Bite The Dust + Giveaway

One steamy South Carolina morning, Low Country dog walker Andi Grace Scott discovers a client’s dead body. Police quickly decide she’s the prime suspect. Horrified, she knows she’ll have to turn detective if she’s going to convince them they’re barking up the wrong tree.

Proving her innocence could be a tall order. The local police never solved the hit-and-run that killed her parents; Andi Grace isn’t sure they’ll solve this crime either…not when they have a convenient suspect—one caught with the possible murder weapon in her hand. She’ll have to follow every clue and call in every favor, even if that puts her in danger.

If you love strong heroines, coastal small-town life, and dogs, you’ll love Bite the Dust.

My Review:

Published in 2020

Eeeepppp! How did I not know about this series? It’s both a cozy mystery and Christian Fiction! And there’s even a romance! That’s my reading dream, right there. Plus the whole series just became available on audible so guess what I’ll be binge listening to?

Absolutely love the way Layton sets the stage for this series. The cozy part of this cozy mystery is sweet perfection. Vivid descriptions of the SC Low Country made me feel like I was there and Andi Grace’s dog walking profession is my dream job! I appreciate the depth in character back stories — especially Andi Grace — and her personal mystery is just as compelling as the murder mystery.

Fabulous meet cute with an enemies to more vibe and an intriguing list of suspects kept the plot moving and me riveted. Plus, there’s light touches of faith interspersed throughout. So excited to dive into book #2 of the ‘Low Country Dog Walker Mystery’ series soon!

A Noble Scheme + Giveaway

In the opulent and perilous world of high society’s most elite–and most dangerous–families, two investigators must set aside their broken hearts to uncover the truth.

Gemma Parks is known throughout high society as G. M. Parker, a columnist renowned for her commentary on the cream of society. Behind the scenes, she uses her talent to aid the Imposters in their investigations by gathering intel at events and providing alibis for the elite firm’s members through her columns. Yet her clandestine work would be more exhilarating if it weren’t for the constant presence of the gentleman who broke her heart.

Graham Wharton has never had eyes for anyone but Gemma, and she left his heart in tatters when she walked away from him. When the Imposters take on a new job to recover a kidnapped boy mistaken for his aristocratic cousin, Graham is determined to use the time with Gemma to not only restore the missing boy, but to also win back the only woman he’s ever loved. As they trace the clues laid out before them, Graham and Gemma must devise a noble scheme to save the boy’s life and heal their hearts.

My Review:

Whoa! I was not prepared for…well, a lot! Totally enthralling and emotional and intriguing and surprising! Exceptional storytelling, which is expected since it’s Roseanna M. White but…kinda stumped on how to write a review ’cause I don’t want to post any spoilers.

First off, I’d definitely suggest that you read the first ‘Imposters’ book before reading ‘A Noble Scheme’ mostly for the character connections but also for an introduction to the unique investigation group. Plus, it’s cracking good! 🙂 And in that first book we’re exposed to the rift between Gemma and Graham without understanding why.

Readers are in the same predicament at the start of this book. Animosity crackles between hero and heroine and there’s lots of alluding to something from their past, but we haven’t a clue what that is. And it’s Gemma who is nursing the grudge to the extreme. It’s clear she feels Graham has wronged her but as the story progresses I just wanted her to get over herself and give poor Graham a break. And then…whoooaaaa…I found out what happened and I was gobsmacked. My heart kinda fractured actually.And that’s all I’m going to say about the romance. 🙂

Okay — I’ll add that it’s deeply layered, emotionally draining but so hopeful too. White explores some impactful faith threads that left me reeling as I contemplated the power of forgiveness (and the perils of unforgiveness) and the amazing grace we are freely offered.

Oh — and I’ll also add that Graham is super swoonworthy. A delicious mix of brooding and noble. His love for Gemma is palpable in every scene and the little things he does for her, the quiet nudges towards the best parts of their past even as he wrestles with regrets. Pure tortured romantical bliss!

The mystery is stellar and fits quite nicely with the inspirational aspects of the story. Very cleverly done! I had fun trying to figure out the clues right along with the Imposters and had my ‘aha’ moment just a smidgen before they did.

I listened to the audible edition of ‘The Noble Scheme’ and really enjoyed Susan Lyons’ narration.

A Timeless Romance Anthology : Mail-Order Bride Collection + Giveaway

Six Award-Winning Authors have contributed new stories to A Timeless Romance Anthology: Mail Order Bride Collection. Six historical romance novellas set in the Old West. 

WRITTEN IN HER HEART, a charming novella by Stacy Henrie, Georgeanna is getting desperate. She can’t fund her favorite orphanage unless she marries and secures the rest of her inheritance left by her father. But her father’s financial planner, Clay, can’t understand why she’s not content with her current situation. Georgie determines to send out a notice as a mail order bride to attract suitors who won’t know her financial situation. Little does she know, Clay takes up the pen and sends her letters of his own under an assumed name. After years of working for Georgie’s father, Clay realizes he isn’t ready to watch her marry another, not when his heart is already claimed by her. 

In Kristin Holt’s delightful novella WANTED: MIDWIFE BRIDE Dr. Naomi Thornton thinks she has it all: a beautiful house, a loving husband, and a fulfilling career. But when everything she holds dear is ripped away, Naomi has no choice but to start over. What will she find in the wild and untamed Wyoming Territory? Dr. Joe Chandler has waited years for a wife with the knowledge, skills, and tender heart he yearns for in a medical colleague and lifetime companion. When a midwife arrives with more expertise and secrets than he counted on, Joe quickly discovers there’s more to love and marriage than a simple mail order contract. 

In THE SOUND OF HOME, a captivating novella by Annette Lyon, Marilyn is given the choice of either marrying the despicable Victor or being charged with a murder she didn’t commit. Refusing to believe that either is her fate, she finds a third option: she answers a mail order bride advertisement and boards a train to Wyoming to wed a man named Harry. Moments after her arrival, she learns that Harry isn’t who he seemed to be, and the advertisement turns out to be a giant mistake. Harry’s brother Thomas agrees to let her stay until she can figure out what to do next—after all, she simply cannot return to New York—but Marilyn quickly finds herself developing feelings for Thomas. 

In Sarah M. Eden’s endearing novella FOR BETTER OR WORSE Gerald Smith, on the advice of his well-meaning neighbors, has decided it’s time to change his lonely existence. Mary Hill, on the advice of her empty pocketbook and non-existent roof over her head, has decided it’s time to secure herself a future. A mail-order marriage, they both realize, is no guarantee of happiness, but it is a risk they are willing to take. However, coming face to face on the train platform, the hapless couple discovers an unexpected truth: marriage to a perfect stranger is sometimes far preferable to the prospect of a lifetime with someone you used to know. 

Heather B. Moore’s sweet novella THE INCONVENIENT BRIDE sees Carmela traveling from Boston to Colorado, eager to meet the man she’s been corresponding with and will soon marry. Her brother’s new marriage leaves little room for Carmela in her old life. Upon arrival in Leadville, she faces a rude awakening, and the only one who can understand her predicament is her fiance’s brother, Samuel. But Samuel can’t possibly help her out of an awkward situation, can he? It would be better for all if she returns immediately to Boston and pretends she never traveled to Colorado in the first place. 

THE PRICE OF SILVER, an engaging novella by Siân Ann Bessey, Katie leaves New York for Idaho to marry Jake, a man she’s written to a couple of times. But when she steps off the train, his brother Caleb is there to greet her. Jake has gone to take a mining job he couldn’t pass up. Caleb takes Katie back to the family ranch to wait for Jake’s return. The more Caleb gets to know Katie, the more he envies his brother, but he can’t let his heart overrule his head unless Jake changes his mind about his intended bride.

My Review:

published in 2015

Happy sigh! There’s something about a good mail-order bride romance that hits the spot and this book includes six of them! And, for me, a nice balance of familiar authors and new-to-me authors which just adds to my bibliophile delight.

Love the different approach each author takes with the theme, making all six mail-order bride stories unique and interesting. The collection includes a variety of popular tropes — friends to more, heroine fleeing peril, enemies to more, groom mix-up. And each novella is quite short, so easy to finish in one setting which provided me with the perfect respite in between marathon gardening stints. 🙂

April Giveaway – Week Four

Pages of Promise

When Eliza’s life is threatened, she turns to a handsome veteran for help.

I left everything I’d ever known behind. And that decision may cost me my life.

The moving truck hadn’t even been unpacked when my fresh start went up in flames.

A frightening letter left in my mailbox and signed Always Yours sends me running to the only man in town who can help me.

Driven by his protective nature and a mission he believes comes from God, ex-Army Ranger Lance Knight agrees, despite the fact that I’ve made it no secret I want nothing to do with him–or anyone for that matter.

The longer we’re together, the more I begin to realize that Lance is more than I gave him credit for. Something that troubles me nearly as much as the fact that an unknown man seems to have already claimed me as his.

Trouble is, my admirer has a jealous side, and it’s not long before Lance is pulled into the crosshairs right alongside me…

My Review:

A classic romantic suspense with all the chills and thrills. The stalker vibe adds extra oomph to the plot and kept me anxiously listening to make sure Eliza and Lance reach their happily ever after.

This is the first book in the ‘Coastal Hope’ series and the author does a great job of setting the stage for subsequent books. Loved meeting future heroes and getting to know everybody in this friendly small town (aptly named Hope Springs.)

There’s a bit of grumpy/sunshine to the romance with Eliza being the grump. She has her reasons for being standoffish and it takes a while for Lance to get the whole story. Love his protective nature and determination to help Eliza even though she’s so prickly. I did feel like the romance moved too fast given Eliza’s back story and I was a bit uncomfortable with their first kiss (again, given her back story) but, overall I was firmly onboard for their HEA.

The author does a great job of drawing out the suspense. Especially enjoyed going deep into Eliza’s POV — put me on edge so many times ! I did figure out the whodunnit part of the suspense. At first it was just a glimmer of an idea without any substance but then it began to take shape as I continued reading. The armchair sleuth inside of me might be gloating a bit. 🙂

I enjoyed listening to the audible edition narrated by Savannah Gilmore and Jarman Day — always fun to have a dual narrator performance!

Lucky Charm + Giveaway

A humiliating break-up leads to an impulsive New Year’s Kiss with a complete stranger. 
What could possibly go wrong?

It’s no secret that I love life. And Dr Pepper. But also, I love a challenge. . .

So when the coach of the Chicago Comets gives me the opportunity to help their star player, newly traded to their team, acclimate to life in Chicago, I’m all in.

I have to be. After my last job went up in flames, I have something to prove.

It turns out that the player, Grayson Hawke, is the rudest, most off-putting, reclusive guy I’ve ever met.

It also turns out that he is the beautiful stranger I kissed on New Year’s Eve.

I can do this job. I can do this job. I can do this job.

And I can. Really well.

I can make Gray’s life easier, show him all the reasons to fall in love with this city, and in the process, hopefully completely forget that the amazing kiss ever happened.

How hard can it be? We’re total opposites anyway.

I love people . . . and all their stories. Gray loves hockey . . . and nothing else.

I love to talk. Gray only stares.

I’m happy-go-lucky. Gray’s all work and no play.

There’s just one problem. The more time I spend with Grayson Hawke, the more I start to see that underneath his bristly, standoffish exterior, he’s nothing like the man everyone thinks he is.

And suddenly, all the reasons for keeping my distance, staying professional, and not falling for someone again. . . are impossible to remember. My Lucky Charm is a grumpy/sunshine, sweet hockey romance with all of the sizzle but none of the steam. It’s the second in the Holidays with Hart series, but My Lucky Charm can be read as a stand alone.

My Review:

A rom/com with a whole lot of heart!

An opposites attract, grumpy sunshine (to the nth degree!!!) romance and Walsh writes it so well. I was grinning and sighing and swooning all the way through.

Gray is so….well, this nifty quote from Eloise sums him up: “He’s grumpy and rude and he grunts instead of using actual words — what’s not to like?” Bwahaha! And Gray is happy with the status quo thank you very much so, of course, he’s trying very hard to resist Eloise who is his exact opposite. “If the world lost power, all it would need is Eloise. She’s like a bright light all on her own.” Happy sigh.

So, there’s a bit of a Beauty and the Beast vibe going on here with lots of wonderful banter and even some physical comedy that had me cracking up. I was equally charmed (Eloise) and appalled (Gray) and completely intrigued.

I’m not a hockey fan, but I actually liked the hockey scenes — especially when the whole team offers advice to the lovelorn (Gray) which goes about as well as you might expect. I’m still grinning. 🙂

Now I have to go back and read the first book as I impatiently wait for the third ‘Holidays with Hart’ book to release.

Night Falls on Predicament Avenue + Giveaway

In 1910, Effie James is living a dream for two. Her younger sister is harboring a secret that has left timid Effie determined to fulfill her daring sister’s grand plan of seeking out adventure in their small Iowa town. When a British gentleman arrives, disrupting their peace with efforts to find the wife many claim lived her final days at the now abandoned house at 322 Predicament Avenue, Effie is thrust into intrigue she couldn’t have prepared for. But what she finds inside will forever link her to the scandal staining the house’s walls and to a woman whose secrets promise a curse.

A century later, Norah Richman is living out her late-twin’s dream of running their great aunt’s bed-and-breakfast on Predicament Avenue–a place Norah believes nothing good can come out of after her sister’s abduction and murder thirteen years ago. Her first guest is a crime historian and podcaster, and Norah resolves to stay far away from the charming and enigmatic man–until another guest is found dead. As they dig deeper, something sinister unfurls that will reveal an ominous unknown far greater than the possibility of death itself.

My Review:

“The house at 322 Predicament Avenue had secrets and they were screaming out to be revealed.”

Cue the creepy background music and prepare to be perplexed and confused and intrigued and just a wee bit spooked because ‘Night Falls on Predicament Avenue’ is classic Jaime Jo Wright. So many mysterious layers in both timelines, with just the barest hints on character backstories at first so I was constantly flummoxed and anxious to know more. And the author takes her sweet time with those reveals which about drove me crazy (in a good way.) Because, as much as I wanted to figure everything out I was enjoying the read too much to want it to end.

“Ghosts were rising unwanted from the dead like unfinished stories.”

Such an atmospheric read! Wright spins a web of intrigue and danger filled with so many unanswered questions I kept frantically turning pages looking for the answers. So many gasp-out-loud plot twists! And tension drawing everything together in a delightfully spooky way.

Beautifully written. Emotionally driven. Flawed characters fighting to make sense of the impossible.

“What was it about being afraid that pushed a person away from God instead of toward Him?”

Inspirational threads are woven throughout as the author explores the different facets of grief. Multi-layered. Profound and ultimately hopeful. This novel packs an emotional wallop and makes for one compelling read. Unputdownable.

April Love Inspired Suspense Giveaway

Since I’m finding it difficult to read the print in the Love Inspired lines and I don’t do well with ebooks either, I’m reduced to enjoying my LI and LIS books whenever they appear in audio editions. Thankfully, a number of the Suspense line make it’s way into my audible library, but not enough to suit me! Unfortunately, that means the number of LI and LIS books I read as dwindled.

I still want to support the authors though, so I have started a Love Inspired and Love Inspired Suspense monthly new releases giveaway. Separate days for each line. I’ll list all the books and synopsis in a post and you can choose which book you would like to win if your name is drawn.

FOR THIS GIVEAWAY: Choose ONE of the *April Love Inspired books listed below, add the title to a comment (or in an email – kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca) and if your name is drawn, that’s the book you will win.

*Just to make things complicated, these books have May as their release month but they actually become available in stores and online on April 23 so I’m calling them April releases?!

April Love Inspired Releases

Yukon Wilderness Evidence by Darlene L. TurnerSolving a cold case could rob her of her future...When skeletal remains are uncovered in the Yukon forest, forensic botanist Keeley Ash is called to the crime scene—and ends up abducted. She never expects her ex, paramedic Brett Ryerson, to come to her rescue, or her gathered evidence to be linked to a cold case. And when their son—who Brett never knew existed—is kidnapped, they’ll stop at nothing to save him and outrun the hunters determined to silence Keeley.

Uncovering Colorado Secrets by Rhonda StarnesGetting to the truth could be deadly…With her sister and brother-in-law murdered, it’s up to bodyguard Adeline Scott to keep her twin nephews safe from a killer’s crosshairs. So when an intruder breaks into their home and threatens them, she turns to her security expert boss, Linc Jameson, for help. But will they track down the answers as to what really happened before a killer strikes again?

Hidden in the Canyon by Jodie Bailey An attempted abduction. A shocking murder. And a suspect list growing longer...After Angie Garcia is attacked on her ranch near the Grand Canyon, uncovering the culprit becomes her biggest challenge. And she’ll have to work with the last man she wants to see—Special Agent Lincoln Tucker—to investigate potential suspects. But with attacks escalating and a ranch hand missing, can they dig up the truth that links Angie to a perilous secret—and a ruthless killer—before it’s too late?

Her Duty Bound Defender by Sharee StoverThreatened and falsely accused, she’ll need this K-9’s protection…Only seconds after widowed mother-to-be Naomi Carr-Cavanaugh is rescued from two masked gunmen, she’s accused of multiple murders. Detective Bennett Ford believes he’s finally apprehended the Rocky Mountain Killer—until Naomi is attacked again. Now she must rely on Bennett and his K-9 partner for protection. But with threats closing in, she’ll have to prove her innocence first in order to stay alive…Mountain Country K-9 Unit #2

Disappearance in Pinecraft by Lenora Worth Her sister has disappeared, and now her life is on the line...When Adina Maas arrives in Pinecraft to find her missing sister, she’s blindsided by abductors who attempt to kidnap her. To her surprise, Nathan Kohr, a familiar face from her past, is there to save her. And it’s clear that whatever trouble Adina’s sister is in, Adina is now a target, too. But with Nathan’s help, can they find out who’s after the Maas sisters before Adina is the next to disappear?

Cold Case Tracker by Maggie K. BlackA missing sibling. A targeted witness. A K-9 on the case...K-9 officer Jackson Locke’s sister has vanished—and the key to finding her lies with Amy Scout…his sister’s best friend and his old crush. But when Amy comes under attack, two things become Jackson’s sister has been investigating cold cases and someone wants Amy dead. Now he must untangle the mystery between the cold cases and his sister’s disappearance while guarding Amy from an enemy willing to kill to hide the truth…

In the Shelter of Hollythorne House + Giveaway

A young widow faces an uncertain future . . . until an unexpected encounter with her first love gives her heart a second chance in this Regency romance set on the Yorkshire Moors.

England, 1817—Charlotte Grey thought she had seen the last of Anthony Welbourne. Knowing her father would never consent to his only daughter marrying a man he deemed beneath their family’s station, Charlotte bid her final farewell to Anthony and vowed never to turn back. Instead, she honored her father’s wishes by marrying the wealthy Roland Prior.

Determined to put his love for Charlotte in the past, Anthony chose to immerse himself in a life full of meaning—first as a soldier fighting a war overseas, then as a member of William Walstead’s watchmen, a rugged band of men dispatched to deal with perilous situations. Fearless and persistent, he makes it his life’s focus to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.

When Charlotte’s husband dies unexpectedly, she quickly realizes how blind she’d been to his nefarious ambitions and how many people he’d angered on his relentless quest for wealth. To protect her infant son, Henry, from those who wish him harm, she and the baby flee to Hollythorne House, her childhood home. There Charlotte comes face-to-face with her former love, who has been sent as one of the hired watchman to protect her and Henry until the details of her late husband’s estate are settled.

Anthony’s presence brings back feelings she never expected to have again, and she struggles to trust his intentions. Are the watchmen really looking after Charlotte as they claim—or are they looking to make trouble for Roland’s estate and heir? Despite the constant reminders of their past, Anthony must remain focused on the task he was hired to do. But when new threats emerge and the past collides with the present, both must decide what they are willing to risk for the chance to right old wrongs and carve out a new future . . . together.

My Review:

Eeeeepppp!!!! Regency Romance with a Gothic-y mystery feel! Totally captivated me all the way through!

Ladd has created a sense of foreboding that carries throughout the story and set me on edge as I worried over Charlotte and baby Henry. Loved the air of mystery that shrouds our hero and heroine, stirring an already complicated situation into something much more ominous.

We’re given a tantalizing glimpse of what might have been, courtesy of the attention-grabbing prologue and then the story starts in earnest five years later when everything has changed for Charlotte and Anthony…and not necessarily for the better. Cue shivery thrills of anticipation as I settled in to find out how all will be made right!

Love the period details deftly woven into the story. Still fuming over the lack of control women had — even in the lives of their own children! And the family Charlotte has married into is vile — which leads to dire threats against poor wee Henry!

Which makes it opportune, if inconvenient, for Anthony to come swooping back into Charlotte’s life as he is hired on as one of her guards. Treachery, deceit and danger follow…as does an epic Second Chance Romance! Thrilled me right down to my toes from start to finish!

April Giveaway – Week Three