A Gift to Cherish

GIVEAWAY

BYLIN, VICTORIA
A GIFT TO CHERISH

Rafe Donovan, a cop from Cincinnati is haunted by a recurring nightmare about the death of his high school sweetheart. Those nightmares force him to take leave from his job, seek help, and shelter in Refuge where he pounds nails for his brother's construction business. Rafe has no desire to stay in Wyoming. His goal is to get back to being a cop in Ohio as soon as possible.

But then he meets Daisy Riley...When he finds her stranded late at night with a flat tire, he's impressed by her courage. Daisy is equally impressed by him, but as a former victim of violence she treasures her secure life in Refuge. Together they navigate the road to love -- one that's complicated by Daisy's troubled best friend online dating, and the impossible obstacle of 1600 miles between her home and his.

My Review:

"Not a day passes that I'm not scared about something and mad about something else. The calm you see? That's me hanging on to what Jesus did on the cross -- and I'm usually white-knuckling it with both hands." (p 214)

Real lives, broken people and the quest to find God in the midst of it all. I love that Victoria Bylin tackles current issues that affect women -- physically, mentally and emotionally -- with such grace and heart. She gets that Christians come in all shapes and sizes with diverse pasts and challenges...and degrees of brokeness. And that's okay, because...Jesus.

Survivor Daisy is determined to stay strong in her faith as she embraces a new beginning. She's guarded and cautious and definitely not in a place to start a relationship. But Rafe is pretty hard to resist. And in Refuge temporarily. The whole notion of getting to know him better spells disaster. He's just as aware of the potential complications of falling for a woman determined to grow roots in Refuge. But he's having the same problem resisting the attraction.

I love the way Bylin has woven their love story around day to day life in a small town with tons of heart and a great team of supportive secondary characters. And contrasts it with a very different kind of romance that took place nearly fifty years ago that had a very different ending. The very real struggle over choosing between our will or God's will plays a recurring theme as Daisy and Rafe expose their own hidden truths and learn to be vulnerable with each other...and with God.

This is the second book in Bylin's Road to Refuge series and, shame on me, I haven't read the first one -- it was completely off my radar for some strange reason -- so I can attest to the fact that you can definitely enjoy A Gift to Cherish without reading When He Found Me first. However, if you have read WHFM you will be thrilled to reconnect with Shane and MJ (I'm was and I just met them!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Unfortunately this is another indie pubbed book that isn't available on Book Depository so this giveaway is for an ebook.

If you would like a chance to win an e copy of  A Gift to Remember, 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 July 18 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

The Two of Us

GIVEAWAY

BYLIN, VICTORIA
THE TWO OF US

After two broken engagements, Mia Robinson is done with dating. From now on, she's focusing on God and her goal to join an international and organization as a nurse practitioner. But when her 18 year-old-sister, Lucy, calls with an invitation to her Vegas wedding,  it throws a wrench into Mia's plans.

Jake Tanner has recovered from the injuries he sustained as a police officer -- on the outside. Inside, he's yet to heal from losing his partner in the tragedy, but finds some solace in keeping an eye on her young adult son, Sam, who's asked him to be best man at his wedding.

Mia expects a mess when she arrives to sort out the situation with Lucy, but she wasn't expecting Jake, who views the marriage a little differently. As Jake's and Mia's lives slowly become more intertwined, could his courage and her caring heart be enough to bring them a lifetime of healing?

My Review:

The kind of book your mourn the loss of when you finally reach the end. Because the characters seem so real and their problems are so relatable and you feel like you've stretched and grown right along with them. I even had my very own 'aha' moment in the middle of their story! So even though I'm still feeling emotionally pummeled and a little dazed after finishing The Two of Us, I'm consoling myself by savoring all the memorable bits. Which pretty much means every single word. Because Victoria Bylin knows how to wield her pen (er, keyboard) in order to create vivid descriptions.

Like this first encounter between Mia and Jake: "Their gazes danced the way of curious strangers, a man and a woman who noticed each other and felt the mysterious searching of a human heart. Dishes clattered. A child laughed. Another one cried. Life exploded all around them..." (p 10) I love the sharp contrast between that significant moment and the ordinariness all around them. It promises a rich read and Bylin doesn't disappoint.

Jake is the stuff toe-curling heroes are made of and Mia is by no means immune. But she's conflicted. Mired in muddy mess of possibilities just when she thought she knew God's plan for her life. And she might be just a tad unbending. Rule regulating. Pragmatic. But she's compassionate too and fiercely protective of those she loves. She just needs to figure out how to include Jake in that category.

Jake has learned to accept -- even embrace -- the raw reality that life has dealt him. It's not that he isn't haunted by his past -- it's the drive behind his one all-consuming goal. In that he can be as inflexible as Mia. And here's the crux of the conflict -- both hero and heroine are working for good, being the hands and feet of Christ in their chosen vocations. They are doing the right thing...but what if it's not the right thing for them?

A supporting cast of true-to-life secondary characters with their own day to day struggles add even more depth to this already rich read. We even get a secondary love story with it's own unique challenges. And the dog lover in me would be remiss if I neglected to give Pirate -- service dog extraordinaire -- an honorable mention.

A story to love and cherish and revel in long after you've filed it away on your Keeper Shelf.

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Two of Us, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email in 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 easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday August 5 2017. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Someone Like You

GIVEAWAY

BYLIN, VICTORIA
SOMEONE LIKE YOU

Single mom Julia Dare has a lot on her plate. A brand new Christian, she's busy trying to run her own business, spend time with her widowed mother, and raise her young son, Max, despite his father's less-than-ideal influence on him. When a big account from her event-planning business sends her to the Caliente Springs resort, she's shocked to come face-to-face with Zeke Monroe, the resort's general manager and her college sweetheart.

With his faith in tatters, Zeke Monroe is determined to keep the historic Caliente Springs resort running despite financial difficulties. But when Julia walks back into his life, he can't ignore the feelings she stirs up. As they work together on an important client's dream wedding, the fate of the resort soon depends on their success. When Zeke and Julia are pushed to their limits both personally and professionally, will their history put up walls between them or bring them together?

My Review:

Be prepared for an emotional sucker punch...or two...or three...or....well, let's just say my heart hasn't quite recovered yet. Bylin has an astonishing talent for drawing a reader in with the depth of feeling she manages to convey on every page.

There are so many things that clicked for me with this novel. The most intriguing one is how Julia and Zeke have done a complete 180 since college. Now she's the Christian trying to put her life to rights while he's forsaken his faith. The juxtaposition between the two makes for a compelling read. And a doomed romance. There's so much history between them -- both good and bad. And now, unexpectedly, they have a chance to bridge their differences and make something lasting. Intense, frustrating, heartbreaking -- the kind of love story you can really sink your teeth into.

And oh, goodness, Julia's ex is...shudder....all too 'narcissisticly' real. He is responsible for my sudden onslaught of high blood pressure. I fumed and railed and gnashed my teeth every time he waltzed into a scene. Julia taught me a lot about grace in her interactions with that...poor excuse for a father. Gah!

A deep and abiding faith thread tackles the very real issue of Christians striving for a perfection that is impossible to achieve. It is only in our brokenness that we can find our place as a son or daughter of our Father in Heaven.

Add in the bonus of an oh-so-sweet secondary romance that thrilled me to my toes and a reprobate goat named Ladybug and, well, you end up with a stunning read guaranteed to hold you captive until the blissful sigh you utter over that very last word.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. in exchange for my honest review.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Someone Like You please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday May 15 2016. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Together With You

GIVEAWAY

BYLIN, VICTORIA
TOGETHER WITH YOU

Sometimes the most unexpected love can be exactly what a heart needs...

When a Lost Child warning blares over the mall's PA system, Carly Mason finds the little girl playing with a stuffed rabbit. Something about Penny Tremaine is different. An ex-social worker, Carly recognizes that the child suffers fetal alcohol effects, and a piece of Carly's past suddenly confronts her. Never again will she become personally involved with a client. The risks are far too great. But something about Penny--and Penny's handsome father--tugs at Carly's heart.

Dr. Ryan Tremaine is trying to put his life back together. With his ex-wife remarried and on a trip far away, his two teenage sons and Penny are living under his roof full time. Ryan has put his faith in his Sink-or-Swim list, a plan to reconnect with his children. The first step: recruit Carly Mason to be Penny's nanny.

Ryan never anticipated being so drawn to Carly, an attraction Carly seems to fight as much as he does. Could Carly be the missing piece that helps his family stay afloat, or will their blossoming romance only complicate things further?

Known for her realistic and engaging characters, Victoria Bylin delivers an emotion-packed story reminiscent of The Sound of Music, one that reminds us all to believe in the power of faith and love.

My Review:

Incredibly good read. The kind you need to savor for a while before starting on your next book. I became emotionally connected to the characters. Carly -- so hopeful and yet wounded too. Ryan -- so endearing in his clumsy attempts to patch his family back together. And the kids -- teenage angst, first love and little Penny who has her own unique take on the world.

Bylin's exquisite wordsmithing left me feeling a gamut of emotions. From outrage, despair,, fury, hope, aching sorrow and the ultimate joy that comes from embracing faith. I was emotionally spent by the end of the book! Replete too, as I basked in the afterglow of a story well told.

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Together With You please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday May 31 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Until I Found You

GIVEAWAY

BYLIN, VICTORIA
UNTIL I FOUND YOU

When Kate Darby swerves off a mountain road to avoid hitting a California condor, she ends up trapped in her car, teetering on the edge of a cliff. Terrified, she breathes a prayer that changes her life: “God, if you’re real, I want to know you.”

It’s Nick Sheridan who comes to Kate’s rescue. Nick is handsome, confident, and seems to develop a habit of rescuing her, but Kate is in town only until her grandmother recuperates from a stroke. She’s not planning to fall in love with one of the locals.

Nick Sheridan is a reformed veteran of life in the fast lane, a new Christian, and a travel writer. When he sees a car dangling on the edge of a cliff, the daredevil in him jumps into action. He doesn’t expect to be swept off his feet by the car’s occupant. He’s made a vow: no dating for a year. And it’s a vow he intends to keep in spite of his attraction to Kate Darby . . .

My Review:

Relatable characters in the midst of realistic struggles anchor this incredible story. If you like Real with a capital R in your fiction, this is the book for you. The action packed opening (which is also symbolic of Nick and Kate's relationship) took my breath away.

I love the way their stories unfold -- gritty, raw, but inevitably hope-filled.  By the time we meet him, Nick has made a radical life change and he's making valiant attempts to prevent a repetition of past mistakes. Loved that about him. Absolutely flawed, but knowing he can be better by the grace of God. Kate, on the other hand, is a lost soul, yearning to fill the emptiness inside with all the wrong things. We live her struggle right along with her and get to break out in the Alleluia chorus when she finally 'gets' it...but not without a lot of angst-riddled moments along the way.

Probably the most authentic fictional 'coming to Christ story' I've ever read. These are real people with messy lives and conflicting desires. Kate in particular, wants absolute control in everything. She's scared of letting go, trusting God. I can totally relate to that. The inspirational thread doesn't dominate the story though, rather it lifts it up as it completes diverse lives.

And a side note: Loved Kate's grandma, Leona. Her story is honest and triumphant in the midst of all manners of affliction. She's the epitome of "I have fought a good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith." And there's more realism there because as faith-filled as Leona is, she hasn't met all her challenges with complete grace and trust.

Simply an awesome read!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Until I Found You  please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers. If you email me, please be sure to put the title in the subject line so it is easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday May 18  2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group". 

Brides of the West

GIVEAWAY

BYLIN, VICTORIA
DEAN, JANET
NISSEN, PAMELA
BRIDES OF THE WEST

Josie's Wedding Dress by Victoria Bylin


Desperate for someone to help her save her ranch, Josie Bright makes a deal with Ty Donner. Now the man who'd left her waiting at the altar is making her hope for things she had long stopped wishing for.

Last Minute Bride by Janet Dean

Elise Langley was stung to the quick when her would-be suitor suddenly left town. But when David Wellman returns and they are thrown together organizing their friends' wedding, can she open her heart again?

Her Ideal Husband by Pamela Nissen

As a girl, Lydia Townsend hoped to marry Jebediah Gentry—until his rejection spoiled her dreams. When family duty brings her home, it's Jeb's chance to show Lydia that now is the time for her wedding dreams to come true.

My Review:

This is one of the best novella collections I've ever read. Each story is well-written, filled with engaging characters and a heart-stopping plot. They may be shorter than the usual romance novel, but they still pack the same punch! That takes infinite talent to accomplish.

Most novellas I have read overlap characters and setting, each story feeding into the next one but the stories in Brides of the West aren't connected in any way, other than the recurring theme of a second chance at love in the West. It works really well, and I enjoyed the uniqueness of each story. And -- bonus for Janet Dean fans (of which I am one) because Last Minute Bride is a continuation of her Love Inspired historical novel, Wanted: a Family.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Brides of the West, please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca.  Please make sure to put the title in the subject line so your entry is easy to spot. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday May 13 2012. Offer open to international readers.