Tag: Christian Fiction

A Weary World Rejoices + Giveaway

With nothing going as planned, will Christmas be a complete disaster this year?

The people in these stories are tired, weighed down by the struggles and cares of life. In the midst of their challenging situations, each receives an unexpected letter.

❅ The Christmas Kiss – Stacy Monson
❅ Unremarkable Sue – Eleanor Bertin
❅ Love, Christmas – Johnnie Alexander
❅ Gifting Christmas – Angela D. Meyer
❅ The Back Door Christmas Tour Company – Sara Davison

Songs like “O Holy Night” are filling the airwaves and promising hope for a weary world, but what will it take for the men and women in these stories to experience true joy this Christmas?

A Weary World Rejoices is a collection of five stories about discovering joy in the midst of life’s challenges—at Christmas and every day of the year.

My Review:

An eclectic collection of short stories and novellas that celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Each story focuses on discovering love, generosity and hope in the midst of troubles during the holiday season.

The Christmas Kiss by Stacy Monson – Warning: chocolate cravings guaranteed if you read this story! Piper’s new chocolate shop is a bustling success, until disaster strikes and threatens her business. Property manager Finn is eager to come to her rescue and a sweet, awkward, hesitant romance begins to blossom.

Uremarkable Sue by Eleanor Bertin – A short story featuring a young woman who is often overlooked as she quietly serves others until her true worth is finally recognized.

Love, Christmas by Johnnie Alexander – Another short story that illustrates the beauty of giving. A grieving widow plays secret Santa to a struggling college student and the mystery gift giving snowballs through the town.

Gifting Christmas by Angela D. Meyer – Weary innkeepers who have closed their inn for the holidays (and a much deserved rest) welcome in a diverse mix of stranded travellers in the middle of a snowstorm. Chaos ensues and everyone one very nearly misses out on the spirit of Christmas!

The Back Door Christmas Tour Company by Sara Davison – Christmas in Tahiti! This novella has a mysterious air, an almost magical (supernatural) element which set the mood beautifully. A group of strangers are gathered together to create a memorable Christmas holiday that somehow meets all their varied needs. It features a significant inspirational thread that is seamlessly woven throughout the story and includes a light romance.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy of this book so – yay – International Giveaway. Available to readers everywhere!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Weary World Rejoices,  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 20 2025

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

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

Over the Line

Random Retro Re-Read

“You have something we want. We have something you want.”

Gabriella has never forgiven her former fiancé, homicide detective Eli Cavazos, for breaking her heart. Then a man she’s never met shows up at her restaurant, a bullet in his chest and her brother’s name on his lips. Gabby soon realizes this man is connected to a powerful ring of criminals who know far too much about her. Against her better judgment, Gabby turns to Eli for help in finding her brother. When she receives a cryptic text from her brother’s cell phone, she realizes she is in deep and may be dragging Eli down with her.

With her brother nowhere to be found and pain from her past threatening to overwhelm her, Gabby wonders how she will make it through this unexpected quest unscathed—or alive. Taking us into the heat of Laredo, Texas, the secrets of a gun-smuggling ring, and the tensions on both sides of the border, Over the Line will keep you guessing until the last page.

My Review:

published in 2021

This was a fun reread…well, re listen. I needed a standalone novel for a reading challenge and I remembered enjoying some of Kelly Irvin’s. Now I have to revisit the others too. I think I like her suspense more than her Amish novels. 🙂

Whoa! What an intense, complicated, adrenaline-rush of a read! Power. Greed. Corruption. And a desperate race to find Gabriella’s brother…while avoiding capture or death! And the dynamics between Gabriella and Eli — oh la la! Gabriella is still carrying a major grudge after their break up but Eli is so penitent and besotted and all together droolworthy! While Gabriella is super intense and annoyingly stubborn and in-your-face opinionated and not shy about letting Eli know exactly how she feels about him. It broke my heart. And his. So there’s angst in their romance and plenty more in the suspense which makes for a riveting page turner.

The Lawyer and the Laundress + Giveaway

Lawyer James Kinney isn’t looking for love, and laundress Sara O’Connor doesn’t want to be found. When their paths cross in a British colony on the brink of rebellion, a marriage of convenience may be their best hope of survival.

Canada, 1837. Widower James Kinney knows his precocious daughter, Evie, needs more than his lessons on law and logic, but Toronto offers few options. Classes with the neighbor children seem ideal until James discovers Evie is secretly spending her time with Sara O’Connor, a kind and mysteriously educated servant. For propriety’s sake, James forbids their friendship. But then Evie falls victim to the illness ravaging the city, and James must call upon Sara’s medical knowledge and her special bond with Evie to save his daughter’s life.

When Sara’s presence in his household threatens scandal, however, James offers an unexpected become his wife, in name only, and help him raise Evie to be a proper young lady.

If Sara can ignore the sparks she feels when they’re together, his logical proposal could keep her secret secure forever. But soon, the forces of rebellion unravel their tidy arrangement. When James is accused of treason, Sara must find the courage to face a past that could save her husband’s life.

Clean and wholesome, marriage-of-convenience historical romanceFilled with love, faith, and adventure. Inspirational historical fiction that’s perfect for fans of Julie Klassen, Laura Frantz, and Tamera AlexanderIncludes discussion questions for book clubs

My Review:

Woohoo! I’ve just discovered a new author to add to my favourites list and I’m getting in on her career right at the start. Fantastic debut that delivers an emotional, heart-tugging, adventurous historical romance that gave me all the feels…and then some.

And it’s set in Toronto, written by a Canadian author! That fills me with all kinds of patriotic bookish glee! The author has captured the historic atmosphere while delivering a piece of Canada’s past with intriguing detail. Love the glorious time travel feeling I get when a book invites me to completely immerse myself in the reading experience and Suntz’s storytelling did just that.

Plus — marriage of convenience! Eeeeppp!!! A much loved trope and this one plays out to perfection. Love the build up to that point. Sara’s desperate circumstances raised my ire and kept me wanting to purse whomp a certain innkeeper. Gah!

A host of secondary characters add even more emotional depth to this engaging story. Granny with her pragmatic words of wisdom and unshakeable faith, little Evie’s exuberant, inquisitive joie de vi-vre, young Henry forced to grow up much too fast – all added their unique charm and became fast fictional friends.

And what would a good story be without a villain or two? Add in, a bit of intrigue and buried secrets to make our hero and heroine really work for their happily ever after and, voila, the result is a captivating romance that’s impossible to put down.

I really enjoyed listening to the audio edition of The Lawyer and the Laundress narrated by Cassandra Campbell. She’s one of my favourite voice performers and she did justice to Sara, James and company. Would highly recommend the audio edition of this book if you have a discerning ear like I do. 🙂

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – ebook

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 Lawyer and the Laundress,  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 August 30 2025