Hearts in Circulation by Sarah Monzon: Book Review

 **ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own. 

The Book

Can a rundown bookmobile be the vehicle that brings two unlikely hearts together?

Little Creek's bookmobile is more of a death trap on wheels than a vehicle of literary delights, and circulation librarian Hayley Holt is afraid it's going to careen down a mountainside with her in it. Yet she sees it as a way to serve her community and be worthy of the liver transplant that saved her life as a child. However, her fears come true when the bookmobile breaks down and a rockslide traps her in the small hollow of Turkey Grove.

Reclusive mechanic Levi Redding lives in tiny Turkey Grove to get away from people. He can handle getting the bookmobile running again, but the endless chatter and unsettling touches from the vibrant librarian leave him overstimulated. When forced proximity leads to a misunderstanding, a note of apology begins an epistolary friendship, proving that sometimes the happiest of endings aren't contained within the bindings of a book.

Sarah Monzon pens a charming contemporary rom-com for fans of books about books, the forced-proximity and grumpy-sunshine tropes, and pen-pal romances. Fans of Melissa Ferguson and Pepper Basham will find this no-spice, heartwarming love story magnetic.

The Author

HOLT Medallion, Selah Award-winner, and Carol Award finalist, Sarah Monzon is a stay-at-home mom who makes up imaginary friends to have adult conversations with (otherwise known as writing novels). As a navy chaplain's wife, she resides wherever the military happens to station her family and enjoys exploring the beauty of the world around her. Learn more at SarahMonzonWrites.com. 

Book Review

"No one else seemed to have the same kind of trouble he did merely existing in the world around them, so obviously something must have been wrong with him."

Oh, the way I felt these words deep in my soul... a thought I've had many, many times myself, and one of many moments that had me relating to this story in ways that I didn't expect. I loved the first book in this series with its perfect blend of heart, humor and bookish moments. I was excited to read this one even more because of the bookmobile aspect– something I have fond memories of in my old childhood. This book not only met all of my expectations, but also FAR exceeded them too. I found myself absolutely drawn into the lives of these two characters, both who had had their fair share of struggles: him with sensory issues and her having received a liver transplant as a child. Yes, their story had several moments that had me laughing, but it was those tender moments of vulnerability that really made it one that is going to stick with me for a long time. And oh, the chemistry between them! With more bookish moments, cute kittens and a pen pal romance, there was so much to love in this story. I have loved all of Sarah Monzon's previous books that I've read, but this one is certainly a new favorite! This one is definitely a must read. 

Hearts in Circulation is a Christian romance with kisses only and no language. It is the second book in the Checking Out Love series, and while readers will see some familiar characters, I do think this could be enjoyed just fine as a standalone. 



You can purchase your copy here: https://amzn.to/4ounGvF