Tag: Christmas

Crime Scene Conspiracy + Giveaway

Too many mysterious deaths…not enough clues.

A string of staged deaths forces Texas Ranger Emily O’Connell on a covert mission to investigate a governor’s connection to the deceased women. She doesn’t trust anyone—including crime scene cleaner Stone Spencer. But when Emily’s questioning makes her the serial killer’s next target, she must turn to ex-ranger Stone for help. With threats at every turn, outrunning a merciless villain could be the last thing they do.

My Review:

Ummm….definitely clear your calendar, turn your phone off and lock yourself away from your real world, ’cause once you enter this fictional one there’s no turning back. Riveting. Compelling. Absorbing. Intriguing…and all the ‘ings’ you can think of.

I compulsively listened to ‘Crime Scene Conspiracy’ in a day and, since I have a rule that I can only listen to audio books when I’m moving, I’m sooo sore and tired! Oy, but I couldn’t hit the pause button on this one and I’m not sorry. Except that it’s all over now but — hooray — this is the first in the Texas Crime Scene series so there are more books in store and I think we’ve gotten a hint as to which Spencer sibling will be up next in the starring role. (At least, I hope so!)

Love the way the author has set the stage for the whole series. A crime scene cleaning company is such an interesting angle and the Spencer family is full of captivating characters who all seem to have unique back stories that need exploring. Eeeeep! I can’t wait!!!

This time ’round it’s older brother Stone who ends up in the thick of things, helping Texas Ranger Emily O’Connell on a covert mission. They’ve worked together before (he’s ex-Texas Ranger) and he’s even asked her out a time or two (she declined…crazy girl!) so it was fun to see them up close and personal once again. Awkward meet-cute leads to so much more. Great banter along with some sniping (Emily has major trust issues) paired with some lovely ‘getting to know you’ moments. And a beautiful faith thread about trust and how trusting God can open your heart to trusting others. It’s a lesson Emily has to learn the hard way.

The complex suspense kept me on the edge of my seat trying to suss out the killer right along with Emily and Stone. Nice pacing between the high point action scenes and the investigative ones until — ack! — the nail-biting conclusion. A thrill of a read all the way through.

I didn’t realize going in that this was a Christmas story. The details are light enough not to feel too seasonal if you’re reading the book any other time of the year but, if you’re looking for a Christmas read, this one definitely fits the bill with some lovely festive traditions. So — an ideal romantic suspense for any time of the year!

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 Cold Case Conspiracy , 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 24 2024.

Hart of Noel + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

Noel, Missouri: where cookies and ornaments collide.

Books and cookies — a match made in heaven?

Not hardly. Josh Hart just wants his fledgling bookstore to have a chance, and with every car in the tiny town of Noel parking in front of his story, you’d think he had a good one.

Again, not hardly.

They’re all taking up his prime parking to get into Honey Pott’s Bakery. Josh is certain if Honey would quit parking her own over-sized SUV right smack-dab in front of his door, maybe people could see the store.

Enter Milton Coleridge and his trusty parrotlet, Atticus (not Finch). He loves the store, but he has news for Josh. Without some major changes, Noel’s first bookstore may be its last.

A Hart of Noel is a Christmas ‘novella’ in the Bookstrings series.

My Review:

published in 2021

A delightful book-centric Christmas novella that can be enjoyed any time of the year!

Gotta love a series about a man (and his parrotlet) who travel around saving independent bookstores. Milton is my hero — and he has a nifty sideline as a matchmaker. Love his quiet ways, earnest observations and the ability he has to see into the heart of a problem and offer solutions.

And Josh has a lot of problems. From a floundering bookstore to a volatile feud with the neighbourhood baker. You’ve heard of the grumpy sunshine trope? Well, this is a grumpy/grumpy trope. Josh and Honey are like oil and water. Always on the defensive when it comes to each other and apt to spew first, think later. Milton has his hands full with these two.

Such a fun little read. Dry humour, valiant efforts to save a bookstore and spark a romance all in the days leading up to Christmas. Along with oodles of sage Milton-isms. What’s not to love?

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Hart of Noel , 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 3 2024.

Amish Christmas Twins + Giveaway

In these heartwarming, faith-affirming stories, three Amish families face the joys, and challenges, of the holidays—with fruitful results . . .
 
THE CHRISTMAS NOT-WISH
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Shelley Shepard Gray
When the foster parents they’ve cautiously grown to love discover they’re expecting, orphaned Roy and Jemima Fisher, ages six and seven, are secretly devastated by the certainty they’ll be given up. With Christmas around the corner, their only wish is for new foster parents as nice as Mr. and Mrs. Kurtz. Meanwhile, the Kurtzes have wishes of their own—and with faith, they all may be gifted with twice the blessings . . .
 
NEW BEGINNINGS * Rachel J. Good
Still grieving the loss of her husband in an accident a year ago, Elizabeth Yoder is oblivious to her neighbor Luke Bontrager’s deepening affection for her. But while she bleakly faces Christmas alone, it’s Luke who reminds her it’s the season for giving. And when Elizabeth follows his advice, she soon finds her gifts repaid beyond measure, which leads to new beginnings . . .
 
TWINS TIMES TWO * Loree Lough
What happens when two secretive, stubborn people find themselves thrown together to help four rascally youngsters—twins times two!—create a Christmas surprise for their parents? Mischief and mayhem, and just maybe . . . love!

My Review:

What’s really interesting about this novella collection is the different way each author approached the ‘twin’ theme and that results in three unique and entertaining stories.

Shelley Shepard Gray’s ‘The Christmas Not-Wish’ features a pair of foster children longing for a place to belong. Emotional on so many levels, from both the kid’s perspective and their foster parents’. If you’re a Gray fan you might recognize Elizabeth Anne and Will Kurtz from ‘The Protective One‘ (Walnut Creek series.) This story is a peek into their happily ever after, which hasn’t gone exactly as they planned.

Dealing with loss is difficult any time of year, but especially so at Christmas. That’s the challenge Rachel J. Good tackles in ‘New Beginnings’ as heroine Elizabeth struggles to find a balance between her need to deal with things on her own and the good intentions of family and friends who want to ease her way. Add in an unexpected friendship with neighbour Luke, some sacrificial giving and suddenly Elizabeth’s world opens up to all kinds of new possibilities.

The twins in Loree Lough’s ‘Twins Times Two’ are adolescent trouble makers who turn into unlikely matchmakers when Abigail and Jubal are thrown together in their bid to help four troublesome boys discover the spirit of giving at Christmas.

A lovely collection of heartwarming stories.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook available to anyone, anywhere who has a .com (US) Kindle account

US — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada — paperback or ebook (via a gift card to Canadian Amazon) or audible (.ca)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Amish Christmas Twins, 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 November 25 2023

Better Watch Out + Giveaway

An accidental meet-cute, a case of mistaken identity, and a bucket-list of Christmas activities befitting a Hallmark movie make this holiday romantic adventure the perfect Christmas read.

Leave the candy canes, take the pepper spray! 

Nothing screams Christmas like a week spent ice skating, visiting Santa, and sharing a kiss or two under the mistletoe. Frannie Frost has crafted the perfect bucket list of romantic activities to surprise her boyfriend in the most magical place at Christmas time—New York City. When he unexpectedly becomes her ex, her plans are derailed leaving her with a choice. Wallow in self-pity at Christmas time or take matters into her own hands. 

Former NHL defenseman turned personal protection agent, Andrew Bishop, loves his job—when things go as planned—but Frannie Frost is definitely not part of the plan. Still, when her brother, the man who saved Andrew’s life last year, asks him to deliver his sister safely to the airport, he can’t say no. 

The only problem? Frannie isn’t leaving. She’s determined to make the most of her trip by checking off a bucket list of cliché Christmas actives that would make even Santa’s elves jealous. Andrew’s content to let her go until he learns that Frannie’s been mistaken for his client and thrust into the midst of danger. 

Better Watch Out is a sweet romantic holiday adventure that gives you all of laughs of a rom-com while adding a touch of suspense. Tropes you’re sure to love include the new girl in the city vibe, stranded at Christmas, under the mistletoe, forced proximity, and a touch of enemies to lovers. Enjoy this romantic adventure that’s sure to make your holidays merry and bright.

My Review:

A rom/com with a sideline of suspense. But, really it’s the Christmas-themed, comedy-infused romance that takes centerstage here. And I loooovvvvveedd it!!! From the hearty guffawing meet cute through all the awkward, quirky moments. Frannie is all wide-eyed, small town Southern charm to Andrew’s jaded big city persona. What a contrast and it opens the way for some great comedy as well as touching, feel-good scenes. A lethal combination.

Oh — and speaking of Andrew — former hockey player, now a personal protection agent, working with a company of ex-NHLers turned body guards. THUD! I sure hope this is the start of a series because the office camaraderie is hilarious and now I need to know all these guys’ stories. And see them each get their happily ever after too, of course!

Christmas is practically its own character in this novel. The author does an amazing job of vividly describing holiday traditions in New York City as Frannie plays tourist to the nth degree and Andrew plods along. He’s kind of a grump at the start, but Frannie’s yuletide enthusiasm soon works its charm and he gets on board with the holiday magic. Just in time to send me into swooning tailspins and loop-de-loops!

For fans of the author’s ‘Harbored Secrets’ series: you’ll be thrilled to discover that Vivian and Ryan (Deadly Deceit; Book 2) play a secondary role here. They are always off page but we get their input via phone calls and text messages since Frannie is Ryan’s little sister. Can we say ‘Over protective brother syndrome’?! That brings a whole other line of comedic action to the story.

An absolute-must-read 2023 holiday release!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook available to anyone, anywhere who has a .com (US) Kindle account

US — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada — paperback or ebook (via a gift card to Canadian Amazon)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Better Watch Out, 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 November 25, 2023

A Family Under the Christmas Tree + Giveaway

RANDOM RETRO RE-READ

This Christmas, will their shared puppy love lead to a forever family?

Sophie Griffith travels around the world as a photographer. Her new assignment — helping her grandmother for a few weeks — is just temporary. Once Christmas Day comes, Sophie will be on her next adventure.

Caring for Grandma is a piece of cake. Caring for her new Bernese mountain dog, Riggs, is a different story. Then Riggs strikes up a friendship with a lost little boy at the park, who leads her to David.

David Murphy never knew much about kids. But when his brother dies unexpectedly, David is granted custody of his five-year-old nephew, Troy. He already has his hands full running his business, and he has no idea how to help the grieving boy. When Troy runs off one day, David finds him at a park playing with an adorable and rambunctious Bernese mountain dog — who leads him to Sophie.

Sophie will be gone after Christmas, and the last thing David needs is another distraction. Still, their faith and growing love for the little boy — and the mischievous dog — soon have them falling for each other. Could this be more than a holiday romance? Will Troy finally get his Christmas wish for a family?

My Review:

published in 2016

It’s official — it’s puppy love! As in Riggs the Bernese Mountain dog pup. Squealll! His antics are hysterical and endearing and kept me grinning and ‘ahhhing’ all the way through the read. Okay, yes, there is a two-legger hero in this novel as well and he’s pretty fetching too. I expect you want to hear about him. 🙂 

David is in over his head when it comes to his five-year-old nephew. His workaholic bachelor days are over and if that isn’t enough of an adjustment, dealing with the intricacies of a grieving little boy might prove to be his breaking point. Until his elderly neighbour’s granddaughter visits for the holidays. His conniving, matchmaker-minded neighbour, that is. 

David and Sophie are thrown together as they strive to make a memorable Christmas for Troy. Emotions become entangled despite their best efforts because no matter how much they seem right for each other, common sense tells them they’re all wrong. Sophie lives a nomadic lifestyle as a photographer. David is anchored by a growing business and an orphaned nephew. A future together seems impossible. That makes for some truly tender love scenes that kept me on edge because it all seemed so futile. 

The Christmas backdrop brings a stirring element to the story and includes a children’s pageant complete with Riggs in reindeer antlers!!!!! (one of my favourite scenes, by the way!) Destined to become a Christmas classic.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback 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 Family Under the Christmas Tree, 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 Nov 25, 2023.

O Little Town + Giveaway

Random Retro Re-read


Stores of small-town Christmas and the enduring love of God from three critically acclaimed authors. In the sleepy small town of Mapleview, Michigan, Christmas is always something special. In this charming collection of romance novellas, join three generations of Mapleview residents longing for love — and finding it — on the most wonderful night of the year.

Hopes and Fears by Amanda Wen

Emma Trowbridge is determined to give her students the Christmas pageant of a lifetime. The last person she expected, or wanted, to encounter in her two-room schoolhouse is her childhood rival, Frederick Oberstein. He would rather be far away himself. He wants no part of cheer, Christmas or otherwise. Can they learn to see each other in a new light — embrace a new season of hope and faith tougher?

While Mortals Sleep by Janyre Tromp

While World War II rages overseas, news reporter Eleanor Sweers returns home to Mapleview to face the repercussions of the death of her sister and her nightmare of Christmases past. But the Homefront isn’t as far from the war as she thought: a bomb has landed in the middle of the U.S. Now Eleanor and family friend Gideon Braum may have to choose between the scoop of a lifetime and the love of a lifetime.

The Wondrous Gift by Deborah Raney

High school football coach Caleb Janssen and music teacher Rachel Hamblin bond when they both lose their jobs at a Christian school. But when they discover their plans for the future are mutually exclusive, the fallout threatens to tear them apart.

My Review:

published in 2022

A stunning collection of Christmas stories that I will cherish every year. These authors deliver the very essence of the season in classic tales of loss and hope and the wonder of new beginnings during the most magical time of the year.

I felt all kinds of ‘Anne and Gilbert’ vibes from Amanda Wen’s ‘Hopes and Fears’.  As students, Emma and Fredrick shared a long standing school rivalry, but they are adults now, teachers in the same two room school house where that rivalry has the chance to spark into something so much more…if only past sorrows and mistakes can be faced and forgiven. Brilliantly paced and beautifully told, the author has managed to capture the heart of Christmas and its everlasting promise of hope. 

Janrye Tromp’s Christmas offering includes a compelling World War II mystery which was a fun surprise. She has packed all the depth and substance you’d find in a full length novel into‘While Mortals Sleep’ — from characterization to plot and beautiful descriptive writing. Unputdownable!

Deb Raney’s ‘Wonderous Gift’ was the least Christmas-y of this trio. It starts a week before Christmas (present day) and ends on Christmas the following year. So seasonal bookends to a fun and flirty contemporary romance with just the right touch of angst. And there’s a very sweet ‘coming full circle’ vibe between the first story in this collection and this one. Uplifting and inspiring.

I enjoyed listening to the audible edition of ‘O Little Town’. Excellent narrators in Leah Horowitz and Matt Godfrey (though only Janyre Tromp’s novella included both a male and female narrator.)

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback copy — open to any reader, anywhere in the world, so, yay, another International Giveaway!


If you would like a chance to win a copy of  O Little Town , leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. 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 November 25 2023 .

Kiss Me on Christmas + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

Single mom Kaitlyn Stafford has never considered Christmas a balancing act, but when her sister calls with the news that she’s getting married in less than two weeks — on Christmas Day — that’s exactly what the holiday looks like becoming. Helping with the out-of-state wedding will be fun. The challenge will be doing so while accommodating her neurodivergent son’s need to keep every single one of their Christmas traditions while they’re away from home. It’ll be tricky, but she can do it.

At least, that’s what she thinks before her son’s favourite YouTuber, Beckett Walsh, shows up on the scene, knocking her world off kilter with his speaking glances and knowing smiles. How on earth is she supposed to pull off her balancing act when her world’s just tilted on its axis?

My Review:

published in 2022

What a wonderful blend of humour and hope mixed up with a slice of real life…at Christmas time! I was drawn in right from with the very personable 1st person present tense POV, which, is not a favourite, but somehow it worked for me here. Brought me right into every scene, experiencing every emotion and impression. And I love that we are given both Kaitlyn’s and Beckett’s points of view, with young Liam gleefully worming his way into every scene.

The whole story takes place in about a two week time-span amidst the flurry of wedding preparations. Kaitlyn is concerned about keeping routines and traditions for her neurodivergent son in the middle of all the chaos. Loved this glimpse into a mother’s heart and the challenges and rewards of raising a unique child like Liam. He’s funny and personable and often all too literal. And I love the way Beckett fits into the story, his true swoon-worthiness shining in the way he accepts and champions Kaitlyn’s son.

Kiss Me on Christmas is short on length but not in depth — this novella packs an emotional punch. The kind of Christmas story that celebrates the season and leaves the reader with a heartwarming afterglow .

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Kiss Me on 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 November 25, 2023.

The Wish Book Christmas + Giveaway

A holiday story that reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful gifts are the ones we least expect and don’t deserve.

Best friends Audrey Barrett and Eve Dawson are looking forward to celebrating Christmas in postwar America, thrilled at the prospect of starting new traditions with their five-year-old sons. But when the 1951 Sears Christmas Wish Book arrives and the boys start obsessing over every toy in it, Audrey and Eve realize they must first teach them the true significance of the holiday. They begin by helping Bobby and Harry plan gifts of encouragement and service for those in their community, starting by walking an elderly neighbor’s yellow Lab–since a dog topped the boys’ wish list for Santa. In the charming tale that follows, Audrey and Eve are surprised to find their own hearts healing from the tragedies of war and opening to the possibility of forgiveness and new love.

My Review:

published in 2021

Wow…just…wow! What a holiday treasure for any discerning reader who enjoys collecting Christmas books because this one definitely belongs on the keeper shelf! It’s nostalgic and charming and puts me in mind of classic holiday films from the 40s and 50s. Left me with the same happy afterglow as well.

The Wish Book Christmas is a sequel to ‘If I Were You’ but can easily be read as a standalone. I haven’t read the first book and had no problems diving in here for a Christmas in Connecticut with Eve and Audrey.

Love the way the author brought this time period to life and the way she deftly wove a powerful inspirational thread throughout the story. Honestly, the way it all culminated into an epic ‘aha’ moment for both our heroines was brilliant and thrilling and, well, inspiring!

I listened to the audible edition (it’s available on Audible Plus right now) narrated by Sarah Zimmerman. I always enjoy her performances and she definitely excelled with her interpretation of these characters and their special Christmas story.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook available to anyone, anywhere who has a .com (US) Kindle account

US — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada — paperback or ebook (via a gift card to Canadian Amazon)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Wish Book 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 November 18, 2023

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The Holly and the Ivy + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

Spend the holidays with four of your favorite historical romance authors, whose stories of Yuletide romance will brighten the season with humor, hope, and the promise of true love.

“The Holly and the Ivy” by Sarah M. Eden
As nursemaid to the eight-year-old Duke of Kielder, Robbie will spend her holidays with her young charge as a guest of Lord and Lady Jonquil. While the couple makes the child’s holiday magical, the handsome gardener works his own magic on Nurse Robbie’s heart.

“Hiding Christmas” by Esther Hatch
Celebrating Christmas in Scotland will only invite persecution. But that never stopped Kirstine’s English grandmother. When they are almost caught, Kirstine is forced to beg for the help of the one man she cannot abide.

“A Twist of Christmas” by Dana LeCheminant
A Christmas house party offers two members of the ton an irresistible opportunity: a weekend of anonymity. But their charade comes with unexpected romantic consequences.

“A Season to Love” by Anneka R. Walker
Alice Hunt is searching for a Christmas miracle: a husband of her choosing. With the threat of an arranged marriage looming, she looks to an unlikely matchmaker for help.

My Review:

published in 2022

A fantastic collection of holiday romances. I listened to the audible edition narrated by Noah Wall. She’s one of my favourite narrators and does a great job with the British and Scottish accents.

Christmas in spring? How does that even work? Why, beautifully if you’re reading “The Holly and the Ivy” by Sarah M. Eden. And…eeeeeepppppp…totally fan-girling here because it’s about the Duke of Kielder when he’s an eight-year old boy. And, oh my heart! Eden gives us a glimpse into why the austere Duke of ‘Seeking Persephone’ fame is the way he is. Plus we are treated to the Jonquil family at it’s very beginning. So much to love about this novella!!! No worries if you haven’t met these characters in the author’s previous books — this will still read wonderfully as a standalone. Especially since it features a working class romance between the Duke’s nurse maid and the Jonquil’s gardener. And lots of lovely Christmas traditions besides.

Be still my heart. Close proximity and fake relationship tropes feature in Esther Hatch’s Hiding Christmas. As well as some interesting facts about a Christmas ban in Scotland! That sent me on a google deep dive, let me tell you! Love the inauspicious meet-cute for this Scottish lass and English gentleman. Funny and poignant by turns.

Dana LeCheminant is a new-to-me-author and ‘A Twist of Christmas’ was the perfect introduction to her storytelling style. A seasonal Regency Romance? Yes please! Add in some mistaken identities, the lure of forbidden love and a whole lot of enticing mix-ups and you get the recipe for a highly entertaining holiday read. Loved the banter so much but also appreciated the more serious look at what it was like for this hero and heroine to deal with the expectations placed on them due to their social standing. This story is a bit light on seasonal flare, though it culminates at a Christmas ball.

‘A Season to Love’ by Anneka R. Walker is playful and fun with a light touch of angst as the romance builds. The meet-cute between the hero and heroine is hilarious! Alice is only too aware of her short-comings when compared to her successful (and well-married) sisters…or so she thinks. But a visit to her grandmother’s home for the holidays provides her with some unexpected enlightenment. And romance. Eeep! Clever and sweet and laugh out loud funny at times. And achingly tender too.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook available to anyone, anywhere who has a .com (US) Kindle account

US — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada — paperback or ebook (via a gift card to Canadian Amazon) or audible (.ca)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Holly and the Ivy, 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 November 11, 2023

An Ivy Hill Christmas + Giveaway

Random Retro Re-Read

Richard Brockwell, the youngest son of Ivy Hill’s most prominent family, hasn’t been home for Christmas in years. He prefers to live in the London townhouse, far away from Brockwell Court, the old family secret that haunts him, and the shadows of past mistakes. But then his mother threatens to stop funding his carefree life — unless he comes home for Christmas. Out of options, he sets out for Ivy Hill, planning to be back on a coach bound for London and his unencumbered bachelor life as soon as the festivities are over.

But Christmas in the country presents unforeseen surprises, including encounters with an orphaned apprentice, the first love he disappointed years ago, and Arabella Awdry, a young lady who is far more appealing then he recalled…and determined to have nothing to do with him.

Will Christmas time in Ivy Hill, with its village charm, kissing boughs, joyous songs, and divine hope, work its magic in his heart…and hers as well?

My Review:

I’m bedazzled. Best Christmas story ever. An Ivy Hill Christmas exudes all the warmth and cheer and heart-tugging moments found in all the classic holiday stories…and then some. Ivy Hill fans will be thrilled to get reacquainted with favourite characters from books past and meet some intriguing new ones. No worries, though, if you aren’t familiar with the series, this can definitely be read (and enjoyed immensely!) by IH newbies. Just be prepared to be greeted by a barrage of friendly faces in the first few chapters and go with the flow. You’ll feel settled in no time at all.

Unlike poor Richard who is decidedly unsettled by his mama’s request to…gasp!…come home for Christmas! And his life continues to go all topsy-turvy from there. The social awakening of this spoiled gentleman is at the heart of the story. It’s breath-takingly beautiful, and moving and uplifting. Absolutely everything I love to see in a Christmas tale delivered with exquisite precision by a gifted storyteller.

I loved all the historical details of Regency Christmas traditions. From decorating to partying to charitable works….I couldn’t help but sigh over the naivete of a simpler time. We could all use this type of hearty Christmas cheer after this pandemic year!

And there’s romance!!!! Multiples, in fact, which sent me into a swoony tilt-a-whirl of giddiness. Oh…and Wally, the dapper terrier!!!! He’s worth the read alone. 🙂

A charming, heartwarming, romantical celebration with the true meaning of Christmas at its very core.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook available to anyone, anywhere who has a .com (US) Kindle account

US — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada — paperback or ebook (via a gift card to Canadian Amazon) or audible (.ca)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of An Ivy Hill 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 November 11, 2023