Between Stairs and Stardust by Pepper Basham Reviewed

About the book:

Title: Between Stairs and Stardust
Author: Pepper Basham
Series: Finding Ever After Novella Collection

Between Stairs and Stardust is set in 1913 Asheville, NC at the beautiful Biltmore Estate and includes a budding children’s book illustrator, an out-of-the box heir, and a teensy bit of Cinderella romance.

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About Pepper Basham

About Pepper Basham:  I wrote my first story when I was a nine year- old, freckled-faced tomboy in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Coming from a long line of oral storytellers, weaving a good yarn seemed a typical part of my life.  It wasn’t until I finished college, had two children, and a full-time job before I began to study the ‘craft’ of writing (you know when I had plenty of time).
So…now I’m an older, freckled-faced mommy enjoying life, learning to write, and laughing often.  My mom says that I must have a small bit of insanity because I don’t realize how stressed I ought to be.
I’m also a speech-language pathologist who spends her time hanging out with kids who have Autism! It’s a challenge and a blessing – and constantly teaches me about the importance of thinking outside the box!

You can keep up with Pepper Basham on her website || Facebook || Twitter || Writer's Alley 

My Thoughts:

Whether long or short Pepper Basham hits a home run with every book she writes! She adds elements that make you swoon and laugh. And when I say laugh I mean out loud!

Alice was the cutest and because I'm a sucker for kids in books she was the perfect addition to this story. James is a great hero. He's everything you'd want in a Prince Charming. Stella isn't weak by any stretch, she is artistic and very independent. Although there is something about her that makes you want to take care of her and keep her safe.

This Cinderella-esque story is guaranteed to enchant fairy tale lovers of all kinds. This is a definite must read!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher as a member of Pepper Basham's street team. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Bookishly Ever After by Sarah Monzon Reviewed

About the book:

Title: Bookishly Ever After
Author: Sarah Monzon
Series: Timeless Love 
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Emory Blake is the ultimate bibliophile. She’d take curling up with a good novel over a night on the town any day of the week. But then best friend Tate Woodby accuses her of living between the pages of her paperbacks instead of the real world, and make a bet that will force her to experience the adventures of her fictional friends…instead of just reading about them. With her face no longer buried in books, Emory must confront the pain of the past. But is it also her perfect opportunity to discover the hunky hero who could be the happily-ever-after of her own story?

About Sarah Monzon:


Sarah Monzon is a Navy chaplain's wife and a stay at home mom to the two cutest littles in the world. Playing pretend all day with them isn't enough, she spends the evenings after their heads hit the pillow to create her own imaginary characters. When she isn't in the world of make believe, she can be found in the pine forests of western Washington taking care of her family, fostering friendships, and enjoying all the adventures each day brings.
Her debut novel, The Isaac Project, skyrocketed to Amazon bestseller status while her Sophomore book, Finders Keepers, won the 2017 SELAH award for contemporary romance.

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My Thoughts:

This is such a sweet, charming novella. Emory is the epitome of a bookworm and she would definitely be one of my best friends. All the bookish references and quotes were not only wonderful they were perfectly placed within the story.

I thought Tate was perfect hero and his way of breaking Emory out of her bookish world by challenging her to experience life rather than just read about it was perfect.

My heart broke for the pain Emory had endured, and the challenge Tate issued seemed to help refocus her.

This is the third book I've read of Sarah Monzon's and I am now a huge fan of her work.
Not only are her books clean, they are well written and completely engaging.


This novella is apart of a novella grouping titled Timeless Love.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Jane by the Book by Pepper Basham Reviewed

About the book:

Title: Jane by the Book
Author: Pepper Basham
Genre: Inspirational Fiction, Romance

Four years ago, Jane Warwick escaped the shame and heartbreak of being jilted at the altar by becoming a housekeeper at the secluded Inn at Simeon Ridge. Predictable and quiet, the inn helps Jane find a place to heal and celebrates her strengths, where she is promoted to head housekeeper. But an unexpected visit to Bath, England, upsets Jane's plans and sends her out of her comfort zone, directly into the harrowing path of historical detective author, Titus Stewart.
The only plans Titus sticks to are family holidays and the ones that send him careening into his story worlds, but when an uptight and nervous innkeeper stumbles into his life - and his latest novel - nonfiction begins to take on a much more interesting gleam.
As the unlikely pair delve into the mystery behind a one-hundred-and-fifty-year-old letter, will they both uncover a romance that stands the test of time?

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Pepper D Basham has been telling tales ever since she was a little girl. When her grandmother called her a “writer” at the age of ten, Pepper took it as gospel and has enjoyed various types of writing styles ever since. A native of the Blue Ridge Mountains, mom of five, speech-language pathologist, and lover of chocolate, Pepper enjoys sprinkling her native Appalachian culture into her fiction wherever she can. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC, where she works with kids who have special needs, searches for unique hats, and plots new ways to annoy her wonderful friends at her writing blog, The Writer’s Alley.

Website || The Writer's Alley || Twitter || Facebook  

My Thoughts:

This is a fun novella that was a quick read. Titus is a perfect hero. He's quirky and creative. Be careful though, he can get lost in his creativity and may put you in his story. Jane is the cutest heroine, with her freckles, cold shoulder shirts, and a messy bun she is a perfect sleuthing partner for Titus.

Novellas sometimes can pack more of a wallop than a full novel since it is shorter, and this one does for sure. 

Ms. Basham has not only written a cute romance within the pages of this novella she has given us a historical mystery to solve as well. Jane is struggling with faith and as the story goes along we get to see how Titus' faith inspires Jane. 

My Bottom Line:

Adorable characters, a sweet romance, a historical mystery, and inspirational faith fill the pages of this novella. Besides Ms. Basham's signature romance and characters, she adds laugh out loud scenes and phrases that will have you giggling. Titus' use of frozen shoulder shirts, still has me laughing. The faith thread is authentic and relatable. I won't look at milkshakes, cold shoulder shirts, or black rimmed glasses the same. This is a definite must read.

Disclaimer: While I received a copy from the publisher, I also purchased the novella collection, Once Upon a Laugh. All opinions expressed are my own.