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Carol Awards Semi-Finalists 2023 – Romantic Suspense + Giveaway

First off — what exactly are the Carol Awards?

They are awards given out by American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) in recognition of outstanding Christian fiction in the previous calendar year. So these 2023 finalists are books published in 2022. You might have read them already, you might not. I’ll include links to books I’ve read and reviewed.

How does this giveaway work?

You select which of the Carol Award finalists 2023 — Romantic Suspense Category you would like to receive. Mention the title in your comment (or an email if you’re entering that way) and if you win, that’s the book that will be sent to you. Easy Peasy.

Of Note: In past years, ACFW has announced the three finalists of each category in June and then the winners during their annual Writer’s Conference in late August/early September. This year they’ve switched it up and have announced seven semi-finalists in each category which will be whittled down to three finalists the first day of the conference at the end of August and then the winners in each category will be announced on the final day of the conference. So., with only two days in between the finalist announcements and the winner announcements, we’re going to have to go with wading through the seven semi-finalists so these weekly giveaways are going to be lengthy. Sorry about that. And now here are the Romantic SuspenseSemi-Finalists.

Targeted Witness by Jacquelin Adam; Love Inspired Suspense — paperback or ebook giveaway —

A witness under protection.

A serial killer out for revenge.

After the killer she identified finds her in witness protection, artist Cassie Whitfield must go on the run to avoid becoming the next victim. But there’s nobody she can trust—except her ex-boyfriend, former FBI agent Ryan Matherson, who doesn’t know her real identity. Now telling him the deadly truth is her only option if she wants to stay alive…

Read and reviewed: https://bestreads-kav.blogspot.com/2022/12/targeted-witness.html

Covert Danger (Guardians Unleashed;2) by Jerusha Agen; Indie — paperback or ebook —

A K-9 protection team. An assassin. Only one can survive.

An assassin is on the loose in the Twin Cities, aiming to kill FBI witnesses the Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency is hired to protect. Rogue CIA agent Amalia Pérez and her protection K-9 must get the edge on this deadly opponent before he kills her childhood best friend—the only man who knows her true identity.

Investigative journalist Michael Barrett can’t believe his eyes when the woman he’s spent years searching for walks back into his life. But he soon fears the woman he loved is lost forever beneath the secrets Amalia wears like armor.
As the assassin closes in, Amalia will risk anything to keep Michael safe—anything except believing in the God he trusts. When the layers of deception become as dangerous as bullets, can Amalia and Michael uncover the truth in time to stop the assassin from completing his lethal mission?

Honor’s Refuge (Love and Honor; 3) by Hallee Bridgeman; Revell (Baker Publishing Group) — paperback or ebook giveaway —

When she was just five years old, Melissa Braxton watched her father take her mother’s life. Separated from her sister, Lola, at that time, Melissa grew up with a strong desire to help those stuck in abusive relationships. It’s why she became a family therapist and opened a domestic abuse shelter.

After losing a leg to a gunshot wound in the line of duty, Phil Osbourne has felt like a man without a purpose–until he hears Melissa’s story and decides to use his Special Forces contacts to track down her missing sister. He knows what he discovers will break Melissa’s heart. What he doesn’t realize is that helping the women reunite will bring the cartel down on them like the Category 5 hurricane striking Miami.

Bruised yet not quite broken, Melissa and Phil battle the storm and the cartel, calling on strength they didn’t know they had to escape death, save the innocent, and–just maybe–find healing in each other’s arms.

Word of Honor (Love and Honor; 2) by Hallee Bridgeman; Revell (Baker Publishing Group) — paperback or ebook giveaway —

FBI Special Agent Lynda Cutler is investigating an ecoterrorist organization in the Alaskan wilderness when her partner is taken captive and murdered before her very eyes. The only person who can identify the key players, Lynda gets assigned to take part in a joint operation in Istanbul to take the organization down.

As a woman in a Muslim country, she’ll find it much easier to move around undetected with a fake husband. Unfortunately for her, the man assigned to play the role is none other than US Army weapons specialist Bill Sanders–the man who crushed her heart into a million pieces back in college.

With a cargo bay’s worth of hurt and baggage between them, these two consummate professionals must play their parts perfectly if they hope to stop those responsible for bombing oil pipelines, killing innocent civilians, and threatening to destabilize the oil markets. But love long buried has a way of resurfacing at the most inopportune times–and protecting Lynda has become Bill’s primary focus.

Facing the Enemy by Paige Edwards; Covenant Communications — paperback or ebook giveaway —

Lady Elise Henderson lives two separate lives. At home in Scotland, she’s the titled daughter of the Marquess of Roxbury, an heiress in her own right. In London, however, she’s Elise Taylor, a top MI6 operative for the “home office.” But when a devastating accident threatens to end her career, Elise is left with far too much time for self-reflection and the regret of a decision made long ago that features one man: fellow MI6 agent Harry Benson.

Harry Benson, the son of servants, has loved Elise for the better part of a decade. But life took them on separate journeys until their worlds converged once more. An immediate assignment to the Scottish Borders leaves Harry little time to make provisions for his small, rambunctious son, Sammy. Harry knows only one person he can rely on for the boy’s care—Elise. When Elise brings Sammy to her ancestral estate, she never imagines that a nemesis from her past looms in the shadows, hungry for revenge. Stalked at every turn, Elise and Harry discover that fighting their feelings for one another is futile, but can they survive long enough to get another shot at true love?

Battlefield of Deceit (Faith in the Parks;5) by J. Carol Nemeth; Winged Publications — paperback or ebook giveaway —

A diary on loan to the museum.
An old Civil War house on the edge of the battlefield.
Could these two things be connected?

Gettysburg National Military Park historian, Chloe Rogers, begins her research into both: to prepare for a donor event and to discover if it can be restored for public viewing. Chloe and her fellow historian, Clifford Weston, discover a virtual Pandora’s box in the cellar beneath the house revealing more questions than answers. Park policeman, Blake Hunter, becomes embroiled in the old house mystery but gives Chloe cause for concern when her widowed heart responds to his attentions. She’s simply not ready to move on. Is she?

When unwelcome things begin to occur, they realize they have to discover who’s behind them and soon. Will Chloe find the answers in a packet of old letters discovered in the cellar? Then there are the unexplained footsteps…

Defending Honor (Elite Guardians ; 3) by Kelly Underwood; Sunrise Publishing — paperback or ebook giveaway —

She’ll have to pretend to save his life…but what will it cost her heart?

Laila Rabbinowitz is all business. Tough and stoic, she was the perfect Mossad agent…until a terrible betrayal led to her worst nightmare. Being a bodyguard with the Elite Guardians allows her to keep her heart safe—she’ll never let anyone close enough to betray her again. And she’s certainly not going to trust anyone who doesn’t earn it.

Billionaire and former playboy Preston Whittaker walked away from his famous family after a terrible event, but then his father and brother are killed in a suspicious boating accident. Since he’s next in line to helm the family business, now someone wants him dead.

Preston needs someone by his side 24/7, and the only solution is a fake marriage. In order to keep him safe, Laila will have to convince everyone that she and Preston are in love. She’s used to putting her life on the line for a client. But what will this case cost her heart?

Read and Reviewed: https://kavsbestreads.ca/2023/02/20/defending-honor-giveaway/

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Please pay attention to the book formats available for this giveaway noted after the publication info for each individual title. Ebook wins are available to anyone, anywhere who has a .com kindle account. Paperbacks are available to readers in US and Canada.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of one of these Carol Awards semi-finalists, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 5, 2023. Good luck!

Seaside Reunion + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

You can’t go home again … or can you?

After surviving a devastating tragedy, combat reporter Nate Garrison returns to the only place that ever felt like home, Starfish Bay on the Northern California coast. But his reunion with childhood friend Lindsey Collier is nothing like he’d imagined. The wary widow who runs Starfish Bay Mercantile was once the girl who made young Nate dream–of a future, of family ties, of deep roots. Now Lindsey avoids love, loss … and Nate. Yet when they join forces to save a beloved town landmark and help a hurting little boy, might they also find healing, hope–and love?

In this Carol Award finalist, Irene Hannon pens a heartfelt tale of the lasting impact of friendship, the healing power of love, and the importance of touchstones–the people, places, and experiences we measure the world against–in our lives.

My Review:

Eeeeep!!!! Just. Eeeeeeepppp!!!! This is a retro read reimagined by the author and part of her Encore Edition updated re-releases. So, the book originally published as.a Love Inspired in 2012, but, if like me, you missed the original, the author has reworked the story and released it again as an indie book. And that’s all kinds of eeeeeepppp, because Love Inspired older print editions are hard to come by…and audible editions are unheard of.

Which leads me to a whole lot more ‘eeeeppping’ because Seaside Reunion is masterfully narrated by the amazing Therese Plummer and makes for a truly sublime listening experience. I’m sooooo bibliophile giddy about these Encore Editions — especially that they are all available in audio format as well.

So, if you love Irene Hannon’s Hope Harbor series, you need to come visit Starfish Bay. It has that same sense of community, friendships and inspiration. I don’t know for sure, but I’m thinking maybe this Starfish Bay series was the inspiration for Hope Harbor.

And these characters!!! Complex, hurting, struggling to recapture their purpose after tragedy. Nate, from all that he has experienced as a combat reporter, and Lindsey trying to find her way after a tragic loss.

Both find themselves back in Starfish Bay. It’s a bittersweet homecoming for Lindsey as she works along side her father at the general store. But for Nate it’s something so much more. After enduring a less then ideal childhood, the nine months he spent in Starfish Bay in his youth are the closest thing he has ever experienced to the comforts of home. And part of that was due to his friendship with Lindsey. Only their reunion doesn’t go quite as planned.

Cue some laughter and wincing and heart hurting moments as these two struggle to find their footing among clashing wills and misunderstandings before the roots of their friendship take hold again. And then there’s hope for so much more!

Seaside Reunion is emotionally stirring, uplifting and completely riveting.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook available to anyone, anywhere who has a .com Kindle account

US — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada — paperback or ebook (via a gift card to Canadian Amazon) or audible (.ca)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Seaside Reunion, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 5 , 2023.

July Giveaway – Week Four

WON BY CHERYL BARKER

WON BY NORA ST LAURENT

WON BY BECKY

WON BY SANDY AVERY

WON BY MELANIE BACKUS

WON BY KIMMY

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!

Interesting little email quirk: I’ve had two instances that I know of where winners with gmail accounts send emails that just — poof, vanished into cyberspace. Or, I sent them a winner email and the same thing, poof, mysteriously disappeared. Neither of us got error notifications so we thought our emails went through…only they didn’t. So, if this happens to you, please know I’m not ghosting you! I usually send my notification of win emails out the same weekend as the giveaway draw and I order or mail books within a couple of days of receiving winner contact information. Then I email you again to let you know when to expect your win. So if all that doesn’t happen in a timely fashion for you, trying emailing me again, or give me a shout out in the comment section of any current giveaway and we’ll try to figure things out.

Books will be ordered or mailed within a week of receiving your address (or email address for ebooks) and I’ll email you to confirm your book is on the way.

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK’S GIVEAWAYS:

SUNDAY

MONDAY

We’re winging our way through the 2023 Carol Awards Semi Finalists and this week its the Romantic Suspense.

TUESDAY

Photo by Jess Bailey Designs on Pexels.com

Can you believe it’s that time again?! July seemed to fly by and now it’s a new month which means we get to anticipate AUGUST NEW RELEASES. So, brush off your TBR list and be prepared to request one August 2023 release, and if you’re name is drawn, that’s the book you’ll win!

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Explosive Truth + Giveaway

Walking the line between danger and love! Stalked by a bomber!

When Devon Thompson’s car explodes at the click of her key fob, she doesn’t want to believe she was targeted on purpose. But when the next bomb is found in her apartment, she can’t ignore the fact that someone wants her dead. Trusting Captain Rhyland Finnegan with the truth isn’t easy, but soon she realizes Rhy is an honorable man who will go above and beyond to keep her safe.

As the oldest of nine kids, Rhy has spent the ten years since his parents’ death keeping the Finnegan family together. His personal life has been on hold, until now. Keeping Devon alive is a priority, yet he can’t ignore the attraction between them….

Reviewer Note: I felt like the synopsis gave away too much of the plot — liked carried it into the last quarter of the book so I am cutting it off here. Do yourself a favour and don’t read the entire synopsis before diving into this book!

My Review:

Okay…first off…I’m a tad shy of giddy over a whole series built around a family of nine (yes NINE) siblings who all work in some sort of law enforcement or medical field. The Finnegans are all about service — both to their God and their community. And Rhy is up first, which is only fitting since he is the eldest.

Lots of action, some amazing family dynamics and the lure of sweet romance kept me fixated on this story until the very last word. Then I was all happy swoony sighs. 🙂 The romance is as fast and furious as the suspense so if you’re not a fan of insta-love, this might not be the book for you. I tend to adore my romance in a myriad of forms and insta-love is one of them. I definitely felt the connection between Rhy and Devon and was rooting for their HEA long before the last bomb blast echoed in the distance. Bwahaha!

Oh — and fans of this author will be thrilled by a unexpected connection with some fave heroes and heroines from her LIS Callahan Confidential series. You don’t have to read those books in order to enjoy this one, but it was a fun surprise. You know an author is good at characterization when a last name immediately brings a series to recall!

I’m so enamoured with the Finnegan First Responders series that I’m leaping right into book two immediately. I’ll be enjoying all the books in audio format and was pleased to discover them on sale on Chirp.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook available to anyone, anywhere who has a .com Kindle account

US — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada — paperback or ebook (via a gift card to Canadian Amazon) or audible (.ca)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Explosive Truth, 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 July 29 , 2023.

A Haven on Orchard Lane + Giveaway

Random Retro Re-Read

An urgent escape…a wonderful heart…will Charlotte find the solace she longs for at the cottage on Orchard Lane?

Famed Actress Charlotte Ward stepped away from the Victorian London stage five years ago. Now in desperate circumstances, she tries to restart her career — only to experience a complete collapse. Against her better judgment, Charlotte’s estranged daughter, Rosalind, comes to her mother’s rescue and moves her to a quiet English coastal village where her mother can evade the gossip columnists at least for a time.

Charlotte is grateful to re-establish even tenuous family ties with Rosalind. As one with regrets over her own romantic past, she’s happy to see love blossom for her daughter. For Rosalind, however, it’s time away from teaching, and now she must care for the mother who wasn’t there for her. And what could possibly be more complicated than romance?

But there can be no permanent escape from the threats of recent months. As the privacy they seek is threatened, mother and daughter must make some difficult decisions — ones that jeopardize those they care about most.

My Review:

published in 2016

I revisited this novel through Audible Plus and I’m reminded of how much I enjoyed Lawana Blackwell’s writing yet I’ve only read three of her books! Her storytelling style is very much like Julie Klassen’s Ivy Hill series and Elizabeth Gaskell’s Cranford (you might have seen the BBC series of that.) Anyway, this book has the same kind of feel and I find it made the perfect summer read! It’s set in the 1880’s.

****

I felt like weeping when I reached the last page! I so didn’t want this read to be over. I just wasn’t prepared to return to 21st century Canada any time soon. I’m still crashing in a major disgruntled sulk but I’ll try to rally for the sake of the review.

This book isn’t anything like I thought it would be. Don’t you just love it when a novel surprises you in that kind of knock-your-socks off way? It’s told from multiple points of view, though Charlotte and her daughter, Rosalind, play major roles in everything that happens. It’s like the house they rent on Orchard Lane becomes the crossroads for various characters. Lives collide and magic happens and Charlotte is at the helm. And I didn’t expect that from her. Not after making her acquaintance in chapter one. But there’s such a depth of spiritual wisdom and common sense hidden inside that woman — I think she even surprises herself!

An estranged mother/daughter relationship has the chance at redemption — a stirring tale all on its own. But this story isn’t without a romance. A delicious. tentative, genteel one that develops from an unorthodox first meeting. And be still my heart, the ladies of Orchard Lane are readers! It isn’t long before Charlotte and Rosalind become enmeshed in the lives of some of the villagers. I fell in love with all the secondary characters — a pair of raggedy brothers in particular. This is definitely a story about relationship and how we can shine the light of Christ through our actions.

An impactful novel that entertains as well as inspires.

Giveaway Opportunity:

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

Of note: the pages are a bit yellowed but otherwise it’s in pristine condition. Still smells like a new book too. 🙂 and this book is no longer in print — just in digital formats or from used book sellers

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Haven on Orchard Lane 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 July 29 , 2023.

Calculated Risk + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

He carries the burden of his mistakes.

The wounds on Jason Gonzalez’s body are nothing compared to the ones on his heart. The former Marine avoids getting close to anyone new, especially his gorgeous next-door neighbor. Until he hears a scream coming from her house in the middle of the night.

Her enemies are too numerous to count.

Addison Foster escaped an abusive marriage and has become an advocate for others. When an intruder breaks into her home and nearly kills her, Addison is rescued by an unlikely protector. But the threats against her aren’t over and she needs help.

Danger around every corner.

Jason makes it his mission to keep Addison safe, but keeping her out of his heart proves impossible. As the threats increase, there’s no room for mistakes. Will his calculated risk pay off or will it end in tragedy?

My Review:

published in 2021

I can’t believe I totally missed this series a couple of years back! In fact, Lynn Shannon has a number of indie books published that I need to catch up on…starting with this series!

‘Calculated Risk’ is the first book in the ‘Triumph Over Adversity’ series and it’s a fantastic introduction. The books are loosely connected through ex-military friends who bonded in the V A hospital and are now easing into civilian life. Love the camaraderie of this brotherhood and the way they support and encourage one another. Makes a great foundation for the series. Though each book can be read as a standalone, I’m happy that I started with this one and loved it so much I’ve already purchased book two.

Jason is the perfect alpha hero — and that comes with some introspective brooding and feelings of inadequacy due to some life-altering injuries sustained in combat. He’s not about to become involved with any woman, especially his next-door neighbour, despite the fact that his retired K-9 is already a goner for Addison. I do so love a matchmaking critter. 🙂

Love that these two have known each other for six months, both quietly attracted to the other, but relationship wary for various reasons. Until danger stalks Addison and Jason comes to the rescue. Whew — intense opening scene! And the tension amps up from there. A well-paced plot balances, romance, suspense and the guys’ friendship and made this book unputdownable.

Or I should say unstoppable because I listened to the audio edition (thank you Chirp sale!) expertly narrated by Stacey Glemboski. Finished it in a day and getting reading for another listening marathon with book two, Critical Error.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook available to anyone, anywhere who has a .com Kindle account

US — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada — paperback or ebook (via a gift card to Canadian Amazon) or audible (.ca)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Calculated Risk 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 July 19 , 2023.

Enchanting the Heiress + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

Miss Harriet Hancock enjoys playing the role of eccentric heiress, using her wealth and influence to cleverly and anonymously better the lives of those in Newmarket. Though she keeps people at a distance to protect a years-old secret, when her friend pleads for help on a personal project, Harriet can’t resist.

Stable hand Jonas Fitzroy would do anything for his twin sister, even if it means seeking out the woman whose meddling ways have made him wary and suspicious. The last thing he expects is for Miss Hancock to request his help in writing a book. Intent on revealing her underlying plan, Jonas agrees.

As they work together, an unexpected friendship forms. But when things for once don’t go according to Harriet’s plan, she’s left wondering if good intentions might not be enough. Is there a way to mend the broken pieces of her life? And will Jonas give her another chance at his heart?

My Review:

Truth: I wasn’t enamoured with Harriet in the previous book…she’s a meddler, bordering on manipulator and thinks she knows what is best for everyone…especially Sophia (heroine from book two) and by default, her twin brother, Jonas. She’s also seven years older than our hero, and that’s not a fave trope of mine. Especially since the gap between 23 and 30 seems so vast, especially when it’s the man who is younger. But that might just be me being old-fashioned and jaded by the old-timey romances that used to feature heroes old enough to be the heroine’s father (shudder) and I know that isn’t this story but, still, I was reluctant. So much so that I read the first two Hearts on the Heath books twice before gathering up the courage to dive into this one.

Ahem, I’m here to publicly acknowledge the error in my thinking, both about Harriet’s personality and the age gap because Kristi Ann Hunter bedazzled me in spite of my misgivings! Lesson learned by a Reluctant Reader: do not judge a book by your own prejudices.

So, is Harriet meddlesome? Why yes, she definitely is, but there are complicated layers to her character and we are gradually given glimpses into her back story that suggest she comes by her…unusual…personality honestly. 🙂 She’s also an expert manipulator — which sounds like a bad thing — only she uses her powers for good. To spare hurt feelings, distract from a social disaster, provide charity under the guise of someone doing her a favour. In fact, she spends a lot of time slyly helping others, often to the detriment of her own social standing. So, Harriet has a heart oozing with compassion, even if it is very well hidden…along with her secrets!

Jonas has never been a Harriet fan. He tolerates her for his sister’s sake since she is Sophia’s friend. And, now that Sophia is married to a gentleman, Harriet has taken her in hand, helping her ease into society. But, my oh my, when those two ladies join forces to meddle their way into Jonas’s life…well, nothing will ever be the same again!

Opposites attract…but royally battle before they recognize that fact! There’s banter and humour mixed in with emotional drama. And such a wonderful faith thread woven throughout that the author provides scripture references by chapter at the end of the book. And no, that doesn’t mean it’s heavy handed — it’s just that Jonas has a scripture for every occasion. 🙂

A wonderful conclusion to the Hearts on the Heath series and I’m ashamed it took me so long to finally read it!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Paperback available to any reader, any where in the world so, yay, an International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Enchanting the Heiress, 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 July 29 , 2023.

Carol Awards Semi-Finalists 2023 – Romance Category + Giveaway

First off — what exactly are the Carol Awards?

How does this giveaway work?

You select which of the Carol Award finalists 2023 — Romance Category you would like to receive. Mention the title in your comment (or an email if you’re entering that way) and if you win, that’s the book that will be sent to you. Easy Peasy.

To Believe in You by Emily Conrad; Hope Anchor LLC —paperback or ebook giveaway —

Can she trust her heart to a man who can’t trust himself?

Since his dismissal from the rock band Awestruck, former bassist and addict Matt Visser has been transformed by faith and a year of sobriety.

If he can repay his parents for one last major debt from his years of irresponsible living, he can move into the future with a clear conscience. Now if only his latest stunt hadn’t gotten him fired from the family business.

After Lina Abbey’s fiancé gambled away their wedding savings, she surrendered her hopes of a family of her own—what man could she trust enough to marry?—and moved for a fresh start in Wisconsin.

She busies herself with her jobs managing Awestruck’s social media and directing Key of Hope, a non-profit funded by the band to teach music lessons to kids from low-income families.

She would never hire a man with Matt’s track record as a bass guitar instructor, but Awestruck’s manager, Tim, forces her hand. In need of a job and eager to clear his debts, Matt begins work. Unable to resist a challenge, he soon adds the goal of winning the trust of his beautiful but cautious coworker.

Lina is impressed that Matt resists Tim’s ongoing efforts to reconnect him with Awestruck, but when a new truth about Matt’s past reveals a wrong he can never right, he and Lina both need something more trustworthy than Matt to believe in. Otherwise, history will repeat itself in all the worst ways.

All That It Takes by Nicole Deese; Bethany House (Baker Publishing Group) — paperback or ebook giveaway —

When the ever-cautious Val Locklier moves cross-country with her son for a secure job, everything she’d planned unravels within the first week. After Val reluctantly agrees to rent an apartment from her best friend’s brother, an unexpected chance at an elite filmmakers’ mentorship ignites fresh hope for a dream career. But as Val’s community begins to expand, so do her insecurities, especially those heightened by her growing attraction to a certain friendly landlord.

Pastor Miles McKenzie returns home from a short-term mission trip to discover that not only does he have an intriguing new tenant living upstairs, he’s also been reassigned to a local ministry on life support. Disillusioned and restless, he distracts himself by throwing his energy into a host of new projects–not the least of which is pursuing Val–without stopping to consider the future.

As Val struggles to stop hiding behind the camera and Miles wrestles with shattered expectations, they’ll find that authentic love and sacrifice must go hand in hand.

Read and Reviewed: https://bestreads-kav.blogspot.com/2022/05/all-that-it-takes.html

Sea Glass Cottage by Irene Hannon; Revell (Baker Publishing Group) — paperback or ebook giveaway —

Christi Reece is desperate. The one-time golden girl’s life has tarnished, and a cascade of setbacks has left her reeling. She needs help, and she’s certain Jack Colby is in a position to provide it.

When she shows up in Hope Harbor, however, Jack wants nothing to do with the woman who betrayed him. He’s built a new life on the Oregon coast–and there’s no room in it for Christi, even after she takes refuge in a charming but mysterious cottage nearby. Yet it soon becomes apparent his opinion of her may need revising . . . especially when he ends up needing her help.

Can these two hurting souls make peace with their past and open their hearts to a new beginning?

Come home to Hope Harbor–where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.

Bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon delivers another heartwarming and romantic story set in the enchanting seaside community of Hope Harbor that is loved by readers the world over. Once you visit, you’ll never want to leave.

Read and Reviewed: https://bestreads-kav.blogspot.com/2022/04/sea-glass-cottage.html

To Win a Prince by Toni Shiloh; Bethany House (Baker Publishing Group) — paperback or ebook giveaway —

As a fashion aficionado and best friend of the queen of the African island country Oloro Ilé, Iris Blakely dreams of using her talent to start a business to help citizens in impoverished areas. But when she discovers that Ekon Diallo will be her business consultant, the battle between her desires and reality begins.

Ekon Diallo has lost everything: his princely title, his material possessions, his friends, and the respect of his countrymen. To pay for his actions against Oloro Ilé, he’s forced to assist the charismatic Iris Blakely–but he can’t allow his heart to distract him from regaining his status.

As Iris strives to get her business off the ground while keeping her heart intact, will her dreams of happily ever after survive the challenges she faces?

Read and Reviewed: https://bestreads-kav.blogspot.com/2022/09/to-win-prince.html

A Seaside Wonder by Melissa Tagg; Indie — paperback and ebook giveaway —

In one evening, Indi’s world falls apart. Enter the shy professor her family mistakes for her fiancé…make that ex-fiancé.

Professor Philip West never wanted to return to Maine . . . or his grandfather’s miserable old house. But after his mother’s death, he’s now the guardian of a teenage half sister he barely knows—one who doesn’t want anything to do with him. He longs to help her heal, but he’s exhausted and numb, desperate for relief of his own. Maybe that’s why he’s so easily distracted when he happens upon the little shop with a name on its storefront window that sounds familiar, a hint of a mystery nudging him inside.

More than a decade has passed since Indi Muir made the heartbreaking decision she’s never recovered from—though she’s certainly tried. She has a full life running her shop and creating the artsy pieces that fill its shelves. If she can just stay busy, she’ll keep her hurt and regret at bay. But when her ex-fiancé returns to Muir Harbor, he brings news that shatters her carefully built walls. Things only get worse when lurking danger comes calling at her childhood home.

The one bright spot amid Indi’s turmoil is the shy stranger who wandered into her shop months ago and his moody but lovable sister. As she confronts her past and the mysterious threat facing her family, she’s intent on helping Philip win over his sister. He just might win over Indi, too, if they can overcome old secrets and wounds, outrun rising peril . . . and take a chance on love.

Read and reviewed: https://kavsbestreads.ca/2023/03/23/a-seaside-wonder-giveaway/

Love’s Fortress by Jennifer Uhlarik; Barbour Fiction — paperback and ebook giveaway — When Dani Sango’s art forger father passes away, Dani inherits his home. Among his effects is a book of Native American drawings, which leads her to seek the help of museum curator Brad Osgood to decipher the ledger art. Why would her father have this book? Is it just another forgery?

Brad Osgood’s four-year-old niece, Brynn, needs a safe home, and Brad longs to provide it. The last thing he needs is more drama, especially from a forger’s daughter. But when the two meet “accidentally” at St. Augustine’s 350-year-old Spanish fort, Castillo de San Marcos, he can’t refuse the intriguing woman.

Broken Bow is among seventy-three Plains Indians transported to Florida in 1875 for incarceration at ancient Fort Marion. Sally Jo Harris and Luke Worthing dream of serving God on a foreign mission field, but when the Indians arrive in St. Augustine, God changes their plans. Then when friendship develops between Sally Jo and Broken Bow and false accusations fly, it could cost them their lives.

Can Dani discover how Broken Bow and Sally Jo’s story ends and how it impacted her father’s life?

Read and Reviewed: https://bestreads-kav.blogspot.com/2022/04/loves-fortress.html

Turn to Me by Becky Wade; Bethany House (Baker Publishing Group) — paperback or ebook giveaway ––

Guilt has defined Luke Dempsey’s life, but it was self-destructiveness that landed him in prison. When his friend and fellow inmate lay dying shortly before Luke’s release, the older man revealed he left a string of clues for his daughter, Finley, that will lead her to the treasure he’s hidden. Worried that she won’t be the only one pursuing the treasure, he gains Luke’s promise to protect her until the end of her search.

Spunky and idealistic, Finley Sutherland is the owner of an animal rescue center and a defender of lost causes. She accepts Luke’s help on the treasure hunt while secretly planning to help him in return–by coaxing him to embrace the forgiveness he’s long denied himself.

As they draw closer to the final clue, their reasons for resisting each other begin to crumble, and Luke realizes his promise will push him to the limit in more ways than one. He’ll do his best to shield Finley from unseen threats, but who’s going to shield him from losing his heart?

Read and reviewed: https://bestreads-kav.blogspot.com/2022/06/turn-to-me.html

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

The Vow + Giveaway

Some decisions are deadly.

Kate’s husband Erik left her a year ago, ending their marriage without warning for a trust-fund twenty-something and her luxurious global-hopping lifestyle. Now Kate is spending one last Christmas at her family’s Smoky Mountains cabin before selling it to raise cash. But when nostalgia moves her to keep the place, things quickly turn sinister, suggesting all is not what it seems. Someone is watching her…stalking her…leaving disturbing messages, convincing Kate that something truly dark is going on. As the frightening episodes ramp up, and Kate realizes something truly dark is happening, will she be able to uncover what’s really going on before it’s too late?

The Vow is a novella—slightly shorter in length, but definitely not short on suspense.*
**Previously part of the Winter Deceptions box set.**

My Review:

This was a nano-second mood-read decision. I saw a brief review on instagram that intrigued me enough to check it out, discovered the book on audible for a decent price and bought it, downloaded it and started listening all in under five minutes! My intention was to schedule this review for sometime in late Fall, since it has a Christmas theme too, except I’m beside myself with excited enthusiasm and I can’t bear to wait months to share this awesome biblio-find! So, ta-da, here we are with Christmas in July.

Only…this is a novella. A stunning, cleverly crafted, edge-of-your-seat, what-is-happening kind of suspense but, because of the shorter word count, I can’t really say anything without giving stuff away. I am so tempted to tease you with hints, but I’m worried even that would ruin the reading experience for you. But I sooooo want to talk to somebody about that….and the scene where…and…and….and…but I’ll restrain myself and say only this:

Listened to it in one go — excellent narration by Lisa Bozek — finished it gobsmacked. Now I’m on the hunt for more books by D L Wood. (Hooray for new-to-me author finds, especially when they come from reader recommends.)

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook available to anyone, anywhere who has a .com Kindle account

US — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada — paperback or ebook (via a gift card to Canadian Amazon) or audible edition

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Vow, 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 July 29 , 2023.

July Giveaway – Week Three

Books will be ordered or mailed within a week of receiving your address (or email address for ebooks) and I’ll email you to confirm your book is on the way.

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK’S GIVEAWAYS:

I’ve been reading and listening up a storm — actually have some posts scheduled right into December — but I’m also giddy excited to give some new discoveries a shout out before then (I have no self-control when it comes to books!) I mean, the whole point is to have a nice cushion of scheduled reviews so I’m not under pressure to post but sometimes, I can’t wait so….you’ll occasionally see a Sunday Review/Giveaway offering because I just can’t help myself. 🙂 Also, I’ve been mood reading a lot (another reason to spread the books throughout the months) and, well, sorry, but I’ve been on a suspense kick as you can tell from this week’s selection. I’ll try to balance things out better in the future…no promises though. Bwahahaha!

SUNDAY

MONDAY

We’re winging our way through the 2023 Carol Awards Semi Finalists and this week its the Romance Category. (it’s clear to see where my reading priorities lie since I’ve read nearly all of these books!)

TUESDAY