Plays By the Book

Northwest Ice #5

by Carolyn Miller

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.
Plays by the Book is the fifth book in the Northwest Ice Christian hockey romance series, perfect for fans of books with hope, heart and humour.

Genres: Christian, Contemporary

356 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2025

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of romance, Carolyn loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. Her bestselling, award-winning Regency and contemporary novels are stories that offer hope, heart, and a twist of Aussie humour. Connect with her at www.carolynmillerauthor.com where you can find our more about her books, and sign up for her newsletter to be the first to know her book news.

Reviews

[Shelene Wilhelm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Britta has always felt ordinary and plain. She struggles with the thoughts that anyone would ever think she’s something special.
Mitchell is in love with Georgia but is having difficulty wooing her. What better way to woo than to connect through books. However, his book studies have him learning more than just wooing Georgia. He learns what love is and not the fictional thought of love.
Carolyn Miller created a lovely story full of hope and love. Through heartache, struggles and bad news, love that is blessed by God blossoms. When we truly seek His will, he gives us better than we expect.
I really enjoyed the comments about Pride and Prejudice and found myself bursting out in laughter quite often.

[Becky Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Lord? I need Your strength, because I’ve got none”
“…Lord, I need Your wisdom. I’ve got little.”

I was pleasantly surprised by this book, Plays by the Book, Northwest Ice #5 by Carolyn Miller. I resisted this series as long as I could, because the male main characters tend to be hockey players, and I don’t like hockey! But… the female
main character, Britta, loves books and is a librarian. It turns out that there is enough of both worlds in the book to feel like both Britta and Mitch are present in their occupations, without there being a lot of detail about hockey games.

Britta is a strange mix of introvert and extrovert. She can dress up in hilarious costumes like a bee or a princess of old for special days at the library. She can engage children and the parents in programs and organize special days. Or she can talk to people as the bookmobile librarian. But given a good- looking ( and famous) NFL hockey star like Mitch wanting to talk to her, she finds conversation difficult unless it is on her terms - books. Her history has told her she’s plain, boring, and not worth noticing.

But, even though he has a girlfriend, Mitch is doing just that - noticing. How pretty Britta is. How confident in her world of books and children. Then the two find out each other is a Christian, and faith is an important part of life.

As Britta tries to help Mitch impress his girlfriend with books, she has to spend more time with him then she would like. Things get complicated. I appreciated the prayers in the story and the fact that both Britta and Mitch seek counsel from those who can give godly advice. But mixed signals and an inability to read the other’s intentions lead to… more complications!

Situations in the book are clean, though I was surprised to find just a few grittier words. Trust is the name of the game. Can Britta and Mitch trust each other, but more so, can they trust God to lead in multiple hard situations? I now have added all of Carolyn Miller’s contemporary books to my TBR ( her historical are already there)!

I received a copy of the book from the author, plus I bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“You don’t have to be incredibly strong or popular or smart. God will use you if you’re listening to Him and ready to step out. This story reminds us we can be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His name. It’s God’s strength that makes us strong. So trust Him.”- Ferdy

“Yes, she could be still and know that God was working things out. But sometimes God needed her to face her fears and take a step of faith.”

“Books sweep people up and take us away and help us find hope and joy and answers and escape. “ - Britta

[Christian Shelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...

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

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first book from this author and I really enjoyed it. You can tell that she has a lot of recurring characters and interconnected stories, but I was able to enjoy this one without any background knowledge. It is a good standalone Christian romance.

I really liked that both character’s faith felt authentic, and that you got to know them as people and watch them grow individually, with the romance plot coming in about halfway through the book and not overpowering the story.

I’m a very old-fashioned reader and don’t care for romance (even Christian) that fixates on the physical appearances and physical attraction between the two characters. There was very little of that here and I appreciated it. I never felt embarrassed reading that they were swooning and drooling over one another.

This author has an extensive backlist of contemporary and historical fiction and I’ll keep her in mind next time I’d like a levelheaded Christian romance.

[Lisa's Quips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books, banter & an answer to prayer

Outwardly they're opposites, but between their hidden health challenges, self esteem issues and stubbornness, Mitch and Britta are strikingly similar. I loved how they were both an answer to prayer for each other on multiple occasions.

This book is full of fun banter, especially when books are the topic of discussion or a sister gets involved. There was also a nice balance of humorous and serious moments. The singles mingle incident is a good laugh and provides a nice contrast to the suspense following the accident on the ice. The book ends with the desired HEA and wrapped up the loose ends well for me.

I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest perspective.

[Ellianna Wilhelm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is definitely one of my favorites that Carolyn Miller has written! I couldn’t stop reading and finished it in less than a week including two late nights and one of them was til 2 am. Thank you Carolyn Miller for all your hard work that you put into the best books ever! ❤️

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

“…trusting God meant they could always be sure that the Lord who held their days in His hand could be trusted with them.”

I have enjoyed every single book in Carolyn Miller’s Northwest Ice series, but Plays by the Book has definitely earned its spot as my fave so far! It was up against some tough competition too and there are more books to come (yay!), but oh my goodness, my heart is still smiling right now from Mitch and Britta’s story.

First, let’s talk about the glorious bookishness of this romance! Britta is a librarian (who earns her ‘ninja librarian’ nickname well) so you know there are lots of fun nods to readers and novels. Insert hockey player Mitch into the mix, wanting Britta to suggest some romances he can read with his sort-of-girlfriend, and the bookish fun gets even more endearing. The banter between Mitch and Britta is top-notch all the way through (“Did you say plonk?” His lips shifted in a half-smile. “I said plonk.”), but especially their conversations around Pride & Prejudice (the movies & the book). I am not lying when I say I grinned like a crushing teenager every time Mitch talked books or P&P with Britta. And, okay, actually every time Mitch and Britta bantered back and forth, no matter the subject. (Before any pearls are clutched about this being a romance between Mitch and Britta when he has a girlfriend, don’t fret. I was so impressed with how the author handled this, especially on Britta’s part but also on Mitch’s… once he gets a little less clueless about things. Bless his heart lol.)

Carolyn Miller does such a phenomenal job of meshing real-life issues and layered faith themes with swoony romance and witty humor, and this once again stood out to me in Plays by the Book. Britta and Mitch each have their own struggles with feeling like ‘enough’, navigating family dynamics and health issues, and figuring out the life of faith as a single Christian professional. I empathized with both of them, in one area or another, and their respective growth across this novel really touched me. As always, I love the hockey guys accountability/Bible study group – in large part for the depth it allows the story to take on but also because I love catching up with the heroes of the past books in this series and the rest of her hockey universe. (On a fun side note: Miller links at least two of her other, non-hockey, story universes to this one, and I loved making those connections too!)

Bottom Line: Plays by the Book by Carolyn Miller is delightfully bookish and thoughtfully layered, taking me through a range of emotions as I became deeply immersed in the story and the characters. I fell in love with Mitch and Britta’s friendship, their banter, and ultimately their romance even as I fell for each of them individually as well. Both characters are relatable and easy to like, with personalities and backstories that make you wish they were real people you could hang out with, and the two of them together are just so much fun with some really sweet moments that I’m still smiling about. I also appreciated the opportunity to watch them live out their faith in very authentic and accessible ways. This series just keeps getting better, and I’m already eager for the next book!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plays By the Book is a great, faith-filled hockey romance! With a female main character who is what many would characterize as plain or ordinary, the story sets itself apart from many others right from the beginning.

Although Mitchell was technically dating someone else when the book began, it was clear that things were not going well and that he was possibly being ghosted by his girlfriend. I appreciated that Mitchell and Britta became friends and only friends during the time when he was trying to figure out what was going on with his girlfriend and if that relationship was over, as it appeared to be.

I loved reading about the emotions that these two were juggling as they dealt with various situations that were impacting their lives. The importance of leaning on God and trusting him with their lives was a focus, too. The friendship that began to develop between Britta and Mitch was tumultuous at times, as they both secretly desired more than friendship, leading to a few hurt feelings and confusion, too. I loved how Mitch began to see Britta in a different way as the story progressed and he fell in love with her. So sweet!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Librarian Britta hides her emotional vulnerability behind books and ensuring that her love of reading is passed on to children. Meeting one of her favourite hockey stars during a library event fulfils a long-standing dream, before she inadvertently humiliates herself soon afterwards!
Mitchell, accustomed to the adoration and attention of attractive women, acknowledges that Britta is ‘not his type’ and yet is fascinated by her cheerful and feisty attitude towards life, and approaches her for advice on books to read.
As their erratic friendship develops, a shared Christian faith is revealed.
I enjoyed the connection Ms Miller made to one of her previous books “Tangled up in Love” from the Trinity Lakes series (which is also well worth reading). Despite this being part of a hockey series, the crux of the story is focused on Britta’s role in assisting Mitch’s attempts at romance. It is a novel which captures, and holds, the reader’s attention from the first page. The juxtaposition between Britta’s underlying low self-esteem and Mitch’s apparent confidence is interesting to observe as their relationship develops and Britta becomes the stronger character.
I read this as a review copy received from the author and am sharing my sincere opinion.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting and cute read! I always love books about unexpected pairs.
Britta has had her fair share of heartache, and I really felt for her. She felt unloved and unworthy a lot of the time, and she had to keep going back to her worth in Christ. I loved her dedication to helping herself, and it was sweet to see her determination to help Mitch even when it was hard.
Mitch was a new Christian who was desperately trying to follow Jesus. He wanted to do the right thing, but he often did not know what that right thing was. While I felt for Mitch, I was also a little frustrated by his choices. He didn’t always think through how his actions were affecting Britta. However, he had a lot of character growth throughout the book as he turned his life around and started to be better for her. I really liked how sweet he was with Britta and his willingness to grow and change.
The plot in this one was super fun! I really liked getting to see Britta and Mitch grow as friends first before anything else. I did have some trouble getting into at points, but I still loved watching their love story unfold. This is a clean Christian romance perfect for sports fan.
I received a complimentary copy

[Christie Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Britta has a poor self-image, a “plain Jane.” She is a children’s librarian at a large library. Mitch is a famous hocky player. He meets Britta when he is supposed to be reading to the children for Public Relations. He asks Britta to help him woo his girlfriend who lives in a far state and is ghosting him. Will he see that his girlfriend really isn’t and see that Britta would be a much better choice?

There are many Christian concepts used in this wonderful story. Man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the inward qualities. Also, putting others before self, even when facing health problems. I love a book that combines romance with character-building Christian principles.

Quotes: “… he did find it reassuring to know that there was Someone bigger than himself who could be trusted with his future.”
“Funny how “inclusive” seemed to mean everyone except Christians sometimes.”
“Easy things are never valued as much as those things you’ve had to fight for. And besides, God will be with us, in the big moments and the small. We can trust Him.”

I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.

[Lori Hooten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carolyn Miller address the innermost thoughts of people so well through her realistic characters dealing with real problems. These two main characters are no different. The tough guy on the ice has to deal with the fact that his body is failing him while his emotions are conflicted and confusing. The librarian has to figure out how to be who she really is and not hide from the tough stuff while fighting to maintain her strength and dignity. When these two get around each other, they become their own best versions and it is magical. The banter and witty dialogue is such fun to read and they are so real that it is a joy to read what Carolyn Miller has put to the page. Dealing with life is hard and it comes in such a lovely read here. My favorite part by far, though, is how faith and the Christian community are an integral part of the lives of characters. They become better people, and more real characters, because of the faith that is woven into the story. I always look forward to the next book by Carolyn Miller and this one did not disappoint.

[Brittany Searfoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This next book in the Northwest Ice series is now one of my favorite books by Carolyn Miller. I easily saw myself in Britta’s personality, interests, and shortcomings. It was refreshing to see both the man and the woman struggle with such human, relatable issues, and the fact that they both worked through them was very encouraging. I enjoyed the fun quotes from Shakespeare, the discussions about Austen’s works and film adaptations, and other bookish references. Most of all, I appreciated the focus on biblical truths and seeing the characters apply those truths to their lives. I know I will be returning to this book again to read my favorite quotes and to be encouraged when I am feeling less than. I highly recommend this book along with the rest of the series to anyone who enjoys inspirational stories, and I am looking forward to reading the next book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for the author. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[IsAK Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 5th book in the series does not disappoint. And again, not your typical hockey love troupe.
In fact, we meet a fairly average heroine (can I get an amen!) who struggles with self -esteem (preaching to the choir here) and meets a hunky hockey player (swoon...).
However, these character bring their own weaknessess and strengths to the "friend"ship. They have to ask, seek and knock to figure out what they are needing to do with their lives. This is not a book about a relationship that "completes the other person." Or "finding your one true love." Or even "they will fix me." Rather, it's a story about two imperfect people who need to find redepemtion in their faith and a contentment with who they were made to be.

[Amy Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I guess I'm a sucker for anything that appeals to the book-lover/librarian in me. Kindle suggested this new release to me because I purchased a book of novellas that included this author (though I got the other book because of a different author). I devoured it one rare evening when I had time to read for several uninterrupted hours.

I enjoyed the banter between characters, the realistic portrayal of the character's dilemmas and struggles, and the dual point of view. I appreciated the Christian faith aspect of it, though it's a little fuzzy on exactly how to become a Christian. I plan to read more of this author and this series.

[Becky of Becky's Bookshelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plays By The Book by Carolyn Miller is book number five in the Northwest Ice series, but is also a standalone novel. Britta Johnson, the librarian, considers herself very ordinary, but is comfortable in her own shoes. Mitchell Reilly is an intimidating hockey player who is a little bit sacred of Britta Johnson when she gives out her best librarian looks. Mitch is hopeful she can help him with choosing romance books so he can impress his girlfriend.

Britta Johnson is the librarian that you want to be when you grow up. Mitch is a great hero who is so loveable and the real deal. Both charming characters had wonderful banter, chemistry, and a solid believable love story. I LOVED Britta’s sisters and family and it was fun to visit with past friends from the hockey Bible study. The faith narrative was seamlessly integrated into the story, and brought depth to the characters.

It was wonderful to visit St. Paul, Minnesota and hang out with the Minnesota Wild hockey team. I loved the humor, wonderful characters, faith, and sweet romance in Plays by the Book by Carolyn Miller. The story had all the feels and was such an engaging read! I highly recommend Plays by the Book and this will be a 2025 favorite for me. #britt&mitchforever

I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a positive review.

[Evelyn Foreman · Rating 5 out of 5]

How does this author peak my interest in a book centered around hockey and hold it until “The End” when not only am I not a hockey fan but am also not really a sports fan? Not to mention grips my heart, stirs my soul and touches my emotions in such a way, I come away feeling fulfilled, happy, totally satisfied and inspired by the message of Christ woven throughout, raising hope and faith to a new level! I eagerly anticipate her next work!

[Danielle Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!!

I was so excited to read this book. It was so good to finally hear Mitch’s story. I enjoyed this book very much!! I enjoyed Britta’s passion for reading and good books!! It was fun and exciting and a bit of a roller coaster. All good things that make a good book. Carolyn Miller never disappoints. I love all her hockey series and getting to hear each players stories. So excited for the next one!!

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know those books that you pick up and know you will love from the first page? I am yet to read a book from this author that has not had this affect on me.
Thoroughly sweet, solid and rich, this story is a delight.
I wondered halfway through why the story wasn’t nearly over because it seemed like there was a conclusion nigh, but there were other things to come which built the characters and my affection for them.

[Jessica Staggers · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We don’t know what our future holds, and we can’t trust that what has been will always be. But God is Someone who is always trustworthy.”
❤️Favorite quote! ❤️

After meeting Britta. Mitch refused to look at her how everyone else did, not as someone plain and simple, but someone so full of life and encouragement. And she’s single and knows a lot about books. So naturally he would ask her to help him reach out to his long distance girlfriend… it’ll be just fine, right?

This was my kind of book! I love libraries and books so much so getting a book from my favorite author with a librarian and book quotes, especially ones from a couple of my favorite books is so fabulous!
So much care goes into these books, because after reading them I care about the characters and the people they care about.
This book made me appreciate libraries even more, and I am going to check out the other books that were referenced and possibly put them on my to-be-read list!

Awesome showcasing of caring for others who have a chronic illness, but still loving them despite what the future may hold.

[R.j. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I thought the characters were fantastic as usual. It felt very real. As a Minnesotan, I kept trying to figure out where things “happened” in the story. I’ve loved this whole series and this one was not a disappointment!

I received a copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Judie Strachan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best? They're all so good!

I love Jane Austen, I love Georgette Heyer. I love all of Carolyn's books, too. OF COURSE I love Britta!
I love the peeks at her other characters & that they're so natural, not just shoehorned in.
Most of all, I love that both Britta and Mitch feel like real people. Britta feels like me. (But much younger.)

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good. I love the characters. I love how Mitch fell for Britta. I also liked reading about how he got her to finally see that he was after more than friendship. Nice and clean!

I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.

[Meghann Whistler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an enjoyable read! The heroine was fantastic -- loved that ninja librarian! It took the hero a hot minute to figure himself out, but once he did, he was great, too :)

[Gretchen Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Carolyn Miller! I lover her books and have really enjoyed this series!

[It's Sunrise Again · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic story! Carolyn pens a tale of an unexpected match, with a battle for friendship and family. Britta is one of the most unique characters I've met, and this story reflects that. Her job as a librarian is just one part of her multifaceted personality. Mitch's search for both books and belonging and for a community is a highly entertaining yet sincere storyline.

There are so many great moments throughout Plays by the Book. Some are filled with laughter, many heartfelt ones, and most importantly, the moments where Mitch and Britta both overcome. Unlike most of Carolyn's other hockey books, Plays by the Books isn't really sports focused.

If you enjoy contemporary Christian romance with a side focus on hockey, with a ninja librarian, pride & prejudice references, and crazy but lovable siblings, then you'll love Plays by the Book.

I received a complimentary copy from the author, but I wasn't required to leave a review. This does not impact my thoughts or opinions on this novel

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plays By The Book is another great read by Carolyn Miller! I loved that there was a Bookmobile and that Britta became known as the ninja librarian. I also enjoyed watching Britta learn her own self worth. Of course there was a delicious romance and I had trouble putting the book down. If you like contemporary Christian romance, I highly recommend this book!

[Kaye Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so love how Carolyn Miller can introduce a prickly librarian and a brawny ice hockey player and bind them together in a love story. She takes them through Britta’s insecurities including the averageness of her life which meant she never fell from any pedestals, and no had no one’s expectations to live up to. Enter Mitchell Reilly, the tough, uncompromising, hardcore defensive ice Hockey player on his way to a library of all places to do the team promotional thing for a kid’s local Hero Day!
So the burly ice hockey player had to read a book for the kids and met the ordinary librarian dressed in black and yellow stripes as a bumble bee for the Hero Day!
It certainly wasn’t the day either of them expected to be the slow start to romance, but when God’s in the picture, anything can happen! Right?

Certainly a page turner for me, and I loved how these two opposites worked through their individual issues and with God’s help came together in a sweet conclusion. Certainly worth the read; I would throughly recommend this to anyone looking for a satisfying read.