Love's Sure Dawn

GIVEAWAY

RAWLINGS, NAOMI
LOVE'S SURE DAWN

No matter how hard she tries to help, Rebekah Cummings always ends up causing more problems than she solves. This time, though, things will be different. She'll find a way to pay her family's debts, even if doing so requires leaving Eagle Harbor. Maybe then they'll start treating her as a capable woman who makes her own choices.

Gilbert Sinclair is going to marry an heiress. With his latest business venture sunk at the bottom of Lake Superior, he needs money to replace the steamship he lost, so he heads to Chicago where his father's business connections should land him a suitable wife. Like most things in his meticulously planned life, everything goes as expected—until he discovers Rebekah Cummings working as the new cook on his ship.

Rebekah well remembers the pain she endured the last time she tried trusting Gilbert, and Gilbert can't afford to pursue the love of a working class woman. But they can't stop the forgotten feelings swirling between them—or ignore the sacrifices they'd both have to make for a future together.

My Review:

Rawling writes some of the best sparring scenes I've ever read. And Rebekah and Gilbert have more than their fair share of them in Love's Sure Dawn. But then, this author isn't known for being kind to her heroes and heroines which is fine by me since it makes for a compelling (and angsty) read.

Fans of the Eagle Harbor series will already be acquainted with Rebekah and Gilbert from the previous two books. No worries if you haven't read the first two stories because this one also reads well as a standalone, though I have to admit to being particularly eager for this romance.

Rebekah is an interesting character. A tomboy way past the age when running wild is acceptable, she's gotten away with it in the small lakeside community. But though she's as adventurous and courageous as her brothers, she chafes at the protective restrictions they place upon her. So what's a stifled little sister to do? Take matters into her own hands. of course and that leads to trouble. Especially for Gilbert.

Cue humour and adventure and a few heart-stirring situations that bring these two together in a clash of wills and long buried desire. A feisty, toe-curling romance that will keep you hooked right to the very end.

My thanks to the author for providing me with a review copy of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
This giveaway is in EBOOK format only

If you would like an opportunity to win an ecopy of  Love's Sure Dawn 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 22 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Love's Every Whisper

GIVEAWAY

RAWLINGS, NAOMI
LOVE'S EVERY WHISPER

Victoria Donnelly simply wants to do something right, at least once in her lifetime. With five years of failed courtships behind her and the calendar inching closer to another birthday, she's determined to redeem herself and snag a proposal from a wealthy childhood acquaintance, Gilbert Sinclair. But returning to Eagle Harbor stirs up long forgotten memories. And worse, old affection for her betrothed's enemy.

Elijah Cummings has loved Victoria for fifteen years. But fishermen's sons don't marry shipping barons' daughters. He knows it. She knows it. The entire town knows it. Resolved to keep his distance from Victoria, Elijah focuses on establishing a much needed life-saving station, risking his own life by rescuing sailors stuck aboard shipwrecks.

He knows how to save drowning sailors, but how is he to save a woman from the biggest mistake of her life—without destroying both their hearts in the process?

My Review:

I'm beginning to think I need to don boxing gloves before I read one of Naomi Rawlings' books because I know I'll be called upon to defend beloved characters. She certainly puts her poor hero and heroine through the paces. Conflict abounds and I adored every angsty minute.

Rich in characterization and plot, this story hums with tension of every kind. Victoria and Elijah's unspoken attraction pulls story threads taut as their romance progresses to toe-curling satisfaction. Not before being mired in the depths of hopeless despair, mind you. My emotions churned my insides out as I devoured each page.

The author excels at conflict -- in fact she is downright mean to her hero and heroine which exasperates and thrills me all at the same time. How can I both hate and love reading all those angsty bits?! They certainly keep me riveted and anxious for more.

Being 'fearfully and wonderfully made' is a touching refrain that echoes throughout the book and applies to so many of the characters. It is particularly hard for Victoria to grasp since she comes from a very emotionally abusive family. She struggles with finding her voice and the courage to speak her mind.

Eagle Harbor series fans will be thrilled to find Mac and Tressa play a prominent role in this book as well. So satisfying to catch up with them three years later -- even if angst abounds in their lives as well.

A compelling read that you'll want to consume in one sitting.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Love's Every Whisper 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 18 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Love's Unfading Light

GIVEAWAY

RAWLINGS, NAOMI
LOVE'S UNFADING LIGHT

Tressa Danell is finished with men—from the wastrel who left her a widow, to the smelly trapper who keeps proposing, to the banker who wants to repossess her bakery. Every hour is spent working to pay off her late husband’s debt and keep a roof over her son’s head, though it’s doubtful she can do both for very long. But one thing’s certain—she’ll never be beholden to a man again.

Tired of living in a small town that blames him for actions his father committed ten years ago, Mac Oakton is scheduled to leave Eagle Harbor. So why does the pretty widow at the bakery keep tugging at his heart? He can’t get involved in her predicament when he’ll only be around for two more weeks.

But when Tressa’s burdens overwhelm her, they both face a decision. Can Mac set his own plans aside to help? And can Tressa accept his support if that means giving up her independence ... and being obligated to a man again?

My Review:

Mercy, but the townspeople got my dander up from the get go. I have never come across so many narrow-minded, sanctimonious, grudge-holding, unforgiving, judgemental people in one book! I was fuming on Tressa's behalf the whole way through the read. There's something very energizing about being righteously indignant for a sustained period of time. LOL

Tressa's future looks beyond bleak. Overwhelming odds keep pummeling her down. Just when you think it can't get worse it does! Mac is a bright beacon on her horizon. (pun intended since he's a lighthouse keeper.) His gallant and earnest desire to help Tressa is so endearing. Unfortunately, Tressa doesn't think so. But she can't always resist his charm which results in some lovely playful and humorous scenes. 

Rawlins expertly weaves strong inspirational threads amidst the angst and drama. Mac comes to grips with his past and searches for God's hand in his future while Tressa struggles to believe in her worth as a daughter of a Heavenly Father. Both touched my reader's heart without the message feeling preachy or forced. Definitely deepened the read and left me with lots to think -- and pray -- about.

A delightful start to a promising new series.

My thanks to the author for providing me with a review copy of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Love's Unfading 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 October 10 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Falling for the Enemy

GIVEAWAY

RAWLINGS, NAOMI
CALLING FOR THE ENEMY

An Unlikely Alliance 

Betrayed and stranded in France at the height of war, Lord Gregory Halston has few options. After rescuing his ailing brother from jail, they struggle to survive in hostile territory without outing themselves as Englishmen. Gregory hopes the feisty French peasant woman he meets is willing to guide them to safety.

Danielle Belanger doesn't wish to protect any man from the same country responsible for her brother's demise. But there's something about the determined Englishman that makes her willing to try. Though a match between Danielle and Gregory is impossible, their attraction can't be denied. The only thing more dangerous than aiding the enemy…is falling in love with him.

My Review:

Another Belanger family story and this time it's the feisty Danielle who has a chance to play the heroine. We met her in A Soldier's Secret when she was a stubborn teen with plenty of attitude. She's grown some now, and so has the attitude! To grand proportions. Danielle is brimming with passion, simmering with anger and not afraid of speaking her mind...quite plainly. Definitely my kind of heroine! Gregory is no match for her until he shows his softer side. She isn't equipped to cope with kindness and compassionate and understanding. Crackling tension, impossible love and a flight across France make this a very captivating read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Falling for the Enemy 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 11 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

The Soldier's Secrets

GIVEAWAY

RAWLINGS, NAOMI
THE SOLDIER'S SECRETS

Divided Loyalties

Brigitte Dubois will do anything to keep her family safe. When she is blackmailed by her father-in-law, his quest for revenge leaves her no choice. To protect her children, she must spy on the man who may have killed her husband. But Jean Paul Belanger is nothing like she expected. The dark, imposing farmer offers food to all who need it, and insists on helping Brigitte and her children.

Everything Jean Paul did was in the name of liberty. Even so, he can never forgive himself for his actions during France's revolution. Now a proud auburn-haired woman has come to his home seeking work and has found her way into his reclusive heart. But when she uncovers the truth, his past could drive them apart….

My Review:

What a compelling read! A story fraught with angst and characters that will leap from the pages into your heart. And if there was ever a doomed love story -- this one is it! I felt like a ping pong ball ricocheting back and forth -- from toe-curling to heart-wrenching in a nano-second. Rich historical detail vividly describe the desperate times right after the French Revolution. A great foundation to build a taut, intriguing story around. Rawling is a gifted storyteller and I'm grateful she is willing to share that talent.

 Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Soldier's Secrets 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 . to protect yourself from spammers. If you email me, please be sure to put the title in the subject line so it is easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 12 2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck.

The Wyoming Heir

GIVEAWAY

RAWLINGS, NAOMI
THE WYOMING HEIR

The Cowboy in the Classroom

Given a choice, Luke Hayes wouldn't ever leave his Wyoming ranch. Yet when his estranged grandfather dies, leaving him everything, he'll travel to Valley Falls, New York—but only to collect his sister and his inheritance. He won't be roped into saving a floundering girls' school, no matter what mathematics teacher Elizabeth Wells says.

Elizabeth has defied social convention and her own family for the sake of her beloved Hayes Academy. Luke is pure rancher, from the tip of his Stetson to the scuff on his boots, yet he's also becoming her unlikely ally. Only he can help save her job and school…but how much will she lose when the time comes for him to leave?

My Review:

Rawlings has the ability to reduce this reader to a churning mass of emotions and I love it!!!! From an infuriating mother to a taciturn hero and a feisty, stubborn heroine there's angst aplenty. I enjoyed the unusual twist of rancher going east. Plucking Luke out of his comfort zone created a great platform in which to reveal his inner character. Elizabeth's past (and frankly her horrendous family) have made it difficult for her to trust so Luke has his work cut out for him. Loved watching those two skirt around the real issues as they try to deny their growing attraction. The author certainly knows how pace a romance. Rawlings has penned another winning historical.

Giveaway Opportunity

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Wyoming Heir 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 December 22 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck! 

Sanctuary for a Lady

GIVEAWAY

RAWLINGS, NAOMI
SANCTUARY FOR A LADY

Rescued by the enemy.

The injured young woman Michel Belanger finds in the woods is certainly an aristocrat. And in the midst of France's bloody revolution, sheltering nobility merits a trip to the guillotine. Yet despite the risk, Michel knows he must bring the wounded girl to his cottage to heal.

Attacked by soldiers and left for dead, Isabelle de La rouchecauld has lost everything. A duke's daughter cannot hope for mercy in France, so escaping to England is her best chance of survival. The only thing more dangerous than staying would be falling in love with this gruff yet tender man of the land. Even if she sees, for the first time, how truly noble a heart can be...

My Review:

It boggles this reader's mind that this is a debut novel. Rawlings writes like a seasoned pro. With the tight plot, impeccable characterization and enough emotional angst to water-log the Kleenex company, this is a romance lover's dream. Seriously good.

Love the unusual setting -- revolutionary France. There's a history lesson or two or three within the pages which I found to be a fascinating bonus. Kudos to Love Inspired for branching out from their norm and to Rawlings for inspiring them to do so.

This is a stomach-churning, knuckle-whitening read from cover to cover. I was an emotional wreck all the way through, between shouting warnings, chiding stubbornness and wanting to throw something at someone (including the author) occasionally! LOL. But I survived to tell the tale -- to dream about the tale -- to carry on the tale -- to dream up a new tale based on this one...well, let's just say the story is still with me and I'm praying it's not long before Rawlings' next book is out!

And the romance! Oh-la-la! It's there in spades despite the impossibility of it all. And Rawlings creates incredibly intimate moments even in the midst of anger and hurt. Scenes that shot daggers at this sensitive reader's heart. Totally amazing; completely fulfilling.

The powerful inspirational thread made me squirm and I battled right along with Michel and Isabelle, marveling at what a benevolent God we have and the faith and strength of so many in history who survived untold horrors but still believed.

This one is a gem, a definite must read!

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like a chance at winning a copy of Sanctuary of a Lady please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvtoreadATyahooDOTca. Remember to put the title in the subject line so your entry is easy for me to spot. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 22 2012. Offer open to international readers. Good luck everyone!