Tag: Indie

Toils and Snares + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

A riveting tale of love, betrayal, and long-buried secrets, set in the heart of Alaska.

Daphne’s life takes a sharp turn when she becomes engaged to the love of her life, a beloved pastor in Anchorage. But joy is short-lived as she is thrust into the upscale world of her fiancé’s wealthy and influential family.

As the news of their engagement spreads, peculiar incidents start to unfold, leaving Daphne questioning whether there’s a sinister force at play. Haunted by her own family’s dark past, she begins to suspect that her secrets might be intertwined with those of her fiancé’s family—secrets that could shatter not only her own future but also the lives of everyone she holds dear.

From the bestselling USA Today author Alana Terry comes a gripping tale of danger, romance, and faith, set against the backdrop of the rugged Alaskan countryside.undefined

My Review:

An intriguing read and a little hard to define. Not quite a suspense, but there is a mystery, only it’s the kind that happens to Daphne rather than her trying to solve it. As a reader, I could see the pieces pulling together so there was still a bit of an armchair sleuthing component to the read which kept me turning pages.

Engaging characters with an interesting relationship – Daphne’s backstory is particularly compelling. And that’s about all I can say without posting spoilers due to the writing style and the shorter word count. A great read to go in blind and just let the story unfold.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy available to anyone, anywhere in the world so…woohoo…International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of the Toils and Snares, 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.

Jacob’s Well + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

As newly appointed small-town Sheriff Angus Reid settles into Weyport, it doesn’t take him long to discover just how corrupt his new town is. With a desk full of suspicious open cases and too much to prove, he is determined to rid his town of crime and win the hearts of his people.

But when two teenagers suddenly go missing, it lays bare sinister secrets and emotional ties that threaten to derail his investigation.

And as the case untangles, the secrets buried deep within the coastal borders of the tight-knit community slowly bubble to the surface.

Determined to find justice for the missing boys and their families, he races against the clock to find them. Unbeknownst of the dark forces that rage against him.

Then he gets a call that a body has been found…

If you enjoy suspenseful, twisty secrets and lies mystery novels that are rooted in faith and leave your heart in your throat, you will have a hard time putting down this page-turning Christian mystery and suspense novel.

Get ready to be taken on an emotional journey through a town where it seems everyone has a secret.

My Review:

published in 2023

I have bookish friend Diane to thank for my introduction to new-to-me author Urcelia Teixeira. Friend recommendations are the best, aren’t they? Now here I am at the start of some epic reading because ‘Jacob’s Well’ is the first book in a gripping suspense series and now that I’ve started, I’ve gotta read them all!

The series centres around Angus Reid, who has just accepted a Sheriff position in a town known for its corruption. In fact, the previous Sheriff was crooked. So Angus has a lot of suspicious open cases to work his way through and it seems like half the town is harbouring secrets.

Like young Jake. We meet the teen in the opening chapter and follow him through an overwhelming web of treacherous secrets. Oh, the folly of youth! And then there’s his mother, desperate to do whatever she must to save her boy which involves even more secrets. And that leaves Angus trying to blindly put the pieces together all while under the pressure of searching for two missing teens.

Phew! This was a page turner! I read it in one sitting because there just wasn’t any other choice if I wanted to keep my sanity! I appreciate the way the multiple points of view offered different perspectives and amped up the suspense. As a reader, it was intriguing to know things Angus didn’t. But there were other times that I was just as much in the dark as the Sheriff which added to the drama and intrigue.

The author has a canny way of incorporating faith into the lives of these characters. It’s seamlessly done, never preachy, but sometimes pointed and very thought provoking.

I really enjoyed my first visit to Weyport and am anxious to get back there soon and see what’s in store for Angus next. Plus, there are some secondary characters that I think will be playing an important part in the good Sheriff’s life as he acclimatizes to his new position and the town in general. I can’t wait of find out more!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy available to anyone, anywhere in the world so…woohoo…International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of the Jacob’s Well, 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.

Snowed in at Silver Lake + Giveaway

random retro read

Getting snowed in with a stranger is dangerous—especially for her heart.

Gracie Turner just broke up with her fiancé before Christmas, so after a severe snowstorm causes her car to skid off the road into the deadly waters of Silver Lake, she can’t help falling for her rugged, handsome rescuer. There’s only one problem. He’s a fugitive running from the law.

Barron Hart has a plan to bring his brother’s killers to justice, and it does not involve Gracie. But when the snowy winds batter the backwoods cabin he’s using as his hideout, he has no choice but to wait out the storm with the Sheriff’s daughter. Against her will. Although, if he’s being honest with himself, she’s the one holding his heart captive.

After their first explosive encounter, nothing will warm Gracie up… or stop the sparks flying between them. There are too many secrets keeping them apart. Barron is further dismayed when Gracie uncovers his tragic past. She has the faith to help him heal, but he’s not ready to give up his revenge. Will the mysteries that brought them together, now have the power to tear them apart?

My Review:

published in 2020

True confession: One of my bookish weaknesses is a heroine in peril rescued by a brooding, gruff hero. And once the cold weather hits, for some inexplicable reason, I crave a stranded in a snowstorm scenario. And, mercy, but does this novel ever deliver! Plus there’s a kinda bad boy vibe going on with our hero which brings an extra thrill.

Loved the tense opening scene, with Gracie trying to navigate her way along treacherous roads. Through a phone conversation with her sheriff father, we learn that not only are the roads practically impassable, but there’s a dangerous fugitive on the loose. Eeeepppp….cue a dramatic drumroll as Gracie’s car slides off the road and….well, then the fun really begins.

Great action scenes, multiple rescues and not only being snowed in for Christmas, but for a couple of weeks! Lots of time for Barron and Gracie to work through their uncertainties, gradually easing their relationship from wary strangers to something much more meaningful. 

The author blends in some lovely inspirational themes as well, especially through Barron’s point of view as he struggles to make sense of a troubled past and his deep grief. The redemption of his brokenness brought extra depth to the story.

My first Stephanie Fowers novel, but it won’t be my last.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy and is available to any reader, any where — so, yay, another International Giveaway! This is a holdover from last Christmas when we had a postal strike. I ended up just buying the book for the winner and this little beauty has been patiently waiting to find a new home. 🙂

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Snowed in at Silver Lake, 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 5 2025.

Snowed in at Silver Lake + Giveaway

INDIE!

Getting snowed in with a stranger is dangerous—especially for her heart.

Gracie Turner just broke up with her fiancé before Christmas, so after a severe snowstorm causes her car to skid off the road into the deadly waters of Silver Lake, she can’t help falling for her rugged, handsome rescuer. There’s only one problem. He’s a fugitive running from the law.

Barron Hart has a plan to bring his brother’s killers to justice, and it does not involve Gracie. But when the snowy winds batter the backwoods cabin he’s using as his hideout, he has no choice but to wait out the storm with the Sheriff’s daughter. Against her will. Although, if he’s being honest with himself, she’s the one holding his heart captive.

After their first explosive encounter, nothing will warm Gracie up… or stop the sparks flying between them. There are too many secrets keeping them apart. Barron is further dismayed when Gracie uncovers his tragic past. She has the faith to help him heal, but he’s not ready to give up his revenge. Will the mysteries that brought them together, now have the power to tear them apart?

My Review:

True confession: One of my bookish weaknesses is a heroine in peril rescued by a brooding, gruff hero. And once the cold weather hits, for some inexplicable reason, I crave a stranded in s snowstorm scenario. And, mercy, but does this novel ever deliver! Plus there’s a kinda bad boy vibe going on with our hero which brings an extra thrill.

Loved the tense opening scene, with Gracie trying to navigate her way along treacherous roads. Through a phone conversation with her sheriff father, we learn that not only are the roads practically impassable, but there’s a dangerous fugitive on the loose. Eeeepppp….cue a dramatic drumroll as Gracie’s car slides off the road and….well, then the fun really begins.

Great action scenes, multiple rescues and not only being snowed in for Christmas, but for a couple of weeks! Lots of time for Barron and Gracie to work through their uncertainties, gradually easing their relationship from wary strangers to something much more meaningful.

The author blends in some lovely inspirational themes as well, especially through Barron’s point of view as he struggles to make sense of a troubled past and his deep grief. The redemption of his brokenness brought extra depth to the story.

My first Stephanie Fowers novel, but it won’t be my last. In fact she has a series of ‘snowed in’ books that I have my eye on now. Hoping to get to at least one more before Christmas.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Snowed in at Silver Lake, 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 23 2024.

Miracle on 30 Woof Street + Giveaway

Indie!

I love spending Christmas with my best friends. Especially since all they ever ask for is naps, treats, and belly rubs. They also don’t complain when I play my Christmas music on endless repeat. It’s a perk of running the Miracle on 30 Woof Street Pet Shelter.

While out one night to get my daily Holly Jolly Latte, I run into the most attractive woman with a very expensive looking coat. Literally. I spill my latte all over her, and what do I do? I invite her to stay in my guesthouse after her car breaks down, like a Christmas-crazed lunatic.

Taking the opportunity to show all Candy Cane Creek has to offer the week before Christmas, I hope to turn this Christmas-hater into a jolly elf, but along the way I develop feelings I shouldn’t be having. Ones I’m not sure I’m ready to deal with. Especially when the magic of the holidays doesn’t seem to be enough to grow her heart three sizes and make her stay.

My Review:

Fun, flirty and festive — with a sleigh load of holiday whimsy from the cute title to a Christmas-centric town aptly named Candy Cane Creek. What more could a reader in search of yuletide wonder ask for?

Well, a German Shepard wearing a Santa hat comes to mind. Really, Tag stole the show…er story…for me. Hanson clearly understands ‘dog’ and she writes it so well. Which is a good thing since Rex runs a pet shelter and I do so adore an animal loving hero!

Then there’s Holly, aptly named for a Christmas story, don’t you think? Only Holly lost her Christmas spirit five years ago (I’ll let her tell you why) and now she’s a grit your teeth and get through the holidays kind of gal. Only she’s got an assignment to cover small town festivities in the area and winds up being stranded in the middle of her worst nightmare: a town on holiday overload.

A funny meet-cute brings Holly and Rex together and sets the stage for pages of yuletide celebrations and glad tidings as Rex sets out to change Holly’s opinions of Christmas.

Really enjoyed this light-hearted rom/com, though it is written in first person, present tense POV which isn’t my favourite. The story is sweet and hopeful with enough canine antics to thrill discerning dog loving readers everywhere.

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 the Miracle on 30 Woof Street, 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 16 2024.