Tag: Historical Romance

The Queen and the Knave + Giveaway

Romance and mystery come full circle in the fifth and final book of Sarah M. Eden’s best-selling Victorian Proper Romance series.

London, 1866

Móirín Donnelly has spent the last five years working in the shadows for the Dread Penny Society, but spending so much of her life in secret is taking a toll on her soul—and her heart.

When members of the Dread Penny Society begin disappearing, Móirín turns to Detective Constable Fitzgerald Parkington for help. The two have developed a friendly rapport, and Móirín feels like she can trust him, though perhaps not with all of her secrets.

Fitzgerald Parkington has a sixth sense when it comes to hunting down criminals, which is why he’s recently been transferred to the Detective Department at Scotland Yard. But when red tape keeps him from tracking down the criminal mastermind known as “The Tempest,” he must rely on the one woman who has unexpectedly captured his heart—the bold and fiery Irish lass, Móirín Donnelly.

As the Tempest’s deadly reach threatens to overwhelm all of London, Móirín and Fitz are caught in an elaborate game of cat and mouse that leads down back alleys, through dark London buildings, and right to the gates of Kensington Palace. Móirín has one chance to save Fitz and the Dread Penny Society from the Tempest, and she might have to sacrifice her one chance at love to do so.

My Review:

Special Note: Since this series is the kind that should be read in order, this giveaway will be for any of the five books so you can hop in wherever you need to. Look for details under ‘Giveaway Opportunity’

What a spectacular conclusion to the Dread Penny Society series. I think this is my favourite series by Sarah M. Eden. So cleverly unique. And my emotions are all in a jumble now that it’s all over. Definitely books I will revisit over and over again.

There’s not a lot I can say about The Queen and the Knave (other than it’s fantabulous!) because it’s full of series spoilers from the very first chapter. This fifth book definitely must be read last. And I think this is the kind of series that should be read in order because that will give you a greater understanding of the Society and how it works as well as an introduction to key characters. Plus, there’s a continuous part of the suspense plot that builds with each book…and comes to a blockbuster, stand-up-and-cheer (after you’ve chewed all your nails to the quick) ending that just won’t be as impactful if you haven’t followed these characters through all five books.

Here are a few basics about the series:

  • The Dread Penny Society is a group (a wonderful cross section of society) of Penny Dreadful authors who work ‘undercover’ to rescue London’s downtrodden. They have nefarious enemies who will go to any lengths to ensure they don’t succeed so cue the heart-tripping mood music and settle in for some intrigue and action.
  • As with all the other Dread Penny books, we get two actual Penny Dreadfuls interspersed into the story. They are fashioned after the serial publications so popular in the Victorian era so be prepared for damsels in distress and some paranormal tones. Reminiscent of traditional fairy tales — not fiercely eerie, but definitely not Disney-fied. And both mesh nicely with the ‘real life’ suspense plot involving Móirín and Fitz and the rest of the gang.
  • Though there’s danger afoot, and an odious villain…well a multitude of them…to thwart…our Dread Penny heroes and heroines still have time to banter and josh and the author gives us some enticing glimpses into the lives of characters who starred in previous books. As well as the long-awaited romance between Móirín and Fitz (it’s been brewing in the background for a few books.)

I listened to the audible edition of this book narrated by one of my favourite narrators — Justine Eyre. She does such an amazing job with voices and accents, conveying the emotions and intricacies of the characters and plot. Always makes for a thrilling listen.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Winner may chose one of these books from the Dread Penny series:

#1 The Lady and the Highwayman

#2 The Gentleman and the Thief

#3 The Merchant and the Rogue

#4 The Bachelor and the Bride

#5 The Queen and the Knave

Please leave the title of your choice in a comment below or in an email:

Editions available:

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 one of the Dread Penny Society novels, 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

Midnight’s Budding Morrow + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

Can real love grow between a wallflower and an unrepentant rogue?

Sarah Drayton is eager to spend time with her best friend at her crumbling Northumberland castle estate. Matrimony is the last thing on her mind and the last thing she expects to be faced with on a holiday. Yet she finds herself being inveigled into a marriage of convenience with her friend’s rakish brother.

When James Langley returns to his family’s estate, he can’t be bothered to pay attention to his responsibilities as the heir. War is raging and he wants only distraction, not serious tethers. But his roguish ways have backed him into a corner, and he has little choice but to obey his father’s stunning decree: marry before returning to war, or else. Suddenly he finds himself wedded to a clever and capable woman he does not love.

Sarah craves love and a place to belong, neither of which James offered before returning to the battlefront. Now everyone around her thinks she married above her station, and they have no intention of rewarding her for such impertinence. It isn’t until her husband returns from war seemingly changed that she begins to hope they may find real happiness. But can she trust that this rake has truly reformed?

When tragedy strikes, this pair must learn to trust God and his plans. Will they be destroyed . . . or will they discover that even in the darkest depths of night, the morning still holds hope?

My Review:

published in 2022

Eeeeppp — Regency Marriage of Convenience with a Gothic flare! Have your fainting couch cleared, and keep your hankies handy for this emotional rollercoaster of a read.

I wasn’t quite sure what to think when I started reading ‘Midnight’s Budding Morrow’. Loved Sarah, but James? Yikes!!! Belligerent rake would be doing him a kindness. And the situation he puts Sarah in….I was an emotional basket case by the time he went back to war.

So, this is very much a two part story with the the first part a set up for the amazing redemptive tale found in the second. James is very much the prodigal son when he comes home from the battlefront. But it’s a change that Sarah doesn’t trust and his father is certainly not like his biblical counterpart, welcoming his wayward son back home with open arms. Somehow I found myself suddenly switching allegiance and getting snippety with Sarah because she couldn’t see into James’ heart the way I could (courtesy of being party to his inner thoughts.) Made for such an emotionally riveting love story!

And so profound! The faith elements in this novel are the kind that burrow into your heart and leave you with lots to ponder.

“It is most wonderful to see how God can restore the brokenhearted, and free those who have been bound to their pasts.” (p 294)

This really sums up James and Sarah’s story. How no one is ever too far gone, no situation is too desperate for God to restore. It starts out bleak and grim, oozing all that Gothic ‘charm’ but, gradually, as the story progresses, light penetrates into the dark and gloomy corners — not only of the estate, but the hearts of the people who live there — and by the end we’re filled with hope and the wonder of new beginnings.

Profoundly beautiful and powerfully told.

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 Midnight’s Budding Morrow, 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 Mark of the King + Giveaway

Random Retro Re-Read

Life in this new world requires more strength than she ever imagined

After the death of her client, midwife Julianne Chevalier is imprisoned and branded, marking her as a criminal beyond redemption. Hoping to reunite with her brother, a soldier, she trades her life sentence for exile to the fledgling French colony of Louisiana. The price of her transport, however, is a forced marriage to a fellow convict.

New Orleans is nothing like Julianne expects. The settlement is steeped in mud and mosquitoes and there is no news of her brother, Benjamin. When tragedy strikes, she turns to military officer Marc-Paul Girard for help, but does he know more about her brother than he will admit?

With her dreams shattered, Julianne must find her way in this dangerous land, where only grace — and love — can overcome the stigma of the king’s mark upon her shoulder.

My Review:

Wickedly intense. Enthralling. There were times I had to set this book aside because I just couldn’t take any more. But I always returned to it after a few fortifying breaths because how could I leave Julianne in that predicament? Or the next one? Or the next?

Mercy, but I’m amazed that this area got settled. Still confused as to why the French wanted to claim it in the first place when they didn’t support their troops. The historical information is intriguing and frustrating and unbelievable. How did women survive childbirth? (beware to the faint of heart — the midwifery details are…detailed!) Only the strong survived — and then by the grace of God! And don’t get me started on the lack of women’s rights and the barbaric actions of some of the soldiers. Goodness, but my emotions were all over the place as I devoured this book.

Marc-Paul stands out as a man of dignity and honor. Strict, legalistic, he serves his country devoutly. But he also learns the true meaning of grace as he draws closer to the Lord. And that softens him in delightful ways.

Julianne is strength personified. Defiant. Determined. Unstoppable. She is a survivor — and the things she survives — truly unimaginable. How a loving author could treat a heroine so…it’s shameful, that’s what. 🙂

Rife with drama, heavy with sorrow but lifted by faith, The Mark of the King a sweeping tale of love and loss and second chances.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Mark of the King, 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

Not By Sight + Giveaway

Random Retro Re-Read

Gripping Sophomore Novel from a Rising Historical Romance Talent

With Britain caught up in WWI, Jack Benningham, heir to the Earl of Stonebrooke, has declared himself a conscientious objector. Instead, he secretly works for the Crown by tracking down German spies on British soil, his wild reputation and society status serving as a foolproof cover.

Blinded by patriotism and concern for her brother on the front lines, wealthy suffragette Grace Mabry will do whatever it takes to assist her country’s cause. When she sneaks into a posh London masquerade ball to hand out white feathers of cowardice, she never imagines the chain of events she’ll set off when she hands a feather to Jack. 

And neither of them could anticipate the extent of the danger and betrayal that follows them–or the faith they’ll need to maintain hope.   

My Review:

published in 2015

My ‘re-read’ was courtesy of the audible edition expertly narrated by one of my fave narrators ever — Justine Eyre!

—-

This one has been hovering on the top of my TBR pile for a couple of weeks. As anxious as I was to read it since I loved Breslin’s debut novel, I was apprehensive too. Why? I dreaded reading that white feather scene. Anyone remember Walter Blythe in Rainbow Valley and Rilla of Ingleside by L. M. Montgomery? He’s Anne and Gilbert’s son — a gentle soul with a poet’s heart. He gets a white feather when he doesn’t enlist in the army as soon as war breaks out. My eleven-year-old heart took a beating over that scene and I still remember it to this day. So, yes, you might say that a former traumatic reading experience hindered my ability to pick up this book. (Now my book nerdiness is well and truly confirmed!)

I’m glad I overcame my trepidation though because Not By Sight is a soul-stirring read I wouldn’t want to miss. It’s definite Downton Abbeyambiance holds huge appeal while the gripping plot kept me spellbound. There are so many twists and turns and downright surprises! And the history revealed — aspects of the British home front in World War I that I wasn’t even aware of made this read all the richer.

I grew to love Grace (after the white feather incident!) She’s passionate about every cause she embraces, from the suffragette movement to supporting the war effort. And though she is from a privileged class, she isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty in order to help either cause. Her naivety at the beginning of the novel gradually falls away as she begins to grasp the fact that not everything can be measured in black and white. 

Her hero, Jack, is as brooding as Mr. Rochester in Jane Eyre. I loved their encounters. Witty dialogue highlights Grace’s gumption and humour. Jack is intrigued in spite of himself. But a different kind of intrigue is afoot as well. This is a spy story after all, and Breslin sets her characters (and readers) on a merry chase. 

Absolutely loved the scripture tie-in for the book — both in story and title. For we live by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7) It is intricately woven throughout the plot and affects a multitude of characters in various ways. Breathtaking and uplifting stuff.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Not By Sight, 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 Lasting Impression + Giveaway

Random Retro Re-Read

To create something that will last is Claire Laurent’s most fervent desire as an artist. It’s also her greatest weakness. When her fraud of a father deals her an unexpected hand, Claire is forced to flee from New Orleans to Nashville, only a year after the War Between the States has ended. Claire’s path collides with that of Sutton Monroe, and she considers him a godsend for not turning her in to the authorities. But when they meet again and he refuses to come to her aid, she realizes she’s sorely misjudged the man. Trading an unwanted destiny for an unknown future, Claire finds herself in the middle of Nashville’s elite society and believes her dream of creating a lasting impression in the world of art may finally be within reach.

All that Sutton Monroe holds dear lies in ruin. He’s determined to reclaim his heritage and to make the men who murdered his father pay. But what he discovers on his quest for vengeance reveals a truth that may cost him more than he ever imagined.

Set at Nashville’s historic 1850s Belmont Mansion, a stunning antebellum manor built by Mrs. Adelicia Acklen, the richest woman in America in the 1860s, A Lasting Impression showcases the deep, poignant, unforgettable characters that set Tamera’s stories apart and provides an inspiring love story that will capture readers’ hearts and leave them eager for more.

My Review:

published in 2011

Richly layered and impeccably crafted, this is definitely a book that will make a lasting impression on its readers! Rich in history, Alexander manages to bring the post-civil war era to life. I could feel the conflicting spirits of hope and despair; the division of a people and the lingering taste of bitterness in a defeated state. My emotions ran amok as I read! In fact I was left half-dreading each page the deeper I got into the book because I knew that Claire’s secret couldn’t stay buried forever but Alexander spun the reveal out with the expertise of a skilled storyteller and I was on tenterhooks the entire time. Brilliantly done. 
  
The historical detail is brilliant as well. It stirred me to do my own research on Belmont Mansion and Mrs. Acklen. I love when fiction and non-fiction meet in a delicious way like this! It makes my reading experience all the more fulfilling. 
  
And the romance — oh-la-la! Sutton makes a fainting couch a must have for this read! LOL. Loved the way Alexander develops the attraction between Claire and Sutton and she put enough stumbling blocks in the way to keep this reader’s heart dipping and diving for the duration of the read.  
  
A Lasting Impression has the classic feel of an epic novel. It’s the kind of book that carries you away to a different time and place — immerses you in the story and leaves you richer for the read.

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 Lasting Impression, 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 Last Chance Cowboy + Giveaway

With danger drawing ever closer, their only hope of saving their futures lies in each other.

As a midwife, Catherine Remington is successful in bringing new life into the world, but she’s failed one too many times in finding true love. When she’s accused of a murder she didn’t commit, she’s forced to flee to Colorado to honor a patient’s dying wish by delivering a newborn infant to his father.

The repentant prodigal Dylan McQuaid is finally back in Fairplay. As sheriff, he’s doing his best to prove to the town he’s a changed man and worthy of their trust. When a woman shows up with an infant son he didn’t know he had, Dylan is left with only complicated choices on what to do next.

Having grown attached to Dylan’s son, Catherine doesn’t want to part ways with the infant, but what she doesn’t bargain for is how easily she’ll fall for the charming sheriff, or how quickly the past will catch up with her and put their love and lives in danger.

My Review:

Oh my! Still fanning myself from that ending…if Dylan says ‘darlin’ like that one more time I’d have melted into a puddle on the floor. As it is, I’ll have to refit my fainting couch with new springs from all the swooning I did while reading ‘The Last Chance Cowboy.’

And if I wasn’t swooning I was near fainting from the tension and angst and all those twists and turns! My cardiovascular system got a great workout with this read! 🙂

Dylan is a wonderful flawed hero who is making a mighty change in his life. His faith is renewed and this is one powerful redemption story along with hair-raising adventure and toe-curling romance.

And Catherine — what a wildly serendipitous coincidence that I am binge watching the last two season of ‘Call the Midwife’ right now while reading about a midwife heroine. Different eras and even countries, but I’ve always been fascinated by midwifery so that made Catherine all the more special to me. She’s spunky and caring and determined to do right despite the chaos that suddenly surrounds her. Gah, but there were some edge-of-your seat moments in this novel! And I loved every second.

Love the subtitle for this novel on Amazon: ‘A Western Secret Baby Historical Romance with a Sheriff.’ Bwahahaha! That about sums this one up. Oh, and in case you’re worried, the secret baby isn’t Catherine’s.

An epic conclusion to the Colorado Cowboys series which would make me all kinds of sad except the author is starting up a spin-off series about Colorado Cowgirls so there’s that to look forward to. Phew!

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 edition

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Last Chance Cowboy, 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.

A Haven on Orchard Lane + Giveaway

Random Retro Re-Read

An urgent escape…a wonderful heart…will Charlotte find the solace she longs for at the cottage on Orchard Lane?

Famed Actress Charlotte Ward stepped away from the Victorian London stage five years ago. Now in desperate circumstances, she tries to restart her career — only to experience a complete collapse. Against her better judgment, Charlotte’s estranged daughter, Rosalind, comes to her mother’s rescue and moves her to a quiet English coastal village where her mother can evade the gossip columnists at least for a time.

Charlotte is grateful to re-establish even tenuous family ties with Rosalind. As one with regrets over her own romantic past, she’s happy to see love blossom for her daughter. For Rosalind, however, it’s time away from teaching, and now she must care for the mother who wasn’t there for her. And what could possibly be more complicated than romance?

But there can be no permanent escape from the threats of recent months. As the privacy they seek is threatened, mother and daughter must make some difficult decisions — ones that jeopardize those they care about most.

My Review:

published in 2016

I revisited this novel through Audible Plus and I’m reminded of how much I enjoyed Lawana Blackwell’s writing yet I’ve only read three of her books! Her storytelling style is very much like Julie Klassen’s Ivy Hill series and Elizabeth Gaskell’s Cranford (you might have seen the BBC series of that.) Anyway, this book has the same kind of feel and I find it made the perfect summer read! It’s set in the 1880’s.

****

I felt like weeping when I reached the last page! I so didn’t want this read to be over. I just wasn’t prepared to return to 21st century Canada any time soon. I’m still crashing in a major disgruntled sulk but I’ll try to rally for the sake of the review.

This book isn’t anything like I thought it would be. Don’t you just love it when a novel surprises you in that kind of knock-your-socks off way? It’s told from multiple points of view, though Charlotte and her daughter, Rosalind,  play major roles in everything that happens. It’s like the house they rent on Orchard Lane becomes the crossroads for various characters. Lives collide and magic happens and Charlotte is at the helm. And I didn’t expect that from her. Not after making her acquaintance in chapter one. But there’s such a depth of spiritual wisdom and common sense hidden inside that woman — I think she even surprises herself!

An estranged mother/daughter relationship has the chance at redemption — a stirring tale all on its own. But this story isn’t without a romance. A delicious. tentative, genteel one that develops from an unorthodox first meeting.  And be still my heart, the ladies of Orchard Lane are readers! It isn’t long before Charlotte and Rosalind become enmeshed in the lives of some of the villagers. I fell in love with all the secondary characters — a pair of raggedy brothers in particular. This is definitely a story about relationship and how we can shine the light of Christ through our actions. 

An impactful novel that entertains as well as inspires.

Giveaway Opportunity:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback and is available to any reader, any where — so, yay, another International Giveaway!

Of note: the pages are a bit yellowed but otherwise it’s in pristine condition. Still smells like a new book too. 🙂 and this book is no longer in print — just in digital formats or from used book sellers

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Haven on Orchard Lane 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 29 , 2023.

Enchanting the Heiress + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

Miss Harriet Hancock enjoys playing the role of eccentric heiress, using her wealth and influence to cleverly and anonymously better the lives of those in Newmarket. Though she keeps people at a distance to protect a years-old secret, when her friend pleads for help on a personal project, Harriet can’t resist.

Stable hand Jonas Fitzroy would do anything for his twin sister, even if it means seeking out the woman whose meddling ways have made him wary and suspicious. The last thing he expects is for Miss Hancock to request his help in writing a book. Intent on revealing her underlying plan, Jonas agrees.

As they work together, an unexpected friendship forms. But when things for once don’t go according to Harriet’s plan, she’s left wondering if good intentions might not be enough. Is there a way to mend the broken pieces of her life? And will Jonas give her another chance at his heart?

My Review:

Truth: I wasn’t enamoured with Harriet in the previous book…she’s a meddler, bordering on manipulator and thinks she knows what is best for everyone…especially Sophia (heroine from book two) and by default, her twin brother, Jonas. She’s also seven years older than our hero, and that’s not a fave trope of mine. Especially since the gap between 23 and 30 seems so vast, especially when it’s the man who is younger. But that might just be me being old-fashioned and jaded by the old-timey romances that used to feature heroes old enough to be the heroine’s father (shudder) and I know that isn’t this story but, still, I was reluctant. So much so that I read the first two Hearts on the Heath books twice before gathering up the courage to dive into this one.

Ahem, I’m here to publicly acknowledge the error in my thinking, both about Harriet’s personality and the age gap because Kristi Ann Hunter bedazzled me in spite of my misgivings! Lesson learned by a Reluctant Reader: do not judge a book by your own prejudices.

So, is Harriet meddlesome? Why yes, she definitely is, but there are complicated layers to her character and we are gradually given glimpses into her back story that suggest she comes by her…unusual…personality honestly. 🙂 She’s also an expert manipulator — which sounds like a bad thing — only she uses her powers for good. To spare hurt feelings, distract from a social disaster, provide charity under the guise of someone doing her a favour. In fact, she spends a lot of time slyly helping others, often to the detriment of her own social standing. So, Harriet has a heart oozing with compassion, even if it is very well hidden…along with her secrets!

Jonas has never been a Harriet fan. He tolerates her for his sister’s sake since she is Sophia’s friend. And, now that Sophia is married to a gentleman, Harriet has taken her in hand, helping her ease into society. But, my oh my, when those two ladies join forces to meddle their way into Jonas’s life…well, nothing will ever be the same again!

Opposites attract…but royally battle before they recognize that fact! There’s banter and humour mixed in with emotional drama. And such a wonderful faith thread woven throughout that the author provides scripture references by chapter at the end of the book. And no, that doesn’t mean it’s heavy handed — it’s just that Jonas has a scripture for every occasion. 🙂

A wonderful conclusion to the Hearts on the Heath series and I’m ashamed it took me so long to finally read it!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Paperback available to any reader, any where in the world so, yay, an International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Enchanting the Heiress, 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 29 , 2023.

Man of Shadow and Mist + Giveaway

“The world seems full of good men—even if there are monsters in it.”
–Bram Stoker, Dracula

England, 1890

Vampires are alive and well in North Yorkshire, leastwise in the minds of the uneducated. Librarian Rosa Edwards intends to drive a stake through the heart of such superstitions. But gossip flies when the mysterious Sir James Morgan returns to his shadowy manor. The townsfolk say he is cursed.

James hates everything about England. The weather. The rumours. The scorn. Yet he must stay. His mother is dying of a disease for which he’s desperately trying to find a cure—an illness that will eventually take his own life.

When Rosa sets out to prove the dark gossip about James is wrong, she discovers more questions than answers. How can she accept what she can’t explain—especially the strong allure of the enigmatic man? James must battle a town steeped in fear as well as the unsettling attraction he feels for the no-nonsense librarian.

Can love prevail in a town filled with fear and doubt?

My Review:

Atmospheric with a dark Gothic flare. I experienced thrilling shivers of delight during the opening scene (what a meet cute!) and I was hooked! Couldn’t put the book down…mainly because these characters needed watching over — not that they ever listened to any of my advice! Gah! I couldn’t leave them alone for a second. 🙂

If you were to look up the definition of ‘brooding hero’ in the dictionary, you’d find a picture of James. He’s the perfect combination of tortured soul and gruff demeanour. Why do I find brooding heroes such a draw, when, in real life, I’d likely cosh them over the head and send them packing! lol Such a strange literary conundrum.

By contrast, Rosa is the exact opposite so this is a Grumpy/Sunshine trope and it’s written to perfection. Rosa kind of reminds me of Belle in Beauty and the Beast. She’s a librarian (who can resist a book loving heroine?! Not I!) and works at her father’s subscription library, though she sneaks free books to the poor which gets her into all kinds of trouble.

When she’s not working, Rosa is desperately trying to evade the onerous matchmaking ploys of her conniving mother and there’s a particularly odious man who just won’t take no for an answer…but that’s because he’s hatching a nefarious plot…bwahahaha!

Loved the way the Gothic elements all come together with innovative plot twists that kept me hanging on to every word. We even get to meet Bram Stoker just as he is beginning his soon to be famous novel, ‘Dracula.’ So much fun!

There’s drama and action and no end of emotional angst as well as a redemptive faith thread that weaves its way through it all. A sublimely satisfactory read. Happy, happy sigh!

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) 

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Man of Shadow and Mist, 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.

To Write a Wrong + Giveaway

Random Retro Re-Read


Miss Daphne Beekman is a mystery writer by day, inquiry agent by night. Known for her ability to puzzle out plots, she happily works behind the scenes for the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, staying well away from danger. However, when Mr. Herman Henderson arrives on the doorstep of the agency, desperate for someone to investigate numerous attempts on his life, Daphne soon finds herself in the thick of a case she’s determined to solve.

Mr. Herman Henderson is also a mystery writer, but unlike the dashing heroes he pens, he prefers living a quiet life, determined to avoid the fate of his adventurous parents, who perished while searching for the Lost City of Gold.

As the list of suspects grows and sinister plots are directed at Daphne, the situation quickly deteriorates, and a revealed secret jeopardizes their newfound affection. Only time will tell if Daphne will be able to regain Herman’s trust and save both their lives.

My Review:

published in 2021

These authors! Just when you think they can’t get any more brilliant they publish another book that defies description and you’re left scrambling for words to fill a review. Let’s call me gobsmacked and call it quits. 🙂

I laughed so hard I’m checking sit-ups off my exercise routine ’cause my belly got that much of a workout being pummeled inside out from hearty guffaws. Zany. Outrageous. Witty. Glib. I can’t wipe the silly grin off my face. This book is destined to lift your spirits and lighten your load. 

I can honestly say I never imagined myself swooning over a Herman but swoon I did. 🙂 He’s a man who doesn’t think of himself as hero material which makes him all the more alluring. And he’s a writer! And avid reader!! And he’s forward thinking enough to be willing to hire a women’s investigation agency! 

Speaking of which…that meet-cute is hysterical! The way Turano writes the dizzying twists and turns that make up conversations involving Daphne is priceless! I’m kind of worried that I was beginning to follow her rabbit trails of thought bursts by the end. She often leaves everyone around her muddled until she concludes with a brilliant solution that suddenly makes sense out of everything she said previously. So much fun to read!

As is always the case with a Turano novel there is a huge cast of quirky secondary characters who bring even more chaos and mayhem to the mix! And there’s a house party full of them in this novel. Which means the whodunit possibilities are endless. The suspense thread is just as light-hearted and amusing as the rest of the story, for all that someone is trying to kill Herman! It’s a clever plot with multiple surprises.

I  listened to the audible edition of To Write a Wrong and enjoyed Andrea Emmes interpretation of Jen Turano’s characters. She captured them all to sweet perfection.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback copy and available to any reader anywhere — so, yay an International Giveaway

If you would like a chance to win a copy of one of To Write a Wrong, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add your email to a 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 15 2023. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!