kavlovestoread

Something Borrowed + Giveaway

In this brand-new novella collection, three renowned Christian historical fiction authors trace generations of wartime romances through a special wedding dress with love sewn into its seams.

“A Heart in Disguise” by Rachel Scott McDaniel

Clara Westlake loves her job as a seamstress in the US “Camouflage Corps,” sewing suits for snipers and contributing to the war effort. But when she overhears a threat against her beloved New York City, the Great War comes too close to home–except no one believes her forewarning. She must recruit Marcus Reeves, a childhood friend searching for his purpose after suffering a devastating war injury. As they search for answers together, they may also uncover a love that lasts.

“A Letter to Eli” by Allison Pittman

Bette and Alice are lifelong friends, trying to make a good life for themselves in New York City while World War II rages. It’s never far away from their thoughts–not with Alice’s fiancee serving at sea, in danger every minute. That’s a worry Bette doesn’t envy. Then a secret letter reunites her with her soldier ex-boyfriend, now wounded and back in the States. But can the innocent love these two had before the war be rekindled in the face of tragedy?

“A Daffodil in the Dress” by Susie Finkbeiner

Kate Becker and Ike Finch have worked together at his family’s bookstore since Kate’s husband died in the early days of the Vietnam War. She has her daughter, Eloise, to take care of and bills to pay, and this job was a godsend. A second love is not in the cards, especially not with the world still teetering on the edge of insanity. But when Ike brings little Eloise special flowers one spring day, Kate begins to look at him as more than an employer. Is falling in love again worth the risk?

My Review:

published in 2024

What an exceptional novella collection – three stories tied together through one dress, and not in the way I expected! In fact, I’m a little miffed about what that poor dress went through! I loved the way each novella highlights a different kind of Homefront story from three different wars. It was interesting to note the similarities and differences for each of our heroines.

A Heart in Disguise by Rachel Scott McDaniel – I’m pretty much gobsmacked over how the author managed to deliver this caliber of story with such a short word count. Novella length with the heart and breadth of a novel! Intrigue, danger, romance with a World War I New York City backdrop! So many exquisite details enrich the story and I love the origins of the wedding dress!

A Letter to Eli by Allison Pittman – There’s a bit of an epistolary spin to this WWII romance which was unexpected (both for me and the heroine!) and it was such a great plot twist. A story that celebrates friendship and sacrifice and finding hope in the impossible.

A Daffodil in the Dress by Susie Finkbeiner – Such a sweet, heartwarming, hope-stirring love story! Ike is certifiably swoonable. Not only is he a hero who loves reading – he owns a bookstore! Be still my heart. And the way he relates to Kate’s little girl just turns me into mush! Kate’s loud, boisterous family, especially her opinionated mother, adds an extra layer of ‘feel good’ to this amazing romance.

I listened to the audio edition of this book and thoroughly enjoyed Pilar Witherspoon’s narration. She’s an incredible narrator and I appreciate the talent it takes to make so many different characters shine in a novella collection like this. If you are an audio book fan, this is would make an excellent listening choice.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Something Borrowed, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 30 2025

Conversations with Kav -Hero Occupations + Giveaway

I have Opinions on the careers I love to see in my fictional heroes. Strong likes and equally strong dislikes. In some instances, a hero’s occupation can turn a book into an auto-buy OR send me running away in abject horror. 🙂 (Told you I had opinions). Let’s get the unappealing (to me) ones out of the way first.

Careers that I really don’t want to read about:

Billionaires – I have made the occasional exception because I’m a fan of the author but lately I’ve been so turned off by real life billionaires behaving so badly that I just can’t any more. Totally unappealing.
Politicians – Again — to0 many cases of politicians behaving badly in real life for me to be able to see a politician as a hero I could (or maybe even want to) relate to. The exception might be a small town career – like mayor or councilman.
Trophy hunter – little ol’ vegetarian me just can’t relate to a a guy who kills animals for fun. I’m talking the kind of hunters that pay big bucks to go on a safari and leave most of the animal’s carcass behind, just taking a token trophy to display. Or they ‘hunt’ from the comfort of a helicopter and mark their success by number of animals killed. I have no problem with heroes who hunt out of necessity, for food, protection etc.though I wouldn’t sit down with them over a venison stew…bwahahaha!
Actors/Musicians – I’ve read some books featuring heroes with these occupations (Toni Shiloh’s The Love Script, for example, is fantastic!) but they aren’t my go-to. Just not into the whole Hollywood hype and glitz and glamour scene.

Careers that have me swooning before I even start reading!

Librarian/bookseller/author – I’d be surprised if there’s a reader alive who doesn’t love a hero with a bookish streak! I especially love finding a librarian hero because they are so rare. Nothing quite so toe-curling as a guy who has dedicated his life to serving the public one book recommendation at a time! Swoony sigh!
Veterinarian – the animal lover in me has always had a soft spot for guys working in this career. I blame James Herriot. 🙂 Read all his book in my teens and have watched various adaptations of ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ throughout the years. And really, what better profession to highlight a hero’s compassionate, gentle, caring side?!
Firefighter – so cliche, I know, but…
Cowboy – This one doesn’t make sense since cowboys work on ranches with cattle that are heading to slaughter eventually (remember, I’m a vegetarian) but I’m still drawn to well-written cowboy hero, contemporary or historical. I feel like cowboys represent integrity and honesty and hard work – the backbone of a pioneering spirit. And they are often portrayed in romances as kind of grumpy protective which is always fun. 🙂
Pastor/Minister – this one is tricky to write, I think, but I’ve read some really good romances featuring a pastor hero. Love the scope for faith elements this occupation brings to the story plus, I appreciate when an author realistically showcases the unique struggles, insecurities, etc that come with this calling.
Farmer/Gardener – no surprise that I’m attracted to these professions because I love gardening and have always yearned to live in the country. I’ve read a few farmer hero romances (there seem to be more ranchers than farmers which isn’t the same thing at all) but I’m not sure I’ve ever read a book featuring a professional gardener. I would love to though.
Carpenter/craftsman – and really any blue collar kind of job. I’m not drawn to corporate CEO types at all. I guess I’m drawn to a simpler kind of life and am looking for something relatable for my fictional hero worshipping. 🙂

Giveaway Opportunity

Time for you to join in the chat! Share your thoughts on what makes a good fictional hero career, and what doesn’t, in a comment below and I’ll enter you in a draw for a $10 Baker Book House gift card. (or Amazon card if you’re in Canada)

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 30 2025

August Giveaway – Week Four

Winners will be contacted if they left their email address, otherwise it’s up to the winner to contact me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca (please note it’s ca as in Canada, not com.) From time to time a winner and I do not connect so I have a one month time frame on giveaway wins. If I haven’t been able to reach you within 30 days of your win, it will be forfeited. This has happened a few times now, so please, DON’T BE SHY — CONTACT ME IF YOU DIDN’T LEAVE AN EMAIL OR IF I HAVEN’T BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN REACHING YOU!

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK:

sunday

Conversations with Kav – a place for us to chat about bookish topics if anyone is so inclined. Sometimes there will be giveaways, sometimes there won’t. It will just depend on the topic of the day. Hope to see you there! Otherwise my inner book nerd and I will carry on by ourselves. Bwahaha!

Lost Truth

A vulnerable reporter. A hidden truth.
Lost Lake Locator Hayden Kraus is thrust into a high-stakes investigation when he’s hired to investigate the disappearance of a prominent local figure. The case quickly unravels into a complex web of deception, corruption, and danger. As Hayden delves deeper, he crosses paths with Cadence Vaughn, a fearless and resourceful investigative journalist determined to uncover the truth behind her father’s mysterious murder—a case she believes is connected to the current investigation.

And an investigator pushed to extremes.
Despite initial friction, Hayden and Cadence realize they need each other to expose the powerful forces at play. As they piece together clues, they uncover evidence pointing to a sinister cover-up. The threats escalate, and they face increasing danger, but the bond between them strengthens. When they have to risk everything to bring the truth to light will that include risking a future together too?

My Review:

Look at me, keeping up with Susan Sleeman’s latest series! (I still have two to catch up on, I think.) This is the second book in the Lost Lake Investigator series but can easily be read as a standalone, though there is a bit of carry over with characters and a few plot points. No book one spoilers though.

I so enjoy the way this author builds up a team. Hayden’s investigative team is made up of an eclectic mix of law enforcement talent. They’ve formed a ‘found family’ bond and that comes with all the good natured ribbing you’d expect, along with a more serious ‘I’ve got your back’ moments.

Lots of action along with some cunning investigative work keeps the plot moving forward at a steady pace. Punctuated with lovely snippets of romance sprinkled generously throughout.

I love the way Sleeman develops Hayden and Cadence’s relationship. She’s strong-willed and opinionated and completely fixated on exposing her father’s murderer. He’s working a parallel case that makes it beneficial for them to work together…as long as they can tamp down the sizzling tension between them. Lovely balance between their working dynamics and the personal, getting to know you moments.

And mercy, but there are some riveting, heart-in-throat action moments that bring resolution to the suspense and clear the way for some serious romancing. Makes for a thrilling escape read. I’m excited now to continue on with the series and get the personal back stories for all the team.

Dying to Read + Giveaway

Random Retro Re-Read

Cate Kinkaid is just dipping her toe into the world of private investigating until one of the many résumés she has floating around lands her a real job. All she has to do is determine that a particular woman lives at a particular address. Simple, right? When the big and brooding house happens to contain a dead body, this routine PI job turns out to be anything but simple. Is Cate in over her head?

Readers will be hooked from the very first chapter of this fast-paced and witty romantic mystery from bestselling and award-winning author Lorena McCourtney.

My Review:

published in 2012

An engaging mystery with no end of false trails and intriguing subplots. I have to admit this armchair sleuth (a graduate of the Nancy Drew/Trixie Belden School of Sleuthing) was hard pressed to solve the murder before heroine Cate Kinkaid.

Fascinating and amusing characters provide lots of scope for mayhem as Cate catapults herself into the thick of things. Loved Cate’s pithy point of view — and the whole story is from her perspective. Snappy dialogue mixed with Cate’s unique insights provide humour in nearly every scene but that doesn’t stop drama from unfolding too. Both professional and personal angst counter Cate’s witty asides and make for a well-rounded and captivating read.

Oh — and watch out for the kitty diva, Octavia. Doesn’t every supersleuth need a little help from a familiar now and again?

And let’s not forget about the dragon-slaying knight in shining armour hero – a cute guy but what an annoying habit! Cate wants to slay her own dragons, thank you very much…in theory anyway. This light romance sealed the deal for me — and I’m hoping Dying to Read is just the beginning of a promising new cozy mystery series.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy available to anyone, anywhere in the world so…woohoo…International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of the Dying to Read, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 23 2025.

What Momma Left Behind + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

Worie Dressar is seventeen years old when influenza and dysentery ravage her Appalachian Mountain community in 1898, leaving behind a growing number of orphaned children with no way to care for themselves. Worie’s mother has been secretly feeding a number of these little ones on Sourwood Mountain. But when she dies suddenly, Worie is left to figure out why and how she was caring for them.

Plagued with two good-for-nothing brothers–one greedy and the other a drunkard–Worie fights to save her home and the orphaned children now in her begrudging care. Along the way, she will discover the beauty of unconditional love and the power of forgiveness as she cares for all of Momma’s children.

Storyteller and popular speaker Cindy K. Sproles pens a tender novel full of sacrifice, heartache, and courage in the face of overwhelming obstacles.

My Review:

published in 2020

Stunningly beautiful and thought provoking. In true storytelling tradition, Sproles creates a rich emotional tapestry of selfless love and abiding faith. And what a journey she takes us on to get there!

A compelling coming of age story with Worie as a flawed heroine full of grit and spunk but simmering with anger. She’s dealing with a tremendous amount of trauma, though back then it was just plain ol’ living in an Appalachian Mountain community. The author does a tremendous job with character growth – and not just in Worie, but a multitude of secondary characters as well – which made for such an enriching and inspiring read!

I really think that listening to the audio edition of this book enhanced the overall atmosphere and emotional depth of my ‘reading’ experience. Erica Sullivan’s narration is exceptionally good – the way she captures the personalities of all the characters and delivers the Appalachian dialect. Made for a compulsive listen.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of What Momma Left Behind, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 23 2025

Things We Keep Hidden + Giveaway

A threatening note.

Long-buried secrets.

Their friendship tested.

The last time lifelong friends Payton, Isley and Clara were together, Clara broke their unwritten rule and brought up the one thing they never talk about. And now, more than twenty years after their friend Cece took her life, they must confront that night as the three women and their husbands—plus one unexpected guest—gather at Isley’s Breckenridge vacation home. With tension already simmering just below the surface of their relationship, they’re each left shaken when a cryptic note Tell the truth or I will.

Who is the message for and what does it refer to? The women fear it could be linked to the truth they’ve kept hidden since the night Cece died…or maybe it has something to do with one of the problems they’ve each brought with them.

Isley’s son is in rehab after narrowly avoiding jail time, spurring her to a reckless act of her own. Clara, usually so careful to follow rules, is haunted by the one night that she didn’t. And Payton has been in denial regarding her husband’s so-called “plan” for their marriage.

As the weekend unfolds, all three will revisit the bonds they share and the challenges that have shaped their lives. And by the trip’s end, a truth that shocks them all will be revealed.

My Review:

Such an intriguing book! A little bit mystery. A whole lot of friendship. Youthful regrets. Present day traumas. They all collide during one memorable holiday weekend.

Told from multiple points of view, readers get an intimate look into the conflicts in each woman’s life. A struggling marriage, an addicted son, financial problems. And the weight of a shared youthful indiscretion. Instead of sharing their burdens, Isla, Clara and Payton valiantly try to hide them…until an explosive round of true confession leaves everyone reeling.

Love the emotional rawness in this compelling drama. It made for a gripping read…well, listen, since I enjoyed the audible edition narrated by Tanya Eby. She has become a trusted voice in my listening library over the years with her knack for bringing stories to life in a unique and compelling way.

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – available in ebook

Canada – available in ebook or audible — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Things We Keep Hidden, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 23 2025

Heart of the Glen + Giveaway

Can the lonely thread of her life be woven into a new and finer pattern?

When Saoirse Fagan arrives at Drumboe Castle to start her new job as housemaid, she is dismayed to learn that the lord of the house passed away a week prior. Already running from the tragedy that claimed the lives of her family members, Saoirse wanders the road through the darkening glen with nowhere to go until Aileen McCready offers her a lift and a place to stay for the night.

Aileen’s brother, sheep farmer and weaver Owen McCready, is known for his intricate and impeccably woven tweed. But when he’s injured, his entire livelihood is endangered. A new–and distracting–mouth to feed adds fuel to the fire, and Owen struggles to keep his family afloat. Though Saoirse is eager to help, even offering to learn the weaving craft, Owen is hesitant to accept aid from this strange young woman, no matter how inexplicably magnetic he finds her.

But Saoirse is not one to give up easily. She’s determined to convince the McCreadys that they need her–perhaps as much as she needs them.

My Review:

Happy sigh. ‘Ireland’ is a fictional buzz word for me so I might still be a tad shy of giddy after reading ‘Heart of the Glen’. Deibel has created the kind of atmospheric setting that seeps all the way into a reader’s soul, making this the kind of immersive read that easily transports you to another time and place.

And, eeeeeeppppp, this story comes complete with a brooding hero which makes it all the more tantalizing. I mean, who wouldn’t want to armchair travel to Ireland in the company of a brooding hero, right? Owen is the strong, silent type and totally lovable despite his grumpy, taciturn self. He just needs someone like Saoirse to soften his rough edges.

She arrives in the glen at the worst possible time…or so, Owen thinks in the beginning. But events transpire to throw the two together and soon their lives become entwined in a delightfully complicated tangle. Their slow-burn romance makes for a sweetly fulfilling love story.

But it comes in the midst of challenges. There’s enough action and danger and conflict aplenty to keep an avid reader frantically reading into the wee hours of the night.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Heart of the Glen, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 23 2025

Conversations With Kav – Summertime Book Chat + Giveaway

Can’t believe that I’m saying this but….it’s time to start wrapping up summer! Can’t say I’m not looking forward to the the change of seasons – I’m an Autumn baby so fall’s my favourite. In honour of the transition I thought it would be fun to take a look at our summer reading in review so I’ve prepared some questions that you’re at liberty to answer…or not. Answer one or two or all….but you might want to pay extra attention to the last questions ’cause there’s a giveaway attached to that one! So…here we go:

What was your first read of the summer (June – August) ?

Sadly, a three star book for me. Not a great start to my summer reading!

What was your most anticipated summer read? Doesn’t have to be a summer release, just a book you looked forward to reading this summer.

I was desperate to read this book in January when it released but at first it wasn’t available in Canada and then it was at a crazy price – $60. I kept checking the online bookstores and voila – the price finally went down to $12.00 earlier in the summer so I grabbed it! Now it’s back up to $35! Makes absolutely no sense. Glad I kept checking the website.

What was your most read genre this summer?

Can’t say I’m terribly surprise about this stat ’cause I have been craving mystery and suspense like crazy this summer. What shocked me was how many more contemporary romances I read versus Historical. I need to up my Historical reading in the fall!

Who was your Summer Book Boyfriend Crush?

There is something so toe-curling about a grumpy, gruff, bear of a guy who is completely besotted with his pint-size pixie of a daughter. I melted so many times! And when Emmett goes into full protective mode – whether on behalf of his daughter or Hazel – well, hand me a fan and clear off my fainting couch!

What was a summer book purchase?

Soooo many!!!!! I might have a bit of a bookish problem 🙂 so I’m sharing the latest one I bought…August 15th.

What book brightened your day?

The author’s signature humour shines throughout this story. So many laugh out loud moments! Often courtesy of a trio of unruly children, especially the youngest imp and her special frog friend. H-i-l-a-r-i-o-u-s.

Giveaway Question!

Share the title of a book you wish you’d read this summer in a comment or an email to me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. and I’ll add you to the draw. If you name is chosen, you will win a copy of that book. Please check out edition options available for your country:

US – your choice of a paperback or ebook edition

Canada – your choice of paperback, ebook or audible (where available)

International – ebook with a US Kindle account.

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 23 2025.