Five Star Reads
Each episode, Sarah and Tiffany dish about a five-star romance. These are all books that Sarah and/or Tiffany have read and loved. Enjoy this curated list that we will try to keep updated.
Episode 1: Why We Skip the Spice
Sarah says, “The audio was so good, I immediately bought the paperback on Amazon and have been carrying it around with a highlighter. It might actually be the perfect rom-com.”
Aspiring author Bryony Page attends her first writers conference bursting with optimism and ready to sell her manuscript with long-shot dreams of raising awareness for her grandmother’s financially struggling organization where she teaches ESL full-time. What she doesn’t expect is to get tangled up with Jack Sterling, a jaded literary agent who will change everything.
Let’s Pretend
by Lindsay Rochester
Tiffany says, “It’s a fun, banter-filled celebrity romance with a tour of England that makes you feel like you’re there.”
Finding love with a world-famous movie star seems like a dream, right?
Not to Ivy Hawkins.
She’s looking for someone with staying power, not star power, no matter how handsome. She’s worked hard growing her business, and she finally feels ready to grow personally–with the right guy. One she can trust, who will fit seamlessly into her life.
Enter Alexander Henry, last year’s Sexiest Man Alive. He and Ivy literally collide in London, and he’s immediately drawn to her–especially the fact that she isn’t fawning over him like a superfan.
Episode 2: Is Clean Romance Cheesy?
Just Like Home
by Courtney Walsh
Sarah says, “Courtney Walsh books always give you all the feels. They are all so good.”
Prima ballerina Charlotte Page has a life any dancer would envy, but the tragic loss of her best friend, Julianna, leaves her wanting more. Or maybe—less. In an effort to make her life about something other than accolades and applause, Charlotte leaves professional ballet to save Julianna’s small-town dance studio. This lands her directly in the path of cranky high school football coach and Julianna’s older brother, Cole Turner.
A Voice in the Wind
by Francine Rivers
Sarah and Tiffany both say, “I don’t reread much, but this series is definitely one I go back to.”
While wealthy Roman citizens indulge their every whim, Jews and barbarians are bought and sold as slaves and gladiators in the bloodthirsty arena. Amid the depravity around her, a young Jewish slave girl becomes a light in the darkness. Even as she’s torn by her love for a handsome aristocrat, Hadassah clings to her faith in the living God for deliverance from the forces of a decadent empire.
Memory Lane
by Becky Wade
Tiffany says, “This whole series was so good. It goes deeper than your normal rom-com and there’s an element of mystery, too.”
After surviving a trauma several years back, Remy Reed relocated to a cottage on one of Maine’s most remote islands. She’s arranged her life just the way she wants it, spending her time working on her wood sculptures and soaking in the beauty of nature. It’s quiet and solitary—until the day she spots something bobbing in the ocean.
Episode 3: The Christmas Romance Takeover
Faking Christmas
by Cindy Steel
Tiffany and Sarah both gushed about it. You might as well listen to the episode because there was too much to type.
One little white lie.
That’s all it took. Now I’m suddenly having to fake-date my work nemesis to get me through a week at a Vermont Christmas lodge with my family.
Episode 4: Bookish Terms
The One With the Kiss Cam
by Cindy Steel
Sarah loved how much this book made her laugh and swoon. She’s really here for the laughs.
It was just one date.
My friend told me I needed more fun in my life, so I reluctantly said yes. Fun wasn’t exactly in my wheelhouse. After watching my own mother’s love life implode time and time again it’s only natural that I have a few rules to protect myself.
Actually, it’s just one rule…
Avoid relationships with men so I don’t get attached.
The Silent Heist
by Jenessa Faith
He came for the painting…
Soren Stapley is a professional thief. He is prepared for every scenario and has a plan for every situation.
But he never planned for her.
Episode 5: Clean vs. Sweet
Bounty Hunter
by Kaylee Jarvis
Tiffany loved the world-building
A king desperate to save his kingdom… in search of a woman doing everything she can to never be found…
Sometimes Love Throws a Curveball
by Laura Hawkins
Recommended by guest host Rachel Parker from @ClosedDoorRomance on Instagram
Cruz came to Maple Valley to rest and recover from a mid-season injury. Pretending to date the beautiful Airbnb hostess was not in the plan.
Neither was falling in love.
Wooing Cadie McCaffrey
by Bethany Turner
Sarah says Bethany’s books are a perfect blend of Christian, grit, and lots of humor
After four years with her boyfriend, Cadie McCaffrey is thinking of ending things. Convinced Will doesn’t love her in the “forever” way she loves him, Cadie believes it’s time for her to let him go before life passes her by.
With the dubious guidance of his former pro-athlete work friends and tactics drawn from Cadie’s favorite romantic comedies, Will attempts to win her back. It’s a foolproof plan. What could possibly go wrong?