Millstone of Doubt

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VETSCH, ERICA

MILLSTONE OF DOUBT

Regency London's detective duo is back on a new case -- and this one is going to be a killer.

Caught in the explosion of the Hammersmith Mill in London, Bow Street Runner Daniel Swann rushes to help any survivors only to find the mill's owner dead of an apparent gunshot.

Even though the owner's daughter, Agatha Montgomery, mourns his death,  it seems there are more than a few people with motive for murder. But Daniel can't take this investigation slow and steady. Instead, he must dig through all the suspects as quickly as he can, because the clock is ticking until his mysterious patronage -- and his job as a runner -- comes to an abrupt and painful end. It seems to Daniel that, like his earthly father, his Heavenly Father has abandoned him to the fates.

Lady Juliette Thorndike is Agatha's bosom friend and has the inside knowledge of the wealthy London ton to be invaluable to Daniel. She should be in a perfect position to help with the case. Still, her instructor in the art of spy craft orders her to stay out of the investigation. But circumstances intervene, dropping her into the middle of the deadly pursuit.

When a dreadful accident ends in another death on the mill floor, Daniel discovers a connection to his murder case -- and to his own secret past. Now he and Juliette are in a race to find the killer before his time runs out.

My Review:

Squeeeepppppp -- this is me fan-girling all over this series. I love the mix of mystery and Regency and all the cloak and dagger bits. Daniel is a Bow Street Investigator but Juliette is apprenticing in the family biz -- spies for the Crown. :-) Is that not spectacular? Of course their paths cross and they end up working together in some ways but...

Okay, here's where I need to say right up front that the Thorndike and Swann Regency Mysteries need to be read in order. This is the second book so you really should read 'The Debutante's Code' first. It covers a ton of backstory for both characters and setting and some of that story arc -- especially Daniel's -- carries into this book in a spectacular fashion. Plus the romance -- fainting couches required! -- is a slow build through both books. Each does have its own mystery though.

Speaking of which -- woohoo -- I figured out two key mystery plot points in 'Millstone of Doubt'. I do believe I might make Bow Street Runner someday. :-) But there's also a few loose threads left dangling so I'm eager to get a hold of the third book asap...only it's not out yet. Sob! And I can't find out any info on it either. Patience is a virtue, as they say. Sigh.

I listened to Kim Bretton's excellent narration. There's something extra swoony about listening to a Regency with all the right accents.

Goal Update: #5 Diversify my reading, #7 Stay current with a series.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

PLEASE NOTE: Because it is important to read Debutante's Code before Millstone of Doubt, this giveaway is for EITHER book. Just let me know in the comments which book you are entering to win.

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

The Debutante's Code

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VETSCH, ERICA

THE DEBUTANTE'S CODE

Jane Austin meets Sherlock Holmes in this new Regency mystery series.

Newly returned from finishing school, Lady Juliette Thorndike is ready to debut in London society. Due to her years away, she hasn't spent much time with her parents, and sees them only as the flighty, dilettante couple the other nobles love. But when they disappear, she discovers she never really knew them at all. They've been living double lives as government spies -- and they're only the latest in a long history of espionage that is the family's legacy.

Now Lady Juliette is determined to continue their work. Mentored by her uncle, she plunges into the dangerous world of spy craft. From the glittering ballrooms of London to the fox hunts, regattas, and soirees of country high society, she must chase down hidden clues, solve the mysterious code her parents left behind, and stay out of danger. All the while, she has to keep her endeavours a secret from her best friend and her suitors -- not to mention nosy, irritatingly handsome Bow Street runner Daniel Swann, who suspects her of a daring theft.

Can Lady Juliette outwit her enemies and complete her parents' last mission? Or will it lead to a terrible end?

Best-selling author Erica Vetsch is back with a rollicking, exciting new series destined to be a hit with Regency readers who enjoy a touch of mystery in their love stories. Fans of Julie Klassen, Sarah Ladd and Anne Perry will love the wit, action, and romance.

My Review:

Squeal!

Eeeepppp!!

Squeeeeeeppppppp!!!!!!

I'm in such a dithering tizzy-fit of epic Regency spyness that I can barely catch my breath let alone type! My bookish anticipatory state was at such a high that I woke up in the wee hours of the audible release date and started listening and was hard pressed to stop and go back to sleep.

Right off the top let me exude accolades upon the narration of The Debutante's Code. Kim Bretton delivered a captivating performance and increased my already over-the-top enthusiasm for this book tenfold. She portrayed each character brilliantly, capturing all their nuances from accents to temperament with such skill -- well, it was joy to listen to. Highly recommend the audible edition for maximum enjoyment of this story (if you are an audio book kind of reader.)

What an exceptional start to this new series. And (plug your ears for another round of squueeeping) the Thorndike and Swann Regency Mysteries is the continuous kind -- where these same characters will be featured in future books. Which means the romance is barely more than the inkling of an ember but holds oh-so-much-promise!!!!

Loved our introduction to Juliette and Daniel and their back stories and the way their paths cross...and keep crossing until they are hopelessly entangled in intrigue and danger. I loved being right about some things (I think I might make a good spy!) and the way Vetsch spins a clever plot with enough hairpin turns to keep me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. 

Readers of her first Regency series, Serendipity and Secrets, will discover some familiar faces in this one. I've only read the first book but I'm itching to get my hands on the second and third ones as well. It will give me something to do while I impatiently wait for the next Thorndike and Swann book to come out. I'm desperate to find out more about Daniel's mysterious benefactor and I have my suspicions about a few secondary characters. I need to know if I'm way off base or intrepid spy material. Bwahahaha!

Goal Update: #5 Diversify my reading, London setting

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Debutante's Code, 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 January 29 2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

Joy to the World

GIVEAWAY

MILLER, CAROLYN

BARRATT, AMANDA

VETSCH, ERICA

JOY TO THE WORLD

This heartwarming collection of holiday Regency romance from three popular inspirational authors is the ideal stocking stuffer for a very marry Christmas! Based on lines from the beloved Christmas carol, these novellas have depth, faith, and satisfying stories. Curl up those tales of love and joy for a break from all the busyness that surrounds the holiday season.

Heaven and Nature Sing

by Carolyn Miller

To music lovers, deeply devoted to each other, were on the brink of engagement when family circumstances drove them apart. How can they ever overcome their obligations and fears to find their way back into each other's arms!

Far as the Curse is Found

by Amanda Barratt

One winter night, a woman struggling to provide for her illegitimate child encounters a scarred veteran of the Napoleonic Wars on the streets of London. Can love conquer the darkness of two broken pasts?

Wonders of His Love

by Erica Vetsch

A Scots portrait painter finds work as a noble manor house over the holidays. He never imagined he'd fall in love with the emotionally frozen widow there. Now he wants nothing more than to thaw her heart.

My Review:

An incredible collection by stellar authors makes this a Regency Romance lover's delight!

Heaven and Nature Sing by Carolyn Miller -- Beguiling reunion romance that drove me crazy trying to figure out what caused the rift in the first place. Miller had me hooked right to the end. And, woohoo, Regency house party at Christmastime! Loved all the traditional holiday details and the oh-so-proper banter. Happy sigh!

Far as the Curse is Found by Amanda Barratt -- "Even the sky wept at the sight of him." (p 111) If ever an opening sentence set the mood of a story, that one sure does! Barratt's sumptuous prose has a Dickensian flare in this despair-turns-to-hope Christmas tale that would do the Victorian novelist proud. And there's also a Beauty and the Beast ambiance within these pages as well. Emotional and uplifting.

Wonders of His Love by Erica Vetsch -- Sqqquuueeallll!!! Swoonworthy Scottish hero alert. I kenna even...thud. :-) Love that he's an artist and of the wrong class for his aristocratic lady love. And I adore the way she blossoms under his admiring regard. Poor little rich girl aptly describes our heroine and she needs the likes of a 'wild' Scotsmen to help her see the hope in both herself and the future.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Joy to the World, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT AND DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday October 30 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

The Lost Lieutenant

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RANDOM RETRO READ DAY!

VETSCH, ERICA

THE LOST LIEUTENANT

Evan Eldridge never meant to be a war hero -- he only wanted to fight Napoleon for the future of his country. And he certainly didn't think saving the life of a peer would mean being made the Earl of Whitelock. But when the life you save is dear to the Prince Regent, things can change in a hurry.

Now Evan has a noble title, a manor house in shambles, and a stranger for a bride, all thrust upon his by a grateful ruler. What he doesn't have are all his memories. Traumatized from wounds incurred on the battlefield, Evan knows there's something he can't quite remember. It's important, dangerous -- and if he doesn't recall it in time -- will jeopardize not only his new marriage but someone's very life.

My Review:

published in 2020

I've been wanting to get started on Erica Vetsch's Regency series ever since it came out but I held out for an audible edition and was just about to give up hope when...tada...the audio book announcement came out. I flew over to audible and pre-ordered it right away. Woohoo, right? Wellllll....yes and no, 'cause I loved the book, but not the narrator so this is going to turn into two reviews: the book and the narrator's performance.

The Lost Lieutenant : the book

Love, love, love, love, loooovvvveeee! It was just as splendiferous as I knew it would be. Marriage of Convenience...well, more like marriage by royal decree...but yeeeessssss. Especially in Regency England!!!

Vetcsh has done an incredible job of throwing two wounded individuals together and then amping up the angst factor in all kinds of diabolical ways. Bwahahaha! There are sooooo many layers to this plot -- in character back stories, in present threats and in hints of impending danger. Love the sizzle of intrigue that sharpens the tale and makes the story that much more compelling.

The secondary characters are as vibrant as the hero and heroine. The kind you love to laugh over and cheer for (or boo whenever they slip onto the page.) And there's one particular gentleman just begging for his own story to be told...wait a sec, I'm gonna check...woohoo, yes, Marcus is the hero in book 2, The Gentleman Spy! I'm getting giddy just thinking about meeting up with him again.  

Vetsch delivers absolutely everything I love in a Regency Romance and I'm super excited to continue on with the series...

But...

The Lost Lieutenant : the Audio

This was a hard listen for me. I usually go through an audiobook in a couple of days but it took me a week of diligent short listens to make my way to the end because I just couldn't take the narration in large doses. I feel awful saying that, but there was something so jarring about Mary Sarah's off-kilter cadence. Her voice rises and falls at odd times, sometimes trailing off mid sentence and then picking back up in a rush that is almost inaudible. A whispery, sing-song chanting at times, a drawn-out monotone at others. It was really hard to get past the narration in order to enjoy the story.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Lost Lieutenant, 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 August 28 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

A Joyful Christmas

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HICKEY, CYNTHIA
JOHNSON, LIZ
MCDONOUGH, VICKIE
TOLSMA, LIZ
TURANSKY, CARRIE
VETSCH, ERICA
A JOYFUL CHRISTMAS

A Christmas collection to warm the heart.

Grab a warm cup of tea and watch as romance is kindled and joy is restored to broken lives during six bygone era Christmas celebrations.

A Christmas Castle by Cynthia Hickey -- Married by proxy in Missouri, Annie Morgan sets off for Tombstone, Arizona, to join her new husband as a cattle rancher. But too soon she finds herself a widow with an unexpected daughter and butting heads with her handsome neighbor.

A Star in the Night by Liz Johnson -- Wounded within Confederate territory, Union officer Jedediah Harrington finds refuge at the tiny cabin of Cora Sinclair and her grandfather. Still haunted by what she saw as a battlefield hospital volunteer, Cora finds that only Jed can understand. But, though she longs to give him her heart, the risks to both of them are too great.

An Irish Bride for Christmas by Vickie McDonough -- When Jackson Lancaster's brother and wife die, he takes his three-year-old niece home. But a meddling busy-body makes the judge give her custody "because an unmarried man shouldn't raise a little girl." Now Jackson has until Christmas to find a bride or lose his niece forever. Larkin Doyle is grateful her employer took in the orphan and believes Jackson abandoned his niece. When her heart says otherwise, will romance blossomm?

Under His Wings by Liz Tolsma -- Adie O'Connell, orphaned and left alone in a dangerous Wisconsin logging camp, seeks the stability she once knew when both her parents lived. Despite the compassion and friendship offered by Noah "Preacher Man" Mitchell, she refuses to consider marriage to a man always drifting from one job to another for God.

Shelter in the Storm by Carrie Turansky -- The daughter of a wealthy Tennessee doctor, Rachel Thornton begins nursing James Galloway, a wounded artist-war correspondent. As James recovers, their hearts draw closer together. Having already lost one sweetheart to the war, Rachel is hestiant to reveal her feelings for James, who insists on returning to the front lines. Would she be safer in the arms of another man?

Christmas Service by Erica Vetsch -- Beth Sorensen has been put in charge of the Christmas pageant at the little log church, and this year she wants something different. But she didn't count on a Minnesota blizzard paralyzing the whole town. Can the blacksmith teach this preacher's daughter about what it means to serve one another in love through the storm?

My Review:

A Christmas lover's dream collection. Six fantastic authors have created novellas full of heart and faith steeped in the spirit of Christmas. Each story has all the elements of a full-length novel and packs the same kind of emotional punch. Each author brings her own unique perspective to these rushing-into-love-under-dire-circumstances romances.

Cynthia Hickey's heroine walks into a a homesteader's nightmare when she arrives in Tombstone and discovers her married-by-proxy husband is dead and has left her a struggling ranch under siege and an unexpected step-daughter! This is the wild west at it's best, and worse. I loved the romance between feisty and determined Annie and her gruff but knight-in-shining-armorish neighbour and the way they draw together to save the ranch from the dastardly villains. :-)

I'm not a huge fan of Civil War stories but Liz Johnson and Carrie Turnasky beguiled me with their very different approaches to finding love in the midst of war. Both involve wounded Union soldiers and the women who nurse them back to health. Loved Johnson's cabin in the woods setting where Cora lives with her grandfather. By contrast, Turnasky's heroine enjoys status and wealth as the daughter of a prominent doctor. And her British hero is a war-correspondent artist which was really interesting to read about. But both Cora and Rachel have to decide whether they dare risk giving their hearts to men who will continue to risk their lives for the cause they believe in.

I was steaming over the meddling busy-body in Vicki McDonough's An Irish Bride for Christmas right from the very start. There's grieving Jackson having just buried his brother and sister-in-law trying to do his best by his four year-old niece when Mrs. Hoity-Toity Persnickety Mayor's Wife comes waltzing in claiming he's unfit to raise the child. Gah! Luckily sweet Irish lass Larkin is on hand to care for the little girl because Mrs. HTPMW thinks children should be seen (and not often) and definitely never heard. Meanwhile, there's poor Jackson fighting just to have rights to see his niece while searching high and low for a woman he can marry by Christmas or he'll lose any chance of regaining custody of his niece. Uh, Jackson, meet Larkin and get married already! This one kept me discombobulated right to the end.

Adie and Noah in Liz Tolsma's Under His Wings gave me fits too. These two were so intent on following through on their own plans they neglected to notice God's Grand Plan right in front of them. There's a truly vile lumberjack with designs on Adie and enough tension and drama to satisfy this thrill seeking bibliophile. Angst aplenty with the promise of a Christmas miracle conclusion.

I howled my way through Christmas Service by Erica Vetsch. This is like the adult version of the holiday classic The Worst Christmas Pageant Ever. And just as funny. With an infuriatingly reluctant-to-court-the-blacksmith heroine. But oh my, that blacksmith. Thud! I want to shake some sense into Beth. Chaos and hijinks abound for this doomed couple who desperately need a Christmas miracle!

I listened to the audible edition of A Joyful Christmas narrated by Carolyn Molloy and she did an amazing job of capturing all the distinct accents -- from British to Irish to Southern drawl -- not to mention the creaky voice of an old grandfather and the sweet yammering of young children. A lively reading that enhanced my enjoyment of these stories all the more.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  A Joyful Christmas, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday September 12 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

The Victorian Christmas Brides Collection

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PAGELS, CARRIE FANCETT
VETSCH, ERICA
CHASE, C.J.
DIETZE, SUSANNE
GERLACH, RITA
MAHER, KATHLEEN L.
MEYER, GABRIELLE
RILEY, VANESSA
SEILSTAD, LORNA
THE VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS BRIDES COLLECTION

One Golden Ring by C. J. Chase -- 1855 Devonshire, England -- Wounded soldier Tristram Nowell returns home to indulge his mother's wish for a family Christmas -- and encounters Marianna Granville. Can he forgive the former heiress who jilted him years before?

My Review -- C.J. Chase is a new-to-me author but I'll certainly be hunting down more of her books after reading this exquisite novella. With an Austenish flair, she packs quite the emotional punch in this second chance romance. A delectable read from start to finish.

Star of Wonder by Susanne Dietze - 1875 County Durham, England -- This Yuletide Bennett Hett, Lord Harwood, offers Lady Celeste Sidwell matrimony and the Star of  Wonder diamond necklace, as their fathers arranged. When the diamond disappears, will they find a greater treasure?

My Review -- An arranged marriage and a yuletide mystery -- how fun is that?! Well, maybe not for Bennett and Celeste who are opposed to marriage...until they band together to solve a crime and suddenly perspectives shift and their friendship takes an unexpected turn. Fast-paced and intriguing with a bit of Christmas miracle on the side.

The Holly and the Ivy by Rita Gerlach -- 1900 near Washington DC -- A glass ornament. Love letters tied in red Christmas ribbon. Lily Morningstar and British antiquities expert Andrew Stapleton are drawn into a family secret that binds their hearts together.

My Review: There's something very romantic about beginning a relationship through letters. And although Lily and Andrew have been corresponding for a year, she's reluctant to reveal her identity when they finally meet in person. She's sure her middle class America will clash with his aristocratic British roots. A sweet romance with an unexpected family mystery.

Love Brick by Brick by Kathleen L. Maher -- 1857, Elmira, New York -- Sarah Ann Winifred overcomes orphanhood apprenticing with pioneering doctors. Rufus Sedgwick , relocating his English estate, seeks help for his ailing mum. Christmas reveals the secret wish of both hearts -- for love.

My Review: Ha! Rufus seems a bit of a stuck up snob when first we meet, but it doesn't take long to uncover the charitable and caring heart beneath that staid British manner. Sarah Ann tries not to be smitten because they are worlds apart but Rufus is used to making things happen his way. Clashing wills and a few missteps later and we're looking at a happily ever after. Sweet romance with a touching message on forgiveness.

A Christmas Promise by Gabrielle Meyer -- 1899 Cambridgeshire, England -- Lady Ashleigh Arrington is hosting a houseful of guests for Christmas when railroad executive Christopher Campbell unexpectedly arrives from America with a mysterious agreement signed by their fathers before their birth.

My Review: Matrimonial minded mamas matchmaking from the grave. How's that for an arranged marriage twist? Animosity sizzles as Ashleigh and Christopher fight to free themselves from the prospect of an unwanted Christmas engagement. But that sizzle soon sparks another kind of fire that might see them walking down the aisle after all. Loved all the sparring and the teasing as these two valiantly attempt to resist the inevitable Christmas miracle.

The Sugarplum Ladies by Carrie Fancett Pagels -- 1867 Windsor, Ontario Canada and Detroit, Michigan -- When Canadian barrister Percy Gladstone finds his aristocratic British family unexpectedly descending upon him for Christmas, he turns to American social reformer Eugenie Mott and her fledgling catering crew for help.

My Review: What a neat surprise to see a little bit of Canada in this novella. A diverse cast of characters on both sides of the border conspire to create lasting Christmas memories. Pagels includes some interesting historical details -- like the Detroit socialites assisting Civil War widows in learning to make a living by catering. That's an aspect of the post-war era I never even thought about. Love when fiction teaches me a lesson -- especially when it comes all wrapped up in romance!

Paper Snowflake Christmas by Vanessa Riley -- 1837 Framlingham, England -- How can widow Ophelia Hanover give her son a perfect Christmas when her guardian, the Earl of Litton, arrives early to take permanent custody of the boy?

My Review: Litton is a boor! I'm all righteously indignant and ready to show him the door and I'm only on the first page! Gah! What an emotionally-charged, heart-wrenching romance! Past misunderstandings lead to present prejudices and it's such a catastrophic mess I wasn't sure how everything would work out. If you like to indulge in a cleansing holiday cry, this is the story for you! (In case you're worried, the hero won me over in the end.)

Father Christmas by Lorna Seilstad -- 1880 Blackpool, England -- Widowed harpist Beatrix Kent believes love can only come once in a lifetime, but this Christmas, carpenter Hugh Sherman hopes to pull on the musician's heartstrings and prove her wrong.

My Review: Oh, I do so like getting steamed on behalf of a heroine and there is one character in this story that I really wanted to throttle on Beatrix's behalf! Hugh in patient (but relentless) pursuit of Bea...thud...the stuff dreams are made of. And the way his attention prompts her awakening from grief and guilt...sublime! That right there was enough to win me over but there's also a cute little girl who needs a mum -- and what better time to get one than at Christmas? 

A Perfect Christmas by Erica Vetsch -- 1881 London, England -- Melisande Verity might be in over her head trying to create the perfect Christmas window display, but if she succeeds, will she finally attract the attention of her boss Gray Garramond?

My Review: Oooohhhh, Mr. Gray, you persnickity upstart, you deserve a lump of coal in your stocking. Maybe two....wait...he's growing on me as Melisande chips away at his Scroogish tendencies. I think he's a keeper after all. Once she's replaced his profit margins and bottom lines for some Christmas joy. Love the nod to Dickens and this story has the same kind of heartwarming, tear-in-your-eye ending too!

Overall Review:

A superb collection of holiday romances that reflect the true meaning of Christmas. The physical book is stunning -- including beveled edges and a gorgeous end page art. Would make a great gift for the discerning reader on your Christmas list...but be sure to buy one for yourself as well!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Victorian Christmas Brides Collection, 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 to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday September 2 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Seven Brides for Seven Texas Rangers Romance Collection

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SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN TEXAS RANGERS ROMANCE COLLECTION
VETSCH, ERICA
BARRATT, AMANDA
DAVIS, SUSAN PAGE
MCDONOUGH, VICKIE
MEYER, GABRIELLE
SEILSTAD, LORNA
Y'BARBO, KATHLEEN

7 Rangers Find Love and Justice on the Texas Frontier
No one is too tough to be loved...

Seven Texas Rangers -- tough, smart, and ready for danger -- are totally unprepared when love sneaks in and makes off with their hearts. Aided by their commanding officer and his matchmaking wife, each one is paired with a seemingly unsuitable bride and in the end, each man may be more than willing to be found guilty of love.

But first, they will need to face the Cass Markham Gang as it makes its way through eastern Texas, stealing and kidnapping as they go. Will romance be a distraction or just the thing to inspire each Ranger to courageous feats?

My Review:

Another stellar novella collection from Barbour. Love the theme of this one because, really, who doesn't swoon just a teensy bit at the mention of a Texas Ranger?! And there's a great prologue and epilogue that anchor these stories in a very satisfying way. These Rangers are under the direction of Captain Sterling who oversees their work routines but it is the captain's wife, Etta, who has the final say on 'her boys' personal lives. And that means these Rangers are about to meet their matrimonial matches! This is just reading goodness all 'round.

The Ranger's Reward by Gabrielle Meyer --  A routine check on an isolated widow turns into anything but for Texas Ranger Griffin Sommer when the Markham gang show up at the ranch. Griff suddenly finds himself undercover. playing the role of husband to Evelyn and pa to young Harrison . Cue toe-curling kisses as tensions rise and danger threatens. Woot! A heart-pounding read-in-one-sitting kind of novella.

More Precious Than Rubies by Lorna Seilstad --  Hearts collide when schoolyard sweethearts Violet Tatienne and Texas Ranger Whit Murray reconnect on the train during a robbery. He's sworn to bring the robbers to justice but Violet has a vested interest in hunting the villains down too -- they stole the gems she was transporting to her father's jewelry store. Cue the fireworks as this exasperated ranger  tries to curtail Violet's inexperienced sleuthing while doing his own. Great blend of humour and danger and sweet romance.

Jesse's Sparrow by Amanda Barratt -- Sara Byrne has escaped a life of prostitution and has finally saved up enough money to rescue the girls she left behind in captivity...until she becomes the victim of a stagecoach robbery. Left stranded and penniless, Sara has no choice but to accept the help of Texas Ranger Jesse Rawlings. Her past has made her wary of men and trust for the ranger doesn't come easily. Luckily Jesse has a compassionate heart and the patience of Job. This story has a more serious nature than the others and the author has included a heartfelt note appealing to readers to take a stand against human trafficking in all its evil forms.

The Countess and the Cowboy by Kathleen Y'barbo -- Classic star-crossed lovers with nefarious villains thrown in. Ava Becker and Texas Ranger Ezra Creed were an item once upon a time. Now they are thrown together again when a horse thief connected to the notorious Markham gang pays a visit to the Becker ranch. Heated emotions unmask a deeper yearning as these two set out to find justice...and lost love.

Simple Interest by Susan Page Davis -- Ranger O'Neal Brewster has a thing for pretty bank teller Augusta Ferris. He flirts and she deflects but O'Neal is sure she's destined to be in his future...until the bank is held up and Augusta is taken hostage. Now it's up to the intrepid Ranger to track the Markham gang and rescue his damsel in distress. Only there's a whole lot of feisty buried beneath the bank teller's prim exterior and O'Neal is in for some surprises. Humour and action make this a super fun read.

Partners in Crime by Vickie McDonough -- Micah McCullough is working undercover as a member of the notorious Markham gang. The Texas Ranger has a plan that runs to ground when the gang kidnaps a young woman who they believe can create counterfeit money plates. But though Laurel Underwood is a prize winning silversmith she knows she will be unable to deliver on the Markham's demands. Suddenly Micah's mission switches from information gathering to rescuing the lady hostage. Tension and fear heighten emotions and Laurel and Micah soon discover that escaping to freedom holds untold promises if they can spend it together.

Guard Your Heart by Erica Vetsch -- Branch Kilborn is the last bachelor Texas Ranger in Hartville and he aims to keep it that way. And then Constance Spanner witnesses a murder and he's tasked with keeping her safe until she can testify. Tough ol' rough-around-the-edges Branch is suddenly intrigued, But he finds that Constance is a guarded woman whose grit and determination are more than enough to keep him at bay. Which, oddly enough irks him to no end. Subtle humour add to this action-packed conclusion to the Seven Brides for Seven Texas Rangers Romance Collection.

My thanks to author Lorna Seilstad for providing me with a copy of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like the chance to win a copy of Seven Brides for Seven Texas Rangers Romance Collection, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you leave your email in 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 and 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!

A Child's Christmas Wish

GIVEAWAY

VETSCH, ERICA
A CHILD'S CHRISTMAS WISH

A baby for Christmas

The only Christmas gift Oscar Rabb's four-year-old daughter prays for is one the widower can't provide: a baby sibling. And when his neighbour's house burns down, he's willing to open his home to pregnant and widowed Kate Amaker and her in-laws -- but not his heart. Even if his little girl's convinced Kate's unborn child is the answer to her wish.

Kate quickly sees the generous but aloof Oscar has little interest in growing closer to his houseguests. Still, she intends to make the coming Christmas a season to remember for his daughter. And as Oscar starts to open up to her, Kate can't help picturing just how wonderful the holiday -- and a future together -- might be.

My Review:

A heartwarming Christmas story destined to become a traditional favourite.

I adore the way Erica Vetsch includes historical details that make me feel like I'm right there smack in the middle of the story. I think I might just be able to make cheese now -- at least the old-fashioned way. The author has created a little bit of Switzerland in the wilds of Minnesota, including some delightful Christmas traditions.

Take one reclusive widower with a heart-stopping adorable four-year-old daughter and thrust him completely out of his comfort zone when he's compelled to provide shelter for  his stranded neighbours. Watching Oscar slowly unbend as Kate and her in-laws transform his solitary life into a buzz of activity was pure reader delight.

A hope-filled story that definitely belongs on the discerning reader's Christmas reading list.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Child's Christmas Wish, 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 easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday October 22 2017. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck.

My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss, Texas : Priscilla's Reveille

GIVEAWAY

VETSCH, ERICA
MY HEART BELONGS IN FORT BLISS, TEXAS : PRISCILLA'S REVEILLE

A custody battle brings two stubborn individuals together at a remote Texas Fort

Fashion artist Priscilla Hutchens has a grudge against the army that has ruined her family and taken the people she holds most dear. When her niece and nephew are left orphaned at Fort Bliss, Texas, she seeks custody of them immediately. There is just one thing standing in the way -- the post surgeon, Major Elliot Ryder, who also has a claim to the children. Priscilla and Elliot will cross swords but each will have to lay down arms if they are to find a lasting peace on which to form the family both are longing for.

Journey now to Fort Bliss in West Texas of 1874 where a battle is about to be waged between hearts.

My Review:

Vetsch delivers humour and grit along with sweet romance in her latest novel. I found the fort setting absolutely fascinating and this author does her research so there are tons of interesting details that bring the story to life. From the fort routines to the doctor's surgery; Indian relations to the plight of women in these lonely outposts -- all contributed to my frantic page-turning.

Priscilla is a force to be reckoned with -- so determined to hate everything about the military. Her intention is to 'rescue' the children and bring them back to civilization but their equally determined uncle stands in her way. .

There's no doubt that Elliott loves the twins even though he's giving them an unorthodox upbringing. But he's not about to renege on the promise he made to his dying sister and there's no way some fancy city lady is going to take away his niece and nephew. Their clash of wills is stupendously fun to read -- especially when the undercurrents of attraction threaten to break to the surface.

Love the brilliant way the author knits their lives together until it's impossible to imagine either without the other. But goodness, does she ever make them work for that happily ever after!

A stupendously thrilling story rich in history, steeped in faith and filled with love.

Giveaway Opportunity:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss, Texas : Priscilla's Reveille please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. 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 enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 9 2017.  Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

The Bounty Hunter's Baby

GIVEAWAY

VETSCH, ERICA
THE BOUNTY HUNTER'S BABY

Brought together by a baby

Bounty hunter Thomas Beaufort has no problem handling outlaws, but when he's left with a criminal's baby to care for, he's in over his head. And the only person he can think of to ask for help is Esther Jensen, the woman whose heart he broke when he left town. But can he convince her to put aside the past until he tracks down the baby's outlaw father?

Esther is ready to run Thomas off her Texas ranch -- until she spies the abandoned newborn in his arms. Soon, working together to care for the precious babe stirs old hopes of a family. With trouble heading to their door, they could overcome it together -- if she'll entrust her wary heart to this sweet, second-chance family...

My Review:

I think that Erica Vetsch is really a pseudonym for a tough-as-nail cowpoke who roams the wild west. The truth leaks out in her ability to infuse cowboy colloquialisms into her stories. I swear I read the whole book with a Texas twang! And she has created the perfect cowboy hero, Thomas Beaufort. Bounty hunter extraordinaire who doesn't flinch at tracking down a murderer but can't get the best of one small nanny goat. A man devoted to his dog appropriately named after a famous Texas Ranger. Bested by a tiny scrap of humanity, he seeks aid from his former sweetheart. Be still my cowboy lovin' heart.

Of course Esther isn't as easily impressed. She's a heartbroken woman who has fallen on hard times and the last person she needs back in her life is the man who broke her heart in the first place. But she can't help falling in love with the orphaned baby he brings to her door. I spent my reading hours alternately laughing and swooning as these two lock horns. And there's the thrill of some good old-fashioned wild west action as well.  A sweet perfection of a read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  The Bounty Hunter's Baby 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 22 2017. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Seven Brides for Seven Texans

GIVEAWAY

VETSCH, ERICA
BARRATT, AMANDA
DAVES, SUSAN PAGE
GWYN, KELI
MCDONOUGH, VICKI
MEYER, GABRIELLE
SEILSTAD, LORNA
SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN TEXANS

Time is running out to find love...

George Washington Hart is tired of waiting for his seven grown sons to marry, and now he may not live long enough to see grandchildren born. So he sets an ultimatum for each son to marry before the end of 1874 or be written out of his will to inherit a portion of his extensive Texas ranch. But can love form on a deadline?

Each of the Hart brothers -- Austin, Bowie, Travis, Houston, Crockett, Chisholm, and Hays -- attempts to fulfill his father's wishes in his own stubborn way. Adventures await these handsome bachelors, but will each quest lead to true love?

My Review:

One of the most enjoyable novella collections I have ever read. Each story compliments the others and there's a great flow between them all. And I loved the prologue and epilogue which neatly bookends the collection of stories. And the play on the movie, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is so much fun. Only here we have cowboys on a matrimonial deadline -- let the games begin!

First Comes Love by Gabrielle Meyer : There's something about a brash, determined cowboy with marriage on his mind. Thud. Hays is smooth, friendly and all too popular with the ladies. But he's sincere and kind and falling hard for Emma. She has marriage on the mind too --- how to avoid it. These two clash from the get-go and this light-hearted romance kept me smiling right to the end.

The Heart of Texas by Lorna Seilstad :  I do so love a lawman with dimples. Swoon. And Chisholm has an easy-going nature and plenty of reasons to flash those dimples -- especially in Caro's direction. But she's too busy plotting against him to notice...much. The more put out Caro acts, the more Chisholm is amused. Love me some laughter with my romance. And a bit of suspense gives this story an extra kick.

The Truest Heart by Amanda Barratt : A moving starry celebrating the joy of second chances. Annie is burdened by a guilt she doesn't need to carry and it's Travis who gently reminds her that God doesn't bestow blessings because we deserve them but rather, because He chooses to bless us through His love. A truly uplifting inspirational romance.

A Love Returned by Keli Gwyn : The importance of commitment to family shines through in this touching historical romance. A miscommunication in their youth pulled Houston and Coralee apart and broke both their hearts. Wounded and wary, Coralee spurns Houston's attempts to rekindle their romance but he's not a man easily deterred.  A sweet romance that's sure to satisfy.

For Love or Money by Susan Page Davis : Crockett is a serious contender for cowboy hero of the month. He's a man of action so it's no surprise that when Jane's family home is burnt to the ground, Crockett is the man who orchestrates the rebuilding effort. And much to this reader's delight he ends up falling for his tenacious cowgirl neighbour in the process.

Mail-Order Mayhem by Vickie McDonough : I do so love a good mail-order bride story and this one definitely fits the bill -- with a unique twist that kept me grinning. And wincing. Poor Austin's clever plans to meet his father's inheritance requirements go awry when two ladies step off the stagecoach in Hartville. One is his intended, the other her chaperoning sister. Doesn't sound complicated, right? Wrong! Things get all twisty turny before they even out and I loved every minute of it.

Love at Last by Erica Vetsch : Bowie caught my attention in the prologue and I couldn't wait to get to his story. Disfigured in the war, Bowie has become somewhat of a recluse, working on the ranch and avoiding town and people in general.  Finding a wife within the year time limit set by his father seems like an impossible task...until he latches onto the idea of contracting a marriage of convenience with his former nurse. What follows is a heart-tugging story of accepting one's worth and the power of love.

My thanks to author Lorna Seilstad for providing me with a copy of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email addres, 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 1 2017. Offer open to International readers. Good luck!

A Bride Sews With Love in Needles, California

GIVEAWAY

VETSCH, ERICA
A BRIDE SEWS WITH LOVE IN NEEDLES, CALIFORNIA

A Harvey Girl waits on true love.

With her brother already on the front lines in France, Meghan Thorson becomes a Harvey Girl in Needles, California. Ready and willing to wait on the hundreds of doughboys heading for Europe. Meghan deems this service her way of contributing to the war effort. When a Red Cross representative breezes through town, Meghan embraces the challenge to do even more, committing to completing a Red Cross signature quilt and canvassing the town for donations to the cause.

Horseman Caleb McBride makes his living by training stock for the US Cavalry and keeps his pride by remaining a longer. When Meghan meets Caleb, she senses something mysterious and wounded about him, piquing her curiosity. But after the townsfolk scorn him as a coward and a profiteer, Caleb feels her pity and becomes even more guarded.

When Needles is hit by an influenza epidemic and the Harvey hotel is made into a temporary hospital, Meghan discovers Caleb's shameful secret.

My Review:

Oh mercy -- funny and touching and historically fascinating. The whole Harvey Girls backdrop is amazing. I'd never heard of them before and funnily enough read a book a while ago featuring them as well. Vetsch does an incredible job with her historical detail. Rich descriptions created images in my mind so that I felt like I was living the story rather than just reading it.

Strong, engaging characters though annoying enough to make me want to smack them upside the head a time or two. Argh! But I do love getting in the boxing ring with a hero and heroine. Makes the read that much more thrilling.

I felt for Caleb right from the very beginning -- even before I knew his whole story. I could just tell he was an upstanding guy who'd been handed a raw deal and was making the best of it. The only thing standing in his way is his pride. It's kept him living on the outside -- a true loner who has convinced himself that he doesn't care what people think about him. And, for the most part, he doesn't -- as long as they don't know the whole truth. So pride raises its ugly head and keeps him isolated.

Until Meghan shows up. She's considered a bit of a flibbertigibbet by her family and she aims to prove them wrong by serving out her full-six month contract as a Harvey Girl. She aspires to be the best Harvey Girl ever. She struggles with a different kind of pride. Unlike Caleb she does care what other people think about her and sometimes she allows that desire for approval to dictate her actions. Lots of lovely, gnarly bits to work through before this hero and heroine can find their hope for a future.

Fans of Mary Connealy and Margaret Brownley will be thrilled to become acquainted with Erica Vetsch through A Bride Sews With Love in Needles, California.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

EBOOK ONLY -- UNFORTUNATELY THIS IS SUCH A GOOD BOOK (THAT'S NOT THE UNFORTUNATE PART) THAT ALL THE PAPERBACK COPIES ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE AT ANY ONLINE STORE SO...THIS GIVEAWAY COMES IN AN EBOOK FORMAT ONLY

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  A Bride Sews With Love in Needles, California 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 9 2016. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

His Prairie Sweetheart

GIVEAWAY

VETSCH, ERICA
HIS PRAIRIE SWEETHEART

A home for her heart...

After being jilted at the altar, Southern belle Savannah Cox seeks a fresh start out West and accepts a teaching position in Minnesota. But between her students' lack of English, the rough surroundings and sheriff Elias Parker's doubts and distrust, Savannah's unprepared for both the job and the climate. However, she's determined to prove she can handle anything her new town throws her way.

Elias gives it a week -- or less -- before the pretty schoolteacher packs her dainty cresses and hightails it back home. But no matter how many mishaps he has to rescue her from, Savannah doesn't give up. Yet the real test is to come -- a brutal blizzard that could finally drive her away, taking his heart with her...

My Review:

What a completely captivating story! A Southern Belle headed for the wilds of Minnesota is such a unique angle for a historical romance. I shiver just thinking about hapless Savannah (even her name is Southern) facing the extreme winter temperatures she finds so far from home. But that's nothing compared to facing the frosty 'welcome' of the town sheriff. The push/pull attraction between these two certainly makes for a toe-curling read.

Elias is so sure Savannah won't last a week in their rugged community but she's determined to prove him wrong (though she secretly has her own misgivings.) And she has so much to learn. Not only about the fickle prairie weather, but about the Norwegian culture of her students. Lots of fodder for both angst and humour and Vetsch treats us with a delicious dose of both.

A captivating read that puts me in minds of Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House series -- only for adults!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  His Prairie Sweetheart 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 April 24 2016. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

The Cactus Creek Challenge

GIVEAWAY

VETSCH, ERICA
THE CACTUS CREEK CHALLENGE

Anything he can do, I can do better. At least that was what Cassie Bucknell thought before she pinned on Ben Wilder’s badge and took to patrolling the streets of Cactus Creek, Texas. Cassie has been in love with Ben since primer school, but Ben treats her like a little sister. When they are picked to swap jobs for a month as part of the annual Cactus Creek Challenge in their Texas hometown, the schoolhouse is thrown into an uproar, the jail becomes a temporary bank vault, and Cassie and Ben square off in a battle of wills that becomes a battle for their hearts.

 

My Review:

 

Romantic comedy meets the Wild West. Such a fun read! I mean, how can you possibly resist reading sentences like this one:

 

"He almost petted her on the head since she looked so cute and disgruntled, but he figured she'd take to that about as well as a rattlesnake to having his teeth brushed."

Seriously, this book needs to be read just for the clever word choice that's guaranteed to generate a chuckle, never mind the impossible situations Cassie and Ben find themselves in! Plus there's a second romance brewing in the heart of Cactus Creek and those poor souls are just as challenged as Cassie and Ben. It's a wonder everything works out so well! That's thanks to the cunning brilliance of the author. She's created a fast-paced plot with plenty of action, not to mention a bevy of notorious secondary characters, that all conspired to keep me turning pages, grinning right to the very end. Sweet perfection.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Cactus Creek Challenge 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 19 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

The Homestead Brides Collection

GIVEAWAY

CONNEALY, MARY
MILLS, DIANN
VETSCH, ERICA
Y'BARBO, KATHLEEN
FRANKLIN, DARLENE
GADE, CARLA OLSEN
HERNE, RUTH LOGAN
HILLMAN, PAM
WITHAM, BECCA
THE HOMESTEAD BRIDES COLLECTION

Through nine historical romance adventures, readers will journey along with individuals who are ready to stake a claim and plant their dreams on a piece of the great American plains. While fighting land disputes, helping neighbors, and tackling the challenges of nature the homesteaders are placed in the path of other dreamers with whom romance sparks. And God has His hand in orchestrating each unique meeting.

 

My Review:

 

Yes, you counted correctly. Nine authors equal nine stories in this wonderful collection that celebrates the pioneer spirit. I understand that novellas aren't every reader's cup of tea but I love the opportunity to meet new authors in this unique way. So this was definitely a win/win read for me. Not only did I get to bask in the glory of tried and true authors I can always count on to deliver a spellbinding story, but I'm thrilled to have new authors to add to my 'must read' arsenal.  

 

I will confess to finding nine novellas a bit daunting -- I usually prefer novella collections to be four stories or under -- but I wasn't about to miss some of my favourite authors' stories so I braved it out and am glad I did.

 

It wouldn't be practical to review each individual novella so I'll just give my overall impression. Think the Little House books for grownups. Gave me the same kind of thrill and fascination with a lovely dash of romance added in. I'm amazed anew at the backbone and courage of pioneer women and these stories are a lovely tribute to that heritage.

 

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Homestead Brides Collection 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 15 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!