Tag: Contemporary Romance

The Cowboy’s Secret Past + Giveaway

He’s not the same man he was But maybe now he’s ready to be a father Since leaving his wild rodeo days behind, rancher Trevor Morgan has sobered up and built a faith-filled life. So he’s shocked when the woman caring for his grandfather intrudes on that solitude. Nurse Hope Burke has hidden motives for coming to the Lazy M Ranch—she believes Trevor is the father of her orphaned nephew. Can a loving aunt and a wary cowboy change a little boy’s life forever? 

My Review:

I do so love a taciturn cowboy and Trevor is definitely that…and so much more! A man once lost but now found and dedicated to God and his family, even if that includes one cantankerous post-operative Gramps. 🙂 (Have to say Gus stole every scene he was in.) I love the way this author creates secondary characters who are just as memorable as the hero and heroine.

So, Trevor is living out a somewhat peaceful existence (too many interfering brothers to make it completely calm!) and then Hope enters their lives as Gus’s home care nurse, along with her grieving orphaned nephew. Trevor recognizes something of himself in the lost eleven-year-old and volunteers to mentor Cole at the Lazy M Ranch.

Which leaves Hope grappling with assorted contrary emotions because she likes being in control and Trevor’s take-charge attitude causes all kinds of clashes as these two get to know each other. They morph from wary adversaries to reluctant partners in Gus’s care and young Cole’s acclimation to living in Homestead Pass, even if it is just for the summer. And then there’s the boy’s paternity to be figured out. Phew! Enough emotional turmoil to keep things interesting!

The ranching / small town life aspects bring a real cozy feel to the story which I really appreciated. Along with the Morgan brothers’ shenanigans which add its own kind of warmth. This is the third book in the Lazy M Ranch series, but reads well as a standalone. It was fun catching up with former series’ heroes and heroines and I’m looking forward to the fourth book releasing later this year.

‘The Cowboy’s Secret Past’ is a lovely mix of family, faith and the special kind of love that binds it all together.

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 Cowboy’s Secret Past , 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 March 23 2024.

The Love Script + Giveaway

Hollywood hair stylist Nevaeh Richards loves making those in the spotlight shine but prefers the anonymity of staying behind her stylist chair, where no one notices her. But when a photo of Nevaeh and Hollywood heartthrob Lamont Booker goes viral for all the wrong reasons, her quiet life becomes the number-one trending topic.

Lamont Booker’s bold faith has gained him a platform, and the authenticity of his faith is well known . . . until the tabloids cause the world to question everything he claims to be. With his reputation on the line, he finds himself hearing out his agent’s push for a fake relationship–something he never thought he’d consider in a million years.

With their careers at risk, Nevaeh and Lamont have to convince the world that their scripted romance is more than just an act. But when fake seems to turn into something real, can Nevaeh trust her heart in a world where nothing is ever as it seems?

Toni Shiloh dazzles in this irresistible red-carpet romance with spotlight-stealing laughter, faith, and a happily ever after.

My Review:

Cheshire grinning while basking in bibliophile euphoria after finishing this book. You know, when a story sinks so deep into your heart that it takes a minute to shake the fictional world loose and resurface into your far less colourful one? That’s the way ‘The Love Script’ left me feeling.

Sigh! This one is pure romance in all it’s glorious wonder! The way Shiloh plots the story and blends humour and angst is astounding. Great pacing as the relationship between Lamont and Nevaeh grows out of uncertain circumstances. Just so beautiful and believable and inspiring and downright hysterically funny in places.

And….eeeeeepppppp!…Fake Dating Trope Alert! And it’s done so well. I really appreciated the way they went into their relationship with their faith and standards at the forefront of every decision. Prayer plays a significant role in every aspect of this romance as the author allows her characters to grow in integrity and purpose. So, so good!

I am so not a starry-eyed Hollywood kind of reader but Shiloh sold me anyway. Lamont’s story is such a powerful testimony because it contrasts with that glitz and glamour background. A real juxtaposition between his two worlds as he strives to reflect the light of Christ in all that he does.

This would make a fantastic book club selection because there are so many great talking points in this novel. From unrealistic beauty standards to the hype of social media and the cancel culture and troll mentality that brings.

I listened to audible edition expertly narrated by Dioni Michelle Collins. She gave an amazing performance and really breathed life into these wonderful characters. Perfect author/narrator pairing!

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 Love Script , 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 March 23 2024.

Love, Unscripted + Giveaway

The perfect boyfriend only exists on paper…doesn’t he?

Fresh off the heels of a bad breakup, Chloe Anderson poured her heart into penning the perfect boyfriend—and the result was an off-the-charts debut beach read that resonated with women worldwide. Now, Chloe’s scripted hero is headed for Hollywood, with her book destined to become a major motion picture.

When Chloe gets wind that silver screen bad boy Liam Hamilton has been cast as the ideal-in-every-way hero of her novel, she’s horrified by the film director’s choice. How could a player like Liam possibly do Chloe’s perfect hero justice? Unafraid to speak her mind, Chloe lets her executive producer know she’s one hundred percent opposed to the casting. And oops—the call is on speakerphone, where the annoyingly attractive Hollywood star hears Chloe’s unbridled outrage firsthand.

With Liam’s reputation already on the rocks, his agent concocts a PR plan to upgrade Liam’s image while putting the story—and the film—in the spotlight. The catch? During the movie’s filming in Chloe’s cute hometown of Stillwater, North Carolina, Chloe and Liam will fake a wholesome, committed relationship. Both stand to gain something from the arrangement. Liam’s fans will see him in a new light, while Chloe can boost her struggling social media following and further her writing career. What could possibly go wrong?

As author and actor navigate the waters of the PR relationship, they’re unpre­pared when their professional agreement turns into an actual friendship. And when serious sparks start to fly—well, that’s an unread chapter for both of them.

My Review:

Well now, I’m throughly charmed and in a post-read tizzy after finishing this delicious contemporary romance. If ever a book screamed ‘beach read’ this one does — from the pretty cover right through to the very last page.

And, oh my! Two of my favourite tropes — enemies to more and fake dating — written to sweet (and angsty) perfection. With liberal doses of humour mixed in. Such a fun read, though some deeper topics are covered as well which keep things realistically messy and just a bit desperate at times.

I’m not usually one for a movie star hero. The whole Hollywood scene isn’t something I care about at all. Or the social media hype that goes along with the rich and famous so, normally I would have passed over this novel BUT Denise Hunter is the author so….I decided to be brave. 🙂

And, wonders of wonders, I actually enjoyed the movie aspects of this novel. Hunter adds just enough details to feel authentic without the ‘Hollywood’ aspects overwhelming the story. Of course, the whole PR scheme screams ‘Hollywood’ but it plays out brilliantly with lots of lovely ‘getting to know you’ kind of scenes to smile and swoon over. And then, when things really heat up — clear your fainting couch and keep your smelling salts handy because it’s not just the summer temps rising…until…well, let’s just say the author doesn’t make it too easy for Liam and Chloe to achieve their happily-ever-after.

I listened to the audio edition of Love, Unscripted (brilliant title tie-in by the way) narrated by Kathleen McInerney who amped up my ‘reading’ enjoyment all the more. She is a talented storyteller who brings characters to life in such a compelling way. Superb listening experience.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio 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 the option of an audible.ca edition.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Love Unscripted , 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 March 16 2024.

Her Cowboy Blind Date + Giveaway

He’s a small-town guy, a cowboy at heart. She’s a city girl from the other side of the world. Will a blind date lead to a love that lasts a lifetime?

Farm mechanic Sam Williams is on the cusp of realizing his dream of being a rancher after inheriting a share in his family’s Colorado ranch. He’s keen to make plans and leave Gilead in the dust after his friend’s Easter Saturday wedding. First he needs a plus-one for the wedding, to avoid a super awkward encounter with his high-school girlfriend who has just married the best man.

After a devastating public betrayal by her high-profile ex, Bek Montford is hiding out in Kansas. She’s calling herself Becky, licking her wounds and focusing on the things that make her happy. Drawn to the annual passion play at Gilead Bible College where she’s living, she volunteers to work behind the scenes.

Since Becky is only in Gilead until June, a blind date with a suitable plus-one before the wedding seems like the perfect solution for Sam. No strings and no commitment.

But the blind date turns into a not-so-fake relationship when Sam and Becky must work together on the passion play. Can they overcome past emotional wounds and geographical distance to create a future together?

An opposites attract, different worlds, blind date and fake relationship contemporary Christian romance.

My Review:

First off — very creative meet-cute! Picture me grinning madly and wincing a bit. For all the awkwardness, I could feel the charged energy in the…well, where Becky and Sam first meet. 🙂

And I do so love a fake dating trope — especially one that starts with a blind date. Both Sam and Becky are committed non-committers who need the illusion of romance to see them through some difficult situations. Friends without benefits, shall we say, and both can walk away with hearts intact….theoretically, that is.

I really enjoyed the way the author took time with the romance. The story takes place over several months and we get to watch Becky and Sam grow individually and as a couple. Both have complicated past histories that colour how they view a potential relationship and I liked the way they worked through their issues. There’s communication — yay for fictional couples who talk, no matter how imperfectly. No one is flouncing off in a huff or making erroneous assumptions. There’s still conflict, and lots to work through, and that journey is what made this such a satisfying read. Well, that and some toe-curling kisses! 🙂

This book is part of the ‘Easter in Gilead‘ multi-authored series — largely set in a small town bible college during the days leading up to their Easter Passion Play. While each book can be read as a standalone, they are connected through setting and characters. This is my first visit to Gilead and I had no problem jumping in here, but I do intend to backtrack and read the other books too.

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 Her Cowboy Blind Date , 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 March 9 2024.

Then Came You

RANDOM RETRO READ

He’s in Deep Haven to relax.

Detective Daniel “Boone” Buckam is more than burned out. After fourteen stellar years on the job, one bad judgment call—and, fine, a whole lot of cynicism—has forced him into a mandatory vacation. If he can get his head on straight, there’s a job as Police Chief waiting for him back in his Minneapolis suburb.

But then he meets Vivien.

Actress Vivien Calhoun isn’t really a drama queen. Sure, she gets swept up in the emotions of life—but please, she’s an actress. Or, um, was until a stalker made her flee the bright lights of Broadway. Now, she’s passionate about directing her local theater production. But when she accidentally ropes an uptight police detective on vacation into her cast, she can’t help but wonder if he might be the leading man she’s always longed for.

Of course, she’s in trouble.

Boone can’t help but like Vivien. He might even have a type—vivacious and bubbly, with a penchant for attracting danger. He can smell trouble even if she can’t, and is pretty sure her stalker has hunted her all the way to Deep Haven. He’ll have to stay by her side—even if it means being in her silly play—to keep her safe. But Vivien is more than he expected as she helps him discover a part of him he’s locked away…the part that said he could never love again.

So much for relaxing.

It’s summertime in Deep Haven, and the fun is heating up in this laugh-out-loud, charming story.

My Review

published in 2021

Just when I think there can’t be an original meet/cute idea left, an author surprises me with a fresh spin. Vivi and Boone’s is equal parts charming and funny and sets the tone for their unexpected romance. One or other of them is always feeling discombobulated, which is kind of fun.

Boone sees straight through Vivi’s over-the-top theatrics and I love that about him. There are reasons she feels like she has to be ‘on’ one hundred percent of the time and Boone is one of the few people in her life who calls her on it. Blunt, forthright and dealing with his own issues, he has come to Deep Haven to decompress and get his life and career back on track. An idyllic summer retreat is not the time to start up a romance…but then Vivi happens and….

Sweet and funny with some significant character growth (especially for Boone) made this a compulsive read. There’s a bit of very light suspense which mostly serves to push the plot in the right direction, so definitely a straight up Contemporary Romance.

This is the fourth Deep Haven Collection novel and the 2nd one I have read. While I enjoy the small town ambiance, there’s always a slew of characters to meet between the original Deep Haven series written by Susan May Warren and the Collection series written by various authors so I felt quite out of the loop at times. Kinda like I’m new in town, sitting in the coffee shop and getting whiplash from all the bantering back and forth between complete strangers. It’s a fun way to people watch, but I feel off kilter from time to time. Like I’m not getting every punch line or undercurrent.

While I enjoyed many standalone qualities of Then Came You, I feel like this series is written more for diehard fans of the original books — and even some other Susan May Warren series (The Christiansen family is mentioned here and Boone is a secondary character from the PJ Sugar series.)

Saving the Single Dad’s Bookstore + Giveaway

A doubtful owner. A determined employee. Together, can they build a future?

After inheriting his late grandfather’s bookstore, Dominic Tang must make a big decision: keep it or sell. But manager Gianna Marchesi insists she can prove he should keep Tang’s Terrific Tomes open if he’ll stay in town for two months. Falling for the charms of the store—and Gianna—comes easy. But when property damage threatens his already-tight budget, will Dominic risk everything to follow his heart?

My Review:

Eeeeeppp!!! I do so love a good ‘saving the bookstore’ trope and this one is just that! Well, once I got past Dominic’s bad first impression. I mean, that title is misleading — it should be “Saving the Bookstore from the Single Dad” because…gasp…the man wants to gut the store and turn it into offices! My heart sank into the depths of despair when I read that on page 9 and I wasn’t certain Dominic could ever be the hero my romantic heart was clamouring for. But I kept reading because there was a bookstore’s life on the line and I had to see it through to, thankfully, the happily ever after. So, phew, no bookstores were harmed (much) in the making of this book. 🙂

Dominic and Gianna clash from that inauspicious meet-cute. I was all set to purse-whomp Dominic on the spot, but Gianna was more wily than that. She issues him a challenge and sets out to prove the bookstore’s worth which turns into so much more than either of them bargained for.

Love the dynamics between these two. The way both are struggling with insecurities that cancel out when they are united. But, oy, it’s a bumpy ride to the finish line! Lots of family all in their business (with the best of intentions, of course) and some unexpected upsets that turn everything awry.

Really enjoyed the diversity of cast and location. Set in Alberta, Canada — yay — and I loved the bits of Chinese culture woven throughout. Secondary characters, including Dominic’s exuberant son, added extra ‘oomph’ to the story and kept me turning pages.

A fun contemporary romance to chase away the winter ‘blahs’.

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 Saving the Single Dad’s Bookstore , 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.

The Flower Quilter

Barbara Breaks from Amish Tradition to Express Her Artistry

Full of faith, hope, and romance, this new series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.

Barbara Schwartz was born into a family of quilters, but she would rather eat dirt than partake in another quilting frolic or sew on another binding. When her parents send her to Indiana to help her grandmother in her quilting shop, she finds herself amongst a very different community. It’s only one summer and then she will be back in Kentucky where she belongs.

Melvin Bontrager’s world stopped six years ago when his parents died. Now when his only means of providing for his widowed sister and niece is threatened, Melvin finds his landscaping business disappearing too. When spring delivers a newcomer who is immune to his salty moods, Melvin does something he has never done before, accepts help. 

What blooms is the last thing Barbara ever expected, and everything Melvin could ever want. 

My Review:

Hooray for a glasses-wearing heroine on the cover! And yes, that’s what drew me to this particular Amish story among all the others waiting to be read. Mind you, I enjoy Mindy Steele’s storytelling as well, but the glasses were definitely the deciding factor. :-)

Poor Melvin doesn’t make a good first impression. Or second. Or third. Or…let’s just say it took a while for Barbara to warm up to him much to this reader’s delight. Not quite frenemies to more…but almost. The way they butt heads is both amusing and frustrating and always highly entertaining!

Barbara has left her Kentucky home to spend the summer helping out her grandmother in Indiana…at least that’s supposed to be the plan. But since Barbara “would rather eat dirt than partake in another quilting frolic” (bwahahaha!) plans change and she’s suddenly around Melvin way more than she’d like which might not sound like fun to Barbara, but it sure was for me!

I could relate to both hero and heroine – their individual histories brought depth to the story and explained the difficulties they had with connecting and committing. Duty to family pulls at individual desires and leaves both Barbara and Melvin with a conundrum that doesn’t seem easily solved…unless God has a plan.

Loved the way the author describes the Amish and the intricacies of relationships within the community. And she has cleverly highlighted differences between Barbara’s stricter Kentucky Amish community and the more liberal Indiana one which made for an interesting read.

Great blend of humour and angst add just the right sizzle to this heartwarming romance.

Rocky Road + Giveaway

Christy Award Hall of Fame Author

FBI Agent Jude Camden handles every aspect of his job with by-the-book professionalism. There’s no reason why his latest assignment—which calls for him to pose as the boyfriend of perfumer Gemma Clare—should be any different.

Except Gemma is different. She’s creative, bold, and feisty. And as soon as she meets Jude, she wants to loosen him up, wrinkle his perfect shirts, and test every ounce of his towering self-control.

The FBI has an iron-clad rule against romances between those working together on operations. Jude’s never met a rule he didn’t respect. But adhering to this one is going to be tough because, as time goes by, he finds Gemma more and more irresistible.

Buckle up! It’s going to be a rocky road.

Escape to Maine for this swoon-worthy “fake romance”! Banter, humor, perfume, and a mystery from the past intertwine in this sweet Sons of Scandal love story.

My Review:

Bwahahaha! That Meet-Cute!!!! Snicker inducing and so much fun! Sets the tone for this relationship of contrasts. Because you can’t get more opposite attracts than Gemma and Jude! She’s Miss Impulsive Spontaneity and he’s Mr Cool and Collected and she loves messing with that. (That scene involving a shirt – hilarious!) So many ‘Cheshire grin’ opportunities played out to perfection. 🙂

But, while I’d classify this as a rom/com — it’s also much more! There’s family drama and complicated back stories and deep faith discussions…the messy, real life stuff that we all have to deal with to some degree. And the way the author pulls it all together is sheer brilliance. As emotionally satisfying as it is fun to read.

While mainly told from Gemma and Jude’s POVs, we are also treated to the occasional personal reflections of Jude’s mother. Her story is a bit of a carry over from the first book and will continue on into the third and I’m really looking forward to that. (Side Note: I think this ‘Sons of Scandal’ series would be best read in order. It will make sense if you jump in here but certain things will make more of an impact if you read ‘Memory Lane’ first. )

Becky Wade’s storytelling is sweet perfection. Word choice, descriptions, banter (!!!!), snappy one-liners, soul-stirring reflections…she delivers it all with such grace and hope…and humour.

And that sweet little epilogue! There should have been a warning posted! Luckily my fainting couch was perfectly situated to catch me mid toe-curling swoon!

I listened to the audible edition of ‘Rocky Road’ and thoroughly enjoyed the dual narration performed by Reba Buhr and Ryan Hudson.

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 Rocky Road , 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 17 2024.

Tex

Random Retro Read

He’s back in town after a successful country music career. She owns a bordering farm to the family land he wants to buy…and she outbids him at the auction. Can Tex and Abigail rekindle their old flame, or will the issue of land ownership come between them?

Tex Young has spent the last two decades traveling around the world with his brothers as part of Country Quad, a successful cowboy boy band. He’s stepping back from the band and returning to his roots in Coral Canyon, where the Young brothers all grew up.

Their father sold the family ranch several years ago when none of them wanted it, and Tex, along with his son, rolls into town the day before an auction for the land. He wants it. He talks to some of his brothers, and they decide to try to get the ranch back.

Abigail Ingalls has other plans for that land, as it borders her small farm, which she’s labored on with her disabled brother for the past two decades…after Tex left her in Coral Canyon so he could go live the country music star life. The land isn’t taken care of, and she wants to add it to what she owns and create an oasis out of weeds.

Abby and Tex both show up at the auction, and they both want that land. The sparks between them are as hot as they were twenty years ago, but Tex tells himself it’s because the uppity town librarian outbid him and bought his family ranch.

So he devises another plan to get the ranch back…and that includes taking his gorgeous, former girlfriend to dinner a time or two. Can Tex and Abby build a real, lasting relationship now that they’re both back in Coral Canyon for good? Or will Tex’s plan to get his family ranch back end up breaking both of their hearts?

My Review:

published in 2022

My first Liz Isaacson novel and happy to get in at the start of the ‘Coral Canyon Cowboy’s series featuring nine (yes, 9!!!!) brothers! Loved the sense of homecoming featured in this story as Tex and his teenage son return to the town he grew up in.

It’s a summer of second chances — for father and son, the family ranch, the girl (now woman) next door, and brotherly bonding. Loved that reoccurring theme and the way the author weaves it throughout multiple storylines.

I enjoyed the romance between Tex and Abby. (You really can’t go wrong with a librarian and a cowboy, right?!) She’s nursing some hurt and is a little prickly at first, but he just doesn’t give up and it isn’t long before they fall back into the easy friendship of their youth. There are obstacles to overcome, of course, but I love that they actually communicate with each other. Not always well, but they muddle their way through to a hard earned happily ever after eventually.

While the story starts off mostly from Tex and Abby’s points of view, it morphs into an all encompassing story with various new character POVs. Only, I get the feeling they are actually ‘old’ characters from a previous series. It got a bit confusing for this newbie Isaacson reader, but I imagine it would be thrilling for veterans out there. 🙂 Sweet vignettes, they just didn’t have any meaning for me since I couldn’t put them into context.

I enjoyed listening to the dual narration performed by Amanda Stribling and Tyler Darby.

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

The Heart’s Shelter

Kira has no interest in dating and putting down roots in Pennsylvania—that is, until she finds a kindred spirit in Jayden Bontrager.

Kira Detweiler doesn’t plan to be in Lancaster County for long. She’s left her family in Indiana to help her aunt after the birth of her fourth boppli. Or at least that’s what she tells people. Deep down, she’s trying to escape the heartache of a broken engagement and has no plans to date again anytime soon.

Jayden Bontrager watches his older brothers with admiration, and he prays that someday he’ll have the kind of life they do. Even so, he’s only twenty-three and not in a hurry to marry and start a family. He’s content to watch from the sidelines and is happy to see his brothers enjoying a close relationship once again.

When Jayden and Kira strike up a friendship, they are each drawn to the other’s gentle and humble demeanor, and they feel things for one another unlike anything they’ve felt before. But Kira is torn between her heart and her home. She sees no point in pursuing a relationship with Jayden when she doesn’t plan to put down roots in Pennsylvania. The last thing she needs is another heartbreak.

Will Jayden and Kira be able to overcome the obstacles in their path to find the future they both dream of?

In this fourth and final book of the Amish Legacy Series, readers will find out if the youngest Bontrager brother will get his happily ever after.

My Review:

A lovely slice of Amish family life with a sweet friends to more romance trope.

The strength of this story is in the rich details of the Amish community. I loved reading about the day to day goings on in both Jayden’s and Kira’s extended families. And the way they are drawn together and slowly open themselves up to love made for a rich, satisfying read.

Of course it doesn’t all go smoothly. Clipston captures both the anxiety and thrill of starting a relationship and I was unaccountably nervous off and on through the whole read. I mean, I knew there’d be a happily ever after, but still the emotional twists and turns kept me angsting…as did one very annoying maidel. ‘Nuf said.

Of Note: This is the fourth book in the author’s Amish Legacy series but reads perfectly fine as a standalone. If you are familiar with the Bontrager men, you’ll be thrilled to catch up with them and their Frauen. This was my introduction to the series and I had no problem using this story as my starting point. You can bet I’ll be backtracking to catch up with this series sometime soon.

I listened to the audio edition of this novel and Lauren Berst’s narration brought an extra level of enjoyment. It was fun to actually hear various Pensylvania Dutch words spoken (as opposed to the mangled pronunciations rattling around in my head!) And she did a fantastic job of giving the characters distinctive tones and inflections which helped to flesh out the characters in my mind.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of The Heart’s Shelter.