Welcome Back! If this is your first time visiting the Timeless Love Blog, welcome! I am so glad y'all are here! Today we have one book review and an author interview. Then, I will show you 100 books I read in 2024 to meet my goal in the Goodreads Reading Challenge. For 2025, I set another goal of 100 and I've finished almost 2 so far. Have you set a goal for yourself? I'd love to hear about it!


Book Reviews and Author Q&As:
Book Review of Julia Monroe Begins Again by Rebekah Millet
Julia Monroe Begins Again is a Contemporary Romance set in New Orleans, Louisiana, and offers the culture and flare one might expect from a novel set in such a location. It’s not very often a story makes me laugh out loud multiple times, but this Rom-Com did just that.
Julia Monroe is a middle-aged, widowed, empty nester trying to figure out life now that her sons are away at college when an old boyfriend, Samuel Reed, a former Green Beret, shows up at her church. Since their parting twenty years before was less than congenial, this is not a welcome reconnection.
Unfortunately, Julia’s best friend, Kate Landry, won’t mind her own business and keeps throwing Julia and Samuel into situations where they must interact. To make things worse, Julia’s mother hates Samuel for hurting her little girl so many years before. As you can imagine, this story is filled with awkward and hilarious situations that I think you will enjoy as much as I did.
I warn you, though, that your mouth will be watering as you read about the delectable and famous New Orleans foods like gumbo and beignets. Just thinking about those beignets and café au lait makes me want to visit Café Du Monde by Jackson Square. Right now.
Though this is Rebekah Millet’s debut novel, her second one will be here soon with Kate Landry’s own story, Kate Landry Has a Plan. I can’t wait! As if you couldn’t tell, I love Julia Monroe Begins Again and I think you will, too.

Book Reviews and Author Q&As:
Author Q&A with Author Rebekah Millet
Sandy: Can you tell us a little bit about your debut novel, Julia Monroe Begins Again?
Rebekah Millet: I’d love to! My book is a romantic comedy set in New Orleans that follows Julia Monroe. She’s just turned forty, and both of her teenagers are now attending college out of state. After being a widow and single mom for ten years, she avoids risk like the plague. Especially in the love department. Then one Sunday, Samuel Reed (the man who crushed her heart twenty years ago), shows up at her church. Adding to Julia’s dilemma with Samuel’s reentry into her life is her meddling best friend, and her cranky-pants mother who hates Samuel with a capital H.
Sandy: In the book, Julia must face the heartache of the past in order to move forward with her life, but readers will see her struggle to do so. What inspired you to write about this kind of heartache?
Rebekah Millet: Letting go of the past is something so many people seem to wrestle with in all sorts of ways, so I felt like it would be a topic that would resonate with readers. And my hope is that those who do pick up this book will find encouragement and even a few laughs as Julia works through her struggles.
Sandy: Your main character Julia is a bit older than the classic rom-com novel protagonist. What compelled you to write a story around an older widow with two sons and fill this space in the genre?
Rebekah Millet: Well, I love to read. Especially contemporary romances and rom-coms. And I’ve enjoyed all of the stories that have featured characters in their twenties and thirties. But I noticed that as I got older, the characters in those genres weren’t aging with me. I was talking with a group of friends (who are voracious readers), and asked if they could recommend any Christian romances with the main characters in their forties. They couldn’t, and we were all kind of shocked. When I broached the idea of writing a romance with characters our age, they were thrilled. And I was equally ecstatic because I could write (honestly and humorously) about the insecurities middle-aged women face.
Sandy: Your male protagonist, Samuel Reed, is a retired Green Beret. What kind of research did you have to do on Green Berets when writing this novel?
Rebekah Millet: I’m smiling at this question, because the research aspect is one of my favorite things about being a writer. For Samuel’s background as a Green Beret, I devoured Dick Couch’s nonfiction book, Chosen Solider, which actually makes a comical appearance in Julia Monroe Begins Again. I also read numerous articles online, as well as combing through different blog posts written by family members of Green Berets.
Sandy: Julia must choose whether to give Samuel a second chance or not. What advice would you give to readers who have been hurt by someone and are learning to forgive?
Rebekah Millet: Oh, goodness. This is such a hard area to give advice on because everyone’s circumstances are so different. And forgiveness is such a doozy in itself. The best advice I could give would be to talk honestly to Jesus about it, and ask for His help. To spend time in the Bible, examining what it says about forgiveness. Also, to remember to give yourself lots of grace.
Sandy: The New Orleans setting of the novel is vivid and a fun element for readers to discover. As a New Orleans native yourself, can you share why you wanted to set the story there?
Rebekah Millet: I’m so, so happy you found the setting vivid and fun! Growing up here, I never realized how different it was from other places. As a child, I’d assumed everyone dressed in costume and went to Mardi Gras parades, and had beignets at their fingertips. As I got older and realized how unique the culture was, I became really appreciative of it. And once I started writing, I just knew I wanted to share those local nuances with readers.
Sandy: Julia’s goal in the book is to expand her small business in which she makes her own cleaning supplies. Do you make your own cleaning supplies, or have you attempted to do so?
Rebekah Millet: I’m laughing because if you could see my bathroom mirrors and sinks right now, you’d know they’re in desperate need of Julia’s cleaning products. I’ve never attempted to make my own, but I did research creating nontoxic cleaners for the sake of the story. But for now, I’ll just stick with buying them at the store. Sorry, Julia!
Sandy: This novel brims with beignets and café au lait—two New Orleans classics. What other fun New Orleans favorites do you feature in this novel?
Rebekah Millet: Food is such an important part of life down here, and I loved including it in this book. Other than beignets and café au lait, readers will find jambalaya, several types of gumbo (chicken and andouille sausage is my personal favorite), crab cakes, crawfish, muffulettas, and the famous flaming Bananas Foster from the Palace Café.
Sandy: This book features a mature second-chance romance and enemies-to-lovers tropes. What are some of your favorite romance tropes to see in novels?
Rebekah Millet: Well, those two are my favorites, but a few other tropes I enjoy are friends-to-lovers and opposites-attract. There’s something about characters with distinct differences getting together. You just know there are going to be sparks.
Sandy: As a debut author, what were some things you learned during your publishing journey? What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Rebekah Millet: The number of things I’ve learned has been mind-boggling. But what stands out the most with the process of this book is how much work my publisher does. From the editorial team, to the marketing, art/design, sales, and administrative teams. There are so many people who’ve been a part of the creation of this book and getting it into the hands of readers. As far as advice for aspiring authors, I’d like to impart two suggestions. The first is one I received from a friend who’s also an author, and that’s to pray before you write. Every time. The second piece of advice is that during periods of waiting (when on submission to agents/publishers, etc.) use that time to learn how to make graphics. In this world of social media, it’s a valuable skill to have for marketing your books and helping other authors to market theirs.
Sandy: What are you working on next?
Rebekah Millet: The next book in the BEIGNETS FOR TWO series! Yay! Readers will get to delve into Kate Landry’s life (Julia’s best friend), which will bring them back to New Orleans in the height of Mardi Gras season. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Sandy: How can readers connect with you?
Rebekah Millet: I love connecting with readers! The easiest way to do that is through my website at RebekahMillet.com. There you’ll find my social media links, and the spot to sign up for my monthly book giveaway and quarterly newsletter.
Loved this Q&A with Rebekah Millet and hope you enjoyed learning about this wonderful author, too! The second author for this month, Author Peggy Lovelace Ellis, had some unforeseen setbacks releasing her novel, An Independent Woman, because of Hurricane Helene. Please remember Peggy and her community in your prayers. And look for her in next month's Book Reviews and Author Q&As: Episode 5.
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Now for my 100 Books of 2024!
From January 2024-December 2024
(Pictured is my favorite from each set of ten. Believe me when I say I had a difficult time choosing the top ten because I loved so many of them.)

1. Damascus Countdown by Joel C. Rosenberg
2. A Louisiana Christmas to Remember by Morgan Tarpley Smith
3. Soon: The Beginning of the End by Jerry B. Jenkins
4. The Lost Manuscript by Mollie Rushmeyer
5. A Match in the Making by Jen Turano
6. Silenced: The Wrath of God Descends by Jerry B. Jenkins
7. Lydia by Jenifer Jennings
8. Shadowed: The Final Judgement by Jerry B. Jenkins
9. Double Take by Lynette Eason
10. The Canopy by Angela Elwell Hunt

11. Something New by Joanne Bischof
12. On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni
13. Cold Pursuit by Nancy Mehl
14. The Saturday Night Supper Club by Carla Laureano
15. Memory Lane by Becky Wade
16. Midwives of Moses by Jenifer Jennings
17. Julia Monroe Begins Again by Rebekah Millet
18. Sunrise by Susan May Warren
19. Bless Your Heart, Rae Sutton by Susannah B. Lewis
20. Looking for Leroy by Melody Carlson

21. The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh
22. Second Time Around by Melody Carlson
23. A Million Little Choices by Tamera Alexander
24. The Sweet Life by Suzanne Woods Fisher
25. Dear Henry, Love Edith by Becca Kinzer
26. Love and Other Mistakes by Jessica Kate
27. Daring Chloe by Laura Jensen Walker
28. Moon Over Edisto by Beth Webb Hart
29. The Chase by DiAnn Mills
30. The Secret of Happiness by Suzanne Woods Fisher

31. A Mile in My Flip-Flops by Melody Carlson
32. Love Gently Falling by Melody Carlson
33. Brunch at Bittersweet Café by Carla Laureano
34. By the Light of the Silvery Moon by Tricia Goyer
35. The Solid Grounds Coffee Company by Carla Laureano
36. Wooing Cadie McCaffrey by Bethany Turner
37. A Wedding Transpires on Mackinac Island by Cara C. Putman
38. Bayou Fever by Kathleen Y’Barbo
39.Veiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green
40. Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers

41. The Curiosity Keeper by Sarah E. Ladd
42. Calling Invisible Women by Jeanne Ray
43. A Portrait of Emily Price by Katherine Reay
44. The Lady’s Mine by Francine Rivers
45. Riverbend Gap by Denise Hunter
46. Mulberry Hollow by Denise Hunter
47. Harvest Moon by Denise Hunter
48. Escape from Amsterdam by Lauralee Bliss
49. Dawn at Emberwilde by Sarah E. Ladd
50. Another Dawn by Kathryn Cushman

51. My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade
52. Just for the Summer by Melody Carlson
53. Evelina by Frances Burney
54. Fancy Pants by Cathy Marie Hake
55. Saving Amelie by Cathy Gohlke
56. Fools Rush In by Janice Thompson
57. A Novel Proposal by Denise Hunter
58. Stay With Me by Becky Wade
59. Let it Be Me by Becky Wade
60. Waterfall by Lisa Tawn Bergren

61. Cascade by Lisa Tawn Bergren
62. Inescapable by Nancy Mehl
63. Unbreakable by Nancy Mehl
64. Night Bird Calling by Cathy Gohlke
65. Unforeseeable by Nancy Mehl
66. A Cowboy for Keeps by Jody Hedlund
67. The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold
68. The Heart of a Cowboy by Jody Hedlund
69. To Con a Gentleman by Sarah Adams
70. To Tame a Cowboy by Jody Hedlund

71. To Catch a Suitor by Sarah Adams
72. Love Finds You in Hershey Pennsylvania by Cerella Sechrist
73. Falling for the Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund
74. The Last Chance Cowboy by Jody Hedlund
75. The Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventure by Angela Bell
76. A Clearing in the Wild by Jane Kirkpatrick
77. Dangerous Beauty by Melissa Koslin
78. A Reluctant Bride by Jody Hedlund
79. Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter
80. Take My Hand (Crossroads Suspense #1) by Kristen Hogrefe Parnell

81. The Baggage Handler by David Rawlings
82. The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green
83. How to Be a Great Communicator by Nido Qubein
84. Abigail’s Pursuit by Jodie Wolfe
85. A Residence in France During the Years 1792, 1793, 1794 and 1795, Complete Described in a Series of Letters from an English Lady: with General and Incidental ... Remarks on the French Character and Manners by An English Lady
86. The Lady in Residence by Allison Pittman
87. Ahoti: A Story of Tamar by Miriam Feinberg Vamosh and Eva Marie Everson
88. Night Falls on Predicament Avenue by Jaime Jo Wright
89. The View from Rainshadow Bay by Colleen Coble
90. The House at Saltwater Point by Colleen Coble

91. Leaving Lavender Tides by Colleen Coble
92. What we Hide by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker
93. I Think I was Murdered by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker
94. In Search of the Hidden Moon: A Novel by Tim Eichenbrenner
95. If for Any Reason by Courtney Walsh
96. Twelve Slays of Christmas by Jacqueline Frost
97. Forged in Fire by A. L. Evans
98. ‘Twas the Knife Before Christmas by Jacqueline Frost
99. Slashing Through the Snow by Jacqueline Frost
100. The Christmas Catch by Toni Shiloh
Bonus
101. Hold Your Breath (Crossroads Suspense #2) by Kristen Hogrefe Parnell (I evidently forgot to put this one on Goodreads. 😄)
As you can see, I am an eclectic reader. However, I plan to read more of my genre this year, Christian Historical Romance, which is indeed my favorite. Do you have any you recommend?
Again, join me next month for more Book Reviews and Author Q&As.
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