Murder on the Flying Scotsman

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO READ DAY!

DUNN, CAROLA
MURDER ON THE FLYING SCOTSMAN

It is the spring of 1923 and the Honourable Daisy Dalrymple is on her way to a stately home in Scotland to research her next article for Town and Country. On board the Flying Scotsman, the famous London-to-Edinburgh train, Daisy meets an old schoolfellow, Anne Breton.  Anne, along with all her relatives, is en route to visit the deathbed of the family scion and notorious miser, Alistair McGowan. As it currently stands, Alistair's will leaves the entire family fortune to his brother Albert, and the rest of the family is rushing to his side, each hoping to convince him to change his will in their favor.

Daisy, meanwhile, has her hands full taking care of Detective Inspector Alec Fletcher's young daughter, Belinda, who ran away from home and stowed away aboard the train. She barely has time to take notice of the intricate family feud taking place all around her -- that is, until Albert McGowan is found murdered on the train and Daisy is surrounded by an entire family of suspects.

My Review:

published in 2001
My thanks to my public library for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

Please note: this is not a Christian Fiction selection -- it's a clean cozy mystery

Downton Abbey meets Nancy Drew in this thoroughly delightful mystery series.

While Murder on the Flying Scotsman is the fourth book in the Daisy Dalrymple series, it can be read as a standalone. The only thing that progresses from book to book is the development of the romance which is typical for this genre, so not really a surprise.

I really get the feel for postwar Downton Abbeyish England through Daisy's exploits. A 'modern' young woman determined to make her way in the world despite her aristocratic lineage. Times are changing and Daisy is all about embracing that change despite her mother's palpitations over her sharing a flat in town and actually working for a living! And her 'honourable' status allows her access to all the poshest homes which makes her a coveted writer for Town and Country magazine. Of course, Daisy stumbles over a body on each assignment and a certain Scotland Yard Detective ends up on the case.

This one is my favourite in the series so far (I've only read up to book 5 and there are 28 books in the series!) Just love how a good half of the story takes place on the train and all the quirky characters and the mystery is solid with plenty of suspects. And Daisy is in fine form as she assists Scotland Yard with the investigation.

I'm listening to this series and the narration is amazing -- really adds to the flavour and fun! As Daisy would say it's absolutely spiffing!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

For readers who just can't read a series out of order, I'm happy to substitute the first Daisy Dalrymple book -- Death at Wentwater Court -- in place of this title, if you win. Just let me know which you'd rather win in the comments (or email, if you enter that way.)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Murder on the Flying Scotsman, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday April 6 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

March Giveaway - Week Five

Phew!!!! I think I kafuzzled random.org with all the

calculations and I sure hope I didn't goof up any 

entries -- I've obtained a terrible habit

of listening to an audio book

while I tally so mistakes aren't

unanticipated! But I've checked twice and

am pretty sure that winners actually won 

a book they entered for.

:-)

WON BY MINDY HOUNG

WON BY HEIDI ROBBINS

WON BY PAM K.

WON BY LINDA MOFFITT

WON BY C. MONROE

WON BY JANA LEAH

WON BY ELLY

WON BY FAITH, HOPE & CHERRYTEA

WON BY JACKIE SMITH

WON BY TRACEY HAGWOOD

WON BY LORI SMANSKI

WON BY LUCY REYNOLDS

WON BY KAY GARRETT

WON BY RACHAEL

WON BY LEA

WON BY KATE

WON BY AMADA

WON BY LADY SNOW ANGEL

You know the drill: winners will be contacted if they left their email address. Otherwise it's up to the winner to contact me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca with your mailing address. From time to time a winner and I do not connect so I have a one month time frame on giveaway wins. If I haven't been able to reach you within 30 days of your win, it will be forfeited. This has happened a few times now so, please, DON'T BE SHY -- CONTACT ME IF YOU DIDN'T LEAVE YOUR EMAIL OR IF I HAVEN'T BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN REACHING YOU. Books will be ordered within a week of receiving your mailing address and I'll email you to confirm your win is on its way. Give it a full month before inquiring about the status of an order to allow for processing and shipping time. Thank you!

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK'S GIVEAWAYS:

Reader's Choice - Retro-Reads

GIVEAWAY

What's a Retro Read you ask? Any Christian Fiction novel published in 2018 or earlier. Here's your chance to catch the one that got away! Just make sure it's still in print...or in ebook format if you're okay with that. To be entered in the draw just leave a comment (or 3) below, including title(s) of the book(s) you would like to win.

How does it work?

Easy peasy! Make recommendations in the comment section each day and if you win, you win the book you suggested.

BUT YOU GOTTA FOLLOW THE RULES

Publication dates must be 2018 or earlier

Christian Fiction only please!

You can offer up to 3 suggestions a day

BUT

they need to be made in

three separate comments

(easier for me to tally)

No email entries this week

(too hard to keep track of

due to the # of responses)

entrants must submit their own selections

(not piggyback on somebody else's login)

Open to International Readers

I'm all about spreading the good news about

Christian Fiction all over the globe!!!

It's helpful to include your email (using AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers) but you only need to add it to one comment (per day) If you choose not to include your email, it will be up to you to contact me with your mailing info if you are a winner.

Draw will be held and winner announced on

Saturday March 30 2019

Reader's Choice - Christian Fiction

GIVEAWAY

Spring has sprung (in climates south of me, at least!) And that means that publishers are getting ready to shower us with new releases. Everybody -- SQUEEEPP -- together! I am so excited!

So here's how this thing works: You recommend Christian Fiction with release dates in April, May or June 2019 (up to three a day) and you have a chance at winning one of your recommendations! BUT it's a little more complicated than that so be sure to read ALL the details before entering.

PLEASE NOTE: email entries are not eligible this week. :-(

IT'S CHRISTIAN FICTION GIVEAWAY DAY!

To be entered in the draw just leave a comment (or 3) below, including the title(s) of the book(s) in the Christian Fiction genre that you would like to win.

Christian Fiction

Any genre including previous selections you've made on other days and also for specific genres not covered this week such as Women's Fiction, Science Fiction, Speculative etc.

How does it work?

Easy Peasy! Make recommendations in the comment section each day and if you win, you win the book you suggested.

BUT YOU GOTTA FOLLOW THE RULES

Publication dates must be

April, May or June 2019

Each day is genre specific so

only submit books from that genre

Christian Fiction books only please!

You can offer up to 3 suggestions a day

BUT

they they need to be made in

3 separate comments

(makes it easier for me to tally)

No email entries this week

(too hard to keep track of

due to # of entries)

entrants must submit their own selections

(not piggyback on somebody else's log in.)

Open to International Readers

I'm all about spreading the good news about

Christian Fiction across the globe!!!

It's helpful if you include your email (using AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers) but you only need to add it to one comment (per day) If you choose not to include your email it's up to contact me with your mailing info if you are a winner.

Draw will be held and winner announced on

Saturday March 30 2019

Reader's Choice -- Amish Fiction

GIVEAWAY

Spring has sprung! (at least in the climates south of me!) And that means publishers are getting ready to shower us with new releases! Everybody --- SQUEEEPP -- together. I am so excited!

So here's how this thing works: You recommend Christian Fiction with release dates in April, May or June 2019 (up to 3 a day) and you have a chance at winning one of your recommendations! BUT it's a little more complicated than that so be sure to read ALL the details before entering.

PLEASE NOTE: email entries are not eligible this week. :-(

IT'S AMISH FICTION GIVEAWAY DAY!

To be entered in the draw just leave a comment (or 3) below including the title(s) of the book(s) in the Amish Fiction genre you would like to win.

Amish Fiction

A full-length story or novella collection where the hero or heroine (or both) are Amish OR the story has significant Amish involvement with Amish secondary characters and Amish community. Can be historical or contemporary and cross genres such as YA, suspense, or dual timelines.

How does it work?

Easy peasy! Make recommendations in the comment section each day and if you win, you win the book you suggested.

BUT YOU GOTTA FOLLOW THE RULES!

Publication dates must be

April, May or June 2019

Each day is genre specific so

only submit books from that genre

Christian Fiction only please!

You can offer up to 3 suggestions a day

BUT

they need to be made in

three separate comments

(easier for me to tally)

No email entries this week

(too hard to keep track of

due to # of responses)

entrants must submit their own selections 

(not piggyback on somebody else's logon)

Offer open to International Readers

I'm all about spreading the good news about

Christian Fiction all over the globe!!!

It's helpful if you include your email (using AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers) but you only need to add it to one comment (per day) If you choose not to include your email it is up to the winner to contact me with their mailing address.

Draw will be held and winner announced on

Saturday March 30 2019

Reader's Choice -- Romantic Suspense/Mystery

GIVEAWAY

Spring has sprung!!! (in climates south of me, at least.) And that means publishers are getting ready to shower us with new releases. Everybody --SQUEEEP -- together! I am so excited.

So here's how this thing works: you recommend Christian Fiction with release dates of April, May or June 2019 (up to 3 a day) and you have a chance at winning one of your recommendations! BUT it's a little more complicated than that so be sure to read ALL the details below before entering.

PLEASE NOTE: email entries are not eligible this week

IT'S ROMANTIC SUSPENSE/MYSTERY GIVEAWAY DAY!

To be entered the draw just leave a comment (or 3) below, including the title(s) of the book(s) in the Romantic Suspense/Mystery genre you would like to win.

Romantic Suspense/Mystery

A full-length story or novella collection where mystery is an important part of the plot. The hero or heroine (or both) are often in peril (more so in suspense). Can be set in any time period -- contemporary or historical. May cross genres such as YA, Amish and dual timelines.

How does it work?

Easy Peasy! Make suggestions in the comment section each day and if you win, you win the book you suggested.

BUT YOU GOTTA FOLLOW THE RULES

Publication dates must be

April, May or June 2019

Each day is genre specific so

only submit books from that genre

Christian Fiction books only please!

You can offer up to 3 suggestions a day

BUT

they need to be made in

3 separate comments

(makes it easier to tally)

No email entries this week

(too hard to keep track of

due to # of responses)

entrants must submit their own selections

(not piggyback on somebody else's logon)

Open to International Readers

I'm all about spreading the good news about

Christian Fiction all over the world!!!

It's helpful if you include your email (using @ and . instead of AT and . to protect against spammers) but you only need to add it to one comment (per day). If you choose not to include your email it's up to you to contact me with your mailing address if you are a winner.

Draw will be held and winner announced on

Saturday March 30 2019

Reader's Choice - Contemporary Fiction

GIVEAWAY

Spring has sprung! (in climates south of me, at least.) And that means publishers are getting ready to shower us with new releases. Everybody -- SQUEEEPPP -- together! I'm so excited!

So here's how this thing works: You recommend Christian Fiction with release dates in April, May or June 2019 (up to three a day) and you have a chance at winning one of your recommendations! BUT it's a little more complicated than that so be sure to read ALL the details before entering.

PLEASE NOTE: email entries are not eligible this week. :-(

IT'S CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE GIVEAWAY DAY!

To be entered in the draw just leave a comment (or 3) below, including the title(s) of the book(s) in the Contemporary Romance genre you would like to win.

Contemporary Romance

A full-length story or novella collection set in present day (1980 up). May cross genres such as YA, suspense, Amish including dual timelines.

How does it work?

Easy peasy! Make recommendations in the comment section each day and if you win, you win the book you suggested.

BUT YOU GOTTA FOLLOW THE RULES

Publication dates must be

April, May or June 2019

Each day is genre specific so

only submit books from that genre

Christian Fiction books only please!

You can offer up to 3 suggestions a day

BUT

they need to be made in

three separate comments

(makes it easier for me to tally)

No email entries this week

(too hard to keep track of 

due ot # of responses)

entrants must submit their own selections

(not piggyback on somebody else's logon) 

Open to International Readers

I'm all about spreading the good news about 

Christian Fictionall over the globe!!!!

It's helpful if you include your email (using AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers) but you only need to add it to one comment (per day) If you choose not to include your email it is up to you to contact me if you are a winner.

Draw will be held and winner announced on

Saturday March 30 2019

Reader's Choice - Historical Romance/Fiction

GIVEAWAY

Spring has sprung! (in climates south of me, at least.) And that means publishers are getting ready to shower us with new releases. Everybody -- SQUEEEEPPPP - together!  I'm so excited! 

So here's how this thing works: You recommend Christian fiction with release dates in April, May or June 2019 (up to three a day) and you have a chance to win one of your recommendations! BUT it's a little more complicated than that so be sure to read ALL the details before entering.

PLEASE NOTE: email entries are not eligible this week. :-(

IT'S HISTORICAL ROMANCE/FICTION GIVEAWAY DAY!

To be entered in the draw just leave a comment (or 3) below, including the title(s) of the book(s) in the Historical Romance/Fiction genre you would like to win.

Historical Romance/Fiction

A full-length story OR novella collection set in any time period before the 1970s . May cross genres such as YA, suspense, Amish and may include dual timelines.

How does it work?

Easy peasy! Make recommendations in the comment section each day and if you win, you win the book you suggested.

BUT YOU GOTTA FOLLOW THE RULES!

Publication dates must be

April, May or June 2019

Each day is genre specific so

only submit books from that genre

Christian Fiction books only please!

You can offer up to 3 suggestions a day

BUT

they need to be made in

three separate comments

(makes it easier for me to tally)

No email entries this week

(too hard to keep track of due to

# of responses)

 entrants must submit their own selections

(not piggyback on someone else's  logon)

Open to International Readers

I'm all about spreading the good news about Christian Fiction

all over the globe!!!!!

It's helpful if you include your email (using AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers) but you only need to add it to one of your comments (per day). If you choose not to include your email then it's up to you to contact me if you're a winner.

Draw will held and winner announced on 

Saturday March 30 2019

March Giveaway -- Week Four

WON BY PERRIANNE

WON BY LORAINE NUNLEY

WON BY KAY GARRETT

WON BY KAREN HADLEY

WON BY NANCY

You know the drill: winners will be contacted if they left their email address. Otherwise it's up to the winner to contact me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca with your mailing address. From time to time a winner and I do not connect so I have a one month time frame on giveaway wins. If I haven't been able to reach you within 30 days of your win, it will be forfeited. This has happened a few times now so, please, DON'T BE SHY -- CONTACT ME IF YOU DIDN'T LEAVE YOUR EMAIL OR IF I HAVEN'T BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN REACHING YOU. Books will be ordered within a week of receiving your mailing address and I'll email you to confirm your win is on its way. Give it a full month before inquiring about the status of an order to allow for processing and shipping time. Thank you!

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK'S GIVEAWAYS:

WOOOHOOOOOO!!! IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN!!!!! 
What time, you ask?
Time to kick winter to the curb!

Since this is still my reality when I venture outside, I have a desperate yearning for all things springy inside. You know, pastel coloured flowers, chocolate Easter eggs (yes -- they are in stores now!!!), cute stuffed bunnies, gardening catalogues AND (the most important of all!!!) SPRING NEW RELEASES!!!! And you know what that means...

Cue the drum rolls and marching bunnies

IT'S READER'S CHOICE 

GIVEAWAY WEEK

highlighting books released in 

April, May or June 2019

What does that mean exactly?

You recommend Christian Fiction with release dates of April, May, or June 2019 (up to three a day) and you have a chance at winning on of your recommendations! BUT it's a little more complicated than that so be sure to read ALL the details listed each day before entering! Each day is genre specific (which means you can only suggest historical fiction on that day etc.) Here's this week's schedule:

Sunday March 24 - Historical Romance/Fiction -- a full-length story or novella collection set in any time period before the 1970s. May cross genres such as YA, suspense, Amish and may include dual timelines.

Monday March 25 - Contemporary Romance - a full-length story or novella collection set in any time period after the 1970s. Romance must play an important part in the story. May cross genres such as YA, suspense, Amish and may include dual timelines.

Tuesday March 26 - Romantic Suspense/Mystery - a full-length story or novella collection where mystery is an important part of the plot. The hero or heroine (or both) are often in peril (more so in suspense.) Can be set in any time period -- contemporary or historical. May cross genres such as YA, Amish etc and can include dual timelines.

Wednesday March 27 - Amish Fiction - a full-length story or novella collection where the hero or heroine (or both) are Amish OR the story has significant Amish involvement with Amish secondary characters and Amish community. Can be historical or contemporary and cross genres such as YA, suspense or dual timelines.

Thursday March 28 - Christian Fiction - Any genre including previous selections you've made on other days this week and also for specific genres not covered this week such as Women's Fiction, Speculative etc.

Friday March 29 - Retro Day!!!! - A chance to win ANY Christian fiction novel or novella published in 2018 or earlier (and still in print) or ebook format if you're okay with that.

We Hope for Better Things

GIVEAWAY

BARTELS, ERIN
WE HOPE FOR BETTER THINGS

The past is never as past as we'd like to think

When journalist Elizabeth Balsam is asked to deliver a box of old photos to a relative she didn't know she had, the strange request seems like it isn't worth her time. But as she explores her great-aunt's farmhouse with its locked doors and hidden graves, she soon discovers just how dramatically some of the most newsworthy events of the previous two centuries shaped her own family. As she searches for answers to the riddles around her, the remarkable stories of two women who lived in this very house emerge as testaments to love, resilence, and courage in the face of war, racism, and misunderstanding.

My Review:

What a stunning debut novel! Fascinating topic with a unique approach. Not just two, but three timelines featuring three Caucasian heroines who navigate various forms of racism in very personal ways. Their view as 'outsiders' looking in provide an intriguing vantage point to the tumultuous times they live in.

 It's not always pretty and everything doesn't get wrapped up in a neat little bow by the end. Bartels exposes the secrets and prejudices that shape a family over a century. Heart-breaking and rage-inducing and, ultimately, thought-provoking. I devoured We Hope for Better Things in one sitting -- I just couldn't put it down!

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of We Hope for Better Things, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Satruday March 23 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Mistaken Twin

GIVEAWAY

BAILEY, JODIE
MISTAKEN TWIN

Drawn out of hiding...
and marked for death

When someone attacks her at her shop, Jenna Clark knows her secret identity has been compromised. The killer she's been hiding from has found her...or has he? Police Officer Wyatt Stephens vows to protect her, but he doesn't trust that she's telling him the whole truth. Is the killer after Jenna, or has he mistaken her for her dead twin?

My Review:

Wow, there aren't just twists in this plot -- there are hairpin turns guaranteed to give you whiplash! And the author stymied me twice! Had me so sure of my sleuthing skills that I was gobsmacked when I discovered how wrong I was. Sigh, that was kinda fun but it was kinda embarrassing too. Guess I won't change in my armchair sleuth PI license for a real one any time soon. :-)

This is one intense story and that includes the romance! Jenna and Wyatt are adversarial from the start, both so guarded and not willing to trust the other until everything comes crumbling down and they pretty much have to in order to survive. But even then there's so many gut-wrenching reasons why a relationship can't work that it really messed with my sensitive readerly emotions. I was in a constant state of yearning for the point when they could finally clear away all the obstacles and just be together. Sob!

An incredible rush of a read!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Mistaken Twin by Jodie Bailey, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announded on Saturday March 22 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!