Tag: White Roseanna M.

The Christmas Book Flood + Giveaway

In this charming World War II historical romance novella inspired by Jolabokaflod, Iceland’s Christmas Book Flood, an author falls in love with a man who doesn’t know he is her editor.

Iceland. December 1944. Tatiana Eliasdottir is looking forward to welcoming her niece Elea for Christmas. She’s determined to give the little girl a joyful holiday and take her mind off troubles at home. Soon, however, the publishing house where Tatiana works is flooded with orders thanks to the first issue of a seasonal book catalog. With the war causing so many shortages, Icelanders are eager to give their loved ones something that isn’t rationed, and books are the perfect solution to their dilemma.

Anders Johannsson is an editor who shares Tatiana’s love for stories. While he wishes to know her better, he’s never dared pursue more than friendship. They are first and foremost colleagues. But when Tatiana’s attempts to cheer Elea fail, Tatiana recruits him to help, a plea he can’t refuse. He is, after all, not only an editor but a beloved children’s book author and devoted uncle to his adoring nieces and nephews.

As the two creatively bring Icelandic Christmas traditions to life for Elea and frantically work to meet the demands of the publisher’s holiday rush, Tatiana finds herself increasingly drawn to kind, thoughtful Anders. But if a love is to grow between them, she will need to reveal her closely held she is the mysterious author of a popular new novel . . . and Anders is her editor.

A standalone World War II historical Christmas novella. A sweet holiday romance with a friends-to-more trope. Features a bookish heroine and hero. Christian fiction great for fans of Lynn Austin and Sarah Sundin

My Review:

I’ve been putting off writing a review of The Christmas Book Flood because I can’t seem to find the words to express not only how much I enjoyed this story, but the impact it had on me as well.

I guess I’ll start by saying it’s an epic Christmas tale destined to become a traditional read every year in my house. I’m still living with these characters a week later. In fact, I keep playing complete scenes over again in my mind and I remember so many delightful little details. To say I’m enamoured with this Christmas novella would be an understatement!

First, I’ve been totally captivated with Iceland’s book flood (Jolabokaflod) tradition since I heard about it a few years ago, so to find a story set in the year it started…well, talk about sending me into a bookish tizzy fit! And White’s talent for including historical and regional details in her stories is brilliantly done here. In particular, some epic Icelandic Christmas traditions elevated the story to a whole other level. So many rich details that completely charmed me.

And Anders! Be still my heart – a bookish hero! A rather shy and awkward one at that. And Tatiana with a delicious secret and a sweet little niece to care for over Christmas…and a secret crush on Anders. (Pssst, that crush is not one-sided!) And who can resist the romantic setting of a publishing house? Eeeepppp!!!! Not me!

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Talon David and, oh my goodness, she does an incredible job with these characters! And I appreciated hearing the Icelandic words and phrases pronounced correctly. Really brought authenticity to the storytelling and made the listen extra special.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Sadly, the book isn’t available in print anywhere as far as I can tell. 😦

US – available in ebook — winner’s choice

Canada –ebook or audible — 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 Book Flood, 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 18 2025

The Island Bookshop + Giveaway

A heartwarming tale of family, love, forgiveness and second chances.

When Kennedy Marshall sets off for a prestigious career in the city, she leaves behind the sunlit shores of North Carolina’s Outer Banks—and runs from a love she believes she can never have. With her sister, Lara, managing their grandmother’s beloved island bookshop, Kennedy feels confident she’s escaped the past. But when Lara is suddenly injured, Kennedy is drawn back into the island’s warm embrace—and bittersweet memories she thought she’d buried forever.

For Wes Armstrong, the Outer Banks is more than home—it’s his anchor. Building a successful family business was supposed to bring stability, but life has been anything but steady since his wife’s passing. Haunted by past regrets and facing a life-changing decision, Wes is determined to make the right choice for his family’s future. Yet Kennedy’s unexpected return stirs up old emotions and mistakes he thought he’d put to rest.

As hidden family secrets surface and long-buried truths come to light, Kennedy and Wes must navigate the delicate tides of forgiveness, second chances, and the unspoken love that still lingers between them. Can they find the courage to rewrite their story and create a new future on the island’s shifting sands?

Perfect for fans of clean, wholesome romance and gentle mysteries, The Island Bookshop is a heartwarming story of love, family, and the enduring power of second chances.

My Review:

Captivating setting, a surprise dual timeline and characters I came to care about all contributed to making this a memorable read for me. My first contemporary novel by Roseanna M. White (and wondering if it might be her first too?) Gave me Melissa Tagg, Betsy St. Amant vibes.

I was loving on the descriptive writing style, just getting my feet wet (ha – quite literally) along with Kennedy as she comes racing home for a family emergency with all the emotional complications that go along with that (I’m looking at you, Wes) and then I turned the page and suddenly found myself in 1938! Same place, different time and my heart did a little bookish jig at the unexpected dual timeline. To be fair, the contemporary timeline takes prominence, but I loved the tantalizing glimpses of Ana in 1938, wondering how the two would connect. Spectacularly as it turns out!

I certainly can’t resist a librarian heroine, especially one who works at the Library of Congress! Be still my library lovin’ heart! Plus, Kennedy is part owner of the island bookshop so she has the best of both worlds and so do we since there’s lots of bookish content and bibliophile nostalgia.

And then there’s Wes. The focus of Kennedy’s unrequited love for so many years, way back to their teens. His first romance was very much a cautionary tale of what can go wrong when you keep ‘the one’ in the friend zone because the friendship is too important to risk. Instead, he married someone else with disastrous results. Cue the set up for the perfect second chance, friends to more romance. So touching and tentative and heartwarming!

But before we can fully embrace the happily ever after, there’s a family legacy to save, and a family history to uncover which makes for a captivating read.

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 The Island Bookshop, 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.

Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor + Giveaway

As the beloved stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, Lady Mariah Lyons cherishes her home at Plumford Manor, but her idyllic world will be threatened when the estate passes to Cyril Lightbourne, a childhood friend she hasn’t seen or heard from in years. Once, Mariah dreamed their old friendship would kindle into something more–but that was before she heard that Cyril was courting the cruelhearted Lady Pearl. Now Mariah is willing to welcome him as a friend and pray he will finally be the heir her stepfather needs, but she’ll keep her heart locked safely away from anyone with such poor taste.

Due to misunderstandings, Cyril Lightbourne has long avoided returning to Plumford Manor, yet he reluctantly arrives in time for Christmas. When his friendship with Lady Mariah reignites, he finds himself torn between his affection for her and her family’s distance toward him because of Lady Pearl, a woman he’d rather forget. Then, more trouble arrives in the form of a Danish lord on a mission to win Mariah’s hand by Christmas . . . and to disgrace Cyril in the process.Inspired by The Nutcracker, this Edwardian-era historical romance is a tale of holiday spirit, love, and the power of family and friendship from bestselling and award-winning author Roseanna M. White.

My Review:

I’m quite enamoured with retellings – especially Christmas ones and Roseanna M. White has done an exceptional job with her reimagining of The Nutcracker. And while she has crafted her own unique story, I really enjoyed spotting the gentle nods to the original classic as well. So much fun!

A reunion romance, of sorts – Mariah and Cyril were great friends for a time during their childhood. And Mariah corresponded with him for years afterwards but their meet-cute is awkward and stilted as they shift from childhood friendship to adult expectations. Cyril is the heir apparent to her beloved Plumford estate and she has a potential suitor coming to stay with the family for Christmas.

I’ll admit, I was worried about the romantic plot because I am so love triangle adverse and I am happy to report that it wasn’t as angsty as I anticipated. Oh, there’s a bit of drama, but the story really does focus on Mariah and Cyril getting reacquainted and building on that childhood friendship which was so delightful! And occasionally toe-curling. 🙂

An inspiring Christmas full of old-fashioned holiday ambiance and the true meaning of the season.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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 Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor,  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.

An Honorable Deception + Giveaway

As the leader of elite private investigative firm the Imposters, Lord Yates Fairfax has made an art of concealing his identity. But when his newest client, the beautiful Lady Alethia Barremore, is shot while leaving their meeting, he throws caution to the wind and rushes to her aid. Though Lady Alethia thought she was only looking for her missing former nanny, she has clearly stumbled upon dangerous secrets.

Lady Lavinia Hemming suspects there’s more to her oldest friends than they’re willing to admit, and when she stumbles upon the truth that they’re the Imposters, she recruits herself into the firm. Happy as she is for the distraction of an investigation, Lavinia’s own family secrets continue to haunt her. And the one thing to bring laughter back into her life–her friendship with Yates–lands her squarely on the bad side of her best friend, his sister.

Tormented by a past that she doesn’t dare to voice aloud, Lady Alethia does what she can to help her handsome host, her new friends, and the investigators. But as clues lead them deeper into the darkest of society’s secrets, Alethia, Yates, and Lavinia soon learn anew that the gentry isn’t always noble . . . and truth isn’t always honorable.

My Review:

I have been anticipating Yates’ story since I met him in ‘A Beautiful Disguise’ and it’s finally here! Honestly, I’ve poured over every Yates scene in books one and two, desperately giddy at the thought of getting a whole book dedicated to him. In fact I’m completely invested in these characters and this fictional world so I’m truly heartbroken that we’ve reached the conclusion to the series. But, oh, my, what a grande finale!

At this point, I’d strongly suggest reading ‘The Imposters’ in order. It’s a fantastic series rich with character growth, relationship development and the whole Imposters angle is spectacularly introduced in the first book.

So back to our hero Yates. Eeeep! Fainting couch a necessity and smelling salts not optional for this read. However, you might want to have some comfort chocolate on hand because….ack…I can’t believe I’m saying this but…there’s a bit of love triangle here. Groan. I know, I’m not a fan either and if this was anyone but Roseanna M. White writing Yates I might have skipped over this book. Or at least delayed reading it for a while because love triangle angst is my bibliophile kryptonite.

So, our hero is pretty much fictional perfection. He’s kind and noble and fiercely loyal. Ultra protective. Intelligent. Compassionate. A justice seeker. A true gentleman. But, he can also be a dunderhead when it comes to romance, which roughens up some of those perfect edges and adds some realistic quirks to his personality.

And I can’t really say anything about our heroines without showing any bias though there’s soooooo much I want to say! So many talking points about their histories, the way they face their challenges, the way they feel about Yates. Aghhh. It’s torture not to say anything. The author has done a wonderful job of making them both sympathetic characters so, though I felt the love triangle had a definite ‘winner’ fairly early on, I was an emotional basket case because I liked them both and could see Yates happy with either of them. And there was always the chance I was wrong. Oy, the romantical angst!

The Imposters investigation is one of the most treacherous to date. Pure evil lurks among London’s elite and the horror that they uncover is heartbreaking. But, oh my, the comeuppance scene at the end is sheer brilliance. Stand up and Cheer and stomp and clap and hoot and holler stuff that leave a reader emotionally drained.

But there’s also lighthearted moments, playful banter between siblings and friends, swoony kisses (not telling with who!) And then……just before that aforementioned grande finale there was a gasp-out-loud, can-this-be-who-I-think-it-is? appearance of a character from a previous series which totally stunned me into gobsmacked stupification!

A stunning conclusion to what might just be my favourite Roseanna M. White series to date.

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 An Honorable Deception, 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.

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 Beautiful Disguise + Giveaway

Left with an estate on the brink of bankruptcy after their father’s death, Lady Marigold Fairfax and her brother open a private investigation firm marketed to the elite . . . to spy on the elite. Dubbed The Imposters, Ltd., their anonymous group soon becomes the go-to for the crème of society when they want answers delivered surreptitiously. But the many secrets Marigold learns about her peers pale in comparison to her shock when she and her brother are hired to investigate her best friend’s father as a potential traitor.

Sir Merritt Livingstone has spent a decade serving the monarch in the most elite guard, but when pneumonia lands him behind a desk in the War Office Intelligence Division just as they’re creating a new secret intelligence branch, he’s intent on showing his worth. He suspects a man of leaking information to Germany as tensions mount between the two countries, but needs someone to help him prove it, so he turns to The Imposters, Ltd. No one knows who they are, but their results are beyond compare.

Lady Marigold is determined to discover the truth for her friend’s sake, and she’s more determined still to keep her heart from getting involved with this enigmatic new client . . . who can’t possibly be as noble as he seems.

My Review:

Honestly, I didn’t think that this author could top her ‘Shadows Over England’ series as my all time favourite, but after reading this first book in the ‘Imposters’ series, I might have to rethink that. And for a lot of reasons that I can’t say in a review without posting spoilers so excuse me if I turn all enthusiastically vague!

Love the found family vibe going on here. Marigold and her brother have the support of some very interesting allies and they have been instrumental in molding her into a unique, multi-talented woman. And what exactly are those talents, you ask? Well, you’ll just have to read the book to discover Marigold’s quirks for yourself. She’s an uncommon heroine with an exceptional story and I loved the way the author reveals her novel background and unrivalled flair for…well so many things. (Insert an image of me Cheshire grin happy dancing here.)

And Merritt…imagine swoons between every couple of words and you’ll get an insight into my state of mind. I do so love a hero in full protective mode. One dedicated to King and country and unwilling to be sidelined by a pesky health problem. I especially love a hero who recognizes the genius within his heroine while the rest of the world complacently overlooks her. And the more Merritt finds out about Marigold’s ummmm….novel traits…the more intrigued he becomes.

Of course there’s subterfuge and spying. Mystery with a hint of danger. An incredible cast of secondary characters who add light and laughter and sage wisdom. Not to mention complicated relationships with the promise of more to come in the next book in the series. All brilliantly executed with plot twists and delightfully building tension until the resounding stand-up-and-cheer conclusion.

I was happily bibliophile comatose by the time I reached the end. Replete on captivating storytelling paired with the expert narration delivered by Susan Lyons (yay audiobooks!) Cannot wait until the second book, A Noble Scheme, comes out in March 2024.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook available to anyone, anywhere who has a .com (US) Kindle account

US — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada — paperback or ebook (via a gift card to Canadian Amazon) or audible (.ca)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Beautiful Disguise, 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 18, 2023

Worthy of Legend + Giveaway

After a summer of successful pirate-treasure hunting, Lady Emily Schofield and her friends must hide the unprecedented discoveries they’ve made, thanks to the betrayal of her own family. Horrified by her brother who will stop at nothing to prove himself to their greedy father, Emily is forced to take a stand against her family — even if it means being cut off entirely.

Bram Sinclair, Earl of Telford, is fascinated with tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table — an interest he’s kept mostly hidden for the last decade. But when a diary is unearthed on the island that could lead to a secret artifact, Bram is the only one able to piece the legends together.

As Bram and Emily seek out the whereabouts of the hidden artifact, they must dodge her family and a team of archaeologists. In a race against time, it is up to them to decide what makes a hero worthy of legend. Is it fighting valiantly to claim the treasure…or sacrificing everything in the name of selfless love?

My Review:

What do pirate lore, buried treasure and King Arthur’s legends have in common? A brilliant-minded, creative-thinking author named Roseanna M. White! ‘Worthy of Legend’ is the resounding conclusion to her ‘Secrets of the Isles’ series, full of adventure, danger, intrigue and, of course, toe-curling romance!

The mystery includes the vilest of villains and — gah — but I was steaming mad on Emily’s behalf so many times! The addition of Arthurian legends made this final book all the more captivating. Bram and Emily and the whole gang are united once again in a treasure hunting alliance that sends them on a fantastical quest they can hardly believe is real.

I’ll pause here to mention that I feel it would be best to read these books in order. You’ll have a better understanding of the large cast of characters and the history behind the pirate treasure and how everyone has come to the Isles. If you do decide to jump into the series at this point, just be patient, you’ll likely get the gist of things after a few chapters (though it might be a good idea to jot down some character notes as you go.)

There’s such depth in these characters and their personal growth and faith journeys are inspiring. “The Lord knew. The Lord saw her, no matter how dark and small the place in which she was locked. He saw her, and He cared enough to send someone to pray over her when she never would have asked for it.” (p 101)

Swashbuckling adventure + swoonworthy romance + the kind of friendships that are destined to last a lifetime = a memorable read that buoys the spirit and thrills the heart.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

SPECIAL NOTE: Because I think it is best to read this series in order, this giveaway is for the winner’s choice of EITHER #1 The Nature of a Lady, #2 To Treasure an Heiress or #3 Worthy of Legend. Please note your choice in your comment or email entry.

ebook for anyone anywhere who has an Amazon.com kindle account

US – paperback or ebook copy — winner’s choice

Canada -paperback or ebook (in form of an Amazon gift card) or audible.ca audio book – winner’s choice

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Worthy of Legend (or the first or second book in the series), 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 13, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.