Tag: Contemporary Romance

You Make It Feel Like Christmas + Giveaway

Starr Lewis reluctantly returns home for the holidays jobless, single, and not at all prepared to be dragged into her sister’s wedding activities–or to witness her sister’s marriage to Starr’s ex-boyfriend on Christmas Eve. But when her brother’s charming best friend, Waylon Emmerson, attends their family Thanksgiving, Starr begins to believe that maybe coming home isn’t so bad.

As Starr endures wedding preparations, she takes comfort in Waylon’s presence and finds the perfect distraction in helping him keep his late mother’s Christmas shop afloat. As the spark between them grows, Starr must decide what she wants out of life–to go back to New York City or to stay and pursue a new dream.

A joyous, heartwarming, and magical holiday romance from Christy Award-winning author Toni Shiloh that will keep you cozy under the twinkling Christmas lights.

My Review:

The perfect holiday read! The kind you can devour in one sitting but the story still packs an emotional punch and leaves a reader aglow with the warmth of a yuletide happily ever after. Plus it’s fun and flirty, with enough swoonable moments to keep a romantic like me more than content. My heart’s still humming and I can’t wipe the silly grin off my face. 🙂

And there’s a wonderful faith thread about the importance of prayer. Both Starr and Waylon are wrestling with some major life changes and I really appreciate the raw honesty the author brings to their dilemmas. They are both Christians and invoke the power of prayer in their lives but that doesn’t always mean decisions are easy, or that they even feel divinely guided all the time. Sooooo relatable. And refreshing to read about.

The Lewis family is…interesting. Five siblings, a Christmas obsessed mama (she gave all her children Christmas names, after all) and a kind, but somewhat distant father. Interesting dynamics within the family as well, which strikes a realistic chord. And I’m looking forward to getting to know more about these characters…and their happily-ever-afters…in future books.

While I did have a paperback copy of ‘You Make It Feel Like Christmas’ on hand, I couldn’t resist diving into the audible edition because of it’s wonderful narration. Jasmin Walker’s portrayal of these characters is pitch perfect and made me enjoy the story all the more.

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

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 You Make It Feel Like Christmas, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday September 16, 2023

The Lost Manuscript + Giveaway

A priceless manuscript could be one woman’s key to finding her missing grandmother—and to her own second chance.

It’s not just Ellora Lockwood’s home that’s being emptied as she prepares to sell—her heart seems to be empty too. Since the mysterious disappearance of her beloved Grandma June and separating from her husband, Alex, Ellora has felt adrift. Then comes an invitation from Alex to teach history at a summer program at Alnwick Castle in England. He’s even found information about the location of a medieval manuscript that was her grandmother’s obsession before she vanished.

Warily, Ellora accepts Alex’s offer. Surrounded by lush English countryside and captivating history, she pieces together clues about the manuscript’s whereabouts—and uncovers new questions. Could someone have been sabotaging her grandmother’s work? Anonymous threats lead Ellora to suspect she too may be in danger, but as she and Alex work together, she’s finding strength, new purpose and the courage to see this quest through, wherever it may lead…

My Review:

First off, I’ll say that I’m not really a fan of estranged marriage romances. It’s not a trope I gravitate towards, and, in fact, will go out of my way to avoid. BUT — wowzers! did Mollie Rushmeyer ever bowl me over with all the emotional nuances of Ellora and Alex’s love story. I felt as raw and bruised and hurting as both of them did — but I had the added bonus of being party to their inner most thoughts so I could really understand how things fell apart in such a spectacular fashion. And that just made me all the more emotionally invested in their love story. Let’s just say Rushmeyer isn’t particularly kind to her characters. 🙂

Totally captivated by Alex! And if you told me I’d be fan-girling over the guy who walked away from his marriage I’d have uttered an emphatic ‘pshaw!’ But, I’d have been wrong. There are so many reasons to love Alex and I can’t tell you any of them without posting spoilers. You just have to meet him for yourself. But have a fainting couch handy for when you do.

And Ellora is as old-fashioned quirky as her name. She’s not only a history professor, but she rocks vintage fashion with flare! And she’s nursing a mountain load of hurt that’s turning into a grudge bordering on bitterness. But, somehow, she’s still lovable!

This is very much a redemption story — the redeeming of a marriage and the author writes with such beauty and truth that it brought tears to my eyes.

“They hadn’t chosen love or at least the type of selfless, truth-giving love they were called to as God’s children and husband and wife to each other. And when they inevitably messed up, they did not forgive as God forgives…” (p 121-122)

Then there’s the lost manuscript quest and the missing grandmother mystery and a summer in England to try to figure it all out…and learn how to fall in love all over again, this time with Christ as their foundation!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

US — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Lost Manuscript, 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 September 16, 2023

Muskoka Shores + Giveaway

Serena Williamson loves working at Muskoka Shores, the fancy resort on Lake Muskoka, and making couples dreams come true. But after returning from a celebrity wedding to find her own hopes crumbling to dust, she sets out for self-improvement, and to prove her ex was wrong. But when a misunderstanding concerning the new assistant church minister leads to more self-doubt, can she ever really trust a man again?

Joel Wakefield is looking forward to a fresh start for himself and his sister in this beautiful small town beside Lake Muskoka. He hadn’t counted on meeting a curvy cutie with a gift for hospitality and a gracious heart. Can he show her that it’s what is inside that truly counts?

My Review:

This love story is for every woman who has struggled with not feeling good enough. So emotional and funny and hard-hitting with a wonderful, uplifting faith thread about being ‘enough’ in the eyes of our Father in Heaven. And the power our words hold — to build up or tear down. So impactful!

An enemies to more trope plays out to perfection as misunderstandings abound. I laughed out loud and winced in sympathy and shed a tear or two by the end. So relatable all the way through!

Fans of Carolyn Miller’s Original Six Hockey series will get a thrill over the wedding in the first chapter. I haven’t read all the books in that series (yet) so I couldn’t fully appreciate the romantic glow but there are some lovely details as Serena oversees the wedding reception and makes for a nice bridge between the series.

Of course, I adore the iconic Canadian setting and the fact that the we get to visit through two seasons. Lots of time for our hero and heroine to get sorted while readers get to appreciate the beauty in my part of the world. 🙂

I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Andrea Kummer and hoping the rest of the series comes out in audio as well. Otherwise I’ll have to mix and match with paperbacks! Gasp!

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 Muskoka Shores 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 September 9, 2023.

The Cupcake Dilemma + Giveaway

My name is Kirstin Hill. I’m a simple girl trying to figure out life in a small town. There are a few things you should know about me before we begin. I grew up in the city. I’m a teacher–a first year teacher, (some of you understand that significance). And, finally, when it comes to cooking, I’m a disaster. Maybe none of those things seem story-worthy, but trust me, I have a story. I call it The Cupcake Dilemma, and it literally changed my life. How? I’m glad you asked. 

It all started with an extra assignment delegated to me at school right before Valentine’s Day… but before we get too far, let me begin by stating this clearly. I was voluntold.

My Review:

published in 2018

Fun, flirty and fabulous! And laugh-out-loud hilarious all the way through. I love Kirstin! She’s got a dry sense of humour and a snappy comeback for any situation, whether it’s spoken out loud or just a thought bubble in her head. And the baker at the heart of her cupcake dilemma — oh my — swoon, swoon, swoony! Impeccably paced, this little novella just sings! Or should I say chortles? All the way to the end.

This is the third book in Jennifer Rodewald’s Rock Creek series but easily reads as a standalone. I haven’t read any of the other books in the series but now that I’ve met a few folks in town I’m eager to backtrack and find out their stories!

This book just released in an audible edition with an incredibly well-matched narrator. Laura Pedersen really brings not only Kristin Hill’s character to life, but all of the other characters as well. And her delivery of those one line zingers — hysterically funny. I’m enchanted and besotted and will definitely give The Cupcake Dilemma many re-listens in the future.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

US — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Cupcake Dilemma 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 September 2, 2023

A Convenient Amish Bride + Giveaway

Two girls need a mother…and she’s ready for the job.

After the loss of her perfect match, Amish waitress Ruby Kaufmann resigns herself to a solitary life—until she meets widower David Weiss and his young daughters. Ruby has always wanted a family, and David is desperate for help because his aging parents can no longer assist with the girls. Will a marriage of convenience be the perfect solution…or a second chance at love neither expects?

My Review:

Amish + Marriage of Convenience = Bookish Glee

I don’t often run across a contemporary Marriage of Convenience story so I get excited when I find one. It can be a hard sell for a 21st century timeline but Bayer makes it work in this heartwarming romance.

I especially loved David’s two little girls and the way he relates to them. Poor little Mindy is so lost and confused after losing her mam and David will do anything to make things better…even marry a woman he doesn’t love!

I liked the way their relationship developed, with plenty of bumps along the way as they hesitantly start to open their hearts and contemplate a ‘real’ future together. There’s also an unexpected plot twist that sets the scene for Bayer’s next book scheduled to release in 2024.

I did feel that there were some discrepancies in the Amish lifestyle and culture though. And I was surprised at the lack of any kind of faith thread. Not even a mention of God or prayer. I’ve read secular Amish fiction with more inspirational input, so that was disappointing — especially coming from the Love Inspired line. Otherwise, A Convenient Amish Bride is an enjoyable sweet, clean contemporary romance.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Convenient Amish Bride, 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 August 26, 2023.

Pieces of Forever + Giveaway

RANDOM RETRO READ

The scars on her face are nothing to the scars on her heart. But can God help her find healing―and love?

Eight years ago, Ava and Joseph had the perfect future planned—he would go to veterinary school, she would embark on a career with an exclusive modeling agency, and they’d eventually get married and have three dogs and four children. Until a terrible accident changed everything. Unwilling to believe they could still have a future, she made Joseph promise to leave and live out their dreams without her.

Joseph has never broken a promise to Ava. Until now.

Because before he made that stupid promise to leave, they’d made each other another promise—one of forever. Now that he’s done with veterinary school, he’s determined to return to River Falls and show her that his promise still stands. That he loves her just the way she is.

But first he’ll have to find a way to crack the safe she’s erected around her heart.

Fortunately, he has help: in the form of three lovable dogs, a special group of sick kids, and more than a few slices of pie. But will it be enough to convince Ava that their forever is worth fighting for? Or will he be left picking up the pieces―alone?

My Review:

published in 2021

Now this is what Christian Fiction is all about! What an incredible, moving, uplifting and faith-affirming story! And that’s not to say there isn’t any angst…because there’s plenty of that, as you would expect with a second chance romance. But I’ve still come away from this read with a soaring heart and and the inner peace that comes from knowing that every one of us is worthy in the eyes of the Lord.

Really — I’m gobsmacked and flabbergasted that I haven’t read a Valerie M. Bodden book before. I’ve heard her name bandied about on social media and people have told me I should read one of her books and, here I am, way late to the party but so, so happy that I jumped in with the first book in her River Falls series.

And this romance!!! Emotionally toe-curling. The way Joseph pursues Ava. Constant. Steadfast. Giving her space but not giving up. He comes close a time or two, but only because he feels it would be in Ava’s best interest. But he’s not going to cut ties completely, even if that means only friendship is on the table. Of course, he hopes for so much more — like a chance to keep the promise he made all those years ago. Sooooo romantical!!!!!

And — eeeppp — he’s a veterinarian!!! Seriously, that has to be one of my top picks for a hero occupation! So, of course, there’s some puppy love here too which makes for some nice ice breakers when things get tense with Ava. And Joseph’s large, opinionated family keeps things interesting too. 🙂

I listened to the audio edition narrated by Amanda Stribling (yay Chirp sale!) She did an amazing job — so easy to listen to and I feel like she captured the essence of these characters. Highly recommend the audio book.

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 Pieces of Forever, 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 August 26, 2023

The Reluctant Rancher + Giveaway

Will his childhood nemesis be the second chance he needs?

Despite the mess FBI agent Enzo Flores has made of his life, he’s still eager to help others—like his sister, Ana. But coming home to Texas to run the family ranch and take care of his nephew might be more than Enzo can handle. He enlists the help of Ana’s best friend, Resa Espinoza, who’s always been good at riling him up. This time, she might just help him heal…

A Lone Star Heritage Romance

My Review:

I was happy to travel back to Port Del Mar, Texas, the setting of two series by Jolene Navarro. I love this town and the secondary characters aka busybodies who can’t help but meddle out of love. 🙂 And I do so enjoy a romance set in the midst of a close-knit family ’cause they never let you get away with anything. So, lots of interfering siblings and wise matriarchs bring equal parts substance and fun to this romance.

Enzo is a little bit moody and out of his comfort zone as he gives up chasing bad guys for a time so he can wrangle his five-year-old nephew while his sister’s on bedrest with a complicated pregnancy. And it irks him that his little sister’s best friend (and the kid who was always dragging Ana into trouble) keeps coming to his rescue where little Lorenzo is concerned.

Only Resa is no longer the annoying pest he remembers. Now she’s a beautiful, spirited woman who isn’t cowed by Enzo’s detached FBI agent demeanour. Cue the fireworks and laughter and be prepared to be entertained. Oh — and their meet-cute — hysterical!!!!! Really sets the tone for the push/pull of their relationship all the way through.

A vibrant romance filled with hope and grace.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy and available to any reader anywhere in the whole wide world so — YAY — another International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Reluctant Rancher, 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 August 19, 2023

Summer in the Spotlight + Giveaway

A hurricane may have destroyed her livelihood on Prince Edward Island, but she’s determined to save her community

Kelsey Ahern has performed at the Victoria Playhouse on Prince Edward Island every summer since she was seven. But when a hurricane destroys the building, it’s not just her memories that are in jeopardy. Her future as a teacher and drama coach are too. She teams up with Levi Ross, the facilities director at the high school, to produce a benefit show to raise money to rebuild the theater. He has a reputation for being able to fix anything, and Kelsey is sure there’s more to the quiet man than meets the eye. 

For his part, Levi has admired Kelsey for years, but he can’t seem to find the words to tell her. When a popular weatherman arrives in town to cover the aftermath of the hurricane and takes an interest in Kelsey and her show, Levi realizes that the time has come to speak up–or lose the heart of the woman he longs for. 

Join New York Times bestselling author Liz Johnson for a season of rebuilding, restoration, and romance with this final book in the Prince Edward Island Shores series.

My Review:

Hands down, my favourite book in the series…and Levi Ross has set the bar high for any future book boyfriends! I am so besotted! Because Levi is really something special. And unique to the typical contemporary romance lead.

To say that Levi is ‘quiet’ is a massive understatement. I can probably count on one hand the number of words he spoke in the first chapter. And they are just as sparse all the way through the story. But Levi has other ways of effectively communicating and those close to him easily interpret a look or a shrug, even his body language. I love that Kelsey doesn’t find that off putting — but then, her gift for gab makes her capable of carrying on more than her fair share of a conversation. 🙂

There’s a reason Levi is the way he is and I won’t be telling tales out of turn so you just have to read the book. But he is definitely swoonworthy material — a man pining over his childhood crush. And, yes, Kelsey makes him even more tongue-tied than ever. Readers have the advantage of being party to his thoughts, while Kelsey is left to decipher his cryptic responses and silence in her own way. Most of the time she gets it right but some of the time she doesn’t which makes things all the more interesting.

Fans of the Prince Edward Island Shores series will be happy at the page time given to the Ross family in general and there’s lots of brotherly bonding leading up to a resounding wrap-up to the family’s recent woes. Yes, that does sound cryptic, but no worries if you haven’t read the first two books in this series, Johnson has seamlessly included the pertinent details from the earlier books with minimum spoilers so I think you could read Summer in the Spotlight as a standalone.

And that title! Very clever tie-in to the story. Love the concept of the town rallying to save the summer theatre.The plot is both predictable and unpredictable so, as a reader, I got to bask in the comfort of the familiar while also experiencing the thrill of the unexpected. And then there’s the Prince Edward Island setting! I’m all Anne-girl starry eyed. 🙂 Summer in the Spotlight makes a perfect summer escape read!

(I enjoyed listening to the audible edition expertly narrated by Emily Ellet. She did a great job of creating unique voices for each character and, honestly, made Levi sound so dreamy. Happy sigh.)

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 Summer in the Spotlight, 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 August 19, 2023

Seaside Reunion + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

You can’t go home again … or can you?

After surviving a devastating tragedy, combat reporter Nate Garrison returns to the only place that ever felt like home, Starfish Bay on the Northern California coast. But his reunion with childhood friend Lindsey Collier is nothing like he’d imagined. The wary widow who runs Starfish Bay Mercantile was once the girl who made young Nate dream–of a future, of family ties, of deep roots. Now Lindsey avoids love, loss … and Nate. Yet when they join forces to save a beloved town landmark and help a hurting little boy, might they also find healing, hope–and love?

In this Carol Award finalist, Irene Hannon pens a heartfelt tale of the lasting impact of friendship, the healing power of love, and the importance of touchstones–the people, places, and experiences we measure the world against–in our lives.

My Review:

Eeeeep!!!! Just. Eeeeeeepppp!!!! This is a retro read reimagined by the author and part of her Encore Edition updated re-releases. So, the book originally published as.a Love Inspired in 2012, but, if like me, you missed the original, the author has reworked the story and released it again as an indie book. And that’s all kinds of eeeeeepppp, because Love Inspired older print editions are hard to come by…and audible editions are unheard of.

Which leads me to a whole lot more ‘eeeeppping’ because Seaside Reunion is masterfully narrated by the amazing Therese Plummer and makes for a truly sublime listening experience. I’m sooooo bibliophile giddy about these Encore Editions — especially that they are all available in audio format as well.

So, if you love Irene Hannon’s Hope Harbor series, you need to come visit Starfish Bay. It has that same sense of community, friendships and inspiration. I don’t know for sure, but I’m thinking maybe this Starfish Bay series was the inspiration for Hope Harbor.

And these characters!!! Complex, hurting, struggling to recapture their purpose after tragedy. Nate, from all that he has experienced as a combat reporter, and Lindsey trying to find her way after a tragic loss.

Both find themselves back in Starfish Bay. It’s a bittersweet homecoming for Lindsey as she works along side her father at the general store. But for Nate it’s something so much more. After enduring a less then ideal childhood, the nine months he spent in Starfish Bay in his youth are the closest thing he has ever experienced to the comforts of home. And part of that was due to his friendship with Lindsey. Only their reunion doesn’t go quite as planned.

Cue some laughter and wincing and heart hurting moments as these two struggle to find their footing among clashing wills and misunderstandings before the roots of their friendship take hold again. And then there’s hope for so much more!

Seaside Reunion is emotionally stirring, uplifting and completely riveting.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook available to anyone, anywhere who has a .com 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 Seaside Reunion, 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 August 5 , 2023.

The Gift of Faith + Giveaway

The quietest of the three Kanagy boys, Daniel, would prefer to spend his time keeping his bees and selling the honey rather than tending his family’s gift shop. But with both his brothers breaking away from the family business, his parents need Daniel more than ever.

Contrary to town gossip, Faith Kemp didn’t jump the fence—she left to track down her twin sister, Mercy. When Faith returns home with a newborn baby, the rumors are tough to set right, and not everyone in the community is welcoming. To help support her family, Faith sells dried flower arrangements to the popular gift shop in town. Each visit, she looks forward to seeing Daniel Kanagy. He doesn’t say much, but his steady strength speaks to her just the same.

With girls buzzing around Daniel and trying to catch his eye, why would he turn his gaze to a quiet, plain girl who has a baby and too many rumors about her?

My Review:

Woohoo!!! New-to-me Amish Fiction author and I’m a fan! This is the third book in her Unexpected Gifts series, but I can attest to the fact that it reads wunderbaar as a standalone, though, I’m definitely going to backtrack and read the first two books. Love a series that features siblings — especially brothers — and there are three hero material Kanagy boys in this one. The only spoiler is that they all end up with a happily every after. 🙂

So, Daniel…he’s an unassuming leading man but that doesn’t mean he lacks appeal. He’s kind and sensitive, but somewhat shy…or maybe I should say contemplative. He has known Faith all their lives, crushed on her during their school days and the attraction deepened as they grew older. Only, in true Daniel fashion, he took his time deliberating and by the time he’d settled things in his mind, Faith had left their community in pursuit of her fence-jumping twin sister.

But now she’s back with Mercy’s baby in tow and Daniel is just as smitten…and still a wee bit clueless. I love how accepting he was of Faith’s return and baby Rose, when there are definitely some harsh critics in the community who aren’t as welcoming. The human nature to judge is alive and well even among the Amish.

Faith is devastated that her sister chose to remain in the Englisch world, but she’s determined to raise Mercy’s daughter up Amish. Even as she realizes the decision will drastically alter the expectations of her own future. There’s some clever plot twists that make the story fresh as well as some well-loved tropes that are just plain fun to experience. Like a man-hungry mean girl with Daniel in her sights. Not overdone — just enough to cause some eye-rolls and righteous indignation on behalf of my hero and heroine. 🙂

Skilled storytelling, a compelling plot, and the kind of characters it’s easy to love (or…dislike) made this a book to devour. Read it in a day.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

US — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Gift of Faith, 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 July 22 , 2023.