Tag: Historical Romance

While the City Sleeps + Giveaway

Katherine Schneider’s workaday life as a dentist in 1913 New York is upended when a patient reveals details of a deadly plot while under the influence of laughing gas. As she is plunged into danger, she seeks help from the dashing Lieutenant Jonathan Birch, a police officer she has long admired from afar.

Jonathan has harbored powerful feelings toward Katherine for years but never acted on them, knowing his dark history is something she could never abide. Now, with her safety on the line, he works alongside her through the nights as they unravel the criminal conspiracy that threatens her. And throughout it all, Jonathan fears what will happen should Katherine ever learn his deepest secrets.

Join award-winning author Elizabeth Camden for a sweeping and romantic adventure of dangerous secrets and wounded hearts fighting to overcome the darkness while the rest of the city sleeps.

My Review:

Intriguing characters and plot. Jonathan’s backstory in particular was — whoa — unexpected. And the historical details on the inner workings of turn of the century New York City were so interesting! A brilliant backdrop for the mystery.

True Confession: I abhor dentists. Oh, I’m sure they are lovely people when they are not wielding instruments of torture but…shudder. Visiting the dentist is at the top of my ‘procrastinate as long as possible’ list so, I was reluctant to read this book at first, the heroine being a (whimper) dentist and all. But then my library got a copy and I found myself checking it out, though I’ll admit the poor dear languished on the TBR pile for a week or two, okay, nearly three. But then I devoured it in a day and not only because I was chasing down the due date! I was riveted…

Even though the opening scene occurs in a dentist’s office with Dr. Katherine Schneider in the middle of gruesome dental procedure. But oh my, what a clever way to hint at clues that become the foundation to uncovering a lethal criminal conspiracy.

And I can’t say a whole lot more than that without posting spoilers but this is definitely the kind of story a reader can lose herself in. From the sometimes astonishing historical details (be sure to read the author’s note at the end) to the desperate search for the mastermind behind a deadly plot — well, I was hooked. With Katherine and Jonathan’s romance adding another level of angst to the plot. Camden makes them work for their happily ever after which makes it all the more satisfying when we reach the end!

‘While the City Sleeps’ is the first book in the ‘Women of Midtown’ series and I can’t wait to see what the author has in store of us in the next book! Can’t come out soon enough for me (especially since it likely won’t include any dentists as MCs Bwahahaha!)

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

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

Canada – available in print or 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 one of the While the City Sleeps, 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 May 25 2024.

Rhythm of Fractured Grace + Giveaway

Is Siobhan too far gone to respond to the song of a God who’s calling her back to him?

When a new customer brings a badly damaged violin into Siobhan Walsh’s shop, it is exactly the sort of challenge she craves. The man who brought it in is not. He’s too close to the painful past that left her heart and her faith in shambles.

Matt Buchanan has had a rough start as the new worship pastor. A car accident on his way into town left him with a nearly totaled truck, and an heirloom violin in pieces. When he takes it to a repair shop, he’s fascinated with the restoration process–and with the edgy, closed-off woman doing the work.

As their friendship deepens and turns into more, they both discover secrets that force them to face past wounds. And the history of the violin reveals more about their current problems than they could have ever expected.

On the nineteenth-century frontier, a gruesome tomahawk attack wiped out most of Deborah Caldwell’s family. Her greatest solace after the tragedy is the music from her father’s prized violin. Given her horrendous scars, she’d resigned herself to a spinster’s life. But Levi Martinson’s gentle love starts to chip away at her hardened heart, until devastating details about the attack are revealed, putting their love–and Deborah’s shaky faith–to the ultimate test.

Full of forgiveness and the message that no one is too damaged for God’s healing touch, the final book in the split-time Sedgwick County Chronicles will thrill fans of Rachel Hauck, Lisa Wingate, and Kristy Cambron.

My Review:

Well…this story was unexpected — in a very good way! You know how you go into a book thinking you know where it’s heading only to be catapulted in a completely different direction? That’s this novel. Plus, I felt like there was no way to predict what was really going to happen in either timeline. Mind boggling good at every turn!

Emotional! Compelling! Jaw-dropping revelations! Faith-stirring! The kind of read that makes you examine your own relationship with the Lord and highlights some toxic aspects of church culture.

Tons of thought provoking quotes. This one from Chapter Two took on a whole new meaning as the story progressed. “It’s the Lord who got you here. And it’s the Lord who’ll equip you to do what he’s so clearly called and gifted you to do.” You could spend a whole book club meeting just talking about that quote, who said it, who it was said to, how it affected their relationship, how God ultimately worked His will around them, the foreshadowing…and…oy…so much I want to say but can’t without spoilers!

So, dual timelines with the kind of gentle, persistent, genuinely kind, heroes that made me want to weep! Not just because of their true, steadfast natures, but because of the traumas both heroines endured. Gut-wrenching and infuriating — this was such an emotional read for me!

“Forgiveness is an act of grace and a gift from God.”

Simple enough statement until you’ve journeyed with Siobhan and Deborah through these pages. And then…another wow…what women of faith! And what a struggle to get there. Loved how relatable that was. (And what a perfect tie-in the title is!)

Okay, I feel like I’m rambling a bit. Mostly because there’s tons I want to say, but can’t because of spoilers. If you’re looking for a ‘meaty’, discussion promoting book for your next book club, look no further. ‘Fragments of Fractured Grace’ could keep you talking for months!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

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

Canada – available in print or 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 one of the Rhythm of Fractured Grace, 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 May 18 2024.

A Winter by the Sea + Giveaway

When the Duke and Duchess of Kent rent neighboring Woolbrook Cottage for the winter, the Summers sisters are called upon to host three of the royal couple’s male staff in their seaside house. But they soon realize they’ve invited mysterious secrets and the sweet possibility of romance into their home.

Meanwhile, Emily Summers approaches a local publisher in hopes of fulfilling her dream of becoming an author. When he turns her down, his dashing competitor promises to consider her novel if she will first write a new Sidmouth guidebook for him. Emily accepts and begins researching with the help of the Duke of Kent’s handsome private secretary. But a surprise visitor from her past shows up at Sea View, leaving Emily torn between the desires she used to hold dear and her budding dreams for the future.

Return to the Devonshire coast with the Summers sisters, where loyalties are tested, secrets come to light, and new love emerges.

My Review:

If I had to describe Julie Klassen’s writing style in one word it would be ‘layered.’ Characters with layered backstories — and not just the MCs but secondary ones as well. Historical elements layered through the story in exacting detail. A plot with enough layers to keep a reader riveted right to the end.

And all that means ‘A Winter By the Sea’ was an immersive read for me. Kinda felt like I was binge-watching a BBC period drama like ‘Larkrise to Candelford’ or ‘Cranford.’ And wouldn’t it be wonderful if some enterprising producer decided to put some of Julie Klassen’s novels on the screen?!

The character-driven plot leaves plenty of time to explore relationships in this quaint seaside village. And, of course, there is romance — a delicious one despite a brief nod to the dreaded — gasp — love triangle! But it was gently done and almost painless. 🙂 And…eeeeepppp!!!…our hero is a man of faith who loves to read! Be still my heart!

‘A Winter By the Sea’ is divinely captivating and utterly addictive.

Of note: This is the second book in the ‘On Devonshire Shores’ series and, while it could be read as a standalone, I think it would be better to read the books in order. You’ll understand the Summers sisters circumstances better and some of the ‘whys and wherefores’ in this story. Would still make total sense as a standalone, you’d just have a richer read if you start with ‘The Sisters of Seaview.’

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

WINNER MAY CHOOSE BETWEEN BOOK #1 SISTERS OF SEA VIEW OR BOOK # 2 WINTER BY THE SEA — PLEASE STATE WHICH BOOK YOU WOULD LIKE TO WIN IN A COMMENT OR IN YOUR EMAIL. THANK YOU.

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

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

Canada – available in print or 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 one of the On Devonshire Shores 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 May 11 2024.

A Noble Scheme + Giveaway

In the opulent and perilous world of high society’s most elite–and most dangerous–families, two investigators must set aside their broken hearts to uncover the truth.

Gemma Parks is known throughout high society as G. M. Parker, a columnist renowned for her commentary on the cream of society. Behind the scenes, she uses her talent to aid the Imposters in their investigations by gathering intel at events and providing alibis for the elite firm’s members through her columns. Yet her clandestine work would be more exhilarating if it weren’t for the constant presence of the gentleman who broke her heart.

Graham Wharton has never had eyes for anyone but Gemma, and she left his heart in tatters when she walked away from him. When the Imposters take on a new job to recover a kidnapped boy mistaken for his aristocratic cousin, Graham is determined to use the time with Gemma to not only restore the missing boy, but to also win back the only woman he’s ever loved. As they trace the clues laid out before them, Graham and Gemma must devise a noble scheme to save the boy’s life and heal their hearts.

My Review:

Whoa! I was not prepared for…well, a lot! Totally enthralling and emotional and intriguing and surprising! Exceptional storytelling, which is expected since it’s Roseanna M. White but…kinda stumped on how to write a review ’cause I don’t want to post any spoilers.

First off, I’d definitely suggest that you read the first ‘Imposters’ book before reading ‘A Noble Scheme’ mostly for the character connections but also for an introduction to the unique investigation group. Plus, it’s cracking good! 🙂 And in that first book we’re exposed to the rift between Gemma and Graham without understanding why.

Readers are in the same predicament at the start of this book. Animosity crackles between hero and heroine and there’s lots of alluding to something from their past, but we haven’t a clue what that is. And it’s Gemma who is nursing the grudge to the extreme. It’s clear she feels Graham has wronged her but as the story progresses I just wanted her to get over herself and give poor Graham a break. And then…whoooaaaa…I found out what happened and I was gobsmacked. My heart kinda fractured actually.And that’s all I’m going to say about the romance. 🙂

Okay — I’ll add that it’s deeply layered, emotionally draining but so hopeful too. White explores some impactful faith threads that left me reeling as I contemplated the power of forgiveness (and the perils of unforgiveness) and the amazing grace we are freely offered.

Oh — and I’ll also add that Graham is super swoonworthy. A delicious mix of brooding and noble. His love for Gemma is palpable in every scene and the little things he does for her, the quiet nudges towards the best parts of their past even as he wrestles with regrets. Pure tortured romantical bliss!

The mystery is stellar and fits quite nicely with the inspirational aspects of the story. Very cleverly done! I had fun trying to figure out the clues right along with the Imposters and had my ‘aha’ moment just a smidgen before they did.

I listened to the audible edition of ‘The Noble Scheme’ and really enjoyed Susan Lyons’ narration.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

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

Canada – available in print or 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 Noble Scheme, 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 May 4 2024.

A Timeless Romance Anthology : Mail-Order Bride Collection + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

Six Award-Winning Authors have contributed new stories to A Timeless Romance Anthology: Mail Order Bride Collection. Six historical romance novellas set in the Old West. 

WRITTEN IN HER HEART, a charming novella by Stacy Henrie, Georgeanna is getting desperate. She can’t fund her favorite orphanage unless she marries and secures the rest of her inheritance left by her father. But her father’s financial planner, Clay, can’t understand why she’s not content with her current situation. Georgie determines to send out a notice as a mail order bride to attract suitors who won’t know her financial situation. Little does she know, Clay takes up the pen and sends her letters of his own under an assumed name. After years of working for Georgie’s father, Clay realizes he isn’t ready to watch her marry another, not when his heart is already claimed by her. 

In Kristin Holt’s delightful novella WANTED: MIDWIFE BRIDE Dr. Naomi Thornton thinks she has it all: a beautiful house, a loving husband, and a fulfilling career. But when everything she holds dear is ripped away, Naomi has no choice but to start over. What will she find in the wild and untamed Wyoming Territory? Dr. Joe Chandler has waited years for a wife with the knowledge, skills, and tender heart he yearns for in a medical colleague and lifetime companion. When a midwife arrives with more expertise and secrets than he counted on, Joe quickly discovers there’s more to love and marriage than a simple mail order contract. 

In THE SOUND OF HOME, a captivating novella by Annette Lyon, Marilyn is given the choice of either marrying the despicable Victor or being charged with a murder she didn’t commit. Refusing to believe that either is her fate, she finds a third option: she answers a mail order bride advertisement and boards a train to Wyoming to wed a man named Harry. Moments after her arrival, she learns that Harry isn’t who he seemed to be, and the advertisement turns out to be a giant mistake. Harry’s brother Thomas agrees to let her stay until she can figure out what to do next—after all, she simply cannot return to New York—but Marilyn quickly finds herself developing feelings for Thomas. 

In Sarah M. Eden’s endearing novella FOR BETTER OR WORSE Gerald Smith, on the advice of his well-meaning neighbors, has decided it’s time to change his lonely existence. Mary Hill, on the advice of her empty pocketbook and non-existent roof over her head, has decided it’s time to secure herself a future. A mail-order marriage, they both realize, is no guarantee of happiness, but it is a risk they are willing to take. However, coming face to face on the train platform, the hapless couple discovers an unexpected truth: marriage to a perfect stranger is sometimes far preferable to the prospect of a lifetime with someone you used to know. 

Heather B. Moore’s sweet novella THE INCONVENIENT BRIDE sees Carmela traveling from Boston to Colorado, eager to meet the man she’s been corresponding with and will soon marry. Her brother’s new marriage leaves little room for Carmela in her old life. Upon arrival in Leadville, she faces a rude awakening, and the only one who can understand her predicament is her fiance’s brother, Samuel. But Samuel can’t possibly help her out of an awkward situation, can he? It would be better for all if she returns immediately to Boston and pretends she never traveled to Colorado in the first place. 

THE PRICE OF SILVER, an engaging novella by Siân Ann Bessey, Katie leaves New York for Idaho to marry Jake, a man she’s written to a couple of times. But when she steps off the train, his brother Caleb is there to greet her. Jake has gone to take a mining job he couldn’t pass up. Caleb takes Katie back to the family ranch to wait for Jake’s return. The more Caleb gets to know Katie, the more he envies his brother, but he can’t let his heart overrule his head unless Jake changes his mind about his intended bride.

My Review:

published in 2015

Happy sigh! There’s something about a good mail-order bride romance that hits the spot and this book includes six of them! And, for me, a nice balance of familiar authors and new-to-me authors which just adds to my bibliophile delight.

Love the different approach each author takes with the theme, making all six mail-order bride stories unique and interesting. The collection includes a variety of popular tropes — friends to more, heroine fleeing peril, enemies to more, groom mix-up. And each novella is quite short, so easy to finish in one setting which provided me with the perfect respite in between marathon gardening stints. 🙂

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

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

Canada – available in print or 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 Mail-Order Bride Collection, 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 May 4 2024.

In the Shelter of Hollythorne House + Giveaway

A young widow faces an uncertain future . . . until an unexpected encounter with her first love gives her heart a second chance in this Regency romance set on the Yorkshire Moors.

England, 1817—Charlotte Grey thought she had seen the last of Anthony Welbourne. Knowing her father would never consent to his only daughter marrying a man he deemed beneath their family’s station, Charlotte bid her final farewell to Anthony and vowed never to turn back. Instead, she honored her father’s wishes by marrying the wealthy Roland Prior.

Determined to put his love for Charlotte in the past, Anthony chose to immerse himself in a life full of meaning—first as a soldier fighting a war overseas, then as a member of William Walstead’s watchmen, a rugged band of men dispatched to deal with perilous situations. Fearless and persistent, he makes it his life’s focus to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.

When Charlotte’s husband dies unexpectedly, she quickly realizes how blind she’d been to his nefarious ambitions and how many people he’d angered on his relentless quest for wealth. To protect her infant son, Henry, from those who wish him harm, she and the baby flee to Hollythorne House, her childhood home. There Charlotte comes face-to-face with her former love, who has been sent as one of the hired watchman to protect her and Henry until the details of her late husband’s estate are settled.

Anthony’s presence brings back feelings she never expected to have again, and she struggles to trust his intentions. Are the watchmen really looking after Charlotte as they claim—or are they looking to make trouble for Roland’s estate and heir? Despite the constant reminders of their past, Anthony must remain focused on the task he was hired to do. But when new threats emerge and the past collides with the present, both must decide what they are willing to risk for the chance to right old wrongs and carve out a new future . . . together.

My Review:

Eeeeepppp!!!! Regency Romance with a Gothic-y mystery feel! Totally captivated me all the way through!

Ladd has created a sense of foreboding that carries throughout the story and set me on edge as I worried over Charlotte and baby Henry. Loved the air of mystery that shrouds our hero and heroine, stirring an already complicated situation into something much more ominous.

We’re given a tantalizing glimpse of what might have been, courtesy of the attention-grabbing prologue and then the story starts in earnest five years later when everything has changed for Charlotte and Anthony…and not necessarily for the better. Cue shivery thrills of anticipation as I settled in to find out how all will be made right!

Love the period details deftly woven into the story. Still fuming over the lack of control women had — even in the lives of their own children! And the family Charlotte has married into is vile — which leads to dire threats against poor wee Henry!

Which makes it opportune, if inconvenient, for Anthony to come swooping back into Charlotte’s life as he is hired on as one of her guards. Treachery, deceit and danger follow…as does an epic Second Chance Romance! Thrilled me right down to my toes from start to finish!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

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

Canada – available in print 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 In the Shelter of Hollythorne 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 April 27 2024.

If the Boot Fits + Giveaway

Determined to prove that cattle king Eli Dearing has no justification for evicting his stepmother and half brothers, Asher Ellis uses the cover of a fancy ball to break into the Three Cedars ranch house to search for proof of wrongdoing. On the verge of discovery, he flees, but a boy’s cry compels him to make a daring rescue.

Spunky and independent, Samantha Dearing balks when she learns the ball her father is hosting in her honor is nothing more than a matrimonial ambush. Taking a break from her unwanted suitors, Samantha spots a thief fleeing her home. When the stranger ends up saving her brother’s life, she hides the only clue to his identity left behind–his boot–and resolves to find him herself.

But when Samantha encounters the older brother of a student she tutors, all thoughts of the bootless mystery man vanish. And although Asher tries to keep his distance from Samantha for reasons of his own, a series of suspicious accidents befall her, and his protective instincts flare, no matter the cost to their future.

This Western reimagining of the classic Cinderella fairy tale is an enchanting story of courage, family, and the power of true love.

My Review:

While I wouldn’t call this a true Cinderella reimagining there are some light nods to the fairy tale, the major one being the boot left behind at the ball. I like the gender swap with Asher in the Cinderella role (clever name) and Samantha the western ‘royalty’ on the hunt. But after that eventful opening scene the story becomes very much it’s own Western romance with not nearly enough connections to the fairy tale. Still a rollicking good story, I just wouldn’t define it as a retelling.

There’s action and adventure and a building threat that leads to a mystery which needs solving so be prepared for a fast paced read that’s hard to put down. And a solid faith thread that winds through it all. I really appreciated the scriptures shared and snippets of wisdom from certain characters.

Then there’s the romance. Happy sigh. Asher’s loyalty and dedication to his family make him perfect hero material…even if it drives him to do something regrettable. Samantha is no pampered princess, well, she is sort of, but she doesn’t let it go to her head. She has a heart for service and that leads her to Asher’s family and, voila, sparks fly and energy sizzles and things get delightfully complicated.

I listened to the audible edition aptly narrated by Barbara McCulloh. She’s a favourite of mine and has the perfect voice for a Western — if that makes any sense — and I thoroughly enjoyed the way she brought these characters to life.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

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

Canada – available in print or 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 If the Boot Fits, 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 20 2024.

Hearts of Briarwall

Lydia Wooding is fascinated by the latest inventions the new century brings, including motorcars. She longs for the independence they represent and believes that women should have a say in the future of the industry—just as they should have a say in suffrage, adventure, and, of course, love.

Spencer Hayes is a man of practicality and innovation, but he lacks the financial backing to make his dream a reality. When he contacts his childhood friend, Andrew Wooding, about a promising business venture, he is invited to Briarwall Manor to discuss the terms. Once there, he is surprised to find that Andrew’s once shy, younger sister, Lydia, has grown into a young woman of beauty, wit, and a bit of fire. Even better, the two share a passion for motorcars.

Andrew, however, is wary of cars, having lost his parents in a tragic auto accident when he and Lydia were young. And he’s not sure a relationship between his sister and Spencer is the best idea—not when Sir Lawrence is available and could match both Lydia’s social status and her fortune.

Torn between risking their hearts and being loyal to their dreams in an era of whirlwind change, Spencer and Lydia anchor themselves with the determination they both share: to live life to its fullest.

My Review:

Fun and flirty and banter-ful!

Jensen utilizes the innovations at the turn of the century to intriguing perfection in this historical romance. Such an enthralling time in history! New inventions, new ideas and a changing society are opening up new possibilities for women…despite what stuffy older brothers might think. 🙂

A classic love story delivered with wit and charm. The friends to more trope is executed well, especially when a meddling older brother keeps messing things up. A clean, light romance that was a joy to read…well listen to. And performed by one of my all time favourite narrators — Justine Eyre!

*currently available on Audible Plus (in Canada, anyway)

The British Booksellers + Giveaway

Inspired by real accounts of the Forgotten Blitz bombings, The British Booksellers highlights the courage of those whose lives were forever changed by war—and the stories that bind us in the fight for what matters most.

A tenant farmer’s son had no business daring to dream of a future with an earl’s daughter, but that couldn’t keep Amos Darby from his secret friendship with Charlotte Terrington . . . until the reality of the Great War sobered youthful dreams. Now decades later, he bears the brutal scars of battles fought in the trenches and their futures that were stolen away. His return home doesn’t come with tender reunions, but with the hollow fulfillment of opening a bookshop on his own and retreating as a recluse within its walls.

When the future Earl of Harcourt chose Charlotte to be his wife, she knew she was destined for a loveless match. Though her heart had chosen another long ago, she pledges her future even as her husband goes to war. Twenty-five years later, Charlotte remains a war widow who divides her days between her late husband’s declining estate and operating a quaint Coventry bookshop—Eden Books, lovingly named after her grown daughter. And Amos is nothing more than the rival bookseller across the lane.

As war with Hitler looms, Eden is determined to preserve her father’s legacy. So when an American solicitor arrives threatening a lawsuit that could destroy everything they’ve worked so hard to preserve, mother and daughter prepare to fight back. But with devastation wrought by the Luftwaffe’s local blitz terrorizing the skies, battling bookshops—and lost loves, Amos and Charlotte—must put aside their differences and fight together to help Coventry survive.

From deep in the trenches of the Great War to the storied English countryside and the devastating Coventry Blitz of WWII, The British Booksellers explores the unbreakable bonds that unite us through love, loss, and the enduring solace that can be found between the pages of a book.

My Review:

Stunning…but my heart hurts. So, the kind of emotional read that twists your innards into pretzels and pummels your heart into a misshapen lump…to start off anyway.

I knew going in (from the synopsis) that there would be a doomed love scenario, I just wasn’t prepared for how bereaved I would be. Kudos to Cambron for creating such engaging characters. Easy to love and root for even though you know it’s a train wreck waiting to happen. And then it’s twenty-five years later.

And my heart still hurt.

The dual timeline is written so artfully and the way the author feeds us bits of pertinent information gradually is delightfully frustrating. I wanted to know everything NOW but at the same time enjoyed the anticipation. So, well plotted and beautifully written.

And my heart stopped hurting…though it still aches a little.

Two wars. Two love stories. The miracle of finding faith and basking in hope in the midst of the horror of war. Breathtakingly beautiful prose. Deeply emotional. So easy to live and breathe in every detail right along with the characters. A story to savour and hold on to even after you reach the end.

I really enjoyed the audio edition narrated by Barrie Kreinik. Well performed and easy to listen to. Her performance enhanced my appreciation of these characters and their story.

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY

ebook copy available to anyone with a US Kindle account (.com) 

Canadians will have a choice of receiving an Amazon.ca gift card towards the purchase of an ebook OR the option of an audible.ca edition.

If you would like a chance to win an ecopy of The British Booksellers, 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 6 2024.

An Uncertain Choice + Giveaway

Random Retro Re-Read

Due to her parents’ promise at her birth, Lady Rosemarie has been prepared to become a nun on the day she turns eighteen. Then, a month before her birthday, a friend of her father’s enters the kingdom and proclaims her parents’ will left a second choice–if Rosemarie can marry before the eve of her eighteenth year, she will be exempt from the ancient vow.

Before long, Rosemarie is presented with the three most handsome and brave knights in the land. But when the competition for her heart seemingly results in a knight playing foul, she begins to wonder if the convent is the best place after all. If only one of the knights–the one who appears the most guilty–had not already captured her heart.

My Review:

A gripping Medieval tale full of dastardly plots and noble knights and a heroine who finds herself in the midst of it all. Love the almost fairy tale quality about the story. Rosemarie is all that is fair and good but she’s terribly naïve and that makes her easy to manipulate. She comes into her own by the end of the story, thanks in part, to a certain appealing knight in shining armor. Loved the nod to our current culture’s fixation on reality television in the form of the competition for Rosemarie’s hand in marriage. Is it possible to fall in love within a month? You’ll have to read An Uncertain Choice to find out!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of An Uncertain Choice , 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 23 2024.