Abducted in Alaska

 

GIVEAWAY

TURNER. DARLENE L.

ABDUCTED IN ALASKA

Protecting a child...could cost them their lives

Saving a boy who has escaped his captors puts Canadian border patrol officer Hannah Morgan right into the path of a ruthless child-smuggling ring. Now with help from police constable Layke Jackson, she must keep the child safe. But can they rescue the other abducted children and bring down the gang...all while protecting a little boy and keeping themselves alive?

My Review:

Phew! This is one non-stop action roller coaster of a read! Love the Canadian setting (it says Alaska in the title but most of the story takes place in the Yukon) and the interesting perspective of a Northern border patrol officer.

The pursuit is viciously relentless as Hannah and Layke strive to protect young Gabe and figure out who is behind the smuggling and where the other boys are. And the bad guys aren't the only ones giving chase -- God has been in pursuit of Layke for awhile and the frozen tundra provides just the right attention grabbing moments. Getting to watch Layke's diminished faith spark back to life and grow in strength is one of the highlights of the story.

Throw in some romance and a twisty-turny suspense plot with more questions than answers and you wind up with one thrilling read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Abducted in Alaska, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. 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 winners announced on Saturday March 6 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck! 

Tomorrow's Sun

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO READ DAY!

MELBY, BECKY

TOMORROW'S SUN

Faith reaches across the centuries.

Her fractures have mended, her scars faded, but Emily Foster can't move on until she makes restitution for a past mistake. Flipping houses seems like the path to her goal. Yet, instead of finding a door to the future, the 1840s house she plans to remodel opens windows to the past.

Contractor Jake Braden hates Emily's plan to modernize the old house, but the cost of fighting for guardianship of his late sister's twelve-year-old twins forces him to take the job anyway. When a hidden door and faded love letters connect the house with the Underground Railroad, he and Emily embark on a mission to uncover the fate of young lovers.

As Emily and Jake unravel the long-forgotten love story, words of faith in the face of fear inspire, convict, and draw them to each other...but will they be prepared when faced with their greatest test yet?

My Review:

published in 2012

I discovered an extra copy of this book while trying to wrangle an unwieldy bookshelf into submission (a case of overbuying at a Christian bookstore's closing sale a few years back) so this is a repeat review and the giveaway is for a print copy.

Richly layered, Melby has mastered the art of the slow reveal. There is mystery and suspense in this contemporary novel, though I wouldn't categorize it as either. The suspense is in the characterization, the mystery is in the past and both are woven into an intricate pattern that will prompt a sit-down-and-read-in-one-sitting compulsion.

Emily is still recovering from a debilitating accident. Time and hard work slowly heal her body but her mind is an entirely different matter. For that emotional healing she needs God but she is hiding from Him. Her inner turmoil makes for a riveting read.

Jake was once an 'on-fire' Christian but time and life have faded his resolve. He's going through the motions but when he meets Emily all that changes. Their reluctant 'courtship' dance is immensely satisfying...and frustrating...to read!

Add in the rich historical detail (even though it's a contemporary) and this book makes a near-perfect read. The only way it could be better is if the author had made it longer!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback copy

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Tomorrow's Sun, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. 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 winners announced on Saturday March 6  2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck! 

The Work of Art

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO READ DAY!

MATTHEWS, MIMI

THE WORK OF ART

An Uncommon Beauty...

Hidden away in rural Devonshire, Phyllida Statterthwaite has always been considered more odd than beautiful. But in London, her oddity has made her a sensation. Far worse, it's caught the eye of the sinister Duke of Moreland -- a notorious art collector obsessed with acquiring one-of-a-kind treasures. To escape the duke's clutches, she's going to need a little help.

An Unlikely hero...

Captain Arthur Haywood's days of heroism are long past. Grievously injured in the Peninsular War, he can no longer walk unaided, let alone shoot a pistol. What use can he possibly be to a damsel in distress? He has nothing left to offer except his good name.

Can a marriage of convenience save Philly from the vengeful duke? Or will life with Arthur put her -- and her heart -- in more danger than ever?

My Review:

published in 2019

Winner of the 2020 Holt Medallion

I'm in a twitterpated state of the vapors after being swept away by this exceptionally extraordinary Regency Romance. I mean, I'm not even sure I can formulate a review, I'm that Regency rattled. But I'll give it a valiant try. Here goes...

Utterly charming and beguiling. I mean even the subtle nuances pack a punch. Every measured word and clever plot twist breathed life into these characters and left me completely enthralled.

It's a classic trope in historical fiction (though this story is anything but ordinary) -- a young lady of limited means left at the mercy of a guardian who does not have her best interests at heart. The hero is wounded -- both physically and mentally -- and is struggling to find meaning and purpose in his altered life. Circumstances draw them together and events conspire to draw them closer still. What follows is sheer bibliophile delight!

Brush off your fainting couch and practice your safe swooning techniques because they'll sure come in handy during this read. I can't even...As far as wounded heroes go, Captain Haywood is one of the best I've ever met within the pages of a book. Truly sigh-worthy. And the way the author develops the romance...mercy! You better grab a fan or two or three or an even dozen. The dialogue -- banter and frank conversation -- are divine! 

But don't get too comfy on that fainting couch because there's something sinister afoot. Diabolical plotting and villainous deeds bring action and adventure to this story as well.

Quite simply, unputdownable.

Please note: While this isn't a Christian Fiction selection, it is a clean read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy -- winner's choice

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Work of Art, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. 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 winners announced on Saturday March 6 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck! 

The Trustworthy One

GIVEAWAY

GRAY, SHELLEY SHEPARD

THE TRUSTWORTHY ONE

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray returns to the charming and evocative Walnut Creek Series with an unforgettable novel following one broken young woman whose search for peace leads her back to her hometown, where she rediscovers her faith and reconnects with those she loves most.

Kendra Troyer always knew she would leave Walnut Creek the first chance she got. When she was accepted into design school, she tried her best not to look back at the four siblings she was abandoning, but ahead to Columbus, where she was determined to stay -- far away from her abusive home and far away from Nate Miller, the boy she vowed to despise for the rest of her life.

Though she suffered through dark times in Columbus, Kendra found her faith in the Lord again, and years later, when she learned one of her good friends had died, she realized it was time to go home to those she left behind.

Back in Walnut Creek, Kendra has a life she never could have imagined; her own design shop, a pretty little house, and a tight-knit group of friends. After she settles down, though, unexpected visitors come knocking and dark memories begin to resurface. Complicating things even further is the ever-present Nate Miller, who now owns the hardware store two doors down and whose very presence stirs in Kendra a fierce need to turn away and hide from her past. But Nate is persistant in setting things right between them.

As Kendra tries to come to terms with the anger she holds from her childhood, will she be able to open her heart to forgiveness and find the comfort she has always longed for in Walnut Creek?

My Review:

This has been an exceptional series! Character-driven plots that realistically deal with tough issues bring depth and healing to each enthralling story.

The series centers around friends who vow to stick together after the tragic suicide of one of in their group. Each book gives some quality page time to all the friends, while focusing on one hero and one heroine's love story. And Gray doesn't shy away from hard topics as she explores ways forgiveness and friendship can transform lives.

Kendra has survived an abusive childhood and, before returning to Walnut Creek, she always felt like she was on the outside looking in. But as she's distanced herself from her past and enjoyed some personal successes in the ensuing years, she's on the cusp of actually realizing what it feels like to belong. 

Nate unthinkingly hurt her in the past and he's determined to make amends now that Kendra has returned...if only she'll let him. Learning to trust is at the heart of their story and it's an emotional one.

I listened to the audible edition of this book narrated by Tavia Gilbert. Her outstanding performance brought these characters to life and held me captive right to the very end.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy -- winner's choice

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Trustworthy One, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. 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 winners announced on Saturday March 6 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck! 

February Giveaway -- Week Four

WON BY AMADA

WON BY MJSH

WON DIANA FLOWERS

WON BY NANCY M

WON BY ELIZABETH LITTON

WON BY PAM W

You know the drill: winners will be contacted if they left their email address in the comments, otherwise it's up to the winner to contact me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. (Please note it's ca as in Canada not com)

From time to time a winner and I do not connect so I have a one month time frame on giveaway wins. If I haven't been able to reach you within 30 days of your win, it will be forfeited. This has happened a few times now so, please, DON'T BE SHY -- CONTACT ME IF YOU DIDN'T LEAVE AN EMAIL OR IF I HAVEN'T BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN REACHING YOU!

Books will be ordered within a week of receiving your mailing address (or email address for ebooks) and I'll email you to confirm your book is on its way. Give it a full month before inquiring on the status of an order to allow for processing and shipping times.

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK'S GIVEAWAYS:

 

Two of the books in this line up were hidden treasures discovered at the back of one of my bookshelves. I was spring cleaning - a tad early, but what else is one to do with all the snow and wind and freezing temps outside? Plus, it was sunny and after two very gray months the sun alone felt like spring. But, I digress. 

When my Christian bookstores closed shop years ago :-( I attended a closing out sale and picked up some ( a lot ) of books at marked down prices. I'll admit to being in a randomly hoarding frenzy :-) and picked up a few duplicates along the way. I tucked them away and forgot about them until my spring sprucing up of bookshelves tradition began. So, this week I give you two fantastic retro reads -- Summer's Sun by Becky Melby which is my first every grown up dual timeline novel and way ahead of its time within the Christian Fiction realm, Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe by Max Lucado which is cleverly whimsical and uplifting.

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Framed in Death Valley

GIVEAWAY

MENTINK, DANA

FRAMED IN DEATH VALLEY

A killer who will stop at nothing...

Framed for a murder he didn't commit, firefighter Beckett Duke gave up on everything -- including his marriage to spirited Laney Holland. That is, until Laney's life is threatened. Knowing the real killer is still at large, Beckett now has one purpose: protecting the woman he loves...and their unborn child. But sometimes an innocent man's second chance comes with a deadly price.

A Desert Justice Story

My Review:

The exotic (for this Canadian) setting ups the edge factor in this thrilling suspense. As does the fact that Beckett and Laney are married. Their newlywed bliss was marred by murder and now, a few months later, their estranged relationship is further complicated by threats of danger which soon escalate to violence. Cue the comfort chocolate and get cozy because this is one unputdownable page-turner.

And, woohoo, this is the first book in Mentink's new Desert Justice series and I'm already rooting for certain characters to get their chance to shine in their own stories. Love the way the author has set the stage for the series while immersing readers in Beckett and Laney's harrowing tale.

There's emotional angst aplenty between the fractured marriage and the hurt it's caused. Beckett's attempts at making a noble sacrifice meets with disastrous results and Laney has every reason in the world to be feeling hurt and angry and confused. My heart ached for them both, but especially for Beckett, who has past demons to conquer as well. I do so love emerging from a read with a heart that feels tender and bruised. :-)

And the suspense! Complicated twists and unexplained mysteries and more than one devious villain to contend with. Absolutely riveting to the very last word.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Framed in Death Valley, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. 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 winners announced on Saturday February 27  2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck! 

When Twilight Breaks

GIVEAWAY

SUNDIN, SARAH

WHEN TWILIGHT BREAKS

Munich, 1938. Evelyn Brand is an American foreign correspondent as determined to prove her worth in a male-dominated profession as she is to expose the growing tyranny in Nazi Germany. To do so, she must walk a thin line. If she offends the government, she could be expelled from the country -- or worse. If she fails to truthfully report on major stories, she'll never be able to give a voice to the oppressed -- and wake up the folks back home.

In another part of the city, American graduate student Peter Lang is working on his PhD in German. Disillusioned with the chaos in the world due to the Great Depression, he is impressed with the prosperity and order of German society. But when the brutality of the regime hits close, he discovers a far better way to use his contacts within the Nazi party -- to feed information to the shrewd reporter he can't get off his mind.

This electric standalone novel from fan-favorite Sarah Sundin puts you right at the intersection of pulse-pounding suspense and heart-stopping romance.

My Review:

"I hate depending on others. It makes me weak..."

"Don't you know God makes us strong? He didn't create us to be completely independent, but interdependent."

Whoa! Another gobsmacker to make my top ten 2021 reading list and it's only February. And, while the content is historical, it is also very pertinent to our times which makes the story all the more fascinating/appalling.

This is Sundin at her best. Flawed characters growing through their faith journey, stunner plot, compelling historical details -- well, it all just took my breath away! And kept me frantically reading right to the end.

The pre-war Germany setting was especially intriguing for me. I've read a ton of WWII novels, but this is the first that solely focuses on the events leading up to the war. A chilling look at the insidious build to the horrors of the holocaust. 

And we get an insiders view from an intrepid reporter and a bemused foreign student. The author's brilliance shines in the unlikely pairing of this hero and heroine making of a heart-in-throat reading atmosphere. There's espionage and danger and Nazi arrogance and brutality...along with betrayal. I told you, page-turning stuff!

Book provided courtesy of Baker's Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback copy

If you would like a chance to win a copy of When Twilight Breaks, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. 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 winners announced on Saturday February 27  2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!