Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Hooked On You

GIVEAWAY

FULLER, KATHLEEN
HOOKED ON YOU

When her grandmother injures herself sliding into third base, Riley McAllister must return to her small hometown to help run the family yarn store in this sweet, lighthearted romantic comedy.

Riley McAllister left the small Arkansas town of Maple Falls after graduating high school, hoping to make it big in New York as a mixed media artist. She's still pursuing her dream when her grandmother begs her to come home and help her manage the store while she recovers from a broken leg she got after sliding into third base during a church softball game (she was safe, by the way.) Riley agrees, planning to convince her grandmother to sell the old shop and retire so Riley can get back to the big city. New York is where she belongs, not some hick town that doesn't even have a decent coffee shop.

Hayden Price's life hasn't turned out as he expected either. He still works in the hardware store his family has owned for several generations after his chance to make it out of Maple Falls ended when he blew out his pitching arm during a minor league game. Stuck with debt from college and a broken engagement, he decides to make the best of things when he comes back to Maple Falls and puts together the town's first church softball team -- with him as coach, of course.

Riley and Hayden went to high school together but ran in totally different circles. In fact, it's safe to say they hated each other. Will that change when the softball team unexpectedly brings them together? Or will the pain and disappointment of their past failures keep them from discovering love in Maple Falls?

My Review:

I'm always excited to follow an author into a new genre since I dabble in pretty much everything but science fiction so I was thrilled to see Kathleen Fuller with a new contemporary romance series starting up. 

Absolutely love the small town setting -- with a twist. This tired old town with stores on the verge of collapse isn't the usual feel-good backdrop...and I love it! The possibilities for future books are endless and the unique challenges reviving Maple Falls presents to this next generation is so relatable. Lots of story fodder here.

Hayden has always known he has Maple Falls in his genes. He's never wanted to live anywhere else so when his baseball career tanks going home is his soft place to land. His solid family background and hometown hero status makes it easy for him to slip back into town life.

Unlike Riley, whose rough upbringing has her hackles permanently up. It's amazing the girl can walk upright with the weight of that chip on her shoulder! I'm going to warn you right now, be ready to extend some grace to this prickly heroine. She's going to need a large dose before she worms her way into your heart...but she'll do that by the end. Guaranteed. 

So we have Hayden who has pretty much sailed through life, admittedly with a few bumps along the way, but he's had the blessing of a secure childhood where all his needs were provided for, from temporal to spiritual all wrapped up in love. Those kinds of deep roots keep a person grounded no matter what life throws at them.

Then we have Riley, whose foundation was built on insecurity and neglect which isn't any foundation at all, really. It's left her with a driving need to prove herself. She's forever waiting to be noticed. To be good enough. Worthy. Successful. Only her idea of success is skewed and she's her own worst enemy with her stand offish behavior and grimly guarded heart.

So, yes, this is an emotional story. The romance stems from a bit of unrequited teenage love and a whole lot of wary stops and starts along the way to the very hard won happily-every after. But there are delightfully funny moments as well, often courtesy of Riley's grandmother and her BBs (Bosom Buddies) who aren't above a little matchmaking manipulations. 

I love the way the author has set the stage for future books as we are introduced to a host of appealing secondary characters who definitely need their chance to shine in their own stories! And I want to stick around for Maple Fall's revitalization!

I listened to the audible edition of this book narrated by Lauren Berst and really enjoyed her interpretation of these characters as she brought them to life.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy -- winner's choice

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Hooked On You, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. 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 announced on Saturday July 3 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

The Marine's Mission

GIVEAWAY

KASTNER, DEB
THE MARINE'S MISSION

This marine doesn't want anyone's help...until an unlikely match changes his life.

Wounded ex-marine Aaron Jamison always follows orders -- and the assignment to take on a service dog is just that. Still, trainer Ruby Winslow is definitely barking up the wrong tree when she insists a beauty-parlor poodles is his perfect match. But Ruby and her clver canine are determined to melt the heart of this battle-hardened marine. And they'll teach him an unforgettable new trick -- love.

A Rocky Mountain Family Novel

My Review:

:-) This is me, still grinning. Because tough, no-nonsense, career marine (until he's not) Aaron. He's kinda curmudgeonly with a healthy side of brooding. A man of few words, but he still manages to let Ruby know what he thinks of the frou-frou dog she has paired him with. Completely hysterical, cringe-worthy meet-cute!

Poor Oscar -- for the record, he's a standard poodle with nary a pom-pom in sight. He's sporting the ever popular teddy bear cut, which equally irks this much maligned sergeant. Ruby's never met a more reluctant participant in her experience training service dogs but she's not about to give in to Aaron's clipped demands for a German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois. 

Cue all kinds of hearty guffaw moments and some poignant heart tugging ones too because Aaron has a lot to learn -- about himself, his faith and that hoping for a future is actually within the realm of possibilities. Especially if that future includes Ruby. Love the way the romance develops from wary adversaries to something so much more. Including toe curling kisses! 

And the whole Winslow clan is back in this third (three more to go -- yay!) book in the Rocky Mountain Family series. Each book can be read as a standalone so no worries if you've missed out on the first two. They are all centered around the family run Christmas tree farm and rescue dog / service training center. Love the family dynamics and the way the author manages to fit some fun page time in with past heroes and heroines. Anxiously awaiting book # 4 now!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Marine's Mission, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. 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 announced on Saturday July 3 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Monday, June 28, 2021

IMPORTANT: EMAIL FOLLOWERS

 This is me getting all technical on you. As I mentioned a few weeks ago the blogger email link is going defunct at the end of this month. I've hopefully found a solution to that problem but knowing me and all things gadgety, who knows? (Seriously crossing my fingers here 'cause the set up seemed way too easy. I feel like I missed some steps.)

Anyway, I've set up a new email follower sign up to fix the problem (I hope.) You'll see a nice white box on the right hand upper corner of the blog labeled "Get new posts by email" with a fill in the blank for your email address and a big black subscribe button. Please fill that out if you are interested in continuing to have access to my reviews and giveaways via email.

Thank you!


A Fine Gentleman

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO READ DAY!

EDEN, SARAH M.
A FINE GENTLEMAN

London barrister Jason Jonquil has spent his entire life working to establish his identity as a gentleman, a man of refinement like his father and brothers. But when fiery Spanish beauty Mariposa Thornton walks into his office, he finds himself losing his grasp on his dignified character. The woman is infuriating, pushing him to the limit of his legendary patience. However, her case seems simple enough -- a small matter of inheritance. Or so he believes.

Once a well-born lady, Mariposa fought to survive the brutalities of Napoleon's war on Spain. She braved horrific perils and undertook dangerous missions on behalf of those fighting against the invading French army. But her greatest battle still lies ahead: after being separated from her family, Mariposa sets in motion a plan to reunite with her loved ones in England. To avoid drawing the attention of the French, Mariposa dons a carefully crafted persona to conceal her true purpose. As Jason and Mariposa are drawn together by the case, they come to know the people beneath the masks they both wear.

My Review:

published in 2008; reprinted 2017

This is me gushing over Jonquil men again. And while I'm at it, I'll gush over Sarah M. Eden as well. She's not only managed to create a dynamic  brothers series, but, while there are similar (and exquisitely delightful) elements to each book, each brother and his story is also absolutely unique. 

They all have distinctive personalities based not only on birth order but life experience. And I'm discovering that each one struggles deeply with the loss of their father at much too young an age. That leaves them all vulnerable as they strive to live up to their sometimes skewed ideas of what would make their father proud. That inner struggle adds delicious layers to an already rich plot.

So we have the ever dignified barrister son. Jason is even-tempered, honourable and dignified. Might even say verging on pompous at times. Mariposa sure would. :-) And, oh my goodness their first scene together is hilarious. 

Eden excels at witty banter, but somehow she always finds a way to deliver it with a fresh spin. Mariposa is indescribably clever and adept at turning a conversation into a masterpiece of parody. Poor Jason is not only flummoxed but he's at risk of losing his patience and dignity...and maybe even his heart as well. Hearty guffawing laugh alert -- might not want to read this book in public. :-)

And for all the comedic elements in this novel there are just as many poignant ones. Not to mention swoonworthy moments galore! I am seriously addicted to these brothers and their accumulating lady loves. I'm going to be devastated when it's all over. Luckily I'm just at the mid point so I have more brothers to swoon over in my very near future.

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Aubrey Warner and enjoyed every second of her animated performance. It takes a lot of energy to pull off Mariposa and Warner was definitely up to the task!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for an ebook copy  (sadly, print copies no longer available on Book Depository)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Fine Gentleman, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. 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 announced on Saturday July 3 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Sunday, June 27, 2021

The Broken Spine

 
GIVEAWAY

ST. JAMES, DOROTHY
THE BROKEN SPINE

The first book in an exciting new series featuring Trudell Becket, a spunky librarian who will stop at nothing to save her beloved books.

Trudell Becket finds herself in a bind when her library is turned into a state-of-the-art bookless 'technological center.' A library with no books breaks Trudell's book-loving heart and she decides to rescue hundreds of beloved tomes slated for the recyle center. Under the cover of darkness, Trudell sets up a secret book room in the library's basement and opens it to her loyal patrons.

When the town councilman, who was a vocal supporter of the library's transformation is crushed by an overturned shelf of DVDs, Trudell becomes the prime suspect. She was the only person in the library at the time of his murder, or so the police believe. But the visitors to Trudell's secret bookroom were actually all there too.

If she tells the police about the backdoor patrons who were in the library at the time of the murder, she'd have to explain about the secret book room and risk losing the books. To keep herself out of jail, Trudell -- with the help of a group of dedicated readers -- decides to investigate. She quickly finds herself on the same page with a killer who would love to write her final chapter.

My Review:

Squuuueeeaallll! I just discovered a new-to-me cozy mystery author at the start of a new series and I am in a frenzy of giddy delight. The backdrop is sheer brilliance -- a library where books are contraband?! Replaced by all things technological? Say it ain't so. It sounds far fetched by I actually lived Trudell's dilemma as a school librarian (no dead bodies though!)

The Broken Spine delivers everything I love in a mystery -- a likable leading lady, a cute rescue kitten with finely honed investigative skills, a potential love interest at odds with the heroine, a posse of quirky side-kicks to help/hinder the sleuthing process and a cleverly layered mystery with enough twists to keep me interested. And it's an absolutely clean read which is an awesome bonus!

I enjoyed listening to the audible edition narrated by Allyson Ryan. She's another of my favourites and she delivers a captivating performance with her usual aplomb.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy -- winner's choice

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Broken Spine leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. 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 announced on Saturday July 3 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Saturday, June 26, 2021

June Giveaway -- Week Four

 Thanks to all of you for making this week such a fun bibliophile escape as we anticipate the great reads coming our way this summer! I surely appreciate your input and so does my plump TBR notebook. :-)

Before we move on to announcing the winners here's a bit of book nerdy stats for you: the most requested title(s) in each genre:

MOST REQUESTED HISTORICAL FICTION

The Gold in These Hills 
by Joanne Bischof

MOST REQUESTED CONTEMPORARY FICTION

Autumn by the Sea
 by Melissa Tagg

MOST REQUESTED SUSPENSE

A Midnight Dance
 by Joanna Davidson Politano

AND

Carved in Stone
 by Elizabeth Camden

MOST REQUESTED AMISH FICTION

An Amish Schoolroom
 by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller
 and Shelley Shepard Gray

Now without furthur ado, here's our
Summer Reader Choice  Winniers!


HISTORICAL WINNERS

WON BY MARIAN BAAY

WON BY LEA


CONTEMPORARY WINNERS

WON BY JACKIE SMITH

WON BY DIANA FLOWERS


MYSTERY/SUSPENSE WINNERS

WON BY CHERYL BARKER

WON BY PATTY

AMISH WINNERS

WON BY HEIDI READS

WON BY TERRILL


CHRISTIAN FICTION WINNERS

WON BY CARYL KANE

WON BY BEAUTY IN THE BINDING


RETRO FICTION WINNERS

WON BY CHANEL M.

WON BY SYLVIA


And wait -- it's not over yet! This Vanity category has become a blog tradition, where I chose my favourite cover in each genre and then drawn from the names of the readers who entered them...a kinda draw within a draw. Hope that makes sense. Here are the cover-love winners.

HISTORICAL COVER-LOVE WINNER:
(I'm not quite sure why this cover appeals to
me so much -- definitely it's in the blue tones
and the pops of red, but really, it doesn't give
me any hints to the story inside 
but I am still drawn to it.)
WON BY TRACEY HAGWOOD

CONTEMPORARY COVER-LOVE WINNER:
(I think I have a thing about blue
in cover art. It just draws me in 
and this image promises all the goodness 
that a summer escape read should bring. 
I can almost hear the water lapping
against the boats and the pops of colour just make me happy.)
WON BY TRIXI

MYSTERY/SUSPENSE COVER-LOVE WINNER:
(Well, this is embarrassing, another blue-hued cover! Not sure what's going on with me but I seem to find it eye-catching! And I love the mysterious ambiance with those tall trees casting shadows and her standing their alone. Cue the creepy music and lets get reading!)
WON BY LIZ R.

AMISH COVER-LOVE WINNER:
(This is me being consisent -- blue again! Like the staging and the stillness. The calm before the storm. And she has an intriguing lilt to her lips that makes me want in on her thoughts.)
WON BY KIM HANSEN

WAIT...DON'T GO AWAY, IT'S STILL NOT OVER 'CAUSE WE HAVE ANOTHER RC TRADITION OF PICKING A RANDOM # FROM THE MAX. # OF ENTRIES ON ONE DAY WHICH BECOMES THE 'JUST-BECAUSE BONUS GIVEAWAY'.  AM I NOT MAKING SENSE? NO WORRIES -- IT JUST MEANS MORE BOOK GIVEAWAYS, THIS TIME TO THE 60TH ENTRY ON EACH GENRE DAY.

HISTORICAL FICTION 60TH
WON BY LUCY REYNOLDS

CONTEMPORARY FICTION 60TH
WON BY LANE HILL HOUSE

MYSTERY/SUSPENSE FICTION 60TH
WON BY PAULA S.



Phew! That's another RC wrap...until the cool days of autumn get us thinking about new fireside reads. I'll send winners an email stating their book win, publication date and request for mailing address (or email, if you prefer an ebook) so that I have everything ready for your release day. Then I will email you once again when the book has been ordered.

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK'S GIVEAWAYS:

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY


Friday, June 25, 2021

Reader's Choice -- Retro Reads

 

GIVEAWAY


Yeehaw!!! Summer Reading here we come! And that means it's...


Reader's Choice Giveaway!
Summer Edition!!

So here's how this things works (pay attention, 'cause this day is a little different from the rest of the week): You recommend RETRO READ FICTION titles with release dates JAN - JUNE 2021 OR EARLIER (up to three suggestions today) 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 RETRO READ 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 Retro Read Fiction genre you would like to win.

RETRO READ Fiction -- a full length story or novella or collection of novellas published in JANUARY - JUNE 2021 OR EARLIER. This is your chance to get that TBR wishlist title which has been eluding for what seems life forever. Any genre, an time period, just make sure it's Christian Fiction.

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!

Publications dates must be
Jan - June 2021 or earlier
Each day is genre specific so
only submit books from that genre
Christian Fiction books only please!
You can offer up to 3 suggestions 
per genre day
BUT
they need to be made in
three separate comments
(makes it easier to tally)
No email entries this week
(too hard to keep track due to
# of responses)
entrants must submit their own selections
(not piggyback on someone else's login)
Open to International Readers
(I'm all about spreading the good news
about Christian Fiction far and wide)

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 be held and winner announced on
Saturday June 26 2021

Thursday, June 24, 2021

Reader's Choice -- Christian Fiction

 
GIVEAWAY


Yeehaw!!! Summer Reading here we come!!! And that means it's...

Reader's Choice Giveaway!
Summer Edition!!

So here's how this things works: You recommend CHRISTIAN FICTION titles with release dates in July, August or September 2021 (up to three suggestions per genre 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 :-(

*** I'VE ADDED A LIST OF BOOKS NOT MENTIONED YET THIS WEEK IN CASE YOU NEED SOME INSPIRATION FOR TODAY OR ANY OF THE OTHER GENRE DAYS. JUST SCROLL DOWN TO THE END OF THE POST AND YOU'LL FIND MY LIST.***

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 you would like to win.

Christian Fiction -- a full length story or novella or collection of novellas. 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 Fiction 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!

Publications dates must be
July, August, or September 2021
Each day is genre specific so
only submit books from that genre
Christian Fiction books only please!
You can offer up to 3 suggestions 
per genre day
BUT
they need to be made in
three separate comments
(makes it easier to tally)
No email entries this week
(too hard to keep track due to
# of responses)
entrants must submit their own selections
(not piggyback on someone else's login)
Open to International Readers
(I'm all about spreading the good news
about Christian Fiction far and wide)

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 be held and winner announced on
Saturday July 26 2021

A random rambling of books not yet mentioned this week. A lot of them are indies -- I've just discovered the joys of the Inspy Romance blog and their podcast so I checked the authors they frequently mention. I've noted in brackets if they are only available in ebook format (but often closer to publication date paperbacks also become available). And I starred some of the ones I'm super excited about. 

HISTORICAL

Carving for Miss Coventry : A Regency Romance by Deborah M. Hathaway -- Draft Horse Publishing -- July (ebook)

The Siren's Captain (Grace-by-the-Sea ; 6) by Regina Scott -- Edwards and Williams -- July (ebook)

***The Widows of Champagne : an Inspirational Novel of World War II by Renee Ryan -- Love Inspired Trade (ebook)

Adam (Circle A Cowboys; book 4) by Linda Ford -- Crocus Mountain Publishing -- September (ebook)

The Ebony by Heather Fisher -- Sweetwater Books -- August

***Rose Among Thornes by Terrie Todd -- Heritage Beacon -- August

A Warrior's Heart by Misty Beller -- Bethany House -- August


CONTEMPORARY

***Sweet Tea by Piper Huguley -- Hallmark Publishing -- September

Hanging by a Moment by Susan May Warren and Andrea Christenson -- Sunrise Publishing -- September

Redeeming the Cowboy (Blackwater Rance ; 6) by Mandi Blake -- Indie -- July (ebook)

***Finding Stardust by Julie Carobini -- Dolphin Gate Books -- September (ebook)

His Daughter's Teacher by Hannah Jo Abbott -- Indie -- July (ebook)

The Wrangling of the Wreath by Liz Isaacson -- Indie -- July (ebook)

***Sapphire Sentiments by Valerie Comer -- Indie -- July (ebook)

Fly Home to Me by Chalon Linton -- Indie -- July

Flipping Hearts by Chautona Havig -- Celebrate Lit Publishing -- July 

Lindsey's Turn (Tiaras & True Love) by Carol Moncado -- Indie -- August (ebook)

Love and the Silver Lining by Tammy L. Gray -- Bethany House - August

The Hope of Her Heart -- by Liz Isaacson -- Indie -- August (ebook)

Amethyst Attraction by Valerie Comer -- Indie -- August (ebook)

More Than a Heartthrob by Kari Trumbo -- Celebrate Lit -- September

Seasoned Grace by Melissa Wardwell -- Celebrate Lit -- August

Somewhere Along the Way by Kimberly Rae Jordan -- Indie -- September (ebook)


MYSTERY/SUSPENSE

***Woman in Shadow by Carrie Stuart Parks -- Thomas Nelson -- July

***Royal Mistake by Cami Checketts -- Birch River Publishing -- August (ebook)

Personal Threat by Kimberly Rose Johnson -- Sweet Rose Press -- September (ebook)

Once a Spy by Jan Thompson -- Georgia Press -- July (ebook)

AMISH

***The Beginning by Beverly Lewis -- Bethany House -- September

***The Amish Flower Farm by Mindy Steele -- Hallmark Publishing -- July

The Amish Baby Finds a Home by Barbara Cameron -- Forever --August

A Christmas Engagement by Linda Byler -- Indie -- September

An Unexpected Amish Courtship by Rachel J. Good -- Zebra -- July 

***Her New Story by Laura Bradford -- Kensington -- August