Despite all her good intentions to focus on a healthy lifestyle and leave crime solving to the professionals, Andi Grace Scott has run right smack into another investigation–literally. Who’d have thought caring for stray cats and a healthy morning beach run could lead to murder?
Andi Grace has found another body and a young woman who needs help. Solving this puzzle will come with a cost. This time, catching the killer will require Andi Grace to confront her past relationships and truths about her deceased mother.
My Review:
This Low Country Dog Walker series is fabulous! Definitely should be read in order for the progression of Andi Grace’s backstory as well as relationship developments — including secondary characters. I love Andi Grace and her crew and this small island town. Feels like a beach getaway every read.
But this time there’s a body on the beach and Andi Grace is on the case. Bwahaha! She just can’t help herself. Some might call her nosy, but I like to think of her as having a curious mind. You know what they say about curiosity though…and there are some tense moments when Andi Grace is in serious danger before this mystery is solved.
Luckily she is on good terms with law enforcement in the area (more or less) and her protective boyfriend tries to keep an eye out for her (try being the operative word.) Because Andi Grace is tenacious and once she is focused on a puzzle she is relentless. I figured out parts of the mystery but not all so there was one gasp-out loud moment for me towards the end. Love when that happens.
There’s some lovely, light romance including a very swoonworthy ending that had me all twitterpated! I’m so grateful that the first three books in this series are available in audio format now. I’m really enjoying Meg Price’s narration. Hoping the rest of the series will follow — otherwise I’ll need to hunt them down in paperback ’cause I need more Andi Grace and company!
Claire Summers is a determined, independent single mother who is doing her best to make lemonade out of the lemons life has handed her. Keith Watson is a results-oriented workaholic with no time for a social life. As the executive assistant to a local philanthropic businessman, he’s used to fielding requests for donations. But when a letter from Claire’s eleven-year-old daughter reaches his desk, everything changes. The girl isn’t asking for money, but for help finding the long-lost son of an elderly neighbor.
As Keith digs reluctantly into this complicated assignment, he has no idea how intertwined his life and Claire’s will become–nor how one little girl’s kindhearted request will touch so many lives and reap so many blessings.
Through compelling characters and surprising plot twists, Irene Hannon offers readers this tenderhearted story of family connections that demonstrates how life is like lilacs–the biggest blooms often come only after the harshest winters.
My Review:
published in 2014
Magical. There’s something so appealing about a story that revolves around a child’s innocent request. Hannon’s ability to develop vivid characters that leap off the page make this the kind of read you want to linger over. Masterful storytelling expertly knit diverse lives together in a powerful way. It’s a thrilling plot that left me stunned by an unexpected revelation. I laughed, I cried and I worried over Claire and Keith and David and Maureen and young Haley who started it all.
A charming tale that will linger with you long after you’ve read the last word.
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
This giveaway is for a gently read paperback and is available to any reader, any where — so, yay, another International Giveaway!
If you would like a chance to win a copy of One Perfect Spring , 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 May 25 2024.
After the brutal murder of her mother and brother twelve years ago, Corina Roberts built a new life in Kentucky. But then strange things begin to happen, and she is thrust into a perilous game of life and death. With nowhere else to turn, her best hope of survival depends on her ex, army veteran Bryce Jessup.
Recently returned from service, Bryce has every intention of staying away from Corina, but when threats close in around her, he isn’t willing to leave her safety to chance. As their search for answers uncovers lethal secrets her detective father kept hidden, Bryce and Corina must untangle the mystery of the merciless killer intent on terrorizing and eliminating Corina’s family before it’s too late.
Debut author Angela Carlisle will leave you breathless with this bone-chilling story of a ruthless murderer, a deadly secret, and an unbreakable love.
My Review:
Whoa!!!! I can’t even…’cause I’m still discombobulated from…well, all of it so excuse my muddled thoughts spewed out in random fashion.
Stunning debut!
Unputdownable. I mean, really riveting stuff. Sometimes creepy but not over the top, just that nice stalker vibe that keeps a reader’s adrenaline rush on standby. 🙂
Two flawed characters making the best of an impossible situation. And it’s oh so complicated because Corina and Bryce were very close five years ago. So — yay — Second Chance Romance. But, goodness, their backstories!
And the way the author builds tension in the suspense is powerful! We get fleeting glimpses from the villains POV occasionally and let me tell you — jaw-dropping revelations by the end!
Great secondary characters create additional layers to the story and I’m anxious to see who is featured in the next book.
Thought-provoking inspirational thread centred around the age-old question of why God allows bad stuff to happen. I appreciated the raw honesty and brokenness — especially in Corina who really struggles with her faith.
I’m really excited to read more from Angela Carlisle. This is a fantastic thrill-of-a-read Debut!
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 ofone of the Secondary Target, 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 May 25 2024.
At the pinnacle of his Hollywood career, Garrison Prince’s reign ends tonight.
As plain old Gary Prinz, he can pursue his Bible education, buy a bungalow in Pasadena, acquire a few chickens, and marry the girl of his dreams. He just never imagined trading the silver screen for a pulpit would wreak such havoc.
A cigarillo girl, Lucinda Ashton spends her days with her boyfriend, Gary, and her evenings selling candy and “gaspers” to the Hollywood elite at the Taj Mahal Theater.
However, when gunshots ring out just as intermission begins, Lucinda finds herself smack-dab in the middle of a brouhaha that leaves three dead, and no one has a clue why.
All the police know is that the evidence points to Lucinda as the killer and Gary as the intended target.
Four new friends, one young orphan, and a potluck of clues that don’t seem to fit anywhere leave the police baffled, Lucinda in fear for her freedom, and Gary ready to trade in his acting shoes for gumshoes if it’ll save his “Cinda.”
The first book in the Ever After Mysteries combining beloved fairy tales and mysteries, The Last Gasp. This Cinderella retelling blends a murder with enough crime and story clues to keep you on the edge of your seat.
My Review:
Seriously, how did I not know there was a whole reimagined fairy-tale mystery series roaming around in bibliophile land?! Aptly titled ‘The Ever After Mysteries’ and Chautona Havig’s ‘The Last Gasp’ is the first book and my introduction to the series.
The book cover sets the tone with the campy, atmospheric ‘classic mystery’ influence which the story carries on. This reads very much like a golden age mystery. It’s set in the right era and I love the author’s use of the ‘current’ slang to add authenticity to the time and setting.
I’m not a Hollywood fan in this decade but, ironically, I had a huge fascination for the industry in it’s infancy. Did an extensive high school project on silent movies so this turned into an unexpectedly nostalgic read for me. 🙂
So, we have Hollywood glam vs poor working girl which lends itself beautifully to the Cinderella detailing…only not in a predictable way. I love how the author included all those beloved fairy tale elements in such a topsy turvy manner. They cropped up unexpectedly throughout the story and I got a bookish thrill every single time. Such fun. And so clever!
The mystery was pretty easy to solve (perhaps because of the fairy tale element) but I had a great time watching Gary and Cinda piecing together the clues. And, for an author who claims to not like romance, this one is pretty sighworthy!
I enjoyed listening to the audio edition to ‘The Last Gasp’, narrated by Christa DelSorbo.
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 ofone of the The Last Gasp, 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 May 25 2024.
Katherine Schneider’s workaday life as a dentist in 1913 New York is upended when a patient reveals details of a deadly plot while under the influence of laughing gas. As she is plunged into danger, she seeks help from the dashing Lieutenant Jonathan Birch, a police officer she has long admired from afar.
Jonathan has harbored powerful feelings toward Katherine for years but never acted on them, knowing his dark history is something she could never abide. Now, with her safety on the line, he works alongside her through the nights as they unravel the criminal conspiracy that threatens her. And throughout it all, Jonathan fears what will happen should Katherine ever learn his deepest secrets.
Join award-winning author Elizabeth Camden for a sweeping and romantic adventure of dangerous secrets and wounded hearts fighting to overcome the darkness while the rest of the city sleeps.
My Review:
Intriguing characters and plot. Jonathan’s backstory in particular was — whoa — unexpected. And the historical details on the inner workings of turn of the century New York City were so interesting! A brilliant backdrop for the mystery.
True Confession: I abhor dentists. Oh, I’m sure they are lovely people when they are not wielding instruments of torture but…shudder. Visiting the dentist is at the top of my ‘procrastinate as long as possible’ list so, I was reluctant to read this book at first, the heroine being a (whimper) dentist and all. But then my library got a copy and I found myself checking it out, though I’ll admit the poor dear languished on the TBR pile for a week or two, okay, nearly three. But then I devoured it in a day and not only because I was chasing down the due date! I was riveted…
Even though the opening scene occurs in a dentist’s office with Dr. Katherine Schneider in the middle of gruesome dental procedure. But oh my, what a clever way to hint at clues that become the foundation to uncovering a lethal criminal conspiracy.
And I can’t say a whole lot more than that without posting spoilers but this is definitely the kind of story a reader can lose herself in. From the sometimes astonishing historical details (be sure to read the author’s note at the end) to the desperate search for the mastermind behind a deadly plot — well, I was hooked. With Katherine and Jonathan’s romance adding another level of angst to the plot. Camden makes them work for their happily ever after which makes it all the more satisfying when we reach the end!
‘While the City Sleeps’ is the first book in the ‘Women of Midtown’ series and I can’t wait to see what the author has in store of us in the next book! Can’t come out soon enough for me (especially since it likely won’t include any dentists as MCs Bwahahaha!)
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 ofone of the While the City Sleeps, 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 May 25 2024.
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.
How can she expect anyone to believe her… when she can hardly believe it herself?
FBI special agent Nick Bradley has seen his share of kooks during his fifteen years with the Bureau. But Rachel Sutton is an enigma. She seems normal when she shows up at his office… until she produces a tattered Raggedy Ann doll and tells him about a strange feeling of terror it gives her when she touches it. Nick dismisses her, only to stumble across a link between the doll and an abducted child, setting in motion a chain of events that uncovers startling connections and puts Rachel’s life on the line.
Filled with palpable suspense and heartwarming romance, In Harm’s Way is the final installment of the thrilling Heroes of Quantico series.
My Review:
published in 2010
The third and final instalment of the Heroes of Quantico series and does this one ever pack a punch! First off — no worries if you haven’t read the other books in the series, this one reads wonderfully well as a standalone. However, if you are a series fan, you’ll be thrilled to catch up with past heroes and their heroines so that’s a bonus.
This was my second visit into Nick and Rachel’s world and I was just as captivated as my first read. This time I enjoyed the audible edition narrated by Stevie Ray Dallimore.
Really loved the retro vibe to this romantic suspense. The pacing is so different, leaving plenty of time to develop the romance while the suspense quietly stews in the background. But that doesn’t make it any less suspenseful. If anything, it edges it up a notch and makes for an even more compelling read.
I’m finding that Irene Hannon’s masterful storytelling stands the test of time as I reread my way through her earlier works and I’m not surprised by that at all. She creates Keeper Shelf quality books I’ll want to read again and again.
Get bumped to first class on the train and meet the most gorgeous, considerate man of my life? Check.
Find a job in video game animation and a cozy apartment of my own? Not so much.
So maybe things in Brookhaven aren’t quite as idyllic as my friend promised. My one saving grace is playing video games every evening with my best online friend, MidKnight. Plus, helping him create his own video game helps me escape the drudgery of my demanding twin bosses and a dusty, cramped apartment.
It’s not long before our relationship turns from friendly to…a lot more personal.
Things get complicated when I run into the man from the train again. He couldn’t forget about me either, and he’s been searching for me. I can’t deny the intense physical attraction we have, but I feel like my heart is being pulled in two directions. But there are things that both guys don’t know about me.
Being brave isn’t my strong suit, but maybe it’s time to find some courage.
Cinder Luna is a closed door, romantic comedy retelling of Cinderella with hidden identities and swoony kisses!
My Review:
So. Much. Fun! I’m fan-girling over a new-to-me fairy tale rom/com series AND a new-to-me author! And what a wonderful introduction to both!
The Cinderella set up is priceless — all kinds of familiar only with new, modern twists that are quite brilliant. Classic rom/com tropes — hidden identity, instant attraction — paired with humour and heart made this read (or listen) fly by. Includes an emphasis on family as well.
I’d categorize ‘Cinder Luna’ as primarily for a Young Adult or New Adult audience, but it’s also perfect for fairy tale retelling aficionados no matter their age! And this is pure romance all the way through! Have your toe-curls and swoons on standby.
I listened to the audio edition narrated by Renee Dorian and Joe Jameson. Love a dual narration in a romance — especially a rom/com — and this was excellently done. I especially appreciated the Disney Princess buoyancy Renee brought to Cinder’s character. 🙂
My thanks to the publisher, Dreamscape Media and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY
ebook copy available to anyone with a US Kindle account (.com)
Canadians will have a choice of receiving an Amazon.ca gift card towards the purchase of an ebookOR an audible copy. Winner’s Choice.
If you would like a chance to win an ecopy of Cinder Luna, 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 May 18 2024.
As a Black woman in a field with little diversity, Piper McKinney is determined to make her mark on the horse racing world. Raised on a thoroughbred farm in Kentucky, Piper’s dream is for her horse to win the prestigious Kentucky Derby. With the help of her best friend and trainer Tucker Hale, she gains national attention but must grapple with the complications that arise when a journalist delves into her past as a transracial adoptee.
In an effort to win Piper’s heart, Tucker formulates a plan to train Piper’s horse to victory, hoping to prove himself to her, her parents, and his own self-doubts. Then a shocking scandal hits the media, implicating both Piper and her parents, and she and Tucker will have to survive the onslaught to find their way to the winner’s circle–and each other.
Award-winning author Toni Shiloh makes a run for the roses with this heartwarming novel that reminds us that sometimes the greatest victories are found within our own hearts.
My Review:
“Let go of your plans and let God order your steps.”
First off, let me start out by saying how much I appreciate the strong faith elements Toni Shiloh includes in her novels. Artfully woven into every nuance of story, inspiration is as much a character as, well, the characters. Powerful and yet never heavy-handed or overbearing. And it brings such depth and heart and hope to the story! Nurtures my soul and lifts my spirit even as I’m entertained…and sometimes it even goes beyond that, speaking truths into my life that I need at the exact right moment. Inspirational words from an inspired author. This is why I crave Christian Fiction!
And then there’s the romance. Eeeepppppp!!!! Make sure your fainting couch is clear so you have a soft landing for all the swooning because Tuck is….happy sigh…pretty near perfect in all his imperfectness. 🙂 Love the way the ‘friends to more’ trope plays out. Tantalizingly delectable from the get go, building to mildly frustrating when neither Piper or Tucker is willing to make the first move. And then, just when I thought I couldn’t stand it another second…zap! Fireworks ignite and the romance starts to sizzle.
These two are so good together! And I love the pacing. There’s enough conflict to keep things interesting without any forced drama to keep them apart. And so many rich layers to both the characters and the plot! Shiloh touches on some significant issues with grace and compassion while opening a path for some great discussions if a book club or reading buddies feel so inclined.
I’m not a huge horse racing fan (show jumping is more my thing) but I’ll admit to being captivated by the intriguing insights into the racing world. Definitely added to the compelling nature of the plot and provided more than a few edge-of-your-seat scenes that kept me riveted.
Oh — and there’s a sweet, subtle nod to the author’s Oloro Ile novels which was all kinds of fun!
I listened to the audible edition expertly narrated by Dioni Michelle Collins. She gave an incredible performance, bringing these characters and story to life which enriched my ‘reading’ pleasure that much more.
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 ofone of the A Run at 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 May 18 2024.
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. Unfortunately, that means the number of LI and LIS books I read has 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 *May Love Inspired Suspense 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 June as their release month but they actually become available in stores and online on May 21 so I’m calling them May releases?!
Shielding the Innocent Target by Terri Reed — A child under his protection…and a hitman in pursuit. After witnessing her boss’s murder, Paige Walsh must trust Deputy US Marshal Lucas Cavendish to bring her to safety. But when a notorious assassin targets her and her son, Lucas’s short-term assignment turns into a dangerous cross-country mission. For Paige to identify her boss’s killer, Lucas must get the family into witness protection. Except the hit man knows their every move…and trusting the wrong person could get them killed.
Searching for Evidence by Carol J. Post — With his K-9 partner’s help, can he save an innocent life? K-9 officer Jared Miles stumbles upon a crime scene on his day off and believes Kassie Ashbaugh is the victim of a random attack. However, as threats on her life continue, he realizes that Kassie is in grave danger. Her father’s abandoned boat suggests foul play, and Jared suspects someone is after Kassie for something her missing father is hiding. Can Jared unravel the mystery before unknown enemies catch her?
Kidnapped in Montana by Sharon Dunn — A case of mistaken identity leads to a lethal wilderness chase. Believing he’s tracked down his missing informant in a gem-smuggling investigation, FBI agent Ryan McCloud unwittingly leads deadly assassins to Catherine Reed’s mountain hideout. As the informant’s identical twin, and already hiding from her abusive ex-husband, Catherine now has two threats to her life. With danger at every turn, can Ryan protect Catherine and find her missing sister…before it’s too late?
Hidden Mountain Secrets by Kerry Johnson — A mysterious death. A secluded mansion. This investigation could be fatal… Antique dealer Brielle Holt uncovers more than just priceless relics when she overhears a secret that puts a target on her back. Caught in the crosshairs of a deadly family feud, Brielle has nowhere safe to hide…until CSI agent Lucas Scott steps in to protect her. With assailants following their every move, Lucas and Brielle must stay one step ahead of someone desperate to hide the truth…and bury them with it.
Chasing Justice by Valerie Hansen — A man falsely accused…can a K-9 Unit dig up the truth? While escorting a prison van transporting her ex-boyfriend who was wrongly convicted of murder, Deputy Selena Smith never expected the van to be violently forced off the road. But when she and Finn Donovan are attacked, Selena and her K-9 partner become his unlikely protectors. With gunmen closing in, they must hunt down the real killer. But will the truth free an innocent man…or make them the next victims?
Amish Witness to Murder by Dana R. Lynn — To identify her father’s killer, she must stay alive. After finding her family’s barn in flames and witnessing her father’s murder, Beth Troyer becomes the killer’s next target. She narrowly escapes death when the murderer turns on her, but now she’s left temporarily blind. She’ll have to rely on former family friend Gideon Bender to keep her safe until her eyesight returns. But with a killer who’ll stop at nothing to find her, staying alive might just be impossible…
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
REMEMBER TO INCLUDE THE TITLE OF THE BOOK YOU WOULD LIKE TO WIN IN YOUR COMMENT (OR EMAIL)
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 ofone of the one of the LIS books, 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 May 18 2024.
Kav's Best Reads 