Tag: Christmas

The Liberty Scarf + Giveaway

In the midst of a seemingly endless war, a scarf connects three women in the cold winter of 1917 . . .

As an ambitious scarf maker, Iris Braxton spends her days surrounded by color and luxury not often seen during the dark days of war that promised to be over by Christmas. That promise has come and gone for three years with still no end in sight and her days continue in a monotony of rations and threads while she spins a dream of becoming Liberty’s first female pattern designer. She hasn’t the time or interest in rakish soldiers, but the temporarily-on-leave Captain Conrad Jones is persistent–and before long his charm wins her over. But war is cruel and all too soon Conrad leaves once more for the Front, but not before vowing to meet again in Strasbourg, France, the most magical of Christmas cities. Iris begins stitching small messages into each of the scarves she makes in hopes that one will find a way into Conrad’s hands to let him know she’s thinking of him. And when she receives word that he’s wounded in Strasbourg, she rushes to his side. Along the way, she passes a woman wearing one of her scarves . . .

Geneviève Tremblay, a French-Canadian immigrant, is a telephone operator living in Lewiston, Maine. Her beau is a member of a prominent family who has helped to Americanize her in a community often unfriendly to Canadians. As part of this effort, she enlists in the US Army Signal Corps to serve as a bi-lingual operator. Along the way, she meets a French officer who makes her question whether losing her identity is too heavy a price for acceptance.

The Clara Janssens, a Flemish Nurse, and Roman Allaire, an Alsatian violinist, are chosen to play for an orchestra providing morale on the front lines. This is a world they’ve never known, far beyond their routine provincial and countryside lives–and the expectations in those towns. Their love of music creates a spark between them, but the destruction of battle and the fulfillment of a promise threaten their romance. Still, the appearance of a kind stranger and the unexpected gift of a treasured scarf bind them long beyond their stolen moments and offer them a future beyond what they could have even hoped.

My Review:

Gobsmackingly good! Exceptional storytelling. And what a surprise to discover that this is one continuous story written by three authors. I went into this read assuming it was a collection of novellas set in different eras, instead, the authors cover the same timeline from different characters’ perspectives which makes a stunning impact.

Each author’s story flows seamlessly into the next one — but oh the cliffhanger endings in the first two! They have distinctive styles in both plot and characterization but the stories mesh beautifully into a cohesive whole by the end which made ‘The Liberty Scarf‘ such a rich, emotional read.

Love the diverse settings (US, England and Europe) and the historical insights each brings to the story. There’s even a French-Canadian heroine! (says this Canadian reader proudly.) I love learning about history in my fiction and these authors captured elements of WWI that I wasn’t aware of which made the read that much more interesting.

Oh — and there’s a bit of the epistolary novel within these stories as well which I absolutely loved. While mostly told in ‘real time’ there are letter writing components too and those glimpses into the characters’ inner most thoughts were priceless. Such a great way to enhance the story!

I listened to the audio edition of this book and really enjoyed the multi narrator performances. Anne Marie Gideon, Gary Furlong, Caroline Hewitt and Saskia Maarleveld did an incredible job. Such a rich, rewarding listening experience.

My thanks to Harper Muse Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this novel.

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 The Liberty Scarf, 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 16 2024.

I’ll Be Home for Mischief

Innkeeper Holly White is decking the halls this Christmas season, but someone is on the naughty list when a body is discovered in the fifth installment in the Christmas Tree Farm mystery series from bestselling author Jacqueline Frost.

It’s Christmastime in Mistletoe, Maine, and the Historical Society has launched a widespread campaign to celebrate the town’s 150th anniversary. Descendants of the founding family, the Snows, have returned for the first time, and Holly is determined to make the family’s visit magical. In an attempt to put Mistletoe on the map, Holly’s mother, a respected local baker, attempts to break a record by baking the world’s largest gingerbread man, but her plans are whisked away when Mr. Snow’s body ends up in the batter. 

When Mr. Moore, the local mistletoe farmer, is accused of the crime, Holly reprises her role as amateur sleuth to protect the sweet older man. Between hosting the inconsolable Mrs. Snow and other guests at the inn, receiving threatening messages telling her to stop her investigation, and preparing for her first wedding anniversary with Sheriff Evan Gray, she might need a Christmas miracle to survive.

When someone breaks into Holly’s office and scratches a warning into her desk, she knows she has little time left. Can Holly uncover the killer before someone else gets burned, or is her involvement a recipe for trouble?

My Review:

Absolutely one of my favourite cozy mystery series and this fifth ‘Christmas Tree Farm Mystery’ is just as magnificent as all the rest!

Jacqueline Frost tackles murder and mayhem with a healthy dose of heartwarming and humour which makes me love these Mistletoe, Maine characters even more. I mean, who wouldn’t want Cookie and Theodore front and centre in their life?! And all the romance swirling around in this winter wonderland? Does my romantical heart so much good!

So, definitely a series that I think should be read in order — not only for the character arcs and relationship building, but for the sheer festive ambiance which the author makes fresh and exciting with each new book. Her Reindeer Games ideas are phenomenal and the way she portrays small town life with a Christmas-centric world view is sweet perfection.

And, while Frost is brilliant at infusing her stories with cozy vibes, she has an uncanny…and slightly disturbing (if you think about it too long)…way of introducing the murder. Let’s just say, ‘unique presentation’ and leave it at that! Bwahahaha!

Add in a solid mystery with enough suspects to keep this armchair sleuth on the edge of her seat, some very clever nods to the author, and the hint of Christmas magic (I’m a believer) and you end up with a holiday treat of a read.

I listened to the audio edition narrated by Allyson Ryan — eeeeeeppppp!!!!! — one of my all time favourite voice performers. She brings such heart to these characters and I can tell she’s relishing their antics just as much as I am. It felt like I was reading a cherished Christmas novel with a kindred spirit. Enhanced my ‘reading’ pleasure that much more!

My thanks to the publisher, Dreamscape Media and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

Snow Angels + Giveaway

INDIE!

When Lisa Marsh is roped into serving Thanksgiving dinner at the local community center, she encounters hundreds of children, lively teenagers, stubbornly independent veterans, eccentric elderly people, and a particularly rude and scruffy homeless man named Pete. The evening ends in disaster, but when her best friend challenges her to reach out and help other people, Lisa decides to take on the project of reforming Pete – whether he likes it or not. 

Her plan is simple: Help him find a job and become respectable. All he needs is a helping hand and some guidance. And a shave. Definitely, a shave. 

Pete is willing to work, especially if it means spending time with the pretty volunteer, but her tactless determination to “reform” him makes him dig in his heels. Her creative ideas for employment become increasingly outrageous, but every time he tries to put an end to her meddling, she charms him with her good intentions and willingness to serve others. 

Lisa finds herself unaccountably attracted to her vagabond protégé and irresistibly entangled in the lives of the other people she meets at the community center. Before she knows how to stop it, her one small service project snowballs into an extraordinary Christmas ministry that just may change her life forever. 

Snow Angels is a companion novella and introduction to my upcoming Great Lakes series. I was a fifth generation Swedish Minnesotan before I married my military man and wandered for a while, finally settling in the land of Packers and bratwurst. In the Great Lakes series, I bring my readers to the land I know and love best – the most remote areas of Northern Minnesota and the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan as well as the small towns and big cities of the Midwest. The inhabitants of these places are a diverse and eclectic (sometimes eccentric) group – and usually very nice people. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

My Review:

Another new-to-me author and I am so thankful for bookish friend recommends!

‘Snow Angels’ starts out anything but angelic especially when it comes to Lisa’s bossy fix-it attitude. I was torn between laughing and cringing most of the read because….oh, I do so love a good case of mistaken identity and this one is definitely that. Still grinning over some of the situations Pete found himself in courtesy of Lisa’s bull-dozing ways.

BUT

There’s so much depth in her back story that kept me rooting for her to finally see the light and when she does…wowzer! Solid hallelujah moment that sent shivers up my spine!

And now I’m wrestling with what else to say since I don’t want to give away any spoilers. Let’s just say that Lisa receives so much more than she gives and that the ‘Snow Angels’ title is a brilliant tie in to the story.

Ten out of ten for inspirational content and ten out of ten for all the Christmas vibes. The two blend together beautifully to create an emotional and uplifting story that celebrates the true meaning of Christmas.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read hardcover 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 Snow Angels, 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 November 2 2024.

His Christmas Salvation + Giveaway

On the road to recovery…can love lead the way?

With his service dog, Nemo, by his side, woodworker Fisk Wilkins vows to repair his reputation with his hometown—while remaining sober. But he’ll need Lauren Kantz’s financial expertise to make his new business a success. Except the divorced mother and her baby are a painful reminder of the family he lost. After learning of her ex-husband’s drinking, Fisk understands Lauren’s intent to keep her distance. But as the Christmas rush brings them closer together, can Fisk prove to Lauren—and himself—that he’s a changed man?

My Review:

An emotionally riveting Christmas romance. McClain has added complex layers to both Fisk and Lauren’s back stories that are heartbreaking and tough and plain hard to bounce back from. The more I got to know them, the more invested I became in their lives…and hoped for a timeless love story. And did the author ever deliver!

She touches on tough topics with compassion and heart without sugar-coating any of it. Fisk’s struggles in particular touched me because there was just so much stacked against him but he stoically overcame obstacle after obstacle.

While part of Love Inspired’s multi-authored K-9 companion series, it’s clear that the Wilkins family (Fisk has brothers!) have appeared in other books, perhaps a different series by the author? No matter, this one can definitely be read as a standalone but I’d love to read all the brothers’ stories as well.

I was thrilled to find ‘His Christmas Salvation’ featured on audible. And narrated by a favourite voice performer of mine — Tanya Eby. I thoroughly enjoyed every listening minute.

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  His Christmas Salvation, 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 2 2024.

The Christmas Singing + Giveaway

Random Retro Re-Read

After Gideon coldly broke her heart, can the warmth of the season revive Mattie’s hopes?

Mattie thought her childhood sweetheart adored her until he abruptly ended their engagement on Christmas Eve.

Three years later, will learning the truth behind his rejection restore her Christmas joy – or open the door to even deeper heartbreak?

Spend Christmas with the Amish in this story of love, romance, heartache, and restoration.

Experience the holidays with the Plain folk and discover the power of second chances in this touching story from the author of the New York Times bestseller, The Bridge of Peace .

Gideon Beiler has loved Mattie Eash since they were children. But when faced with unexpected circumstances, he makes up an excuse to end their engagement. He doesn’t want to lie to her, but he believes that telling Mattie the truth will be more hurtful.  

Brokenhearted, Mattie moves from Apple Ridge, Pennsylvania to Ohio, where she pursues her longtime dream of becoming a cake decorator. She finds a new beau—a man offering the secure relationship Gideon has denied her.  

When Mattie is forced to return to Apple Ridge, she and Gideon must confront the suffering created by his dishonesty – and address the powerful emotions that continue to bind the two childhood friends.

My Review:

published in 2011

This slim little book packs a wallop and proves that Cindy Woodsmall can do concise without losing out on the depth and detail she is known for. Mattie is such a fun character — and very different from your typical Amish heroine. Love her dreaminess, her klutziness, the way she can turn disaster into something fun and light-hearted. Except for her broken engagement that is. She knows how to harbour a grudge and I honestly can’t blame her since she thinks one thing while the reality is far different.

I spent my time being alternately irritated and enamoured with Gideon. Honestly –he’s…he’s…just like a man!!!! Thinks like a man, acts like a man and believe me that isn’t always a good thing! So there’s fireworks at times, angst a plenty, but Woodsmall weaves it all together with some wonderfully heart-warming, light-hearted moments as well. A great combination for a Christmas read — though there’s not a lot of Christmas in the read. LOL. It’s not as seasonal as I thought it would be, but that didn’t detract from the story at all. In fact it makes it more universally appealing. Definitely not a book that has to be read only at Christmas.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read hardcover 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 The Christmas Singing, 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 October 26 2024.

A Merry Little Murder Plot

‘Tis the season in Briar Creek, and this year festivities become fatalities in the newest Library Lover’s Mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of Fatal First Edition.

During the most wonderful time of the year, famous author Helen Monroe arrives in Briar Creek to be the writer in residence, but her “bah humbug” attitude excludes her from the many holiday celebrations the town residents enjoy. To try to spread some Christmas cheer, library director Lindsey Norris invites the new writer in residence to join her crafternoon club. Helen politely refuses and when an altercation happens between Helen and another patron, Lindsey begins to suspect the author has been keeping to herself for a reason.

Another newcomer, Jackie Lewis, reveals she’s visiting Briar Creek to be near Helen because she believes they are destined to meet. Having dealt with a stalker in the past, Lindsey feels compelled to tell Helen about Jackie, as she suspects that Helen is unaware her “number one” fan is in town.

When Jackie’s body is later discovered in the town park beneath the holiday-light display with a copy of Helen’s latest manuscript in her hand, the reclusive novelist becomes the prime suspect in the murder of her self-proclaimed mega-fan. Helen’s frosty demeanor melts when Lindsey offers her help, and now the librarian and her crafternoon pals must prove the author innocent before “The End” becomes Helen’s final sentence.

My Review:

The ‘Library Lover’s Mystery’ series is one of my all time favourites. The books include the perfect blend of cozy and mystery along with a couple of delightful romances. And this book, #15 (!) showcases all the things I love about this series. So, yes, it’s best to read the books in order due to the phenomenal character growth and relationship developments. Plus the small town vibes are all kinds of sweet perfection — not to mention the library programming! I so want to be a Crafternooner!

There’s a wonderful mix of holiday, humour and mystery in ‘A Merry Little Murder Plot’ (clever title, by the way.) As Library Director, Lindsey has her hands full with a number of unexpected developments at this most wonderful time of the year…like a dead body. Because nothing says Merry Christmas quite like murder and mayhem! Bwahahaha!

Love the way the author fleshes out the secondary characters. There are layered complexities to each of them, which makes armchair sleuthing both fun and challenging. And, goodness, but did she ever get my emotions fired up as I was drawn into the mystery. Love, love, love becoming wholly immersed in a story and it’s so easy to do that when Jenn McKinlay is doing the writing.

Loved the sweet romantical bits included in this story. Not over done, so if you’re not a romance fan, you won’t mind a bit. But, I live for those tender little nods to a certain couple’s happily ever after so I was blissfully happy. Merry Christmas to me!

I enjoyed listening to the audio edition of ‘A Merry Little Murder Plot’. Narrator Allyson Ryan does such a fantastic job creating distinctive voices for these characters and she’s part of the reason I choose to listen to the books in this series rather then read them. It’s a special kind of homecoming when I settle in to start a new audiobook and hear her voice coaxing me back to Briar Creek.

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

A Not So Holiday Paradise + Giveaway

Things you bring on a desert island…

1) Sunscreen, obviously. Because these Irish freckles of mine will burn, baby, burn, and lobster red is not a great color on me.
2) An extra dose of my seizure meds, just in case.
3) A backpack full of snacks, including but not limited to a canteen of Dr. Pepper, a box of mini Christmas cookies, and granola bars—the gross crumbly kind, not the chocolate chip kind, because I’m trying to be healthy.
4) Sunglasses, so that when I inevitably wind up staring at my brother’s best friend—who I haven’t seen in years—no one will be able to tell. I’ve been in love with him forever, but it would never work out; he lives on a literal island, while I’m still in grad school. It can’t hurt to look, though, right?
5) Also bug spray.

My packing list is all well and good for a quick port excursion as part of my family’s Christmas cruise. But when the cruise ship leaves me behind, with only the contents of my bag and my brother’s best friend to keep me company? Well, I’ve got problems—especially since I’m going to run out of medicine soon. And I don’t think they make sunscreen strong enough to block the sparks that are growing between Beckett and me…

My Review:

This was my second Gracie Ruth Mitchell book and I’ve just finished another one because…new favourite author alert! Scrambling now to read through her back list. Love her unique brand of humour and the way she delivers believable characters with realistic backstories and then plops them into the middle of comedic mayhem. So. Much. Fun.

So we have Molly heading out on a Christmas cruise with her family and they meet up with her brother’s best friend who is working in the Virgin Islands. Of course, things go awry and Molly finds herself stranded with Beckett…in paradise. Eeeeeppp!!! But there are complications — of course!

Molly has had a secret crush on Beckett forever. He’s never seen her as anything but his best friend’s kid sister. Until she steps off the ship and rocks his carefully curated world. She’s not ‘Baby O’Malley’ any more but he doesn’t do relationships and her brother has warned him off so…

Eeeeppp — major grumpy/sunshine trope with a whole lot of heart. Loved Molly’s POV — all sass and snark punctuated with poignant introspection. And Beckett is the classic introverted grump. Talk about clashing personalities! But Molly is up to the challenge of getting Beckett to crack a smile now and again. The banter is priceless and I love the way the romantic tension slowly builds as the story progresses. Toe-curling perfection.

I really appreciate the epilepsy representation in this story. Molly’s overall attitude and the way she views herself, especially regarding how her condition could affect a potential relationship with Beckett, was so raw and real and emotional. The author really put her heart into developing Molly’s character and it shows. Brilliantly done.

And look no further then Beckett for book boyfriend material…even if his attention is given grudgingly at first. There’s no denying the sizzling attraction he feels for Molly, though he gives it an epic try! Which leads to some great comedic moments. But, oh my…when he gets all intensely tender and protective…be still my heart. Thud!

I listened to the audio edition of ‘A Not-So Holiday Paradise’ and thoroughly enjoyed the performances of Rylee Kuberra and John Rogers. They nailed Molly and Beckett’s personalities and increased my appreciation for these characters and their story. Highly recommend the audio edition of this book.

My thanks to the Dreamscape Select and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY

ebook copy available to anyone with a US Kindle account (.com) 

Canadians will have a choice of receiving an Amazon.ca gift card towards the purchase of an ebook OR an audible copy. Winner’s Choice.

If you would like a chance to win an ecopy of A Not-So Holiday Paradise, 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 October 12 2024.

Meddling With Mistletoe + Giveaway

Whitney Garrett is preparing to enter culinary school in the spring, but first she has to sell enough homemade pies at the local Christmas markets to pay her tuition. When her oven breaks, Whitney asks Marie Sloan, proprietor of the Red Door Inn, if she can use the inn’s kitchen to keep up with her orders. Marie agrees, with a catch: Whitney has to watch the three Sloan children and cook breakfasts for the Red Door in return.

The inn is busy with holiday guests–including Aretha Franklin Sloan’s perpetually single nephew Daniel and Ruby, a businesswoman in town to purchase Aretha’s antiques store. Intent on making a Christmas match for the two, Aretha enlists Whitney’s help in her schemes. But the deeper Whitney gets, the more she realizes that Ruby is definitely not the right woman for Daniel–and the more she thinks that she just might be his perfect match.

Cuddle up for some warm holiday cheer as New York Times bestselling author Liz Johnson explores the unforeseen consequences of meddling with mistletoe when love is on the line.

My Review:

All kinds of bibliophile deliciousness here…and not just because of the copious amount of pie baking going on! We have a grumpy/sunshine trope played out to perfection. The most adorable trio of children to lighten things up (and convey some pointed truths when necessary.) A chance to revisit the most wonderful real-life, fictional place in the world! And the love triangle hinted at in the synopsis isn’t really a love triangle — woohoo!

So fun to meet up with some fave characters from the Prince Edward Island Dreams series — but you totally don’t have to have read any of the other books in order to enjoy this Christmasy gem.

Septuagenarian Aretha Franklin ( no relation) is back sticking her oar in and messing with the course of true love. She’s found the ‘perfect’ match for her nephew and is counting on some Christmas magic and mistletoe to force the reluctant Daniel into the arms of…the totally wrong woman. Everyone knows it, especially Whitney who is inexplicably falling for the reticent grump herself.

A lovely blend of comedy and drama mixed together with some charming holiday traditions at the Red Door Inn. Deeeeeelighful!

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 Meddling with Mistletoe, 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 October 12 2024.

The Christmas Cottage

Set in the breathtaking coastal California town of Miramar Bay, this uplifting new novel from internationally bestselling author Davis Bunn celebrates the challenges and triumphs of new beginnings, second chances, romance and redemption, and faith in the future. For fans of Nicholas Sparks and Karen Kingsbury.

When life is in turmoil . . . Pushing through his troubled childhood, Dillon Farrow was seventeen when he said goodbye to Miramar and did himself proud, thriving as a successful investment counselor. But a betrayal by a trusted friend has brought everything crashing down. Dillon’s only recourse—return to Miramar, penniless and feeling defeated—more so when a winter flood sweeps away all roads to town. Now he and his fellow stranded travelers are destined to spend Christmas at the only available accommodations—the local jail. Yet it’s in this makeshift inn that Dillon sees her. His first love. The girl he left behind.  There’s always hope if you wait out the storm . . . 

After an emotionally and financially devastating divorce, Olivia Greer has no choice but to come back to her hometown of Miramar. Less a retreat than a surrender, it’s the first time in years—since Olivia’s mother, her best friend for life, passed away. In the interim, their hillside cottage has remained empty, as forlorn as Olivia herself. The flood only seems like fate testing her resilience one more time. But providence comes in myriad Dillon Farrow, the sweet boy who once had dreams of better things. Just like Olivia.  

The future can hold dreams as well. Crossing paths is a Christmas blessing Dillon and Olivia never expected—a reunion with the potential to impact other lives too. And for both of them, perhaps in the cottage on the hill, Miramar could finally start feeling like home again.

My Review:

Classic, feel-good holiday fare.

‘The Christmas Cottage’ is all about second chances — for a storm-ravaged town as well as two world-weary souls who make their way back home after devastating circumstances leave them no choice. Dillon and Olivia haven’t seen each other in years but fate has brought them back to Miramar at just the right time.

This is as much the town’s story as it is theirs. Because Miramar is a community made up of overcomers. Good people willing to help in whatever capacity they can. And the town needs that help after weathering a bout of storms, floods and mudslides. Miramar is officially a disaster zone just days before Christmas.

Love the host of diverse secondary characters in this novel and the way they pull together in a time of adversity. When Dillon and Olivia get swept up in the cause, they both discover their unique talents are exactly what the town needs and, in serving others, they find their way to healing and second chances.

I listened to the audio edition and enjoyed Graham Winton’s portrayal of these characters. He really captured the spirit and hope in the story in his narration

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

Rescued by the Hero + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

The hardest part about this fake relationship is hiding it from her brother. Especially when it doesn’t feel fake.

Joanna Drake can’t wait to escape to Freedom Ridge for the holidays. She needs to put hundreds of miles between her and her creepy coworker who won’t seem to take no for an answer. When she runs into her brother’s best friend at the ski resort, every relationship gets complicated.

Aiden Clark is shocked to find out that his best friend brought his little sister along on vacation, especially when he finds himself interested in getting to know her. When she asks him to play along as her boyfriend to ward off an unwanted pursuer, he wholeheartedly agrees despite his friend’s warnings to stay away from her.

Between hiding their fake relationship from her brother and flaunting it in front of her pursuer, Aiden and Joanna find themselves wishing the relationship was as real as it seems under the mistletoe. When their ruse is exposed and Joanna is in danger, Aiden will have to put it all on the line to bring her home.

Visit Freedom, Colorado and enjoy the faith, friendships, and forever-afters of the Heroes of Freedom Ridge in this Christian Christmas romance.

My Review:

published in 2020

A holiday romance with a side of suspense.

Is it weird that I admit to loving a good Christmas stalking story? I don’t think my festive reading can be complete without one and, while this is definitely more contemporary romance than romantic suspense, there’s enough of a stalkerish vibe to keep me happy. 🙂

And who doesn’t love a fake dating story? Especially when it turns all too real? This one is a bit of an insta-love romance, but realistically written so I think even readers who aren’t fans of this trope will enjoy Aiden and Joanna’s story.

Love all the holiday touches as well. What a great time of year to introduce the town of Redemption Ridge to readers! ‘Rescued by the Hero’ is the first book in the ‘Heroes of Redemption Ridge’ multi-authored series.

A winning combination of faith, romance and a hint of suspense.

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 Rescued by the Hero, 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 October 5 2024.