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

Claiming Her Legacy

GIVEAWAY

GOODNIGHT, LINDA

CLAIMING HER LEGACY

With her family's legacy on the line, a woman with everything to lose must rely on a man hiding from his past...

Oklahoma, 1890

Frontier women don't ride off alone to track an outlaw -- not even women as capable as tomboy spinster Willa Malone. But Willa desperately needs the bounty money offered for her father's killer if she's to keep their homestead and take care of her sisters. That means she needs an expert tracker's help. Gideon Hartley has the skill, but the handsome trail guide also has a troubling secret...

Gideon has spent years trying to numb his pain with whiskey. Little by little, their quest -- and Willa's belief in him -- is restoring the sense of purpose he thought he'd lost. Journeying into the heart of a danger, they'll have to face down the past together if they hope to protect their future...

My Review:

A Western romance with a strong redemptive thread. In fact, the first half of the book is Gideon's struggles to overcome his reliance on whiskey. The bounty hunter adventuring comes much later. 

We have a damsel in distress who is intent on rescuing herself, thank you very much. And a hero who pretends that he doesn't care but just can't bring himself to wash his hands of Willa and her outrageous bounty hunting notion. It's none of his business, but the woman is is a 'persistent gnat' and won't leave him alone.

For her part, Willa would just as soon hire anybody other than the 'debauched and troubled soul' who happens to be a tracking legend. But since Gideon's all she's got and time is of the essence she makes it her mission to pester him into compliance. Snicker. There's some great sniping and bantering going on here. Along with more vulnerable, heart-tugging moments too which really balance out the romance.

There's a bit of a 'True Grit' vibe once these two set out on their quest which I really enjoyed. Could almost taste the dust of the trail and feel the saddles sores on my posterior. :-) The action came fast and furious during the last third of the book, but I found the overall resolution felt rushed. I would have liked more 'real time' details to flesh things out.

I can't find any indication that this is the first in a series, but I'm sure hoping it is because Willa has two sisters who deserve happily ever afters too and I'm definitely intrigued by what I've learned about both of them. Here's hoping Love Inspired Trade and the author have plans for a series!

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Carly Robins who added just the right touch of Wild West to her performance. Very enjoyable.

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 Claiming Her Legacy, 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 7 2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck 

Keeping Them Safe

GIVEAWAY

GOODNIGHT, LINDA

KEEPING THEM SAFE

Will giving them refuge...heal their damaged past?

Focused on his business and charity work, rancher Bowie Trudeau can't afford a distraction. Then his childhood crush, Sage Walker, returns home after thirteen years with her niece and nephew in tow. Helping the troubled kids and their aunt might put his career -- and heart -- in jeopardy. But uncovering her secrets and convincing Sage to stay might give him the family he's always wanted...

A Sundown Valley Tale

My Review:

I love it when the first sentence in a novel grabs my attention...like this one:

"She was pretty sure kidnapping was a federal offence." Yikes!!! what has this heroine gotten herself into?! You better believe the author had my attention and I didn't put the book down until I figured out all of Sage's past and why she had such anxiety over taking her niece and nephew -- and that means I read this book in one sitting because Goodnight is cagey with dangling bits of the truth but always leaving me wanting more. Emotionally satisfying. Heart-rending at times. 

Bowie is is one swoonalicious cowboy hero. A man who is right with God and lives out his simple faith by loving his neighbour. Be still my heart. Sage is the high school crush who got away only now she's back and more complicated than ever. And his heart goes out to the two fearful kids she has in tow. He wanted to know their story as much as I did! And it's a doozie! 

This is the second book in the Sundown Valley series and can easily be read as a standalone but I love that we get to catch up with Wade and Kyra and the triplets -- eeeppp!!! And there's a bit of a thrilling cliffy style lead-in to the next book. I can't wait!!!!!

Goal Update: #Staying 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 Keeping Them Safe, 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 23 2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck 

A Cowboy Christmas

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO READ DAY

GOODNIGHT, LINDA
HERNE, RUTH LOGAN
A COWBOY CHRISTMAS

Second chances at love. A duet of Christmas cowboy romances.

Rancher Caleb Girard never thought he deserved Kristen Andrews. But when his ailing foster father brings her home as his nurse, Christmas blessings could surprise them all in Snowbound Christmas.

After a tragic loss, Ty Carrington tries to hide from the world on his Idaho ranch...until Jessica Lambert and her adorable daughter sneak into his life and his heart in Falling for the Christmas Cowboy.

My Review:

Sometimes, a story is so good that it's worth a second time 'round and these two fit into that category. I read this book (two sweet novellas by amazing authors) when it released last year but I have an extra copy I've been saving for such a time as this. So -- here's a repeat of my review and giveaway.

Christmas + Cowboys + Second Chance Romance? Yes please! Bring it on!!!!

Snowbound Christmas by Linda Goodnight -- There's something about the holidays that puts an extra strain on the vulnerable. While Caleb is all closed off and stoic in a manly I-don't-need-any-help kind of way, he's definitely vulnerable. His dad is critically ill and Caleb is fast losing hope. What good will any kind of Christmas cheer do them? And the tragedy of his childhood (before his foster father took him in) has left some deep scars - feelings of abandonment he can't shake. That's what stood between Kristen and him in high school and it's a chasm between them now as they become reacquainted. But she's all about faith and hope and being a light to those around her. And she believes in miracles. And that can be contagious...even among the most curmudgeonly.  A stirring, warmhearted second chance romance full of Christmas spirit!

Falling for the Christmas Cowboy by Ruth Logan Herne --

A hero and heroine who have survived tragedies in their past are ripe for a second chance at finding romance...even if that's not on either of their agendas. Jessica has a cute-as-a-button four-year-old to take care of and a new future (free from drama and pain) to build for them both. Ty's spent five years grieving. He has put up boundaries around himself that even his family hasn't been able to breach. And he's good with that -- until a beguiling widow with an adorable little girl show up in town. Confusion, chaos, and sweet yearnings for a happily-ever-after suddenly turn his world upside down and make this Christmas one that might just offer up a second chance at happiness...if he finds the faith to finally put the past to rest!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Cowboy 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 November 9 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

A Cowboy Christmas

GIVEAWAY

GOODNIGHT, LINDA
HERNE, RUTH LOGAN
A COWBOY CHRISTMAS

Second chances at love. A duet of Christmas cowboy romances.

Rancher Caleb Girard never thought he deserved Kristen Andrews. But when his ailing foster father brings her home as his nurse, Christmas blessings could surprise them all in Snowbound Christmas.

After a tragic loss, Ty Carrington tries to hide from the world on his Idaho ranch...until Jessica Lambert and her adorable daughter sneak into his life and his heart in Falling for the Christmas Cowboy.

My Review:

Christmas + Cowboys + Second Chance Romance? Yes please! Bring it on!!!!

Snowbound Christmas by Linda Goodnight -- There's something about the holidays that puts an extra strain on the vulnerable. While Caleb is all closed off and stoic in a manly I-don't-need-any-help kind of way, he's definitely vulnerable. His dad is critically ill and Caleb is fast losing hope. What good will any kind of Christmas cheer do them? And the tragedy of his childhood (before his foster father took him in) has left some deep scars - feelings of abandonment he can't shake. That's what stood between Kristen and him in high school and it's a chasm between them now as they become reacquainted. But she's all about faith and hope and being a light to those around her. And she believes in miracles. And that can be contagious...even among the most curmudgeonly.  A stirring, warmhearted second chance romance full of Christmas spirit!

Falling for the Christmas Cowboy by Ruth Logan Herne --

A hero and heroine who have survived tragedies in their past are ripe for a second chance at finding romance...even if that's not on either of their agendas. Jessica has a cute-as-a-button four-year-old to take care of and a new future (free from drama and pain) to build for them both. Ty's spent five years grieving. He has put up boundaries around himself that even his family hasn't been able to breach. And he's good with that -- until a beguiling widow with an adorable little girl show up in town. Confusion, chaos, and sweet yearnings for a happily-ever-after suddenly turn his world upside down and make this Christmas one that might just offer up a second chance at happiness...if he finds the faith to finally put the past to rest!

Book provided courtesy of author Ruth Logan Herne.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Cowboy Christmas, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT or DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday October 14 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Lone Star Bachelor

GIVEAWAY

GOODNIGHT, LINDA
LONE STAR BACHELOR

Her unexpected hero

Sawyer Buchanan was against hiring Jade Warren. The escalating threats against his family's construction business -- and Sawyer in particular -- don't warrant the time and money spent on a private investigator. Even if Jade's smart, beautiful and challenging in a way that intrigues him. Jade has personal reasons to mistrust any Buchanan -- especially one as handsome and smooth as Sawyer. But everything she's been led to believe about the successful Buchanans crumbles in the face of Sawyer's decency and sweetness. And the closer Jade gets to Sawyer, the more intense her feelings for him become. Soon the biggest risk she'll face is having Sawyer steal her heart.

The Buchanans: steeped in loyalty, bound to family

My Review:

A moving love story that touched both my heart and my funny bone. Some great laugh-out-loud moments in unexpected places.

Jade has Sawyer pegged the second she lays eyes on him and she refuses to be hoodwinked by that easy-going Buchanan charm...or so she thinks. And, truth be told, he didn't make a great first impression on me either. Too suave and sure of himself when it comes to women. But then I got to know him and discovered that he just plain ol' likes women. And respects them. And appreciates them. He knows his world is a better place  because of the women in it...and he'd like to include Jade in that circle.

But she's definitely prejudiced thanks to a few misconceptions. It was fun watching Sawyer pick away at her cool reserve, one aloof layer at a time. But, man, did he ever have to work hard! I was exhausted for him. And for Jade who had to work so hard at keeping her distance. Talk about wasted energy!

Emotionally charged scenes are balanced by snappy dialogue and droll wit. The perfect recipe for a summer romance read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Lone Star Bachelor, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your 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 put the title in the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday June 18 2017. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck.

Candlelight Christmas

GIVEAWAY

CONNEALY, MARY
GOODNIGHT, LINDA
CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS

Two Inspirational Christmas Stories ...

1. The Outlaw’s Gift by Linda Goodnight

1880s Oklahoma Territory
When drifter Seth Blackstone shows up at Raven Patterson’s homestead, Raven thinks this may be the solution to all her problems. But Seth’s mysterious past is about to catch up with him and could mean disaster for them both.


2. The Christmas Candle by Mary Connealy

Arkansas Ozarks 1883
Gabe Wagner, has left his hectic city life and moved onto Rose Palmer’s mountain. His plans to build a house will tear the heart out of her Ozark Mountain home. Rose learns that what she calls peace and quiet has evolved into isolation and loneliness. As Christmas approaches and she searches for the perfect way to honor the Savior’s birth, she realizes she wants to let Gabe into her life. But to do it, she may have to face a larger world that frightens her while she gives up the safe life she has always known.

Can the search for the perfect Christmas candle and the broken hearts of two little boys bring a solitary woman and a grieving man together?

My Review:

These two delightful novellas will definitely put the most hardened Scrooge into the Christmas spirit. Linda Goodnight is a new-to-me-author and after reading The Outlaws Gift, I'll have to remedy that! A tender romance with a stubborn heroine always grabs my attention. And Seth's battles with his past have hardened him almost beyond redemption. Thankfully Goodnight has a Christmas miracle up her sleeve for the powerful conclusion.

Connealy fans will be surprised to find that not a shot was fired in this touching Christmas story. But that doesn't mean that action doesn't explode off the page in any number of pager-turning ways! Loved Gabe's earnest (but clueless) drive to reach his sons and Rose is the captivating heroine who brings him to his knees. Loved the whole imagery of Rose's candlemaking as she definitely becomes a light in the Wagner household.

Please note: ebook format only.

Giveaway Opportunity:If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Candlelight Christmas, please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday December 16 2012. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!