Review: Mind the Gap

Mind the Gap book cover on blue background

I read the Lauren Holbrook series by Erynn Mangum decades ago, so it was such a pleasure to discover a more recent novel by her that's set in my favourite city, London. Mind the Gap is definitely a trip you want to take while enjoying a sweet romance 💂

Book Synopsis

The best thing to do when all your dreams get crushed? Pack your bags and head to London.

Kate Macon has spent her life preparing to be a teacher and six weeks into her dream come true, everything crashes and burns thanks to budget cuts and a hiring freeze. With nothing but bowls of cookie dough and Pride and Prejudice marathons to look forward to, it’s not a hard decision when her grandmother calls and invites her on a trip to London.

However, instead of being an escape from reality, London just proves to be a catalyst for bringing out the worst in Kate. All her fears, insecurities and frustration seem to be right in front of everything. And her feisty grandmother, not to mention their quick-witted tour guide, aren’t helping to lift the mood.

What could the Lord possibly be doing by causing so much havoc in Kate’s life? When everything seems to be falling apart, could it be Jesus putting things back together – but in a way Kate never could have imagined?

Grab your passport and a hot cup of coffee. This is a London adventure you won’t want to miss.

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

This is a book that acts as a love story for Anglophiles. Not only is it easy to fall in love with Kate and Oliver, but the city of London becomes a romantic backdrop of its own. Serving as an ode to majestic sites and wonders, Mind the Gap will have you wishing you could book your tickets to London this instant. Beyond the charming travelogue, we get to meet Kate's grandmother who is larger than life and the perfect foil to Kate's own personality. It's just as much a story about family devotion as it is about being open to God's new adventures, making this a journey to savour and enjoy.

The spiritual conversations between Kate and Oliver are a delight as they discover just how much they have in common despite different cultural backgrounds. Some of my favourite scenes have to be the church visits, giving me the perfect excuse to reread this book to relive those experiences again. Readers who love London and stories about trusting God in new places will appreciate seeing Kate navigate her fears amidst the loving kindness of her grandmother and new friends.

Book Summary

Format of book: 🎧
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation: 👍

Comments

Review: Ribbons of Guilt - Bite of Betrayal #3

Ever since Harriet first made an appearance in Captured in Frame , I've eagerly been awaiting her story. Ribbons of Guilt is the third book in the Bite of Betrayal series by Laura Thomas , and it finally answers some questions behind the mystery of her marriage. It's been well worth the wait to return to Bramble Downs to discover the threats that have loomed against the Duval family. Many thanks to Mountain Brook Ink for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Content to be aware of : scenes of violence and death, abduction, stalking Book Synopsis A marriage in crisis. A betrayer in the wings. A life at stake. Harriet Duval has it all-a handsome French husband, a delightful young daughter, a successful career as a professional ballerina behind her, and a beautiful future in a charming village in the English countryside. Even her beloved sisters can't see the painful truth she hides beneath her perfect mask... Success...

Christian Book Review Programs

Over time, I've been on the hunt for Christian book review programs that readers can join. As a result, I've been able to compile the following list which may be of interest if you are seeking review copies of Christian books. This list mostly applies to print and ebooks, although some publishers offer audiobooks as well. If further information is available for any of the publishers below (or any missing publishers), please let me know as I am happy to update this list—thank you! Please note that you can also search for these publishers on NetGalley and other review sites in case there are no review programs available or you don't qualify for one 😊 List last updated: June 4, 2026 Christian Publishers 10ofThose Availability: US, Canada, and UK residents Format: Only books published by 10ofThose qualify for review requests so as to avoid impeding with other Christian book review programs Genre: Christian non-fiction, children's books Email for availability and eligibilit...

Review: For Us

If you've been following April Barcalow for some time, you'll be just as excited to know that she has recently released a marriage devotional. Newsletter subscribers can receive a free copy, and you can learn more about the background of For Us: Seeking God's Heart for Marriage on her website. Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis All throughout Scripture, when God wants us to understand the close, intimate relationship He longs to have with us, He uses the imagery of marriage. That’s no coincidence. Marriage is an echo of the lasting love we share with Him, a framework to help us understand, and a gift. But good marriage, the kind that reflects Him, doesn’t happen without intention. Without building each piece on the solid foundation of Christ. Without choosing one another, even when it’s hard. This 30-day devotional weaves together Scripture, personal experience, and story threads to seek God’s ...