An Unexpected Christmas Helper + Giveaway

Sometimes forgiveness
is the best present.

After discovering he has a toddler daughter, engineer Evan Dukas needs all the help he can get—even if it comes from Vanessa Johnson, the woman who once crushed his heart. With financial worries mounting and Christmas just around the corner, the single mom agrees to be little Lily’s temporary nanny, and vows not to let working for Evan derail her recovery from an eating disorder. With her service dog, Snickers, at her side, Vanessa is on the path to healing, and soon old feelings reawaken between her and Evan. But when buried secrets regarding Vanessa’s son are revealed, they must decide if what they have is worth fighting for…

My Review:

Love Inspired Christmas cover art is among the best and they really out did themselves with this irresistible cover! If that doesn’t say ‘buy me’, I don’t know what does. And the story inside is just as charming.

Lee Tobin McClain knows how to create an emotionally compelling romance that pulls at a reader’s heartstrings and this one is full of holiday cheer as well. A winning combination!

Doting (but untried and completely clueless) daddy Evan makes for a great flawed hero. He made me laugh and swoon and even wince a few times. And I might have wanted to throw a projectile at him once or twice as well! Vanessa feels much the same way and their rollercoaster, ‘will they or won’t they give their reunion romance a chance’ escapades held me captive (while alternately cheering and groaning!)

Thankfully, there’s lots of Christmasy distractions and two cute kids and a very special dog to deflect the angst. I love the way McClain blends humour with raw emotion and all kinds of real life tough stuff. And the significant faith elements in this novel bring an even deeper satisfaction to the read.

This is #41 (!) in the K-9 Companions multi-authored series and I am amazed at how much I’ve learned about service dogs and all the varied assistance they can provide. Snickers’ job was a total surprise for me. I had no idea that a dog could be trained to serve in that way.

I listened to the audio edition of ‘An Unexpected Christmas Helper’ narrated by one of my favourite voice performers, Tanya Eby. She does a wonderful job bringing these characters to life in.a way that enhances McClain’s storytelling and creates a captivating listening experience.

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

The Soldier’s K-9 Companion + Giveaway

The chance to finally heal…with the help of a four-legged friend.

Struggling with PTSD, retired Navy SEAL Luke Adams hopes getting a service dog will help him finally get his life back. Fortunately, his best friend’s sister, Destiny Johnson, runs a K-9 farm where she trains service dogs. When Destiny pairs him up with an Alaskan husky named Java and teaches him how to bond with the sweet pup, he realizes that he and Destiny have more in common than he thought. With their friendship growing into something deeper, can a dedicated K-9 help them both face their trauma…and come out stronger together?

My Review:

An intensely emotional, hope-fuelled story that gave me all the feels. With dogs. Can it get any better than that?

The author tackles some serious subject matter through both Luke’s and Destiny’s backstories, but she does so with grace and compassion. So appreciate this realistic view of life after severe trauma and the ensuing struggles to overcome.

The friends-to-more trope plays out to perfection after a rocky start. Great dynamics between Luke and Destiny but, oy, the complications! I could really relate to the way they both held back even though the reader in me was screaming at them to just open up already! Love getting that emotionally invested in a fictional romance!

Calhoune knows how to bring depth and authenticity to her characters and that includes the secondary ones. So, add in the kind of friends who won’t let you go it alone, along with an epic small town atmosphere and you have the perfect recipe for a romance that triumphs despite impossible odds.

I listened to the audio edition of ‘The Solider’s K-9 Companion’ and thoroughly enjoyed Aure Nash’s narration. Her beautifully modulated voice was a pleasure to listen to and I love the way she breathed life into these characters. A brilliant listening experience.

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

Holding onto Secrets + Giveaway

Redeeming past mistakes one paw print at a time.

To support his sister and young nephew, handyman Luke Johnson is in desperate need of a new job. His prayers are answered when Angie Anderson hires him to help renovate her property to house and train therapy dogs. Grieving widow Angie hopes to rebuild her life with a new sense of purpose, and establishing a therapy-dog reading program is just the fresh start she needs. Soon, unexpected feelings begin to grow between them, but will the secret Luke’s keeping threaten their chance at a future together?

My Review:

The strength of Lee Tobin McClain’s storytelling comes from the way she shines grace into the broken pieces of our lives. This redemption story is exceptional. Emotional and angst-riddled punctuated by moments of humour to balance everything out.

The therapy dog reading program is fascinating! I’ve been a fan ever since I heard about the concept so it was so much fun to see how it works in ‘real’ life. Okay, yes, I know this is fiction, but it felt true to life so I think it counts as a lived experience now. 🙂

A contemporary romance full of heart and grace and so much hope. A joy to read…well, listen to, courtesy of the talented Tanya Eby’s narration. She’s one of my favourite voice performers and it was so much fun to be welcomed into a new story by a familiar voice.

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

Earning the Veteran’s Trust + Giveaway

A second chance at love could be what she needs to finally heal.

After leaving the navy, Mallory Stone plans to buy her best friend’s fruit farm, a safe place to raise her son and adopt senior dogs like her dear Rosie. Until her ex-husband, Jonah Hayes, drops a he wants the same farm…and they’re still legally married. A trial partnership running the farm means the former marine can get to know the son he just met—and prove to Mallory he’s changed. As old feelings resurface, can Mallory open her heart for a chance at the future she’s always wanted?

My Review:

An incredible love story full of all kinds of second chances. Not only in the romance, but for the farm, the dogs and embracing new life after the chaos and trauma of military service. Such an impactful story on so many levels.

Yes, ‘Earning the Veteran’s Trust’ features one of my least favourite tropes – secret baby – but Jordan handles it well, making me sympathetic for both Mallory and Jonah and I appreciate the way they handle the situation going forward. And I do enjoy a redemptive love story!

Jonah is very much like the prodigal son. He approaches his fractured marriage with an air of humility and repentance which immediately softened my heart. Not so Mallory. She is so prickly at the beginning that I wanted to shake some sense into her a time or two, but really she has her reasons. Loved watching the way their relationship slowly rekindled as she embraced the power of forgiveness and learned to trust all over again.

I enjoyed listening to the audio edition, narrated by Alyx Morgan. She brings life to the story with a variety of voices that match each character and made my listening experience a delight.

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

Match Made at the Amish Inn

Sometimes love is what you need. Even if it’s not what you want.

Running the local Amish inn is the only reason Molly Esch has gained back her confidence after being jilted at the altar. When the owner is suddenly injured, Molly’s sure she’ll be promoted. Except the owner asks her widowed nephew, Aaron Fisher, for help instead. Now Molly’s forced to work alongside the handsome single father, and with his grand ideas for change, they clash right away. But their disagreements soon give way to something deeper. Neither wants to risk their heart again, but facing their fears could lead them to a forever partnership…

My Review:

I do so love the way Marta Perry spins a tale – a whirlwind of love and laughter with just enough angst to keep things interesting.

Molly and Aaron fit the opposite attracts mold to perfection. She’s the sweet, outgoing, has never met a stranger type while he’s more of a brooding introvert. It’s only natural that there’s some clashing of wills when they are thrown together working at the inn. And it doesn’t help that Aaron’s convalescing aunt has matchmaking on the mind. Gotta love a devious Amish matchmaker.

Of course, things don’t go according to plan as Molly and Aaron’s love story takes on a life of it’s own much to my reader’s delight. First comes the uneasy truce, and then a friendship of sorts, but when their stubbornness gets in the way things start to get complicated.

Captivating secondary characters add to the charm of this sweet romance as does the whole Amish community. Love the way the author weaves every last detail into an emotionally satisfying story.

I listened to the audio edition of ‘Match Made at the Amish Inn’, narrated by Maayan Voss who did a wonderful job breathing life into these characters through her engaging performance.

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

A K-9 Christmas Reunion + Giveaway

Can one special dog make this a Christmas to remember?

Struggling to manage his father’s dementia while raising two young sons, widower Nathan Crenshaw is desperate for help. That is, until his dad’s new service dog arrives with an unexpected guest—trainer Gemma Spencer, the woman who broke his heart fifteen years ago. Now Nathan must spend the holidays working alongside his first love and ignoring their rocky history. But when Gemma steps up for his family after a near tragedy, old feelings start to resurface. With their future uncertain, can matchmaking relatives and a K-9 turn the New Year into their second chance?

My Review:

Phew! What a heart-wrenching read! Carter has captured all the emotional nuances that rise to the surface after a dementia diagnosis. The Crenshaw family dynamics are shifting and neither Nathan, his young sons, or his ailing father are prepared for the changes ahead.

Until Gemma arrives with Rascal, a very special service dog. Trouble is Nathan and Gemma have a history; a first love gone awry when Gemma broke his heart and he’s not keen on having her stay around for the two weeks it will take to acclimate his dad with his new service dog. But if he doesn’t accept her help they’ll go back on the waiting list and by the time his dad’s name comes up again it will be too late. What’s an overworked, super stressed and grieving single dad to do? Put up with the close proximity of his first love for the sake of not only his father, but his whole family.

So — sqquueallll — Second Chance Romance with a Single Dad, two of my favourite tropes! Made all the better because we’re back in Truelove where the civic hobby is matchmaking. So, yes, parts of this novel are hard to read between the dementia diagnosis and the tough back stories of both our hero and heroine BUT the author has also infused their romance with laughter and hope as they create some precious Christmas memories.

A heartwarming inspirational holiday romance.

Hometown Hero’s Redemption

A Temporary Father 

When he becomes guardian to his friend’s troubled ten-year-old boy, firefighter Drew Gannon knows he needs help. But before he can get former social worker Lauren Pierce to agree, he’s got to prove he’s changed from the sports jock who gave her a hard time back in high school. Returning home, Lauren wants no part of her old profession. She only wants to forget the unspeakable tragedy she left behind. She can’t take responsibility for another child. Or a reunion with Drew–no matter how generous he’s become. But a desperate boy and his handsome guardian may be more than Lauren can resist…

My Review:

published in 2017

Though this book was published seven years ago, the audio edition just released this month and I was happy to dive into ‘Hometown Hero’s Redemption’ since I missed it first time round.

I do love the way Jill Kemerer weaves emotion into her stories. Complex layers of accumulated angst that our hero and heroine have to fight their way through. Both their backstories are challenging, but the one they share together is what stands in the way of them working through everything else.

Nothing like revisiting high school angst to set already raw emotions on edge and Drew and Lauren’s meet-cute is a pretty much a disaster. She has reasons for being wary of him and he has reasons for needing her to believe he’s changed.

Loved the way they come together to help a traumatized child. The author realistically portrays the complications and turmoil involved. No sugar-coating the way to their happily ever after, but creating a hope-filled one just the same. I might have gotten teary at the end. 🙂

July Love Inspired Giveaway

Since I’m finding it difficult to read the print in the Love Inspired lines and I don’t do well with ebooks either, I’m reduced to enjoying my LI and LIS books whenever they appear in audio editions. Unfortunately, that means the number of LI and LIS books I read has dwindled. 

I still want to support the authors though, so I have started a Love Inspired and Love Inspired Suspense monthly new releases giveaway. Separate days for each line. I’ll list all the books and synopsis in a post and you can choose which book you would like to win if your name is drawn.

FOR THIS GIVEAWAY: Choose ONE of the *July Love Inspired books listed below, add the title to a comment (or in an email – kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca) and if your name is drawn, that’s the book you will win.

*Just to make things complicated, these books have August as their release month but they actually become available in stores and online on July 23 so I’m calling them July releases?!

July Love Inspired Releases

A Companion for His Son by Lee Tobin McCLain – Protecting his son is his priority…is there room for more? Nate Constantine would do anything to provide for his son with autism—even if that means starting over in small-town Holiday Point. Or abandoning his best-laid plans and asking Freddie’s kindergarten teacher, Olivia Bell, for extra help with Freddie and his service dog, Scooby. She could be just what Freddie and his father need…but only if Olivia and Nate are willing to risk their hearts.

Her Alaskan Family by Heidi McCahan – One lost little girl could be the key to a permanent family. Recently fired, Savannah Morgan dreads attending her ten-year high school reunion as a failure. But for Levi Carter, Savannah’s return home might solve all his troubles. The newly single dad needs reliable childcare for his temporary foster daughter—and a fake girlfriend at the reunion to deflect any pitying glances after his recent breakup. But as the line between real and pretend begins to blur, will a secret Savannah is keeping ruin their chance at a permanent commitment?

Her Pretend Amish Beau by Patricia Johns – Falling for each other was never part of the plan. With four sons and a flower farm, widow Delia Swarey has little time for courtship. But that doesn’t stop her boys from rejecting every potential suitor. And widowed dad Elias Lehman is in the same boat with his daughter. They hope that pretending to court each other will teach their children about opening their hearts. But Delia and Elias could soon learn their own lessons about love…

His Neighbor’s Secret by Lillian Warner – With a secret between them, is there room for a second chance? When the new schoolteacher turns out to be the woman who once broke his heart, widower Jonah Raymond vows to keep his distance—until Kenzie Reid moves in next door. Now with his troubled foster son and Kenzie’s daughter becoming friends, Jonah hopes they can put the past behind them. But winning Kenzie’s trust is his first challenge…until he discovers her shocking secret.

Risking Her Amish Heart by Jackie Stef – Can an unexpected friendship turn into a happily-ever-after? After being jilted, Grace Ebersol moves to Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, to care for her ailing grandfather—and avoid any future heartache. Good thing the only eligible Amish bachelor nearby is her grandfather’s standoffish employee. But Grace quickly sees that Aaron King’s awkwardness hides a gentle, caring spirit. Can Grace learn to trust again…or will a secret Aaron is keeping destroy her second chance?

Their Unlikely Protector by Meghann Whistler – To give two little boys a home, she must take a chance on forgiveness. The last person Valerie Williams expects to rescue her and her toddler twin brothers from a fiery blaze is Brett Richardson, her high school nemesis. But with her house burned down, Valerie is forced to stay at the same inn as Brett and work together on the town festival. Now Brett has the chance to make things right, but can Valerie let go of the past to make way for a future together?

June Love Inspired Giveaway

Since I’m finding it difficult to read the print in the Love Inspired lines and I don’t do well with ebooks either, I’m reduced to enjoying my LI and LIS books whenever they appear in audio editions. Unfortunately, that means the number of LI and LIS books I read has dwindled. 

I still want to support the authors though, so I have started a Love Inspired and Love Inspired Suspense monthly new releases giveaway. Separate days for each line. I’ll list all the books and synopsis in a post and you can choose which book you would like to win if your name is drawn.

FOR THIS GIVEAWAY: Choose ONE of the *June Love Inspired books listed below, add the title to a comment (or in an email – kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca) and if your name is drawn, that’s the book you will win.

*Just to make things complicated, these books have July as their release month but they actually become available in stores and online on July 25 so I’m calling them May releases?!

June Love Inspired Releases

Healed by the Amish Nanny by Virginia Wise –Can an unconventional woman… Bring a family together? Away from home for the first time, free-spirited Sadie Lapp is determined to prove she can be a proper Amish nanny. Except with twin troublemakers and their bitter aunt, winning over Vernon Kauffman is the least of her problems. But Vernon’s youngest daughter convinces her to stay. As the children and their father unexpectedly make their way into Sadie’s heart, she might just help a troubled family heal—and find the place where she belongs.

The Beekeeper Next Door by Danielle Thorne –– Facing his fear could give him the family he always wanted. Returning to his hometown to clean up his late parents’ home, professor Heath Underwood has no intention of making his stay permanent. Especially when he discovers his neighbor is a beekeeper. But avoiding widow Ali Harding proves difficult when her eight-year-old son bonds with him and his dog. As Heath spends more time with them, his fear of bees—and heartbreak—could stand in the way of his happily-ever-after…

The Cowboy’s Marriage Bargain by Deborah Clack — A cowboy with a struggling ranch…and she has the perfect solution. To pull his ranch out of a downward spiral, widowed cowboy Chase Cross will do anything—even if it means making a deal with the woman he can’t stand. Because Lexi Gardner’s about to inherit a fortune… if she marries in thirty days. A marriage of convenience is the answer to both their problems. But when their bargain begins to feel real, will they put aside their differences for a future together?

The Triplet’s Summer Adventure by Laurel Blount –– His visit is temporary, but will they give him a reason to stay? Back home for the summer, adventure-seeking Nick Marshall thinks his park ranger gig will be easy—until the children’s camp he’s overseeing is left without a cook. Desperate to fill the position, he offers his high school nemesis, Cara Andrews, the job. As the two work together, Nick can’t help but fall for the single mom and her triplet sons. But convincing her to take a chance on him might be Nick’s toughest challenge yet…

Their Surprise Amish Reunion by Jocelyn McClay — He’s back in her town, and back in her heart. Decades ago, Elizabeth Beiler turned down her beau’s proposal and he left town heartbroken. Now Moses Glick is back—and he’s the new owner of the restaurant she’s been planning to purchase. But his temporary visit turns into a long-term stay when Elizabeth is injured. As they work together and old feelings resurface, can they open their hearts to a second chance…or will they let past hurts keep them apart?

Training the K-9 Companion by Jill Kemerer — Man’s best friend… Could be the key to a second chance. When rancher Cade Moulten decides to get a therapy dog for his ailing grandmother, he doesn’t expect a fluffy Pomeranian—or a pretty veterinarian trainer. But Cade will do anything to prove he’s a changed man, even train the small K-9 alongside Mackenzie Howard. Soon the weekly sessions with Mackenzie have Cade wishing for more. But will he risk revealing his shameful past for a chance at acceptance?

May Love Inspired Giveaway

Since I’m finding it difficult to read the print in the Love Inspired lines and I don’t do well with ebooks either, I’m reduced to enjoying my LI and LIS books whenever they appear in audio editions. Unfortunately, that means the number of LI and LIS books I read has dwindled. 

I still want to support the authors though, so I have started a Love Inspired and Love Inspired Suspense monthly new releases giveaway. Separate days for each line. I’ll list all the books and synopsis in a post and you can choose which book you would like to win if your name is drawn.

FOR THIS GIVEAWAY: Choose ONE of the *May Love Inspired books listed below, add the title to a comment (or in an email – kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca) and if your name is drawn, that’s the book you will win.

*Just to make things complicated, these books have June as their release month but they actually become available in stores and online on May 21 so I’m calling them May releases?!

May Love Inspired Releases

Falling for Her Best Friend by Lisa CarterA friends only pact…until they say ‘I do.’ Ten months ago, Mollie Drake agreed to marry her best friend, but only to care for his infant son. Now Colton Atkinson is back from his army deployment to end their charade…until their hometown surprises the newlyweds with a calendar of romance. From date nights to family dinners, soon the couple’s marriage of convenience begins to feel real. But will they risk their friendship for a chance at love?

Her Son’s Faithful Companion by Jill Weatherholt Her son needs love and friendship, now she’s found the answer to her prayers. Former barrel racer Caitlyn Calloway wants her son with epilepsy to have everything—even if it means selling her family home. Problem is, the place is in disrepair. Her former crush, service dog trainer Logan Beckett, offers to help. But letting Logan and his dogs into their lives makes the past almost impossible to leave behind…especially when it opens the door to love.

Her Summer Refuge by Gabrielle MeyerShe needs his help to start over…but can she earn his trust? Jobless and alone, mom-to-be Jessa Brooks returns to the resort she once called home—only to find the man she left a decade before. New owner Will Madden offers his pregnant ex a cabin, a job…and a silent vow to keep his distance. But working together makes it impossible to stay away. As old feelings resurface, could they find the refuge they both need in each other?

Sunflower Farms Redemption by Stacie Strong His return is a threat to her future…and her heart. After leaving home a decade ago, Jesse Cooper returns with one goal in mind: sell the family farm. But longtime manager Rose McFarland is not about to let the man who broke her heart risk her future. Working side by side for the Sunflower Festival, Rose sets out to prove Jesse can leave the property in her capable hands. But when forgiveness turns to love, will she convince him to stay?

The widow’s unexpected suitor by Lenora WorthShe thought she’d never find love again…until he built a foundation for it. Amish widow Lilah Mehl wants to make sure her daughter has the wedding she’s always dreamed of—even if it means building a new gazebo. Hiring widowed carpenter Noah Lantz to work on the project is easy, but ignoring their attraction proves more challenging than expected. As the gazebo takes shape, so do new feelings…but is love more than they bargained for? 

The Secret Amish Arrangement by Lucy Bayer Their fake courtship…is beginning to feel all too real. When contractor Henry Barrett arrives in Hickory Hollow, his plans to renovate a house and mend the relationship with his estranged brother go awry. But a fake courtship with shy baker Clara Templeton might just solve both their problems. She’ll help clean up the house and he’ll teach her how to date. There’s no risk of heartbreak since an Amish girl and an Englischer could never share real love…could they?