June Giveaway - Week Four

CONGRATULATIONS!

won by Na

won by fredmans

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:

Oops, there aren't any!
I'm languishing as I battle a chronic pain condition
and trying to pack up a school library so it can be painted
this summer. That's left me very little energy -- even to read!
GASP!
So I'm taking this week off from posting reviews but will be back
the first week in July raring to go. I have a lovely TBR pile
beckoning to me and I like to share. :-)

That Certain Summer

GIVEAWAY

HANNON, IRENE
THAT CERTAIN SUMMER

Two very different sisters . . . an unexpected homecoming . . . one unforgettable summerKaren and Val are family--yet they're anything but close. Karen has carried the burden of responsibility for her aging mother ever since her sister left town years ago to pursue a career in theater. But Val had other reasons for moving away--as well as a secret to keep--and coming home has never been an option . . . until their mother suffers a stroke.

Reunited in their hometown, Karen and Val must grapple with past mistakes as they care for their ailing mother. When two handsome men enter the picture, the summer takes on a surprising new dimension. As their lives intersect, can each of them learn how to forgive, let go, and move on? And strengthened by the healing power of faith, might they also find the courage to love?

With her trademark compelling characters and heartwarming hope, award-winning author Irene Hannon pens an inspiring true-to-life tale of complex relationships, the search for forgiveness, and the life-changing process of finding love.

My Review:

Two romances for the price of one! Add a liberal dose of familial angst to magnify the drama and you get a rich, emotional read. I was on tenterhooks for most the read, my tummy doing dips and dives as I grappled right along with Karen and Val. Their journey towards reconciliation was truly moving...and complicated. And the romances just add even more depth to the story. Hannon knows how to carry her readers away with compelling tales that accurately reflect life...and the hope the gospel can bring to it.

Giveway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of That Certain Summer, 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 June 23 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".

A Noble Groom

GIVEAWAY

HEDLUND, JODY
A NOBLE GROOM

Michigan, 1880

Annalisa Werner's hope for a fairy tale love is over. Her husband failed her in every way and now his death has left her with few options to save the family farm. She needs a plentiful harvest. That, and a husband to help bring it in. Someone strong, dependable. That'll be enough. A marriage for love...that's something she's given up on.

So her father sends a letter to his brother in the Old Country, asking him to find Annalisa a groom.

Then a man appears: Carl Richards, from their home country of Germany and a former schoolteacher--or so he says. He's looking for work and will serve on the farm until her husband arrives.

With time running out, she accepts his help, but there's more to this man than he's admitting. He's also gentle, kind, charming--unlike any man she's ever known. But even as Carl is shining light into the darkness of her heart, she knows her true groom may arrive any day.

My Review:

I never thought I'd ever say this in a review -- but here goes. Hedlund is such a master at her craft that she even had me swooning over a nitpicking scene. Seriously. Now that's romantical talent!!!!!

A rich, compelling story filled with the realistic and gritty details the settlers faced every day. Made me take stock of my 21st century complaints and vow to get over myself! I'm not sure I would have survived as a pioneer woman at the turn of the century. Especially a poor German immigrant one who has no say in her future because she is female.

What an incredible read! Hedlund played havoc with my emotions from start to finish. From being in the depths of despair for Annalisa to experiencing heart palpitations over Carl I was a bit of an emotional wreck by the end.

One amazing read!!!!!!

Giveway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Noble Groom, 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 June 23 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck! 

June Giveaway - Week Three

CONGRATULATIONS!

won by Diana Flowers

won by Wendy Newcomb

won by Becky

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:

Drop dead gorgeous book...and cover!

Complex romance with lots
of depth and emotion.

The Quarryman's Bride

GIVEAWAY

PETERSON, TRACIE
THE QUARRYMAN'S BRIDE

 Emmalyne Knox has always loved Tavin MacLachlan. But when tragedy strikes her family, Emmalyne's father declares she can no longer marry. Despite Tavin's pleas to defy the decision, Emmalyne refuses. In her act of obedience, she gives up the future she'd always dreamed of.

When Emmalyne's father returns to the quarry business years later, Tavin and Emmalyne meet again. And though circumstances have changed in both of their lives, they cannot deny the feelings that still exist. Can Emmalyne find a way to heal the decade-long wound that has fractured the two families...and change the hearts of those who stand in the way of true love?

My Review:

  Gritty and real and so sad at the beginning. I really struggled along with Emmalyne without the grace and obedience, mind you. I spent quite a bit of time railing at her over her willingness to obey her father. Bah! I'd have run away with Tavin. Of course then there wouldn't have been a story about love and redemption and the power of hope and second chances.

There is a lot of sorrow within these pages. And struggles. Scenes that will make you want to shout in frustration and possibly throw the book across the room in a snit. Keep reading though and you will find the heaviness lifting as the light of Christ and his unwavering love is masterfully demonstrated in Peterson's powerful tale.

Giveway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Quarryman's Bride, 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 June 16 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 Unintended Groom

GIVEAWAY

ULLRICH, DEBRA
THE UNINTENDED GROOM

A Perfect Partnership

When Abby Bowen's dream of love is dashed, she pursues a new dream: opening a dinner theater in Hot Mineral Springs, Colorado. There's just one hitch: she needs a male business partner. The handsome father of twins who answers Abby's ad is perfect…perhaps too perfect. Working with someone like Harrison Kingsley—without losing her heart—will be harder than Abby anticipated.  It's a good thing Harrison's arrangement with Abby is strictly business. Because with her kind soul, smiling blue eyes and gentle way with his boys, he could easily fall for her. But the longer he works with Abby, the more Harrison realizes that the Lord might have an entirely different partnership planned for them.

My Review:

Another Bowen sibling meets her match in this delightful historical romance. No worries about reading the other books in this series though. The Unintended Groom is a great story all unto itself.

Abby is one spunky, scrappy heroine -- pure Bowen right down to her toes. She is prepared to take on the town politicians in order to make her dream come true, even if that means she needs a male business partner to do it. Cue the hero, one hunky Harrison Kingsley and his adorable twin boys. Abby doesn't stand a chance. Neither does Harrison. But the pair sure make a valiant effort to resist the palpable attraction. Ullrick's trademark humour carries this story to a satisfying conclusion.

Giveway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Unintended Groom, 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 June 16 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck! 

Heart in Hand

GIVEAWAY

CAMERON, BARBARA
HEART IN HAND

After the wedding of her cousin Naomi, knitter Anna, a widow, finds herself missing love and the closeness of a husband. She feels a special connection with her grandmother as they both struggle to go on with life.

Is Anna on the verge of finding happiness when she realizes John Esh is interested in her? Love begins to warm Anna’s heart, but will she be so afraid of losing someone that she gives up the second chance that God has provided?

My Review:

This has got to be one of the most satisfying-whoosh-of-a-contented-sigh romances that I've ever read. I just love the way the plot unfolds. This is a story that deals with loss, but it doesn't dwell on it. There's growth and hope and promise of new love on the horizon and that combination drew me in and kept me committed.

A heart-warming cast of secondary characters fills out the tale and makes me want to move close by so I can take one of Anna's knitting classes and catch up on the gossip. Heart in Hand snatched me out of a stress filled life and brought me respite and hope. You can't ask more of an author than that, can you?

Giveway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Heart in Hand, 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 June 16 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck! 

June Giveaway - Week Two

CONGRATULATIONS!



WON BY MARIAN BAAY

WON BY FAYE

WON BY MARIANNE BARKMAN

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:

Captivating Amish Romance

Intense Historical Romance

Another Exceptional LI Historical

Seaside Blessings

 

GIVEAWAY

HANNON, IRENE
SEASIDE BLESSINGS

The Healing Place

Starfish Bay could be a fresh start for Kristen Andrews…even if her new landlord isn't exactly tossing down the welcome mat. Haunted by his past, Clint Nolan isn't ready to open his heart to another woman. But Kristen's also harboring a secret—the daughter she gave up for adoption nine years ago. When the little girl arrives in the California seaside town, upending Kristen's entire world, the cop-turned-park-ranger can't walk away from them. For he's beginning to feel part of the family of two. Can Clint convince Kristen it's time to claim their long-overdue happy ending?

My Review:

Classic Hannon. Whether she is writing gripping suspense or intense love stories, Hannon thrills me every time. This author has an amazing capacity for creativity and fresh ideas. A simple love story in her hands is anything but simple. Taut with complications, Clint and Kristen's romance has a rocky start and plenty of dips and dives to keep a reader on her toes. I loved watching their hesitant, sometimes clumsy attempts at navigating the rough patches and gloried when their efforts met with success. A heartwarming love story that made an inspiring impact.


Giveway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Seaside Blessings, 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 June 9 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck! 

Deadly Devotion

GIVEAWAY

ORCHARD, SANDRA
DEADLY DEVOTION

Kate knows the truth is out there-but if she's right, that means a killer is out there too.Research scientists Kate Adams and Daisy Leacock were on the brink of a breakthrough for treating depression with herbal medicine when Daisy was suddenly found dead. Kate knows that her mentor's death wasn't suicide or a careless accident-and she's determined to do whatever it takes to unearth the truth about what happened to the woman who changed her life.

Former FBI agent Tom Parker is finding it hard to adjust to life back in his hometown of Port Aster. Though an old buddy gave him a job as a detective on the local police force, not everyone approves. Tom's just trying to keep a low profile, so when Kate Adams demands he reopen the investigation into her friend's death, he knows his job is at stake. But despite his attraction to her, Tom thinks Kate may have something to hide.

As evidence mounts, a web of intrigue is woven around the sleepy town of Port Aster. Can Kate uncover the truth? Or will Tom stand in her way?

My Review:

A book to be devoured with zeal! Orchard is a welcome addition to Revell's Romantic Suspense authors. She has a distinctive style that blends mystery with suspense with punches of humour mixed  in. The result? A page-turning read.

A clever and fresh plot kept me on my toes but I smugly admit to figuring out whodunit a tad before the intrepid heroine. Yes, I'm patting myself on the back because the author wove a complicated trail of clues and mis-clues that left me reeling. I rallied though, stoic armchair sleuth that I am. :-)

Kate and Tom make a good team -- when they aren't at cross purposes, that is. There's attraction and frustration and gentle humour in their developing relationship; the beginnings of a sweet love story that has its bitter moments. Orchard has rooted her characters in reality, drawing on their painful pasts to add depth and plenty of complications to their present.

An outstanding first book in the Port Aster Secrets series, Deadly Devotion wraps up one mystery while hinting at more to come. Kate and Tom's relationship solidifies but the author promises much more to their romance. We just have to be patient until the second book in the series comes out sometime next year. I can't wait.

Giveway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Deadly Devotion, 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 June 9 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".

Stealing the Preacher

GIVEAWAY

WITEMEYER, KAREN
STEALING THE PREACHER

A cowboy who wants to be a preacher. An outlaw's daughter who wants to change his mind.

On his way to interview for a position at a church in the Piney Woods of Texas, Crockett Archer can't believe it when he's forced off the train by an outlaw and presented to the man's daughter as the preacher she requested for her birthday. He's determined to escape--which would be much easier if he could stop thinking about Joanna Robbins and her unexpected request.

For months, Joanna had prayed for a minister. A man to breathe life back into the abandoned church at the heart of her community. A man to assist her in fulfilling a promise to her dying mother. But just when it seems her prayers have been answered, it turns out the parson is there against his will and has dreams of his own calling him elsewhere. Is there any way she can convince Crockett he ended up right where he was supposed to be?

With her signature blend of humor, history, and lively western romance, two-time RITA Award finalist and bestselling author Karen Witemeyer delivers a Texas love story sure to steal your heart.

My Review:

The perfect combination of passionate romance liberally laced with humour! I was chuckling and swooning from beginning to end. And a warning to people who read on public transit -- there are enough laugh out loud moments in Stealing the Preacher that your fellow commuters will start looking at you oddly. Bonus though, you'll get a seat all to yourself!

Boasting one of the most innovative opening scenes I've ever read, Stealing the Preacher is peppered with surprises throughout the book. One of the most compelling ones, is the solid inspirational thread born of heartache and humour.

A delectable read that will leave you smiling days after you reach the end.

Giveway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Stealing the Preacher, 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 June 9 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".

June Giveaway - Week One

CONGRATULATIONS

WON BY VERONICA STERNBERG

WON BY MARTHA STURM

WON BY CHERYL BARKER

WON BY MS.RUBYKAT

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: