August Giveaway -- Week Five

WON BY PAULA SHRECKHISE

WON BY BOOKS ARE A BLESSING

WON BY MARK

WON BY DEBORAH C.

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:





Oh -- and I totally forgot to review The Next Right Thing last week!!! Oops -- so that review will go up tomorrow but it won't be a giveaway-- just a review.

Whose Waves These Are

GIVEAWAY

DYKES, AMANDA
WHOSE WAVES THESE ARE

In the wake of WWII, a grieving fisherman submits a poem to a local newspaper: a rallying cry for hope, purpose...and rocks. Its message? Send me a rock for the person you lost, and I will build something life-giving. When the poem spreads farther than he ever intended, Robert Bliss's humble words change the tide of a nation. Boxes of rocks inundate the harbor village on the cehind the eoast of Maine, and he sets his callused hands to work.

Decades later, Annie Bliss is summoned back to Ansel-by-the-Sea when GrandBob, the man who gave her refuge during the hardest summer of her youth, is the one in need of help. But what greets her is a mystery: a wall of heavy boxes hiding in his home. Memories of stone ruins on a nearby island ignite a fire in her anthropologist soul to uncover answers.

Together with the handsome and enigmatic town postman, Annie uncovers the story layer by layer, yearning to resurrect the hope GrandBob once held so dear and to know the truth behind the chasm in her family's past. But mending what has been broken for so long may require more of her and those she loves than they are prepared to give.

My Review:

"Sometimes the best way to love is to choose to let go." (p 108)

Whose Waves These Are defies description. A heart-stomping, sob-wracking, goose-bumping kind of a read. It's left me so tongue-tied and addlepated that I'm grappling for words here. And this is a debut novel! It really does boggle the mind.

First, it's the sheer beauty of the prose. This is the kind of book that begs to be read out loud so that the wordsmithing can be savored. "He's maybe thirty-five, but the look on his face is older, much older. Shadowed and resolute, with a wildness about him. Like someone has anchored the wind and trapped it, chains and all, inside him." (p 46)

Dykes' words conjure up vivid images so raw and real that it hurts. But it's a healing kind of pain. And she brings such reverence to these stories -- two timelines, generations awash in tragedy and hope. And the way they merge into a kaleidoscope of emotional change!

Expert pacing. Brilliant plotting. Characters to adore. This book has it all. Definitely in my top 10 reads this year (and maybe every year!)

"He said it was time to be a part of the unbreaking, of the making of something. He told me there was a Carpenter who was going to build me right up, too." (p 75)

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  Whose Waves These Are, 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 August 31 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Reunited in the Rockies

GIVEAWAY

OBENHAUS, MINDY
REUNITED IN THE ROCKIES

A fresh start...and old love reignited? A Rocky Mountain Heroes romance

For widow Kayla Bradshaw, restoring a historic Colorado hotel means a better life for her and her soon-to-arrive baby. But she needs construction help from Jude Stephens, the love she lost through a misunderstanding. Working with Kayla, the police officer finds himself forgiving her -- and longing to rebuild her shattered confidence. But can they trust each other enough to forge a future together?

My Review:

I do love a great second chance romance story and Mindy Obenhaus delivers that and so much more in her fourth Rocky Mountain Heroes novel. The series is centered around a widowed father and his five cowboy sons...yes five, so that means we get one more book in this series. Woohoo! Each novel can easily be read as a standalone though, so no worries if you haven't met the Stephens clan yet. You'll do fine jumping into Jude's story.

Kayla and Jude once thought they had the forever kind of love but it all went wrong and they haven't seen each other in years. And then Kayla comes back to town. Widowed, pregnant and a shell of the woman Jude once knew. And he's dealing with some personal issues of his own.  There's a lot to work through if they want to get back on track with the way things should have been. But the spark is still there, just waiting for two broken, hurting people to stir it into a flame.

A heartwarming, feel good story centered around the hope of second chances.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a gently read copy of Reunited in the Rockies, 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 August 31 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

A Reluctant Bride

GIVEAWAY

HEDLUND, JODY
A RELUCTANT BRIDE

A  new life awaits her across the horizon

Living in London's poorest slum, Mercy Wilkins harbors little hope for a better life. So when she's offered the opportunity to join a bride ship sailing to British Columbia, she agrees. The journey abroad is her only prospect to escape a bleak future -- both for herself and to help her sister, who's suffering in a workhouse.

Wealthy and titled Joseph Colville leaves everything behind and takes to the sea to escape the pain of losing his family. As the ship's surgeon, he's in charge of the passengers' welfare aboard the Tynemouth, including sixty brides-to-be. He has no immediate intention of settling down, but when mercy becomes his assistant, the two must fight against a forbidden love.

With hundreds of single men congregating along the shore of Vancouver Island, eager to claim a bride from the Tynemouth, will Mercy and Joseph miss their chance at true love, or will they overcome the obstacles that threaten to keep them apart?

My Review:

"What's the small part God's calling you to? Are you seeking His leading or are you running away from it?" (p 22)

Jody Hedlund has made a cracking good start of her Bride Ships series with this first book. There's such depth in both the character development and the faith thread that it was easy to be swept away right from the very first page. And I love that the story went in directions I wasn't expecting.

I was completely entranced by Mercy and Joseph and the very different worlds they come from. The way their lives intersect both in London and on the ship -- such a magical 'destined for each other' kind of aura and that made me all the more anxious during the gnarly bits that threatened my blood pressure! There's this one odious individual in particular who gave me conniptions - gah, but he's lucky I wasn't on that ship or it would have been 'man overboard' for sure! :-)

The historical research is impeccable, and it's worth reading the author's notes at the end of the book for some extra insights. Hedlund doesn't gloss over the horrid conditions in the London slums or in steerage on the ship. I shudder just remembering some of those scenes and marvel that our ancestors had the courage and gumption to go through what they did for a better future. And I love that books like this one bring history to life and help me appreciate the sacrifices of those who have gone before.

 Honestly, I'm kinda speechless over this one. Riveting. Enthralling. Moving. Uplifting. Not to be missed in my books!

"I want you to remember that when we are troubled on every side," Patience said, her voice wavering, "we can't get caught up in seeing the problems from our view. God's so much bigger and has things worked out in His ways -- ways we can't begin to understand." (p 61)

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Reluctant Bride, 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 August 31 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Cold Case Secrets

GIVEAWAY

BLACK, MAGGIE K.
COLD CASE SECRETS

The Canadian wilderness can be deadly
A gripping True North heroes romance

Solving his sister's murder is Mountie Jacob Henry's only priority -- until his daring helicopter rescue of Grace Finch leaves them stranded in the Canadian wilderness. Now with a storm raging and escaped convicts in pursuit, Jacob and Grace must rely on each other for survival. But when Jacob discovers Grace's deadly secret, can he look past it in the fight for their lives?

My Review:

Woohoo!!!! This was such a fun read!!! Kinda like Constable Benton Fraser (remember TV show Due South about the RCMP officer in Chicago?) meets Lois Lane and stuff happens. A lot of stuff! I was bouncing off my couch in delighted euphoria, snorting and guffawing all the way through.

Opening scene -- Grace is in a spot of trouble but she's handling it and then our swoony hero comes rappelling out of a helicopter to save the day. Only our scrappy award winning crime journalist isn't impressed with his take charge attitude. These two are a riot together! I love how she saves his hide as many times as he saves hers! They make the perfect team when they stop fighting it. Who knew being stranded in the wilderness while evading three escaped convicts could be so much fun?

Jacob has noticed Grace at crime scenes and the attraction is there though he's definitely not in the market for romance but he would have enjoyed "a new professional and collegial friendship." ( p 33) Snort -- yes, he's the kind of guy who can use collegial in a sentence. But that's not happening since Grace is a reporter and Jacob thinks "they're like carrion birds picking over the lives of others." (p 83) A little bit of a chasm to bridge between these two, eh?

Lots of action and adventure and creative take-downs! And, since this is the last book in the True North series, Black has provided a fitting blockbuster series wrap-up that brings all the Henry brothers (and their lady loves) together in a very fitting salue to the spirit of these heroes and heroines.

Other random things I loved about this book. Grace is biracial -- Afro-Carribean Canadian mother and German Canadian father. Jacob and Grace are a little bit older than the usual LI/LIS heroes and heroines. He's just shy of forty and she's mid thirties. And there are lots of inspirational quotes a reader can apply in her own life. Like:

"Mom always told me that forgiveness has a lot of layers," she said."That it was a process and not something that happened all at once. She says sometimes you have to forgive the same person for the same sin, over, and over, and over again in new and deeper ways." (p 122)

and

"Sometimes prayer doesn't change the world around us. It just changes us." (p 92)

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a gently read copy of Cold Case Secrets, 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 August 31 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

August Giveaway -- Week Four

WON BY AMADA

WON BY CONNIE LEE

WON BY KIM HANSEN

WON BY MINDY HOUNG

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:

I'm buried in projects -- bookish and otherwise so I'll only be doing giveaways Monday - Thursday. Back to normal in September.




And I'll be doing a review but no giveaway of a non-fiction title:

Cold Fury

GIVEAWAY

Random Retro Read Day!

SLEEMAN, SUSAN
COLD FURY

Five years ago tragedy tore them apart...

Forensic anthropologist Maggie Turner happily works as an assistant professor at her local university and lives a quiet life near campus. That is until Jackson Lockhart enters her classroom. Then a cyclone of emotions erupt as she remembers the tragedy that once tore them apart. She's often thought of him, but they'd agreed never to see each other again and so far they've kept that promise. But today...Jackson has a good reason for breaking his promise. Maggie's life depends a minute.

Will it now bring them back together?

It's an ongoing investigation, Jackson has learned that university officials secretly videoed her classroom in a study on attendance. The recorder was supposed to run only during the class session, but it malfunctioned and recorded an entire week, which includes a shocking murder that has now put Maggie's life in danger. Can Jackson unravel the lies surrounding this incident before the killer unleashes his fury on Maggie and takes her life?

My Review:

published in 2018
Book Three in the Cold Harbor series

Whoopsie -- sorry for the late post -- allergy meds have rattled my brain and I scheduled the post to go up at noon instead of midnight. Just noticed it now. :-(

I'm totally addicted to this series now and really love that it comes in audible editions since the books are no longer available in paperback on Book Depository. Reading...er...listening...to one every week or so is giving me a greater appreciation for those of you who like to wait until a series is completed before diving in....but I'm still not patient enough to do that with every series out there! :-)

While Cold Fury is the third book in the Cold Harbor series, it can be read as a standalone. Sleeman does a super job of introducing the Blackwell Tactical  members. Team building is something this author really excels at and I love the way she writes the camaraderie and banter. Great scenes that showcase the heart of these amazing men and women and makes each one lifetime friends material.

But -- be prepared to have your heart skewered with Jackson and Maggie's story. Their history is so devastating! They are both still overwhelmed by their past -- burdened to the point of not being able to let it go.Though they are both successful in their chosen careers, they've closed themselves off from living life to the fullest. Their conversations are insightful and the way they grow in their faith is inspiring.

"God always gets things right and when we worry or question Him it's like we think He's gotten it wrong." -- "We thank Him for the good things and blame Him for the bad. God is consistent so we're just tormenting ourselves by fluctuating as circumstances change." (sorry I don't have page references, but I was listening to the audbile version.)

And the suspense is action-packed and danger inducing! Absolutely love the details Sleeman has added to the various technical aspects of the story -- from the forensics to the police procedural to the armed forces tactics the team use in their operations -- all fascinating and add authenticity to the story.

I'm three books down with four more to go before I finish the series. I'm excited to get back to Cold Harbor and thrilled that I don't have to wait long to do so. I have Cold Case in my sight-lines -- Eryn's story -- double woot!!!!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy (ecopy internationally, paperback in US) of Cold Fury, 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 August 24 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

The Highest of Hopes

GIVEAWAY

MASON, SUSAN ANNE
THE HIGHEST OF HOPES

After her beloved grandfather dies, Emmaline Moore is shocked to discover that her "deceased" father is living in Canada. With no other family, Emma embarks on a journey across the ocean accompanied by her best friend, Jonathan. Unfortunately, Randall Moore and his well-to-do family aren't thrilled by her arrival, fearing it will hinder his chance at becoming mayor of Toronto in 1919. Despite everything, Emma remains determined to earn their affection.

Jonathan Rowe has secretly loved Emma for years and hopes that during their trip he can win her heart. Concerned that Randall might reject her, Jonathan is ready to console Emma and bring her home. When she informs him that she has no intention of England, Jonathan begins to despair. Can he convince Emma to find value within herself rather than seeking it from a virtual stranger? And will she ever come to see that Jonathan is her true home?

My Review:

In which Emmaline Moore travels thousands of miles to discover that the love and acceptance she craves has been right next door all the time. Love the agonizing unrequited love theme that plays out through this story. Sometimes it's so delicious to be tortured by an author who knows how to be mean to her characters. And I say that with the utmost respect. :-)

It's Jonathan who has me all bent out of shape. He's the truest of best friends though he wants to be so much more! Oh, how I ached for him! His devotion and patience and desperate hope just shredded my heart!

Emmaline is clueless though. She's so focused on her quest to win her father's favour that she's oblivious to everything else. Her strong will carries her through hurt and heartache as she stubbornly clings to the hope of belonging to a family who doesn't want her. She struggles with issues of abandonment and loss which feed her insecurities and make her all the more desperate to find acceptance. But she's looking for it in all the wrong places and Mason weaves an inspiring faith thread into the story as Emmaline discovers the peace and joy that comes from the unconditional love of a Heavenly Father who accepts her as she is, flaws and all.

I was on romantical tenterhooks until the very end, desperately yearning for what appeared to be an elusive happily ever after. And then...whoosh of relief...not so elusive after all!  Happy satisfied reader -- that's me!

Sidenote: That image is the cover for the large print edition which I got from my library. True confession -- LPs have a special scent that makes me woozy with delight. A soft, shiny paper and ink smell that's unique to these editions. If you don't believe me go to your library and do a smell comparison test. Bwahahaha!

Other sidenote: This is the second book in the Canadian Crossings series but can absolutely be read as a standalone.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Highest of Hopes, 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 August 24 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

The Cradle Conspiracy

GIVEAWAY

BARRITT, CHRISTY
THE CRADLE CONSPIRACY

A child in jeopardy
A heart-racing The Baby Protectors story

When the mother of the toddler Sienna Thompson is babysitting never returns for him -- and then the child's nearly abducted -- Sienna knows their lives are in danger. Sienna's neighbor, FBI agent Devin Matthews, thwarts the kidnapping and promises to protect Sienna and the boy. But when they discover the child's missing mother isn't who she claimed to be, can they survive long enough to uncover the truth?

My Review:

Whoa -- definitely a devour-in-one-gulp suspense! The edgy first scene sets the stage for trauma and danger. And trying to figure out the suspense!!!!!  -- well, Barritt totally blew me away by the end. My head is still spinning! And she nails the romance too. Devin has kept neighbour Sienna at a distance. He's on sabbatical from the FBI while he tries to work some things out but he's stuck in cranky-brooding mode...until the night he spies trouble at Sienna's house and rushes to the rescue. I do so love witnessing the uncrankying of a broody hero. :-) Especially one with strong protective instincts like Devin. Love the way the author brings them together as they gradually share confidences while dodging bullets and following clues. An action-packed, toe-curling whirl of a read!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a gently read copy of The Cradle Conspiracy, 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 August 24 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

On a Summer Tide

GIVEAWAY

FISHER, SUZANNE WOODS
ON A SUMMER TIDE

Sometimes love hurts -- and sometimes it can heal in the most unexpected way.

Camden Grayson loves her challenging career, but the rest of her life could use some improvement. "Moving on" is Cam's mantra. But there's a difference, her two sisters insist, between one who moves on and one who just keeps on moving.

Cam's full-throttle life skids to a stop when her father buys a remote island off the coast of Maine. Paul Grayson has a dream to breathe new life into the island -- a dream that includes reuniting his estranged daughters. Certain Dad has lost his mind, the three sisters rush to the island. To Cam's surprise, the slow pace of island life appeals to her, and so do the locals. One in particular: Seth Walker, the scruffy island schoolteacher, who harbors more than a few surprises.

My Review:

Eeeeppp!!! I'm all starry-eyed over this new series by Suzanne Woods Fisher! I'm an ardent fan of her Amish novels and did wonder if a straight contemporary would have the same pizzazz -- and, boy, does it ever!!!!

An island in Maine is the perfect setting for this author's trademark community-with-quirks world building. From the Never Late Ferry (no schedule = never late) to the sketchy wi-fi service to the wary locals --- well, I'm a tad shy of giddy over all the eccentricities that bring touches of humour to the very real struggles facing Paul Grayson and his daughters.

And secondary character Peg Legg (yes, that's really her name! Not just pulling your leg...bwahahaha -- sorry!)  brightens every scene she's in. A plain-spoken woman with a big heart, she becomes an anchor for the newcomers who have definitely stepped out of their comfort zone. "One thing I know, you either get bitter or better by what life throws at you." (p 81) This book is full to brimming with Pegisms like that!

On a Summer Tide is told from multiple points of view -- Paul and his three daughter, Cam, Maddie and Blaine. I love the way Fisher sets the series up here, drawing readers into the heart of this complicated and somewhat dysfunctional family. And there are things I love and...don't....about each sister. Maddie in particular got my dander up and I'm looking forward to what's in store for her in the next book.

But Cam is featured in this first book and though I couldn't relate to her at first -- she's very corporate success driven and that's just not me at all! -- I loved watching her true self emerge under island magic...and the influence of a certain 'new to the island' local and one-room schoolhouse teacher extraordinaire. Loved Seth on first sight. A man of deep faith who isn't afraid to share: "We all have to let go of the need to prove ourselves. Our souls aren't a matter of commerce, we're a matter of faith." (p 219) He's the perfect foil for Cam...and a man of mystery too. I guarantee her'll surprise you!

Such an enthralling start to the Three Sisters Island series! I'm so enamoured I've been hunting online for the release info for the next book but I can't even find out the title! Sob! Hope we don't have long to wait because I'm ready for another island visit!

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of On a Summer Tide, 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 August 24 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

August Giveaway - Week Three

WON BY LYDIA A.

WON BY MELANIE BACKUS

WON BY TRIXI

WON BY CARYL KANE

WON BY PAM W.

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:

I'm buried in projects -- bookish and otherwise so for the next two weeks I'll only be doing giveaways Monday - Thursday. Back to normal in September.

The Cowboy's Twin Surprise

GIVEAWAY

DEES, STEPHANIE
THE COWBOY'S TWIN SURPRISE

Can this rodeo star handle fatherhood? 
Anything can happen with Triple Creek Cowboys

Despite his too-rowdy past, former rodeo star Devin Cole's stunned when the woman he married after a whirlwind romance shows up pregnant with his twins...demanding a divorce. He convinces barrel rider Lacey Jenkins to give him six months to show he's changed. But proving he can be a champion husband and father is the hardest -- and most important -- challenge he's ever faced.

My Review:

I'm seriously close to handing in my frequent Love Inspired Reader's Card because -- gasp! -- this is only my second Stephanie Dees book and I'm still grappling with how her earlier books slipped by me ! How is that even possible? I have no words. Just head shakes.

But she bedazzled me once again with this emotional sucker-punch of a story! And, yes, let's pause for a moment to appreciate all that is sighworthy about that cover. Daddy Devin is directly responsible for my sudden onset of hero induced arrhythmia. He's a flawed man determined to make amends for his past and it's that inner core of strength that drew me in.

"My dad used to say strength doesn't come from doing what you already know you can do. Real strength comes from overcoming things you never thought you could." (p 100)

And by that definition, Devin is Hercules! Not only does he have to face the results of his failures, he has to convince his loved ones that he has changed.That he can be trusted and counted on. His brothers are wary and his wife...

Well, Lacey wants a divorce and she's willing to absolve Devin of any responsibility for their babies. Yes, plural, as in she's carrying twins. And this is where the cover is a little bit misleading because the majority of the story takes place during the pregnancy so we don't get to love on those sweeties until the very end. But we do get to swoon over a very deliberately determined husband wooing his lady love. Be still my heart! Lots of room for angst and laughter and the sweet thrill of romance.

And...woohoo...The Cowboy's Twin Surprise is the first book in the Triple Creek Cowboys series which means Devin's brothers are going to get their own stories and I can't wait for more Dees-licious romance!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a gently read copy of The Cowboy's Twin Surprise, 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 August 17 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Glory Road

GIVEAWAY

DENTON, LAUREN K.
GLORY ROAD

Written in Lauren Denton's signature Southern style, Glory Road tells the story of three generations of women navigating the uncertain pathways of their hearts during a summer that promises to bring change -- whether they're ready for it or not.

At thirty-eight, garden shop owner Jessie McBride thinks her chances for romance are years behind her and, after her failed marriage, she's fine with that. She lives contentedly with her unexpected arrival of two men on Glory Road make her question if she's really happy with the status quo. Handsome, wealthy Sumner Tate asks her to arrange flowers for his daughter's wedding, and Jessie finds herself drawn to his continued attention. And Ben Bradley, her lingering what-could-have-been from high school days who's known her better than anyone and whom she hasn't seen in years, moves back to the red dirt road. Jessie's mother, Gus, increasingly finds herself forgetful and faces a potentially frightening future.

Meanwhile, Jessie's fourteen-year-old daughter, Evan, is approaching the start of high school and trying to navigate a new world of identity and emotions -- particularly as they relate to the cute new guy who's moved in just down the road. At the same time, Jessie's mother, Gus, increasingly finds herself  forgetful and faces a potentially frightening future.

As all three women navigate the uncertain paths of their hearts and futures, one summer promises to change -- whether they're ready for it or not.

My Review:

I have to say I've developed an unexpected fondness for Southern style fiction and Glory Road tickled my fancy in so many ways.

First off, the unhurried approach to the storytelling made me feel like I'd wandered up onto the McBride's front porch in the middle of a gab session and was invited to sit a spell. Nothing is rushed...these Southern ladies know the power of a pregnant pause and how to measure their words for the most emphasis. And the way they can turn a phrase! "Lanky as a coat hanger!" It's like they have their own secret language, painting bold images that stir a reader's senses to the point she can visualize every scene.

And I loved the multi-generational perspectives in this novel. We get three stories, really, as we live out a summer of change in the lives of the McBride women. Three points of view, each with its own distinct flavour. Gus on the cusp of a frightening diagnosis, Jessie on the verge of discovering that love can find her the second time round and Evan so eager to leave childhood behind but not quite ready for the complications womanhood brings. Their stories are pertinent and memorable, and the way they draw strength and comfort from one another is inspiring. Relationships aren't perfect, families can be dysfunctional but home is still a place of safety and love.

I listened to the audible version and Devon O'Day's narration really enhanced my reading...er, listening...enjoyment. She captured the essence of each of the McBride women and I could hear the pleasure in her voice -- like she was just as delighted with these ladies as I was.

Please note: I have not categorized this novel as Christian Fiction even though the publisher is Thomas Nelson. It is beautifully written and definitely a clean read, but the lack of an inspirational thread was disappointing.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Glory Road, 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 August 17 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!