Category: Book Review

Soot and Slipper + Giveaway

random retro read

Eugenie lives in isolation on her father’s estate, with only her elegant stepmother and two stepsisters for company. When the crown of Jacondria announces a series of royal masquerades, she yearns to go. However, her stepsisters’ fortunes hinge on them finding wealthy husbands, and Eugenie doesn’t want to interfere with their odds.

Enter a mischievous fairy who has other plans.

A scant few hours of light-hearted revelry seems harmless enough. By the fairy’s own rules, Eugenie can’t stay the whole night, and with everyone in costume, her stepfamily will never know she was there.

Really, how much trouble can result from attending a masquerade or two?

This novella is based on Charles Perrault’s “Cinderella, or The Little Glass Slipper”

My Review:

published in 2019

Delightfully familiar but also intriguingly unique. I really enjoyed this reimagining of one of my favourite fairy tales. I had so much fun spotting the similarities from the Cinderella of my childhood while marvelling at the author’s ingenuity as she brought fresh twists to the story. A short, sweet, captivating novella that utterly charmed me!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy and available to any reader anywhere so – yay- another International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Soot and Slippers,  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 February 28 2026.

Garden of the Midnights + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

The accidents are not a matter of chance. They are deliberate. As English gentleman William Kensley becomes aware of the danger at Rosenleigh Manor, he pleads for the truth of his past from the only man he can trust—until that man is murdered. 

As the secrets unfold into scandal, William’s world is tipped into destitution, leaving him penniless and alone. His only comfort is in the constant friendship and love of Isabella Gresham. If he does not have their nonsense at the seashore, their laughter, their reckless adventures, has he anything at all?

He should have known that would be ripped from him too. When a hidden foe arises from their acquaintances and imperils Isabella’s life, William may be the only one willing to risk his life to rescue her. But even if he frees Isabella from her captors, will he still have to forsake her heart? 

Some sacrifice everything for love. Others sacrifice love for everything else. In this haunting tale of rigid social prejudices and heart-aching regrets, the greatest decision of their life will be determined in the garden of the midnights. 

My Review:

published in 2023

An epic Gothic Regency Romance that delivers all the chills and thrills along with bucketloads of angst!

Linder has a rich storytelling style that begs to be savoured even as you feel the pressure to barrel through and get to the happily ever after before your heart is splintered into a thousand pieces! (Yes, I might sound a bit dramatic but…this story…these characters…their struggles!!!!)

Love the way the author builds up the mystery elements, starting with the intriguing first chapter. She often left me with more questions than answers about both William and Isabella. Every chapter hinted and teased as truths are ever so slowly revealed bit by tiny bit.

William has just as many questions as I had and finding answers is literally a matter of life and death! Isabella might be part of the secrets he’s trying to expose which complicates their relationship no end. Loved the way their friendship developed, bringing warmth and hope to their story despite the shadow of so many secrets.

Trust for this author and her talent for weaving a gentle thread of forgiveness, restoration and hope through all that trauma, kept me turning pages…even at the angstiest! An excruciatingly delightful read!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

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

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Garden of the Midnights, 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 February 28 2026

Cold Terror

Random Retro ReRead

Forensic artist, Hannah Perry’s skills made her a valuable asset to the police… 
A young woman has been murdered. Her body unidentified. Her skull recently discovered by the police, and Hannah feels compelled to help find the killer. Even if she’s on a much-needed vacation on a secluded island with her young son. She could work on the reconstruction in the evenings while her son slept. But as the woman’s face takes shape, an assailant invades Hannah’s cabin and tries to end her life. Before he can permanently silence her, she and her son flee the island in a small boat. Trouble is, as they approach Cold Harbor, ocean waves capsize the boat, enveloping them both in cold terror. 

But it also makes her the next target. 
Former SEAL Gage Blackwell can’t believe his eyes as he plunges into the raging waters to rescue the pair. Owner of Blackwell Tactical—a law enforcement training facility and protection services agency—Gage pulls the woman he once loved from the angry ocean. When he learns of her attack, he vows to protect her while hunting down the killer. Alone and vulnerable, Hannah has to accept Gage’s protection—even if it means staying close to the man who’d once walked out on her without a backward glance.

My Review:

published in 2017

An exciting reread for me. I discovered this book back in 2023 and flew through it. Discovered the first three books of the Cold Harbor series on Audible Plus (thanks for the tip, Perrianne!) and I knew it was time to revisit this fave series.

A classic Sleeman romantic suspense. I love the way this author creates a cohesive team of captivating characters we get to follow through a whole series. The camaraderie, the banter, the friendships — all serve to anchor each story as the team supports the current hero and heroine. And you can always count on a buddy for some comic relief when things get tough!

After reading this first Cold Harbor book, I am officially a Blackwell Tactical groupie and I can’t wait to hear everyone’s stories! And since I’m late to the reading gate I get to read (or listen) to each book one after the other. Hooray for no delay times!

Hannah and Gage’s story starts off with nail-biting intensity and the tension doesn’t let up until the very end. Their second chance romance if filled with all kinds of angst as they dodge the bad guys and try to figure out who wants Hannah dead — and why! I listened to the audio version which upped the angst-factor since I couldn’t race ahead — an especially sweet kind of torture. 🙂

My Phony Valentine + Giveaway

random retro read

A chance meeting. A hunky hockey player. A fake romance.
Hardly an ordinary day in the life of Poppy Hart.

My days usually consist of agonizing over my failing restaurant, worrying about my mountain of debt and nursing my broken heart.

Everything changes when I bump into a man in the coffee shop and claim him as my new boyfriend. To my absolute horror, he turns out to be hockey’s most renowned bad boy, Dallas Burke. To my absolute delight, he goes along with my story.

When his no-nonsense manager and meddling grandmother jump in the picture, they see a win-win solution for my failing restaurant and Dallas’s less-than-stellar reputation.

A full-fledged fake romance complete with contract negotiations, pretend dates and phony PDA.

But as I get to know the real Dallas Burke, who is not the man the press says he is, it becomes clear that if this isn’t real. . . someone better tell it to my heart.

My Review:

published in 2023

Eeeeppp!!! Stellar meet-cute!!!!!! And it leads to fake dating!!!!!! And then…feelings!!!!!!

“The air between us thickens. Two people who’ve been hurt one too many times finally acknowledging out loud that those hurts affected them.”

Emotional, playful and inspiring – a perfect blend for a rom/com with all the swoons! Who knew I could become so addlepated over a hockey player hero? But Dallas is a man of hidden depths and the way he champions Poppy is swoonalicious! And she becomes the stability he craves.

I’m also enamoured with all the team banter and sister bonding. Walsh knows how to add zest to a story through exceptional secondary characters and I’m hoping a number of them get their own stories too. I need everybody (even the ornery one) to get their very own happily every after!

“A roar of laughter from the guys. They’re so loud, but they’re fun to watch. Like German Shepherd puppies, with their oversized paws, wrestling and knocking everything over.”

This book is the reason why Courtney Walsh is on my read-to-zero list this year!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of My Phony Valentine, 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 February 21 2026

Last Light Over Galveston + Giveaway

Amid the 1900 Galveston hurricane, one woman’s perseverance is tested in this captivating story from the author whose work has been called “intelligent and arresting” ( Foreword Reviews ) and “historical fiction as it is meant to be told” ( Library Journal ).

“Old Galveston shines in this beautifully written tale of a woman’s quest to both lose herself and find herself.”
Lisa Wingate, #1New York Times bestselling author ofShelterwood

Galveston, Texas. September 1900. Only months ago, Kathleen McDaniel returned from finishing school in Switzerland to her family home in New York’s Hudson Valley with a future of promise and privilege set before her. But one horrific event shattered her picturesque life. Now she has fled as far as the train line and a pocketful of money would take her, finding refuge at the St. Mary’s Orphan Asylum on Galveston Island, where she helps the nuns care for their young charges and prays her past will not find her. Despite her tenuous standing at the orphanage—and the grief and betrayal that drove her from home—Kathleen slowly begins to make friends. There is Emily, the novice nun she rooms with; Maggie, the tempestuous young girl who only bonds with Kathleen; and Matthew, a kind, handsome man recently employed by Isaac Cline at Galveston’s office of the US Weather Bureau.

Then in one fateful day, Kathleen’s fragile new life begins to crack as it becomes clear that she can’t run far enough to escape the reach of her former life. Meanwhile, as troubling news about a storm crossing the Gulf from Cuba swirls in the Weather Bureau offices, Matthew holds fast to Cline’s belief that no hurricane can touch Galveston. But as darkness falls on the island, Kathleen must gather her courage and reach for a strength beyond her own if she—and those she loves—are to survive.

A stand-alone historical novel about the 1900 Galveston hurricaneA gripping read inspired by true eventsFeatures themes of resilience, found family, and redemptionIncludes discussion questions perfect for book clubs.

My Review:

I love learning about history through my fiction and this book features two devastating events in American history that I had never even heard of before. Wright’s ability to convey the desperation, terror and sheer will to survive in the midst of uncontrolled chaos was mesmerizing. And inspiring!

We follow Kathleen through two timelines – a kind of ‘before’ and ‘after’ scenario fraught with tragedy. Not really a dual timeline story, more like historical fiction with flashbacks. The author expertly weaves the fractured pieces of Kathleen’s life into a joyous triumph by the end, but what an emotional journey she takes her readers on!

Kathleen doesn’t have to make that journey alone though. A rich cast of secondary characters layer the story with even more tension and emotion. And each one is in Kathleen’s life for a purpose. Wright takes as much care developing their stories as she does Kathleen’s. And that makes for an incredible page-turner of a read!

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 Last Light Over Galveston, 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 February 21 2026.

Lost Cause + Giveaway

Working together is a challenge…
Detective Burke Ulrich is known for his unyielding dedication to justice and his methodical approach to solving crimes. When a valuable family heirloom is stolen from a recluse’s rundown estate on Lost Island, Burke is called in to investigate. Despite the theft appearing straightforward, Burke senses there is more to the case, especially given the homeowner’s mysterious history. But when he can’t prove it or find the heirloom, his supervisor tells him to move on.

But catching a killer is their priority.
Enter former sheriff Abby Day, a sharp and resourceful Lost Lake Locator hired by the recluse to find the missing heirloom. Abby’s involvement immediately irritates Burke, who is wary of private investigators interfering in police work. However, as the investigation progresses, Burke and Abby uncover a complex web of deceit involving long-buried family secrets, and a string of unsolved crimes connected to the estate, ultimately uncovering a murder. Burke orders Abby off the investigation to protect her, but will she listen, or will she risk her life and a potential relationship with Burke to catch a killer?

My Review:

I absolutely love the way Susan Sleeman builds a team! The rapport, banter, professionalism, eclectic mix of personalities able to work together — all brilliantly developed and so much fun!!!!! Not only do we get to enjoy the ‘Lost Lake Locators’ in this third book in the series, but we get to interact with some of the gang from ‘Cold Harbor‘ as well. Woohoo! (No worries if you aren’t up to date on either series – all of Sleeman’s books read well as standalones too.)

‘Lost Cause’ has a delightfully unexpected treasure hunt kind of vibe going on. As well as an isolated island setting in a house with some very interesting twists! Made the reading experience so much more exciting!

And then there’s the romance, though I will say this one has more of a mystery/suspense focus. The romance is there, but it’s more of a slow burn. Both Abby and Burke are reluctant to get involved. They’ve worked together before, felt a connection but didn’t pursue it. Now they are faced with the same attraction and another inopportune time.

Love that they were upfront about their feelings right from the start and talked about how they were going to deal with it going forward. There’s all kinds of energy crackling around them, but both have trust issues and know it so they aren’t willing to act on anything. Such a refreshing approach to a romance, because, of course, their stubborn resistance dissolves by the end of the book!

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Whitney Dykhouse who does an amazing job with these characters. She’s become a familiar voice in my audible listening, largely thanks to Susan Sleeman’s novels. I enjoy the energy she brings to her narrations and the way she captures the personalities of all the characters.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Of note: Lost Cause is currently available on Audible Plus (Canada, anyway) for members. Not sure about the US.

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

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

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Lost Cause, 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 February 21 2026.

The Seaside Homecoming + Giveaway

random retro read

A surprise homecoming tests the bonds of sisterhood as a hidden past comes to light. . . .

Disgraced eldest sister Claire Summers has been living in exile as companion to a stern great-aunt in Scotland. About to lose her place and longing to be reconciled with her estranged family, Claire sees an advertisement from someone looking for a “respectable female partner” in a Sidmouth boarding house. Is it a sign? She answers the ad, hoping she has not made another reckless mistake. When she meets the handsome, secretive proprietor, she wonders what he’s hiding and if he’s any more trustworthy than the nobleman who betrayed her years ago. Claire is drawn to him even though she fears he will reject her when he discovers her genteel façade hides a less-than-respectable past. 

Meanwhile, the Summers family learns their great-aunt has died and Claire has disappeared without a word. The sisters rally together to find their lost sibling, but will their unexpected reunion heal old wounds and rekindle their bonds . . . or deepen the divide? 

Return to the picturesque Devonshire coast as the Summers sisters navigate romance, second chances, and the enduring strength of sisterhood in the face of adversity.

My Review:

I was completely hooked from the atmospheric first sentence: “Bleak. The weather, her mood, her life.” Klassen caught my attention and kept it captive for the entire read. Her masterful storytelling never fails to transport me to another time and place. Every word begs to be savoured and there’s no hurrying me through a Klassen novel.

I was especially excited because this is Claire’s story – the exiled sister who brought shame to the Summers family. She’s been referenced in previous books in the ‘On Devonshire Shores‘ series, but this is our first ‘real live’ meeting. And oh my, but do I have big feelings! Gah! Her mother, in particular! The idea that there can be no forgiveness from Claire’s transgression is mind boggling. One mistake not only wipes out a chance at a decent future for her, but it casts a shadow over her sisters as well.

This is very much a redemption story , both for Claire and her entire family. Watching the sisters rebuild their relationship was emotionally satisfying. Klassen doesn’t dwell on Claire’s painful past, but she doesn’t shy away from the long-reaching consequences either. Her story is told with tenderness and compassion and energized by the glimmer of hope at long last.

One of the strengths in Julie Klassen’s storytelling comes from the sense of community she brings through her intriguing secondary characters and charming side stories. So easy to lose myself in tension, drama and humour courtesy of the unique mix of characters populating this remarkable story. So many sumptuous layers to delve into! Which includes a romance! I championed Claire every step of the way to her second chance at a happily every after!

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 A Seaside Homecoming, 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 February 21 2026

Murder in a Cornish Teashop

A Cornish clifftop, a sunny afternoon, a quaint little teashop… but wait a minute. Is that jam, or blood? Maddie Penrose is determined to find out!

Maddie Penrose is staying with her beloved grandmother, Nor, at her gorgeously idyllic Cornish farm. She’s looking forward to days helping out in Nor’s little teashop and evenings wandering down the cliff path to watch the sunset. But before Maddie has even finished serving up scones on her first morning, a man bursts through the Nor’s neighbour Clive has found a body in the field behind the teashop…

Maddie is straight to the scene, fancying herself as a bit of an Agatha Christie. But solving this mystery is far from a piece of cake. Her list of suspects is jam-packed with locals, with some a little too close to the newcomer renting out one of Nor’s barns is acting suspiciously, the victim’s boyfriend has disappeared without trace, and Clive isn’t really Maddie’s cup of tea either…

But the proof is in the pudding when there’s another murder – her prime suspect is dead. And when Maddie finds a backpack belonging to the first murder victim, her diligent notetaking and quick thinking leads her to discover that the killer will act again, and soon. Maddie is horrified to discover that it looks like she is their next target…

Can Maddie and Nor work as a team to piece together the puzzle? Or will murdering Maddie be the icing on the cake for the killer?

My Review:

I’m really excited about this new cozy mystery series (and new-to-me author!) A foodie/farm cozy is always a draw but throw in a Cornish setting and I’m a tad shy of giddy! Love, love, looovvveee!!!!

The perfect blend of cozy details paired with intriguing mystery ones. Amateur sleuth, Maddie can’t help but be drawn to the murder virtually on her doorstep. And, as the new girl in town, she has lots to learn both about village history and the folk living there. Her irascible gran, Nor, makes for a lively partner in crime…when she’s willing to part with crucial information, that is! And then there’s the appealing detective who easily charms Maddie (and me!) I do so love a light touch of romance in my cozies!

Praying for many more Maddie Penrose mysteries in my reading future!

I enjoyed listening to the audio edition of Murder in a Cornish Teashop, expertly narrated by Harrie Dobby. Her performance brought these characters to life, giving unique voices to match a myriad of personalities. Such a fun listen! Highly recommend.

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

Nightfall in the Garden of Deep Time

Random Retro Read

What if you stumbled into a timeless party, in a secret garden only you could see?

Kelsey Willoughby doesn’t have time to pursue her writing dreams. Imagination doesn’t pay the bills, and she’s busy saving her beautiful city bookshop from online competition, hotel developers, and the sneaking suspicion that nobody reads anymore.

Not to mention all those voices telling her she doesn’t have talent.

But then the vacant lot of weeds next door starts to shimmer.

When Kelsey stumbles into a luminous nighttime garden party, larger than the vacant lot that holds it and filled with enigmatic guests, she suspects they hold the key to saving the bookshop, and perhaps even to her own mysterious origins.

But answers aren’t forthcoming, not until Kelsey is willing to confront her past, step into her potential, and push deeper into the unknown edges of the garden, where an unexpected journey takes her into a world of dangerous revelation.

My Review:

This book has been on my TBR for quite some time. It’s also way out of my comfort zone so I kept avoiding it. 🙂 But then I added “Nightfall in the Garden of Deep Time” to my ’26 in ’26’ list and here we are. I thought I’d get it over with right at the start of the year too! Bwahahaha! That makes it sound like a chore to read, but it wasn’t at all.

I was captivated – Higley’s evocative storytelling touched my reader’s heart and there are so many wonderfully bookish connections throughout the entire read. And what a ‘novel’ adventure! I honestly didn’t know what was happening half the time. There were a few plot points I figured out early on, but so much more of the story was mysteriously engaging. And the description of Kelsey’s bookstore? What a bibliophile delight! Well worth the read just for that part!

I’d categorize this as a speculative novel with allegorical elements and a healthy dose of magical realism. It’s written in such a way that I think every reader will come away with their own truths. For me, this is a story that celebrates the strength in community, a theme that plays out over and over again in so many different ways. An uplifting, often intriguing and sometimes confusing read.

Taming Lady Temperance + Giveaway

When passion for justice conflicts with the heart, which will prevail? 

Noreen O’Sullivan is an enthusiastic member of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union and believes herself called to defend the cause of prohibition. When she’s invited to join the Secret Society of Spinsters, Noreen jumps at the chance to rally others to her movement and shut down the local saloon for good. However, her passionate campaigning often puts her at odds with the men around her–including the local deputy.

Deputy James Paxton believes in preserving the peace, but Miss O’Sullivan has been disturbing his peace for months. If James wants to be elected sheriff, he can’t afford to be seen as her ally. But when Noreen ropes him into helping her plan a temperance march, their growing closeness sparks unexpected feelings. Then tensions escalate at the saloon and accusations fly. James must choose between upholding his badge and protecting the woman who’s captured his heart–knowing either choice could cost him everything.

My Review:

Karen Witemeyer’s latest western romance evokes the classic feel of vintage black and white films. Everything is comfortingly familiar – the small town with cowboy vibes, a deputy hero, a strong willed heroine with plenty of backbone and a few villainous types common to the genre. So, ‘Taming Lady Temperance‘ delivers all the comforts of a much loved genre while adding her own refreshing twists to liven things up even more.

Lighthearted banter blends with deeply emotional scenes, creating an unputdownable kind of read. I’ll be honest, Noreen was a bit too abrasive for my liking in the beginning. She’s prickly and defiant and even manipulative in order to get what she wants. Her cause – temperance – is a noble one and she has understandable reasons for being so rigidly relentless but I still found it hard to connect with her in the first few chapters. But, oh my, what phenomenal character growth that includes a significant faith thread! Kept me mesmerized and anxiously cheering Noreen on all the way through to the end.

James is the exact opposite. Gentle, understanding, even amused over Noreen’s tenacity. He’s also brilliant at speaking gospel truths into her life, whether she likes it or not. And as he starts to reach her and their friendship develops into something deeper, well…happy sighs of toe-curling delight!

This is the first book in The Secret Society of Spinsters series and I really like the way the author has set things up for future books especially when it comes to the intriguing society and Noreen’s friends. I’m really looking forward to reading their happily ever after journeys!

I listened to the audible edition of ‘Taming Lady Temperance’ and enjoyed the familiar voice of Kate Forbes. Her narration brought the Old West charm to life and made for an unstoppable listening experience..

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

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 Taming Lady Temperance, 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 February 14 2026.