A Perfect Silhouette

GIVEAWAY

MILLER, JUDITH
A PERFECT SILHOUETTE

In 1850 Manchester, New Hampshire, Mellicent "Mellie" Blanchard becomes a mill worker to help support her family. In search of additional earning opportunities, she approaches a daguerreotype shop owner with the proposal that he hire her to make paper cuttings or silhouette portraits for those who can't afford an expressive daguerreotype.

When a particularly charming customer asks to escort her home, the seeds of romance begin to blossom. All the pieces of her new life seem to have fallen perfectly into place, but when her new venture brings her an unexpected opportunity, she learns all is not as it seems. Will Mellie, who is keeping secrets of her own, find happiness in the new life she has carved out for herself in the busy mill town?

My Review:

Judith Miller finds the most intriguing tidbits to spice up her historical novels -- in this case, the heroine's unique talent for crafting silhouette portraits with paper and scissors in a matter of moments. I'm so fascinated by this technique that I actually had to google it. If you're interested in seeing a 'live action' shot of a silhouette portrait  being made check out this link:

http://www.silhouettesbyhand.com/galleries

I've long been interested in the social justice issues surrounding 19th century textile mills -- ever since I read Lyddie by Katherine Paterson eons ago so I appreciated Miller's stunning research skills and the way she brought the aspects of mill work to life. From stringent boardinghouse rules to the horrid working conditions, the author does justice to the complicated issues facing mill owners and workers trying to keep pace with a changing work environment.

Amidst that tumultuous backdrop, Mellie and Morgan meet and fall in love. Well, of course, it isn't that simple. Secrets abound, all of them threatening hopes of any sort of happily ever after and all a reader can do is hunker down into a page-turning frenzy to see things put to right. Miller leaves a few dangling story threads which lead me to believe there might just be a sequel in the works, though I can't find anything online to confirm that. (Fingers crossed it is so.)

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  A Perfect Silhouette, 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 11 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

The Lady of Tarpon Springs

GIVEAWAY

MILLER, JUDITH
THE LADY OF TARPON SPRINGS

In 1905 Tarpon Springs, Florida, Zanna Krykos values the independence her career as a lawyer gives her from her very traditional Greek family and the pressure they put on her to find a husband. When a friend inherits a sponging business, Zanna finds herself agreeing to run it for her...even though she doubts her legal skills make her qualified.

When offered the chance to lead a team of sponge divers to the United States, experienced Greek diver Nico Kalos can't imagine a better opportunity. But his excitement quickly quells when their team arrives only to discover that a young woman with no experience will be their boss. For the sake of his men and the families they support, he can't let the business fail.

But when both the buisness and the lives of the employees are threatened, can Zanna and Nico set aside their pride and come together to save what matters most?

My Review:

Judith Miller always astounds me with the historical details in her novels. She finds the most interesting tidbits in history to create a fictional story around. Like sponge diving off the Florida coast. And the Greek divers who shared their expertise and helped establish a flourishing sponging trade. Who knew? Judith Miller, that's who! And it's worth taking a peek at the author's notes at the back of the book (after you finish the story, mind!) where she shares her research and separates fact from fiction. Fascinating stuff.

As is our Greek hero. Nico. Be still my heart. Seriously -- it's still all aflutter just thinking about him. Opinionated. Savvy. Bold. Quick to weaken knees with the flash of a smile. Let's all shivery swoon together. One. Two. Three. Siiiiggggghhhh! But to be honest, I have to mention that Nico is...well...can an early 20th century hero be labeled chauvinistic? Very old world values when it comes to women. Which makes his first encounter with Adria delightfully combustible. A lady lawyer? A female interpreter? Business manager? What self-respecting man would take orders from a woman?! Nico can't wrap his head around that at all! And neither can his crew!

But Adria is scrappy and tenacious and not about to let these stubborn men get the better of her! Especially Nico. I actually felt sorry for him more than once as he bears the brunt of Adria's strong willed independence. The dynamics between these two are so much fun to read! In the end, it's Nico's easy-going nature that's able to soothe Zanna's fire and fury...some of the time!.

Plus there's a great cast of secondary characters too. Zanna's opinionated Greek family (she comes by her stubbornness honestly!) As well as the three Rochester sisters (think Baldwin sisters from the Waltons) who provide delightful comedic relief. One scene in particular in which poor Nico's noble deeds are gravely misunderstood is hysterical! I read it twice just because the comedy of errors is so much fun!

And if all that isn't enough to tanatlize an avid reader's senses, there's even an element of mystery within these pages! It truly doesn't get much better than that!

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Lady of Tarpon Springs, 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 23 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

The Chapel Car Bride

GIVEAWAY

MILLER, JUDITH
THE CHAPEL CAR BRIDE

After a sheltered life in Pittsburgh, Hope Irvine is ready for a new adventure. When her father takes a position as a preacher in a railroad car converted into a traveling church, she's thrilled at the chance to accompany him. while accommodation in their new chapel car home are tight, Hope couldn't be happier putting her musical skills to good use and ministering to the people of West Virginia alongside her father. But when their chapel car arrives in Finch, West Virginia, they find a coal mining community that has his hard times and is suspicious of outsiders.

Luke Hughes works for the coal mine when he can, but the struggling company doesn't always offer steady work. When Reverend Irvine and Hope arrive in town, Luke is intrigued by what the reverend can teach him -- and by the lovely and kind Hope.

When Hope's desire to bring supplies and Sunday school classes to neighboring counties leads to her traveling with a flirtatious young mine manager. Luke is hard-pressed to suppress his jealousy. But when he begins to suspect the manager's motives are less than charitable, can he prove it without hurting Hope, or worse, putting her in danger?

My Review:

I love discovering unknown-to-me bits of history in the pages of a novel. I mean, seriously, a chapel car ministry? How cool is that? Imagine a train car set up as a chapel with a small section at the back blocked off for living quarters. It's the original tiny house! And the chapel car can be disconnected and left behind to minister to the people in small communities along the railroad line. How did I not hear about this before? Such an awesome backdrop for a historical romance.

And then there's the discontent and wariness of close-knit coal mining towns in West Virginia. Poor wages, dangerous work, unfair treatment by mine managers. It all adds a sense of danger and even some intrigue to the plot.

Hope is eager to prove herself as she accompanies her father on his ministry tour for the first time. She"s not prepared for the abject poverty she encounters, the rough-and-tumble existence in the remote mining towns. But the girl has grit and determination and a love for the Lord that fuels her desire to serve through her music and children's ministry.

Luke is the family breadwinner, providing for his mother and siblings on his limited mining income. He"s as intrigued by the chapel car as I am. :-) A man of faith, it isn"t long before he becomes enmeshed in the Irvine's lives and ministry...with a certain fascination for the preacher's daughter.

A sweet inspirational romance rich in historical details and filled with captivating characters. A joy of a read.

Book provided courtesy of Bethany House and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Chapel Car Bride, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you put your email address in your comment please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email remember to put the title to the subject line so it is easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday May28 2017. Offer open to International readers. Good luck!

The Artisan's Wife

GIVEAWAY

MILLER, JUDITH
THE ARTISAN'S WIFE

As Ainslee McKay reluctantly leaves all she's known, the beauty of forgiveness and new beginnings comes to light in a West Virginian town with hidden depths.

Ainslee McKay's world is upended when her twin sister secretly elopes and leaves Ainslee alone to move to Weston, West Virginia, to fulfill their obligation at the McKay family's new tile works. While her brother, Ewan, agrees to travel with her and help her learn the ropes, she still intends to sell this business she no longer wants if a buyer can be found.

When the talented Levi Judson arrives to show Ainslee his designs for new tiles, she's impressed by his sill and passion for the business but feels she must keep her true plans for the business a secret from him. And though Levi hopes for a long, successful career at McKay Tile Works, he's hiding his true reason for coming to Weston. Can the growing feelings between them survive if the truth comes to light -- or is a future together as uncertain as the future of the tile works itself?

My Review:

A satisfying conclusion to the Refined by Love series. It reads beautifully as a standalone but fans of the series will be thrilled with the involvement of Ewan and Laura in this book -- including a wonderful plot thread that brings them full circle.

I love the way this author steeps her novels in history. Fascinating details make up the very fibre of the story and there's some awesome gems in The Artisan's Wife. Details I can't share without posting spoilers but just know I was riveted by the historical content...and it would make great book discussion fodder for a book club read.

I enjoyed the unique perspective of a woman managing a 'man's' business in the 19th century. Ainslee has grit and stamina and an abundance of ideas, even though she's very reluctant to carry them out without her sister by her side. She has spent her life content to hide in the shadows of Adaira's outgoing persona and her twin's abrupt departure has left her forced to stand on her own for the first time. But Ainslee has a talent for business and has no intention of failing. Levi is just as committed to the enterprise...and his lady boss. The result?A sweet romance rich in heart and faith.

 Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. in exchange for my honest review.

 GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  The Artisan's Wife 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 2 2016. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

The Potter's Lady

GIVEAWAY

MILLER, JUDITH
THE POTTER'S LADY

In the beautiful rolling hills of West Virginia, Rose McKay seeks a measure of success--in business and in love.

When Rose McKay convinces her brother, Ewan, to invest in a pottery business, she's determined to assist him in making the endeavor a success. A recent graduate of the Philadelphia School of Design for Women, she believes she can design pieces that will sell well. Rose also reconnects with Joshua Harkness, who oversees his own family's pottery works and promises to help her.

Rylan Campbell has never liked change, but the new owners of the pottery seem to be decent folks. He just wishes Rose wouldn't insist on changing the way they do things. Then McKay Pottery begins to lose business to the Harkness company, and Rylan suspects Joshua may be secretly taking advantage of Rose.

When Franklin Hotels announces a design contest, it could be the opportunity McKay Pottery needs to achieve recognition and clients. Rose and Rylan work together to create something magnificent. With Joshua's company as their main rival, can Rylan convince Rose her trust in Joshua may spell ruin for them all?

---

My Review:

This second book in the Refined by Love series is as fantastic as the first (The Brickmaker's Bride.) A rich read full of history and the everyday struggles of the human condition.  Miller has an exceptional talent when it comes to characterization and it wasn't long before I became invested in Rose and Rylan's story...so much so that I was guilty of reading past bedtime! Such a wickedly delicious thing to do on occasion!

 And it's not only the hero and heroine who caught my attention -- the secondary characters were pretty unforgettable as well. Loved being reunited with the rest of the McKay family -- especially getting a glimpse into the married life of Ewan and Laura!

But there's treachery afoot as well -- brought about by the most despicable characters you will ever have the misfortune of meeting within the pages of a book. Gah! But they made my blood boil with all their conniving and manipulating! And added a whole new dimension to the plot.

An utterly compelling read...and I think the Refined by Love series might just be my favourite Miller series yet.

Oh -- you don't have to read The Brickmaker's Wife in order to enjoy this one but there is some carry over with the McKay family and their brickmaking business that follows through in this book.

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 The Potter's Lady please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday September 6 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

A Shining Light

GIVEAWAY

MILLER, JUDITH
A SHINING LIGHT

The kind people of Amana have been her guiding light, but her greatest trial is yet to come...West Amana, Iowa, 1890

After Andrea Wilson receives the devastating news that her husband has been lost at sea, she returns home to Iowa with her young son, Lukas. But what she finds there causes more heartache: The family farm has burned and her father has died, leaving Andrea with nothing.

Andrea must rely on the kindness of the people from the nearby Amana village who invite her to stay with them for a time. She discovers much generosity and contentment among the Amanans--especially from the tinsmith, Dirk Knefler, who takes her son under his wing. But is the simple, cloistered life in Amana what Andrea wants for Lukas's future? Is she willing to give up the comforts and freedom of the outside world? And when yet another round of shocking news comes her way, will Andrea ever be able to find the serenity and hope that have eluded her for so long?

My Review:

I find the Amana colonies enthralling and everything I know about them is courtesy of this amazing author and her incredible research skills. I really enjoyed viewing the colonies through Andrea's eyes -- as an outsider looking in. I struggled right along with her as she tried to find a place to belong. Miller has crafted a compelling story of loss and hope in the midst of a fascinating setting.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of A Shining Light please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday June 7 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

The Brickmaker's Bride

GIVEAWAY

MILLER, JUDITH
THE BRICKMAKER'S BRIDE

In the clay-rich hills of the newly founded state of West Virginia, two families tentatively come together to rebuild a war-torn brickmaking business. 

Ewan McKay has immigrated to West Virginia with his aunt and uncle, promising to trade his skills in the clay business for financial help. Uncle Hugh purchases a brickmaking operation from a Civil War widow and her daughter, and it's Ewan's job to get the company up and running again.

Ewan seeks help from Laura, the former owner's daughter, and he quickly feels a connection with her, but she's being courted by another man--a lawyer with far more social clout and money than Ewan. Resolving that he'll make the brickworks enough of a success that he can become a partner in the business and be able to afford to bring his sisters over from Ireland, Ewan pours all his energy into the new job.

But when Hugh signs a bad business deal, all Ewan's hard work is put in jeopardy. As his hopes for the future crumble, Laura reveals something surprising. Can she help him save the brickworks, and will Ewan finally get a shot at winning her heart?

My Review:

Be prepared to settle in and enjoy this exceptional novel. It's the kind of book you lose yourself in. The characters become real -- and not just the hero and heroine. There are some (unfortunately) very real secondary characters as well. Take Winston Hawkins for instance. Smarmy and self-serving. Shudder. Like reading fingernails on a blackboard. I did not like that man! And Ewan's aunt. Merciful heavens but she must have given the poor author a headache every time she burst onto a scene!

As distasteful as those two are, they provided wonderful opportunities for conflict that kept me riveted to the page. In fact it wasn't long before a niggling sense of wariness developed into full blown dread as I began to see how everything was going to play out. Nooooooo! But Miller throws in some surprising twists that make the conclusion anything but predictable.

The historical details are exquisite and I so appreciate the care this author takes with her research. All those little details enrich the reading experience so much. I think The Brickmaker's Bride might just be my favourite Miller book yet.

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 The Brickmaker's Bride 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 9  2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

A Simple Change

GIVEAWAY

MILLER, JUDITH
A SIMPLE CHANGE

She never imagined a simple change could be so complicated...

Middle Amana, Iowa, 1881

When her parents decide to sell their home and move to the Amana Colonies, Jancey Rhoder must make a difficult decision. Should she give up her beloved teaching job and her carefree life in Kansas City to go with them?

Her suitor, Nathan Woodward, doesn't want her to go, but Jancey feels she must give this new life a try. Her mother is sick, and these next few months may be the last Jancey gets to spend with her. But will this move spell the end of her relationship with Nathan? And when life in Amana is far more mysterious and challenging than Jancey expected, will she choose to return to the city, or will she make this unique place her forever home?

My Review:

I always know I'm in for a treat when I open up a Judith Miller book. I know I am going to get a read that is steeped in history with engaging characters and surprising plot twists that leave me gasping "Wh-a-a-a-a-t?!"  And that's exactly what happened in A Simple Change. There I was reading along, enjoying the story, kind of plotting out what was going to happen next (I am such a back-seat reader!) and then wham, the story takes a sharp turn and dive into the unexpected. So then I had to stay up past midnight (and I am not a night owl) to delve into this new development. Talk about hooking your readers and reeling them in!

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of A Simple Change, please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday August 11 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck! 

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group". 

To Honor and Trust

GIVEAWAY

MILLER, JUDITH
PETERSON, TRACIE

Callie DeBoyer is unsettled as she arrives at Bridal Veil Island with the Bridgeport family. She’s just received a letter from her parents, missionaries in coastal Africa, stating they are in dire need of more personnel. Should Callie give up her governess job and join her parents in their important work? Is God calling her to the mission field, or does she just want to escape the emotional scars of being jilted by her former beau?

When she enrolls young Thomas Bridgeport in golf lessons, Callie meets Wesley Townsend, who urges Callie to take lessons, as well. During their time at the golf course, Callie comes to care for Wesley–until she discovers hidden secrets about his past.

Then expensive jewels go missing from various homes on the island, and suspicion is aimed in Callie’s direction. As the investigation continues, Callie wonders if she should escape it all by going to Africa. After the secrets he kept about his past, will Wesley ever be a man she can honor and trust for the rest of her life?

My Review:

I think this is my favourite book in the Bridal Veil Island series but having said that, it reads beautifully as a standalone. These authors know how to seep a story in history so effectively that the reader feels she's traveled back in time. It is so true to life right down to the dialogue. I love that!

I really connected with Callie's dilemma -- she has a multitude of choices available to her, but which one is the right one? She wants to follow God's call for her life, but she doesn't feel God is making her decisions easy. In fact, He seems to be silent on the subject. I've felt like that so many times in my life. Impatiently yearning for a burning bush answer instead of waiting on God's timing to reveal Himself.

As if that isn't enough, the authors throw in handsome and attentive Wesley Townsend just to confuse things even more. And a mystery that threatens to steal away all of Callie's choices. A compelling, thought-provoking read that will keep you turning pages right until the very end.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of To Honor and Trust, please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday January 6 2013 Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

I'd like to thank Bethany House Publishers for sending me  a complimentary copy of this book. 

A Hidden Truth

GIVEAWAY

MILLER, JUDITH
A HIDDEN TRUTH

In the closed communities of the Amana Colonies, hidden truths are about to change everything for two young women...

East Amana, Iowa
1892

When Karlina Richter discovers that a new shepherd will be sent to her village, she fears she'll no longer be allowed to help her father with the sheep. She'll be relegated back to kitchen work, stuck inside all day. Her fears increase when the new shepherd shows little interest in the flock--or in divulging why he's suddenly been sent to East. Is he keeping secrets that will impact Karlina's family?

Dovie Cates visits the Amana Colonies to learn more about the place where her mother grew up. But when Dovie begins to ask questions about her mother's past, no one seems willing to reveal anything, so she decides to take matters into her own hands. Will the answers she finds spell disaster for her future plans and the longings of her heart?

My Review:

Just the kind of solid, riveting, in-depth read that I've come to expect from Judith Miller. The Amana Colonies provides such a fascinating backdrop to the story. Details of the colonists lives and beliefs give body to the work and leave me fussing with questions by the end. That's a good thing. Again, as with the Shakers, I can't help but feel like the Amana followers would be considered a cult in our 21st century.

Loved the details of the shepherd's life as well and the parallels to Christ and his followers that Miller references through scriptures. One of the best inspirational threads I have read in a book. Simple, but so poignant and so relevant even today.

Dovie's quest to uncover her mother's history made for an interesting mystery threaded through the plot. I could feel her yearning and understood her need to to know the truth. I've experienced the same promptings in my own life. Unfortunately no one else understands or accepts her needs as valid and that poses quite a few complications and misunderstandings. And that resulted in frantic page turning for me!

By contrast, Karlina's story is much different from her cousin's. Karlina has been blessed to know her family, anchored in the roots of her faith and tradition, she isn't searching to find herself by sifting through the past. She has enough to deal with in the present! And that includes the infuriating new shepherd cloaked in mystery. Now his past might be worth delving into!

Told in two voices -- both first person -- the chapters flip between Dovie's and Karlina's viewpoints. I love how Miller drew on parallels in their stories to wrap the threads of the plot together. Brilliantly written and greatly enjoyed, I highly recommend this first book in the first of the Home to Amana series.

Giveaway Opportunity:

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

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group". 

To Love and Cherish

GIVEAWAY

PETERSON, TRACIE
MILLER, JUDITH

When Melinda Colson's employer announces they'll be leaving Bridal Veil Island to return to their home in Cleveland, Melinda hopes her beau, Evan, will propose. But Evan isn't prepared to make an offer of marriage until he knows he can support a wife and family. Evan works as the assistant gamekeeper on Bridal Veil but hopes to be promoted soon.
                      
Letters strengthen their love, but Melinda remains frustrated at being apart from the man she wants to spend the rest of her life with. Then she learns of a devastating hurricane in Bridal Veil and knows she must give up her position as a lady's maid and make her way back to Evan.
                       
The destruction on Bridal Veil is extensive, meaning every available person is needed to help with cleanup and repairs. Melinda finds a new job on the island, but Evan seems even busier than before, meaning she still never gets to see him. Has she given her heart to the wrong man?
                      
And when Melinda overhears a vicious plot against President McKinley, who is scheduled to visit the island, is Evan the one she should turn to? Will Melinda and Evan ever get the chance to stand at the front of a church and promise "to love and cherish"?

My Review:

The second in the Bridal Veil series, To Love and Cherish reads well as a standalone. I just love the way these authors delve into history. They make everything so tangible for me and I'm completely fascinated with the standards of the day. Not just the class consciousness part, but the expectations placed upon women. What a restricted society!!!!

I could really relate to Melinda. Impetuous, impatient, planning her future in her head without involving anyone else! I was a might put out by Evan a time or two myself...until his actions started to make solid sense. Sigh. As annoying as his practicality was, it endeared me to him as well. Who can resist a man who is focused on being able to provide for his future family?

There are a couple of riveting sub-plots that are guaranteed to get a reader's dander up too and the plot takes an unexpected twist before reaching a startling climax. To Love and Cherish definitely has all the mixings for a great historical read destined to enrapture its readers.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of To Love and Cherish, please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday August 26 2012. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group". 

To Have and To Hold

Giveaway!!!

PETERSON, TRACIE
MILLER, JUDITH
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD

Take a trip back in time to beautiful Bridal Veil Island.

When Audrey Cunningham moved with her father to his ancestral home on Bridal Veil Island, Georgia, she hoped the beauty and remoteness of the place would keep him sober and close to God. But now wealthy investors are buying up land to build a grand resort on the secluded island -- and they want the Cunningham's property.

Contractor Marshall Graham can't imagine why Boyd Cunningham would ask him to look after Audrey. Marshall has no desire to be saddled with caring for the fiery young woman who seems to think the worst of him. But when someone appears to be sabotaging the construction work at the resort and Audrey's life is endangered, Marshall realizes she holds more of his heart than he thought and he'll do anything to keep her safe.

Amid a time of growth and change for Bridal Veil, can Marshall and Audrey find a foundation on which to build a love to last forever?

My Review:

Exquisite! This is the kind of story you just want to sink into and never come out of! Love the setting, the descriptions, the whole ambiance of the read! Miller and Peterson have done their research and it's such a unique time and place in history which made it all the more fascinating.

Engaging characters took hold of my heart right from the start. Aunt Thora is a hoot and soon became a favourite. She supplied levity and surprising insights throughout the book. Audrey is a remarkable mixture of genteel backbone and Marshall has his hands full trying to change her misguided opinion of him. Audrey makes snap judgements; Marshall opinions are based on slow and steady reflection. What a contrast! It's no wonder fireworks ensue!

Add in the sinister element and a dose of suspense and you'll find yourself lost in an excellent read.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like to win a copy of To Have and To Hold by Judith Miller and Tracie Peterson please leave a comment below. Remember to leave your email address using 'at' and 'dot'. Or you can email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. Please put To Have and to Hold in the subject line. Draw will be held on Sunday September 11. Winner will be announced the same day. Good luck!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group". 

A Bond Never Broken

MILLER, JUDITH

A BOND NEVER BROKEN

Journey inside the peace-loving villages of the Amana Colonies, 1917.

For many years, Ilsa Redlich has helped her parents run a hotel in South Amana. But as the United States enters the Great War, her world begins to change. The residents of the towns surrounding the Amana Colonies used to be accepting of their quiet, peaceful neighbours, but with anti-German sentiment sweeping the country, the Amanans now face persecution from their former friends.

Jutta Scmidt is shocked when several members of the Council of National Defense show up on her doorstep and demand that she return to Amana and report back on any un-American activities. Not daring to disobey government agents, she takes a job at the South Amana hotel, eavesdropping every chance she gets. But if she observes antiwar behaviour, will she betray the people she's come to love?

And when Ilsa's childhood sweetheart is accused of something far worse than Jutta could imagine, can Ilsa, Jutta and the Amana community come to his aid in time?

My Review:

Absolutely fascinating and intriguing. Love the unusual setting and Miller set the stage with such rich details that after reading this book I feel like I am an expert on the Amana Colonies even though I'd never heard of them before! In fact, I became so immersed that I felt like I had slipped back in time and it was jarring to 'come to' when my own life got in the way of my reading pleasure. I've spent the last two days saying "Ja" and "Gut" in conversations with the patrons at the library where I work and they are all giving me odd looks now. A teacher I've known for three years actually said, "I didn't know that you were German." LOL. I had to explain my linguistic lapses to her and now she wants to the read the book too!

Miller opens with a series of emotional punches that left me reeling . In fact, I was enraged before long. Fuming and stewing and all but cursing in parts. Yes I know this is make believe but the author has based her fiction on fact and knowing that this type of thing was an all too common occurrence during the Great War made my blood boil. And we didn't learn from our mistakes for they were repeated during World War II. I guess there will always be mean-spirited people who will leap at the chance to bully whenever it presents itself. What am I talking about you ask? You'll just have to read A Bond Never Broken to find out. It's an amazing story that you don't want to miss.

Reminder: If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Bond Never Broken by Judith Miller, leave a comment below. A draw will be held on Sunday April 24 for all the books I read between April 11 - 23. For more information about the Giveaway check out the April Showers Bring Reading Hours blog posted on March 31.

In the Company of Secrets

MILLER, JUDITH

IN THE COMPANY OF SECRETS

Olivia Mott didn't intend to lie. Somehow, it just happened. And wasn't it all Lady Charlotte's fault anyway?

Now Olivia's position as assistant chef at Pullman's elegant Hotel Florence is dependent upon her keeping her secrets. And sometimes lies have a way of leading to other lies. Should Olivia admit her real past and accept the consequences or keep quiet in order to preserve her comfortable new circumstances?

Deception seems to be part of everyday life in the company town of Pullman, Illinois, where the grand Pullman Palace Car is manufactured. Samuel Howard, Olivia's friend and the town manager, seems to think everything is fine, but Olivia observes something quite different. Could it be that Olivia is not the only one harboring secrets?

WONDERFUL HISTORICAL DETAIL. FIRST IN A SERIES SO THERE ISN'T COMPLETE RESOLUTION. THE ROMANCE BETWEEN OLIVIA AND FRED IS DISAPPOINTINGLY UNRESOLVED. THANKFULLY, THE 2ND IN THE SERIES IS OUT AND I CAN FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS!