The Ride of Her Life



GIVEAWAY



SEILSTAD, LORNA
THE RIDE OF HER LIFE

The only man pragmatic Lilly Hart needs in her life is a six year old.


Widowed two years ago, Lilly leaves the shelter of her intrusive in-laws' home to stand on her own and provide for her young son by working for the summer as a cook at Lake Manawa. However, her in-laws find that life utterly unsuitable for their grandson, and when a row ensues, a handsome stranger--who designs roller coasters, of all things--intercedes on her behalf. Still, Lilly is not about to get involved with any man, especially this cocky (though charismatic) gentleman. Little does she know she is about to begin the ride of her life.Filled with delightful characters and the romance of summer, The Ride of Her Life is another supremely entertaining story from the witty Lorna Seilstad. Readers will laugh out loud and sigh contentedly as they spend the summer of 1906 in Lake Manawa.

My Review:


Don't you just love the motion in this cover? It makes you feel like Lilly is going to fly right off the book and into your lap! Which is exactly what she does the second you open it, by the way. There is something endearing about Seilstad's latest heroine. Maybe it's her stubborn doggedness -- or mulish pig-headedness -- or unyielding strong-will...LOL...let's just say she's the one who keeps Nick on a roller coaster ride right to the bitter end!

Seilstad writes with a unique blend of humour and drama that kept me alternately chuckling and fuming throughout the read. Adorable Levi Hart stole every scene he was in and created an interesting intimacy between his mother and Nick. There are a few tender scenes that definitely qualify for the 'kiss that's not a kiss' category that were spurred on by little Levi's antics. Delicious!

Solid historical details make the read all the richer. Seilstad is known for her meticulous research and it really shines in this story. From Lilly's turn of the century cooking tips to Nick's savvy roller coaster construction know-how, the author makes sure the reader knows she's on an enjoyable ride back in time.

But it's not all sunshine and roses. There's a sinister plot afoot and Lilly is smack in the middle of it. I never turned pages so fast! There are as many dips and dives in The Ride of Her Life as there is on a real roller coaster and you won't want to miss the exhilarating experience!

Giveaway Opportunity:


If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Ride of Her Life, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. Please make sure to put the title in your subject line so it's easy for me to spot. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday May 6 2012. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Heaven is Now : Awakening Your Five Spiritual Senses to the Wonders of Grace

FARLEY, ANDREW
HEAVEN IS NOW : AWAKENING YOUR FIVE SPIRITUAL SENSES TO THE WONDERS OF GRACE

What if heaven wasn't just meant to be experienced after we die? What if heaven can be enjoyed here on earth--right now?
Bestselling author Andrew Farley shows us how to take in the beauty of heaven no matter what our circumstances. Firmly rooted in the reality of pain and suffering in his own life, Andrew assures readers that heaven is not just some pie-in-the-sky dream for the future--it is now. He shows us how to awaken our five spiritual senses in order to see, hear, smell, taste, and feel the grace of heaven, even in the midst of trouble here on earth. He says the heaven we can experience in this life lies within us, far beyond the reach of the world--but well within our grasp.

MY REVIEW:

“This book is about what goes on inside of us in the midst of our circumstances, not outside or all around us. As Jesus put it, “The kingdom of God is within you” Luke 17:21 NKJV).


The author has an easy-to-read style that immediately drew me in. He has a gift for making gospel truths plain and understandable. Powerfully written, this book is full of profound truths that everyone needs to be reminded of. Using a mixture of anecdotes, informative text and scripture, Farley bears testimony in a unique way. Particularly compelling are the Heaven Speaks sections where he conveys what Jesus might say directly to the reader. A wonderful concept delivered with inspirational flare.

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

April Giveaway - Week Five



CONGRATULATIONS!




won by Merry



won by Cheryl Barker



won by Susan

won by Andrea Strong

I'll contact the winers by email today but if you don't hear from me by Monday evening please email me your snail mail address so I can get your win out to you. kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If we can't connect within two weeks, your win will be forfeited and I'll simply choose an extra winner on a future draw to even things out.

Looking Ahead to Next Week:

Oh la la -- do I have some gems for you! Historical, contemporary, suspense -- something to please everyone!

The Ride of Her Life by Lorna Seilstad

Divine -- finished in it after a frenzy reading fest that kept me missing bus stops! A great conclusion to the Lake Manawa series.

A Wedding Transpires on Mackinac Island by Cara C. Putnam

Contemporary romance with a suspenseful twist. Lounged in bed this morning to finish it because I couldn't put it down. My first read by Putnam but it won't be my last by any means!

The Black Sheep's Redemption by Lynette Eason

I'm looking forward to cracking this Love Inspired Suspense open this evening. I love Lynette Eason and am sure this one will keep me turning pages right to the very end!

Choose Joy Because Happiness Isn't Enough

GIVEAWAY

WARREN, KAY
CHOOSE JOY BECAUSE HAPPINESS ISN'T ENOUGH

Everyone knows how to be joyful in the peaks of life.

When all your fondest hopes and wildest dreams come true, and your heart nearly explodes with happiness, it's easy to feel joyful.

But what about the valleys? When nothing seems to go your way? When everything is falling apart? When God is silent, and you feel all alone?

Where does joy fit into those moments?

In Choose Joy, acclaimed author and Christian leader Kay Warren shares the path to experiencing soul-satisfying joy no matter what you're going through. Joy is deeper than happiness, lasts longer than excitement, and is more satisfying than pleasure and thrills. Joy is richer. Fuller. And it's far more accessible than you've thought.

Joy comes from God...and it can be yours. Today.

My Review:

While I didn't read this book cover to cover, it is laid out in such a way that it is easy to pick up and study one short 'essay' at a time. Each short passage is packed with profound concepts -- like "Joy is my inheritance. Joy is a choice" -- which took time to mull over and learn the truth of something that should be so simple. Alas, we are all bombarded with skewed ideas about joy and happiness courtesy of living in a non-secular world so these simple concepts do take some time to digest.

Warren links joy with the personal knowledge that God is in control of every detail of our lives which makes complete sense, though it's hard to live for this worry-wart. And again, that comes down to a choice -- to accept that assurance and give our lives over to God and praise him in all things including the bad! I really need reminders like this in varied forms so I'm grateful for this book -- especially so, because Warren made me think...ponder...and ultimately accept things I never thought I'd be able to.

She asks pointed questions too. Like "If being a Christian makes no difference in the way we respond to problems, what good is our faith?" Ouch.

I really liked the layout of  Choose Joy. Each chapter is broken down into segments so you can read as little (or as much) as you want and still be fueled with thought-provoking ideas. Warren has included a prayer at the end of each chapter along with reflective questions that spur the reader towards deeper thought.

I really feel that Warren has helped me change my thought processes in regards to the challenges in my life. This is a book I'll be sure to refer to again and again.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Choose Joy by Kay Warren, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. Please make sure to put the title in the subject line so it's easy for me to spot. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 29. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

"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".

Heart of Gold

GIVEAWAY

HATCHER, ROBIN LEE
HEART OF GOLD

The truest treasure is found deep in the heart.

Back in her beloved Virginia, Shannon Adair loved nursing injured soldiers back to health. But in Grand Coeur, Idaho-the rough-and-tumble place where her father has been called to lead the church-shes not sure where she fits in. Then a critically ill woman arrives, and Shannon knows her place at last: to care for this dear woman and ease her pain.

Matthew Dubois is the fastest and most reliable stagecoach driver on Wells Fargos payroll. But his widowed sister is dying and hes about to inherit his young nephew. So he takes a job at the Wells Fargo express office in Grand Coeur until he can find the one thing he needs to get back to driving: a wife to care for the boy.

What neither of them knows is that God is at work behind the scenes-and is lovingly bringing them together to discover the true desires of their hearts.

MY REVIEW:

Another amazing read from Robin Lee Hatcher. There's something so satisfying about slipping back in time with this author as your guide! The historical details create an ambiance that always leaves me befuddled when I come up for air and find myself int he 21st century.

Inspiration threads the layers of this book together and I particularly enjoyed Shannons' father's private conversations with God. It's Shannon's transformation that really touched me though. She's a bit too prideful in the beginning and a whole lot of judgmental and I grew right along with her.

Matthew is the kind of Western hero dreams are made of -- even if he thinks he's the footloose and fancy free kind! I love how Hatcher changes his mind! Great all around read for any historical romance lover!

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like to win a copy of Heart of Gold, please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. Remember to put the title in the subject line. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 29. (note: I'm still having problems with my internet at home so if you don't see a post Sunday it will be up bright and early Monday morning.) Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

The Chase



GIVEAWAY

  

MILLS, DIANN
THE CHASE

To the FBI it's a cold case. To Kariss Walker it's a hot idea that could either reshape or ruin her writing career. And it's a burning mission to revisit an event she can never forget. Five years ago, an unidentified little girl was found starved to death in the woods behind a Houston apartment complex. A TV news anchor at the time, Kariss reported on the terrifying case. Today, as a New York Times bestselling author, Kariss intends to turn the unsolved mystery into a suspense novel. Enlisting the help of FBI Special Agent Tigo Harris, Kariss succeeds in getting the case reopened. But the search for the dead girl's missing mother yields a discovery that plunges the partners into a witch's brew of danger. The old crime lives on in more ways than either of them could ever imagine. Will Kariss's pursuit of her dream as a writer carry a deadly price tag? Drawing from a real-life cold case, bestselling novelist DiAnn Mills presents a taut collage of suspense, faith, and romance in The Chase.

My Review:

Liberally laced with gritty realism, The Chase, is definitely an edgy read. Mills has masterfully crafted a suspense that doesn't hold back, but she manages to write the grim side in such a way that she suggests without offending. A very clever accomplishment in a suspenseful read.

Loved the fascinating details of a successful author's life from Kariss's viewpoint. Her willingness to follow her writer's voice instead of the demands of her agent added an extra dimension to the plot.

The Chase is more suspense then romance though, which was a bit of a disappointment. It looks like Mills will continue on with the same characters for the rest of the series so I'll just have to patient, I guess. The ground work has been laid in this novel and it was fun to watch Kariss and Tigo eke out a friendship that will definitely lead to something more as the series progresses.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like a chance to win The Chase, please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. Remember to put the title in the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 29 2012. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Hometown Family

GIVEAWAY!

ROSS, MIA
HOMETOWN FAMILY

Since when is prodigal son Matt Sawyer a small-town farmer surrounded by kin? Since the terms of his late father's will demand he stay in Harland, North Carolina. Terms that attorney and hometown gal Caty McKenzie has to ensure are carried out. Matt left Harland years ago and never looked back. But running the farm and spending time with Caty brings out a caring, faithful side of Matt that he didn't know existed. And Matt's soon to discover the real challenge: convincing love-shy Caty to stay right there with him.

My Review:

What an amazing debut novel! Practically read it in one sitting it was that good.  Hometown Family was such a pleasure to read. The characters are engaging -- and I'm hoping that Matt's large family will provide the impetus to create more than a sequel or two. Ross has also created an incredible town full of neighbourly folks and I'm not ready to say goodbye to any of them -- especially Ruthy.

This book is pure romance and I love how Ross took the time to develop it. There's nothing artificial or forced about Matt and Caty's story. They are real people experiencing the real pitfalls of falling in love. And they are both facing their own inner battles as they come to grips with past relationships. Each story arc is moving in its own way but when they intersect it's pure magic! I just gobbled this one up and if you're a romance fan, I bet you will too!

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Hometown Family, please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. Remember to put the title in the subject line so your entry is easy for me to spot. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 29 2012. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

April Giveaway - Week Four

MY APOLOGIES FOR NOT POSTING THE WINNERS ON SUNDAY!
MY INTERNET WAS DONE ALL WEEKEND!!!!! SO I'M POSTING THIS ON THE FLY AT WORK!



won by Pamela J.





won by Na



won by Jody



We'll connect by email and once I get your snail mail address I'll send you your books! I've a crazy week ahead (holding a Scholastic Book Fair at one of my elementary schools) so I'd love it if you contact me first. :-)

Looking Ahead to Next Week:

Surpises galore! A bit of everything, contemporary, romance and intrigue. I'll start posting reviews later today (internet willing!)

Sanctuary for a Lady

GIVEAWAY

RAWLINGS, NAOMI
SANCTUARY FOR A LADY

Rescued by the enemy.

The injured young woman Michel Belanger finds in the woods is certainly an aristocrat. And in the midst of France's bloody revolution, sheltering nobility merits a trip to the guillotine. Yet despite the risk, Michel knows he must bring the wounded girl to his cottage to heal.

Attacked by soldiers and left for dead, Isabelle de La rouchecauld has lost everything. A duke's daughter cannot hope for mercy in France, so escaping to England is her best chance of survival. The only thing more dangerous than staying would be falling in love with this gruff yet tender man of the land. Even if she sees, for the first time, how truly noble a heart can be...

My Review:

It boggles this reader's mind that this is a debut novel. Rawlings writes like a seasoned pro. With the tight plot, impeccable characterization and enough emotional angst to water-log the Kleenex company, this is a romance lover's dream. Seriously good.

Love the unusual setting -- revolutionary France. There's a history lesson or two or three within the pages which I found to be a fascinating bonus. Kudos to Love Inspired for branching out from their norm and to Rawlings for inspiring them to do so.

This is a stomach-churning, knuckle-whitening read from cover to cover. I was an emotional wreck all the way through, between shouting warnings, chiding stubbornness and wanting to throw something at someone (including the author) occasionally! LOL. But I survived to tell the tale -- to dream about the tale -- to carry on the tale -- to dream up a new tale based on this one...well, let's just say the story is still with me and I'm praying it's not long before Rawlings' next book is out!

And the romance! Oh-la-la! It's there in spades despite the impossibility of it all. And Rawlings creates incredibly intimate moments even in the midst of anger and hurt. Scenes that shot daggers at this sensitive reader's heart. Totally amazing; completely fulfilling.

The powerful inspirational thread made me squirm and I battled right along with Michel and Isabelle, marveling at what a benevolent God we have and the faith and strength of so many in history who survived untold horrors but still believed.

This one is a gem, a definite must read!

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like a chance at winning a copy of Sanctuary of a Lady please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvtoreadATyahooDOTca. Remember to put the title in the subject line so your entry is easy for me to spot. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 22 2012. Offer open to international readers. Good luck everyone!

The Fiddler

GIVEAWAY

LEWIS, BEVERLY
THE FIDDLER

Come home to Hickory Hollow, Pennsylvania--the beloved setting where Beverly Lewis's celebrated Amish novels began--with new characters and new stories of drama, romance, and the ties that draw people together.

A wrong turn in a rainstorm leads Englisher Amelia Devries to Michael Hostetler--and the young Amishman's charming Old Order community of Hickory Hollow. Despite their very different backgrounds, Amelia and Michael both feel hemmed in by the expectations of others and struggle with how to find room for their own hopes. And what first seems to be a chance encounter might just change their lives forever.

My Review:

While this is the first in a new series, I have the feeling that Lewis fans will recognize Hickory Hollow and some of its engaging residents. Though I'm not well-versed in Lewis' other works (a sad fact I intend to remedy immediately) I was quickly enamored with a few wonderful secondary characters. I'm betting that readers who have already made their acquaintance will be thrilled to renew it in The Fiddler.

The story starts in the midst of emotional turmoil for both Amelia and Michael and Lewis just keeps on upping the angst all the way through. Both are from extremely different backgrounds but are struggling with the same issue -- how to remain true to themselves in the face of parental expectations. This constant inner battle makes for a fascinating read -- as does their immediate attraction for one another. I was torn through the whole book not knowing how I wanted it to end -- or if I ever wanted it to end!

I do know one thing though -- I'm definitely in love with Hickory Hollow and intend to visit it again soon!

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Fiddler please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. Remember to put the title in the address line so that it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 22. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

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

The Discovery

GIVEAWAY!

WALSH, DAN
THE DISCOVERY

An engrossing story of family secrets and a love for the ages.

When aspiring writer Michael Warner inherits his grandfather's venerable Charleston estate, he settles in to write his first novel. But within the confines of the stately home, he discovers an unpublished manuscript that his grandfather, a literary giant whose novels sold in the millions hidden from everyone -- but which he clearly intended Michael to find. As he delves deep into the exciting tale about spies and sabotage. Michael discovers something that has the power to change not only his future but his past as well.

Laced with suspense and intrigue, The Discovery is a richly woven novel that explores the incredible sacrifices that must be made to forge the love of a lifetime. Author Dan Walsh delivers yet another unique and heartfelt story that will stick with you long after you've turned the last page.

My Review:

I've come to appreciate the way Walsh spins a yarn and this one certainly did not disappoint. He always manages to come at a story with a unique viewpoint and The Discovery stands out as one of my favourites to date.

Love the dual stories that mesh together in a complicated and gripping plot that left me clamouring for more.  Impeccably paced, Walsh builds the suspense until it is impossible to put the book down before reaching the end. But along with the intrigue, which is revealed bit by bit, the story is anchored  with lush descriptions and natural dialogue. A winning combination, for sure!

And the love story(ies)!!! Deep and rich, they provide much fodder for thought. The Discovery will leave a lasting impression -- another book I'd love to see played out on the big screen. All of Walsh's books have been like that for me. Each book has a powerful message big enough to be sustained in a Hollywood script. I sincerely hope he has movie deals in the making, but in the meantime, don't miss out on the print version!

Givewaway Opportunity:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Discovery, please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. Please make sure to put the title in your subject line so it's easy for me to spot. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 22. Offer open to international readers.

"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".

Apirl Giveaway -- Week Three

Congratulations!



won by KarenK

 

won by Tammi

I will contact the winners by email today but if you don't hear from me my Monday evening (sometimes my emails go to spam) please contact me with your snail mail address so I can get your book out to you asap. kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. Please note that you have two weeks to contact me with your address after which your win will be forfeited and I'll double up another win n a future draw.

Looking Ahead to Next Week's Giveaways:

The Discovery by Dan Walsh

Wow -- just finished it and am still trying to formulate my thoughts, it's that good!

Sanctuary for a Lady by Naomi Rawlings

Naomi created quite a stir on Seekerville's blog a bit ago. Her topic? The Almost Kiss -- How to Tease and Tempt Your Readers without Lip Service. After reading her enticing snippets I was hooked. My Harlequin order just arrived this week and I'm eager to dive into this Love Inspired Historical.

The Fiddler by Beverly Lewis

This is the first of a new series : Home to Hickory Hollow and I'm excited to be in on the beginning of it!

Choose Joy Because Happiness Isn't Enough by Kay Warren

This non-fiction title caught my eye when the marketing firm I get some of my review books from offered it up for the month of April. I was intrigued enough to delve into it. I'll let you know what I think later on in the week.

A Simple Spring

GIVEAWAY

LAUER, ROSALIND
A SIMPLE SPRING

Although Sadie King is blessed with the voice of an angel, she never thought that following the song in her heart would take her far beyond the strict boundaries of her Amish faith and away from the only home she’s ever known. But during her rumspringa, one road leads to another, and suddenly she’s secretly performing with a band. Now she faces an impossible choice between the music in her heart and the traditions branded upon her soul.


Mike Trueherz is a dedicated young paramedic who finds a kindred spirit in Sadie. Torn between family duty and his desire to pursue a life beyond his father’s rural medical practice, he is inspired by Sadie’s honesty and courage.

While spring unfurls rich colors and bounty through the countryside of Lancaster County, Sadie and Mike must reconcile their families’ expectations with their own callings. Ultimately, their faith in each other and the God that has brought them together will give them the strength and the peace to take a chance—and to make the biggest decision of their lives.

A coming-of-age story reflecting the deepest messages of love, A Simple Spring is music for the heart.
 
My Review:
 
There's nothing simple about Sadie's spring! Her story took me on an emotional rollercoaster ride the likes of which I won't soon forget. A breath-taking, poignant story about finding yourself and God's purpose for you. It made me sad and happy and sad some more! This book really tugged at my heart-strings.
 
It is the second in the Seasons of Lancaster County series but it's written so well that you don't need to read the first one to enjoy this one. Though Adam and Remy of A Simple Winter and all the King clan feature prominently in A Simple Spring as well. Maybe that's why I found this such an emotional read -- not only was I struggling right along with Sadie, but with her brother, Adam, as well since I knew how her actions would impact on him. You've got to love an author who can create such memorable characters that a reader can worry over them the way I did!
 
Of course, I can't wait to read the last book - A Simple Autumn -- which releases in October. But I fear that even then I won't be willing to let the King family go! They've made an impact on me.
 
Giveaway Opportunity:
 
If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Simple Spring please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. Please put the title in the subject line so your entry is easy for me to spot.  Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 15. Offer open to international readers.  Good luck!

Hiding in Plain Sight

GIVEAWAY

WALLACE, AMY
HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT

World weary and down to a threadbare faith, police officer Ashley Walters seeks refuge in Montezuma, Georgia, a quiet town with a thriving Mennonite community. Yet even in the peaceful surroundings, she can’t escape the haunting memories of crime-ridden Atlanta.

Then marriage-and-family counselor Patrick James partners with a teenaged Mennonite runaway to offer Ashley a second chance at redemption…and romance. But when violence erupts over revitalization plans that pit the Montezuma and Mennonite communities against each other, Ashley is forced to stop the person responsible—even if he is someone she’s come to love.

As God unlocks the secrets darkening Ashley’s heart, she must answer two crucial questions: Who is in control? And can she trust Him?

My Review:

This book has one of the best inspirational threads I've ever read. In fact, it's not even a separate thread -- the inspiration seeps into every page. Characters are all at different stages of their spiritual development and that adds fresh interest to an already captivating plot. But the suspense is stellar too and there are puzzle pieces galore and the fun of trying to figure out the mystery before Ashley and Patrick do.

And let's not forget the romance. A hero who isn't afraid to pray for the heroine. A heroine who doesn't want to be touched by those prayers. They're at completely different places but Wallace doesn't let that stop her from zinging them with electric currents of the romantic kind! Tension grows taut as the story progresses, with lovely soft interludes that give the reader hope in a happily ever after.

A great book any way you look at and one you won't want to miss.

Giveaway Opportunity:


If you wold like a chance to win a copy of Hiding in Plain Sight, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. Please remember to put the title in the address line so it's easy for me to spot your entry. Offer open to international readers. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 15 2012.

April Giveaway -- Week Two



won by Lynn
and
Amber S.



won by Esther



won by Wendy Newcomb

Congratulations, winners. I'll be emailing you today but if you don't hear from me by Monday evening please give me a shout at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. I need your snail mail address so I can order your book. Remember, you have two weeks to contact me or your win is forfeited and I'll draw a second winner in a future book giveaway.

Looking ahead to nest week's reads:

Hiding in Plain Sight by Amy Wallace

Incredibly good read with a great mix of suspense and romance in a Mennonite community.

A Simple Spring by Rosalind Lauer

Haven't started this one yet but I loved A Simple Winter so I'm looking forward to this one.

Arms of Love

GIVEAWAY!!!!

LONG, KELLY
ARMS OF LOVE

The year is 1777. America is in turmoil and Amish life is far different than today.

Pennyslvania in the late 18th century, once called William Penn's Woods, is populated with an assortment of different faiths living together for the first time in American history. Included in this tapestry is a small and struggling group called Amish.

Surrounding this peaceful people are unavoidable threats. Both Patriots and the British are pillaging land and goods for the sake of the war. Young Amishmen are leaving the faith to take up arms and defend freedom. A simple walk in the untamed forests could result in death-from bullet, arrow, or wild animal.

Amid this chaos, Adam Wyse is fighting a personal battle. To join the war efforts and leave his faith would mean walking away from the only woman he's ever loved: Lena Yoder. But because of his love for her, he's made a promise that may keep them apart permanently.

When Adam withdraws from Lena, she's forced to turn to his brother, Isaac, for support. Must Lena deny her heart's desire to help Adam's soul? and will life in this feral and primitive New World be more than this peace-keeping people can withstand?

My Review:

A complex, stunning novel that took me to unexpected places. Though set during the revolutionary war, I found the character's inner battles far more treacherous. Long did an excellent job of creating angst from both without and within while including fascinating historical facts into the mix. Historical lovers who aren't Amish fans will still enjoy Arms of Love while Amish connoisseurs will relish spotting the similarities and differences in the roots of this much-loved faith.

Life was hard. Complicated. Impossible in ways it's hard to imagine. Thankfully Long has enough imagination for all of us and she takes her characters (and her readers) on a fascinating journey of self-discovery. There were places where I read voraciously and other spots where I just wanted to close the book and not go on! Thankfully the story was too compelling to let go of and I persevered through the angst.

This book is so full of surprising revelations that it's hard to review for fear of posting spoilers so I need to tread carefully. Let's just say that Adam's love is deep and irrefutable even when it's impossible. There's something so alluring about a man who is willing to sacrifice for the woman he loves. By contrast, Lena's innocent, enthusiastic, for-sure-we're-forever faith is sorely tested many times over. And yet their romance is larger than life from the very first page -- even before we see them together.  Long's masterful storytelling allows for incredibly intimate scenes that have nothing to do with kissing and everything to do with a connection so much deeper. But when they do get to kissing....wow!

Let's just say that this is well worth the read. A story that will satisfy your heart and your soul and leave you with lots to think about. In fact the author has actually included a four-week Novel Bible Study at the end of the book which looks fantastic. I'm excited to get started on it since I've long been applying gospel truths I read about in fiction into the reality of my life.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Arms of Love please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. Please put the title in the subject line so your entry is easy for me to spot. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 8 2012. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

You're Already Amazing: Embracing Who You Are, Becoming All God Created You to Be

GERTH, HOLLEY
YOU'RE ALREADY AMAZING : EMBRACING WHO YOU ARE, BECOMING ALL GOD CREATED YOU TO BE

Psst . . . pull up a chair and I'll tell you a secret. You'd better lean in close for this one.


Ready?

You don't have to do more, be more, have more.

I'm sure there are security alarms going off somewhere. You should probably hide this book when your in-laws come over.

But it's true.

It's the kind of true that will change your life, set you free, and make you wake up smiling for the first time in a long time. I know because that's what it did for me. . . 
So watch out, sister. If you keep reading you just might be next.

With this heart-to-heart message, Holley Gerth invites you to embrace one very important truth--that you truly are already amazing. Like a trusted friend, Holley gently shows you how to forget the lies and expectations the world feeds you and instead believe that God loves you and has bigger plans for your life than you've even imagined.

My Review:

Refreshing and engaging, Gerth tackles a multitude of issues with compassion and humour and an all important brightness of hope. You're Already Amazing reads as fluently as fiction and kept my attention riveted until the very end. It's the first time in  a long while that I've read a non-fiction book cover to cover and all the while I felt like I was chatting with a really good friend. Exchanging ideas, problems, testimonies. Exploring who God is and what He wants me to become...and more importantly how much He loves me just the way I am. Right now. Today. Without apology.

Each chapter is divided into sub-sections that pack a punch but can be read in just a few minutes...if you can stand to put the book down, that is! Gerth's vibrant enthusiasm and passion exude off each page and it's clear to see the hand of God in her words and thoughts. You're Already Amazing will bless you again and again. Highly recommended to be read and shared by every woman in your life -- starting with you!

You might be interested in checking out Holley Gerth's blog:

http://www.holleygerth.com/

Or this great interview on Amish Wisdom (Suzanne Woods Fisher's wonderful radio show on toginet). Check out the Thursday March 15 show here:

http://toginet.com/podcasts/amishwisdom/?s=amishwisdom



"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".

Missing

GIVEAWAY!

GRAY, SHELLEY SHEPARD
MISSING

Can two young people survive the suspicions of their friends and neighbors when tragedy strikes a close-knit Amish community?

Perry Borntrager had been missing for months from the quiet Amish community of Crittenden, Kentucky, when his body is discovered at the bottom of an abandoned well. The first death from mysterious circumstances in more than two decades brings the scrutiny of the outside world: A police detective arrives to help the local sheriff with the investigation. His questioning begins with Lydia Plank, Perry’s former girlfriend, and Perry’s best friend, the Englischer Walker Anderson.

Lydia and Walker know they didn’t have anything to do with Perry’s death, but they both hold secrets about his final days. Do they dare open up about the kind of man Perry had become? In the oppressive shadow of these dark times, they discover strength in a most unlikely companionship: one that offers solace, understanding, and the promise of something more.

My Review:

This is an Amish story with a refreshing twist. In fact -- it's not just an Amish story since half the characters are Englisch, but they all have something in common -- a sense of something missing in their lives. That's a very clever tie-in to the title and the overall theme for the book.

Told from multiple viewpoints gives the reader a sense of kinship with a whole town. And Gray has also added brilliant character quotes at the beginning of each chapter. Most of the quotes are opinions expressed about the murdered man, Perry Borntrager which ups the intrigue both about Perry's last days and the complicated relationships he's left behind.

At the heart of book one of The Secret of Crittenden County series is the tenuous friendship/burgeoning romance between Walker and Lydia. Bound by the secrets they share, they form an uneasy alliance that spirals into a complicated relationship that leaves them both confused.  A wonderful basis from which to grow an angsty romance!

While there isn't complete resolution at the end of Missing, there is enough to satisfy a reader while leaving her eager to sample more. The next book in the series, The Search, comes out in July. And the final installment, Found,  in September. According to the author, all three books span a time-period of just seven weeks. I'm definitely hooked and can't wait to find out more!

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like to win a copy of Missing, please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. Remember to put the title in the subject line so I can easily spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 8 2012. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Dawn Comes Early

 GIVEAWAY!

BROWNLEY, MARGARET

DAWN COMES EARLY

Looking for a woman of good character and pleasant disposition willing to learn the ranching business in Arizona Territory.

Must be SINGLE and prepared to remain so now and forever more.

Will be given ownership of ranch.

Eleanor Walker

Disgraced dime novelist Kate Tenney fled the city that banned her latest book for a fresh start at a cattle ranch in the Arizona Territory. She hopes ranching turns out to be as romantic as she portrayed it in her novels.

But what awaits her is a much harder life.There is no room for mistakes on a working cattle ranch in 1895, and Kate is ill-prepared for her new life She quickly learns that dawn comes early...every day. But she is tenacious.

Having been abandoned by a string of men, Kate has no intention of ever marrying. But she didn't expect to meet Luke Adams either. Luke awakens feelings inside Kate she doesn't recognize, and his steady presence is a constant distraction. She has only written about love in the past, never known it herself. But her feelings for Luke stand in the way of all she has to gain if she is chosen as the heir.

Perhaps God brought Kate to the barrenness of the desert to give new life to her jaded heart.

My Review:

Western comedy at it's best, but Dawn Comes Early will pull at your heartstrings too. Kate heads into Cactus Patch with a lot more baggage than the single trunk she brought from Boston . It takes a run-in with an outlaw and repeated associations with the local blacksmith to begin shaking that baggage loose. And all the while she's learning the rigorous work of ranch-life through hands-on experience. Let's just say there isn't a lull in this action-packed, emotionally-fraught and side-splitting historical novel.

As always, Brownley's characters shine. Sub-plots involving secondary characters are by turns humourous and touching and add extra spark to an already dazzling story. A definite delight to read.

Giveaway Opportunity:


If you would like to win a copy of this book please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. Remember to put the title in your address line so that it's easier for me to spot. Offer open to international readers. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 8. Good luck!

April Giveaway -- Week One

I decided to go more random then random.org so I resorted to the intrepid skills of Simba the Wonder Dog who drew the winner's name's from a bowl. He so loves to feel important.

 

won by Joye

 

won by Ingrid



won by Elyssa



As always, I'll email the winners today except for Joye who didn't leave an email. Joye - you need to email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca to claim your prize...You have two weeks to do so. If I don't connect with any winner within two weeks, the win will be forfeited and I'll add another winner to a future draw to even things up.  So be sure to send me your snail mail address so I can send you your book!

Looking Ahead to Next Week:'s Giveaway:

Dawn Comes Early by Margaret Brownley

Funny and heart-warming with cowboys. How can a book get better than that?!

Missing by Shelley Shephard Gray

Just cracked this one open and it looks like a riveting suspense with both Amish and Englisch storylines.

Arms of Love by Kelly Long

This Historical Amish looks fascinating. Can't wait to delve into it next.