Final April Giveaway

April Showers Brings Reading Hours
Final Winners!

The Caregiver by Shelley Shephard Gray
Won by Bluerose

Lilies in the Moonlight by Allison Pittman
Won by Betsy

Undercover Pursuit by Susan May Warren
Won by Michelle

Congratulations ladies! Amber and Betsy I think I already have your address from previous wins but Bluerose, I'll need yours. Can you email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca? Thanks!

And just so you know, the giving isn't over! While I would love to be able to give away a copy of every book I read the rest of the year it's just not possible. BUT...I intend to have about four or five giveaways every month – at least one a week. So check back and look for this sign at the beginning of my post:

Book Giveaway!

Undercover Pursuit

WARREN, SUSAN MAY

UNDERCOVER PURSUIT

Operation covert wedding.

The only way to get security agent Luke Dekker to a wedding? An undercover mission as a groomsman. He'll bust the groom, a drug cartel heir, before anyone can say "I do". Then Luke can escape all this love and romance nonsense -- and the too pretty bridesmaid/agent assigned as his "fiancée" for the weekend. Until Luke discovers that sweet, vulnerable Scarlett Hanson isn't his contact. Isn't an agent. Isn't trained for the high-stakes mission now trapping them both. And worse, Luke's falling for her -- which is not part of the assignment.

My Review:

Can a book be a comedic suspense? Because this one is. I laughed my way through Undercover Pursuit. It contains some great dialogue involving communication mix-ups and situations that were downright funny even if they were dealing with a drug cartel. This was a fun, light-hearted read with a solid thread of suspense. Very refreshing.

Reminder: If you would like a chance to win a copy of this book leave a comment below. My last April Giveaway draw will be held on Saturday April 30 for the books I read from April 23 - 30.

Lilies in Moonlight

PITTMAN, ALLISON

LILIES IN MOONLIGHT

He'd lost his zeal for life. She was just as lost. Will they find the healing and love they long for?

After a roaring night on the town, fun-loving flapper Lilly Margolis, dazed and disoriented, twists her ankle and falls in the backyard of a wealthy family where the effects of the Great War -- over for more than half a decade -- are still endured. Inside the walls of the Burnside mansion, Cullen Burnside, a disillusioned and disfigured veteran, and his widowed mother, Betty Ruth, who daily slips a little further into dementia, lead a lonely existence...until Lilly. Whimsical, light-hearted and beautiful, she rejuvenates their sad, disconnected lives and blossoms in the light of their attention.

But Lilly, like Cullen, is hiding from a painful past. And when Cullen insists on returning her to her faraway home, their budding attraction seems destined to die on the vine. The resulting road trip becomes a journey of self-discovery -- but what will Cullen and Lilly find at journey's end?

My Review:

This book surprised me in a lot of ways. From the very beginning, I wasn't sure I liked Lilly. In fact, I was pretty certain I didn't. She was too...brassy...sassy...devil-may-care. A fly-by-night without substance or so I thought. But Pittman penned her well -- a very lost soul living a life I couldn't relate to. I felt a wall going up between Lilly and me, though I adored Cullen the first time I laid eyes on him. I kept reading for Cullen's sake but Pittman very cleverly shows her readers Lilly's heart early on in the book. Those two small instances kept me reading. Lily might be lost but I now had assurance that she could be found.

Exquisite descriptive writing created images that transported me out of my world and into the roaring twenties. I could see everything -- everyone -- so vividly that every page was a delight to read. Here's a couple of examples:

Describing the Burnside's maid, Pittman wrote:

"The woman herself was gray. Her hair, her skin. All muted shades without a speck of color to be found. She had a face made of features -- eyes, nose, mouth - all with a lack of distinction."

And how about this description of Lilly's landlady:

"Mrs. Myrtle had a face that in her youth, was probably quite plump and pretty, but in her old age had the appearance of cake batter run over the edge of the pan."

Pittman brought the flavor of that era to life and created memorable characters that are far from perfect. Then she threw God into the mix and turned their story into a spiritual journey culminating in a powerful climax. Sheer brilliance. I'm glad I stuck around to get to know Lilly.

Leave a comment below if you would like a chance at winning a copy of Lilies by Moonlight. The last April Giveaway draw will be held on Saturday, April 30th.

The Caregiver

GRAY, SHELLEY SHEPHARD

THE CAREGIVER

Two lives converge one stormy night on a train headed to Cleveland.

Lucy is traveling by herself via train to Jacob's Crossing to help care for her cousin Mattie, recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Trying to overcome the sudden death of her husband, she's glad to get away and focus on someone else for a while.

The only other Amish people on the train are Calvin Weaver and his little sister, Katie. When their train breaks down outside of Cleveland, Calvin and Lucy band together to face the outside world. But Calvin also carries the weight of past hurts. When an altercation brings both their wounds to light, they question whether they can trust each other.

Once in Jacob's Crossing, Lucy is occupied with caring for Mattie, while Calvin does his best to run his family's farm. But they can't stop thinking about those special hours spent together. Will the bond they formed last? And will Lucy and Calvin be able to put away the pain in their pasts to recognize the happiness that is suddenly in their grasp?

My Review:

Exceptionally well written, Gray ventures into an area I haven't read in context with the Amish. This definitely isn't a 'sweet' Amish romance though there are some very sweet moments. But there are gritty ones too and they'll pull at your heartstrings.

Lucy's struggle with her past and the loss of her 'self' is honest and rings of truth. She grieves for what was, nearly swallowed whole by the heartache from her past. Hoping that distance from her own community will help her gain a better perspective she eagerly embraces the role of caregiver for her ill cousin.

This story is as much Mattie's as it is Lucy's. In fact, Gray introduces us to a variety characters that all clamor for our loyalty. By the time I had completed The Caregiver I was totally invested in the series, Families of Honor. Thankfully the second book, The Protector is due out this summer.

Reminder: We're entering the last week of my April Giveaway. If you would like a chance to win The Caregiver by Shelley Shepard Gray leave a comment below. A draw will be held on April 30 for all the books I read and review here this week.

2nd Round of April Giveaway Winners!!!!

Once again I used an online random number draw to pull the names of the following winners.

Leaving by Karen Kingsbury

won by Cathy

Beside Still Waters by Tricia Goyer

won by splashesofjoy

A Bond Never Broken by Judith Miller

won by Merry

The Officer's Secret by Debby Giusti

won by Ann Lee Miller

Love Finds You In Prince Edward Island, Canada by Susan Page Davis

won by Charity

When All My Dreams Come True by Janelle Mowery

won by Amber


Threat of Exposure by Lynette Eason

won by Pegg Thomas

If you left your email address in your comments I will contact you for your address. If you didn't leave your email address, please contact me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca.

There are 7 days left in April and I'm still reading so keep checking back (I've already finished one more book!) The last April Giveaway draw will be held on Saturday, April 30 BUT I have joined the Revell Blog Review Tour so from now on every time I read a book I receive free from the publisher I will buy another one to offer as a giveaway on this blog. That way I can still support the authors and industry that I love and you get more chances to win books! Is that a Win Win situation or what???

Threat of Exposure

EASON, LYNETTE

THREAT OF EXPOSURE

Papers full of indecipherable codes are all that stand between DEA agent Brock Marting and drugs crossing the border. But if he wants to crack the case, he'll have to work with Texas Ranger Gisella Hernandez.

Brock feels the case is way too dangerous for a female agent -- especially one who refuses to admit she needs protection. Yet as they work together under the most dangerous threat of exposure, Brock discovers Gisella is stronger than she seems. And that his cowboy heart isn't so tough after all.

My Review:

Eason is one of my favourite suspense authors and she doesn't disappoint in this one. Action and suspense abound and the plot is rife with clues, some of which were indecipherable to me. In fact, I'd dare anyone to figure out the key to the puzzle. I am still gobsmacked over Eason's brilliance.

Gisella is "softness laced with steel" and Brock is quickly smitten. Eason pulls the romantic tension taut and it progresses nicely in between multiple action scenes. Brock and Gisella don't get a break, and either do Eason's readers as one adrenaline rush peaks into another. This is a compulsive read that packs quite a punch.

Reminder: If you would like a chance to win a copy of Threat of Exposure by Lynette Eason, leave a comment below. A draw will be held on Sunday April 24 for all the books I read between April 11 - 23. For more information about the Giveaway check out the April Showers Bring Reading Hours blog posted on March 31.

When All My Dreams Come True

MOWERY, JANELLE

WHEN ALL MY DREAMS COME TRUE

An adventurous tale of faith, hope and love in the wild west.

Bobbie McIntyre dreams of running a ranch of her own. Raised without a mother and having spent most of her time around men, she knows more about wrangling than acting like a lady. Still, the friendship of her new employer awakens a desire to learn more about presenting her feminine side...but ranch life keeps getting in the way.

Ranch owner, Jace Kincaid figures the Lord is testing his faith when a female wrangler shows up looking for work. Bobbie has an uncanny way of getting under his skin, though, and he's surprised when she finds a home next to his heart. But when his cattle begin to go missing and his wranglers are in danger from some low-down cattle thief, will Jace trust God, even if it means giving up his dreams?

My Review:

If you're in the mood for a rollicking Western full of dastardly villains, heart-palpitating heroes and sassy heroines then look no further. This book is for you. I felt like I'd time-warped onto the Bonanza set and loved every minute of it!

Mowery starts at a breakneck speed and keeps her readers gasping for breath right to the very last page. Just when you think Jace and Bobbie are going to get a reprieve the action hitches up another notch. The last third of the book is a real page-turner.

Bobbie is spunky and funny and endearingly lost. Jace is solid and comforting and ooohhhhhh so protective. They clash. Then clash some more and then...magic happens. Sigh.

This is a captivating escape read with a solid inspirational message -- the perfect blend for success.

Reminder: If you would like a chance to win a copy of When All My Dreams Come True by Janelle Mowery, leave a comment below. A draw will be held on Sunday April 24 for all the books I read between April 11 - 23. For more information about the Giveaway check out the April Showers Bring Reading Hours blog posted on March 31.

Love Finds You in Prince Edward Island, Canada

DAVIS SUSAN PAGE

LOVE FINDS YOU IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, CANADA

In the summer of 1860, Prince Edward Island is astir as its citizens eagerly anticipate their first visit from a member of the British royal family. Molly Orland is too poor to be invited to the ball in honor of the young Prince of Wales, but she and several other local young women are pleased when they're hired as extra staff in the house where he will be a guest. There she meets Peter Stark, understeward for the royal party. Peter is attracted to the beauty of the island -- and to Molly, whom he's determined to shield from the antics of the playboy prince. When they discover a long-buried secret that could bring shame to Peter's royal employer, will he remain a loyal servant -- or help Molly and her family get the justice they deserve?

My Review:

Delicious. There is so much that appealed to me in this book. First, the setting. It's rare to find a Christian fiction book set in Canada so I was intrigued from the start, but throw in Prince Edward Island -- the magical land of Anne -- and I was near to swooning when I picked up my copy. LOL. And what a perfect time for this book to be released -- with the upcoming royal wedding and subsequent royal visit to Canada. Summerside Press couldn't have planned it better if they tried. Hope the royal watching hype goes far towards promoting Love Finds You in Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Have to admit that I kept expecting Anne Shirley to pop up somewhere even though Molly and Peter's story takes place several decades before Anne's birth and that added some of the charm to my read.

I loved how Davis captured the behind-the-scenes preparations for the Royal visit and thrust innocent farm girl, Molly into the middle of it all. Her awe and nervousness leapt off the page and made me feel like I was right there and just as terrified as she was over spilling soup on a member of the royal party! Her attraction to Peter is sweet and filled with promise even though most of the events in this book cover only a few days.

Peter cuts a dashing hero for all that he is a commoner. His impeccable manners, integrity and devotion to his employer make him an admirable man but it's his personal history that Davis slowly reveals throughout the course of the story that really fleshes him out.

There is also a surprising thread of 'light' intrigue weaving its way through the pages of this book that culminates in a taut climax. Love Finds You in Prince Edward Island was a pleasurable read that I enjoyed immensely. It definitely should find it's way onto your TBR shelf.

Reminder: If you would like a chance to win a copy of Love Finds You in Prince Edward Island, Canada by Susan Page Davis, leave a comment below. A draw will be held on Sunday April 24 for all the books I read between April 11 - 23. For more information about the Giveaway check out the April Showers Bring Reading Hours blog posted on March 31.

The Officer's Secret

GIUSTI, DEBBY

THE OFFICER'S SECRET

Secrets on and off base.

In the middle of the night, Maggie Bennett finds her army officer sister dead in her military housing. She's devastated by the loss of the estranged sibling with whom she was trying to reconnect. But as U.S. Army criminal investigations agent Nate Patterson begins asking questions about the officer's suspicious death, Maggie can't tell the handsome man everything she knows. Except that her sister was definitely murdered -- for a secret Maggie can't share. Then she walks into the killer's trap and has to trust Nate with the truth...and her heart.

My Review:

Taut, suspenseful writing makes The Officer's Secret a page-turner. I felt like I had slipped into an NCIS episode -- Giusti has done her research or has inside information because she has the investigative and military angles covered but, at the same time, the romance doesn't take second place. She's managed to find a great balance and the combination propels the plot into an exciting read. And she totally stumped me!!!!! I was gullible enough to follow the red herrings she generously threw my way and she completely flummoxed me at the end!!!! I love it when a suspense surprises.

Nate is the kind of take-charge hero a girl can drool over. His need to protect and his reluctant attraction combined with high ethical standards are a lethal combination but it's his skewed guilt over an incident in his past that makes him vulnerable and stole my heart.

Maggie has her own problems that she is determined to keep buried in the past. Her reluctance to give Nate her complete trust places her in the path of danger and definitely hikes up the suspense a couple of notches.

Nate and Maggie's developing romance heats up the plot -- soft, tender scenes juxtaposed between tense suspenseful ones that culminate in an explosion of action and romance. A thrilling read!

Reminder: If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Officer's Secret by Debby Giusti, leave a comment below. A draw will be held on Sunday April 24 for all the books I read between April 11 - 23. For more information about the Giveaway check out the April Showers Bring Reading Hours blog posted on March 31.

A Bond Never Broken

MILLER, JUDITH

A BOND NEVER BROKEN

Journey inside the peace-loving villages of the Amana Colonies, 1917.

For many years, Ilsa Redlich has helped her parents run a hotel in South Amana. But as the United States enters the Great War, her world begins to change. The residents of the towns surrounding the Amana Colonies used to be accepting of their quiet, peaceful neighbours, but with anti-German sentiment sweeping the country, the Amanans now face persecution from their former friends.

Jutta Scmidt is shocked when several members of the Council of National Defense show up on her doorstep and demand that she return to Amana and report back on any un-American activities. Not daring to disobey government agents, she takes a job at the South Amana hotel, eavesdropping every chance she gets. But if she observes antiwar behaviour, will she betray the people she's come to love?

And when Ilsa's childhood sweetheart is accused of something far worse than Jutta could imagine, can Ilsa, Jutta and the Amana community come to his aid in time?

My Review:

Absolutely fascinating and intriguing. Love the unusual setting and Miller set the stage with such rich details that after reading this book I feel like I am an expert on the Amana Colonies even though I'd never heard of them before! In fact, I became so immersed that I felt like I had slipped back in time and it was jarring to 'come to' when my own life got in the way of my reading pleasure. I've spent the last two days saying "Ja" and "Gut" in conversations with the patrons at the library where I work and they are all giving me odd looks now. A teacher I've known for three years actually said, "I didn't know that you were German." LOL. I had to explain my linguistic lapses to her and now she wants to the read the book too!

Miller opens with a series of emotional punches that left me reeling . In fact, I was enraged before long. Fuming and stewing and all but cursing in parts. Yes I know this is make believe but the author has based her fiction on fact and knowing that this type of thing was an all too common occurrence during the Great War made my blood boil. And we didn't learn from our mistakes for they were repeated during World War II. I guess there will always be mean-spirited people who will leap at the chance to bully whenever it presents itself. What am I talking about you ask? You'll just have to read A Bond Never Broken to find out. It's an amazing story that you don't want to miss.

Reminder: If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Bond Never Broken by Judith Miller, leave a comment below. A draw will be held on Sunday April 24 for all the books I read between April 11 - 23. For more information about the Giveaway check out the April Showers Bring Reading Hours blog posted on March 31.

Beside Still Waters

GOYER, TRICIA

BESIDE STILL WATERS

On the night Marianna Sommers was born, a freak accident shattered her family. Even as she came into the world, her two sisters left it for heaven. She's spent her life making up for that loss, being to her family and their Indiana Amish community all that her sisters would have been. Her only dream: a simple life married to Aaron Zook, the one she's loved since childhood. Then her father says they are moving -- to Montana of all places! Of course it's to keep her younger siblings far from their oldest brother Levi, who left the Amish way of life, but the move will destroy Marianna's dream. She pleads to stay, to no avail. As Marianna leaves her home -- and Aaron -- she's sure her heart will never heal.

But Montana holds surprises.

The mountains, trees, and still waters open Marianna's heart to God as never before. Still, it troubles her that the small, Amish community is so interwoven with their Englisch neighbours. Especially woodworker, Ben Stone. If only Ben didn't do everything right! He's there in times of need, and his love for God is so clear. But giving in to the feelings he stirs in her would carry a terrible cost...

Everything she believes in and loves.

My Review:

This one has all the markings of a new epic Amish series. Goyer fills each page with emotion and does an amazing job of depicting Marianna's conflict. I could feel the angst! Actually woke up this morning at 3:15 contemplating her dilemma! (I know, I know, I have to get a real life!) This is the kind of book that would work wonderfully well in a book club because there are such rich issues that we all deal with.

I think part of my love of Amish fiction comes from being able to parallel their struggles to remain unique and apart from the world with my own Christian journey. In essence I am trying to do the same thing. Marianna's personal growth presses her to both question and defend aspects of her faith once she is removed from the close-knit Amish community she has grown up in. I think it's her struggle to find a balance and the wonder of opening herself up to God that resonated most with me.

Truly a remarkable book. I am eagerly looking forward to reading the book two of the Big Sky series which comes out in October 2011.

Reminder: If you would like a chance to win a copy of Beside Still Waters by Tricia Goyer, leave a comment below. A draw will be held on Sunday April 24 for all the books I read between April 11 - 23. For more information about the Giveaway check out April Showers Bring Reading Hours blog posted on March 31.

Leaving

KINGSBURY, KAREN

LEAVING

The Bailey Flanigan Series begins with Bailey leaving Bloomington for the adventure of a lifetime. She has won an audition for the ensemble of a Broadway musical in New York City. She’s determined to take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity, but is she really ready to leave family and friends for the loneliness of the city? And what of Cody Coleman? His disappearance has Bailey worried about their future and praying that their love can survive.

In order to be closer to his mother in jail, Cody takes a coaching job in a small community outside Indianapolis. New friends, distance, and circumstances expose cracks in his relationship with Bailey Flanigan.

Love, loneliness, big opportunities, and even bigger decisions highlight the first book in the new Bailey Flanigan series that features members of the popular Baxter family and finally completes the Bailey/Cody story.

My Review:

True confession: I have never read a Karen Kingsbury novel before. Yes, really, but see I have only been reading Christian fiction for a little over a year now and there’s a lot of ground to cover in order to keep up with new releases and catch up with older ones. And every time I picked up a Karen Kingsbury book, it was in the middle of a series and I could never get my hands on the first one…until now. At last! The first in a series by Karen Kingsbury!

BUT

It does seem to be a continuation of another series. LOL. Reading the first chapter felt like I’d taken a wrong turn and ended up at somebody else’s family reunion! There are three distinct story arcs here – one centering around Bailey and her family, one involving Cody Coleman and the third, a seemingly unrelated family – Logan and Ashley Blake. (I think Ashley is a Baxter – but I can’t figure out her connection with the Flanigans. It’s like there are two parallel stories going on here.) I still think I have to go back several books to get this complicated family tree figured out and fill up on back story. Can anyone tell me what series or titles that would be?

So, in spite of the character confusion I did really enjoy Leaving. Kingsbury knows how to anchor a story with layers of wonderful emotion. Her writing touches all the senses and transports the reader not only into another place, but into another feeling as well. Love the strength she has worked into her families, the love, humour, joy…The Flanigans and Blakes are all that a family should be. It made me ache to experience that family life with them.

In a way this book doesn’t end. It’s definitely a set up for the next in the series, Learning which will be out in June 2011. Thankfully, that's not too long to wait!

Reminder: If you would like a chance to win a copy of Leaving by Karen Kingsbury, leave a comment below. A draw will be held on Sunday, April 24 for all the books I read between April 11 - 23. For more information about the Giveaway check out the April Showers Bring Reading Hours blog posted on March 31

Giveaway Winners! (April 1-10)

Hope you are ready to crack open a good book, because I am sending five out this week to our first April Showers Brings Reading Hours Giveaway winners!

A Cowboy's Touch

by Denise Hunter

WINNER: MICHELLE

A Heart Most Worthy

by Siri Mitchell

WINNER: MERRY

Serendipity

by Cathy Marie Hake

WINNER: JO

The Deepest Waters

by Dan Walsh

WINNER: BETSY

Surrender the Night

by MaryLu Tyndall

WINNER: ANN LEE MILLER

I have nearly everyone's email so I will contact you to get your mailing address. If you didn't leave an email address in your comments can you please email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca and give me your mailing address?

Ready for Round Two?

Leave a comment after any of the reviews I post from Monday April 11 to Saturday April 23 and you'll be eligible to win another book...or two...or three. Winners from this draw are welcome to enter again.

For complete details on this month long Giveaway click here: http://bestreads-kav.blogspot.com/2011/03/april-showers-bring-reading-hours_31.html

Surrender the Night

Tyndall, MaryLou

Surrender the Night

A timid American farm girl at the mercy of the enemy...a wounder British solider driven into hiding...both are about to change the course of history forever.

When British soldiers invade Baltimore amid the War of 1812, Rose McGuire, alone on her family farm, is easy prey for a brutal lieutenant. In the midst of the attack she's saved by British 2nd Lieutenant Alexander Reed. Will she now have to heal, as well as hide, this wounded enemy soldier?

Alex hadn't meant to kill his superior or get shot in the process. Now badly wounded, he's at the mercy of this tomboy who obviously hates him. Can he trust her, or will she turn him over to the Americans?

Rose is having trouble keeping Alex hidden from her family, the townspeople, and the man intent on courting her. Will the discovery of Alex's presence force her to accept an abhorrent proposal?

As their love blooms, trouble looms, for the British are on the march again. This time their target is the City of Washington. Will these young lovers at heart find themselves enemies at war?

A GRIPPING, PAGE-TURNING ROMANCE SET IN AN INTERESTING TIME PERIOD. TYNDALL HAS SET UP AN IMPOSSIBLE SCENARIO, THROWN HER HERO AND HEROINE INTO THE MIDDLE OF IT AND VOILA -- IMMEDIATE FIREWORKS! THE RELATIONSHIP IS DOOMED FROM THE START AND I WAS ANXIOUS TO SEE HOW TYNDALL WOULD MANAGE TO BRING RESOLUTION TO THEIR ROMANCE.

DEFINITELY NOT PREDICTABLE, BUT VERY FULFILLING. COMEDIC MOMENTS ARE INTERSPERSED WITH DRAMATIC ONES AND WATCH OUT WHEN THE ROMANCE HEATS UP! THE PERFECT COMBINATION FOR A HISTORICAL ROMANCE.

Reminder: If you would like a chance to win a copy of Surrender the Night by MaryLu Tyndall, leave a comment below. A draw will be held tomorrow (Sunday April 10) for all the books I read between April 1 - 10. For more information about the Giveaway check out the April Showers Bring Reading Hours blog posted on March 31.

The Deepest Waters

Walsh, Dan

The Deepest Waters

For John and Laura Foster, what began as a fairytale honeymoon in 1857 aboard the steamship SS Vandervere soon becomes a nightmare. A terrible hurricane strikes and the grand ship is lost in the murky depths of the Atlantic. Laura finds herself rescued with the other women and children, but how can she feel anything but despondent without her groom? Suspecting her John is gone but still daring to hope for a miracle, Laura must face the possibility of life alone.

Talented author Dan Walsh skillfully tells an epic story of hope, faith, and love through an intimate lens. Inspired by real events, this emotional and honest story will capture your heart as you sail through its pages.

WOW!!!

I DEVOURED THIS ONE! STARTED IT YESTERDAY EVENING, WOKE UP THINKING ABOUT IT AT MIDNIGHT SO I READ FOR AN HOUR, WOKE UP AGAIN AT FOUR AND KEPT ON READING. I FINISHED IT AT THE BUS STOP ON MY WAY TO WORK. I HAVE TO CONFESS I WAS MOVED TO TEARS. LUCKILY THERE WAS A STRONG, FRIGID WIND WHIPPING ABOUT AND I USED THAT AS AN EXCUSE FOR MY WATERING EYES AND RUNNY NOSE.

DAN WALSH IS A POWERFUL STORYTELLER. HE GRABS HIS READERS WITH THE FIRST SENTENCE AND DOESN'T LET THEM GO UNTIL THE LAST ONE. I'VE TRIED TO FIGURE OUT WHAT HIS 'FORMULA' IS -- WHY WHAT HE DOES WORKS BUT I'M TOO LOST IN THE STORY TO STOP AND ANALYZE.

I DO KNOW THAT I LOVE THE FLOW OF HIS WORDS -- THE DEEPEST WATERS WOULD MAKE A FANTASTIC READ ALOUD. IT'S RICH TIMING AND CADENCE BEGS TO BE SHARED.

THE FACT THAT THE STORY IS LOOSELY BASED ON A TRUE ONE MAKES IT ALL THE MORE POIGNANT. BUT WALSH'S CHARACTERS REALLY CAPTURED MY HEART, RIGHT DOWN TO THE DOG! (ANYONE WHO KNOWS ME AND HOW MUCH I LOVE DOGS WON'T BE SURPRISED AT THAT!). I, IN FACT, DEVELOPED A BOND WITH MICAH (AND NO, I'M NOT GOING TO TELL YOU A THING ABOUT HIM -- YOU'LL JUST HAVE TO READ THE BOOK!) IN A WAY, MICAH BECAME THE BOOK'S CENTRAL FORCE -- PROPELLING CIRCUMSTANCES AND ACTION IN A SURPRISING WAY. BRILLIANTLY CRAFTED BY WALSH.

THE ONE THING I WILL TAKE AWAY FROM MY READ IS MICAH'S DEVOTION TO GOD AND HIS WILLINGNESS TO REJOICE IN THE MOMENT WHILE NOT BELABORING THE PAST OR AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE. I HAVE BEEN GUILTY ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION OF BORROWING TROUBLE IN SPADES AND AM LIVING IN THE MIDST OF TURMOIL ON MANY FRONTS IN MY LIFE RIGHT NOW. WALSH HAS BROUGHT ME COMFORT, UNDERSTANDING AND HOPE THROUGH MICAH. AND, ALONG WITH THAT A NEW UNDERSTANDING OF THE WAY GOD ORCHESTRATES OUR LIVES -- IF WE LET HIM.

Reminder: If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Deepest Water by Dan Walsh, leave a comment below. A draw will be held on Sunday April 10 for all the books I read between April 1 - 10. For more information about the Giveaway check out the April Showers Bring Reading Hours blog posted on March 31.

Serendipity

HAKE, CATHY MARIE

SERENDIPITY

The only remaining woman in Carver's Holler, Maggie Rose has cared for a ragtag of old men for years, bartering for a living and making soaps, lotions and perfumes from a special recipe passed down for generations. She hasn't wanted to marry...at least that's what she thought. But when a strapping young man arrives on Maggie's doorstep, searching for a doctor for his ailing mother, life suddenly changes for the dark-haired beauty.

Todd Valmer is in a desperate situation. His mother needs a caretaker, and he's barley hanging on to his Texas farm. Maggie seems to be the obvious solution. She can cook, care for Ma, tend his house while he works the fields...and she's comely, as well.

But instant attraction does not a marriage make.

As a clash of cultures and a battle of wills ensues, is there any hope that true love will blossom between a free-spirited woman and her uncompromising husband?

BRILLIANT AND FUNNY. MAGGIE IS A CAPTIVATING HEROINE AND TODD THE PERFECT BEFUDDLED LOVE INTEREST. THEIR ROMANCE IS TOE-CURLING FUNNY, IF YOU CAN IMAGINE SUCH A COMBINATION.

THERE ARE SO MANY GREAT ONE LINERS -- DELIVERED AMIDST SMOLDERING LOOKS. HAKE'S PACING AND DELIVERY IS SUPERB AND THIS IS THE KIND OF FEEL-GOOD BOOK THAT WILL PUT A SMILE ON YOUR FACE FOR A LONG TIME AFTER YOU FINISH READING.

LOVELY CAMEOS OF SOME OF MY FAVOURITE CHARACTERS FROM GOODING, TEXAS ARE THROWN IN FOR AN ADDED BONUS. THIS IS AN ALL-ROUND ROLLICKING GOOD READ AND ONE YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS.

Reminder: If you would like a chance to win a copy of Serendipity by Cathy Marie Hake, leave a comment below. A draw will be held on Sunday April 10 for all the books I read between April 1 - 10. For more information about the Giveaway check out the April Showers Bring Reading Hours blog posted on March 31.

A Heart Most Worthy

MITCHELL, SIRI

A HEART MOST WORTHY

In 1918 Boston, three seamstresses dare to dream of a better life. Fiery Julietta pursues love recklessly. Shy Annamaria falls for the wrong man. Secretive Luciana's past endangers them all.

Drawn together amid the opulence of Madame Fortier's dress shop, will each find the fairy-tale ending she seeks?

IN A WORD. MAGICAL. THIS WORKS ON SO MANY LEVELS WHEN, ACCORDING TO CURRENT CBA PUBLISHING STANDARDS IT SHOULDN'T. MITCHELL BREAKS ALL THE RULES IN ORDER TO CREATE THIS STUNNING, EPIC TALE THAT IS REMINISCENT OF CLASSIC LITERATURE.

FIRST SHE WRITES FROM THE OMNISCIENT POINT OF VIEW. THAT MEANS SHE TELLS THE STORY FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF MULTIPLE CHARACTERS -- INCLUDING A HOST OF SECONDARY ONES. AND, AS IF THAT ISN'T ENOUGH, SHE DIRECTS CASUAL ASIDES TO THE READER IN TRUE CLASSICAL LIT FORM. AND SHE 'HEAD BOUNCES' WITHIN EACH SCENE. THIS MEANS THAT THE POINT OF VIEW JUMPS FROM CHARACTER TO CHARACTER WITHOUT A BREAK OR PAUSE. (USUALLY EACH SCENE IS STRICTLY WRITTEN FROM ONLY ONE CHARACTER'S POV -- EVEN IN STORIES WHERE THERE ARE MULTIPLE VIEWPOINTS.) THESE ARE ALL 'MISTAKES' THAT NEWBIE WRITERS MAKE AND COPIOUS BLOGS ON WRITING CAUTION AGAINST USING ANY ONE OF THESE TACTICS, LET ALONE ALL OF THEM IN ONE BOOK!

SO, HOW DOES MITCHELL GET AWAY WITH IT?

SHEER BRILLIANCE...AND THAT TOUCH OF MAGIC I WAS TALKING ABOUT.

HER CHARACTERS ARE SO WELL DEFINED THAT POINT OF VIEW IS NEVER QUESTIONED -- EVEN IN THE SCENES THAT BOUNCE FROM CHARACTER TO CHARACTER. AND THEY ARE SO ENGAGING THAT IT'S EASY TO KEEP THE MULTIPLE CAST STRAIGHT (THOUGH SHE DOES PROVIDE A LIST OF CHARACTERS AT THE VERY BEGINNING OF THE BOOK.)

THE CLEVER PLOT HAS LOTS TO DO WITH IT TOO. MITCHELL WORKS SUPPOSEDLY LOOSE THREADS INTO A TIGHTLY WOVEN STORY THAT WILL LEAVE YOU SPELLBOUND. THERE'S A RICHNESS IN HER TONE, A STARTLING CLARITY IN HER TRUTHS, A RUSH OF EXCITEMENT IN HER SUSPENSE. A HEART MOST WORTHY IS PAGE TURNING PERFECTION.

AND THE SETTING -- SUCH A TUMULTUOUS TIME IN WORLD HISTORY...AND AMERICA'S IN PARTICULAR AS MORE AND MORE IMMIGRANTS TRAVELED TO THIS LAND OF PROMISE. MITCHELL PORTRAYS THEIR STRUGGLES REALISTICALLY. BUT SHE ALSO SHOWCASES THE IRONY OF THEIR PREJUDICES AS WELL. PEOPLE FLEEING PERSECUTION FOR A BETTER LIFE ONLY TO UPHOLD THEIR OWN PREJUDICES IN THIS SUPPOSEDLY FREE LAND. THEY ARE AS FETTERED IN THEIR NEW LIFE AS THEY WERE IN THE OLD ONE.

IF YOU CHOOSE TO PICK THIS BOOK UP AND READ IT (AND I HOPE YOU DO) BE PREPARED TO BE ENTHRALLED, THRILLED AND AMAZED AT THE POWER OF WORDS AND THE BRILLIANT MIND THAT WOVE THEM TOGETHER INTO AN UNFORGETTABLE TALE.

Reminder: If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Heart Most Worthy by Siri Mitchell, leave a comment below. A draw will be held on Sunday April 10 for all the books I read between April 1 - 10. For more information about the Giveaway check out the April Showers Bring Reading Hours blog posted on March 31.

A Cowboy's Touch

HUNTER, DENISE

A COWBOY'S TOUCH

Abigail is just in Moose Creek, Montana fro the the summer to temporarily care for her great aunt. But a tender-hearted cowboy beckons her to stay.

Abigail Jones intends to spend just one summer in middle-of-nowhere Montana with her Aunt Lucy. Time away from her job is just what Abigail needs to reassess her life. The slow pace has her breathing deeply for the first time in years. And the majestic scenery encourages her to get acquainted with herself...and God.

What she didn't count on was the handsome widowed cowboy who owns the ranch where her aunt lives. When the rancher loses his daughter's nanny, Abigail decides to lend a hand for the summer.

Wade Ryan can't help being attracted to Abigail. But he's given up everything to protect his daughter, and he's not about to risk it all on a pretty face.

Under Abigail's care, Wade's home and daughter thrive. And with Wade's touch, Abigail's heart feels at home at last. But Abigail knows this elusive rancher is hiding something. Will her own secrets separate her from the cowboy who finally captured her heart?

HUNTER KNOWS HOW TO MATCH SIZZLE WITH THE KIND OF TENDERNESS THAT MAKES FOR A BLISSFUL ROMANTIC READ. BUT SHE ALSO KNOWS HOW TO THREAD ANGST INTO A STORY -- THE KIND THAT HAD ME SQUIRMING IN MY SEAT. HONESTLY, WHEN IT GOT DOWN TO THE CRUNCH I HAD TO RACE THROUGH TO THE END BEFORE I COULD BREATHE AGAIN!

I CAN'T SAY MORE WITHOUT GIVING SOME OF THE PLOT AWAY BUT THERE WERE TIMES I WANTED TO REACH INTO THE PAGES AND SHAKE SOME SENSE INTO ABIGAIL FOR WHAT SHE PUT POOR WADE THROUGH -- FOR WHAT SHE PUT ME THROUGH! THANKFULLY HUNTER CAME TO THE RESCUE AND SWEPT US ALL AWAY INTO A SPECTACULAR HAPPY ENDING. PHEW, I COULD BREATHE AGAIN!

Reminder: If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Cowboy's Touch by Denise Hunter leave a comment below. A draw will be held on Sunday April 10 for all the books I read between April 1 - 10. For more information about the Giveaway check out the April Showers Bring Reading Hours blog posted on April 1.