Giveaway Winners! (Take Two)

JANUARY IS GIVEAWAY MONTH WINNERS!!!!!! (TAKE TWO)

I have had so much fun sharing my love of Christian Fiction! I wish I had an unlimited income so that I could have a draw for every book I read this year, but alas, I need to pay my rent and all those other tedious bills. I will, however, definitely do at least one more month long giveaway some time this year so stay tuned. In the mean time I will continue to read and review.



Once again my handsome assistant Simba pulled the winners' names. Since he can't read and doesn't know any of you, we can only assume the draw was random and unbiased.

Drum roll, please...

The winners are:

Courting Miss Amsel - Merry




Love Finds You in Sun Valley, Idaho - Amber




Maverick Heart - Bluerose




Love on Assignment - Hannah





Child of Grace - Michelle




Second Chance Courtship - Charity





Love Finds You in Hope, Kansas - Charity







Congratulations ladies, I'm so excited to be able to share these wonderful books with you!!!! I have some of your addresses already. If I don't, I'll contact you to get that information.


For those who won first time round: I've been tracking your deliveries and they should reach you on this week -- February 2.









Enjoy everyone...and happy reading!!!!!

Love Finds You in Hope, Kansas

GRIFFIN, PAMELA

LOVE FINDS YOU IN HOPE, KANSAS

Fashionable easterner Alison Stripling is shocked to receive a letter from her late sister's husband in Hope, Kansas, pleading for help with his six children. The letter gives Alison's chance to escape her troubles in Boston, and the name of the town seems like a sign from God for a fresh start. But when she arrives at a rustic cabin on the prairie, she's in for a bigger shock: Rafe Munroe didn't write the letter at all! Realizing the children are determined to pair them off, Rafe and Alison secretly join forces to prove the idea would never work. Can Hope's cupids -- all six of them -- strike love's arrows into the hearts of their pa and Miss Allison?

OKAY, I'M TOTALLY CONVERTED TO THE LOVE FINDS YOU SERIES. I HAVE ENJOYED EVERY ONE THAT I HAVE READ, INCLUDING THIS ONE.

LOVE FINDS YOU IN HOPE, KANSAS WAS SUCH A FUN, LIGHT-HEARTED READ. THE CHILDREN WERE ADORABLE AND THE WAY RAFE AND ALISON JOINED FORCES AGAINST THEM MADE FOR SOME HILARIOUS MOMENTS. BUT IT IS RAFE AND ALISON'S OFTEN STORMY RELATIONSHIP THAT CAUGHT AND KEPT MY ATTENTION. THEIR INDIVIDUAL STRUGGLES TO COME TO GRIPS WITH THEIR PAST AND NOW THEIR PRESENT REALITY MADE FOR A PAGE-TURNING READ.

REMINDER: IF YOU WOULD LIKE A CHANCE TO WIN YOUR OWN COPY OF LOVE FINDS YOU IN HOPE, KANSAS, LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW OR EMAIL ME AT kavluvstoread(AT)yahoo(DOT)ca. MAKE SURE TO WRITE 'GIVEAWAY' IN THE SUBJECT LINE. FOR COMPLETE DETAILS SEE THE JANUARY IS GIVEAWAY MONTH BLOG POSTED ON JANUARY 5TH OR CLICK ON 'GIVEAWAY' IN THE LABELS COLUMN.THE DRAWS FOR THE BOOKS REVIEWED BETWEEN JANUARY 17 AND 29 WILL TAKE PLACE ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 30.

Second Chance Courtship

KAYE, GLYNNA

SECOND CHANCE COURTSHIP

Never Trust a Cowboy.

That's what Kara Dixon's mother always warned her. Back home in Canyon Springs, Arizona, to care for her ailing mom, Kara comes face-to-face with rodeo cowboy Trey Kenton. Her former flame—and one-time bad boy—is finally ready to settle down and start a family, and he's got his heart set on Kara. But she's determined to head back to her big-city life in Chicago once her mother's on the mend. Can the charming cowboy convince her to trust him and give their love a second chance?

I SURE AM GETTING MY FILL OF COWBOY STORIES LATELY...AND LOVING 'EM ALL!!!!! THIS SECOND BOOK BY GLYNNA KAYE PACKS JUST AS MUCH OF A PUNCH AS HER FIRST ONE DID. SHE IS BACK WEAVING MAGIC WITH WORDS, CREATING CHARACTERS TO LOVE AND A PLOT WITH ENOUGH BUMPS TO MAKE YOUR READING EXPERIENCE A BUMPY RIDE.

TREY MAKES AN IMPRESSION FROM THE VERY FIRST TIME WE MEET HIM. BAD BOY TURNED GOOD AND TRYING TO CONVINCE A TOWN OF THAT FACT. WITH TWO ADORABLE NIECES IN HIS CARE WHILE THEIR PARENTS ARE OUT OF TOWN, THE IMAGE OF TREY HAS A FAMILY MAN IS INCREDIBLY APPEALING. I WAS A GONER AFTER THE FIRST SCENE.

UNFORTUNATELY KARA WAS A LITTLE HARDER TO CONVINCE...OR MAYBE THAT SHOULD BE FORTUNATELY SINCE THE BOOK WOULD HAVE BEEN OVER BEFORE IT HAD BEGUN IF SHE TURNED INTO A PUDDLE IN THE FIRST FEW PAGES LIKE I DID!

KAYE DID A MARVELOUS JOB OF LEAVING US A TRAIL OF TEMPTING MORSELS THAT WE HAVE TO PIECE TOGETHER IN ORDER TO FIGURE OUT KARA'S...AND TREY'S...STORY. AND SHE ACCOMPLISHES THAT WHILE TEASING US WITH THE UNDERCURRENTS OF ROMANCE. IT'S NOT A TRADITIONAL COURTSHIP, BUT IT IS ONE THAT YOU WILL BE EMOTIONALLY INVESTED IN BY THE END OF THE BOOK.

ONE OF THE STORY THREADS INVOLVES FORGIVENESS -- IT'S A HARD LESSON AND A HUMBLING ONE TO WITNESS BEING PLAYED OUT. AND SOMETIMES IT'S UNCOMFORTABLE. A FOOLISH MISTAKE MADE IN THE PAST BY A TEENAGER COMPLETELY ALTERS THE LIVES OF A MULTITUDE OF PEOPLE. GRITTY REALITY AT IT'S BEST.

WRAP ALL THAT UP WITH THE SWEET HOPE OF A SECOND CHANCE AND YOU HAVE AN INCREDIBLE READ BY AN INCREDIBLE AUTHOR.

REMINDER: IF YOU WOULD LIKE A CHANCE TO WIN YOUR OWN COPY OF SECOND CHANCE COURTSHIP, LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW OR EMAIL ME AT kavluvstoread(AT)yahoo(DOT)ca. MAKE SURE TO WRITE 'GIVEAWAY' IN THE SUBJECT LINE. FOR COMPLETE DETAILS SEE THE JANUARY IS GIVEAWAY MONTH BLOG POSTED ON JANUARY 5TH OR CLICK ON 'GIVEAWAY' IN THE LABELS COLUMN.THE DRAWS FOR THE BOOKS REVIEWED BETWEEN JANUARY 17 AND 29 WILL TAKE PLACE ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 30.

Child of Grace

Hannon, Irene

Child of Grace

After giving up a high-powered corporate job, mom-to-be Kelsey Anderson decides to follow her dream. She moves to her late grandmother's lake house and decides to open a quilting shop in town. Then former army doctor Luke Turner moves in next door. The war-weary man stirs feelings in Kelsey that soon make her rethink all her plans. But she has some hard decisions to make, and worries if Luke will ever accept her and her baby. Kelsey must come to terms with the past, and trust there's a future with Luke in God's plan…

IRENE HANNON NEVER CEASES TO AMAZE. HER ABILITY TO DELVE INTO THE MINDS OF HER CHARACTERS AND BRING THEM TO LIFE LEAVES ME MARVELING. SHE'S NOT AFRAID TO TACKLE DIFFICULT SUBJECTS EITHER AND SHE TACKLES A VERY SENSITIVE ONE IN CHILD OF GRACE. SHE DOES IT REALISTICALLY TOO -- WITH COMPASSION AND SENSITIVITY.

THERE IS A TIMELESS QUALITY ABOUT HER WRITING -- EVERY MEASURED WORD BRINGS DEPTH TO HER CHARACTERS AND LAYERS TO HER PLOT. EVEN THOUGH THIS IS A SHORTER READ, I DIDN'T FEEL RUSHED OR ROBBED OF LOSING MYSELF IN A STORY.

THE ROMANTIC CONNECTION BETWEEN LUKE AND KELSEY IS PALPABLE FROM THEIR FIRST MEETING -- A BITTERSWEET LOVE STORY THAT CERTAINLY HAS ITS HEARTRENDING MOMENTS. ADD IN THE INCREDIBLE STORY OF GOD'S GRACE AND YOU HAVE AN INTENSE, EMOTIONAL, THOUGHT-PROVOKING READ.

REMINDER: IF YOU WOULD LIKE A CHANCE TO WIN YOUR OWN COPY OF CHILD OF GRACE, LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW OR EMAIL ME AT kavluvstoread(AT)yahoo(DOT)ca. MAKE SURE TO WRITE 'GIVEAWAY' IN THE SUBJECT LINE. FOR COMPLETE DETAILS SEE THE JANUARY IS GIVEAWAY MONTH BLOG POSTED ON JANUARY 5TH OR CLICK ON 'GIVEAWAY' IN THE LABELS COLUMN.THE DRAWS FOR THE BOOKS REVIEWED BETWEEN JANUARY 17 AND 29 WILL TAKE PLACE ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 30.

Love on Assignment

JAMES, CARA LYNN

LOVE ON ASSIGNMENT

While Charlotte is focusing on uncovering sordid information on columnist Daniel Wilmot, her heart leads her into uncharted territory.

During the summer of 1900 Charlotte Hale, a native Newporter and secretary for the Rhode Island Reporter, accepts an undercover assignment as temporary governess to Daniel Wilmont's children in order to secretly gather evidence against him. As he helps her rediscover God, Charlotte learns that Daniel is an honorable man. They unexpectedly fall in love despite their different backgrounds and social positions. Charlotte soon realizes she must defend Daniel against the forces set against him--a willful student with a romantic crush and the newspaper editor determined to destroy his reputation.

THIS BOOK OOZES OLD WORLD CHARM. JAMES HAS CAPTURED THE CADENCE AND LANGUAGE OF THE ERA (AT LEAST HOW I PERCEIVE IT TO HAVE BEEN!)AND BROUGHT THIS PERIOD IN HISTORY TO LIFE FOR ME. WE ALSO GET CAMEO APPEARANCES FROM FAVOURITE CHARACTERS FROM THE FIRST BOOK IN THE SERIES.

BUT SHHH...HERE'S A SECRET. I DIDN'T LIKE CHARLOTTE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE BOOK. I FOUND HER YOUNG AND NAIVE AND EXTREMELY SELF-MOTIVATED. SHE WAS SO DESPERATE TO SUCCEED THAT SHE DIDN'T STOP TO SEE THE OBVIOUS AND THAT FRUSTRATED ME. BUT THIS IS A GOOD THING BECAUSE HER STORY IS A JOURNEY OF PERSONAL GROWTH AND READERS ARE PRIVILEGED TO WITNESS HER TRANSFORMATION INTO A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE.

MIND YOU, JAMES KEPT ME IN TURMOIL AS I WATCHED CHARLOTTE HEAD IN THE WRONG DIRECTION ON MORE THEN ONE OCCASION! SOMETIMES I JUST WANTED TO SHAKE SOME SENSE INTO THAT GIRL!

LOVE ON ASSIGNMENT IS ALSO A MOVING WITNESS OF CHRIST AND A TESTIMONY TO HIS DIVINE ABILITY TO CHANGE LIVES THROUGH THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS.

REMINDER: IF YOU WOULD LIKE A CHANCE TO WIN YOUR OWN COPY OF LOVE ON ASSIGNMENT, LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW OR EMAIL ME AT kavluvstoread(AT)yahoo(DOT)ca. MAKE SURE TO WRITE 'GIVEAWAY' IN THE SUBJECT LINE. FOR COMPLETE DETAILS SEE THE JANUARY IS GIVEAWAY MONTH BLOG POSTED ON JANUARY 5TH OR CLICK ON 'GIVEAWAY' IN THE LABELS COLUMN.THE DRAWS FOR THE BOOKS REVIEWED BETWEEN JANUARY 17 AND 29 WILL TAKE PLACE ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 30.

Maverick Heart

LOUGH, LOREE

MAVERICK HEART

Nurse Levee O'Reilly and her husband, Dr. Liam O'Reilly are headed from Boston to Mexico to set up a medical clinic when their stagecoach is attacked by the infamous Frank Michaels, who kills Liam. All alone now, Levee makes her way to Eagle Pass, Texas, where she turns to teaching for her livelihood. Devoted wholeheartedly to her students, Levee has little time for romance.

Rancher Daniel Neville has battled doubts and distrust for most of his life. Wracked with guilt over his twin sister's death and then 'punished' with a limp from an injury sustained during a stampede, Dan dedicates himself to serving his family and working with horses on their ranch. Marriage is far from the top of his to-do list, and he aims to keep it that way.

When a coincidental meeting brings Levee and Dan together, they're awakened to a long-ignored desire for love and acceptance by the realization that they might have finally found it. Can these two mavericks accept the plans God has for their lives?

LOREE LOUGH IS A NEW-TO-ME AUTHOR AND I FEEL LIKE I HAVE JUST STUMBLED ONTO A GOLD MINE BECAUSE :

A) I LOVE HER STYLE

B) SHE IS A PROLIFIC WRITER

THIS IS BOOK TWO OF THE LONESTAR LEGENDS SERIES BUT IT READS WELL AS AN INDEPENDENT NOVEL. I'LL ADMIT THOUGH, THAT MY INTEREST HAS BEEN PEAKED ENOUGH TO RUSH OUT A GET A HOLD OF BEAUTIFUL BANDIT (THE FIRST IN THE SERIES) AS SOON AS I CAN.

I THINK I WAS MOST MOVED BY LEVEE'S TRANSFORMATION FROM EASTERN CITY GIRL TO FRONTIERSWOMAN. I KEPT THINKING THAT LIVING, BREATHING WOMEN REALLY DID GO THROUGH SIMILAR HARDSHIPS AND CAME OUT TRIUMPHANT IN ORDER TO SETTLE THE WEST. GRIT DOESN'T BEGIN TO DESCRIBE THOSE WOMEN.

THIS BREATHTAKING WESTERN IS PARTNERED WITH A TENDER ROMANCE THAT BRINGS SATISFACTION TO EVERY PAGE. A WONDERFUL READ!

REMINDER: IF YOU WOULD LIKE A CHANCE TO WIN YOUR OWN COPY OF MAVERICK HEART, LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW OR EMAIL ME AT kavluvstoread(AT)yahoo(DOT)ca. MAKE SURE TO WRITE 'GIVEAWAY' IN THE SUBJECT LINE. FOR COMPLETE DETAILS SEE THE JANUARY IS GIVEAWAY MONTH BLOG POSTED ON JANUARY 5TH OR CLICK ON 'GIVEAWAY' IN THE LABELS COLUMN.THE DRAWS FOR THE BOOKS REVIEWED BETWEEN JANUARY 17 AND 29 WILL TAKE PLACE ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 30.

Love Finds You in Sun Valley Idaho

RUTH, ANGELA

LOVE FINDS YOU IN SUN VALLEY IDAHO

Actress Emily Van Arsdale has finally returned to her home state -- with an entire crew in tow! With stunning scenery and a reputation for hosting celebrities, Sun Valley is the perfect setting for Emily's newest romantic comedy. Tracen Lake is happy to work as a stunt consultant for the movie but not as thrilled to deal with a bunch of high-maintenance Hollywood types. But Tracen is surprised to discover in Emily a down-to-earth Idaho girl who does all her own stunts and loves the outdoors. As filming wraps up and Emily heads off to her next gig, will she be able to leave Sun Valley -- and Tracen -- behind?

AN EXCEPTIONAL DEBUT NOVEL, LOVE FINDS YOU IN SUN VALLEY IDAHO IS A SUBLIME READ!!!! THIS IS PURE ROMANCE -- THE TOE CURLING, CATCH YOUR BREATH, TUMMY FLOPPING KIND. PAGE AFTER PAGE AFTER GLORIOUS PAGE.

EMILY IS LARGER THAN LIFE -- OUTGOING, WITTY, WEARING HER HEART ON HER SLEEVE, SHE IS NO SHY WALLFLOWER AND STAKES HER CLAIM ON TRACEN EARLY IN THE BOOK. A REFRESHING CHANGE FROM THE USUAL ROMANTICALLY RETICENT HEROINE. BUT SHE'S NOT BRAZEN -- JUST WIDE-EYED HONEST AND OH-SO-HOPEFUL.

TRACEN DOESN'T STAND A CHANCE AND HE KNOWS IT BUT HE PUTS UP A VALIANT EFFORT BEFORE SUCCUMBING TO EMILY'S CHARMS. ALL IS BLISS....UNTIL THAT DREADED BLACK MOMENT LATER ON IN THE BOOK. I READ IT VORACIOUSLY UNTIL THAT POINT. THEN I HAD TO PUT IT DOWN AND PRETEND WE WEREN'T HEADING INTO EMOTIONAL TURMOIL -- AT LEAST UNTIL I COULD BE ASSURED OF AN UNINTERRUPTED CHUNK OF TIME WHERE I COULD READ RIGHT TO THE END.

AND OH! WHAT A CONCLUSION -- OUTRAGEOUS -- LARGER THAN LIFE AND COMPLETELY WORTHY OF A LOVE LIKE EMILY AND TRACEN'S. THIS WAS SUCH A FUN, EXCITING ESCAPE READ. IF YOU LOVE A GOOD ROMANCE, YOU WILL ADORE LOVE FINDS YOU IN SUN VALLEY IDAHO!

REMINDER: IF YOU WOULD LIKE A CHANCE TO WIN YOUR OWN COPY OF LOVE FINDS YOU IN SUN VALLEY IDAHO, LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW OR EMAIL ME AT kavluvstoread(AT)yahoo(DOT)ca. MAKE SURE TO WRITE 'GIVEAWAY' IN THE SUBJECT LINE. FOR COMPLETE DETAILS SEE THE JANUARY IS GIVEAWAY MONTH BLOG POSTED ON JANUARY 5TH OR CLICK ON 'GIVEAWAY' IN THE LABELS COLUMN.
THE DRAWS FOR THE BOOKS REVIEWED BETWEEN JANUARY 17 AND 29 WILL TAKE PLACE ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 30.

Courting Miss Amsel

SAWYER, KIM VOGEL
COURTING MISS AMSEL

Edythe Amsel is delighted with her first teaching assignment: a one-room schoolhouse in Walnut Hill, Nebraska. Independent, headstrong, and a firm believer in a well-rounded education, Edythe is ready to open the world to the students in this tiny community. But is Walnut Hill ready for her?

Having raised his nephews since their parents’ untimely deaths, Joel Townsend is thrilled to learn the town council has hired a female teacher. His sons could use a woman’s influence. But he sure didn’t bargain on a woman like Miss Amsel. Within the first week, she has the entire town up in arms over her outlandish teaching methods. Of course, Joel can’t help but notice that she’s also mighty pretty – and just might make a good mother for his boys.

When Edythe decides to take her pupils to hear Miss Susan Anthony speak on the women’s suffrage amendment, the town’s outcry reaches new heights. Even Joel isn’t sure he can support her newfangled ideas any longer. And if he can’t trust her to teach the boys, how can he trust her with his heart?

I LOVE SETTLING INTO A BOOK WITH THE CONFIDENCE THAT IT WILL DELIVER AN ALLURING GETAWAY FROM REALITY. SAWYER HAS A KNACK FOR CAPTURING A READER’S ATTENTION AND NOT LETTING GO UNTIL THE VERY LAST PAGE. THE BOOK’S PREMISE ISN’T A UNIQUE ONE, BUT THE AUTHOR’S DELIVERY IS SO CHARMING AND FRESH THAT IT FEELS LIKE IT IS.

SAWYER’S STRENGTH IS IN HER CHARACTERS AND SHE DOESN’T SKIMP IN HER SECONDARY ONES. MIZ KINSLEY IS THE PERFECT FOIL FOR EDYTHE. SHE’S A SOUNDING BOARD, CONFIDANT, DELIVERER OF WISDOM AND AN EXAMPLE OF ROCK-HARD FAITH. AND JOEL’S NEPHEWS – ADORABLE. THEY SAY SO MUCH ABOUT JOEL’S CHARACTER. IT’S LAYERS LIKE THESE THAT FLESH A STORY INTO SOMETHING MEMORABLE AND HEARTWARMING – WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT COURTING MISS AMSEL IS.

REMINDER: IF YOU WOULD LIKE A CHANCE TO WIN YOUR OWN COPY OF COURTING MISS AMSEL LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW OR EMAIL ME AT kavluvstoread(AT)yahoo(DOT)ca. MAKE SURE TO WRITE 'GIVEAWAY' IN THE SUBJECT LINE. FOR COMPLETE DETAILS SEE THE JANUARY IS GIVEAWAY MONTH BLOG POSTED ON JANUARY 5TH OR CLICK ON 'GIVEAWAY' IN THE LABELS COLUMN.

THE DRAWS FOR THE BOOKS REVIEWED BETWEEN JANUARY 17 AND 29 WILL TAKE PLACE ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 30.

Giveaway Winners!

'JANUARY IS GIVEAWAY MONTH' WINNERS!!!!!

Using the high tech system of name tags and a bowl, my handsome assistant Simba pulled the winners' names. Since he can't read and doesn't know any of you, we can only assume the draw was random and unbiased.

Drum roll, please...

The winners are:

Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio -- Ann Lee

Simple Secrets and Simple Deceit -- Pegg Thomas

Missing -- Hannah





Sharpshooter in Petticoats -- Charity

The Girl in the Gatehouse -- Betsy

Congratulations ladies, I'm so excited to be able to share these wonderful books with you!!!! I think I have all your emails so I'll contact each of you for addresses.


REMEMBER!!!

The Giveway goes on all month long. So stop back and place a comment (or email me at kavluvstoread at yahoo dot ca) for a chance to win more Christian Fiction books. I just finished Kim Vogel Sawyer's latest and am immersed in another Love Finds You at present.

The Girl in the Gatehouse

KLASSEN, JULIE

THE GIRL IN THE GATEHOUSE

Mariah Aubrey lives in seclusion with her secrets. Will an ambitious captain uncover her identity...and her hidden past?

Banished from the only home she's ever known, Mariah Aubrey hides herself away in an abandoned gatehouse on a distant relative's estate. There she supports herself and her loyal servant the only way she knows how -- by writing novels in secret.

When Captain Matthew Bryant leases the estate, he is intrigued by the beautiful girl in the gatehouse. But there are many things he doesn't know about the beguiling outcast. Will he risk his plans -- and his heart -- for a woman shadowed by scandal?

Intriguing, mysterious, and romantic, The Girl in the Gatehouse takes readers inside the life of a secret authoress at a time when novel-writing was considered improper for ladies and the smallest hint of impropriety could change a woman's life forever.

EXQUISITELY WRITTEN, KLASSEN'S WORDS SEEP INTO YOUR SOUL. I WAS SO IMMERSED IN THE STORY THAT I FELT LIKE I HAD TRAVELED BACK IN TIME. HER FLAWLESS DESCRIPTIONS, BREATHTAKING SETTING AND MEMORABLE CHARACTERS ALL HAVE THE FEEL OF REGENCY ENGLAND. IN FACT IT WAS JARRING TO RE-ENTER THE REAL WORLD WHEN NECESSITY DICTATED THAT I DO SOMETHING OTHER THEN READ!

THE GIRL IN THE GATEHOUSE IS THE KIND OF BOOK YOU SETTLE INTO SO YOU CAN SAVOR EVERY WORD. NO SKIMMING ALLOWED. NO SKIPPING TO THE LAST PAGE FOR A QUICK PEEK. THIS BOOK HAS TO BE READ FROM COVER TO COVER, WORD FOR WORD EXACTLY THE WAY IT WAS WRITTEN.

IT WAS A COMPULSIVE READ. I DIDN'T WANT TO PUT IT DOWN...EVEN WHEN THE GNARLY BITS CAME UP AND I WASN'T SURE I REALLY WANTED TO READ THE ANGST. BUT I COULDN'T STOP. I COULDN'T COME UP FOR BREATH. I JUST HAD TO KEEP READING, SAVORING, LIVING EVERY PAGE!

AND PAY ATTENTION TO THE DETAILS! READ THE FIRST SENTENCE...THEN READ THE LAST. MARVEL AT THE WAY KLASSEN WEAVES A MYRIAD OF PLOTS INTO ONE COHESIVE INCREDIBLY SATISFYING CONCLUSION. THIS IS A BRILLIANTLY WRITTEN BOOK! AN INCREDIBLE READ! DEFINITELY BELONGS ON EVERYONE'S KEEPER SHELF!!!!

REMINDER: IF YOU WOULD LIKE A CHANCE TO WIN YOUR OWN COPY OF THE GIRL IN THE GATEHOUSE LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW OR EMAIL ME AT kavluvstoread(AT)yahoo(DOT)ca. MAKE SURE TO WRITE 'GIVEAWAY' IN THE SUBJECT LINE. FOR COMPLETE DETAILS SEE THE JANUARY IS GIVEAWAY MONTH BLOG POSTED ON JANUARY 5TH OR CLICK ON 'GIVEAWAY' IN THE LABELS COLUMN.

THE DRAWS FOR THE BOOKS REVIEWED BETWEEN JAN. 6 AND JANUARY 15 WILL TAKE PLACE ON SUNDAY JANUARY 16. WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED THE SAME DAY. THE DRAWS FOR THE BOOKS REVIEWED BETWEEN JANUARY 17 AND 29 WILL TAKE PLACE ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 30.

Sharpshooter in Petticoats

CONNEALY, MARY

SHARPSHOOTER IN PETTICOATS

Will a sharpshooting widow, aiming for independence, find love in her sights?

After a disastrous marriage, widow Mandy McClellan Gray is doing just fine in her remote mountain home. She's got her three children to keep her company and gold in the bank to keep her solvent. The last thing she needs right now is a cantankerous cowboy encroaching on her life.

Tom Linscott is as tough and cranky as his unruly stallion. When he finds outlaws have trapped Mandy on her mountain, he's determined to rescue her, whether she wants to be saved or not. Only problem is, Mandy's trouble follows her. When he brings her to his home -- against her will -- outlaws trail them right to the door.

When the feuding family expands their vengeful plans to include Tom, his need to protect his woman puts him right in the line of fire.

I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS LAST BOOK IN THE SOPHIE'S DAUGHTERS SERIES WITH MIXED EMOTIONS. OF COURSE, I WANTED TO READ IT BUT I WASN'T SURE IF I WAS READY TO LET GO OF ALL THESE WONDERFUL CHARACTERS THAT SPANNED THREE SERIES AND NINE BOOKS. YOU DON'T HAVE TO HAVE READ ALL THE OTHER BOOKS THOUGH - CONNEALY HAS DONE A WONDERFUL JOB OF MAKING SHARPSHOOTER IN PETTICOATS READ AS A STANDALONE EVEN THOUGH IT INVOLVES A MULTITUDE OF CHARACTERS FROM PAST BOOKS.

CONNEALY HAS A UNIQUE VOICE THAT MAKES HER STYLE DISTINCTIVE. IT IS LACED WITH DEAD-PAN HUMOUR, FULL OF ACTION AND PEPPERED WITH ROMANCE THAT WILL CURL YOUR TOES. IN FACT, I THINK SHE'S OUTDONE HERSELF WITH TOM AND MANDY'S LOVE STORY. I MIGHT HAVE TO ADD SPINE TINGLING TO THAT TOE CURLING CHECKLIST.

I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR MANDY TO GET HER REDEMPTION FOR THREE BOOKS NOW AND CONNEALY DIDN'T DISAPPOINT. THIS EPIC WAS WORTHY OF THE LIKES OF THAT SHARPSHOOTING WIDOW AND HER CRANKY SUITOR. I LOVED THE CAMEOS BY CHARACTERS FROM PREVIOUS BOOKS AND THE LARGER THAN LIFE ENDING.

REMINDER: IF YOU WOULD LIKE A CHANCE TO WIN YOUR OWN COPY OF SHARPSHOOTER IN PETTICOATS LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW OR EMAIL ME AT kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. MAKE SURE TO WRITE GIVEAWAY IN THE SUBJECT LINE. FOR COMPLETE DETAILS SEE THE JANUARY IS GIVEAWAY MONTH BLOG POSTED ON JANUARY 5TH OR CLICK ON 'GIVEAWAY' IN THE LABELS COLUMN.

THE DRAWS FOR THE BOOKS REVIEWED BETWEEN JAN. 6 AND JAN 15 WILL TAKE PLACE ON SUNDAY JAN. 16. WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED THE SAME DAY. THE DRAWS FOR THE BOOKS REVIEWED FROM JAN. 17 - JAN. 29 WILL TAKE PLACE ON SUNDAY JAN. 30TH.

Missing

EASON, LYNETTE

MISSING

A mother's worst nightmare.

Her daughter is the most important person in Lacey Gibson's world. So when the girl disappears, Lacey will do anything to find her. Even track down a man she hasn't seen in sixteen years -- U.S. Marshall Mason stone, the father of her child.

Mason was perfectly content with his life until Lacey arrived. Her confession that their daughter -- the daughter he didn't know they had -- is missing shakes his carefully controlled world. But there's no time to adjust as they race to find their child, catch the kidnappers...and learn they whether they can have a second chance at happily-ever-after.

THIS COMPACT STORY IS FULL OF TENSE, NAIL-BITING SCENES THAT BUILD TO A POWERFUL CLIMAX. I FELT LIKE I WAS 'READING' AN EPISODE OF A TELEVISION CRIME DRAMA. THE CONNECTION BETWEEN LACEY AND MASON IS EVIDENT FROM THE VERY FIRST PAGE AND EASON WEAVES A BELIEVABLE ROMANCE THROUGH OUT THE PLOT. SHE HAS CREATED A PERFECT BALANCE BETWEEN SUSPENSE AND LOVE STORY WHICH MAKES FOR A TRULY GRIPPING READ. ANOTHER SPECTACULAR ROMANTIC SUSPENSE FROM LYNETTE EASON AND WELL WORTH THE READ.

REMINDER : IF YOU WOULD LIKE A CHANCE AT WINNING YOUR OWN COPY OF MISSING LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW OR EMAIL ME AT kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. MAKE SURE TO WRITE GIVEAWAY IN THE SUBJECT LINE. FOR COMPLETE DETAILS SEE THE JANUARY IS GIVEAWAY MONTH BLOG POSTED ON JANUARY 5.

Simple Deceit

MEHL, NANCY

SIMPLE DECEIT

Gracie Temple has grown to love the Mennonite town of Harmony, Kansas, and the house bequeathed to her by her late uncle. New friendships among the residents, including the handsome farmer Sam Goodrich, seal her decision to leave Wichita and do freelance graphic design work from her new home.

But when Gracie is assigned a new client who is a developer intent on building an upscale retirement community in Harmony, the town is split. Some welcome the business opportunities while others fear the exploitation of the Mennonite lifestyle and the loss of their simple ways.

As the citizens of Harmony begin to turn on each other, an anonymous note accusing Gracie of being the mother of an abandoned baby causes Sam to seemingly turn his back on her. Soon Gracie is reconsidering her choice to stay in town.

But before she can make a final decision, a major winter storm move in that will put a friend in danger and take the life of another Harmony resident. The blizzard also forces Gracie to make a choice that just might lead to the final straw between her and Sam.

Note: Since this is the second in The Harmony Series, and since I feel readers would appreciate Simple Deceit more if they read Simple Secrets first, I am offering BOTH Simple Deceit and Simple Secrets to the winner of this Giveaway.

THIS IS THE PERFECT COMPLIMENT TO THE FIRST BOOK IN THE HARMONY SERIES. MEHL IS BACK DOING HER BEST TO CONFOUND HER READERS WITH CLEVERLY HIDDEN CLUES TO AN AMAZINGLY SUSPENSEFUL MYSTERY. IT WAS JUST AS AN ADDICTIVE READ AS THE FIRST BOOK.

MEHL HAS A REAL KNACK FOR CREATING A COMMUNITY OF MEMORABLE SECONDARY CHARACTERS THAT ENHANCE THE DRAMA, SUSPENSE AND HUMOUR. I ESPECIALLY LOVED SWEETIE, SAM'S AUNT. AND HER VILLAINS ARE PURE VILLAINOUS...ONCE YOU RECOGNIZE THEM FOR WHAT THEY ARE!

THERE WERE SO MANY TWISTS AND TURNS IN THIS STORY, THE ANGST STEADILY BUILDING AS MORE AND MORE SEEMINGLY UNRELATED MISHAPS OCCUR -- WITH GRACIE RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THINGS AND SAM NOT FAR BEHIND.

THE ROMANTIC DEVELOPMENT WAS CAPTIVATING -- BUT NOT WITHOUT PITFALLS. I COULD SEE A CLEAR GROWTH IN BOTH SAM AND GRACIE BY THE END OF THE BOOK AND I FELT THEIR RELATIONSHIP REALISTICALLY PARALLELED THEIR NON-BOOK COUNTERPARTS ALL OVER THE WORLD. BOTTOM LINE : LOVE ISN'T ENOUGH WITHOUT TRUST.

MEHL HAS NICELY SET UP THE NEXT IN THE SERIES AND I CAN'T WAIT TO GET MY HANDS ON IT. SIMPLE CHOICES WILL BE OUT IN JUNE OF THIS YEAR.

REMINDER : IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR CHANCE AT WINNING YOUR OWN COPIES OF SIMPLE SECRET AND SIMPLE DECEIT LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW OR EMAIL ME AT kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. MAKE SURE TO WRITE GIVEAWAY IN THE SUBJECT LINE. FOR COMPLETE DETAILS SEE THE JANUARY IS GIVEAWAY MONTH BLOG POSTED ON JANUARY 5.

Love Finds You in Sugarcreek Ohio

MILLER, SERENA B.

LOVE FINDS YOU IN SUGARCREEK OHIO

Policewoman Rachel Troyer has always looked after her three elderly Amish aunts, proprietors of a farmhouse inn near Sugarcreek, Ohio. The idyllic town is popular with tourists, who come to sample its famous Amish goods. But one thing is clear to Rachel -- Joe Matthews is no tourist. When the bearded stranger lands on her aunts' doorstep, begging shelter for himself and his young son. Rachel is suspicious. Will she be able to uncover Joe's secrets despite her aunts' -- and her own -- growing affection for him?

THIS BOOK HAS THE PERFECT BLEND OF MYSTERY, DRAMA, HUMOUR AND ROMANCE AND MILLER HAS HER PACING DOWN PAT. SHE WEAVES A TIGHT PLOT OUT OF A MULTITUDE OF RANDOM STORY THREADS THAT ALL KNOT TOGETHER FOR A SURPRISING, NAIL BITING AND OFT TIMES HILARIOUS CONCLUSION.

I LOVED THE AUNTS!!!! SUCH A WONDERFUL VENUE FOR COMEDY AND WISDOM! AND A GREAT FOIL FOR THEIR EARNEST YOUNG NIECE WHO THINKS SHE HAS TO CONTROL THEM FOR THEIR OWN GOOD. THE GENERATION GAP -- AND IN SOME WAYS CULTURAL GAP -- IS ALIVE AND WELL IN SUGARCREEK, OHIO.

RACHEL IS SUCH A CONTRADICTION AT TIMES -- STRUGGLING TO DISCOVER WHO SHE REALLY IS AND WHAT SHE WANTS OUT OF LIFE. HER SENSE OF FAMILY, HER ETHICS AND HONOUR ARE BOTH ADMIRABLE AND FRUSTRATING...AND TOTALLY CLASH WITH POOR JOE AND THE SECRET HE IS TRYING TO KEEP HIDDEN. WHAT A WONDERFUL COMPLICATED STARTING POINT FOR THEIR ROMANCE. THERE IS SO MUCH TO KEEP THEM APART AND YET THEY CAN'T HELP BUT BE DRAWN TO EACH OTHER.

AND SPEAKING OF JOE...SIGH FOLLOWED BY A SWOON...HE MAKES A VERY ATTRACTIVE...AND VULNERABLE...HERO. CAUGHT IN MID-FLIGHT, HIS ONLY DESIRE IS TO PROTECT HIS YOUNG SON BUT HE FINDS HIMSELF WRAPPED UP IN A MYSTERY AND FORCED TO FACE A PAINFUL PAST. AND HE'S OFTEN AT ODDS WITH RACHEL...BUT THEN THERE ARE THE TIMES WHEN THEY MESH AND SPARKS FLY!

LOVE FINDS YOU IN SUGARCREEK, OHIO IS A FANTASTIC 'LOSE YOURSELF IN ANOTHER WORLD' KIND OF READ. DEFINITELY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. A BRILLIANT DEBUT NOVEL.

REMINDER: IF YOU WOULD LIKE A CHANCE AT WINNING YOUR OWN COPY OF LOVE FINDS YOU IN SUGARCREEK, OHIO LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW OR EMAIL ME AT kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. MAKE SURE TO WRITE 'GIVEAWAY' IN THE SUBJECT LINE. FOR COMPLETE DETAILS SEE THE JANUARY IS GIVEAWAY MONTH BLOG BELOW THIS ONE.

January is Giveaway Month!

A CHANCE TO WIN NEW-RELEASE BOOKS IN JANUARY!

To celebrate the beginning of my second year of reading Christian Fiction, I have decided to make January 2011 a Giveaway Month. That means that every book I read and review here on this blog will be offered in a draw! I'll ship anywhere in the world so non U.S. residents are eligible.

Rules

1. You must be eighteen or older to participate in this giveaway.

2. In order to enter you simply have to post a comment after a review of any of the books you are interested in winning during the month of January 2011. You do not need to post your email address. Or you can email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. Please write Giveaway in the subject line and indicate which book you are interested in.

3. Book Reviews will start being posted on January 6, 2011 and will continue until January 29 2011.

4. The first draw will take place on Sunday January 16. The draw will cover all books reviewed between January 6 and January 15.

5. Winners will be posted on this blog on Sunday January 16. Winners must provide a mailing address in an email to me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. Do not post your address anywhere on this blog.

6. The second draw will take place on Sunday January 30. The draw will cover all books reviewed between January 17 and January 29.

7. The number of books given away will depend upon how many I manage to read during the month. I average around 10-15 per month, so that's how many chances there are to win. The books will be new and shipped to you from either christianbooks.com or from me (purchased at my local Christian bookstore). Part of my reason for doing this Giveaway is to support both authors and retailers in the Christian market.

So spread the word and get ready to enter. Good luck!

Happy reading!

Kav

P.S. Feel free to ask any question in the comment area below.