To Find Her Place

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MASON, SUSAN ANNE

TO FIND HER PLACE

Can they find their way to the right future amid the uncertainty that faces them?

In the midst of WWII, Jane Linder pours all her energy and dreams for a family into her career at the Toronto Children's Aid Society. As acting directress, Jane hopes for a permanent appointment so she can continue making a difference in the lives of children. But is the board were to find out she is divorced, everything would change.

Garrett Wilder has been hired to overhaul operations at the Children's Aid Society and investigate a report of misused funds. He hopes to impress the board members with the findinings and earn the vacant director's position. A war injury ended his dream of taking over his parents' farm, but with the security of the director's job, he'd be able to contribute financially and help save the family business.

Despite their competing interests and Garret's early suspicions, a friendship grows and feelings begin to blossom. but when Jane receives an unexpected opportunity that could fulfill her deepest desires, she finds herself at a crossroads. Can she discern the path to true happiness?

My Review:

I can always count on a Susan Anne Mason novel to tie my stomach up in knots and toss me off an emotional cliff or two or three...or more. And I love the thrill of the read from start to finish, even if my insides feel tender for a while afterwards. :-) 

There's nothing like living life to the fullest with characters you care about and Jane and Garrett and young Martin were easy to love. And just as easy to become exasperated over (cue the tummy flip-flops.) There's angst and tenderness and a multitude of complications -- plot dips and dives that kept me glued to the page. And a bevy of secondary characters to rejoice with and moan over. 

Love the Canadian setting! And time period. Homefront war stories aren't as popular when it comes to World War II fiction, but I enjoy the fresh perspective. Mason really brings the city (Toronto) and the historical social challenges to life. The CAS background was fascinating and I loved both Jane and Garrett's heart for serving the children in their community.

One of the things I love most about Mason's writing is the way she seamlessly weaves a significant faith thread into the very fabric of her stories. God is at work in Jane and Garrett's story -- creating something beautiful and lasting from the broken pieces of their lives. I'll admit to being a wee bit teary by the end.

To Find Her Place is the second book in the Redemption of Light series, though it reads very well as a standalone novel. But if you haven't read A Haven for Her Heart make sure to fit that onto your TBR list sometime soon! You really don't want to miss out on either of these two novels. 

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback copy

If you would like a chance to win a copy of To Find Her Place, 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 July 31 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

A Haven for Her Heart

 

GIVEAWAY

MASON, SUSAN ANNE

A HAVEN FOR HER HEART

Homeless after being released from a women's reformatory in 1939 Toronto, Olivia Rosetti is taken by an angel of mercy, Ruth Bennington. The two discover they share a painful past and together decide to open a maternity home for troubled women.

Despite the success of the home, Olivia is haunted by her inhumane treatment at the reformatory and the way her newborn son was taken from her. She feels undeserving of love -- until she meets businessman Darius Reed. Although his attention makes her heart soar, he can never learn of her past.

Greek widower Darius Reed is determined to protect his daughter from the prejudice that killed her mother. He'll ensure her future by marrying a woman from a respected Toronto family. But when Darius meets Olivia, he's immediately drawn to her beauty and compassion.

Can love prove stronger than prejudice and past mistakes? Or will Olivia's secrets destroy any chance at a future together?

My Review:

Wow-oh-wow-oh-wowzers!!!! This book has all the feels to put a reader through the emotional ringer over and over again. I spent much of the time fuming over injustices and prejudice. In a sputtering rage, really, ranting at a number of reprehensible characters that I think should have been placed in the reformatory instead of Olivia! Gah! But I cheered as she overcame them all - not without heartbreak or sorrow but with a steely resolve and inspiring courage. 

And that Darius! I'll admit there were times he gave me conniptions but I will give praise where praise is due and he's a man who learns from his mistakes and isn't afraid to stand up for his convictions (though he gave me quite a few scares along the way!) And his sweet little daughter and large opinionated family made me smile and sigh...a lot. :-)

Hallelujah -- there's significant faith threads woven -- no, deeply embedded -- into the lives of these characters. About forgiveness and redemption and the value of every soul. About having the courage to embrace the blessings a loving Father bestows, not because you're worthy but precisely because you're not! Made me tear up more than a few times. God bless Christian authors who are keeping Christ at the heart of their stories!

In case you haven't noticed by now, I'm kinda a book nerd and one of the things I pay attention to are titles and how they fit with the story. I get especially excited when the actual title is plucked right from a sentence in the book. And get downright over-the-moon giddy when a title phrase is perfectly placed within the story to tie it all together. A Haven for Her Heart does that beautifully and gave me thrills and chills! And yes, that certifies me as a rabid-bibliophile-with-out-filters, but really, are any of you surprised?

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback copy

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Haven for her Heart, 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 28 2020. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck! 

The Brightest of Dreams

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MASON, SUSAN ANNE
THE BRIGHTEST OF DREAMS

Quinten Aspinall is determined to fulfill a promise he made to his deceased father to keep his family together. To do so, he must travel to Canada to find his younger siblings, who were sent there as indentured workers while Quinn was away at war. He is also solicited by his employer to look for the man's niece who ran off with a Canadian soldier. If Quinn can bring Julia back, he will receive his own tenant farm, enabling him to provide a home for his ailing mother and siblings.

Julia Holloway's decision to come to Toronto has been met with disaster. When her uncle's employee rescues her from a bad situation, she fears she can never repay Quinn's kindness. So when he asks her to help find his sister, she agrees. Soon after, however, Julia receives some devastating news that changes everything.

Torn between reuniting his family and protecting Julia, will Quinn have to sacrifice his chance at happiness to finally keep his promise?

My Review:

Woooshhhhh!!!! That's the sound of a very satisfied bibliophile sigh. I don't know what I was expecting but it wasn't that! lol Love it when an author delivers so much more than I could ever imagine. And I listened to every exquisite minute of it. Susan Boyce is a favourite narrator of mine so she made me feel right at home -- all ready to settle in for a marathon listening session. I am such a happy reader...er listener!

The Brightest of Dreams is the third and final (sob) book in Mason's Canadian Crossings series but it also makes a wonderful standalone read. If you've been following the series you'll be super excited over the epilogue. :-) So many great characters to share a last hurrah with! So while I'm super sad to see this series end, I'm awash with too many warm fuzzies for that harsh reality to sink in just yet.

Absolutely loved Quinn and Julia's story. So much heartache and angst but so many tender moments too. Even some humourous ones. Mason draws out the tale with impeccable pacing. Plot threads pulled taut then slackened just a bit to give a reader some breathing room then -- snap! -- tension rolled over me in waves.

Pretty sure this is my favourte Susan Anne Mason book ever...though maybe I should re-read them all to make sure of that. :-)

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a gently read copy of  The Brightest of Dreams, 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 March 14 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

The Highest of Hopes

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MASON, SUSAN ANNE
THE HIGHEST OF HOPES

After her beloved grandfather dies, Emmaline Moore is shocked to discover that her "deceased" father is living in Canada. With no other family, Emma embarks on a journey across the ocean accompanied by her best friend, Jonathan. Unfortunately, Randall Moore and his well-to-do family aren't thrilled by her arrival, fearing it will hinder his chance at becoming mayor of Toronto in 1919. Despite everything, Emma remains determined to earn their affection.

Jonathan Rowe has secretly loved Emma for years and hopes that during their trip he can win her heart. Concerned that Randall might reject her, Jonathan is ready to console Emma and bring her home. When she informs him that she has no intention of England, Jonathan begins to despair. Can he convince Emma to find value within herself rather than seeking it from a virtual stranger? And will she ever come to see that Jonathan is her true home?

My Review:

In which Emmaline Moore travels thousands of miles to discover that the love and acceptance she craves has been right next door all the time. Love the agonizing unrequited love theme that plays out through this story. Sometimes it's so delicious to be tortured by an author who knows how to be mean to her characters. And I say that with the utmost respect. :-)

It's Jonathan who has me all bent out of shape. He's the truest of best friends though he wants to be so much more! Oh, how I ached for him! His devotion and patience and desperate hope just shredded my heart!

Emmaline is clueless though. She's so focused on her quest to win her father's favour that she's oblivious to everything else. Her strong will carries her through hurt and heartache as she stubbornly clings to the hope of belonging to a family who doesn't want her. She struggles with issues of abandonment and loss which feed her insecurities and make her all the more desperate to find acceptance. But she's looking for it in all the wrong places and Mason weaves an inspiring faith thread into the story as Emmaline discovers the peace and joy that comes from the unconditional love of a Heavenly Father who accepts her as she is, flaws and all.

I was on romantical tenterhooks until the very end, desperately yearning for what appeared to be an elusive happily ever after. And then...whoosh of relief...not so elusive after all!  Happy satisfied reader -- that's me!

Sidenote: That image is the cover for the large print edition which I got from my library. True confession -- LPs have a special scent that makes me woozy with delight. A soft, shiny paper and ink smell that's unique to these editions. If you don't believe me go to your library and do a smell comparison test. Bwahahaha!

Other sidenote: This is the second book in the Canadian Crossings series but can absolutely be read as a standalone.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Highest of Hopes, 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 24 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

The Best of Intentions

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MASON, SUSAN ANNE
THE BEST OF INTENTIONS

She swore to protect her nephew at any cost...but what if that price is a chance at love?

In the aftermath of WW1, Grace Abernathy is determined to reunite her family, crossing an ocean to convince her widowed sister to return home to England. Yet, in Toronto she discovers more tragedy -- her nephew Christian in the custody of his paternal relatives, the formidable Easton family, who rejected Grace's sister because of her low social status.

Unconvinced the Eastons can be fitting caretakers, Grace uses an assumed name to secure the position of Christian's nanny and moves into the Easton estates. There she can observe the family up close, while ensuring Christian's well-being. In the course of her new role, she is shocked to find herself falling in love with Andrew Easton, the boy's guardian. Unfortunately, Andrew is promised to a spoiled socialite who is sure to make a terrible stepmother for Christian. Will Grace be able to protect her nephew...and her heart?

My Review:

Squeeeeaaaalll!!! A new series by Susan Anne Mason and it has a Canadian setting! Super jazzed about that and the way she brought historical Toronto to life. Very Murdoch Mysteryish (without the mystery) and a decade later. :-) And I loved the prologue where she sets things up for the series by introducing readers to the characters who will take centre stage in the next two books. Quinn in particular caught my attention...can't wait to discover more about that man of mystery.

The Best of Intentions is about...well, how the best of intentions can go awry and both Grace and Andrew are exasperatingly full of good intentions! Unfortunately that has them at cross-purposes which leads to all kinds of conundrums and dilemmas and put my gentle reader's heart through some painful paces. Sweetly tender at times and then wrenchingly agonizing at others. And, oh, but there were times I wanted to reach into the book and thwack some heads together and strangle a certain character and pummel another one...and I'm not a violent person -- honest! Love a story that pulls my emotions to bits and makes me slightly crazed. Though it can be mildly alarming to fellow transit commuters. :-)

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Best of Intentions, 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. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday September 9 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good Luck!

A Most Noble Heir

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MASON, SUSAN ANNE
A MOST NOBLE HEIR

Will gaining the world cost him everything he holds most dear?

When stable hand Nolan Price  learns from his dying mother that he is actually the son of the Early of Stainsby, his plans for a future with kitchen maid Hannah Burnham are shattered. Once he is officially acknowledged as the ear's heir, Nolan will be forbidden to marry beneath his station.

Unwilling to give up the girl he loves, he devises a plan to elope -- believing once their marriage is sanctioned by God that Lord Stainsby will be forced to accept their union. However, as Nolan struggles to learn the ways of the aristocracy, he finds himself caught between his dreams for tomorrow and his father's demanding expectations.

Forces work to keep the couple apart as every turn, and a solution to remain together seems farther and farther away. With Nolan's new life pulling him irrevocably away from Hannah, it seems only a miracle will bring them back together.

My Review:

I think I squealed when I saw this in the bookstore and my heart did a little happy dance but I played it uber cool as I made my purchase. That lasted until I got out the door whereupon I skippedy-dooed my way to the bus stop and pulled out A Most Noble Heir and commenced reading. And missed my bus but I didn't even care because, well, I had a new book friend to pass the time with until the next one came. And my, did that cover get a lot of comments from fellow passengers once I finally settled myself on a bus! Because, really, what is not to love about that cover?! Blissful sigh. But, trust me, it's worth pulling your eyes away from that image so you can start devouring Nolan's story.

And this is where it gets hard to review because I don't want to give anything away so forgive me for being rather vague. Let's just say this plot is quite different from what I usually see in historical romance. Mason does an amazing job of creating an emotionally tumultuous love story that kept me turning pages into the wee hours of the morning.

Nolan is a man of integrity. He's also a dreamer and isn't afraid of working hard to make those dreams a reality. But those plans go awry when he discovers the identity of the father he never knew. Be prepared for repeated sucker punches as the plot thickens and chaos reigns for a time. And sweet Hannah is caught up in it all. As will every reader who loses herself in this timeless love story.

As Nolan and Hannah grapple with faith and family and finding the courage to face both head on they discover a deeper meaning to life...and love. And that leads these characters (and the reader) on an unforgettable journey toward a well deserved happily ever after.

Oh -- and back to that cover!!!! It has embossed lettering!!!! Squeallll!!!! I can't even...I'm going in for another book hug.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

BREAKING NEWS: TRIXI HAS OFFERED TO SHARE HER COPY OF A MOST NOBLE HEIR SO WE WILL HAVE TWO WINNERS! WOOHOO -- THANK YOU TRIXI.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Most Noble Heir, 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 easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday March 4 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck.

Love's Faithful Promise

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MASON, SUSAN ANNE
LOVE'S FAITHFUL PROMISE

If two wounded souls can find healing, love may not be far behind.

Widower Dr. Matthew Clayborne is devoted to two things: his work with wounded soldiers and his four-year-old daughter, Phoebe. When Deirdre O'Leary, a feisty New Yorker, arrives in Toronto requesting he use his skills to help her stricken mother, he won't abandon either of these priorities to care for one older woman. However, when his daughter suffers a health scare and needs a respite, Deirdre offers a trade -- they can escape to the peace of her family's farm, if he will care of Mrs. O'Leary.

Matthew agrees for his daughter's sake, but is intent on staying as short a time as necessary. The sojourn at Irish Meadows does wonders for Phoebe, and as she begins to flourish, Matthew finds himself drawn to the O'Learys, especially to the captivating Deirdre. But since he has no intention of leaving his life up north forever, and Deirdre has sworn off marriage in favor of her career, how will they deal with the undeniable attraction between them?

My Review:

I'm a little bit speechless over this grand finale of the Courage to Dream series....okay, not really... more like I'm bordering on super gushing and I'm tongue-tied over trying to figure out what to say. Well, that's sort of speechless, right?

First off -- best conclusion to a series ever!!! I finished it on the bus and I was so overcome with a mix of giddy and sad that I gave a gusty sigh and said something like, "I don't know whether to laugh or cry that was such a good ending!" Out. Loud. Which earned me odd looks from fellow commuters. Kinda embarassing, but not enough to wipe the silly grin off my face or stop me from hugging the book before I carefully put it back in my bag.

So I'm feeling replete from a story well told, and already nostalgic over the O'Learys and all the characters and pretty much every single blade of grass in Irish Meadows (horse farm).  Sigh. I'm really not ready to let go.

Deirdre -- all grown up and spunky as all get out. Determined to get her way no matter what. With a heart so full of love and kindness and faith. The perfect foil for the rather jaded Matthew. He comes to life as his relationship with Deirdre grows. And so does his daughter. So many tender moments. And funny ones. And infuriating ones. And -- oh my goodness the toe-curling ones! Thud!!!!! Exquisitely delicious.

And then there's the surprising bonus of an additional romance for brother, Connor O'Leary. The kind of love story that makes a reader squirm with delight as unexpected events unfold. Not to mention adding even more toe-curling to the book. I may need an iron to straighten my poor toes! :-)

And Mason has blessed her readers with a tantalizing glimpse into the lives of the entire O'Leary clan -- the past heroes and heroines who captured our hearts in Irish Meadows and A Worthy Heart. No need to have read the first two books in order to enjoy this one -- but seriously, after you read Love's Faithful Promise you'll be desperate to read the others so you might as well give in now and get the whole series!

Masterful storytelling, stupendous romance and a moving inspirational thread earn this novel a place of honour on my keeper shelf.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  Love's Faithful Promise 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 October 9 2016. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

A Worthy Heart

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MASON, SUSAN ANNE
A WORTHY HEART

Can an Irish Lass with a Dream
for America Find True Love?

Maggie Montgomery's long-held wish to see America is finally coming true. She'll visit her beloved brother Rylan and his wife, Colleen, and at the same time, escape Neill Fitzgerald's unwanted attention. In addition, Maggie has a secret! She plans to remain in America to seek her fortune and to hopefully find love. While visiting Irish Meadows, she meets an intriguing man whom she thinks is a stable hand. Only when Rylan demands she stay away from Adam O'Leary does she realize he's Colleen's brother, recently released from prison. Nonetheless, Maggie can't seem to make her heart conform to her brother's request.

Adam O'Leary has never felt worthy of his place in the family. Spending time in jail only reinforces his belief. Now that he's free, Adam hopes to make amends and earn back his family's trust. Falling in love with Maggie Montgomery, however, was never in his plans.

Despite everyone's effort to keep them apart, the two develop a bond nothing can break--but has Adam truly changed, or will the sins of his past prove too much for Maggie to overcome?  

My Review:

That moment when you reach the last page of a book and you spend another ten minutes staring at the blank end pages willing there to be more. Wistful sigh. It's really over...until September when the third book in the Courage to Dream series comes out. I'm officially in mourning.

Mason has created a sweeping family saga in this series. Happily though, each book is complete in and of itself so no worries if you haven't read Irish Meadows (but, oh mercy, you really should!) This author has the ability to hurdle a reader into emotional chaos right along with her characters. Seriously, I think I'm dehydrated from crying -- lots of happy tears but some anguished ones too.

As in the first book, this is another case of double romance doubles the reading pleasure. This time it is visiting Montgomery siblings, Maggie and Gabe, who find unexpected romance in America. Maggie with her steadfast heart is just what Adam O'Leary needs as he struggles to put his past behind him. And Gabe's Irish charm unexpectedly captivates Aurora Hastings (a secondary character from Irish Meadows who really did deserve her own happily ever after.) Both plot lines complement each other and make for a riveting (and often anxious) read. I was on tenterhooks all the way through.

And a special kudos to the author for getting the Irish 'accent' right. So many don't -- turning it more Scottish than Irish or using exaggerated Americanized clichés.. Mason has captured the essence and flavour of the lilt by carefully placed (and authentic) word choice as well as a sprinkling of Irish phrases thrown in for good measure. (A couple of  the most swoothworthy scenes include whispered endearments in Irish. Melting in a puddle. Right. Now.)

A wonderful inspirational thread explores the true meaning of grace as characters strive to prove themselves worthy, only to fall short time and time again. It isn't until they learn to accept that special grace that surpasses all understanding that they can begin to trust in their dreams for the future.

Captivating. Soul-stirring. Uplifting. If you love historical romance you will love A Worthy Heart.

A heartfelt thanks to the author for providing me with an autographed copy!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  A Worthy Heart 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 January 24 2016 . Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Irish Meadows

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MASON, SUSAN ANNE
IRISH MEADOWS

Irish immigrant James O’Leary has spent his life building Irish Meadows into a thriving horse farm and is not about to let hard economic times threaten its success. He intends for his daughters to marry prosperous men–ones who will secure the family’s rightful place in society, and at the same time, guarantee the future of Irish Meadows. Both girls, however, have different visions for their futures.

Brianna and Colleen O’Leary know their father expects them to marry well. Yet despite his wishes, Brianna, the quieter sister, dreams of attending college. Vivacious Colleen, meanwhile, is happy to marry–as long as her father’s choice meets her exacting standards. When stable hand Gilbert Whelan returns from college and distant family member Rylan Montgomery stops in on his way to the seminary in Boston, the two men quickly complicate everyone’s plans. It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to follow their hearts. And even if they do, will they inevitably find their dreams too distant to reach?  

My Review:

Double the romance doubles the reading pleasure.

Brianna and Colleen are as different as night and day and I will readily admit to bonding with Brianna way before Colleen started to chip away at my reserve. Colleen is...challenging...at the beginning of the this story...and quite awhile thereafter. In short, she made my blood boil. But Mason weaves her magic and Colleen's storyline becomes a beautiful testimony of the power of redemption.

And the heroes? Be still my heart. In a word: swoonworthy. But both have to battle internal demons before they can come to grips with their pasts. Gilbert is near perfection -- noble, trustworthy, a man of integrity...except when he isn't. LOL Mason has created a flawed hero who struggles with misplaced loyalty. And Rylan is a delightful surprise. I adored his wit and ability to find joy in everyday things. And his first meet with prickly ol' Colleen is sweet perfection. There's plenty of scope for the imagination when it comes to these captivating heroes.

As we all know, the course of true love never runs straight and in the case of the O'Leary sisters it's a big old curvy, tangled mess. Which makes for a blissfully emotional read. I'm still feeling kind of gutted now that it's over. The kind of read you want to gallop through because it's that good, but you also don't want to reach the end because...well...it's that good.

Fans of Julie Lessman will find a lot to love about Susan Anne Mason's first book in the Courage to Dream series. Highly recommended.

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Irish Meadows 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 July 12 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Wayward Hearts

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MASON, SUSAN ANNE
WAYWARD HEARTS

Hairstylist Maxi North is living her dream in Manhattan, poised to become junior partner in one of the city's classiest salons. Her father's death puts her plans on hold while she travels home to face her past. There, she is forced to confront unrequited feelings for her former best friend, Jason Hanley, as well as her deeply buried guilt over her younger brother's death. Fireman-in-training, Jason Hanley knows how badly Rainbow Falls needs its own fire station. As a new Christian, he pledges to serve the people of his community and to open a fire station as soon as possible. When his friend, Maxi North, and her mother almost perish in a fire, Jason becomes involved in helping them re-build their farmhouse. Soon he finds himself wondering if he and Maxi can ever put aside their differences to find a future together.

My Review:

Mason delivers a gritty love story full of twists and turns and unexpected detours that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The rawness of Maxi's unrequited love is so heartbreaking. Coming face to face with the man she's loved for years sets her world upside down at a time when she is already dealing with way too much. Jason just wants to try to salvage their once strong friendship and love unexpectedly follows. But so does a ton of complications -- enough to give a dedicated reader gray hairs! This one kept me on my toes right to the very end.  Thankfully, love triumphs allowing this fragile reader's heart to rejoice at last.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Wayward Hearts 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 February 1 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Healing the Widower's Heart

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MASON, SUSAN ANNE
HEALING THE WIDOWER'S HEART

A Child's Only Hope

When widower Nathan Porter brings his grieving son, Zach, to Wyndermere House's camp, he is desperate for a lifeline. Nathan's hoping the change of scenery to the woods of upstate New York will help mend his son's heart. But the counselor assigned to his son's care seems too young—and too pretty—to be qualified. Paige McFarlane's learned what loving someone—and losing them—costs. But soon her efforts with Zach reveal that to help the son she must also help the dad. As Nathan and Paige work together to mend the boy's broken spirit, they realize the walls around their own hearts could be crumbling, as well.

When widower Nathan Porter brings his grieving son, Zach, to Wyndermere House's camp, he is desperate for a lifeline. Nathan's hoping the change of scenery to the woods of upstate New York will help mend his son's heart. But the counselor assigned to his son's care seems too young—and too pretty— to be qualified. Paige McFarlane's learned what loving someone—and losing them—costs. But soon her efforts with Zach reveal that to help the son she must also help the dad. As Nathan and Paige work together  to mend the boy's broken spirit, they  realize the walls around their own hearts could be crumbling, as well.

My Review:

Have to start with a side note here: This is an author to keep on your radar. A year ago Susan Anne Mason was unpublished. Today she is a multi-contracted author with three (yes three) publishing houses! Her contemporary romances are published by  Harlequin's Love Inspired and White Rose Publishing while her debut historical romance from Bethany House comes out this summer. I love hearing mega success stories like this.  And, woot, she's Canadian to boot!

Healing the Widower's Heart is a just a little bit different from the other Love Inspired romances I have read. And I think that's a good thing. Refreshing actually, though definitely angsty! Truth be told, I didn't take to Nathan Porter right off the bat. Part of him has given up and he holds himself back from nearly everyone and everything. And I'll be honest, his troubled relationship with his son really bothered me.

In contrast, Paige is like an open book. Vibrant, alive, and living life to the fullest...except in the romance department. She has no intentions of going down that painful road again. Wills clash from this hero and heroine's very first meeting and I'll admit to being on Paige's side from the get go. However, Mason very cleverly shares glimpses of Nathan's past as the story progresses. My heart softened towards him as more is revealed until I could clearly see the wounded man beneath the 'uptight' exterior. Talk about reader meltdown!

In many ways, Paige is Nathan's strength until he can come to grips with his past and move forward with confidence into the future. Ironically, during the process, he becomes her strength from time to time and there's this beautiful meshing of give and take that is so true in any working relationship. Loved the realism in this story and the faith in God that made their happily ever after possible.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Healing the Widower's Heart 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 January 25 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Betrayed Hearts

GIVEAWAY

MASON, SUSAN ANNE
BETRAYED HEARTS

Lily Draper comes to Rainbow Falls in search of her biological sister, the only blood relative she has left. Emotionally scarred by her preacher father, Lily avoids religion at all cost. Her new landlord, an aspiring minister, soon has her questioning her views. Can she learn to trust Nick's heart or will her sordid past destroy their love?

Nick Logan hopes to take over for the retiring minister who has groomed Nick for the job. But Reverend Ted seems to feel the position requires Nick to marry an upstanding woman, namely Ted’s niece. When Nick finds himself falling in love with Lily Draper, the woman least likely to become a minister's wife, his problems escalate. And when Reverend Ted gives him an ultimatum, Nick faces an impossible choice.

Can he accept God’s will and still find a place for Lily in his life?

My Review:

Debut novel from an up and coming Canadian (and now multi-contracted) author. Love being in at the very beginning of a writing career. The gripping prologue had my heart rate elevated, my curiosity piqued and me salivating for more.

Lily's a diamond in the rough and I love that Nick sees the good in her from the very beginning. He's the product of a conservative small town upbringing and he grapples with allegiance to the mentor he very nearly idolizes when Lily comes to town. He thought his life was all mapped out, but his attraction to Lily sends him off course...according to small town gossip. Committed to the Lord when we first meet him, his faith is stretched to its limits as the story unfolds and he is the better for it by the end.

In contrast, Lily's faith journey has stuttered to a stop when she arrives at Rainbow Falls. In fact, it's back stepped into non-existence thanks to the negative influences of her adopted father. Her coming to terms with her past and finally accepting her worth as a daughter of God makes for an inspiring read. Emotion bleeds from every page as the rocky beginnings of a romance stabilize into something life-changing. Awesome read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Betrayed Hearts 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 November 2 2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!