Tag: McDaniel Rachel Scott

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

Undercurrent of Secrets + Giveaway

Two women, a century apart, expose a secret aboard a steamboat.

As wedding coordinator for the 100-year-old steamboat The Belle of Louisville, Devyn Ashbury takes pride in seeing others’ dreams come true, even though her engagement sunk like a diamond ring to the bottom of the Ohio River. When the Belle becomes a finalist in the Timeless Wedding Venue contest, Devyn endeavours to reclaim some of her professional dreams. What she hadn’t planned on was Chase Jones showing up with a mysterious photo from the 1920s.

A century earlier, Hattie Louis is as untameable as the river that raised her. As the adopted daughter of a steamboat captain, her duties range from the entertainment to booking. When strange incidents occur aboard the boat, Hattie’s determined to discover the truth. Even if that means getting under First Mate Jack Marshall’s handsome skin.

My Review:

published in 2021

So, I might be a tad obsessed with steamboats now. Before I started reading Undercurrent of Secrets, I thought steamboats were mostly a Mississppi River thing. I couldn’t resist checking to see if Canada had any in our history and — surprise! — yes we do! Steamboats transported troops during the War of 1812, and they ferried gold seekers up to the Yukon and they’re even the reason Ontario has a sophisticated inland canal and lock system! Who knew? And, I know you don’t care and this isn’t pertinent to my review but I do so adore a book that inspires me to do my own research.

Plus — steamboats seem so romantic to me now! McDaniel does such a wonderful job of bringing the Belle to life — honestly, she’s as much a heroine in this story as Devyn and Hattie are! And the idea of a steamboat wedding venue is such a great backdrop for the contemporary timeline. It makes a nice contrast to the working life of the steamboat in the 1920s.

And the way the author expertly interweaves these two timelines is just mind boggling. I was equally invested in both stories, as desperate as Devyn to find out what happened to Hattie. I was on tenterhooks all the way through.

Of course, there’s romance — times two! Eeeep!!! I honestly don’t have a favourite hero — I fell for them both. Hard. Which kept me a wee bit discombobulated until things got sorted out. So many ‘aha’ moments. Oh — and both meet-cutes are hysterically funny! I love the way McDaniel blended comedy with drama and included layers of faith. The perfect combination for an unputdownable read.

I listened to the audible edition, narrated by Leonor Woodworth and she did a wonderful job of breathing life into these characters.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Undercurrent of Secrets, 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 22, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.