Tag: Christian Fiction

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.

The Juliet Code + Giveaway

random retro re-read

Newlyweds Lord and Lady Astley Finally Reach Their Honeymoon Destination Only to Encounter a New Mystery in Need of Solving
 
Frederick and Grace Percy finally make it to Italy to enjoy a delayed honeymoon and explore the beauties of the historic city of Venice. To their surprise, their friend, Detective Jack Miracle, is also in the city, investigating a series of art heists starting at the house of eccentric millionaire, Laraby Covington. Drawn into a world of boat races, mysterious houses, and parties of the rich and unusual in Venice, Frederick and Grace learn of the existence of the Juliet paintings, (Renaissance paintings feature Shakespeare’s tragic heroine) rumored to hold a secret code to an underground vault of similarly treasured artwork assumed lost over the centuries. As Freddie and Grace are pulled deeper into the mystery and their beloved Detective Jack disappears, can they use their wits and work as a team to find the thieves and Jack before it’s too late. 
 
The Juliet Code is a Freddie and Grace Mystery, sequel to The Mistletoe Countess and The Cairo Curse.

My Review:

published in 2023 – this is my second read, well, listen this time, in preparation for reading the latest Freddie and Grace mystery, The Highland Heist. And yes, Pepper Basham’s storytelling thrills as much as it did the first time. And now I have this third book in my audible library to cozy up with the first two books in the series. Yay!

Squeeeeeeeepppppp! It’s official: Freddie & Grace are my favourite sleuthing couple ever and there better be more books in this mystery series or I will fall into the depths of bibliophile despair! Not only do I have an insatiable need to keep current with Freddie and Grace, but there are secondary characters who have become dear to my heart in these second and third books and I need to check in on them and their potential love interests. We need to start a ‘More Freddie & Grace’ campaign!

Ahem — back to my actual purpose here — this review: Did I enjoy this book? Positively, absolutely ADORED it! Fast paced, tons of banter, delectable toe-curling scenes (be still my heart…I’m still feeling the palpitations) and an intriguing Agathat Christie-ish mystery that was so much fun to try and figure out. 

Indomitable Grace, of course, steals the show, saves the day and Frederick is more smitten than ever! I love the way her mind works — she’s funny and thoughtful and book-centric. Grace makes some lovely references to God being the author of our stories and I love that kind of detail which fits so perfectly with who Grace is and shares profound truth in a very natural way. So well done.

‘The Juliet Code’ is the third book in this series and, while you could easily read this one as a standalone, there are a few spoilers from previous books you may or may not pick up on. So, if you intend to read the other books, I’d suggest reading them in order to get the most bibliophile enjoyment.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – ebook or paperback– winner’s choice

Canada – ebook, paperback 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 Juliet Code 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.

Inheritance of Secrets

random retro read

“I didn’t do right by your mother. Find her and do what I never had the courage to do.”

Her father’s deathbed confession changed everything for Aspen Kincaid. The mystery of her mother’s disappearance was unsolvable, or so she’d believed.

Her dad had lied to her all her life.

After inheriting a house in New Hampshire—a house Aspen hadn’t known her father owned—she travels thousands of miles, desperate to fulfill his dying wish. But some residents of Coventry don’t want Jane Kincaid’s daughter digging into things they think should remain hidden forever.

Renovating the secluded old house on the mountain should be the next step in Garrett McCarthy’s contracting career, but Aspen’s arrival stirs up old animosities in Coventry that he’d known nothing about. All he wants is to complete the job, hoping it’ll open doors to new opportunities. But when he’s asked to keep an eye on Aspen’s activities, he feels he can’t refuse. How can he honor his beautiful, vulnerable client and remain loyal to the people who need his help?

Join Aspen and Garrett as they attempt to solve a thirty-year-old mystery–without becoming its latest victims.

My Review:

published in 2022

A thrilling romantic suspense with a Gothic flare. The unexpected inheritance of a secluded old house in a small town seething with secrets and Aspen’s arrival threatens revelations some folks want to keep buried. Cue the creepy mood music and buckle in for a compelling read.

Garrett is hoping renovating that old house will be the next step up in establishing a contracting career. He isn’t prepared for the malicious undercurrents that ricochet around the room whenever Aspen shows up in public. Stunned when he’s asked to keep tabs on her activities, Garret is torn between old loyalties and the unexpected attraction to the town’s lovely newcomer.

Eeeppp!! ‘Inheritance of Secrets’ is full of drama, mystery and page-turning goodness.

Love’s Rescue + Giveaway

random retro re-read

When her mother dies, Elizabeth Benjamin heads home to Key West, determined to transform herself into the perfect Southern belle her parents always wished her to be. But nothing goes according to plan. Her crippled brother resents her, the servants do not obey her, and Rourke O’Malley, the dashing man she vowed to forget, refuses to relinquish his hold on her heart. Worst of all, it becomes painfully obvious that her father is not the upright man he appears to be.

As family secrets come to light, Elizabeth is faced with a difficult choice: to do her duty and abandon her dreams, or to leave her life of privilege behind to chase the man her father sees as little better than a pirate.

From the first emotional page, author Christine Johnson throws readers into a world of impossible choices, hidden desires, and heart-melting romance in the steamy south. Readers will cheer for Elizabeth and Rourke as they battle the odds and the elements to secure their future.

My Review:

published in 2015

A compelling tale of forgiveness and redemption. 

Truth be told I didn’t immediately connect with Elizabeth. Selfish might be the best way to describe her. Not in a deliberate, unfeeling way. She just doesn’t know any better. Her folly is part temperament and part upbringing. She’s so intent on what she wants she often fails to notice the needs of others…or even that her actions might have repercussions that involve other people. Time and experience provide her an opportunity to remedy all that. And that’s what make the story so good. We get to watch Elizabeth stretch and grow — and it’s a painful experience but also a rewarding one. She softens and matures through the course of the novel and I was cheering her on by the end. I love when an author changes my mind about a character. Now that’s talent!

Fascinating historical details add an extra layer of satisfaction to this read. Lush details and infuriating social norms engaged my emotions just as much as the riveting plot. And the Romeo and Juliet style romance — well, sublime doesn’t quite describe the thrill it gave me. An engrossing read from the tumultuous beginning to the soul-stirring end.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy and available to any reader anywhere so – yay- another International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Love’s Rescue,  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 January 31 2026.