Carol Awards Finalist 2020 -- Young Adult Category

GIVEAWAY

First off -- what exactly are the Carol Awards?

They are awards given out by American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) in recognition of outstanding Christian Fiction in the previous calendar year. So these 2020 finalists are books published in 2019. You might have read them already. You might not. I've only read one in this category! I'll include a link to my review in the description.

How does this giveaway work?

You select which of the three Carol Award Finalist 2020 -- Yound Adult Category novels you would like to receive if your name is drawn. Mention the title in your comment (or an email, if you're entering that way.) If you win, that's the book that will be sent to you. Easy Peasy. Here are the three finalists:

Romanov by Nadine Brandes, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editor Becky Monds

The history books say I died.
They don't know the half of it.

Anastasia "Nastya" Romanov was give a single mission: to smuggle an ancient spell into her suitcase on her way to exile in Siberia. It might be her family's only salvation. But the leader of the Bolshevik army is after them, and he's hunted Romanov before.

Nastya's only chances of saving herself and her family are to either release the spell and deal with the consequences, or enlist help from Zash, the handsome soldier who doesn't act like the average Bolshevik. Nastya has only dabbled in magic, but it doesn't frighten her half as much as her growing attraction to Zash. She likes him. She thinks he might even like her.

That is, until she's on one side of a firing squad...and he's on the other.

My Review: https://bestreads-kav.blogspot.com/2020/07/romanov.html

Coral by Sara Ella, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Jodi Hughes and Becky Monds

There is more than one way to drown.

Coral has always been different, standing out from her mermaid sisters in a society where blending in is key. Worse yet, she fears she has been afflicted with the dreaded Disease, said to be carried by humans -- emotions. Can she face the darkness long enough to surface in the light?

Above the sea, Brooke has nothing left to give. Depression and anxiety have left her feeling isolated. Forgotten. The only thing she can rely on is the numbness she finds within the cool and comforting ocean waves. If only she weren't stuck at Fathoms -- a new group therapy home that promises a second chance at life. But what's the point of living if her soul is destined to bleed?

Merrick may be San Francisco's golden boy, but he wants nothing more then to escape his controlling father. When his younger sister's suicide attempt sends Merrick to his breaking point, escape becomes the only option. If he can find their mom, everything will be made right again -- right?

When their worlds collide, all three will do whatever it takes to survive and Coral might even catch a prince in the process. But what -- and  who -- must they leave behind for life to finally begin?

Taking a new twist on Hans Christian Andersen's beloved -- yet tragic -- fairy tale, Coral explores mental health from multiple perspectives, questioning what it means to be human in a world where humanity often seems lost.

Something I Am Not by Cher Gatto, Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, editors Tessa Emily Hall and Linda Yezak

Winner of the 108 Genesis Award, the 2020 Christian Indie Award for Best YA, and a finalist in the upcoming 2020 Carol Awards for Best YA!

Something I Am Not is a powerful look at the insidious world of human trafficking right in our own backyard, and the redemptive story of a young man's fight to get out.

A father who never loved him. A woman who stole his worth. A brother he couldn't protect. Where does someone run in the face of his deepest shame?

Billy McQueen works hard to keep his life together -- and concealed. At seventeen, he dreams of an escape from the barroom, his father's manipulation, and the advances of his father's girlfriend. However, on his eighteenth birthday, he is introduced to a younger brother he never knew he had. An eight-year-old barely capable of navigating the distorted and corrupt world of his father's boxing club. Bill realizes in order to protect his little brother, he can never leave.

After discovering a battered young woman in the back shed of the club, Billy uncovers the true nature of his father's activities. Before he can share it with the sheriff, Billy is kidnapped by his father and sold to a wealthy old maid who imprisons him on her yacht in the Gulf of Mexico. His death is fabricated and his litte brother used as leverage for his compliance.

In order to secure his freedom, Billy must fight for it. To save his little brother who is next in line for the slave trade...he must die for it.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  one of the Carol Award Finalists 2020 - Young Adult Category novels, 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 September 5 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

Take a Chance On Me

GIVEAWAY

WADE, BECKY
TAKE A CHANCE ON ME

When baker Penelope Quinn steps in to help her brother's family through a medical crisis, she's forced into close proximity with charming Air Force fighter pilot Eli Price.

Penelope has one iron-clad dating rule -- she does not date airmen. Months ago, she relaxed her rule with Eli and and immediately lived to regret it. After a long deployment, he's now back in Misty River and, to her dismay, she finds him just as tempting as always.

Eli's spent months thinking about funny, feisty, creative Penelope. He once leveraged his focus and drive to become a pilot, his childhood dream. Now he's set on leveraging that same focus and drive in order to convince Penelope to give him one more chance.

My Review:

So, should we just get the cover love out of the way right off the top? I mean, seriously, in real life those eyes follow you everywhere. Paired with that hint of a smile...smelling salts may be required every time you reach for this book. Just sayin'.

This short and zippy novella is the perfect introduction to Misty River and don't be fooled by the shorter word count (131 p.) because Wade delivers the same type of detail in plot and characterization that she does with her full-length novels. And her word choice! Sheer magic!

Penelope with her reservations paired with Eli's single-minded pursuit make for plenty of delightful dialogue, flirty dances and bonding over newborn babysitting. Consider this your toe-curl alert.

You can bet I'll be hunting down the first book in the Misty River Romance series, Stay With Me, ASAP! But then we have to wait until the new year before book two releases. :-(

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a  gently read copy of  Take a Chance On Me, 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 September 5 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

August Giveaway -- Week Five

WON BY ELIZABETH LITTON

WON BY TERRILL

WON BY RACHAEL K.

WON BY LIZ R

WON BY JACKIE SMITH

WON BY PAULA S.

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:

Carrying on our Carol Awards Finalists 2020 in the Young Adult Category on Monday. Winner can choose between:




And the rest of the week looks like this:

For Castle and Crown

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO READ DAY!

BESSEY, SIAN ANN
FOR CASTLE AND CROWN

After years spent fighting alongside King Richard in the crusades, Lord Edmund of Hawksford is finally returning to his ancestral home. But far from a joyful reunion, what awaits him is devastation. His elder brother is dead, killed in a tragic fire at Hawksford Castle -- and the title of duke now falls to Edmund.

When he strives to rebuild the fire-scarred castle, Edmund learns that his was not the only life the fire shattered: his childhood friend Lady Phillipa survived the flames that took Edmund's brother, but badly burned, she has hidden herself away from those she loves. Yet as the pair renews their acquaintance, they find that their affection runs deep -- perhaps even deeper than they'd ever realized.

As Edmund and Pippa begin to question whether the fire was truly an accident, they must discover the truth of the past before they can plan for their future. While coming perilously close to the answers they seek, Edmund and Pippa find themselves at the mercy of a dangerous foe who will stop at nothing to lay claim on Hawksford -- and he will destroy any who stand in his way.

My Review:

published in 2017

Well, if I'm going to break my Regency Reading Rampage it might as well be for the Middle Ages! I actually love this timeline but there aren't many authors (or, at least, ones known to me) who write either/or Christian or clean fiction in this genre so I kind of gave up on it. But I discovered Sian Ann Bessey recently and after reading A Noble Smuggler and now I absolutely have to read everything she's ever written! Now! So here we are in the midst of Prince John/King Richard conspiracies and the valiant (or not so) knights defending them. Happy, happy bibliophile sigh of sheer delight!

Love the way the author weaves history into every nuance of the story. She's never heavy handed and this untutored English history reader never felt bogged down in the unfamiliar (or highly distorted presumptions thanks to Hollywood...oh and Disney. I think everything I knew about Prince John came from the animated Robin Hood. lol)

I also love the subtle but binding faith thread she's incorporated into Edmund and Pippa's lives. It brought such a hopeful vibrancy to their love story. Which is toe-curling, by the way. Childhood friends who have suffered horrific ordeals and come together changed but just as connected as before Edmund left for the Crusades.

And those ordeals are far from over! There's intrigue and betrayal and adventures galore before these two can even contemplate a happily ever after together. Absolutely riveting stuff!

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Aubrey Warner and loved every second of it!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Please Note: For Castle and Crown is not available in paperback format on Book Depostory so this giveaway is for an ebook. You will need to have an Amazon.com account int order to access the book.

If you would like a chance to win an e-copy of  For Castle and Crown 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 29 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

The Traitor's Pawn

GIVEAWAY

HARRIS, LISA
THE TRAITOR'S PAWN

When FBI agent Jack Shannon arrives in Corpus Christi, Texas, he is focused on one thing: find the man who has been selling encrypted government secrets to the Chinese through online birding chat rooms. But when a senator is shot during a hunting trip and the woman he was with is abducted, Jack agrees to join the search -- especially when he discovers that the kidnapping victim is Aubrey Grayson, a woman he was once in love with.

As the search continues, it becomes clear the senator may not have been the intended victim -- and Aubrey may be connected to the other case Jack is supposed to be working on. Can Jack untangle the knots before it's too late? And when he learns the truth, will it be too painful to get past?

Join the hunt for the truth -- and a traitor -- in this tension-laden story of secrets, betrayal and second chances.

My Review:

Whoa! Whoa! Whooooaaaa! Be prepared for some whiplash worthy plot twists and so much tension I 'bout turned blue holding my breath! I don't think my racing heart has calmed down yet either. Might consider The Traitor's Pawn a cardiac workout too.

And one of things I love the most about this romantic suspense is the way the romance develops. Harris gives enough breathing time between action scenes to really settle into Jack and Aubrey's relationship. They were best friends pulled apart by circumstance and watching them slowly lower their guard and fall back into the easy camaraderie of their youth is pure reading pleasure.

A kick butt spy thriller full of espionage, betrayal and an emotional reunion-ish romance!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  The Traitor's Pawn, 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 29 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

Tracking a Kidnapper

GIVEAWAY

HANSEN, VALERIE
TRACKING A KIDNAPPER

Foiling a criminal's plans makes an officer and her K-9 partner targets.

Thwarting a kidnapping has thrust Officer Vivienne Armstrong and her K-9 partner, Hank, right into the culprit's crosshairs. Now, even with danger stalking them at every turn, Vivienne refuses to stop working, but FBI agent Caleb Black intends to do his job and safeguard her. Together, can they stop the would-be kidnapper from striking a final, fatal blow?

True Blue K-9 Unit: Brooklyn

My Reviews:

Though the fifth book in the True-Blue K-9 Unit Brooklyn continuity series, Tracking a Kidnapper reads very well as a standalone. There's an over-arcing suspense plot that inches forward with each book but there's also a distinct suspense that gets solved in every book too. Each author does an amazing job of working pertinent details from previous books into the current one so no need to be worried that you'll feel lost if you pick up one of these books out of order. So a reader gets tantalizing tidbits of one mystery and  the satisfactory conclusion of another. Plus...there's romance! And a dog!

And a cantankerous FBI Special Agent hero stuck in the anger stage of grief. I really felt Caleb's struggles. Unable to see God in the midst of his trauma, he's barricaded his heart and seems to be working on auto-pilot. In fact, work is all he has to distract him until Vivienne comes along. And then she's on his mind -- and in his face -- all too often. And he doesn't like it one bit...especially when he begins to realize he has feelings for the K-9 Officer. She's feisty and spunky and determined to be accepted as an equal partner when all Caleb wants to do is protect. Great clashing of wills and gnashing of teeth -- banter and huffy 'discussions' -- their combined energy crackled its way to a hard-won happily ever after.

And then there's Hank, border collie superstar. Loved the way Hansen brings out the special relationship a K-9 handler has with her partner. She's included some interesting info on training which makes the read all the more interesting. And, really, who can resist that intense border collie gaze on the front cover? That's Hank laser-focused on making sure you pick up the book and once you do, you won't be able to stop reading!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  When Death Draws Near, 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 29 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

A Gilded Lady

GIVEAWAY

CAMBRON, ELIZABETH
A GILDED LADY

Caroline Delacroix is at the pinnacle of Washington high society in her role as secretary to the First Lady of the United States. But beneath the facade of her beauty, glamorous wardrobe, and dazzling personality, she's hiding a terrible secret. If she cannot untangle a web of foreign espionage, her brother will face execution for treason.

Nathaniel Trask is the newly appointed head of the president's Secret Service team. He is immediately attracted to Caroline's quick wit and undeniable charm, but his job leaves no room for distractions. Anarchist plots have led to mounting threats against the president, forcing him to put duty before his growing love for Caroline.

Amid the glamorous pageantry of Guilded Age Washington, DC, Caroline and Nathaniel face danger and heartbreak that shakes them to their core and tests all they know about love and sacrifice.

My Review:

True confession time: I really didn't like Caroline in the first Hope and Glory series book, The Spice King so I kinda dragged my heels about reading this one. It released early June and I lasted until mid August when I was swayed by some rave reviews from Good Reads friends. And guess what? I really like Caroline now. :-)

As in all Elizabeth Camden novels, the historical details in this story are fascinating. The contrasts between the White House then and now are striking. From the beginnings of the Secret Service to the working conditions of White House staff to the devotion between a President and his First Lady. All new to this Canadian reader. What a riveting backdrop for Caroline and Nathaniel's romance.

And, oh la la, the quips! The banter! The deep discussions. Their relationship gets off to a volatile start thanks to Caroline's brash, devil-may-care attitude clashing with Nathaniel's straight-laced, rule-following persona. Cue laughter and toe-curls galore!

But there's plenty of drama too. And intrigue. And some lovely faith threads that tie everything together. I was spellbound from start to finish.

I listened to the audible edition of A Gilded Lady and enjoyed Leah Horowitz's narration. She really captured the personality of the characters which enhanced my biblio-bliss all the more!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  A Gilded Lady, 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 29 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

Carol Awards Finalist 2020 - Speculative Category

GIVEAWAY

First off -- what exactly are the Carol Awards?

They are awards given out by American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) in recognition of outstanding Christian Fiction in the previous calendar year. So these 2020 finalists are books published in 2019. You might have read them already. You might not. I haven't read any of these ones though I have two of them on hold at my library.

How does this giveaway work?

You select which of the three Carol Award Finalist 2020 -- Speculative Category novels you would like to receive if your name is drawn. Mention the title in your comment (or an email, if you're entering that way.) If you win, that's the book that will be sent to you. Easy Peasy. Here are the three finalists:

Flight of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editors Dave Long and Jennifer Veilleux

Book Two of The Ravenwood Saga

Exiled and on the run, Seene Ravenwood is in search of the real reason her family was given the gift of dreamwalking but first she must adapt to her marriage with the man she was originally assigned to kill. With war impending and a dark being after  her gift, she finds herself at a crossroads but time is running out and soon her choice will be made for her.

The Story Raider by Lindsay A. Franklin, Enclave Publishing, editor Steve Laub

Book Two of The Weaver Trilogy

Deceiving an empire in a treacherous game.

Tanwen and the Corsyth weavers race to collect the strangs of an ancient cure that might save Gryfelle. But Tanwen has a secret -- Gryfelle isn't the only one afflicted by the weaver's curse.

As Queen Braith struggles to assert her rule, a new arrival throws her tenuous claim to the Tirian throne into question. Braith's heart is turned upside down, and she's not sure she can trust anyone -- least of all herself.

The puppet master behind Gareth's rise to power has designs on Tanwen and the story weavers and will stop at nothing to reclaim the throne. A plot to incite the angry peasants of Tir takes shape, and those dearest to Tanwen will be caught in the crossfire. As the fight for  Tir consumes the realm, no one can remain innocent.

Brand of Light by Ronie Kendig, Enclave Publishing, editor Reagen Reed

The Droseran Saga #1

There's a price on her head, and it has everything to do with the brand on her arm.

Tertian Space Coalition has blessed every planet in the quadrants with high technology, save one: Drosero. But in spite of their tenuous treaty with the ruling clans, TSC has plans for the backward planet. And they're not alone.

After a catastrophic explosion, Kersei Dragoumis awakens in a derelict shuttle, alone, injured, and ignorant of the forbidden technology that has swept her into a nightmare. The brand she's borne since childhood burns mysterious, but the pain is nothing to when she learns her family is dead and she is accused of their murders.

Across the quadrants, Marco Dusan responds to the call of a holy order -- not to join them but to seek a baounty. Gifted -- or cursed -- with abilities that mark him a Kynigos, a tracker sworn to bring interplanetary fugitives to justice, Marco discovers this particular bounty has nothing to do with justice and everything to do with prophecy. One that involves the hunter as much as the hunted.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  one of the Carol Award Finalists 2020 - Speculative Category novels, 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 29 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

When Death Draws Near

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO READ DAY!

PARKS, CARRIE STUART
WHEN DEATH DRAWS NEAR

Gwen Marcey takes death in stride. Until she's faced with her own mortality.

Forensic artist Gwen Marcey is between jobs when she accepts temporary work in Pikeville, Kentucky -- a small town facing big-city crime. But before Gwen can finish her first drawing of the serial rapist who is on the loose, the latest witness vanishes. Just like all the others.

Owen suspects a connection between the rapist and the "accidental" deaths that are happening around town, but the local sheriff has little interest in her theories. When her difitally-obsessed teenage daughter joins her, Gwen turns her attention to a second assignment: going undercover in a serpent-handling church. She could get a handsome reward for uncovering illegal activity -- a reward she desperately needs, as it seems her breast cancer has returned. But snakes aren't the only ones ready to kill. Can Gwen uncover the truth -- and convince anyone to believe her -- before she becomes a victim herself?

My Review:

published in 2016

One  of the things I love most about Gwen Marcey is that she is so relatable. She doesn't have it all together and she's real and vulnerable in her walk with the Lord even when she's raising her voice in sarcastic anger. She's an intriguing mix of contradictions. Snarky and vulnerable. Stubborn and hesitant. Faith-fueled and doubtful. Such a complex, interesting character with deep layers that are slowly being peeled back with every book. This is the third Gwen Marcey book and, while it can be read as a standalone, there's enough in her personal life story that will make more of an impact if you've read A Cry from the Dust and The Bones Will Speak first.

Again, Parks has astounded me with the breadth and depth of this suspense. Her background as a forensic artist brings such a unique spin to the story and there are so many interesting insights into the complexities of this career. It involves so much more than I'd imagined! Her investigation into a fringe snake-handling religious group ups the tension and though, I have a huge snake phobia, I coped quite well...except for one gripping scene (shudder.) But the suspense is so compelling it kept me reading...er listening...anyway!

Complexities in plot and characters combined with stellar storytelling skills make any Gwen Marcey book unputdownable. Having said that, I think When Death Draws Near is definitely the best so far. I have one more to go -- Portrait of Vengeance is awaiting me in my audible line up.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  When Death Draws Near, 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 29 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

August Giveaway -- Week Four

WON BY TRACEY HAGWOOD

WON BY KAY GARRETT

WON BY CONNIE LEE

WON BY MELMO

WON BY NORA

WON BY WENDY NEWCOMB

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:

Carrying on our Carol Awards Finalists 2020 in the Speculative Category on Monday. Winner can choose between:




And the rest of the week's giveaways look like this:

Ha! I didn't plan it but they all a mystery theme this week. :-)