March Giveaway - Week Five

Congratuations ...
and my apologies for posting this late --
Internet woes. :-(

won by Debra E. Marvin

won by Maxie

won by pol
and
Diana Montgomery



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

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK'S GIVEAWAYS:

You're Made for a God-Sized Dream : Opening the Door to All God Has For You

GERTH, HOLLEY
YOU'RE MADE FOR A GOD-SIZED DREAM : OPENING THE DOOR TO ALL GOD HAS FOR YOU

We all long to live with more purpose, passion, and joy. Yet in the middle of our hectic lives, the God-sized dreams that have the potential to lead us into all God has planned for us are the ones that tend to get lost. With her intimate, approachable style and constant encouragement, popular blogger and author Holley Gerth invites women to rediscover the big dreams God has given them--and then dare to pursue them.

With the enthusiasm and honesty that we all want from our closest friend, Holley encourages women to overcome excuses--too busy, too late, too far out of my comfort zone--and believe that their God-sized dreams can become reality. She takes readers by the heart and says, "Yes! You can do this! Let's go!" and then guides them forward with a loving hand. A licensed counselor and certified life coach, Holley insightfully combines inspiration with practical application in this positive book.

My Review:

 Uplifting and inspiring.

Holley Gerth is the kind of mentor you want to have on your side. Gerth's personalized delivery comes across in an easy-to-read conversational style that made me feel she was right there guiding me along with her encouraging support.

This book helped me tune out the clamouring voices of doubt and fear so that I could more clearly capture the vision of  my God-sized dreams. The author's writing infuses warmth and laughter, courage and hope -- and the awe-inspiring concept that God is waiting to to share His dreams for my life with me.

I used this book as part of my studies during the month of March and found myself eagerly anticipating my morning devotionals. I felt bolstered up with a new confidence that helped me focus on the changes I needed to make in my daily life. Gerth's influence has made a difference in my overall ability to face problems and conflicts and, most importantly, to be courageous enough to dream those God-Sized dreams.

"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".

Unbreakable

GIVEAWAY

MEHL, NANCY
UNBREAKABLE

Gentle and unassuming Hope Kauffman has never been one to question or try to make changes. She quietly helps her father run Kingdom Quilts and has agreed to the betrothal her father arranged for her with the devout but shy Ebbie Miller.

Despite Hope's and other Kingdom residents' attempts to maintain the status quo, changes have already begun to stir in the small Mennonite town. The handsome and charismatic Jonathon Wiese is the leader of the move to reform, and when one of Kingdom's own is threatened by a mysterious outsider, Jonathon is one of the first to push for the town to arm itself. Hope's fiance, Ebbie, is at the forefront of those demanding the town stay true to its traditions of nonviolence.

When strange incidents around town result in outright attacks on several townspeople, Hope can't help but question what she's always been taught. As the town that's always stood so strong together is torn apart at the seams, Hope is caught between opposing sides, both represented by those she has come to care for. With tensions high and lives endangered by an unknown threat, Hope fears Kingdom can never survive in one piece.

My Review:

Mehl tackles a very controversial topic and does an admirable job of presenting varying viewpoints. Like Hope, I found myself caught between opposing sides all the way through the book. It really made me think and would be a great springboard for a book club discussion. There's lots of meat to this story.

There are multiple layers in the suspense -- including a romantic one. Not only is Hope caught up in the town's conflict, she also finds herself pulled between two men as well. The author has created two worthy heroes, both captured my reader's heart for different readers. I didn't know who would be the better choice for Hope and was relieved that the author had the job of figuring that one out! The reveal is a startling, climatic, aha moment (at least it was for me) and suddenly felt like the obvious choice. Loved living through that roller coaster ride.

Road to Kingdom fans (series) will be thrilled to reacquaint themselves with the town of Kingdom and its residents -- especially Lizzie, Noah and Charity. No worries if you haven't read the first book, Inescapable. Mehl knows how to set up a series so each book reads as a standalone.

Unbreakable is an exceptional read and a great choice for suspense fans who would like to be challenged by a thought-provoking subplot.


Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Unbreakable, please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday March 31 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Mending the Doctor's Heart

GIVEAWAY

Radcliffe, Tina
Mending the Doctor's Heart

A new job in Paradise, Colorado, seems like the perfect fresh start for Dr. Ben Rogers. Only problem is, Dr. Sara Elliott has been counting on getting the same job. Once they negotiate a shared trial run, Ben expects working with Sara to be less than pleasant. Instead, he finds himself drawn to her. She's dedicated and compassionate, exactly the type of woman he used to want—when family was an option. Yet Ben is surprised to learn that Sara's life is just as emotionally complicated as his own. And if there isn't room for both of them at work, how can they make room for each other in their hearts?

My Review:

Tense medical scenes bring a fresh dimension to this Love Inspired novel. Radcliffe grabbed my attention with an action-packed, emotionally charged opening scene that set the stage for the rest of the book. She excels at teasing her readers with enticing bits of backstory that add dimension and power to the her characters' storylines. But the reveal is slow, leaving me chomping at the bit to know it all right away! Ben's past in particular was artfully developed to a fulfilling resolution.

I loved how the author builds the romance between Ben and Sara. From fireworks to tenderness, my emotions raged right along with theirs. The obstacles in their path are believably complicated, the message that God is the answer to simplifying those complications comes across loud and clear without being forced. That inspirational message comes alive naturally during the course of the story and that made it a powerful one for me.

A contemporary medical romance well worth delving into.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Mending the Doctor's Heart, please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday March 31 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

A Home for Lydia

GIVEAWAY

CHAPMAN, VANNETTA
A HOME FOR LYDIA

A Home for Lydia, the second book in a new romantic series from popular author Vannetta Chapman, centers again on the Plain community of Pebble Creek and the kind, caring people there. As they face challenges to their community from the English world, they come together to reach out to their non-Amish neighbors while still preserving their cherished Plain ways.

Aaron Troyer simply wants to farm like his father and grandfather before him. But instead he finds himself overseeing the family's small group of guest cabins nestled along the banks of Pebble Creek. That also means he must work with the cabins' housekeeper, Lydia Fisher.

Lydia is the most outspoken Amish woman Aaron has ever met, and she has strong opinions about how the guest cabins are to be run. She also desperately needs this job. Though sparks fly between boss and employee at first, when the cabins are robbed, nothing is more important to Aaron than making sure Lydia is safe.

Together they work to make the vacation property profitable, but can they find out the identity of the culprit before more damage is done? And is Lydia's dream of a home of her own more than just a wish and a prayer?

My Review:

A blessing of a read. Think Waltons with an Amish twist. And by that I'm referring to exceptional writing that delivers a heartwarming multi-generational story with so many touching moments that stirred my soul. I had to stop reading and just savor beautiful snippets of scenes that shot a thrill right through me even as they confirmed the blessing of family and the strength in friendships.

Gabe and Miriam and Grace Miller are back (A Promise for Miriam), this time providing support to the hero and heroine, Lydia and Aaron. No worries if you haven't met the Millers yet, Chapman does a wonderful job of settling old characters into new plots. But getting a glimpse into Gabe and Miriam's future is an enticing bonus.

Aaron and Lydia easily carry the story though -- right from their first fiery altercation. And there's so many layers to their tale, all of them liberally sprinkled with humour. A read that will fuel your spirits and warm your heart long after you finish 'the end'.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of A Home for Lydia, please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday March 31 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

March Giveaway - Week Four

Congratulations!

won by Nancy Kimball

won by Carol N. Wong



won by Patty

won by Wendy Newcomb

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

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK'S GIVEAWAYS:

 

 



Unrivaled

GIVEAWAY

MITCHELL, SIRI
UNRIVALED

Lucy Kendall returns from a tour of the Continent, her luggage filled with the latest fashions and a mind fired by inspiration. After tasting Europe's best confections, she's sure she'll come up with a recipe that will save her father's struggling candy business and reverse their fortunes. But she soon discovers that their biggest competitor, the cheat who swindled her father out of his prize recipe, has now hired a promotions manager--a cocky, handsome out-of-towner who gets under Lucy's skin.

Charlie Clarke's new role at Standard Manufacturing is the chance of a lifetime. He can put some rough times behind him and reconnect with the father he's never known. The one thing he never counted on, however, was tenacious Lucy Kendall. She's making his work life miserable...and making herself impossible for him to forget.

My Review:

Unrivaled is...well...unrivaled. A riveting story that takes place at the turn of the century. Fascinating historical details add an enthralling layer to this already incredible story.

Mitchell does realism well. She has created a hero and heroine who are both likeable and unlikeable and then pits them together so they can bring the best...and worst...out of each other. That made this an emotional and memorable read for me.

Giveaway Opportunity:

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

GIVEAWAY

DEAN, JANET
THE BRIDE WORE SPURS

The Cowgirl Takes a Husband!

To keep the Texas ranch she loves, Hannah Parrish will wed a man she doesn't. Cowpokes won't take orders from a young, single female. But while her exasperating neighbor Matt Walker jokes about her being a mere debutante, Hannah is a rancher to the core. Just like Matt.  "Will you marry me?" It's a question widowed Matt never intended to ask again. Now spirited Hannah is asking him for a marriage of convenience! Yet whether she's birthing a calf or caring for a young orphan, the tomboy next door is becoming the partner Matt always hoped for. Now he must convince her the greatest strength comes in trusting your heart to another—and your future to God.…

My Review:

If you love your Westerns with a liberal dose of romance, then this is the book for you! Dean managed to lasso me in on the very first page and I was hog-tied until the very last word. Now I'm branded for life and rarin' to read more Wild West romances from this author. :-) Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Conflict clashes with desire as Hannah and Matt fight to protect their hearts...and the lifestyle they love. Matt's fighting demons from his past and Hannah is fighting for respect in a world of cowboys. They are often at cross-purposes but that doesn't mean the sparks don't fly! Their romance heats up by slow degrees page by page making this a love story to savor.

Giveaway Opportunity:

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

Scent of Lilacs

GIVEAWAY

GABHART, ANN H.
SCENT OF LILACS

Before Ann H. Gabhart became well-known for her much-loved Shaker novels, she wrote three poignant novels centered on the loveable Jocie Brooke and her family, who lived in 1960s small-town Kentucky. Once named as one of Booklist's Top Ten Christian Novels and now featuring a brand new cover, Scent of Lilacs is poised to capture the hearts of new readers everywhere. Life-changing events rarely happen here, and when they do, they are few and far between. But for Jocie Brooke and her family, they happen all at once. Jocie has questions that need answers. As she digs into her family's past, she finds a whirlwind of discoveries, and everything begins to change. In the end, will Jocie find the answers everyone so desperately needs, or will her questions lead to truths that were better left uncovered?

Combining unforgettable characters, true-to-life struggles, and the perfect dose of humor and nostalgia, this riveting story takes readers through the universal experiences of true love, new life, and renewed faith. With a beautiful new cover, Scent of Lilacs is poised to capture the hearts of readers everywhere.

My Review:

Simply stunning! Gabhart has a gift for transplanting her readers into another time and place. I was captivated with Jocie's story from the very first page and intrigued at the way the book piggybacks chapters from father and daughter's viewpoint. Both speak to us in first person and the author has done such an incredible job that I felt I had become a part of the Brooke family.

Jocie is engaging and funny and vulnerable -- a real ingenue. She stole my heart and messed with my emotions until I felt like I was riddled with those confusing teenage hormones all over again. She is brilliantly portrayed, as is her father. David Brooke's struggle to provide for his family while trying to come to terms with his past makes for a fascinating read.

Gabhart's writing is smooth and fluid and will melt in your mouth. You'll definitely want to savor every blessed word!

Giveaway Opportunity:

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

Bundle of Joy

GIVEAWAY

JONES, ANNIE
BUNDLE OF JOY

Never, Ever Trust A Cowboy

Like the wind, Jackson Stroud plans to blow through Texas ranch country and never look back…proving Shelby Grace Lockhart's motto correct. But the former Dallas detective doesn't walk away from ladies—or infants—in distress. So when he discovers an abandoned newborn and a woman looking for a fresh start, Jax knows he came to this special town for a reason. Shelby Grace is just as determined to learn why someone left a baby on her doorstep. As their quest leads in surprising directions, Jax starts to believe he's finally found a place to belong. What will it take to convince Shelby that this is one cowboy she can count on?

My Review:

Who can resist this adorable cover? Not me! I bought the book and gobbled it up in a nanosecond. I love a romance with a baby thrown in. There's something so appealing about a rough, tough hero who knows his way around a diaper. :-)

Jones has created a memorable small-town with a charming cast of  secondary characters. They really move the story along -- as if Jax and Shelby needed a push...well, actually they do. LOL Bundle of Joy is a light-hearted read guaranteed to brighten your day.

Giveaway Opportunity:

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

March Giveaway - Week 3

won by Eliza Elliott

won by Kristin

won by Debbie Curto

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

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK'S GIVEAWAYS:

Enjoying this read right now!

Who can resist a cutie like this?!
This book will steal your heart!

Incredible, absorbing story!

Haven't started this one yet, but from a
sneak peek, it promises to be a sublime read. 

The Heiress's Homecoming

GIVEAWAY

THE HEIRESS'S HOMECOMING
SCOTT, REGINA

To keep her cherished childhood home, Samantha Everard must marry by her twenty-fifth birthday. Yet she refuses to marry on a whim, not even to save her fortune. When she returns to Dallsten Manor to say goodbye, the last person she expects to see is her handsome, disapproving neighbor William Wentworth, Earl of Kendrick.
 Will is certain the scandalous Everard family is nothing but trouble. He shouldn't care about Samantha's predicament, but her feistiness and kindheartedness intrigue him—as does her refusal to wed. He wants to help, especially when he perceives the threat that surrounds her. Soon his greatest wish is to persuade Samantha that her true home is with him.

My Review:

Honestly, there are some amazing Regency romances out now in the Christian market and this is one of them. Makes me wonder at the publishers who are saying the Regency era isn't popular any more. It's become one of my favourite time periods to read about!

Scott has an interesting twist in this romance which made it a unique read. Plus there is an intriguing sub-plot with a touch of suspense. Throw in a reluctant hero who just can't keep himself away from the heroine and a heroine who isn't looking for a hero and you get a winner of a read.

Giveaway Opportunity:

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

The Icecutter's Daughter

GIVEAWAY

PETERSON, TRACIE
THE ICECUTTER'S DAUGHTER

As the lone female in a houseful of men, Merrill Krause dedicates her life to caring for her family and their business, as her dying mother asked. Besides, it suits her; she's never felt like she fits what most people expect in a girl--she'd rather work with her father’s horses and assist with the ice harvest. And though she’s been mostly content up to this point, a part of her wonders if there will ever be anyone who will notice her amid the bevy of brothers determined to protect her from any possible suitors.

When Rurik Jorgenson arrives in their small Minnesota town to join his uncle's carpentry business, he soon crosses paths with Merrill. But unlike other men, who are often frightened away by her older brothers, Rurik isn't intimidated by them or by Merrill's strength and lack of femininity. The attraction between them begins to build...until Rurik's former fiance shows up with wild claims that bring serious consequences to Rurik.

Can Rurik and Merrill learn to trust God--and each other--when scandal threatens their newfound love?

My Review:

Peterson begins another promising series with The Icecutter's Daughter. As in all her books, I became completely absorbed in the story the second I started reading. This author knows how to write with such depth that her readers are immediately engaged emotionally and invested in the story's outcome.

I loved and hated characters in this book. Merrill is strong and loving, dedicated to her family and her friends; looking beyond herself in order support others. She still has a longing inside of her though -- for a life of her own and that includes a family.

That's the hero's cue to enter and Rurik makes an impact. Unfortunately  he brings with him a host of complications that gnarl up the romantic thread and twisted my insides out! Honestly, there's a secondary character that I completely and totally abhorred. I wanted to slap her silly and send her into another story -- preferably a fairy tale where the villain gets her just rewards.  I don't think I've ranted my way through a book with as much passion as I did The Icecutter's Daughter. :-)

A stunning historical romance filled with fascinating facts and a moving plot. Not to be missed.

Giveaway Opportunity:

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

A Plain Scandal

GIVEAWAY

FLOWER, AMANDA
A PLAIN SCANDAL

 The people of Appleseed Creek in the heart of Ohio's Amish Country are under attack. Soon after the dust has settled on a buggy accident that turned out to be murder, an unknown assailant begins cutting off the long hair of Amish women and the beards of Amish men.

New to the area, computer specialist Chloe Humphrey may not share their customs, but she is certainly alarmed over these crimes against the Amish and worries how such events will impact her growing number of friends who are more connected to that way of life.

In this small community, when Chloe discovers the body of an Amish businessman who was stabbed in the back and whose beard was cut off, she knows that finding the murderer and restoring peace to Appleseed Creek is as much her responsibility as anyone else's.

My Review:

The second in An Appleseed Creek Mystery series, you don't need to have read the first book in order to enjoy this one. While characters and some backstory carry over into A Plain Scandal, the author does a fantastic job of bridging the facts and making this story an easy standalone to read.

The Troyer family is back, including the irrepressible Grandfather Zook. Chief Rose is still trying to get the knack of policing a combined Amish/Englisch community and Chloe and Timothy's romance is percolating into something a little more substantial.

I love Chloe's snappy first person point of view. She really moves the story along and provides laughter at the most unexpected places. And the mystery is unique and twisty and will keep you guessing. All perfect reasons to dive into this unique combination of humourous and suspenseful mystery.


Giveaway Opportunity:

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

March Giveaway - Week Two

Congratulations to this week's winners!

won by Library Lady

won by Melody

won by Na

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

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK'S GIVEAWAYS:

Delightful Regency!

Gripping, infuriating read :-)

Nothing like an Amish mystery to
keep this reader happy!