Targeted

GIVEAWAY

EASON, LYNETTE

BLACKBURN, LYNN H.

WALTERS, NATALIE

TARGETED

Three women. Three men. Three unsuspecting targets.

Get ready for triple the thrills with three heart-stopping stories from your favourite romantic suspense authors!

In On the Run, IT Specialist Daria Nevsky is a highly skilled FBI agent with the ability to hack any computer. She must go on the run to find out who wants her dead -- and Dr. Ryker Donahue refuses to let her do it alone.

In Deadly Objective, physical therapist Emily Dixon and Secret Service Agent Liam Harper are committed to keeping their relationship professional. But when the vice president's son enters the crosshairs of a killer, some lines will have to be crossed in order to keep him safe.

In Caught in the Crosshairs, there is no love lost between former Army PSYOPS officer Ari Blackman and CIA officer Claudia Gallegos after Claudia is implicated in the murder of a Saudi prince. But to prevent a coup that would put America at risk, they'll have to learn to trust each other -- before it's too late. 

My Review:

Three headliner romantic suspense authors join forces to deliver a trifecta of edge-of-your-seat suspense reads with intrepid heroes and heroines who keep things interesting. Because heightened emotions lead to romance and the toe-curl/danger combo kept me turning pages. And rooting for three happily-ever-afters...once justice is served, of course.

Of note: each novella relates to a series but can easily be read as standalones, so no worries if you're not up to date. 'Targeted' provides the perfect opportunity to sample these authors' storytelling styles and get a feel for their series.

Each story involves plenty of action and danger and just the right amount of romance to keep things interesting. These authors excel at pacing and plotting and manage to deliver fully fleshed out characters and well developed plots despite the shorter word count (each novella is about 120 pages.) I can't pick a favourite because each of these heroines and their heroes are completely captivating! 

A perfect collection to pick up during the holidays...or anytime of year, actually.

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

Goal Update: #5 Diversify my reading, #6 Stay 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  Targeted, 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 December 3 2022 . Offer open to International Readers.

Goodwill for the Gentleman

GOODREADS
RANDOM RETRO READ

KEYES, MARTHA

GOODWILL FOR THE GENTLEMAN

He jilted her sister. She will never forgive him for it. What kind of sparks will fly when they find themselves snowed in together at Christmas?

Emma Caldwell doesn't hate anyone -- except for Hugh Warrilow, the man who jilted her older sister and left like a coward to join the army. Men are clearly not to be trusted, and Emma is determined not to give her heart to one. No, a marriage of convenience is the very thing to suit her.

Hugh Warrilow has been secretly in love with Emma Caldwell for years, so when the time comes to live up to both families' expectations and marry her sister, he can't find it in himself to do it. Disgraced and misunderstood, he joins to fight Napoleon on the Continent, hoping he will forget Emma and be forgotten by everyone he has disappointed.

An injury brings Hugh home -- just in time for Christmas and the snowstorm that leaves him trapped under the same roof as Emma. How will he explain that his unforgivable act was motivated by how desperately he loved her? Her icy reception doesn't leave him the chance, nor does it offer much hope for the season's expectation of peace on earth and goodwill to men.

My Review:

published in 2019

Ah, the enemies to lovers trope, what could be more Christmas-y?! Bwahahaha! 

On the surface, it seems such an outlandish reason to be at odds - a couple who had family expectations to marry broke off the...well, it wasn't even an engagement...the equivalent of a bad break up today, maybe. Nothing for a sister to hold a life long grudge over. But, back in the day things were very different. Reputations could be ruined. Family names slandered. Oy, as much as I like to romanticize the Regency era there are aspects of class and culture that irk me greatly. Like a perfectly swoony gentleman being ostracized for 'jilting' the young lady everyone else expected him to marry. So, that all happened five years ago...

And, everyone has mostly moved on. The jilted lady is over her heartbreak and has found new love. Her sister, however, is guarding her intense grudge and vows to never forgive or forget what that blackguard Hugh did to her sweet sister...

Until the unexpected happens. Snowed in at Christmas! Eeeep!!! I do so love a good stranded scenario in a romance, and oh, my do sparks fly in this one. All on Emma's side though. Hugh is the epitome of a wronged hero who makes a noble effort to make amends. Only Emma's having none of it and it looks like it's going to be a very uncomfortable holiday at the Warrilow estate until they form an uneasy truce for the duration of the storm. :-)

I loved Hugh right from the start but it took longer to warm up to Emma. On the one hand, I admired her intense loyalty to her sister BUT she carried it too far and for much too long. I enjoyed watching her attitude slowly thaw allowing her to  see Hugh in a new light. She starts to question the integrity of her unforgiving nature and that leads to...well, you'll have to read this festive novella to find out.

I appreciated all the yuletide details and the lighter, playful moments that brighten the darker aspects of the story. Keyes packed a lot in this little novella and it made for a riveting read.

Well, listen, actually, because I enjoyed Marianne Robinson's narration of this second book in the multi-authored Belles of Christmas series.

Goal Update: #1 Read more indie authors, #4 Read more new-to-me authors, #7 Start new-to-me series

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  Goodwill for the Gentleman, 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 December 3 2022 . Offer open to International Readers.

The Bookshop of Secrets

GIVEAWAY

RUSHMEYER, MOLLIE

THE BOOKSHOP OF SECRETS

A collection of lost books holds the clues to her family's legacy -- and her future.

Hope Sparrow has mastered the art of outrunning her tragic past, learning never to stay anywhere too long and never to allow anyone control over her life again. Coming to Wanishin Falls in search of her family's history already feels too risky. But somewhere in the towering stacks of this dusty old bookshop are the books that hold Hope's last ties to her late mother -- and to a rumoured family treasure that could help her start over.

Only, the bookshop is in shambles, and the elderly owner is in the beginning stages of dementia and can't remember where the books lie. To find the last links to the loved ones she's lost, Hope must stay and accept help from the townsfolk to locate the treasured volumes. Each secret she uncovers brings her closer to understanding where she came from. But the longer she stays in the quaint town, the more people find their way into the cracks in her heart. And letting them in may be the greatest risk of all...

My Review:

Oh my heart! It's still feeling bruised and a might tickery now that I've come to the heartrending conclusion of 'The Bookshop of Secrets'. I really didn't know what to expect going into this read but Mollie Rushmeyer did not disappoint with her...gasp...debut novel!

This book gave me all the feels -- the way the author digs deep into her characters' emotions is phenomenal. Especially when it comes to Hope. Such a complex character with a heartbreaking past. Her wariness, the need to find comfort in isolation, and the tumultuous emotions that pour forth when she starts to make connections with an eclectic group of good people. Septuagenarian Mags sums it up best:

"Trust. Faith. It's a difficult thing when we have our eyes on the waves instead of the One who commands them. We can get so lost in the depths of our circumstances, we forget to look up."

That's Hope, lost in her circumstances -- a new Christian who can't quite forgive God for her past. Her faith journey is so achingly beautiful -- I wept in places. And the people who surround her with acceptance and unconditional love...phew, a powerful example of what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Here's another quote, because I can't resist, this time wisdom shared by a very perceptive octogenarian, Ethel. (One thing I love about this story is the diverse friendships that span generations.)

"We might think we're too damaged to come to Him. That we're forgotten, cast aside. But He can make something beautiful out of the broken places of our lives. Even the most desperate places inside up just need light in order to heal and grow."

This is definitely Hope's story, but it's also the story of a town locked down by a false prejudice and the lives that negatively affects. These people need Hope as much as she needs them and I love the way the story builds to such a spectacular conclusion. Moved me to tears...again! Because:

"She'd never thought helping others could start stitching up the gashes in her own heart."

Goal Update: #3 Read more debut authors, #5 Diversify my reading,

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  The Bookshop of 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 December 3 2022 . Offer open to International Readers.

Ginger & Brad's House

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO READ

UECKERMANN, MARION

GINGER & BRAD'S HOUSE

While Ginger Murphy completes her music studies, childhood sweetheart and neighbour, Brad O'Sullivan betrays her with the new girl next door. Heartbroken, Ginger escapes as far away as she can go -- to Australia -- for five long years. During this time, Brad's shotgun marriage fails. Besides his little boy, Jamie, one other thing in his life has turned out sweet and successful -- his pastry business.

When her mother's diagnosed with heart failure, Ginger has no choice but to return to the green grass of Ireland. As a sought-after wedding flautist, she quickly establishes herself on home soil. Although she loves her profession, she fears she'll never be more than the entertainment at these joyous occasions. And that she's doomed to bump into the wedding cake chef she tries to avoid. Brad broke her heart once. She won't give him a chance to do it again.

A gingerbread house contest at church to raise funds for the homeless has Ginger competing with Brad. Both are determined to win -- Ginger the contest, Brad her heart. But when a dear old saint challenges that the Good Book says the first shall be last, and the last first, Ginger has to decide whether to back down from contending with Brad and embrace the true meaning of Christmas -- peace on earth, good will to all men. Even the Irishman she'd love to hate.

My Review:

Fun and festive with just the right amount of angst to keep me in a mild snit because Ginger is holding a grudge and on the verge of bitterness. Yes, Brad broke her heart in the worst possible way but it's been five years and she's involved friends and family in the estrangement. She even moved to Australia to get as far away from Brad as she possibly could! But she's back in Ireland now (eeeppp -- squealing over the Irish setting) and her unforgiving heart is about to be stretched and pummelled until all the broken pieces are fitted back together again. 

This novella packs a real emotional wallop as it explores the vital role faith and forgiveness play in our lives. Plus -- it's a second chance love story filled to brimming with Christmas-y goodness. Along with one very determined (and swoony) hero who wants to set things right at long last. Makes for a very compelling read!

Goal Update: #1 Read more indie authors, #5 Diversify my reading

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  Ginger & Brad's House, 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 December 3 2022 . Offer open to International Readers.

November Giveaway -- Week Four

 

WON BY RUBYNREBA

WON BY ABIGAIL HARRIS

WON BY PERRIANNE

WON BY KAY GARRETT

WON BY SARAH POOL

WON BY CINDY

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

Her Christmas Redemption

GIVEAWAY

SHILOH, TONI

HER CHRISTMAS REDEMPTION

Can she find a second chance...on a town's holiday wish list?

Organizing her church's Christmas Wishes program is this perfect start to Vivian Dupre's new life -- one without the shame of her recent mistakes. But as she grows closer to co-coordinator Michale Wood, she's even more determined to keep her past hidden. Together they can give joy to their small town. But when Michael discovers her secret, will he be willing to grant Vivian's holiday wish -- forgiveness?

My Review:

I love redemption stories and this one is filled with all that is wondrous about grace and forgiveness. Vivian is a new Christian, eager to put her troubled past behind her and Shiloh has captured all the emotional nuances of her journey. Honestly, this gave me the same feels as watching a classic Christmas movie like 'It's a Wonderful Life' and 'Going My Way.'  With the same kind of stand-up-and-cheer (while you wipe away a tear) ending.

Some great secondary characters give me hope that this is just the start of a new series though it isn't labeled as such. And the way the town rallies when all seems lost...sniffle. Loved the ebb and flow of plot and pacing. And the Christmas ambiance throughout makes for a classic holiday read.

Goal Update: #5 Diversify my reading

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  Her Christmas Redemption, 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 November 26 2022 . Offer open to International Readers.

The Blackout Book Club

GIVEAWAY

GREEN, AMY LYNN

THE BLACKOUT BOOK CLUB

An impulsive promise to her brother before he goes off to the European Front puts Avis Montgomery in the unlikely position of head librarian in small-town Maine. Though she has never been much of a reader, when wartime needs threaten to close the library, she invents a book club to keep its doors open. The women she convinces to attend the first meeting couldn't be more different -- a wealthy spinster determined to aid the war effort, and exhausted mother looking for a fresh start, and a determined young war worker.

At first, the struggles of the home front are all the club members have in common, but over time, the books they choose become more than an escape from the hardships of life and the fear of the U-boat battles that rage just past their shores. As the women face personal challenges and band together in the face of danger, they find they share more in common with each other than they think. But when their growing friendships are tested by secrets of the past and present, they must decide whether depending on each other is worth the cost.

My Review:

An enthralling read that I found easy to lose myself in. This world, these characters, the particular time in history -- all combined to engage my imagination so that when I wasn't reading 'The Blackout Book Club', I was working out side stories in my mind. Love it when a novel provides that kind of springboard to creativity!

Told from four points of view, we follow an eclectic mix of women on the Homefront during WWII. There's Avis, an anxious housewife reluctantly turned librarian, Louise, a duty bound wealthy spinster with a sour disposition, young Ginny who is holding onto dreams that might never come true, and Martina, a desperate mother on the run. Thrown together in an impromptu book club endeavour that takes on a life of its own, they form an unlikely sisterhood in the face of adversity.

Loved the character growth -- the equal sharing from each point of view -- and the way these disparate women gradually let their guard down and learn to trust one another. The real strength of this novel is in the building of relationships. The conviction that we are better together than apart. It's uplifting and moving and crescendos into a ricochet of gasp-out-loud revelations by the end.

And the historical details are so fascinating. I had no idea that the United States' eastern shores were under such threats during the war. 

The bookish references delighted me, the club minutes written in each member's unique 'voice' brought comic relief to the weighted topics in this novel. And the lure of a non-reading reluctant librarian (spoiler alert: she learns to love books!) is so appealing...if hard to comprehend. How does anyone none love books?!

Amy Lynn Green is a masterful storytelling and she kept me engaged right to very last word.

While I received a copy from the publisher, I purchased the audible edition as well and thoroughly enjoyed Leah Horowitz's narration. She did a great job of giving each protagonist their own unique voice.

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback copy. 

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Blackout Book Club 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 November 26 2022 . Offer open to International Readers.

Christmas Crime Cover-Up

GIVEAWAY

MENTINK, DANA

CHRISTMAS CRIME COVER-UP

A violent attack isn't the homecoming she expected.

When an ATV tries to run her down in Death Valley, animal rescuer Nora Duke knows it's a sign she never should have returned. Now she's stuck on Seth Castillo's ranch until Christmas with a pregnant donkey -- and a criminal desperate to silence her. Facing her past is as terrifying as uncovering a killer's twisted plan. But can Seth convince her to stay...if they live through the holidays?

A Desert Justice Novel

My Review:

Every time I pick up a Dana Mentink Love Inspired Suspense novel I know I'm in for a lovely mix of hair-raising and action-packed and she delivers all that and more in Christmas Crime Cover-up. (FYI: The Christmas theme is on the lighter side, but still more than a lot of Christmas suspense novels.)

Love the animal rescuer heroine and the ornery donkey she is trying to save. :-) And how appropriate to have a donkey star in a Christmas story -- a pregnant one at that! 

But things go awry in the middle of the rescue and Nora becomes the one in need of rescuing. Luckily there's a handsome cowboy handy, only Nora can be a tad ornery and muleheaded so things don't always go smoothly. Love the crackling tension between this hero and heroine -- it's super charged and angsty right along with the suspense. Plus there's all kinds of Duke family dynamics to wade through (Norah is kind of a reluctant prodigal daughter.)

This is the fifth book in the Desert Justice series and, while it absolutely can be read as a standalone, there's lots of page time with previous characters as well which made it that much more fun for me. And I am so intrigued by the desert setting! It's hard to imagine anyone willing to live in those kinds of harsh conditions, and yet it's so incredibly beautiful. These books have compelled me to do a little research on Death Valley and the images are striking! And so alien to this snow ensconced Canadian! 

Goal Update: #6 Stay current with a series.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  Christmas Crime Cover-Up, 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 November 26 2022 . Offer open to International Readers.

Passages of Hope

GIVEAWAY

HAYNES, TERRI J.

PASSAGES OF HOPE

Walk through Doors to the Post via a new series of historical stories of romance and adventure.

Gracie Kingston begins renovating on the Philadelphia house inherited from her grandmother and finds a secret room. It is connected to a house nearby, the home of William Still, the man known as the father of the Underground Railroad. As she researches, she discovers a mystery in her house's ownership. 

In 1855, Olivia Kingston helps a mother and her young child by hiding them in a secret room in her home. As she helps, she learns that there may be an impostor conductor in their community. As Gracie's and Olivia's stories intertwine, they learn the meaning of sacrifice and love.

My Review:

I am so late exploring this multi-authored series, but I am definitely going to be making up for that lapse in bibliophile judgement! 'Passages of Hope' is an excellent example of why I need to backtrack. 

Exceptional storytelling with dual timelines intricately woven together to build up to an impactful conclusion with so many nuances to both plot and character development in both timelines...well, I'm gobsmacked! And stymied about what to say and keep this review spoiler free -- and there's so much I want to say!!!!

I especially appreciated the parallels in the issues Olivia and Gracie struggle with. On the surface, their story arcs seem very different, but at the heart of each is their misguided (and stubborn) idea that they need to do everything all on their own. Learning to accept proffered help, to grow closer in relationships as they work towards a common good, to grasp the concept that accepting assistance isn't a sign of weakness -- so inspiring because we are at our most vulnerable when we risk letting people in. But, oh the impact others can make on our lives (and we on theirs) is so powerful and Haynes really showcases that here.

Both timelines are fast paced and emotionally riveting. There's angst and treachery and even romance! And so many nuggets of faith and wisdom -- sometimes from unexpected places. Inspiring and goose bumping and stand-up-cheering by the end.

Goal Update: #2 Catch up on a series I'm behind in, #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  Passages of Hope, 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 November 26 2022 . Offer open to International Readers.

Dead Heat

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO READ

SLEEMAN, SUSAN

DEAD HEAT

Tracing cyber criminals is his job...

When hackers breach hospital security to steal patient records and begin blackmailing them, Veritas Center's cybercrime expert, Nick Thorn is hired to locate security holes and patch the system. But he doesn't stop there. He wants to bring down the hacker and make her pay. Problem is, he inadvertently inserts himself in  FBI agent Piper Nash's sting to catch the same hacker, and Piper has no choice but to arrest him and force him to stand down.

But the job just turned personal.

Nick finds himself attracted to Piper and wants to copy, but when his grandmother falls prey to a cyber-attack by the same hacker, he takes the assault very personally and will stop at nothing to find the hacker. Not even stop for Piper's warnings to take care. They're in a dead heat to the finish line, but what Nick doesn't realize is the hacker has no intentions of going to jail, and she's reserved a bullet with Piper's name on it. With time ticking down can Nick partner with Piper to find the killer before a point-blank shot takes her out?

My Review:

published in 2020

I cannot tell you how much I loooovvveee Susan Sleeman's novels!!! I'm getting close to reading them all...well the ones in print anyway. And that will be a sad day though I won't be left in mourning for long since she keeps up a steady stream of new releases. :-)

Love this series -- the camaraderie and 'found family' vibe at the Veritas Center is the best. This is the fourth book in the Truth Seekers series but can be read as a standalone. I actually missed the third book though I've read the first two. Anyhow, each book has its own suspense and romance but with nice spill over with all the key characters at the Veritas Center. 

So...Piper and Nick...best meet-cute ever. Bwahahahaha!!!! And such a contrast in personalities. He's a bit (okay, sometimes a lot) flirty and he seems to have such an easy-going personality (but keep in mind that still waters run deep.) Piper is all work and no play and intense!!!! So, sometimes they clash spectacularly, especially when she finds herself attracted to brash Nick. :-)

The suspense is an intricately woven blend of police procedural and action/danger. Punctuated with light hearted moments of humour...and a few toe-curling scenes. Exactly the way I like my romantic suspense!

And I listened to the exceptional narration of Whitney Dykhouse who is the voice of most, if not all, of Susan Sleemman's audio books. Highly recommended.

Goal Update: #1 Read more indie authors, #2 Catch up on a series I'm behind in, #8 Play author catch-up (I have nine books to go -- do you think I'll make it before the end of the year?!)

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  Dead Heat, 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 November 26 2022 . Offer open to International Readers.

The Christmas Visitor : an Amish Dreams on Prince Edward Island Novella

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO READ DAY!

GROCHOWSKI, AMY

THE CHRISTMAS VISITOR : AN AMISH DREAMS ON PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND NOVELLA

Every so often, first love lasts a lifetime -- and what seems impossible is made possible with God.

Mattie Beller is confident God's plan for her life does not include marriage. Her poor health has kept her an outsider, even in her close-knit Amish community. But when a visitor comes to the New Hope church district for the Christmas season, Mattie's ideas about her future are turned upside down.

Amid a growing concern over her twin brother's choices, even as her own heart tugs in two very different directions, Mattie learns that love comes in unexpected ways and can be a truly wonderful things.

My Review:

published in 2020

Eeeepp -- I was so excited to get back to PEI and this fledgling Amish community! I read the first book, 'Forever Home', a few weeks ago and about squealed the house down when I discovered there's a follow up Christmas novella. Different main characters, but we get glimpses of Lydia and Joel from the first book. That being said, you could definitely read this novella out of order. It takes place about a year after the first book. And it features another school Christmas performance which was fun.

Despite the shorter word count, Grochowksi has managed to deliver a complex, emotionally charged and captivating read. She captures the stuttering starts of romance with all the insecurities and emotional ups and downs. Loved the way this hero and heroine complement each other...even if they don't see it right from the start. :-) And it leaves the Beller family in quite a conundrum at the end so I'm hoping for more books in the series as we have left some of the characters with dangling story threads! No worries though, Mattie and her beau enjoy a divine happily-ever-after ending.

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

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 Christmas Visitor, 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 November 26 2022 . Offer open to International Readers.

November Giveaway -- Week Three

 

WON BY PAULA S.

WON BY LANE HILL HOUSE

WON BY CHERYL BARKER

WON BY LADY SNOW ANGEL

WON BY CARYL KANE

WON BY TRACEY

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.

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