Happy New Year

 Here’s hoping 2026 is the best year yesterday!

Sophia Rose and I will see you next year!

Sophia Rose Reviews: School For Love by Christina Dudley

 

School For Love by Christina Dudley

#3 Hapgoods of Bramleigh

Historical Romance

Publisher:  BellaVita Press

Published:  10.30.20

Pages:  409

Rating: 4.5 stars

Format: ebook

Source: purchased

Sellers:  Amazon

ADD TO: GoodReads

 

GoodReads Synopsis:

Hugh Hapgood, cousin to Squire Richard Hapgood of Bramleigh, finds himself alone after the death of his first wife and scrambling to care for his three motherless children. He must see to their care and education, and yet he feels he hardly knows them. Those around him believe he should choose a second wife to assist him with the burdens of life, and, it seems, nearly everyone has just the person in mind for him! But will the fates allow Hugh to have the woman his own heart chooses?

Sophia Rose Reviews: The Last Wizard Ball by Charlaine Harris

 

The Last Wizard Ball by Charlaine Harris

#6 Gunnie Rose

Alternate History, Fantasy

Publisher:  S&S/Saga Press

Published:  7.22.25

Pages:  272

Rating: 3 stars

Format: eARC

Source:  NetGalley

Sellers:  Amazon

ADD TO: GoodReads

 

GoodReads Synopsis:

#1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Charlaine Harris returns with the sixth and final installment in the critically acclaimed Gunnie Rose series as sisters Lizbeth Rose and Felicia must face their fates at the last Wizards’ Ball.

Lizbeth Rose’s sister Felicia attends the Grand Wizards’ Ball, and as one of the most powerful—and beautiful—death wizards in a generation, she is highly sought after as one of the belles of the ball.

However, war and violence are on the rise in Europe as German and Japanese wizards are also courting Felicia…and some are refusing to take no for an answer.

As the façade of genteel wizard society turns deadly, Lizbeth must learn to not only protect her sister, but also navigate the arcane world that is pulling her sister and husband into a dangerous dance with death that could change the world as they know it.

#1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Charlaine Harris has crafted a murderous and magical family drama in this sixth and final installment to the beloved and bestselling Gunnie Rose series.

Merry Christmas

 From my home to yours I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas 

Sophia Rose Reviews: A Carol for Mrs. Dickens by Rebecca Connolly

 

A Carol for Mrs. Dickens by Rebecca Connolly

Historical Fiction, Holiday

Publisher:  Shadow Mountain Publishing

Published: 9.23.25

Pages:  169

Rating: 4.5 stars

Format: ARC

Source:  Shadow Mountain Publishing and Austenprose

Sellers:  Amazon

ADD TO: GoodReads

 

GoodReads Synopsis:

Catherine Dickens, wife of Charles Dickens, experiences her own Christmas Eve transformation as she magically travels through her cherished memories to rediscover her lost love of Christmas.


By 1851, all of London has fallen in love with A Christmas Carol, heralding Charles Dickens as “the man who invented Christmas.” But for his wife, Catherine, Christmas is less of a reason for celebration and more of a burden. Between hosting lavish parties, decorating her home, and caring for her eight children—with one more on the way—she feels more like Scrooge than herself this year.


But everything changes after a chance encounter with a kitchen cook, who reminds her that Christmas can be a time of miracles and magic, if she is willing to open her heart.


Armed with a magical sprig of holly, Kate embarks on three transformative journeys into her past, hoping to reconnect with the love she once felt for the holiday—and with herself. But can these memories be enough to reignite her Christmas spirit? Or are such miraculous transformations only meant for the characters in her husband’s beloved tales?


Inspired by real individuals, A Carol for Mrs. Dickens reminds us that the true spirit of the holiday lies in love, faith, and the joy of giving.


Catherine Dickens struggles with the burdens of Christmas despite her husband’s success with A Christmas Carol. A magical sprig of holly leads her on three journeys into her past, rekindling her faith and holiday spirit. This heartwarming tale celebrates love, faith, and the simple joys of Christmas.

 

Sophia Rose Reviews: While It Was Snowing by Julia London

 

While It Was Snowing by Julia London

Contemporary Romance, Holiday

Publisher:  Berkley

Published:  10.28.25

Pages:  328

Rating: 4 stars

Format: trade paperback

Source:  BerkleySellers:  Amazon

ADD TO: GoodReads 

GoodReads Synopsis:

Under the mistletoe, a single mom and a professional athlete realize they have more in common than the lake house they unexpectedly have to share for the holidays, in this heartwarming romance from New York Times bestselling author Julia London.

All Amy Casey wants for Christmas is to paint. She needs five new paintings for the holiday show at her local art gallery, but between her two teenage sons, her needy ex-husband, and her overbearing parents, she hardly has any time for herself. Luckily, her best friend has the perfect a vacant family lake house in North Texas, all hers for two weeks of distraction-free painting. Or so she thought.

Turns out professional golfer Harrison Neely also rented the lake house so he can spend the holidays rehabbing the injury that has put his career—and life—on hold. Despite the booking snafu, both Amy and Harrison (along with Amy's old blind dog and the army of child-sized nutcrackers residing in the living room) agree to share the festive lodging.

When an impending snowstorm has the two cozying up by the fire, sparks fly in more ways than one, and they open up to each other, unwrapping secrets and stories they’ve never shared before. But Harrison is expected back on the tournament circuit after the holidays, and Amy's family needs her. As their departure date looms and her family and his manager press them for answers, they’ll have to decide if this December to remember has been a fun holiday fling, or if they’ve found a Christmas miracle at true love.

 

Sophia Rose Reviews: Two Witches and a Whiskey by Annette Marie

 

Two Witches and a Whiskey by Annette Marie

#3 Guild Codex: Spellbound

Urban Fantasy

Publisher:  Dark Owl Fantasy

Published:  2.8.19

Pages: 281

Rating: 4 stars

Format: ebook

Source:  KU borrow

Sellers:  Amazon

ADD TO: GoodReads

GoodReads Synopsis:

Three months ago, I landed a job as a bartender. But not at a bar—at a guild. Yeah, the magic kind.

I'm not a badass mage like my three smokin' hot best friends. I'm not a sorcerer or an alchemist, or even a wussy witch. I'm just a human, slinging drinks like a pro and keeping my non-magical nose out of mythic business. Seriously, I know my limits.

So why am I currently standing in a black-magic ritual circle across from a fae lord?

Somewhere behind me, my three mage friends are battling for their lives. Somewhere near my feet is the rogue witch I just knocked out with a stolen spell. And I have about five seconds to convince this very angry sea god not to shmoosh me like a bug.

I'm pretty sure this wasn't part of the job description.