A Christmas Bargain

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OBENHOUS, MINDY

A CHRISTMAS BARGAIN

Can a property dispute turn into a holiday blessing?

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

My Review:

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

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

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

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  A Christmas Bargain, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday December 10 2022 . Offer open to International Readers.

Her Christmas Redemption

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SHILOH, TONI

HER CHRISTMAS REDEMPTION

Can she find a second chance...on a town's holiday wish list?

Organizing her church's Christmas Wishes program is this perfect start to Vivian Dupre's new life -- one without the shame of her recent mistakes. But as she grows closer to co-coordinator Michale Wood, she's even more determined to keep her past hidden. Together they can give joy to their small town. But when Michael discovers her secret, will he be willing to grant Vivian's holiday wish -- forgiveness?

My Review:

I love redemption stories and this one is filled with all that is wondrous about grace and forgiveness. Vivian is a new Christian, eager to put her troubled past behind her and Shiloh has captured all the emotional nuances of her journey. Honestly, this gave me the same feels as watching a classic Christmas movie like 'It's a Wonderful Life' and 'Going My Way.'  With the same kind of stand-up-and-cheer (while you wipe away a tear) ending.

Some great secondary characters give me hope that this is just the start of a new series though it isn't labeled as such. And the way the town rallies when all seems lost...sniffle. Loved the ebb and flow of plot and pacing. And the Christmas ambiance throughout makes for a classic holiday read.

Goal Update: #5 Diversify my reading

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  Her Christmas Redemption, 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 26 2022 . Offer open to International Readers.

An Alaskan Christmas Promise

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CALHOUNE, BELLE

AN ALASKAN CHRISTMAS PROMISE

A Christmas to cherish...and a secret to protect.

This needs to be the best Christmas Kit O'Malley has ever seen -- because she may not to able to see another. Diagnosed with failing vision, it takes all her determination to stay focused on what makes her happy: her daughter, her service puppy-in-training and the puppy's trainer, Lexi Duggan. But they can't reach their Christmas joy together until Kit's secret comes to light.

A K-9 Companion tale. 

My Review:

Festively angsty....because, really what's a Christmas romance without a few emotional sucker punches? But no worries, there's also cuteness overload  between Jupiter (puppy-in-training) and Kit's adorable toddler. And plenty of holiday happenings in Owl Creek to get a reader in a yuletide groove. An enjoyable rollercoaster of emotions that kept me turning pages to reach the happily ever after at the end.

This is the twelfth book in the year long (dare I hope for more in 2023?) multi-authored series that focuses on a variety of K-9 companions and their humans. The books don't interconnect in any other way so can happily be read in any order. Just love this dog-centric series! It's been so interesting to explore the different kinds of services and therapies that dogs can provide.

But, 'An Alaskan Christmas Promise' also does double duty in the series department as it is the sixth book in the author's much loved  'Home to Owl Creek' series. I love this town and it was so much fun to meet up with characters from previous novels. No worries, though, because this book reads well as a standalone too. It was just fun to be back in Owl's Creek -- especially at Christmas time.

A heartwarming holiday tale full of heart and hope.

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway a gently read paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  An Alaskan Christmas Promise, 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 19 2022 . Offer open to International Readers.

The Christmas Switch

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JACKSON, ZOEY MARIE

THE CHRISTMAS SWITCH

Keeping this secret gets complicated with the family she wished for right next door.

Swapping places with her identical twin over the holidays sounds easy enough to Chantal Houston. But playing the role is trickier than expected when it comes to maintaining frosty relations with her sister's neighbour and nemesis -- especially since he has an adorable little girl and a rowdy puppy. Ryder Frost's supposed to be grump and rude...so why does Chanel find the single dad so irresistible?

My Review:

I'm not a huge fan of long term deceit as a trope in a romance story but I absolutely loved 'The Christmas Switch'. I totally bought the need for the switch which is laid out on the very first page. And I like the way the story progressed, with Chanel very much being herself, just going by her sister's name. So the deception didn't feel quite as deceptive, if that makes any sense. :-)

Both Chanel and Ryder carry around some heavy burdens from their pasts and there are some wonderful faith conversations between the two. As they draw closer and open up enough to reveal their painful memories, they bond in a special way...and find peace through acceptance and grace. Their resilient strength moved me, bringing depth to a very sweet romance.

Little Gabby (Ryder's daughter) is a scene-stealer, as is over-enthusiastic pup Wolf (his name says it all!) And while the story begins in late autumn, there's lots of festive fun later on, so definitely a Christmas-y read.

Goal Update: #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 Christmas Switch, 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 12 2022 . Offer open to International Readers. 

The Mistletoe Favor

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KEMERER, JILL

THE MISTLETOE FAVOR

It will take one special cowboy to make this season bright.

After gaining guardianship of his half sister, wealthy rancher Mac Tolbert hopes a part-time job during the holidays will help the grieving teenager. New coffee shop owner Bridget Renna has been on her own since sixteen and is immediately drawn to the shy orphan -- and her handsome brother. But as Bridget grows closer to the siblings, will her troubled past ruin their chance at a Christmas together?

A Wyoming Ranchers novel.

My Review:

This is the fourth Wyoming Ranchers novel but can easily be read as a standalone. The series centers around single cowboys who are (ahem) married to their bachelorhood...but since four of 'em have found romance, you can see how well that's going. And we still have two more diehard bachelors to rein in. Yeehaw! 

I love the way Kemerer creates a community and Sunrise Bend is definitely a place I'd want to live. Aside from all the cowboys roaming around town (!) it's full of great folks with a lot of heart. Oh, there are a few bad 'uns to keep things a might interesting, but otherwise pretty near perfect.

It's been a haven for Mac, the product of a 'poor little rich boy' upbringing. He's made some lifelong friends -- even though a few of their tight knit group have gone and found love -- and that's all he needs to make his life complete. Or so he thinks.

The sudden guardianship to his teenage sister starts to mess with his carefully constructed refuge but when the new coffee shop owner is drawn into the mix, he becomes truly rattled. Because Mac is a cowboy without a lot of social graces. He's more of a work hard, ride the range kind of guy. And two girls -- one a perplexing teen, the other an even more perplexing spitfire with heart -- well, it's almost too much for a guy to take.

Cue laugh-out-loud funny moments. Ha -- I laughed so hard I had to stop and wipe the tears from my eyes every couple of sentences over the learning to drive scenes. Priceless!

But there are sweet, poignant moments in this story too. And the kind of emotional angst guaranteed to pull at the most stoic reader's heart. Plus -- this is a Christmas book that features...ta da! Christmas!!!!

A fantastic holiday romance.

Goal Update: #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 one of the  The Mistletoe Favor, 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 5 2022 . Offer open to International Readers.

The Baby's Christmas Blessing

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WHISTLER, MEGHANN

THE BABY'S CHRISTMAS BLESSING

A second chance at love with a newborn as matchmaker?

Nothing will be merry about Steve Weston's Christmas if he doesn't find a nanny for his newborn nephew fast. But the best choice is Chloe Richardson, the woman he pushed away years ago. He has a second chance at making the season's joy last for a lifetime -- unless he allows old wounds to separate them once more...

My Review:

A second chance at young love gone awry! 

'Tis the season for miracles, and Steve and Chloe are both due for some Christmas magic. There's such great chemistry between these two and the banter is so much fun! I was chortling and swooning all the way through. And sometimes fuming because these two are s-t-u-b-b-o-r-n!!!! Luckily they have a lively, caring community that has their backs. And some folks might have a wee bit of matchmaking tendencies which also adds to the fun.

But there's a serious side to this romance as well as both hero and heroine struggle with grief and loss from their pasts and challenges in their present. And then there's adorable baby Aiden the catalyst that brings Chloe and Steve back together again. He comes with enough newborn angst to frazzle the most stoic uncle and caregiver. Equal parts funny and tender and brought back fond memories of those demanding early weeks. Who needs sleep anyway? Or eardrums? lol

There's also a nice light-to-medium Christmas ambiance that makes this a heartwarming holiday read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for TWO gently read paperbacks!!!! (Thanks to Trixi's generous offer of contributing her copy to the cause.)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  The Baby's Christmas Blessing, 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 October 22 2022 . Offer open to International Readers.

Second Chance Christmas

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ST. AMANT, BETSY

SECOND CHANCE CHRISTMAS

Holiday wishes can come true...if they work together.

Charlie Bussey is ready to fight the corporation threatening to shut down the local animal shelter -- she just didn't expect the enemy would be her former best friend, Blake Bryant. To adopt his newly discovered niece, Blake needs this property deal to succeed. But when he discovers Charlie is his niece's child advocate, can he help his childhood crush...and gain a family for Christmas?

My Review:

A nice balance between angst, humour and toe-curls with lots of Christmassy goodness throughout. Recipe for the perfect holiday read, in my opinion. Especially since we have dogs galore -- homeless ones that need to be rescued yet again. Talk about pulling at a reader's heartstrings and setting up the hero to be the bad guy. :-) 

Only he's not! Blake has valid reasons for charging ahead despite the emotional turmoil he's leaving in his wake. Complications ensue when Charlie becomes involved. These two have history. Best friends on the cusp of becoming so much more until Blake left town...and Charlie with a broken heart. Sniffle. But 'tis the season of miracles and St. Amant provides a sleighful of 'em to the delight of her readers.

A captivating holiday second chance romance.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  Second Chance 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 October 15 2022 . Offer open to 

The Veteran's Holiday Home

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MCCLAIN, LEE TOBIN

THE VETERAN'S HOLIDAY HOME

He just face down his past if he wants a chance at a future.

Military veteran Jason Smith came to the Colorado mountains with his support dog, Titan, looking for a fresh start. Only his new boss is Ashley Green, his former sister-in-law. Fortunately, working together with troubled kids transforms their awkwardness into camaraderie -- and something deeper. But when past secrets start unraveling, can they find a way forward and make this Christmas one to remember?

A K-9 Companions Tale

My Review:

This series keeps delivering the kind of heart stirring, angst-turns-to-peace romances that I love to read. No worries about reading the K-9 Companions series in order as each book is a standalone -- they are all just linked by the common theme of service/therapy dogs. And I love the variety we've been getting! 

Titan is my first fictional (or 'in person' for that matter) mastiff! Not a common breed in the K-9 service field but when you have a brawny (and ruggedly good looking) veteran with chronic pain and balance issues, well, a puny poodle just won't do. Titan's built to brace Jason from falls and keep him steady on his feet no matter what the conditions. A win for Jason, but not so much for dog-shy Ashley. So, that's one strike against them getting together but there's so much more to their rocky relationship!

So, Ashley and Jason knew each other almost a decade ago. She was married to his brother and, well, there is so much I want to tell you but I can't because it would be big time spoiler-y. But it's soooo good 'cause McClain has layered in some incredible depth to their backstories -- the kind that takes a whole book to uncover...and conquer. And that's all I'm gonna say about that. :-)

Love the school setting -- Bright Tomorrows Residential Academy and the detail and care the author has put into portraying these troubled boys who are pretty much facing their last chance. It might sound familiar because it's the same setting for another book in this series, 'Her Secret Prayer', so it was fun to see some of the same secondary characters not to mention Dev and Emily. Not a big deal if you haven't read that book, just a little fun bonus for us K-9 Companions and/or Lee Tobin McClain fans.

This book has all the feels to make a great escape read...though I will say the holiday aspect is very, very light so I wouldn't count it as a Christmas read.

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 Veteran's Holiday 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 October 8 2022 . Offer open to International Readers.

Once Upon a Farmhouse

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DICKEN, ANGIE

ONCE UPON A FARMHOUSE

The prodigal granddaughter has returned. And the love from her past is waiting.

Helping her grandmother sell the farm and escaping back to Chicago are all Molly Jensen wants out of this trip --- not to reunite with her ex. Single father Jack Behrens will always be the man who broke her heart even if he is the current tenant farmer. But turning Jack and his son out -- and not catching feelings for them -- might prove more difficult than she realized...

My Review:

Oh I do so love a coming home story! Dickens has captured all the angsty feels -- regret, loss and the uncanny feeling of being stuck back in time when what you really want to do is move forward. 

And such a bittersweet start to Molly's prodigal journey -- coming home to attend her grandfather's funeral and help her grandmother sell the farm which just happens to mean selling out her ex-flame's livelihood! Their high school romance went awry a decade ago but in some ways, Molly feels like nothing has changed. The hurt still feels fresh and that irritates her to no end! Lots of stomach churning inner turmoil and wary stutters towards reclaiming what they once had.

I really enjoyed the way their new relationship reflects their maturity. Conflicts and obstacles abound, but Molly and Jack are able to navigate through with a lot more finesse than their teenage selves. I really like that they weren't stuck playing the blame game like sometimes happens with this trope. And Jack's impish young son brings a special energy to this reunion romance.

Heartwarming and uplifting. 

Goal Update: #4 Read more new-to-me authors

 

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Once Upon a Farmhouse , 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 September 24 2022 . Offer open to 

A Reason to Stay

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KASTNER, DEB

A REASON TO STAY

Caring for a little boy...brings him more than he ever imagined.

Tied down with family and work responsibilities, Sharpe Winslow has always wondered about the world outside his small Colorado town. When newcomer Emma Fitzpatrick finds herself unsure about caring for the brother she never knew about, Sharipe and his rescue pup, Baloo, step in and take the boy under their wing. Sharipe knows he shouldn't get close to Emma or Aidan. But maybe they'll give him a reason to stay...

A K-9 Companions Story

My Review:

Deb Kastner wrote the first multi-authored 'K-9 Companions' series book back in January and now we're already up to the ninth book and Kastner is back with another pawsitively heartwarming read. :-) 

In fact, 'A Reason to Stay' does double duty in two series as it's also the 5th book in the author's 'Rocky Mountain Family' series. If that sounds confusing, it really isn't. The Winslow family and their tree farm / dog training business in the Colorado Rockies has become one of my favourite fictional places to visit. All the books read well as standalones even though there is carryover with characters and setting, so you're fine to jump in here even if you're a newbie. But it's extra fun if you've been keeping up with the Winslow family shenanigans all along. 

Either way, come prepared for fun and laughter and the heart-tugging poiganncy of raw emotions. Grief. Loneliness. Fear. All play a part in keeping Emma and Sharpe, and even young Aiden, from living the kind of life God plans for them. Of course they don't reckon on small town magic and the healing powers of a big-hearted canine to aid in bringing about an unexpected change! 

Love the character dynamics in this novel -- especially between Sharpe and Aiden. Just melted my heart. And there are some great scenes featuring Baloo, certified therapy wonder dog, and his humans interacting at a veteran's homeless shelter. 

Happy sigh. I'm in bibliophile euphoria after finishing this emotional read.

Goal update: #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 A Reason to Stay, 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 September 17 2022 . Offer open to International Readers.

Finding Her Voice

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GARTSHORE, DONNA

FINDING HER VOICE

Overcoming their differences could be the answer to all their problems.

Bridget Connelly dreams of being her boss's veterinary clinic and starting her own business -- but so does auditor Sawyer Blume. Despite her trust issues toward men, it's hard to stay rivals when Sawyer's traumatized daughter bonds with Bridget's adorable pup. And when another buyer tries to outbid them both, working together might give them everything they want...including each other.

My Review:

Yay -- a contemporary romance set in Canada! A rare gem indeed. And you gotta love a single dad hero who struggles to bring healing to his traumatized daughter. Sawyer and little Delilah tugged at every last one of my heart strings!

So, new town with fresh perspectives -- Sawyer is testing the waters with a temporary job before committing to the upheaval a major move would cause in his little family's life. But a certain golden retriever named Sophie makes the transition way easier than he thought it could be. Only there's a catch -- Sophie's owner, Bridget, a woman who has the power to shake up all his plans and future ambitions. 

There are so many emotional layers to this story! Both Sawyer and Bridget have issues in their past that need to be worked through before they can be free to commit. And they both tend to shy away from those obstacles instead of facing them head on. But, oh, the lure of romance is strong and the small town setting makes the perfect backdrop. All the while Sophie works her healing doggie magic on a grieving little girl. 

Happy Sigh. The kind of feel-good escape read that will leave you basking in warm fuzzies.

Goal Update: #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 Finding Her Voice, 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 September 10 2022 . Offer open to 

The Cowboy's Journey Home

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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 Texas Family

GIVEAWAY

NAVARRO, JOLENE

CLAIMING HER TEXAS FAMILY

The family she doesn't know...could have the answers she needs.

After her marriage publicly falls apart, single mom Abigail Dixon has nowhere to go -- except to the family she thinks abandoned her as a child. Not ready to confront the past, Abigail keeps her identity a secret. But hiding from Sheriff Hudson Menchaca isn't so easy, especially after he discovers who she is. Can he reuniite a broken family...without losing his heart?

Cowboys of Diamondback Ranch

My Review:

"Welcome to Port Del Mar. Where the danger of being smothered by love and kindness is very real." (p 52)

I was emotionally engaged from the very first page and by that I mean this story grabbed my heart and squeezed the stuffing out of it! I still feel a little bruised. lol So sensitive readers beware -- you are going to feel a gamut of emotions right along with Abigail as she attempts to put the pieces of her broken life together. And what better place to do that then in the kind of small town that cares?

This is the sixth book in the Cowboys of Diamondback Ranch series but I think you could read it as a standalone. By this point there are a lot of familiar secondary characters and a host of previous heroes and heroines but the author has done a great job of introducing everyone clearly for newbie readers. 

And, of course, we have a dashing sheriff hero who is equal parts helpful and suspicious which makes things oh-so-fun! And his adorable little girl adds more zest (and complications) to this definitely-not-a-romance romance. :-)

Vibrant characters, a stunning setting and a plot filled with hope and grace make this an incredibly moving read.

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 Claiming Her Texas Family, 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 July 23 2022 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

The Twins' Alaskan Adventure

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MCCAHAN, HEIDI

THE TWINS' ALASKAN ADVENTURE

Sometimes it takes two good reasons to give love a second chance...

The moment the seat-faced twins arrive in Alaska, Eliana Madden is smitten. They almost make her forget that their father, Tate Adams, broke her heart. Now Eliana has agreed to help Tate take care of the twins for the summer. Could this be the start of healing the rift between their families...and the beginning of a new adventure for them all?

A Home to Hearts Bay Novel

My Review:

I somehow missed the first book in this Hearts Bay series so I can attest to the fact that this one reads fine as a standalone. Though you can bet I'm going to backtrack and then keep my eyes peeled for more. :-)

Absolutely love the Alaskan setting! I have no idea why it holds such an appeal, not just for me but for so many other readers, but we all squeal with delight when we see the word 'Alaska' somewhere on the cover. lol 

Single dad Tate is coming home to Orca Island for the summer with twins in tow. (Doesn't that cover say it all?) He moved to the mainland five years ago (breaking Eliana's heart in the process) so get set for a very bumpy ride on their road to a happily ever after. There's lovely zings of romantic tension all the way through the story. Made all the sharper for the longstanding family feud that might just cost them everything. Gah! But Tate's family was super annoying! I wanted to purse whomp certain individuals a number of times. Luckily the twins kept distracting me with their antics. :-)

A heart-felt, hope-filled second chance romance that ticks all the boxes.

 GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  The Twins' Alaskan Adventure, 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 July 16 2022 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

The Rancher's Family Legacy

GIVEAWAY

JOHNSON, MYRA

THE RANCHER'S FAMILY LEGACY

A future he didn't want...could become the family he needs.

Building contractor Mark Caldwell is ready to inherit his grandfather's horse ranch and put his traumatic past behind him -- if he can survive working in Texas Hill Country for a year. But when his dog bonds with local caterer Holly Elliot's son, Mark can't refuse Holly's request to be her son's mentor. Can they put aside their differences long enough to open their hearts?

A Ranchers of Gabriel Bend novel

My Review:

What an emotional second chance romance! Because both Mark and Holly have lived through their own particular tragedies and romance is the last thing on their minds. She's a single mom to a son with health issues and he's still trying to figure out what putting the past behind him is supposed to look like. Their meet-cute is more of a meet-snipe and we go from there. :-)

Hands down, the star of the story is Mark's affable mutt, Shadow, who develops a special bond with Holly's son...which proves to be all kinds of useful including in the romance department. :-) Angsty and exasperating and toe-curling by turns. Love it when a hero and heroine keep me on my toes right to the very end!

This the final instalment to Myra Johnson's The Rancher's of Gabriel Bend series and I'll be sad to say goodbye to these characters and this loving ranching community. I appreciated the way previous heroes and heroines were worked into this story. Love getting an up close glimpse of their enduring happily ever afters! 

Having said that, you could definitely read The Rancher's Family Legacy as a standalone...you'll just get an extra kick out of it if you've been in Gabriel Bend from the start.

Goal Update: #6 Stay current with a series

 GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback or ebook copy. 

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  The Rancher's Family 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 June 25 2022. Offer open to International Readers.

Guarding His Secret

GIVEAWAY

KEMERER, JILL

GUARDING HIS SECRET

He's hiding something...can a special K-9 encourage him to reveal all?

When a family crisis leaves rancher Randy Watkins caring for a surprise baby nephew, he turns to longtime friend Hannah Carr for help. But Randy has a heart condition -- a secret he's determined to hide...unless Hannah's clever retired dog threatens to expose it. As friendship turns to something more, can Randy trust Hannah with the truth?

A K-9 Companions Story

My Review:

I am soooooo in love with this series! Each book is a standalone, but they share the common theme of K-9 companions and the variety of therapy dogs has been so fantastic. This is the sixth book in this year long series and I devour each one as soon as it comes out. And just an FYI, Guarding His Secret is also the third book in the Wyoming Ranchers series, so it's doing double duty. 

Love this Western town and the bachelor (well, not all remain bachelors) ranchers who support and encourage and razz each other through good times and bad. A host of secondary characters bring added life and interest to the story...and I'm pretty sure Kemerer has done a fantastic job of setting up the fourth book. Time will tell!

Randy's juggling a lot between his shop in town, the ranch and some unexpected family drama that lands on his doorstep. To make things worse, this stubborn cowboy (can a rancher be considered a cowboy? This Easterner thinks so) has a heart condition that he is keeping under wraps...and mostly ignoring in a fatalistic kind of way. Gah, stubborn men and their health issues! His backstory includes a decades old trauma that still affects him to this day, so I guess I'll give him a pass on being so mule-headed!

Hannah is the kind of woman of feels her way through life. She cares a lot, loves completely and is generous with her time...and her heart. Which can get her into trouble sometimes. She's known Randy forever and when he's overwhelmed by one dilemma after another, she calmly steps in and offers to help, risking her heart in the process. Because sometimes, Randy draws close and at other times, he pushes her away. In fact, he seems to have a better relationship with her retired K-9, Ned, than he does with her!

This is where we get to the fan-girling over Ned part. Soulful brown eyes, still in his prime, but retired due to his owner's death. Ned has his own backstory to contend with and he just wants to be needed again. Sniffle. And then, voila, Randy is on the scene more and more and Ned starts alerting only no one clues in until....

Seriously fantabulously fantastical!!!! Gobbled this friends to more contemporary romance in an afternoon because it was just too good to put down.

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  Guarding His 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 June 11 2022. Offer open to International Readers.