Bookmarked for Love: A Christian Contemporary Rom-Com Book-about-Books with Forced-Proximity, and a Curvy, Plus-Size Librarian (Checking Out Love)

320 pages Publisher Bethany House Publishers Publication date July 21, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

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.

MY THOUGHTS

Last year when I read, Hearts in Circulation I just knew I had to read the next in the series and this book is every bit as good as I imagined it would be.
I guess because I’ve been going to libraries since I was a small child I’m drawn to books about libraries and this series is a hit with me.
Martha Aldridge is a children’s librarian, she’s outgoing, personable and love creating and presenting children’s programs at her library that are wildly popular. The kids and parents alike love her.
When her position is cut she and the children are devastated.
Growing up her parents worked for a wealthy family doing housecleaning and gardening. She was familiar with their son, Julien King who is set to take over as CEO of his father’s business now.
Back then they didn’t really have much to say to each other because of the almost ten-year age difference.
I loved seeing the interaction these two had after meeting again after quite some time.
Martha is curvy and I was glad to see she doesn’t let it hold her back. Instead, she is thankful for what her body can do for her. Body confidence is always a great thing.
Martha and Julien come up with a plan to save both of their careers, and their relationship just blossoms from there.
Now I’m looking forward to the continuation of this series next year.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About the author

Winner of the Holt Medallion and Selah Award, 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.