April Giveaway -- Week Five

WON BY KAY GARRETT

WON BY CARYL KANE

WON BY PAM K.

WON BY BECKY

WON BY LANE HILL HOUSE

WON BY ROXANNE CRUZ

You know the drill: winners will be contacted if they left their email address in a comment, otherwise it's up to the winner to contact me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca (please note it's ca as in Canada not com)

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 AN EMAIL OR IF I HAVEN'T BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN REACHING YOU!

Books will be ordered within a week of receiving your mailing address (or email address for ebooks) and I'll email you to confirm your book is on its way. Give it a full month before inquiring on the status of an order to allow for processing and shipping times.

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK'S GIVEAWAYS:

***IMPORTANT -- PLEASE NOTE GIVEAWAY EDITIONS 

AS THEY VARY***

Please read the giveaway options written in red noted under "Giveaway Opportunity" in each blog post as formats will vary.

Paperback or ebook -- winner can choose either format

Paperback -- I have a new physical book on hand to give away

Gently Read Paperback -- It's the actual book I read to review

ebook -- that's the only format option available, often because it's an indie book where a paperback copy is either unavailable or exorbitantly priced. Or when a physical edition is out of print.

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

A Foster Mother's Promise

GIVEAWAY

HERNE, RUTH LOGAN

A FOSTER MOTHER'S PROMISE

To make them a family...she'll need his help.

Raising three children alone is tough, but single mom Carly Bradley makes it work -- until she takes in one more. As she struggles to handle the new arrival, grumpy new neighbour Mike Morris seems to bond with little Hannah. But a past tragedy keeps Mike at arm's length from Carly. Will they both learn to trust again before discovering happiness next door?

A Kendrick Creek novel.

My Review:

The kind of second chance romance that will tie your tummy in knots and keep your emotions on edge up to the very last page. All written in Ruth Logan Herne's distinctive style -- full of so much heart and humour and the simple truths we should all live by.

Our hero and heroine are in their forties -- both with the kind of personal histories that can put up barriers. For Carly, that's the conviction that she's destined to mother her patchwork family alone. For Mike, that's not getting involved in the ragtag family next door. Simple, right? They both want absolutely nothing to do with the other...except Mike keeps getting dragged into Carly's drama and those kids he needs to keep at arm's length are working their way into his heart.

This is a slice of real life in all it's random brokenness and unexpected joys. But there's sorrow too...and some surprising plot twists that had me gasping out loud. 

Another consume-in-one-gulp read from an iconic author who knows how to deliver the kind of stories that linger long after the book is finished.

 GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Foster Mother's Promise, 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 April 30 2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck 

Sea Glass Cottage

GIVEAWAY

HANNON, IRENE

SEA GLASS COTTAGE

Christi Reece is desperate. The one-time golden girl's life has tarnished, and a cascade of setbacks has left her reeling. She needs help, and she's certain Jack Colby is in a position to provide it.

When she shows up in Hope Harbor, however, Jack wants nothing to do with the woman who betrayed him. He's built a new life on the Oregon coast -- and there's no room in it for Christi, even after she takes refuge in a charming but mysterious cottage nearby. Yet it soon becomes apparent his opinion of her may need revising...especially when he ends up needing her help.

Can these two hurting souls make peace with their past and open their hearts to a new beginning?

Come home to Hope Harbor -- where hearts heal...and love blooms.

My Review:

"Coincidence is nothing more than a small miracle in which God chooses to remain anonymous." (223 p.)

Love that tagline on the back of the book: "Come home to Hope Harbor -- where hearts heal...and love blooms." That's exactly how I feel when I open up one of these books -- a wonderful literary homecoming that feeds my spirit and gladdens my heart.

This is the eighth book (!) in Irene Hannon's Hope Harbor series and she promises at least three more to come! Which, truthfully, has me weeping with joy because I love this series so much! The books can easily be read as standalones but there is something magical about following the goings on in Hope Harbor from the very beginning. And that includes keeping up with some of the quirky and even mysterious secondary characters that appear in every book.

Like Charley. If you're familiar with the series, you're likely as enamoured with this artist extraordinaire, whether his medium is paint or tacos, as I am. He's often on the sidelines, gently guiding folks in the right direction with uncanny clarity. You might say divinely inspired even. :-) And he really gets to let his light shine in Sea Glass Cottage. It's brimming with 'Charleyisms" -- sage advice that pierces my heart as keenly as it does our heroes and heroines. Like: "Putting God's words into action can change hearts faster than spouting verses." (223 p.)

In fact, I brought Charley with me to bible study recently. One of the questions in our homework was to find a quote by a popular Christian influencer which reflected the week's theme. Others quoted Corrie Ten Boom, C.S Lewis etc. I shared this Charleyism -- "Reconciliations in the human realm can be difficult, but with God there's no risk of failure or rejection." (224 p.) Everyone wanted to know if it was Charles Stanley I was quoting and I was like, "Um, no, just Charley from Hope Harbor." Which got us side tracked for a bit as I waxed poetical about the series and the need for everyone in the whole wide world to read it. :-) (I might be a tad obsessive about all things HH.)

Anyway, true to books 1 - 7, Hannon delivers another epic tale brimming with emotional impact. We have not one but two romances and both are of the reunion/second chance variety. Hard hitting love stories, with each couple struggling to cope with loss and rejection. But hope is on the horizon if they can learn to extend forgiveness. Such beautiful tales of redemption and fresh beginnings. I teared up in more than a couple of places.

And because I'm such a mega-fan of this series, even though I received a copy of this book from the publisher, I couldn't resist buying the audible edition as well. Because Therese Plummer's narration + Irene Hannon's storytelling = sublime listening pleasure.

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

Goal Update: #6 Stay current with series

 GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Sea Glass Cottage, 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 April 30 2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck 

Dangerous Mountain Rescue

GIVEAWAY

BARRITT, CHRISTY

DANGEROUS MOUNTAIN RESCUE

Finding a missing girl depends on a K-9 and his handler.

Erin Lansing will search every inch of the mountains to find her missing teen daughter -- even with someone dead-set on stopping her. Teaming up with search-and-rescue K-9 handler Dillon Walker and his dog, Scout, is her only chance at living long enough to see her daughter again. But to save them all, can Dillion and Scout help Erin confront the dangerous truth about her past?

A K-9 Search and Rescue Novel

My Review:

Not just a heart-in-throat kind of opening scene, but a rip-a-mother's-heart-out kind. Barritt delivers one emotional sucker punch after another in this edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense. 

A mother with a missing child who is desperate to find her. A stalker dogging her every move and taunting her at every turn. And that handsome St. Bernard mix tracking expert -- oh, and his human counterpart -- who stick by her side despite all the angst and upset 

Honestly, I felt every emotion imaginable to the nth degree during this read. From fury at certain individuals to abject terror on Erin's behalf, to swoonalicious toe-curls over a certain K-9 duo. :-) So many plot twist and downright U-turns! Not to mention gasp-out-loud moments! Christy Barritt knows how to keep a reader fixated on a story.

And -- the icing on the cake -- eeeppp, I got to listen to Patricia Santomasso's riveting narration which made my 'reading' experience all the more enjoyable.

Goal Update: #6 Stay current with series

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Dangerous Mountain Rescue, 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 April 30 2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck 

A Song for the Stars

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO READ DAY

TODD, ILIMA

A SONG FOR THE STARS

Inspired by a true story

Hawaiian Islands, 1779

As the second daughter of a royal chief, Maile will be permitted to marry for love. Her fiancé is the best navigator in Hawaii, and he taught her everything he knows -- how to feel the ocean, observe the winds, read the stars, and how to love.

But when sailors from as ranger place called England arrive on her island, a misunderstanding ends in battle, and Maile is suddenly widowed before she is wed.

Finding herself in the middle of the battle and fearing for her life, Maile takes John Harbottle, the wounded man who killed her fiance, prisoner, and though originally intending to let him die, she reluctantly heals him. And in the process, she discovers the man she thought was her enemy might be her ally instead.

John has been Captain James Cook's translator for three voyages across the Pacific. He is kind and clearly fascinated with her homeland and her people -- and Maile herself. But guilt continues to drive a wedge between them: John's guilt over the death he caused, and Maile's guilt over the truth about what triggered the deadly battle -- a secret she's kept hidden from everyone on the island.

When Maile is tasked with teaching John how to navigate using the stars so he can sail back to England, they must also navigate the challenges of being from very different cultures. In doing so, they might also find the peace that comes when two hearts become one.

My Review:

published in 2019

I wasn't sure what to expect going into this story but I quickly became engrossed in Maile's seemingly ideal island life...until things go terribly wrong. Suddenly her future is upended and the simple, predictable rhythms of village life are tragically distorted by fear, rage...and hate.

A stunning historical novel set in an era and a location that I know very little about save some vague memories from grade school history classes about explorers. It's brimming with vibrant descriptions of the culture and geography -- and what makes it extra special is that the author has taken inspiration from her very own ancestor's story to create this one!

I'm grappling over what to say in a review without giving anything away (and, personally, I think that book description is waaaay too detailed.) So what I will say is that I was riveted from the very first page. Emotionally engaged to the point that I felt like I lived each moment with these characters. 

Action and romance and heartache aplenty. Along with the sheer wonderment of the world we get to see through Maile's eyes. There's such a reverence for family and tradition and living in harmony with nature. I came away from this read feeling awed and inspired. 

A rich blend of historical facts and imaginative fiction.

Oh, and I listened to the audible edition narrated by Justine Eyre (one of my all time fave narrators!) Amazing performance and made the storytelling that much more enjoyable.

Please note: While not a Christian Fiction selection, this book is a completely clean read and has a wonderful message on forgiveness.

Goal Update: #4 Read more new-to-me authors, #5 Diversify my reading

 GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Song for the Stars, 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 April 30 2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck 

Hunted

GIVEAWAY

HARRIS, LISA

HUNTED

Adrenaline-fuelled fiction

He promised to protect her.

But what happens when the hunter becomes the prey?

In today's world, law enforcement agencies across the country rely on forensic tools, DNA testing and crime labs. But what if that technology was suddenly no longer available? No one in the small west Texas town of Shadow Ridge knows what took down the power grid, or when it's going to be back up, but everyone knows exactly where they were the moment it went down. And now, with no electricity, no internet, and no modern technology, the men and women responsible for keeping the town safe are going to have to learn how to fight crime all over again.

Deputized by his father in the isolated town of Shadow Ridge, Levi McQuaid is caught up in a missing persons case that has the potential to destroy everything he holds dear. Levi McQuaid searches for the sister of an old friend, Ava Solomon, but the situation takes a deadly turn when the search leads them on a dangerous trek across the west Texas desert. The devastating truth proves much worse than they'd imagined. And now that they know the truth...getting out alive might be impossible.

My Review:

"Whose voice are you listening to? God's or fear's?" (p 119)

That question echoes throughout this gripping frantic suspense novel -- especially from the heroine's point of view. And I am so there with her! The world building in this semi-apocalyptic story is eerily plausible. The author has done a great job of thinking scenarios through and the isolated small town of Shadow Ridge makes for a great backdrop for all the action and angst.

I should point out here that Hunted is the second book in the Fallout series, but I dived into it first with barely a hiccup. Harris does a great job of making sure a new-to-the-series reader doesn't feel lost as she re-introduces characters and previous situations. 

I definitely got the feeling that I missed out on some things and there might have been a few book one spoiler-y bits that I'm not fully aware of yet. However, that didn't ruin this read for me but I absolutely for sure and for certain plan on reading Survival asap. Oh, and there's a prequel, The Last Day, which sounds really good too. 

The best friends to more romance takes a back seat to the suspense though it does resolve in a happily-ever-after by the end of the book. Loved the unique twist with the suspense -- taking law enforcement back decades before all the technology tools played a key roll in crime solving. It's kind of like the Wild West in the 21st century.

A page-turning, devour-in-one-gulp kind of read.

Goal Update: #1 Read more Indie authors (hybrid author), #5 Diversify my reading, #7 Start new-to-me-series #9 Read outside my comfort zone (apocalyptic stories aren't usually my jam -- I've read a few select series and this one definitely belongs on the shelf with them)

 GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

**PLEASE NOTE** Since this is the second book in the series, the winner can choose EITHER Survival (Book One) or Hunted (Book Two)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Hunted, 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 April 30 2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck 

The Coffee Corner

GIVEAWAY

CLIPSTON, AMY

THE COFFEE CORNER

In this third instalment of Amy Clipston's Amish Marketplace series, an acquaintance grows into love over a few well-timed cups of coffee.

Algonside her cousins who have booths of their own, Bethany Gingrich runs a busy and successful coffee and donut stand at the Amish market. Since she has cafe-style tables and chairs, her regular customers enjoy purchasing a morning treat sot they can sit and talk to their friends.

Micah Book and his grandfather, Enos, visit Bethany every Saturday morning to purchase coffee and donuts before going to work at Enos's custom outdoor furniture shop. Bethany enjoys talking to Micah and Enos, and she's always thought Micah was handsome -- but she doesn't think her crush will ever result in anything more.

When Micah and his grandfather don't come to see her one Saturday morning, Bethany begins to worry. And when she learns that tragedy has struck, she wonders how to help Micah in his time of need. Turns out he needs a friend now more than ever, and Bethany may be just the kind of friend that God has provided for him.

My Review:

What's starts out seeming to be a straight forward, if somewhat angsty, romance turns into something so much more in this riveting addition to  Amy Clipston's Amish Marketplace series. I've been reading the books out of order and have had no issues with continuity. 

Basically, the series centres around four cousins who all have unique booths in the marketplace. Each book highlights the romance of one of the cousins but we also get some great 'girl time' scenes as well and I really love that aspect of the series.

Bethany is feeling the odd girl out as her cousins begin to pair off and she can't help feeling left behind. She's had a secret crush on a young man in her district but Micah doesn't seem to know she exists other than the pleasant interactions they share during his habitual visit to her coffee booth every Saturday morning. My heart was all a flutter as I settled in to enjoy what was sure to be a sweet romance...which it was, in between the emotional sucker punches Clipston delivered with fine storytelling precision.

Wowza! But this book went deep -- especially into Micah's story, both past and present. There's tons I want to say, but won't because that would venture into spoiler-y territory. Let's just say this is a story of friendship and forgiveness and the joy that comes from being part of a community that stands with you during the toughest of times.

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Lauren Berst who did a great job of fleshing out these characters with her voice. I enjoyed every last second.

Goal Update: #2 Catch up on series I'm behind in

 GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Coffee Corner, 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 April 30 2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck 

April Giveaway -- Week Four

 

WON BY PAULA SHRECKHISE

WON BY BEAUTY IN THE BINDING

WON BY CAROLYN WEST

WON BY ANGIE

WON BY TRIXI

WON BY LUCY REYNOLDS

You know the drill: winners will be contacted if they left their email address in a comment, otherwise it's up to the winner to contact me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca (please note it's ca as in Canada not com)

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 AN EMAIL OR IF I HAVEN'T BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN REACHING YOU!

Books will be ordered within a week of receiving your mailing address (or email address for ebooks) and I'll email you to confirm your book is on its way. Give it a full month before inquiring on the status of an order to allow for processing and shipping times.

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK'S GIVEAWAYS:

***IMPORTANT -- PLEASE NOTE GIVEAWAY EDITIONS 

AS THEY VARY***

Please read the giveaway options written in red noted under "Giveaway Opportunity" in each blog post as formats will vary.

Paperback or ebook -- winner can choose either format

Paperback -- I have a new physical book on hand to give away

Gently Read Paperback -- It's the actual book I read to review

ebook -- that's the only format option available, often because it's an indie book where a paperback copy is either unavailable or exorbitantly priced. Or when a physical edition is out of print.

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Keeping Them Safe

GIVEAWAY

GOODNIGHT, LINDA

KEEPING THEM SAFE

Will giving them refuge...heal their damaged past?

Focused on his business and charity work, rancher Bowie Trudeau can't afford a distraction. Then his childhood crush, Sage Walker, returns home after thirteen years with her niece and nephew in tow. Helping the troubled kids and their aunt might put his career -- and heart -- in jeopardy. But uncovering her secrets and convincing Sage to stay might give him the family he's always wanted...

A Sundown Valley Tale

My Review:

I love it when the first sentence in a novel grabs my attention...like this one:

"She was pretty sure kidnapping was a federal offence." Yikes!!! what has this heroine gotten herself into?! You better believe the author had my attention and I didn't put the book down until I figured out all of Sage's past and why she had such anxiety over taking her niece and nephew -- and that means I read this book in one sitting because Goodnight is cagey with dangling bits of the truth but always leaving me wanting more. Emotionally satisfying. Heart-rending at times. 

Bowie is is one swoonalicious cowboy hero. A man who is right with God and lives out his simple faith by loving his neighbour. Be still my heart. Sage is the high school crush who got away only now she's back and more complicated than ever. And his heart goes out to the two fearful kids she has in tow. He wanted to know their story as much as I did! And it's a doozie! 

This is the second book in the Sundown Valley series and can easily be read as a standalone but I love that we get to catch up with Wade and Kyra and the triplets -- eeeppp!!! And there's a bit of a thrilling cliffy style lead-in to the next book. I can't wait!!!!!

Goal Update: #Staying current with a series.

 GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Keeping Them Safe, 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 April 23 2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck 

The Lady of Galway Manor

GIVEAWAY

DEIBEL, JENNIFER

THE LADY OF GALWAY MANOR

In 1920, Annabeth De Lacy's father is appointed landlord of Galway Parish in Ireland. Bored without all the trappings of the British Court, Annabeth convinces her father to arrange an apprenticeship for her with the Jennings family -- descendants of the creator of the famed Claddagh Ring.

Stephen Jennings longs to do anything other than run his family's jewelry shop. Having hand his heart broken, he no longer believes in love and is weary of peddling the OliesO the Claddah Ring promises.

Meanwhile, as the war for independence gains strength, many locals resent the De Lacys and decide to take things into their own hands to display their displeasure. As events take a dangerous turn for Annabeth and her family, she and Stephen begin to see that perhaps the "other side" isn't quite as barbaric and uncultured as they'd been led to believe -- and that the bonds of friendship, love, and loyalty are only made stronger when put through the refiner's fire. 

Travel to the Emerald Isle for another poignant and romantic story from the enchanted pen of Jennifer Decibel.

My Review:

Oh my, but this story pushed all my buttons right from the very first page! I'm Irish born -- to a Protestant father whose ancestors date back to those English usurpers who governed Irish land and a Catholic mother whose ancestors were farmers and labourers. Let's just say there are tons of reasons why we immigrated to Canada. So many hard feelings constantly resurfacing even today. And Deibel does a fantastic job of capturing a part of Ireland's tumultuous past -- I was alternately seething and lamenting and shivering over ominous foreshadowing.

The author captures colonialism in all its pompous sense of superiority and brutality with infuriating accuracy. Anna's parents set my teeth on edge and kept me fuming. Thankfully our heroine has a kinder -- and curiouser -- nature and the ability to think for herself. Although she starts out believing the tripe her English upbringing has doled out to her, it isn't long before she comes to appreciate the wonder and beauty and richness of the Irish culture. 

Loved watching Anna grow from pampered English miss who thinks she's honouring Stephen's humble shop with her presence to a woman of substance who can work along side him. They are both creative spirits with a heart for God but, for all practical purposes, are enemies. At least that's how Stephen sees this prissy upstart who threatens to destroy his future plans. Our hero is more than a tad bitter -- both about love and the English occupation of his country -- and with good reason. Learning his back story, watching him slowly realize that he holds his own kind of prejudice...well, it makes for an absorbing story.

Lots of character growth (and not just the hero and heroine), angsty forbidden love, action and danger, all set during a particular troubled time in Ireland's history makes The Lady of Galway Manor a compelling read. And the Claddagh ring tie in that threads through the entire story is sheer brilliance.

Goal Update: #5 Diversify my reading

 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 Lady of Galway Manor, 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 April 23 2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck 

High-Risk Rescue

GIVEAWAY

GODDARD, ELIZABETH

HIGH-RISK RESUCE

In the shadow of Mt. Rainier her life hangs in the balance.

Surviving a shoot-out is not how Hannah Kahn planned to start her new job. But when her boss is killed, the shooters think she knows something and make her their next mark. She'll have to rely on Ayden Honor -- her boss's bodyguard and her ex -- to outrun the mysterious mercenaries now intent on chasing her. And the secret she's kept from him must finally come to light...

An Honor Protection Specialist story

My Review:

Eeeeppp!! A new series about a private protection team and a family-run  one at that! I love the way Goddard sets up the series in this first book, giving readers a glimpse at all the team members though this story focuses on Ayden.  

And, double eeeeepppp -- a reunion romance that is just as mysterious as the suspense! What went wrong between Ayden and Hannah? I needed to know in the worst way. So did Ayden 'cause Hannah was the one who broke things off. And now she's under his protection which is all kinds of awkward.

The high impact opening scene sets the stage for this taut suspense. Relentless attacks, tons of action, and all that lovely romantical angst kept me frantically turning pages. Phew! I can breathe easy now...at least until the next Honor Protection Specialist book comes out! (Great last name for a family of law enforcement types, eh?)

 GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy

If you would like a chance to win a copy of High-Risk Rescue, 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 April 23 2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck 

The Inn at Harts Haven

GIVEAWAY

DAVIDS, PATRICIA

THE INN AT HARTS HAVEN

In this close-knit Amish community, she'll hide in plain sight...

Pregnant and desperate, Victoria Worthington runs to the only place that's ever felt safe. For years she's been controlled, first by her crime-boss father, then by her ex-boyfriend. Donning a hand-sewn dress, a kapp and a new name, she escapes as Abby Martin to the Amish community of Harts Haven, where she spent happy summers with her grandparents. Taking a job as a maid at the local inn, Abby plans to repair her grandparents' abandoned house and build a new life for her baby.

Since a tragedy took his family, contractor Joseph Troyer has traveled from one Amish town to another, refusing to let anyone get close. Not that it stops the inn's elderly, eccentric owner, Rose, from doing some matchmaking while Joe renovates her kitchen. Though Abby is more outspoken than any Amish woman he knows, something draws him to her -- and to the secrets she's hiding.

Taken under Rose's wing, Abby begins to find her place at last. But even here there's no hiding from the past. Only by facing it with courage, faith and the unexpected gift of love can this haven become the home she's longed for.

My Review:

The first in a new series -- The Matchmakers of Harts Haven -- offers a classic Amish setting and a few unexpected twists. First, we have an up and coming inn owned by three Amish widows including one rapscallion matchmaker. Rose alone is worth the read! With equal measures of charm and cunning, her antics are both hilarious and groan-out-loud worthy. So much fun. Unless you are Abby and Joe. :-)

Rose sets the stage for tons of romantical angst as she constantly throws our hero and heroine together but they aren't having any of it. Joe isn't over a severe trauma that has left him unwilling to commit to stay in one community, let alone settle down as a husband. And Abby, well, she's harbouring a whole lot of secrets and her mind is more on survival than courting.

On the surface -- this premise shouldn't work. How realistic is it to think that an Englischer could seamlessly blend in with an Amish community? I'm happy to report that Davids has given careful thought to every aspect and makes the scenario not only plausible but easily relatable too. Especially as she slowly reveals more character back story. I especially appreciated the way faith is woven throughout.

I wouldn't define this as a full out mystery, but there certainly is some as well as an air of real danger which brings an extra thrill to an already delightful story. 

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Meghan Kelly who did a great job of bringing distinctive voices to each character. A real pleasure to listen to.

Goal Update: #6 Start new-to-me series, #10 Give unloved tropes a second chance

 GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Inn at Harts Haven, 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 April 23 2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck