In the Shadow of the River + Giveaway

In 1881, Jacci Reed is only five years old when a man attempts to kidnap her from the steamboat her mother, Irena, works on. Badly wounded during the confrontation, Irena takes Jacci aboard the Kingston Floating Palace, a showboat tied up beside them. There, Jacci’s actor grandfather tends to her mother and Jacci gets a first taste of the life she will come to lead.

Fifteen years later, Jacci is an actress aboard the Kingston Floating Palace, and largely contented with her adopted family of actors, singers, and dancers. Especially Gabe, who has always supported her, and the gruff grandfather she has come to know and love. Jacci’s mother has been gone for years, but the memory of the altercation that ultimately took her life–and the cryptic things Jacci has overheard about her past–is always there, lurking in the back of her mind.

When someone on the showboat tries to kill Jacci, it’s clear her questions demand answers. But secrets have a way of staying in the shadows, and the answers she craves will not come easily. Gabe only hopes they come in time for him and Jacci to have a future together.

My Review:

Whoa! Not sure what to say about Ann H. Gabhart’s latest release except that it excelled all my expectations — and I’ve read most of her books so that’s saying something.

First off, I love the way she created a community on the showboat — well, a found family really. The setting was just as captivating as the plot for me. And the characters — as eclectic a bunch as you’d expect to find under those circumstances. But, who can be trusted? Because…Jacci has a secret past even she doesn’t know about. Eeeep — loved the mystery, but I’m getting ahead of myself.

The first 100 pages or so are all about Jacci’s childhood and how she comes to live on the Kingston Floating Palace. It’s full of drama and mystique and the innocent outlook of a very young child. And them the story jumps ahead fifteen years when all that mystery swirling in the background comes to a seething boil.

There’s intrigue, danger, and a lot of secrets that need to be brought into the light before a reader can finally sigh in relief and bask in the glow of a hard won happily-ever-after. And not before a few unexpected twists come into play. I was spellbound to the very last word.

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Leah Horowitz who did a fabulous job of creating a memorable listening experience.

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Paperback copy available internationally — so, yay, everybody’s included in this giveaway no matter where you live.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of In the Shadow of the River, 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 27, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

Mistaken Mountain Abduction + Giveaway

Tracking a kidnapper leads to a deadly pursuit.

After her twin is abducted and mistaken for her, former army helicopter pilot Aggie Newton must move fast. She has to find her sister and figure out why she’s become a target — even if it means working with her ex. But Detective Bronson Young knows there criminals will do anything to stop their investigation. Can they dodge deadly attacks long enough to save Aggie’s sister and expose the kidnapers?

My Review:

Love the unique twists, Redmon brings to this Love Inspired Suspense…starting with Aggie being an Army helicopter pilot! She’s capable, no nonsense and determined. Every inch the soldier, even though she’s a civilian now. A nice change from the military alpha male lead (though I do love them as well!!!) Also love the twist in Aggie and Bronson’s former romance — again, a departure from the norm, so that was fun too. (I don’t want to say anything else for fear of spoilers, but when you meet this pair and read their story you’ll understand what I mean.)

Equal parts investigation and action and no end of danger (including some awesome flight scenes) made this a high-octane page-turner. All wrapped around the promise of a second chance love story. I’m one happy reader!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Gently read paperback copy available anywhere — so — yay — International Readers Alert!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Mistaken Mountain Abduction, 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 27, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

Daughter of Rome + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

A woman with a devastating secret. A man bent on proving his worth. A chance encounter that catapults them into the heart of history.

When the daughter of a prominent Roman general meets a disinherited Jewish immigrant, neither one can dream of God’s plan to transform them into the most influential couple of the early church. Nor can they anticipate the mountains that will threaten to bury them. Their courtship unwittingly shadowed by murder and betrayal, Priscilla and Aquila slowly work to build a community of believers, while their lives grow increasingly complicated thanks to a shaggy dog, a mysterious runaway, and a ruthless foe desperate for love. But when they’re banished from their home by a capricious emperor, they must join forces with an unusual rabbi named Paul and fight to turn treachery into redemption.

With impeccable research and vivid detail, Daughter of Rome is both an emotive love story and an immersive journey through first-century Rome and Corinth, reminding readers once again why Debbie Macomber has said that “no one brings the Bible to life like Tessa Afshar.”

My Review:

published in 2020

True confession time – I’m not a huge fan of Biblical Fiction. Not any fan at all, really, but some of you have encouraged me to give the genre a second chance and Tessa Afshar was recommended a lot, so here we are and, gasp — I loved this story! I’m still gobsmacked about that.

First off — the author’s writing is so beautiful! Descriptive without bogging the story down and her phrasing is just exquisite. It’s also clear that she doesn’t take the responsibility of portraying biblical events or persons lightly. That was one of my worries — especially since this book deals with people I’ve met ‘for real’ in the bible. And while Afshar obviously embellishes their back stories and the day to day events in their lives, she manages to stay true to their essence, making this almost a reverent read for all that it’s fiction.

Priscilla and Aquila’s story is all about grace and forgiveness. It’s about understanding the difference between finding your worth through works or through faith. I enjoyed getting a glimpse into the workings of the early church and noting the similarities we share — both in personalities within the church and varying opinions.

So, while I still wouldn’t consider myself an ardent Biblical Fiction fan, I’m definitely a Tessa Afshar fan and am eager to explore more of her work…so that’s a good start, right?

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook available to anyone, anywhere who has a .com 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 Daughter of Rome, 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 27, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

The Swindler’s Daughter + Giveaway

A surprise inheritance. A cache of family secrets. A choice that will change her life forever.

Lillian Doyle has lived her entire high-society life with her widowed mother, believing her father died long ago. But when news arrives that her estranged father only recently passed away–in jail–Lillian is startled to find that the man has left a business and all of his possessions to her, making her a rather unusual heiress.

When she goes to take possession of her father’s house in a backwoods Georgia town, the dilapidated structure is already occupied by another woman who claims it was promised to her son, Jonah. In her attempts to untangle the mess, Lillian will discover not only a family she never knew she had but a family business that is more than meets the eye–and has put a target on her back.

To discover the truth and take hold of the independence she’s always dreamed of, she’ll have to make friends with adversaries and strangers–especially Jonah, the dusty and unrefined cowboy who has secret aspirations of his own.

My Review:

First off, I have to deep dive into a cover love swoon because there is just something so appealing about that portrait of Lillian! So pretty and eye-catching with those bold choices of colour…and yes, clearly a young lady in the early 1900s would not be wearing bright lipstick but still, I think it captures her essence and provides a lovely introduction to the heroine waiting within.

The story starts in a lawyer’s office where Lillian’s life is turned upside down and builds from there. The first part of the book focuses on Lillian coming to grips with the idea of an inheritance from a father she never knew. Her grandiose ideas of what that inheritance entails takes a nose dive when she finally arrives to claim it — and discovers so much more than she bargained for.

Like an extended family she never knew about and a run down house inhabited but a strange woman who is convinced it’s owned by her son….and the son! Oy — Jonah doesn’t make a good first impression (though Lillian plays a part in that) and neither is willing to trust the other so there’s lots of clashing wills and misunderstandings which is always fun. 🙂

But as Lillian begins to understand more about her father’s life, she discovers a mystery that grows from puzzling to downright sinister. Loved the way the plot builds as the author starts to pull together diverse bits of story into a compelling whole.

The Swindler’s Daughter is an intriguing mix of romance and mystery threaded together by faith.

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Paperback copy available internationally — so, yay, everybody’s included in this giveaway no matter where you live.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Swindler’s Daughter, 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 27, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

May Giveaway — Week Three

Just a heads up about some technical issues I’m having — because, of course, technology has it out for me. 🙂 This time it’s my ancient modem that is causing grief. It won’t load some websites and I know it’s the modem’s fault, not my laptop because everything works fine when I log in at my library. So, yes, that means I’ve had to trek on down to my library multiple times this week. Hopefully my internet provider will send me a newer modem and all will be well shortly. Oh — and guess what websites are among these affected (or is that effected? I always mess those two up.) Audible (gasp!) Good Reads (double gasp!) and sometimes Word Press (triple gasp) I’ve prepared posts for the first four out of the five days next week but if something doesn’t pop up on Thursday, you’re forewarned.

Oh, and sometimes I can’t comment on my blog…or even get the page to appear, but that seems to have righted itself towards the end of the week. But, just in case, if I don’t respond to comments as quickly as before, or if new comments don’t get approved promptly, this is the reason. Luckily I like to walk and I love my library so it’s no great chore to hike on down there to do some updates.

WON BY SARAH
WON BY PAM K.
WON BY CONNIE
WON BY DIANE ESTRELLA
WON BY KAY GARRETT

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!

Books will be ordered or mailed within a week of receiving your address (or email address for ebooks) and I’ll email you to confirm your book is on the way. 

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK’S GIVEAWAYS:

Please read the giveaway options written in red noted under “Giveaway Opportunity” in each blog post as formats will vary. AS WILL AVAILABILITY IN CERTAIN LOCATIONS.

Paperback or ebook — winner can choose either format

Paperback — I have a new physical book on hand to give away

Gently Read Paperback — It’s the actual book I read to review

ebook — that’s the only format option available, often because it’s an indie book where a paperback copy is either unavailable or exorbitantly priced. Or when a physical edition is out of print.

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY

The Billionaire’s Best Friend + Giveaway

You ever meet someone and have that immediate click? That was Kayla and me. First day of our first teaching jobs and we both just knew we were going to be best friends forever.

And we are.

She does a great job keeping me down to earth—a skill I appreciate even more now that I’m a billionaire.

Except lately, it’s like she’s pulling away.

It started with her spending more time with my sister instead of hanging out with me. And now she’s starting to date the youth pastor?

It could be that I’m a little jealous. Seems like everyone is falling in love except me. But I don’t think that’s it.

Because it feels like I’m in danger of losing a lot more than my best friend and I don’t know how to make it stop.

My Review:

So, I’m not exactly a fan of the billionaire trope. In fact the only other billionaire romance that I can recall reading is the first one in this series by the same author and I absolutely loved it. This one as well. So, really, how can I say I don’t like billionaire stories? I guess because I have (maybe had?) a preconceived notion of the sheer arrogance and entitlement and men-behaving-badly cliche, which, sadly, isn’t always a cliche. At least, not the billionaires who make the headlines. But Maddrey’s billionaires are anything but! They are more ‘the boy next door’ type — hence the clever series title, “The Billionaire Next Door.”

The series centres around ‘regular guy’ friends who just happened to make it big through their joint investments. Like billionaire big. But they’ve kept that on the down-low and have just gone about their lives like normal…more or less. Like Austin with his beat up old car and his math teacher career, palling around with his best friend, Kayla (and yes, she knows he’s a billionaire, but it doesn’t phase her because they have that bestie bond.) Kayla teaches computer science at the same school as Austin so these two spend a lot of time together — inside and outside of work.

I may not be a billionaire aficionado but I sure am when it comes to ‘best friends to more’ romances! Eeeeep — this one is fabulous! Maddrey captures the depth of the friendship, from serious heart to hearts to playful teasing…but, oy, what happens when the teasing turns to banter and the ‘love you like a friend’ vibe starts to morph into something more…well…more?! Sheer reading delight, that’s what!

There’s all that delicious tension as both Kayla and Austin wrestle with their growing feelings. Well, actually, Kayla has been crushing on Austin for some time now, but she’s not-so-cleverly kept it well hidden from him. Because when Austin begins to see Kayla in a new, more romantical light, he’s positive she has him firmly in the friend zone. Oh, the agony of watching these two sort out their feelings! Not without angst, but it’s not over the top and there might look like a hint of a love triangle developing but it really isn’t so do not fear (says the LT averse reader with great relief.)

One of the aspects that I really loved about this novel, is the way Austin’s billionaire status is addressed. All the pros and cons and unique struggles that come from wealth. I don’t want to say much more than that, because it’s a very strong plot element but I appreciated the deliberation that Austin placed on his financial stewardship in relation to his faith.

And, oh the emotions churning around in my gut the whole read through! Love when an author makes me feel my way through a story and Maddrey definitely did that!

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Emma Faye and Joel Simler — really enjoyed the dual narration and these performers captured the heart of these characters and their story perfectly.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook available to anyone, anywhere with a .com kindle account

US — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice, or also audible (.ca)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Billionaire’s Best Friend, 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 20, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

Promised + Giveaway

Margaret Brinton keeps her promises, and the one she is most determined to keep is the promise to protect her heart.

Worwickshire, England, 1812

Fooled by love once before, Margaret vows never to be played the fool again. To keep her vow, she attends a notorious matchmaking party intent on securing the perfect marital match: a union of convenience to someone who could never affect her heart. She discovers a man who exceeds all her hopes in the handsome and obliging rake Mr. Northam.

There’s only one problem. His meddling cousin, Lord Williams, won’t leave Margaret alone. Condescending and high-handed, Lord Williams lectures and insults her. When she refuses to give heed to his counsel, he single-handedly ruins Margaret’s chances for making a good match — to his cousin or anyone else. With no reason to remain at the party, Margaret returns home to discover her father has promised her hand in marriage — to Lord Williams.

Under no condition will Margaret consent to marrying such an odious man. Yet as Lord Williams inserts himself into her everyday life, interrupting her family games and following her on morning walks, winning the good opinion of her siblings and proving himself intelligent and even kind. Margaret is forced to realize that Lord Williams is exactly the type of man she’d hoped to marry before she’d learned how much love hurt. When paths diverge and her time with Lord Williams ends, Margaret is faced with her ultimate choice: keep the promises that protect her or break free of them for one more chance at love. Either way, she fears her heart will lose.

My Review:

This one gives me all kinds of Mr. Darcy/Elizabeth vibes and I loved every second. The banter, the misunderstandings, the deliberate verbal barbs….sigh, I was in bibliophile euphoria. And the cast of secondary characters are just as strong as the hero and heroine, which made for some lively interactions. And lots of humour too.

Another Grumpy/Sunshine trope only in reverse with the heroine being the grump, which was all kinds of fun too, though sometimes I wanted to shake some sense into Margaret. But she is bound by the societal norms of the day so I guess I can understand some of her reasoning…but how she held off from falling for Lord Williams for so long….honestly, I have no idea. I was a goner pretty early on. And then the ‘plot twist’ happened and I was ‘whhhhaaaatttttt????’

Another Regency triumph and a new-to-me author to pursue!

I listened to the audio edition which was narrated by Justine Eyre. She’s an amazing performer and one of my favourites to listen to so I was all kinds of happy with both the story and the delivery.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook available to anyone, anywhere with a .com kindle account 

US — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice; or also audible (.ca)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Promised, 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 20, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

Deadly Vengeance + Giveaway

The easiest way to murder someone is to make sure they don’t exist…

Someone has erased profiler Gabe Buchanan’s identity…and now they’re trying to kill him. And although Chief Warrant Officer Hannah Austin betrayed him in the past when she was undercover investigating his friend, now she’s his only hope to stay alive and restore his name. With the clock ticking down, can they track down the killer who wants to silence him permanently?

My Review:

Woohoo, twisty turny and completely riveting. Love the cyber aspects of the crime — the concept of losing your entire identity in this day and age with all the repercussions! Shudder! That’s a nightmare all on it’s own but add in the relentless pursuit of the villains and, yikes, hair-raising stuff!

This is a kinda second chance romance — Gabe and Hannah were good friends in college, on the cusp of something more until….well, you’ll have to read the book ’cause it’s complicated. 🙂

A perfect romantic suspense escape read!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Gently read paperback copy to anyone, anywhere in the world. Yay, another International giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Only the Beautiful, 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 20, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

The Key to Love + Giveaway

RANDOM RETRO READ

The only thing Bri Duval loves more than baking petit fours is romance. So much so, she’s created her own version of the famous Parisian lovelock wall at her bakery in Story, Kansas. She never expects it to go viral–or for Trek Magazine to send travel writer Gerard Fortier to feature the bakery. He’s definitely handsome, but Bri has been holding out for a love story like the one her parents had, and that certainly will not include the love-scorned-and-therefore-love-scorning Gerard.

Just when it seems Bri’s bakery is poised for unprecedented success, a series of events threaten not just her business but the pedestal she’s kept her parents on all these years. Maybe Gerard is right about romance. Or maybe Bri’s recipe just needs to be tweaked.

Novelist Betsy St. Amant invites you to experience this sweet story of how love doesn’t always look the way we expect–and maybe that’s a good thing.

My Review:

published in 2020

If you like the grumpy/sunshine, enemies-to-more kind of tropes you are going to love this book!! So funny and touching and infuriating and ultimately toe-curling. lol

And the sniping between Bri and Gerard is laugh out loud funny in places and groan worthy at other times. These two are polar opposites — he’s all cynical and sarcastic while she’s all naivety and trust. He doesn’t believe in love; she knows that her one true love is out there somewhere. She also knows she’ll recognize him when she meets him. Snort. You can guess how that sets all her preconceived notions of romance in a tailspin! 🙂

But both Gerard and Bri have hidden hurts that need to surface and be dealt with before they can manage to get to a happily ever after. Love the balance between the rom/com scenes and the heart-tugging ones.

Plus there’s a whole town of interesting characters to play havoc in their lives, including a pair of octogenarians who consider their matchmaking talents a gift to the town…and they have their sight set on Bri and Gerard!

I enjoyed listening to the audible edition narrated by Pilar Witherspoon who always does an incredible job of bringing characters and stories to life.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook available for anyone anywhere who has a kindle .com account.

US — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada — paperback or ebook (in gift card format) — winner’s choice

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Key to 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 May 20, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

Veiled in Smoke + Giveaway

RANDOM RETRO RE-READ

Meg and Sylvie Townsend manage the family bookshop and care for their father, Stephen, a veteran still suffering in mind and spirit from his time as a POW during the Civil War. But when the Great Fire sweeps through Chicago’s business district, they lose much more than just their store.

The sisters become separated from their father, and after Meg burns her hands in an attempt to save a family heirloom, they make a harrowing escape from the flames with the help of Chicago Tribune reporter Nate Pierce. Once the smoke clears away, they reunite with Stephen, only to learn soon after that their family friend not only died during the fire–he was murdered. Even more shocking, Stephen is charged with the crime and committed to the Cook County Insane Asylum.

Though homeless, injured, and suddenly unemployed, Meg must not only gather the pieces of her shattered life, but prove her father’s innocence before the asylum truly drives him mad.

My Review:

published in 202o

I admit to being a cover snob and this one completely draws me in. The sepia tones and the haze of smoke shrouding the city’s ruins…just wow…totally sets the mood. And with the heroine standing on the edge — visual imagery of the precipice she’s teetering on as her whole life tumbles down around her. Whew! What a powerful lure to the unsuspecting reader. (And I might be a tad giddy over the embossed lettering on the cover. I’m tactile nerdy that way.)

This is the first book in The Windy City Saga series and, wowsers, saga is right! It reads like an epic classic with rich descriptive prose and an involved plot that carried me away to another time and place. Jocelyn Green is known for her impeccable research and the historical details in this novel add such rich layers to characterization and plot.

Drama, mystery, intrigue and even a touch of romance — my bibliophile senses are still swimming. This is the kind of book you lose yourself in. Seriously, I barely came up for air and lost sleep because I couldn’t leave these characters to sort out their lives without me there to encourage them on. 🙂 It’s kind of left me tongue-tied, actually. Definitely the kind of multi-sensory delight a reader needs to experience for herself.

Gobsmackingly good!

(This is my second read through — this time I listened to the audible edition expertly narrated by Leah Horowitz.)

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Gently read paperback (has been stored in a bookcase with glass doors so it still smells new!) available TO ALL READERS — INTERNATIONAL INCLUDED. YAY!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Veiled in Smoke, 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 20, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.