Tag: Historical Romance

Midnight on the Scottish Shore + Giveaway

The only way Cilla van der Zee can survive the German occupation of the Netherlands is to do the unthinkable–become a spy for the Nazis in Britain. She soothes her conscience with a plan to abandon her mission and instead aid the Allies. Her scheme is thwarted when naval officer Lt. Lachlan Mackenzie finds her along the Scottish shore and turns her in to be executed.

But perhaps she is more useful alive than dead. British intelligence sends her to Scotland to radio misleading messages to Germany, messages about the naval base at Scapa Flow to be crafted by Lachlan. At the station in the lighthouse at Dunnet Head, Lachlan and Cilla must work together if the war is to be won. But how can he trust a woman who arrived on his shores as a tool of the enemy–a woman certain to betray both him and the Allied cause?

Master of World War II fiction Sarah Sundin takes you to the wild Scottish seaside, where danger lurks under the surface of the water–and in the depths of the human heart–for a WWII tale you won’t soon forget.

My Review:

Intense. Dramatic. Emotional. The kind of edge-of-your-seat World War II novel that Sarah Sundin is famous for. She fits this literary niche perfectly and I’m always amazed at the fresh points of view and different angles she finds to approach this subject matter. I always learn some new about this complex time in world history.

This time round I discovered how the war reached northern Scottish shores and the integral workings of the naval base at Scapa Flow. I had no idea! And what an atmospheric setting for espionage and intrigue! It even comes complete with a taciturn Scotsman whose loyalty to the United Kingdom is challenged because of the behaviour of his separatist brother. So, brooding is a skillset Lachlan has perfected. And he’s not about to give any leeway to a German spy, no matter what fantastical tale she spins.

But when Cilla is recruited by British Intelligence and sent back to Scotland to work as a double agent, Lachlan is forced to work with her and that’s when the sparks start to fly. They are so different in temperament, opposites in every way, though, surprisingly they compliment each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

Loved the balance between heart-stopping danger and heart-melting romance! Along with plain old real life struggles that happen even during (maybe especially) wartime. Complex characters with layered backstories enrich the story even more. ‘Midnight on the Scottish Shore’ is the definition of unputdownable read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – ebook or audible — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Midnight on the Scottish Shore, 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 20 2025

The Maid of Ballymacool + Giveaway

Random Retro ReRead

Brianna Kelly was abandoned at Ballymacool House and Boarding School as an infant. She has worked there since she was a wee girl and will likely die there. Despite a sense that she was made for something more, Brianna feels powerless to change her situation, so she consoles herself by exploring the Ballymacool grounds, looking for hidden treasures to add to the secret trove beneath the floorboards of her room.

When Michael Wray, the son of local gentry, is sent to Ballymacool to deal with his unruly cousin, he finds himself drawn to Brianna, immediately and inescapably. There is something about her that feels so . . . familiar. When Brianna finds a piece of silver in the woods, she commits to learning its origins, with the help of Michael. What they discover may change everything.

Fan favorite Jennifer Deibel invites you back to the Emerald Isle in the 1930s for this fresh take on the Cinderella story, complete with a tantalizing mystery, a budding romance, and a chance at redemption.

My Review:

published in 2023

I didn’t know this was a fairy tale retelling when I started reading/listening, but I immediately thought of Cinderella as the story progressed and, lo and behold, it actually is a retelling of that classic tale! And incredibly well done. There are definitely departures from the original, but all the important elements are here and told in an exquisite storytelling style. Jennifer Deibel’s best ever (to date.)

Have to say right up front that I was beguiled by Caroline Lennon’s narration. She breathed a whole other dimension into this story — especially when it came to Irish words and names. And there’s something magical about listening to a seanchai (Gaelic storyteller) and that’s what this read felt like. I’m still basking in all the bookish glee. 🙂

And this story!!! Beautifully written, expertly paced — you know, that feeling where you are so immersed in the story that you want to stay there forever? And, though you’re dying to find all the answers and get to the happily very after, you’re also not in any rush to do so? That’s the kind of read this is.

And these characters!!! I might have a huge crush on Michael. Be still my heart. Tender and kind. Not afraid to stand up for what’s right. He doesn’t take his advantageous position in life for granted. Plus, he’s a reader. With an Irish accent! Does it get any better than that? I think not!

Brianna’s smitten as well, though she’s wary because how could a scullery maid make a match with an aristocrat? But Deibel has all kinds of surprises in store for this couple (and her readers) that flow together like, well, a fairy tale!

The perfect uplifting escape read with tons of charm.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – paperback, ebook or audible — 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 Maid of Ballymacool, 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 13 2025

Under the Scottish Sky : a Beauty and the Beast Retelling + Giveaway

In the rolling lowlands of eighteenth-century Scotland, Isabel Nicol is known for her fiery spirit, hot temper, and striking beauty. But when her father is accused of trespassing and theft by the occupant of a mysterious castle, Isabel’s fortitude is tested as never before. Desperate to save her father from debtors’ prison and her sisters from certain ruin, she strikes a daring her freedom for her father’s release. 

Luke Maxwell has fled his home in England in a hasty bid to outrun the dark magic that has made his life a misery. Confined within the ancient walls of Caerlaverock Castle, his only hope is to marry a woman who has made a sacrifice of love—a requirement that Isabel has now fulfilled. Convincing her to accept his hand should be an easy task for an English gentleman with means. Unfortunately, Luke’s resolve to break the curse can be rivaled only by Isabel’s determination never to marry. As they navigate their complicated arrangement, an unexpected friendship grows, but opening their hearts to a future they never thought possible will require that they first put their trust in God and heal from the shadows of their pasts.

My Review:

Whoa! What an amazing debut novel! I’m left a little addlepated after reading Crawford’s reimagining of Beauty and the Beast. Sheer brilliance about sums it up and I am an avid retelling fan so I don’t take these reinterpretations lightly. I’m always amazed at the way an author can blend folklore traditions with their own unique plotting and this author has meshed the two into an amazing historical romance with emotional depth and light (but significant) touches of faith.

Setting the tale in the Scottish lowlands adds an extra thrill and the way Isobel winds up prisoner at Caerlaverock Castle is cleverly crafted. And oh my, but Luke is definitely type-cast for the role of Beast! I wasn’t sure what to make of him at first. Luckily Isobel’s fiery temper helps her match wits with Luke despite having spent the last few years striving to honour her mother’s memory by living up to the admonishment to strive to ‘be kind.’

There’s such a delicious push/pull between Luke and Isobel. Mostly because Luke keeps getting everything wrong! Sometimes it’s laugh out loud funny, while other times I found myself cringing. Silly man! But there are tender moments too. And awkwardly sweet ones. The kind of romance that tugs at a reader’s heartstrings.

And the whole story plays out in an unhurried manner, with captivating secondary characters to add to the heartwarming ambience of a classic fairy tale. Crawford’s exquisite storytelling invites a reader to settle in and savour every artfully crafted scene. In fact, I stopped listening several times just because I didn’t want my time with these characters to be over!

And yes, that means this is another audible ‘read’ for me, narrated by the fabulous Noah Wall. She always delivers an exceptional listening experience.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – ebook

Canada – ebook or audible — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Under the Scottish Sky, 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 13 2025

The Maid of Sherwood Forest + Giveaway

Mariah thought Robin Hood was just a legend—until time pulled her into his world and the outlaw stole her heart.

Nothing about Mariah Clinton’s passion for archery or her work as a sous-chef in contemporary London prepares her for the moment she’s pulled into another time—and another life. One minute, she’s stepping into McQuivey’s Costume Shop to rent a medieval gown. The next, she’s standing in a castle kitchen in twelfth-century Nottingham—with no idea how she got there or how to return to modern time. Forced to pose as a kitchen servant, she must draw on ingenuity and courage to survive in a world in which she shouldn’t exist. But when her skill with a bow draws the attention of outlaws in Sherwood Forest, she’s swept into a conflict that is more dangerous—and more thrilling—than she could ever have imagined. 

Robin Hood has spent years outwitting the sheriff, protecting the innocent, and keeping his men one step ahead of Prince John’s reach. But when he crosses paths with a mysterious archer who shoots like no woman he’s ever met, he knows she’s hiding something. Her words, her ways, even the fire in her eyes—none of it belongs in his time. Yet the more she stands at his side, the harder it becomes to imagine Sherwood Forest without her. 

Mariah is torn between a past she understands in modern-day London and an uncertain future with an outlaw who has stolen her heart. But as the sheriff’s grip tightens and betrayal looms, one truth becomes clear—some choices are impossible to undo, and love, once found, is not so easily left behind.

My Review:

Whoa — just as riveting as the first book in Bessey’s McQuivey’s Costume Shop Romance series! And absolutely no worries for readers who aren’t into time travelling in fiction — this one mostly takes place in the historical setting. Of course, there is the whole push/pull with the romance because how could it ever work between a 21st century woman and a 12th century outlaw? Why, exceptionally well, as it turns out, if Sian Ann Bessey is the storyteller!

Loved the unhurried way the story evolves. It’s never boring and there’s always a purpose to every scene but I didn’t feel rushed towards the epic turning point scenes. I just settled in to enjoy every lovely nuance of Mariah and Robin’s story. And, oh my, but did Bessey ever delight with the brazen Robin Hood exploits. So audacious and funny at the same time. I literally cheered a time or two. And the camaraderie between Robin and his men! Priceless!

Then there’s Mariah coming to grips with her altered reality. Well plotted, especially the way the author matches up Mariah’s talents to her circumstances in medieval times. Absolutely brilliant! As is the way she meets Robin Hood for the very first time. Honestly, a dream of a read from start to finish.

Or, in my case, listen, since I enjoyed the audible edition of ‘The Maid of Sherwood Forest.’ I thoroughly enjoyed the dual narration by Elizabeth Knowelden and Thomas Judd. They seemed to relish this story as much as I did and it showed in their performance.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – ebook

Canada – ebook or audible — 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 Maid of Sherwood Forest, 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 13 2025

The Heart of Bennet Hollow + Giveaway

An Appalachian farmer’s daughter and a wealthy businessman find a surprising love but must reckon with what divides them in this retelling of Jane Austen’sPride and Prejudice by the award-winning author ofThe Lady and the Lionheart .

New River, Virginia. 1904. Lizbeth Bennet longs to preserve her family’s farm, securing a future for her and her sisters, a difficult task in their Appalachian coal mining town. Money is scarce, and Lizbeth is determined to find a way without giving up treasured pieces of her family’s legacy. But when the mine is put up for sale, it’s clear change is approaching. A contingent of coal barons descends on the town to investigate whether the mine is worth their investment, among them a young man rumored to be a very rich, eligible bachelor.

William Drake arrives focused on business and keeping his distance from the townspeople, especially those living on land entangled with the mine, including a farmer by the name of Bennet. As William digs through legal issues, his struggle to weigh the potential financial gain against what is right for the community grows more complicated when he meets one of the Bennet daughters.

Despite an awkward first meeting, Lizbeth and William continue to cross paths, and soon Lizbeth questions her first impression of the man she believed to be proud and indifferent. But just as their friendship begins to evolve, a revelation shakes Lizbeth’s tenuous trust, and she learns all may not be as it seems. To determine what is true, and step toward a love she’s barely dared dream of, Lizbeth must confront her own prejudices . . . and decide whether the future she’s always imagined is the one her heart truly wants most after all.

My Review:

Joanne Bischof DeWitt always provides an immersive reading experience and ‘The Heart of Bennet Hollow’ is no exception. In fact I’m a little tongue-tied (or finger-knotted?) over trying to write this review. Yes, it’s that good!

First off, DeWitt’s wordsmithing captures the essence of each character, fleshing them into living, breathing people a reader can happily either love or…dislike strongly! And the way she brings the Appalachian culture and setting to life is delightful. I really grasped the sense of community in the coal mining town. Admired it too! So, I was already transported into an otherworld kind of fictional charm, and then to add in all the ‘Pride and Prejudice’ twists, well that just elevated the storytelling that much more.

Here’s where I should say that, while I am not an ardent Austen fan, I have read most of her books, watched multiple movie adaptations and have definite opinions on who played the ‘true’ Mr. Darcy. However, I’m not the avid reader who can spew quotes, name every secondary character in every book and match previously mentioned quotes to the right characters. Even so, I thrilled to the clever ways DeWitt melded her unique story with the familiar twists of this Austen classic. And that’s one of the things I love about reading a retelling! Because, despite knowing the ultimate outcome of the story, I know it will be an interesting reading time getting there!

You might think the world didn’t need another ‘Pride and Prejudice’ reimagining but you’d be wrong. My library is definitely better for adding ‘The Heart of Bennet Hollow’ to its shelves. A wonderful blend of familiar and distinctively new made this an unputdownable, keeper shelf kind of read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook copy — winner’s choice

Canada ebook (in form of an Amazon gift card) or audible.ca audio book – winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Heart of Bennet Hollow, 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 13 2025

Whispers at Painswick Court + Giveaway

Anne Loveday, a surgeon’s daughter, is determined to live a single, useful life. To escape her matchmaking stepmother, she accepts an invitation from an old friend to return to Painswick, the place she and her sister spent many happy summers until that last, fateful year.

Soon after arriving, Anne is asked to serve as sick-room nurse to Lady Celia, who forbade her nephew to marry Anne’s sister years before. Pushing aside resentments, Anne moves into Painswick Court, a shadowy old house rumored to be haunted. Also in residence are Lady Celia’s spinster daughter, her handsome adult nephews, and a secretive new lady’s maid. Two local doctors visit regularly as well, one of whom admires Anne while concealing secrets of his own. As an escalating series of mishaps befalls her patient, Anne realizes someone is trying to kill the woman. But who? When Anne finds herself a suspect and her determination to avoid romance challenged, can she discover the real killer–and protect her heart–before it’s too late?

Acclaimed Regency author Julie Klassen marries the best of historical romance and mystery in a novel full of English village charm, intrigue, and love.

My Review:

Happy sigh. You know how there are some books that just seep into your soul the second you start reading? Where the characters come alive and you can picture every scene and all the settings. Only it’s more than just picturing it all…it’s feeling it too. Where you become so immersed in the fictional world it’s a shock to surface in the regular world? Well, that was this book for me. Absolute sweet perfection. Five stars into infinity perfection!

Julie Klassen has such a gift for storytelling. From word choice to plot development and pacing. And there are so many intricate elements that need weaving together in this story. From the beguiling title that sparks so many questions to the rich characterization and the intriguing mystery – it all makes for such a compelling read.

A Classic Regency Romance with shivery Gothic undertones.

I listened to the audio edition of Whispers at Painswick Court expertly narrated by Elizabeth Jasicki. She’s been the voice of many of Julie Klassen’s novels and I always enjoy the way she breathes life into a host of unique characters. Her performance was a pleasure to listen to and enhanced my ‘reading’ enjoyment.

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – ebook or audible — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Whispers at Painswick Court, 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 6 2025

The Christmas Handkerchief + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

A Christmas Novella
Historical Christian Romance

Duxbury, Massachusetts 1825
Grandmother Hart gifts Tuppence with a very special handkerchief of handmade lace to be carried on Tuppence’s wedding day along with a promise God shall provide the man of her dreams. But how can that be, when the man of Tuppence’s dreams is marrying another, and Tuppence must assist her grandmother in baking a fruitcake for the couple’s wedding?

My Review:

published in 2019

Lisa Norato is an author I’ve wanted to play catch-up with for awhile and this novella reminds me of what an incredible storyteller she is. Her descriptive writing evokes images that bring the story to life in such a satisfying way! This one is short and sweet but intense! A friends to more trope with unrequited love thrown in for good measure. Oh, and let’s not forget the ‘kinda sorta’ love triangle. Ack! It’s a mild one as far as LTs go so…phew!

It’s also the kind of storytelling a reader likes to savour. Rich characterization bring even the secondary characters to life and I’m particularly fond of Tuppence’s grandmother and her solid faith and innate wisdom.

An exquisitely beautiful heartfelt Christmas love story.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – paperback or ebook — 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 Christmas Handkerchief  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 15 2025

The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House + Giveaway

It is 1901 when clockmaker and brilliant tinker Sydney Forrester inherits Blakely House, the eclectic estate of an estranged uncle she’s never met. The well-known but mysterious industrialist has left behind a stunning array of peculiar inventions–and a couple of nephews intent on removing this interloper from the estate. Convinced that Sydney has something to do with their uncle’s death, the late master’s nephews contest the will and work against their cousin at every turn.

Sydney finds a sometimes-ally in the estate’s butler, an ex-adventurer who ran aground on the island years ago. But when a mysterious man washes ashore with a stunning surprise that upsets everything, Sydney must prove she has inherited the late master’s brilliance as well as his property–or someone else will.

My Review:

The first sentence that sparked my curiosity:

“It was a strangely calm morning in March, with no wind off the dales, when the woman I assumed to be my mother slipped into the shop.”

And from there I was hooked. Often confused, but completely absorbed. Even the secrets have secrets! Sometimes it felt like I’d been dropped on my head and I was reading everything upside down! Kafuffled doesn’t begin to describe my bibliophile state…but also intrigued!

Sydney is my kind of heroine – “That was what novels were for – having adventures without any of the discomfort.” She is a clever, quirky young woman who loves her books but likes the security of reading them in comfortable surroundings. And then, suddenly, she’s catapulted into a novel-worthy adventure of her very own…complete with a ‘pirate’ hero. (Her man of mystery inspires untold swoons and toe-curls for both Sydney and me!)

Blakely House and its inhabitants are as surprising and confusing and mysterious as you’d expect to find in this kind of thrilling atmospheric read. Adventure, romance and amazing curiosities abound. Politano is a gifted storyteller with an unsurpassed imagination and she has delivered a stunning inspirational historical romance in ‘The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House.’

“God had a rather unexpected way of saying “yes” to little girl prayers, slipping his answer into the fabric of everyday life.”

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook

Canada – ebook or audible — 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 Curious Inheritance of Blakely House  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 1 2025

Love Finds You in the City at Christmas + Giveaway

Random Retro Re-Read

Love comes to the big city in two heartwarming stories of Christmas past and present. 

“Red Kettle Christmas” 
It’s 1946, and police officer Mike Wolzak has inherited his family’s home . . . and the custody of his younger sister, who is in trouble with a problem he doesn’t know how to fix. While on patrol during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Mike makes the acquaintance of a lovely Salvation Army bell ringer, Karen O’Leary, who is struggling to support herself and her young daughter. As their paths cross during the festive holiday season in Manhattan, Karen teaches the tough World War II veteran how to support and love his family. In the process, he just might gain a new one.

“Manhattan Miracle”
A war-weary soldier who has served three tours in the Middle East, Max Wolzak has come home to New York City to celebrate Christmas with his family in the Manhattan brownstone where he spent much of his childhood. There Max reconnects with Sarah Peterson, his sister’s old schoolmate who now organizes relief missions for the United Nations. Sparks fly as the pair gets reacquainted over various holiday events, but when Max realizes that Sarah will leave for the Middle East the day after Christmas, he has a decision to make—convince her to stay, wait for her to return, or go with her to the one place to which he never thought he’d return.

My Review:

published in 2013

Be still my heart — I’m sure I heard the Hallelujah Chorus in the background as I finished this book. It is that good. That’s moving and uplifting and down-home Christmasy good.  Both stories start with Macy’s Thanksgiving parade and that sets the mood perfectly. Both stories have adorable little girls who know the true magic of Christmas and how to share it. Another excellent way to set that special mood. But though there are similarities in these two novellas, each author’s distinctive voice creates a unique and heart-warming read.

In Red Kettle Christmas, Herne’s characteristic writing style swept me into the heart of post World War II New York City  from the very first page. I love the way characters come to life at her fingertips. And I love how she portrays life and loss realistically, but always laced with hope. This novella has all the makings of a classic Christmas read.

Fast forward to present day and we get to read about the next generation of Wolzaks in Schmidt’s Manhattan Miracle. Interesting to jump decades and land at the very same place and the very same time. Love that link between the two stories. This is another touching read that gave me goosebumps at the Hollywood worthy finale.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy of this book so – yay – International Giveaway. Available to readers everywhere!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Love Finds You in the City at 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 October 25 2025

Winterset + Giveaway

Northern England, Late Fall, 1820

Katherine Lockwood is hiding for her life in the most unlikely of places: the forgotten priest holes in the abandoned Winterset Grange manor house. When Kate learns that Winterset’s long-absent owner, Mr. Oliver Jennings, is about to return, she is desperate to find a way to make him leave, even if it means “haunting” him from behind her protective walls.

After a grand tour of the Continent, Oliver returns home to England determined to make the most of his inheritance. But from the moment he arrives, nothing is as he expected. His manor is in disrepair, the steward hired to care for his estate is a thief, and to top it all off, Winterset is haunted. Undeterred, Oliver resolves to reclaim his life, piece by piece.

When Oliver discovers the hidden rooms, he’s shocked and pleased that his “ghost” is actually a beautiful young woman. Captivated by Kate and her story, he invites her to stay at Winterset under his protection.

Yet, danger persists as the man who threatens Kate’s safety learns of her ruse and attempts to exact his revenge. Kate and Oliver find themselves ensnared in a perilous game of cat and mouse against a powerful opponent while also trying to untangle their blossoming feelings in this enthralling gothic Regency romance.

My Review:

Delightfully atmospheric! I love the way the story unfolds, unhurried but always moving forward so there was plenty of time to savour each scene. And, oh my, the meet-cute!!! Not quite a ‘meet’ and definitely not ‘cute’! Ingenuous!

Kate is audacious with an imagination to rival Anne Shirley (Green Gables reference.) The situations she puts Oliver through are diabolically clever. And the poor man is just beginning to find himself while trying to get comfortable with his new home and community.

Cue some shivery foreshadowing and I was frantic to warn Oliver and Kate of something ominous lurking ahead! What a completely immersive read! Well, listen for me since I enjoyed Helen Day and Thomas Judd’s excellent narration.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – ebook

Canada – ebook or audible — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Winterset  leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday October 25 2025