To Treasure an Heiress

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WHITE, ROSEANNA M. WHITE

TO TREASURE AN HEIRESS

Beth Tremayne has always been drawn to adventure. During her childhood, she fed that desire by exploring every loch of the Isles of Scilly. Now, after stumbling across an old collection of letters and a man buried on her family's property, she's found more adventure than she ever anticipated in the hunt for pirate treasure. But in order to discover where the slues lead, she must search alongside Lord Sheridan, a man she finds insufferable.

Sheridan has spent years pursuing whatever archaeological interests pique his imagination. And when he discovers that Beth's search connects with one of his far-removed pirate ancestors, he can't help getting involved. Plus, he finds her irresistible, even though she insists he stole a prized possession of hers.

As they work together following different clues and drawing closer to danger, they start to piece together a story of tragic love and piratical adventure. But which treasure will bring the greatest surprise -- the one they find in each other or the one just out of their reach?

My Review:

Buried pirate treasure, you say? That comes with island adventure along the Cornish coast? Action, excitement, danger....love?! Eeeeepppp, To Treasure an Heiress is the epitome of 'perfect summer read'. I really need to visit the Isles of Scilly and breathe in that tangy salt air, and see the sights for myself. Seriously, google it -- I've never seen so many shades of blue! Love when an author's descriptions breathe life into a place I've never been and send me on a travelogue research trip! And Roseanna M. White definitely does that here.

This is the second book in her Secrets of the Isles series and I definitely think it would be best to read the books in order. There's quite a bit of plot and character 'spill over' from The Nature of a Lady, as this story picks up where the first left off. 

Beth is back home now, still gathering information on the notorious pirate who once lived on the island, still looking for the rest of that illusive treasure. But this time she's not doing it on her own. She has a 'posse' of helpers to add chaos and charm to the quest. Including one annoying Lord 'Arrogance Personified' Sheridan -- the enemies to more trope plays out beautifully here. A hysterically funny and touching and toe-curling delight.

And so much action and adventure! Treachery and danger! All tangled in a twisty-turny plot so I best issue a 'Paper Cut from Furious Page-Turning' warning. Might want to keep bandaids handy, along with your smelling salts and comfort chocolate. :-)

Super excited for Worthy of Legend to release in September -- it has a King Arthur tie-in. Double eeppppp!!!!

Goal Update: #5 Diversity my reading, #6 Stay current with a series

 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  Treasure an Heiress, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT AND DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the Draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday June 25 2022. Offer open to International Readers.

The Nature of a Lady

GIVEAWAY

WHITE, ROSEANNA M.

THE NATURE OF A LADY

1906

Lady Elizabeth 'Libby' Sinclair, with her love of microscopes and nature, isn't favoured in society. She flees to the beautiful Isles of Scilly for the summer and stumbles onto the dangerous secrets left behind by her holiday cottage's former occupant, also named Elizabeth, who mysteriously vanished.

Oliver Tremayne -- gentleman and clergyman -- is determined to discover what happened to his sister, with the help of the girl now living in what should have been Beth's summer cottage...especially when he realizes it's the curious young lady he met briefly two years ago, who shares his love of botany and biology. But the hunt for his sister involves far more than nature walks, and he can't quite believe all the secrets Beth has been keeping from them.

As Libby and Oliver work together, they uncover ancient legends, pirate wrecks, betrayal, and the most mysterious phenomenon of all; love.

My Review:

The chillier weather is starting to seep into my bones so I welcomed the chance to armchair travel to the Isles of Scilly in the summertime. I wasn't sure if these islands were real or imaginary so I had to look them up. Real as real can be and breathtakingly beautiful! Another destination for my bucket list of literary places I want to visit.

This is very different from the author's previous two wartime series (Shadows Over England and Codebreakers) but no less riveting. Kind of atmospheric too, the way the mystery builds and the subtle dangers that stalk Elizabeth. So, deliciously thrilling with plenty of twists and turns to keep me suspecting nearly everyone she meets. :-) 

But there's still time left to swoon over not one but two dashing heroes! (Fainting couches are not optional for this read-through!) And, yes, that means TWO romances! Eeeeepppp!!! Both completely different but equally toe-curling. 

And something very unique for Christian Fiction -- the inspirational thread involves the meshing of science and faith and White does a brilliant job of showing how they can work together to glorify God and deepen our relationship with Him. So many great conversations between our clergyman hero and scientifically minded heroine.

So, two distinctive heroines (and we get both their points of view.) Libby, a lady who doesn't fit in with society's norms, or her brother's machinations for her future and her maid, Mabenna, who has her own reasons for wanting to return to the islands of her birth. There are mysteries wrapped in mysteries, surrounded by more mystery and it was so much fun to try to fit all the pieces together.

The author has created a strong community of quirky and interesting characters and I look forward to meeting up with them again when the next book releases which is --- eeepppp!!!! in a month!!!! I am sooooo excited for more Isle of Scilly adventures!!!!

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 Nature of a Lady, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT AND DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday December 11 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

A Portrait of Loyalty

GIVEAWAY

WHITE, ROSEANNA M.
A PORTRAIT OF LOYALTY

Zivon Marin was one of Russia's top cryptographers, until the October Revolution tore apart his world. Forced to flee after speaking out against Lenin and separated from his brother along the way, he arrives in England driven by a growing anger and determined to offer his services to the Brits.

Lily Blackwell sees the world best through the lens of a camera -- and possesses unsurpassed skill when it comes to retouching and recreating photographs. With her father's connections in propaganda, she's recruited to the intelligence division, even though her mother would disapprove.

After Captain Blackwell invites Zivon to dinner one evening, a friendship blooms between him and Lily. He sees patterns in what she deems chaos; she sees beauty in a world he thought destroyed. But both have secrets they're unwilling to share. When her photographs reveal that someone has been following Zivon, his loyalties are called into question -- and his enemies are discovered to be far closer than he'd feared.

My Review:

Gah! I don't know how to review this book because there is so much I want to say but I'd have to post spoilers in order to say it! I was absolutely gutted -- g-u-t-t-e-d -- at one point. So much so that I stopped listening (yes, this was another audible choice for me. I'm getting addicted!) So there I was, a blubbering mass of bibliophile angst, in a royal anti Roseanna M. White snit, ranting things like: "It's over between us, White." and "I am not going to continue with this book!." and "I will never trust you again. Like, ever!" Dramatic, much? Yep, that's me when in the throes of a great fictional journey.

Of course, you know I couldn't stop reading...er listening, right? Accompanied by heaving sobs and copious amounts of chocolate. :-) But what to say in a review? I think I've been reduced to bullet points.

What I love about this book:

• Zivon!!!! His tragic history, his struggle to see God in the chaos, his noble motivations,
• Lily's unique talent -- the photography and propaganda aspects of the story were really interesting and a unique spin on a war novel.
• The fact that we get some interactions with past heroes and heroines, not just from this series but the one before it too. Eeeep!
• The way the romance develops...it's kinda slow and meandering, hindered by Zivon's past and his worry over putting Lily in danger. But, my oh my, that man knows how to write a letter! (Toe-curls and frantic fanning.)
• The twists, turns and detours the plot took me on (even though not all were to my liking!)

As I mentioned, I listened to the audible edtion of A Portrait of Loyalty and I really enjoyed Susan Lyons' narration. She gives Zivon the hint of a scrumptious accent which made me fall for him all the more. :-)

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a read copy of  A Portrait of Loyalty, 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 19 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

On Wings of Devotion

GIVEAWAY

WHITE, ROSEANNA M.
ON WINGS OF DEVOTION

All of England things Phillip Camden a monster -- a man who deliberately caused the deaths of his squadron. But as nurse Arabelle Denler watches the so-dubbed 'Black Heart' every day, she sees something far different: a hurting man desperate for mercy. And when their paths twist together and he declares himself her new protector, she realizes she has her own role to play in his healing.

Phillip Camden would have preferred to die that day with his squadron rather than be recruited to the Admiralty's codebreaking division. The threats he receives daily are no great surprise and, in his opinion, well deserved. What comes as a shock is the reborn desire to live that Arabelle inspires in him.

But when an old acquaintance shows up and seems set on using him in a plot that has the codebreakers of Room 40 in a frenzy, new affections are put to the test.

My Review:

Eeep! Squeal! Eeeepquealll!!! I have permanent creases on my face from all the nose-dive swooning onto my fainting couch. Phillip Camden is not a monster, y'all! Tortured soul? Yes. A bit sullen and brooding? Definitely. Running from God? You bet. But none of that makes him a monster and Ara knows that right from the start...and, of course, so did I. :-) Hence all the swooning. Honestly, I'm thinking of turning it into a form of cardio exercise for bibliophiles because you use all kinds of muscles to heft yourself up from a prone position. Over and over again. I could start rating books by cardio-swoons. Beginners. Intermediate. Advanced. On Wings of Devotion would be at an Olympic level, though. What a workout!

So -- yes -- while I'm crazy rambling in my befuddled post-read haze I might as well step onto my soap box and holler praise through a megaphone in the hopes of getting the attention of Christian publishers everywhere. Yes, folks, it is absolutely possible to deliver a heart-pounding, page-turning, history-steeped romance with lots of sizzle and sparkle that also includes a significant, life-altering faith thread! Faith. Mercy. Forgiveness. Complete surrender to God's will. It's all here, provocatively challenging characters and readers alike.

Ahem...stepping off soap box now, feeling mildly embarrassed but also distracted because if I turn the box on its side -- voila -- I have the perfect shelf for books. Yes, I might have lost my mind in 1918 London. Hence this slaphappy review. I'll try to pull my thoughts together.

So...Ara is...unexpected. She's everything she appears to be with a whole lot more crackling beneath the surface just waiting to get out. She's dutiful daughter and dedicated nurse and kind and generous. Her faith drives her. The Spirit guides her and she's not just being led to the 'Black Heart', she's being thrown into his path! I'm breaking out in goosebumpish chills just thinking about it.

There's masterful storytelling here. From historical details to pacing to quips and banter and heart-to-hearts. And there's so much that is unexpected. Ara is a genteel young woman...until she burst-out-loud-laughing isn't. The mystery that surrounds Camden -- I thought things were going in one direction...until they veered off course. Every twist, every turn led me deeper into the story -- immersing me in intrigue and emotion and surprising me over and over again.

Absolutely breathtakingly beautiful.

Oh -- I listened to the audible version narrated by Susan Lyons. Totally captivating and even though I was tempted to speed up the audio at times because the waiting was such excruciating agony, I restrained myself and enjoyed all 15+ hours of storytelling wonder  at 1.25 speed.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  On Wings of Devotion, 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 February 1 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

The Number of Love

GIVEAWAY

WHITE, ROSEANNA M.
THE NUMBER OF LOVE

The toughest puzzle she'll have to solve might be the wishes of her own heart.

Three years into the Great War, England's greatest asset is their intelligence network -- field agents risking their lives to gather information, and codebreakers able to crack German telegrams for hints of the enemy's plans. Margot De Wilde thrives in the environment of the secretive Room 40, where she spends her days deciphering intercepted messages. But when her world is turned upside down by an unexpected loss, she discovers for the first time in her life that numbers aren't enough.

Drake Elton returns wounded from the field, followed by an enemy who just won't give up. He's smitten quickly by the quick and brainy Margot, but soon the dangers of the war draw ever closer. Margot and Drake will have to team up to save themselves from the very secrets that brought them together.

My Review:

So, I was dreading the end of the Shadows Over England series because I loved those books sooooooo much so you can just imagine how loud my squeals were when I discovered there's lots of carryover from that series into this new Codebreakers series. But that doesn't mean you have to read SOE first. Just that you'll be thrilled down to your toes to meet up with fave characters if you have. I might have done a major swoon dip-and-dive when Barclay made a few cameos. Be still my heart.

Mind you, Drake Elton makes a mighty fine hero as well. There's something about this dashing spy with a conscience that curls my toes. He's all mission-minded until he meets Margot and then his focus shifts to teasing and flirting which doesn't fuss Margot in the least. In fact, she hold's her own much to Drake's utter delight. "She was obviously a subscriber to the virtues of sarcasm, and when one could engage her there, she went from stony silence to smiles." (p 200) He's smitten. She is not. Let the games begin!

I wasn't sure how I would relate to Margot since I have a major math-phobia. I thought it would be hard to connect with her analytical mathematician's mind but I was sooooo wrong! Love the way arithmetic is a prayer language for her and I think eighteen might become my new lucky number. :-)

Espionage, secret codes, ruthless killers -- all the ingredients for a thrilling plot that kept me turning pages. And White has woven in some beautiful inspirational threads into this story as well.

"And faith isn't just a feeling. We have to know He's still there, unchanged, even when we can't feel Him. When the grief's too loud to let us hear His voice." (p 273)

An incredible start to another blockbuster series by this author. Can't wait for On Wings of Devotion to release in January 2020!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Inherited Threat, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 3 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

An Hour Unspent

GIVEAWAY

WHITE, ROSEANNA M.
AN HOUR UNSPENT

With danger creeping ever closer, do their dreams still matter?

Once London's top thief, Barclay Pearce has turned his back on his life of crime and now uses his skills for a nation at war, including keeping an eye on a talented engineer working as a clockmaker. But not until he rescues the man's daughter from a mugging does he begin to wonder what his future might hold.

Evelina Manning has constantly dreamed and worked for independence. But she certainly never meant for it to inspire her fiance to end their engagement and enlist in the army. When the intriguing man who saved her returns to the Manning residence to study clock repair with her father, she can't help being interested. Bus she shoon learns that nothing with Barclay Pearce is as simple as it seems.

As 1915 Enngland plunges deeper into war, the race is on for any technological edge, and Evelina's father's ideas have captured the attention of many -- perhaps too many. As danger seems to encroach from every side, it may just take a reformed thief to steal the time they need to escape.

My Review:

I LOVE this series and I'm praying that An Hour Unspent isn't the last of it even though it's the dreaded third book in the Shadows Over England series and three seems to the be the magic number in the publishing world. But Barclay has so many siblings and I need a story for each one of them...or at least the ones old enough to make their own way in the world. Is that greedy? Yes? Then call me a Roseanna M. White glutton! I love this patchwork family soooooo much that I can't let them go! Especially since the author has tantalized (or should I say teased) me with alluring glimpses into the backstories of some of Barclay's sisters.

And speaking of this being the third book in a series -- while it can be read as a standalone, I think you're much better off reading the first two books before starting in on this one. There's tons of backstory about these characters and how they got to the where they are now which makes for really good reading that you'll want to savor...just in case this really is the last book in the series. (sob!)

So I've been enamored with Barclay for a while now and really excited to get his story. Wasn't sure what to expect other than spectacular and White definitely delivers that. Unassuming heartthrob comes to mind when I think about how to describe this hero. Not because he isn't memorable, but because his life's work has made him hone the fine art of being invisible. But when he grins....pulses rise and smelling salts might be required -- Lina and I are in agreement on that! And with his family...be still my heart and prepare yourself for many swoon inducing scenes.

And then there's his faith. A new Christian, intent on making changes, becoming a better man. I love his honesty both about his past and what he's feeling in the present. And the way he is open to divine direction. This is a man who faces challenges and danger, hurt and deception and yet he's found that if he gives it over to the Lord -- "The weight on him wasn't any lighter. And yet, somehow, it wasn't quite so heavy. The burden still weighed, but it was as if another shoulder had come alongside his under it. That, he'd come to realize, was how the Lord worked. At least for him. He didn't remove the bad -- He just lent him the strength to face it." (p 205)

Need I say more? One of my favourite heroes of 2018!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of An Hour Unspent, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you include your email in a comment, rremember 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 November 11 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

A Song Unheard

GIVEAWAY

WHITE, ROSEANNA M.
A SONG UNHEARD

If betraying her heart means saving countless lives will she find the courage?

Willa Forsythe is both a violin prodigy and top-notch thief, which makes her the perfect choice for a critical task at the outset of World War I -- to secure a crucial cypher key from a famous violinist currently in Wales.

Lukas De Wilde has enjoyed the life of fame he's won -- until now, when being recognized nearly gets him killed. Everyone wants the key to his father's work as a cryptologist. And Lukas fears that his mother and sister, who have vanished in the wake of the German invasion of Belgium, will pay the price. The only distraction he finds from his worry is in meeting the intriguing and talented Willa Forsyythe.

But danger presses in from every side, and Willa knows what Lukas doesn't -- that she must betray him and find the key. or her own family could pay the same price his surely has.

My Review:

Such an exquisitely beautiful book! And the title tie-in is just one of the many details that makes this a masterpiece of a story. There's depth of character, an inspiring faith thread and plenty of intrigue -- not to mention the kind of toe-curling romance that will leave your fainting couch in need of reupholstering 'cause you're going to wear it out with all the swooning you'll be doing over Lukas.

Reformed rake. Squeal! Relentless in his pursuit. Squeal! Gentle and patient in that pursuit. Squeal! And full of humour. Squeal! Every time he grins...thud! Thud! THUD! Hence the broken springs in the aforementioned fainting couch. And Willa is so brusque with him but that doesn't faze him one bit. Like I said...relentless. My tummy is still doing back-flips.

But as delicious as the romance is, there's  a whole lot more to this story. We're right at the beginning of World War I and there's plenty of sinister afoot. The story flashes back and forth between Lukas and Willa in Wales and Lukas's sister, Margot, in occupied Brussels. Tension builds as various characters work at cross-purposes that place the De Wilde family in ever increasing danger.

And then there's Willa's deception. My heart hurts just thinking about it. Because for all her bravado, she's protecting a hurting heart. Walled it up in a defensive maneuver and she has no intention of letting anyone, other than her family, in.

And what a family! This is the second book in the Shadows Over England series and if you've read A Name Unknown, you'll recognize the rowdy clan Willa claims as her kin. No worries if you haven't read the first book, this one will serve as a sweet introduction. Just love the whole premise surrounding this series and the overlap of characters. I'm hoping every one of her adopted siblings gets their own story. That will keep Roseanna M.White's adoring public in good reads for a long time to come. And that makes me super happy.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  A Song Unheard, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday February 25 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

A Name Unknown

GIVEAWAY

WHITE, ROSEANNA M.
A NAME UNKNOWN

She's out to steal his name. Will he steal her heart instead?

Rosemary Gresham has no family beyond the band of former urchins who helped her survive as a girl in the mean streets of London. Grown now, they are no longer pickpockets -- instead they focus on high value items and have learned how to blend into upper-class society. Rosemary is beginning to question whether she can continue in this life when she's offered the challenge of a lifetime -- determine whether a certain wealthy gentleman is loyal to Britain or to Germany. After all how does one steal a family's history, their very name?

As Europe moves ever close to World War I, rumors swirl around Peter Holstein. Awkward and solitary, but with access to the king, many fear his influence. But Peter can't help his German last name and wants to prove his loyalty to the Crown -- so he can go back to anonymously writing a series of popular adventure novels. When Rosemary arrives on his doorstep pretending to be a well-credentialed historian, Peter believes she's the right person to help him dig through his family's past.

When danger and suspicion continue to mount, both realize they're in a race against time to discover the truth -- about Peter's past and about the undeniably attraction kindling between them.

My Review:

Clever concept brilliantly executed and I'm in a euphoric tizzy because this is the first in a new series. A kind of Dickens meets Austen with a healthy dose of Downton Abbey thrown in.

Rosemary is such a complex character. Charming and intelligent and fiercely dedicated to her self-made family of orphans picked off the London streets. As a child she survived by her prowess as a pickpocket; as an adult she's graduated to more refined thievery. She's a chameleon who can fit in anywhere so it isn't a stretch for her to take on the persona of a historical librarian. Squeeeallll. Yes, I said librarian. I do so love stories that glorify my chosen profession. :-)

Dear, sweet Peter is an atypical hero and I so love that about him. I'll let you discover his eccentricities for yourself, but though his demeanor might not always show it, he possesses a warrior's heart. Peter looks for the good in everyone, even though his German name is causing unfounded prejudice in his Cornish village. Cue the political intrigue and the reason Rosemary enters his household under false pretenses.

I'm still swooning over the snappy dialogue -- especially when Rosemary gets her Cockney dander up. Hysterical. She's an enigma that Peter can't quite grasp. She finds his mysterious ways  at odds with his gentle kindness. No matter how hard she digs, Rosemary can't find any dirt on Peter...until she discovers the most astonishing secret of all!

The dynamics between these two are sublime. Especially as Peter gently leads Rosemary to Christ in the touching inspirational thread that weaves its way through the story. This book has it all -- romance, humour, intrigue and the wonder of new found faith.

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Name Unknown, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you leave your email in 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 easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday July 23 2017. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

A Lady Unrivaled

GIVEAWAY

WHITE, ROSEANNA M.
A LADY UNRIVALED

Amid the unforgettable Cotswolds, the final grasp for the fire eyes diamonds could threaten them all

Lady Ella Myerston can always find a reason to smile -- even if it's just in hope that tomorrow will be better than today. Allher life everyone has tried to protect her from the realities of the world, but Ella knows very well how the dangerous Fire Eyes diamonds have haunted her brother and their friends, and she won't wait for peril to strike again. She intends to take action...and if that happens to involve an adventurous trip to the Cotswolds, then so much the better.

Lord James Cayton has already broken two hearts, including that of his first wife who died before he could convince himself to love her. Now he's determined to live a better life...but that proves complicated when old acquaintances pull Cayton into their desperate attempt to seize the jewels. He does his best to remove the intriguing Lady Ella from danger, but by saving her -- and his daughter -- from those intent on destroying them all?

My Review:

The atmosphere of Downton Abbey with the sinister of a Gothic thriller. A cursed treasure and nefarious villains bent on destruction have finally met their match in the intrepid Lady Ella. This is the conclusion fans of the Ladies of the Manor series have been waiting for. No worries if you haven't read The Lost Heiress and The Reluctant Duchess because A Lady Unrivaled can be read as a standalone. However, having said that, you'll appreciate this one all the more if you have read the other books in the series -- especially where the fire eyes diamonds are concerned. And this book includes the heroes and heroines of the other stories so that's a fun bonus to enjoy as well.

There is nothing quite like a 'reformed rake' to set my toes curling! James is about as swoonworthy as a hero can get and the thing that really attracts me to him is how besotted he is over his daughter. The man's a marshmallow when it comes to little Addie. It's a characteristic that attracts Ella as well and they develop an intriguing friendship. And, oh my goodness, the banter between these two is sweet perfection! So clever and biting and funny. It's almost like they've developed a code of sorts where they say one thing but mean the opposite and they are the only ones privy to the joke. So much fun to read. and great comic relief to balance the sinister lurking around every corner.

The plot is full of the unexpected. Intricate layers of intrigue kept me on the edge of my seat. Danger abounds and just when you think it can't get any worse...it does. Of course, Ella is in the middle of it all with James desperately striving to be her knight in shining armor. But Ella is one determined lady and sometimes it isn't clear as to who is protecting whom.

I love that the inspirational thread takes as much prominence as the intrigue and romance. Explorations of what faith means, the sweet hope of redemption and striving to trust God in all things bring an added depth to an already compelling story.

A stunning conclusion to a fantastic series.

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  A Lad Unrivaled 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 16 2016. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

The Reluctant Duchess

GIVEAWAY

WHITE, ROSEANNA M.
THE RELUCTANT DUCHESS

Lady Rowena Kinnaird may be the heiress to a Highland earldom, but she's never felt good enough -- not for her father, not for the man she though she'd marry, not for God. But after a shocking attack, she's willing to be forever an outcast if it means escaping those threatening for her life.

Brice Myerston, the Duke of Nottingham, has never been one to shy away from manor-born ladies, yet the last thing he needs is the distraction of the newly introduced Lady Rowena. He has enough on his plate having recently come into possession of a rare treasure for which many would kill, yet those around him seem intent on pairing him with this desperate but beguiling girl.

Rowena is reluctant to marry this notorious flirt. And when she learns that Brice is mixed up in some kind of questionable business with a stolen treasure, she fears she'll end up in more danger than she fled.

My Review:

It is really hard to read a book when you have melted into a puddle of goo over the hero. Seriously, there's no where for your glasses to rest for one thing. And you have to keep taking breaks to try to solidify yourself. And reading The Reluctant Duchess in a heat wave? Not advisable. Because Brice is undoubtedly one of the most delectable heroes I have met in a long time. He'd give Prince Charming a run for his money in charmingness. Flirtatious -- oh my -- start fanning yourself now. He's clever and witty and perhaps a little too sure of himself where women are concerned. No worries of an inflated ego though. Rowena takes care of that. :-) And the thing I love most about him? He is unapologetically faith-filled. A man who follows the promptings of the Spirit even when they don't make sense.

Rowena has been brutalized by the men in her life so she doesn't quite recognize what a gem Brice is. She's always looking for his angle. Fueling her anger over past injustices and taking them out on him. So reluctant to trust. Unwilling to believe that God could ever notice her so she is utterly confused by Brice's faith. Another barrier to keep them apart. And she's an expert at putting up barriers. One after the other until Brice gently tells her that he expects nothing but that she be the woman God made her to be. And then he gives her the freedom to do just that.

Honestly, the way faith is woven into the foundation of this story is astounding. And just because Brice allows himself to be led by the Spirit doesn't mean he always gets it right. Especially where Rowena is concerned. But what a sweet, joyous experience it was to watch her take those first tentative steps toward a relationship with God. Not only did my romance loving heart sing over this book but my inspiration seeking soul was nurtured as well.

And then there's the Highland location, the rich Gaelic folklore, a full cast of intriguing characters, some of whom we met in The Lost Heiress! Serious intrigue, sinister enemies, a priceless treasure that may or may not be cursed. What more could you ask for in a book? Except maybe exquisite historical details, witty banter, toe-curling romance....well, you get the idea. The Reluctant Duchess is pretty much this bibliophile's idea of sweet perfection.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  The Reluctant Duchess 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 26 2016. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

The Lost Heiress

GIVEAWAY

WHITE, ROSEANNA M.
THE LOST HEIRESS

Brook Eden has never known where she truly belongs. Though raised in the palace of Monaco, she’s British by birth and was brought to the Grimaldis under suspicious circumstances as a babe. When Brook’s friend Justin uncovers the fact that Brook is likely a missing heiress from Yorkshire, Brook leaves the sun of the Mediterranean to travel to the moors of the North Sea to the estate of her supposed family.

The mystery of her mother’s death haunts her, and though her father is quick to accept her, the rest of the family and the servants of Whitby Park are not. Only when Brook’s life is threatened do they draw close—but their loyalty may come too late to save Brook from the same threat that led to tragedy for her mother.

As heir to a dukedom, Justin is no stranger to balancing responsibilities. When the matters of his estate force him far from Brook, the distance between them reveals that what began as friendship has grown into something much more. But how can their very different loyalties and responsibilities ever come together?

And then, for a second time, the heiress of Whitby Park is stolen away because of the very rare treasure in her possession—and this time only the servants of Whitby can save her.

My Review:

Loved loved loved loved LOVED this book!!!! It's long -- over 400 pages but I didn't want it to end. White pulled me into this Downton Abbeyesque world and I wanted to stay there forever. A seamless blend of suspense and romance in a historical setting makes this the perfect read.

Brook is an exquisite heroine -- a unique blend of daring and demure. And Justin -- be still my heart -- a divine hero, Brook's best friend who wants to be more but he can be a little dense when it comes to the romance department (an unfortunate trait of many toe-curling heroes.) Loved the give and take in their friendship -- they can finish each other's sentences in some cases while being complete communication dunderheads in others. And oh la la, when they argue! Sublime.

Intrigue casts a dark shadow over Brook's homecoming where layers of betrayal place her in danger. But while the suspense is gripping, White manages to punctuate the darker parts of the story with some light-hearted comedic moments. Makes for a startling contrast and a truly enjoyable read.

An overlapping theme of trusting God in the midst of fear brings an added dimension to the story. And not just the fear of danger but more simple, everyday fears like not being accepted, the fear of change, of trusting your heart to someone else's keeping. Realistic struggles brought into perspective by a strong faith element.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  The Lost Heiress 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 8 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!