Tag: Historical Romance

The Seaside Homecoming + Giveaway

random retro read

A surprise homecoming tests the bonds of sisterhood as a hidden past comes to light. . . .

Disgraced eldest sister Claire Summers has been living in exile as companion to a stern great-aunt in Scotland. About to lose her place and longing to be reconciled with her estranged family, Claire sees an advertisement from someone looking for a “respectable female partner” in a Sidmouth boarding house. Is it a sign? She answers the ad, hoping she has not made another reckless mistake. When she meets the handsome, secretive proprietor, she wonders what he’s hiding and if he’s any more trustworthy than the nobleman who betrayed her years ago. Claire is drawn to him even though she fears he will reject her when he discovers her genteel façade hides a less-than-respectable past. 

Meanwhile, the Summers family learns their great-aunt has died and Claire has disappeared without a word. The sisters rally together to find their lost sibling, but will their unexpected reunion heal old wounds and rekindle their bonds . . . or deepen the divide? 

Return to the picturesque Devonshire coast as the Summers sisters navigate romance, second chances, and the enduring strength of sisterhood in the face of adversity.

My Review:

I was completely hooked from the atmospheric first sentence: “Bleak. The weather, her mood, her life.” Klassen caught my attention and kept it captive for the entire read. Her masterful storytelling never fails to transport me to another time and place. Every word begs to be savoured and there’s no hurrying me through a Klassen novel.

I was especially excited because this is Claire’s story – the exiled sister who brought shame to the Summers family. She’s been referenced in previous books in the ‘On Devonshire Shores‘ series, but this is our first ‘real live’ meeting. And oh my, but do I have big feelings! Gah! Her mother, in particular! The idea that there can be no forgiveness from Claire’s transgression is mind boggling. One mistake not only wipes out a chance at a decent future for her, but it casts a shadow over her sisters as well.

This is very much a redemption story , both for Claire and her entire family. Watching the sisters rebuild their relationship was emotionally satisfying. Klassen doesn’t dwell on Claire’s painful past, but she doesn’t shy away from the long-reaching consequences either. Her story is told with tenderness and compassion and energized by the glimmer of hope at long last.

One of the strengths in Julie Klassen’s storytelling comes from the sense of community she brings through her intriguing secondary characters and charming side stories. So easy to lose myself in tension, drama and humour courtesy of the unique mix of characters populating this remarkable story. So many sumptuous layers to delve into! Which includes a romance! I championed Claire every step of the way to her second chance at a happily every after!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – ebook or audio — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Seaside Homecoming, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday February 21 2026

Taming Lady Temperance + Giveaway

When passion for justice conflicts with the heart, which will prevail? 

Noreen O’Sullivan is an enthusiastic member of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union and believes herself called to defend the cause of prohibition. When she’s invited to join the Secret Society of Spinsters, Noreen jumps at the chance to rally others to her movement and shut down the local saloon for good. However, her passionate campaigning often puts her at odds with the men around her–including the local deputy.

Deputy James Paxton believes in preserving the peace, but Miss O’Sullivan has been disturbing his peace for months. If James wants to be elected sheriff, he can’t afford to be seen as her ally. But when Noreen ropes him into helping her plan a temperance march, their growing closeness sparks unexpected feelings. Then tensions escalate at the saloon and accusations fly. James must choose between upholding his badge and protecting the woman who’s captured his heart–knowing either choice could cost him everything.

My Review:

Karen Witemeyer’s latest western romance evokes the classic feel of vintage black and white films. Everything is comfortingly familiar – the small town with cowboy vibes, a deputy hero, a strong willed heroine with plenty of backbone and a few villainous types common to the genre. So, ‘Taming Lady Temperance‘ delivers all the comforts of a much loved genre while adding her own refreshing twists to liven things up even more.

Lighthearted banter blends with deeply emotional scenes, creating an unputdownable kind of read. I’ll be honest, Noreen was a bit too abrasive for my liking in the beginning. She’s prickly and defiant and even manipulative in order to get what she wants. Her cause – temperance – is a noble one and she has understandable reasons for being so rigidly relentless but I still found it hard to connect with her in the first few chapters. But, oh my, what phenomenal character growth that includes a significant faith thread! Kept me mesmerized and anxiously cheering Noreen on all the way through to the end.

James is the exact opposite. Gentle, understanding, even amused over Noreen’s tenacity. He’s also brilliant at speaking gospel truths into her life, whether she likes it or not. And as he starts to reach her and their friendship develops into something deeper, well…happy sighs of toe-curling delight!

This is the first book in The Secret Society of Spinsters series and I really like the way the author has set things up for future books especially when it comes to the intriguing society and Noreen’s friends. I’m really looking forward to reading their happily ever after journeys!

I listened to the audible edition of ‘Taming Lady Temperance’ and enjoyed the familiar voice of Kate Forbes. Her narration brought the Old West charm to life and made for an unstoppable listening experience..

My thanks to RBMedia and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – ebook or audio — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Taming Lady Temperance, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday February 14 2026.

The Bird of Bedford Manor + Giveaway

Bedfordshire, England, 1820: Ruined by the sins of her father, Juliet Finch is cast into a life of self-reliance. Survival is a harsh taskmaster, but she is a quick learner and excels at tracking and snaring wild game to feed herself. Juliet embraces her new identity until the day Henry Russell catches her poaching on his land—a crime punishable by death. Henry, however, has other offenses on his namely, the troublesome stalker who’s making a misery of his sister’s life. To try to put a stop to her torment, Henry charges Juliet with tracking the elusive villain so he can be brought to justice. Using her skills, Juliet hunts down the rogue. . .but may just become the prey herself.
 
Reader favorite Michelle Griep has penned yet another masterpiece with this page-turning adventure that has it romanceclever turn-of-phrasecolorfully memorable characterscharming British setting

My Review:

Eeeeepppp!!! ‘The Bird of Bedford Manor’ will definitely make my top ten books read in 2026 list (if I ever dared to make one!) But, honestly, Griep delivers everything that draws me into a story. A romance simmering with emotion, the desperate longing for an impossible love, an intriguing mystery complete with a sinister villain and a hero and heroine on faith journeys that touched my heart.

“I do not have to define myself by the measures of what has been done to me, but by the measure of what God has done for me.”

This is the kind of story that’s impossible to put down. Griep’s storytelling is exceptionally beautiful. Her words evoke images and touched all my senses. I didn’t just read this book, I lived through.

Well, listened, actually. Another brilliant audio book ‘read’ narrated by Nan McNamara, who does an incredible job with all these characters. Her performance enhances Griep’s storytelling creating a stunning collaboration of talent.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – paperback, ebook or audio — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Bird of Bedford Manor, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday February 14 2026.

An Unconventional Lady + Giveaway

In An Unconventional Lady, her latest sweet Regency romance, Sarah E. Ladd explores the expanding world of science (and pseudoscience) as two childhood friends work together to separate fact from fiction. Perfect for fans of Julie Klassen and BBC dramas.

Ella Wilde is no ordinary young woman. Outspoken, curious, and fiercely independent, she grew up in a world of natural philosophy, encouraged by her scientist parents to question everything. But when her mother dies mysteriously while studying phrenology in Austria, Ella is left with more questions than answers. Especially when a study is released claiming that a phrenological examination of Ella’s mother prior to her death indicated mental instability, calling into question what really happened the night of her death. Years later, at a scientific symposium hosted by her father’s school and focused on phrenology, Ella seizes the chance to clear her mother’s name and debunk phrenology as pseudoscience.

Gabriel Rowe is a barrister with a mission of his own. Tasked with finding a runaway girl linked to the same phrenologist who will be speaking at the symposium, Gabriel’s path leads him back to Keatley Hall–and to Ella, his childhood friend.

As the symposium unfolds, Ella and Gabriel join forces to expose the phrenologist’s fraud. But with the audience enamored by the charlatan’s charm and the stakes rising, they must navigate a web of deceit and danger. When the missing girl is found and the phrenologist vanishes with the symposium’s funds, Ella and Gabriel embark on a thrilling journey to reclaim their reputations and discover the love and acceptance they’ve been seeking.

Travel back to Regency England with An Unconventional Lady by Sarah E. Ladd and learn about little-known parts of history while being completely swept off your feet by a sweet, clean romance.

My Review:

A classic Regency romance steeped in intrigue. And what an interesting subject matter. Phrenology? Ladd brings all the fascinating details to light in this riveting mix of history and mystery….and romance, of course!

I love the refreshing approach the author brings to this genre. Our unconventional lady is part of the upper working class instead of nobility and a house party setting is replaced with an educational symposium. Still lots of opportunity for socializing and banter, just coming from a different angle.

And Ella has something to prove among the elite supporters of the man who has ruined her life. She finds an unlikely champion in a childhood friend who is now a barrister. Gabriel and Ella work together to expose the charlatan, with unexpected results. Intrigue, betrayal, danger….and a healthy dose of romance…combine to make this a compelling Regency read.

Well, listen in my case. I thoroughly enjoyed Fiona Hardingham’s narration. Her voice lends authenticity to the dialogue as she brings a variety of characters to life. I was was completely charmed. Made for a pleasant listening experience.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson, Zondervan Fiction Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – ebook copy

Canada – ebook or audible copy

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of An Unconventional Lady leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday February 7 2026.

The Juliet Code + Giveaway

random retro re-read

Newlyweds Lord and Lady Astley Finally Reach Their Honeymoon Destination Only to Encounter a New Mystery in Need of Solving
 
Frederick and Grace Percy finally make it to Italy to enjoy a delayed honeymoon and explore the beauties of the historic city of Venice. To their surprise, their friend, Detective Jack Miracle, is also in the city, investigating a series of art heists starting at the house of eccentric millionaire, Laraby Covington. Drawn into a world of boat races, mysterious houses, and parties of the rich and unusual in Venice, Frederick and Grace learn of the existence of the Juliet paintings, (Renaissance paintings feature Shakespeare’s tragic heroine) rumored to hold a secret code to an underground vault of similarly treasured artwork assumed lost over the centuries. As Freddie and Grace are pulled deeper into the mystery and their beloved Detective Jack disappears, can they use their wits and work as a team to find the thieves and Jack before it’s too late. 
 
The Juliet Code is a Freddie and Grace Mystery, sequel to The Mistletoe Countess and The Cairo Curse.

My Review:

published in 2023 – this is my second read, well, listen this time, in preparation for reading the latest Freddie and Grace mystery, The Highland Heist. And yes, Pepper Basham’s storytelling thrills as much as it did the first time. And now I have this third book in my audible library to cozy up with the first two books in the series. Yay!

Squeeeeeeeepppppp! It’s official: Freddie & Grace are my favourite sleuthing couple ever and there better be more books in this mystery series or I will fall into the depths of bibliophile despair! Not only do I have an insatiable need to keep current with Freddie and Grace, but there are secondary characters who have become dear to my heart in these second and third books and I need to check in on them and their potential love interests. We need to start a ‘More Freddie & Grace’ campaign!

Ahem — back to my actual purpose here — this review: Did I enjoy this book? Positively, absolutely ADORED it! Fast paced, tons of banter, delectable toe-curling scenes (be still my heart…I’m still feeling the palpitations) and an intriguing Agathat Christie-ish mystery that was so much fun to try and figure out. 

Indomitable Grace, of course, steals the show, saves the day and Frederick is more smitten than ever! I love the way her mind works — she’s funny and thoughtful and book-centric. Grace makes some lovely references to God being the author of our stories and I love that kind of detail which fits so perfectly with who Grace is and shares profound truth in a very natural way. So well done.

‘The Juliet Code’ is the third book in this series and, while you could easily read this one as a standalone, there are a few spoilers from previous books you may or may not pick up on. So, if you intend to read the other books, I’d suggest reading them in order to get the most bibliophile enjoyment.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – ebook or paperback– winner’s choice

Canada – ebook, paperback or audio — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Juliet Code leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday February 7 2026.

Love’s Rescue + Giveaway

random retro re-read

When her mother dies, Elizabeth Benjamin heads home to Key West, determined to transform herself into the perfect Southern belle her parents always wished her to be. But nothing goes according to plan. Her crippled brother resents her, the servants do not obey her, and Rourke O’Malley, the dashing man she vowed to forget, refuses to relinquish his hold on her heart. Worst of all, it becomes painfully obvious that her father is not the upright man he appears to be.

As family secrets come to light, Elizabeth is faced with a difficult choice: to do her duty and abandon her dreams, or to leave her life of privilege behind to chase the man her father sees as little better than a pirate.

From the first emotional page, author Christine Johnson throws readers into a world of impossible choices, hidden desires, and heart-melting romance in the steamy south. Readers will cheer for Elizabeth and Rourke as they battle the odds and the elements to secure their future.

My Review:

published in 2015

A compelling tale of forgiveness and redemption. 

Truth be told I didn’t immediately connect with Elizabeth. Selfish might be the best way to describe her. Not in a deliberate, unfeeling way. She just doesn’t know any better. Her folly is part temperament and part upbringing. She’s so intent on what she wants she often fails to notice the needs of others…or even that her actions might have repercussions that involve other people. Time and experience provide her an opportunity to remedy all that. And that’s what make the story so good. We get to watch Elizabeth stretch and grow — and it’s a painful experience but also a rewarding one. She softens and matures through the course of the novel and I was cheering her on by the end. I love when an author changes my mind about a character. Now that’s talent!

Fascinating historical details add an extra layer of satisfaction to this read. Lush details and infuriating social norms engaged my emotions just as much as the riveting plot. And the Romeo and Juliet style romance — well, sublime doesn’t quite describe the thrill it gave me. An engrossing read from the tumultuous beginning to the soul-stirring end.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy and available to any reader anywhere so – yay- another International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Love’s Rescue,  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 31 2026.

A Beautiful Love + Giveaway

random retro read

Preston Blake had it all—wealth, a picturesque estate, and a growing affection with his childhood best friend Caroline Avery—until an unfortunate accident leaves him badly scarred in more ways than one. Isolated by the cruel eyes of society, Preston’s only wish is to find where he now belongs. 

Caroline Avery is recently out in society, and thanks to Preston Blake’s broken promises, finds herself being chased by a determined earl instead of courted by her best friend. When, after a year’s absence, Preston finally accepts an invitation to visit her family’s estate, Caroline is determined to feign indifference to his company.

But being back together proves more challenging than either friend conceived. Caroline longs to return to the past, but Preston cannot let go of his fears. How could they possibly have a future together?

My Review:

published in 2019

Who can resist something so rare as a Regency Ugly Duckling retelling? This sweet little novella has all the draws of the era along with some gentle nudges from the classic Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale. Plus the second chance, enemies to more tropes add to the drama. Eeeep! So much fun!

A year ago Preston and Caroline were on the cusp of an understanding until tragedy struck. Now, after months of no contact, Preston is back, but under duress. He is carrying the weight of society’s scorn (argh — I wanted to bash heads together in parts of this story) and still trying to find his place in his new reality.

Of course, sparks fly, tempers snap as emotions run high before this hero and heroine find their way back to friendship with the hope of something much more fulfilling.

Short but so so sweet. A great addition to the multi-authored Forever After series. I have two more to read before I complete this six book series, both written by Arlem Hawks and I’m really forward to the catch up!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy available to any reader anywhere so, yay, another International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Beautiful Love 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 24 2026.

The Golden Braid + Giveaway

random retro reread

The one who needs rescuing isn’t always the one in the tower.

Rapunzel can throw a knife better than any man. She paints beautiful flowering vines on the walls of her plaster houses. She sings so sweetly she can coax even a beast to sleep. But there are two things she is afraid her mother might never allow her to do: learn to read and marry.

Fiercely devoted to Rapunzel, her mother is suspicious of every man who so much as looks at her daughter and warns her that no man can be trusted. After a young village farmer asks for Rapunzel’s hand in marriage, Mother decides to move them once again—this time, to the large city of Hagenheim.

The journey proves treacherous, and after being rescued by a knight—Sir Gerek—Rapunzel in turn rescues him farther down the road. As a result, Sir Gerek agrees to repay his debt to Rapunzel by teaching her to read. Could there be more to this knight than his arrogance and desire to marry for riches and position?

As Rapunzel acclimates to life in a new city, she uncovers a mystery that will forever change her life. In this Rapunzel story unlike any other, a world of secrets and treachery is about to be revealed after seventeen years of lies. How will Rapunzel finally take control of her own destiny? And who will prove faithful to a lowly peasant girl with no one to turn to?

My Review:

published in 2015

I can’t begin to convey how much I love Melanie Dickerson’s fairy tale retellings. She can’t write them fast enough for me! The Golden Braid is a fantastic addition to her impressive collection. Rapunzel was one of my favourite fairy tales as a kid and I have read a number of fairy tale retellings, but never one with Rapunzel as the theme. So there I was — squealing in delight all the way through! Kinda embarrassing, but at least I read it at home so no one witnessed my fan-girling moments, except maybe the mice lurking in the walls. 🙂

Dickerson keeps her reader riveted while weaving a familiar but not-so-familiar tale. She’s done a marvellous job with the key points of this particular fairy tale, Cleverly twisting classic elements into her own gripping tale of love and betrayal and that all important happily ever after. She kept me on my toes right to the end though.

Oh — and about that ending. There’s a point where this book meshes with scenes from The Princess Spy. It took me a page or two to adjust. I was like, “Wait, I’ve read this before…no I haven’t…um, yeah…but not exactly.” So much fun — the author has added additional layers to the original scenes from a whole new perspective. That was one of my major fan-girling moments. Loved the crisscross connection. No worries if you haven’t read The Princess Spy (though why ever not, I ask with a scowl aimed directly at you) those scenes will make total sense to a new reader. Dickerson veterans will just get an extra kick of book-happy while reading them.

Also loved the way the inspirational thread is seamlessly woven into the very fibre of this tale. The Golden Braid checks all the boxes: Adventure. Romance. Inspirational. Angst. Humour. A lovely mix that’s sure to leave you basking in the glow of a stellar happily ever after.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read print copy of The Golden Braid. Available to any reader anywhere so — woohoo — International giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Golden Braid, 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 17 2026.

Snow on the Tulips + Giveaway

random retro reread

In a time of unprecedented darkness and fear, Cornelia must decide if saving a stranger’s life is worth risking her own.

In the twilight of the Nazi occupation of The Netherlands, the Germans have taken everything Cornelia had to give, even what was most precious to her. Now Gerrit Laninga—a man who puts God and country above all else—arrives at her house, needing help. She is terrified for herself and terrified for her family, but most of all, terrified of the pain she might feel again if she allows herself to love Gerrit. Her hope is to be free from her paralyzing fear.

Gerrit is a known and hunted Dutch Resistance member. When he comes to Cornelia’s home for shelter, he’s drawn to her strength and kindness. When he asks her to contact the local Resistance on his behalf, she refuses. Gerrit is determined to find a way to continue his underground work without putting Cornelia or her family in harm’s way.

When things start to unravel and Gerrit’s life depends on her actions, she must summon her courage and learn to depend on the perfect love that drives out all fear. But will her new love be snatched away before it has a chance to bloom?

My Review:

published in 2013

Gripping from the very first sentence. There are heart-in-your-throat scenes that will leave you gasping for breath. The brutality of war — the senseless slaughter of humanity — all play a role as this story unfolds. 

Life is fraught with danger and uncertainty during wartime and no one knows that better than Cornelia. Something died inside her the day her husband was killed by German soldiers. It’s all she can do to go through the motions of living. Trying to control what is left of her shattered life, she retreats, willing to wait until the end of the war before she starts to live again. And then her brother brings home a wounded Resistance fighter.

Gerrit is motivated by a deep sense of duty and justice. A risk-taker, willing to do whatever he can to fight for his country. Recovering from a bullet wound keeps him trapped in Cornelia’s home and the two are thrown together in tight quarters where their opposing views act like tinder to a flame. Yet as they battle, something else ignites — the kind of deep feelings that are dangerous to nurture during wartime.

I love how they both grow from the challenge of their relationship. Gerrit softens a bit, leans more deeply into his faith. Cornelia struggles with her fear and I truly appreciate this part of the story. So often we read about larger than life characters who seem to be born heroes. Cornelia is just plain scared and yet she is willing to follow where her faith leads.

A captivating, page-turner of a read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read copy of Snow on the Tulips so – yay – available for any reader anywhere – International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Tulips on the Snow, 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 17 2026.

A Fierce Devotion + Giveaway

Exiled from his beloved Acadie in Canada, Bleu Galant has little on his mind but survival as the tumultuous French and Indian War comes to a close. When his journey to Virginia’s Rivanna River settlement takes an unexpected turn, he crosses paths with Brielle Farrow–a woman whose presence stirs something in him he cannot explain nor express. Unable to forget her, his decision to help her takes them across an ocean into a lavish world he’s never known. Will their intricate tie decide not only her fate but his future?

My Review:

Laura Frantz’s storytelling has the power to lure me in even if the novel is set an era I don’t have a huge interest in. And I always come away richer for the read. As well as educated. If only we had been able to learn our high school history through incredible historical fiction like this one! Because, not only do we get an accurate accounting of time and place and customs, Frantz also delivers emotional authenticity to the era through her characters.

And oh la la, this romance is exquisitely slow burn with lots of luscious layers for a reader to lose herself in. Fainting couch and smelling salts recommended. Bleu is so….stalwart. Steadfast. Deliberate. Worlds away from Brielle’s background and life experience. Their love develops slowly in the midst of heartache and struggles. Fierce devotion indeed! What an apt title!

An absorbing novella, rich in history and characterization, this is an easy read to lose yourself in. Definitely in the ‘unputdownable’ and ‘keeper shelf’ categories!

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 A Fierce Devotion 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 17 2026.