Fade to Blue

GIVEAWAY!

CAROBINI, JULIE

FADE TO BLUE

How do you restore a soul? One brush stroke at a time ...

Suz Mitchell is a determined dreamer, and won't allow her ex-husband's jail sentence to ruin their young son Jeremiah's life. An accomplished artist, Suz moves with her child across the country to California's central coast, and lands a job restoring priceless art for the historic Hearst Castle overlooking the sea.

But even dreams have shocking twists. To her surprise, a serious old flame, Seth, works at the castle and jumbles the new aspirations in Suz's heart. While sorting through their past and a palette of spiritual differences, an even bigger brush with yesterday awaits.

Suz must learn to let God be the true restorer of all that once seemed lost.

My Review:

A fresh, breezy summer read. I love the Otter Bay community and the fact that I got to reacquaint myself with characters from the series. But even though Callie and Gage play prominent roles in Fade to Blue -- this is Suz's story. Caught between a rock and a hard place she battles with doing the right thing and making right choices. Her life hasn't been easy and it isn't about to get any easier. Especially with Seth (a past love) unexpectedly showing up.

Carobini writes thoughtful, soul-searching stories that mesh the harsh realities of life with the awe-inspiring hand of God. Sometimes the two seem at odds but Carobini has a way of showing how God will prevail if we open ourselves to His will.

There's angst and romance, an adorable dog and an equally adorable child and an entire of cast of characters who come alive and make me want to hop a plane and head for California. Perfect escape reading for a lazy summer day.

 Giveaway: If you would like a chance to win a copy of Fade to Blue leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTcom. The draw will be held on Sunday, July 3. Open internationally.

The Sweetest Thing

GIVEAWAY!

MUSSER, ELIZABETH
THE SWEETEST THING

Anne "Perri" Singleton's world is defined by the security of family, the camaraderie of friends at an exclusive Atlanta girls' school, and an enviable social life. She isn't looking for new friends when Mary Dobbs Dillard arrives from Chicago. Besides, "Dobbs", the passionate and fiercely individualistic daughter of an itinerant minister is her opposite in every way.

But just as the Great Depression collides disastrously with Perri's well-ordered life, friendship blossoms -- that friendship that will be tested by jealousy, betrayal, and family secrets.

With her endearing characters and poignant storytelling, Atlanta native Elizabeth Musser vividly re-creates the charm of her beloved city amid the poverty and plenty that shaped the 1930s.

My Review:

If you only read one more book this year, make it this one.

Stunning doesn't begin to describe the spellbinding combination of unforgettable characters, exquisite word choice and a rich, deep plot that will leave you mulling it over long after you close the book.

Musser's 'voice' is so clearly southern that it is a pleasure to read each finely-crafted word. She creates pictures and atmosphere with them and tells a timeless story you'll be better for having read.

This is an epic coming-of-age tale. Two girls as opposite as can be, meeting during one of the most unsettled times in the history of the United States. Musser captures the desperation and despair but also the hope, courage and dignity of people forced to face the unthinkable every single day. Dobbs and Perri take turns telling their story -- each girl's distinctive voice building both plot and tension.

The spiritual threads in The Sweetest Thing are profound. It's the age old struggle of finding faith and keeping it. Musser does it justice in a gritty, real, honest way. And oh -- this book is filled with so much hope! It really made my spirits soar despite the harsh realities that can be found throughout the plot. Just like real life.

Can you tell I loved this book? ! If you'd like a chance to win a copy see below.

"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".



Giveaway: Leave a comment if you would like a chance at winning a copy of The Sweetest Thing. The draw will be held on Sunday July 3. If Blogger doesn't let you comment you can also email at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca.

June Giveaway Winners -- Week Four

My Apologies for being late posting the winners of last week's draw. We had horrendous storms Friday and Saturday and I lost my Internet connection. I had to wait until I came to work to post.

Also, since I didn't post my review of The Sweetest Thing last week (it will be up later today), I am going to pick two winners for the first two books in the River of Time series.





The Winners of both Waterfall and Cascade are:
Amber and NS
I will contact you both via email to get your snail mail addresses. If you don't hear from me by Tuesday morning please contact me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca


NEXT WEEK'S GIVEAWAYS WILL BE THE SWEETEST THING BY ELIZABETH MUSSER AND FADE TO BLUE BY JULIE CAROBINI.

Cascade

GIVEAWAY

BERGREN, LISA T.
CASCADE

What if you not only fell back through time...but fell in lover too?

Gabi knows she's left her heart in the fourteenth century, and she persuades Lia to help her to return even though they know doing so will risk their very lives.  When they arrive, months have passed, and all of Siena longs to celebrate the heroines who turned the tide in the battle against Florence -- while their enemies will go to great lengths to see them dead.

Even in the midst of the battles, Gabi's heart is increasingly drawn to Marcello, just as Lia's is to Luca. In medieval Italy, the sisters discover things inside themselves that they couldn't seem to find in the present -- connections with their mom, courage within, and the understanding that a life well lived often means encountering sacrifice. But in a world long past, many things still keep Gabi from giving Marcello her heart forever...and one thing in particular calls all three of the Betarrinis home.

My Review:

I don't think there is an effective way to express how much I love this book...this series! I'm almost at a loss for words!

The action is non-stop, the romance is toe-curling, the heroines are a winning combination of courage, vulnerability and tough-girl humour and the heroes...THUD. Everything you ever dreamed about in a medieval knight and then some. Marcello and Luca prove that chivalry is not dead...at least in the fourteenth century!

Bergren has enough surprises up her sleeve to keep the pages turning faster and the ending...the biggest surprise of all. Never in my wildest imagination did I see it going there! Have I piqued your curiosity yet? I hope so, because this is a book (and a series) that you don't want to miss!

GIVEAWAY: Because I love both Waterfall and Cascade so much and because you won't really appreciate Cascade until you have read Waterfall, I am giving away a copy of both book one and book two in the River of Time series. If you want to be entered in the draw please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. The draw will be held on Sunday June 26. Open internationally.

June Giveaway Winners - Week Three



Congratulations!!!!!!





The Dashwood Sisters Tell All by Beth Pattillo
won by Joy Tamsin David




Indelible by Kristen Heitzmann
won by Charity

I will contact the winners by email but if you don't hear from me by Monday evening please contact me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTcom with your snail mail address.

Looking Ahead to this coming week's Giveaways:

Cascade by Lisa Bergren -- I loved the first book in this series, Waterfall and now Gabi and Lia are traveling back in time to Medieval Italy for more adventure and romance. I've just started this one and am loving it so far!

The Sweetest Thing by Elizabeth Musser -- an intriguing Southern historical -- perfect for a hot, sultry summer read.

If you are interested in winning a copy of either of these books check back and comment once I've posted a review. Or you can email me with the title of the book you are interested in reading since I know that blogger doesn't always play fair.



Second Chance Ranch

HARRIS, LEANN

SECOND CHANCE RANCH

Former soldier and rodeo rider Zachary McClure's war injuries are far deeper than physical. Skeptical that anyone can reach the dark place in his soul, he visits an Albuquerque equine therapy ranch with no expectations. How can horses possibly mend his physical and emotional injuries when nothing—and no one—else has? He finds the answer when he meets Sophie Powell, an ex-army medic with a sunny smile, gentle touch and a determination to help others through horse therapy. But behind her big hopes and cheerful attitude lurks pain—and Zachary is just the man to change that. He can make Sophie's dreams a reality…and she may be the woman to heal this wounded hero's heart.

My Review:

Packing multiple emotional punches, Second Chance Ranch lives up to its name...it is all about second chances. I always enjoy stories that feature animals  -- and horses Sam and Prince Charming shine as great supporting characters. They offer silent empathy and an understanding ear to both Zach and Sophie. Harris did an amazing job of conveying the hope and humour that comes with the companionship of therapy animals.

I appreciated the veteran angle as well. I know I'm guilty of not giving enough thought (and prayers) to soldiers who are suffering the aftermath of their service overseas. Kudos to Harris for highlighting one man's struggle and in doing so, honoring the service of soldiers everywhere.

Bonus: Second Chance Ranch is one of ACFW's book club choices for June. Discussion starts on June 20.

The Dashwood Sisters Tell All

GIVEAWAY!

PATTILLO, BETH
THE DASHWOOD SISTERS TELL ALL

Two sisters set out on a walking tour of Jane Austen's England and uncover her long-lost diary -- and the truth of how her relationship with her sister Cassandra inspired Sense and Sensibility.

Ellen and Mimi Dodge have never been close, but their mother's dying wish sends them on a walking tour of Hampshire, England, that follows in the footsteps of Jane Austen.  Their mother also left them something: a mysterious diary that belonged to Jane's sister Cassandra. These private pages shed light on the secrets that nearly tore the Austen sisters apart and inspired one of the greatest love stories of all time.

As the Dodge sisters visit sites that were important to the Austen sisters, from Steventon Rectory to Chawton Great House to Winchester Cathedral, they are drawn together in ways they never expected. They also discover that Cassandra's diary holds clues that will ultimately lead them to the holy grail of Austen lore: Jane's own diary. But someone doesn't want the Dodge sisters to discover Jane's secrets and will stop at nothing to keep Ellen and Mimi from finding the truth.

As the sisters stumble along their own paths toward love, they discover how Jane and Cassandra inspired the characters Marianne and Elinor Dashwood, and Ellen and Mimi come to realize that despite their very different sensibilities, they are a vital part of each other's happy endings.

My Review:

Opening up this book was like greeting an old friend. The Formidables are back! And Mrs. Parrot!!! I squealed when she made her appearance! You needn't have read either of the first in the series, Jane Austen Ruined My Life and Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart, but you might just appreciate this one a little bit more if you have.

Told from both sisters' point of view, the chapters flip from one first person POV to the other. It was easy to follow and interesting to see their different takes on certain situations. And of course there's romance...and a wee bit of intrigue amidst the English countryside! Perfect combination for a cozy summer read.

And dare I mention the book binding and quality of the paper? (LOL -- it's the librarian in me, I can't help it.) Does anyone else feel books? You know how some of the covers feel richer, smoother..okay, maybe you don't, but trust me this one is high quality. And the pages are thicker and the binding...a librarian's dream. This book won't fall apart after multiple readings. Sorry...I just had to get that out of my system.

Ahem.

Giveaway: If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Dashwood Sisters Tell All by Beth Pattillo, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. The draw will be held on Sunday June 19. Good luck!