Tag: Historical Romance

Whispers at Painswick Court + Giveaway

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

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

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

My Review:

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

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

A Classic Regency Romance with shivery Gothic undertones.

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

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – ebook or audible — winner’s choice

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Whispers at Painswick Court, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday December 6 2025

The Christmas Handkerchief + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

A Christmas Novella
Historical Christian Romance

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

My Review:

published in 2019

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

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

An exquisitely beautiful heartfelt Christmas love story.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Christmas Handkerchief  leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday November 15 2025

The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House + Giveaway

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

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

My Review:

The first sentence that sparked my curiosity:

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

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

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

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

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook

Canada – ebook or audible — winner’s choice

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House  leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday November 1 2025

Love Finds You in the City at Christmas + Giveaway

Random Retro Re-Read

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

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

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

My Review:

published in 2013

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

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

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

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

Winterset + Giveaway

Northern England, Late Fall, 1820

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

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

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

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

My Review:

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

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

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – ebook

Canada – ebook or audible — winner’s choice

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

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

The Christmas Book Flood + Giveaway

In this charming World War II historical romance novella inspired by Jolabokaflod, Iceland’s Christmas Book Flood, an author falls in love with a man who doesn’t know he is her editor.

Iceland. December 1944. Tatiana Eliasdottir is looking forward to welcoming her niece Elea for Christmas. She’s determined to give the little girl a joyful holiday and take her mind off troubles at home. Soon, however, the publishing house where Tatiana works is flooded with orders thanks to the first issue of a seasonal book catalog. With the war causing so many shortages, Icelanders are eager to give their loved ones something that isn’t rationed, and books are the perfect solution to their dilemma.

Anders Johannsson is an editor who shares Tatiana’s love for stories. While he wishes to know her better, he’s never dared pursue more than friendship. They are first and foremost colleagues. But when Tatiana’s attempts to cheer Elea fail, Tatiana recruits him to help, a plea he can’t refuse. He is, after all, not only an editor but a beloved children’s book author and devoted uncle to his adoring nieces and nephews.

As the two creatively bring Icelandic Christmas traditions to life for Elea and frantically work to meet the demands of the publisher’s holiday rush, Tatiana finds herself increasingly drawn to kind, thoughtful Anders. But if a love is to grow between them, she will need to reveal her closely held she is the mysterious author of a popular new novel . . . and Anders is her editor.

A standalone World War II historical Christmas novella. A sweet holiday romance with a friends-to-more trope. Features a bookish heroine and hero. Christian fiction great for fans of Lynn Austin and Sarah Sundin

My Review:

I’ve been putting off writing a review of The Christmas Book Flood because I can’t seem to find the words to express not only how much I enjoyed this story, but the impact it had on me as well.

I guess I’ll start by saying it’s an epic Christmas tale destined to become a traditional read every year in my house. I’m still living with these characters a week later. In fact, I keep playing complete scenes over again in my mind and I remember so many delightful little details. To say I’m enamoured with this Christmas novella would be an understatement!

First, I’ve been totally captivated with Iceland’s book flood (Jolabokaflod) tradition since I heard about it a few years ago, so to find a story set in the year it started…well, talk about sending me into a bookish tizzy fit! And White’s talent for including historical and regional details in her stories is brilliantly done here. In particular, some epic Icelandic Christmas traditions elevated the story to a whole other level. So many rich details that completely charmed me.

And Anders! Be still my heart – a bookish hero! A rather shy and awkward one at that. And Tatiana with a delicious secret and a sweet little niece to care for over Christmas…and a secret crush on Anders. (Pssst, that crush is not one-sided!) And who can resist the romantic setting of a publishing house? Eeeepppp!!!! Not me!

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Talon David and, oh my goodness, she does an incredible job with these characters! And I appreciated hearing the Icelandic words and phrases pronounced correctly. Really brought authenticity to the storytelling and made the listen extra special.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Sadly, the book isn’t available in print anywhere as far as I can tell. 😦

US – available in ebook — winner’s choice

Canada –ebook or audible — winner’s choice

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Christmas Book Flood, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday October 18 2025

A Christmas Serenade + Giveaway

Let the joy of the season sweep you off your feet with this charming collection of novellas from four of your favorite historical romance authors! From serendipitous meetings to second chances, each story brims with holiday cheer and unexpected love.

“A Caroling Christmas” by Jennifer Moore 
Arthur Stanford, a reclusive scientist, reluctantly agrees to host a Dickensian Christmas party planned by Eliza Hopewell. As the holidays—and Eliza—weave their irresistible magic, will Arthur choose love over solitude? 

“A Carol So Bright” by Kasey Stockton 
Lillian Hartley, a woman who loves to sing but has lost her confidence, is reunited with the man who once broke her heart. As they rediscover their connection, will the holiday season spark a new song in their hearts? 

“Christmas at Bellingham” by Katie Stewart Stone  
Bellingham Hall bustles with holiday cheer as Esther Harris endeavors to reconcile the dowager countess with her estranged son amidst family secrets and unexpected love with a childhood friend. 

“Christmas in Amorwich” by Anneka R. Walker 
Amelia Park is disillusioned by romance after Noah Brooks failed to propose. When the pair is reunited for the holidays, Noah realizes he may have waited too long—winning Amelia’s heart now might require a Christmas miracle.

My Review:

A wonderful collection of holiday novellas that not only focus on love, but on the true spirit of Christmas, including forgiveness and reconciliation. Uplifting and toe-curling!

“A Caroling Christmas” by Jennifer Moore – If you told me I’d be singing high praises for a holiday romance featuring a host of arachnids, I would have laughed hysterically while speedily fleeing the room! But here I am, besotted over zoologist Arthur and his unlikely troop of matchmaking critters. He’s a classic absent-minded professor type, clumsy and bumbling but with the best of intentions. Eliza is a party planner with excellent attention to detail and the ability to pivot for any catastrophe. Her astounding organizational skills come in handy quite a few times over the course of the Stanton’s Dickensian Christmas party! Misunderstandings lead to stolen moments, an earth shattering kiss and a happily ever after by Christmas Day!

“A Carol So Bright” by Kasey Stockton – The second chance, brother’s best friend tropes play out to perfection in this heartwarming novella. Lily has harboured a secret love for her brother’s best friend even though she knows he has an understanding with another lady. Emotional angst ensues when he stays with her family over Christmas. Love the part music plays in their romance which includes a most swoonworthy declaration of love!

“Christmas at Bellingham” by Katie Stewart Stone   – Esther and Andrew are reunited over Christmas in this friends to more holiday romance. She’s a lower class girl with a dowager benefactor which has put Esther at odds with the rest of her family. I get the feeling this novella is an addition to a series since there’s a ton of characters from both families introduced early on and a family history it felt like I should know. So, a lot to digest for a new reader, especially with the shorter word count.

“Christmas in Amorwich” by Anneka R. Walker – Amelia and Noah are a pair of star-crossed lovers who make things worse through rampant miscommunication and mixed messages. I was both exasperated and amused by them! Nothing like romantical shenanigan nonsense during a Regency Christmas house party! Loved the seasonal touches and adored that hard-won happily-ever-after! At last!!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – available in paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – ebook or audible — winner’s choice

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Christmas Serenade  leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday October 11 2025

A Lesson in Propriety + Giveaway

With her father dead, her fortune stolen, and her fiancé casting her aside, Miss Drusilla Merriweather’s privileged life has been upended. She is left with only one option: to provide for her family by opening a finishing school in the allegedly haunted castle she’s inherited from her eccentric aunt. However, her plan is immediately threatened by unscrupulous developers keen on claiming the coveted estate for themselves, by any means necessary.

Mr. Rhenick Wittenbecker, a dashing architect with a tendency to charm his way out of trouble, is convinced he can protect Drusilla but is challenged by her fierce independence. Yet when strange occurrences–walking suits of armor and unexpected ghostly visitors–arise within castle grounds, Drusilla must decide whether to risk her family’s safety and her school on the gallant architect who seems to have found his way into her heart.

In this entrancing series starter, Turano presents a tale of laugh-out-loud adventure, swoon-worthy romance, and delightful mischief in the Gilded Age.

My Review:

I always embrace a new Jen Turano book with giddy delight. Her combination of wit and wisdom is so unique. Madcap mayhem from start to finish and the knack she has for writing absurd dialogue that actually (eventually) makes sense is priceless! I always know I’m in for a rollicking good read and ‘A Lesson in Propriety‘ is exactly that.

A jilted heroine whose fortune has been stolen. A benevolent aunt’s gift of a haunted manor. The inkling of a plan to create a finishing school in said manor…after vanquishing the ghosts, of course. Throw in some sinister underworld types who will stop at nothing to obtain her property. Oh, and I mustn’t forget the swoony neighbour always willing to dash to the rescue (as if Drusilla needed rescuing…pfffft!) Mix them all together and, voila, a crafty, hilarious fantastical story is born. Delightfully unputdownable!

I listened to the audible edition of this novel narrated by one of my favourite performers, Tavia Gilbert. She has the perfect voice and energy for the zaniness of Turano’s storytelling.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – paperback, ebook or audible (if available) — 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 Lesson in Propriety  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 13 2025

The Lawyer and the Laundress + Giveaway

Lawyer James Kinney isn’t looking for love, and laundress Sara O’Connor doesn’t want to be found. When their paths cross in a British colony on the brink of rebellion, a marriage of convenience may be their best hope of survival.

Canada, 1837. Widower James Kinney knows his precocious daughter, Evie, needs more than his lessons on law and logic, but Toronto offers few options. Classes with the neighbor children seem ideal until James discovers Evie is secretly spending her time with Sara O’Connor, a kind and mysteriously educated servant. For propriety’s sake, James forbids their friendship. But then Evie falls victim to the illness ravaging the city, and James must call upon Sara’s medical knowledge and her special bond with Evie to save his daughter’s life.

When Sara’s presence in his household threatens scandal, however, James offers an unexpected become his wife, in name only, and help him raise Evie to be a proper young lady.

If Sara can ignore the sparks she feels when they’re together, his logical proposal could keep her secret secure forever. But soon, the forces of rebellion unravel their tidy arrangement. When James is accused of treason, Sara must find the courage to face a past that could save her husband’s life.

Clean and wholesome, marriage-of-convenience historical romanceFilled with love, faith, and adventure. Inspirational historical fiction that’s perfect for fans of Julie Klassen, Laura Frantz, and Tamera AlexanderIncludes discussion questions for book clubs

My Review:

Woohoo! I’ve just discovered a new author to add to my favourites list and I’m getting in on her career right at the start. Fantastic debut that delivers an emotional, heart-tugging, adventurous historical romance that gave me all the feels…and then some.

And it’s set in Toronto, written by a Canadian author! That fills me with all kinds of patriotic bookish glee! The author has captured the historic atmosphere while delivering a piece of Canada’s past with intriguing detail. Love the glorious time travel feeling I get when a book invites me to completely immerse myself in the reading experience and Suntz’s storytelling did just that.

Plus — marriage of convenience! Eeeeppp!!! A much loved trope and this one plays out to perfection. Love the build up to that point. Sara’s desperate circumstances raised my ire and kept me wanting to purse whomp a certain innkeeper. Gah!

A host of secondary characters add even more emotional depth to this engaging story. Granny with her pragmatic words of wisdom and unshakeable faith, little Evie’s exuberant, inquisitive joie de vi-vre, young Henry forced to grow up much too fast – all added their unique charm and became fast fictional friends.

And what would a good story be without a villain or two? Add in, a bit of intrigue and buried secrets to make our hero and heroine really work for their happily ever after and, voila, the result is a captivating romance that’s impossible to put down.

I really enjoyed listening to the audio edition of The Lawyer and the Laundress narrated by Cassandra Campbell. She’s one of my favourite voice performers and she did justice to Sara, James and company. Would highly recommend the audio edition of this book if you have a discerning ear like I do. 🙂

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – ebook

Canada – ebook or audible — winner’s choice

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Lawyer and the Laundress,  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 30 2025

Something Borrowed + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

In this brand-new novella collection, three renowned Christian historical fiction authors trace generations of wartime romances through a special wedding dress with love sewn into its seams.

“A Heart in Disguise” by Rachel Scott McDaniel

Clara Westlake loves her job as a seamstress in the US “Camouflage Corps,” sewing suits for snipers and contributing to the war effort. But when she overhears a threat against her beloved New York City, the Great War comes too close to home–except no one believes her forewarning. She must recruit Marcus Reeves, a childhood friend searching for his purpose after suffering a devastating war injury. As they search for answers together, they may also uncover a love that lasts.

“A Letter to Eli” by Allison Pittman

Bette and Alice are lifelong friends, trying to make a good life for themselves in New York City while World War II rages. It’s never far away from their thoughts–not with Alice’s fiancee serving at sea, in danger every minute. That’s a worry Bette doesn’t envy. Then a secret letter reunites her with her soldier ex-boyfriend, now wounded and back in the States. But can the innocent love these two had before the war be rekindled in the face of tragedy?

“A Daffodil in the Dress” by Susie Finkbeiner

Kate Becker and Ike Finch have worked together at his family’s bookstore since Kate’s husband died in the early days of the Vietnam War. She has her daughter, Eloise, to take care of and bills to pay, and this job was a godsend. A second love is not in the cards, especially not with the world still teetering on the edge of insanity. But when Ike brings little Eloise special flowers one spring day, Kate begins to look at him as more than an employer. Is falling in love again worth the risk?

My Review:

published in 2024

What an exceptional novella collection – three stories tied together through one dress, and not in the way I expected! In fact, I’m a little miffed about what that poor dress went through! I loved the way each novella highlights a different kind of Homefront story from three different wars. It was interesting to note the similarities and differences for each of our heroines.

A Heart in Disguise by Rachel Scott McDaniel – I’m pretty much gobsmacked over how the author managed to deliver this caliber of story with such a short word count. Novella length with the heart and breadth of a novel! Intrigue, danger, romance with a World War I New York City backdrop! So many exquisite details enrich the story and I love the origins of the wedding dress!

A Letter to Eli by Allison Pittman – There’s a bit of an epistolary spin to this WWII romance which was unexpected (both for me and the heroine!) and it was such a great plot twist. A story that celebrates friendship and sacrifice and finding hope in the impossible.

A Daffodil in the Dress by Susie Finkbeiner – Such a sweet, heartwarming, hope-stirring love story! Ike is certifiably swoonable. Not only is he a hero who loves reading – he owns a bookstore! Be still my heart. And the way he relates to Kate’s little girl just turns me into mush! Kate’s loud, boisterous family, especially her opinionated mother, adds an extra layer of ‘feel good’ to this amazing romance.

I listened to the audio edition of this book and thoroughly enjoyed Pilar Witherspoon’s narration. She’s an incredible narrator and I appreciate the talent it takes to make so many different characters shine in a novella collection like this. If you are an audio book fan, this is would make an excellent listening choice.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Something Borrowed,  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 30 2025