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Review: Plays by the Book - Northwest Ice #5

Plays by the Book book cover on blue background

After briefly visiting Saint Paul, Minnesota, it's fun to say that I've been to all of the locations that the Northwest Ice series has been set in, making it pretty neat to follow along. Plays by the Book by Carolyn Miller is another great title with a double meaning that provides a taste of hockey, libraries, and all things romance along the way. Pride and Prejudice fans will appreciate that Britta and Mitch have their own unforgettable "first impressions" scene involving bees and bad reading 😄

Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Book Synopsis

When a secure and single librarian gives romance tips from fiction, nothing can go wrong, right?

Britta Johnson knows she’s ordinary, and she’s totally okay with that. She’s secure in God, in her purposes on the planet, and romance is something she finds between the pages of a book. She doesn’t need that in real life. So when a hockey player asks for advice on how to woo his long-distance girlfriend, she knows her heart is safe. Until it’s not.

Mitchell Reilly might be feared on the ice-rink, but even he’s intimidated by this little ninja librarian who can whip teenagers into line with a single look. She knows her books too, and seems the perfect candidate to help him find some romantic fictional heroes he can impress his girlfriend with. Until she’s not.

As emotions start to blur and fiction gets a little real they realize that what’s started with the best of intentions has changed what they always thought they wanted. And might just be what God wants for them after all.

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

Each new Northwest Ice book has the ability to make me love Carolyn Miller's writing even further by unlocking more emotions, faith lessons, and smiles upon meeting memorable characters. This book is the very definition of not judging a book by its cover as both Britta and Mitch show up a little rough around the edges until you get to know them and explore deeper facets to their concerns, strengths, and relationships with other people. Honestly, they are both such gems that I wish I knew them in real life, which speaks to how well they're written. As always, it's a treat to see supporting characters rally around Britta and Mitch as they navigate their faith and the things that God has in store for them.

Never one to shy away from writing about the difficulties in life, I appreciate that in this book, trusting God does not come across as trite. A number of health concerns are addressed, and I love that this book tackles the difficulty around being a single Christian. Add to that the realistic issues of doing library outreach—all of which I could fully relate to in my past occupation—and Plays by the Book is an absolute winner in elevating the value of doing work in the community to bless others. Balancing some riotous church and literary scenes with poignant ones that reflect the role of evangelism and the Gospel, readers will love seeing Britta come out of her shell and Mitch demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit in his life. If you’re looking for a hockey romance that looks so much more beyond the surface, this is a book that reflects spiritual transformation in the most stunning and heartfelt way.

Book Summary

  • Format of book: 📱
  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Recommendation: 👍
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