Tag: Contemporary Romance

Right Here Waiting

RANDOM RETRO READ

Can she belong in his world?

Sled dog musher and vlogger Nick Dahlquist has simple goals—teach outdoor survival, run the Iditarod…and chat with online friend, LadyJHawk. Sure, he’s starting to like her more than he wants to admit, but has no capacity for an in-real-life relationship.

Chopper pilot Jae Washington has been an avid follower of Nick’s DogQuest vlog since inheriting a military working dog. Now, his online friendship has made her wonder if he could be more than a friend. Getting a job on Deep Haven’s Crisis Response Team seems the perfect next step—so long as he doesn’t think she’s stalking him.

Nick is pretty sure petite Jae won’t last a moment in the brutal cold—a fear he shares with LadyJHawk. Meanwhile, Jae decides to keep her avatar a secret until she can prove to Nick she’s not a stalker. But as he trains her—and the chill between them begins to thaw—what if he discovers the truth she’s hiding?

When a blizzard strikes, and the CRT is deployed, more than just their relationship is at risk…

Cozy up to this delightful twist on You’ve Got Mail set in the snowy escape of Deep Haven.

My Review:

published in 2021

This is my first venture into the Deep Haven Collection series and I’ll admit to feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the characters in the beginning. Understandable since this is the 6th book in the multi-authored Collection series and then there are the original Deep Haven books written by Susan May Warren that came before . So, that’s a lot of history wrapped around this community and the CRT gang. I wasn’t so much lost as feeling a bit left out at times. Not enough to dim my enjoyment of the read, but just something to be aware of.

This hidden identity trope is equal parts charming and angsty…especially as Jae is always on the verge of revealing her online persona but never quite manages it and I just knew that we were heading for disaster which left me on edge for most of the read. But this is also a great friends to more love story, though both Jae and Nick are grappling with issues of trust and self-confidence. They have to learn to be open and vulnerable and that trusting God first can ease the way to fully trusting others.

So, plenty of angst, lots of sweet moments, a few toe-curling kisses and even some handy winter survival tips that are quite timely for this Canadian with lots of cold and stormy days ahead. 🙂

I enjoyed listening to the audio edition narrated by Brittany Goodwin courtesy of Chirp Books.

Trust the Stars + Giveaway

Olivia Garza, a woman committed to making a difference in the world, thrives in her unconventional, service-oriented life. By day, she helps troubled teens in inner-city Little Rock. By night, she creates a viral docu-series in an attempt to better understand her mother’s desperate decisions by retracing her steps with a camera. So far, Olivia has always been the anonymous narrator, but she’s promised to reveal herself in the last stop on her documentary: Kenya.

Prince Louis, heir to the throne of the small European kingdom of Alloria, is in Kenya to run away from a broken heart—and the media circus that comes with it. When he meets Olivia, he recognizes her voice right away from the docu-series that has stirred his heart. Though they share a magical day on safari, any dreams of happily ever after come crashing down with the flash of the paparazzi cameras when Olivia realizes that he represents everything she most despises in the world.

In World War II Rome, another royal, however, has her own life-changing choices to make. Princess Alessandra Appiani could have chosen quiet safety within the walls of the Vatican, but instead she risks her life—and her family—to save the Jewish children so in need of someone to show them the love of God.

When Olivia is hired to help create a documentary about Alessandra, learning about the sacrifice of a royal who goes from palace to prison forces her to face the hardest questions of all: Should she continue on the path she’s carved for herself or trust God to give her the future she never thought she wanted?

My Review:

Me after finishing this book: languishing on my fainting couch in a gobsmacked swoon of astounded delight. I did not expect this story to be so…royal and deep and spellbinding! And the faith thread about trusting God and how easy/hard that is all rolled into one. Goyer touched my heart and made me think and stunned me with the richness of this not quite fairy tale.

Okay — first off — I’m not a huge Royal Romance fan. I’ve read some, but I don’t go out of my way to find them so I went into this read without the expectation of becoming over-the-moon thrilled with it. Ha! Shows me how rewarding it is to venture out of a my bibliophile comfort zone from time to time!

While this is a dual timeline novel, most of the focus is on the present day story, with the WWII snippets about a courageous princess providing an intriguing sub-plot that eventually merges with the current timeline. And it’s done beautifully. At first I wasn’t sure how the two would connect, but they do to goose-bumping satisfaction.

And the romance! Happy sigh! Heavenly! Louis is the epic storybook hero and his gentle pursuit of a very reluctant Olivia kept me in a fully twitterpated state all the way through! I feel like Goyer really captured the complexities of a royal longing to live a ‘normal’ life and the compromises necessary to satisfy both the prince and his country.

Plus there’s banter! Sigh. And humour. And soul-searching conversations. Even some tears. So much hope too though and when Olivia visits the prince’s country the story takes on a whole different vibe. Fantastically divine!

I listened to the audio edition of Trust the Stars and Zura Johnson gave a truly amazing performance. Multiple accents, male and female characters of various ages — she made each one unique and captivating.

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 the book OR the option of an audible.ca edition.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Trust the Stars , leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday January 13 2024.

Positively Penelope + Giveaway

Told mostly through letters, texts, and email, this contemporary romance will charm its way into hearts as Penelope rescues a theater and discovers her true self in the process.

Penelope Edgewood is practically positive in every way, so when, fresh out of college, she is awarded a paid internship to help save a century-old theater on the island of Skymar, she jumps at the chance. After all, a crumbling theater needs the special touch of someone who reveres all things vintage and adores the stage.

Unfortunately, not everything is as it seems at Darling House Theatre. Finances are in shambles, the local theater group is disenchanted, and the two brothers, Matt and Alec Gray, can’t seem to see eye-to-eye about how to run their theatrical business. So, of course, it’s the perfect place for Penelope to shine her own personal brand of sunshine.

With a little help from GK, the person emailing her encouragement along the way, she puts all her heart into helping the Grays save Darling House. But between Matt’s ever-present skepticism, Alec’s tendency to treat Penelope a little too much like the “princess” she thinks she wants to be (until someone actually started treating her that way), a grandfather who is stuck in his grief, and a mysterious person stealing Penelope’s marketing ideas, she’s not sure her optimism is enough to make a happily-ever-after of her own story, let alone The Darling House’s.

Between an adorable little girl, a matchmaker, a sea monster or two, and a copious amount of musical references, can Penelope draw enough confidence from her faith, her family, and her adoration of all things Julie Andrews, to find the thief and save the theater . . . without getting her heart broken in the process?

My Review:

Fun and flirty with a cinematic flare, Penelope is practically perfect in every way as she exudes positivity where ever she goes. She’s the radiant sunshine to a certain gentleman’s eternal grumpiness so if that’s a fave trope you’ll definitely enjoy this rom/com.

But, be aware, this is an epistolary novel with a good chunk of the storytelling told through emails and texts. I know this style isn’t popular with some readers but I’ve adored epistolary novels since I read Daddy Long Legs in my tweens. And Pepper Basham does it so well! Love the balance between the texts/emails from Penelope, Izzy, Luke and Josephine. She keeps the plot moving even though we’re hearing about things through their correspondence. And then, when things heat up in a certain way, the author intersperses ‘live’ scenes and it’s all done brilliantly!

I do feel like it would be best to read Authentically Izzy before diving into this second book so you can get to know these cousins/brother/sisters and their family dynamics before experiencing the…exuberance that is Penelope. 🙂 Because she’s…well, more than a breath of fresh air…more like a tornado of positivity accompanied by a tsunami of movie references to fit every occasion. Especially if you’re a Julie Andrews or Audrey Hepburn movie history buff! Not to mention Gene Kelly! And like all good musical heroines, she’s apt to break out into song and or dance at any moment which makes things interesting.

And then there’s the romance. Had me a wee bit nervous at first because there’s a kinda, sorta love triangle brewing only it’s not the full blown angsty kind and it’s pretty clear from the start who Penelope is going to end up with. So, mildly anxiety inducing for the LT shy reader. 🙂

But, oh my, when the romance gets going in the right direction! Be still my heart! Clear your fainting couches and have the smelling salts handy because…swoonworthy Scottish hero scenes ahead!

And then there’s Luke (Penelope’s brother.) He stole my heart in book one and this book reminded me why and now I’m clamouring to read his story. His emails and texts are snort-laugh out loud funny. I’m happy to share that Loyally Luke will release in May! Soooo excited!

I listened to the audible edition of Positively Penelope and was thrilled by the narration. Christopher Ashman, Hazel Beattie and Julie Rogers are amazing performers! Really brought these characters to life and made the listening so much fun. Highly recommend the audio edition!

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 Positively Penelope , leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday January 13 2024.

Pixels and Paint + Giveaway

For Emma Trinket, life is a delicate balancing act between loving her family and pursuing interests they don’t understand. When the opportunity arises to finally impress them with her job as a computer programmer, she jumps at it even if it means immersing herself in a world she’s despised since childhood. Unfortunately the one man who could crush her prospects is also the best person to help her navigate the lessons she needs to be a success.

Artistic expression is both Carter Anderson’s safe space and his livelihood, but his fading inspiration has him worried about his place in life. His encounters with Emma spark a passion to create that he hasn’t felt in years and he isn’t ready to let go of his new muse even if she’s threatening the sanctity of his art world with her digital technologies.

As each tries to gain an advantage from the other, Emma and Carter discover they actually might be more compatible than they thought. Will that be enough to unify their opposing missions or will the real differences between pixels and paint tear them apart?

My Review:

Eeeeeppp!!! I’m happy to report that Kristi Ann Hunter’s knack for Regency banter translates well to a 21st century rom/com. Love the wit and wisdom and heart-rending angst that flows around all that entertaining dialogue. I’d be snort laughing one minute and choking up the next.

And Emma!!! I just wanted to smoosh her up in a hug and carry her away from her totally annoying and unsympathetic family who just didn’t get her because she was different. Gah! Why do parents what to create mini-mes? And her sister is just as bad! Nothing Emma does has any value if it isn’t orchestrated by them – from her clothes to her decor to the way she makes small talk at a party (that she totally doesn’t want to attend) – they are all for improving Emma.

So Emma lives in two worlds; her personal/work life and her family one. And she acts out roles in both, hiding her true self from everyone, including herself sometimes. Until Carter.

Cue the toe-curls and fainting couch, but keep a stash of comfort chocolate handy too because this is an impossible attraction between two polar opposites. What follows is funny and poignant and tumultuous…and achingly beautiful.

I listened to the audible edition of ‘Pixels and Paint‘ and really enjoyed the way the dual narrators (Julie Rogers and Christopher Ragland) brought these characters to life.

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 book if you have audible.ca  

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Pixels and Paint, 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 December 16, 2023.

The Gift of Christmas Past + Giveaway

Random Retro Re-Read

At twenty-seven, Hadley is still trying to get free of the weight she’s carried all her life — entering foster care at age give, getting arrested at seventeen for arson, and losing her boyfriend, Monroe, when she needed him most.

Monroe never wanted to walk out on Hadley. He’d understood her, from her desire to help children with speech issues to her intense temper. But when she was arrested, he became haunted by what he knew and convinced his only choice was to end their relationship.

Almost ten years later, Hadley and Monroe are both specialists in the field of speech therapy. They meet again…thrown together to help a four-year-old girl who’s been rendered mute after being rescue from an apartment fire.

Years of secrets and anger beg to be set free as Hadley and Monroe try to push aside past hurts and find common ground in order to help the traumatized young girl and her family.

Can the love of Christmas past drift into the present, bringing healing and hope for all?

My Review:

“Health strengthened them. Hope sustained them. And God guided them.” (p 91) I think I need to make this my mantra! It has definitely seen Hadley and her best friend, Elliott (a girl) through a decade of struggles. And what an emotional journey! Brilliantly delivered with compassion and grace.

Their story starts when they are teens sharing a room in a foster home. Volatile Hadley and rule keeper Elliott make an interesting team. And while this is largely Hadley and Monroe’s story, we are treated with Elliott’s point of view from time to time which also brings a secondary romance into the mix. A fascinating study in personalities and coping mechanisms as all three struggle to come to grips with a desperate situation that quickly gets out of control.

Fast forward ten years and life hasn’t gotten any easier for these foster sisters. Oh, they’ve survived and thrived, supporting each other as they worked their way through school but life’s logistics are still challenging. I loved the way they pull together. How they’ve invited strangers into their ‘family’. Women of faith, shining Christ’s light through their actions.

Then there’s Monroe. It appears he has had everything handed to him by wealthy parents. But appearances can be deceiving and he’s paid a huge emotional price for those ‘rewards’. Both Monroe and Hadley have been scarred by their tumultuous past so when they unexpectedly end up on the same team in order to help a traumatized child…well fireworks would be putting it mildly. These two have issues that bring out the worst and the best in one another. Such a tangled web of deceit and sorrow and confusion to wade through! All while attempting to restore speech to a mute child.

My emotions were all over the place as I got deeper into the read. I could see both sides of Monroe and Hadley’s struggle so I could totally feel the frustration and anger and longing. And Monroe’s parents?! Argh! I think my blood pressure is still registering through the roof. 

An emotionally complex story that celebrates the joy that comes from truly living in community.

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 The Gift of Christmas 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 December 9, 2023.

The Veteran’s Vow + Giveaway

Random Retro Re-Read

Could his biggest fear be what he needs to heal?

After a traumatic brain injury, military vet Behr Delgado refuses the one thing that could help him — a service dog. But Ellery Whiston is sure the perfect pup will change Behr’s life and offers to work with him one-on-one. As Behr sets about overcoming his fears, Ellery’s surprised to find herself opening up about her troubled nephew. Will family obligations force them to deny what’s in their hearts?

A K-9 Companions Story

My Review:

published in 2022

Gah! There’s so much I want to say about this book but I won’t because…spoilers! I was completely captivated from the very first page…from the front cover, actually! I am so loving this multi-authored series that highlights different kinds of companion working dogs and this one is fabulous!

Love the dynamics between Behr and Ellery. She’s one determined firecracker which both amuses and frustrates him. ‘Cause Behr isn’t going to make the whole dog training thing easy on anyone and you all know I love me a grumpy hero with a crusted over heart of gold. 🙂 But Ellery isn’t a quitter and he grudgingly respects that. Not-so-polite strangers morph into friends and then…happy sigh, you know what comes next, this is a Love Inspired novel after all. Cue the toe-curls and get ready to break out in a happy dance.

Lynn writes with emotion and humour and brings depth to all her characters, including the secondary ones. Real life issues, faith-inspired answers all woven together to make a sigh worthy escape read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for an autographed 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 The Veteran’s Vow, 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 December 2, 2023.

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 .