The Deep Divide

GIVEAWAY

WOODHOUSE, KIMBERLEY

A DEEP DIVIDE

With her past behind her, she has nothing -- and everything -- to lose.

After being kidnapped as a child, Emma Grace McMurray has seen firsthand the devastation that greed causes in the world, and she wants nothing to do with it. When she discovers her father has offered her up as a bargaining chip to expand his empire, she disappears into the night. Determined to stay hidden, even if it means always looking over her shoulder, she finds herself working as a Harvey Girl at the El Tovar Hotel.

When Ray Watkins arrives at the hotel on business, he is immediately captivated by the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Though his fame-seeking father aims to lure new investors to the Arizona territory, Ray dreams of one day taking over the family business and doing good with the profits.

Ray immediately admires Emma Grace, and though an attraction begins to form, she can't let go of the deep-rooted fear that he's like every other wealthy man she's known. When suspicious activity follows Emma Grace and Ray to the El Tovar, they are pulled into a mystery that stirs up their worst fears. And as shocking revelations come to light, they are left to question all they thought to be sure.

My Review:

An exciting start of a new series. I can't believe I've only read four books by Kimberley Woodhouse when she's written over two dozen! Sigh, the perils of keeping your nose buried in books by authors well known to you. But I'm in on the start of the Secrets of the Canyon series and I definitely intend to keep up this time!

Right at the start I have to say how impressed I am with the way the author deftly incorporated significant faith messages throughout this story. Never  'preachy' but there is no doubt that this is a Christian Fiction selection with a purpose to glorify God as much as to entertain. I was particularly touched by the recurring theme of seeking God in the midst of your fears. There were so many comforting and convicting passages that I could easily apply to my own life.

Emma Grace is an easy heroine to connect with. Her early history is briefly laid out in the beginning chapters and sets the foundation for what is to come next. Woodhouse drew me into a myriad of emotions as this heroine struggles to come to grips with her circumstances and I cheered her on as she takes her future into her own hands and flees an untenable situation.

From there the story gallops forward as Emma Grace finds her place among  other single women striving to make their way in the world as Harvey Girls. The Arizona setting is breathtaking -- the author writes it such a way that I could picture it all. And the historical details are just as compelling.

Then there's Ray -- a noble hero with a past he has thoroughly repented of. A man caught between the convictions of his new faith and his querulous, greedy father. When Ray arrives at the El Tovar Hotel and meets Emma Grace...well, it's not quite love at first sight, but definitely attraction at first sight! There's adventure and mystery and quite a few hairpin turns on their journey towards a happily-ever-after which made for a sublimely satisfying read.

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

 

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Deep Divide, 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 4 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

In the Shadow of Denali

GIVEAWAY

PETERSON, TRACIE
WOODHOUSE, KIMBERLEY
IN THE SHADOW OF DENALI

Their future depends on unlocking the secrets the mountain holds from the past

Cassidy Ivanoff and her father, John, work at the new and prestigious Curry Hotel near the foot of Mount McKinley -- Denali as it's still called by the natives. John is the wilderness and exploration guide for the wealthy tourists while Cassidy works in the kitchen as Cook's assistant. The entire staff buzzes with excitement during the busy days preparing for the President's imminent visit. His historic trip to dedicate the new national park on his way to driving in the golden spike to officially complete the Alaska Railroad will be the beginning of a new era for all of them and place The Curry at the heart of Alaska.

Allan Brennan travels to the Curry Hotel to be an apprentice to the seasoned Alaska mountain guide, with hopes of discovering the truth about his father's death on the mountain years earlier. His father's business partner blames the guide for Henry Brennan's untimely death, but Allan cannot be at peace until he knows for sure. He finds an unlikely ally in Cassidy, and as the two begin to look into the mystery, they suddenly find that things are much less clear, and much more dangerous, than either could ever imagine.

My Review:

This first book in a new series -- The Heart of Alaska -- delivers sweet romance steeped in rich historical detail along with an air of mystery. From the sinister prologue (written from the villain's point of view), actions are set in motion that have far-reaching effects. Six years later, Allan arrives, bringing the past with him. Burdened by suspicion and anger, he's determined to discover the truth behind his father's death. And unfortunately, he's been groomed to believe that mountain guide John Ivanoff is guilty.

Tension abounds as Allan struggles to reconcile the out-going, kind and faith-filled John with the cold-blooded murderer he's been expecting. Though a secondary character, John became a favourite of mine. A man dedicated to the Lord and unafraid to share his faith with open candor.

His daughter, Cassidy, has the same spiritual outlook as well as an optimistic nature that grates on her dour boss, Mrs. Johnson. Love how she wears down the cook's gruff exterior by slow degrees. Of course Cassidy catches Allan's eye which brings it's own kind of complications. But first there's a mystery to be solved and a murderer to thwart -- all against the stunning backdrop of Alaska's new national park.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publications and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

Giveaway Opportunity:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of In the Shadow of Denali 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 February 5 2017.  Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Beyond the Silence

GIVEAWAY

PETERSON, TRACIE
WOODHOUSE, KIMBERLEY
BEYOND THE SILENCE

Lillian Porter has always wanted to fulfill her mother's dream of going west, so when she hears about a nanny position in Angels Camp, California, she defies her grandfather and takes a chance on a new future. But she quickly wonders if she made the right choice. There are rumors in town that her new employer, Woodward Colton, caused the death of his wife. This accusation doesn't match the man Lillian comes to know--and Mrs. Goodman, Woody's long-time housekeeper, is decisively on Woody's side--but many in town stay far away from Lillian because of her association with the Colton family.

Lillian's six-year-old charge, Jimmy, was there when his mother died, and he hasn't spoken a word since. Gently, Lillian tries to coax him out of his shell, hoping he'll one day feel safe enough to tell her the truth about what happened. But the Colton olive farm is no longer a safe place. Lillian encounters suspicious characters on their land and mysterious damage done to the farm. Will Mrs. Goodman and Jimmy be able to speak what they know in time to save Lillian from tragedy?

My Review:

Argh!  Most despicable sheriff in the West. And the townsfolk aren't much better. My stomach roiled every time they were in a scene and I wanted to take them all to task. Luckily Lillian, for all that she's led a sheltered life, stood up to the scoundrels. Took the words right out of my mouth, as a matter of fact. Her willingness to stand up against a crowd of vicious gossip mongers made me a fan. You go girl! The warning against gossip and passing judgements is the clear message in this story but it felt exaggerated in places and the resolution seemed abrupt and unrealistic to me.

Multiple points of view made the read interesting. The villain's viewpoint is menacing, little Jimmy's is heartrending and sweet Harry, a young man with a child-like mind is so sweet and pure. He is by far my favourite character of all. The authors masterfully weave these unique story threads together culminating in an action-packed climax.

A sweet romance, clouded by looming danger kept me turning pages. Woody is raw and vulnerable and so very lost. I love his willingness to take his fears and worries to the Lord; to backtrack and apologize when he lashes out in pain. He's been going through the motions since his wife's murder and only begins to realize that once Lillian appears on the scene.

Lillian is a breath of fresh air. She brings a fresh perspective to this wounded little family and begins to work miracles in short order. A satisfying mix of thwarted romance and sinister treachery make for a very enjoyable read.

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

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  Beyond the Silence 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 31 2016 . Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

All Things Hidden

GIVEAWAY

PETERSON, TRACIE
WOODHOUSE, KIMBERLY
ALL THINGS HIDDEN

Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse Team Up to Deliver a Stunning Depression-Era Drama

Gwyn Hillerman loves being a nurse at her father's clinic on the beautiful Alaskan frontier. But family life has been rough ever since her mother left them, disdaining the uncivilized country and taking Gwyn's younger sister with her.

In Chicago, Dr. Jeremiah Vaughan finds his life suddenly turned upside down when his medical license is stripped away after an affluent patient dies. In a snowball effect, his fiance breaks their engagement. In an attempt to bury the past, Jeremiah accepts Dr. Hillerman's invitation to join his growing practice in the isolated Alaska Territory.

Gwyn and Jeremiah soon recognize a growing attraction to each other. But when rumors of Jeremiah's past begin to surface, they'll need more than love to face the threat of an uncertain future.

My Review:

An intriguing 'exotic' setting sets the stage for this historical drama. The authors have expertly blended fact and fiction in order to deliver a riveting plot centred around the 1935 colonization of Alaska. This was a piece of American history I didn't know about and found it incredibly fascinating.

Gwyn and Jeremiah's gentle love story is fraught with complications in a twisty turny plot packed with lots of surprises...including an unexpected suspense thread. Story arcs build and grow until they practically explode off the page at the climax. A wonderful meshing of two talented authors who clearly compliment each other.

Giveaway Opportunity:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of All Things Happen, please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca.  If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers. If you email me, please be sure to put the title in the subject line so it is easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday February 2 2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck.

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

No Safe Haven

WOODHOUSE, KIMBERLEY
WOODHOUSE, KAYLA
NO SAFE HAVEN

A year after the devastating death of their husband and father in a terrible car accident, Jenna and Andie Tikaani-Gray are hoping for a fresh start. Andie, who has always struggled with a rare medical disorder, has finally received good news, from out-of-town specialists. News they so desperately needed. But as they are flying home to Alaska, ready to begin again, the unthinkable happens. The pilot sabotages their small plane. They crash in the worst place possible: Sultana, one of the most remote and dangerous mountains in the Land of the Midnight Sun. Now, a winter storm is headed their way -- along with someone who doesn't want to save them, but kill them.

Only one man can keep them alive: Cole Maddox, the mysterious last-minute passenger who joined them on their flight. But trust doesn't come easy to Jenna or Andie. Besides, they both sense Cole is hiding something. An important missing piece in a dangerous -- maybe even lethal -- puzzle...

My Review:

The authors draw on actual, real-life experiences -- no Kimberley and Kayla have never crashed into an Alaskan mountain, at least I hope not! But Kayla does have the same rare condition that Andie has and they have made it a key component of the plot which revs up the action and the angst. Fascinating stuff.

Told in three voices, Kayla (who was twelve at the time of writing) writes Andie's POV in first person while Kimberley covers Jenna's and Cole's. With tons of suspense and lots of action, this wilderness survival story will keep you reading right to the very end.

For a neat interview with both Kimberley and Kayla check out this video clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RM2nD5Ec0sY

A Safe Haven is one of the books we'll be discussing on the ACFW online bookclub in July. Consider joining us here:

http://www.acfw.com/book_club