Saturday, September 24, 2016

Under the Cajun Moon


GIVEAWAY

CLARK, MINDY STARNS
UNDER THE CAJUN MOON

What secrets can be found by the Light of the Cajun Moon?

New Orleans may be the "Big Easy', but nothing about it was ever easy for international business etiquette expert Chole Ledet. She moved away years ago, leaving her parents and their famous French Quarter restaurant behind. But when she hears that her father has been shot, she races home to be by his side and to handle his affairs -- only to learn a long-hidden secret that changes everything she knew to be true about herself and her family.

Framed for murder, Chloe and a handsome Cajun stranger must search for a priceless treasure, one whose roots weave through the very history of Louisiana itself. But can Chloe depend on the mysterious man leading her on this cat-and-mouse chase into the heart of Cajun country? Or by trusting him, has she gone from the frying pan into the fire?

My Review:

Wow, what an exhilarating read! The intrigue doesn't let up. I was spellbound from the compelling opening scene to the astonishing conclusion.  An incredible mix of faith, suspense and romance with a whole lot of treasure hunting thrown in. And a dual timeline that takes us back to the early 1700s in France!

And the romance? Be still my heart. Travis is a toe-curling example of hero material. His Cajun accent set my heart hammering. And yes, I could hear him, even though I was reading the words. He's flirty and tender and knows his way around the bayou. Something city slicker, Chloe learns to appreciate. She is such a contrast to Travis. He's from a big, loud, fun-loving extended family and has the gregarious personality to match. She's the one and only surprise baby of parents getting on in years and spent most of her childhood at boarding school. She's stand-offish where Travis is outgoing. A perpetual outsider while Travis has never met a stranger. And when it comes to faith -- Travis has a real relationship with Jesus while Chloe thinks of the bible as "original guide to etiquette.' You can just imagine how interesting their conversations are.

And then there's the Louisiana setting -- it takes on a life of it's own, though there might be one too many snakes included in the telling of this tale for my liking. Shudder. But I really got a sense of the unique beauty of the culture and geography. As well as its fascinating history.

 An intrinsic plot full of twists and turns and plenty of surprises made this an exquisite read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  Under the Cajun Moon 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  25 2016. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

28 comments:

  1. I have a couple of her books on my shelf; "A Penny for Your Thoughts" and "Shadows of Lancaster County" yet to be read. I'd love to add another of her stand-alone novels to them. Sounds like something I could cozy down and read in an afternoon ;-)

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. I haven't read Shadows of Lancaster County yet but I did read Secrets of Harmony Grove which is in the same series, I believe. and it was fantastic. Oh, and Trixi, check out The Amish series Mindy Starne Clark wrote with Leslie Gould -- The Amish Midwife, The Amish Nanny, The Amish Bride and The Amish Seamstress. I bet your public library has them. Not that I'm trying to add to your topply TBR pile or anyting. :-) Good luck, Trixi.

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    2. Looks like the Overdrive system (ebooks) for my library carries each book you mentioned. You just go ahead and keep adding to my topply TBR pile, I love the recommendations ;-)

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    3. Excellent!!!! Though you know I am not a fan of ebooks! :-)

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    4. Not my first preference either, but when I want to make the hubby happy and not have my house overtaken by books, well, you gotta do what you gotta do...lol! And sometimes I can't always get the paper copy of a book as it's only in ebook format. Also, since I live in a small town, they don't carry a lot of the books I want to read & operate on a small budget for purchases. Although I have started to make purchase requests to build up their Christian fiction & they seem to be pretty open to it most of the time. I've seen quite a few new titles on the New Release shelf and that makes me ecstatic!
      In fact, when I went in there yesterday to donate a book, the librarian was putting a clear cover on Jane Kirkpatrick newest one "This Road We Traveled". She probably thought I was nuts because I was gushing all over the place....lol! I love seeing new Christian fiction in my library. I just want to take them all home and hug them...haha!

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    5. Ah...yes...I see your point. I'm guilty of using a few dining room chairs as bookshelves in a pinch but then there's no one around to complain about that. LOL

      My library is purchasing more Christian titles in ebook format too but if I request it in print they will get it. And I'm allowed to suggest 5 titles for the library to add to their collection each month and I always ask for Christian Fiction.

      With me ebooks are an issue because of my chronic pain. I read on my laptop so it's just way too uncomfortable. And I can't stare at any kind of screen for long periods at time so no ebooks for met. :-0

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  2. I read this book when it first came out in 2009, your review makes me want to pull it out and read it again! I remember liking it, and the series as well, but not the specific details. I have some of her Amish stories on my kindle, must make room for them soon.

    Happy retro Saturday!

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    1. The plot is so interesting and detailed...and the clues for the treasure. Oy. Not to mention that Cajun hero. Thud. Yes, I wouldn't mind reading it again and I just finished it. LOL

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  3. I have not read any of her books yet. Another great author that I'm going to start looking for! Thanks for the chance to win the book!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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    1. There are so many great authors it's hard to keep current, isn't there? Good luck, rubynreba.

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  4. YAY! Another new author!!! Great review, Kav.
    psalm103and138 at gmail dot com

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  5. I am intrigued by Under the Cajun Moon and would love to read it! Thank you, Kav!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. I think you'd love it too, Melanie. Good luck!

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  6. I haven't read this author but this book sounds really good. A new author to add to my list!! Thanks for the review.
    pwestfall7 at hotmail dot com

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    1. Oh and she has a lot of books out so you'll have fun getting acquainted with her. Good luck, Pam.

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  7. I really enjoy Mindy Starns Clark's books. She has just the right blend of romance and suspense. Under the Cajun Moon is a book I'd very much like to read. Thanks for the chance to win it.

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. And is she ever clever with her suspense!!!!! Keeps a reader on her toes. Good luck, Pam.

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  8. I read of Mindy's books a long time ago, and it was really good. Would love to read this one. Amylsmith AT bledsoe DOT net

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  9. Wow! I can't wait to read this book! Thank you for the great review Kav.
    Dblaser(at)windstream(dot)net

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  10. I love her books. TY
    leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com

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  11. I'd like to read this book. What a stunning cover!
    Dianna

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  12. An exquisite read, sounds like we all need to add this to our TBR list!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  13. Sounds like a good one! truckredford(at)gmail.com

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