kavlovestoread

Then There Was You + Giveaway

Would you give up everything for a life you hate with the person you love?

Paige McAllister needs to do something drastic.* She’s been playing life safe and predictable for six years.* Things need to change. A moment of temporary insanity finds her leaving her life in Chicago to move to Sydney, Australia. There she finds herself , against many of her convictions, as a logistics planner to one of Australia’s biggest churches, and on a collision course with her boss’s son.

Josh Tyler fronts a top-selling worship band and is in demand all over th world. But his past failed romantic relationships almost destroyed both his reputation and his family. He’s determined to never risk it happening again. The last thing he needs is some American girl tipping his ordered life upside down. Especially one who despises everything he’s ever worked for and manages to push every button he has.

When Josh and Paige are thrown together to organize his band’s next tour, the sparks fly. But can they find a way to bridge the differences that pull them apart? Or will they choose the safety and security of what they know over taking a chance on something that will require them to risk everything?

Please note: I radically altered the beginning of this synopsis because I felt it revealed too many spoilers so I condensed things into one brief sentence bracketed by *s.

My Review:

published in 2017

Have you ever wanted to read a book but for some reason or other you keep skipping it over for something else? Until, when you finally get around to reading it, you’re all kinds of furious with yourself for waiting so long? Because it turns out that the book is so incredibly marvellous you can’t believe you’ve spent the last six years without these characters in your life? Yeah, well, Then There Was You was that kind of read for me. I mean, really, why did I wait so looonnngggg????

I’m still reeling from all the revelations in this story. And the way the author s-l-o-w-l-y exposes truths one layer at a time. The depth in characterization is phenomenal. I laughed. I cried. I gasped out loud. Loved the unexpected bursts of comedic brilliance. At one point I was yo-yoing between tears and maniacal laughter. Not a pretty sight when you’re listening to your audio book while grocery shopping. 🙂

And the inspirational aspects in this novel — I don’t even know where to start! Again, so many layers that deal with everything from personal faith to the complexities that come with ministry in a mega church. I’m kinda gobsmacked still.

Then there’s the romance. Swoonworthy? Check. Banter? Check. Fiery dialogue? Double check! Tender moments? Melt-in-a-puddle check!

An extraordinary contemporary romance filled to overflowing with faith and hope and the kind of second chances that only come through God’s divine guidance.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy — winner’s choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Then There Was You, 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 April 30, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

Yosemite Firestorm + Giveaway

A raging forest fire isn’t the only threat…

When an act of arson claims the life of a hiker, Yosemite Park Ranger Livy Chatham is the only witness — putting her right into the path of determined criminals. Only rock climber Hayden Bryant can protect her from the killers destroying all evidence of their crimes. But can Livy and Hayden outrun the danger that’s as hot on their heels as the fires blazing through Yosemite?

My Review:

I really enjoyed all the wilderness action in this suspense — and the fires were an extra threat that made things that much edgier. Loved all the rock climbing details too — something I’ve always wanted to do but never had the nerve to try! Very fun to get the armchair experience here.

Livy and Hayden make a great dynamic duo — if only they’d let their guard down long enough to explore what a relationship could look like! This is kind of a grumpy / sunshine romance. Livy has ‘Pollyanna’ tendencies, irking the more pragmatic and cynical Hayden to no end. Sometimes his exasperation with her is funny and sometimes I just wanted to smack him upside the head. But Livy holds her own and makes the best kind of impression on this skeptical hero by the end.

Lots of action and adventure with lives — and love — hanging in the balance.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Yosemite Firestorm, 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 April 30, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

A Duchess for the Duke + Giveaway

The Duke of Monfort takes a wife.

Gregory Diner, a young duke caught unprepared for his role, needs a companion. When he meets Cecilia, he knows she has the grace and intelligence his duchess will need.

Lady Cecilia never expected more than a marriage of mutual benefit, but she’s still surprised when the duke proposes an alliance between them.

Will love find a place in this practical arrangement?

My Review:

Fun and flirty and delightfully swoonworthy!

This is a case of the prequel being written after the series (Clairvoir Romances) and I think it’s because Sally Britton fans have been clamouring for the duke and duchess’s love story after reading their children’s romances. I’ve read all but one of the Clairvoir novels so I found this sweet novella extra enchanting. I think you could also enjoy it as an introduction to the series though.

It’s a fast, snappy read, but don’t let the shorter length fool you — this novella has all the romantical elements I’ve come to expect (and thoroughly enjoy) from this author. Banter. Characters with depth. More banter. Social etiquette that both delights and appalls. Even more banter! A toe-curling kiss…or two. And…oh…just all that delightful b-a-n-t-e-r!!! (Can you guess what my favourite part of a Sally Britton book is?)

I listened to the audio edition and loved it as much as all the other books in this series. Jessica Elisa Boyd has become the voice I hear in my head when I think of all these characters — really love it when the same performer narrates an entire series.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy — winner’s choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Duchess for the Duke, 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 April 29, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

Not a Sparrow Falls + Giveaway

RANDOM RETRO READ!

Schoolteacher Charlotte Brindle is relieved that her long journey from Boston to Wyldhaven is about to come to an end. And then the bullets start flying! As she sprawls on the floor of the coach and curls her arms around her head, she wonders whatever in the world possessed her to give up the civility of a Boston school for the promise of adventure on the wild frontier?!

Her fellow passenger, and elderly man named Patrick Waddell, has obviously angered the men outside. And he has no intentions of going down without a fight — or without a bargaining chip!

Sheriff Reagan Callahan grinds his teeth in frustration when Patrick Waddell emerges from the coach with the tiny slip of a schoolteacher as his hostage. Reagan’s perfectly planned-out capture has just been shot to smithereens. What had the town’s founder been thinking when he hired a woman like her? A petite and prim woman was not the kind of teacher Wyldhaven needed. He should be back at his desk drinking coffee! Instead, he now has to mount a rescue!

Take the next stagecoach to Wyldhaven, where the coffee’s perked hot, the sheriff likes his apple pie fresh from the oven, and adventure invariably waits just around the next river bend.

My Review:

published in 2017

Christy meets Doctor Quinn! Has that same citified schoolteacher totally out of her element paired with the kind of struggling town with heart you see in the Doctor Quinn series. Plus, we get a few extra POVs, so that really brings the town to life.

Not a Sparrow Falls was a total impulse buy — on sale on Chirp — and that cover beguiled me so, even though I’m not a huge western romance reader, I couldn’t resist finding out more about that woman on the cover. Aimee Lilly is an amazing narrator — I love the way she gave each character a unique voice and she read it as if she was relishing every word right along with me.

Charlotte intrigued me from the very beginning when we meet her in Boston and discover exactly why she’s so keen to leave the city! But I was well and truly hooked from the first Wyldhaven scene. It doesn’t get more block buster Wild West than bullets flying and outlaws and lawmen in a battle of wits .And poor Charlotte is stuck in the middle of it all. And her day just keeps getting worse.

The meet-cute between Charlotte and her sheriff is funny and touching and exasperating. This schoolmarm has opinions and she’s not afraid to share them and poor Reagan is plumb flummoxed. And when she finally sees the ‘town’ for the first time….bwahahahaha!

Bonner (new-to-me-author! yay!) does an incredible job of painting pictures with her words, engaging all my senses and making me feel like I was right there, living every second right along side Charlotte. Love the town and its diverse mix of citizens and the way they welcome the newcomer into their midst.

Charlotte is a captivating mix of spunk and doubt. I had no trouble believing she could do anything she set her mind to, but I so related to her struggle to understand God’s will in her life. Her uncertainty comes not from any lack of faith in her Heavenly Father, but rather in her own ability to interpret His will. And, my, but she kept me on my toes while she figured all that out!

Sometimes an unexpected ‘unknown’ novel can bring as much bibliophile delight as the most anticipated ones — that’s the case with Not a Sparrow Falls. It went deeper, read richer and entertained me way more than I thought it would. Now I’m eager to move on to the second book in the Wyldhaven series!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy — winner’s choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Not a Sparrow Falls, 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 April 29, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

The Forgiving Quilt + Giveaway

Running a historic inn on Pennsylvania’s beautiful Shadow Lake has blessed the Amish King sisters in work and family. Now they just need to add room for love…

Eliza King already has a broken heart, and thanks to a rickety ladder, she now has a broken leg too. She isn’t dealing with either very well. Ever since a brief romance ended when the boy who’d been courting her tried a little too hard to take things further, Eliza has sought refuge in reading books and tending to her beloved horses. Being incapacitated makes the latter impossible. But her Englisch doctor knows an Amish man looking for just such work…

Eliza is shocked to discover that the man is Levi Lapp, the very boy who humiliated her, now all grown up. Levi is embarrassed over his clumsy behaviour as a teen. He wants to earn Eliza’s forgiveness, even if he can’t win back her heart…And once Eliza reluctantly agrees to hire him, she finds herself enjoying the little gifts and encouraging notes Levi leaves for her. Encouraged by her older sister, she begins to fashion a quilt out of each item. Soon Eliza can see Levi’s caring spirit plainly before her — and the possibility that he might just be the best be the best thing for her horses — and for her.

My Review:

The second book in Lenora Worth’s Shadow Lake series is just as captivating as the first one. Love the fresh slant this author brings to Amish fiction. In case you’re wondering, The Forgiving Quilt can easily be read as a standalone novel. The King sisters and their family’s historic inn are the common link that unites each story. Three sisters, three romances, three quilts. And that’s the other unifying factor — each sister crafts a quilt that helps her work through a problem.

In Eliza’s case, her forgiving quilt it is literally the path forward through forgiveness. Because — eeeeppp — Second Chance Romance alert! Only Levi and Eliza were both too young and inexperienced and just not ready to take their courtship further back when they were teens. Eliza has been nursing a grudge in a very un-Amish like way ever since. And then Levi walks back into her world. Oy — but she can be snippety and stubborn and downright frustrating at times.

But Levi’s up for the challenge. He’s determined to make amends with the hopes of a renewed friendship…maybe something more. And, my oh my, the deliberate way he sets about mending fences is so romantical! And sometimes funny, if not downright daunting at times.

Love the way that family plays an important role in this love story. In fact it’s that kind of collective wisdom that helps move things along in the right direction. So many great heart-to-hearts, both touching, but also amusing. Like Levi lamenting about Eliza to her father:

“Levi had his doubts, not about Eliza being worth the trouble, but about his being able to pull this off. He nodded all the same. He was talking to Eliza’s father, after all. “I will do my best.”

Abe seemed please with that response. “Women are a constant mystery, Levi. That’s part of the fun.”

“I’m not really having fun,” Levi said as they walked toward the stable.” ( p 56)

Bwahahaha! No fears, Levi does prevail! (not a spoiler ’cause this is a romance, after all!)

Now that Eliza and Abigail have achieved their happily-ever-afters, I’m excited to read Colette’s story which will round out this great series — and it’s going to be a Christmas book as well! Yipee!!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy — winner’s choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Forgiving Quilt, 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 April 29, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

April Giveaway – Week Three

Just a little bit of housekeeping before we get started. Some of you might have already heard about Book Depository closing. (This coming week is the last week orders can be placed.) In the past, I’ve depended on Book Depository for my giveaways, especially for international winners, so I’m scrambling to find alternatives. Right now I have Canada and the US covered but am still searching for viable alternatives for the UK, Australia and Europe.

So, from now on, check in the ‘giveaway opportunity’ section (in blue right beneath my review in each blog.) I already list what editions are available in red, but that will get more detailed as some books won’t be available in some areas. I’m trying to get creative, but bear with me and read the fine print.

For example: for some unknown reason ebooks cannot be gifted in Canada. Makes no sense, but if you don’t have an Amazon . com account, I can’t gift you with an ebook. You can, however live anywhere in the world and get a .com account — I’m Canadian and I have one for giveaway purposes. What I do for Canadians, is offer them a gift card instead so they can purchase the book themselves. Hoping I can get creative like that for other countries.

Anyway — just a not so brief explanation and head’s up to check the red print on each giveaway before entering.

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!

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:

Please read the giveaway options written in red noted under “Giveaway Opportunity” in each blog post as formats will vary.

Paperback or ebook — winner can choose either format

Paperback — I have a new physical book on hand to give away

Gently Read Paperback — It’s the actual book I read to review

ebook — that’s the only format option available, often because it’s an indie book where a paperback copy is either unavailable or exorbitantly priced. Or when a physical edition is out of print.

His Temporary Family + Giveaway

A short-term arrangement…might change everything.

Sam Tiernan is convinced his bachelor ways make him a better firefighter. Then his theory is put to the test when a family tragedy leaves him caring for his two nieces. With help from social worker Fiona Shay, Sam sees the life he’s been missing out on. And as he and Fiona grow closer, there’s a chance their temporary family could turn into something more permanent.

My Review:

Woohoo — discovered a new-to-me author that I intend to follow now! Love the way Julie Brookman tells this story of love and sacrifice and happily ever afters. The kind of read that leaves you feeling warm and cozy and full of bibliophile contentment. 🙂

One of the things I really love about this story (aside from the fire fighter hero — eeeepppp!!!) is the way the foster care system is portrayed. Usually, when foster care and social workers appear in a novel, it’s to highlight the brokenness of the system and, while I’m not denying all those issues exist, I did find it refreshing to read about some of the successes.

Fiona is a social worker who really cares and the way she strives to bring security and love to all her young charges is inspiring. There are times when she definitely struggles, but she has a really unique way of getting herself through those tough times. (I’m not going to spoil it by telling you what that is –you’re just going to have to read the book for yourself.)

So, Fiona is the perfect person to help Sam when he suddenly finds himself sole caregiver to his very young nieces. It isn’t happenstance that brings them together…more like a bit of divine intervention and one meddling granny. 🙂 Lots of opportunity to showcase laughter and tears as this ‘fun uncle’ learns all the particulars of 24/7 childcare.

A moving contemporary romance that celebrates the caring people who make a difference in children’s lives.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of His Temporary Family, 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 April 22, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

Return to Satterthwaite Court + Giveaway

A reckless Victorian heiress sets her sights on a dashing ex-naval lieutenant, determined to win his heart as the two of them embark on a quest to solve a decades-old mystery.

Lieutenant Charles Heywood has had his fill of adventure. Battle-weary and disillusioned, he returns to England, resolved to settle down to a quiet, uneventful life on an estate of his own. But arranging to purchase the property he desires is more difficult than Charles ever imagined. The place is mired in secrets, some of which may prove deadly. If he’s going to unravel them, he’ll need the assistance of someone as daring as he is.

At only twenty, Lady Katherine Beresford has already earned a scandalous reputation. As skilled with pistols as she is on horseback, she’s never met an obstacle she can’t surmount — or a man she can’t win. That is until she encounters the infuriatingly somber Lieutenant Heywood. But Kate refuses to be deterred by the raven-haired soldier’s strong, silent facade. After all, faint heart never won handsome gentleman.

From the wilds of Somersetshire to the glittering ballrooms of early-Victorian London, Charles and Kate embark on a cross-country quest to solve a decades’ old mystery. Will the greatest danger be to their hearts — or to their lives?

My Review:

Of note: Charles and Kate are children of Mimi Matthews’ previous heroes and heroines (The Work of Art and Gentleman Jim.) I’ve only read The Work of Art and will admit to being thrilled to get a peek into the future of those characters — seeing Phyllida and her captain in all their domestic bliss, happy, happy sigh! But I haven’t read Gentleman Jim, so wasn’t acquainted with Kate’s family’s history. It didn’t impede my enjoyment of this novel though, so you could definitely read Return to Satterthwaite Court as a standalone.

Now to get on with my twitter-pated ramblings because this book….thud! Definitely swoonworthy! And beguiling. And amusing. Matthews has impeccable pacing — the way she moves the plot along, mixing banter and lighthearted moments with an air of mystery is sweet perfection!

Love the unusual spin on the romance — where Kate is the one in pursuit, daring to be open and frank and willing to accept the challenge that is Lieutenant Charles Heywood. The poor man doesn’t stand a chance. Bwahahaha!

There’s plenty of family time with all the hijinx that entails — especially in Kate’s boisterous family! And a mystery to solve as well. It actually concerns Charles’ family, but Kate isn’t about to be left out of things! The dynamic between these two is sublime! The kind of romance that curls your toes and keeps you in a giddy state of euphoria all the way through!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy — winner’s choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Return to Satterthwaite Court, 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 April 22, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

Targeted in the Desert + Giveaway

Danger from the past…and a little girl in peril.

Family secrets have Felicia Tennison and the sister she never knew existed, on the run. Someone is after them and Felicia will have to turn to someone she never wanted to see again for help — her ex. Sheriff Jude Duke vows to protect them as they race to uncover why the little girl is a target. But the search to find the answers could cost them their futures.

A Desert Justice Novel

My Review:

Dana Mentink concludes her Desert Justice series with her trademark pizzazz. It contains all the elements I’ve come to expect (and love) in her storytelling — humour, romantic tension, twisty turny plot, some critter comic relief and lots of edge-of-your-seat danger.

I appreciated getting glimpses into the lives of some of the past heroes and heroines (but you could totally read this book as a standalone too without any trouble.) And I really enjoyed the fact that Jude and Felicia’s break-up is quite fresh — it’s only been a few weeks and that makes it all kinds of awkward and angsty when they are thrown together under dire circumstances.

And there’s a certain critter that I don’t want to say much about until you meet him for yourself — but he captured my heart and had me imagining what my life would be like with a….no, best not go there. 🙂

This is another suspense that hooked me from the first line: “Felicia Tennison’s hands shook as she idled her car on the side of the road.” Oh, the quandary she’s in, the turmoil she’s already lived through…the uncertainty of her future. I couldn’t stop reading until every last question was answered and the happily ever after became a reality.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Targeted in the Desert 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 April 22, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

Undercurrent of Secrets + Giveaway

Two women, a century apart, expose a secret aboard a steamboat.

As wedding coordinator for the 100-year-old steamboat The Belle of Louisville, Devyn Ashbury takes pride in seeing others’ dreams come true, even though her engagement sunk like a diamond ring to the bottom of the Ohio River. When the Belle becomes a finalist in the Timeless Wedding Venue contest, Devyn endeavours to reclaim some of her professional dreams. What she hadn’t planned on was Chase Jones showing up with a mysterious photo from the 1920s.

A century earlier, Hattie Louis is as untameable as the river that raised her. As the adopted daughter of a steamboat captain, her duties range from the entertainment to booking. When strange incidents occur aboard the boat, Hattie’s determined to discover the truth. Even if that means getting under First Mate Jack Marshall’s handsome skin.

My Review:

published in 2021

So, I might be a tad obsessed with steamboats now. Before I started reading Undercurrent of Secrets, I thought steamboats were mostly a Mississppi River thing. I couldn’t resist checking to see if Canada had any in our history and — surprise! — yes we do! Steamboats transported troops during the War of 1812, and they ferried gold seekers up to the Yukon and they’re even the reason Ontario has a sophisticated inland canal and lock system! Who knew? And, I know you don’t care and this isn’t pertinent to my review but I do so adore a book that inspires me to do my own research.

Plus — steamboats seem so romantic to me now! McDaniel does such a wonderful job of bringing the Belle to life — honestly, she’s as much a heroine in this story as Devyn and Hattie are! And the idea of a steamboat wedding venue is such a great backdrop for the contemporary timeline. It makes a nice contrast to the working life of the steamboat in the 1920s.

And the way the author expertly interweaves these two timelines is just mind boggling. I was equally invested in both stories, as desperate as Devyn to find out what happened to Hattie. I was on tenterhooks all the way through.

Of course, there’s romance — times two! Eeeep!!! I honestly don’t have a favourite hero — I fell for them both. Hard. Which kept me a wee bit discombobulated until things got sorted out. So many ‘aha’ moments. Oh — and both meet-cutes are hysterically funny! I love the way McDaniel blended comedy with drama and included layers of faith. The perfect combination for an unputdownable read.

I listened to the audible edition, narrated by Leonor Woodworth and she did a wonderful job of breathing life into these characters.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Undercurrent of Secrets, 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 April 22, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.