You're Going to Be Okay: Encouraging Truth Your Heart Needs to Hear, Especially on the Hard Days

GERTH, HOLLEY
YOU'RE GOING TO BE OKAY : ENCOURAGING TRUTH YOUR HEART NEEDS TO HEAR, ESPECIALLY ON THE HARD DAYS

If your life isn't perfect . . .
If you've ever been disappointed . . .
If you feel stressed or tired . . .This is for you.

You really are going to be okay. And it truly is possible to live with joy, resilience, and strength no matter what life brings. Yes, there will be hurt and hard times. But God wants to help you find ways to survive, grow stronger, and even thrive--no matter what happens.

For every woman who has been disappointed, who has watched a dream disappear, whose life isn't what she imagined it would be, bestselling author Holley Gerth has a heartfelt message of hope. It is possible to live with joy, resilience, and strength in both the good times and the bad. 

With her trademark positive encouragement and probing questions for self-reflection, Holley encourages women to spend less of their lives regretting and more of their lives truly living. She shows them how to guard their hearts against despair and look to the future with confidence, remembering that they are part of a greater plan and nothing can stop God's purposes for them.

My Review:

Holly Gerth has a gift for encouraging. She speaks straight to my heart. This is a lifeline kind of book full of bracing and all too simple truths that have the power to transform your thinking. And that's the key to Gerth's talent -- her ability to see simplicity in the midst of chaos. She has the ability to bring peace just by reading her words. The big message I'm taking away from this read is that my relationship with Christ is what defines me -- not my circumstances. What an empowering -- and freeing -- though! And the author conveys this message with warmth and wisdom and a deep understanding. A blessing of a read!

"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". 

Seaside Romance

GIVEAWAY

ROSS, MIA
SEASIDE ROMANCE

Safe in His Arms

Running away from her troubled city life, Lauren Foster never thought she'd find herself in small-town Maine. But Holiday Harbor is everything she's looking for. The townspeople are welcoming, her job at her friend's toy store is going well and, most important, she's safe. Meeting contractor Ben Thomas soon changes all that. With his good looks, easygoing nature and kind heart, he's turning her peaceful new life upside down. She's quickly falling for the local hero, but when her past catches up to her present, is she willing to face her fears for the future she's always dreamed of?

Holiday Harbor: Where love is just around the bend

My Review:

I'd seriously put Holiday Harbor into my vacation plans if I could find it on a map! Ross has created a community that I not only want to visit, but that I could happily live in. I can smell the salty air, hear the crash of the waves against the shore. I want to trudge on up to the lighthouse and chat with Mavis now that I know all I have to do is fuss over her pot-bellied pig to get past that gruff crusty exterior. And think of the fun I'd have getting a first hand view of all those burgeoning romances! A matchmaker's paradise, I'd say. They should do bus tours. :-)

Ben and Lauren's romance reads like a fairy tale. There's lots of angst, a villain from the past and a knight in shining armor who knows it is better to encourage the damsel in distress rather then rescue her out right. Loved that about Ben.  And really, what romance is not complete without a Shakespeare quoting macaw?

A truly delightful read.

Giveaway Opportunity:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Seaside Romance 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 . to protect yourself from spammers. If you email me, please be sure to put the title in the subject line so it is easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday March 2 2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck.

Winning Over the Wrangler

GIVEAWAY

FORD, LINDA
WINNING OVER THE WRANGLER

A Cowboy without a Name

The only thing Brand Duggan's outlaw kin ever gave him was an undeserved reputation. Once he's through breaking horses, he'll leave Eden Valley. Staying means risk—and heartache. And he has no business falling for a refined English miss like Sybil Bannerman.

The rugged cowboy who rescues her from a stampede is just the kind of man Sybil Bannerman's editor wants her to write about. Yet she has no idea how big a secret Brand Duggan carries, until her life is threatened. Despite the evidence against him, Sybil can't walk away—for the man who lassoed her heart is the one she'll love forever….

Cowboys of Eden Valley: Forging a future in Canada's west country

My Review:

Seriously, who can resist a loner cowboy with an ugly dog named Dawg? Not me, that's for sure. And yay -- Winning Over the Wrangler is set in Canada. :-) 

This is my first trip to Eden Valley Ranch and I have no clue how I missed the other four in the series but I plan on remedying that because I love a good Western and this one is good. And emotion-riddled and inspirational and surprising and...well just plain good.

Brand's journey surprised me the most. Just when I thought I had it figured out Ford threw an unexpected twist into the plot and then delivered even more heart-stirring angst. I was a bit of an emotional basket case by the end. Dawg got me every time. :-)

A great read by a prolific new-to-me author. I have a lot of catch up reading to do and I can't wait.

Giveaway Opportunity:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Winning Over the Wrangler 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 . to protect yourself from spammers. If you email me, please be sure to put the title in the subject line so it is easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday March 2 2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck.

Shadowed by Grace : a Story of Monuments Men

GIVEAWAY

PUTMAN, CARA C.
SHADOWED BY GRACE : A STORY OF MONUMENTS MEN

She found peace in a time of war.

Desperate to save her dying mother, an American woman accepts her newspaper’s assignment to travel to Italy where she takes photographs dangerously close to the front lines during World War II. But Rachel’s real motive in this journey is to find the father she never knew, an artist she hopes can offer the comfort and support both she and her mother need to survive at such a desperate time.

In her quest, Rachel becomes involved with the Monuments Men effort to save great monuments and works of art from the Third Reich. Soon she will find more than she ever imagined—in war, in love, and in God.

My Review:

Utterly fascinating! I had never heard of the Monuments Men before and what great timing for this book to be released just when the movie is hitting theatres. Putman does an incredible job of bringing history to life in this historical drama laced with a hint of suspense. Danger lurks everywhere, even within the ranks of the allied forces and makes for a thrilling read.

Rachel is a captivating heroine. An interesting combination of gusty and forlorn. She faces an impossible quest  with intrepid desperation. :-) And she has incredible faith journey that inspired me. Of course, Scott is smitten, how could he not be? And intrigued. And exasperated. And cautious...but there's something about living in the middle of a war zone that sharpens emotions and makes you realize how precious time...and love is. Definitely a toe-curling romance that brings a fresh hope to a bleak time.

Awesome read from beginning to end.

Giveaway Opportunity:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Shadowed by Grace : a Story of Monuments Men 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 . to protect yourself from spammers. If you email me, please be sure to put the title in the subject line so it is easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday March 2 2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck.

Stolen Memories

GIVEAWAY

JOHNSON, LIZ
STOLEN MEMORIES

If only she could remember...

Attacked and left for dead, "Julie Thomas" has amnesia, and doesn't know why anyone would want to hurt her. But when surveillance video of that night shows Julie holding a baby—a baby nowhere to be found—she panics. Is the child hers? Where is she now? With no answers and no place to go, Julie accepts Detective Zach Jones's offer to help her solve both mysteries. The handsome, loyal cop makes her feel safe. But someone is trying very hard to make sure her memories stay buried forever.

Witness Protection: Hiding in plain sight

My Review:

I am loving this multi-authored series -- especially as new books are released each month. Each reads well as a standalone though, but there is an over arcing suspense thread that is woven through each book. Looking forward to finding out where that finally leads.

Loved the instant connection between Zach and Julie. As a homicide detective, Zach isn't used to having a living victim. His reaction -- and sense of responsibility -- towards Julie really builds up the romance. Love how he hovers on the border of professionalism a time or two. And his sense of protectiveness spun me into a twizzle more than once. :-)

Really liked the amnesia angle. It could have been cliché but Johnson uses the plot device really well. Julie's slow recovery and reactions to a world she doesn't remember is believable and plays a huge part in drawing out the suspense. It also leaves her vulnerable hence her attachment to Zach. My pulse speeds up just at the thought of some of their interactions!

A riveting romantic suspense sure to satisfy lovers of this genre.

Giveaway Opportunity:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Stolen Memories 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 . to protect yourself from spammers. If you email me, please be sure to put the title in the subject line so it is easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday March 2 2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck.

February Giveaway - Week Four

 

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:

Safely Home

GIVEAWAY

HERNE, RUTH LOGAN
SAFELY HOME

Detective Crescent Dietrich vowed never to return to Watkins Ridge. A bullet and her grandmother’s cancer diagnosis changed that. Now she’s back, touching a past she spurned long ago.

 Alex Westmore appreciates God’s humor, but when hard-nosed Cress Dietrich is plunked into the middle of the family farm controversy—and his part in the sale of a centennial farm—he’s not laughing. He promised her grandmother secrecy, and Alex always keeps his word. But this time, his pledge might break Cress’s heart.

He wants her trust and love. He knows you can’t have one without the other. But can Cress escape the shadows of the past in time to embrace the simple light of her future? With God’s grace, she can… in Watkins Ridge.

My Review:

Herne is one of my favourite authors because she never fails to deliver a heart felt read riddled with emotional angst and poignant hope. Honestly, I wanted to throttle Cress at the beginning of this book...she's that snarky. Talk about a chip on her shoulder! She was dragging around a boulder and it coloured everything she did, everything she saw. It pretty near flattened her. But Herne does something amazing in the course of this read -- she takes Cress (and her readers) on a journey of self-discovery and redemption.

And I think I've fallen a little in love with Alex myself. The rapid-fire dialogue between those two when they square off slowly turns into something softer and sweeter. A definite toe-curling warning should be placed for Safely Home. In fact you might want to have a fainting couch available as a safety precaution!

Another stellar romance from a much loved author.

Giveaway Opportunity:

AVAILABLE IN EBOOK FORMAT ONLY

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Safely Home 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 . to protect yourself from spammers. If you email me, please be sure to put the title in the subject line so it is easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday February 23 2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck.

A Simple Faith

GIVEAWAY

A SIMPLE FAITH
LAUER, ROSALIND

Blessings born of tragedy...a love to heal all fears

Rushing to the scene of a tragic highway collision, nursing student Haley Donovan draws on her training to care for the passengers in the crumpled van. The experience wins her a place in Lancaster County’s tight-knit Amish society, and draws her to kindhearted psychologist Dylan Monroe. Working side by side with Dylan, who is bringing counseling services to the small town of Halfway, Haley feels an undeniable attraction between them, yet she senses that Dylan is holding back, scarred by the wounds of his past.

Elsie Lapp, the manager of Halfway’s country store, is a voice of cheer and goodwill for her customers. But Elsie’s serene world spins out of control with the terrible crash, and the young woman finds herself grappling for the simple faith that has always sustained her. Her burden is eased by Ruben Zook, a neighbor known for his snide jokes. In the aftermath of the accident, Ruben reveals a tender heart that could easily sweep her away. However, Elsie carries secrets that keep her from surrendering her heart.

Exploring the ways that faith, hope, and charity bring everyone together, A Simple Faith resonates with the sweetness, purity, and power of love.

My Review:

An inspiring start to a new Amish series by an author who is rapidly rising in the ranks in the Amish genre. A Simple Faith is anything but simple in plot or characterization. Lauer explores the emotional impact of a horrific accident from the viewpoints of four main characters and in the process creates a captivating story of loss and hope and happy endings that are worth fighting for.

Elsie captivated me from the start. So upbeat and forthright with a steadfast faith. She's already overcome so much but is always finding ways to brighten everyone else's day. Watching her grapple with the dark days after the accident really resonated with me.

Lauer has created a fictional setting in order to explore some powerful truths. I loved the varied points of view and the way each character's personal journey connects them all together. A really rich read.

And bonus -- two romances for the price of one! Both Amish and English, both fraught with pain and missteps. The kind of romance that had me squirming in my seat and shredding nails until everything gets sorted out.

Kudos to the author for creating relatable characters who are atypical to the romance genre. Intrigued? You'll have to get a copy of A Simple Faith to figure out what I'm talking about. :-)


Giveaway Opportunity:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of A Simple Faith 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 . to protect yourself from spammers. If you email me, please be sure to put the title in the subject line so it is easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday February 23 2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck.

The Agent's Secret Past

GIVEAWAY

GIUSTI, DEBBY
THE AGENT'S SECRET PAST

Threat from her Amish past

Eight years ago, a drifter destroyed Becca Miller's ties to her Amish community—and murdered her family. Now a special agent with Fort Rickman's criminal investigation department, Becca knows her past has caught up with her and doesn't want to relive it. She's convinced that the killer, who supposedly died years ago, is very much alive and after her. Special agent Colby Voss agrees to help her investigate. Yet the closer they get to the truth, the closer the killer gets to silencing her permanently.

Military Investigations: Serving their country and solving crimes

My Review:

A gripping suspense with an Amish twist that left me a tad shy of giddy! :-) Becca is the product of a dysfunctional family and a traumatic event has her fleeing into the English world.  She's a paradox because her chosen profession is the direct opposite of her faith-based upbringing. Makes for an intriguing heroine. And Special Agent Colby Voss doesn't quite know what to make of her...but he's intrigued too. Loved the dynamics between the two and the nail-biting suspense with plenty of gasp-out-loud moments has left me feeling a tad dizzy still. Awesome read!!!

Giveaway Opportunity:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Agent's Secret Past 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 . to protect yourself from spammers. If you email me, please be sure to put the title in the subject line so it is easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday February 23 2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck.

Ozark Sweetheart

GIVEAWAY

GRAY, HELEN
OZARK SWEETHEART

Callie Blake can't afford to fall in love

She's too busy helping her family survive the Depression. When she returns home to their Missouri farm, she sees her childhood crush, Trace Gentry, and it stirs up old dreams she tries hard to ignore. Trace is kind, handsome and wealthy. He'd never be interested in a poor girl like her—would he?

Successful businessman Trace is crazy about Callie, and he knows she thinks she's not good enough for him. But he's clueless how to woo her. Until he devises a plan that will prove his love to Callie and make all her dreams come true.

My Review:

Fantastic historical romance from a debut author! Honestly, I just loved the ambiance of this read. Gray has managed to convey both the desperation and the hope of the depression era. Ozark Sweetheart has a 'Waltons' feel to it. Through the grit of poverty Gray shines a spotlight on the sense of community that helped folks cope in a bleak period of American history.

I loved the contrast between Trace and Callie's circumstances. He is every girl's dream -- a ticket out of desperate conditions but Gray's intrepid heroine has more backbone then that, even if her pride is partly to blame for that stiff spine. Torn between loyalties, Callie struggles with her attraction to the successful businessman. The author has created some beautifully tender scenes that slowly reveal the strength of new love and there's nothing quite so toe-curling as a hero determined to woo his lady love.

A very special debut novel from an author who definitely has a promising future in inspirational romance.

Giveaway Opportunity:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Ozark Sweetheart 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 . to protect yourself from spammers. If you email me, please be sure to put the title in the subject line so it is easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday February 23 2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck.

Wildwood Creek

GIVEAWAY

WINGATE, LISA
WILDWOOD CREEK

With love and loss tangled together, how was she to know where her life would lead?
Allie Kirkland has always heard the call of her father's unfinished destiny. When she's offered a production assistant's job on a docudrama filming in the hills near Moses Lake, Texas, the dream of following in her director-father's footsteps suddenly seems within reach. The reenactment of the legendary frontier settlement of Wildwood is a first step into the film industry. A summer on set in the wilderness is a small price to pay for a dream.

But in 1861, the real Wildwood held dangerous realities. Town founder Harland Delavan held helpless residents, including young Irish schoolteacher Bonnie Rose, in an iron grip. Mysterious disappearances led to myths and legends still retold in the region's folk songs. Eventually, the entire site was found abandoned.

When filming begins, strange connections surface between Allie and the teacher who disappeared over a century ago, and everyone in Wildwood--including Blake Fulton, Allie's handsome neighbor on the film set--seems to be hiding secrets. Allie doesn't know whom she can trust. If she can't find the answers in time, history may repeat itself...with the most unthinkable results.

My Review:

What an intriguing book! So intriguing I didn't know whether to categorize it as women's fiction or contemporary romance with a dollop of suspense thrown in!

Wildwood is told from two first person points of view - Allie in present day and Bonnie Rose in 1861. I really liked the contrast between their two voices which I don't think could have been achieved if it had been written in third person POV. Allie is a hip and snappy and ultra 21st century 20-something while Bonnie Rose's Irish heritage slips into her ever so proper 19th century journaling. Very distinct and really adds to the allure of the story.

I have to say that I don't think I've ever read a book that kept me guessing more than this one...and guessing about a lot of things! From how Blake actually fits into the scenario to what actually happened to Bonnie Rose, not to mention trying to figure out the end game of a few other mysterious characters. I was on tenterhooks the whole read, madly creating possible scenarios and just as quickly scrapping them in favour of something else. Wildwood really kept this reader on her toes.

And this is a story of substance -- well two stories that finally merge into one incredibly fulfilling conclusion. Again, the contrast between what both heroines are struggling with really highlight the different centuries. I loved how Allie developed a connection with Bonnie Rose and how searching out the truth behind her disappearance helps her find a longed for balance in her own life.

An incredibly well-crafted story that gobsmacked me! :-)

Giveaway Opportunity:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Wildwood Creek 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 . to protect yourself from spammers. If you email me, please be sure to put the title in the subject line so it is easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday February 23 2014. 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".

February Giveaway - Week Three

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:

 

 

 

Gabriel's Bride

GIVEAWAY

LILLARD, AMY
GABRIEL'S BRIDE

Rachel Yoder has two choices: marry Gabriel Fisher or move to Ohio. As an orphan, Rachel doesn’t have much to offer; any match she can make will be a good one. She just didn’t plan on Gabriel with his big hands and permanent frown.

As a widower Gabriel needs help caring for the farm and his six children. But he never thought he’d marry a slip of a girl who barely reaches his chin.

Yet as time passes, Gabriel finds himself thinking about a real marriage. They have spoken vows to God and each other, but can he risk his heart with Rachel?

My Review:

A marriage of convenience story that will melt your heart. There is so much to recommend in this book. Lillard has a wonderful capacity for bringing depth to her characters which brings them to life in a special way. Both hero and heroine have been forced to cope with more than their fair share of grief. Both cope in different ways and that makes a fascinating read when they come together under one roof.

The taciturn Gabriel cuts a foreboding picture and if I were Rachel I'd be shaking in my boots. Luckily some hard knocks in life have given Gabriel's bride a backbone of steel. She's made a deal and she intends to stick to it, not realizing that her very presence has set Gabriel's well-ordered world spinning out of control. Some wonderful comedic scenes still have me smiling. Not to mention the goats. Seriously, who can resist a good goat story? :-)

While this is the third book in Lillard's Clover Ridge series, it can easily be read as a standalone. But be forewarned, once you've read this one you'll be racing to the store to pick up the first two.

Giveaway Opportunity:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Gabriel'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 . to protect yourself from spammers. If you email me, please be sure to put the title in the subject line so it is easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday February 16 2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck.

The Headmistress of Rosemere

 

GIVEAWAY

LADD, SARAH E.
THE HEADMISTRESS OF ROSEMERE

Patience Creighton has devoted her life to running her father’s boarding school. But when the enigmatic master of the estate appears at her door, battered and unconscious, the young headmistress suddenly finds her livelihood—and her heart —in the hands of one dangerously handsome gentleman.

At twenty-five, Patience Creighton is already a spinster. The busy headmistress of Rosemere always expected a dashing man to sweep her off her feet and take her away . . . but that man never came. And since her father’s death, keeping the school running and her mother happy has been plenty to keep her occupied.

William Sterling dallied his way into financial trouble and mortal danger. When he is assaulted by his creditors’ henchmen on the road home from a tavern, he guides his horse to the doorstep of his tenant, the Rosemere School for Young Ladies. After being tended to by Patience, the wounded William rides off into the dawn—but makes a point to learn more about the lovely headmistress.

As he spends more time at Rosemere, something delicate begins to develop between William and Patience. But that will not deter William’s creditors. With little money to repay his debts, and less for the upkeep of his estate, it becomes clear that sacrificing Rosemere may be the only way to preserve his legacy. But it may also cost him his happiness.

My Review:

Ladd had me captivated from the very first sentence. I love the way her words transport me to another time and place. She has created an ambiance that makes it so easy to slip out of my crazy world and into a more genteel time. Not without it's share of problems, mind you, but an escape just the same. I didn't want to shake myself free from this story.

There's nothing like a reforming hero who is struggling to mend his ways. Especially when he's smitten by an upstanding lady who possesses heart and compassion and courage in spades. The dynamics between the two -- the way their acquaintance turns into friendship and finally love  -- makes for a sublime read.

If you are looking for an escape read that's better than a vacation then The Headmistress of Rosemere is the book for you!

Giveaway Opportunity:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Headmistress of Rosemere, 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 . to protect yourself from spammers. If you email me, please be sure to put the title in the subject line so it is easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday February 16 2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck.

Shadows of the Past

GIVEAWAY

BRADLEY, PATRICIA
SHADOWS OF THE PAST

While she's stalking the truth . . . someone is stalking her.
Psychology professor and criminal profiler Taylor Martin prides herself on being able to solve any crime, except the one she wants most desperately to solve--the disappearance of her father twenty years ago. When she finally has a lead on his whereabouts, Taylor returns home to Logan Point, Mississippi, to investigate. But as she works to uncover the truth, someone else will do almost anything to keep her from it.

Nick Sinclair pens mystery novels for a living, but the biggest mystery to him is how he can ever get over the death of his wife--a tragedy he believes he could have prevented. Now that his estranged brother is the only family he has left, Nick sets out to find him. But when he crosses paths with Taylor, all he seems to find is trouble.

Join the chase as Taylor and Nick search the murky shadows of the past for the keys to unlocking the present--and moving into a future they never imagined.

My Review:

Stunning debut novel! Layers of complex suspense and complicated relationships. The kind of read you can sink your teeth into. And the kind that makes you want to rush through it because it's so compelling but you find yourself trying to slow down so you can savour the story a little longer.

I could really identify with both the hero and heroine. Taylor and Nick are dealing with past trauma that colours the way they perceive their present and their future. And ironically, they are both driven by a similar need to defend wayward relatives. Stubbornly defend -- which puts them at odds even though they should be able to empathize. Creates a real depth to both plot and character development.

Toe-curling romantic scenes add more tension to a plot riddled with twists and turns. And I really loved how Bradley developed the suspense. So many threads slowly twisted into one gnarled cord. A brilliant read!

Giveaway Opportunity:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Shadows of the Past, 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 . to protect yourself from spammers. If you email me, please be sure to put the title in the subject line so it is easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday February 16 2014. 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".

February Giveaway - Week Two

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:

Her Valentine Sheriff

GIVEAWAY

KASTNER, DEB
HER VALENTINE SHERIFF

Cupid To The Rescue

Rugged and tough deputy sheriff Eli Bishop isn't scared of anything. Except dogs. When he's assigned a K-9 partner, he thinks things can't get any worse. Then he learns who'll be training him. Local vet Mary Travis is sweet as sugar…but she's also Eli's ex-fiancée's sister. Revealing his humiliating phobia to her is not an option. Neither is developing feelings for Mary—who's built her career around the dogs Eli fears. When a terrible storm hits their town, Mary and Eli must find the courage to work together and save lives—and fall in love.

Serendipity Sweethearts: Three small-town matchmakers finding Texas-size love

My Review:

A love story with a dog at the heart of it? I am so in! The star of this book is definitely Bullet. Now there's a man after my own heart -- all lolling tongue and wagging tail. :-) Mind you Eli isn't bad either. Nothing like a tortured, gruff, suffer-in-silence kind of guy to set my heart a pitter-pattering. Loved the way Mary managed to crack his armour with increasing regularity. But poor Mary is as confused about Eli's mixed messages as the deputy sheriff is about his new canine partner. A great read full of mixed messages, heart felt emotions and quite a few laughs. Perfect.

Giveaway Opportunity:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Her Valentine Sheriff, 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 . to protect yourself from spammers. If you email me, please be sure to put the title in the subject line so it is easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday February 9 2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck.

The Marshal's Ready-Made Family

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SHACKELFORD, SHERRI
THE MARSHAL'S READY-MADE FAMILY

A Marriage of Necessity

Gentlemen don't court feisty straight shooters like JoBeth McCoy. Just as she's resigned to a lifetime alone, a misunderstanding forces the spunky telegraph operator into a marriage of convenience. Wedding the town's handsome new marshal offers JoBeth a chance at motherhood, caring for the orphaned little girl she's come to love.

Garrett Cain will lose guardianship of his niece, Cora, if he stays single, but he knows no woman could accept the secrets he's hidden about his past. The lawman can't jeopardize Cora's future by admitting the truth. Yet when unexpected danger in the small town threatens to expose Garrett's long-buried secret, only a leap of faith can turn a makeshift union into a real family.

My Review:

There something about a good marriage-of-convenience story that just curls my toes...and this is a great one!!!!  I really enjoyed the inner conflict in both Jo and Garrett. Loved how it both pulled them apart and drew them together.  The very reason they each think they are wrong for each other actually makes them right for each other but it takes the whole book before they figure that out. An emotional read with enough sparks of humour to lighten the load. I devoured this one -- read it in a day.

Giveaway Opportunity:
 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Marshal's Ready-Made Family, 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 . to protect yourself from spammers. If you email me, please be sure to put the title in the subject line so it is easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday February 9 2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck.

Scraps of Evidence

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CAMERON, BARBARA
SCRAPS OF EVIDENCE

Tess struggles to balance her career as a police detective and caring for her Aunt Susan. Her partner, Logan, wants to help but finds it hard to believe the brisk professional officer he works with during the day has a softer side -- and a love of quilts. It's a love Tess shares with her Aunt Susan, who cherished a particular quilt she made when she was younger.

When some of Susan's cryptic comments about the quilt and its origins  spark Tess's curiosity, the detective in her leads Tess to unravel the story behind this heirloom. As she discovers the origins of the quilt, Tess unexpectedly uncovers clues that may lead her to a serial killer...a killer who is quite willing to kill again to keep his secrets hidden.

My Review:

A compelling suspense with a clever quilting tie in. Love how the title marries the two themes in this book. Ingenious because that's exactly all that Tess has to tie a current case with a ten year-old cold case -- both literally and figuratively.

I enjoyed the dynamics between Tess and Logan. Small town cop versus big city cop. They have a lot to learn from each other in order to build a true partnership both at work and off the clock. I also loved the way Cameron introduces her readers to a real tourist town in Florida through the eyes of  newcomer Logan.

Their current murder investigation brings Tess back to a traumatic time in her late teens. It gives her an emotional investment in the case that doesn't always leave her objective. Steadfast Logan becomes her anchor which definitely influences their team building.

A great read -- and my first experience with the Quilts of Love multi-authored series.  Won't be the last one I read!

Giveaway Opportunity:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Scraps of Evidence, 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 . to protect yourself from spammers. If you email me, please be sure to put the title in the subject line so it is easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday February 9 2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck.

The Calling

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FISHER, SUZANNE WOODS
THE CALLING

Bethany's restless heart is searching for answers -- in life and in love.

Bethany Schrock's love life has derailed, her faith hangs by a thread, and she is spending hot summer days wading through a lifetime of accumulation at the home of five elderly Amish sisters. She's not sure what she wants out of life, but she knows that she's not finding it in Stoney Ridge.

Then a new guest at the Inn at Eagle Hill ropes her into volunteering in a community project for down-and-outers. Reluctant at first, Bethany starts to feel a bit of joy and satisfaction again. But not so much that Jimmy Fisher, adorable and impossible, can woo her affections with his winks and tricks. Well, maybe a little.

When a figure from  her past reenters her life, Bethany must decide: What does the past mean for her future?

My Review:

I am grinning ear to ear after finishing another wonderful read from this author. Honestly Suzanne Woods Fisher can't write fast enough for me! Rich characterization and deep inspirational threads woven together with strands of humour make this an incredible story from start to finish.

This second book in The Inn at Eagle Hill series reads well as a standalone, though readers familiar with the first book, The Letters, will enjoy catching up with all the folk in Stoney Ridge. I am particularly enamoured with Bethany's younger sister, Mim, who is up to more earnest teenage hijinks. :-)

I can't help but marvel at the way Fisher managed to create an endearing hero in the form of the infamous Jimmy Fisher who has done some growing up since we first met him in the Stoney Ridge Seasons series. Honestly, there was a time when I couldn't abide that boy! Thankfully maturity has taken hold and it suits him nicely. Now if only Bethany would agree! Their romance is more complicated than most and Fisher kept me on tenterhooks the entire read.

The author tackles big questions in this novel. When is doing the right thing...the right thing? How many shades of gray actually separate black and white? More depth, very thought-provoking and just might induce some soul searching among readers.

All in all a magnificent book that deeply satisfies.


Giveaway Opportunity:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Calling, 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 . to protect yourself from spammers. If you email me, please be sure to put the title in the subject line so it is easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday February 9 2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck.