Tag: Christian Fiction

Trail of Threats

An arsonist at large…a K-9 team in the line of fire.

Single mom Sadie Owens’s fear of being watched is confirmed when her home is set ablaze—while she and her son are trapped inside. Officer Rocco Manelli and his arson dog arrive in the nick of time to make a rescue. But as attacks persist, it’s up to Rocco to keep Sadie and her three-year-old safe from a criminal with a lethal agenda. Can he keep a vengeful arsonist from scorching a deadly path through Elk Valley—before Sadie and her son become the next victims?

My Review:

The sixth book in ‘Mountain County K-9 Unit’ continuity series published in August 2024. The audio books are just releasing now.

So enjoyed Courtney Patterson’s animated narration of ‘Trail of Threats.’ The writing is phenomenal as is, but Patterson’s interpretation of these characters amplified my reading pleasure all the more. Love that so many more Love Inspired novels are being made available in this format!

Breath-snatching suspense with the kind of drawn out tension that keeps a reader on her toes right to the very end. The heart-in-throat gripping opening scene sets the stage for compelling creepy-ish suspense that gave me all the nervy feels (in a good way!)

I just read the fifth book in this series a few weeks ago where Rocco played a significant secondary role so it was fun to get his complete story here. Having said that, this works wonderfully well as a standalone novel as well.

Rocco’s connection to Sadie, and the way their relationship plays out is so believable and full of emotion… and quite a few laughs courtesy of sassy Sadie. Not to mention some flirty banter. Ohhhh, and don’t get me started on the toe-curling scenes artfully interspersed throughout! A fantastic blend of romance and suspense where both keep you on the edge all the way through.

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

The Marriage Pact + Giveaway

Perry and Daisy’s fake relationship is fooling everyone . . . but they’re the ones who might be getting fooled.

When Daisy Hershberger and Perry Bontrager meet, they discover they have one thing in both their families are way too eager to see them matched with the person of their dreams. Daisy is convinced that Maynard is the one for her, but her parents have their doubts. And Perry? His family wonders if there’s anyone out there for a quirky guy like him. He’s also certain that some people–himself included–are destined to be single for life.

After comparing notes, Perry and Daisy agree to a pact. He’ll help her make Maynard realize what he’s missing, and she’ll pretend to be Perry’s love interest to keep his matchmaking mother satisfied. For a while, their pact seems to be working.

Maybe their imagined futures aren’t exactly what fairy tales are made of, but they’re committed to their plan . . . until they realize that a real-life fairy tale is happening where they least expect it. Sometimes, you don’t have to pretend to be anything but yourself in order for love to find you.

The final book in the Amish of Marigold series is a heartwarming, cozy inspirational romance featuring a pretend relationship and plenty of small-town charm. A perfect read for fans of Beverly Lewis and Suzanne Woods Fisher.

My Review:

Take an introverted Amish bachelor with an unusual hobby, add an extroverted Amish woman confused about love and you have the makings for a charming love story full of hope and laughter. Especially when you take into consideration the out-of-the-norm matchmaker working behind the scenes. Or trying to.

The first chapter features ten meddling brothers needling the lone bachelor in their midst — all kinds of cute and funny. But Perry’s just fine with his marital status (or lack thereof) thank you very much. He has a business to run and an absorbing hobby to occupy his spare time. What more could a fella want? Or so he thinks until ‘Daisy from Dover’ arrives on the scene.

The way their inauspicious meet-cute evolves into a fake dating scenario makes for an entertaining read. Of course their ruse backfires when real feelings become involved and it gets messy and a wee bit angsty before everything is all sorted, much to my bookish delight!

A classic Amish romance told in Kathleen Fuller’s engaging storytelling style, enhanced for me by Laura Berst’s winning narration. She’s a familiar voice in my Amish fiction listening and I enjoy the energy she brings through her performances.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson, Zondervan Fiction Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

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

Canada – available in print or 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 The Marriage Pact,  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 April 19 2025.

Earning the Veteran’s Trust + Giveaway

A second chance at love could be what she needs to finally heal.

After leaving the navy, Mallory Stone plans to buy her best friend’s fruit farm, a safe place to raise her son and adopt senior dogs like her dear Rosie. Until her ex-husband, Jonah Hayes, drops a he wants the same farm…and they’re still legally married. A trial partnership running the farm means the former marine can get to know the son he just met—and prove to Mallory he’s changed. As old feelings resurface, can Mallory open her heart for a chance at the future she’s always wanted?

My Review:

An incredible love story full of all kinds of second chances. Not only in the romance, but for the farm, the dogs and embracing new life after the chaos and trauma of military service. Such an impactful story on so many levels.

Yes, ‘Earning the Veteran’s Trust’ features one of my least favourite tropes – secret baby – but Jordan handles it well, making me sympathetic for both Mallory and Jonah and I appreciate the way they handle the situation going forward. And I do enjoy a redemptive love story!

Jonah is very much like the prodigal son. He approaches his fractured marriage with an air of humility and repentance which immediately softened my heart. Not so Mallory. She is so prickly at the beginning that I wanted to shake some sense into her a time or two, but really she has her reasons. Loved watching the way their relationship slowly rekindled as she embraced the power of forgiveness and learned to trust all over again.

I enjoyed listening to the audio edition, narrated by Alyx Morgan. She brings life to the story with a variety of voices that match each character and made my listening experience a delight.

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

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

Canada – available in print or 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 Earning the Veteran’s 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 April 19 2025.

Montana Abduction Rescue

Kidnappers out for vengeance. Can a K-9 team stop them?

Following the death of a crime boss he put behind bars, Ian Carpenter leaves witness protection—and runs right into an ambush. To escape assailants bent on revenge, he turns to his former handler, US marshal Meadow Ames, and her K-9 partner. But the stakes grow higher when Ian’s cousin is abducted. With threats closing in, can they rescue a kidnapped teen…and stop the criminals for good?

My Review:

This is the fifth book in the Love Inspired ‘Mountain K-9 Unit’ multi-authored series published in July 2024. It has recently been made available in audio format much to my delight. Even though this is the fifth book, it reads well as a standalone. While there is a romantic suspense plot unique to this story, there is also an over-arcing investigation that plays out through all the books. All the authors do a great job of catching readers up on the secondary suspense plot without detracting from the primary one.

Jodie Bailey knows how to build suspense through a delectably taut plot line full of unexpected twists. The inciting incident drew me in and set the tone for the rest of the story. It was a great way to immediately get deep into the psyche of both Ian and Meadow – a kind of baptism by fire into their personalities and motivations.

They have a professional history which was cut off when Ian went into the wit-sec programme and I really enjoyed watching their relationship warily take shape amidst all the chaos and danger. I especially appreciated the unique connection they have. I don’t want to say more for fear of spoilers – let’s just say there’s some nice role reversal on stereotypical suspense plot lines.

I really enjoyed Shannon Hemmings audio narration. She brought these characters alive and her performance added to the sense of danger and emotion evident in the story.

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

Unforgotten + Giveaway

Even though Bethanne Hostetler has found some peace eight years after an attempted assault and the accidental death of Peter Miller, she is still haunted by the memory. When her Englisher cousin, Candace–who has just been crowned Miss Crittenden County–reveals that she has a stalker, all of Bethanne’s old fears come rushing back.

Jay Raber had once been Peter’s best friend, and the fact that he did not protect Bethanne that fateful night has haunted him ever since. To make matters worse, she continues to avoid him–even as he continues to love her. Jay can only hope and pray that one day Bethanne will see the person he is today and not the boy he used to be.

As Candace’s stalker becomes bolder, Officer Ryan Mulany becomes her escort to various events. He knows he should only think of Candace as a job, but the more time they spend together, the harder it gets to maintain professional distance. And when everyone’s worst fears are realized, all four must work together to prevent another tragedy before time runs out and another innocent person is hurt. From New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray comes this emotionally taut story of learning to forgive, trust, and love despite the pain of the past.

My Review:

This classic Shelley Shepard Gray novel delivered on all my expectations. She has a distinctive storytelling style that I find so easy to lose myself in. Opening one of her books feels so welcoming and familiar. I think it’s the way she builds a community and fills it with solid secondary characters who play important roles in the over all story.

Love the way the author weaves two romances around a common theme while delivering a compelling suspense full of stalkerish vibes. Candace and Bethanne are cousins – one English, one Amish – both women facing challenging situations.

For Bethanne, the struggle to come back from an assault years ago has been a long, emotional battle. For Candace, her recent popularity after being crowned Miss Crittenden County has emboldened a stalker to take action. Their stories overlap especially as the suspense amps up. Brilliant pacing kept me on edge as I switched back and forth between Candace and Bethanne’s POVs, along with their dedicated heroes.

Sweet romance with emotional depth, a gentle but significant faith message and the thrill of suspense kept me engaged (literally read in one sitting) from start to end.

Of note: This is the second book in a series though I can’t find a series title. But the first book is ‘Unforgiven’ and there are some common characters shared in both ‘Unforgiven’ and ‘Unforgotten’. I also have a feeling that the first book might have introduced some of Bethanne’s back story. Having said that, I haven’t read ‘Unforgiven’ and had no issues picking up this book. I’ll definitely be backtracking and also keeping an eye out for the third book, ‘Unshaken’ after reading the brief sneak peek at the end of this one.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

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

Canada – available in print or 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 Unforgotten,  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 April 12 2025.

Emma, Mr. Knightley and Chili-Slaw Dogs + Giveaway

Random Retro ReRead

From the bestselling author of Pride, Prejudice, and Cheese Grits comes a new and comical contemporary take on the perennial Jane Austen classic, Emma.

Caroline Ashley is a journalist on the rise at The Washington Post until the sudden death of her father brings her back to Thorny Hollow to care for her mentally fragile mother and their aging antebellum home. The only respite from the eternal rotation of bridge club meetings and garden parties is her longtime friend, Brooks Elliott. A professor of journalism, Brooks is the voice of sanity and reason in the land of pink lemonade and triple layer coconut cakes. But when she meets a fascinating, charismatic young man on the cusp of a brand new industry, she ignores Brook’s misgivings and throws herself into the project. 

Brooks struggles to reconcile his parents’ very bitter marriage with his father’s devastating grief at the recent loss of his wife. Caroline is the only bright spot in the emotional wreckage of his family life. She’s a friend and he’s perfectly happy to keep her safely in that category. Marriage isn’t for men like Brooks and they both know it…until a handsome newcomer wins her heart. Brooks discovers Caroline is much more than a friend, and always has been, but is it too late to win her back? 

Featuring a colorful cast of southern belles, Civil War re-enactors, and good Christian women with spunk to spare, Emma, Mr. Knightley, and Chili-Slaw Dogs brings the modern American South to light in a way only a contemporary Jane Austen could have imagined.

My Review:

published in 2013

I’m really enjoying Hathaway’s twist on Austen novels. So clever and fun. A light-hearted read with a punch of grit.

Love the dynamics between Brooks and Caroline. So comfortable with each other, anchored by years of friendship. Their rapid-fire dialogue is a treat to read, whether they are teasing or fighting. or in deep conversation about important issues. These two know each other and care deeply.  Totally understandable that neither wants to risk their friendship with romance. But once that crackle of attraction makes an appearance a new kind of tension enters their exchanges and that brings a thrilling edge to every scene. Of course I knew they would get to together by the end, but Hathaway kept me on tenterhooks trying to figure out how.

Secondary characters and subplots give added depth and a good dose of intrigue, to the story. Hathaway has created a unique approach to familiar stories in her ‘Jane Austen Takes the South‘ series and this second book (which can be read as a standalone) is a wonderful addition to the collection.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy and is available to any reader, any where — so, yay, another International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Emma, Mr. Knightley and Chili-Slaw Dogs, 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 April 12 2025.

Dangerous Arson Trail + Giveaway

Can an officer and his K-9 partner catch a criminal with a deadly plan?

Emergency dispatcher Darcy Lane is abducted and left for dead in a burning house by a vengeful copycat of an arsonist she helped identify years ago. K-9 officer Lucas Harper, the man who once broke her heart, rescues her just in time. Staying one step ahead of a culprit proves nearly impossible, but Lucas will risk everything to keep Darcy safe. With the clock ticking, can they identify who’s terrorizing her…before the cold-blooded killer’s long-awaited revenge is complete?

My Review:

Canadian author. Canadian setting. What’s not to love? Always excited to find a story set on my home turf.

Oh my goodness — the tension! Black skillfully builds it up to an explosive conclusion and I was on the edge of my seat all the way through. Perfectly paced, action and danger bookend the romance and it all increased my anxiety!

Love that Darcy and Lucas have a muddled history, it adds a delicious knot of strain to their situation. Gotta love a complicated romance that seems doomed from the start…even though both hero and heroine can’t shake a resurgence of feelings that seem impossible to fulfill. Especially with Darcy being targeted by an unknown assailant. The perfect setup for a stellar romantic suspense.

‘Dangerous Arson Trail’ is the third book in ‘Unsolved Case Files’ series but can easily be read as a standalone novel. I enjoyed meeting up with this cold case team again. The author does a great job of creating a cohesive team of eclectic characters and I’m eager to learn more of their stories as the series progresses.

I listened to the audio edition of this book courtesy of Harlequin Audio and Net Galley and really enjoyed Noni Alley’s narration. She conveyed all the edgy emotion realistically which really helped me connect to the characters and situations they were dealing with. A compulsive non-stop listening experience for me.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

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

Canada – available in print or 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 Dangerous Arson 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 April 12 2025.

A Light on the Hill + Giveaway

Random Retro ReRead

Though Israel has found relative peace, Moriyah has yet to find her own. Attempting to avoid the scorn of her community, she’s spent the last seven years hiding behind the veil she wears. Underneath her covering, her face is branded with the mark of the Canaanite gods, a shameful reminder of her past captivity in Jericho and an assurance that no man will ever want to marry her.

When her father finds a widower who needs a mother for his two sons, her hopes rise. But when their introduction goes horribly wrong, Moriyah is forced to flee for her life. Seeking safety at one of the newly established Levitical cities of refuge, she is wildly unprepared for the dangers she will face and the enemies—and unexpected allies—she will encounter on her way.

My Review:

published in 2018

Gasp! This is me actually re-reading a biblical fiction novel! This time I gave it a listen though, courtesy of Audible Plus and thoroughly enjoyed Rachel Botchan’s narration. And guess what? It was just as compelling a read the second time around!

—

Connilyn Cossette’s writing style is so lyrical it begs to be read out loud. Exquisite descriptions about life and customs in biblical times — I swear this author must have a time machine because she gets it right every time. At least, I feel like it’s right for the time period. Even the dialogue. Not being in possession of a time machine, I can’t say for certain. 🙂 But though I’m not widely read in the biblical fiction genre, I will always find room on my TBR pile for this author’s novels. They are irresistible!

And interestingly enough I knew nothing about Levitical cities of refuge until a few weeks ago when my pastor mentioned them in a sermon. Totally fascinated me and then, a short while later, this book shows up on my doorstep. How cool is that? And it’s the first book in the Cities of Refuge series so there’s lots more good reading ahead. Oh — and to make this even more special for fans of Cossette’s Out of Egypt series, Moriyah was a secondary character in Wings of the Wind. Love that bridge between series.

And what an action-packed adventure! The author constantly surprised me with a new twist, an unexpected turn. The whole story is told from Moriyah’s first person point of view and it was easy to instantly relate to and root for this vulnerable young woman who has already suffered so much. Her personal faith journey is inspiring as she goes from living in the shadows because of her scars to becoming a light that transforms people — including herself. Because it isn’t until Moriyah has the courage to look beyond her scars that she can finally live up to her potential.

This would make an awesome book club selection because there’s such depth for discussion within these pages. I mean, don’t we all have scars in some form or another? Visible or invisible — things that hold us back and drag us down? And there are great discussion questions at the end of the book. The kind that make you really think. And stretch. I love it when I connect with my faith through fiction the way I did with this book. Makes for a life-changing read…if you dare to exercise Moriyah size courage!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy and is available to any reader, any where — so, yay, another International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Light on the Hill, 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 April 5 2025.

Some Like It Scot + Giveaway

An American travel writer who has never found a place to belong and a reclusive Scot with a surprising secret find a shocking connection when she enters a Highlands manor house that has been turned into a three-week long Edwardian experience.

Katie Campbell has traveled her entire life. As the daughter of an army chaplain, changing homes–or even countries–was commonplace, so when her wild childhood storytelling turned into a lucrative career as a travel writer, she thought she’d found her perfect match. But as she’s nearly thirty with no real place to settle down, she’s starting to wonder where “home” actually is. Her own family hadn’t felt like home since her sister’s death left them all limping through life.

When a lengthy project in Scotland promises to not only give her travel fodder for months but also a shot at a coveted editing position, she accepts and is sent to spend three weeks in the newly created Craighill House, a Scottish home redesigned to offer guests an Edwardian experience. But her entrance to Craighill introduces her to a quirky group of characters and a surly Scot who is helping refurbish the magnificent woodwork of the estate house.

As Katie attempts to live “Edwardian,” she learns that all that glitters does not a comfortable lifestyle make . . . and surly Scots may turn out to be dashing and creative uncles raising their orphaned nephews. When a few escapades from the Downton era lead Katie on hunts for mermaids and dragons or to a fireside chat with a family who has grown stronger through tragedy, Katie begins to wonder if “home” looks a whole lot like rolling green hills, magnificent braighs, and a few extra “ayes” thrown in for good measure. But can her world-traveling lifestyle fit in with a Scot whose heart is double-knotted to home?

My Review:

First off, kudos to narrators Joshua Manning and Stina Nielsen for their stellar performances. This story is magnificent all on its own but it rises to a whole other level as an audio book. They convey all the drama and humour with the kind of feeling that leads me to believe they enjoyed the story as much as I did and that increased my ‘reading’ pleasure all the more.

So, what can I say about this story other than it’s sheer brilliance in every way. Humour. Faith. Emotional depth. Quirky characters. All woven together into an incredible love story that had me laughing one moment and close to tears the next.

And, much like Katie, I was in a constant state of ‘human combustion of emotion’ because of a certain amount of ‘hot Scotness or Scot hotness.’ Their meet-cute is hysterically appropriate for a Pepper Basham rom/com. Especially since Katie has a unique radar for trouble no matter what country she’s currently traveling through.

Her ‘surly Scot’ is classically brooding though a tender heart beats beneath that brawny, gruff exterior. Personalities clash even as sparks fly and I happily settled in for what I knew would be an exceptional read.

Discovering emotional depth in the midst of riotous bedlam was an extra bonus. Our hero and heroine have suffered similar loss, though they’ve dealt with it in different ways. Basham compassionately tackles the power grief holds – to draw people closer or push them apart. And the hope that comes from finding your place in an accepting community.

‘Some Like it Scot’ is a definite must read (or listen) for discerning romance readers who enjoy savouring every last drop of deliciousness in a profound love story.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson, Zondervan Fiction Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

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

Canada – available in print or 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 Some Like it Scot,  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 April 5 2025.

In the Company of Others

random retro read

Father Tim and Cynthia arrive in the west of Ireland, intent on researching his Kavanagh ancestry from the comfort of a charming fishing lodge. The charm, however, is broken entirely when Cynthia startles a burglar and sprains her already-injured ankle. Then a cherished and valuable painting is stolen from the lodge owners, and Cynthia’s pain pales in comparison to the wound at the center of this bitterly estranged Irish family. 

In the Company of Others is a moving testament to the desperate struggle to hide the truth at any cost and the powerful need to confess. Of all her winning novels, Jan Karon says this “dark-haired child” is her favorite-a sentiment readers everywhere are certain to share.

Another stirring page-turner about Father Tim—this time set in County Sligo—from the bestselling author of At Home in Mitford, Somebody Safe with Somebody Good, and other books in the Mitford Series.

My Review:

published in 2010

Somehow the entire Mitford series has eluded me all these years but it just seemed so daunting to try and catch up. However, when I discovered that this eleventh book is set in Ireland featuring only two of the main characters (Father Tim and his his wife Cynthia) I figured it might be the perfect place to jump in. Plus I was looking for Irish themed reads for St. Patrick’s Day and this fit the bill.

I loved the way the author brought Ireland to life — from physical descriptions to the culture and history — I could almost hear the fire crackling and feel the moisture of a a grand soft day on my face. Definitely made me homesick.

Father Tim arrives on holiday but somehow becomes embroiled in multiple family dramas at the inn they are staying at. It must be the clerical collar. 🙂 I quite enjoyed the rambling feel of the story. Not one that I felt needed to be rushed through, but one I quietly enjoyed for a half hour or so each evening. There’s a bit of mystery complete with an old journal from the 1860s and a slew of interesting characters (which were sometimes hard to keep track of. ) Overall, an excellent introduction to the author’s storytelling style and her beloved Father Tim. I’m intrigued enough to back track and – shock! – start with the first Mitford book sometime later this year.