Novella – Page 3 – Kav's Best Reads

The Christmas Heirloom + Giveaway

Perfect for the Christmas season, four beloved authors bring their bestselling, award-winning talents to a multigenerational collection of romantic holiday novellas. In stories ranging from 1820s Regency England to present-day Washington state, readers will be treated to Christmas tales of an heirloom brooch passed from mother to daughter for almost two hundred years. Will the family legend claiming the brooch brings love to its recipient hold true for these women separated by the years but bonded together by the ties of family?

In Kristi Ann Hunter’s “Legacy of Love,” Sarah Gooding never suspected returning a brooch to an elderly woman would lead to a job . . . and introduce her to the woman’s grandson. While he may be far above her station, she can’t help but notice that his desire to make this Christmas special for his grandmother matches her own.

In Karen Witemeyer’s “Gift of the Heart,” widow Ruth Albright uses the family brooch as collateral for a loan from the local banker. But the more she comes to know the man behind the stern businessman, the more she hopes for a second chance at love as the holidays draw near.

In Sarah Loudin Thomas’s “A Shot at Love,” Fleeta Brady’s rough-and-tumble childhood means she prefers hunting to more feminine activities. She never expected her mother’s brooch might be how a fellow hunter turns her attention from competition to romance one December.

In Becky Wade’s “Because of You,” Maddie Winslow has spent years in love with a man whose heart was already spoken for. When a church Christmas project brings them together and she stumbles upon an old family brooch, might it finally be her turn for love?

My Review:

published in 2018

I don’t read a ton of novellas but I’m fond of Christmas collections and these stories do justice to that beautiful cover. I love the heirloom brooch connection to all four stories and the way we get to follow it through the generations.

Loved the opportunity to time travel with four of my favourite authors, savoring spectacular love stories that span centuries. Each one reads like a full length novel with all the complexities of character and plot. Think toe-curls and swoons times four! Leaves a romantical reader kinda breathless! And you can’t beat four happily-ever-after Christmas themed love stories to get you in the holiday spirit! A perfect pre-Christmas gift for any avid reader on your list (including you!)

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a 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 The Christmas Heirloom, 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 26 2025.

The Christmas Gathering

A CHRISTMAS REUNION by Shelley Shepard Gray: Tricia Troyer is thrilled when Brandt Massey, her cousin’s English friend, joins the Troyers’s holiday gathering for the second year in a row. When Brandt asks Tricia to be his girlfriend, they both know she’ll have important choices to make about her future. But the two aren’t as different as some believe-and with open hearts and understanding, their very own Christmas miracle just might be possible . . .

WE GATHER TOGETHER by Lenora Worth: When Lucas Myer meets Kayla Hollinger on the shores of Lake Erie, he’s smitten. The two plan to meet again-but soon enough they discover a problem: their relatives are locked in a longtime feud and forbid them to socialize. Fortunately, Lucas and Kayla are old enough to make their own decisions-and they decide to create a Christmas miracle of forgiveness and love . . .

HITTING ALL THE RIGHT NOTES by Rachel J. Good: Years ago, Andrew was banished by his Amish family when he chose a career in music. And now, just before Christmas, he and his band find themselves stranded after their manager absconds with their money. Desperate, Andrew is offered a job teaching piano-but that’s just the first miracle. His work will not only bless others in need, but a longtime fan might just capture his heart-and even lead him home . .

My Review:

Three heartwarming holiday novellas that share one common thread: Christmas family reunions, Amish style.

Shelley Shepard Gray’s classic storytelling creates drama and hope around a forbidden Amish/Englisch romance that seems doomed from the start. That forbidden love theme continues when Lenora Worth’s hero and heroine are thwarted by feuding families. And the love of forbidden music complicates the lives of one Amish couple looking for a Christmas miracle in Rachel J. Good’s novella.

Simple details of Amish holiday traditions bring a gentle festive touch to these stories. A lovely addition to any library’s Christmas collection.

Snowed in at the Castle + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

Indie!

A light-hearted holiday romance about an orphaned woman who gets snowed in with a prince for Christmas.

What if you were snowed in far away from home with a prince…

But you thought he was just a normal guy?

A normal guy who spoke beautiful words and snuck you into the ballroom in the middle of the night just so he could hold you close?

Avery Rossi’s had a rough year. She took a dream European vacation to push a restart button on her life, only to end up stranded in the airport. Her tour group is directed to temporary lodging in the castle–every girl’s dream come true. When she meets a royal advisor with brooding eyes and broad shoulders, she’s tempted to tear up her return ticket.

Prince Matteo de Luca must announce his engagement at the Christmas Eve ball. There are several problems.

1. The women his parents want him to marry is a troll.
2. He doesn’t want to get married at all.
3. He’s met an adorable American who makes him believe in things like love at first argument and the joy of Christmas.
4. She doesn’t know he’s a prince.

Pulled apart by centuries of tradition and loyalty to God and king, it’s going to take more than a royal rebellion for these two to be together.

Find out if Christmas truly is a season for miracles in this new holiday romance today!

My Review:

published in 2020

Such a festively fun discovery! McConnell delivers classic Christmas charm with a bit of a fairy tale feel. Loved the castle setting! I mean, if you’re going to be stranded in a snowstorm that’s the place to be! And the author includes some lovely details that made me feel like I was right there with Avery.

She’s been on an emotional journey over the past year, culminating in the first Christmas without her parents. A European tour between Thanksgiving and Christmas seemed like the perfect distraction. Meeting a prince in disguise even more so.

Loved the way the hidden identity trope played out! Matteo is swoonworthy hero material. The romance develops quickly but somehow it never felt rushed and I loved the way the author incorporated Christmas traditions into the story. This is very much a holiday read. Heartwarming and hopeful with a dollop of Christmas whimsy to make your season brighter.

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 Snowed in at the Castle, 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 19 2025.

Holly’s Homecoming + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

A Christmastime Novella of Restoration and Sweet Romance

It’s the end of 1897 and Christmas approaches. It’s been years since Holly Moore has seen her father, a well-known lumber baron, but she has heard he’s come back home to Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Having lived with her aunt and uncle since the age of ten, Holly holds mixed feelings about seeing the man who once abandoned her.

When the opportunity comes for Holly to slip into the household of Grapevine Lodge—her childhood home and the seat of the Moore Lumber fortune—virtually unnoticed, she takes it.

While at Grapevine Lodge, Holly encounters Matthew Peterson, the son of a business associate of her father’s. She quickly develops a friendship with Matthew, but when she finds out just who he really is and what he’s come to the lodge for, Holly questions their relationship.

Will Holly’s father recognize her? Can she move past all that has kept her and her father apart and finally be able to truly come home? Can Holly keep her feelings for Matthew and still step into her role as the heiress to a lumber fortune?

Find out in this short and sweet, Christmas-themed novella with a surprise twist. Readers of Christian historical fiction, Christian or clean romance, and Christmas fiction will experience a heart-warming story of all that makes Christmastime magical.

My Review:

published in 2021

A heartwarming Christmas story featuring reconciliation and romance.

Holly is on a quest to discover more about her estranged father and a past she doesn’t understand. Love the atmospheric setting and the unexpected way Holly’s arrival at Grapevine Lodge gets turned around, giving her an opportunity to seek answers through stealthy means rather than confrontational ones.

The author’s storytelling style sets the tone beautifully. A little bit haunting, a wee bit mysterious and very intriguing. I felt for Holly and her desire to know the truth…even if she isn’t prepared for it! The gentle romance brings a sweet reprieve to her inner turmoil. And the frosty ambience of a house left neglected for much too long is the perfect setting for a story that is as much about forgiveness and mercy as it is about love.

This is the first book in the‘Botanical Seasons Novellas‘ collection as well as the first book I’ve read by Jenny Knipfer and I definitely intend to continue with this series and this author . I’m extremely excited over her new ‘Retold Fairy Tales’ series she has releasing this year. Eeeeeppp!

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 Holly’s Homecoming, 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 12 2025.

Now or Never + Giveaway

Indie!

Will leaving positive legacies mean kissing their own happily-ever-after goodbye?

If Tim Bergeron got a lifetime achievement award for anything, it’d be managing the iconic rock band, Awestruck, but he’d trade his successful career for the opportunity to prevent his daughter from repeating his mistakes.

When a health scare proves time is short, he talks Isabella into a cross-country road trip. His attempts to talk her out of a hasty marriage drive a wedge between them, and it looks like the best he can hope for from the trip is scouting out promising new talent to represent. That is, until he meets Gabby.

Widow Gabrielle Voss has responsibilities to her daughter and patients, deep roots in the community, and a dream that scares her. Though she’d never utter it to the people she lives and works among, the truth slips out with Tim, who’s not in Many Oaks, Iowa, to stay.

As her fiftieth birthday party draws near and an attraction to Tim sparks to life, Gabby realizes she must pursue her dream now—or, more reasonably, never.

This prequel novella to the Many Oaks Romances stars a popular character from the Rhythms of Redemption Romances.

My Review:

The perfect place to begin a new series, with the prequel novella! I love the glimpse the author gave us of the town and some characters who I believe will be featured in future novels (angsty ones at that!)

But this story focuses on a ‘later in life’ romance between Tim and Gabby who are both in their early fifties. And, of course, it’s all kinds of complicated given each of their personal histories. And the fact that they don’t live in the same town or even state!

But it’s attraction at first sight at a time neither of them is looking for love. Conrad writes a beautiful romance with depth and grace…and a healthy dose of grit. I appreciated the maturity in the way they tackled all the issues they faced, both personally and together as they try to figure out what their future might hold. And I love that they are both anchored by their faith which makes for a strong foundation.

Realistic drama, family struggles and the way the author approached some tough topics added emotional layers to their story and made for a captivating read.

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 Now or Never, 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 February 1 2025.

The Christmas Catch + Giveaway

When two high school sweethearts reunite, will they take another chance at love or let life sideline them at Christmas?

Benched with a career-ending injury, NFL wide receiver Jahleel Walker is forced to return to his hometown of Peachwood Bay, Georgia, during the holidays to heal, despite his rocky relationship with his father. Nothing shocks him more than running into Lucille “Bebe” Gordon.

Bebe Gordon came home to Peachwood Bay three years ago with a divorce certificate and her daughter. When Jahleel returns–for the first time in eight years–all the memories of the past come rushing back. The connection between them is still strong, but Jahleel has no plans to stay in Peachwood Bay, and Bebe won’t risk him leaving her again. As their hometown’s Christmas festivities bring them together, Jahleel must decide if he’s only home for the holidays or if the Christmas spirit that brought them together will last all through the year.

My Review:

What would Christmas be without a holiday romance from one of my favourite authors? It would be dismal, that’s what. Because, once again Toni Shiloh has blended faith and family and Christmas memories into a heart-tugging romance that made me all kinds of festively happy.

Second Chance romance. Check. Christmas Ball. Check. Reindeer. In Georgia?! Check. Perfect building blocks that set the stage for an inspirational contemporary romance with a meaningful faith thread in the midst of all the holiday fun.

Love the way Bebe and Jahleel prayerfully worked their way through past hurts to reclaim their friendship…and the hope of something so much more. There’s Christmas activities, Bebe’s adorable young daughter, special friendships along with some family drama to keep a reader invested in the outcome. A captivating read from start to finish.

I enjoyed listening to the audible edition of ‘The Christmas Catch’ (clever title!) expertly narrated by Jasmin Walker. Would definitely recommend giving this book a listen if you enjoy audio books as much as I do.

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 Christmas Catch 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 Friday December 20 2024.

The Silent Night + Giveaway

INDIE!

Twas the hour after midnight and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, except for the owls. And Holly.

Holly is no stranger to the night. Her unique position means that the still hours in the darkest parts of the night are when most of her work gets done. It’s not completely silent—she has Parliament to thank for that—but it does get a bit lonely. Not even the letters from her faithful correspondent can completely fill the empty space, and it’s only a matter of time before she loses even those.

Dominic Klause has watched as, year after year, the winters in Weihnacht grow longer and colder. The nights are dark, food is scarce, and his fellow countrymen are desperate for a miracle, but too proud to accept charity, leaving Dominic no choice but to hide his attempts at helping them under the cover of darkness. But his resources are limited, and not even the brilliant suggestions of his friend Joy can change the fact that it will require the riches of a king to continue his charitable efforts.

As Deus Natus Eve approaches, Dominic turns his attention towards the one place that could solve all his problems—the abandoned castle of the former king. But all is not as it seems behind the towering holly hedges that surround the castle, and Dominic encounters more than he bargained for. When the unexpected gift of love is dropped into his lap, will Dominic find the treasure he seeks? Or will it be lost to the silence of the night?

This book is a part of The Christmas Chronicles, a collection of festive novellas filled with clean romance, chilly weather, and cozy adventures.

My Review:

Sqqquuueeaaaalll! Eeeeeepppp!!!Squeeeeeeep!!!!!

This is me in a discombobulated state of dithery biblio-phoria because I’ve just discovered a new-to-me fave author who writes fairy tale retellings!!!!! And this one is beyond clever. A mix of Sleeping Beauty and The Legend of St. Nicholas and it is BRILLIANT!!!! There are some one liners in here that had me laughing out loud and more then a few ‘aha’ moments as I discovered fairy tale connections. So. Much. Fun.

Beran has a lovely storytelling ‘voice’ that suits this specialty genre to perfection. I don’t think I can find the words to explain just how much I loved ‘The Silent Night’. The author is. an absolute genius at creating a unique story using familiar fairy tale ‘prompts’. I’m astounded and gobsmacked and eager to read more Sarah Beran very soon.

I enjoyed listening to the audible edition of this book. Tawnya Rollingson charms with her heartfelt narration which added to my overall appreciation for these characters and their story.

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 The Silent Night, 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 7 2024.

Holly’s Homecoming + Giveaway

indie!

My Review:

published in 2021

A heartwarming Christmas story featuring reconciliation and romance.

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.

Cornered + Giveaway

Prepare for three times the thrills with these nail-biting page-turners from your favorite romantic suspense authors!

In In the Dark by Lynette Eason, accountant Steph Cross is cleaning out a coworker’s desk after her untimely death when she finds cryptic notes that lead her to believe her friend’s car accident was no accident at all. Detective Tate Cooper is determined to help her crack the case before someone else gets hurt. But can he protect the woman who has so quickly laid claim to his heart?

In Downfall by Lynn H. Blackburn, chef Cassie Quinn gets an offer she can’t refuse: to fill in as chef at an exclusive mountain resort. But when the kitchen is destroyed and it becomes clear Cassie is in danger, she’s forced to accept the help of her ex-boyfriend, Detective Donovan Bledsoe, to find the culprit and keep her safe.

In Perilous Obsession by Natalie Walters, teacher Lahela Young becomes the target of someone with a twisted obsession of righting a wrong. The first person she turns to is her good friend Briggs Turner. Briggs may have left his career as a police officer, but he still has the instinct to protect–especially for Lahela.

My Review:

Happy sigh! What a sensational Romantic Suspense collection which comes as no surprise given the caliber of these authors. Each book reads with as much depth as their longer novels do. Satisfying to the very last word! Oh — and with this trio, ‘it ain’t over ’til it’s over’ is a good thing to keep in mind.

I listened to the audible edition expertly narrated by Leah Horowitz. She really knows how to deliver a suspense! A perfect pairing of authors and narrator. Highly recommend the audio book.

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 Cornered, 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 30 2024.

The Christmas Clue to Finding You + Giveaway

INDIE!

After five years away, Piper Dawson returns home to Kedgewick Creek and is pulled into a Christmas Scavenger Hunt that resurrects a heartbreak from Christmas past she’s not quite ready to mend. Will a matchmaking granny, a little Christmas magic, and a cute guy in a kilt make all the difference to her Christmas yet-to-come?

My Review:

published 2022

How did I miss a Pepper Basham Christmas novella two years ago?! My stealthy bibliophile spidey senses must have been waaaay off. Glad I ‘discovered’ this sweet novella this year when I went on a hunt for more indie Christmas reads.

We were just talking about favourite tropes and I’m adding ‘cute guy in a kilt’ to my list! Bwahaha! And this is also a second chance , friends to more romance. Eeeeppp! Plus it’s Christmas! Written by Pepper Basham which means we’re not only going to get a swoonalicious love story, we’re going to get an insightful inspirational message as well. And the author has out done herself with this poignant look at how the Christmas story can affect the way we live our lives all year round.

So, Piper’s returning home a to place she thought she needed to leave in order to find herself. Only that didn’t work as well for her as it did for her sister. So she’s back helping out at her grandma’s inn (I do so love a holiday inn story!) and getting reacquainted with the town and all the folks she’s missed…including some she wasn’t sure she ever wanted to see again – like Gabe.

They have such an interesting backstory that includes some tragedy which led to their estrangement and, well, you’ll just need to let them tell you their story. This quote sums it up quite nicely:

“Sometimes the wrong road helps our hearts appreciate the right one when we find it.”

Love the thread of redemption woven throughout and the quest to find a place to belong. And there’s an intriguing Christmas scavenger hunt that propels the plot forward in a delightful way (provides a clever title tie in too.) Makes for some sublime holiday reading!

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 The Christmas Clue to Finding You, 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.