Carved in Stone

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CAMDEN, ELIZABETH

CARVED IN STONE

Gwen Kellerman is an heiress to the infamous Blackstone family, whose history of scandal nearly destroyed her. She now lives a quiet life at the idyllic college founded with her family's fortune and hopes to keep the tragedies of her past safely behind her.

Patrick O'Neill survived a hardscrabble youth to become a lawyer for the downtrodden Irish immigrants in his community. He's proud of his work, even though he struggles to afford his ramshackle law office. All that changes when he accepts a case to challenge the Blackstones' legacy of greed and corruptions by resurrecting a thirty-year-old mystery.

Little does Patrick suspect that the Blackstones will launch their most sympathetic family member to derail him. Gwen is tasked with getting Patrick to drop the case, but the old mystery takes a shocking twist neither of them saw coming. Now, as they navigate a burgeoning attraction, Patrick is the only one who can save Gwen from new danger on the horizon.

My Review:

Prepare to settle in and be dazzled by the depth and breadth of this stunning historical novel. Camden always delivers exquisite research and creates the most amazing maverick heroines and she doesn't disappoint in this page-turning marvel. 

Loved Gwen right from the start. She's a survivor. A woman of depth who hasn't allowed the hardships she's endured to turn into bitterness. She's brimming with life and intelligence and is so much more than a 'Blackstone heiress.' And she can hold her own with her imposing relatives.

Patrick appreciates all those qualities and revels in the alluring woman who is, essentially, his opposition. They are on different sides of a legal issue and from vastly different social classes for starters, and yet, there is something so intensely right about Patrick and Gwen as a couple. Their romance is fraught with complications and turmoil but it's pure magic too. Deep friendship and toe-curls -- my kind of romance!

And then there's the mystery -- a twisty-turny, conniving bit of intrigue and danger that turns an already complicated plot into a stunner of a rabid read.

Perhaps, best of all, is the intrinsic way the author has woven an inspirational thread throughout the entire story. Patrick in particular humbled me with the way he lives out his deeply rooted faith.

I was both excited and sad to reach the end of Carved in Stone (wonderful title tie-in, by the way.) Excited because we all got closure and a happily every after but sad because I had to say goodbye. I do so hate to be cut off from the characters I've grown to love. But, there's good news too -- definitely a reason to happy dance -- because this is the first book in Camden's Blackstone Legacy series which means I'll get to travel back to 1900 New York City again sometime in my reading future. Yay!

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 Carved in Stone, 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 September 25 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

 

The Rose of Winslow Street

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO READ DAY!

CAMDEN, ELIZABETH

THE ROSE OF WINSLOW STREET

In the small town of Colden, Massachusetts, Libby Sawyer leads a quiet, predictable life. Yet beneath the surface, she is haunted by a secret.

Newly arrived on American shores, Michael Dobrescu is far from predictable, and his arrival in Colden is anything but quiet. Michael's shocking claim to be the rightful owner of Libby's father's house immediately alienates him from the appalled citizens of Colden.

Despite her own outrage, Libby is unwittingly fascinated by this enigmatic man who seems equally intrigued by her. As the court's decision about the house looms, and the layers of mystery surrounding Michael's past are unveiled, Libby's loyalties are tested in ways she never imagined.

Torn between family obligation and the stirrings of her heart, dare she trust a man whose intentions and affections are so uncertain?

 My Review:
 

published in 2012

Not only is this a Retro-Read, it's a Retro-Re-Read for me. :-) Same old story: sorting shelves, greeting old friends and then I came upon this beauty and was flooded with nostalgic bibliophile warm fuzzies. I remember loving this book and I couldn't resist sneaking a peek which led to a reading frenzy and my shelves still need sorting. :-( But yes, it's actually as good as I remembered!

The Rose of Winslow Street is steeped in intrigue that begins on the very first page. The more I read, the more questions stuttered through my mind. Wh-wh-at....h-how...wh-why....huh? I was clamouring for answers that Camden cleverly held at bay, keeping me turning pages late into the night.  What an artfully crafted plot! And each piece of the puzzle is revealed at just the right time in order to make the most dramatic impact.

But, oh my, there's laughter in unexpected places -- even in the midst of some dead-serious, dramatic scenes. Camden has laced humour all through the book. And that includes during the most volatile encounters between Michael and Libby. I'm grinning just thinking about some scenes that have left a lasting impression.

Michael leaps off the page in full warrior mode. Taciturn, protective, larger than life, like some misplaced medieval knight plunged into 19th century New England. I can't remember when I've had so much fun getting to know a character. Adorably boorish -- how's that for an oxymoron? -- he's driven by loyalty and an incredible sense of honour and steals every scene he is in, putting a capital S in the word Swoonworthy. Be still my heart! I dare any reader NOT to fall in love at first sight!

This book is pure enjoyment from beginning to end. No review can do it justice. You'll just have to read The Rose of Winslow Street for yourself to see what I mean!

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 Rose of Winslow Street, 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!

Prince of Spies

GIVEAWAY

CAMDEN, ELIZABETH

PRINCE OF SPIES

Luke Delacroix has the reputation of a charming man-about-town in Gilded Age Washington D.C. In reality, he is secretly carrying out an ambitious agenda in Congress. His current mission is to thwart the reelection of Congressman Clyde Magruder, his only real enemy in the world.

But trouble begins when Luke meets Marianne Magruder, the congressman's only daughter, whose job as a government photographer gives her unprecedented acces to sites throughout the city. Luke is captivated by Marianne's quick wit and alluring charm, leading them both into a dangerous gamble to reconcile their feelings for each other with Luke's driving passion for vital reforms in Congress.

Can their newfound love survive a political firestorm, or will three generations of family rivalry drive them apart forever?

My Review:

Sigh, I fell a little more in love with every turn of the page -- with Luke, with the Delacroix family, with Marianne's indomitable spirit. Even with the angst (which is plentiful!) This has been a sublime series but Prince of Spies will always hold a special place in my heart. Because of Luke (my toe curls have pleats!) of course, but also because of the deeply layered story that held me enthralled.

So, here's what I LOVED about this book:

Doomed romance that has tragedy written all over it.

Dashing, devil-may-care hero who has a compassionate heart but wrestles with justice versus vengeance for all the right reasons.(Honestly, there were a couple of characters that I felt very vengeful towards right to the very last page! Gah!)

A clever heroine with an interesting career -- a maverick in her class and among her peers. 

A historical setting full of fascinating little-known-by-me details that makes me feel smarter for reading it. 

Enough emotional sucker punches to make me feel woozy in that good, giddy bibliophile way.

A bittersweet send-off courtesy of the epilogue. It's sweet perfection but sad, too, because now it's all really and truly over. Sob!!!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Prince of Spies, 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 winners announced on Saturday April 3  2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck! 

Love at Last : 3 Historical Romance Novellas of Love in Days Gone By

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HUNTER, KRISTI ANN
CAMDEN, ELIZABETH
DYKES, AMANDA
LOVE AT LAST : 3 HISTORICAL ROMANCE NOVELLAS OF LOVE IN DAYS GONE BY


Three acclaimed, award-winning Christian historical fiction authors' romantic and intriguing novellas are combined in one Readers will be delighted by these inspiring stories of love in print for the first time.

Kristi Ann Hunter's A Search for Refuge tells of solictor Nash Banfield, hiding from society in a market town, and Lady Margaretta Fortescue, on the run from a mysterious threat and in desperate need of refuge.

Elizabeth Camden's Summer of Dreams follows the whip-smart daughter of an army general determined never to marry a man in uniform, and a charismatic West Point cadet just as determined to change her mind.

Amanda Dykes's Up from the Sea follows the granddaughter of a Southern lumber baron and the local lumberjack who helps her investigate the legend that could save her family's land.

My Review:

A trifecta of super authors make this a historical fiction reader's dream!

Please note: these novellas have all been published in ebook format but this is the first time they've been compiled into print format. Perfect for the discerning reader's keeper shelf.

A Search for Refuge by Kristi Ann Hunter -- I read this series inside out so it was nice to fill in some of the missing pieces through reading this novella. Loved being present at the inception of Haven Manor! Nash and Margaretta's love story is sweet and intense and threatened by a cruel, power-hungry man. Cue a page- turning frenzy and call me one blissfully happy reader!

Summer of Dreams by Elizabeth Camden -- It's 1886 and Evelyn's father considers her "biologically unsuited" for pursing an education in engineering but that doesn't stop her from creating some ambitious projects on her own. When a rakish West Point cadet lends assistance on a complicated electrical issue sparks fly! Only she's vowed to never become involved with an army man and he's already committed to the Engineering Crops. Yep, it's complicated. Camden packed a lot of emotional depth into this 'not so doomed' romance as both Evelyn and Clyde struggle with issues from their past threatening their future.

Up From the Sea by Amanda Dyke  -- "Lord, you created the dark just as you created the light. Help me find life there, and not fear." (p 252) A lyrical, evocative tale that explores what really matters. It's 1925  and Savannah is a displaced Southerner in the wilds of Maine trying to reconnect with her deceased mother's family. She's a farmer's daughter and they are nouveau riche thanks to the marvels of the stock market. But her mother has left her a story and a map and Savannah's determined to uncover treasure buried long ago with the help of a taciturn lumberjack. And yes, I swooned all over Alastair!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  Love at Last, 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 25 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

The Spice King

GIVEAWAY

CAMDEN, ELIZABETH
THE SPICE KING

Gray Delacroix has dedicated his life to building an acclaimed global spice empire, but it has come at a cost. Resolved to salvage his family before they spiral out of control, he returns to his ancestral home for good after years of traveling the world.

As a junior botanist for the Smithsonian, Annabelle Larkin has been charged with the impossible task of gaining access to the notoriously private Delacroix plant collection. If she fails, she will be out of a job and the family farm in Kansas will go under. She has no idea that in gaining entrance to the Delacroix world, she will unwittingly step into a web of dangerous political intrigue far beyond her experience.

Unable to deny her attraction to the reclusive business tycoon, Annabelle will be forced to choose between her heart and loyalty to her country. Can Gray and Annabelle find a way through the storm of scandal without destroying the family Gray is fighting to save?

My Review:

Elizabeth Camden can always be trusted to deliver riveting fiction from fascinating, lesser known bits of history. I mean, I've never even thought about the politics of the food industry from a historical perspective and yet this author has woven a complex tale of intrigue and betrayal and impossible choices around that very topic.

Annabelle is smart and gutsy and driven! She has to be if she wants to succeed in her male dominated field. Love her strength and determination, anchored in the roots of her mid-west values. Her life is the polar opposite of Gray's privileged upbringing. A well-traveled businessman, he's used to getting what he wants when he wants it. He's arrogant at times, and a bit of a brooder -- I do so love a fretful fictional hero (in real life, not so much!) Their romance doesn't fully take center stage -- family drama , political intrigue and secrets get in the way all too often -- but a happily-ever-after is on the horizon once all the dust settles.

A captivating first book in Camden's Hope and Glory series and she's done an excellent job of setting up the next story -- Gray's sister, Caroline (who I didn't much like in this one) is set to star in her own political intrigue -- at the White House! A Gilded Lady releases on June 2. I can't wait for Camden to work her magic and make me a Caroline Convert!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  The Spice King 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 June 6 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

A Desperate Hope

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CAMDEN, ELIZABETH
A DESPERATE HOPE

Eloise Drake's prim demeanor hides the turbulent past she believes is finally behind her. A mathematical genius, she's now a successful accountant for the largest engineering project in 1908 New York. But ot her dismay, her new position puts her back in the path of the man responsible for her deepest heartbreak.

Alex Duval is the mayor of a town about to be wiped off the map. The state plans to flood the entire valley where his town sits in order to build a new reservoir, and Alex is stunned to discover the woman he once loved on the team charged with the demolition. With his world crumbling around him, Alex devises a risky plan to save his town -- but he needs Eloise's help to succeed.

Alex is determined to win back the woman he thought he'd lost forever, but even their combined ingenuity may not be enough to overcome the odds against them.

My Review:

What an astounding story! Especially since the author 'modeled it on the collective experience of several towns that were dismantled to build the Ashokan Reservoir,' (Historical note; p 337) It just boggles the mind! And gives me a new respect and admiration for mathematics -- a subject I've done my utmost to avoid both in school and in life. :-)

So I wasn't certain if I'd be able to relate to a math whiz heroine but Eloise won my heart in record time. When all her girlish hopes for adventure and romance were cruelly dashed a decade earlier, she worked hard to bury youthful idealism with a prim, pragmatic persona. She covets the order numbers bring and has carefully constructed a fortress of structure and logic around her shattered heart...until the facade is smashed to smithereens when a specter from her past becomes the nemesis of her present.

Alex Duval is as boyishly optimistic as ever. And spontaneous. Outrageously charming. Idealistic. A dreamer who doesn't understand the concept of giving up. He hasn't really changed -- just grown into the kind of man who isn't afraid to turn boyhood dreams into reality. And he wants another chance with the love of his life. Swoon! I do so love a determined suitor. Eloise doesn't stand a chance, though she does put up a good fight. Enemies turn into wary allies until a deepening friendship threatens to upend all of Eloise's carefully laid plans for her future.

And if the romantic drama isn't enough to contend with, there's mystery and danger afoot as sabotage and treachery threaten their desperate hope for a happily ever after. This is the kind of book that holds an avid reader hostage in a frenzy of page-turning delight.!

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:


If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Desperate Hope, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email in 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 6 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

All My Tomorrows : 3 Historical Romance Novellas of Everlasting Love

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WITEMEYER, KAREN
HEDLUND, JODY
CAMDEN, ELIZABETH
ALL MY TOMORROWS : 3 Historical Romance Novellas of Everlasting Love

Stories of love that will last through every tomorrow

Karen Witemeyer, Jody Hedlund and Elizabeth Camden are among the most acclaimed authors in the historical romance genre -- their novels have won a RITA award, a Christy Award, A Christian Book Award, and multiple Carol Awards. These beloved writers offer for the first time in print three unforgettable historical novellas that celebrate true love.

Karen Witemeyer's "Worth the Wait" takes readers to the Harper's Station women's colony where a single mother must overcome pain and fears of the past in order to trust a gruff but kind freighter who has helped the women expand their business.

Jody Hedlund's "An Awakened Heart" follows a young woman into the shadows of New York's tenements where she and a newly appointed minister spar over the best way to car for the poor and orphaned.

Elizabeth Camden's "Toward the Sunrise" finds a female medical student trying to overcome the ramificiations of a decision that leaves her at the mercy of a stubborn but handsome attorney.

My Review:

Toward the Sunrise published in 2015
Worth the Wait published in 2017
An Awakened Hearat published in 2017

Sqquuueeeeaaaalllll! I'm so excited that these novellas are finally available in paperback!!!! Since I don't read ebooks I've been missing out on some of my favourite series. So, yes, you might have read these stories, but here's a chance to get them in hard copy for your Keeper Shelves...I mean, with these stellar authors, how can you resist?!

We've got spunky heroines who know how to frustrate their heroes to no end. There's lots of drama and angst sweetened with laughter and warmed with toe-curling romance. What more can you ask of your fiction?

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 All My Tomorrows, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. 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 Sunday July 15 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

A Dangerous Legacy

GIVEAWAY

CAMDEN, ELIZABETH
A DANGEROUS LEGACY

Telegraph operator Lucy Drake is a master of Morse code and has made herself a valuable asset to the Associated Press news agency. But the sudden arrival of Sir Colin Beckwith at rival British news agency Reuters puts her hard-earned livelihood at risk. Colin is talented, handsome, insufferably charming -- and keeping a secret that jeopardizes his reputation.

Despite their rivalry, Lucy can't deny that Colin has the connections she needs to give her family an edge in the long legal battle they've been waging over their rightful inheritance. But when she negotiates an unlikely alliance with him, the web of treachery they dive into proves to be far more dangerous than they ever could have known.

My Review:

There is something so decadent about an edge-of-you-seat suspense paired with historical romance!  And this one is riveting. Deeply intricate story threads woven into a complex pattern of loss and greed and vengeance. A villian who has "...no soul and that let him fight with the single-minded zeal of a jackal."  (p 12) and a heroine determined to stand up for what is right and just though it alters the course of her life in devastating ways. A family legacy of sorts that has ensnared both Lucy and her brother. The layered depths in the suspense is exceptionally well done. Enthralling historical details -- telegraphy, Morse code, the early days of international news reporting and homing pigeons! Diverse and captivating and all of it plays an important role in this romantic suspense.

Lucy is a grounded working girl -- independent by necessity but also by choice. She loves her job as a telegrapher and is fiercely loyal to the Associated Press. Which makes for some spectacular fireworks when rival company Reuters imports British aristocracy to manage their New York office. Enter Sir Colin Beckwith and let the toe-curling begin. As well as the laughter thanks to the wicked banter this adversarial hero and heroine engage in on a daily basis.

If you look 'pager-turner'up in the dictionary you should find A Dangerous Legacy as the definition. I inhaled this book. Actually woke up at four in the morning and rejoiced because that meant I got to spend two blissful hours reading before I had to get ready for the day! Definitely one for the long-time keeper shelf!

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of A Dangerous Legacy, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. 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 for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday December 17 2017. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

To the Farthest Shores

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CAMDEN, ELIZABETH
TO THE FARTHEST SHORES

The unpredictability of her upbringing prepared army nurse Jenny Bennett to face any challenge at the Presidio Army base, but the sudden reappearance in her life of the dashing naval officer who broke her heart six years ago is enough to rattle even her.

Lieutenant Ryan Gallagher is one of the few men in the world qualified to carry out a daring government mission overseas -- an assignment that destroyed his reputation and broke the heart of the only woman he ever loved.  Honor-bound never to reveal where he was during those years, he can't tell Jenny the truth or it will endanger an ongoing mission and put thousands of lives at risk.

Ryan thinks he may have finally found a solution to his impossible situation, but he needs Jenny's help. While her loyalty to her country compels her to agree, she was too badly hurt to fall for Ryan again despite his determination to win her back. When an unknown threat from Ryan's past puts everything at risk -- including his life -- can they overcome the seemingly insurmountable odds stacked against them in time?

My Review:

A rich, vibrant historical romance that held me enthralled. Camden's research is meticulous Between the unusual historical facts -- espionage in the late 19th century, pearl cultivation, American nursing -- and the lost-love romance, I was well and truly hooked.

And, oh, the angst of betrayal! Six year later Jenny is still marked by it. She's a scrapper though -- her back story is fascinating and Camden slowly reveals it in small snippets, always leaving me wanting more. A tough but compassionate nurse -- she knows how to manage a ward of wounded soldiers. If only she could manage Ryan as easily.

He's a tormented hero. His loyalty to his country has cost him everything he holds dear and yet he can't help but hope that he might still be able to make things right. Jenny doesn't make it easy though and that makes the read all the more riveting.

A fast-paced plot cloaked with intrigue and an unknown danger heighten the romance and make this the kind of book you can't bear to put down.

Book provided courtesy of  Bethany House Publishers and Graf-Martin Communications

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win To the Farthest Shores leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you leave an email address in your comment please remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter via email please put the title in the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday May 6 2017. Offer open to International readers. Good luck!

From This Moment

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CAMDEN, ELIZABETH
FROM THIS MOMENT

Stella West's artistic talent made her the toast of London, but when her beloved sister dies under mysterious circumstances she abandons everything and heads for Boston. With single-minded determination she fights to pierce the ring of secrecy surrounding her sister's death. Upon meeting Romulus White, a publisher with connections into every important power circle in the city, she quickly realizes he could be a valuable ally in navigating Boston society.

Romulus has been pursuing Stella for years to create art for his magazine. Her luminous illustrations are the missing piece he needs to propel his magazine to the forefront of the industry, and he will stop at nothing to get her on board.

Sparks fly the instant they join forces, but Romulus is unsettled by the unwelcome attraction he feels toward Stella, fearing she might be the one woman who could disrupt his hard-won independence. He may have finally met his match in Stella, but is helping her solve the mystery of her sister's death worth the risk to his publishing empire?

My Review:

Egads! How could I have fallen in love with a dandy?! But it is true and no one is more surprised than me. I fell hard for Romulus notwithstanding his flare for fashion, inflated ego and whimsical ways. He enthralled me right from the very first page. Unlike any other romance hero I've come across! And wouldn't he be pleased  to bear that distinction? Because he's a tad prideful as well. Okay, maybe not prideful in the negative sense -- more like he recognizes his strengths and plays up to them. He's found his niche in the magazine industry -- the perfect backdrop for his eclectic interests and short attention span to shine.

And then Stella waltzes into his life and nothing is the same again. Her ego matches his and she's not afraid to speak her mind -- forcefully at times, which just serves to get her into trouble. Not with Romulus, he finds her tendency to call a spade a spade amusing for the most part. But Stella is collecting enemies among the city's elite as she inelegantly alienates everyone in her path in her attempt to solve the mystery of her sister's death.

Romulus finds himself in the dubious role of knight in shining armor for a decidedly prickly -- but lovely -- young lady. Every scene with these two in it is delectable. The artful playfulness, the clash of wills, opinionated 'discussions' -- the atmosphere is definitely charged. All. The. Time. Toe-curling and infuriating. I've never come across a more exasperating pair! Such a joy to read!

And the plot is magnificent. Corruption and subterfuge and plenty of twists plus the bonus of a secondary love story. And an inspiring faith thread ties it all together. Honestly -- you'll want to clear your calendar before you dare open this book because once you do there's no going back. You'll be immersed in turn-of-the-century Boston and you won't want to snap back to reality until you've finished ever single delicious 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  From This Moment 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 July 9 2016. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Until the Dawn

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CAMDEN, ELIZABETH
UNTIL THE DAWN

A volunteer for the newly established Weather Bureau, Sophie van Riijn needs access to the highest spot in her village to report the most accurate readings. Fascinated by Dierenpark, an abandoned mansion high atop a windswept cliff in the Hudson River Valley, Sophie knows no better option despite a lack of permission from the absent owners.

The first Vandermark to return to the area in sixty years, Quentin intends to put an end to the shadowy rumors about the property that has brought nothing but trouble upon his family. Ready to tear down the mansion, he is furious to discover a local woman has been trespassing on his land.

Instantly at odds, Quentin and Sophie find common ground when she is the only one who can reach his troubled son. There's a light within Sophie that Quentin has never known, and a small spark of the hope that left him years ago begins to grow. But when the secrets of Dierenpark and the Vandermark family history are no longer content to stay in the past, will tragedy triumph or can their tenuous hope prevail?

My Review:

Spell-binding. I'm utterly and completely star struck over this one. There's a magical quality to the story that took my breath away. The setting is spectacular. Dierenpark is an oasis nestled in the Hudson River Valley.  Book nerd aside: Any Trixie Belden fans out there? I couldn't help thinking that these were her stomping grounds. Even pretended that her ancestors came from New Holland. You know you're obsessed with books when you can relate a twentieth century teenage super sleuth to a nineteenth century heroine. Both fictional characters -- but forever connected in my reader's heart now. :-)

I loved the contrast between Quentin and Sophie. She is the light to his darkness and for those of you who enjoy a brooding hero, Quentin is that -- in spades! Camden does an incredible job of making him relatable even though he's quite the tyrant. His transformation from bitter atheist to hope-filled believer is breathtaking.

Sophie is buoyantly optimistic. A wide-eyed innocent that Quentin at first scorns but there's something enticing about Sophie and it isn't long before he becomes fascinated by her. Much to his chagrin. And annoyance. Can we say belligerently cranky brooding hero? Even so there are some truly tender moments between the two that left me sighing in ecstasy.

This is a story about the power of change. Each character, and even Dierenpark itself, experiences a metamorphosis of sorts and the way Camden ties diverse story threads together is sheer brilliance. Utterly, completely satisfying to my very core. A truly exceptional read.

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  Until the Dawn 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 December 6 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Beyond All Dreams

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CAMDEN, ELIZABETH
BEYOND ALL DREAMS

Anna O'Brien leads a predictable and quiet life as a map librarian at the illustrious Library of Congress until she stumbles across the baffling mystery of a ship disappeared at sea. Thwarted in her attempts to uncover information, her determination outweighs her shyness and she turns to a dashing congressman for help.

Luke Callahan was one of the nation's most powerful congressmen before his promising career was shadowed in scandal. Eager to share in a new cause and intrigued by the winsome librarian, he joins forces with Anna to solve the mystery of the lost ship. Opposites in every way, Anna and Luke are unexpectedly drawn to each other despite the strict rules forbidding Anna from any romantic entanglements with members of Congress.

From the gilded halls of the Capitol where powerful men shape the future of the nation, to the scholarly archives of the nation's finest library, Anna and Luke are soon embroiled in secrets much bigger and more perilous than they ever imagined. Is bringing the truth to light worth risking all they've ever dreamed for their futures?

My Review:

I'm still in a tizzy of euphoria after reading Beyond All Dreams. To say I loved it would be a huge understatement. I adored it! Found it brilliantly funny and heart-stopping romantical. There's even a page-turning mystery to solve. Delicious from beginning to end.

First off, I went into a librarian's swoon over the setting -- the hallowed halls of the Library of Congress. Be still my heart! You might need to have studied library science in order to get the thrill of that but Camden captured my feelings perfectly when I got to see the library through Anna's devoted eyes. "Even after six years, there were times Anna loved to stand in the aisles, awed by the immensity of the books towering above her. It was magical and magnificent. Amazing and inspiring. (p.6) No need to explain why this librarian felt an immediate connection to this heroine. :-)

Anna might be a librarian and she might even think she is mild-mannered but there's something about Luke Callahan that sparks her temper. The dialogue between the two is hysterical. Luke is used to bending wills and getting his way but he hasn't run into anyone like Anna before. Prim. proper and exacting as she is, she won't give an inch when she feels passionately about something. It's like Luke is struck by a bolt of lightning when he first meets her and he never recovers (thankfully.) And oh, mercy, but is he a romantic! And he goes after Anna with as much bluster and tenacity as he does in politics.

And though there's plenty of humour in this engaging story, there's a sinister undercurrent that surrounds Anna's quest for historical truth. That made this a really compelling read for me. Add in a profound inspirational thread on forgiveness and this book ticks all the boxes. I can sum it up best by using Camden's own words (a little out of context.) Magical and magnificent.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Beyond All Dreams 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 March 1 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

With Every Breath

GIVEAWAY

CAMDEN, ELIZABETH
WITH EVERY BREATH

In the shadow of the nation's capital, Kate Livingston holds a respectable position as a government statistician when she encounters a rival from her past, the insufferable Trevor McDonough. A Harvard-trained physician, Trevor never showed the tiniest flicker of interest in Kate, and she's bewildered at the way he suddenly seeks her out. Surprising even herself, Kate agrees to Trevor's entirely unexpected and risky proposal to work side-by-side with him in his quest to rid the world of tuberculosis, a contagious and deadly disease.

As Kate begins to unlock the mysteries of Trevor's past, she realizes there is much more to him than she could have imagined. His hidden depths may fascinate her, but his most closely guarded secrets and a shadowy enemy lurking in the background carry a serious threat to their future.

When the truth of the past comes out, threatening to destroy everything they hold dear, how will Trevor and Kate ever overcome all that stands in their way?

My Review:

Meticulous detail from the title tie-in to the historical research to deep characterization all combine to create another stunning novel from Elizabeth Camden.

Sparks fly the second Kate and Trevor meet and they leave a scorching trail of heartache and romance right through to the dynamic conclusion. There is so much to recommend this book, I barely know where to start.

Love Kate and Trevor's fiery rivalry. Of course, Kate comes across as the much more sympathetic character, but there's something intriguing about Trevor. Camden does a wonderful job of s-l-o-w-l-y revealing his past in measured degrees that about drove me crazy! I wanted to know everything now but also have to admit savoring the mystery as well.

And those two together equal outrageous excitement! Snappy dialogue laced with humour turn enemies into friends hovering on the brink of love. But there is so much that stands in their way -- viable, heartbreaking reasons that seem indomitable. Those two just about turned me inside out!

Kudos to the author for highlighting the courage and sacrifice that doctors make in their quest to cure disease. Made all the more poignant for me because of current events involving this very subject this summer.

An intriguing thread of suspense ties all the story threads together and leads to a powerful conclusion. With Every Breath is an awesome read from beginning to end.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of With Every Breath 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 August 10 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.

Into the Whirlwind

GIVEAWAY

CAMDEN, ELIZABETH
INTO THE WHIRLWIND

As owner of the 57th Illinois Watch Company, Mollie Knox's future looks bright until the night the legendary Great Chicago Fire destroys her beloved city. With her world crumbling around her, Mollie will do whatever it takes to rebuild in the aftermath of the devastating fire.

Zack Kazmarek, an influential attorney for one of Chicago's finest department stores, is a force to be reckoned with among the city's most powerful citizens. Bold and shrewd, he's accustomed to getting exactly what he wants--until he meets Mollie Knox, the beguiling businesswoman just beyond his reach.

In the tumult as the people of Chicago race to rebuild a bigger and better city, Mollie comes face-to-face with the full force of Zack's character and influence. Zack believes this may finally be his chance to win her, but can Mollie ever accept this man and his whirlwind effect on her life, especially with her treasured company on the line?

My Review:

Another masterpiece by one of my favourite authors. Camden has the incredible ability to breathe life into history. Fascinating details of 19th century Chicago and the great fire is an enthralling background to this fascinating story.  Rife with contrasting emotions, Mollie and Zack and a cast of intriguing secondary characters make this book memorable. I was committed from the very first page, anguishing over the gnarly bits, praying over the hopeful ones, and cheering at ending that left me cheering. An exceptional read for historical romance lovers everywhere.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Into the Whirlwind, 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 September 8 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck! 

Against the Tide

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CAMDEN, ELIZABETH
AGAINST THE TIDE

After a childhood rampant with uncertainty, Lydia Pallas has carved out a perfect life for herself. She spends her days within sight of the bustling Boston Harbor, where her skill with languages has landed her an enviable position as a translator for the U.S. Navy.

Lydia's talents bring her to the attention of Alexander Banebridge, a mysterious man in need of a translator. Driven by a campaign to end the opium trade, Bane is coolly analytical and relentless in his quest. He cannot afford to fall for Lydia and must fight the bittersweet love growing between them.

When Bane's enemies gain the upper hand, he is forced to turn to Lydia for help. Determined to prove her worth, Lydia soon discovers that carrying out Bane's mission will test her wits and her courage to the very limits.

My Review:

What a gut-wrenching story! My tummy is still in a twist after my marathon read! Compelling doesn't begin to describe Camden's work. She has a knack for creating very real characters -- flaws and all -- that are easy for a reader to fall in love with. When Lydia hurt, I hurt. When Lydia cried, I cried. I felt like I was underneath her skin and could understand every nuance and reaction in every scene. That emotional pull made even more of an impact because as a reader, I could also see into the heart and mind of the hero, Bane. And what a complex character he is too! A self-made man, much too hard on himself with a grim determination to right the wrongs in his past. He is driven. But then so is Lydia in a different way -- both striving to escape their pasts for different reasons which makes for an interesting parallel.

Camden tackles historical detail with unerring precision. I was riveted by historical facts I wasn't  aware of. Yet another way that women and children were victimized in the 19th century. Appalled, doesn't begin to describe my reactions at times. The author tells an important story that could easily translate into issues and concerns we face in the 21st century.

There are wonderful lighthearted moments as well. Lydia's snappy comebacks and the way she holds her own with Bane always brought a smile to my lips. And his subtle teasing to ruffle her feathers are so much fun. There is a dynamic connection between the two that Camden builds into an unforgettable romance.

A stunning read for historical lovers everywhere.


Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Against the Tide, please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email, 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 December 9 2012. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

The Rose of Winslow Street

Giveaway!

CAMDEN, ELIZABETH
THE ROSE OF WINSLOW STREET

In the small town of Colden, Massachusetts, Libby Sawyer leads a quiet, predictable life. Yet beneath the surface, she is haunted by a secret.

Newly arrived on American shores, Michael Dobrescu is far from predictable, and his arrival in Colden is anything but quiet. Michael's shocking claim to be the rightful owner of Libby's father's house immediately alienates him from the appalled citizens of Colden.

Despite her own outrage, Libby is unwittingly fascinated by this enigmatic man who seems equally intrigued by her. As the court's decision about the house looms, and the layers of mystery surrounding Michael's past are unveiled, Libby's loyalties are tested in ways she never imagined.

Torn between family obligation and the stirrings of her heart, dare she trust a man whose intentions and affections are so uncertain?

 My Review:
 
  The Rose of Winslow Street is steeped in intrigue that begins on the very first page. The more I read, the more questions stuttered through my mind. Wh-wh-at....h-how...wh-why....huh? I was clamouring for answers that Camden cleverly held at bay, keeping me turning pages late into the night.  What an artfully crafted plot! And each piece of the puzzle is revealed at just the right time in order to make the most dramatic impact.

But, oh my, there's laughter in unexpected places -- even in the midst of some dead-serious, dramatic scenes. Camden has laced humour all through the book. And that includes during the most volatile encounters between Michael and Libby. I'm grinning just thinking about some scenes that have left a lasting impression.

Michael leaps off the page in full warrior mode. Taciturn, protective, larger than life, like some misplaced medieval knight plunged into 19th century New England. I can't remember when I've had so much fun getting to know a character. Adorably boorish -- how's that for an oxymoron? -- he's driven by loyalty and an incredible sense of honour and steals every scene he is in, putting a capital S in the word Swoonworthy. Be still my heart! I dare any reader NOT to fall in love at first sight!

This book is pure enjoyment from beginning to end. No review can do it justice. You'll just have to read The Rose of Winslow Street for yourself to see what I mean!

Giveaway Opportunity:
 
If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Rose of Winslow Street please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTcom. Please remember to put the title in the subject line so it's easier for me to spot. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday January 1 2012. Offer open internationally. 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".

The Lady of Bolton Hill

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CAMDEN, ELIZABETH

THE LADY OF BOLTON HILL

When Clara Endicott and Daniel Tremain's worlds collide after twelve years apart, the spark that was once between them immediately reignites into a romance neither of them thought possible.

But time has changed them both.

Daniel is an industrial titan with powerful enemies. Clara is an idealistic journalist determined to defend underprivileged workers.

Can they withstand the cost of their convictions while their hearts - and lives - hang in the balance?

My Review:

Totally unexpected! Part Austenesque and part Dickensish, Camden has created a niche for herself in the historical romance genre. Mesmerizing read. The story starts off the way I anticipated it would and then takes a surprising turn that revved up the angst and changed the feel of the whole book. Absolutely brilliant!

I've always been fascinated by stories set during the industrial revolution. The lack of social justice -- especially where children are concerned -- is a high interest so I immediately identified with Clara. She is a heroine after my own heart, though she makes a huge blunder that had me screaming "noooooooo!" at the top of my lungs! (I know I've found a special book when I start talking to the characters! LOL) I did more than talk though, I berated Clara a time or two. Camden had my stomach in way too many knots for this to be a comfortable read but it was certainly a riveting one!

Daniel is the perfect tragic hero. Rough around the edges, fiercely stubborn and that arrogance! Oy! How can I find it both compelling and infuriating all at the same time? At least it I'm not alone in that. Clara was of like mind and had her hands...and her heart...full when trying to deal with her childhood friend on a completely different level. And oh the romance!!!!! Sublime is too tame a word.

 Camden has woven a strong spiritual message throughout her story. Revenge vs forgiveness and the battle is fierce. You'll want to sit down and devour the last hundred pages or so uninterrupted. This is Elizabeth Camden's debut novel and I'm praying it won't be her last!

"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".

Giveaway Opportunity: If you would like a chance at winning a copy of The Lady of Bolton Hill by Elizabeth Camden leave a comment below. Or, if blogger is giving you fits, email me at: kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca Draw will be held on Sunday, June 5. Good luck!