Kissed by a Cowboy

GIVEAWAY

CLOPTON, DEBRA
KISSED BY A COWBOY

Cassidy was looking for a home and a place to belong...not for a cowboy to steal her heart.

Having lived through her parents' endless string of 'matrimonial bliss gone wrong,' Cassidy Starr knows when the odds are not in her favour. Divorced and humiliated, her faith on rocky ground, Cassidy is through with love. She's been bucked off that horse far too many times. Instead, she returns to Wishing Springs, Texas, and the rundown farm she's inherited from her great aunt Rosie. She'll reopen the strawberry farm and a bed & breakfast and follow in her aunt's footsteps, remaining forever-independent, happy...and single.

Rancher Jarrod Monahan's hands are full running the ranch, looking after his ailing grandfather, and chasing down a group of rustlers on the loose. He's pushed his longing for a family to the bottom of his list of priorities. Besides, he was in love once but ran scared and lost his shot at happiness. But suddenly, the biggest regret of his life has moved in next door with a wounded heart, determined to become a spinster...and that's a challenge that Jarrod can't pass up.

Jarrod sets his mind to breaking down the walls around Cassidy's stubborn heart. How can he show her that a cowboy's kiss lasts forever? For the good folks of Wishing Springs, falling in love has never been so much fun to witness.

My Review:

Holey smokin' pine cones! Make sure the fainting couch is plumped up and you have a fan or two handy...or you could just stick your head in a snow bank periodically if you live in Northern climes...because you are going to swoon over Jarrod Monahan.

He's a take-charge cowboy with a heart for service and his sights are set on Cassidy.  Only gremlins from her past cause her to interpret his neighbourly overtures as overbearing. Talk about a confusing clash of wills and a definite lack of communication at times. But it's impossible for Cassidy to remain aloof as memories from their past take residence in her mind...and unfortunately...her heart.

But she's one determined lady and her life plan involves living alone on her organic strawberry farm. It definitely doesn't include a male and most certainly not Jarrod in particular. But this cowboy won't be dissuaded. His toe-curling pursuit of the woman he loves is sublime in hyperventilating proportions. Swoon inducing kissing scenes and a relentless cowboy bent on getting the girl made my heart stutter a time or two...or three or four...during this read.

Clopton's trademark humour is evident on every page. From the quirky secondary characters readers have come to love in this series to brotherly advice on matters of the heart -- well, it's sweet perfection and I'm still grinning.

An incredible conclusion to the Four Hearts Ranch Romance series - faith-filled and brimming with hope -- Jarrod and Cassidy's story will grab your heart and linger with you long after the last page.

My Thanks to Litfuse Publicity and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book.

http://litfusegroup.com/author/dclopton

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  Kissed by a Cowboy 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 February 21 2016 . Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Counting on a Cowboy

GIVEAWAY

CLOPTON, DEBRA
COUNTING ON A COWBOY

After losing everything she held dear, Abby never wants to love again. But a certain cowboy may just spur her to wonder if love might be worth the risk.

Running from a past that haunts her, Abby Knightly is drawn to the cozy town of Wishing Springs, Texas. Maybe this small town could offer hope and healing and a future for Abby . . . if she's brave enough to reach out and take it by the reins.

Bo Monahan isn't interested in the new romantic destination his little town has become---or the women who might be looking at him like he's their next Mr. Right. Between taking care of his Pops and his growing stirrup business, he isn't looking for serious romantic commitments. But when the infant son he never knew about shows up at his doorstep, his world is turned upside down.

This confirmed bachelor might not think he needs a wife, but he sure needs help. Even Abby can see that, and despite her best efforts to keep her distance, she can't help but be drawn to this new father-son duo. As Abby throws herself into helping Bo navigate fatherhood, hope sparks between them, revealing that maybe, just maybe, they can navigate their dark pasts and emerge together into a future as bright as the Texas sun itself.

My Review:

I want to say 'Best Romantic Comedy Ever' but as I think back on this story I realize there are a lot of really intensely emotional issues that various characters are struggling to deal with. So there's definitely gritty realism delivered in an honest, and sometimes heart wrenching, way but I still start grinning when I think about Counting on a Cowboy. I guess the humorous bits that shine through the drama really made an impact on me.

Like two cowboy brothers dealing with the day in, day out care of an infant: "Aw, come, Jarrod. Give me a break. I've changed him three times and you should see the stuff coming out of that kid. Maybe we should take him to the doc." (p. 75) Bumbling cowboys out of their element are always a treat to read about.

As is the simmering romance between Bo and Abby. Attraction confirmed, desire to do something about it, not so much. Because it's truly complicated. From a crash bang first meet to Abby's painful past, there just doesn't seem to be a way for them to move forward. Cue the audacious town matchmakers -- Clara Lyn and Reba -- though, honestly, their clumsy attempts do more harm than good a time or two. And that's because they don't have all the facts.

Neither does the reader when it comes to Abby's haunting past. Clopton expertly tantalizes with subtle hints that grow clearer as the story progresses. I was gutted by the time the whole truth was revealed but thrilled when Bo proves to finally be the hope for her future.

Clopton delivers another spellbinding read. Lovin' this series to pieces. Bring on Book 3 of A Four of Hearts Ranch Romance.

My thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group and Thomas Nelson for providing me with a copy of this book.

http://litfusegroup.com/author/dclopton

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Counting on a Cowboy 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 30 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!


Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 8th. The winner will be announced September 9th on Debra's blog.

Betting On Hope

GIVEAWAY

CLOPTON, DEBRA
BETTING ON HOPE

A bet gone wrong. A small town's meddling. And a cowboy intent on saving his ranch.

Maggie Hope is an advice columnist whose background leaves her with little advice to give . . . and it's beginning to show. When Maggie fills in at an interview with champion horse trainer Tru Monahan, the on-camera chemistry between them is undeniable. Maggie's bosses know this is the opportunity she's been looking for to launch her career--and their bank accounts. In order to save her column, Maggie takes Tru up on the bet that he can teach her to ride a quick-stepping cutting horse like any cowgirl, despite the fact that she has never been on a horse. And in the meantime, she can get the scoop on the man under the cowboy hat.

Tru has been on the competition circuit for longer than he'd like, but he knows it's the only way he can afford to keep the Four of Hearts Ranch that means so much to his ailing grandfather. So when his sponsors see the opportunity for Tru's fans to get to know the star on a more intimate level, he knows he must oblige. To his dismay, Maggie not only invades his small town of Wishing Springs, but she also invades his heart, and that is something he cannot let any woman do--for her own good.

In Wishing Springs, Maggie finds what she has always been looking for: a community and a home. But when her past catches up to her, it threatens everything, even the tender hope that this town holds all of her heart's desires.

My Review:

Wow, this is going to be a doozey of a series. I love the way Clopton creates an unforgettable community of living, breathing characters. Makes me want to visit Wishing Springs but it's not on the map.  I checked! I'm already lamenting that there are only three Monahan brothers because I want this series to go on for a long time. And just for fun, fans of this author's Love Inspired books will appreciate the nod to Mule Hollow found within these pages.

The fantastic first meet totally drew me in. I love a klutzy heroine -- especially when a dashing cowboy comes to her rescue. I could hear the rumble of fireworks over that first glance and couldn't burrow into the story fast enough. Clopton is a comedic genius and her scenes just flow with love and laughter. Mind you, there's plenty of angst to work through for both Tru and Maggie and I loved the way the plot took a few unexpected turns that kept it fresh and compelling.

There are times when secondary characters steal the show -- Clara Lyn and Reba from the Cut Up and Roll Hair Salon are on the top of my list of favourites. They are unrepentant busybodies with hearts of gold and bring an added warmth to this inspiring tale. There's also a secondary plot involving a pregnant teen that further enhances the underlining theme of the hope that comes from sacrifice. Again, it has a couple of surprising twists and enough of an emotional punch to keep my nose buried in the book until I reached the end.

A stellar start to a promising new series.

My thanks to Litfuse Publicity and Thomas Nelson for providing me with a review copy of this book.

http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/betting-on-hope-debra-clopton

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Betting On Hope 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 8 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!



 
 Winner will be announced March 9th on Debra's blog.

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Four Weddings and a Kiss : A Western Bride Collection

GIVEAWAY

BROWNLEY, MARGARET
CLOPTON, DEBRA
CONNEALY, MARY
HATCHER, ROBIN LEE
FOUR WEDDINGS AND A KISS : A WESTERN BRIDE COLLECTION

In 1885 five western preachers sit around a campfire talking about unlikely couples they’ve seen God bring together.

“Spitfire Sweetheart” by Mary Connealy

Maizy Place is an unruly tomboy. When she causes an accident, injuring neighbor Rylan Carstens, she becomes his unlikely caregiver. Rylan has never noticed how pretty his infuriating neighbor is, and he never expected to fall in love.

“Love Letter to the Editor” by Robin Lee Hatcher

Molly Everton is the outspoken daughter of the town newspaper’s owner. When her father brings in an outsider to be editor, she tries to drive him out of town. But Jack Ludgrove is not intimidated. He’s resolved to change Molly’s mind about him—as an editor and as a man.

“A Cowboy for Katie” by Debra Clopton

Katie Pearl is uninterested in men and love. But she needs help on her ranch and hires Thad Rayburn, a wandering cowboy looking to make a buck. Will Thad change Katie’s mind?

“Saving Grace” by Margaret Brownley

Grace Davenport is either the unluckiest woman alive—or a killer. When her third husband is found dead, Grace is arrested. Attorney Brock Daniels isn’t interested in the case—until he meets Grace. Only a miracle will prove her innocence, but the joining of two lonely hearts may be their saving grace.

My Review:

Squeeeeaaaalllll! I got my hands on an ARC (Advanced Reader's Copy) of Four Weddings and a Kiss and couldn't wait to dive in. What a treat! Better than chocolate...almost. :-)

Four dynamic authors combine their considerable talent to create a fantastic read. I really enjoyed the introductory scene with all the preachers gathered around the campfire trying to out do each other with unlikely matrimony tales. What a clever thread to pull these four different stories together!

All hail to 'true grit' heroines of the wild west. There's nothing as inspiring as the women who helped settled the West. These authors do our pioneer ancestors justice with vivid tales of courage and love.

And the heroes -- as diverse in temperament as they are in looks, each one swoonworthy in his own way. Stubborn, irritable, and sometimes rough around the edges perhaps, but all set my heart a pitter-patter as I read their stories.

I'm amazed at the ability of these authors to deliver such a rich, satisfying read in a novella length story. Each one is pact with action, romance and humour -- a lethal combination! Four Weddings and a Kiss belongs on every TBR pile -- but you'll have to wait until June to get your hands on a copy but I promise, it's worth the wait.

My thanks goes to Mary Connealy who provided me with an advanced reader's copy of this book.

Giveaway Opportunity:

PLEASE NOTE: THIS BOOK DOESN'T RELEASE UNTIL JUNE. YOUR BOOK WILL BE PREORDERED FOR YOU.

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Four Weddings and a Kiss : a Western Bride Collection please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca.  If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers. If you email me, please be sure to put the title in the subject line so it is easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday March  30 2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck.

Her Unexpected Cowboy

GIVEAWAY

CLOPTON, DEBRA
HER UNEXPECTED COWBOY

Rowdy McDermott has a plan. Stay on the straight and narrow, help the foster boys on Sunrise Ranch and forget about love. The last thing he expects is his pretty new neighbor falling literally into his arms. Lucy Calvert is glad the handsome cowboy broke her fall,  but isn't ready for the feelings he's stirring in her heart. She's heard rumors about his past, and is steering clear from the kind of man he used to be. With a little help from his boys,  can Rowdy show her that people— and hearts—can change?

Cowboys of Sunrise Ranch:  These men have hearts as big as Texas.

My Review:

The perfect combination of humour and drama with a deep message about acceptance threaded throughout. Lucy's story really touched me. Rowdy became a larger than life hero for me despite his past. Clopton does a wonderful job of highlighting the powerful change God can inspire. This is the kind of read that will linger with you long after you reach the end.


Giveaway Opportunity

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Her Unexpected Cowboy 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 January 19 2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck! 

A Bride For All Seasons

GIVEAWAY

BROWNELY, MARGARET
CLOPTON, DEBRA
CONNEALY, MARY
HATCHER, ROBIN LEE
A BRIDE FOR ALL SEASONS

It All Started with an Ad in a Mail Order Bride Catalogue…

Melvin Hitchcock of the Hitching Post Mail Order Bride Catalogue isn’t dishonest—not exactly. If he tweaks his clients’ applications a bit, it’s because he’s looking out for their best interests.
This charming bouquet of novellas introduces four Hitching Post prospects in the year 1870, each one eager for second chances . . . and hungry for happiness. Year in, year out, they’ll learn that love often comes in unexpected packages.

“And then Came Spring” by Margaret Brownley

Mary-Jo has traveled halfway across the country to meet her match, arriving just in time for his funeral. Returning home seems like her only option until her would-be brother-in-law proposes a more daring idea.

“An Ever After Summer” by Debra Clopton

Ellie had no idea she’s not what Matthew ordered. And what’s wrong with being a “Bible thumper” anyway? She’s determined to show him she’s tougher than she looks—and just the girl he needs.

“Autumn’s Angel” by Robin Lee Hatcher

Luvena would be perfect for Clay if she didn’t come with kids. But kids are a deal breaker, especially in a rough-and-trouble mining town. ­ The trouble is, there’s no money to send them back . . .

“Winter Wedding Bells” by Mary Connealy

David’s convinced he’s not long for the world. He needs someone to mother his boys when he’s gone—nothing more. Can plucky Irish Megan convince him to work at living instead of dying?

My Review:

What a powerhouse group of authors! So absolutely no surprise that this compilation of novellas makes for an amazing read! And what a clever twist to the mail-order-bride angle! Ol' Hitch certain plays havoc for the couples in these stories and I loved every confusing minute of it! And yes, I just noticed that every sentence so far ends in an exclamation mark, but honestly, each one is warranted. A Bride for all Seasons is an incredible read filled with humour, inspiration and romance! Therefore exclamation marks are a given. :-)

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of A Bride For All Seasons, 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 7 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck! 

Her Rodeo Cowboy

CLOPTON, DEBRA
HER RODEO COWBOY

Finding her way to love.

Everything accountant Montana Brown thought she knew about love and marriage goes topsy-turvy when her parents split up.  Shaken, she heads to Mule Hollow, Texas, to stay with family and take a chance on an old dream; being a cowgirl. With all her might, she tries to resist the charms of a too-handsome cowboy. Luke Holden is going after his own dream of expanding his ranch. A wife isn't on his wish list. But the Mule Hollow matchmakers are fixin' to lasso Luke and Montana together -- with a little faith and love.

My Review:

Romantic Comedy at its best!!! I've read one other Mule Hollow Homecoming book and I'm going to have to hunt down the rest. They are such a fun read! The Matchmaking ladies are hysterical! What a great concept to frame a series around older ladies who are trying to draw young people back to their town...so that they can marry them off and build up the population one baby at a time! LOL.

The romance is a perfect mix of tenderness and uncertainty along with a healthy dose of passion. Her Rodeo Cowboy is chalkful of laughter and love, making it a delightful read.

Yuletide Cowboy

CLOPTON, DEBRA

YULETIDE COWBOY

After three years in Mule Hollow's women's shelter, single mother Lynn Perry is finally spending the holidays in her own house. And then the town's matchmakers send over a hunky cowboy to hang Christmas lights…Lynn hopes there's no mistletoe around. With her painful past, how can she trust another man? Especially former bull rider and current pastor Chance Turner, who isn't planning on sticking around—or ever preaching again. Unless Lynn, twin boys and the matchmakers help her yuletide cowboy see he's the answer to a family's—and a town's—Christmas prayers.

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE CLOPTON'S 'VOICE'. HER DESCRIPTIONS AND DIALOGUE ARE RICH WITH LOCAL DIALECT AND TRANSPORTED ME INTO THE STATE OF TEXAS -- AND COWBOY COUNTRY. AND SHE INTRODUCED ME TO THE WONDERS OF SMALL TOWN LIVING AND THE CRAZY MIX OF MULE HOLLOW RESIDENTS. ALL OF THIS ADDED DIMENSION TO THE STORY AND ENHANCED THE ROMANCE.

CHANCE TURNER IS A HERO DESTINED TO SEND SHIVERS UP YOUR SPINE. HIS EASY GOING DRAWL, THE WAY HE CARES ABOUT PEOPLE -- LYNN AND HER TWINS ESPECIALLY -- THE OLD-WORLD CHARM THAT IS FAST FADING IN TODAY'S MODERN SOCIETY -- HIS DELIBERATE DETERMINATION TO WIN LYNN'S TRUST -- ALL CONTRIBUTE TO SUPER HERO STATUS AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED.

LYNN'S SITUATION AND SUBSEQUENT STRUGGLES ARE REALISTICALLY AND COMPASSIONATELY PORTRAYED. HER STRENGTH AND DETERMINATION COMBINED WITH HER STUBBORNNESS MAKE HER EASY TO CARE ABOUT -- BOTH FOR THE READER AND CHANCE!

THIS IS THE THIRD IN THE MEN OF MULE HOLLOW TRILOGY. I HAVEN'T READ THE FIRST TWO, BUT WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY IN MARCH WHEN HARLEQUIN RELEASES TWO BOOKS IN ONE. I'LL DEFINITELY BE ORDERING THAT CLASSIC!