In a Sniper's Crosshairs

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GIUSTI, DEBBY

IN A SNIPER'S CROSSHAIRS

An assassin's loose in Amish country...and she's not the only target.

When a radio broadcast describes taxi driver Lily Hudson's passenger as an armed criminal, she becomes his immediate target. Narrowly escaping, Lily accepts Matthias Overholt's offer to hide at his Amish family farm for Christmas -- until evidence reveals the gunman's plan is tied to Lily's past. Now to prevent an assassination, Lily and Matthias must unravel a years-old conspiracy...and evade a sniper who has them in his sights.

My Review:

Great ambiance. Deliciously descriptive. Both work together to make this a completely immersive read. I could not only picture every second, but I could hear and smell and taste it all too. And feel that first frisson of fear the second Lily realizes that she's taxiing a criminal on a remote country road. Eeeppp! 

Love the way the Amish setting contrasts so sharply with the sheer terror of being hunted. And the realization that there's even more at stake then 'just' Lily's life. Giuisti has created another edge of your seat suspense...along with a wee bit of Christmas and a heroic canine besides! 

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  In a Sniper's Crosshairs, 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 17 2022 . Offer open to International Readers. 

Premonition at Withers Farm

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WRIGHT, JAIME JO

THE PREMONITION AT WITHERS FARM

The voices of the past cannot stay silent forever.

In 1910 Michigan, Perliett Van Hilton is a self-proclaimed rural healer, leaving the local doctor convinced she practices quackery. It doesn't help that her mother is a spiritualist who regularly offers her services to connect the living with their dearly departed. But when Perliett is targeted by a superstitious killer, she must rely on both the local doctor and an intriguing newcomer for assistance.

In the present day, Molly Wasziak's life has not gone the way she dreamed. Facing depression after several miscarriages, Molly is adapting to her husband's purchase of a peculiar old farm. A search for a family tree pulls Molly deep into a century-old murder case and a web of desception, all made more mysterious by the disturbing shadows and sounds inside the farmhouse.

Perliett fights for her life, and Molly seeks renewed purpose for hers as she uncovers the records of the dead. Will their voices be heard, or will time forever silence their truths?

My Review:

Gobsmacked. That's me. Senses reeling. Goosebumps still chilling. Heart may return to a normal rhythm eventually. Wright has fine-tuned her atmospheric, eerie, and yes, even menacing, storytelling to create another mesmerizing read.

Phew! I have no idea what else to say because there are so many intertwining elements in both timelines, so many intricate nuances in each story and the way they build and wrap together by the end is truly magnificent...but really hard to talk about without including spoilers.

Let's just say the journey was hair-raising and exhilarating and well worth the read.

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy. 

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  Premonition at Withers Farm, 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 17 2022 . Offer open to International Readers.

Targeted Witness

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ADAM, JACQUELINE

TARGETED WITNESS

A witness under protection. A serial killer out for revenge.

After the killer she identified finds her in witness protection, artist Cassie Whitfield must go on the run to avoid becoming the next victim. But there's nobody she can trust -- except her ex-boyfriend, former FBI agent Ryan Mathewson, who doesn't know her real identity. Now telling him the deadly truth is her only option if she wants to stay alive.

My Review:

Debut alert! And what a page-turner! I am definitely a Jacqueline Adam fan forever! She captures the kind of heart-in-throat angst that I love and right from the very first page. As we're getting to know Cassie we sense that something foreboding is on the immediate horizon...and it is! Eeepp!!! What a great action-filled opening scene! 

So, Cassie's been in witness protection for  quite a while now. It's made her more cautious and closed off than she'd like. But she finally feels some comfort and hope in the small town she's settled in. Even made some friends, established a business and dated a guy she could get serious about. Except that guy is in law enforcement and he senses she's hiding something which doesn't bode well for developing trust. So they break up and it's hard but Cassie still has her restaurant and her friends...until it's all threatened. Again. 

Cue the creepy stalker music, grab some comfort chocolate and be prepared to become spellbound by this edge-of-your seat read. And the romance is just as nail-biting as the suspense! Incredibly well done! A read-in-one-sitting extravaganza. 

Goal Update: #3 Read more debut authors

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy.  

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  Targeted Witness 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 17 2022 . Offer open to International Readers.

The Best Intentions

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EDEN, SARAH M.

THE BEST INTENTIONS

In the eyes of London Society, Gillian Phelps is suitable enough. Though the ton whispers about her change of residence, any speculation remains just that: ballroom gossip. No one -- not even the other Huntresses, the group of ladies she calls her dearest friends -- knows that she is harbouring a devastating family secret. Gillian has become adept at hiding the reality of her circumstances, but the close quarters of a house party will test her ability to conceal the crushing truth. And wish so many people to deceive, the late arrival of another guest is a most unwelcome surprise.

Despite his standing as a gentleman of the ton, in truth, Scott Sarvol possesses little more than two debt-riddled estates. When an opportunity arises to survey one of his properties, he travels north, only to find himself  an unwitting guess at Artemis Jonquil's house party. He is warmly welcomed by all -- except the aloof Miss Gillian Phelps. But when Scott proves himself unexpectedly helpful in a crisis, his acquaintance with Gillian shifts from wariness to something warmer.

As both her charade and her feelings for Scott deepen, Gillian realizes that the truth could spell not only a devastating fall from Society but also a shattered heart.

My Review:

Sublimely happy sigh of supreme bibliophile joy! Sarah M. Eden does it to me every time, so why haven't I caught up on all her books yet?! That will definitely be a 2023 goal. 

I made some headway this year but petered out with the Jonquils though I have read some of that series so I was thrilled to meet up with this delightful family in 'The Best Intentions' too. Rest assured that this reads fine even if you haven't made any Jonquil acquaintances yet. I haven't read Artemis and Charlie's story either, which I think, introduces the Huntresses concept, but I had no problem diving right into this first of the Huntresses series.

And can I say, I just love that concept?! Young ladies with unique challenges who band together to support each other and make lasting friendships. The best kind of exclusive club ever! My guess is that each lady is going to get her own book and Eden has introduced them all in such a way that I am mightily intrigued and can't wait for more! Especially if they are as good as Gillian's story!

This author is known for writing witty banter and she doesn't disappoint here. Flirtations, heart-to-hearts, even haughty rebuffs were all swoonworthy to this Regency Romance lover. And I love the historical details the author has included -- from fashion, to games, to the ridiculous ins and outs of high society and a myriad other things as well. Makes it so easy to lose sense of time and place in my real world!

I can't say a whole lot about the romance without posting spoilers. Let's just say exquisite is too tame a word to describe the depths of emotion, the heights of giddy excitement and the profoundly thought-provoking moments. Of course, the hope for a happily ever after is not without complications which just made the read all the richer. And I will happily report that I figured out a solution to their major problem way before Gillian and Scott did. I'm pretty chuffed about that -- though it was a bit nerve-racking when neither hero or heroine heeded my advice. :-)

I listened to the audible edition expertly narrated by Luone Ingram. She does most, if not all, of Eden's book narrations and I love the familiarity of that partnership.

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 Best Intentions, 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 17 2022 . Offer open to International Readers.

The Butterfly Box

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STEELE, MINDY

THE BUTTERFLY BOX

When the small town of Miller's Creek suffers a great loss, one band of brothers and a pair of town matchmakers help breathe life back into the community.

Penny Lapp thought life was done knocking her down, but when the earth shakes the ground beneath her, she knows life isn't finished toying with her yet. Everyone she has ever cared for is gone. Now suffering from her own accident while being the sole caregiver to her mother, Penny must find a way to survive the storms God has given her. Giving up would be easier, but when a stranger from the north arrives and refuses to leave, she might just discover she has so much to fight for.

Luke Milford came to Kentucky months ago for his cousin's funeral. Helping his family with their mounting losses, Luke finds himself drawn to his cousin's intended. He has never met anyone so fragile, so in need...of him. Penny Lapp needs more than a new roof, and Luke is determined to give her that before he must head back home. What was meant to be simply repaying an old debt for saving his life years ago, has now brought him back to claim what captured his heart.

My Review:

"I love Gott and all his kinner, but some just make me want to smack their heads together." (p 152)

Bwahahaha -- you might say Luke and Penny are a challenge for a certain matchmaker and I'll admit to wanting to do some head smacking too. :-)

This is the second book in the Miller Creek series and starts off right where  'To Catch a Hummingbird' left off. A town catastrophe left readers hanging at the conclusion of that book so the start of 'The Butterfly Box' is quite emotional. The opening scene with Penny standing distraught in the midst of chaos is so gripping! Sucked me right back into this Kentucky community as we follow a different set of characters. 

At times I felt as overwhelmed as Penny who has faced so much adversity in her life. Even though I got impatient with her at times, the author has done such a great job with her backstory that I could understand her hesitancy and wariness. A great lesson in not allowing our past to define our future, but, my oh my, that's hard to live out as Penny demonstrates time and time again.

Luke makes for a very swoonworthy hero, though he sometimes goes about things the wrong way which makes for complications. But he's so patient and tender with Penny. Steadfast in his desire to make her life easier. But then his band of brothers comes to town and oy, things get even more complicated. 

First off, all the brothers have 'L' names which I found really confusing. I saw them as a pack with only Luke and Lewis making enough of an impression on me to distinguish them from the crowd. I'm thinking this series is going to feature each brother which will provide a gradual in-depth introduction and by the end I'll be able to keep them all straight. :-)

Love the Kentucky setting and this Amish / Englisch mix of townsfolk who are facing a unique challenge. There's plenty of drama -- both in Penny and Luke's lives and the greater community -- and that kept me turning pages. There's one little plot point that totally surprised me! I gasped out loud. So unexpected. Makes me giddy when an author does that.

Really excited to continue this series with 'Cicada Season' which features another Milford brother (so, yay, I was right about each brother getting their own story.)

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

SPECIAL NOTE: If you're new to the series and would rather win a copy of 'To Catch a Hummingbird,' let me know in the comments. 

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  The Butterfly Box OR To Catch a Hummingbird, 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 17 2022 . Offer open to International Readers.

A Christmas Bargain

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OBENHOUS, MINDY

A CHRISTMAS BARGAIN

Can a property dispute turn into a holiday blessing?

When single mom Annalise Grant inherits a fledgling Christmas tree farm in Texas, she vows to do whatever it takes to make it a success. But when neighbour Hawkins Prescott claims some of her trees are on his property, the only option is a partnership. As Christmas draws closer, Annalise and Hawkins find themselves growing closer as well. Could a family by Christmas become part of the deal?

My Review:

Christmas tree farm alert! Why aren't there more Christmas tree farm stories out in the wild? It's my dream job...what could be easier than growing fir trees? Ha! Well, you might want to ask Annalise about that. I was amazed at all the work that goes into growing the perfect Christmas tree. Loved the farming details the author included in this novel. Makes me appreciate the trees (and the cost!) so much more.

I love the inheritance trope too. There's something deliciously exciting about the notion of being able to start fresh somewhere else with all the details already sorted. Easy peasy, right? Uh, again, you'd have to ask Annalise about that because it really isn't all smooth sailing. There are so many hiccups on her road to starting over and unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your POV) Hawkins is there for all of them.

Love the push/pull in their budding relationship. She's determined to stand her ground and be Miss Independence while he's a Rescuer with a capital R. There's some great dynamics going on between these two. Not to mention Miss Adorbaleness herself, little Olivia, who seems take have inherited her mama's independent streak. :-)

Heartwarming and Christmasy in the most perfect holiday setting of all!!!!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  A Christmas Bargain, 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 10 2022 . Offer open to International Readers.

Now That I Know You

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RANDOM RETRO READ!

NEWPORT, OLIVIA

NOW THAT I KNOW YOU

Cate Butler is the distant cousin genealogist Jillian was so certain she wanted to find -- and the only connection she has to her deceased mother's Parisi family tree. So why does she wish Cate would stop pestering her? And why can't Jillian find a paper trail proving Cate is who she says she is?

Cate want something for her own career that Jillian can't give, but she also holds the key to family history Jillian can't bring herself to walk away from. Nolan, Jillian's father, steps in when Cate's chronic career chaos requires legal rescue. Drew, the man who holds Jillian's heart, has a surprising past with Cate. The truths Jillian, Cate, and Drew find while untangling knotted threads tie them back together in remarkable ways none of them ever would have imagined.

My Review:

published in 2021

I have been a fan of this Tree of Life series since I'm intrigued by family history and genealogical mysteries. I have found Jillian to be a complex and fascinating character and I love the close relationship she has with her widowed father. Their teasing and bickering always makes me smile, but it's there steadfast devotion to each other that is especially touching. 

'Now That I Know You' is the fifth and final book in this series and I do think you should have read at least one of the previous books before diving into this one. That's because of the cemented relationships, not just between father and daughter but with their bevy of friends. I have a feeling a new-to-the-series reader would feel a bit overwhelmed. And then there's the romance between Jillian and Drew that has been developing over the last few books.

Newport expertly weaves together two timelines and this time, the past features Jillian's own ancestors. The author delves into some fascinating (and tragic) Colorado mining history and it's up to Jillian to sort out all the players and how they are connected to her present. 

A captivating series conclusion that had me wanting to stand up and cheer by the end. So much to smile about. So much to think about -- how families can be victimized or blessed by previous generations -- why it's important to look at historical details with accuracy in order to really understand the past and prevent repeating mistakes in the present. And the courage it takes to do so.

Goal Update: #1 Read more Indies, #2 Catch up on series I'm behind in

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  Now That I Know You, 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 10 2022 . Offer open to International Readers.

Witness Protection Breach

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KIRST, KAREN

WITNESS PROTECTION BREACH

How can he protect a boy whose mother is hiding their identity?

Mounted police officer Cruz Castillo's determined to shield his neighbour and her five-year-old son from their attacker. But when Jade Harris reveals she's in witness protection and her escaped convict ex-boyfriend's dead set on getting his revenge, Cruz isn't sure he's up to the task. With Christmas fast approaching, can Cruz keep this family safe without losing his heart to a woman holding dangerous secrets?

My Review:

I love the way Karen Kirst hooks me with her opening sentence every time. "Somewhere in the square, a truck engine backfired, and Jade Harris choked on her steamed vanilla milk." My spidey senses go on high alert and I'm immediately wondering a) what's in Jade's past to startle her so? And b) was that really a truck backfiring or...Whether it was or not, my eyeballs are already tripping over themselves to find out what kind of mayhem lies in store. And, of course, this author doesn't disappoint. My anxiety level spiked before the end of the first chapter.

This is the fourth (and final, I think) book in the Smoky Mountain Defenders series. No worries, it can be read as a standalone, but for fans of these mounted police officers and their equine partners, there's some nice cameos from previous books throughout this one. I'm really hoping the Love Inspired Suspense line might consider a Mounted Police continuity series, the way they've done for K-9s in recent years. Fingers crossed and pretty please!

Lots of intrigue and danger with a few romantic interludes interspersed. But both suspense and romance are fraught with complications and some wild u-turns on occasion. And it all makes for a riveting read. Oh -- and there's Christmas! What more can a reader as for in December?

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  Witness Protection Breach, 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 10 2022 . Offer open to International Readers.

Made of Steele

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SLEEMAN, SUSAN

MADE OF STEELE

She keeps her feelings to herself...

When Teagan Steele faces her hardest challenge since taking over her family's security company, she has to dig deep to figure out how one of their clients smuggled antiquities into this country, and what they did with them. And she has to clear Steele Guardians of any charges of collusion and wrongdoing.

But a bold undercover agent changes everything.

When she comes face-to-face with undercover ICE agent, Drew Collier, who is deep in the smuggling ring, she has to work hard to keep her emotions in check and herself professional at all times. Despite her best efforts, Teagan and Drew grow closer, but a new threat soon puts their budding relationship to the test and their lives in grave danger.

My Review:

Honestly, I don't know how Susan Sleeman manages to apply fresh twists to each romantic suspense novel she writes. The antiquity smuggling is interesting all on its own but then she throws in another angle and I was, like, whhhaaatttt?! Gobsmacked all the way through. :-)

And her meet-cutes are some of the best. This one had me alternately wincing and laughing. Love hot-headed Teagan and the way she contrasts with easy going Drew...until she starts getting under his skin. There's some great banter as well as soul-searching dialogue about faith that made these characters vibrant and memorable. Oh...and there's a bit of a fake relationship trope in here as well which was all kinds of fun!

Of course, all the sisters and cousins provide a side of comic relief and angst, just to stir things up even more. This is the fourth book in the Steele Guardians series but reads really well as a standalone. Fans of the author will thrill at some cameos from previous series as well (Nighthawk  Security and Truth Seekers) which had me in full bibliophile fan-girling mode. 

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Whitney Dykhouse. I've come to associate her voice with Susan Sleeman's books so I always get a real sense of homecoming the second I start to listening.

Goal Update: #1 Read more Indie authors, #6 Stay current with a series, #8 Play author catch-up

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 Made of Steele, 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 10 2022 . Offer open to International Readers.

Millstone of Doubt

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VETSCH, ERICA

MILLSTONE OF DOUBT

Regency London's detective duo is back on a new case -- and this one is going to be a killer.

Caught in the explosion of the Hammersmith Mill in London, Bow Street Runner Daniel Swann rushes to help any survivors only to find the mill's owner dead of an apparent gunshot.

Even though the owner's daughter, Agatha Montgomery, mourns his death,  it seems there are more than a few people with motive for murder. But Daniel can't take this investigation slow and steady. Instead, he must dig through all the suspects as quickly as he can, because the clock is ticking until his mysterious patronage -- and his job as a runner -- comes to an abrupt and painful end. It seems to Daniel that, like his earthly father, his Heavenly Father has abandoned him to the fates.

Lady Juliette Thorndike is Agatha's bosom friend and has the inside knowledge of the wealthy London ton to be invaluable to Daniel. She should be in a perfect position to help with the case. Still, her instructor in the art of spy craft orders her to stay out of the investigation. But circumstances intervene, dropping her into the middle of the deadly pursuit.

When a dreadful accident ends in another death on the mill floor, Daniel discovers a connection to his murder case -- and to his own secret past. Now he and Juliette are in a race to find the killer before his time runs out.

My Review:

Squeeeepppppp -- this is me fan-girling all over this series. I love the mix of mystery and Regency and all the cloak and dagger bits. Daniel is a Bow Street Investigator but Juliette is apprenticing in the family biz -- spies for the Crown. :-) Is that not spectacular? Of course their paths cross and they end up working together in some ways but...

Okay, here's where I need to say right up front that the Thorndike and Swann Regency Mysteries need to be read in order. This is the second book so you really should read 'The Debutante's Code' first. It covers a ton of backstory for both characters and setting and some of that story arc -- especially Daniel's -- carries into this book in a spectacular fashion. Plus the romance -- fainting couches required! -- is a slow build through both books. Each does have its own mystery though.

Speaking of which -- woohoo -- I figured out two key mystery plot points in 'Millstone of Doubt'. I do believe I might make Bow Street Runner someday. :-) But there's also a few loose threads left dangling so I'm eager to get a hold of the third book asap...only it's not out yet. Sob! And I can't find out any info on it either. Patience is a virtue, as they say. Sigh.

I listened to Kim Bretton's excellent narration. There's something extra swoony about listening to a Regency with all the right accents.

Goal Update: #5 Diversify my reading, #7 Stay current with a series.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

PLEASE NOTE: Because it is important to read Debutante's Code before Millstone of Doubt, this giveaway is for EITHER book. Just let me know in the comments which book you are entering to win.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  Millstone of Doubt OR The Debutante's Code, 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 10 2022 . Offer open to International Readers.

Happily Ever Amish

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GRAY, SHELLEY SHEPARD

HAPPILY EVER AFTER

Abbie Tyler may be Apple Creek's resident wallflower, but she knows she has a lot to offer -- and much to be grateful for. Raised by her loving grandmother, she lives a life filled with good friends and hard work. Wary of romance, Addie assumes no man will look beyond her glasses and her tendency to talk to her rescue donkey, Snickers -- until the day she finds a note from a secret admirer. A prank, most likely. But then a second note arrives...

It's not that Daniel Miller doesn't like Addie, he just doesn't want to court her. She's too willful, too chatty, too odd. yet when he learns she's been teased because she's never had a beau, he decides to send a little note of encouragement. One note leads to another. And when Addie begins replying with thoughtful messages of her own, he's struck by her sweetness and warmth.

As chilly winter melts into spring, what began as a gesture of sympathy becomes something much deeper. Daniel fears revealing the truth, but with courage, faith -- and a helping hand from their close-knit community -- Apple Creek's most unlikely couple may find their path to happiness.

My Review:

Happy Sigh. A new Amish series from Shelley Shepard Gray is always something to get excited about and The Amish of Apple Creek promises to be another memorable one. 

Love the way the author has set the series up -- I'm guessing that Daniel's bachelor friends are going to get their own stories in the near future. But I also really loved the soul-searching in this first book. And not just with Addie and Daniel, but his friends as well. It makes for a wonderful springboard for future adventures among the set.

Addie is misunderstood, partly due to malicious gossip but also because she's resigned to be overlooked. She suffers in silence as the confirmed outsider and pours her heart into serving her ailing grandmother and the people she works for. Her best friend is a donkey named Snickers! His story is fabulous so I won't give anything away except to say that he's the epitome of true friendship. :-)

Daniel's the kind of guy who goes with the flow. He's never been mean to Addie but he never speaks up against the gossip either...until one day he notices her standing all alone in a crowd and starts to wonder. So he sends her a secret admirer note. What follows is heartwarming and heartbreaking and funny and sweet and everything in between. And so much more! 

So excited for this new series by a much loved author of Amish Romance.

Goal Update: #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  Happily Ever After, 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 10 2022 . Offer open to International Readers.

The Second Christmas

 

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PERRY, MARTA

THE SECOND CHRISTMAS

The warmth of the Christmas season and a woman's return home to the charming Amish community of Promise Glen open the door to a second chance at love.

When Leah Stolz picture returning to Promise Glen, she imagined taking everything she'd learned from her aunt's business and starting up a quaint herbal tea chop of her own. What she didn't expect was for Josiah Burkhalter to insist on helping her. Josiah might have been her childhood sweetheart, but they've both changed a lot since then, and Leah's not sure she can trust the man who once broke her heart.

Josiah is determined to make the most of this unexpected second chance. When he hears of Leah's plans to open her own shop, he resolves to help in any way he can -- beginning his gentle campaign to win her back by renovating the small cottage her on her family's farm.

During her time away, Leah looked forward to once again spending the holiday season with her family, especially Second Christmas, December 26, a time for celebrating with extended family and close neighbours like the Burhalters. But as Christmas nears, her feelings for Josiah are strengthened by their time working together, leaving Leah confused. Now it will take all the magic of the season for Leah to confront her fears and reach for the love she deserves.

My Review:

Marty Perry + Christmas = One Big Happy Sigh!

Such a charming story with so many Christmas elements gently woven in. And I say gently because it's not all tinsel and lights and holiday bustle. Much simpler and thoughtful and yet all those special touches create a very Christmasy feel in this holiday Second Chance Romance.

We're back in Promise Glen -- this is the fourth book in the series but reads 'gut' as a standalone. I love the layers the author brings to the story. Some of it is H/h back story, but some involve secondary characters which adds more depth and kept me engaged right to very last page. 

I love Perry's storytelling style -- so much happens but I never feel rushed. The story unfolds in what seems like a leisurely pace but it is actually chock full of drama and angst and humour and so much heart! 

Goal Update: #7 Stay current with a 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  The Second Christmas, 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.

Christmas K-9 Unit Heroes

GIVEAWAY

WORTH, LENORA

LEE, KATY

CHRISTMAS K-9 UNIT HEROES

Danger comes to Denver for the holidays...in these thrilling Rocky Mountain K-9 Unit novellas.

With veterinarian Sydney Jones being targeted, K-9 Officer Gavin Walker and his furry partner must stand between her and certain death in Lenora Worth's Hidden Christmas Danger. And the clock is ticking in Silent Night Explosion by Katy Lee -- but can Jodie Chen trust the newest K-9 officer, Victor Abrams, and his dog to find a bomb and keep her alive...despite Victor's shadowed past?

My Review:

Happy/sad to have reached the end of this fantastic continuity series, but I guess, if it had to end this is the perfect way to wrap it up. Two strong novellas from stellar authors deliver intense suspense and toe-curling romance in just the right doses. Oh, and memorable K-9s too, of course!

There's a stalkerish vibe to Lenora Worth's 'Hidden Christmas Danger.' Love that Gavin and Sydney are already friends so the leap into romance is very plausible given the amount of time they spend together as he protects her. You might say that their 'friendship only barrier' slowly crumbles to dust as danger mounts. 

And we get some previous heroes/heroines cameos as well. But the one thing I will mention is that there's a major spoiler for the suspense in book 7, "Explosive Revenge" featuring Tyson and Skylar, so, if you're intending to read that one, skip Worth's novella until after you've read book 7. 

Katy Lee dialled up the angst in 'Silent Night Explosion', both with the suspense and the romance as well the hero's backstory. She had me rooting for misunderstood Victor right from the start. I wanted to shake Jodie for not trusting him but she had her (annoying) reasons so I got it. Love the roll grace brings to this story and the way the whole team rallies around by the end. A truly spectacular mini grand finale for the series. :-)

I enjoyed listening to the audible edtion of this book. Both Vanessa Daniels and Nancy Wu delivered captivating performances. I even fangirled a bit when I recognized Nancy Wu's voice from her narrations of the Timber Creek K-9 Mystery series by Margaret Mizushima!

Goal Update: #5 Diversify my reading, #6 Stay current with a series.

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  Christmas K-9 unit Heroes, 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.

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.