Book Description:
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.
In her charming rom-com style, Sarah Monzon delivers a bookish novel brimming with forced proximity, workplace romance, a curvy and plus-size heroine, the silver fox trope, and middle-age romance. For fans of Pepper Basham, Courtney Walsh, and Becky Wade.
Narelle’s Thoughts:
I enjoyed reading Bookmarked for Love, the third book in Sarah Monzon’s Checking Out Love series set in Tennessee. Martha is a part-time librarian assistant in her late 30’s who grew up on an estate where her parents live and work for the wealthy owners. When Martha’s boss informs her that the funding for her librarian position and their popular children’s programs is ending, reaching out to her parents’ employer for a donation is a logical next step.
Julien is an only child in his mid 40’s who’s married to his job. He’s next in line for CEO in their family publishing company and his father is refusing to retire. Julien is frustrated when his father expects him to work a miracle and save their failing children’s division.
Martha and Julien’s meet cute is awkward and embarrassing, especially for Martha who hasn’t seen her childhood crush in years. Julien values her children’s literature expertise and she temporarily works for him to secure the library donation.
Their fun romance has many lighthearted moments and ridiculous romcom situations that are complicated by the close proximity in their working relationship. Julien won’t mix business with pleasure and challenging circumstances test his resolve.
Martha can’t ignore her long held writing aspirations. She’s dealing with past hurts and overcoming her insecurities. Julien is managing a lot of family drama and he’s forced to make hard decisions. I loved reuniting with characters from earlier books in the series.
The story explores forgiveness themes with a light touch. I recommend Bookmarked for Love to contemporary romance readers who like sweet romcoms with bookish characters from different worlds, publishing and library settings, forced proximity, family drama, and relevant faith elements in the story.
Many thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.
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