Grave Christmas Secret

GIVEAWAY

STOVER, SHAREE

GRAVE CHRISTMAS SECRET

 Discovering buried evidence makes her a target.

At a prehistoric site, forensic anthropologist Taya McGill uncovers a recently buried body days before Christmas -- and finds herself in a killer's sights. Now on the run with undercover ATF Keegan Stryker, she must rely on him to guard her as they figure out why someone would kill to keep this murder unsolved. But can they unearth the truth before someone silences them both for good?

My Review:

To start -- first prize goes to the very clever title. That kind of attention to detail screams 'buy me' among a shelf of similar books. And the back blurb cinched the deal for me because I love when a heroine has an unusual occupation and forensic anthropologist is definitely that. 

I got a kinda 'Bones' vibe from this story with Taya constantly questioning and weighing in on every situation much to the exasperation of the agent trying save her life! The first chapter seesaws between spine-tingling creepy and outright terrifying to darkly amusing and ends with this ominous warning from Keegan. "Your enemies are deadly, and they are coming for you whether or not you believe in them." (p 20) And I was hooked!

Cue the sinister music soundtrack, grab some comfort chocolate and settle in for a reading blitz 'cause this suspense won't let you go. A page-turning delight of mystery, action and romance along with a sprinkling of holiday cheer.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback

If you would like a chance to win a gently read copy of Grave Christmas Secret, 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 October 31 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

His Holiday Prayer

GIVEAWAY

RADCLIFF, TINA

HIS HOLIDAY PRAYER

What he wants for Christmas...may not be what he needs.

After receiving an unexpected job offer in Texas, widower Tucker Rainbolt decides he and his twins need a fresh start. But moving on means leaving his best friend, Jenna Harper, and their vet clinic behind. For the first time, Tucker sees Jena as more than a buddy. What if leaving isn't the answer? Maybe what he's been missing has been right beside him the whole time...

A Hearts of Oklahoma Tale

My Review:

Gah, men! Rainbolt men in particular. You gotta love their stubborn, clueless hunky selves. Tucker proves to be just as romantically challenged as brothers Mitch and Reece (Find the Road Home and Ready to Trust.) Once again I've lost my heart and once again it's been broken into a billion pieces 'cause he didn't choose me by the end and now there are no brothers left. :-( Typical Radcliffe Romance Reader dilemma! She writes 'em so we fall hard and then she takes them away!

Luckily there's lots to adore about Jena so my capitulation is just a teeny bit grudging. I mean,she's been Tucker's best friend for seven years and I just met him so I could read the writing on the wall...well, in the book, actually and I knew I didn't stand a chance. A reader can dream, though, can't she? Especially when authors create such swoonworthy cowboy heroes. A veterinarian who rescues abandoned animals. And has two sweet daughters, twins, with the cutest names ever -- Ginger and Hazel. He only has one flaw. He doesn't realize he's in love with Jena.

But that's okay, because she's ignoring the fact that she's fallen for Tucker. Sometimes I wanted to slap one or both upside the head but mostly I spent the whole read actively yearning for them to realize what they have in each other. I might have shouted at them a time or two. And I definitely cried. Twice. Because...Jena's back story!!!!!!!! And the way Tucker handles it. Sniffle.

A rescue sheltie mix named Ernie (for Jena's Aunt Ernestine) adds to the festive holiday spirit as she becomes the poster pup for the Jingle Paws fundraiser! (Such a cool idea. I bet rescue groups everywhere borrow it!) Love this animal-centric story!

And then there's the way the Rainbolt brothers interact -- lots of grousing and teasing but none of them are afraid of some pointed plain speaking when the circumstance calls for it. Tucker is lucky to be on the receiving end of Mitch's and Reece's vast experience with romance. (eye roll -- though they are both married now so....)

Happy sigh -- this is pretty much holiday romance perfection in my book! (ha, get the pun?)

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of His Holiday Prayer, 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 October 31 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Love and a Little White Lie

GIVEAWAY

 GRAY, TAMMY L.

LOVE AND A LITTLE WHITE LIE

There's a lot of irony in hitting rock bottom

After a hearbreak leaves her reeling, January Sanders is open to anything -- including moving into a cabin on her aunt's wedding venure property and accepting a temporary position at her aunt's church despite being a lifelong skeptic of faith. Choosing to keep her doubts to herself, she's determined to give her all to supporting Grace Community's overworked staff while helping herself move on.

What she doesn't count on is meeting the church's handsome and charming guitarist. It's a match set for disaster, and yet January has no ability to stay away, even if it means pretending to have faith in a God she doesn't believe in.

Only this time, keeping her secret isn't as easy as she thought it would be. Especially when she's constantly running into her aunt's landscape architect, who seems to know everything about her past-and-present sins and makes no apologies about pushing her to deal with feelings she'd rather keep buried.

Torn between two worlds that can't coexist, can January find the healing that's eluded her, or will her resistance to the truth ruin any chance of happiness?

My Review:

True confession: I am sooooo not a fan of love triangles. They make me edgy and nervous and, well, sad, because I have a very tender reader's heart. :-) 

So, second true confession: this book languished on my TBR pile for weeks as I patted her gently on her pretty cover and promised "next time" as I reached underneath her for another book -- any book as long as it was love triangle free. But then, finally, it was her turn and now it's time for my third confession:

I loved this story!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In spite of (or...shhhhhh...maybe because of -- I so did not say that out loud, did I?) the dreaded LT. Even though reading Love and a Little White Lie sent me into a paroxysm of want-to-read / don't-want-to-read fits. Because, these characters, this plot, the laughter and angst and heart-tugging romantical rollercoaster ride! 

But...I honestly felt like I was cheating on hero A...or maybe B...or possibly both at different times as they vied for my heart. (Psssstttt, Jan ends up with my first choice.) Is it weird that I feel guilty even thinking that? I've been accused of taking my fictional worlds more seriously than the real one, but these days how can that be a bad thing? Especially when authors create such beguiling worlds.

Great pacing. Lovely balance between funny and tender and the aforementioned angst. And January's journey into faith bears all the same descriptors. A fun and thoughtful contemporary romance.

And, in case you're wondering. Yes, I've learned my lesson...don't judge a book by its love triangle. :-)

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 Love and a Little White Lie, 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 October 30 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

The Librarian of Boone's Hollow

 

GIVEAWAY

SAWYER, KIM VOGEL

THE LIBRARIAN OF BOONE'S HOLLOW

A traveling librarian ventures into the mining towns of Kentucky on horseback and rediscover her passions in this powerful novel from the best-selling author of A Silken Thread.

During the Great Depression, Addie Cowherd dreams of being a novelist and offering readers the escape that books gave her during her tragic childhood. When her adoptive father loses his job, she is forced to leave college and take the only employment she can find -- delivering books on horseback to poor coal mining families in the hills of Kentucky.

The small community of Boone's Hollow is suspicious of outsiders and steeped in superstitions that leave Addie feeling rejected and indignant. Although she finds an unexpected friend in an elderly outcast, the other horseback librarians scorn her determination to befriend Nanny Fay.

Emmett Tharp grew up in the tiny mountain hamlet where most men either work in the coal mine or run moonshine. He's the first in the community to earn a college degree, and he has big dreams, but witnesses the Depression robbing many young men of their future.

Then someone sets out to sabotage the library program, going so far as to destroy Addie's novel in progress. Will the saboteur chase Addie and the other librarians away, or will knowledge emerge victorious over prejudice? Is Emmett the local ally that Addie needs -- and might their friendship lead to something more?

Inspired by the real WPA program that sent librarians on horseback to deliver books to hill families in Kentucky, Kim Vogel Sawyer immersed herself in Appalachian history to tell this captivating story.

My Review:

Kim Vogel Sawyer always casts her storytelling spell on me by the end of the first page. I feel all the tension in me unravel as I sink deeper into my chair and breathe in the essence of story in it's purist form. I become totally oblivious to my world as I immerse myself in a fictional one. And, oh my, but The Librarian of Boone's Hollow held me in swoony delight right to the end.

First off, love the Depression Era time period. I'm not sure why I am so drawn to this type of story -- maybe because the desperation of the times sharpens both the good and bad in humanity. Maybe because the simplicity of the era tugs at a yearning deep inside of me. Or maybe because the warmth of hearth and home portrayed in the TV series The Waltons has forever skewed my perception of the 1930s. :-) 

And -- hellllloooo -- a book about librarians on horseback?! Full of quotes about the wonders books can bring. The hope. The encouragement. The possibilities. Truly a bibliophile's dream!

Then there's the richly layered plot full of complex characters to love (and hate!) I felt everything right along with them thanks to Sawyer's wordsmithing magic.

And, yes, there is a faith thread, though I'd call it more of an inspirational immersion which brings so much depth to an already moving read. Redemption and grace come alive through these characters' stories.

The kind of novel you want to take your time with so you can savor the experience.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of one of the The Librarian of Boone's Hollow, 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 Sunday October 31 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Christy Award Finalists 2020 -- Historical

 

GIVEAWAY

What are the Christy Awards?

"The Christy Award is designed to nurture and encourage creativity and quality in the writing and publishing of fiction written from a Christian worldview and showcase the diversity of genres." (from the Christy Awards website.)

These 2020 finalists are books published in 2019. You might have read them already. You might not. I've read two in this category. I'll include links to my reviews in the descriptions.

How does this giveaway work?

You select which of the three Christy Award Historical Fiction 2020 finalists you would like to receive if your name is drawn. Mention the title in your comment (or an email if you're entering that way.) If you win, that's the book that will be sent to you. Easy Peasy. Here are the three finalists.

The Bright Unknown by Elizabeth Byler Younts (Thoma Nelson)

Two young friends embark upon an epic journey across 1940s middle America in search of answers, a family, and a place to call home.

The only kind of life Brighton Turner understands is the one she has endured within the dreary walls of a rural Pennsylvania asylum. A nurse has thoughtfully educated and raised Brighton, but she has also kept vital information from her in order to keep her close. Brighton befriends a boy whom she calls Angel -- he doesn't know his name -- and as the two of them learn more about what lies beyond the walls they call home, they fight for their release and eventually escape.

However, the world outside the only place they've ever known is not what they expect. They have no real names, no money, and no help -- and they must rely upon the kindness of strangers as they walk and hitchhike from Pennsylvania to Michigan to find their last hope for home.

This heartbreaking journey, narrated in gorgeous prose, explores what it means to belong -- and to scour the universe with fresh eyes for the brightness within.

The Medallion by Cathy Gohlke (Tyndale House)

For fans of bestselling World War II fiction like Sarah's Key and The Nightingale comes an illuminating tale of courage, sacrifice, and survival, about two couples whose lives are ravaged by Hitler's mad war yet eventually redeemed through the fate of one little girl.

Seemingly overnight, the German blitzrieg of Warsaw in 1939 turns its streets to a war zone and shatters the life of each citizen -- Polish, Jewish, or otherwise. Sophie Kumiega, a British bride working in the city's library, awaits news of her husband, Janek, recently deployed with the Polish Air Force. Though Sophie is determined that she and the baby in her womb will stay safe, the days ahead will draw her into the plight of those around her, compelling her to help, whatever the danger.

Rosa and Itzhak Dunovich never imagined they would welcome their longed-for first child in the Jewish ghetto, or that they would let anything tear their family apart. But as daily atrocities intensify, Rosa soon faces a terrifying reality: to save their daughter's life, she must send her into hiding. Her only hope of finding her after the war -- if any of them survive -- is a medallion she cuts in half and places around her neck.

Inspired by true events of Poland's darkest days and brightest heroes, The Medallion paints a stunning portrait of ear and its aftermath, daring us to believe that when all seems lost, God can make a way forward.

My Review: https://bestreads-kav.blogspot.com/2019/12/the-medallion.html

Memories of Glass by Melanie Dobson (Tyndale House) 

This novel draws from true accounts to shine a light on a period of Holland's darkest history and bravest heroes.

1942. As war rips through the heart of Holland, childhood friends Josie Van Rees and Eliese Linden partner with a few daring citizens to rescue Eliese's son and hundreds of other Jewish children who await deportation in a converted theater in Amsterdam. But amid their resistance work, Josie and Eliese's dangerous secrets could derail their friendship and their entire mission. When the enemy finds these women, only one will escape.

Seventy-five years later, Ava Drake begins to suspect that her great-grandfather William Kingston was not the World War II hero he claimed to be. Her work as director of the prestigious Kingston Family Foundation leads her to Landon West's Ugandan coffee plantation, and Ava and Landon soon discover a connection between their families. As Landon's great-grandmother shares the broken pieces of her story, Ava must confront the greatest loss in her own life -- and powerful members of the Kingston family who will do anything to keep the truth buried.

My Review: https://bestreads-kav.blogspot.com/2019/10/memories-of-glass.html

My Dearest Dietrich by Amanda Barratt (Kregel) 

A staggering love illuminating the dark corners of a Nazi prison.

Renowned German pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer is famous for his resistance to the Nazi regime and for his allegiance to God over government. But what few realize is that the last years of his life also held a love story that rivals any romance novel.

Maria von Wedemeyer knows the realities of war. Her beloved father and brother have both been killed on the battfield. The last thing this spirited young woman needs is to fall for a man under constant surveillance by the Gestapo. How can she give another piece of her heart to a man so likely to share the same final fate? Yet when Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and old family friend, comes to comfort the von Wedemyers after their losses, she discovers that love isn't always logical.

Dietrich himself has determined to keep his distance from romantic attachments. There is too much work to be done for God, and his involvement in the conspiracy is far too important. But when he encounters a woman whose intelligence and conviction match his own, he's unprepared for how easy it is to give away his heart.

With their deep love comes risk -- and neither Dietrich nor Maria is prepared for just how great that risk soon becomes.

Based on detailed historical research and including photos from both Maria's and Dietrich's lives, this is a true love story at once beautiful and heartrending. My Dearest Dietrich sheds new light on a world-famous theologian...and the woman who changed his life.

 GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Important to note:

The Bright Unknown, The Medallion and Memories of Glass giveways are for either a paperback or ebook -- winner's choice. 

My Dearest Dietrich giveaway is for an ebook 

If you would like a chance to win a copy of one of the Christy Awards Finalists in the Historical Fiction Category, 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 Sunday October 31 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Jingle All the Way

 

GIVEAWAY

MACOMBER, DEBBIE

JINGLE ALL THE WAY

Love can transform even the best-laid plans in this heartfelt Christmas novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.

Trapped in the middle of five siblings, Everly Lancaster always had big dreams. Now a top real-estate executive, Everly finds her work is her life, leaving no space for anything (or anyone) else. Sensing her stress, Everly's boss insists she take December off. At first, a month away seems crazy -- how will the company survive without her? But Everly's mother convinces her otherwise. She deserves a vactation -- plus, when she returns, she'll have no excuse to skip family Christmas like she did last year.

But after her vengeful assistant books a guided cruise in the Amazon instead of the luxury beach vacation she expected, Everly is horrified to realize that she's about to spend the next two week trapped -- with no Wi-Fi! -- in the rain forest. Not even Asher Adams, the ship's charming naturalist, can convince Everly that the trip will be unforgettable. Slowly but surely, she realizes he is right: the sights are spectacular. And with each passing day, Everly's relationship with Asher deepens, forcing her to take a long, hard look at her priorities.

Everly and Asher begin to see magic in the possibility of a life together. But as the cruise nears its end, and Everly's family Christmas approaches, both must decide if love is worth the risk. A merry surprise may be in store in Debbie' Macomber's newest delight. 

My Review:

Eeeeeep!!! A Macomber Christmas romance narrated by Therese Plummer?! That's a match made in heaven and, thanks to my public library, I got to experience 5 hours and 28 minutes of bibliophile bliss!

Reading (or listening) to a Debbie Macomber Christmas story has become a tradition in my house. I'm a late bloomer when it comes to this author so I there's no shortage of years-gone-by books to catch up on which makes me very happy. But I'm also thrilled to be current with this new release.

And, just when I thought I'd read every spin a holiday romance can offer, I discover I haven't. Because while, yes, Everly is the classic over-worked, under-appreciated career woman who has been neglecting not only her social life, but her once close-knit family as well, her story is anything but a cliche because....Amazon rain forest setting!!!!! And, what's really cool, is that the author draws from her own experience on a similar cruise (though I hope it was less eventful than poor Everly's!) :-) 

Funny and touching with just the right amount of angst. I love the growth in both Asher and Everly and the way they reconnect with their families and learn some important life lessons along the way. And there are toe-curling kisses, people!!! (Be sure to keep a fan handy.)

A fast-paced holiday romance that will definitely bring you some Christmas cheer.

 GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This is an ebook giveaway

If you would like a chance to win an ebook copy of one of the Jingle All the Way, 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 Sunday October 31 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

October Giveaway - Week Three

 

won by Melmo2610

WON BY PAM K

WON BY MARJORIE/CENYA

WON BY SUSAN FUCHIKAMI
AND
BOOS MUM

WON BY PERRIANNE

WON BY RUBYNREBA

You know the drill: Winners will be contacted if they have left their email address in the comments, otherwise it's up to the winner to contact me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca (Please note: it's ca as in Canada, not com) From time to time a winner and I do not connect so I have a one month time frame on giveaway wins. If I haven't been able to reach you within thirty days of your win, it will be forfeited. This has happened a few times now so, please, DON'T BE SHY -- CONTACT ME IF YOU DIDN'T LEAVE YOUR EMAIL OR IF I HAVEN'T BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN REACHING YOU. 

Books will be ordered within a week of receiving your mailing info (or ebook preference) and I'll email you to confirm your book is on its way. Give it a full month before inquiring about the status of an order to allow for processing and shipping times. Thank you!

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK'S GIVEAWAYS:

On Monday we will be looking at the Christy entries for the Historical Fiction category. This time they had a tie so there will be four books to choose from! Decisions, decisions...

And the rest of the week looks like this: