January Giveaway -- Week Two

WON BY ELLY

WON BY LUCY REYNOLDS

WON BY CONNIE LEE

WON BY PATTY

WON BY BECKY

You know the drill: winners will be contacted if they left their email address in a comment, otherwise it's up to the winner to contact me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca (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 30 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 AN EMAIL OR IF I HAVEN'T BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN REACHING YOU!

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

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK'S GIVEAWAYS:

Please read the giveaway options written in red noted under "Giveaway Opportunity" in each blog post as formats will vary.

Paperback or ebook -- winner can choose either format

Paperback -- I have a new physical book on hand to give away

Gently Read Paperback -- It's the actual book I read to review

ebook -- that's the only format option available, often because it's an indie book where a paperback copy is either unavailable or exorbitantly priced. Or when a physical edition is out of print.

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Their Unbreakable Bond

GIVEAWAY

KASTNER, DEB

THEIR UNBREAKABLE BOND

His life has skidded off the tracks...Can she help him start over?

Training avalanche rescue dogs with his best friend's sister, Felicity Winslow, was never in Stone Keller's plans. But after a reckless motorcycle accident ends his rodeo career, he has nowhere to go but home to Colorado. Working with the dogs -- and Felicity -- could be exactly what he needs to put the pieces of his life back together.

A K-9 Companions Tale

My Review:

First book in what I believe is going to be a new multi-authored K-9 companion themed series, though the setting and characters make this also a continuation of Kastner's Rocky Mountain Family series too. Which is kinda weird, but I'm rolling with it 'cause I love the Winslow family and their Christmas tree farm / dog training business. Six siblings to work and relax with...including two protective older brothers who treat their youngest sister like she's still in grade school. :-) Love the family dynamics and how spunky Felicity fights to be recognized as the capable adult she truly is. 

And then her girlhood crush winds up working with her...cue all the grins and swoons 'cause Stone is trying so hard not to notice that his best friend's little sister is a woman now while Felicity is trying just as hard to fight an inconvenient resurgence of puppy love. Sizzles and sparks and hijinks galore. Plus the kind of devoted service dogs I love to read about. In this case it's dynamic avalanche rescue dogs Tugger and Dandy who aren't above giving out a little comfort therapy after a disaster too. 

Their Unbreakable Bond is all kinds of wintry goodness and a perfect way to wile away a chilly afternoon...maybe with your own fur baby cuddled up close by.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Their Unbreakable Bond, 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 8 2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

The Heart of a Cowboy

GIVEAWAY

HEDLUND, JODY

THE HEART OF A COWBOY

When he agreed to guard her, he never bargained on having to guard his heart. 

Brilliant scientist Louisa Newberry is on the adventure of a lifetime, traveling the Santa Fe Trail with her grandfather, Dr. Powell, on a botanical expedition to Colorado Territory. She longs to be valued for her contributions and not seen as a helpless liability. But at every calamity she faces, her grandfather threatens to send her home.

After watching his ma suffer and die in childbirth, Flynn McQuaid has sworn off women and marriage forever. Headed west to start a new life, he has his hands full not only taking care of his younger siblings but also delivering cattle to his older brother. He doesn't nee more complications.

When Flynn rescues Linnea from drowning during a river crossing, Dr. Powell promptly hires Flynn -- unbeknownst to Linnea -- to act as her bodyguard for the rest of the trip. As Flynn fights against the many dangers of the trail, he soon finds himself in the greatest danger of all -- falling for a woman he's determined not to love.

My Review:

Reading Heart of a Cowboy gave me Little House on the Prairie vibes only for grown ups. And mashed in with an old-timie Western like Rawhide. :-) And I like how some of the emphasis is on what the women endured making that kind of cross country wilderness trek. Including the limitations placed on them by men who thought they knew better which makes for so many intriguing plot points!

Loved Linnea and her earnest scientific mind that sometimes leaves her in calamitous situations which just begs for a strapping hero rescue a time or two.. :-) In fact, Flynn and Linnea's meet-cute is an extremely memorable one. Sigh, yes, I know I just mentioned the exasperating limitations men put on women in this era but, really, for all Linnea's intelligence and gumption, she still needs rescuing in this unfamiliar territory and Flynn is just the man for the job. Which made me one happy reader.

Tremendous character growth stems from some conflicted back stories. Both Flynn and Linnea harbour secrets and hurts that they aren't comfortable voicing which, naturally, puts a damper on romance...if only they weren't so drawn to one another! Honestly, this story took quite a few unexpected turns that kept me in a cattywampus state right to the very end!

Action, adventure, danger -- everything you'd expect to find in a classic Western romance crafted in Jody Hedlund's uniquely captivating style.

This is the second book in the author's Colorado Cowboys series and, while it can be read as a standalone, the McQuaid family is worth getting to know right from the start so do yourself a favour and hunt down a copy of  A Cowboy for Keeps as well.

Goal Update: Goal #5 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 The Heart of a Cowboy, 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 8 2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

Search and Defend

GIVEAWAY

WOODHAVEN, HEATHER

SEARCH AND DEFEND

The search for a ruthless hit man turns into a deadly alpine chase...

Undercover to track the assassin who killed his partner, FBI Special Agent Alex Driscoll accidentally pulls his partner's widow, Violet Sharpe, and her search-and-rescue K-9, Teddy, into the case. Now, with Violet's life on the line, the only way Alex can protect her is to make her -- and her enormous dog -- his new cover. But can they stay alive long enough to bring the hit man to justice?

K-9 Search and Rescue

My Review:

Whoa, may just be the best Love Inspired Suspense book ever! I don't know if that impression comes from Heather Woodhaven's breathtaking storytelling or the way Patrick Zeller narrated Violet and Alex's story -- maybe a combination of both? But the words just flowed, creating images in my head and making me feel every chill and thrill. So elated that we're getting some of Love Inspired line in audio versions now.

So, what I loved: Teddy!!!! A fluffy Newfoundland of superior intelligence, awesome talents (which are put to good use in this novel) and a stalwart heart. He will furever be my champion. Loved the bond he has with his human, Violet and how fiercely she loves the big fluff ball. Great partner dynamics and some interesting insights into the day and the life of a search-and-rescue team. 

The clever suspense plot kept me in rabid-listening-mode. It includes some unique twists and I loved the pacing. Action and danger are well-balanced and there's enough room left over for Alex and Violet's relationship to evolve from wary, grieving once-friends to something deeper and more meaningful.

Plus there's oodles of snow and some wilderness rescues that chilled me to the core. Which makes Search and Defend the perfect January read!

 

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 Search and Defend, 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 8 2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

Hidden in the Stars

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO RE-READ DAY!

CAROLL, ROBIN

HIDDEN IN THE STARS

Following an attack that killed her mother and stole her ability to speak, Sophia Montgomery has no choice but to accept help from her estranged grandmother. Once an Olympic hopeful, Sophia's future is now uncertain, and her inability to share her eyewitness account frustrates police detectives looking for answers. What were the criminals after? Why did they attack Sophie and her mother?

Detective Julian Frazier is determined to solve the case. Distracted by the pull Sophia has on his heart and his own questions about why God could allow this senseless violence, Julian doesn't realize that an important clue could be right in front of him. As he gets closer to solving the case, Julian wonders if his efforts will be enough to save Sophia. Or will the murderer be back to silence her forever?

My Review:

published in 2014

So, this was a reread for me and whoa -- I'd forgotten just how intense that opening scene was! This time round I listened to the audible edition and Lesa Wilson's narration added to the frenetic pace of this suspenseful page-turner (or rabid listen.)

Things I didn't mention in my original review but struck me as significant this listen through: 1) The wonderful faith message that deals with that all too  common complaint about how God can let bad things happen to good people. Julian's faith has slipped as he wrestles with the complexities of this question and I love the way Caroll surrounds this hero with Christians who are living out their faith despite not having all the answers. 2) I love the way the author has managed to maintain the intensity of the suspense without using multiple attacks and hot pursuits that are so common in romantic suspense novels. (Not that I don't enjoy those kind of reads too!) She's managed to convey the menace lurking 'off page' which actually kind of amps up the nail-biting vibes even more.

---

Original review:

Fast paced action and an intriguing mystery had me riveted from the very first page. I barely had time to catch my breath. And what an innovative way to incorporate a the quilt theme into the story! Not to mention the clever title tie-in! Love that attention to detail. The complex plot is steeped in suspense and romance and kept me on tenterhooks as I tried to stay a step ahead of the brutal killers stalking Sophia. Thrilling to the very last word.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a very gently read paperback copy. (Since I now own the audible edition of this novel, I'm giving away my paperback copy which has been carefully shelved in a glass fronted bookcase for seven years! It actually still has that new book smell! And the edges of the pages haven't yellowed at all. Someday I'll have my whole book collection stored in glass fronted bookcases!)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Hidden in the Stars, 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 8 2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

The Matchmaker's Rogue

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO READ DAY!

SCOTT, REGINA

THE MATCHMAKER'S ROGUE

Grace-by-the-Sea : Where romance and adventure come home.

Polished Jesslyn Chance has one of the most enviable positions in the little Regency coastal village of Grace-by-the-Sea. She is the hostess of the spa, arranging introductions and entertainments and playing matchmaker to the ladies and gentlemen who come to take the waters, promenade through the shops, and dance at the assembly. But when a rogue returns from her past, Jess finds herself suddenly at sea.

Always an adventurer, Larkin Denby left Grace-by-the-Sea to right the wrongful death of his father. Now he's back on a mission: to identify the mysterious Lord of the Smugglers who allegedly sails from Grace Cove and takes England's secrets to France. But Grace-by-the-Sea is the perfect little spa town, run by the still oh-so-perfect Jesslyn Chance. When the village's future is threatened, Jess must work with Lark to solve the mystery and protect the town's own. In doing so, the matchmaker of Grace-by-the-Sea may just find that the best match for her is the rogue who stole her heart years ago.

My Review:

published in 2020

Careful as you read this one -- the swoons are catching! So clear off the fainting couch and grab your smelling salts before turning a page, you don't want to be caught unawares in a melted puddle of bliss lest you miss something important. Like an intricate plot point, 'cause there's mystery! And smugglers! And a wild Dorset coast to be conquered! When you're not hobnobbing with the gentry and locals at the spa, that is. 

Loved all the quirky details about the benefits of 'taking the waters' and the day to day workings of this sought after retreat! Admirably managed by Jesslyn Chance, a heroine with intelligence and grit and a knack for genteel matchmaking. Who has a past with an unexpected visitor! That's your cue to swoon because Larkin Denby is....thud! Noble and haunted and dedicated to his country...and falling in love with Jesslyn all over again. Sqqquuueeallll -- reunion romance with a frisson of intrigue!

And, double sqqquuueealll! This is the first book in Scott's Grace-by-the-Sea series and there are definitely some threads left dangling -- not in a frustrating way though. More of an excited-to-keep-reading way. Though, I'll warn you now not to read the synopsis of the other books like I did, 'cause they post a few spoilers about some of the mysteries still left unsolved at the end of this one. :-(

The Matchmaker's Rogue kept my in a twitter-pated state right to the very end! And that's partly due to the excellent narration by Jannie Meisberger. Love that this whole series is on audible!

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 Matchmaker's Rogue, 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 8 2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

January Giveaway -- Week One

 You all make anticipating future reads sooooo much fun! Love the bookish camaraderie, the bibliophile swoons of excitement and, especially, the mass of Christian Fiction that has my TBR book full to bursting! Oh...and the serenading...in case you missed it, Diana Flowers has created a Reader's Choice theme song so let's open this new year of reading in style. Sing with me now (to the tune of Jingle Bells)

Dashing through the snow,

In a one horse open sleigh,

To Kav's blog we go, 

Laughing all the way!

Books galore we'll see,

Making spirits bright, 

What fun it is to read about books,

Let's simply stay the night...

Ohh, bestreads blog, bestreads blog,

Bestreads all the way,

Oh what fun it is to visit,

Every single day...

Bestreads blog, bestreads blog,

Bestreads all the way,

Kav's a dear, bringing lots of cheer,

Merry Christmas and a bookish New Year!

My, that puts me in a reading mood and I'm just about to start...wait, mustn't get distracted. Winner announcements first, reading time second. And we'll start it all off with our quarterly nerdy statistics: the most popular picks per genre day:

MOST REQUESTED HISTORICAL FICTION

MOST REQUESTED CONTEMPORARY FICTION

MOST REQUESTED SUSPENSE/MYSTERY FICTION

(a tie)

AND

MOST REQUESTED AMISH FICTION

Now onto the good stuff:

Reader's Choice 

New Year's Edition Winners!

HISTORICAL WINNERS

WON BY CC

WON BY DIANA FLOWERS

CONTEMPORARY WINNERS

WON BY TRIXI

WON BY KAY GARRETT

SUSPENSE/MYSTERY WINNERS

WON BY JACKIE SMITH

WON BY KELLY BLACKWELL

AMISH WINNERS

WON BY LUCY REYNOLDS

WON BY BOOKS ARE A BLESSING

GENERAL CHRISTIAN FICTION WINNERS

WON BY TRACEY HAGWOOD

WON BY SYLVIA

LAST HURRAH FOR 2021 WINNERS

WON LORI SMANSKI

WON BY MELISSA OLDAKER

READING GOALS WINNERS

WON BY MARIAN BAAY

WON BY PERRIANNE

But wait, it's not over yet! This 'Vanity' category has become a blog tradition. It's where I choose my favourite cover in each genre and then draw from the names of the readers who entered them...a kind of draw within a draw. Here are the cover-love winners:

HISTORICAL COVER-LOVE WINNER

(I like the way this cover tells a story --

the heroine looking out towards the hero..

so far away -- is he out of her reach? And

the Downton Abbey flare to the estate behind him)

WON BY DIANE ESTRELLA

CONTEMPORARY COVER-LOVE WINNER

(Stunning!! My favourite cover out

of all the genres this time round. 

Love the hint of exotic locale behind her

and that dress!!! Definitely princess worthy.

Stirs up all my girlhood dreams of

happily ever afters.)

WON BY MELMO

SUSPENSE/MYSTERY COVER-LOVE WINNER

(Love the way the cover captures the heroine's

occupation and the way her profile is

set up in the clouds.)

WON BY ELIZABETH LITTON

AMISH COVER-LOVE WINNER

(There's not a lot of variety in

Amish book covers, is there? Usually

the heroine looking off into the

distance -- sometimes the same figure

super imposed over different

backgrounds for different books! But this

one is a little different, with the addition

of the quilt wrapped around her and the

fall backdrop. It sets a pensive mood

that makes me want to know her story.)

WON BY RUBYNREBA

WAIT! DON'T GO AWAY!!

We're still not through 'cause we have another Reader's Choice tradition of picking a random # of entries per day which becomes the 'just because bonus giveaway.' If I'm not making sense, all you need to know is that it means more book giveaways! Woohoo! This time to the 46th entry of each genre day.

HISTORICAL 46TH

WON BY TAMMIE EDINGTON SHAW

CONTEMPORARY 46TH

WON BY WINNIE

MYSTERY/SUSPENSE 46TH

WON BY PAM K.

Phew! That's another RC wrap up. I'll send winners an email stating their book win, publication date and request for mailing address (or email, if ebook is chosen) so that I have everything read for release day. Then I'll email you once again when the book has been ordered.

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK'S GIVEAWAYS:

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY