kavlovestoread

Persuasion, Captain Wentworth and Cracklin’ Cornbread + Giveaway

A lively Southern retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion, featuring Lucy Crawford, who is thrown back into the path of her first love while on a quest to save her beloved family home.

Lucy Crawford is part of a wealthy, well-respected Southern family with a long local history. But since Lucy’s mother passed away, the family home, a gorgeous antebellum mansion, has fallen into disrepair and the depth of her father’s debts is only starting to be understood. Selling the family home may be the only option—until her Aunt Olympia floats the idea of using Crawford house to hold the local free medical clinic, which has just lost its space. As if turning the plantation home into a clinic isn’t bad enough, Lucy is shocked and dismayed to see that the doctor who will be manning the clinic is none other than Jeremiah Chevy—her first love.

Lucy and Jeremiah were high school sweethearts, but Jeremiah was from the wrong side of the tracks. His family was redneck and proud, and Lucy was persuaded to dump him. He eventually left town on a scholarship, and now, ten years later, he’s returned as part of the rural physician program. And suddenly, their paths cross once again. While Lucy’s family still sees Jeremiah as trash, she sees something else in him—as do several of the other eligible ladies in town. Will he be able to forgive the past? Can she be persuaded to give love a chance this time around?

My Review:

published in 2014

Austen in the South with Hathaway’s unique spin has been reading nirvana for me. And I do believe that Persuasion, Captain Wentworth and Cracklin’ Cornbread is my favourite of the three. I just loved Lucy and Jem’s story even though it was angst riddled to the very end…or maybe because it was. Carefully plotted and flawlessly executed, every precious word built up sights and sounds and smells and oh, so many emotions in my mind. A total escape read — so much so that it was surreal to be jarred out of it when real life got in the way.

If I never get my blood pressure down, I’m blaming Lucy’s family. I was foaming at the mouth over some of their antics. Gah! I wanted to shake that girl for capitulating so many times. All that Southern breeding has made her a tad too biddable.

Stalwart Jem, hurt by past rejection but still drawn to the girl who broke his heart. There is something about a sensitive hero who struggles to stay on an even keel. These two have such history — and it goes way beyond personal. Their past is cluttered with societal expectations, class consciousness and even racial prejudice. The heart of this story is the hero and heroine’s willingness to create something enduringly beautiful from the shards of their shattered pasts.

Reviewer’s sidetone: I love Mary Jane Hathway’s storytelling and I thought she’d stopped writing but I did a google dive and have discovered that she has published more books, including a cozy mystery series! Eeeeppp!!! I just ordered the first one.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy and is available to any reader, any where — so, yay, another International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Persuasion, Captain Wentworth and Cracklin’ Cornbread, 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 February 22 2025.

When All My Dreams Come True + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

An adventurous tale of faith, hope and love in the wild west.

Bobbie McIntyre dreams of running a ranch of her own. Raised without a mother and having spent most of her time around men, she knows more about wrangling than acting like a lady. Still, the friendship of her new employer awakens a desire to learn more about presenting her feminine side…but ranch life keeps getting in the way.

Ranch owner, Jace Kincaid figures the Lord is testing his faith when a female wrangler shows up looking for work. Bobbie has an uncanny way of getting under his skin, though, and he’s surprised when she finds a home next to his heart. But when his cattle begin to go missing and his wranglers are in danger from some low-down cattle thief, will Jace trust God, even if it means giving up his dreams?

My Review:

published in 2011

If you’re in the mood for a rollicking Western full of dastardly villains, heart-palpitating heroes and sassy heroines then look no further. This book is for you. I felt like I’d time-warped onto the Bonanza set and loved every minute of it!

Mowery starts at a breakneck speed and keeps her readers gasping for breath right to the very last page. Just when you think Jace and Bobbie are going to get a reprieve the action hitches up another notch. The last third of the book is a real page-turner.

Bobbie is spunky and funny and endearingly lost. Jace is solid and comforting and ooohhhhhh so protective. They clash. Then clash some more and then…magic happens. Sigh.

This is a captivating escape read with a solid inspirational message — the perfect blend for success.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy and is available to any reader, any where — so, yay, another International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of When All My Dreams Come True, 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 February 22 2025.

Honor + Giveaway

Random Retro Re-Read

When unexpected circumstances leave Honor Penworthy destitute after the death of her grandfather, she is forced to leave her Maryland plantation–and the slaves she hoped to free–and seek refuge with a distant relative. With no marketable skills, her survival hinges on a marriage arranged through the Quaker community to local glass artisan Samuel Cathwell. Samuel is drawn to Honor, but he has been unwilling to open his heart to anyone since scarlet fever took his hearing as a child.

A move west brings the promise of a fresh start, but nothing in Honor’s genteel upbringing has prepared her for the rigors of frontier life with Samuel. Nevertheless, her tenacity and passion sweep her into important winds of change, and she becomes increasingly–though secretly–involved in the Underground Railroad. Samuel suspects Honor is hiding something, but will uncovering the truth confirm his worst fears or truly bring them together as man and wife?

Set against the backdrop of dramatic and pivotal moments in American history, the Quaker Brides series chronicles the lives of three brave heroines, fighting to uphold their principles of freedom while navigating the terrain of faith, family, and the heart.

My Review:

published in 2014

I was first drawn to this book by the stark one word title and the incredible cover art. The model is the perfect match for the book’s heroine. The set of her shoulders, the proud tilt of her head, the determination in her eyes. I took one look at Honor and knew I had to read her story. And then when I scanned the description on the back of the book and discovered that Honor joins in the fight against slavery I was ready to swoon right there in the bookstore! Needless to say, I devoured this book in a day.

Honor and Samuel have such a difficult start to their marriage. Both have pasts that have affected them deeply, leaving them wary of any kind of union. And if that isn’t enough of a handicap to start a marriage with, they are immediately thrust into a series of dire situations, one following after another in an endless stream of difficulties.

Honor has to be one of my favourite heroines of all time. She really captivated me. Her faith in the Lord, her passion for doing right even when the personal cost is crushing, her yearning for love and acceptance from her husband. A backbone of steel and a heart filled with grace. She’s both strong and vulnerable but always carries herself with a genteel dignity. Such a complex character and I love her!

Samuel is quite the opposite. His deafness has embittered him and he has turned away from his Quaker faith and spent years building up walls around himself. He lives in his own world, having as little to do with others as possible. Acquiring a wife sends his well-ordered life into a tailspin. Such a complicated romance! Full of sorrow and fear and tenderness and passion. Sublime!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy and is available to any reader, any where — so, yay, another International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Honor, 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 February 22 2025.

Cloaked in Beauty + Giveaway

Trust no one in the shadows of the piney woods . . .

Letty Hood has spent the last fifteen years of her life hidden away with her grandmother in the backwoods of east Texas to escape the deadly schemes of an uncle who wants her dead. Now, with her twenty-first birthday on the horizon, she is forced to accept the escort of a stranger and return to Houston in secret so she can claim a birthright that will make her one of the wealthiest women in Texas. If she lives long enough to inherit.

Pinkerton agent Philip Carmichael has one duty: get the Radcliffe heiress home alive. Expecting a spoiled girl, Philip is surprised to encounter a woman of rare strength with a kind soul and keen wit. As they journey together, Letty’s resilience wins his admiration, breaking through his hardened cynicism. Yet the threat to her survival grows more menacing with every mile, and Philip fears that keeping Letty out of harm’s way may be just as impossible as keeping her out of his heart.

My Review:

I do so love a good fairy tale retelling and this one is excellent! An intriguing mash up of Red Riding Hood and Sleeping Beauty. Loved spotting the nods to both classic tales – only with such clever twists. I’m thinking of the wolf. And the role the hunter plays and…well…it was so much fun reaching these little ‘aha’ moments as the story unfolded.

‘Cloaked in Beauty’ (fabulous title – eye catching cover!) is also very much a classic Western tale too. The Texas setting brings a unique ambience to this fairy tale retelling and Letty and Philip’s journey across the state was peppered with action and danger along with some good old fashioned neighbourliness in unexpected places.

I enjoyed the way the romance unfolds at a gentle pace. It’s very much a forbidden love trope – she’s soon to claim her spot in Houston’s high society and he’s from a totally different class. Of course, Letty has grown up knowing she’s an heiress but living a simple, homespun country life which makes it hard for Philip to rein in his feelings since a romance seems so plausible. That’s once they shift from wary strangers to tentative friends! Some nice tension there, especially after Letty, who has lived a very solitary life with her Grandmother, becomes aware of Philip as more than a friend.

A captivating reimagining of two classic tales with lots of action and adventure to keep things interesting until the hard-won happily ever after!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

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 Cloaked in Beauty, 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 February 22 2025

Oops! Snow Day!

So — we got hit with another crazy snowstorm this weekend and I lost Internet Saturday evening through to Sunday evening. I always schedule my reviews about a week in advance but I tend to write my Conversations With Kav posts on Saturdays depending on what I’m in the mood to talk about. So, while I was all chatty, the internet wasn’t cooperating so I couldn’t schedule the post. We’ll just have to save it for next week, I guess.

It’s like Mother Nature suddenly realized that winter was half over and she hadn’t been giving us enough attention so she made up for that this week. 36 cm on Thursday, 10 cm on Saturday and 30+ cm today…it’s still snowing so who knows how much it will end up being.

February Giveaway – Week Three

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:

Please remember to check giveaway details (paperback, ebook, either/or, gently read etc.) each day as they will vary and check for the ‘+ giveaway’ notice added after the title . Titles without that addition are review only.

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!

Husband Auditions

Random Retro Read

How far would you go to find the perfect husband? All the way back to the 1950s?

In a world full of happily-ever-after love, Meri Newberg feels like the last young woman on the planet to be single, at least in her Christian friend group. So when she’s handed a strange present at the latest wedding–a 1950s magazine article of “ways to get a husband”–she decides there’s nothing to lose by trying out its advice. After all, she can’t get any more single, can she?

Her brother’s roommate sees the whole thing as a great opportunity. Not to fall in love–Kai Kamaka has no interest in the effort a serious relationship takes. No, this is a career jump start. He talks Meri into letting him film every silly husband-catching attempt for a new online show. If it goes viral, his career as a cameraman will be made.

When Meri Me debuts, it’s an instant hit. People love watching her lasso men on street corners, drop handkerchiefs for unsuspecting potential beaus, and otherwise embarrass herself in pursuit of true love. But the longer this game goes on, the less sure Kai is that he wants Meri to snag anyone but him. The only problem is that he may not be the kind of husband material she’s looking for . . .

With droll comic timing, unbeatable chemistry, and a zany but relatable cast of characters, Angela Ruth Strong has created a heartfelt look at the reality of modern Christian dating that readers will both resonate with and fall for.

My Review:

published in 2021

Unexpected, refreshing…and so funny!

A wonderful mix of solid gold comedic moments paired with an honest look at marriage from a Christian world view. It never gets heavy but there are some pointed ‘aha’ moments that made me want to cheer. There’s lots more that I could say, but I won’t for risk of revealing spoilers. This would make a great book club pick though because there really is a lot to talk about. And laugh over.

Brilliant pacing. Engaging characters (even if a certain hero had me pulling my hair out a time or two.) Lots of intriguing introspection from both Meri and Kai’s points of view. And the character growth – phenomenal. All while the comedic beats hit the right chords again and again.

Such a great idea for a contemporary romance. The YouTube channel touch is brilliant, drawing these two together with some sizzling results. They start as enemies though, and then turn into friends but it’s quite a while before that surpassed sizzle actually turns into fireworks. And the 1950s guide to finding a husband! I don’t know whether I laughed or cringed more.

Thrilled that I am at the beginning of my ‘Love Off Script’ journey. I have ‘Hero Debut’ perched on the top of my TBR clamouring for some attention so it won’t be long before I begin book two.

The Nature of Love + Giveaway

A doctor feeling fractured

Dr. Erykah Kennedy, a renowned orthopedic surgeon, finds herself at a crossroads in life. At forty-one, she’s achieved remarkable success in her career, yet when it comes to her love life, she feels hopeless. But when she meets Christian Gamble, a passionate wildlife conservationist, an unexpected bond forms between them despite their contrasting worlds.

A wildlife enthusiast ready for more

Chris has yet to find someone to share his adventures with, but as his friendship with Erykah starts to blossom, he begins falling for her in every way. When tragedy strikes and Erykah suddenly becomes guardian to her nieces, Chris helps her pick up the pieces.

Two hearts destined by nature

With their lives turned upside down, finding their way to a lasting love while putting their faith in God may be the biggest challenge they’ve ever faced.

The Nature of Love is a clean, African American contemporary romance with themes of friends to lovers and the healing power of love. This heartfelt happily-ever-after tale is the series finale of Shiloh’s beloved Love in the Spotlight novels.

My Review:

Eeeeeppp!!!! Excuse me while I swoon and squeal and happy dance over these characters, this series and the epic epilogue that brings everyone from all three books together in the best kind of happily ever afters!

Toni Shiloh is one of my favourite authors for a number of reasons. First, her characters. They are multi-dimensional with layered backstories that make it easy to connect with them. And feel for them! Which brings me to the second reason I love Shiloh’s books – she engages my emotions to the point I am totally invested in her characters. I’m not just reading about them I’m living their experiences right along with them. And then there’s the third reason, and perhaps the most important one – the way she weaves in significant faith threads that stir my soul and encourage my own relationship with Jesus.

And, mercy, but Erykah’s faith journey is a powerful reminder that God is always with us…especially during the times we feel most vulnerable and alone. I loved the way Chris patiently encouraged her interest in his faith, answering her questions with candid honesty. And what a prayer warrior! Simple, direct and heartfelt. Honestly, who can resist a guy like that? Erykah tried but failed miserably…eventually.

Which brings me to what I loved about the romance: it’s a slow-burn, purposeful friends to more kind of love story with lots of emotional depth. Lots of time for a reader to bond with these characters and delight in the subtle tension drawing them closer as the story progresses. Sheer romantical ecstasy! And I appreciated that both hero and heroine are on the ‘mature’ side for this genre – early forties. With successful professional lives and interesting careers.

Of course, no ‘Love in the Spotlight’ book would be complete without all the bro-bantering and texting between all three heroes. These guys are there for each other no matter what. Anything from lame joke pick-me-ups to empathetic listeners or united prayer partners, these guys do friendship right. So much fun to get glimpses into Tuck’s and Lamont’s lives as well. No worries though if you haven’t read the first two books in this series, you’ll still be able to enjoy this one as a standalone. Though I’m betting once you finish ‘The Nature of Love’, you’ll be scrambling to get your hands on ‘The Love Script’ and ‘A Run at Love’.

I preordered this book from audible and thoroughly enjoyed Dioni Michelle Collins’ narration. She has been the voice of this series through all three books. Love that continuity, especially since Collins is an amazing performer who breathes life into all these characters. Would definitely recommend the audio edition for discerning fans of this format.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

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 The Nature of Love, 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 February 15 2025

How to Catch a Prince + Giveaway

Random Retro Re-Read

Prince Stephen came to America to escape responsibility. But what he found complicates his life more than ever.

Corina Del Rey is happy with her life in Melbourne, Florida. She spends her days engrossed in her career as a journalist and has her sights set on climbing the corporate ladder if for no other reason, to distract herself from her dissolving family. But when she is confronted with the past she fought so hard to put behind her, she struggles to make sense of her future.

Prince Stephen of Brighton Kingdom has moved on since the tragic death of his buddies in Afghanistan. A star professional rugby player, he has no intention of looking over his shoulder at what could’ve been.

But when a notice arrives in the mail requiring his and his wife’s appearance before the courts to dissolve their marriage, he must deal with the questions rumbling around in his heart. He thought his marriage had been annulled long ago, but his memories of Corina Del Rey remain close. Does he still love her? Can he even find her? Above all, can he tell her the truth about that fateful night in Afghanistan seven years ago? If he does, he might really lose her forever.

My Review:

published in 2015

How can you not love a book that has exquisite lines like: “With a smile, Daisy pulled Corina into a hug. And for a fleeting second, Corina cradled her cheek on her friend’s shoulder and left a piece of her burden there.” Honestly, Hauck’s eloquence takes my breath away. Her words speak directly to my heart and I find myself emotionally invested in the lives of the characters she brings to life. There’s just no way I could have stopped reading. And when the end came, I didn’t want it to be over.

How to Catch a Prince is clever and witty and heartrending. A tumultuous mix that had me alternately laughing and crying and shouting scathing comments at ne’er-do-well characters that had no business giving Corina such a hard time. Not to mention swooning over some lovely romantical bits too. And yet it also has an ethereal, fairy tale quality with enough inspiration to touch my soul. That astounding combination equals sheer reading delight.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy and is available to any reader, any where — so, yay, another International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of How to Catch a Prince, 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 February 15 2025.

Paws for Love + Giveaway

Random Retro Re-Read

The Only Thing Sweet About Jellybean Is His Name

Jellybean the terrier is about to unleash some serious mayhem on the unsuspecting town of Albatross.

There’s no quiet on the set when over-the-hill screen star Lawrence Tucker brings his naughty terrier, Jellybean, on location to the beachside town of Albatross, California. When Jellybean develops a rapport with Tucker’s violin tutor, the painfully shy, socially awkward Misty Agnelli, her arm is twisted into minding the mischievous animal. Trailing Jellybean leads Misty into the candy store of Bill Woodson, a handsome chocolatier with a painful secret and a three-year-old niece to raise.

Misty must deal with the unstable Tucker, a temperamental Jellybean, her budding feelings for the mysterious Bill, and the high-pressure atmosphere on the set. Though she wants nothing more than to flee, how can she tell her Grandma, Lawrence Tucker’s biggest fan, that she abandoned the star and his dog?

It’s actors, animals, and antics galore when Jellybean gives his own heartwarming performance.

My Review:

published in 2017

Paws down the cutest cover ever!!!! Who can resist that face? Even if it belongs to a “fuzzy wrecking ball?” I don’t know if anyone will be surprised if I tell you that Jellybean might have a bigger piece of my heart than two-legged hero, Bill. Such a little scamp (dog, not man) and while I found it highly entertaining to read about his escapades, I think the thrill would soon wear off if I actually lived through them. It takes a certain personality — one that consists of an abundance of patience — to cope with that opinionated mutt. Grinning just thinking about it.

And a huge ‘hoorah’ for a klutzy heroine!!! You don’t often find them in the pages of a romance novel. At least I haven’t spied that many and as a self-proclaimed klutz I pay attention to things like that. So there was an instant connection between Misty and me. And her deer-in-the-headlights reaction to complicated social situations just warmed my heart even more.

I think what impressed me the most about Bill was his insecurities and the fact that the author went out on a limb to write an atypical hero. He is struggling to adjust to being the sole caregiver to his orphaned niece and feelings of inadequacies keep creeping in. He’s an ‘out of the box’ kind of guy and I love the way Mentink slowly reveals a major issue. I fell in love with his vulnerability and courage.

And even though Paws for Love is slapstick funny — there’s a touching inspirational thread that binds everything together. “God made you to shine a light…You don’t get to pick what kind of candle you get.” (p 79) Has to be one of my favourite lines ever.

A rousing comedic masterpiece that also delivers a stirring amount of tenderness and hope.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy and is available to any reader, any where — so, yay, another International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Paws for Love, 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 February 15 2025.