Kav's Best Reads

Stealing Magnolias : Love is Always in Bloom in Magnolia Bluff + Giveaway

When Wren Frazier heads south to honor her grandmother’s final wish, she finds five unexpected challenges, one grumpy (but handsome) neighbor, and maybe—herself.

Although an artist, Wren packed away her brushes and paints and sought a practical career as an interior designer in Chicago. She’s always put herself last, happy to please everyone around her. But with a team of dedicated co-workers and a small town of quirky characters supporting her, she’s forced to give herself a little attention. As her artistic heart starts to awaken, Wren finds herself rediscovering the joy of creation and living authentically.

But while she’s exploring the enchanting Georgia Low Country, creating beautiful paintings, and taking a chance on love, she uncovers a secret that shakes the foundation of her newfound happiness. With the revelation threatening to ruin the delicate balance Wren has only begun to realize, will she give up her fairytale and return to her reality?

Book 1 in the Magnolia Bluff series. Love is always blooming at Magnolia Bluff

My Review:

Eeeeeppp!!!! I’ve just discovered a new favourite author and this is her debut novel!!!!! I am beyond excited and full on ecstatic because I loved every second of my listening experience. Yes, another audio book for me! Narrator Julie Rogers is the perfect voice for Wren and the way she captures a certain gentleman’s swoony drawl is divine! Happy sigh. I devoured this audiobook and am tempted to start it all over again. Definitely a book I will re-read (re-listen) in the future.

And colour me surprised because there’s actually a love triangle involved in this rom/com with a whole lot of heart! That I loved every second of this story despite the dreaded LT is a testament to the author’s storytelling prowess. It helps that it’s clear practically from the start just who Wren’s happily ever is going to be with…if she doesn’t mess things up! So, low level angst on that score, just enough to make a sensitive reader squirm. 🙂

Love the Georgia setting! This story is infused with Southern charm despite the questionable introduction to our brooding reclusive hero. He’s harbouring a pretty big secret and has reasons for being cautious but Wren’s pretty impossible to resist so…prepare for slow burn friends to more until the fireworks explode off the page!

I enjoyed Wren’s interior design occupation and all the Designing Women references were fun too. But I was especially drawn to her long buried artist side that gets resurrected during her time in Georgia. And that’s thanks to her Grandma’s quirky inheritance game.

Loved, loved, loved those challenges and the way they helped Wren find herself again after spending years trying to be the person everyone else expected her to be. Her family is a little…over the top and opinionated and I wanted to throttle her mother more than once! Wren’s work trip to Georgia is also a freedom journey of sorts, as she finally come to peace with who she is and how she can still serve God with her unique talents, even if that looks different from her family’s traditional ways.

What a stellar debut novel! A captivating romance brimming with emotion, humour and faith.tfirst in a series

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

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

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Stealing Magnolias, 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 13 2025

Sidenote: this is the paperback cover. I much prefer the audio book one, this doesn’t reflect the mood of the story at all but…if you win the paperback, this is what you will received.

Escaping the Wilderness + Giveaway

On the run through the mountains—
with only each other to trust.

Amanda Cotton’s privileged life takes a harrowing turn when her grandfather’s dying wish places a target firmly on her back and she’s attacked by unknown assailants. Rescue comes in the form of widowed outdoorsman Boone McGregor, but the threat is just beginning. Unable to trust local law enforcement, they flee across the rugged Montana mountains. As they evade deadly enemies and navigate harsh terrain, they must put aside their differences to survive. But when a family secret is exposed, danger is closer than they imagined and more than just their lives is at stake…

My Review:

Carrie Stuart Parks’ ability to create sensational suspense plots is unparalleled. Her second Love Inspired Suspense novel has as much depth and complexity as her longer ones and I am a HUGE fan! This one is a classic page turner (or avid listener, in my case.)

Amanda is tough and sarcastic and sometimes even caustic. Boone is a born protector and epic ‘mountain man’ survivalist. Sparks ignite when these two collide under desperate circumstances…and then the fun really begins (for us readers, anyway.)

Great banter and tons of snappy dialogue heat things up and kept me grinning, even in the midst of danger! There’s plenty of dramatic action to keep a reader totally immersed in the story. The plot twists even have plot twists! And a certain loyal Bernese Mountain dog adds just the right amount of warm fuzzy to soften the story (though Cookie is a fierce protector too!)

I listened to the audio book in one sitting, party because Samantha Desz’s narration is so captivating. She brought an extra edge to Amanda’s snarky sarcasm that was so much fun to listen to. And the emotion she put into the tense actions scenes was incredible. Highly recommend the audio edition of ‘Escaping the Wilderness.’

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

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

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Escaping the Wilderness, 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 13 2025

Jacob’s Well + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

As newly appointed small-town Sheriff Angus Reid settles into Weyport, it doesn’t take him long to discover just how corrupt his new town is. With a desk full of suspicious open cases and too much to prove, he is determined to rid his town of crime and win the hearts of his people.

But when two teenagers suddenly go missing, it lays bare sinister secrets and emotional ties that threaten to derail his investigation.

And as the case untangles, the secrets buried deep within the coastal borders of the tight-knit community slowly bubble to the surface.

Determined to find justice for the missing boys and their families, he races against the clock to find them. Unbeknownst of the dark forces that rage against him.

Then he gets a call that a body has been found…

If you enjoy suspenseful, twisty secrets and lies mystery novels that are rooted in faith and leave your heart in your throat, you will have a hard time putting down this page-turning Christian mystery and suspense novel.

Get ready to be taken on an emotional journey through a town where it seems everyone has a secret.

My Review:

published in 2023

I have bookish friend Diane to thank for my introduction to new-to-me author Urcelia Teixeira. Friend recommendations are the best, aren’t they? Now here I am at the start of some epic reading because ‘Jacob’s Well’ is the first book in a gripping suspense series and now that I’ve started, I’ve gotta read them all!

The series centres around Angus Reid, who has just accepted a Sheriff position in a town known for its corruption. In fact, the previous Sheriff was crooked. So Angus has a lot of suspicious open cases to work his way through and it seems like half the town is harbouring secrets.

Like young Jake. We meet the teen in the opening chapter and follow him through an overwhelming web of treacherous secrets. Oh, the folly of youth! And then there’s his mother, desperate to do whatever she must to save her boy which involves even more secrets. And that leaves Angus trying to blindly put the pieces together all while under the pressure of searching for two missing teens.

Phew! This was a page turner! I read it in one sitting because there just wasn’t any other choice if I wanted to keep my sanity! I appreciate the way the multiple points of view offered different perspectives and amped up the suspense. As a reader, it was intriguing to know things Angus didn’t. But there were other times that I was just as much in the dark as the Sheriff which added to the drama and intrigue.

The author has a canny way of incorporating faith into the lives of these characters. It’s seamlessly done, never preachy, but sometimes pointed and very thought provoking.

I really enjoyed my first visit to Weyport and am anxious to get back there soon and see what’s in store for Angus next. Plus, there are some secondary characters that I think will be playing an important part in the good Sheriff’s life as he acclimatizes to his new position and the town in general. I can’t wait of find out more!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy available to anyone, anywhere in the world so…woohoo…International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of the Jacob’s Well, 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 13 2025.

A Lesson in Propriety + Giveaway

With her father dead, her fortune stolen, and her fiancé casting her aside, Miss Drusilla Merriweather’s privileged life has been upended. She is left with only one option: to provide for her family by opening a finishing school in the allegedly haunted castle she’s inherited from her eccentric aunt. However, her plan is immediately threatened by unscrupulous developers keen on claiming the coveted estate for themselves, by any means necessary.

Mr. Rhenick Wittenbecker, a dashing architect with a tendency to charm his way out of trouble, is convinced he can protect Drusilla but is challenged by her fierce independence. Yet when strange occurrences–walking suits of armor and unexpected ghostly visitors–arise within castle grounds, Drusilla must decide whether to risk her family’s safety and her school on the gallant architect who seems to have found his way into her heart.

In this entrancing series starter, Turano presents a tale of laugh-out-loud adventure, swoon-worthy romance, and delightful mischief in the Gilded Age.

My Review:

I always embrace a new Jen Turano book with giddy delight. Her combination of wit and wisdom is so unique. Madcap mayhem from start to finish and the knack she has for writing absurd dialogue that actually (eventually) makes sense is priceless! I always know I’m in for a rollicking good read and ‘A Lesson in Propriety‘ is exactly that.

A jilted heroine whose fortune has been stolen. A benevolent aunt’s gift of a haunted manor. The inkling of a plan to create a finishing school in said manor…after vanquishing the ghosts, of course. Throw in some sinister underworld types who will stop at nothing to obtain her property. Oh, and I mustn’t forget the swoony neighbour always willing to dash to the rescue (as if Drusilla needed rescuing…pfffft!) Mix them all together and, voila, a crafty, hilarious fantastical story is born. Delightfully unputdownable!

I listened to the audible edition of this novel narrated by one of my favourite performers, Tavia Gilbert. She has the perfect voice and energy for the zaniness of Turano’s storytelling.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

Canada – paperback, 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 A Lesson in Propriety 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 13 2025

Conversations with Kav – Exposing My TBR

Just a fun little book tag wherein I reveal some hidden truths about my TBR pile(s)

How do you come across books to add to your TBR?

Well, I’m always happy to take suggestions from bookish friends. 🙂 And our Reader’s Choice Week keep my wishlist well-stocked. I’m always finding Instagram a great resource since I get to see what other people are reading and all the announcements for new releases. Plus Closed Door Romance is brimming with new-to-me authors to try out.

Social Media shout out to book tuber, bookstagrammer, blogger etc who adds the most to your TBR.

Narelle Atkins’ YouTube channel. Should have mentioned her in the first question. She reviews one book a week and I find her reviews really helpful and insightful. https://www.youtube.com/@NarelleAtkinsAuthor

Narelle also has a blog where she reviews books and does a weekly ‘Preorder Roundup’ which is a great way to get a look at upcoming releases. https://www.narelleatkins.com/blog/

Book that has been on your TBR the longest.

Code Name Edelweiss by Stephanie Landsem. I don’t know why I’m always passing it by for something else. The Hollywood setting might have something to do with it, even though it’s historical. I’m determined to read it before the year is out!

Most recently added book?

All’s Fair in Love and Blackmail by Gracie Ruth Mitchell. She’s on my read-to-zero list so I best get to it!

Which book will you read next?

Ummm….I just started a book and I usually don’t plan ahead. I just pick whatever I’m in the mood for. I have a feeling it will be Canyon of Deceit by DiAnn Mills. I have it on preorder and it comes out on Tuesday.

Most anticipated book and why you haven’t read it yet?

This seems like a trick question because, logically, the most anticipated book should also be the one I’d read next but….The Best Kept Secrets by Sarah M. Eden. It’s obviously been on my TBR longer than Canyon of Deceit but I’m in a suspense-y mood sooooo…..

Book that you added to your TBR because of the hype?

The Queen’s Cook by Tessa Afshar. I’m scared – it’s biblical fiction!

Book that you added even though you knew you weren’t going to read it?

Ha! Probably The Queen’s Cook!

Any books that you will be removing from your TBR without reading?

You Were Made For This World : Celebrated Indigenous Voices Speak to Young People. It’s a lovely book – the illustrations are stunning and I’ve read some of the stories/poems but not all of them. It’s more of a coffee table book that I’d pick up and read a story or two from time to time. I borrowed it from the library and there are lots of holds on it so I’m going to return it, though I’ve added it to my ‘for later shelf’ and will definitely check it out again.

How many books are on your TBR?

Oy – counting them up makes me anxious but here we go:

Chirp audio books – 6

Audible audio books – 4

Library books – Christian Fiction – 13

Library books – Cozy Mysteries – 13

Print books I purchased – 5

So, how about you? Feel like exposing some of your TBR secrets with all your book besties? Inquiring minds want to know how many books are on your TBR. I’m kinda hyperventilating at my 41. When you add them all up it makes it seem so daunting!

September Giveaway – Week One

Before we get started on the giveaways we have some Blog Business to cover so, skip to the winners if you must, but then come back and take note of some changes coming up.

Thanks to Perrianne for an update about Baker’s Book House online changes. For some reason I did not get the email announcement but maybe you all did. Just in case you’re in the dark like me, here’s the details: Their website is getting an upgrade which is supposed to provide a ‘smoother shopping experience’ (YAY!) Unfortunately the new interface won’t carry over previous account history (kind of a drag for me) so make sure you save any receipts you still need before September 10th. Preorders will now need to be prepaid at checkout (I like this change – easier for me since I do so many preorders after RCW.) On September 11 when you go to sign in (hopefully the glitch is fixed and all of us can actually sign in!) you’ll get an email with a verification code which you’ll need to enter. As far as I understand, that will only be a one time thing.
Possible changes in giveaway options. Due to tariffs and the US de minimis exemption having been suspended as of August 29th, there’s a chance I won’t be able to continue mailing my gently read books to the states. Right now it’s still duty free for gifts under $100 but my post office has told me everything is still evolving. For now, I can still mail them but – oy – I have to fill out an online duty claim ticket for each item. They’ll no longer do it at the post office. It’s a new system and there were glitches and no one seemed to have any answers (might be just that my phone is too old to work with the app.) Anyway – I managed to mail last week’s wins this morning thanks to a postal worker taking pity on me and inputting my info into her phone in order to get the QR codes necessary, but I won’t be able to do that again. I’m going back to the post office on Monday when a techie guy is going to be there and he might be able to trouble shoot my old phone problem. Anyway, all this to say that it’s more important than ever to take note of what edition the giveaway is available in for your country. It’s always written in red under the Giveaway Opportunity title. Also, remember to make note of the + Giveaway after the blog book review title – that’s the indicator that there will be a giveaway. Also, due to the increasing cost of books including ebooks, there might be fewer giveaways some weeks.

Phew! Now that’s out of the way let’s get on to the super fun stuff!

We have a Best Reads Summer Book Bingo Winner! Woohoo! Thanks to everyone for making this such a success. I was worried there wouldn’t be much interest – who knew there were so many book nerdy kindred spirits out there?! I had so much fun seeing what books everybody was reading over the summer and added quite a few of your reads to my TBR – so thanks for sharing the book love!

We had 14 blackouts and oodles and oodles and oodles of bingos. My brain is still whirling after tallying everything up BUT we have a winner!

Congratulations to:

Bridget – who wins a $25 Baker Book House gift card (though I’m going to wait until September 11 to order it which is when their new and improved website is up and running.)

And now for the usual weekly Giveaway results:

Winners will be contacted if they left their email address, otherwise it’s up to the winner to contact me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca (please note it’s ca as in Canada, not com.) From time to time a winner and I do not connect so I have a one month time frame on giveaway wins. If I haven’t been able to reach you within 30 days of your win, it will be forfeited. This has happened a few times now, so please, DON’T BE SHY — CONTACT ME IF YOU DIDN’T LEAVE AN EMAIL OR IF I HAVEN’T BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN REACHING YOU!

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK:

sunday

Conversations with Kav – a place for us to chat about bookish topics if anyone is so inclined. Sometimes there will be giveaways, sometimes there won’t. It will just depend on the topic of the day. Hope to see you there! Otherwise my inner book nerd and I will carry on by ourselves. Bwahaha!

The House for Lost Children

England, 1940. “Hello Gracie,” Louisa reaches out a trembling hand to the six-year-old little girl. Her dark eyes are wide with fear and Louisa’s heart shatters. She is devoted to the children in her new boarding school. But when the war comes closer than ever, can she keep them safe?

Louisa Brightford is anxiously preparing to turn her home into a boarding school when with a bang of the exhaust, a car carrying nine evacuated children arrives. As they tumble out and run around the sun-kissed fields and her rambling mansion, the children capture Louisa’s heart. They need love and care, and she is glad to play her part while her only son David fights in the battle for Britain’s skies.

Wide-eyed Gracie, who lost her mother in the bombing, clings to Louisa like a shadow. Can she be the parent she needs? And, though she thought she’d never find love again, she finds herself drawing closer to Jack, the children’s handsome, kind teacher who dances with her to gramophone music in the long summer evenings. But when the governors threaten to close the boarding school, it seems she might soon lose them all…

Then Louisa receives terrible news about David. Through the depths of her grief, she must find the strength to fight for her beloved lost children. But is there a future where she and Jack can be a family for little Gracie? Or when German planes fly over their peaceful village,will they be torn forever apart?

My Review:

Heart-wrenching but still hopeful. A moving story about ordinary people overcoming impossible odds. I find Homefront stories so inspiring. They invite us into the lives of the everyday heroes left behind during wartime. And, oh my goodness, but Wingate has assembled a cast of memorable characters in this immersive read that had me laughing and crying and cheering out loud.

Louisa makes an indomitable heroine, tenaciously facing down insurmountable obstacles. From disagreeable characters to the harsh realities of war and an odious ex-husband’s nefarious plans, she’s besieged on every side. I was fully engaged, fighting every battle and crowing over every victory right along with Louisa.

There are characters to love and hate and the author deftly reveals a multitude of emotional layers, not only in our heroine but in many other characters as well. Little Gracie stole my heart and the antics of the rambunctious evacuee children kept me grinning while the tender closed door romance had me swooning!

Loved the way the author offered us a slice of real life in an English country village during this time period . It has all the highs and lows you might expect to find, along with some astonishing plot twists! The kind of book you want to race through to find out what happens but at the same time need to slow down and savour every word to make it last longer! Happy, blissful sigh of utter bibliophile contentment!

Exquisite storytelling made listening to ‘The House for Lost Children’ so pleasurable. Yes, another audio book for me and Joan Walker’s narration breathed life into an eclectic mix of characters from the youngest child to the crotchety head teacher. Her performance kept me enthralled and anxiously engaged to the very end.

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

One Last Shot + Giveaway

When country music star Oaken Fox joins survivalist Mike Grizz’s new adventure show in the Alaskan wilderness, he just wants to boost his fan base. But when tragedy strikes and Air One Rescue must save them, Oaken wants to quit. Too bad his producer has other plans–signing him on with Air One Rescue as a recruit and making a reality show.

EMT Boo Kingston did not join Air One Rescue to train a celebrity. But she’s a rookie to the team, so yes, she’ll train Oaken and keep him alive and not for a minute pay attention to his charm.

And then five women go missing from a resort during a bachelorette weekend gone wrong. Now, Air One and the rescue team will have to use all their skills and manpower–including Oaken–to find them before a blizzard settles in. But can they work together before tragedy strikes?

My Review:

So…I am not a fan of celebrity heroes or reality shows in general and the heroine was even featured in a Survivor type show in the past. Yikes, what was I doing reaching for ‘One Last Shot’? Well…Susan May Warren is the author so that’s saying something and a lot of my Good Reads friends gave it high praise so I bravely stepped out of my comfort zone and was amazed!

Mercy, but this is one tense, edge-of-your-seat action read! Phenomenal descriptive writing makes a reader feel like she’s right there hanging out of a helicopter or balancing on the edge of a precipice.

And if those action scenes don’t draw you in, the complex emotional layers of drama and angst sure will! Oaken and Boo are thrown together in a series of heart-stopping situations that make for an interesting way to develop a relationship. Especially since Boo is dead set against opening up to anyone, never mind a country music heartthrob! Phew, I-n-t-e-n-s-e! And I love the way the author seamlessly weaves in a solid faith thread throughout. Everyone needs a Moose in their life, just sayin’.

A page-turning frenzy of a read…or, in my case, a compulsive listen. Narrators Adam Gold and Cynthia Ferrell are amazing! The way they carried the banter and tension among the team as well as Oaken and Boo. And I really enjoyed the sound effects used for the dialogue from the helicopter headsets. A simple addition to the production but really made me feel like I was right there with them! Excellent audio recording!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

Canada – paperback, 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 One Last Shot, 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 6 2025

Sea Rose Lane + Giveaway

After a devastating layoff, attorney Eric Nash heads back to the town where he grew up–only to discover that his childhood home is being transformed into a bed & breakfast. Instead of plotting his next career move in peace, he’s constantly distracted by noise, chaos–and BJ Stevens, the attractive but prickly blonde architect and construction chief who’s invaded the house with her motley crew.

As for BJ, her client’s son might be handsome, but after a disastrous romance, dating isn’t high on her agenda. Yet when they join forces to create a program for Hope Harbor seniors, might they also find healing, hope, and a new beginning themselves?

Three-time RITA Award winner Irene Hannon takes readers back to Hope Harbor for a new season of charm, romance, and second chances.

My Review:

published in 2016

i’m rereading this whole Hope Harbor series via audible editions and am loving Therese Pummer’s narration so much! She breathes life into these characters and heart and humour into her interpretation of Hannon’s exquisite words.

*****

I adore this series. Each book reads as a standalone but I love the continuity the familiar folks from Hope Harbor bring to each story. I especially adore Charley who crops up at the most convenient times with words of wisdom or silent acceptance as needed. There’s something divinely inspiring about that man and his way with people…and critters.

So, as first meets go, this one is a bust. Well, it’s fun for the reader but not so much for BJ and Eric. Talk about making a bad first impression — on both sides. Kind of light-hearted with undercurrents of angst. Not to mention instant awareness. The words fairly crackle off the page as these two muddle through their first scene. Thing is, both have blinders on so their next meet and the one after that and…well, let’s just say there are a lot of missteps before they sort out a wary truce. Scrumptious to read!

Told from multiple points of view, Hannon weaves together a compelling story of loss and heartache. There are some edge-of-your-seat moments where I hardly dared breathe as I watched events unfold before my eyes. I love how this author meshes diverse threads into a triumphant conclusion that celebrates the hope being in relationship with God can bring. And she’s an expert at throwing out unexpected zings of humour that always catch me off guard and have me laughing out loud.

Sea Rose Lane is a slice of real life and the whole gamut of emotions that entails. Cue the Kleenex box and chocolate bonbons. You’ll need a hefty dose of both as you navigate your way through the pages of this book. Besides — how can you not want to read a book that features a belching seal named Caspar? Doesn’t that little juicy tidbit have you salivating for more? 🙂

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

Canada – paperback, 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 Sea Rose Lane, 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 6 2025

The Rules of Falling for You + Giveaway

The perfect match can’t be far–certainly not at a Regency-themed singles retreat–or so podcaster Zoe Dufour believes. After years of creating content for her relationship podcast inspired by Regency etiquette and era-appropriate rules for romance, she knows her listeners have anticipated this retreat. But she also attends with expectations of her finding the ideal modern-day gentleman who can meet every one of the nonnegotiables on her checklist.
 
Harrison Lundquist, Zoe’s podcast producer and best friend’s brother, reluctantly agrees to attend the retreat to capture footage while seeking a career-advancing promotion. He views the retreat as ridiculous. And Zoe’s methods for finding her real-life Mr. Darcy? Downright absurd! But as he films her whirlwind dates, his growing feelings for her are sidelined by suitors vying for her attention. When Zoe realizes her ideal checklist might be holding her back, she must decide if she’s willing to rewrite her rules and take a chance on the person who has been there all along.  
 
With this Regency-infused spin on a contemporary rom-com, Mollie Rushmeyer’s witty characters, touch of whimsy, and sweet romance will win hearts.

My Review:

What a deeeeelightful read! Who knew Mollie Rushmeyer could write rom/coms? I wasn’t sure what to expect, being familiar with her first two deeply thought provoking and emotional novels,’The Bookshop of Secrets’ and ‘The Lost Manuscript.’ I couldn’t quite wrap my head around the same author infusing this much humour into her storytelling but, woohoo, comic genius for the win!

The setting is brilliant! Our heroine is a crazed Austen/Regency era mega-fan who has made it her life’s work to infuse the genteel courting rituals of the era into a wildly popular podcast. She spins Regency etiquette and traditions into expectations for potential suitors for the modern woman.

And when Zoe is invited to participate – and record – her experiences at a Regency themed singles retreat, complete with costumes and chaperones (!) well, that’s when the fun really begins. Because her new podcast producer just happens to be a man she has a very complicated history with. Best friend’s brother. Once-upon-a-time good friend. Witness to her most embarrassing moment. Possible secret crush. And the man she has been studiously avoiding for the past eighteen months.

Harrison and Zoe are thrown into the whirlwind activity of a 21st century Minnesota Marriage Mart. Courting with Regency rules of engagement. While in period dress. What could possibly go wrong?! If you’re Zoe, quite a lot actually.

The comedy is priceless. The romance, exquisitely torturous because of the pacing – we wait a loooonnnnggg time for Harrison and Zoe to ‘fess up to their feelings. Lots of agonizing inner battles to not feel the attraction and nefarious suitors to thwart. But, oh my, when Harrison finally makes his declaration and takes the pursuit of love seriously…well, clear off the fainting couch and prepare for a swooning marathon.

And our stubborn heroine? She’s so married to her impossible checklist in her search of the perfect ‘gentleman’, that she’s at risk of ignoring the perfect ‘gentle man’ who has been at her side all along. Sniffle sigh!

A modern day Regency Romance that made me laugh and swoon!

I listened to the audio edition of this novel and Emma Faye and Kyle Tait’s flawless narration elevated my enjoyment of this story so much. They really captured the characters’ personalities and the comedic beats brilliantly. Made this a listening experience to savour.

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

Canada – ebook or audible — 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 Rules of Falling for You, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday September 6 2025