Tag: fiction

Posted in Historical Fiction

When the Day Comes

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

by Gabrielle Meyer

The Time-Crossing Historical Fiction Story I Didn’t Know I Needed

About the Book:
Libby (Anne Elizabeth) is living two different lives in two different time periods. Each day brings her back and forth between two worlds, forcing her to navigate different expectations, relationships, and choices. As she tries to understand why she has been given these two lives, Libby must discover where she truly belongs and what purpose lies behind her unusual journey.

When the Day Comes is a story about identity, courage, faith, and the choices that shape who we become.

What I Loved

I have a confession: this book sat on my reading list for over a year.

Not because I didn’t think I would like it, but because I wasn’t sure about the time-crossing element. My first thought was, “Is this going to be confusing?” My second thought was, “Am I going to need a timeline chart and a notebook?”

Thankfully, the answer was no.

Instead, Gabrielle Meyer created something truly special.

I have never read a dual timeline story quite like this one. The idea of following the same main character through two different time periods could have easily become complicated, but somehow Meyer made it feel completely natural.

And that is not easy.

I loved Libby (Anne Elizabeth) and the way she navigated two different lives, two different worlds, and two different sets of expectations. She was a character who made me want to understand her choices and cheer for her journey.

But what impressed me most was the explanation behind the time-crossing element. It was original, thoughtful, and beautifully woven into the story. It never felt like a gimmick. It felt like it belonged.

I also appreciated that the two timelines were equally engaging. Sometimes in dual timeline stories, readers find themselves impatiently waiting to return to one storyline over another. That never happened here. Both timelines mattered. Both worlds had purpose.

I had wondered if this book would feel similar to Outlander, but it truly stands on its own. (For the record, I never read the books and only made it through the first season of the show before deciding it was not for me.) This story had its own identity, its own heart, and its own beautifully unique approach.

This was a masterpiece, and I use that word intentionally.

When the Day Comes reminded me why I love historical fiction. It can transport us to another time while still asking timeless questions about faith, purpose, love, and who we are meant to become.

My Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Perfect for Readers Who Enjoy:

Christian historical fiction, dual timeline stories, strong heroines, unique storytelling, and books that blend history with a touch of the unexpected.

Cozy Sip Pairing:

Classic Earl Grey Tea with Honey and Cream

This book feels like a cozy afternoon wrapped in a blanket while traveling through different centuries, discovering new places, and getting completely lost in a story you never expected to love.

Posted in Cozy Mysteries and Ghost Stories

The House on Foster Hill

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

By Jaime Jo Wright

Have you ever tried to outrun your past, only to realize it doesn’t stay behind you… it follows you in ways you never expected? And sometimes it doesn’t even show up as the past at all – it shows up as your present, and maybe even your future.

This book sits right in that space.

Tropes

Let’s start with the basics:

  • Dual timeline
  • Haunted / “living” house
  • Cold case mystery
  • Gothic small-town setting

Themes

This story leans into some heavy, meaningful ground:

  • Grief
  • Trauma recovery
  • Female resilience and strength in hardship

Synopsis

Two women, separated by a century, find themselves connected through one place: Foster Hill.

In the early 1900s, Ivy Thorpe carries deep grief after the loss of her brother and the betrayal of someone she trusted. When a body turns up near a local estate, she steps straight into a mystery filled with buried secrets and long-hidden truths.

In the present day, Kaine Prescott runs from a life she can no longer face in San Diego. She buys the rundown Foster Hill with the hope of restoring it in honor of her late husband. Instead, she finds a house that refuses to stay quiet. What she uncovers ties directly into the danger she thought she left behind.

As past and present begin to collide, both women move toward one conclusion – one that exposes secrets that never should have stayed buried.

My Thoughts

Jaime Jo Wright does it again.

I found this book even more haunting and intense than The Bookshop of 99 Doors. I had to set it down more than once just to clear my head. The haunting never crosses into horror – it stays eerie, atmospheric, and deeply unsettling in the best way.

The house absolutely acts like a character. I love when authors do that. Foster Hill holds layers of secrets, and each one peels back like an onion. Every reveal pulls you deeper into the story until you realize how far in you’ve gone.

Both Ivy and Kaine feel fully developed. As they untangle the mystery, they also confront parts of themselves they’ve avoided. Their growth feels natural and earned.

The romance stays closed-door and clean, with no spice or language, which fits the tone of the story well.

Faith threads through the book in a grounded way. It never feels forced. Instead, it shows up in the real, messy moments – grief, anger, questioning, and that very human tension of trying to trust God in the middle of loss.

And the pacing? Excellent. I read this in under 48 hours because I kept telling myself, “just one more chapter,” until suddenly I was too far in to stop.

I love finding stories like this – haunted, atmospheric fiction with a strong faith undercurrent done well.

Cozy Vibes Check

Atmosphere:
Gothic, eerie, and wrapped in quiet tension from beginning to end.

Pacing:
The story builds both timelines carefully, letting each layer of the mystery unfold at its own pace.

Emotional Tone:
Reflective, somber, and unsettling at times, but threaded with quiet hope.

Reading Experience:
It felt like peeling back old wallpaper in a forgotten house and finding something hidden underneath that was never meant to be seen.

Favorite Quote

“Sometimes the past doesn’t stay buried… it waits for someone brave enough to listen.”

Pair It With

Drink: Hot chai tea – something warm that carries both comfort and quiet courage in the same cup.

Vibe: A steady Sunday morning rain with the windows cracked just enough to let the sound in – the kind that becomes part of the story. Percy at my side, a light summer blanket pulled close, and that quiet feeling that the house outside your window feels a little too still.

Rating

Rating: 5 out of 5.
Posted in Bookshelf Favorites

Why I Choose to Read No-Spice Books

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

Can I be honest with you?

I didn’t always read clean books.

For years, I enjoyed spicy romance novels. I loved the excitement, the chemistry, and the emotional intensity. At the time, I didn’t think much about how those stories were shaping my expectations.

Then I got married.

What I quickly discovered was that real life rarely looks like fiction. Real relationships aren’t built on perfectly timed grand gestures, flawless communication, or endless romantic moments. They’re built on ordinary days, imperfect people, and the choice to love each other anyway.

At first, I kept reading those books. I even wrote some of that content myself. Looking back, though, I can see that the stories I consumed slowly became a measuring stick for my own life.

Without realizing it, I started comparing.

Why doesn’t my relationship feel like that?

Why isn’t romance easier?

Why don’t I feel what the characters feel?

The more I compared, the more dissatisfied I became.

My husband made efforts to show love in his own way, but I often overlooked them because they didn’t match the version of romance I had built in my mind. Instead of appreciating what was real, I focused on what was missing.

And comparison rarely stays in one area of life.

Soon, I wasn’t just comparing my marriage. I compared myself.

I didn’t look like the women in the books. I wasn’t as confident, glamorous, fashionable, or outgoing as the characters I read about. Little by little, my self-confidence eroded.

The problem wasn’t the books themselves.

The problem was what I allowed them to become in my heart.

Scripture reminds us:

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” — Proverbs 4:23

For me, that verse became deeply personal.

I began to realize that what I read was influencing how I viewed myself, my relationships, and even my contentment. The stories I consumed fed expectations that no real person could consistently meet and encouraged comparisons that slowly stole my ability to appreciate what was right in front of me.

Years later, my marriage ended.

To this day, I would never blame books for my divorce. Marriages end for complicated reasons, and mine was no exception.

But healing has a way of giving us perspective.

Looking back, I can see that some of the stories I consumed encouraged comparisons and expectations that made it harder for me to appreciate the good that existed in my real life. They weren’t the cause, but they certainly weren’t helping.

I don’t share that because I’m interested in creating rules for other people. I share it because I’ve lived with the consequences of comparison, and I know how quietly it can take root.

Today, I still love books just as much as I always have.

But I’ve become more intentional about what I read.

I choose stories that leave me feeling encouraged instead of dissatisfied. I look for romance built on connection, kindness, sacrifice, friendship, and emotional intimacy. I’ve discovered that some of the most beautiful love stories happen in a glance across a room, a hand held during a difficult season, or two people choosing each other again and again.

That’s one of the reasons Clean Reads & Cozy Sips exists.

Not because I think everyone has to read exactly what I read.

Not because I’m interested in judging anyone else’s choices.

But because I’ve experienced firsthand how powerful stories can be.

Books shape us. They influence our thoughts, our expectations, and sometimes even the way we see ourselves.

These days, I choose books that bring peace, hope, and joy into my life.

And honestly?

I’ve never enjoyed reading more.

A Question for You

Have you ever noticed a book, movie, or television show influencing your expectations of relationships, life, or even yourself?

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Posted in Cozy Mysteries and Ghost Stories

The Bookshop of 99 Doors

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

By Jaime Jo Wright

You had me at “bookshop” and kept me with the haunted mansion and century-old secrets. I stayed up way past my bedtime reading this one.

Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis

I picked this one up for the bookshop and Gothic mansion vibes and wound up staying for the mystery.

The story follows two women living more than a hundred years apart, both connected to the same estate and the secrets hidden within its walls. As the past and present begin to collide, long-buried truths come to light. Packed with suspense, family drama, and faith, this story kept me guessing until the very end.

Cozy Vibes Check

Atmosphere: Dark, emotional, tense, and haunting

Pacing: Steady from start to finish. Not a single lag.

Emotional Tone: Heavy at times but ultimately hopeful. Expect grief, mystery, and plenty of deliciously spooky moments.

Tropes You’ll Find

  • Dual Timeline
  • Haunted Mansion
  • Historical Mystery
  • Family Secrets
  • Books About Books

Clean Reads Rating

Romance/Intimacy: Level 2 – Sweet & Slightly Swoony

Language: Level 2 – Mild “Oops I Said Dang” Energy

Faith Content: Strong

Cozy Factor:
More eerie Gothic mystery than cozy mystery, but the bookshop setting adds a cozy touch.

Suspense Level:
Expect plenty of twists, tension, and late-night reading.

My Thoughts

This book was a wild ride.

Imagine meeting someone at the pool. You chat for a few minutes, feel completely comfortable, and then they shove you into the deep end and walk away while you figure out how to swim. That was my reading experience.

At first, I wasn’t sure this book was for me. Not because it moved slowly—it absolutely didn’t. The pacing was excellent from page one. I just struggled to settle into the mood of the story. Then chapter three arrived, and suddenly I couldn’t stop reading.

Let’s start with the hauntings.

They were atmospheric, creepy, and incredibly well done. Jaime Jo Wright doesn’t rely on terrifying horror moments. Instead, she leans into whispers, tapping sounds, creaking floors, passing shadows, and those unsettling glimpses from the corner of your eye. The kind of spooky that keeps you turning pages instead of hiding under a blanket.

Then there are the secrets.

Both timelines revolve around women trying to uncover the truth while surrounded by people who seem determined to keep it hidden. Every answer leads to another question, and every revelation uncovers something deeper. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story threw another twist my way.

And then there’s the manor.

The house isn’t just a setting.

It’s a character.

I love stories where the house feels alive, where every hallway, staircase, and locked room carries its own history. This manor holds its secrets close and reveals them only when it’s ready. Around every corner, inside every room, and behind every door waits another clue. That’s exactly the kind of Gothic mystery I love.

Finally, let’s talk about the faith element.

The theme of faith over fear runs throughout the story, but it never feels preachy. Instead, it feels authentic. The characters question. They wonder. They search. And through it all, they wrestle with what is true and where hope can be found. I especially appreciated how both women sought God while navigating the strange and seemingly supernatural events surrounding the house.

My Official Pairing

Setting: A cozy corner on a rainy evening with a lamp glowing nearby and the rest of the house just a little darker than usual. I actually read the last fourth of this book during a thunderstorm at night—nature really provided the perfect setting. 

Drink: A salted caramel mocha or dark chocolate hot cocoa.

Favorite Quote

“You are promised by God himself that if you search for Him, the truth will set you free.”

Read This If You Love

Rebecca – for the sprawling estate, haunting atmosphere, and secrets lurking beneath the surface.

Jane Eyre – for the dark, foreboding house and the mysteries hidden within its walls.

The Haunting of Hill House – because the house itself feels like a living presence that influences everyone around it.

The Lost Apothecary – for dual timelines, determined women, and long-buried secrets finally coming to light.

Final Thoughts

If Rebecca and a cozy bookshop had a faith-filled Gothic mystery baby, it would probably look a lot like The Bookshop of 99 Doors.

Come for the bookshop.

Stay for the secrets.

And don’t expect much sleep.

Posted in Christian Fiction

Where Do I Go?

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

By Neta Jackson

There are some books that pull you in slowly, while others grab hold of you from the very first page. This one landed somewhere in the middle for me. Honestly, at first, I wasn’t even sure I wanted to finish it. But by the end, I was incredibly glad that I did.

Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

First Impressions

I’m always searching for stories with strong female characters—women who feel real and relatable. So when this book popped up in my BookBub email as a freebie, I decided to take a chance on it.

After reading the synopsis, I felt sure I was going to love it before I even turned the first page. At the same time, I’m usually hesitant when it comes to book series. If I don’t connect with the first book, there’s still an entire unfinished story waiting in the remaining books, and that can feel overwhelming.

Still, something about this series made me immediately purchase the rest of the books before I had even finished the first one. Looking back now, I’m so glad I trusted that instinct.

What the Story Is About

(Spoiler Free)

Gabriela “Gabby” Fairfield has just moved to Chicago with her husband, who is determined to get his business off the ground. Living in a luxurious high-rise overlooking the city, Gabby’s life appears polished and comfortable from the outside.

But everything begins to shift after she encounters a homeless woman while walking along the lakeshore.

That single moment starts unraveling parts of Gabby’s life she can no longer ignore. As she begins hearing the call of God more clearly, she finds herself questioning everything—her marriage, her identity, her comfort, and the life she thought she wanted. The deeper she leans into that calling, the more she wonders what it may ultimately cost her.

What I Loved

This was not a cozy read for me. In many ways, it was the opposite.

Gabby’s relationship with her husband stirred up difficult memories from my own marriage. The emotional tension, the feeling of constantly trying to keep everything together while quietly falling apart inside—it all felt painfully familiar.

To me, that speaks to Neta Jackson’s gift as a writer. She captures the emotional exhaustion of a life slowly spinning out of control with honesty and depth. Gabby is a woman with so much to lose, and you can feel the crushing weight of trying to hold every piece of her world together.

What impacted me most, though, was the spiritual layer woven throughout the story. This book beautifully explores how God breaks down the walls we build around ourselves—the walls of comfort, control, and safety. Once He begins calling us into something deeper, those barriers start crumbling whether we’re ready or not.

At first, I worried the story would feel predictable. In some ways, it did follow familiar emotional beats. But emotionally, it surprised me more than once.

By the end of the book, I found myself crying not only for Gabby, but honestly, for myself too. It reminded me of seasons in my own life where God used painful circumstances to strip away my comfort and teach me to rely fully on Him.

The supporting characters also felt incredibly authentic. None of them came across as flat or overly polished. They were messy, emotional, sincere, and deeply human.

This is one of those stories that lingers long after you finish the final chapter.

The Cozy Vibes Check ☕📚

Read this one with a calming cup of chamomile tea. Trust me—you’re going to want both the warmth and the calm.

Keep a Bible nearby as well. Neta Jackson clearly knows Scripture deeply, and it naturally flows throughout the story without ever feeling forced.

This also feels like the kind of book that calls for:

  • your favorite chair
  • an emotional support blanket
  • a box of tissues
  • and a little quiet time afterward to process everything you just read

Would I Recommend It?

Absolutely.

I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy:

  • clean Christian fiction
  • emotionally layered stories
  • strong character development
  • faith-centered journeys
  • stories about healing, identity, and spiritual growth

Content Notes

If you have experienced emotional or verbal abuse within a relationship, parts of this story may feel triggering. At the same time, I believe it is a deeply worthwhile read because of the hope, healing, and spiritual truth woven throughout the story.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this is the kind of book that stays with you.

Gabby became the kind of character I wanted to reach through the pages and sit beside. In many ways, I understood her heartbreak, confusion, and unraveling far more than I expected to.

This story handles pain, faith, and transformation with emotional honesty, and I’m genuinely looking forward to continuing the rest of the series.

Favorite Quote

“Come to me.” — God to Gabby

Posted in Dystopian & Fantasy

Remember

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

By Cheyenne Cleveland

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Quick Snapshot

This is a dystopian novel with cinematic scenery, Christian themes, and characters with emotional depth. This is perfect for fans of the Hunger Games books or the Divergent series. 

Story Overview (No Spoilers)

Remember by Cheyenne Cleveland is a 2026 young adult dystopian science fiction novel about Reyna, the last person on Earth capable of dreaming after a devastating war erased humanity’s ability to dream. Living under the oppressive rule of the United Regime, her dreams reveal hidden truths about the world’s forgotten past. When the government discovers her secret, Reyna must fight to survive and uncover the truth before it is lost forever. 

What I Loved

  • Dystopian setting
  • Christian themes
  • Emotional impact
  • Complex characters
  • Elegant writing style 
  • Exceptional storytelling voice 

Clean Reading Notes

This section helps your readers instantly know what to expect.

  • Content Warnings: Some violence

Cozy Vibes Check:

This isn’t a cozy read in the traditional sense; it’s more tense, immersive, and emotionally intense. The dystopian setting, high stakes, and oppressive world-building keep the atmosphere heavy and gripping rather than soft or comforting.

That said, there are cozy-adjacent elements in the emotional depth, reflective moments, and underlying themes of hope and faith that give it warmth beneath the tension. It’s more “curl up and get completely absorbed” than “soft blanket and tea comfort read.”

Would I Recommend It?

Yes 

And who would love it:

  • Fans of Hunger Games and Divergent
  • Readers who like stories that feel like they’re unfolding on screen 
  • People looking for dystopian stories without heavy violence

Final Thoughts

Remember is a beautifully written dystopian novel that combines suspense, emotion, and vivid storytelling into a story that feels both haunting and hopeful. Alongside its gripping world-building, the novel also carries a strong sense of Christian faith, adding depth, hope, and meaning to Reyna’s journey. If you enjoy thought-provoking young adult fiction with cinematic writing and faith-centered themes, this is definitely a book worth adding to your reading list. 

Posted in Bookshelf Favorites

Best Cozy Mystery Books for Beginners

Posted on by Vikki Lynn Sorensen

I love a good mystery. I love a good ghost story. And even more, I love when the two come together and create a cozy paranormal mystery.

My favorite books in this genre are the ones where both the ghosts and the victims have complex stories to tell. My job as the reader is simple: I grab a blanket, pour a warm drink, settle in, and let their worlds unfold.

Here are some of my top favorites—clean reads that are perfect for beginners just starting to dip their toes into cozy and paranormal mystery waters.

1. The Aurora Teagarden Series – Charlaine Harris

I would generally hesitate to recommend anything by Charlaine Harris because of the graphic nature of her Sookie Stackhouse series. However, my sister recommended this series to me years ago, and I ended up really enjoying the mysteries.

These stories lean more character-driven than violent, and the backstories are genuinely well written. Across the series, you also get solid character growth that keeps things engaging.

Unpopular opinion: I didn’t NOT enjoy the Aurora Teagarden adaptations done by Hallmark. That said, while these books may feel primed for television, I do think some stories are better left on the page where imagination does the work.

2. The Ghost Hunter Series – Angie Fox

If you’re just starting out in paranormal cozy mysteries, this series is a great place to begin.

The character growth stands out, and the stories are genuinely enjoyable—some stronger than others, if I’m being honest. Still, the characters alone are what kept me coming back again and again. I’m currently on my second reread, which says a lot.

The ghost stories themselves are also genuinely fun. The spirits have personalities and ongoing storylines, which creates great worldbuilding and makes the series feel connected from book to book.

3. Anything by Agatha Christie

I would be remiss not to include Agatha Christie on this list.

Small disclaimer – I’ve only read one of her books, And Then There Were None, but I could not put it down once I started. She absolutely earns her reputation as the queen of mystery. While my reading experience is limited so far, I’ve also watched many adaptations on BritBox.

At some point, I fully intend to sit down, have a come-to-Jesus moment with myself, and finally work my way through more of her books.

4. The Tradd Street Series – Karen White

I enjoyed the early books in this series quite a bit. The ghost stories are excellent, and the mysteries twist and turn in satisfying ways before finally resolving. The atmosphere really stands out, and I initially liked the characters as well.

However, a few books in, the character development started to fall flat for me. If that matters less to you and you’re mainly here for the hauntings and mystery, then this series is still well worth reading. But if strong character development is a priority, you might walk away a little disappointed.

Side note: I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Karen White’s standalone novels. They are very well done and worth picking up.

And maybe that’s why I love cozy and paranormal mysteries so much. Beneath the ghosts, the clues, and the old houses with too many secrets, these stories are almost always about people – about grief, history, healing, love, and the things we leave behind.

They remind us that every place has a story, every person carries one, and sometimes even the dead still have something left to say.

So if you’re looking for mysteries that feel atmospheric without being overwhelming, haunting without being terrifying, and comforting enough to read curled up under a blanket on a rainy afternoon, these books are a wonderful place to begin.

Just don’t blame me when one book turns into an entire obsession.