Tag: Christian Fiction

Cold Terror

Random Retro ReRead

Forensic artist, Hannah Perry’s skills made her a valuable asset to the police… 
A young woman has been murdered. Her body unidentified. Her skull recently discovered by the police, and Hannah feels compelled to help find the killer. Even if she’s on a much-needed vacation on a secluded island with her young son. She could work on the reconstruction in the evenings while her son slept. But as the woman’s face takes shape, an assailant invades Hannah’s cabin and tries to end her life. Before he can permanently silence her, she and her son flee the island in a small boat. Trouble is, as they approach Cold Harbor, ocean waves capsize the boat, enveloping them both in cold terror. 

But it also makes her the next target. 
Former SEAL Gage Blackwell can’t believe his eyes as he plunges into the raging waters to rescue the pair. Owner of Blackwell Tactical—a law enforcement training facility and protection services agency—Gage pulls the woman he once loved from the angry ocean. When he learns of her attack, he vows to protect her while hunting down the killer. Alone and vulnerable, Hannah has to accept Gage’s protection—even if it means staying close to the man who’d once walked out on her without a backward glance.

My Review:

published in 2017

An exciting reread for me. I discovered this book back in 2023 and flew through it. Discovered the first three books of the Cold Harbor series on Audible Plus (thanks for the tip, Perrianne!) and I knew it was time to revisit this fave series.

A classic Sleeman romantic suspense. I love the way this author creates a cohesive team of captivating characters we get to follow through a whole series. The camaraderie, the banter, the friendships — all serve to anchor each story as the team supports the current hero and heroine. And you can always count on a buddy for some comic relief when things get tough!

After reading this first Cold Harbor book, I am officially a Blackwell Tactical groupie and I can’t wait to hear everyone’s stories! And since I’m late to the reading gate I get to read (or listen) to each book one after the other. Hooray for no delay times!

Hannah and Gage’s story starts off with nail-biting intensity and the tension doesn’t let up until the very end. Their second chance romance if filled with all kinds of angst as they dodge the bad guys and try to figure out who wants Hannah dead — and why! I listened to the audio version which upped the angst-factor since I couldn’t race ahead — an especially sweet kind of torture. 🙂

Last Light Over Galveston + Giveaway

Amid the 1900 Galveston hurricane, one woman’s perseverance is tested in this captivating story from the author whose work has been called “intelligent and arresting” ( Foreword Reviews ) and “historical fiction as it is meant to be told” ( Library Journal ).

“Old Galveston shines in this beautifully written tale of a woman’s quest to both lose herself and find herself.”
Lisa Wingate, #1New York Times bestselling author ofShelterwood

Galveston, Texas. September 1900. Only months ago, Kathleen McDaniel returned from finishing school in Switzerland to her family home in New York’s Hudson Valley with a future of promise and privilege set before her. But one horrific event shattered her picturesque life. Now she has fled as far as the train line and a pocketful of money would take her, finding refuge at the St. Mary’s Orphan Asylum on Galveston Island, where she helps the nuns care for their young charges and prays her past will not find her. Despite her tenuous standing at the orphanage—and the grief and betrayal that drove her from home—Kathleen slowly begins to make friends. There is Emily, the novice nun she rooms with; Maggie, the tempestuous young girl who only bonds with Kathleen; and Matthew, a kind, handsome man recently employed by Isaac Cline at Galveston’s office of the US Weather Bureau.

Then in one fateful day, Kathleen’s fragile new life begins to crack as it becomes clear that she can’t run far enough to escape the reach of her former life. Meanwhile, as troubling news about a storm crossing the Gulf from Cuba swirls in the Weather Bureau offices, Matthew holds fast to Cline’s belief that no hurricane can touch Galveston. But as darkness falls on the island, Kathleen must gather her courage and reach for a strength beyond her own if she—and those she loves—are to survive.

A stand-alone historical novel about the 1900 Galveston hurricaneA gripping read inspired by true eventsFeatures themes of resilience, found family, and redemptionIncludes discussion questions perfect for book clubs.

My Review:

I love learning about history through my fiction and this book features two devastating events in American history that I had never even heard of before. Wright’s ability to convey the desperation, terror and sheer will to survive in the midst of uncontrolled chaos was mesmerizing. And inspiring!

We follow Kathleen through two timelines – a kind of ‘before’ and ‘after’ scenario fraught with tragedy. Not really a dual timeline story, more like historical fiction with flashbacks. The author expertly weaves the fractured pieces of Kathleen’s life into a joyous triumph by the end, but what an emotional journey she takes her readers on!

Kathleen doesn’t have to make that journey alone though. A rich cast of secondary characters layer the story with even more tension and emotion. And each one is in Kathleen’s life for a purpose. Wright takes as much care developing their stories as she does Kathleen’s. And that makes for an incredible page-turner of a read!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – ebook or audio — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Last Light Over Galveston, 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 February 21 2026.

Lost Cause + Giveaway

Working together is a challenge…
Detective Burke Ulrich is known for his unyielding dedication to justice and his methodical approach to solving crimes. When a valuable family heirloom is stolen from a recluse’s rundown estate on Lost Island, Burke is called in to investigate. Despite the theft appearing straightforward, Burke senses there is more to the case, especially given the homeowner’s mysterious history. But when he can’t prove it or find the heirloom, his supervisor tells him to move on.

But catching a killer is their priority.
Enter former sheriff Abby Day, a sharp and resourceful Lost Lake Locator hired by the recluse to find the missing heirloom. Abby’s involvement immediately irritates Burke, who is wary of private investigators interfering in police work. However, as the investigation progresses, Burke and Abby uncover a complex web of deceit involving long-buried family secrets, and a string of unsolved crimes connected to the estate, ultimately uncovering a murder. Burke orders Abby off the investigation to protect her, but will she listen, or will she risk her life and a potential relationship with Burke to catch a killer?

My Review:

I absolutely love the way Susan Sleeman builds a team! The rapport, banter, professionalism, eclectic mix of personalities able to work together — all brilliantly developed and so much fun!!!!! Not only do we get to enjoy the ‘Lost Lake Locators’ in this third book in the series, but we get to interact with some of the gang from ‘Cold Harbor‘ as well. Woohoo! (No worries if you aren’t up to date on either series – all of Sleeman’s books read well as standalones too.)

‘Lost Cause’ has a delightfully unexpected treasure hunt kind of vibe going on. As well as an isolated island setting in a house with some very interesting twists! Made the reading experience so much more exciting!

And then there’s the romance, though I will say this one has more of a mystery/suspense focus. The romance is there, but it’s more of a slow burn. Both Abby and Burke are reluctant to get involved. They’ve worked together before, felt a connection but didn’t pursue it. Now they are faced with the same attraction and another inopportune time.

Love that they were upfront about their feelings right from the start and talked about how they were going to deal with it going forward. There’s all kinds of energy crackling around them, but both have trust issues and know it so they aren’t willing to act on anything. Such a refreshing approach to a romance, because, of course, their stubborn resistance dissolves by the end of the book!

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Whitney Dykhouse who does an amazing job with these characters. She’s become a familiar voice in my audible listening, largely thanks to Susan Sleeman’s novels. I enjoy the energy she brings to her narrations and the way she captures the personalities of all the characters.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Of note: Lost Cause is currently available on Audible Plus (Canada, anyway) for members. Not sure about the US.

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

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

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Lost Cause, 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 February 21 2026.

The Seaside Homecoming + Giveaway

random retro read

A surprise homecoming tests the bonds of sisterhood as a hidden past comes to light. . . .

Disgraced eldest sister Claire Summers has been living in exile as companion to a stern great-aunt in Scotland. About to lose her place and longing to be reconciled with her estranged family, Claire sees an advertisement from someone looking for a “respectable female partner” in a Sidmouth boarding house. Is it a sign? She answers the ad, hoping she has not made another reckless mistake. When she meets the handsome, secretive proprietor, she wonders what he’s hiding and if he’s any more trustworthy than the nobleman who betrayed her years ago. Claire is drawn to him even though she fears he will reject her when he discovers her genteel façade hides a less-than-respectable past. 

Meanwhile, the Summers family learns their great-aunt has died and Claire has disappeared without a word. The sisters rally together to find their lost sibling, but will their unexpected reunion heal old wounds and rekindle their bonds . . . or deepen the divide? 

Return to the picturesque Devonshire coast as the Summers sisters navigate romance, second chances, and the enduring strength of sisterhood in the face of adversity.

My Review:

I was completely hooked from the atmospheric first sentence: “Bleak. The weather, her mood, her life.” Klassen caught my attention and kept it captive for the entire read. Her masterful storytelling never fails to transport me to another time and place. Every word begs to be savoured and there’s no hurrying me through a Klassen novel.

I was especially excited because this is Claire’s story – the exiled sister who brought shame to the Summers family. She’s been referenced in previous books in the ‘On Devonshire Shores‘ series, but this is our first ‘real live’ meeting. And oh my, but do I have big feelings! Gah! Her mother, in particular! The idea that there can be no forgiveness from Claire’s transgression is mind boggling. One mistake not only wipes out a chance at a decent future for her, but it casts a shadow over her sisters as well.

This is very much a redemption story , both for Claire and her entire family. Watching the sisters rebuild their relationship was emotionally satisfying. Klassen doesn’t dwell on Claire’s painful past, but she doesn’t shy away from the long-reaching consequences either. Her story is told with tenderness and compassion and energized by the glimmer of hope at long last.

One of the strengths in Julie Klassen’s storytelling comes from the sense of community she brings through her intriguing secondary characters and charming side stories. So easy to lose myself in tension, drama and humour courtesy of the unique mix of characters populating this remarkable story. So many sumptuous layers to delve into! Which includes a romance! I championed Claire every step of the way to her second chance at a happily every after!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – ebook or audio — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Seaside Homecoming, 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 February 21 2026

Nightfall in the Garden of Deep Time

Random Retro Read

What if you stumbled into a timeless party, in a secret garden only you could see?

Kelsey Willoughby doesn’t have time to pursue her writing dreams. Imagination doesn’t pay the bills, and she’s busy saving her beautiful city bookshop from online competition, hotel developers, and the sneaking suspicion that nobody reads anymore.

Not to mention all those voices telling her she doesn’t have talent.

But then the vacant lot of weeds next door starts to shimmer.

When Kelsey stumbles into a luminous nighttime garden party, larger than the vacant lot that holds it and filled with enigmatic guests, she suspects they hold the key to saving the bookshop, and perhaps even to her own mysterious origins.

But answers aren’t forthcoming, not until Kelsey is willing to confront her past, step into her potential, and push deeper into the unknown edges of the garden, where an unexpected journey takes her into a world of dangerous revelation.

My Review:

This book has been on my TBR for quite some time. It’s also way out of my comfort zone so I kept avoiding it. 🙂 But then I added “Nightfall in the Garden of Deep Time” to my ’26 in ’26’ list and here we are. I thought I’d get it over with right at the start of the year too! Bwahahaha! That makes it sound like a chore to read, but it wasn’t at all.

I was captivated – Higley’s evocative storytelling touched my reader’s heart and there are so many wonderfully bookish connections throughout the entire read. And what a ‘novel’ adventure! I honestly didn’t know what was happening half the time. There were a few plot points I figured out early on, but so much more of the story was mysteriously engaging. And the description of Kelsey’s bookstore? What a bibliophile delight! Well worth the read just for that part!

I’d categorize this as a speculative novel with allegorical elements and a healthy dose of magical realism. It’s written in such a way that I think every reader will come away with their own truths. For me, this is a story that celebrates the strength in community, a theme that plays out over and over again in so many different ways. An uplifting, often intriguing and sometimes confusing read.

Taming Lady Temperance + Giveaway

When passion for justice conflicts with the heart, which will prevail? 

Noreen O’Sullivan is an enthusiastic member of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union and believes herself called to defend the cause of prohibition. When she’s invited to join the Secret Society of Spinsters, Noreen jumps at the chance to rally others to her movement and shut down the local saloon for good. However, her passionate campaigning often puts her at odds with the men around her–including the local deputy.

Deputy James Paxton believes in preserving the peace, but Miss O’Sullivan has been disturbing his peace for months. If James wants to be elected sheriff, he can’t afford to be seen as her ally. But when Noreen ropes him into helping her plan a temperance march, their growing closeness sparks unexpected feelings. Then tensions escalate at the saloon and accusations fly. James must choose between upholding his badge and protecting the woman who’s captured his heart–knowing either choice could cost him everything.

My Review:

Karen Witemeyer’s latest western romance evokes the classic feel of vintage black and white films. Everything is comfortingly familiar – the small town with cowboy vibes, a deputy hero, a strong willed heroine with plenty of backbone and a few villainous types common to the genre. So, ‘Taming Lady Temperance‘ delivers all the comforts of a much loved genre while adding her own refreshing twists to liven things up even more.

Lighthearted banter blends with deeply emotional scenes, creating an unputdownable kind of read. I’ll be honest, Noreen was a bit too abrasive for my liking in the beginning. She’s prickly and defiant and even manipulative in order to get what she wants. Her cause – temperance – is a noble one and she has understandable reasons for being so rigidly relentless but I still found it hard to connect with her in the first few chapters. But, oh my, what phenomenal character growth that includes a significant faith thread! Kept me mesmerized and anxiously cheering Noreen on all the way through to the end.

James is the exact opposite. Gentle, understanding, even amused over Noreen’s tenacity. He’s also brilliant at speaking gospel truths into her life, whether she likes it or not. And as he starts to reach her and their friendship develops into something deeper, well…happy sighs of toe-curling delight!

This is the first book in The Secret Society of Spinsters series and I really like the way the author has set things up for future books especially when it comes to the intriguing society and Noreen’s friends. I’m really looking forward to reading their happily ever after journeys!

I listened to the audible edition of ‘Taming Lady Temperance’ and enjoyed the familiar voice of Kate Forbes. Her narration brought the Old West charm to life and made for an unstoppable listening experience..

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – ebook or audio — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Taming Lady Temperance, 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 February 14 2026.

The Bird of Bedford Manor + Giveaway

Bedfordshire, England, 1820: Ruined by the sins of her father, Juliet Finch is cast into a life of self-reliance. Survival is a harsh taskmaster, but she is a quick learner and excels at tracking and snaring wild game to feed herself. Juliet embraces her new identity until the day Henry Russell catches her poaching on his land—a crime punishable by death. Henry, however, has other offenses on his namely, the troublesome stalker who’s making a misery of his sister’s life. To try to put a stop to her torment, Henry charges Juliet with tracking the elusive villain so he can be brought to justice. Using her skills, Juliet hunts down the rogue. . .but may just become the prey herself.
 
Reader favorite Michelle Griep has penned yet another masterpiece with this page-turning adventure that has it romanceclever turn-of-phrasecolorfully memorable characterscharming British setting

My Review:

Eeeeepppp!!! ‘The Bird of Bedford Manor’ will definitely make my top ten books read in 2026 list (if I ever dared to make one!) But, honestly, Griep delivers everything that draws me into a story. A romance simmering with emotion, the desperate longing for an impossible love, an intriguing mystery complete with a sinister villain and a hero and heroine on faith journeys that touched my heart.

“I do not have to define myself by the measures of what has been done to me, but by the measure of what God has done for me.”

This is the kind of story that’s impossible to put down. Griep’s storytelling is exceptionally beautiful. Her words evoke images and touched all my senses. I didn’t just read this book, I lived through.

Well, listened, actually. Another brilliant audio book ‘read’ narrated by Nan McNamara, who does an incredible job with all these characters. Her performance enhances Griep’s storytelling creating a stunning collaboration of talent.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

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

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Bird of Bedford Manor, 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 February 14 2026.

Tempest at Annabel’s Lighthouse + Giveaway

In 1874, a battered woman awakens atop a forgotten gravesite by Lake Superior. Identified only by the locket around her neck inscribed with the name Rebecca, she seeks refuge with an elderly lighthouse keeper named Edgar. But as Rebecca struggles to remember who she is, she finds herself haunted by the lingering memories of Annabel, a mysterious woman who perished in the unforgiving waves of Lake Superior years earlier. With the spirit of Annabel seemingly reawakened, and an unknown adversary on the hunt to silence Rebecca once and for all, there is more at stake than just reclaiming her own memories. Rebecca must reclaim Annabel’s as well.

In the present day, author and researcher Shea Radclyffe escapes to the lighthouse outside a historic mining town in Michigan, seeking clarity about her failing marriage. Instantly drawn to the lighthouse’s landlord, Shea contends with the vengeful legend of Annabel’s ghost and a superstitious community that has buried the secrets surrounding a decade-old murder. As the secrets harbored around Annabel’s lighthouse unravel, Shea must navigate a fight of torn loyalty, self-discovery, and the haunting forces of love and a vengeance that should have drowned a century before.

An acclaimed “expert in her element” (Booklist), Jaime Jo Wright once again delivers a bone-chilling dual-time suspense novel that will leave readers turning the pages all night long.

My Review:

An emotionally charged story set at a haunted lighthouse with lots of Gothic flare? Written by master storyteller, Jaime Jo Wright? Yes please! And the way the author builds the mystery between timelines with chilling precision adds to the thrilling atmospheric ambience. In fact, she delivers page-turning perfection right from the very start.

The brilliance of Jaime Jo Wright’s talent is in the way she manages to infuse eerie paranormal impossibilities with the reality of faith-filled probabilities. I feel like she surpassed herself in this latest book — astounding!

Vulnerable heroines searching for answers and finding themselves in the process. Heroes in unexpected places. Mysteries and secrets carried over generations. Hope in the midst of despair. ‘Tempest at Annabel’s Lighthouse’ is haunting and poignant and ultimately the kind of story that leaves you slightly stunned by the end.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

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

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Tempest at Annabel’s Lighthouse, 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 February 14 2026.

Falling for the Amish Rival

On the farm, they’re enemies…
On paper, they’re falling in love.

Amanda Stoltzfus would love to get married, but most Amish men aren’t interested in a woman who prefers farmwork to housework. Good thing her secret pen pal L.D. values her for who she is, unlike Amanda’s snarky rival, the irritating new goat farmer, David Troyer. But when Amanda arranges a long-anticipated meeting with her pen pal, she discovers it’s David! Soon they find themselves locked in a battle that will make or break the future of both their farms. Can they set aside their rivalry and look beyond the surface to find their perfect match?

My Review:

What a fun enemies to more romance! And I love the added secret identity trope that surrounds Amanda and David’s first few ‘real-life’ meetings. Such a contrast between their blossoming pen pal relationship and their almost instant dislike at first meet. I really enjoyed watching them sort that out, though there were times Amanda got my dander up. She was sooooo…..gah! But there’s tons of chemistry between these two, including some banter and teasing.

A goat farming heroine is unique and creates some interesting inner conflict for Amanda who never feels she measures up to the community’s norms. She loves working with her goats and she is a savvy businesswoman. Brilliant plot twist that she’s the expert mentoring David. That adds another dimension to their relationship and I so appreciate David for respecting her knowledge and being willing to accept her guidance.

A sweet Amish romance with lighthearted family drama to add extra dimension to the storytelling.

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

Tracing a Kidnapper’s Trail + Giveaway

Solving an abduction case
means a relentless K-9 manhunt…

When search and rescue worker Hunter Shelton and his bloodhound Libby are called to a crime scene, he discovers his ex-fiancée murdered and her young daughter missing—and he’s attacked. Soon, he realizes the little girl may have been taken by drug runners, and could possibly be his own child. With no one else to turn to, Hunter teams up with DEA Agent Marlee Price and her narcotics K-9, despite their rocky history. As they face escalating threats and uncover a rising body count, an old enemy from Marlee’s past resurfaces. Will they be able to rescue the child and bring dangerous criminals to justice before time runs out?

My Review:

Well, that was intense! Best clear your calendar and be prepared for a marathon read (or listen in my case.) And, speaking of the audio edition, what a stellar performance by Emily Sutton-Smith! Her voice is a perfect match for the intensity of this story and she really does justice to Marlee’s tough-as-nails, defiantly stubborn persona. A winning author/narrator combination that compelled me to keep reading (listening!)

Loved the complicated start to Hunter and Marlee’s relationship, which really began back in college. It’s a gritty enemies to more trope that gradually morphs into a wary truce and then hesitant friendship. There’s lots to unearth about their shared past that includes a significant look at the power of forgiveness.

A taut and emotional romantic suspense with some stunning plot twists that make this book impossible to walk away from until every final last detail is revealed!

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

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

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Tracing a Kidnapper’s Trail, 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 February 7 2026.