Hope for Tomorrow

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO READ DAY

MADDREY, ELIZABETH

HOPE FOR TOMORROW

She's out of options. He doesn't want to get involved.

Skye Hewitt thought coming to Jesus would fix all her problems. Boy was she wrong. But He has given er the strength to make some bid decisions. Like the choice to leave the East Coast where she was comfortable, and head to the Southwest and the grandparents she's never met. Maybe the change of scene will provide the solution she desperately needs.

Morgan Young came to Hope Ranch to work with horses and put his years as a police officer behind him. The influx of Heweitt grandchildren isn't even a blip on his radar. At least until Skye show sup. Now he's torn between seeking out and steering clear of the woman who stirs more than his curiosity.

The longer she stays, the more they're thrown together, and both of them will have to decide if falling in love is something they're willing to risk.

My Review:

published in 2020

I am really loving this Hope Ranch series. This is the second in the series, though the third book in the Peacock Hill series features one of the Hewitt siblings and looks to be a kind of spring board for this series? Not sure, because I haven't read that one yet but Azure is referenced in this one a few times and she's the heroine of A Heart Realigned. Have I confused you yet? lol Me too. :-) 

Really, all you need to know is that Hope for Tomorrow can be read as a standalone. There'll be a romance-y spoiler from book one but we all know romances deliver happily ever afters so that's not really a spoiler. I'm getting confusing again, aren't I? And ramble-y. I'll smarten up. Ahem. 

So, basically this series follows the Hewitt siblings as they find their way to love and faith. Their parents have raised them in a very nomadic, hippy-ish lifestyle and their father has cut all ties with his parents. So none of the Hewitts have ever met their grandparents. One by one, though, they find their way to Hope Ranch where all the magic happens. 

Love the faith elements in this novel! A real look at what it's like to be a new believer and how confusing that can sometimes be. Plus there's this beautiful subtle thread about the power of prayer since the grandparents have been praying for the grandchildren they have never met and those decades long prayers are being answered in stunning ways!

Skye is feeling lost and alone, unsure why she is suddenly facing a catastrophic life challenge now that she's become a Christian. Aargh, but I can't say any more than that without going all spoiler-y so I'll just say I really appreciated her journey. Totally related to it, in fact. Fumed over things that had been said to her by 'well meaning' Christians and rejoiced when she found the comfort and security she sought in the arms of her grandparents.

If only a certain handsome ranch hand didn't keep shifting her equilibrium. :-) Happy sigh. There's something about a faith-filled, prayer-centered cowboy hero, isn't there? Love, love, love Morgan. He's solid and dependable, though wary of romance. And he's utterly befuddled not only by Skye but by the feelings she stirs in him. Great romance where the obstacles aren't insurmountable but angsty enough to keep a reader on the edge of her fainting couch! 

There's an extra kick to a secondary plot towards the end which has me anxious to dive into the next book, Hope for Love. Plus it's Royal's story -- Skye's twin and I love the way the author has revved up my anticipation with snippets of Royal in this book. :-)

I enjoyed listening to the audible edition narrated by Andrea Summer.

Goal Update: #1 Read more Indie authors, #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 Hope for Tomorrow, 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.

Kinsale Kisses

GIVEAWAY

MADDREY, ELIZABETH

KINSALE KISSES

She wants stability. He wants spontaneity. What they need is each other.

Colin O'Bryan cashed out of the software company he founded and started a new life in Ireland. Content to wander from town to town as a traveling musician, he had no goals beyond healing from he betrayals that led to his career change, and finding his next gig.

After the death of her parents, Rachel Sullivan hoped her aunt's B&B on the Southern coast of Ireland would be a place for her to settle and start a new life. Though she can't deny the sparks in Colin's touch, his lack of concern for hearth and home leave her torn.

Can this free-spirited minstrel win her heart or will Rachel choose roots and stability over love?

My Review:

"Keep praying, even when it feels like your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling right back onto your head. God's listening...and even more? He's working. You just might not see it yet." (p 82)

Happy sigh. If you want a real taste of Ireland look no further, Elizabeth Maddrey has managed to capture the essence of the beautiful land and her people. In fact, she's made me homesick. And kudos to her for bringing just the right lilt and vernacular to the voices of her Irish characters. The subtle differences in phrasing, speaking a statement as a question and other endearing quirks...well, it all reads very true to life.

And I love the impossibility of the romance. Both Colin and Rachel are struggling to come to grips with major life upheavals but their coping strategies are completely different. And what better place to fall in love than the Irish seaside?! Of course, things also fall apart before they can be put back together for an enduring happily ever after. I especially enjoyed Rachel's Aunt Siobhan's nuggets of wisdom gleaned from age and experience.

A delightful armchair-traveling inspirational romance.

Goal Update: #1 Read more Indie authors, #5 Diversify my reading

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Kinsale Kisses, 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 

The Billionaire's Nanny

 

GIVEAWAY

MADDREY, ELIZABETH

THE BILLIONAIRE'S NANNY

When I convinced my friends to join me in a scheme to play the stock market, it paid off beyond our expectations. Honestly, most days I don't even remember that I'm a billionaire. But it was big news for my family. In fact, my cousin made me guardian of her son in the event something happened to her.

At face value, it sounds kind of nice. But I never really knew my cousin. And I only found out about her decision a week before the kids showed up on my doorstep.

Thankfully, the woman who brought the boy out to me on the plane is willing to stay and be his nanny. Since all the local daycares have a waiting list. I don't have the luxury of being picky. Maybe I have reservations about sharing my home with a beautiful woman, but it's a completely professional relationship.

She's going to look after the kid. I'm going to look after my heart.

My Review:

Me: (sorting through the books on my tippy-toppy TBR pile) It's time.

Inner Book Nerd: (bouncing up and down excitedly) Why so dramatic? It's always time to read around here!

Me: (holding up the chosen book in a triumphant Rocky stance) It's time to break out of our reading comfort zone again and try...

Inner Book Nerd: (eyes bugging out of her ashen face) No...not that. I'm not ready. I need a comfort read. What about a Regency? That's nice and safe. Or a cozy mystery? We love cozies!

Me: Remember, we're not looking for safe. We're looking to step into brave new fictional worlds with tropes we think we might not like. New reading adventures to stretch our boundaries and add spice to our reading lives!

Inner Book Nerd: (writhing on the floor, clutching her stomach and moaning.) B-b-b-b-billionaires? We don't like billionaires. 

Me: (rolling my eyes) Now who's being dramatic? And we've actually never met any billionaires -- in real life or the pages of a book so we can't say for sure that we won't like them as heroes.

Inner Book Nerd: But they are self-centred and conceited and lord around their cushy penthouse apartments, paying for luxuries gained on the backs of the barely-making-ends-meet working man. They're exploiters and pompous and...and...gah! No. Just no!

Me: (dragging IBN into the reading nook and pushing her into the comfy chair then sitting on her so she can't escape.) Now, we don't know if any of that is actually true. Let's meet Elizabeth Maddrey's billionaire and see what he's like...

Several hours later:

Inner Book Nerd: (in a panic-laced voice verging on a wail) Wait -- what are you doing? Why are closing the book? Where are you going? Come back here. I want more story!

Me: We finished the book. It's time for me to write the review.

Inner Book Nerd: (whimpering) I'm not ready for it to be over. (stomping her foot) I. Want. More. Billionaire. Story.

Me: You know, you are really hard to live with sometimes.

And so begins another saga in the life of a comfort seeking reader who starts to dabble in previously dreaded tropes and themes. I am happy to report that I (and my inner book nerd) were whole-heartedly wrong in all our billionaire prejudices. 

The Billionaire's Nanny is brilliant and witty and fun and heart-tugging and gasp-out-louding and infused with so much faith it not only made my heart sing, but my soul as well!

Love the way Maddrey set up the series in this book. We meet all the guys -- great, solid, Christ following men who take their new found wealth in stride. I won't share all the lovely details of their journey -- but I love that the those details are there and we get a such an intriguing look into Scott's heart and how he handles the life changes.

And I had to chuckle over Whitney, walking into the situation with some of the same preconceived prejudices I had. She's off kilter from the meet-cute right on through and I love the way her prickly self slowly softens as she begins to realize what a great, grounded guy Scott really is.

And then there's adorable, traumatized Beckett who has lost so much and has to face so many unexpected changes at his young age. Heart tugging moments abound.

I was so excited about the way this book ended on such a high note along with the teaser epilogue from Austin's perspective that I rushed right to my laptop to order the second book in the series, The Billionaire's Best Friend, only to find out it doesn't release until July! (Pulling a pouty face and stomping to sulk in a corner with my Inner Book Nerd.)

Goal Updates: #1 Read more indie authors, #7 Start a new-to-me series, #9 Read outside my comfort zone

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Billionaire's Nanny, 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 

Operation Mistletoe

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO RE-READ DAY!

MADDREY, ELIZABETH

OPERATION MISTLETOE

Victoria Spencer hates Christmas.

For the last ten years, disaster has struck on Christmas Eve, leaving Tori dreading the holidays. When she's assigned to cover the light displays for her newspaper, she's determined to spend as little time on the article as possible. Especially once she realizes she's to feature frat boy Gabe "The Babe" Robertson, her former college crush.

Gabe Robertson is a different man than he was in college. Every December, he transforms his average into a winter wonderland designed to celebrate the birth of Christ and share God's love with the community. He also uses the lights to raise money for Operation Mistletoe, an organization that sends Christmas to troops stationed overseas.

Unable to set aside her prejudice, Tori looks for ulterior motives in Gabe's actions and determines to dig deeper. Will her investigations destroy any chance of a Merry Christmas?

My Review:

published in 2015

This novella length story has become a staple in my holiday reading diet. It's short but powerful and never fails to direct my focus onto the reason for the season. My Christmas wouldn't be complete without an Operation Mistletoe reread. 

A Christmas story with a Scroogy twist. Victoria isn't a fan of Christmas. Gabe is an over-the-top, out-of-the-box celebrator. Victoria isn't impressed. She's looking for an angle and Gabe's got one -- Jesus. Love the way the author incorporates the true meaning. of Christmas into this story. Love Gabe's enthusiasm. His servant's heart. They way he lives his beliefs. But Victoria's certain there's something fishy going on and she plans to uncover the truth.

This is a shorter read, but packs an emotional wallop along with a zing of Christmas cheer and holiday romance.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Operation Mistletoe, 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

Hope for Christmas

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO READ DAY!

MADDREY, ELIZABETH

HOPE FOR CHRISTMAS

He wasn't sure what he was looking for. She wasn't looking for anything.

Cyan Hewitt drifts onto his estranged grandparents' New Mexico ranch in time for Thanksgiving...and stays. As a cyber security consultant, he can telecommute, so why not from here, where his restless soul is soothed and his heart is awakened by the attractive ranch housekeeper?

Maria Sanchez works at Rancho de Esperanza to provide a stable life for her son. She's content -- mostly -- in her roles as housekeeper, part-time student, and mom, but when her precocious seven-year-old is diagnosed with diabetes, her world shatters. There's no time for distractions from the long-term visitor who's stirring a longing in her for more.

Cyan may think her faith and courage are inspiring, but Maria feels vulnerable. Relying on others has only ever resulted in broken dreams. Christmas might be a season of hope, but does she dare risk everything for love?

Hope Ranch is a place where second chances and God's love are waiting for everyone. 

My Review:

published in 2018

We all need a little hope for Christmas and you'll find it within the pages of this book. Hope for reconciliation. Hope for a fresh start. Hope for second chances. And, of course, the most important hope of all -- hope in a new faith.

Cyan has recently connected with the grandparents he never knew and when he's ready to trade in his nomadic lifestyle for something more stable, he heads to New Mexico to meet them. 

Ah -- this location! Who knew that it snowed in New Mexico?!  I sure didn't! Loved the ranch setting and all the regional holiday touches that made this Christmas read extra special. And -- eeepp -- Hope for Christmas is the first in a series and it looks like Cyan's siblings are going to find their way 'home' in future stories.

Cyan is smitten with Maria right from the start. Maria...not so much. Well, the attraction is there but she's so focused on her son and work that there just isn't time to explore anything more. Until Cyan gently works his way into her life. His careful, respectful pursuit of Maria is toe-curl worthy! 

And if you like your Christian fiction with an inspirational thread, you'll be thrilled with Cyan's faith journey and the encouragement he gets from the people dearest to him. So many great conversations -- nothing preachy, mind you, but heartfelt truths that can make a difference in everyone's life...including this reader's. 

A memorable holiday romance centered around the true meaning of Christmas.

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 Hope for Christmas, 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 October 16  2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

A Heart Restored

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO READ DAY!

MADDREY, ELIZABETH
A HEART RESTORED

She renovates old houses. Can he restore her heart?

Deidre McIntyre didn't exactly purchase the gorgeous old home in the Shenandoah Mountains on a whim. The building had seen seen better days, but she had the skills -- and the time -- to fix it up. And maybe it would provide the fresh start she was looking for.

Local handyman Jeremiah Crawford has a soft spot for Peacock Hill. When someone from out of town purchases it, he swings by to offer to help fix it up...and investigate the new owner's plans for the property. The pixie-like Deirdre isn't at all what he expects, but he's happy to hand around and enjoy the view.

When Deirdre's ex-boyfriend, a popular TV house flipper, shows up demanding a piece of the action, Jeremiah must decide if Deidre  -- and Peacock Hill -- are worth fighting for. Falling in love wasn't on the blueprints, but it might just be worth the change in plans.

My Review:

published in 2017

Short and sweet and fun and sassy. I love the way the cover so aptly reflects the story inside. Deidre is smart and capable and reno savvy. Jeremiah's the very smitten local handyman. They are both adorably bumbling when it comes to romance which kept me grinning all the way through. Great quips and touches of humour throughout. (Deidre's inept texting is hilarious!) But even with that lighthearted vibe, Maddrey has provided openings for some profound faith discussions as well. A thought provoking and amusing escape read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a gently read copy of A Heart Restored , 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 January 25 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Operation Mistletoe

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO READ DAY!

Maddrey, Elizabeth
Operation Mistletoe

Victoria Spencer hates Christmas

For the last ten years, disaster has struck on Christmas  Eve, leaving Tori dreading the holidays. When she's assigned to cover the light displays for her newspaper, she's determined to spend as little time on the article as possible. Especially once she realizes she's to feature frat boy Gabe "The Babe" Robertston, her former college crush.

Gabe Robertson is a different man than he was in college. Every December, he transforms his acreage into a winter wonderland designed to celebrate the birth of Christ and share God's love with the community. He also uses the lights to raise money for Operation Mistletoe, an organization that sends Christmas to troops stationed overseas.

Unable to se aside her prejudice, Tori looks for ulterior motives in Gabe's actions and dtermines to dig deeper. Will her investigations destroy any chance of a Merry Christmas?

My Review:

published in 2015

This is my first Elizabeth Maddrey book and I'm so glad I have another one waiting on my TBR pile! I don't know how I missed this author but I intend to play a serious game of catch-up now that I've 'discovered' her!

A Christmas story with a Scroogy twist. Victoria isn't a fan of Christmas. Gabe  is an over-the-top, out-of-the-box celebrator. Victoria isn't impressed. She's looking for an angle and Gabe's got one -- Jesus. Love the way the author incorporates the true meaning of Christmas into this story. Love Gabe's enthusiasm. His servant's heart. The way he lives his beliefs. But Victoria's certain there's something fishy going on and she plans to uncover the truth.

This is a shorter read, but it packs an emotional wallop along with a zing of Christmas cheer and holiday romance.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Operation Mistletoe, 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 26 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!