Monday, July 27, 2015

Stealing Jake

GIVEAWAY

HILLMAN, PAM
STEALING JAKE

When Livy O’Brien spies a young boy jostling a man walking along the boardwalk, she recognizes the act for what it is. After all, she used to be known as Light-Fingered Livy. But that was before she put her past behind her and moved to the growing town of Chestnut, Illinois, where she’s helping to run an orphanage. Now she’ll do almost anything to protect the street kids like herself.

Sheriff’s deputy Jake Russell had no idea what he was in for when he ran into Livy―literally while chasing down a pickpocket. With a rash of robberies and a growing number of street kids in town―as well as a loan on the family farm that needs to be paid off―Jake doesn’t have time to pursue a girl. Still, he can’t seem to get Livy out of his mind. He wants to get to know her better . . . but Livy isn’t willing to trust any man, especially not a lawman.

My Review:

A plot so riddled with action and suspense that it'll give you itchy fingers (which means you want to find out what happens so badly that you're tempted to start turning pages faster than you can read.) Such a delicious dilemma for an avid reader!

Love that the romance is front and centre right from the start. The reader is in no doubt that chemistry exists between Jake and Livy and romance could blossom quickly under ideal circumstances. Alas, since the circumstances aren't ideal, there isn't a smooth path to matrimony -- but I sure enjoyed all the bumps and detours along the way!

Trust is a core issue that threads its way throughout this story. It's something Livy in particular really struggles with because of her past. But Jake harbors his own share of doubts which compound Livy's trust issues and it spirals into quite a quandary. Then there's young Luke, a mistrustful street kid who holds the key to a lot of questions that need answering...if only he could trust someone with the information.

The surprising suspense thread kept me riveted right to the very end....and then I mourned that it was all over. You know -- that black moment in a reader's life where you realize there is no more story but you're not ready to let it go? And the thought of starting another book leaves you feeling unsettled? That's how I felt when I reached the last page of Stealing Jake and what a wonderful (and disturbing) conundrum for an avid reader to be in. Definitely one for the keeper shelf.

My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with a copy of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Stealing Jake 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 August 2 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

38 comments:

  1. Wow, how do you do that Kav? You've explained perfectly down to the minute detail how I felt while reading this amazing story! I had those itchy fingers, enjoyed those bumps and detours, and mourned when it finished! One of my all-time favourite books! Awesome review too!!
    I'd love to have an entry for it if it's a paperback so I can have it on my 'keeper shelf' lol, and to loan it to my mum. She's addicted to historical romance now too. So cute. My e-mail is noela_63 AT live DOT com DOT au

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    1. Yeppers -- all my wins are paperback editions unless otherwise stated...like the book just comes in ebook format. But those are few and far between. And a few winners request ebook editions and that's okay too...but I'm all about spreading the gospel of Christian Fiction in 'book' book format. LOL So excited that you had the same reaction to this story. Good luck, Noela.

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  2. Oh boy, action and suspense......I'm hooked on this one! Thank you, Kav!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. And in a historical to boot. Yeehaw!!!! Good luck, Melanie.

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  3. What an awesome review! You drew me right in from the get-go. Sign me up, please! Thanks, Kav!

    nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Thanks, agboss. You're signed up. Good luck.

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  4. I think I am partial to western. Though I love reading just about anything.

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    1. I'm an eclectic reader as well, Kim. Good luck.

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  5. I love your fantastic review, Kav, and already know I'm going to love this story! Thanks so much for sharing!

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

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  6. I am itching to read this book, Kav ! You have a real knack for describing things in fine detail, which is a great thing ! I know I will really enjoy reading this !

    Deanne
    Cnnamongirl at aol dot com

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    1. Thanks, Deanne. I call 'em like I see 'em. Good luck.

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  7. I read a sample of this book when I read Pam's "Claiming Mariah", and it looked so good. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity, Kav!
    pocoauthorATgmailDOTcom

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    1. I loved Claiming Mariah too. This one is just as good. Good luck, Nicole.

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  8. I've never thought about calling them itchy fingers even though I have been anxious to turn the page of a good book. Stealing Jake by Pam Hillman is a new to me book and author. Looking forward to learning more! Jenny

    jennydtipton at gmail dot com

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    1. Oh Jenny, you'll love her. Good luck.

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    2. Thanks Kav! I wish I had your gift of words because your review definitely drew me in as well! :) Paperback are my favorite also!

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  9. Your review makes me want to read this book! Thanks for the chance to win Stealing Jake. I read one of Pam Hillman's novellas, which was quite good, so I'm looking forward to reading a full length novel.

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. She's a talented writer for sure. Good luck, Pam.

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  10. Oh I love western books
    oh dot hello dot hiya a gmail dot com

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  11. Oh, Kav, how did I miss this yesterday?? You are amazing at getting to the heart of the issue. I loved how you nailed the trust issues for Jake, Livy, and for Luke. I could have used you when trying to describe the plot to my editors! lol

    I'm snoopy dancing that you enjoyed it, and waving at all your friends.

    And "Itchy fingers". That describes a good book SO perfectly. :)

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    1. LOL -- thanks for stopping by Pam. Keep writing so my fingers can keep itching!

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  12. Love the review! I want to read it now. :)
    lattebooks at hotmail dot com

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  13. I love suspense and romance together. I was sold on the swoony cover. :)

    tlhcoupon (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  14. Oh my this does sound like a good story ... so count me in. rrwalter34ATgmailDOTcom

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  15. A good action and suspense book is always fun to read!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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  16. Will try again. the publish button would put my other comment in. Thanks for the review and contest. Please put my name in.
    Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

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  17. Kav, what a wonderful review. You gave away no story but you have made me 'itching' to read it. Thank you!

    I would love to win a copy. Thank you for the chance.

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52 AT yahoo DOT com

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    1. Thanks, Cindy. And yes, you should definitely read it. Good luck.

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  18. I have been waiting for this one to come out in paperback for awhile. Please enter me. Thanks.

    sweetdarknectar at gmail dot com

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  19. Sounds like a moving story and the underlying romance makes it twice as interesting. I'm sure it has brilliant characters that make this book shine. I'd love to read it and enjoy the adventures of this heroine.

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  20. I enjoyed this story SO much the first time I read it. This review has me wanting to read it again! Thanks for sharing your review, Kav!

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