 Author: Sarah Monzon Genre: Contemporary Romance Series: Checking Out Love #3 Pages: 320 Release Date: July 21, 2026 Publisher: Bethany House Publishers Can a jeopardized children's library program spark a partnership that saves their careers but costs them their hearts? When children's librarian Martha Aldridge learns about budget cuts that will not only put her out of a job but also shut down the library's children's programs, she's determined to raise the funds needed to save both. The good news is, she knows just who to ask for a large donation on the library's behalf. The bad news? She swore she'd never step foot in his office again. Julien King has been groomed to one day run his family's publishing empire, and now he must prove he's ready to take the helm by turning around the company's languishing children's imprint. That wouldn't be a problem, except he doesn't know the first thing about children's literature. So when Martha waltzes into his office, he sees an opportunity and makes her an offer she can't refuse. He'll give her the money she needs for the library in exchange for her help in acquiring a bestselling manuscript that will resurrect the dying imprint. The longer they're forced to work together, however, the more they come to realize their jobs may not be the only thing on the line.
 Reviewer: Lori Parrish This was such fun to read! I found myself smiling and laughing through most of it. I finished this one in the early morning hours. Oh my goodness! Monzon has outdone herself on this one! She has really made my evening most full and satisfied. Martha’s story became my own. I really enjoyed her character. I loved how she stood up for what she believed in. Julien’s too. I loved their banter and forced proximity. He truly is a gentleman. I liked him all the more for it. Sometimes you just have to do what is right, even though it makes you uncomfortable, to help others. I love that this book also teaches a lesson, too, in a positive way. That was my favorite thing about this story. I was sad when it ended because I hate to say goodbye to these characters that I completely understood and loved. But knowing that I can reread this book whenever I want to is a great consolation! I’ll be adding this book to my shelf of favorites. It is told from Julien’s side and Martha’s side. I loved Martha’s side best. 5 stars for keeping my attention all the way through. Well done! I highly recommend this novel. It has such a cute cover that honestly made me want to read it. I adored this book! I will be thinking about this story for ages to come. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers via Interviews & Reviews and NetGalley for my honest opinion. Reviewer: Laura J. Davis
Bookmarked for Love by Sarah Monzon is the third book in the Checking Out Love series, and it was my absolute favourite. Although I think I felt the same way about the other two books! I love how the author chooses her characters to help the reader consider something that is a difficult challenge or subject for someone else. She has that ability to help her readers step into someone else’s shoes. In book one, An Overdue Match, her character suffered from alopecia, in book two, Hearts in Circulation, the main character suffered from a sensory processing disorder, and in this book, her main character is obese and lacks self-esteem believing that no man could love her. Having the same problem, I can say for a fact, being so encumbered by extra flesh, does gives one low self-esteem, but like Martha I was equally surprised that someone found my enormous bottom, (and these are my husband of 44 years words): “One of my best features besides my face.” And that is something Martha Aldridge struggles with when Julien King expresses his interest in her. She had all kinds of excuses why someone would not be interested in her: he could not be interested in her because of her looks, but also because he is rich, handsome, they grew up together, and his father destroyed her dreams. Martha had lots of excuses. There is a lot to unpack in this story. Martha has always had a crush on Julien, but her perception of her attractiveness to others, combined with all the other reasons she has, amounts to a lack of self-esteem. The author was brilliant in how these two characters came together, and I loved hearing Julien’s inner thoughts as he struggled with his desire to take his relationship further with Martha. But, he was her boss, and that was a big no-no. I loved how imaginative Martha was and how creative regarding her time in the library, something she doesn’t seem to recognize. I will probably read this book again. I enjoyed it that much. It had some tender moments and provided some giggles for me too. If you enjoy books where the lead characters are drawn to each other but do everything in their power to resist, you will love this book! I was given a complimentary copy of this book courtesy of Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley for my honest opinion. Leave a Reply. |
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