Book Review – Page 50 – Kav's Best Reads

The Mark of the King + Giveaway

Life in this new world requires more strength than she ever imagined

After the death of her client, midwife Julianne Chevalier is imprisoned and branded, marking her as a criminal beyond redemption. Hoping to reunite with her brother, a soldier, she trades her life sentence for exile to the fledgling French colony of Louisiana. The price of her transport, however, is a forced marriage to a fellow convict.

New Orleans is nothing like Julianne expects. The settlement is steeped in mud and mosquitoes and there is no news of her brother, Benjamin. When tragedy strikes, she turns to military officer Marc-Paul Girard for help, but does he know more about her brother than he will admit?

With her dreams shattered, Julianne must find her way in this dangerous land, where only grace — and love — can overcome the stigma of the king’s mark upon her shoulder.

My Review:

Wickedly intense. Enthralling. There were times I had to set this book aside because I just couldn’t take any more. But I always returned to it after a few fortifying breaths because how could I leave Julianne in that predicament? Or the next one? Or the next?

Mercy, but I’m amazed that this area got settled. Still confused as to why the French wanted to claim it in the first place when they didn’t support their troops. The historical information is intriguing and frustrating and unbelievable. How did women survive childbirth? (beware to the faint of heart — the midwifery details are…detailed!) Only the strong survived — and then by the grace of God! And don’t get me started on the lack of women’s rights and the barbaric actions of some of the soldiers. Goodness, but my emotions were all over the place as I devoured this book.

Marc-Paul stands out as a man of dignity and honor. Strict, legalistic, he serves his country devoutly. But he also learns the true meaning of grace as he draws closer to the Lord. And that softens him in delightful ways.

Julianne is strength personified. Defiant. Determined. Unstoppable. She is a survivor — and the things she survives — truly unimaginable. How a loving author could treat a heroine so…it’s shameful, that’s what. 🙂

Rife with drama, heavy with sorrow but lifted by faith, The Mark of the King a sweeping tale of love and loss and second chances.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy and available to any reader anywhere in the world so — yay — International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Mark of the King, 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 September 9, 2023

Muskoka Shores + Giveaway

Serena Williamson loves working at Muskoka Shores, the fancy resort on Lake Muskoka, and making couples dreams come true. But after returning from a celebrity wedding to find her own hopes crumbling to dust, she sets out for self-improvement, and to prove her ex was wrong. But when a misunderstanding concerning the new assistant church minister leads to more self-doubt, can she ever really trust a man again?

Joel Wakefield is looking forward to a fresh start for himself and his sister in this beautiful small town beside Lake Muskoka. He hadn’t counted on meeting a curvy cutie with a gift for hospitality and a gracious heart. Can he show her that it’s what is inside that truly counts?

My Review:

This love story is for every woman who has struggled with not feeling good enough. So emotional and funny and hard-hitting with a wonderful, uplifting faith thread about being ‘enough’ in the eyes of our Father in Heaven. And the power our words hold — to build up or tear down. So impactful!

An enemies to more trope plays out to perfection as misunderstandings abound. I laughed out loud and winced in sympathy and shed a tear or two by the end. So relatable all the way through!

Fans of Carolyn Miller’s Original Six Hockey series will get a thrill over the wedding in the first chapter. I haven’t read all the books in that series (yet) so I couldn’t fully appreciate the romantic glow but there are some lovely details as Serena oversees the wedding reception and makes for a nice bridge between the series.

Of course, I adore the iconic Canadian setting and the fact that the we get to visit through two seasons. Lots of time for our hero and heroine to get sorted while readers get to appreciate the beauty in my part of the world. 🙂

I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Andrea Kummer and hoping the rest of the series comes out in audio as well. Otherwise I’ll have to mix and match with paperbacks! Gasp!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook available to anyone, anywhere who has a .com (US) Kindle account

US — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada — paperback or ebook (via a gift card to Canadian Amazon) or audible (.ca)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Muskoka Shores 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 September 9, 2023.

Cape Corral Keeper + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

They agreed to marry. But they never agreed to fall in love.

When Cape Corral Fire Chief Dillon McGrath saves a woman wearing a wedding dress from drowning, he knows he’ll have a great story to tell the guys at the station later. He never expected to get personally involved in the woman’s plight to stay alive.

Gracie Loveland had no choice but to run only moments before saying “I do” to her manipulative fiancé. Staying would have ultimately meant her death at the hands of the cruel man. Desperation, along with a dormant feistiness, surfaces as she fights to survive.

Only one plan might keep Gracie safe and help Dillon preserve the island’s wild horses. The idea seems crazy, but Dillon and Gracie can think of no other options. However, a foe from Gracie’s past is closing in, determined to get what he wants regardless of whose life he destroys in the process.

My Review:

published in 2020

Eeeeppp! Epic Marriage of Convenience story! With suspense! It really doesn’t get better than this!!!

From the nail-biting opening scene that left me with a ton of questions to the hair-raising conclusion — I was enthralled! And the meet-cute is equal parts angsty and funny which sets the tone for the whole book.

Love the way the author handled the marriage of convenience angle and the way Dillon and Gracie work their way from adversaries to lovers. All while trying to thwart a vile villain!

Oh — and hello — cowboy alert! And an island full of wild horses for them to protect. Hence the series title: Saltwater Cowboys. This is the third book in the series though it can easily be read as a standalone, but, trust me, you’ll want to read all these cowboys’ stories!

I enjoyed listening to the audio edition narrated by Stacey Glemboski courtesy of Chirpbooks and am getting ready to download Seagrass Secrets (#4) ’cause I just can’t stay away from this beautiful island and all that cowboy allure!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook available to anyone, anywhere who has a .com (US) Kindle account

US — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada — paperback or ebook (via a gift card to Canadian Amazon) or audible (.ca)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Cape Corral Keeper 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 September 2, 2023

Cold Case Revenge + Giveaway

A kidnapped child. An unsolved cold case.

This K-9 is on the trail.

When his three-year-old daughter goes missing, Nick Rossi fears he’ll relive his sister’s disappearance from twenty-five years ago. Only this time officer Ruby Orton and her K-9 partner, Pepper, rescue the child. But as the kidnappers escalate to murder and target Nick, Ruby knows there’s more behind the abduction. Together, can they find the connection with a decades-old cold case…before the past turns deadly?

Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit

My Review:

Okay…first things first…How about that cuteness overload cover?! If that doesn’t sell books, I don’t know what will! Of course, the fact that Cold Case Revenge is the sixth book in the Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit continuity series had me placing a preorder on Audible regardless of how cute the cover art.

In case you’re new to the concept of a continuity series: It’s a multi-authored series (in this case, 8 books) where there’s an over arcing suspense plot that is being gradually progressed through each book. However, each individual story also has it’s own complete suspense and romance plot so you’ll get the satisfaction of complete closure while you wait for some of those series’ threads to get tied up. And each author does a marvellous job of keeping readers current with the series suspense development in a way that catches new readers up while providing a nice refresh for loyal Pacific Northwest K-9 followers. And all make exceptional reads.

I do love a good cold case mystery and this is definitely that! Plus there’s a current mystery involving the kidnapping of Nick’s daughter and subsequent attacks against Nick and his ranch. K-9 Officers Ruby (human) and Pepper (dog!) are assigned to the case and, well, it isn’t exactly love at first sight, but there is some lovely romantic tension as well as the edge-of-your seat kind that comes with escalating danger. Really nice balance between the two and lots of sweet moments with little Zoe that had me happy sighing and swooning over her devoted daddy.

Love the wilderness settings in this series — lots of the action takes place in National Parks — it adds that much more ‘umph’ to the action scenes! Eager to read the next two books but I’ll be bereft come December without any more to look forward too. Hopefully Love Inspired Suspense has another K-9 continuity series in the works for 2024!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook available to anyone, anywhere who has a .com (US) Kindle account

US — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada — paperback or ebook (via a gift card to Canadian Amazon) or audible (.ca)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Cold Case Revenge, 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 September 2, 2023

Not By Sight + Giveaway

Random Retro Re-Read

Gripping Sophomore Novel from a Rising Historical Romance Talent

With Britain caught up in WWI, Jack Benningham, heir to the Earl of Stonebrooke, has declared himself a conscientious objector. Instead, he secretly works for the Crown by tracking down German spies on British soil, his wild reputation and society status serving as a foolproof cover.

Blinded by patriotism and concern for her brother on the front lines, wealthy suffragette Grace Mabry will do whatever it takes to assist her country’s cause. When she sneaks into a posh London masquerade ball to hand out white feathers of cowardice, she never imagines the chain of events she’ll set off when she hands a feather to Jack.

And neither of them could anticipate the extent of the danger and betrayal that follows them–or the faith they’ll need to maintain hope.

My Review:

published in 2015

My ‘re-read’ was courtesy of the audible edition expertly narrated by one of my fave narrators ever — Justine Eyre!

—-

This one has been hovering on the top of my TBR pile for a couple of weeks. As anxious as I was to read it since I loved Breslin’s debut novel, I was apprehensive too. Why? I dreaded reading that white feather scene. Anyone remember Walter Blythe in Rainbow Valley and Rilla of Ingleside by L. M. Montgomery? He’s Anne and Gilbert’s son — a gentle soul with a poet’s heart. He gets a white feather when he doesn’t enlist in the army as soon as war breaks out. My eleven-year-old heart took a beating over that scene and I still remember it to this day. So, yes, you might say that a former traumatic reading experience hindered my ability to pick up this book. (Now my book nerdiness is well and truly confirmed!)

I’m glad I overcame my trepidation though because Not By Sight is a soul-stirring read I wouldn’t want to miss. It’s definite Downton Abbeyambiance holds huge appeal while the gripping plot kept me spellbound. There are so many twists and turns and downright surprises! And the history revealed — aspects of the British home front in World War I that I wasn’t even aware of made this read all the richer.

I grew to love Grace (after the white feather incident!) She’s passionate about every cause she embraces, from the suffragette movement to supporting the war effort. And though she is from a privileged class, she isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty in order to help either cause. Her naivety at the beginning of the novel gradually falls away as she begins to grasp the fact that not everything can be measured in black and white.

Her hero, Jack, is as brooding as Mr. Rochester in Jane Eyre. I loved their encounters. Witty dialogue highlights Grace’s gumption and humour. Jack is intrigued in spite of himself. But a different kind of intrigue is afoot as well. This is a spy story after all, and Breslin sets her characters (and readers) on a merry chase.

Absolutely loved the scripture tie-in for the book — both in story and title. For we live by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7) It is intricately woven throughout the plot and affects a multitude of characters in various ways. Breathtaking and uplifting stuff.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy and available to any reader anywhere in the world so — yay — International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Not By Sight, 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 September 2, 2023

Secrets She Knew + Giveaway

Boston police detective Dani Lake dreads returning to her small hometown of Skye, Alabama, for her ten-year high school reunion–and not just for the normal reasons.

At only fifteen, Dani tragically discovered the body of her murdered classmate, setting in motion the process that led to the unjust conviction of her dear friend and an unshakable burden of guilt she carries to this day. So when new evidence surfaces during her trip home which suggests the truth Dani’s always suspected, she embarks on a mission to expose the real killer, aided by Skye police detective Chris Newton–who happens to be the man Dani’s best friend is dying to set her up with, and also the only person who believes her.

But when Dani pushes too hard, someone pushes back, endangering Dani and those closest to her as she unearths secrets deeper and darker than she ever expected to learn—secrets that may bring the truth to light, if they don’t get her killed first.

A Secrets and Lies Suspense Novel.
Thrilling, clean suspense and mystery laced with romance and faith.

My Review:

Well now, here I am, again, gobsmacked by D. L. Wood and sputtering for words to describe how truly compelling this story was. I mean…again, so much to say, but I can’t without spoilers. This author excels at ramping up tension and thwarting would-be armchair sleuths at every turn. I was on the edge all the way through! It’s emotional and hair-raising and intriguing and absolutely unputdownable!

And Dani, our plucky heroine with a loyal heart and the kind of staying power that won’t allow her to give up, has stirred up a cauldron of seething secrets the second she’s back home. Love the small town Alabama setting, her friend group that has stood the test of time, and the way her familiarity with people and places makes it easier (and sometimes harder!) to look into a ten year old closed case that she thinks should be a cold one.

And I really can’t say anything else because there aren’t just plot twists — there are hairpin turns that kept me discombobulated all the way through. This is only my second book by this author, but she’s just moved up on my ‘Author Catch Up Reading List ‘for 2024. Truly, suspense at it’s finest.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook available to anyone, anywhere who has a .com (US) Kindle account

US — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada — paperback or ebook (via a gift card to Canadian Amazon) or audible (.ca)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Secrets She Knew, 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 September 2, 2023

The Cupcake Dilemma + Giveaway

My name is Kirstin Hill. I’m a simple girl trying to figure out life in a small town. There are a few things you should know about me before we begin. I grew up in the city. I’m a teacher–a first year teacher, (some of you understand that significance). And, finally, when it comes to cooking, I’m a disaster. Maybe none of those things seem story-worthy, but trust me, I have a story. I call it The Cupcake Dilemma, and it literally changed my life. How? I’m glad you asked.

It all started with an extra assignment delegated to me at school right before Valentine’s Day… but before we get too far, let me begin by stating this clearly. I was voluntold.

My Review:

published in 2018

Fun, flirty and fabulous! And laugh-out-loud hilarious all the way through. I love Kirstin! She’s got a dry sense of humour and a snappy comeback for any situation, whether it’s spoken out loud or just a thought bubble in her head. And the baker at the heart of her cupcake dilemma — oh my — swoon, swoon, swoony! Impeccably paced, this little novella just sings! Or should I say chortles? All the way to the end.

This is the third book in Jennifer Rodewald’s Rock Creek series but easily reads as a standalone. I haven’t read any of the other books in the series but now that I’ve met a few folks in town I’m eager to backtrack and find out their stories!

This book just released in an audible edition with an incredibly well-matched narrator. Laura Pedersen really brings not only Kristin Hill’s character to life, but all of the other characters as well. And her delivery of those one line zingers — hysterically funny. I’m enchanted and besotted and will definitely give The Cupcake Dilemma many re-listens in the future.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook available to anyone, anywhere who has a .com (US) Kindle account

US — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada — paperback or ebook (via a gift card to Canadian Amazon) or audible (.ca)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Cupcake Dilemma 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 September 2, 2023

A Convenient Amish Bride + Giveaway

Two girls need a mother…and she’s ready for the job.

After the loss of her perfect match, Amish waitress Ruby Kaufmann resigns herself to a solitary life—until she meets widower David Weiss and his young daughters. Ruby has always wanted a family, and David is desperate for help because his aging parents can no longer assist with the girls. Will a marriage of convenience be the perfect solution…or a second chance at love neither expects?

My Review:

Amish + Marriage of Convenience = Bookish Glee

I don’t often run across a contemporary Marriage of Convenience story so I get excited when I find one. It can be a hard sell for a 21st century timeline but Bayer makes it work in this heartwarming romance.

I especially loved David’s two little girls and the way he relates to them. Poor little Mindy is so lost and confused after losing her mam and David will do anything to make things better…even marry a woman he doesn’t love!

I liked the way their relationship developed, with plenty of bumps along the way as they hesitantly start to open their hearts and contemplate a ‘real’ future together. There’s also an unexpected plot twist that sets the scene for Bayer’s next book scheduled to release in 2024.

I did feel that there were some discrepancies in the Amish lifestyle and culture though. And I was surprised at the lack of any kind of faith thread. Not even a mention of God or prayer. I’ve read secular Amish fiction with more inspirational input, so that was disappointing — especially coming from the Love Inspired line. Otherwise, A Convenient Amish Bride is an enjoyable sweet, clean contemporary romance.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy — open to any reader, anywhere in the world so — yay — International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Convenient Amish Bride, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 26, 2023.

A Lasting Impression + Giveaway

Random Retro Re-Read

To create something that will last is Claire Laurent’s most fervent desire as an artist. It’s also her greatest weakness. When her fraud of a father deals her an unexpected hand, Claire is forced to flee from New Orleans to Nashville, only a year after the War Between the States has ended. Claire’s path collides with that of Sutton Monroe, and she considers him a godsend for not turning her in to the authorities. But when they meet again and he refuses to come to her aid, she realizes she’s sorely misjudged the man. Trading an unwanted destiny for an unknown future, Claire finds herself in the middle of Nashville’s elite society and believes her dream of creating a lasting impression in the world of art may finally be within reach.

All that Sutton Monroe holds dear lies in ruin. He’s determined to reclaim his heritage and to make the men who murdered his father pay. But what he discovers on his quest for vengeance reveals a truth that may cost him more than he ever imagined.

Set at Nashville’s historic 1850s Belmont Mansion, a stunning antebellum manor built by Mrs. Adelicia Acklen, the richest woman in America in the 1860s, A Lasting Impression showcases the deep, poignant, unforgettable characters that set Tamera’s stories apart and provides an inspiring love story that will capture readers’ hearts and leave them eager for more.

My Review:

published in 2011

Richly layered and impeccably crafted, this is definitely a book that will make a lasting impression on its readers! Rich in history, Alexander manages to bring the post-civil war era to life. I could feel the conflicting spirits of hope and despair; the division of a people and the lingering taste of bitterness in a defeated state. My emotions ran amok as I read! In fact I was left half-dreading each page the deeper I got into the book because I knew that Claire’s secret couldn’t stay buried forever but Alexander spun the reveal out with the expertise of a skilled storyteller and I was on tenterhooks the entire time. Brilliantly done.

The historical detail is brilliant as well. It stirred me to do my own research on Belmont Mansion and Mrs. Acklen. I love when fiction and non-fiction meet in a delicious way like this! It makes my reading experience all the more fulfilling.

And the romance — oh-la-la! Sutton makes a fainting couch a must have for this read! LOL. Loved the way Alexander develops the attraction between Claire and Sutton and she put enough stumbling blocks in the way to keep this reader’s heart dipping and diving for the duration of the read.

A Lasting Impression has the classic feel of an epic novel. It’s the kind of book that carries you away to a different time and place — immerses you in the story and leaves you richer for the read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy — open to any reader, anywhere in the world so — yay — International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Lasting Impression, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 26, 2023

Cold Case Contraband + Giveaway

Exposing hidden secrets could prove lethal.

Within minutes of investigating a cold case murder, officer Carmen Hollis is shot at and rescued by a local teacher and single dad. Saving local cops isn’t undercover Special Agent Jonah Drake’s mission, but as threats to Carmen escalate, he can’t turn away. When his drug investigation and her cold case collide, secrets won’t stay hidden. Not when someone wants Carmen dead.

My Review:

An impressive opening scene, filled with just the right amount of suspense and danger provides a thrilling meet-cute for this hero and heroine. And the story just keeps getting better from there.

Bullard strikes a nice balance between the high-octane scenes and the getting-to-know each other scenes. Enough danger and suspense to keep me on edge punctuated by some lovely restful interludes filled with fun, family…and romance. Jonah’s daughter is an adorable scene stealer, as is Carmen’s foster pup.

And the mystery surrounding the suspense — phew! There’s a cold case and a current case and Carmen’s family drama and they all kept me on my toes and second guessing all my foregone conclusions. My sleuthing armchair got a real workout before everything wraps up by the epic epilogue!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy and available to any reader anywhere in the whole wide world so — YAY — another International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Cold Case Contraband, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 26, 2023.