Friday, November 29, 2013

Mail-Order Mistletoe Brides

GIVEAWAY

HART, JILLIAN
TRONSTAD, JANET
MAIL-ORDER MISTLETOE BRIDES

Big Sky Brides Find a Family—and Love—This Christmas

Christmas Hearts by Jillian Hart

Thirteen-year-old Amelia longs for a new ma. Little George needs a father's guidance. For their children's sake, Cole Matheson and Mercy Jacobs agree on a businesslike marriage. But though Cole tries to keep his distance, Mercy offers the very thing he's stopped believing in—the chance to forge a real family.

Mistletoe Kiss in Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad

"Passable cook wanted as wife. Marriage in name only." Noah Miller doesn't expect any replies to his plainspoken ad, though it's the only kind of offer the guarded rancher's prepared to make. Until widowed Maeve Flanagan and her sweet daughter arrive, turning his home and his heart upside down….

My Review:

Classic Christmas and so much fun to read! Both novellas pack a wallop of romance guaranteed to curl your toes and warm your heart. There is something so special about a Christmas love story and these authors know how deliver the best. There's laughter and frustration and misguided love not to mention adorable children and infuriatingly compelling heroes. You'll find the spirit of Christmas in the pages of this book. I'm still grinning just thinking about Maeve and Mercy's stories.

Giveaway Opportunity

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Mail-Order Mistletoe Brides please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday December 1 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck! 

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Search the Dark

GIVEAWAY

PERRY, MARTA
SEARCH THE DARK

Sometimes the past is best left buried 

Meredith King longs for escape. Life in Deer Run is stifling, the Amish town too small for a modern woman staying just to care for her ailing mother. When a friend enlists her help in clearing the name of an Amish boy whose decades-old death is still shrouded in mystery, she welcomes the distraction. But when a ghost from her own past reappears, there is suddenly a lot more at stake.

Zach Randal was always a bad boy, and their romance never had a chance. As charming as ever, he returns to town on the heels of a deadly new threat. Is Zach as dangerous as Meredith was always led to believe? Or is the attraction they both feel the only thing that can save them from harm?

My Review:

Impeccable pacing really draws out the suspense in Perry's latest release. Love the tag line -- sometimes the past is best left buried -- it really sets a lovely sinister tone for the book. :-) And the blend of English and Amish adds just enough cultural diversity to make things really interesting. Then there's the bad-boy-turned-good hero who really stirs things up for the heroine...and the whole town for that matter. There are plenty of surprises in the pages of this books and a lovely rekindling romance that swept me away. You won't want to put this one down until you reach the end.

Giveaway Opportunity

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Search the Dark please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday December 1 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck! 

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Love's Refuge

GIVEAWAY

LEESMITH, SANDRA
LOVE'S REFUGE

Skye Larsen loves her peaceful life on Leeza Island in Puget Sound – the tranquility, the friendly neighbors, and especially the safety from big-city dangers. So when cruel pranks start to escalate and changes threaten to overtake the island, Skye is determined to fight for her haven. The presence of a handsome vacationer and the unexpected feelings he awakens can’t distract her from her goal.

Danny Fraser doesn’t realize how desperately he needs a rest until he meets Skye. By allowing him to glimpse her simple way of life, she helps him reorient his priorities – and steals his heart in the process. But his work and home in Seattle keep Skye at bay.

An isolated island girl with painful memories. A dedicated city boy with a wild past. What will it cost for them both to find a refuge from their storms?

My Review:

What a compelling read! I devoured it! Love's Refuge is packed with enticing story threads that will captivate discerning readers.

I loved  Skye's journey arc. Her ability to overcome a traumatic event in her past is nothing short of heroic. When we first meet her she's coping because she can control her environment but when that control starts to slip we get to see what Skye is really made of. Stunning character development with a strong inspirational thread had me cheering this heroine on every step of the way.

And I loved how Danny is very much a part of Skye's transformation -- a perfect tie-in to the title as love truly becomes a refuge. But Danny does his own growing as well with Skye as his tutor. I love how two people who appear to be so opposite to each other end up becoming perfect soul mates.

There's a surprising thread of suspense woven through this tale as well which had me reading furiously to the very end. Not to mention providing a gasp-out-loud moment in a heart wrenching scene. I couldn't believe the author could be so cruel.

I also appreciated the strong environmental thread that rounded out this wonderful read. It's evident that the author holds a reverence for God's creations and that added a whole different dimension to the story.

All round stunning read that is sure to please romance lovers everywhere.

Giveaway Opportunity

In e-book format only

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Love's Refuge please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday December 1 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck! 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/15cee313/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

A Highlander for Christmas

GIVEAWAY

CARIE, JAMIE
A HIGHLANDER FOR CHRISTMAS

A Christmas Novella: Lady Juliet Lindsay has made a colossal mistake. In the face of her parents’ rejection she realizes that a single stolen kiss could cost her everything. Sent to her aunt and uncle’s home in Scotland, she finds something in the rugged highland beauty that steals her heart…and a highland man, who seems her other half.

Iain MacLeon, chieftain of the clan MacLeon, has one thing on his mind in a time where politics are like a tempest brewing—sheep. He loves his people and his land but he didn’t know he also needed a woman to share the load. And then he sees her…the flame-haired Englishwoman who steals his heart and holds it hostage against all his beliefs and all he holds dear. But how will he persuade his clan to love her as he does?

My Review:

Isn't that an awesome cover? You get  caught up in that gaze and you just know that the heroine has an amazing story to tell...and she does. This is a dream of a historical romance set in the highlands. The pacing is fantastic and you'll want to read this novella at breakneck speed...but try to catch your breath and savour the exquisite scenes instead. There's a classic dastardly villain, an extremely swoonworthy chieftain :-) and a passionate romance that will stir your heart. And the story is peppered with some great comedic scenes as well. I'm gobsmacked that the author could fit all that in a novella!

Giveaway Opportunity

Available in e-book format only.

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  the ebook A Highlander for Christmas please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday December 1 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck! 

Monday, November 25, 2013

Her Holiday Hero

GIVEAWAY

DALEY, MARGARET
HER HOLIDAY HERO

The Soldier's Gift

The holidays are right around the corner, but Captain Jake Tanner is struggling to find Christmas cheer. Having survived a devastating attack overseas, he has emotional scars that run deep. When Jake meets beautiful widow Emma Langford, his heart is unprepared for the feelings she inspires.

Training service dogs has taught Emma to recognize those in need. She wants to show Jake that a four-legged companion is the best therapy, but she's afraid that the closer she gets, the more her own wounds are revealed.

Together, Jake and Emma will discover it takes a different kind of bravery to open themselves to love—and to healing.

Caring Canines: Loving and loyal, these dogs mend hearts.

My Review:

I just love this series!!!! And there are so many different kinds of therapy dogs to highlight that I'm hoping it's around for quite a while.

Daley knows how to tell a compelling, vibrant story. Her characters are real, and unfortunately, their dilemmas are all too heartbreakingly believable as well. I love her realistic portrayals of life -- both the failures and the successes and there are plenty of both in this thought-provoking read.

I don't want to give the plot away so I won't reveal too much though I will say I was really captivated at the way the author meshed Jake's struggles with Emma and  her son's. There were parallels there that I wouldn't have seen before reading this book.

Her Holiday Hero is a romance with substance and an important message that is all too relevant in our society today (and brilliantly dealt with, I might add). A definite must read.


Giveaway Opportunity

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Her Holiday Hero please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday December 1 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck! 

Sunday, November 24, 2013

November Giveaway - Week Four







As always, I will contact the winners by email however thanks to the nefarious ways of the internet my email might land in your spam folder so keep your eyes peeled! :-) If you haven't heard from me by Monday evening please email me your snail mail address at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. From time to time winners and I don't seem to connect, so I have a month frame. If I can't reach you within four weeks your win will be forfeited and I will add an extra win to a future draw to even things up.

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK'S GIVEAWAYS:


Saturday, November 23, 2013

A Million Little Ways : Uncover the Art You Were Made to Live

FREEMAN, EMILY
A MILLION LITTLE WAYS : UNCOVER THE ART YOU WERE MADE TO LIVE

The majority of us would not necessarily define ourselves as artists. We're parents, students, businesspeople, friends. We're working hard, trying to make ends meet, and often longing for a little more--more time, more love, more security, more of a sense that there is more out there. The truth? We need not look around so much. God is within us and he wants to shine through us in a million little ways.

A Million Little Ways uncovers the creative, personal imprint of God on every individual. It invites the discouraged parent, the bored Christian, the exhausted executive to look at their lives differently by approaching their critics, their jobs, and the kids around their table the same way an artist approaches the canvas--with wonder, bravery, and hope. In her gentle, compelling style, Emily Freeman encourages readers to turn down the volume on their inner critic and move into the world with the courage to be who they most deeply are. She invites regular people to see the artistic potential in words, gestures, attitudes, and relationships. Readers will discover the art in a quiet word, a hot dinner, a made bed, a grace-filled glance, and a million other ways of showing God to the world through the simple human acts of listening, waiting, creating, and showing up.

My Review:

I just love this author's unique look at the way God can work through each individual. We are all gifted with talents -- many of which we don't normally consider to be creative in nature. And yet Freeman makes an excellent case for opening ourselves up to what God has made us to be. Creative in our own right, in diverse ways. Uniquely celebrating Him by our creative works. It's all in how we embrace our gifts, whatever they may be, and use them to glorify God. A real life-changing read.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Thursday, November 21, 2013

The Husband Hunt

GIVEAWAY

KIRST, KAREN
THE HUSBAND HUNT

Wanted: A Husband

Sophie Tanner gave up hoping for Nathan O'Malley's approval—and love—long ago. Getting married is the only way to protect her younger brother and keep her family's Smoky Mountain farm. As much as she'd like Nathan to be the groom, he can't seem to get past their friendship…or their differences.

Since they were children, Nathan has known Sophie was too impulsive, too headstrong. She's forever rushing into situations without thinking them through, like this scheme to snare a husband in under a month. Nathan always thought he'd fall in love with someone like himself—sensible, cautious, levelheaded. Sophie is his polar opposite. So why can't he picture anyone else at his side?

My Review:

Fast-paced, humour-laced and completely captivating. There's a little bit of everything in this heart-warming romance and I loved every word! I even loved dunderheaded Nathan. :-) He works so hard at talking himself out of romance and Sophie doesn't help matters with her certainty that Nathan couldn't possibly see her as anything but a friend. Those two dance circles around each other in one delicious scene after another. Another exceptional historical romance from the Love Inspired line.

Giveaway Opportunity

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Husband Hunt please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday November 24 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck! 


Smoky Mountain Matches: Dreams of home and family come true in the Smoky Mountains

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Sleigh Bell Sweethearts

GIVEAWAY

WILSON, TERI
SLEIGH BELL SWEETHEARTS

Second Chance Yuletide

Owning her own plane is all charter pilot Zoey Hathaway's ever dreamed of. So when she inherits a struggling reindeer farm, with three dozen unruly reindeer and one dangerously attractive ranch hand, Zoey's well-crafted plans seem to fly out the window. Now she must put her trust in Alec Wynn, and hope that the troubled cowboy's past won't interfere with her plans to save the farm. Zoey knows that if she wants to succeed, she can't do everything on her own. But as she accepts Alec's help, she'll soon realize it's not just her farm that's at stake—but her heart.

My Review:

Seriously funny. A book that will definitely spread lots of Christmas cheer. I mean -- a Christmas romance set at a reindeer farm in Alaska??? How can you go wrong?! Love it! And the herd -- 30, sometimes 31 when Palmer the renegade reindeer feels like showing up. Oh mercy, I'm grinning just thinking about it all. Except for the reindeer hot dogs. Honest. Who knew? Not me! And I bet Rudolph doesn't either. In fact, I'm sure the elves are busy painting boycotting signs right now. Phew, that's a relief because these reindeer are cute!

This light-hearted romance has it all -- humour, zing and enough angst to keep a reader anchored. Brilliant premise and the author followed the 'novel' idea through to the end brilliantly.

Giveaway Opportunity

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Sleigh Bell Sweethearts please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday November 24 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck! 

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Rebellious Heart

GIVEAWAY

HEDLUND, JODY
REBELLIOUS HEART

In 1763 Massachusetts, Susanna Smith has grown up with everything she’s ever wanted, except one thing: an education.
 
Because she’s a female, higher learning has been closed to her, but her quick mind and quicker tongue never back down from a challenge. She’s determined to put her status to good use, reaching out to the poor and deprived. And she knows when she marries well, she will be able to continue her work with the less fortunate.
 
Ben Ross grew up a farmer’s son and has nothing to his name but his Harvard education. A poor country lawyer, he doesn’t see how he’ll be able to fulfill his promise to make his father proud of him. When family friends introduce him to the Smith family, he’s drawn to quick-witted Susanna but knows her family expects her to marry well. When Susanna’s decision to help an innocent woman no matter the cost crosses with Ben’s growing disillusionment with their British rulers, the two find themselves bound together in what quickly becomes a very dangerous fight for justice.
 
My Review:
 
Honestly, I'm running out of superlatives for all the topline historicals coming out in the Christian market this year. I'm speechless -- nearly :-)
 
Once again, Hedlund's stunning portrayal of volatile time in American history left me feeling as if I'd lived each minute right along with the heroine. This author has the incredible ability to take her readers into the past and she makes that journey a fascinating one. Especially for this Canadian who has to admit that our Empire Loyalists who settled parts of Ontario and Nova Scotia were considered enemies of the Americans and fled the states. History is all about perspective, isn't it?
 
One of the most striking aspects of this book is Susanna's struggle with her core beliefs of basic values. In the beginning of the book she is almost childlike in her simplistic 'black and white' viewpoints. Ben challenges her to think beyond the constraints of the time and watching her wrestle with issues like loyalty and justice really made this read an exceptional one for me.
 
And oh,, the romance! I'm amazed I don't have scalded fingertips from smoldering pages. Toe-curling doesn't begin to describe it! Add in a sinister villain and some breath-taking suspense and you've got an exceptional read that shouldn't be missed.
 
Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Rebellious Heart please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday November 24 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck! 

Monday, November 18, 2013

The Lawman's Holiday Wish

GIVEAWAY

HERNE, RUTH LOGAN
THE LAWMAN'S HOLIDAY WISH

Second-Chance Christmas

No one in Kirkwood Lake seems willing to forget, or forgive, Rainey McKinney's troubled past. But Rainey can't afford to let that bother her. Her top priority is rebuilding her life and being a good mom to her twin daughters. Even handsome deputy sheriff Luke Campbell can't distract her, tempting as he is. She's determined to keep her distance, but as his son and her girls form a special bond, Rainey and Luke can't help but do the same. Can Rainey put her past behind her once and for all and embrace a future full of hope—and love?

Kirkwood Lake: A town full of heart and hope.

My Review:

Another winning Christmas story from a much-loved author. Herne knows how to pack an emotional punch and this one left me reeling, in fact, she made me cry. :-(  But I forgive her because this book is pure Christmas magic. I'm still in turmoil over the outrageously cute kids and infuriatingly misguided townsfolk. Not to mention the stalwart heroine who is the epitome of  "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13). Her story is a powerful testimony of new beginnings.

And Luke...be still my heart...gotta love a hero in full-blown protective overdrive even when he's wrong. But oh, does he look cute eating humble pie! Rainey transforms his world and I'm better for having read their story. A Stunning holiday read that will inspire as much as it entertains (except for one scene that gutted me.)

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Lawman's Holiday Wish  please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday November 24 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck! 

Sunday, November 17, 2013

November Giveaway - Week Three







As always, I will contact the winners by email however thanks to the nefarious ways of the internet my email might land in your spam folder so keep your eyes peeled! :-) If you haven't heard from me by Monday evening please email me your snail mail address at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. From time to time winners and I don't seem to connect, so I have a month frame. If I can't reach you within four weeks your win will be forfeited and I will add an extra win to a future draw to even things up.

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK'S GIVEAWAYS:





Thursday, November 14, 2013

Ten Thousand Villages and a Giveaway

GIVEAWAY
 
You might be surprised to learn that I'm not all about books...sort of. :-) There are other things that I am passionate about. Like fair trade and art and trying to put my money into local and Christian endeavors that count. Hence my love of Ten Thousand Villages so when Graf-Martin Communications (a company that sends me books to review) asked if I'd be willing to blog about the non-profit Mennonite Central Committee program I was more than thrilled to have the opportunity. And of course, I figured out a way to connect a book giveaway with this blog because I'm that obsessed with good Christian fiction. :-)

Founded in 1946, Ten Thousand Villages provides a North American venue for skilled artisans in developing countries to sell their product. It all started when Edna Ruth Byler sold items out of the trunk of her car! They've come a long way in 65 years and now there are more than 120 retail outlets and 150 fesitval sales throughout North America.



Not to mention online stores in both Canada and the United States. You can check them out here:

www.tenthousandvillages.ca

www.tenthousandvillages.com

 
Chances are, if there is a Mennonite church in your area you've been to a Ten Thousand Villages Christmas sale. But exquisitely unique Christmas decorations isn't all they are known for. Stores offer everything from fairly traded coffee and chocolate to jewelry to home decor and art made by artisans in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. They provide an income for thousands of disadvantaged artisans in 35 countries who would otherwise be unemployed or underemployed.

I'm blessed to have a Ten Thousand Villages store close by and I do most of my Christmas shopping there. I love the fact that I'm giving something meaningful -- a gift that keeps on giving. And I've been known to buy an item or two just for me as well. There's a huge price range on goods -- easily able to meet any budget.

So -- how does Myra Johnson's excellent novel When the Clouds Roll By fit with Ten Thousand Villages? First, if you're not familiar with book you can read my review of it here:

http://www.bestreads-kav.blogspot.ca/search/label/Johnson%20Myra

 
Heroine Annemarie is an artist. She works at her father's store creating practical household pieces but there is a creative spark within her that can't be stifled. She creates artistic masterpieces on her own time and yearns for a way to make a living as an artist at a time (end of World War I) when women were not encouraged to run their own business outside the home. I got to know Annemarie well by the end of the book and I like to think she would whole heartedly embrace the concept of fair trade and enabling artists to earn a living by their God given talent. So since I happen to have an extra copy of When the Clouds Roll By I thought up this unique giveaway:

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of When the Clouds Roll By as well as a unique gift from the Ten Thousand Villages collection  please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday November 17 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!
 

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Rebecca's Christmas Gift

GIVEAWAY

MILLER EMMA
REBECCA'S CHRISTMAS GIFT

Housekeeper For The Holidays

During the Christmas season, Rebecca Yoder agrees to help new preacher Caleb Wittner with his mischievous daughter. Amelia's turned the community of Seven Poplars upside down. Only Rebecca can see the pain hidden beneath the little girl's antics—and her father's brusque manner. After losing his wife in a fire, Caleb's physical scars may be healing, but his emotions have not. Yet Rebecca's sweet manner soon has him smiling and laughing with his daughter—and his pretty housekeeper. Soon Caleb must decide whether to invite Rebecca into his life—or lose her forever.  Hannah's Daughters: Seeking love, family and faith in Amish country

My Review:

Funny and touching and well worth the read! I'm still smiling at the way Rebecca stands up to gruff ol' Caleb. And little Amelia is such a sweet feisty little thing. :-) Of course it stands to reason that Rebecca would be the only woman in Seven Poplars who is a match for Caleb's daughter. Poor Caleb sandwiched between such two strong-willed females. There's humour and angst and new love struggling to emerge in the midst of it all. Miller has created an uplifting Christmas story that is definitely an Amish lovers dream.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Rebecca's Christmas Gift  please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday November 17 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck! 

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Josiah's Treasure

GIVEAWAY

HERRIMAN, NANCY
JOSIAH'S TREASURE

In 1882, Sarah Whittier dreams of opening an art studio run by immigrant women. She plans to use the house left to her by family friend Josiah Cady as collateral for her studio. But will all be lost when the inheritance is challenged by an angry man claiming to be Josiah's son and legal heir? Rumor of gold nuggets hidden in the house, place Sarah's life in danger. Her future uncertain and her safety threatened, Sarah has nowhere to turn. That is, unless she can soften a vengeful man's heart-and they both learn that love is finer than any gold.

My Review:

A sublime historical read. Herriman doesn't just create images with her words, she creates scents and sounds as well. I love becoming so immersed in a story that it becomes my reality for a time; a perfect escape from my harried life and all its concerns. God bless authors like Nancy Herriman who lovingly carry me away into literary respite!

This compelling read really got my dander up in more than a few scenes. The author addresses the plight of women grappling with poverty in previous centuries. So many closed doors and prejudices keep the frustrating circle running full tilt. This background, and Sarah's passion for helping the immigrant women she accepts responsibility for makes for an invigorating, thought-provoking read.

And I loved the gnarly romance that starts out with two people making incorrect assumptions on the character and life of the other. That's another kind of prejudice that is also addressed -- making snap judgements and then treating people accordingly.  Let's just say that lots of humble pie was served before the story reaches its conclusion.

A captivating and intense plot which includes a thread of suspense kept me committed to discovering the truth behind Josiah's treasure. And oh, bliss, the conclusion didn't disappoint. I just loved this book and I'm willing to bet you will too!

Blogger's Note: My apologies -- on Sunday I forgot to announce the winner of Christmas at Harmony Hill. I've amended the post and the winner is posted now. Sorry...major goof on my part. :-(

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Josiah's Treasure please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday November 17 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck! 

Monday, November 11, 2013

Texas K-9 Unit Christmas

GIVEAWAY

MCCOY, SHIRLEE
REED, TERRI
TEXAS K-9 UNIT CHRISTMAS

Christmas comes wrapped in danger.

Holiday Hero by Shirlee McCoy

Emma Fairchild never expected to find trouble in sleepy Sagebrush, Texas. But when she's attacked and left for dead in her own diner, her childhood friend turned K-9 cop Lucas Harwood offers a chance at justice—and love.

Rescuing Christmas by Terri Reed

She escaped a kidnapper, but now a killer has set his sights on K-9 dog trainer Lily Anderson. When fellow officer Jarrod Evans appoints himself her bodyguard, Lily knows more than her life is at risk—so is her heart.

Texas K-9 Unit: These lawmen solve the toughest cases with the help of their brave canine partners

My Review:

If you have read any of the books in the Texas K-9 Unit series you'll be jumping up and down over this Christmas release. And if you haven't read them you can still jump up and down because this book is worth expending a little energy over. :-)

Nothing says Christmas to this avid reader more than a little holiday romantic suspense -- and adding a couple of dogs into the mix is like topping a bowl of kibble with a pile of milk bones! I'm amazed at how expertly both authors weave tales of suspense and romance within the limited word count of a novella. Fast-paced action and heart-stopping romance are the staples of these two thrilling holiday reads. Four paws up for dog lovin' suspense readers everywhere.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Texas K-9 Unit Christmas please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday November 17 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck! 
 

Sunday, November 10, 2013

November Giveaway - Week Two




 
 

As always, I will contact the winners by email however thanks to the nefarious ways of the internet my email might land in your spam folder so keep your eyes peeled! :-) If you haven't heard from me by Monday evening please email me your snail mail address at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. From time to time winners and I don't seem to connect, so I have a month frame. If I can't reach you within four weeks your win will be forfeited and I will add an extra win to a future draw to even things up.

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK'S GIVEAWAYS: