Category: Book Review

A Timeless Romance Anthology : Mail-Order Bride Collection + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

Six Award-Winning Authors have contributed new stories to A Timeless Romance Anthology: Mail Order Bride Collection. Six historical romance novellas set in the Old West. 

WRITTEN IN HER HEART, a charming novella by Stacy Henrie, Georgeanna is getting desperate. She can’t fund her favorite orphanage unless she marries and secures the rest of her inheritance left by her father. But her father’s financial planner, Clay, can’t understand why she’s not content with her current situation. Georgie determines to send out a notice as a mail order bride to attract suitors who won’t know her financial situation. Little does she know, Clay takes up the pen and sends her letters of his own under an assumed name. After years of working for Georgie’s father, Clay realizes he isn’t ready to watch her marry another, not when his heart is already claimed by her. 

In Kristin Holt’s delightful novella WANTED: MIDWIFE BRIDE Dr. Naomi Thornton thinks she has it all: a beautiful house, a loving husband, and a fulfilling career. But when everything she holds dear is ripped away, Naomi has no choice but to start over. What will she find in the wild and untamed Wyoming Territory? Dr. Joe Chandler has waited years for a wife with the knowledge, skills, and tender heart he yearns for in a medical colleague and lifetime companion. When a midwife arrives with more expertise and secrets than he counted on, Joe quickly discovers there’s more to love and marriage than a simple mail order contract. 

In THE SOUND OF HOME, a captivating novella by Annette Lyon, Marilyn is given the choice of either marrying the despicable Victor or being charged with a murder she didn’t commit. Refusing to believe that either is her fate, she finds a third option: she answers a mail order bride advertisement and boards a train to Wyoming to wed a man named Harry. Moments after her arrival, she learns that Harry isn’t who he seemed to be, and the advertisement turns out to be a giant mistake. Harry’s brother Thomas agrees to let her stay until she can figure out what to do next—after all, she simply cannot return to New York—but Marilyn quickly finds herself developing feelings for Thomas. 

In Sarah M. Eden’s endearing novella FOR BETTER OR WORSE Gerald Smith, on the advice of his well-meaning neighbors, has decided it’s time to change his lonely existence. Mary Hill, on the advice of her empty pocketbook and non-existent roof over her head, has decided it’s time to secure herself a future. A mail-order marriage, they both realize, is no guarantee of happiness, but it is a risk they are willing to take. However, coming face to face on the train platform, the hapless couple discovers an unexpected truth: marriage to a perfect stranger is sometimes far preferable to the prospect of a lifetime with someone you used to know. 

Heather B. Moore’s sweet novella THE INCONVENIENT BRIDE sees Carmela traveling from Boston to Colorado, eager to meet the man she’s been corresponding with and will soon marry. Her brother’s new marriage leaves little room for Carmela in her old life. Upon arrival in Leadville, she faces a rude awakening, and the only one who can understand her predicament is her fiance’s brother, Samuel. But Samuel can’t possibly help her out of an awkward situation, can he? It would be better for all if she returns immediately to Boston and pretends she never traveled to Colorado in the first place. 

THE PRICE OF SILVER, an engaging novella by Siân Ann Bessey, Katie leaves New York for Idaho to marry Jake, a man she’s written to a couple of times. But when she steps off the train, his brother Caleb is there to greet her. Jake has gone to take a mining job he couldn’t pass up. Caleb takes Katie back to the family ranch to wait for Jake’s return. The more Caleb gets to know Katie, the more he envies his brother, but he can’t let his heart overrule his head unless Jake changes his mind about his intended bride.

My Review:

published in 2015

Happy sigh! There’s something about a good mail-order bride romance that hits the spot and this book includes six of them! And, for me, a nice balance of familiar authors and new-to-me authors which just adds to my bibliophile delight.

Love the different approach each author takes with the theme, making all six mail-order bride stories unique and interesting. The collection includes a variety of popular tropes — friends to more, heroine fleeing peril, enemies to more, groom mix-up. And each novella is quite short, so easy to finish in one setting which provided me with the perfect respite in between marathon gardening stints. 🙂

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 Mail-Order Bride Collection, 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 May 4 2024.

Pages of Promise

When Eliza’s life is threatened, she turns to a handsome veteran for help.

I left everything I’d ever known behind. And that decision may cost me my life.

The moving truck hadn’t even been unpacked when my fresh start went up in flames.

A frightening letter left in my mailbox and signed Always Yours sends me running to the only man in town who can help me.

Driven by his protective nature and a mission he believes comes from God, ex-Army Ranger Lance Knight agrees, despite the fact that I’ve made it no secret I want nothing to do with him–or anyone for that matter.

The longer we’re together, the more I begin to realize that Lance is more than I gave him credit for. Something that troubles me nearly as much as the fact that an unknown man seems to have already claimed me as his.

Trouble is, my admirer has a jealous side, and it’s not long before Lance is pulled into the crosshairs right alongside me…

My Review:

A classic romantic suspense with all the chills and thrills. The stalker vibe adds extra oomph to the plot and kept me anxiously listening to make sure Eliza and Lance reach their happily ever after.

This is the first book in the ‘Coastal Hope’ series and the author does a great job of setting the stage for subsequent books. Loved meeting future heroes and getting to know everybody in this friendly small town (aptly named Hope Springs.)

There’s a bit of grumpy/sunshine to the romance with Eliza being the grump. She has her reasons for being standoffish and it takes a while for Lance to get the whole story. Love his protective nature and determination to help Eliza even though she’s so prickly. I did feel like the romance moved too fast given Eliza’s back story and I was a bit uncomfortable with their first kiss (again, given her back story) but, overall I was firmly onboard for their HEA.

The author does a great job of drawing out the suspense. Especially enjoyed going deep into Eliza’s POV — put me on edge so many times ! I did figure out the whodunnit part of the suspense. At first it was just a glimmer of an idea without any substance but then it began to take shape as I continued reading. The armchair sleuth inside of me might be gloating a bit. 🙂

I enjoyed listening to the audible edition narrated by Savannah Gilmore and Jarman Day — always fun to have a dual narrator performance!

Lucky Charm + Giveaway

A humiliating break-up leads to an impulsive New Year’s Kiss with a complete stranger. 
What could possibly go wrong?

It’s no secret that I love life. And Dr Pepper. But also, I love a challenge. . .

So when the coach of the Chicago Comets gives me the opportunity to help their star player, newly traded to their team, acclimate to life in Chicago, I’m all in.

I have to be. After my last job went up in flames, I have something to prove.

It turns out that the player, Grayson Hawke, is the rudest, most off-putting, reclusive guy I’ve ever met.

It also turns out that he is the beautiful stranger I kissed on New Year’s Eve.

I can do this job. I can do this job. I can do this job.

And I can. Really well.

I can make Gray’s life easier, show him all the reasons to fall in love with this city, and in the process, hopefully completely forget that the amazing kiss ever happened.

How hard can it be? We’re total opposites anyway.

I love people . . . and all their stories. Gray loves hockey . . . and nothing else.

I love to talk. Gray only stares.

I’m happy-go-lucky. Gray’s all work and no play.

There’s just one problem. The more time I spend with Grayson Hawke, the more I start to see that underneath his bristly, standoffish exterior, he’s nothing like the man everyone thinks he is.

And suddenly, all the reasons for keeping my distance, staying professional, and not falling for someone again. . . are impossible to remember. My Lucky Charm is a grumpy/sunshine, sweet hockey romance with all of the sizzle but none of the steam. It’s the second in the Holidays with Hart series, but My Lucky Charm can be read as a stand alone.

My Review:

A rom/com with a whole lot of heart!

An opposites attract, grumpy sunshine (to the nth degree!!!) romance and Walsh writes it so well. I was grinning and sighing and swooning all the way through.

Gray is so….well, this nifty quote from Eloise sums him up: “He’s grumpy and rude and he grunts instead of using actual words — what’s not to like?” Bwahaha! And Gray is happy with the status quo thank you very much so, of course, he’s trying very hard to resist Eloise who is his exact opposite. “If the world lost power, all it would need is Eloise. She’s like a bright light all on her own.” Happy sigh.

So, there’s a bit of a Beauty and the Beast vibe going on here with lots of wonderful banter and even some physical comedy that had me cracking up. I was equally charmed (Eloise) and appalled (Gray) and completely intrigued.

I’m not a hockey fan, but I actually liked the hockey scenes — especially when the whole team offers advice to the lovelorn (Gray) which goes about as well as you might expect. I’m still grinning. 🙂

Now I have to go back and read the first book as I impatiently wait for the third ‘Holidays with Hart’ book to release.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY

ebook copy available to anyone with a US Kindle account (.com) 

Canadians will have a choice of receiving an Amazon.ca gift card towards the purchase of an ebook.

If you would like a chance to win an ecopy of My Lucky Charm, 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 27 2024.

Night Falls on Predicament Avenue + Giveaway

In 1910, Effie James is living a dream for two. Her younger sister is harboring a secret that has left timid Effie determined to fulfill her daring sister’s grand plan of seeking out adventure in their small Iowa town. When a British gentleman arrives, disrupting their peace with efforts to find the wife many claim lived her final days at the now abandoned house at 322 Predicament Avenue, Effie is thrust into intrigue she couldn’t have prepared for. But what she finds inside will forever link her to the scandal staining the house’s walls and to a woman whose secrets promise a curse.

A century later, Norah Richman is living out her late-twin’s dream of running their great aunt’s bed-and-breakfast on Predicament Avenue–a place Norah believes nothing good can come out of after her sister’s abduction and murder thirteen years ago. Her first guest is a crime historian and podcaster, and Norah resolves to stay far away from the charming and enigmatic man–until another guest is found dead. As they dig deeper, something sinister unfurls that will reveal an ominous unknown far greater than the possibility of death itself.

My Review:

“The house at 322 Predicament Avenue had secrets and they were screaming out to be revealed.”

Cue the creepy background music and prepare to be perplexed and confused and intrigued and just a wee bit spooked because ‘Night Falls on Predicament Avenue’ is classic Jaime Jo Wright. So many mysterious layers in both timelines, with just the barest hints on character backstories at first so I was constantly flummoxed and anxious to know more. And the author takes her sweet time with those reveals which about drove me crazy (in a good way.) Because, as much as I wanted to figure everything out I was enjoying the read too much to want it to end.

“Ghosts were rising unwanted from the dead like unfinished stories.”

Such an atmospheric read! Wright spins a web of intrigue and danger filled with so many unanswered questions I kept frantically turning pages looking for the answers. So many gasp-out-loud plot twists! And tension drawing everything together in a delightfully spooky way.

Beautifully written. Emotionally driven. Flawed characters fighting to make sense of the impossible.

“What was it about being afraid that pushed a person away from God instead of toward Him?”

Inspirational threads are woven throughout as the author explores the different facets of grief. Multi-layered. Profound and ultimately hopeful. This novel packs an emotional wallop and makes for one compelling read. Unputdownable.

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 Night Falls On Predicament Avenue, 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 27 2024.

In the Shelter of Hollythorne House + Giveaway

A young widow faces an uncertain future . . . until an unexpected encounter with her first love gives her heart a second chance in this Regency romance set on the Yorkshire Moors.

England, 1817—Charlotte Grey thought she had seen the last of Anthony Welbourne. Knowing her father would never consent to his only daughter marrying a man he deemed beneath their family’s station, Charlotte bid her final farewell to Anthony and vowed never to turn back. Instead, she honored her father’s wishes by marrying the wealthy Roland Prior.

Determined to put his love for Charlotte in the past, Anthony chose to immerse himself in a life full of meaning—first as a soldier fighting a war overseas, then as a member of William Walstead’s watchmen, a rugged band of men dispatched to deal with perilous situations. Fearless and persistent, he makes it his life’s focus to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.

When Charlotte’s husband dies unexpectedly, she quickly realizes how blind she’d been to his nefarious ambitions and how many people he’d angered on his relentless quest for wealth. To protect her infant son, Henry, from those who wish him harm, she and the baby flee to Hollythorne House, her childhood home. There Charlotte comes face-to-face with her former love, who has been sent as one of the hired watchman to protect her and Henry until the details of her late husband’s estate are settled.

Anthony’s presence brings back feelings she never expected to have again, and she struggles to trust his intentions. Are the watchmen really looking after Charlotte as they claim—or are they looking to make trouble for Roland’s estate and heir? Despite the constant reminders of their past, Anthony must remain focused on the task he was hired to do. But when new threats emerge and the past collides with the present, both must decide what they are willing to risk for the chance to right old wrongs and carve out a new future . . . together.

My Review:

Eeeeepppp!!!! Regency Romance with a Gothic-y mystery feel! Totally captivated me all the way through!

Ladd has created a sense of foreboding that carries throughout the story and set me on edge as I worried over Charlotte and baby Henry. Loved the air of mystery that shrouds our hero and heroine, stirring an already complicated situation into something much more ominous.

We’re given a tantalizing glimpse of what might have been, courtesy of the attention-grabbing prologue and then the story starts in earnest five years later when everything has changed for Charlotte and Anthony…and not necessarily for the better. Cue shivery thrills of anticipation as I settled in to find out how all will be made right!

Love the period details deftly woven into the story. Still fuming over the lack of control women had — even in the lives of their own children! And the family Charlotte has married into is vile — which leads to dire threats against poor wee Henry!

Which makes it opportune, if inconvenient, for Anthony to come swooping back into Charlotte’s life as he is hired on as one of her guards. Treachery, deceit and danger follow…as does an epic Second Chance Romance! Thrilled me right down to my toes from start to finish!

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 — winner’s choice

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of In the Shelter of Hollythorne House, 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 27 2024.

Fatal First Edition

People are dying to get their hands on a rare, valuable book in the newest Library Lover’s Mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of The Plot and the Pendulum .

Briar Creek Library director Lindsey Norris and her husband, Sully, are at a popular library conference in Chicago to hear book restoration specialist Brooklyn Wainwright give a keynote address. After the lecture, Lindsey looks under her seat and finds a tote bag containing a first edition of Patricia Highsmith’s Strangers on a Train , inscribed to Alfred Hitchcock. Brooklyn determines the novel is one of a kind and quite valuable, so Lindsey and Sully return the book to the conference director, not wanting to stir up any trouble.

But just hours after the pair boards the train back to Connecticut, rumors that the Highsmith novel has gone missing buzz amongst the passengers, and they soon find the conference director murdered in his private compartment. And worse—the murderer planted the book in Lindsey and Sully’s room next door, making them prime suspects. Now, they must uncover the murderer and bring them to the end of their line, before they find themselves booked for a crime they didn’t commit.

My Review:

So, one of my favourite cozy mystery series ever and this fourteenth ‘Library Lover’s Mystery’ book is sheer brilliance! Gah, I want to gush but, because this is a mystery, I can’t without posting spoilers. Let’s just say that the author’s clever use of setting brought an extra thrill to the mystery. And the way she brings the whole Briar Creek gang together and involved was sweet perfection. The plot contains a number of classic mystery elements that elevated my reading enjoyment that much more. I’m still grinning in pure bibliophile delight. 🙂

And these characters! I love them all. Especially Lindsey and Sully. Swoon! And this story packs an emotional wallop that frazzled my last nerve and had me close to tears! I attribute part of my reaction to Allyson Ryan’s excellent narration. She has been the voice of this series from the very first book and does an incredible job of conveying personalities and emotion, helping me to connect with each character. To laugh with them and cry with them…and yes, I know this is a cozy mystery but this particular author/narrator partnership has brought such depth to these characters over the course of the series and I am so appreciative. May there be many more ‘Library Lover’s Mysteries’ to come!

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

The Proposal Plot + Giveaway

A headstrong young businesswoman. An unlucky-in-love bachelor. And the chaperoning assignment that keeps pushing them together.

For someone so strong-willed and certain, Ella Yoder has never been more unsure of her life. It’s been a year since she convinced her father to move with her and her younger sister Junia to Marigold, Ohio, to open E and J Grocery. Ella’s got a keen eye for running a business and has big dreams to expand. But her plans are stalled because Junia refuses to lift a finger at the store–or listen to her about anything.

Nelson Bontranger knows one thing for creating his own artisan deli meats is his passion. Well, maybe one other he’s sworn off women forever. After two bouts of heartbreak, he’s not willing to open up himself to a third. When he eyes his own butcher shop next to E and J Grocery in Marigold, he’s surprised to learn that Ella has had her eye on the property for some time. He doesn’t trust this stubborn, pushy young woman–and for her, the feeling is mutual.

Against their wishes, Ella and Nelson’s paths continue to cross when Nelson’s nephew Malachi falls head over heels for Junia. Nelson and Ella are brought together to keep the lovebirds in check, but somewhere along the line, their frustration turns to something altogether more pleasant. But they will both need to come to terms with past pain before they can find their future happiness.

My Review:

A captivating Amish romance full of surprises. Like that fiery meet-cute! Bwahahaha! And things don’t settle down for quite a while so be prepared for clashing wills and lamentable outbursts in this enemies to more romantic trope.

Truth: sometimes Ella frustrated me no end! She is opinionated and bossy to the point I wanted to purse whomp some sense into her. Her motives are good, but her delivery leaves a lot to be desired! Which means she makes a horrible first impression on Nelson and that doesn’t improve upon further acquaintance for a long time. I think it’s about the halfway point before they declare a truce.

And Nelson is just a tad grumpy over all things Ella which comes with its own frustrations. So this one isn’t your typical ‘sweet’ romance. I do like the way the author digs deep into both our hero ad heroine’s backstories and their family dynamics. Especially Ella’s. It really helps to explain nuances of her personality. I could totally sympathize with her and became righteously indignant on her behalf more than once. But then we’re given more insights into Ella’s father and sister and well..wow, it all makes sense. The author doesn’t just leave it there, though, she works some healing magic that includes even more romance which made for a delightfully satisfying read.

I enjoyed listening to the audio edition of ‘The Proposal Plot’ expertly narrated by Lauren Berst. She’s a familiar voice in my Amish Fiction listening which made this even more of a comfort read for me. Funny how I can become as attached to narrators as I am to my fave authors.

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

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 Proposal Plot, 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 20 2024.

Burden of Proof + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

Reeling from a negotiation gone wrong, FBI Special Agent April Ramos is caught off guard when a frazzled young woman shoves a crying baby into her arms, then disappears. Worry for the child’s safety quickly turns to fear when a man claiming to be the girl’s father abducts them at gunpoint. April puts her hostage negotiation skills to use to learn more about who she’s dealing with: Jason Snyder, a fugitive accused of murder.

As Jason spins a tall tale about being framed for the killing of his business partner, April must sort through his claims to find the truth. A truth that becomes all the more evident after April overhears a conversation between Jason and the local sheriff and realizes something more sinister may be happening in their small town of Sweet Briar, Texas. But aligning herself with a known fugitive to uncover the burden of proof could cost April her job…or worse, her life and the lives of other innocent people.

My Review:

published in 2018

Wow…just…wow! Intense doesn’t begin to describe this book. Riveting right from the nail-biting opening scene and, whoa, talk about a meet-cute! How can any of this be made right? Through the cunning creative mind of the author, that’s how.

Impossible to review adequately without spoilers because the plot catapults from one tense scene to the next with enticing clues and downright stunning revelations. Danger. Corruption. Betrayal. All woven into a web of deceit so insidious it’s impossible to prove. Hence the apt title, ‘Burden of Proof’ and that burden is placed on April as she tries to sort out fact from fiction in her search for the truth.

DiAnn Mills is a masterful storyteller and I need to read more of her books. ASAP!

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 Burden of Proof, 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 20 2024.

If the Boot Fits + Giveaway

Determined to prove that cattle king Eli Dearing has no justification for evicting his stepmother and half brothers, Asher Ellis uses the cover of a fancy ball to break into the Three Cedars ranch house to search for proof of wrongdoing. On the verge of discovery, he flees, but a boy’s cry compels him to make a daring rescue.

Spunky and independent, Samantha Dearing balks when she learns the ball her father is hosting in her honor is nothing more than a matrimonial ambush. Taking a break from her unwanted suitors, Samantha spots a thief fleeing her home. When the stranger ends up saving her brother’s life, she hides the only clue to his identity left behind–his boot–and resolves to find him herself.

But when Samantha encounters the older brother of a student she tutors, all thoughts of the bootless mystery man vanish. And although Asher tries to keep his distance from Samantha for reasons of his own, a series of suspicious accidents befall her, and his protective instincts flare, no matter the cost to their future.

This Western reimagining of the classic Cinderella fairy tale is an enchanting story of courage, family, and the power of true love.

My Review:

While I wouldn’t call this a true Cinderella reimagining there are some light nods to the fairy tale, the major one being the boot left behind at the ball. I like the gender swap with Asher in the Cinderella role (clever name) and Samantha the western ‘royalty’ on the hunt. But after that eventful opening scene the story becomes very much it’s own Western romance with not nearly enough connections to the fairy tale. Still a rollicking good story, I just wouldn’t define it as a retelling.

There’s action and adventure and a building threat that leads to a mystery which needs solving so be prepared for a fast paced read that’s hard to put down. And a solid faith thread that winds through it all. I really appreciated the scriptures shared and snippets of wisdom from certain characters.

Then there’s the romance. Happy sigh. Asher’s loyalty and dedication to his family make him perfect hero material…even if it drives him to do something regrettable. Samantha is no pampered princess, well, she is sort of, but she doesn’t let it go to her head. She has a heart for service and that leads her to Asher’s family and, voila, sparks fly and energy sizzles and things get delightfully complicated.

I listened to the audible edition aptly narrated by Barbara McCulloh. She’s a favourite of mine and has the perfect voice for a Western — if that makes any sense — and I thoroughly enjoyed the way she brought these characters to life.

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 If the Boot Fits, 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 20 2024.

Murder Most Owl

The first in the enchanting new Magical Menagerie mystery series where things are not always what they seem. Georgie Johansen returns to the charming, coastal town of Twilight Cove and quickly finds herself in a whirlwind of romance, magic and murder!

It’s been years since screenwriter Georgie Johansen last visited her Aunt Olivia’s farm in the coastal town of Twilight Cove and things have certainly changed. First of all it’s now an animal sanctuary, and then there’s the new farmhand who’s as mysterious as he is handsome. Her first day on the farm, Georgie encounters the eccentric Dorothy Shale, an older woman who lives in a cabin in the woods. There are rumours that Dorothy’s a witch, but Georgie doesn’t believe that. Although, Dorothy does have an unusual magical presence around her . . . 

When Dorothy ends up murdered, suspicion falls on Georgie – she was the one who found the poor woman’s body, and being new in town doesn’t help with the suspicion. Things only get worse when it turns out that Dorothy left her valuable plot of land to Auntie O!

Georgie must act fast to clear her and her aunt’s names by finding the real killer. But as bodies start to mount up, the pressure rises. With the help of the unusual powers of Dorothy’s two dogs and great-horned owl, can Georgie uncover the truth before she becomes the killer’s next target?

My Review:

Eeeepppp!!!! New stellar cozy mystery alert! Love the animal sanctuary setting and the air of magical mystery. Not solidly paranormal so no worries if that’s not your thing. Just light touches of whimsy. Similar to Sofie Kelly’s ‘Magical Cats’ series or Amanda Flower’s ‘Magical Bookshop’ series. So, very much set in the real world (well, as ‘real’ as a cozy mystery can get!) with gentle enchanting touches that completely charmed me.

Flossie and Fancy (springer spaniels with unique talents) make amazing back up for amateur sleuth Georgie. Love the way the author has written their relationship — and yes, the dogs definitely have big personalities. So much fun! As is Euclid, the wise owl who likes to keep an eye on Georgie. Of course, there are human secondary characters too. Auntie O and the mysterious temporary farmhand top my list of faves.

And then there’s the mystery, complete with enough viable suspects to keep me on the very edge of my sleuthing armchair. I enjoyed the way Georgie’s investigation played out. She doesn’t pull any TSTL stunts (well, maybe one but with a solid reason so I’ll give her a pass.) Kept me turning pages until all was revealed and then I was left still wanting more — like the second book in the ‘Magical Menagerie‘ series to come out asap!!!