The Cowboy's Journey Home

GIVEAWAY

GOODNIGHT, LINDA

THE COWBOY'S JOURNEY

He'll make up for the past...but won't saddle anyone with his future.

Medically discharged from the military, Yates Trudeau and his ex-military dog, Justice, return to the family ranch, vowing to make amends -- and keep his prognosis hidden. Only, civilian life means facing reporter Laurel Maxwell, the woman he left behind but never forgot. Forging a new bond comes naturally, but when she learns the truth, will she risk her heart for an uncertain future?

A K-9 Companions Story

Also a Sundown Valley book

My Review:

What a powerful redemption story! Not just for Yates, but the whole Trudeau family. If you have been following the Sundown Valley series this last (I think) book will make a real impact. But don't worry if you haven't met Wade and Bowie (brother and cousin) and the rest of the gang -- you can still read this book as a standalone and feel a tremendous emotional connection with these characters and their struggles. It'll be just extra special if you've been to Sundown Valley before. :-)

And right here I better explain that this book does double duty in two series which I think is kinda neat. It's the 8th book in the multi-authored K-9 Companions series and the 3rd book in the author's own Sundown Valley series, but, as I said, it can easily be read as a standalone so don't be shy of jumping right in.

Goodnight has really captured all the uncertainties and turmoil of a wounded soldier transitioning to civilian life while accommodating injury. In particular, Yate's inner thoughts, recriminations, his downright wariness, was gut wrenching. As was the prodigal son homecoming he gets from his family. 

But his reunion with Laurel is all kinds of complicated and I had a love/hate relationship with the way the author kept me on tenterhooks waiting to find out their complete story. She doles out tidbits of information at key junctures which made this a land-slide read-in-one-sitting kind of book.

Love, laughter, grief and pain all wrapped up in the uncertainties...and hope...of a future. This lovely quote sums it up nicely:

"No one knows what the future may hold, but we know Who holds the future." (p 217)

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  The Cowboy's Journey Home, 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 August 6 2022 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

Love and Lavender

GIVEAWAY

KILPACK, JOSI. S.

LOVE AND LAVENDER

A Mayfield Family Romance

Hazel Stillman is a woman of rare independence and limited opportunities. Born with a clubbed foot, Hazel knows marriage is unlikely, so she devotes herself to teaching at a private girls' school.

When her uncle offers Hazel a substantial inheritance if she marries, she is offended. What kind of decent man would marry for money? But when she learns the school might be sold, she knows she must consider all her options.

Duncan Penhale thrives on order and process. He has no interest in marriage, so when Elliott Mayfield, his guardian's brother, offers him an inheritance if he weds, Duncan finds it intrusive. However, an inheritance means he could purchase a building and run his own accounting firm.

Hazel and Duncan believe they have found a solution to both of their problems: marry one another, claim their inheritances, and then part ways to enjoy their individual paths. But then Uncle Mayfield stipulates that they must first live together as a couple for one year.

Over time, their marriage of convenience becomes much more appealing than they had anticipated. At the end of the full year, will they go their separate ways or could an unlikely marriage have found unsuspecting love?

My Review:

Gobsmackingly good and so very different from other Regency Romances! Neurodivergent hero paired with a physically disabled heroine makes for a unique love story. Touching and sweet and absolutely hysterical at times! 

The way Duncan takes things so literally and has no boundaries -- oh my, so many laugh out loud moments!!!! I love the way Hazel accepts him for who he is and quickly learns to adjust to his quirks while he is equally solicitous of her physical limitations. Acceptance plays a huge role in this romance and I love the way the relationship develops. There's a letter writing part in the beginning which was just delightful! And then, when they move in together....all kinds of fun and a wee bit of mayhem!

I really connected with Hazel since she has a disability similar to my own -- not quite the same, but the closest I've seen in fiction. So her struggles with constant pain, difficulty walking, the need for specialty footwear, the feeling of being 'broken' and the fierce push for independence resonated with me. I love the way Duncan finds practical ways to support her and how he introduces faith into her life. 

If you are looking for something a little different that celebrates the extraordinary with a unique perspective, this is the romance for you!

Goal Update: #2 Catch up on a series I'm behind in #5 Diversify my reading

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Love and Lavender, 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 June 4 2022. Offer open to International Readers.

All That it Takes

GIVEAWAY

DEESE, NICOLE

ALL THAT IT TAKES

When the ever cautious Val Locklier moves cross-country with her son for a secure job, everything she planned unraveled in the first week. After Val reluctantly agrees to rent an apartment from her best friend's brother, an unexpected chance at an elite filmmakers' mentorship ignites fresh hope for a dream career. But as Val's community begins to expand, so do her insecurities, especially those heightened by her growing attraction to a certain friendly landlord.

Pastor Miles McKenzie returns from a short-term mission trip to discover that not only does he have an intriguing new tenant living upstairs, he's also been reassigned to a local ministry on life support. Disillusioned and restless, he distracts himself by throwing his energy into a host of new projects -- not the least of which is pursuing Val -- without stopping to consider the future.

As Val struggles to stop hiding behind the camera and Miles wrestles with shattered expectations, they'll find that authentic love and sacrifice must go hand in hand.

My Review:

Gobsmackingly good to the point of leaving me without words...almost. :-)

There's so much meat to this story in the real gritty day-to-day challenges kind of way. And I absolutely love the unique perspective of a pastor's struggles. And my oh my does Miles struggle! On the surface, it seems like he has reasons for his issues with church politics but it's actually more complex than that. So many rich layers to uncover as the story progresses. Incredible character growth.

In Val as well. I can't say too much without giving spoilers, but, again, a deeply layered character arc that pulled at my emotions and even made me tear up a bit. 

And when you pair these two together -- cue the shooting stars and warm fuzzies! Absolutely love the way Deese progresses the romance. This couple actually talk to each other and they work through issues as they crop up which doesn't mean it's all smooth sailing. We're still left with a few nail-biting moments as they work through some things. It was just so refreshing to have a a switch from the usual twists authors use to keep the hero and heroine apart. Miles and Val are a great example of how a healthy relationship between two flawed people can not only be achieved, but thrive.

So many inspirational threads woven throughout -- mainly centering on what being the hands and feet of Christ can look like and it's truly beautiful. Honestly, I have no words....except READ THIS BOOK!

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

Goal update: #5 Diversify my reading

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of All That it Takes, 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 May 14 2022. Offer open to 

Driving Force

GIVEAWAY

EASON, LYNETTE

ANGELO, KATE

DRIVING FORCE

 

He's the last client she wants to protect...

Elite Guardians bodyguard/former sniper Christina Sherman has protected uncooperative clients before -- but this time, well her client is bossy, headstrong and occasionally eats off the the floor. Yes, he's a highly trained military working dog, but certainly her skills could be put to better use, right?

Not according to former Special Forces Air Commando Grey Parker. He needs her help to protect his dog while he undergoes an experimental surgery that could restore his ability to walk. He just needs someone to keep his canine partner safe. Most of all, Grey wants back on his feet so he can track down a deranged scientist known as The Scavenger who unleashed a nerve agent that left Grey sidelined in a wheelchair.

When an attempt is made on Grey's life, and dead bodies begin piling up -- with evidence the same toxin is responsible -- suddenly Christina is tasked with keeping both dog and soldier alive...and with them, the secrets that could stop a terrorist attack.

But this time, even Christina might be in over her head.

Dive into the exciting ignition to the Elite Guardians Collection.

My Review:

Wow, wow, wow, wow, wooooowwwwwwww!!!!! And that right there is my review because it seems impossible to articulate anything else...give me a minute...okay, I think I'm ready to gush!

There is everything to love about this novel and nothing to hate about it -- except maybe it was over too soon? I savoured my listening experience (yay narrator Bethanne Reid!) from the very first gripping scene. Talk about high stakes tension! And Christina is some kind of ninja guardian with her cat-like grace and ability to leap buildings in a single bound (that might be a slight exaggeration, but it feels like she could if she put her mind to it.)

This heroine is socially awkward, more out of a desire to protect herself from engaging, fearful of being judged and found wanting. And her fellow Elite Guardians call her out on it and I love them for that. But for all her tough, military precision, she can turn into a babbling ditz around Grey when he puts on the charm...which is like all the time when he isn't yelling at her. :-)

I appreciated seeing a disabled hero featured in this story. Grey's internal struggles along with his alpha male persona really upped the tension and attraction (on my part and the heroine's.) And the relationship he has with the real star of this novel -- Boss, military K-9 extraordinaire -- is so much fun! Especially when Boss starts hanging out with Christina more than Grey. lol 

Love the touches of humour Angelo brings to the intense plot, creating wonderful breathing moments in between high-action, danger-fuelled situations. 

And the romance is just what you'd expect from two  opinionated ex-military alpha types used to calling the shots. Fireworks doesn't begin to cover it! (Grinning madly while fanning vigorously.)

High-stakes suspense paired with high-octane romance equals high quality read (or listen) satisfaction.

Goal Updates: #4 Read more new-to-me authors,#5 Diversify my reading, #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 Driving Force, 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 May 14 2022. Offer open to  

A Song for the Stars

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO READ DAY

TODD, ILIMA

A SONG FOR THE STARS

Inspired by a true story

Hawaiian Islands, 1779

As the second daughter of a royal chief, Maile will be permitted to marry for love. Her fiancé is the best navigator in Hawaii, and he taught her everything he knows -- how to feel the ocean, observe the winds, read the stars, and how to love.

But when sailors from as ranger place called England arrive on her island, a misunderstanding ends in battle, and Maile is suddenly widowed before she is wed.

Finding herself in the middle of the battle and fearing for her life, Maile takes John Harbottle, the wounded man who killed her fiance, prisoner, and though originally intending to let him die, she reluctantly heals him. And in the process, she discovers the man she thought was her enemy might be her ally instead.

John has been Captain James Cook's translator for three voyages across the Pacific. He is kind and clearly fascinated with her homeland and her people -- and Maile herself. But guilt continues to drive a wedge between them: John's guilt over the death he caused, and Maile's guilt over the truth about what triggered the deadly battle -- a secret she's kept hidden from everyone on the island.

When Maile is tasked with teaching John how to navigate using the stars so he can sail back to England, they must also navigate the challenges of being from very different cultures. In doing so, they might also find the peace that comes when two hearts become one.

My Review:

published in 2019

I wasn't sure what to expect going into this story but I quickly became engrossed in Maile's seemingly ideal island life...until things go terribly wrong. Suddenly her future is upended and the simple, predictable rhythms of village life are tragically distorted by fear, rage...and hate.

A stunning historical novel set in an era and a location that I know very little about save some vague memories from grade school history classes about explorers. It's brimming with vibrant descriptions of the culture and geography -- and what makes it extra special is that the author has taken inspiration from her very own ancestor's story to create this one!

I'm grappling over what to say in a review without giving anything away (and, personally, I think that book description is waaaay too detailed.) So what I will say is that I was riveted from the very first page. Emotionally engaged to the point that I felt like I lived each moment with these characters. 

Action and romance and heartache aplenty. Along with the sheer wonderment of the world we get to see through Maile's eyes. There's such a reverence for family and tradition and living in harmony with nature. I came away from this read feeling awed and inspired. 

A rich blend of historical facts and imaginative fiction.

Oh, and I listened to the audible edition narrated by Justine Eyre (one of my all time fave narrators!) Amazing performance and made the storytelling that much more enjoyable.

Please note: While not a Christian Fiction selection, this book is a completely clean read and has a wonderful message on forgiveness.

Goal Update: #4 Read more new-to-me authors, #5 Diversify my reading

 GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Song for the Stars, 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 April 30 2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck 

Her Easter Prayer

GIVEAWAY

MCCLAIN, LEE TOBIN

HER EASTER PRAYER

While recovering from the pass, can she hope for a new future?

After a tragic loss, reading teacher Emily Carver dedicates her life to educating troubled boys with the help of service dog Lady. Tutoring new school handyman Dev McCarthy's struggling son reminds Emily of everything she's missing. Time with them could heal her heart -- only Dev has a secret. Can she see past what he's hiding to the family forming around her?

A K-9 Companions Story

My Review:

This book has me still wrapped up in emotional knots. So many talking points -- but not for a review. Would make a great book club selection though. 

Dev's secret -- the one mentioned in the book blurb -- whoa -- sucker punch to my sensitive book-loving heart! And Emily's tragic loss, again no details except to say that it gutted me. So, I was equally invested in both hero and heroine and then McClain throws in an empathy-spewing service dog and a troubled boy and, well, I consumed this book in one sitting. 

Devoured it. Revelled in it. Shed a few tears. And a few more chuckles. Wanted to smack a certain handyman upside the head at one point and shake some sense into a certain reading teacher at another point, so, yes, actively engaged for the entire read. The very best kind of book!

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 Her Easter Prayer, 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 April 16  2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck 

In Search of a Prince

GIVEAWAY

SHILOH, TONI

IN SEARCH OF A PRINCE

It seems like a dream come true...until it forces her to question everything.

Brielle Adebayo is fully content teaching at a New York City public school and taking annual summer vacations with her mother to Martha's Vineyard. But everything changes when her mom drops a bombshell -- Brielle is really a princess in the island kingdom of Oloro Ile, off the coast of Africa, and she must immediately assume her royal position, since the health of her grandfather, the king, is falling.

Distraught by all the secrets her mother kept, Brielle is further left spinning when the Oloro Ile Royal Council brings up an old edict that states she must marry before her coronation, or the crown will pass to another. Brielle is uncertain if she even wants the chance on love and brave the perils a wrong decision may bring?

My Review:

Truth: the story is as exquisitely beautiful as the cover! 'In Search of a Prince' will definitely make my top ten fave reads of 2022! Stunning and captivating and inspirational. The kind of book you want to race through and savour all at the same time. 

And, hallelujah, a traditionally published Christian Fiction novel that is easily identified as such because of the faith content that anchors Brielle's story so beautifully. It's so immeshed in every page and every character that the plot would collapse without it. Even so, the author isn't heavy handed with the spiritual aspects of the story, but she is definitely convicted!

Prayer is at the heart of it all -- and by extension, a personal relationship with Christ for many of the characters. I love how committed Brielle is to her faith. But I'm even more enamoured over how vulnerable she is in spite of that conviction. So real and relatable. Haven't we all felt divinely led towards something and then unreasonably panic and balk and begin to entertain doubts? Not that God doesn't know what He's doing, but that we might have misinterpreted His intentions for us. Shiloh spoke to my heart through her words and I paused more than a few times just to really take them in. This right here is why I seek out Christian Fiction!

I don't want to say much more than what's on the back cover -- I almost think that synopsis reveals a bit too much as it is. I will say the world building is amazing! From the culture to the politics and the geography -- such lush descriptions that created vivid images in my mind. And the romance did not play out at all how I thought it would -- loved the depth and the pacing and -- gah, I want to say more but I will refrain. But it's sweet perfection in my opinion. 

A richly layered plot with even a bit of intrigue and enough humour to lighten the darker moments. I cried twice. And I can't tell you why because...spoiler! Well, actually it might have been even more than that but only one 'ball my eyes out' scene. Keep in mind that I am a tenderhearted reader and these characters are easy to love. :-)

A Five Stars Into Infinity Must Read.

Oh -- and even though I received a book from the publisher, I couldn't resist Tamika Katon-Donegal's captivating narration, so I actually listened to the audible edition and highly recommend it for readers who enjoy audio books.

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

 GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of In Search of a Prince, 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 March 12 2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

The Adoption Surprise

J

GIVEAWAY

ACKSON, ZOEY MARIE

THE ADOPTION SURPRISE

Separated at birth and determined to become a family.

"She looks like me!" When her orphaned niece utters those words, Kelsey Harris is shocked -- not only that Morgan has a long-lost twin but that the grieving five-year-old spoke at all. Overjoyed by Morgan and Mia's instant connection, Kelsey and Zach Johnson, Mia's widowed adoptive father, agree to be friends -- and only friends. But can they ignore their growing feelings when the matchmaking sisters put their plan into action?

My Review:

Love Inspired totally aces yet another cover win! Are those little girls not adorable? And peeking out from behind the tree...just all kinds of cuteness and screams 'read me!" so I did. :-)

Winning debut novel with so much heart and faith! Really love how the faith elements anchored the whole story. Amazing insights and so inspiring. And the way the author seamlessly weaves them around the romance makes for some blissful reading time. 

What a stunning premise to build a love story on -- adopted twins girls, separated at birth meet up in small town Delaware (love the location -- I haven't read any books set in this state before!) Little Mia has moved to town with her widowed dad and Morgan is struggling over the loss of her parents in a car crash and adjusting to living with her Aunt. 

Kelsey and Zach's first meeting delivers all the thrills and grabbed my attention. Once they figure out that the girls are actual sisters -- well, it's bonding time so cue the swoony sighs (Zach) and gleeful chuckles over all the little girl antics! But Jackson has added quite a bit of depth with issues raised and struggles fought and I was desperately hanging on for that happily-ever-after. Hard won, but, phew, she came through in the end!

Plus I'm now friends with a slew of secondary characters that I know are clamouring for their own stories so I'm hoping the author plans to take us back to Swallow's Creek sometime real soon!

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

 

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Adoption Surprise, 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 February 26 2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

The Story Keeper

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO READ DAY

WINGATE, LISA

THE STORY KEEPER

When successful New York editor Jen Gibbs discovers a decaying slush-pile manuscript on her desk, she has no idea that the story of Sarra, a young mixed-race woman trapped in Appalachia at the turn of the twentieth century, will both take her on a journey and change her forever. Happy with her life in the city, and at the top of her career with a new job at Vida House Publishing, Jen has left her Appalachian past and twisted family ties far behind. But the search for the rest of the manuscript, and Jen's suspicions about the identity of its unnamed author, will draw her into a mystery that leads back to the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains...and quite possibly through the doors she thought she had closed forever.

My Review:

published in 2014

Spellbinding! The kind of novel that hits hard (literary sucker punches to the nth degree!) and engages a reader's heart and mind with emotions on full throttle.

I haven't met a Lisa Wingate book I haven't loved but the emphasis on stories in this one touched me in so many ways. The author celebrates the power of words and the importance of remembering and celebrating everyone's story no matter how broken or unpolished. This book really made an impact on me.

Dual timelines set in the Blue Ridge Mountains -- both depicting the struggles of women born a century a part with some eerie similarities to their stories. The complex layers of both timelines and the way they come together by the end is sheer perfection. Gorgeous character growth and compelling faith threads added to my readerly delight.

The author starts us off in present day with career driven editor, Jen, who is determined to keep her painful childhood buried in the past. Until she stumbles upon a slush pile partial manuscript that sends her back to the place and the people she's tried so hard to forget. Wingate expertly weaves in the historical timeline through the words of the manuscript but when it abruptly stops mid-story, Jen is compelled to go off on a desperate quest to search for the rest.

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Abby Craden and Bahni Turpin and they did an amazing job giving all the characters their own distinctive personalities. The Mountain dialects were really well done. A perfect match for the author's rich storytelling style. (Available on Audible Plus right now, for anyone who enjoys audio books.)

Goal Update: #5 Diversify my reading, #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 The Story Keeper, 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 February 19 2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

Lost Down Deep

BREAKING NEWS: My Love Inspired books finally arrived!!! Wheeeee! On a Sunday no less! And, yes, they are all holiday reads so I'm going to try to blitz through as many as I can and add in additional giveaways this week. So keep your eyes peeled for two or three post days (yes, I'm overly optimistic but I'm going to try.) That way, winners will at least get their books between Christmas and New Years, so still the holiday season. Stay tuned: there'll be a second review/giveaway posted at noon today. :-) I'm sooo happy!!! It's been weeks since I read a LI or LIS!

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO READ DAY!

DAVISON, SARA

LOST DOWN DEEP

She is the only one who can tell the police who attacked her in her home...if only she could remember.

Summer Velasquez is on the run from a man she has no recollection of after an attack she can't recall.

Every face in the crowd is a potential suspect, so how is Summer supposed to know who is a threat to her and who isn't?

After fleeing her assailant and the parents who lied to her about what happened, she changes her name and seeks refuge in Elora, Ontario. The small town feels familiar, although she has no memory of ever having been here.

Even in what should be a safe place, she can't shake the feeling that she is being watched.

When Ryan Taylor strolls into the Taste of Heaven Cafe where she works, Summer is immediately drawn to him. However, he may not be who he says he is either. As her suspicions grow, Summer prepares to run again.

But at least one person is determined to stop her. Permanently. And if she can't remember who he is, this time he may succeed.

My Review:

Whoa -- I was seriously befuddled for most of this read...and I say that in an awestruck way, not complaining at all. However, it does make it hard to write a review because I don't want to give anything away. 

This book is steeped in mystery. It's swirling all around Summer who has lost all recollection of years of her life after a brutal attack. So, readers are on the journey with her as she tries to put all the pieces back together while staying under the radar of a killer she doesn't remember and definitely wouldn't recognize.

Cue the creepy music and prepare to be gobsmacked as Davison artfully draws out a myriad of mysteries that will eventually collide into a crescendo of a breath-taking grand finale. Phew! And Gah!!! there's so much I want to say, but can't. I was on tenterhooks the whole read because I didn't know certain character's motivations...the author diabolically withholds pertinent information at the beginning so I just had hope to go on until she gradually revealed bits of back story, slowly building into a complete picture of....well, tons of "Whoa, I didn't see that coming! Or that! Or anything, really!" I lost count of the times she blindsided me. lol

And I really appreciated the solid faith threads that are woven into the very fibre of this story. About trusting God, even in the most difficult times, and the cleansing healing that true forgiveness brings.

Definitely understand now why Lost Down Deep was a 2021 Carol Award finalist!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Lost Down Deep, 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 December 18 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

Tacos for Two

GIVEAWAY

ST. AMANT, BETSY

TACOS FOR TWO

Rory Perez, a food truck owner who can't cook, is struggling to keep the business she inherited from her aunt out of the red -- and an upcoming contest during Modest's annual food truck festival seems the best way to do it. The prize money could finally give her a solid financial footing and keep her cousin with special needs paid up at her beloved assisted living home. Then maybe Rory will have enough time to meet the man she's been talking to via an anonymous online dating site.

Jude Strong is tired of being a puppet at his manipulative father's law firm, and the food truck festival seems like the perfect opportunity to drive into his passion for cooking and finally call his life his own. But if he loses the contest, he's back at the law firm for good. Failure is not an option.

Complications arise when Rory's chef gets mono and she realizes she has to cook after all. Then Jude discovers that his stiffest competition is the same woman he's been falling for online the past month.

Will these unlikely chefs sacrifice it all for the sake of love? Or will there only ever be tacos for one?

My Review:

So...I was both excited and anxious over this new release. Excited because...Betsy St. Amant and that cute cover!!!! Anxious because I'd been hearing all the buzz about the You've Got Mail influences and I am so not a fan of that movie. Yes, I realize I'm likely a party of one but I can't get behind a romance between a couple already in committed relationships with other people and, more importantly, the bookstore dies. 'Nuf side. :-)

Rest assured this novel contains neither emotional cheating or the demise of a bookstore -- phew!!!! It does, however, contain humour and drama and quirky characters I loved and a few not-so-quirky that I loved to hate. 

The dialogue keeps the story moving, whether it's in the form of pithy text messages or heated arguments or soul-baring candour. Impeccably paced and just when I thought the plot was going in one direction, it veered off in another. So, classic rom/com elements but enough surprising twists to keep a reader on her toes. 

I felt both protagonists' struggles, though I have to admit to being a Jude fan way before I became a Rory fan. She was so quick to leap to wrong conclusions, and even quicker to snap out in anger. She's all prickly and fiery and...confused. I became more drawn to her as bits of her back story were revealed and I began to understand the reasons behind her distrust of Jude. 

He has his own history to overcome as well, and a truly deplorable family, but somehow, Jude managed to be more optimistic and not allow his past experiences to encroach on the new life he's making for himself, especially when it comes to his interactions with Rory. Loved the way the whole identity mix-up plays out and brings a lovely push-pull between comedy and angst to the already emotionally layered story.

The only thing missing was a solid faith thread -- and this surprised me because it is published by Revell which is a Christian Publishing house. Forgiveness , loving your enemies and the importance of family relationships are a major focus of the conflict, just not fleshed out in the inspirational way I was expecting.

All in all a captivating rom/com that's sure to please readers who are fans (or not!) of You've Got Mail.

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Tacos for Two 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 December 4 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

Claiming His Christmas Inheritance

GIVEAWAY

CARROLL, C.J.

CLAIMING HIS CHRISTMAS INHERITANCE

Some inheritances have strings attached. This one requires him to get married...

In her last matchmaking attempt, Zed Evans's late aunt stipulated he must find a wife -- or lose his childhood home. Fortunately, the resolute bachelor needs to be married for only three months. Now he just has to convince Tasha Jenkins to be his holiday wife in exchanged for funds to get her dream business started. It's the perfect plan...until love makes an unexpected appearance.

My Review:

A modern day marriage of convenience romance with fairy tale appeal. 

Marriage of convenience stories are my guilty pleasure (guilty because what 21st century woman would ever contemplate such a backwards approach to matrimony?!) But I still can't resist them, usually diving into historical novels where the whole M of C concept seems more plausible. Occasionally I'm brave enough...and curious enough...to give a contemporary setting a try and when I do, I'm always amazed at the clever ways an author makes it work.

C.J. Carroll has done a brilliant job of making it work! She's taken a classic trope and spun it on its head and delivered such a divinely romantical story with splashes of holiday cheer. It's a luscious read full of imagery and banter with a beautiful balance between comedy and drama.

From the meet-cute to the happily-ever-after I was completely invested in Zed and Tasha's love story. A chance encounter leads to a business arrangement which stands to benefit them both...as long as they can keep their hearts from messing it all up. :-) Cue the angst and throw in some toe-curls and enough laughter to make this one smooth, satisfying read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Claiming His Christmas Inheritance, 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 November 13 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

All That is Secret

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RAYBON, PATRICIA

ALL THAT IS SECRET

From award-winning author Patricia Raybon comes a compelling new historical mystery series, a riveting puzzle confronting the hidden secrets of class, race, family and love.

Can an amateur detective solve the cold case mystery of her lost father's murder?

In the winter of 1923, Professor Annalee Spain -- a daring but overworked theologian at a small Chicago Bible college -- receives a cryptic telegram calling her home to Denver to solve the mystery of the murder of her beloved but estranged father.

For a young Black woman, searching for answers in a city ruled by the KKK could mean real danger. Still, with her literary hero, Sherlock Holmes as inspiration, Annalee launches her hunt for clues, attracting two surprising allies: Eddie, a relentless young white boy searching for his missing father, and Jack, a handsome Black pastor who loves nightclub dancing and rides in his sporty car, awakening Annalee's heart to the surprising highs and lows of romantic love.

With their help, Annalee follows clues that land her among Denver's powerful elite. But when their sleuthing unravels sinister motives and deep secrets, Annalee confronts the dangerous truths and beliefs that could maker her a victim too.

My Review:

Whoa -- a new mystery series set in one of my favourite eras?! I am so in!!!! And what an unputdownable reading experience All That is Secret was! So many secrets! A knotted, mangled heap of them and Annalee so stubbornly intent on releasing each and every one. At great peril to herself and those close to her.

This is definitely not a cozy mystery. It's grittier, uglier and much too serious for that. But I found myself mesmerized right from the chilling prologue through to the heart-racing, gasp-out-loud climax. And I learned a ton about this time and place. I had no idea that Denver of all places was so ensnared by the KKK! The author shows the underbelly of a corrupt city ruled by greedy opportunists who crave power and fortune and are willing to do anything -- even murder -- to achieve their ends.

And in waltzes Annalee, connoisseur of all things Sherlock Holmes, ready to live out her very own mystery. Only it isn't as easy as the books make it seem. But Annalee forges on -- a unique combination of grit, impulsiveness and steadfast charm. And she's unstoppable.

Raybon has created a heroine who is easy to cheer for and also to lament over because....gah!...Annalee doesn't waste time thinking. Or planning. She's a sleuth in motion, relying on instincts and plain nerve to find the answers she's looking for. She finds them...but uncovers a whole new set of questions. Which is fine by me since this is the first of a new series!

She is also a theologian who has lost her connection with God and her journey back to faith is both inspiring and touching.

There's a great cast of secondary characters with complicated back stories who help or thwart Annalee's quest. Including one very dapper, toe-curl inducing pastor. Jack is as enchanted as he is exasperated by Annalee and their romance is heading in the right direction by the end of this first Annalee Spain Mystery.

An intriguing mystery with enough heart-stopping moments to require a defibrillator on standby.

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 All that is Secret, 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 November 6 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!