Tag: Christian Fiction

Uncovering Explosive Secrets

A killer wants revenge.
A K-9 team stands in his way.

FBI Agent Austin Drake is ambushed at a fall fair moments before a bomb detonates. For Austin, this is no random act—it’s a personal message, especially since the attacks mirror the work of a criminal he put away years ago. Detective Melody Rust and her K-9 partner are on the scene to help, but it quickly becomes clear this is just the beginning of a targeted assault. With a toddler son to protect, Austin must work with Melody to unmask an enemy with a lethal agenda, before everyone becomes collateral damage.

My Review:

A blockbuster, action-packed opening scene sets the tone for this exhilarating read. I enjoyed the fall setting too – the story takes place in October – and it’s always fun to have your fictional friends enjoying the same season you are!

Austin and Melody come together at the crucial time in an exhaustive investigation into a villainous baby selling ring. Only something doesn’t jive at their first explosive meeting and they soon begin to suspect that another criminal has them on his radar which complicates things no end.

The suspense unique to this 7th Colorado K-9 Unit book is full of twists and nail-biting scenarios as well as expertly woven into the series suspense plot which is rapidly coming to a grand finale in book 8 — eep, I can’t wait! As with all the books in this series, ‘Uncovering Explosive Secrets’ can be read as a standalone. Black does an excellent job of bringing new readers up to speed with the nearly year long investigation details without burdening Austin and Melody’s story in any way.

Loved the way their romance developed – hesitant, wary, both with reasons to resist their attraction. I especially appreciated Austin’s personal struggles. The author shines a light on the immense emotional toll fighting crime can take on dedicated law enforcement personnel.

I listened to the audio edition of this book and enjoyed Angie Hickman’s narration. She did a great job balancing the emotion and tension in the story. It’s amazing how much a narrator’s performance plays into creating an atmosphere that matches the author’s storytelling style.

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

Missing in New Mexico + Giveaway

Cracking a cold case

has this lawman under fire…

Sheriff Joaquin Fuentes stumbles upon a desert car crash in New Mexico, rescuing Luann St. John from the smoking wreckage—but this was no accident. Someone sabotaged her vehicle to stop her from uncovering the truth about a twenty-year-old plane crash tied to her father’s disappearance and diamond smuggling accusations. As danger closes in, Joaquin is determined to protect Luann, even as they’re hunted at every turn. With secrets unraveling and a killer lurking, the truth could clear her father’s name—or drag Joaquin and Luann into a deadly grave.

My Review:

Please note: this book releases on September 25 so there will be a bit of a wit until you get your book.

Really stunning storytelling. The way the author builds the suspense while developing the relationship between Joaquin and Luann is so well done. The words just flow, the scenes fly by and I was utterly captivated. There’s wonderful pacing in the heart-in-throat action scenes. And the romance…blissful sigh! Joaquin is a toe-curling example of swoonworthy hero material. Love the way he tenderly but persistently looks out for Luann right from the start. And the delicious way they are drawn together made my romantical heart so happy!

I enjoyed the unusual setting (why aren’t more books set in New Mexico?) The author captured the unique geography and culture which brought another dimension to the story. I do so love a good armchair travelling read!

Well, listen in my case, as I enjoyed Caroline Turner Cole’s narration. Her performance brought these characters and their exploits to vivid life which made for an entertaining listening experience. Would definitely recommend this audio book to discerning listeners.

My thanks to 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 Missing in New Mexico, 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 12 2026.

Sweet Tea + Giveaway

Random Retro Read
Revisited

Southern traditions, family recipes, history, and hope come together in author Piper Huguley’s heartfelt romance from Hallmark Publishing.

Althea Dailey has succeeded beyond her wildest dreams. So why doesn’t she feel more excited about it? She’s about to become the only woman—and the only Black person—to make partner at her prestigious law firm in New York City. When she has to travel South for a case, she pays a long-overdue visit back home to Milford, Georgia. To her surprise, a white man she’s never met has befriended her grandmother.

Jack Darwent wasn’t interested in the definition of success dictated by his father and Southern high society. His passion for cooking led him to his current project: a documentary and cookbook about authentic Southern food. Althea’s grandmother is famous for her cooking at the historically Black Milford College, especially the annual May feast meal. But Althea suspects Jack of trying to steal her grandmother’s recipes.

Although Althea and Jack don’t have the best first impressions of one another, they discover they have more in common than they’d guessed…and even as they learn about one another’s pasts, they both see glimmers of a better future.

My Review:

published in 2021 – I shared about this book back in March but without a giveaway attached. Imagine my surprise when I found a brand, spanking new copy in my library’s used book sale corner. I just had to grab it and share it here again, this time with a giveaway because it’s that good!

I was so excited to discover Piper Huguley’s first contemporary romance on audible and I have to say I was entranced by Inger Tudor’s performance as narrator. Her rich tones and unique interpretation of each character elevated the story. Kudos to the brilliant collaboration of author and narrator! I enjoyed listening to Sweet Tea immensely.

While this has all the makings of a typical Hallmark movie, Huguley’s delivery is anything but. Her approach to the small town girl makes big in the city and returns home to find herself trope is fresh and exciting. And a lot of that excitement comes courtesy of Jack. (This is your cue to clear off your fainting couch.)

He’s a dream hero. Unflappable, creative, dedicated to living in the moment with zest and enthusiasm. He’s learned how to slow down and focus on what’s really important and when he sets his sights on Althea…oh my! (Might want to grab a couple of fans too.)

By contrast, Althea is uptight and driven — out to prove something — but why and to whom? I was itching to figure her out from the very first chapter. She is so distrustful of Jack even as she fights an attraction to him. And the man is so happy and content it makes her antsy! Such great dynamics between these two. Plenty of opportunities for verbal sparring and teasing banter which brings the romance sizzling to life.

But it’s Miss Ada, Althea’s grandmother, who steals every scene she’s in. I love that woman! Everyone needs a Miss Ada in their life, bossing them around and telling them what’s what and reminding them of where they come from and who God made them to be. If I’d had a book in hand I would have underlined a variety of Ada-ism to treasure after the reading glow has dimmed. Might just have to have a re-listen to appreciate Miss Ada some more.

This is a story about finding your place — in your family, in the world and especially in God’s kingdom. Althea’ journey of discovery is moving and uplifting and I appreciated the inspirational themes intrinsically woven into the heart of her story.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a ‘like new’ very gently used (if at all) copy of this book so is available for any reader anywhere in the world so – Yay – INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Sweet Tea,  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 12 2026.

On the Edge of Trust + Giveaway

Sometimes the closer you get to justice, the deadlier it becomes.

When decorated FBI undercover agent Scott Sinclair suffers a gunshot wound in his right arm, the injury threatens his future career in the field. He is determined to regain his former job by training himself to use his left hand, and failure is not an option–especially when he’s unofficially pulled into an investigation.

Tori Mitchell is a passionate crime reporter and podcaster who has dedicated her life to seeking justice. Her relentless pursuit of the truth has freed a wrongfully convicted man from prison, making Tori an enemy of the true killer. When her nephew is accused of a different murder, nothing can stop her from getting involved and clearing his name.

Soon after Tori and Scott reconnect on the case, shots are fired, leaving them to wonder which of them has been targeted. As the investigation intensifies, so do the threats and the sparks between them, but Tori’s doubtful if she can extend grace and trust to Scott. They’ll have to combine their skills and rely on their growing relationship to outsmart the killer.

My Review:

Gripping right from the tense opening scene that was a little bit confusing and a whole lot intriguing. Then it was all about racing through plot twists and shouting warnings at characters (who didn’t listen) and gasping out loud a time or two…or three etc. I’d definitely put ‘On the Edge of Trust’ in the unputdownable category.

So many complexities. From the emotional layers in the characterization to the compelling mystery(ies.) There’s a cold case and a new case and Tori finds herself enmeshed in both.

She’s in danger, Scott is in protection mode and a tentative teenage friendship from a decade ago starts to develop into something new and exciting only they both have reasons to hold back. Scrumptious romantic tension as they figure things out. Tori in particular has some difficult issues from her past she needs to deal with. So frustrating, but exciting too as I anticipated their eventual happily ever after.

Bradley includes significant faith threads around trust which makes the title so significant. (I do so love a pertinent title tie-in!) All in all an incredibly edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense that delivers a dynamic read…or in my case, listen. I thoroughly enjoyed Elise Arsenault’s dramatic narration. She brought these characters to life and infused a sense of thrilling tension throughout her performance.

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 On the Edge of Trust, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday September 12 2026.

Twelve Days and Twelfth Night + Giveaway

She needs a star for her wartime Christmas show. He needs a second chance. Together they stage a production neither expected.

World War II USO director Maggie Oliver faces an impossible task: stage a Christmas show in San Diego for thousands of sailors, with dwindling resources and a quickly approaching deadline. To star in the show, she enlists Prescott Duke, a former Hollywood heartthrob whose career ended in flames after an accident left him scarred and adrift. He eagerly accepts Maggie’s invitation and seizes the chance to reclaim what war has stolen from him.

Inspired by Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” Maggie and Prescott craft a show at a Shakespearean theater that promises to lift spirits. But as rehearsals progress, Maggie discovers a secret that could transform her production into something unforgettable. With opening night approaching and unexpected feelings complicating everything, Maggie must decide how far she’ll go to rewrite not just her show but the outcome for everyone involved.

A romantic World War II Christmas novella of Hollywood stars and a holiday production. Perfect for fans of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, the opposites-attract trope, redemption, and second chances.

My Review:

Such a beautiful, meaningful Christmas story! Loved the clever way the author used the popular Carol, ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ and Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’ as the framework for the story. Absolute brilliance.

I got a real sense of those old timey black and white movies starring Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney where they put on a benefit show – thinking ‘Babes in Arms‘ and I know there are some others. That paired with the classic ‘White Christmas’ starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. Sundin has captured the spirit of these morale boosting movies. I feel like this novella highlights a kind of heartwarming simplicity during the most complex of times and that made it so impactful.

A compelling story with the kind of relatable characters on a redeeming arc that a reader can learn from. Lovely Christmas touches, inspiring message and the sweetest of romances.

I listened to the audible edition of ‘Twelve Days and Twelfth Night” expertly narrated by Leah Horowitz and enjoyed it so much! Her performance did justice to Sarah Sundin’s beautiful storytelling – an excellent partnership that produced a delightful listening experience.

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 Twelve Days and Twelfth Night,  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 12 2026.

Collision Course

random retro read

His country or his wife.
He can’t protect both.

Federal Air Marshal Reese Donovan walked away from the woman he loved to protect the country he swore to serve. But when his estranged wife, Verity, survives a deadly bombing and wakes up believing they’re still together, Reese is thrust into the most dangerous mission of his life.

The next attack is imminent.
The enemy is closing in.
And Verity is caught in the crosshairs.

Now, to keep her breathing, Reese must hide the truth, play the devoted husband she believes he still is, and rely on a security team he barely trusts.

As threats close in and the clock ticks down, he’s faced with an impossible choice:

Stop a terrorist.
Or save the only woman he’s ever loved.

My Review:

published in 2025

Whoa! Traumatizing opening scene, but once I got past that I was intrigued and completely invested in Reese and Verity’s story. The suspense is peppered with action-packed scenes and puzzling out the mystery elements kept me on the edge all the way through the read.

This is is the first book in the ‘Hightower Security’ series and my introduction to Jorgia Yates. I’ll definitely be reading more. I love the way we’re introduced to the whole team but are given just enough information about each member to pique our interest…and keep a reader eager for future books!

Loved this reunion romance fraught with emotional trauma and the tentative hope of redemption.

A Matchmaking Christmas + Giveaway

Sometimes a second chance is wrapped in tinsel, mistletoe, and the conspiring of two daughters determined to reignite love.

When widow Regina Parker’s daughter switches places with her best friend after school one day, Regina finds herself face-to-face with the one person she’s been Theo Evers, the high school boyfriend who shattered her heart. Regina has carefully built a new life for herself since moving back to Holly, California, and she has no intention of letting old heartbreak unravel it.

Single father Theo Evers thought he had his hands full managing the town’s Christmas tree farm and raising his daughter after his wife abandoned them both. The last thing he needs is Regina back in his life–but now their daughters have become inseparable, and the scheming young matchmakers have other plans.

Determined to create the family they’ve always longed for, the girls orchestrate an elaborate strategy, secretly signing their parents up for every holiday activity in town. It’s up to Theo and Regina to decide if they’re brave enough to trust God’s plan and risk everything for a second chance at the love that got away.

In this charming Christian Christmas novella reminiscent of The Parent Trap, Toni Shiloh combines second chance romance, single parents, high school sweethearts, matchmaking mischief, and faith for fans of Courtney Walsh, Bethany Turner, Becky Wade, Pepper Basham, Sarah Monzon, and Melissa Ferguson.

My Review:

A heartwarming Christmas romance with such a sweet ‘Parent Trap’ spin. The girls are so dedicated to their plotting with some funny and amazing results! Never underestimate a determined ten-year-old, especially when there are two of them!

Loved the Second Chance trope and all the emotion that brings to the story. Theo and Regina have been artfully avoiding each other since she moved back to town until their daughters meet at school and become best friends and that’s when everything gets complicated!

Shiloh is an expert at pacing out a romance and I really enjoyed the way their relationship developed.It never felt rushed even though this is a novella. And kudos to the wonderful way the author wove meaningful faith elements throughout the story. So impactful!

An emotional love story enhanced by a festive backdrop and two charming young girls who believe in the magic of Christmas!

I listened to the audible edition and was really impressed by the performances of all four narrators! Their combined talent made for a highly entertaining listening experience.

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 Matchmaking Christmas,  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 5 2026.

Hunting an Arsonist + Giveaway

A K-9 team in the crosshairs—
and in pursuit of the truth.

Forensic mechanic Helena Rutherford is investigating a serial arsonist targeting young women when her own house is set ablaze, trapping her inside. Officer Trevor Slate and his K-9 partner, Lark, arrive just in time to save her from the flames. But the discovery of her missing best friend’s bones among the ashes upends everything, drawing them into a puzzling cold case. With a dangerous killer on their tail, Helena and Trevor must unravel the mysteries of both cases…before she becomes the next victim.

My Review:

There’s suspense and then there’s Jessica R Patch’s brand of suspense which is on a whole other level of compelling! The way she uses words and phrases like weapons, delivering clipped descriptive sentences at a calculated pace. Ups the tension ten fold and I found myself gasping for breath right along with Trevor and Helena!

Unputdownable. Enthralling. Captivating. And every other descriptor you can think of. Oh and the way Patch describes fire! In a word – terrifying! It’s no wonder her arson investigator hero has a fear of fire with her writing him into scenes like that!

A wonderful blend of romance and suspense with plenty of ‘aha’ moments along the way. And the author did a great job of including the over-arcing series suspense elements in such a way that newbies to this continuity series would have no problem diving in here.

A stunning read…or, in my case, listen. Narrator Lisa Larsen did a great job of delivering all the tension and drama and did justice to Patch’s exhilarating pacing.

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 Hunting an Arsonist, 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 5 2026.

Murders in the Marquee + Giveaway

In this witty historical murder mystery set in a San Francisco hotel, an unlikely trio of amateur sleuths must uncover a killer before another guest checks out for good.

In 1905, the Grand Mallard Marquee is well known for its iconic style, as well as its daily duck parade. For Saul Niffler, a reformed jewel thief, working at the luxurious hotel offers a much-needed second chance. Staying out of trouble and in gainful employment is essential. Which makes seeing a body plummet from a penthouse window extra complicated.

Except…did he see it? There’s no body to be found, and Saul knows he should concentrate on his new duties as “Duck Commandant” rather than meddle. If only Kitty Rossi, a persistent young guest yearning to be a Pinkerton detective, would leave well enough alone. Kitty has already roped in Henry, the elevator man, to investigate suspicious goings-on around the hotel. And against his better judgment, Saul feels compelled to join them.

Between the mystery of Saul’s missing predecessor and a grisly discovery in a drain, all signs point to murder most fowl. And with a cold-blooded killer roaming the Marquee’s lavish corridors, keeping his job may be the least of Saul’s problems…

My Review:

Not what I expected at all, but I like it! And I’m hoping this is the beginning of a series because there’s so much potential for more mystery solving at the Grand Mallard Marquee!

An eclectic trio of would be sleuths, a missing body and some mallard mayhem set the stage for Mentink’s unique brand of humorous storytelling. Kitty is our indomitable heroine. A young, somewhat naive socialite who is anything but proper as her overactive imagination runs amok when an actual crime occurs. She blithely leads Henry, bellhop and vaudeville hopeful, and Saul, reformed thief and the hotel’s newly appointed ‘Duck Commandant’ into some hair-raising escapades as they try to solve a murder mystery without a body.

The author models her hotel after the famous Peabody Hotel in Memphis which features a twice daily duck parade through the hotel lobby and out to a fountain. Such a fun twist for a cozy mystery! And my, but those ducks provide all kinds of sleuthing opportunities as well as some hair raising shenanigans. Duck wrangling isn’t for the faint of heart!

I love the way the author wove inspirational threads throughout the story, especially from Saul’s perspective. He’s trying so hard to find his way in his first job after being released from prison. He struggles to balance his faith with the unexpected conundrums the murder investigation presents and I felt for him!

What surprised me about ‘Murders in the Marquee’ was the lack of romance since it’s published by Love Inspired Trade. I’ll admit, I was a wee bit disappointed about that, but not with the overall story. And I’m really hoping Dana Mentink has the opportunity to create more ‘murder, mayhem and mallards’ in future books featuring Saul, Kitty and Henry.

I listened to the audio edition of this book and really enjoyed Kimberly M. Wetherell’s narration. She is becoming a familiar voice in my audio book selections and I find she has a talent for creating distinctive voices to match different characters’ personalities which makes for an entertaining listening experience.

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US –  ebook

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 Murders in the Marquee,  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 5 2026.

A Very Merry Matchup

In this charming small-town Christmas rom com by award-winning author Becca Kinzer, a travel nurse who loves to play matchmaker gets a taste of her own medicine when her friend conspires to set her up with a minor league baseball player.

If there’s one thing travel nurse Ivy West prides herself on, it’s her matchmaking skills. She’s even convinced she knows her own perfect type, a man who, unlike her parents, isn’t traveling the country for the sake of a career. It doesn’t matter Ivy hasn’t met him yet. She’s sure she will in a few years. At least, it’s one of her goals. Then Beau Wall—a minor league baseball player with his sights set on the big leagues—lands in the hospital, and there’s an undeniable spark between them. No need to worry. Ivy will just match him up with her friend Lucy, and she won’t be tempted to date him herself.

A few months later, Ivy’s convinced everything’s gone perfectly when she hears Lucy’s engaged. But when Ivy arrives to spend Christmas in Iowa and celebrate the engagement, there’s one little problem. Lucy has set her up. Sure, Lucy’s engaged, but not to Beau. And Beau isn’t about to lose this unexpected shot at winning Ivy over. Neither are his mom and grandma who also try to throw the two together.

Amid twinkling Christmas lights and hours spent watching holiday movies, Ivy finds herself falling for Beau. Maybe it’s time she ditched her plans . . . because it’s looking like Beau might be her perfect match after all.

A clean, sweet love story for readers who enjoy holiday romances by Courtney Walsh, Jenny Bayliss, and Sheila RobertsA standalone Christmas novella for fans of cozy Christmas movies and opposites-attract sports romances.

My Review:

Comedic gold! The way Kinzer creates organized chaos that stems from muddled dialogue is priceless. I laughed all the way through this read…well, listen. And I’ll just mention here how brilliant CJ Bloom and Adam Verner’s performances are. Narrators extraordinaire, both! Highly recommend the audio edition if you enjoy listening to your stories as much as I do.

A definite must read for a discerning contemporary romance fan’s Christmas collection. Sadly, though a paperback edition is not available. Ebook and audiobook only. Hoping that might be reconsidered sometime in the future because I’d love to have a physical copy for my holiday keeper shelf!