Beau’s reluctant hero act is heart-melting. Their chemistry simmers through a week-long adventure that included road trip shenanigans, honeymoon bucket lists, and tender, faith-filled moments. It’s a closed-door no-spice Christian romance packed with delicious kisses and emotional depth.
💍 Her Inconvenient Wedding Date by Liwen Y Ho is a fun, witty Christian romantic comedy packed with awkwardness, auntie antics, and fun tropes like enemies-to-lovers and a marriage of (in)convenience. Having not read the first book in the series, I had no trouble jumping into Lily (different Lily to the one above!) and Hunter’s geeky, opposites-attract love story.
Lily needed a fake husband to appease family tradition, and her charming co-worker, Hunter, volunteered for the role. With Liwen Y Ho’s signature blend of Chinese culture, faith, and humour, this delightful, banter-filled romance contained all the emotional growth and lovable romcom awkwardness your heart could desire. It would work as a great “palate cleanser” between heavier reads!
📚 Clara Morison by Catherine Helen Spence is a sweeping Australian classic filled with heart, history, and old-school romance. I studied this gem in VCE Literature and reread it almost yearly for a while… until my little ones kept me too busy. Last month, I picked it up again and remembered exactly why I loved it.
Clara is brave, quiet, and fiercely patient. Her story is rich in historical detail, highlighting societal hierarchy and where women fit in it all, with descriptions of Adelaide and Melbourne during the gold rush, carrying the same satisfying tone as Austen or Gaskell. It’s a long but worthwhile read, especially if you enjoy classics with a religious/Christian thread and a young heroine embracing the spirit of the “Aussie Battler”.
And yes, I still adored Reginald. He was my first “Mr Darcy”—flawed, noble, and absolutely worth the wait. 🥰
There you have it: four wildly different books, one happy reader! If you’ve read any of these or have something similarly eclectic on your TBR, let me know! I love hearing what others are enjoying.
Until next time,
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