Historical Romance – Kav's Best Reads

At Love’s Bidding + Giveaway

She sells priceless antiques. He sells livestock by the pound.

Is he really the man to make a bid for her heart?

After helping her grandfather at their Boston auction house, Miranda Wimplegate discovers she’s accidentally sold a powerful family’s prized portrait to an anonymous bidder. Desperate to appease the people who could ruin them forever, they track it to the Missouri Ozarks and makes an outlandish offer to buy the local auction house and all its holdings before the painting can move again.

Upon crossing the country, however, Miranda and her grandfather discover their new auction house doesn’t deal in fine antiques, but in livestock. And its frustratingly handsome manager, Wyatt Ballentine, is frustrated to discover his fussy new bosses don’t know a thing about the business he’s single-handedly kept afloat. Faced with more heads of cattle than they can count—but no mysterious painting—Miranda and Wyatt form an unlikely but charged partnership to try and prevent a bad situation from getting worse.

My Review:

published in 2015

Sweet swoony lighthearted bliss. Love all the exacting details in a Jennings novel right down to the clever title tie-ins and this one is brilliant. What starts out as a comedy of errors turns into a intriguing tale of subterfuge. An Ozark Mountain town full of quirky characters provides a lively backdrop to romance and mayhem as Miranda and Wyatt try to navigate their attraction to each other and the mystery dogging their heels.

And while I’d categorize At Love’s Bidding as a romantic comedy there are still some deep and thought-provoking story threads that make the read all the richer. One of those has to do with Miranda’s grandfather. He is in the early stages of what we now know as Alzheimer’s and watching Miranda struggle to come to grips with the change in her beloved grandpa made my heart ache. Jennings does an incredibly good job of portraying the honest emotions of this kind of family turmoil.

A delightful mix of comedy and drama make for a satisfying reading escape.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read copy, available to any reader anywhere so, YAY, open to International Readers.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of At Love’s Bidding, 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 April 18 2026

The Manhattan Confessions + Giveaway

Ivy Malone, the New-York Historical Society’s librarian, is dedicated to preserving Manhattan’s rich history, but when society grand dame Adeline King anonymously reveals her shocking life story, Ivy finds herself holding a highly coveted secret. Burdened with the responsibility of keeping Adeline’s identity hidden, Ivy finds the matter increasingly complicated when two men claim ties to the elderly woman–one of them accusing Adeline of involvement in a crime.

Another dilemma brews when Ivy’s cousin, Gina, is detained at Ellis Island for lack of proper documentation. Hoping an immigration service can resolve the misunderstanding, Ivy employs their help but is instead thrust into a dangerous world. With time running out, she must unravel the tangle of secrets that bind Adeline’s past, Gina’s freedom, and her own safety. Who can she trust, and how far is she willing to go to protect those she loves?

From award-winning author Jocelyn Green comes a riveting blend of historical intrigue and the quest for justice against the backdrop of Manhattan’s dark secrets.

My Review:

I chose my next book by reading the first sentence of all the books on my TBR, well maybe not all of them, that would have been equal to reading a novella, but I digress. Anyway, this one from ‘The Manhattan Confessions’ grabbed my attention and wouldn’t let go because…secrets!

“Just because Ivy didn’t love keeping secrets didn’t mean she couldn’t do it.”

I was immediately intrigued, imaging all sort of complicated scenarios that could go awry in any number of ways….and I was right!

Of course, having a librarian heroine is a huge boon to any novel as far as I’m concerned. Ivy works at the New York Historical Society Library which is fascinating on its own but a special project she’s involved in, collecting the personal ‘origin’ stories of New Yorkers, is beyond intriguing. Especially as one particular story complicates Ivy’s life in unexpected ways. And, of course, there’s romance, delightfully tender and absolutely swoonworthy.

So many luscious layers in Green’s storytelling, all artfully drawn together to create an emotional story that touched my heart in so many different ways. How she keeps track of all those layers is beyond me! Compelling historical details add an extra edge to the mystery, the danger, the prejudice and desperation facing immigrants who reached Ellis Island with so much hope but found a much harsher reality. “No one tells you when you come here that not all opportunities are golden.”

The kind of immersive read where the characters stick with you long after you’ve closed the book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook copy – winner’s choice

Canada – ebook or audible — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Manhattan Confessions, 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 April 18 2026

Garden of Her Heart + Giveaway

random retro read

Can forbidden love amid the constraints of war?

A sweet World War II romance from USA Today best-selling Author Shanna Hatfield.

The moment the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, life shifted for Miko Nishimura. Desperate to reach the Portland Assembly Center for Japanese Americans, she’s kicked off the bus miles from town. Every tick of the clock pushes her closer to becoming a fugitive in the land of her birth. Exhausted, she stumbles to her grandparents’ abandoned farm only to find a dying soldier sprawled across the step. Unable to leave him, she forsakes all else to keep him alive.

After crashing his plane in the Battle of the Atlantic, the doctors condemn Captain Rock Laroux to die. Determined to meet his maker beneath a blue sky at his family home, he sneaks out of the hospital. Weary and half out of his mind, he makes it as far as a produce stand he remembers from his youth. Rather than surrender to death, Rock fights a battle of the heart as he falls in love with the beautiful Japanese woman who saves his life.

A poignant, sweet romance, Garden of Her Heart proves love can bloom in unlikely places, even under the most challenging circumstances.

My Review:

published in 2016

This tender and poignant love story made for an emotional read. From Miko’s heart wrenching opening scene to Rock’s equally tumultuous introduction, I was engaged and invested and committed to them both.

And, oh my, their journey highlights both the best and the worst humanity has to offer at a time when the whole world was on edge. The historical details of wartime America are enthralling (and infuriating) but the haven Miko and Rock manage to create in the midst of the chaos is utterly captivating.

His brash confidence balances her shy reticence as their two worlds merge into something unique. And forbidden. The gardener in me rejoiced in the familiar rhythm of planting and harvesting and finding hope in God’s bounty. Miko and Rock grow closer as they work together even as the harsh realities of America at war threaten everything they hold dear.

A cast of secondary characters including a devious interloper as well as a rambunctious nine-year-old neighbour add extra zest to this sweet romance. Still grinning over Petey’s colourful turns of phrase and his high energy antics.

I enjoyed listening to the audio edition narrated by Michael Rahhal who did an amazing job bringing these characters to life. A stunning performance for a stunning story!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook copy – winner’s choice

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

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Garden of Her Heart, 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 April 11 2026

Never Forgotten + Giveaway

random retro read

All He Wanted was Justice. All She Wanted was His Heart.

Georgina Whitmore, not accustomed to any man being unaffected by her charms, is plagued with the disappearance and rejection of Simon Fancourt. Twelve years later, Mr. Fancourt returns to British society with two children and a mad hunger for justice.

Racing against time, Simon works to uncover the men responsible for his wife’s horrific murder, protect his children, and fulfill his father’s unexpected will by marrying Georgina—the last thing in the world he wants to do.

Though her heart throbs to accept, she would rather lose him again than have his name without his love. She denies his proposal of matrimony, knowing it will cost them both. But as tragedies unravel and secret enemies narrow their sights on Simon, Georgina risks her life—and her reputation—to protect him and the children. Will the danger scorch them alive? Or will it, for the first time, open his heart to her?

My Review:

published in 2024

‘Never Forgotten’ was unexpected in so many ways but absolutely gripping nonetheless. A Gothic Regency with a darker tone and such romantical yearning that my heart ached for Simon and Georgina all the way through.

Desperation and danger dog Simon’s steps as he seeks justice for a horrific crime…or is it revenge? His actions put both his children and Georgina in peril which results in a page-turning frenzy of exquisite torture until everything is righted.

Loved the slow burn romance that blossoms from a decidedly enemies to more start. And there are some delightfully tender scenes featuring Simon and his children that totally melted my heart (Georgina’s too!) But, oh, the plot twists, both with their love story and the mystery! An atmospheric historical romance that rivals any of the classics.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook copy – winner’s choice

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

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Never Forgotten, 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 April 11 2026

Love and Order + Giveaway

Family, Love, and Justice

Separated as children when they were adopted out to different families from an orphan train, the Braddock siblings have each grown up and taken on various jobs within law enforcement and criminal justice.

Pinkertons Callie Wilson and Joe Trenamen come to Cambria Springs to stop a killer. But when evidence points to a ghost from Callie’s childhood, she must choose between two men she loves.

Falsely accused, bounty hunter Rion Braddock vows to prove his innocence. Former flame Maya Fellows and dime novelist Lucinda Peters both offer help, but is either beauty truly on his side?

In her first solo case, attorney Andi McGovern defends Rion, but the infuriating prosecutor, Daniel Littrick, outwits her. Following a hunch could win her case—or leave Andi dead.

Can these couples stop the true culprit and right the greatest injustice of Callie, Andi, and Rion’s lives?

My Review:

What a captivating story! I’ve been ‘off’ Historical Westerns for a while now but ‘Love and Order’ (such a clever title!) has renewed my interest in the genre. Jennifer Uhlarik’s exquisite storytelling brings this time period to life in a fresh way.

Siblings separated on an orphan train reunite fifteen years later only to find themselves in a desperate fight for justice. Their unique professions -a Pinkerton Agent, a bounty hunter and a lawyer – prove extremely useful for the arduous journey ahead.

Loved these characters and their ‘Wild West’ challenges. Feisty heroines, long suffering heroes, a diabolical villain and enough sub-plots to keep me anxiously engaged right to the very end.

The book is divided into three parts with each sibling getting their own story while also playing roles in the over-arching suspense plot. Love the way the author bridged each section together, building tension with each story and culminating in an emotional courtroom scene that kept me on the edge of my seat! I might have shouted ‘I object’ more than once in the midst of all the drama. 🙂

And — eeeepppp — we get three times the romance as Callie, Rion and Andi find love in the midst of action and danger! The perfect literary escape read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

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

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Love and Order, 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 April 4 2026

The Highland Heist + Giveaway

Grace Storms a Scottish Castle to Save her Sister

Lord Astley surprises his wife with a trip to America to see her family before they end their honeymoon adventures. But just as they arrive, they find Grace’s sister, Lillias, is the prime suspect in her husband’s murder. To add to the confusion a solicitor arrives to tell the sister’s they are needed in Scotland immediately to claim their mother’s inheritance.

The clock is ticking to clear Lillias of suspicion, but someone is determined to keep the sisters from reaching the Scottish Highlands. When Lillias disappears, Freddie and Grace race to Scotland, sure the answers will be found in a long-forgotten castle.

With a ghost from Frederick’s past leaving threatening clues along the way, the mysterious Mr. Kane waiting in the wings to grab the inheritance for himself, and an apparition haunting the infamous castle, Lord and Lady Astley must capture the castle, save Lillias, and not die in the process.

My Review:

So excited to be back with one of my favourite book-centric heroines! Grace understands the power of story in a way I totally embrace. “With all the factual difficulties surrounding this particular situation, it helps to add a little fictional delight just to soften the ache of reality.”

And this particular mystery hits close to home since it involves her family. It isn’t long before Freddie sees “the curious and sometimes terrifying glint” in his wife’s eyes that means she’s on the case. Love their relationship – the tenderness, the banter, the toe-curling swooniness! Happy, happy sigh!

This time Freddie and Grace find themselves in the middle of a complicated mystery that starts with their visit to Grace’s home and stretches across the ocean to the shores of Scotland. There’s lots of action and danger and plot twists galore! All executed with the dramatic flare I’ve come to expect from Grace!

‘The Highland Heist’ is the fourth book in this series and, though it can easily be read as a standalone, you will get so much more satisfaction out of these characters and their stories if you follow them through their first, second and third adventures too.

I listened to the audible edition and thoroughly enjoyed narrator Pamela Klein’s performance. It feels like she relishes these characters and their shenanigans just as much as I do, which makes the listening experience extra fun.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

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

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

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

Loving Lieutenant Lancaster

Random Retro Read

Orphaned as a child, Arabella Hampton was the unwanted and unloved charge of a cruel aunt and neglectful uncle. The only light in her young life was the kindness of the Jonquil family, and she clung to the childish dream of someday living with them at Lampton Park. Now, years later, that opportunity is presented to Arabella in a most unexpected way: she is to be the lady’s companion to the dowager countess. As she takes up residence at the estate, the young woman soon finds that life at the Park is far more complicated than she imagined. The lines of her position are blurred, and she is neither family nor servant. So when the countess plans a grand house party, Arabella is content to hide in the shadows. But one gentleman sees her there.

Lieutenant Linus Lancaster has retired from the navy and is not looking for love, especially when he finds himself entangled in his sisters’ scheme to trap him into finding a wife at a house party at Lampton Park. Yet amid the festivities, he’s impossibly drawn to the dowager’s quiet companion, Arabella. Their regard for each other is undeniable, but they are haunted by their pasts. Can the two find a way to bridge their worlds?

My Review:

I was just two books shy of completing the Lancaster Family and Jonquil Family series and now I just have one left to read. What has taken me so long to catch up? Likely the idea that once I am caught up it will all be over! I even reread a few of the books instead of finishing the series off! Ridiculous, I know, but now that I’ve immersed myself in this fictional world again, I understand why I am so reluctant to close the door on these characters.

There’s banter aplenty, brotherly hijinks, sisterly plotting — the best of both families with nearly everyone present at a house party. I mean, it can’t get any better than this! Eden’s storytelling is exceptional from dialogue to descriptions and all those lovely fluttery romance vibes.

I loved seeing so many of the couples living out their blissful matrimony — including my beloved dangerous duke who is still as grumpy as ever. But, oh my, how fiercely tender he is with his family. Swoon. And yes, I know I should be reserving my swoons for our current hero, Linus, but old bibliophile habits die hard. Linus is swoonworthy, make no mistake, and I melted into a pile of goo a hundred times over during the course of the read.

Loved the emotional depth in Arabella’s backstory. She’s endured so much and can’t quite believe herself to be worthy of the love and attention she so deserves. Linus is perceptive though, he really sees her when she has so often been overlooked. But he also has his own personal issues to conquer so he isn’t always as keenly observant as he could be. Which, of course, means their happily ever after is a work in progress and keeps a reader on tenterhooks until the very end. Deliciously romantical!

Soot and Slipper + Giveaway

random retro read

Eugenie lives in isolation on her father’s estate, with only her elegant stepmother and two stepsisters for company. When the crown of Jacondria announces a series of royal masquerades, she yearns to go. However, her stepsisters’ fortunes hinge on them finding wealthy husbands, and Eugenie doesn’t want to interfere with their odds.

Enter a mischievous fairy who has other plans.

A scant few hours of light-hearted revelry seems harmless enough. By the fairy’s own rules, Eugenie can’t stay the whole night, and with everyone in costume, her stepfamily will never know she was there.

Really, how much trouble can result from attending a masquerade or two?

This novella is based on Charles Perrault’s “Cinderella, or The Little Glass Slipper”

My Review:

published in 2019

Delightfully familiar but also intriguingly unique. I really enjoyed this reimagining of one of my favourite fairy tales. I had so much fun spotting the similarities from the Cinderella of my childhood while marvelling at the author’s ingenuity as she brought fresh twists to the story. A short, sweet, captivating novella that utterly charmed me!

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 Soot and Slippers, 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 28 2026.

Garden of the Midnights + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

The accidents are not a matter of chance. They are deliberate. As English gentleman William Kensley becomes aware of the danger at Rosenleigh Manor, he pleads for the truth of his past from the only man he can trust—until that man is murdered.

As the secrets unfold into scandal, William’s world is tipped into destitution, leaving him penniless and alone. His only comfort is in the constant friendship and love of Isabella Gresham. If he does not have their nonsense at the seashore, their laughter, their reckless adventures, has he anything at all?

He should have known that would be ripped from him too. When a hidden foe arises from their acquaintances and imperils Isabella’s life, William may be the only one willing to risk his life to rescue her. But even if he frees Isabella from her captors, will he still have to forsake her heart?

Some sacrifice everything for love. Others sacrifice love for everything else. In this haunting tale of rigid social prejudices and heart-aching regrets, the greatest decision of their life will be determined in the garden of the midnights.

My Review:

published in 2023

An epic Gothic Regency Romance that delivers all the chills and thrills along with bucketloads of angst!

Linder has a rich storytelling style that begs to be savoured even as you feel the pressure to barrel through and get to the happily ever after before your heart is splintered into a thousand pieces! (Yes, I might sound a bit dramatic but…this story…these characters…their struggles!!!!)

Love the way the author builds up the mystery elements, starting with the intriguing first chapter. She often left me with more questions than answers about both William and Isabella. Every chapter hinted and teased as truths are ever so slowly revealed bit by tiny bit.

William has just as many questions as I had and finding answers is literally a matter of life and death! Isabella might be part of the secrets he’s trying to expose which complicates their relationship no end. Loved the way their friendship developed, bringing warmth and hope to their story despite the shadow of so many secrets.

Trust for this author and her talent for weaving a gentle thread of forgiveness, restoration and hope through all that trauma, kept me turning pages…even at the angstiest! An excruciatingly delightful read!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

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

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Garden of the Midnights, 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 28 2026

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