April Giveaway - Week Five

WON BY TERRILL

WON BY CAITLIN MCCUTCHEON

WON BY CONNIE LEE

WON BY CHERYL BARKER

WON BY KAY GARRETT

WON BY LORI

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 the winners and I don't seem to connect so I have a month time frame. If I can't reach you within four weeks your win will be forfeited.

 LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK'S GIVEAWAYS:

With This Ring? : a Novella Collection of Proposals Gone Awry

GIVEAWAY

WITEMEYER, KAREN
CONNEALY, MARY
JENNINGS, REGINA
JAGEARS, MELISSA
WITH THIS RING? : A NOVELLA COLLECTION OF PROPOSALS GONE AWRY

Love doesn't always go as planned, but sometimes the best stories are the ones that are the most unexpected. In The Husband Maneuver, Marietta Hawkins grabs the reins when the ranch foreman she loves seems to be leaving forever. When a dangerous stranger arrives, friends stranded by a rising river pretend to be newlyweds in Her Dearly Unintended. A Texas Ranger rescues a Runaway Bride fleeing a dangerous arranged marriage, and a young woman is forced to assist the man she's often sparred with in Engaging the Competition.

My Review:

Published in February 2016 -- and there is a different cover as well. I'll post it at the end of my review. Not sure which cover will be on the winner's book, but all the stories will be the same. :-)

The Husband Maneuver by Karen Witemeyer

Sweet romance with the intensity of unrequited love (or so both hero and heroine think.) Marietta's dreams of a happily ever after are in dire jeopardy. She no longer has the luxury of waiting for Daniel to make the first move. With her future happiness at stake, she takes matters into her own hands with comedic -- and toe-curling -- results.

Her Dearly Unintended by Regina Jennings

Be prepared to be plunged straight into disaster in this fast paced romantic comedy. Love the bickering banter between this incorrigible couple. Once friends and neighbours, Katie Ellen and Josiah hit a rocky patch in their early teens and it's been gloves off ever since. No wonder it takes a natural disaster and some divine intervention to get them back on the straight and narrow. Delightfully funny.

Runaway Bride by Mary Connealy

Texas Ranger John Conroy is the stuff tall tale legends are made of. Just the man to come to the aid of a damsel in distress. I ducked and dived my way through this action-packed love story, dodging every bullet right along with Carrie and John. Connealy's trademark comedic timing creates some side-splitting-laugh-out-loud moments and provides relief from all the tension. Wild West perfection.

Engaging the Competition by Melissa Jagears

Jagears mixes things up with her sharp-shooting rancher heroine and her bespectacled scholarly hero. Childhood friends and would-be sweethearts, a breakdown in adolescent communications has left 'Charlie' and Harrison at odds right into adulthood. But then the subject of marriage comes up and the games begin! Be prepared for lots of twists and turns before this hero and heroine manage to make their way to the promise of a happily ever after.

Giveaway Opportunity:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of With This Ring? please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. 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 enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 30 2017.  Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Sheriff

GIVEAWAY

SCOTT, LAURA
SHERIFF

Hazardous Homecoming

Witnessing a prison break, FBI agent Julianne Martinez is within seconds of death...before she's rescued by the one man she thought she'd never see again. She'd know her long-ago love, Brody Kenner, anywhere, even with a sheriff star on his chest. Years ago she left Texas and Brody, and had no plans of returning...until the trail of a missing agent brought her home to both. Brody won't let her investigation proceed without him, and he needs her and her K-9 dog to track his escaped prisoner. But partnering with Julianne to solve two cases only leads to danger when the hunted becomes the hunter. This is a mission that cannot fail...because Brody lost Jilianne once, and he won't lose her again.

My Review:

Oh what a tangled web we weave...and goodness, but there's nothing but gnarly tangles in this plot. Knots pulled so tight I didn't think we'd ever see the light of day never mind solve any crimes. Action and danger and the regret of a lost romance stirred up enough angst to keep my nose in the book until I reached the heart-pounding end. Phew!

This is the second book in the Classified K-9 Unit continuity series and features Thunder the fox hound. Doesn't he make a handsome cover model? He's courageous and clever and affectionate...everything a girl could hope for in a hero, canine or otherwise. :-) You don't need to have read the first book in the series though it does set the stage for suspense that runs through each of the six books. But Scott does a really good job of incorporating need-to-know information seamlessly into her story so a reader won't ever feel lost. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment in May.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Sheriff please leave a comment or send me an email at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line to make it easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 30. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Between Heaven and the Real World : My Story

GIVEAWAY

CHAPMAN, STEVEN CURTIS
ABRAHAM, KEN
BETWEEN HEAVEN AND THE REAL WORLD : MY STORY

For decades, Steven Curtis Chapman's music and message have brought hope and inspiration to millions. Now, for the first time, Steven openly shares the experiences that have shaped him, his faith, his family, and his music in a life that he has included incredible highs and faith-shaking lows.

Discover the stories behind some of his best-loved songs. Walk with him as he and his wife, Mary Beth, navigate the joys and trials of marriage and family. Cheer for his return to the stage after doubting he could ever sing again. And SEE God in the aftermath of the tragic death of their five-year-old daughter Maria.

Poignant, gut-wrenchingly honest, yet always hopeful, Steven offers no sugary solutions to life's toughest questions. Yet out of the brokenness, he continues to trust God to one day fix what is unfixable in the space between heaven and the real world.

My Review:

I don't read a lot of non-fiction but this is one I wouldn't have wanted to miss. So grateful I moved out of my comfort zone and picked up Steven Curtis Chapman's biography. And once I started reading I couldn't stop. Amazing. Moving. Inspiring. I ran through a gamut of emotions as I worked my way through the pages of  Between Heaven and the Real World : My Story.

Chapman bears a powerful testimony as he candidly shares the experiences that shaped his life, his music and his faith. His brutal honesty really touched me. He offers encouragement and hope in the midst of darkness and pain.

One of the many amazing things about our God is how He can take even the broken parts of our stories and bring about something beautiful as we trust Him with them. (p 30)

The kind of book that has the power to make a profound impact on readers. A definite must read for fans of this Christian music icon.

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

Giveaway Opportunity:

Please note: Winner will receive a gently read copy of this book.

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Between Heaven and the Real World : My Story please leave a comment below ore email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address please be sure to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 30 2017. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

The Bachelor's Twins

GIVEAWAY

 

SPRINGER, KATHRYN
THE BACHELOR'S TWINS

Two little matchmakers

Anna Leighton's eight-year-old twin daughters think they've given their hardworking single mom the perfect birthday gift. But the family canoe trip with outdoorsman Liam Kane is far from relaxing. Their rocky shared past -- and the secret Anna's been keeping -- means she's given Liam a wide birth for ten years...until now. Liam may be bowled over by his former high school crush's beauty, but these days he's a die-hard bachelor who's building a cabin for one. But the rugged Liam underestimates the power of an unstoppable force: two little girls who want a daddy.

Castle Falls: three rugged brothers meet their matches

My Review:

Matchmaking mischief is at the heart of this inspirational contemporary romance. And it's coming  from all sides as Liam and Anna are besieged by wily and not-so-subtle set-ups. The sweetest pair of matchmakers are Anna's twin girls. They are cuteness personified and easily capture Liam's heart. But he's got some messed up ideas about how his past will affect his future so he's one very reluctant hero. Anna isn't much better, burdened with secrets she won't be free of until they see the light of day. A tenuous love story fueled by faith and hope.

Giveaway Opportunity:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Bachelor's Twins please leave a comment below ore email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address please be sure to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announded on Sunday April 30 2017. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Treasured Grace

GIVEAWAY

PETERSON, TRACIE
TREASURED GRACE

In untamed Oregon country, one young woman fights to keep her familys afe.

Grace Martindale has known more than her share of hardship. After her parents died, raising her two younger sisters, Hope and Mercy, became her responsibility. A hasty decision to head west seemed like an opportunity for a fresh start but has instead left Grace in a precarious position. When missionary Dr. Marcus Whitman and his wife agree to let Grace and her sisters stay at their mission for the winter, Grace is grateful. Until they hear from their uncle In Oregon City, the three sisters have nowhere else to go.

As Grace adjusts to life in the West, she meets a fur trapper named Alex Armistead who intrigues and infuriates her in equal measure. But when a measles outbreak threatens live at the mission and among the native Cayuse who live nearby, it is Alex who helps Grace use the natural healing remedies she learned from her mother to help where she can, despite Dr. Whitman's disapproval. As the death toll rises, so do tensions between the settlers and the natives, and Grace soon finds herself and those she loves in more danger than she imagined possible.

My Review:

Don't let this ethereal cover art fool you. As gorgeous as it is, it doesn't begin to reflect the emotional turmoil found within the pages of this compelling book. Peterson has built a fascinating tale around an alarming piece of American history. It's a story rife with angst during a tumultuous time when settlers made their way West in hopes of a better life.

Grace only wants two things. To keep what's left of her family together and use her healing gifts to serve others. Going west seems to be the way to do that. But Grace and her sisters aren't prepared for the hardships they must endure in the untamed wilderness. Heart breaking, gut-wrenching times are ahead for these sisters and it will take every last ounce of faith they possess to make it through.

Fur trapper Alex has reasons for his mostly solitary lifestyle but they stop making sense once he meets Grace. There's lots of clashing wills and strong opinions as these two butt heads. But admiration soon grows into something deeper -- a bond that is difficult to sever no matter how hard they try!

Breathtaking historical details bring all the complexities of this time period to life. And it's interesting to read with the benefit of 21st century knowledge. Settler and Native relationships are volatile -- and with good reason. I'll admit to cringing a time or two over White arrogance and ignorance when it comes to the Natives and their way of life.

A gripping read that puts me in mind of Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman even though Grace isn't actually a physician. And bonus -- this is just the first in the Heart of the Frontier series so there's much more to look forward to.

Book providing courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Treasured Grace please leave a comment or send me an email at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment please remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 30 2017. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

The Newcomer

GIVEAWAY

FISHER, SUZANNE WOODS
THE NEWCOMER

A fresh start in the New World will test Anna's resolve...and her heart.

In 1737, Anna Konig staggers oof a small wooden ship after ten weeks at sea, eager to start a new life in the vibrant but raw Pennsylvania frontier. It's a time of new beginnings, and for Anna and Bairn's shipboard romance to blossom.

But this perfect moment cannot last. As Bairn grasos the reality of what it means to be Amish in the New World, his enthusiasm evaporates. When a ship captain offere him a first mate position, he grabs it. Just one more crossing, he promises Anna. But will she wait for him?

As a newcomver joins the church, Anna is torn. This man is everything Bairn is not -- bold, devoted, and delighted to vie for her heart. And he is here. Bairn is not.

Far from the frontier, an unexpected turn of events weaves the lives of Bairn, Anna and the newcomer together. When the secret is revealed, which true love will emerge?

My Review:

While this is a sequel to Anna's Crossing, I think it could be read as a standalone, though you'll have a clearer understand of Anna and Bairn's relationship if you've read the first book. Still, the author does a great job of catching new readers up to speed.

I love the mix of Amish and Historical. Such a fascinating time in America's history. So many immigrants arriving with hopes and dreams for a better future for a variety of reasons. It was interesting to learn more about how the Amish settled into their new land. The author has done her research and based her story on facts though she does also take some literary license. Love the scenes with Benjamin Franklin! And the details on the Ephrata Cloister (which I have never heard of) was intriguing. So I learned a lot while being entertained. Love history lessons that come in a novel!

Told from multiple points of view, Fisher weaves a compelling tale of heartache and loss and tremendous courage. She creates such vivid characters that I'd be hard pressed to label any of them as secondary. Young Felix Bauer is one of my favourites. He's such an adventurous scamp, getting into one scrape after another and driving all the adults to distraction. He provides comic relief while highlighting aspects of the colonies we'd never get to see otherwise.

There's romance and danger and even a bit of intrigue as these Amish immigrants learn to place their trust wholeheartedly in the Lord and the enduring hope of a future in their very own chosen land.

Giveaway Opportunity:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Newcomer please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. 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 enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 30 2017.  Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

April Giveaway -- Week Four

WON BY RUBYNREBA

WON BY CONNIE TILLMAN

WON BY LINDA MOFFITT

WON BY PATTY

WON BY TRIXI

WON BY PAM WESTFALL

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 the winners and I don't seem to connect so I have a month time frame. If I can't reach you within four weeks your win will be forfeited.

 LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK'S GIVEAWAYS:

Distant Echoes

GIVEAWAY

COBLE, COLLEEN
DISTANT ECHOES

When a tragic even takes the lives of tourists, Hawaiian native and dolphin researcher Kaia Oana is one of the first in the water, risking her own life to try and save others. She's then enlisted to help the US Navy find out what really happened -- utilizing her specially trained dolphin to assist.

Kaia and Lieutenant Commander Jesse Matthews are brought together as partners on the investigation, but as they edge closer to the truth, their own lives are threatened. Will the aloha spirit of grace and forgiveness prevail -- or will it be overshadowed by the distant echoes of past pain and the imminent danger from a col-blooded killer?

Set on the breathtaking Hawaiian island of Kauai, this novel provides an intoxicating mix of romance and suspense with the soothing rhythms of island life.

My Review:

Published in 2005

Vintage Coble and I'm loving it. Suspense with so many possible suspects that I got dizzy trying to keep up! Lots of twists and turns and gasp-out-loud moments! This author knows how to keep a reader's attention right to the nail-biting end.

And I absolutely loved the island setting! Fascinating glimpses into Hawaiian culture thrilled me to my toes. Kaia and her brothers (eeep -- they each get their own story in this series) and their sage grandfather captured my heart  and I look forward to renewing our friendship when I read the rest of the books (which are now on hold at my library!)

I think Colleen Coble must be a kindred animal lover because her books often feature critters. I fell in love with Nani the dolphin. Playful and coy and oh so clever! And there`s even a Bree and Samson (of Rocky Harbor fame) cameo appearance. I squealed when Samson went into rescue mode!

Another stellar romantic suspense from this award-winning author.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Distant Echoes please leave a comment or send me an email at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line to make it easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 23. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

The Nanny Bargain

GIVEAWAY

KAYE, GLYNNA
THE NANNY BARGAIN

Falling for the Boss

Concerned for his orphaned twin brothers, outdoor-gear shop owner Sawyer Banks urges new employee Tori Jansen to apply for the nanny position their grandparents are advertising...and spy for him. With plans to start over in Hunter Ridge and dreams of reviving her quilting business, Tori takes the job -- but refuses to report to Sawyer unless the boys' welfare is in danger. But soon it's her own heart that's in jeopardy. Because after spending time with the committed bachelor, she starts to see the depth behind his easy charm -- and begins to imagine herself as his wife.

Hearts of Hunter Ridge: Finding true love in Arizona mountain country

My Review:

This is the fourth book in the Hearts of Hunter Ridge and I really enjoyed my visit back to Arizona mountain country. Each book in the series reads perfectly fine as a standalone so no worries about playing catch-up -- unless, of course, you like stellar contemporary romance, In which case you should definitely back-track and pick up the three previous books. :-)

What an interesting conundrum Sawyer puts Tori in. At first I was righteously indignant at his audacity but then I got to know him and realized his heart was in the right place. If only he could connect it with his brain and use words to sort things out! LOL But then he wouldn't need Tori and she wouldn't feel torn loyalties and the angst-factor wouldn't have been as edgy and...well...the story wouldn't have been as excellent! So, overall, I guess the author knew what she was doing. :-)

Sawyer's never been commitment material. Tori has ambitions that don't include romance. But when these two are thrown together in the company of adorable twin boys, well, magic happens. The Nanny Bargain has all the ingredients of a captivating read including a swoonworthy hero paired with an all too stubborn heroine. Then there are all the engaging secondary characters and the whole story is set against a background of community and faith. Awesomesauce in 217 pages!

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Nanny Bargain please leave a comment below ore email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address please be sure to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announded on Sunday April 23 2017. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

A Stolen Heart

GIVEAWAY

CABOT, AMANDA
A STOLEN HEART

The future she dreamed of is gone. But perhaps a better one awaits...

From afar, Cimarron Creek seems like an idyllic town tucked in the Texas Hill Country. But when former schoolteacher Lydia Crawford steps onto its dusty streets in 1880, she finds a town with a deep-seated resentment of Northerners -- like her. Lydia won't let that get her down, though. All will be well when she's reunited with her fiance.

But when she discovers he has disappeared -- and that he left behind a pregnant wife -- Lydia is at a loss about what to do next. The handsome sheriff urges her to trust him, but can she trust anyone in this town where secrets are as prevalent as bluebonnets in spring?

Bestselling author Amanda Cabot invites you into Texas's storied past to experience adventure, mystery -- and love.

My Review:

Sweet romance with a kick of mystery in Texas Hill Country.

Lydia steps off the stagecoach in Cimarron Creek only to have all her hopes and dreams dashed in a matter of minutes. Never mind that the bearer of bad news is an altogether swoonworthy sheriff who tries to help her out of a bad situation.He's a tad gun-shy when it comes to ladies and she's sworn off men for good. It's a match made in heaven -- not!

I love the way this story unfolds. Lydia finds unexpected allies in a southern town that tries to hold her personally responsible for the outcome of a war that ended fifteen years earlier. And she finds a new purpose that helps her slowly win over the crusty citizens of this quaint Texas town...and gain the admiration of a certain sheriff.

The mystery angle was a huge surprise for me and I loved it! It grows more puzzling and then downright sinister as the story progresses. Danger and action; tender romance and the strength of community all contribute to sweet reader satisfaction. And, hooray, this is the first book in the Cimarron Creek Trilogy so there's more fun to come.

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of A Stolen Heart please leave a comment 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 enter via email please remember to include the title in the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 23 2017. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Amish Refuge

GIVEAWAY

GUISTI, DEBBY
AMISH REFUGE

Hidden in plain sight

Miriam Miller barely escapes the ruthless attacker that killed her mother and kidnapped her sister. Running deeper into the woods, she's running out of hope...until she falls into the arms of an unlikely bodyguard -- a peaceful Amish farmer. Something about Abram Zook inspires her trust, but even in bucolic Willkommen, Georgia, Miriam faces danger. Both from the men pursuing her and from her growing feelings for the caring -- though guarded -- widower who protects her. Because if she falls for Abram she'll have to embrace his Amish faith as her own -- or lose him. With each minute, her abductor creeps closer, pushing Miriam to an inevitable choice: stay and risk her heart...or leave and risk her life.

Amish Protectors: These heroes offer shelter from the storm

My Review:

This is one compulsive read! The gripping opening scene sets the tone for the entire story. Miriam is desperate. Hunted. Traumatized. My heart pounded just as hard as hers as she fled her menacing pursuer...and falls into the arms of a perplexed Amish farmer. The contrast between the peaceful Amish farm and the terror that lurks beyond its borders brings an edgy twist to the suspense. And so does the romance. And I'm super excited because this is the first in the Amish Protectors series and I have some suspicions about what's going to come next. Can't wait to see if I'm right.

Giveaway Opportunity:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Amish Refuge please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. 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 enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 23 2017.  Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

My Sister's Prayer

GIVEAWAY

CLARK, MINDY STARNS
GOULD, LESLIE
My Sister's Prayer

Women of fearless devotion

Virginia, 1704

Celeste Talbot is usually such a sensible young woman -- until she falls for an English soldier reassigned to the Colonies. Leaving her Huguenot family behind, she sets sail for America, only to realize that her younger sister, Berta, has been kidnapped and forced on board the very same ship. Whom can Celeste trust? The dashing soldier? Or the vigilant carpenter who remains by their side in the perilous New World?

Virginia, present day

Madeline "Maddee" Talbot has her hands full when she agrees to take in her younger sister, Nicole following a serious car accident. The Young women grew apart when Nicole fell into drug addiction, and Maddee prays this will be the start of a better life for her sister. But as they investigate a trauma from their childhood, Maddee must keep a diligent eye on Nicole -- and the shadowy figure watching them from afar.

From the Christy Award-winning team of Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould, My Sister's Prayer tells the epic tale of two women compelled to protect their sisters, confront their fears and navigate the muddy waters of betrayal to find true love.

My Review:

The second book in The Cousins of the Dove series and I love the continuation of dueling timelines. The parallel sister stories make for a gripping read. Though they share some commonalities, they are are also unique so it's like getting two books in one. And yes, this novel can be read as a standalone. There is an ongoing mystery in the present day timeline that carries through each book but the authors do a great job of presenting necessary information from the first book so a new-to-the-series reader won't feel lost at all.

In 21st century Virginia sisters Maddee and Nicole deal with a traumatic incident from the past in very different ways. Maddee leads a contained, organized and structured life while Nicole follows the promptings of her free spirit with disastrous results. There's plenty of angst, unresolved issues and a domineering grandmother that I have a love/hate relationship with. Oh....and romance! Not to mention a decades old mystery that seems to be haunting them still.

Centuries earlier the Talbot's ancestors face their own struggles in the New World. The historical details are riveting. From the voyage across the ocean -- shudder! -- to the duplicity of men dealing with the indentured servants, their story is rife with conflict and danger. These sisters have their own relationship issues to resolve before they can face a future as allies and friends. And, oh yeah, even more romance!

Absorbing right through to the very last page. I can't wait to read My Daughter's Legacy which releases in July of this year.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of My Sister's Prayer please leave a comment or send me an email 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 to make it easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 23 2017. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

The Woman's Study Bible (Review) + Biblical Fiction Giveaway

To celebrate the release of this new edition of The Woman's Study Bible I'm hosting a different kind of giveaway today. I'll be reviewing this study bible BUT I'll be doing a giveaway of any Biblical Fiction novel published through to April 2017.  Check out the details further down in this post -- look for the pink lettering!

The Woman's Study Bible poignantly reveals the Word of God to women, inviting them to receive God's truth for balance, hope and transformation.

Special features designed to speak to a woman's heart appear throughout the Bible text, revealing Scripture=based insights about how godly womanhood grows from a woman's identity as a Christ-follower and a child of the Kingdom.

Now with a beautiful full-colour redesign. The Woman's Study Bible reflects the contributions of over 80 women from a wide variety of ethnic, denominational, educational, and occupational backgrounds. Since the publication of the first edition of The Woman's Study Bible the editorial guidance of Dorothy Kelley Patterson and Rhonda Hanington Kelley, this landmark study Bible has sold over 1.5 million copies.

Features include:

• Beautiful full-colour design throughout
• Detailed biographical portraits of over 100 biblical women
• Thousands of extensive verse-by-verse study notes
• Over 300 in-text topical articles on relevant issues
• Insightful essays by women who are recognized experts in the fields of theology, biblical studies, archaeology, and philosophy
• Book introductions and outlines
• Hundreds of full-colour-in-text maps, charts, timelines, and family trees
• Quotes from godly women throughout history
• Set of full-page maps of the biblical world
• Topical index
• Concordance

My Review:

I love scripture but I am not a biblical scholar. When I read passages from the bible I don't always get everything I can from my study time. That's why I love it when my pastor brings new insight to the stories I've read so many times before. He's good at setting the scene and bringing to light the historical significance of verses. He links other scripture with the one we're studying and suddenly the bible comes alive in a new way.

And guess what? This beautiful study bible does exactly the same thing! It's like having your pastor on a 24/7 lifeline! That's because it's chock-full of extra study resources that bring new meaning to verses I've read countless of times before. For review purposes I chose to study the Psalms. I love the sheer beauty of emotion in this book. I've read it many times but after reading The Woman's Study Bible version I feel like I've lived my way through the Psalms! What a powerful difference!

To start with, there are two pages of set-up -- the history of the Psalms, who wrote them, background and themes. Even literary characteristics! And then, as I delved into my daily readings I was blown away by all the extra information this bible offers. There are sidebars that bridge the concept in a Psalm with New Testament scripture and special reflections for women. Cool coloured tables bring understanding at a glance on topics such as the types of Psalms, The Names of God, The Images of God in the Psalms and so much more.Pertinent quotes from notable women are woven throughout as well.

Honestly -- I have never enjoyed bible study more! No checking the clock or racing through to the end of a chapter. (Yes, I just admitted that publicly.) I just lost myself in the Word and came away with a greater understanding thanks to all the extras The Woman's Study Bible has to offer.

I haven't even touched on all the special features -- see the product description for that. And it's all wrapped up in an elegant package. A really stunning bible that will be cherished for a lifetime. The perfect gift -- for yourself or someone special in your life.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson Publications and Litfuse Publicity Group for providing me with a copy of this bible. http://litfusegroup.com/author/tnelson

GIVEAWAY

The Giveaway Details:

Winner's Choice of any Biblical Fiction novel with a publication date up to April 2017. Here's how it works:
*State the title and author of the book you want to win in the comment section. Up to 3 different suggestions per person BUT each author/title must be in a separate comment. (makes it easier for me to tally.)
*Books must be categorized as both Biblical Fiction and Christian Fiction.
*Books must still be available (obviously) and published anytime up to April 2017
*Remember to include your email address in one of your comments using AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers.
*Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 23 2017
*Offer open to international readers

The publisher is also holding a giveaway -- This one for The Woman's Study Bible. Details below:

This spring, cultivate your heart's spiritual roots and enter to win the Grow in the Word Giveaway!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

A copy of The NKJV Woman's Study Bible (winner's choice of design)

A decorative plaque

A rose gold Tree of Life necklace

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on April 27. The winner will be announced April 28 on the Litfuse blog.

April Giveaway - Week Three

WON BY DGUZ

WON BY MARIA

WON BY BETH ERIN

WON BY ANDREA STEPHENS

WON BY ANNE PAYNE

WON BY MELANIE B.

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 the winners and I don't seem to connect so I have a month time frame. If I can't reach you within four weeks your win will be forfeited.

 LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK'S GIVEAWAYS: