I’ve read some great books in the past two weeks. Seriously good stuff.

I’m linking up with Book Journey for the first time and her Monday blast of bookish fun known as ‘It’s Monday: What Are You Reading?’

I like to hear about what other people are reading, check out interesting book covers and get some ideas for things I might want to read next. Here’s a list of what I’ve devoured and thoroughly enjoyed recently.

1. A Brush With Love: A Year of Weddings Novella by Rachel Hauck

A short teaser: 

They’ve helped orchestrate the perfect day for countless couples. Now twelve new couples will find themselves in the wedding spotlight in the second Year of Weddings novella collection.

In “A Brush With Love’ hair stylist Ginger Winters has adorned many a bride with the perfect bridal tresses. Now, she must overcome her past in order to realize that she, too, can find true love this January.

I read this straight through last Sunday evening. I’ve enjoyed Rachel’s recent novels tremendously and this was a fun read to tide me over until her next full-length book is available in a few weeks. If you click on the link up above, you can learn more about Rachel and her numerous books, as well as read a short excerpt of this novella.

2. Falling for Texas by Jill Lynn

A little teaser:

Raising his orphaned teenage sister isn’t easy for Texas rancher Cash Maddox. The girl tests his parenting—and patience—at every turn! But when he asks new teacher Olivia Grayson for help with his sister’s grades and attitude, Cash realizes he’s facing the toughest trial of all. He made a promise that he wouldn’t date and get distracted from his mission of being a good father figure. Yet Olivia’s quick wit is drawing him unexpectedly closer to the caring beauty every day. Could it be time to make a new vow…one that’ll last a lifetime?

I thought this was a fun, heartwarming romance with deeper themes of grace, conquering regrets and moving forward subtly woven throughout. I loved the small town setting, as well as the witty dialogue and the supporting role of high school volleyball. A very enjoyable read that I kept thinking about long after I finished reading it.

3. The Beautiful Daughters by Nicole Baart

I finished my ARC of this phenomenal novel late last night. Nicole Baart has done it again: skillfully woven a complex plot  brought to live with characters so rich and flawed that you can’t help but keep turning the pages. There were moments when I was so mad I wanted to reach inside the story and smack somebody and other times the action was so intense my heart pounded. I love the visceral experience of reading her novels. More on this one later as the April release day approaches, but you should totally pre-order.

So that’s it. I’m supposed to share what’s ahead in terms of reading. I’ve started Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good again because now I own a copy and I can savor each page. The Mitford series is one of my all-time faves. The first time I had to stop and return the library’s copy.

I’m also looking forward to listening to Jennifer Weiner’s All Fall Down. I was so excited to read The Boys in the Boat but I kept loaning my copy to other people. They’ve all raved about it. At last, my copy has returned and now I think I’ll take some time to enjoy it.

If you’d like to post what you’re reading or have read recently, click on over to Book Journey and link up.