Category: Book Review

The Christmas Clue to Finding You + Giveaway

INDIE!

After five years away, Piper Dawson returns home to Kedgewick Creek and is pulled into a Christmas Scavenger Hunt that resurrects a heartbreak from Christmas past she’s not quite ready to mend. Will a matchmaking granny, a little Christmas magic, and a cute guy in a kilt make all the difference to her Christmas yet-to-come?

My Review:

published 2022

How did I miss a Pepper Basham Christmas novella two years ago?! My stealthy bibliophile spidey senses must have been waaaay off. Glad I ‘discovered’ this sweet novella this year when I went on a hunt for more indie Christmas reads.

We were just talking about favourite tropes and I’m adding ‘cute guy in a kilt’ to my list! Bwahaha! And this is also a second chance , friends to more romance. Eeeeppp! Plus it’s Christmas! Written by Pepper Basham which means we’re not only going to get a swoonalicious love story, we’re going to get an insightful inspirational message as well. And the author has out done herself with this poignant look at how the Christmas story can affect the way we live our lives all year round.

So, Piper’s returning home a to place she thought she needed to leave in order to find herself. Only that didn’t work as well for her as it did for her sister. So she’s back helping out at her grandma’s inn (I do so love a holiday inn story!) and getting reacquainted with the town and all the folks she’s missed…including some she wasn’t sure she ever wanted to see again – like Gabe.

They have such an interesting backstory that includes some tragedy which led to their estrangement and, well, you’ll just need to let them tell you their story. This quote sums it up quite nicely:

“Sometimes the wrong road helps our hearts appreciate the right one when we find it.”

Love the thread of redemption woven throughout and the quest to find a place to belong. And there’s an intriguing Christmas scavenger hunt that propels the plot forward in a delightful way (provides a clever title tie in too.) Makes for some sublime holiday reading!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

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

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

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of the The Christmas Clue to Finding 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 November 23 2024.

Secrets in the Snowstorm + Giveaway

Indie!

Evelyn Wayford must marry, and quickly, before all of society learns her secret, one she fears will tarnish her future without question. Luckily, she has found just the man, and a Christmas house party is just the place to secure his proposal. She is confident in her plan, so long as her brother’s friend Gilbert keeps his distance, as his flirtatious ways tend to be particularly distracting.

Gilbert Marshall has secrets of his own. Secrets that demand he marry for wealth regardless of where his affections lie. If only his heart didn’t long for the one person he feels he cannot have. And if that knowledge was not enough, now he must endure the torture of watching Evelyn form an attachment to another man during her family’s house party.

When an unexpected snowstorm strands Evelyn and Gilbert alone in a hunting lodge for Christmas, both remain convinced of their separate futures, until Evelyn begins to experience a side of Gilbert she has never seen. Secrets have a way of coming to light when two people are trapped together, but will the revelations bring them closer or push them apart before the snow clears?

My Review:

Eeeeeeppp! Regency! Christmas! New-to-me author! I am in bibliophile heaven! And the close proximity trope is written to perfection! Happy sigh!

So, Gilbert (brother’s best friend trope) has been falling in love with Evelyn for years but he has a secret that prevents him from acting on his feelings. He’s created an annoying (to Evelyn) persona in order to keep his distance so this also starts out with a bit of enemies to more trope too. Eeeeep! But Evelyn also has a secret which, of course, complicates things even more.

The romance is so well paced. Unhurried, with lots of banter and playfulness…and fireworks! Loved how Gilbert and Evelyn gradually lower their guard and really get to know each other. And the way the author builds the suspense behind their secrets (especially Evelyn’s) kept me riveted. At first I thought she was being a ninny but when I realized there was so much more going on…well, just, wow!

All the lovely old-fashioned Christmas celebrations and games brought a nice, cozy ambience to the story. Such a different time, with much simpler and more innocent amusements! Kinda made me homesick for a past I never experienced!

A beautifully written, heartwarming holiday romance. Will definitely be hunting down more Miranda D. Nelson novels in my reading future.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

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

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

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of the Secrets in the Snowstorm, 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 November 23 2024.

Sniffing Out Justice

A witness in peril. A K-9 protector. A fight for survival.

After witnessing her best friend’s murder, Kristina Ashbaugh-Richards and her search and rescue dog, Bella, find themselves targeted by the killer. Kris can identify the criminal — and she’s exactly what he looks for in his victims. Her high school crush, Detective Tony Sanderson, vows to protect Kris and her son, but as they try to outwit a dangerous murderer, no place is safe to hide. With her life at stake, Kris’s only hope of survival is to catch the serial killer before he catches her.

My Review:

I always sit up and take notice when Carol J. Post releases a new Love Inspired Suspense novel. Love her brand of romantic suspense — she gets the tension, both emotional and case-related just right.

So, we have a second chance love story that comes with it’s own kind of angst along with the danger and torment of an unidentified stalker/possible serial killer, just to stir things up even more. Oh — and there’s a hurricane. Edge of your seat stuff all the way to the end. Add in the K-9 search and rescue theme and an adorable toddler and this romantic suspense delivers all the feels.

Vivid descriptions, compelling dialogue, lighter tender moments and, of course, the intensity of the suspense, all combine to make this one unputdownable read.

Well, make that listen for me. So thrilled to have some of the Love Inspired and Love Inspired Romantic Suspense lines available in audio format. I really enjoyed Emma Lysy’s narration.

Miracle on 30 Woof Street + Giveaway

Indie!

I love spending Christmas with my best friends. Especially since all they ever ask for is naps, treats, and belly rubs. They also don’t complain when I play my Christmas music on endless repeat. It’s a perk of running the Miracle on 30 Woof Street Pet Shelter.

While out one night to get my daily Holly Jolly Latte, I run into the most attractive woman with a very expensive looking coat. Literally. I spill my latte all over her, and what do I do? I invite her to stay in my guesthouse after her car breaks down, like a Christmas-crazed lunatic.

Taking the opportunity to show all Candy Cane Creek has to offer the week before Christmas, I hope to turn this Christmas-hater into a jolly elf, but along the way I develop feelings I shouldn’t be having. Ones I’m not sure I’m ready to deal with. Especially when the magic of the holidays doesn’t seem to be enough to grow her heart three sizes and make her stay.

My Review:

Fun, flirty and festive — with a sleigh load of holiday whimsy from the cute title to a Christmas-centric town aptly named Candy Cane Creek. What more could a reader in search of yuletide wonder ask for?

Well, a German Shepard wearing a Santa hat comes to mind. Really, Tag stole the show…er story…for me. Hanson clearly understands ‘dog’ and she writes it so well. Which is a good thing since Rex runs a pet shelter and I do so adore an animal loving hero!

Then there’s Holly, aptly named for a Christmas story, don’t you think? Only Holly lost her Christmas spirit five years ago (I’ll let her tell you why) and now she’s a grit your teeth and get through the holidays kind of gal. Only she’s got an assignment to cover small town festivities in the area and winds up being stranded in the middle of her worst nightmare: a town on holiday overload.

A funny meet-cute brings Holly and Rex together and sets the stage for pages of yuletide celebrations and glad tidings as Rex sets out to change Holly’s opinions of Christmas.

Really enjoyed this light-hearted rom/com, though it is written in first person, present tense POV which isn’t my favourite. The story is sweet and hopeful with enough canine antics to thrill discerning dog loving readers everywhere.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

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

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

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of the Miracle on 30 Woof Street, 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 November 16 2024.

We Three Kings + Giveaway

In this Christmas collection, Weise men still seek Jesus–and love

Best-selling romance authors Caudill, Putman, and Strong follow three generations of the Weise family in this third collection of Christmas novellas from Kregel that will prove just as popular as the previous award-winning volumes.

“Star of Wonder” by Crystal Caudill
The Christmas-themed maiden voyage of his family’s grand steamer ship was supposed to be Aldrich Weise’s chance both to instill investor confidence and to romance Celestia Isaacs. Instead, he must foil a criminal and leave his lady love behind forever.

“Beauty Bright” by Cara Putman
Lieutenant Charles Weise served as a Monuments Man after World War II and now works to restore stolen art to rightful owners. Captain Lillian Thorsen pairs up with him not only to return treasures but also to fix the war-torn lives around them.

“Perfect Light” by Angela Ruth Strong
Essential oils mogul Brendon Wise is drawn to Lacey Foster, the event planner for his huge Christmas lights festival. But when he inadvertently makes a spectacle of her on television, Lacey wants nothing to do with him. Will a chance to give gifts to those in need at Christmas be the key to discovering common ground–and maybe love?

My Review:

A wonderful collection of Christmas novellas written by some talented authors. While each story is unique, they are linked by the generational ties of the Weise family.

Crystal Caudill starts us off in 1884 with a shipboard romance fraught with mystery and adventure. Fast forward to the end of WWII in 1945 and Cara Putman brings the Monument Men to life as Lieutenant Charles Weise works to restore stolen art to their rightful owners. And finally, Angela Ruth Strong takes us into present day with an unusual holiday romance that just happens to feature my least favourite trope but she nailed it!

Nice variety, compelling stories and the generational link makes this collection shine.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of We Three Kings, 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 November 16 2024.

The Liberty Scarf + Giveaway

In the midst of a seemingly endless war, a scarf connects three women in the cold winter of 1917 . . .

As an ambitious scarf maker, Iris Braxton spends her days surrounded by color and luxury not often seen during the dark days of war that promised to be over by Christmas. That promise has come and gone for three years with still no end in sight and her days continue in a monotony of rations and threads while she spins a dream of becoming Liberty’s first female pattern designer. She hasn’t the time or interest in rakish soldiers, but the temporarily-on-leave Captain Conrad Jones is persistent–and before long his charm wins her over. But war is cruel and all too soon Conrad leaves once more for the Front, but not before vowing to meet again in Strasbourg, France, the most magical of Christmas cities. Iris begins stitching small messages into each of the scarves she makes in hopes that one will find a way into Conrad’s hands to let him know she’s thinking of him. And when she receives word that he’s wounded in Strasbourg, she rushes to his side. Along the way, she passes a woman wearing one of her scarves . . .

Geneviève Tremblay, a French-Canadian immigrant, is a telephone operator living in Lewiston, Maine. Her beau is a member of a prominent family who has helped to Americanize her in a community often unfriendly to Canadians. As part of this effort, she enlists in the US Army Signal Corps to serve as a bi-lingual operator. Along the way, she meets a French officer who makes her question whether losing her identity is too heavy a price for acceptance.

The Clara Janssens, a Flemish Nurse, and Roman Allaire, an Alsatian violinist, are chosen to play for an orchestra providing morale on the front lines. This is a world they’ve never known, far beyond their routine provincial and countryside lives–and the expectations in those towns. Their love of music creates a spark between them, but the destruction of battle and the fulfillment of a promise threaten their romance. Still, the appearance of a kind stranger and the unexpected gift of a treasured scarf bind them long beyond their stolen moments and offer them a future beyond what they could have even hoped.

My Review:

Gobsmackingly good! Exceptional storytelling. And what a surprise to discover that this is one continuous story written by three authors. I went into this read assuming it was a collection of novellas set in different eras, instead, the authors cover the same timeline from different characters’ perspectives which makes a stunning impact.

Each author’s story flows seamlessly into the next one — but oh the cliffhanger endings in the first two! They have distinctive styles in both plot and characterization but the stories mesh beautifully into a cohesive whole by the end which made ‘The Liberty Scarf‘ such a rich, emotional read.

Love the diverse settings (US, England and Europe) and the historical insights each brings to the story. There’s even a French-Canadian heroine! (says this Canadian reader proudly.) I love learning about history in my fiction and these authors captured elements of WWI that I wasn’t aware of which made the read that much more interesting.

Oh — and there’s a bit of the epistolary novel within these stories as well which I absolutely loved. While mostly told in ‘real time’ there are letter writing components too and those glimpses into the characters’ inner most thoughts were priceless. Such a great way to enhance the story!

I listened to the audio edition of this book and really enjoyed the multi narrator performances. Anne Marie Gideon, Gary Furlong, Caroline Hewitt and Saskia Maarleveld did an incredible job. Such a rich, rewarding listening experience.

My thanks to Harper Muse Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this novel.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

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

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

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of the The Liberty Scarf, 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 November 16 2024.

Lowcountry Lost

Sometimes what haunts you most is wondering what could have been . . . Avalee Elvis prides herself with being able to fix just about anything. . . except her past. Unable to put the puzzle of her life together, she pours heart and soul into making neglected places whole again. As the owner of Lowcountry Lost, Avalee spends her days in hot-pink Carhartt overalls and a tool belt reclaiming Lowcountry properties. Making them beautiful again releases the deep sigh that soothes the hurt she holds.

Avalee’s latest project takes her to tiny Somewhere, South Carolina, a long-abandoned town. She ignores its ghostly folklore but can’t miss the shock of hearing the familiar Irish brogue that materializes on the job site–the voice of the man she never wanted to see again.

Rowan Murray is a structural engineer hired by investors to oversee the redevelopment of the quaint downtown Avalee is bringing back to life. Once upon a time, he was also the man who knew Avalee better than anyone else–or so he thought. Turns out he was wrong. Neither of them was prepared for what happened between them six years ago. But as they work together to complete the rehabbing of Somewhere, their broken pieces and the pain that nearly consumed them begin to lose its grip, and both begin to wonder if it’s not too late for a restoration of their own.

From the author of the breakout Southern fiction bestseller Under the Magnolias comes a story of loss and abandonment, forgiveness, and the beauty of undying love.

My Review:

Intense, gritty and emotionally draining, ‘Lowcountry Lost’ delivers a poignant second chance love story that’s hard to read at times, but so worth it by the end. Devastating loss and overwhelming grief tore Avalee and Rowan apart at a time when they needed each other the most.

Six years later and Avalee is blindsided when Rowan walks back into her life. Oy, my heart hurt for so much of this read! Avalee’s agony is palpable and she’s not about to risk opening old wounds that are finally starting to heal, but Rowan is on site for more than a job. He wants to reclaim Avalee and the life they had to together before…well, you need to read the book to find out what came before.

This is definitely the kind of story a reader feels her way through. It’s raw and real and messy and sensitive bibliophile hearts will bruise easily. But this is also an inspiring love story centred around overcoming, finding redemption and the courage to try again.

Love the whole ‘house flipping’ an entire ghost town angle. It provides some stunning parallels to their own personal restoration. And the found family Avalee has become a part of adds sparks of humour and no nonsense advice (especially when not asked for!) So many delicious layers a reader can dig into!

Oh, and did I mention our hero is an Irishman? Be still my heart. That accent! His vulnerability. His tender dedication to the woman he has never stopped loving. Major swoon material!

I listened to the audio edition of this novel, narrated by Zura Johnson whose performance brought an extra facet to my appreciation of this dramatic tale of love and loss and restoration.

Of note: I’m really sorry to say that there was one instance of a very crude, coarse swear word — came as a total shock since this book is published by Tyndale, a Christian publisher. And, honestly, it really gutted me to find it here. In fact, I was so stunned, I replayed that part multiple times over several days, sure that I had to be mistaken. But, nope, I wasn’t. And it’s still something that bothers me a week after I finished the book. I’m so discouraged that I actually feel more emotional about that one word than I do about the entire story.

My thanks to Tyndale and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

I’ll Be Home for Mischief

Innkeeper Holly White is decking the halls this Christmas season, but someone is on the naughty list when a body is discovered in the fifth installment in the Christmas Tree Farm mystery series from bestselling author Jacqueline Frost.

It’s Christmastime in Mistletoe, Maine, and the Historical Society has launched a widespread campaign to celebrate the town’s 150th anniversary. Descendants of the founding family, the Snows, have returned for the first time, and Holly is determined to make the family’s visit magical. In an attempt to put Mistletoe on the map, Holly’s mother, a respected local baker, attempts to break a record by baking the world’s largest gingerbread man, but her plans are whisked away when Mr. Snow’s body ends up in the batter. 

When Mr. Moore, the local mistletoe farmer, is accused of the crime, Holly reprises her role as amateur sleuth to protect the sweet older man. Between hosting the inconsolable Mrs. Snow and other guests at the inn, receiving threatening messages telling her to stop her investigation, and preparing for her first wedding anniversary with Sheriff Evan Gray, she might need a Christmas miracle to survive.

When someone breaks into Holly’s office and scratches a warning into her desk, she knows she has little time left. Can Holly uncover the killer before someone else gets burned, or is her involvement a recipe for trouble?

My Review:

Absolutely one of my favourite cozy mystery series and this fifth ‘Christmas Tree Farm Mystery’ is just as magnificent as all the rest!

Jacqueline Frost tackles murder and mayhem with a healthy dose of heartwarming and humour which makes me love these Mistletoe, Maine characters even more. I mean, who wouldn’t want Cookie and Theodore front and centre in their life?! And all the romance swirling around in this winter wonderland? Does my romantical heart so much good!

So, definitely a series that I think should be read in order — not only for the character arcs and relationship building, but for the sheer festive ambiance which the author makes fresh and exciting with each new book. Her Reindeer Games ideas are phenomenal and the way she portrays small town life with a Christmas-centric world view is sweet perfection.

And, while Frost is brilliant at infusing her stories with cozy vibes, she has an uncanny…and slightly disturbing (if you think about it too long)…way of introducing the murder. Let’s just say, ‘unique presentation’ and leave it at that! Bwahahaha!

Add in a solid mystery with enough suspects to keep this armchair sleuth on the edge of her seat, some very clever nods to the author, and the hint of Christmas magic (I’m a believer) and you end up with a holiday treat of a read.

I listened to the audio edition narrated by Allyson Ryan — eeeeeeppppp!!!!! — one of my all time favourite voice performers. She brings such heart to these characters and I can tell she’s relishing their antics just as much as I am. It felt like I was reading a cherished Christmas novel with a kindred spirit. Enhanced my ‘reading’ pleasure that much more!

My thanks to the publisher, Dreamscape Media and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

A Ransomed Grete + Giveaway

INDIE!

October 1939—What happens when you run from danger… and into a trap?

After the Anschluss, Austria becomes a place its citizens don’t recognize—especially its Jewish citizens. Whispers ripple through Jewish communities—whispers about a chalet where a woman protects Jewish children from discovery. She’ll keep them safe, fed, and far away from Nazis.

Parents are forced to make horrific decisions. Send their children away to safety, possibly never seeing them again, or keep their families together and risk their children’s lives?

Hans Hartmann arrives at the chalet with a chip on his shoulder and a little girl in tow. He found Grete waiting at the train station. Alone. But life at Chalet Versteck feels more ominous than the streets of Vienna. Children sometimes vanish, and before Hans can figure out what’s happening, a high-ranking officer appears—and is killed.

It’s a race to find out who killed the man and get himself (and probably that pesky Grete) out!

A Ransomed Grete is the bridge book between the 1920s and 1940s Ever After Mysteries, combining fairy tales with mysteries.

My Review:

A stunning retelling of Hansel and Gretel. Beautifully written, descriptive to the point of heartbreaking in places. And the way the author incorporates the Holocaust into the tale is both brilliant and chilling. Havig has really captured the desperation of the times, the ignorant prejudices, the varying degrees of compliance in an occupied country…it all just took my breath away.

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Christa DelSorbo who did an amazing job bringing these characters to life. Her heartfelt performance kept me entranced all the way through.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

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

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

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of the A Ransomed Grete, 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 November 9 2024.

Margin of Error

RANDOM RETRO READ

Some secrets have deadly consequences. 

Brynlee Parker thought her biggest challenge would be hiking to Dead Man’s Bluff and fulfilling her dad’s last wishes. She never thought she’d witness two men being viciously murdered while on a mountainous trail. Even worse, the deadly predator is now hunting her. 

Boone Wilder wants nothing to do with Dead Man’s Bluff, not after his wife died there. But he can’t seem to mind his own business when a mysterious out-of-towner burst into his camp store in a frenzied panic. Something—or someone—deadly is out there. 

The killer’s hunger for blood seems to be growing at a brutal pace. Can Brynlee and Boone figure out who’s behind these murders? Or will the hurts and secrets from their past not allow for even a margin of error?

My Review:

published in 2019

This is me, slowly (like at a snail’s pace) catching up with Christy Barritt’s backlist. I read the first book in the Fog Lake Mysteries series about four years ago and I’ve never forgotten it. Loved the eerie vibe in that book and the way the author set things up for future books. So, why has it been on my TBR wishlist for so long? I have no idea! But here I am years later finally getting back to Fog Lake and in some ways it felt like I never left.

And I was really excited for Boone’s story. He’s the kind of tortured soul hero that makes my heart ache and my pulse spike. Taciturn and grumpy, he’s hoarding a world of hurt but he can’t dodge the knight in shining armour gene. Cue Brynlee’s frantic entry into his camp store with a tall tale that sounds preposterous but she’s clearly terrified…and, phew, we’re off on an incredible twisty turny ride.

Creepy stalker vibe all the way! Love the unusual twist to the suspense –made it all the more edgier. And Barritt kept me on my toes trying to figure out what was going on and who the murderer was.

And Brynlee and Boone! Swoony sigh. Loved the romance for all it’s angstiness and Brynlee’s secret threatens to pull them apart. So many dimensions to their relationship that made their hard won happily ever after so satisfying.

I listened to the audible edition of this book expertly narrated by Sandy Rustin. She brought these characters to life and delivered a thrilling listening experience.