Book Review – Kav's Best Reads

The Bodyguard Fall + Giveaway

Her stalker is getting closer. So is her bodyguard.

I know how to write murder mysteries.
Dead bodies? Great. Blood and gore? Even better.

Romance? Absolutely not.

Unfortunately for me, my production company disagrees. After years of writing cozy crime dramas, I’m suddenly being forced to write a flannel and cider romantic screenplay filled with pumpkin patches, maple festivals, and happily-ever-afters I don’t actually believe in.

Especially not after months of terrifying messages from a stalker who seems to know way too much about me.

Which is how I end up back in my hometown of Autumn Ridge, under the protection of Tate Walker—my older brother’s best friend, a cop, and the same overprotective pain in my neck who spent most of my teenage years telling me what I could and couldn’t do.

Tate is temporarily off-duty and back home recovering from a dangerous undercover operation that left him injured and drowning in guilt. And somehow protecting me has become his newest assignment.

Now I’m living on his family’s hay farm while police attempt to catch my stalker. Between boxing lessons, tractor rides, and cozy autumn outings that feel suspiciously like dates, I start finding inspiration for my romantic screenplay in the one place I never expected:

My bodyguard.

But as the threats escalate and my stalker gets closer, so do Tate and I. And falling for the man assigned to protect me might be the most dangerous plot twist of all.

My Review:

Wheee, this is the kind of rom/com that takes you from full belly guffaws to toe-curling swoons in a nanosecond. And we all know that an avid suspense reader’s fancy turns to stalker themes in the Fall. 🙂 Love that extra little kick to this story, though I consider ‘The Bodyguard Fall’ to be more contemporary romance then suspense. Like a 70/30 split in favour of rom/com. Which is chockfull of delightful tropes – fake dating, forced proximity, he’s her brother’s best friend and there’s one more I can’t mention because it’s a nice surprise well into the book, but most every romance reader I know is a fan.

Steel captures all the heartwarming elements of small town life in the autumn and I especially love Tate’s lively family. His brothers’ conniving is priceless! And the messaging back and forth between Tate and Olivia’s brother are hysterical! The comedy beats throughout this story are so well paced.

Grab a fan and clear off your fainting couch because this author delivers romance. Flirty banter and witty dialogue mask an undercurrent of emotions that gradually simmer to the surface as the story progresses. Gentle readers might want to be aware that there are a few detailed kissing scenes, still definitely fits the Closed Door Romance criteria, but just a bit more…expressive…than I’m used to. Also of note, there is a bit of very mild cussing.

A great introduction to the ‘Falling for Autumn’ multi-authored series. Looking forward to more visits to Autumn Ridge this fall.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – paperback, ebook or audio — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Bodyguard Fall, 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 29 2026.

The Lumber Baron’s Wife + Giveaway

When the young wife of a powerful lumber baron vanishes into the wilds of frontier Michigan, her friend is left to unravel the truth in this captivating dual-timeline novel from bestselling author Lynn Austin.

1873

After a devastating loss, Hannah Wagner never imagined she’d leave her comfortable home for the harsh, unfamiliar wilderness near Lake Michigan. But when Henry Abernathy, a friend of her husband John, offers them a fresh start in a booming lumber town—where John’s skills as a doctor are sorely needed—Hannah reluctantly agrees.

There, she meets Kate Abernathy, Henry’s spirited, much younger wife. Kate’s sharp tongue and outsider status have made her unwelcome among the town’s elite. As she begins confiding in Hannah, it becomes clear her marriage is not what it seems—and that a secret from her past could destroy everything.

Present Day

Ashley Gilbert never planned to settle in Michigan, but when her husband lands his dream job as a conservationist, she agrees to follow. While restoring their historic home—built in the 19th century for a doctor and his wife—Ashley becomes captivated by its past and its connection to the nearby Abernathy mansion, now being transformed into a museum.

While volunteering with the restoration, Ashley stumbles upon the unsolved mystery of Kate Abernathy’s disappearance. What begins as curiosity soon becomes a quest for the truth—one that will connect her to two women whose stories and struggles echo and inspire her own.

Standalone historical fiction about marriage, grief, and the power of female friendships from the author of All My Secrets and Long Way Home

My Review:

First off, is there an era Lynn Austin hasn’t written about? Her deep dives into centuries past are so well researched that I don’t know how she finds the time to write as well! This time we’re transported back to the late 1800s in Michigan for the historical part of this emotionally gripping dual timeline novel.

A mystery from the past reaches into the future and the way Austin blends the two is so compelling. The pacing between timelines is exceptionally well done, keeping a reader enthralled as she flips back and forth, edging ever closer to the full reveal.

The author doesn’t shy away from showcasing the gritty reality of messy lives. There is more than one way to be broken and a multitude of ways to be redeemed and Austin highlights that here with breathtaking grace. A moving celebration of women’s strength and fortitude; their ability to endure and come out stronger and the uplifting joy of sisterhood.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – ebook or audio — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Lumber Baron’s Wife, 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 29 2026.

On a Midnight Clear + Giveaway

Can they find a place to put their hearts and hope this Christmas?

Beloved authors Tracie Peterson, Misty M. Beller, and Karen Witemeyer come together with this festive novella collection inspired by the Nativity story and filled with faith, promise, and romance.

The Shepherd’s Heart by Tracie Peterson

On the frontier, widowed sheep rancher Vincent Duran seeks a mother for his two children. Angel Lewis agrees to marry him despite believing Vincent will never truly love her, but as they work together during a fierce winter storm, will their broken hearts finally find peace, joy, and love?

No Room at the Inn by Misty M. Beller

When Noah Bentwood and his charge are snowed in while traveling through the Rocky Mountains, he must stay in a barn since the stage inn has no vacant rooms. Then innkeeper Hope Palmer’s family heirloom disappears, and she and Noah work together to find it before Christmas. While the snowfall holds them captive, will unexpected feelings bloom?

A Star in the West by Karen Witemeyer

Friendly correspondence with Stella Barrington evolves into something more when Harvard mathematics professor Frank Stentz arrives in Waco, Texas. As the two experiment with extending their relationship beyond letters, an impossible dilemma arises between love and logic. Will her wise man be able to calculate a way for them to be together?

My Review:

A wonderful collection of classic Western tales with a festive twist.

Tracie Peterson’s story features a jilted bride and a marriage of convenience between old friends. Misty M. Beller explores one of my favourite wintery tropes – stranded in a snowstorm – as the backdrop for a Christmas anomaly, an inn that actually makes room for weary travellers. And Karen Witemeyer’s unique spin on the ‘wisemen’ is a lovely mix of humour and inspiration.

Three beloved authors share their distinctive storytelling styles in this heartwarming collection that celebrates the true meaning of Christmas.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – paperback, ebook or audio — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of On a Midnight Clear, 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 29 2026.

Writer in Residence + Giveaway

From beloved author Rhonda McKnight comes a new story of faith, history, and the power of legacy that merges the romance of The Bookshop Sisterhoodwith the rich low-country setting of Mary Alice Monroe.

Alexandra Chambers is a writer who has run out of words. Struggling with writers’ block and the pressure to secure a new book deal, she wins a week in a writer-friendly cabin through a drawing held at a local literacy center. When the noise of home threatens to drown out her words, Alexandra heads to the cabin. What she finds is far more than she expected–a vibrant community brimming with inspiration, a past steeped in history and culture, and a man who both intrigues and unsettles her.

Gabe Scott, a bestselling author and the former writer-in-residence, is everything Alexandra feels she’s not–acclaimed, award-winning, and unshakably confident. When their paths cross at the center, his literary brilliance and dedication to helping struggling Gullah students stir feelings Alexandra isn’t ready to confront. Though undeniably attracted to him, Alexandra wrestles with the fear that her books pale beside his celebrated work, and that Taylor, a pretty aspiring novelist, may be exactly the kind of writer who belongs in his world.

When a surprising discovery unearths family history no one expected, her muse is reignited. With the quiet wisdom of Ma Kate, an elderly Gullah cleaning woman, Alexandra finds the strength to forgive truths long withheld, embrace her voice, and write the story only she can tell.

My Review:

McKnight’s storytelling is exquisite – from word choice to depth of character to the inspirational elements – so emotionally impactful.

Having a writer heroine is a dream and I love the honest look we get at both the highs and lows of the publishing industry. This book celebrates the power of story both the written and the lived experience. It’s full of rich cultural history and the complexities of family life. The generational aftermath of dysfunction. Tender relationships threatened by truths long buried. How familial connections reach through decades to play a part in the present day. So profound and thought provoking!

Alex’s family mystery is fascinating. I was so invested in her genealogical pursuits and frustrated and impatient right along with her. But it’s also a journey of self-discovery as she struggles to find her place in the midst of change, both personal and professional.

There are so many inspiring words of wisdom from beloved characters, especially Miss Kate. An octogenarian wonder of resiliency and hope and good old fashioned common sense! Still smiling (and weeping a bit) over this noble lady’s life story. She plays a pivotal role in Alex’s reckoning with herself and her past.

And if all this scope for emotional drama doesn’t hook you, our hero Gabe most certainly will. Swoon! Alex is often discombobulated in his presence and it was so much fun to see that lighter side of her personality. Gabe isn’t in any hurry; his pursuit is slow, almost lazy, but oh so deliberate. And mercy, the teasing banter with sultry hints of tension are enough to spike an unsuspecting reader’s blood pressure. Be still my heart! Keep some smelling salts handy for the duration of the read.

Or listen, in my case. I so enjoyed Bahni Turpin’s narration. She became these characters, presenting all of them with unique easily identifiable voices. From Miss Kate’s wavering tremour to the the recalcitrant teenage voices of the students at the literacy centre, and everything in between. I especially appreciated hearing the hints of the Gullah language. Such an enriching listening experience. Would highly recommend the audio book to discerning listeners.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson, Zondervan Fiction Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: THIS BOOK DOES NOT RELEASE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 8

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – paperback, ebook or audio — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Writer in Residence, 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 29 2026.

Romancing Daphne

random retro read

As her first London Season looms before her, the thought of the impending social whirl fills Daphne Lancaster’s timid heart with dread. She hasn’t her sisters beauty nor their talent for conversing easily. Even her family’s enviable connections may not be enough to prevent disaster.

But Daphne’s misery turns to surprised delight when the first event of her Season brings an unexpected visitor to her door—James Tilburn, whose tender kindness stole her heart in her youth. When the handsome young gentleman expresses his desire to court her, Daphne is elated. Their feelings for each other quickly grow, and it appears that, much to Daphne s disbelief, her happily ever after is within reach.

Yet nothing is as it seems. The couple finds themselves caught in a tangled web of greed and deceit, leaving James and Daphne to determine whether they are willing to risk everything for true love.

My Review:

published in 2017

This will go down ha an epic series in my ridiculously huge collection of Regency Romances. Eden has a talent for creating the kind of characters that are easy to relate to and cheer for and the Lancaster family are unforgettable. I particularly adore how much the ever brooding Duke of Kielder, our beloved Adam, appears in Daphne’s story. He’s forever hovering in the background and manipulating situations and it is hysterical! I practically squealed every time he showed up in a scene.

Don’t get me wrong, I love gentle Daphne and her tender romance with James. Their courtship is threatened by subterfuge and greed and watching these two work their way through it all kept me anxiously engaged on the outcome, even though I knew a happily ever after was a guarantee.

I read…listened…to this series all out of order and though ‘Romancing Daphne’ is the third book out of five, its my last visit with the Lancaster family…for now anyway. So, books can be read out of order though I’d recommend reading ‘Seeking Persephone’ first to get acquainted with the series….and Adam! 🙂

Dead Silence + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

Political games can be deadly…

Elise Carmichael is a court sign language interpreter who reads lips all the time. As a widow with a young son who is deaf, lip reading is simply second nature, until the day she reads the lips of someone on the phone discussing an attempt to be made on a senator’s life—a senator who just happens to be her mother-in-law.

Before she can decide what she needs to do, she receives the information that her son is rushed to the ER and she must leave. Then she later sees the news report that her mother-in-law has been shot and killed.

But when she comes forward, her life, as well as her son’s life, may now be in the crosshairs of the assassin.

My Review:

published in 2024

This was an impulse buy made when I was craving a good suspense and this absolutely fit the bill. Intriguing and intense with a realistic look at the investigative side of crime, as seen through the eyes of a witness/victim.

Loved the unique perspective of a lip reading heroine and the details of raising a Deaf child in a hearing world. That paired with all the suspense elements made for an unputdownable read.

Tension mounts as Elise grows more desperate to uncover the truth. The FBI is very much leading the investigation but Elise is feisty and stubborn and conducts her own clandestine sleuthing. Lots of conflict and heart-in-throat moments ensue as the lethal combination of corruption and politics threaten her little family.

I listened to the audio book narrated by Pamela Klein who did a great job of drawing out the tension and creating emotionally charged scenes. A riveting listening experience.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – paperback, ebook or audio — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Dead Silence, 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 29 2026.

The Bachelor Spy + Giveaway

Spies Infiltrate Havensbooke Hall. . .and Another Mystery Adventure Begins

Stephen Blake’s life goal is to protect people, especially those closest to him, but war in 1915 England doesn’t follow any rules. When Blake is informed that a noted German spy may have taken up residence at Havensbrooke Hall—his cousin Lord Astley’s estate, which is being used as a convalescent war hospital—he’s sent there to uncover the plot.

Lady Grace Astley has become a force to be reckoned with while Frederick is out on the war front. With Havensbrooke as a hospital, she’s shocked by the devastation the war is bringing home; but ever hopeful, she is determined to help these weary soldiers find some relief. However, not everything is as it seems inside Havensbrooke. Precious items soon start disappearing. . .and not just the kind that are worth a lot of money.

Through a case of mistaken identity, a comedy of errors, a kidnapping, and a race for time within the crumbling subterranean passageways beneath Havensbrooke, can Blake and Gracie work together to root out the criminals, thieves, and spies before time runs out?

My Review:

Well, I’m kind of gutted that it’s all over now though, as far as series conclusions go, this one is brilliant. All the action and intrigue we’ve come to expect from Freddie and Grace, only we’re getting Stephen’s story as well. And oh my goodness, that opening scene – jaw dropping. I didn’t know how he’d ever come back from that!

Fast forward a few months and Stephen turns up at Havensbrooke Hall which has been turned into a convalescent hospital. I found parts of this story heartbreaking because of the war setting. For four books I’ve been glorying in Freddie and Grace’s happily ever after, adventurous though it may be. But now war has raised its ugly head and Freddie is called to serve and Grace is manage heart and home and a hospital that might also contain a German spy.

Basham does a wonderful job of infusing warmth and humour in among the more dire plot points. Grace’s bookish musings are just as delightful and Stephen’s romance is…unorthodox! Lots of page-turning goodness to keep a reader fixated on the story until the kind of humorous/tender conclusion Basham is known for. Happy, happy sigh. Definitely a series I will revisit again.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – paperback, ebook or audio — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Bachelor Spy, 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 22 2026.

Autumn on My Mind + Giveaway

What happens when two exes find out their parents are dating?

When Reese and Dominic secretly dated and then broke up years ago, they knew they’d have to see each other again. They were from the same small town of Autumn Ridge, Vermont. Their families still lived there. It was inevitable.

What Reese didn’t expect was to see Dominic across the table from her, being introduced as the son of her mother’s latest boyfriend.

Dom and Reese can be exes. They can be neighbors. They could even maybe someday be friends. What they cannot be is siblings.

But Reese’s mother has her eyes on the prize, and she’s not walking away without a ring on her finger. So even though part of Reese’s heart still hurts from the past they share, she and Dominic agree to team up and separate their parents.

Spying? A necessity. Sneaking around? Obviously. And sabotage? Well…never say never.

But the further apart they attempt to push their parents, the closer Reese and Dom get—until the lines between past and present begin to blur, and they find themselves with the stickiest conundrum of owning the truth of what really happened between them…and deciding if their love deserves a second chance.

My Review:

Fun and flirty with enough emotional depth to keep things interesting.

Gracie Ruth Mitchell is one of my read-to-zero authors this year so I want to keep current with her books even as I play catchup with her backlist. Thrilled to find the book available in audio format, especially since narrator Ellen Quay’s performance is spot on for the story. She captures Reese’s personality perfectly and has a wonderful sense of timing when it comes to delivering playful banter and comedic moments.

The second chance, kinda enemies to more mix of tropes made a fun springboard for the romance. I could feel the tension simmering between Dom and Reese in every scene. Lots of sizzling sparks in the background just waiting to burst into flames. Deliciously romantical even during the awkward bits, of which there are many. Mitchell does a great job balancing witty banter with the occasional slapstick comedy action and, even if there were a couple of eye-rolling scenes, I was still invested in their shenanigans while I impatiently waited for them to see the light. And, oh my, when they finally do, toe-curling kisses ensue!

The author has really captured the essence of Fall throughout the story which added a sense of nostalgia for me since Autumn is my favourite season and Mitchell delivers it all here – the tastes and smells – the whole atmosphere really – and that made for a wonderfully cozy setting.

Heartwarming, emotionally satisfying and just a little bit zany, ‘Autumn on My Mind’ makes an ideal seasonal read (or listen) for fans of Closed Door Romance with a lot of heart.

Of note: This is the second book in the multi-authored ‘Falling for Autumn’ series but can easily be read as a standalone. All the books take place in the same small town during the same time frame so there are some character overlapping but not in a way that would confuse a reader. I read this book first and then immediately bought a copy of book #1 which I’m reading now. I’m excited to keep current with this series as I get ready to celebrate my favourite season of all!

My thanks to the author and Dreamscape Media for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – paperback, ebook or audio — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Autumn on My Mind, 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 22 2026.

Murder in Blackfriars

In Victorian London, valiant cook and amateur sleuth Kat Holloway must help the man she loves solve the murder that will finally uncover his mysterious past, from the New York Times bestselling author of A Silence in Belgrave Square.

Kat Holloway’s beau, Daniel McAdam, has always had a past shrouded in mystery. He knows nothing about his origins, only that a kind man rescued him from the streets all those years ago. So when a man claiming he knows where Daniel comes from turns up dead moments before meeting with them, Daniel goes on the hunt for the killer. It soon becomes clear that to see justice served, Daniel will have to figure out who he truly is and where he came from. When Daniel asks Kat for her assistance, she readily complies, knowing she’ll do whatever it takes to protect the man she’s come to love.

The quest takes Kat and Daniel deep into the East End, where they face dangerous foes from Daniel’s rugged past, many of whom aren’t happy that Daniel now works with the police and will stop at nothing to keep Kat and Daniel from uncovering their secrets. As Kat begins to learn things about

Daniel’s history she’s not certain she wants to know, she fears that the darkest secret—his true name and lineage—will tear apart the tender bonds they’ve begun to form.

My Review:

This is one of my favourite historical mystery series. Kat’s no-nonsense approach to any dilemma stands her in good stead when amateur sleuthing is required. As does her courage and compassion. There’s also some tender poignancy in this ninth ‘Below Stairs Mystery’ as Kat grapples with a personal challenge that tugged at my heartstrings!

And then there’s Daniel. Swoony sigh. We finally get some answers about his mysterious back story and it was agonizing and riveting! Love the way the author weaves so many intricate details together to form a compelling plot full of intrigue and danger…and, of course, romance!

And I’m just as enamoured with the cast of secondary characters who are so well developed that I remember everything about them from one book to the next. Keeps me hoping for many more books to come because we need to get everybody sorted!

Side note: This is definitely a series that needs to be read in order. There is so much character development and back story plots that carry over from book to book. Relationships too. A reader will get so much more out each story by starting at the very beginning. Well worth playing catch-up!

I listened to the audio edition of ‘Murder in Blackfriars’ and while I appreciated Kymberley Cochrane’s performance, I was a wee bit disappointed to see the change in narrators this late in the series. Funny, how my mind associates a certain voice with these characters even if it’s been months since I last heard them. So, it took a bit of adjustment in the beginning but I soon warmed to this new narrator’s style and her interpretation of these beloved characters.

My thanks to Dreamscape Media and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

The Lumberjack From the Cabin Next Door + Giveaway

Welcome to Maple Bay—where bucket lists are sacred, small-town gossip travels at Wi-Fi speed, and your next-door neighbor might just ruin your plans in the most inconveniently charming way possible.

Kate only came back to Maple Bay for two

Handle her late Aunt June’s will.

Leave again before anyone ropes her into some quaint, small-town matchmaking scheme.

But June’s “Not-So-Ordinary Bucket List” has other ideas. Written in floral stationery (coffee stains included), it’s full of items like dance under the stars, try a maple bacon donut, and kiss someone who makes you laugh. Kate’s convinced she can speed-run the list, check every box, and get back to her big-city life—without getting attached.

Enter Harper—the bakery owner with a crown of blonde curls, the matchmaking instincts of a rom-com best friend, and a habit of stealing Kate’s phone to save her number under names like Muffin Dealer / Life Coach. And then there’s Eli—Kate’s gruff, flannel-wearing neighbor who’s supposed to be a lumberjack but somehow also… sketches like an illustrator and flies planes for a reclusive billionaire.

The more Kate gets tangled in June’s list—and the more breakfasts, donuts, and accidental heart-to-hearts she shares with Eli—the harder it is to keep her walls intact. But when her estranged mother shows up with plans to help her sell the cabin, Kate has to decide if she’s willing to fight for the roots she never meant to grow… and for the man who somehow ended up starring in her next novel.

Filled with laugh-out-loud banter, faith woven in the cracks, and a romance sweeter than Harper’s cinnamon rolls, this small-town romantic comedy is about finding home in the last place you expected—and choosing to stay there.

My Review:

Well, this was totally unexpected. I mean, the book came highly recommended by a reader I trust so I knew I’d enjoy it…I just wasn’t prepared for the impact it made on me. Like being smothered in a big old bookish hug that squashed the stuffing out of me! 🙂

Because my emotions were immediately engaged despite, or maybe because, of all the hilarity. Rom/com brilliance cloaked in clever storytelling and descriptive phrasing that zings. “The trail started sweet – flat and pine-needly and very “look at me, I’m nature” – and then immediately decided to impersonate a StairMaster invented by a personal trainer with unresolved issues.”

This book was a delight to read and my copy is now mired in tabs to mark the passages I knew I would want to revisit. Colour coded even, for inspirational, snippets of wisdom, romantical and good old snazzy zingers. First time I’ve ever annotated a fiction book but the phrasing was just too luscious not to!

So, the comedy part of the story is vibrantly descriptive and full of rapid fire banter that’s laugh out loud funny. But there’s a quieter side too because Kate is on a “scavenger hunt for grace” that totally transforms this book into something much more than a rom/com.

It’s about grieving loss and finding faith; reconciliation and forgiveness. It’s messy and awkward and just a little bit heartbreaking. But hopeful too. Because Kate’s Aunt June’s wisdom lives on in her well worn bible, her written words and the memories kept alive by the people who loved her.

“June told me once that forgiveness never starts with can. It starts with can’t. You tell God you can’t do it, and He doesn’t argue. He helps.”

And the romance…oh my! Slow burn. Patient. Gentle. Expectant. Eli is the epitome of book boyfriend material. My toes haven’t quite uncurled all the way yet, but that might be because I keep revisiting the swoony bits.

“The Lumberjack From the Cabin Next Door” is my first Emily Hampton book, but it definitely won’t be my last! On the hunt for her backlist now!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – paperback, ebook or audio — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Lumberjack From the Cabin Next Door, 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 15 2026.