Category: Book Review

The Forgiving Quilt + Giveaway

Running a historic inn on Pennsylvania’s beautiful Shadow Lake has blessed the Amish King sisters in work and family. Now they just need to add room for love…

Eliza King already has a broken heart, and thanks to a rickety ladder, she now has a broken leg too. She isn’t dealing with either very well. Ever since a brief romance ended when the boy who’d been courting her tried a little too hard to take things further, Eliza has sought refuge in reading books and tending to her beloved horses. Being incapacitated makes the latter impossible. But her Englisch doctor knows an Amish man looking for just such work…

Eliza is shocked to discover that the man is Levi Lapp, the very boy who humiliated her, now all grown up. Levi is embarrassed over his clumsy behaviour as a teen. He wants to earn Eliza’s forgiveness, even if he can’t win back her heart…And once Eliza reluctantly agrees to hire him, she finds herself enjoying the little gifts and encouraging notes Levi leaves for her. Encouraged by her older sister, she begins to fashion a quilt out of each item. Soon Eliza can see Levi’s caring spirit plainly before her — and the possibility that he might just be the best be the best thing for her horses — and for her.

My Review:

The second book in Lenora Worth’s Shadow Lake series is just as captivating as the first one. Love the fresh slant this author brings to Amish fiction. In case you’re wondering, The Forgiving Quilt can easily be read as a standalone novel. The King sisters and their family’s historic inn are the common link that unites each story. Three sisters, three romances, three quilts. And that’s the other unifying factor — each sister crafts a quilt that helps her work through a problem.

In Eliza’s case, her forgiving quilt it is literally the path forward through forgiveness. Because — eeeeppp — Second Chance Romance alert! Only Levi and Eliza were both too young and inexperienced and just not ready to take their courtship further back when they were teens. Eliza has been nursing a grudge in a very un-Amish like way ever since. And then Levi walks back into her world. Oy — but she can be snippety and stubborn and downright frustrating at times.

But Levi’s up for the challenge. He’s determined to make amends with the hopes of a renewed friendship…maybe something more. And, my oh my, the deliberate way he sets about mending fences is so romantical! And sometimes funny, if not downright daunting at times.

Love the way that family plays an important role in this love story. In fact it’s that kind of collective wisdom that helps move things along in the right direction. So many great heart-to-hearts, both touching, but also amusing. Like Levi lamenting about Eliza to her father:

“Levi had his doubts, not about Eliza being worth the trouble, but about his being able to pull this off. He nodded all the same. He was talking to Eliza’s father, after all. “I will do my best.”

Abe seemed please with that response. “Women are a constant mystery, Levi. That’s part of the fun.”

“I’m not really having fun,” Levi said as they walked toward the stable.” ( p 56)

Bwahahaha! No fears, Levi does prevail! (not a spoiler ’cause this is a romance, after all!)

Now that Eliza and Abigail have achieved their happily-ever-afters, I’m excited to read Colette’s story which will round out this great series — and it’s going to be a Christmas book as well! Yipee!!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy — winner’s choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Forgiving Quilt, 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 29, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

His Temporary Family + Giveaway

A short-term arrangement…might change everything.

Sam Tiernan is convinced his bachelor ways make him a better firefighter. Then his theory is put to the test when a family tragedy leaves him caring for his two nieces. With help from social worker Fiona Shay, Sam sees the life he’s been missing out on. And as he and Fiona grow closer, there’s a chance their temporary family could turn into something more permanent.

My Review:

Woohoo — discovered a new-to-me author that I intend to follow now! Love the way Julie Brookman tells this story of love and sacrifice and happily ever afters. The kind of read that leaves you feeling warm and cozy and full of bibliophile contentment. 🙂

One of the things I really love about this story (aside from the fire fighter hero — eeeepppp!!!) is the way the foster care system is portrayed. Usually, when foster care and social workers appear in a novel, it’s to highlight the brokenness of the system and, while I’m not denying all those issues exist, I did find it refreshing to read about some of the successes.

Fiona is a social worker who really cares and the way she strives to bring security and love to all her young charges is inspiring. There are times when she definitely struggles, but she has a really unique way of getting herself through those tough times. (I’m not going to spoil it by telling you what that is –you’re just going to have to read the book for yourself.)

So, Fiona is the perfect person to help Sam when he suddenly finds himself sole caregiver to his very young nieces. It isn’t happenstance that brings them together…more like a bit of divine intervention and one meddling granny. 🙂 Lots of opportunity to showcase laughter and tears as this ‘fun uncle’ learns all the particulars of 24/7 childcare.

A moving contemporary romance that celebrates the caring people who make a difference in children’s lives.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of His Temporary Family, 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 22, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

Return to Satterthwaite Court + Giveaway

A reckless Victorian heiress sets her sights on a dashing ex-naval lieutenant, determined to win his heart as the two of them embark on a quest to solve a decades-old mystery.

Lieutenant Charles Heywood has had his fill of adventure. Battle-weary and disillusioned, he returns to England, resolved to settle down to a quiet, uneventful life on an estate of his own. But arranging to purchase the property he desires is more difficult than Charles ever imagined. The place is mired in secrets, some of which may prove deadly. If he’s going to unravel them, he’ll need the assistance of someone as daring as he is.

At only twenty, Lady Katherine Beresford has already earned a scandalous reputation. As skilled with pistols as she is on horseback, she’s never met an obstacle she can’t surmount — or a man she can’t win. That is until she encounters the infuriatingly somber Lieutenant Heywood. But Kate refuses to be deterred by the raven-haired soldier’s strong, silent facade. After all, faint heart never won handsome gentleman.

From the wilds of Somersetshire to the glittering ballrooms of early-Victorian London, Charles and Kate embark on a cross-country quest to solve a decades’ old mystery. Will the greatest danger be to their hearts — or to their lives?

My Review:

Of note: Charles and Kate are children of Mimi Matthews’ previous heroes and heroines (The Work of Art and Gentleman Jim.) I’ve only read The Work of Art and will admit to being thrilled to get a peek into the future of those characters — seeing Phyllida and her captain in all their domestic bliss, happy, happy sigh! But I haven’t read Gentleman Jim, so wasn’t acquainted with Kate’s family’s history. It didn’t impede my enjoyment of this novel though, so you could definitely read Return to Satterthwaite Court as a standalone.

Now to get on with my twitter-pated ramblings because this book….thud! Definitely swoonworthy! And beguiling. And amusing. Matthews has impeccable pacing — the way she moves the plot along, mixing banter and lighthearted moments with an air of mystery is sweet perfection!

Love the unusual spin on the romance — where Kate is the one in pursuit, daring to be open and frank and willing to accept the challenge that is Lieutenant Charles Heywood. The poor man doesn’t stand a chance. Bwahahaha!

There’s plenty of family time with all the hijinx that entails — especially in Kate’s boisterous family! And a mystery to solve as well. It actually concerns Charles’ family, but Kate isn’t about to be left out of things! The dynamic between these two is sublime! The kind of romance that curls your toes and keeps you in a giddy state of euphoria all the way through!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy — winner’s choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Return to Satterthwaite Court, 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 22, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

Targeted in the Desert + Giveaway

Danger from the past…and a little girl in peril.

Family secrets have Felicia Tennison and the sister she never knew existed, on the run. Someone is after them and Felicia will have to turn to someone she never wanted to see again for help — her ex. Sheriff Jude Duke vows to protect them as they race to uncover why the little girl is a target. But the search to find the answers could cost them their futures.

A Desert Justice Novel

My Review:

Dana Mentink concludes her Desert Justice series with her trademark pizzazz. It contains all the elements I’ve come to expect (and love) in her storytelling — humour, romantic tension, twisty turny plot, some critter comic relief and lots of edge-of-your-seat danger.

I appreciated getting glimpses into the lives of some of the past heroes and heroines (but you could totally read this book as a standalone too without any trouble.) And I really enjoyed the fact that Jude and Felicia’s break-up is quite fresh — it’s only been a few weeks and that makes it all kinds of awkward and angsty when they are thrown together under dire circumstances.

And there’s a certain critter that I don’t want to say much about until you meet him for yourself — but he captured my heart and had me imagining what my life would be like with a….no, best not go there. 🙂

This is another suspense that hooked me from the first line: “Felicia Tennison’s hands shook as she idled her car on the side of the road.” Oh, the quandary she’s in, the turmoil she’s already lived through…the uncertainty of her future. I couldn’t stop reading until every last question was answered and the happily ever after became a reality.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Targeted in the Desert 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 22, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

Undercurrent of Secrets + Giveaway

Two women, a century apart, expose a secret aboard a steamboat.

As wedding coordinator for the 100-year-old steamboat The Belle of Louisville, Devyn Ashbury takes pride in seeing others’ dreams come true, even though her engagement sunk like a diamond ring to the bottom of the Ohio River. When the Belle becomes a finalist in the Timeless Wedding Venue contest, Devyn endeavours to reclaim some of her professional dreams. What she hadn’t planned on was Chase Jones showing up with a mysterious photo from the 1920s.

A century earlier, Hattie Louis is as untameable as the river that raised her. As the adopted daughter of a steamboat captain, her duties range from the entertainment to booking. When strange incidents occur aboard the boat, Hattie’s determined to discover the truth. Even if that means getting under First Mate Jack Marshall’s handsome skin.

My Review:

published in 2021

So, I might be a tad obsessed with steamboats now. Before I started reading Undercurrent of Secrets, I thought steamboats were mostly a Mississppi River thing. I couldn’t resist checking to see if Canada had any in our history and — surprise! — yes we do! Steamboats transported troops during the War of 1812, and they ferried gold seekers up to the Yukon and they’re even the reason Ontario has a sophisticated inland canal and lock system! Who knew? And, I know you don’t care and this isn’t pertinent to my review but I do so adore a book that inspires me to do my own research.

Plus — steamboats seem so romantic to me now! McDaniel does such a wonderful job of bringing the Belle to life — honestly, she’s as much a heroine in this story as Devyn and Hattie are! And the idea of a steamboat wedding venue is such a great backdrop for the contemporary timeline. It makes a nice contrast to the working life of the steamboat in the 1920s.

And the way the author expertly interweaves these two timelines is just mind boggling. I was equally invested in both stories, as desperate as Devyn to find out what happened to Hattie. I was on tenterhooks all the way through.

Of course, there’s romance — times two! Eeeep!!! I honestly don’t have a favourite hero — I fell for them both. Hard. Which kept me a wee bit discombobulated until things got sorted out. So many ‘aha’ moments. Oh — and both meet-cutes are hysterically funny! I love the way McDaniel blended comedy with drama and included layers of faith. The perfect combination for an unputdownable read.

I listened to the audible edition, narrated by Leonor Woodworth and she did a wonderful job of breathing life into these characters.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Undercurrent of Secrets, 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 22, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

Blind Trust + Giveaway

Lyla Fox knows she has a reputation at the SNAP Agency to impulsivity, but when she receives a threatening letter from a man she helped put in prison, she can’t stop herself from going all in to find out why he’s coming after her. Unfortunately, she’s going to need the help of the one person who questions her reckless choices more than anyone else.

Explosives and weapons specialist Nicolas Garcia agrees to help Lyla in order to keep her safe, but her recklessness continues to be a major concern, especially when her investigation into a conspiracy puts a target on her back. Dealing with bombs is dangerous. Working with Lyla is proving to be just as treacherous — to both the mission and his heart.

Natalie Walters closes out her SNAP Agency series with a ban with this nail-biting story of a deadly government conspiracy, an unlikely couple, and an ending that will leave you breathless.

My Review:

I’m gobsmacked into speechlessness — maybe — over this grandest of all grand finales! I mean, if you have to end a series, this is the way to do it. There are so many moving parts, and references that reach all the way back to the prequel.

I’ve read the entire series in order, but I think you could jump in here, though you’d miss some of the fun of the ever evolving team dynamics. Don’t get me wrong, they are hilarious and touching in Blind Trust, but if you’ve been with the gang from the very start they are that much more. The banter and teasing are off the charts and kept me grinning even in the tense times. And though this third book is all about Lyla and Nicolas, Kekoa has to be my favourite character. He takes over every scene he’s in. The man doesn’t know how to do subtle and Walters gives him the chance to shine once gain. 🙂 This is me, Cheshire grinning.

Another plus for reading the series in order is that we’ve had two books worth of watching and wondering about Lyla and Nicolas. Are they friends? Or enemies? Frenemies? For sure they are two stubborn people who clash wills at every opportunity. But I could feel the undercurrents sizzling below the surface right from the start and that tension has been mounting and I love how Walters finally brings them together in this epic series conclusion.

The suspense is tense and dramatic and kept me riveted. So many pieces to pull together and there were some jaw dropping moments along the way. My heart rate might not ever be tickety-boo again! Political intrigue, lots of danger with a high stakes end game.

I enjoyed listening to the audible version of Bind Trust. Morgan Hallett did a wonderful job of breathing life into these characters.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy — winner’s choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Blind Trust, 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 22, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

Portrait of a Sister + Giveaway

RANDOM RETRO READ

Katie Beiler was always the follower to her twin sister Hannah’s lead. That is until Hannah left their Amish upbringing for an English life — leaving Katie to find her own footing in a world that no longer looks as it once did…

Katie has always imagined her life being just like Mamm’s. It’s why she chose baptism and why she’ll soon marry Abram Zook. But ever since Hannah left, the only thing that truly makes Katie smile is the sketchpad in which she indulges her talent for drawing faces — a sin that, if discovered, could get her shunned by her family, her friends, and even Abram. Yet Katie sees her secret pastime as the only way to quiet a growing restlessness she’d just as soon ignore. That is until their Mamm’s untimely death brings Hannah back home to Pennsylvania, with a new outlook on life, a man she adores, and, soon, an invitation for Katie to visit her in New York City.

Suddenly, Katie is experiencing a freedom she’s never had, in a world she never imagined. She’s also spending time in the company of a fellow dreamer, someone who sees her as strong and brave and makes her laugh. But it’s when Hannah shows Katie’s drawings to a gallery owner that she truly finds herself at a crossroads between the only life she’s every known and the powerful lure of an unfamiliar future.

My Review:

published in 2018

The most heartbreaking opening scene I’ve ever read put my emotions on high alert and they stayed there all the way through to the end. Such a complex story that hurdles Katie toward the unexpected. I was torn in two trying figure out what she should do — because you gotta know, there’s heartbreak and loss no matter what she chooses. So be prepared to become so invested in this story that you’ll have to let real-life things slide until you help get Katie sorted out.

Love the Beiler family and their tight-knit community, which includes a wise elderly English neighbour who is often the voice of reason and faith in the midst of all the confusion. I was often frustrated by Hannah’s words and actions — the way she wanted to push her own agenda on Katie. It was like she couldn’t empathize with her twin at all. But Bradford does a great job of uncovering the complicated emotional layers in their unique sisterly bond.

I listened to the audio edition of Portrait of a Sister and enjoyed narrator Amy Melissa Bentley’s incredible performance.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy — winner’s choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Portrait of a Sister 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 22, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

Pinecraft Refuge + Giveaway

Can an escape from her present become the future she always wanted?

When her doctor prescribes fresh air and sunshine, Eva Miller turns her Florida getaway into a chance to gain some independence. Only, working part-time for Amish shop owner Tanner Dawson is hardly a vacation. The over protective single father reminds Eva of her own strict upbringing. But as she begins to see beneath his gruff exterior, can she trust Tanner — and her heart — enough to stay?

Pinecraft Seasons

My Review:

I love books that feature Pinecraft, Florida and there aren’t that many of them out there so I was thrilled to discover this new series. And over the moon elated to discover it on audible of all places. Not many Love Inspired books make their way into an audio format and I grab up all the ones I can find. It’s usually the Suspense line’s continuity series, so I’m excited to see them branching out. Connie Shabshab’s narration increased my reading enjoyment tenfold.

And what a sweet, compelling love story this is! I could feel Eva’s hope and, honestly, raw courage, to go against her mam’s wishes and take an extended vacation in Florida. There’s such a heartbreaking history between mother and daughter, but, while Eva loves her only parent, she’s craving some independence. Worth captures her wonder and fear perfectly. Sometimes Eva’s spunky nature shines through (like when she’s speaking her mind to Tanner!) and sometimes she wavers with insecurity, ready to second guess all she’s been achieving. And then there’s the pesky attraction to her new boss that she doesn’t know what to do with.

Cue the broody, monosyllabic hero who has endured a world of hurt and doesn’t quite know how to leave it behind. No worries, Eva’s about to show him. 🙂 Love, love, lovvveee, this romance. From the stuttering start to the toe-curling conclusion and all the awkward, funny, infuriating and gasp-out-loud moments in between!

A strong cast of secondary characters, which includes Tanner’s precocious 8-year-old daughter, enhance the story that much more…and provide a solid background for future novels in this series. Lenora Worth can’t write them fast enough for me!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy — winner’s choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Pinecraft Refuge, 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 15, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

Forged in Love + Giveaway

When sparks begin to fly, can a friendship cast in iron be shaped into something more?

Mariah Stover is left for dead and with no memory when the Deadeye Gang robs the stagecoach she’s riding in, killing both her father and brother. As she takes over her father’s blacksmith shop and tries to move forward, she soon inds herself in jeopardy and wondering — does someone know she witnessed the robbery and is still alive?

Handomse and polished Clint Roberts escaped to western Wyoming, leaving his painful memories behind. Hoping for a fresh start, he opens a diner where he creates fine dishes, but is met with harsh resistance from the townsfolk, who prefer to stick to their old ways.

Clint and Mariah are drawn together by the trials they face in town, and Clint is determined to protect Mariah at all costs when danger descends upon her home. As threats pursue them from every side, will they survive to build a life forged in love?

My Review:

Yeehaw! This new series is off to a rip-roarin’ start with a classic Connealy flare.

I always brace myself for this author’s opening scenes — because, wooheee, but she knows how to start a Wild West adventure off with a bang. She does not go easy on her poor characters — I bet she has to give her heroines hazard pay just so they stick with her to the end of the story. lol But, mercy, ‘Forged in Love’ (great play on words since the heroine is a blacksmith!) has to be the most heart-breaking, hair-raising, nerve-racking opening scene out of all Connealy’s books! I was hooked into speed-reading my way through after this first line: “A bullet slammed into the side of the stagecoach carrying Mariah Stover, her pa, and her older brother.”

This book starts with action, ends with action and is just plain full of action! The kind of frenzied page-turner of a read that makes you hit pause on the rest of your life until you’ve seen Mariah and Clint safely through every last desperate encounter.

This author is known for her strong female characters and she definitely delivers that here, not only in our heroine, but her two best friends. (I’m hoping Nell and Becky are the featured heroines in future books in this series.) And I love the contrast Clint brings to the romance. He’s quite a departure from the usual western hero — because Clint’s a French-trained chef! Delighting the inhabitants of Pine Valley with his tasty, but strangely named, concoctions. And he’s been attracted to Mariah since he came to town two years ago. Mariah, of course, is oblivious.

So the romantic stage is set, and Clint is finally contemplating making a move when tragedy and chaos strike as Mariah’s world implodes. Then it becomes all about keeping her alive.

Captivating plot, witty dialogue, lots of humour, a few touchingly vulnerable moments and a whole lot of action make ‘Forged in Love’ an unputdownable marvel.

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Forged in Love, 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 15, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

Wyoming Cold Case Secrets + Giveaway

A decades-old mystery. And extensive cover-up. This investigation could turn lethal.

When the search for her birth parents is met with a threat to leave town, Brynn Evans turns to private investigator Avery Thorpe — and leads armed assailants to his door. With no clue why she’s a target, Brynn and Avery rush to unfold her family’s secret…and to stay alive. But when the truth reveals a decades long conspiracy, can they survive a killer’s plan to cover it up?

My Review:

Action and intrigue on every page make for an unputdownable read.

I love cold cases and this one is a doozie! Plus there’s something extra compelling about an adopted child searching for her birth parents — particularly when it’s all cloaked in mystery!

Brynn and Avery have their work cut out for them…if they can stay alive long enough to figure it all out! Bwahahaha! And, bonus, this is a kinda, sorta second chance romance ’cause both our hero and heroine had crushes on each other in high school, only they didn’t know it! Oh, the foibles of teenage unrequited love!

I didn’t plan on reading Wyoming Cold Case Secrets in one sitting, but I did and enjoyed every second!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Wyoming Cold Case Secrets 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 15, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.