kavlovestoread

Trust the Stars + Giveaway

Olivia Garza, a woman committed to making a difference in the world, thrives in her unconventional, service-oriented life. By day, she helps troubled teens in inner-city Little Rock. By night, she creates a viral docu-series in an attempt to better understand her mother’s desperate decisions by retracing her steps with a camera. So far, Olivia has always been the anonymous narrator, but she’s promised to reveal herself in the last stop on her documentary: Kenya.

Prince Louis, heir to the throne of the small European kingdom of Alloria, is in Kenya to run away from a broken heart—and the media circus that comes with it. When he meets Olivia, he recognizes her voice right away from the docu-series that has stirred his heart. Though they share a magical day on safari, any dreams of happily ever after come crashing down with the flash of the paparazzi cameras when Olivia realizes that he represents everything she most despises in the world.

In World War II Rome, another royal, however, has her own life-changing choices to make. Princess Alessandra Appiani could have chosen quiet safety within the walls of the Vatican, but instead she risks her life—and her family—to save the Jewish children so in need of someone to show them the love of God.

When Olivia is hired to help create a documentary about Alessandra, learning about the sacrifice of a royal who goes from palace to prison forces her to face the hardest questions of all: Should she continue on the path she’s carved for herself or trust God to give her the future she never thought she wanted?

My Review:

Me after finishing this book: languishing on my fainting couch in a gobsmacked swoon of astounded delight. I did not expect this story to be so…royal and deep and spellbinding! And the faith thread about trusting God and how easy/hard that is all rolled into one. Goyer touched my heart and made me think and stunned me with the richness of this not quite fairy tale.

Okay — first off — I’m not a huge Royal Romance fan. I’ve read some, but I don’t go out of my way to find them so I went into this read without the expectation of becoming over-the-moon thrilled with it. Ha! Shows me how rewarding it is to venture out of a my bibliophile comfort zone from time to time!

While this is a dual timeline novel, most of the focus is on the present day story, with the WWII snippets about a courageous princess providing an intriguing sub-plot that eventually merges with the current timeline. And it’s done beautifully. At first I wasn’t sure how the two would connect, but they do to goose-bumping satisfaction.

And the romance! Happy sigh! Heavenly! Louis is the epic storybook hero and his gentle pursuit of a very reluctant Olivia kept me in a fully twitterpated state all the way through! I feel like Goyer really captured the complexities of a royal longing to live a ‘normal’ life and the compromises necessary to satisfy both the prince and his country.

Plus there’s banter! Sigh. And humour. And soul-searching conversations. Even some tears. So much hope too though and when Olivia visits the prince’s country the story takes on a whole different vibe. Fantastically divine!

I listened to the audio edition of Trust the Stars and Zura Johnson gave a truly amazing performance. Multiple accents, male and female characters of various ages — she made each one unique and captivating.

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 the book OR the option of an audible.ca edition.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Trust the Stars , 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 January 13 2024.

Positively Penelope + Giveaway

Told mostly through letters, texts, and email, this contemporary romance will charm its way into hearts as Penelope rescues a theater and discovers her true self in the process.

Penelope Edgewood is practically positive in every way, so when, fresh out of college, she is awarded a paid internship to help save a century-old theater on the island of Skymar, she jumps at the chance. After all, a crumbling theater needs the special touch of someone who reveres all things vintage and adores the stage.

Unfortunately, not everything is as it seems at Darling House Theatre. Finances are in shambles, the local theater group is disenchanted, and the two brothers, Matt and Alec Gray, can’t seem to see eye-to-eye about how to run their theatrical business. So, of course, it’s the perfect place for Penelope to shine her own personal brand of sunshine.

With a little help from GK, the person emailing her encouragement along the way, she puts all her heart into helping the Grays save Darling House. But between Matt’s ever-present skepticism, Alec’s tendency to treat Penelope a little too much like the “princess” she thinks she wants to be (until someone actually started treating her that way), a grandfather who is stuck in his grief, and a mysterious person stealing Penelope’s marketing ideas, she’s not sure her optimism is enough to make a happily-ever-after of her own story, let alone The Darling House’s.

Between an adorable little girl, a matchmaker, a sea monster or two, and a copious amount of musical references, can Penelope draw enough confidence from her faith, her family, and her adoration of all things Julie Andrews, to find the thief and save the theater . . . without getting her heart broken in the process?

My Review:

Fun and flirty with a cinematic flare, Penelope is practically perfect in every way as she exudes positivity where ever she goes. She’s the radiant sunshine to a certain gentleman’s eternal grumpiness so if that’s a fave trope you’ll definitely enjoy this rom/com.

But, be aware, this is an epistolary novel with a good chunk of the storytelling told through emails and texts. I know this style isn’t popular with some readers but I’ve adored epistolary novels since I read Daddy Long Legs in my tweens. And Pepper Basham does it so well! Love the balance between the texts/emails from Penelope, Izzy, Luke and Josephine. She keeps the plot moving even though we’re hearing about things through their correspondence. And then, when things heat up in a certain way, the author intersperses ‘live’ scenes and it’s all done brilliantly!

I do feel like it would be best to read Authentically Izzy before diving into this second book so you can get to know these cousins/brother/sisters and their family dynamics before experiencing the…exuberance that is Penelope. 🙂 Because she’s…well, more than a breath of fresh air…more like a tornado of positivity accompanied by a tsunami of movie references to fit every occasion. Especially if you’re a Julie Andrews or Audrey Hepburn movie history buff! Not to mention Gene Kelly! And like all good musical heroines, she’s apt to break out into song and or dance at any moment which makes things interesting.

And then there’s the romance. Had me a wee bit nervous at first because there’s a kinda, sorta love triangle brewing only it’s not the full blown angsty kind and it’s pretty clear from the start who Penelope is going to end up with. So, mildly anxiety inducing for the LT shy reader. 🙂

But, oh my, when the romance gets going in the right direction! Be still my heart! Clear your fainting couches and have the smelling salts handy because…swoonworthy Scottish hero scenes ahead!

And then there’s Luke (Penelope’s brother.) He stole my heart in book one and this book reminded me why and now I’m clamouring to read his story. His emails and texts are snort-laugh out loud funny. I’m happy to share that Loyally Luke will release in May! Soooo excited!

I listened to the audible edition of Positively Penelope and was thrilled by the narration. Christopher Ashman, Hazel Beattie and Julie Rogers are amazing performers! Really brought these characters to life and made the listening so much fun. Highly recommend the audio edition!

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 Positively Penelope , 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 January 13 2024.

A Body on the Doorstep

Fiercely independent Mabel Canning can’t wait to begin working for the Useful Women’s Agency. But when she discovers a body on her client’s doorstep, it’s time to add solving murders to her job description…

London, 1921: Mabel Canning is proud to be a modern woman working for the Useful Women’s Agency, carrying out tasks for gentlewomen from flower arranging to washing muddy dogs. But when she answers the door for wealthy widow Rosalind Despard, she almost chokes on her cucumber sandwich when she finds a soldier’s body on the doorstep.

As she offers tea to the policemen of Scotland Yard, Mabel can’t resist getting drawn into the investigation. Who was the mysterious dead man? And why was he holding a letter for Rosalind, written by her husband on the day he disappeared?

As Mabel hunts for clues, she joins forces with Rosalind’s handsome brother, former detective Park Winstone, and his adorable terrier, Gladys. But when Mabel suspects she is being followed, the detective duo know that time is running out before the killer strikes again.

As she investigates, Mabel discovers dusty old photographs that help her reveal the soldier’s true identity. But as she gets closer to uncovering the young man’s murderer, she knows she’s also one step closer to danger… Can she outsmart the killer and save Park and Rosalind before they also turn up dead as doornails?

A totally unputdownable and utterly charming Golden Age cozy mystery from USA Today bestselling author Marty Wingate. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Richard Osman, Verity Bright and T.E. Kinsey.

My Review:

A brilliant start to an exciting new historical cozy mystery series!

I love Marty Wingate’s storytelling. She has an incredible ability to create characters that are real and relatable and so easy to root for. Mabel is exactly that kind of heroine. And the fact that she considers herself at the young range of ‘middle age’ (she’s 32!) and therefore a perfect candidate for employment at the Useful Women’s Agency is so preposterously delightful!

But here we have Mabel new to London, fresh on the job and her first assignment leads to the discovery of a body on the doorstep! Gasp! Definitely not the kind of ‘gentlewoman task’ she set out to perform, but Mabel takes it all in stride and is soon enmeshed in her first investigation as an amateur sleuth.

The Golden Age vibes in this 1920s cozy hit just the right note. From social standards to the changing ‘modern’ times, this is London in transition at a pivotal time in history. I was just as excited as Mabel to experience all the wonders, drama and…yes, danger…this story provides. And just as intrigued by a cast of secondary characters who bring that much more depth and enjoyment to the story. Plus there’s the possibility of a romance brewing, which makes me all kinds of happy and eager to see what’s next for Mabel and her dashing former detective!

I thoroughly enjoyed listening the audio edition of this book. Naomi Frederick did a fantastic job of bringing these characters to life which increased my enjoyment factor that much more! Excellent storyteller paired with a talented narrator makes for an addictive listen!

My thanks to Net Galley for providing me with an audio book copy of A Body on the Doorstep.

Please Note: While not a Christian Fiction selection, this is a clean read — and charming to boot!

Writing About the Amish + Giveaway

Why does every Beth Wiseman book include a red suitcase?

This is one of the many questions answered by an author who has sold over two million books. Beth has penned more than forty books about the Plain People in Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Indiana. In this collection of essays, Beth gives readers a glimpse into her personal life and shares experiences she’s had while writing about the Amish.

Includes photos, Amish recipes, and a ‘bonus’ short story.

My Review:

I have Lucy to thank for recommending this little gem — love, love, love bookish friend reading referrals!

‘Writing About the Amish’ is a short but highly informative glimpse into the author’s research of various Amish communities. If you want to read realistic Amish fiction by an author who does her homework, Beth Wiseman’s book are definitely for you.

Bottom line: Each Amish community is unique with variations that make it hard to say, “The Amish would never…” The author includes actual ‘critiques’ of elements in her stories (even one from an Amish couple) and cover art and she answers them all with grace and humour. Interesting to note that the objection the Amish couple made was actually allowed in the community the book in question was set in, which totally stunned them! So even the Amish can get confused about what is and what isn’t allowed. 🙂

There are photos and recipes and some nifty insights into a writer’s life which I so appreciated as well. And the short story packs an emotional wallop: two childless couples, one Amish, one English and an orphaned child who needs a home. ‘Nuf said…but have a hanky handy when you read this one.

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 Writing About the Amish , 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 January 13 2024.

Blog Update!

So, it’s been nearly a full year since I started up the blog in these new digs and I think I’m wrapping my head around the differences between blogger and WordPress. Unfortunately, I learn by doing things wrong so I have a lot of behind the scenes fixing up to do.

Like with the subject tags for each blog versus categories. Apparently I need to switch those two around if I want an efficient and helpful way to search by authors and genres. Right now the tags are limited to a certain number and appear in a cluster and only the most currently popular tags are visible. Where as the category fields are unlimited and much better suited for long lists of authors.

Then there’s the way the blog posts just run on one after the other with no way to divide them up in to manageable groups that would be easier for browsing. Blogger automatically cued posts up by month and year which was ever so helpful. I need to figure out if that is possible on WP. Which means I have to conquer widgets. They sound cute, but trust me, they aren’t!

I’m also toying with creating pages for specific things — like winners. That would make it easy for readers to stop by the blog any time and scroll through recent wins in case they missed a notification.

Anyway, all this to say that the blog will be under construction for a while and I’m praying I don’t break anything. 🙂 So it might look different when you come to visit but I’ll keep Book Reviews as the home page so you should always wind up here…I think. Yikes!

Now for the biggest change to hit the blog for years!

Due to the steep hike in book prices I’ll be reducing the number of giveaways each week. Probably 2-3 instead of the usual 5. As well, please pay careful attention to the giveaway details as there will likely be more ebook only options in 2024. As well as more gently read print copies.

I’m hoping this all won’t become too confusing but I think I’ve figured out a way to be clear and concise — you just have to read the fine print!

Let’s say I wrote an awesome book entitled “Kav’s Amazing Year of Best Reads!” and, of course, I wanted to review it. A review only (as in no giveaway) blog title would look like this:

Kav’s Amazing Year of Best Reads!

BUT, if I wanted to do a giveaway for my truly awesome-guaranteed-to-be-a-bestseller book 🙂 the blog title would look like this:

Kav’s Amazing Year of Best Reads! + Giveaway

So easy peasy way to spot the giveaways but then you’ll need to scroll down to the giveaway section of each review blog and read the details. This will look like it always has — blue print with the edition options in red to catch your attention — but it’s more important than ever to make note of the giveaway options. Here they are:

For a giveaway where either print or ebook is possible:

Please Note: Unfortunately this type of giveaway will only be available in the US and Canada though International readers with a US Kindle account can opt for the ebook edition.

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

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

For a giveaway where the book has been gently read by moi:

Gently read paperback copy available to any reader anywhere in the world! Woohoo, a truly International Giveaway!

For a giveaway where the book is for an ebook only:

ebook copy only — available to any reader who has an American Kindle account (com) OR Canadians will get an Amazon gift card towards the purchase of the ebook for their Canadian Kindle. (For some bizarre reason, we can’t gift ebooks up here in the True North!)

So, not too many changes. Just remember to note whether the title indicates ‘Giveaway’ and make sure to check formats available each time, as they will vary. Otherwise, it’s business as usual…bonding over the best kinds of reads!

PS: Monthly New Releases giveaways and Reader’s Choice days will remain the same, with options for either print or ebook for all entries.

January Giveaway – Week One

WON BY NORA ST LAURENT

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’S GIVEAWAYS:

SUNDAY

Special Blog update involving some on going changes here at Best Reads so you might want to stop by so you’re in the know. 🙂

2024 Reading Goals + Giveaway!

I do so love the start of a New Year. I always feel ridiculously optimistic when January 1st rolls around. Everything I didn’t get done in the old year will definitely be accomplished in the new one! And everything will be bigger and better and…well…It’s like Anne Shirley’s (Anne of Green Gables) astute observation: “Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?” Only it applies to an entire year!!!! And my bibliophile heart overflows with readerly bliss at thought of a fresh year full of book-oriented challenges and goals. Here are mine:

2024 Reading Goals

Continue to seek out more Indie books

Hunt down some Debuts and read them!

Introduce myself to even more new-to-me authors

Diversify my reading

Target a few authors each quarter and read at least one book from their backlist

Enjoy getting acquainted with old friends — re-read!

Allow myself to be influenced by social media (book tube & instagram) for one book a month

Maybe read out of my comfort zone occasionally? But only 5 times the whole year! (she adds hastily, cowering behind her TBR pile)

Concentrate on an evolving SAS list. That’s Serious About Series. 24 new-to-me series, catch up on 24 series I’m in the process of reading and keeping current with 24 series I’m up-to-date with.

Keep stats and track my fictional travels.

Those are my official goals but I also want to pick up my instagram (bookstagram) again — both following and creating content. I got stymied when I started it early in 2023 because I read so much I couldn’t figure out how to do the monthly screenshots etc. and I got discouraged. But, hey, I’ve conquered bar graphs so….

I also reactivated my Net Galley account now that they offer (sparingly) audio books. We’ll see if anything comes of that.

Oh — and I still want to wrangle this unwieldy site into some sort of order…time got away from me while I was recuperating from the flu. (in other words, I was too busy reading.)

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

Now, what’s a little goal sharing without giveaways?! Today it’s easy peasy! We already shared goals yesterday so today let’s just talk about the books that got away from us last year.

So, the rules for this giveaway are simple:

You can enter this giveaway up to three times, each entry as a separate comment.

Mention any CHRISTIAN FICTION novel that have already been released — so from January 5 2024 back to earlier years, and, if the random.org odds are in your favour, you’ll win one of those books!

This offer is open to email entries as well.

Giveaway available to readers in the US and Canada — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice. Audible too for Canadians.

e-books only for International Readers who have an American Kindle account (Amazon.com).

Draw will be held and winner announced on

Saturday January 6 2024

Reader’s Choice Goal Review Giveaway

Another Best Reads Blog tradition is quarterly reading goal reviews (only in this case, it’s an annual summary.) I’ll share my progress (or not!) here just for some fun, book nerdy stats and, if you’re so inclined you can share a goal or two in the comments. But no pressure – a goal can be as simple as ‘read a book.’

So, to enter this giveaway, just share anything goal related in the comments. Then, in the same comment, list a book that will help you reach your goal. So it looks like this:

“I want to catch up on some suspense series. Night Prey by Susan Sleeman.”

NOTE: BOOKS MUST BE CHRISTIAN FICTION

You can enter up to three times in three separate comments — and you can use the same goal or a different one each time, but a different title for each entry.

Books can be published any time up through the end of this year. Currently published books will be ordered this coming week for winners, otherwise it will be an IOU for a title releasing later in January, February or March 2023.

See? Easy Peasy. But if you’re still not clear, don’t be shy about asking questions.

My 2023 Reading Goals Summary:

519 Books read

Genres:

‘Other’ is a mix of YA, Middle Grade, Fantasy etc.

Book Formats: (‘books’ are print editions I got from places other than the library — rereads, gifts, review copies, purchases etc.)

Diversity was a huge goal of mine these past two years. Unfortunately, it’s hard to find settings outside the US in Christian Fiction. I have no idea why, because all the readers I know enjoy armchair traveling but, as the graph below illustrates, the majority of my fictional travel time was spent in the US.

‘Other’ represents Europe, Africa, Canada, Australia, Asia.

I set author goals as well. I’m pleased with the progress I made with reading indie books, but I really need to up my diverse author reads (this includes nationalities other than American as well as ethnicity.)

I had set a goal to play catch-up with specific authors’ backlists which kinda bombed so I’m going to modify that goal for this year. You’ll have to wait until tomorrow to see how I do that. 🙂

The other goal I didn’t do well with was giving unloved tropes a second chance. All of 8 out of 519 books read fit that criteria. I’ve discovered that I can be stubborn in my dislikes so I think this is another goal that will have to be modified for this year. The tropes I reluctantly read (and ironically enjoyed!) were amnesia, serial killer, mean girl personified, billionaire and runaway bride (in case you were wondering.)

My other goals were to keep stats and track my armchair travels…which I did as you can see by my lovely graphs — tada — lots of emotional agony and headaches went into their creation. My brain still hurts. I could never have been a mathematician or a statistician!!!!

Phew! Now it’s your turn: Did you make reading goals this year? If so, how did it go? Share below and remember to include a book title that will help you achieve any kind of reading goal. You can enter three times in three separate comments using the same goal or different ones. What ever strikes your fancy. Just make sure each entry is for a different title.

DRAW WILL BE HELD AND WINNER ANNOUNCED ON

SATURDAY JANUARY 6 2024.

OFFER OPEN TO ANY READER WHO HAS A KINDLE .COM ACCOUNT FOR EBOOKS. OTHERWISE IT’S WINNER’S CHOICE OF PAPERBACK OR EBOOK FOR US AND CANADIAN ENTRIES.

January New Releases Giveaway!

Photo by Jess Bailey Designs on Pexels.com

It’s a Best Reads blog tradition! Celebrating the month’s new releases the first week of each month.

WHY?

Because I recently discovered that a book’s success or failure is often determined by first month sales! (Though I bet preorders play into that as well.) Publishing houses look at those stats to determine whether they’ll add on to a series or accept the author’s next manuscript! All that literary goodness hanging in the balance but for a month’s worth of sales! (This was a cozy mystery author, but I imagine all traditional publishers use the same ‘system’.) So, I thought I should do my wee little bit to promote Christian Fiction.

HOW?

By hosting a special “Hello — insert month” giveaway. It’s easy to play along. You just have to choose ONE of the January 2024 new releases on your TBR wishlist (must be Christian Fiction) and mention the title in a comment below (or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca.) If your name is drawn, that January release is the book you will win and we’re one book count closer to keeping our fave authors in business.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE TO:

ebook for anyone anywhere who has an Amazon.com kindle account

US – paperback or ebook copy — winner’s choice

Canada -paperback or ebook (in form of an Amazon gift card) or audible.ca audio book (if available) – winner’s choice

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday January 6 2024.

Reader’s Choice Week Winners — Christmas Edition 2023

Thanks so much for participating in this two week extravaganza of anticipatory bookish delight! 🙂 I’m excited because I got to start a brand new TBR book with lots of room to include all the new releases coming up in my future. I even marked the occasion by using my new uniball gel pen and it glides!!!! (Bet you didn’t know I was this nerdy, eh? But I swoon over notebooks and pens nearly as much as I do over books!) 🙂

Before we get to the fun stuff, here’s some ( nerd alert) bibliophile stats for you. I always find it fascinating to see what the most requested books are in each category. If you don’t, just scroll down until we get to the part where I announce the winners.

MOST REQUESTED HISTORICAL

MOST REQUESTED CONTEMPORARY

MOST REQUESTED SUSPENSE

MOST REQUESTED AMISH

And now it’s time to move into the part of this post you will be most interested in (and I thank you for indulging in my bibliophile nerdiness.)

READER’S CHOICE WEEK CHRISTMAS EDITION 2023 WINNERS!

HISTORICAL FICTION CATEGORY 1

If the Boot Fits by Jen Turn

WON BY:

SARAH

HISTORICAL FICTION CATEGORY 2

All My Secrets by Lynn Austin

WON BY

DIANE FLOWERS

CONTEMPORARY FICTION CATEGORY 1

Double Take by Lynette Eason

WON BY

PARKLAND MOM (TAMMY)

CONTEMPORARY FICTION CATEGORY 2

The Lady with the Dark Hair by Erin Bartel

WON BY

LANE HILL HOUSE (KATHLEEN)

SUSPENSE CATEGORY 1

Fragile Designs by Colleen Coble

WON BY:

JACKIE

SUSPENSE CATEGORY 2

What I Promise you by Liz Tolsma

WON BY;

SANDY AVERY

AMISH FICTION CATEGORY 1

An Unconventional Amish Pair by Emma Miller

WON BY:

COLORVIBRANT (HEIDI)

AMISH FICTION CATEGORY 2

Courting an Amish Bishop by Mindy Steele

WON BY:

LUCY

GENERAL CHRISTIAN FICTION CATEGORY 1

The Legacy of Rocking K Ranch (novella collection)

WON BY:

PAM K.

GENERAL CHRISTIAN FICTION CATEGORY 2

Rocky Road by Becky Wade

WON BY:

LEA

But wait, it’s not over yet. The Vanity category has become a blog tradition. It’s where a book is actually judged by its cover and I choose my favourite cover art per genre and then draw from a pool of readers who requested that title. Here are my COVER LOVE winners!!

HISTORICAL COVER LOVE WINNER!

I love a cover that tells a story all on it’s own and this one sure does! Love the design that draws the eye to the figures in the centre. Don’t you just need to know what she’s saying? And who that little boy is to her? And the ominous read ‘cloud’ in the distance. Shudder. Would buy this book on cover merit alone.

Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin

won by:

CONTEMPORARY COVER LOVE WINNER!

I’ll admit that none of the Contemporary covers wowed me this time round. BUT I am completely intrigued by this title and since it’s on the cover — tada — we have a winner.

The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold

won by:

PATTY

SUSPENSE COVER LOVE WINNER!

I like the eerie effect of the background superimposed over the hero’s profile. Or is it the other way round? However you look at it, it’s intriguing and I need to know what he’s thinking. Deep thoughts for sure!

One Wrong Move by Dani Pettrey

won by:

KATHRYN

AMISH FICTION COVER LOVE!

A pretty standard Amish cover but I find the bright background really appealing…and a nice contrast to her dress (turquoise? teal?)

Miracles at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard

won by:

KAY GARRETT

WAIT! Don’t go away ’cause we’re not through. We have another Reader’s Choice tradition of picking a random number which becomes a ‘just because giveaway’ on the genre specific days. If that doesn’t make sense, all you need to know is that it means more book giveaways. Woohoo! This time the number is: 21

HISTORICAL 21st

The Foxhole Victory Tour by Amy Lynn Green

won by

ELIZABETH LITTON

CONTEMPORARY 21st

The Cowboy’s Secret Past by Tina Radcliffe

won by

LORI SMANSKI

SUSPENSE 21st

Never Fall Again by Lynn H. Blackburn

won by

TRACEY

AMISH 21st

The Amish Beekeeper’s Dilemma by Patrice Lewis

won by

KIM H.

That’s another RC wrap up. I’ll send winners an email stating their book win, publication date and requesting contact info so that I’ll have everything ready for release day. Then I’ll email you once again once the book has been ordered. Oh — and if you didn’t include your email in your comment it’s up to you to contact me.

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK’S GIVEAWAYS:

I was sick over Christmas so didn’t get everything done I intended — including celebrating with family — so I’m playing catch up this week. Plus I intended to use the time between Christmas and New Year to spiff up the blog a bit and that hasn’t happened so…I’m taking a bit longer break and will only post three days this first week in January:

Wednesday January 3 2024 — Hello January — new release giveaway! (aren’t you glad you have your TBR lists already updated?!)

Thursday January 4 2024 — 2023 Goals in Review — let’s catch up on what we achieved (or didn’t) and this giveaway will be for the book that got away last year. So it’s kind of a second chance love story between you and a book. 🙂

Friday January 5 2024 — New Year Reading Goals! — a chance to share new reading goals for the New Year along with the chance of winning a book that will help you on your way.