Their Mistletoe Matchmakers

GIVEAWAY

GWYN, KELI
THEIR MISTLETOE MATCHMAKERS

A Christmas Match

The best Christmas possible -- that's what Lavinia Crowne intends to provide before taking her orphaned nieces and nephew home to Philadelphia. But carrying out her plan may be harder than she expects, with their handsome, stubborn uncle, Henry Hawthorne, insisting on raising the children in rough-and-tumble Sutter Creek, California. Lavinia can't bear to lose her late sister's children, though, or go against her father's demand to bring them home.

Henry believes his nieces and nephew need affection and security more than a lavish lifestyle. But as the children conspire to bring their aunt and uncle together, a new vision fills his head -- of future Christmases spent with sweet, determined Lavinia and their growing family. Can three little matchmakers, and the spirit of the season, bring the gift of a very happy beginning?

My Review:

Three cute-as-a-button matchmakers don't take any prisoners when it comes to romance in Sutter Creek. They are out to ensure a family-size happily ever after, even if their aunt and uncle aren't on board. 'Tis the season when all things become possible and Lavinia and Henry don't stand a chance. They are both so stubborn -- though I have to admit to siding with Henry right from the start.

Lavinia was just sooooooo...well, wound tight, over-the-top ladylike and seemingly unable to see anything from anyone's perspective but her own. But as I got to know her I began to understand exactly why and this story is about her struggle to find the courage to make a stand. Henry helps...and infuriates...with his devotion to their nieces and nephew. Suddenly matters don't seem as clear as she thought -- especially when three conniving children are determined to orchestrate a very different outcome.

An inspirational holiday romance guaranteed to get readers into the Christmas spirit.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Their Mistletoe Matchmakers, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday November 5 2017. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Her Motherhood Wish

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GWYN, KELI
HER MOTHERHOOD WISH

Building a family...

En route to the Double T Orphanage to work on its expansion, carpenter Chip Evans and Caroline Hunt discover two orphaned children -- and become their caregivers. But Chip's determined not to let himself get too attached to the children who just lost their widowed father...or the lovely woman helping him care for them. Especially since Callie and the little ones just don't fit into his detailed plans for the future.

Callie can't help but fall in love with the orphans, and despite her better judgement, she's falling Chip, too. Her dreams of being a wife and mother were not quite like this. But Callie believes a plan bigger than Chip's brought them all together...and now she just has to help him see it, too.

My Review:

Chip is a make-a-plan-stick-to-the-plan kind of guy. You might say he has blinders on, too busy looking ahead to the next part of the plan to see what's right in front of him. That would be Callie and two endearing orphans. Only finding a wife and starting a family is three years into the future, according to the aforementioned plan. This stupendously dense hero needs a good smack upside the head to knock some sense into him. :-) Lucky he is handsome cowboy material (even if he is a carpenter) with courtly manners, an over-zealous protective streak and the ability to use gentle persuasion to win over small children. He's perfect in every way -- except for that dratted plan!

Callie fights the attraction -- which isn't too hard when Chip brings up his plan -- but the rest of the time it's near impossible to resist this hero's ready smile and kind overtures. Even so, Callie strives to guard her heart because she knows she'll never measure up to that confounded grand plan of Chip's.  Tender, sweet, infuriating romance ensues. Along with a bonus suspense thread that brought some added tension and a whole lot of action to the story.

Giveaway Opportunity:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Her Motherhood Wish please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. 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 enter the draw via email please remember to 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 February 19 2017.  Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Seven Brides for Seven Texans

GIVEAWAY

VETSCH, ERICA
BARRATT, AMANDA
DAVES, SUSAN PAGE
GWYN, KELI
MCDONOUGH, VICKI
MEYER, GABRIELLE
SEILSTAD, LORNA
SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN TEXANS

Time is running out to find love...

George Washington Hart is tired of waiting for his seven grown sons to marry, and now he may not live long enough to see grandchildren born. So he sets an ultimatum for each son to marry before the end of 1874 or be written out of his will to inherit a portion of his extensive Texas ranch. But can love form on a deadline?

Each of the Hart brothers -- Austin, Bowie, Travis, Houston, Crockett, Chisholm, and Hays -- attempts to fulfill his father's wishes in his own stubborn way. Adventures await these handsome bachelors, but will each quest lead to true love?

My Review:

One of the most enjoyable novella collections I have ever read. Each story compliments the others and there's a great flow between them all. And I loved the prologue and epilogue which neatly bookends the collection of stories. And the play on the movie, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is so much fun. Only here we have cowboys on a matrimonial deadline -- let the games begin!

First Comes Love by Gabrielle Meyer : There's something about a brash, determined cowboy with marriage on his mind. Thud. Hays is smooth, friendly and all too popular with the ladies. But he's sincere and kind and falling hard for Emma. She has marriage on the mind too --- how to avoid it. These two clash from the get-go and this light-hearted romance kept me smiling right to the end.

The Heart of Texas by Lorna Seilstad :  I do so love a lawman with dimples. Swoon. And Chisholm has an easy-going nature and plenty of reasons to flash those dimples -- especially in Caro's direction. But she's too busy plotting against him to notice...much. The more put out Caro acts, the more Chisholm is amused. Love me some laughter with my romance. And a bit of suspense gives this story an extra kick.

The Truest Heart by Amanda Barratt : A moving starry celebrating the joy of second chances. Annie is burdened by a guilt she doesn't need to carry and it's Travis who gently reminds her that God doesn't bestow blessings because we deserve them but rather, because He chooses to bless us through His love. A truly uplifting inspirational romance.

A Love Returned by Keli Gwyn : The importance of commitment to family shines through in this touching historical romance. A miscommunication in their youth pulled Houston and Coralee apart and broke both their hearts. Wounded and wary, Coralee spurns Houston's attempts to rekindle their romance but he's not a man easily deterred.  A sweet romance that's sure to satisfy.

For Love or Money by Susan Page Davis : Crockett is a serious contender for cowboy hero of the month. He's a man of action so it's no surprise that when Jane's family home is burnt to the ground, Crockett is the man who orchestrates the rebuilding effort. And much to this reader's delight he ends up falling for his tenacious cowgirl neighbour in the process.

Mail-Order Mayhem by Vickie McDonough : I do so love a good mail-order bride story and this one definitely fits the bill -- with a unique twist that kept me grinning. And wincing. Poor Austin's clever plans to meet his father's inheritance requirements go awry when two ladies step off the stagecoach in Hartville. One is his intended, the other her chaperoning sister. Doesn't sound complicated, right? Wrong! Things get all twisty turny before they even out and I loved every minute of it.

Love at Last by Erica Vetsch : Bowie caught my attention in the prologue and I couldn't wait to get to his story. Disfigured in the war, Bowie has become somewhat of a recluse, working on the ranch and avoiding town and people in general.  Finding a wife within the year time limit set by his father seems like an impossible task...until he latches onto the idea of contracting a marriage of convenience with his former nurse. What follows is a heart-tugging story of accepting one's worth and the power of love.

My thanks to author Lorna Seilstad for providing me with a copy of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email addres, 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 1 2017. Offer open to International readers. Good luck!

Make-Believe Beau

GIVEAWAY

GWYN, KELI
MAKE-BELIEVE BEAU

The courtship charade

As a draftswoman in a man's world, Jessica Sinclair causes a stir as her new male colleagues vie for her attention. And the company manager has an ultimatum: fake a courtship with her boss, Flynt Kavanaugh...or lose her job. But pretending to be smitten with the handsome engineer unleashes a real, complicated attraction -- and could reveal the past she hoped to keep hidden.

Jessica is certainly the best person for the job. But as their make-believe romance escalates, Flynt knows that's not the only reason he wants her on his team. However, with his past shrouded by a shameful secret, Flynt has always focused his ambitions on building a career, not a family. Now he has designs on Jessica's heart, but can they trust each other with the truth?

My Review:

What a fascinating time and place for a historical setting. And how exciting to have the heroine work at an unusual job. Jessica faces all kinds of prejudice as a draftswoman in the male dominated profession. Honestly, I was fuming over the concept that the draftsmen's inattention to work was her fault! Gah! However I guess I shouldn't complain too loudly since that's the reason the make-believe romance comes into play. And, oh what fun that is! Jessica trying not to be attracted to Flynt. Flynt trying not to take his role as besotted beau too seriously. Both of them failing miserably -- but not trusting one another enough to turn make-believe into reality. A beautiful inspirational thread about the power of grace fleshed out Flynt and Jessica's love story to perfection. Captivating from beginning to end.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Here To Stay 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 7 2016. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

A Home of Her Own

GIVEAWAY

GWYN, KELI
A HOME OF HER OWN

A blossoming love...

Becky Martin knows that she can't stay at James O'Brien's apple farm forever, but she wishes she could. After her brother framed her for arson, she flees Chicago, traveling cross-country to California and finding work caring for James's ailing mother. Beneath the apple blossoms, it's almost as if she has a real family...but her secret won't stay buried forever.

James, scarred from an explosion, didn't expect to connect to the pretty young traveler. Could she really love someone damaged like him? He knows she's hiding something. If only she'd trust him. Can she let go of her past and believe in the possibility of a future amid the apple trees?

My Review:

First, take a gander at that gorgeous cover! The Love Inspired art team did an incredible job. Promises exactly what this book delivers.

James and Becky's first meeting is certainly memorable and highly entertaining to read. James is all gnarly and Becky is all obstinate and thank goodness James's mother is on hand to sort those two out. But my it does take time and a lot of patience! A complex plot with a hint of danger gives this sweet romance a bit of bite. And I love how Gwyn brings history to life both in the area and the apple orchard. Adds a whole new dimension to the story. There's joy and sorrow and plenty of conflict before James and Becky reach their happily ever after and I enjoyed every blessed minute!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  A Home of Her Own 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 27  2016 . Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Family of Her Dreams

GIVEAWAY

GWYN, KELI
FAMILY OF HER DREAMS

A Family to Cherish 

Headstrong Tess Grimsby loves her new job caring for the children of a recently widowed man. But she never imagined that she’d fall for her handsome employer. Yet Spencer Abbott is as caring as he is attractive, and Tess can’t help but feel for him and his family. Though, for the sake of her job, she’ll keep any emotions about her boss to herself.

Between his stationmaster responsibilities in a Gold-Rush town and trying to put his family back together, Spencer has his hands full. He soon finds his new hire’s kind personality warming his frosty exterior. But could he ever admit to seeing her as more than just an employee?

 

My Review:

 

 This is definitely a case where you can judge a book by its cover. I love the motion depicted in the illustration -- and the scene perfectly fits the mood of the story. It's a wonderful celebration of dreams -- both the kind you yearn for and the kind that, unfortunately, need to be relinquished to bittersweet memories.

  

Poor Spencer is a grappling with grief in true manly fashion -- that is keep his head down and ignore it. Not an advisable way of coping -- especially for his young children. He hires a housekeeper in the hopes of regaining some order in his life. Cue the gregarious, outspoken Tess. Not quite the gentle, docile woman he was envisioning would bring harmony back to his home. But sometimes God has plans that are greater (and better) than our own.

  

Loved that this story takes place over months -- the reader gets to see a realistic progression of Tess and Spencer's developing friendship. Not to mention Tess's slow wooing of Spencer's surly young son. That boy is carrying a world of hurt on his little shoulders and her love and patience make a profound difference.

 

There are a few really touching story threads that brought a thrill to my romance-loving heart. And humour and action and a dark moment that had my heart sinking down to my toes. In short -- the perfection combination for an enthralling read.

  

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Family of Her Dreams please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday June 21 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California

GIVEAWAY

GWYN, KELI
A BRIDE OPENS SHOP IN DEL DORADO, CALIFORNIA

An ever-resourceful widow, Elenora Watkins arrives in El Dorado ready to go into partnership with Miles Rutledge. When he refuses, Elenora becomes the competition across the street. Is this town big enough for the two of them? Miles can't help but stick his well-polished boot in his mouth whenever he comes face-to-face with Elenora. Can he find a way to win her heart while destroying her business? Miles's mother, Maude, is bent on Elenora becoming her new daughter-in-law while Elenora's daughter, Tildy, thinks Miles would make a perfect papa. How far will these meddlers go to unite this enterprising pair?

My Review:

 Witty and charming and so much fun! The kind of read you chuckle the whole way through. I could totally see this on the big screen as a romantic comedy. Snappy dialogue -- the whole competition between Miles and Elenora is just a hoot. They're both so stubborn!!! I'd have to say that Elenora came out on top though -- she has such ingenuous marketing strategies! Poor Miles didn't stand a chance.

Then there's Elenora's daughter, Tildy. I love the warmth and humour a child can bring to a story and Tildy has both in spades along with enough spunk to keep her mother on her toes. And it isn't long before the little girl has Miles wrapped around her pinky finger. Their special friendship is another highlight of the book.

Secondary characters fill out a quirky town and contribute to meddlesome matchmaking which raises the stakes on both an emotional and comedic level.

An intricate plot filled with quite a few surprises kept me eagerly turning pages right to the end. A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California is a wonderful debut novel and I look forward to reading more of Gwyn's books in the years to come.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California, please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday September 9 2012. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!