When the Clouds Roll By

GIVEAWAY

JOHNSON, MYRA
WHEN THE CLOUDS ROLL BY

Sometimes, going home is the worst thing you can do.

World War I has ended, but returning to Hot Springs, Arkansas, means Lt. Gilbert Ballard has to face his fiancée, Annemarie, who has helped Gilbert confront his postwar anxiety, but both men continue to struggle with the war's aftermath on their lives.

Determined he won't become a burden, Gilbert decides to break his engagement to Annemarie, Samuel does his best to convince Gilbert he's a fool for giving Annemarie up, but he can't deny -- at least to himself -- his own growing attraction to his best friend's girl.

Caught in the middle and confused, Annemarie searches for the courage that can save them all -- the courage for Samuel to reaffirm his faith, for the Gilbert to leave the war behind, and for her own journey to become the woman God intended her to be.

My Review:

Do not peek at the last page of this book.

Do. Not. Peek.

No! Stop!!!!!! You really don't want to know how it ends before...well...it ends.

 Why do I feel the need to post this warning? Because you will become so emotionally invested in these characters you will be in agony wanting to know how things turn out. You will be squirming in your seat and frothing at the mouth and howling at the moon but you need to reader up and just plow on through. So, no peeking at the last page. Is that clear?

I spent most of the read wanting to smack the author upside the head while screaming "Tell me how it ends already!!!!" That's because Johnson has woven such a compelling and complex story that honestly, I've never been so close to throwing my highly held reader standards out the window and devouring the last page first. LOL. I'm still gutted.

Phew, now that I've gotten that off my chest, I can get on with the review.

Johnson gives a voice to thousands World War I veterans -- men and women who were grossly misunderstood and under treated. We're just starting to get it now in the 21st century but after World War I -- well, there are parts of this book that are painful to read and parts where you want to lambast the doctors and a certain mother and...I guess y'all are getting the idea that this was an emotional read for me. I don't think my blood pressure is back to normal yet.

 I loved Annemarie -- her unwavering faith, her desire to move forward in the midst of intense emotional turmoil, her strength in the face of adversity, the creative spark that brings a whole new dimension to her character. This heroine makes the read a rich and immensely satisfying one.

As to the hero -- that's a more complicated matter that I'll leave up to fellow readers to discover.

And one final warning. You will reach a point of no return and will have to compulsively read until you reach the end so it is best to clear your calendar and send your family on holiday without you so you can enjoy a reading staycation. Would that be a readcation? Whatever you call it, you'll enjoy every minute of it!

 Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of When the Clouds Roll By 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 October 6 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck! 

September Giveaway - Week Five



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:

10 Great Dates : Connecting Faith, Love & Marriage

LARSON, PETER& HEATHER
ARP, DAVID & CLAUDIA
10 GREAT DATES : CONNECTING FAITH, LOVE & MARRIAGE

Finally, a Way to Connect Spiritually That You'll BOTH Enjoy!While juggling the kids, work, church, and community commitments, are you and your spouse finding time to connect? When was the last time you had a good talk about faith or did a devotional together?

To help you jump-start deeper connections, four marriage experts have come up with 10 creative date ideas, each centered on a spiritual theme, including:

Appreciating your differences
Experiencing God together
Facing the storms of life
Connecting through prayer

With the planning taken care of--including flexible suggestions for before, during, and after the date--you and your spouse can simply enjoy the time sharing what's important in life.

My Review:

A unique twist to the numerous date books on the market today. The authors have cleverly packaged a concept that will help couples focus not just on their emotional relationship, but on their spiritual relationship as well.

The busy pressures of 21st century living seems to take precedence over our lives and can leave couples floundering to find 'we' time in the wake of everything else on their agenda. A simple commitment to the challenge of 10 dates can provide respite from the world and bring couples together in a powerful way. With the author coaches, personal anecdotes and insightful counseling, readers will be thrilled at the changes they can make in their lives and families.

"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".

An Heiress at Heart

GIVEAWAY

DELAMERE, JENNIFER
AN HEIRESS AT HEART

A New Beginning
A youthful indiscretion has cost Lizzie Poole more than just her honor. After five years living in exile, she's finally returning home, but she's still living a secret life. Her best friend Ria's dying wish was for Lizzie to assume her identity, return to London, and make amends that Ria herself would never live to make. Bearing a striking resemblance to her friend, and harboring more secrets than ever before, Lizzie embarks on a journey that tempts her reckless heart once again . . .

A committed clergyman, Geoffrey Somerville's world is upended when he suddenly inherits the title of Lord Somerville. Now he's invited to every ball and sought after by the matchmaking mothers of London society. Yet the only woman to capture his heart is the one he cannot have: his brother's young widow, Ria. Duty demands he deny his feelings, but his heart longs for the mysterious beauty. With both their futures at stake, will Lizzie be able to keep up her façade? Or will she find the strength to share her secret and put her faith in true love?

My Review:

First -- take a moment to gaze upon that compelling cover. Doesn't she have a come hither look? The tilt of her head is an invitation to follow her right into the pages of a captivating story set in Victorian England. I just loved how the author managed to transport me back in time. I soon became absorbed in a fantastically twisted tale that made a HEA seem impossible.

Lizze is such an intriguing character -- and one caught living a lie for most of the book! It takes some literary talent to make such a heroine a sympathetic one. But I got her. Despite the fact that Lizzie's desire to fulfill her dying friend's wish also proves to be beneficial for her. Even self-serving you might say. Lizzie is a multi-faceted characters layers deep. The book is worth reading just to get to know her. Add in a dashing hero, a fast-paced plot and a collection of life-like secondary characters and you have a winning read that will thrill historical romance lovers.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of An Heiress at 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 September 29 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck! 

The Secret Princess

GIVEAWAY

MCCALLA, RACHELLE
THE SECRET PRINCESS

Her Royal Deception

When Evelyn tended Prince Luke of Lydia's battle wounds, she had no idea whose life she was saving. Yet now the handsome warrior is determined to rescue her from King Garren's fortress. Evelyn may be Garren's granddaughter and a princess by right, but the vindictive king has forced her to pay off her father's debts as a servant. A shared faith deepens her bond with Luke, but revealing her true identity could tear them apart and bring war to two kingdoms. Only courage and trust will help them forge a royal union where two hearts reign as one.

My Review:

Finding a Medieval romance within the Christian Fiction world is such a rarity that I squealed with delight when I saw this was in the October offerings. I couldn't wait to read it and it's just as thrilling as I hoped it would be.

McCalla has created a magical setting with an impossible plot involving star-crossed lovers and political intrigue. Talk about a recipe for reader swoon! I devoured every word of this compelling romance.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Secret Princess, 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 September 29 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck! 

Thread of Suspicion

GIVEAWAY

SLEEMAN, SUSAN
THREAD OF SUSPICION

Falsely accused!

When someone sabotages former navy SEAL Luke Baldwin's "unhackable" software, there's more than his reputation at stake. Faced with treason charges, Luke turns to Dani Justice, a computer expert and skilled investigator. She's eager to dive into the challenging case…until she uncovers a devastating connection. The hacker framing Luke has a personal, deadly history with Dani. Luke's code of honor and his growing feelings make him resolved to protect the sweet, strong woman he knows is more vulnerable than she'd admit. But what good is his training or determination against an enemy who can hack into any system and find them wherever they hide? 

My Review:

I don't know how I missed the first four books in this series but I'm hunting them down as I type this! Sleeman's writing style reminds me of Dee Henderson. She has the same ability to balance romance and suspense while building a plot that encompasses a multitude of fascinating characters. I love the Justice family -- their sibling rivalry complete with over protective brothers and independent sisters is a recipe for disaster of the most delightful kind. Somehow Sleeman manages to carry their camaraderie through a taut, suspenseful plot and a simmering romance. The combination makes the read that much more fulfilling.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Thread of Suspicion, 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 September 29 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck! 

Eventide

GIVEAWAY

GRAY, SHELLEY SHEPARD
EVENTIDE

Eventide is the riveting conclusion to The Days of Redemption trilogy by Shelley Shepard Gray, celebrated author of tender Christian romance novels set in Amish country.

Honest and faithful Elsie Keim falls for her new neighbor, Landon, but she can’t bear to tell him the truth: She’s going blind.

Landon is enamored with Elsie. When Elsie’s brother Roman steps in and shares the truth of Elsie’s disease, Landon is floored. His job is demanding and takes him away from home, sometimes for days at a time. He wonders how he’d be able to keep up with his responsibilities and take care of Elsie.

In Eventide, three generations of the Keim family come together to make their dreams come true.

My Review:

I'm gobsmacked. Not quite sure if I can express how much I loved this conclusion to The Days of Redemption trilogy. I devoured it in an afternoon at the expense of laundry and housework! While Elsie and Landon's love story plays a prominent part in the plot, Gray has provided some wonderful healing moments with the rest of the Keim family -- characters I've grown to love over the course of the series. The author does an exceptional job of illustrating the blessings that come from facing relationship problems head on instead of running from them.

If you haven't read the first two books in the series, do not despair. Gray does a wonderful job of meshing characters and plots from previous stories. Eventide reads well as a standalone, however if you have read the other two books you will be euphoric by the conclusion of this one!

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Eventide, 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 September 29 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck! 

September Giveaway - Week Four



Thanks for all the great book suggestions! I had a lovely shopping spree at my local Christian bookstore so do not despair if you didn't win this time round. You'll see a lot of familiar titles in the coming weeks.

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:

 

Parenting Your Powerful Child

LEMAN, KEVIN
PARENTING YOUR POWERFUL CHILD

Don't let those cherublike faces fool you.
Your smart kids have an agenda--and they're workin' ya.
Powerful kids don't just happen. They're created, and their power comes in different packages. Whether loud and temperamental, quiet and sensitive, or stubborn and manipulative, powerful children can make living with them a challenge. But it doesn't have to be that way.

In Parenting Your Powerful Child, New York Times bestselling author Dr. Kevin Leman offers a practical action plan to redirect your child's power surges into positive traits that will prepare your child for a successful, happy, and productive adult life. With these simple but effective techniques, you can transform your home from a daily battle zone to a safe and peaceful place. All it takes is a little determination--and some small changes on your part--to make a huge difference in your family life.

Ready for the power struggle to end?

My Review:

Leman's trademark humour allows readers to laugh at their own expense even as they wince at the reality in some of these classic truths. I admire Leman's style and delivery as he simplifies the mysteries of child rearing. Common sense and natural consequences prevail and will go far in creating a harmonious home.
"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".

Reader's Choice - Amish Fiction

GIVEAWAY



It's Reader's Choice Week at BestReads!

 What is Reader's Choice Week?

 

Back in February I did a Reader's Choice week that proved to be very popular so I thought it was time we had another one. Instead of me reading and reviewing you get to choose books you would like to read. Please note each day is genre specific so you can only submit books from that genre on that day. You can offer three suggestions but they need to be made in three separate posts. Looking forward to seeing your suggestions and adding to my TBR pile! 

 

How does it work?

 Today it's Amish Romance Giveaway day. To be entered in the draw just leave a comment below, including the title of the book in the Amish Romance genre -- Christian Fiction only please -- that you would like to win.  Important: select only books with an October 2013 or earlier release date. If your name is drawn, I'll send you a copy of that book. Easy Peasy, right? And because I know how hard it is to pick only one book, you can enter this draw three different times with a different title each time. Just make sure each entry is in a different comment.

Please remember to include your email, using AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday September 22 2013. Offer open to international readers.

Reader's Choice - Romantic Suspense

GIVEAWAY

It's Reader's Choice Week at BestReads!

 

 What is Reader's Choice Week?

 

Back in February I did a Reader's Choice week that proved to be very popular so I thought it was time we had another one. Instead of me reading and reviewing you get to choose books you would like to read. Please note each day is genre specific so you can only submit books from that genre on that day. You can offer three suggestions but they need to be made in three separate posts. Looking forward to seeing your suggestions and adding to my TBR pile! 

 

How does it work?

 Today it's Romantic Suspense Giveaway day. To be entered in the draw just leave a comment below, including the title of the book in the Romantic Suspense genre -- Christian Fiction only please -- that you would like to win.  Important: select only books with an October 2013 or earlier release date. If your name is drawn, I'll send you a copy of that book. Easy Peasy, right? And because I know how hard it is to pick only one book, you can enter this draw three different times with a different title each time. Just make sure each entry is in a different comment.

Please remember to include your email, using AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday September 22 2013. Offer open to international readers.

Looking forward to seeing what's on everybody's wishlists!

Reader's Choice - Contemporary Fiction

GIVEAWAY

It's Reader's Choice Week at BestReads!

 What is Reader's Choice Week?

 

Back in February I did a Reader's Choice week that proved to be very popular so I thought it was time we had another one. Instead of me reading and reviewing you get to choose books you would like to read. Please note each day is genre specific so you can only submit books from that genre on that day. You can offer three suggestions but they need to be made in three separate posts. Looking forward to seeing your suggestions and adding to my TBR pile! 

 

How does it work?

 Today it's Contemporary Romance Giveaway day. To be entered in the draw just leave a comment below, including the title of the book in the Contemporary Romance genre -- Christian Fiction only please -- that you would like to win.  Important: select only books with an October 2013 or earlier release date. If your name is drawn, I'll send you a copy of that book. Easy Peasy, right? And because I know how hard it is to pick only one book, you can enter this draw three different times with a different title each time. Just make sure each entry is in a different comment.

Please remember to include your email, using AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday September 22 2013. Offer open to international readers.

Looking forward to seeing what's on everybody's wishlists!

Reader's Choice - Historical Fiction

GIVEAWAY

It's Reader's Choice Week at BestReads!

 What is Reader's Choice Week?

 

Back in February I did a Reader's Choice week that proved to be very popular so I thought it was time we had another one. Instead of me reading and reviewing you get to choose books you would like to read. Please note each day is genre specific so you can only submit books from that genre on that day. You can offer three suggestions but they need to be made in three separate posts. Looking forward to seeing your suggestions and adding to my TBR pile! 

 

How does it work?

 Today it's Historical Romance Giveaway day. To be entered in the draw just leave a comment below, including the title of the book in the Historical Romance genre -- Christian Fiction only please -- that you would like to win.  Important: select only books with an October 2013 or earlier release date. If your name is drawn, I'll send you a copy of that book. Easy Peasy, right? And because I know how hard it is to pick only one book, you can enter this draw three different times with a different title each time. Just make sure each entry is in a different comment.

Please remember to include your email, using AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday September 22 2013. Offer open to international readers.

Looking forward to seeing what's on everybody's wishlists!

 

 

 

September Giveaway - Week Three

Since Ruthy's book is free this weekend I picked
two winners on this one!

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:

It's Reader's Choice Week at BestReads!
Back in February I did a Reader's Choice week that proved to be very popular so I thought it was time we had another one. Instead of me reading and reviewing you get to choose books you would like to read. Please note each day is genre specific so you can only submit books from that genre on that day. You can offer three suggestions but they need to be made in three separate posts. Looking forward to seeing your suggestions and adding to my TBR pile! 

 

 

Dangerous Passages

GIVEAWAY

HARRIS, LISA
DANGEROUS PASSAGES

She's dedicated her life to ending violence. But has she moved too deep into a treacherous world?

When two Jane Does are killed on the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia, detective and behavioral specialist Avery North discovers they share something in common--a magnolia tattoo on their shoulders. Suspecting a serial killer, Avery joins forces with medical examiner Jackson Bryant to solve the crimes and prevent another murder. As they venture deep into a sinister criminal world, Avery and Jackson are taken to the very edge of their abilities--and their hearts.

Dangerous Passage exposes a fully realized and frightening world where every layer peeled back reveals more challenges ahead. You'll be hooked from the start.

My Review:

I was definitely hooked from the start! It was like sitting down and reading through a really good prime-time police show. Harris kept the pacing at a furious clip that had my mind buzzing with all kinds of possibilities. Lots of armchair sleuthing opportunities in this read!

Gritty realism meshes with spiritual truths and a battle between good and evil ensues and Avery and Jackson are caught in the middle of it. Their blossoming romance might be threatened by the case they are working on but thankfully love conquers all in this incredible romantic suspense.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Dangerous Passages, 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 September 15 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".

The Amish Seamstress

GIVEAWAY

 

CLARK, MINDY STARNS
GOULD, LESLIE
THE AMISH SEAMSTRESS

Bestselling authors Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould provide an unexpected surprise in The Amish Seamstress, Book 4 in the Women of Lancaster County series, which tells the stories of young Amish women as they explore their roots, connect with family, and discover true love.

Izzy Mueller is an exceptional listener and gifted caregiver. She's also a talented seamstress. As the young woman sits with her elderly patients, she quietly sews as they share their stories. She's content with her life until circumstances reconnect her with someone she once loved. Zed Bayer, a Mennonite, is not what her family is hoping for in a spouse, and his creative interest in filmmaking is definitely at odds with her Amish upbringing.

As Izzy is swept up again in Zed and renews her friendship with his sister, Ella, she begins to ask questions about her own life--her creative longings and historical interests, her relationships and desire for romance, and most importantly, her faith. What is the path God has for her? Can she learn from the past of both her family's and Zed's--or must she forge a completely different future of her own?

My Review:

Though this is the last in The Women of Lancaster County series the authors have done a wonderful job of making The Amish Seamstress read well as a standalone. However, readers familiar with any of the other books (The Amish Midwife, The Amish Nanny or The Amish Bride) will be thrilled at the grand reunion of characters that takes place in this one.

Writing from a first person point of view is perfect for Izzy's story. I loved being inside her mind as she puzzled out runaway emotions and analyzed herself to death. So very 'young woman entering adulthood'! But her growth is phenomenal and well worth the read.

I was also totally captivated by the genealogical aspects in this story. It's a unique way to add mystery to a plot and it kept me on my toes until the very last family history piece fell into place.

A stellar conclusion to the Women of Lancaster County series.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Amish Seamstress, 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 September 15 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!