Her Small-Town Cowboy

GIVEAWAY

ROSS, MIA
HER SMALL-TOWN COWBOY

Book 1: Oaks Crossing--A small Kentucky town with a big heart.

Lily St. George dreams of marriage and a family of her own. But as a temporary kindergarten teacher, she can't get too attached to anyone in Oaks Crossing. When a student brings in her single father for show-and-tell, Lily is drawn to charming cowboy Mike Kinley. Working overtime to save his struggling horse farm, Mike claims to have no room in his life for love. But when they team up to start a riding school for children at his ranch, Lily knows she'll have to help Mike see their partnership is meant to be permanent.

My Review:

I kind of went into a major sulk after I finished Mia Ross's Barrett's Mills series. They were serious perfection and I didn't want to leave the Blue Ridge Mountains or the Barrett family. And even though I knew she was working on a new series I still suffered reader melancholy something fierce. Happy to say I'm out of my blue funk now that I've become acquainted with the Kinley clan and Oaks Crossing, Kentucky.

Seriously creative first meet. I'm grinning just thinking about it. In fact -- hold on a sec while I go and reread a few pages 'cause it's that good. Okay, I'm back and still grinning. It's just as good as I remembered. Why? Damsel in distress (sort of), cowboy gallantly comes to the rescue (sort of) and a team of horses with 'tude.

Speaking of which -- this book is full of stellar animals. From old Sarge the terrier whose story brought tears to my eyes, to the young upstart pup, Charlie. Then there's patient Gideon the Belgian draft horse and Chance the troubled Thoroughbred. And did I mention there's an animal rescue centre on the ranch? My animal loving heart is full to overflowing.

Okay, back the humans. Mike is a little gnarly (maybe more than a little...at times), but even so, Lily's smitten though she hides it well. Not. Mike's daughter, Abby, brings them together in some surprising ways and a sweet love story ensues.

Of course there are a few bumps in the road on the way to happily ever after. Ross delivers angst in measured doses resulting in nail-biting bliss. And a poignant faith thread on forgiveness rounds out the tale and makes Her Small-Town Cowboy a pretty near perfect read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  Her Small-Town Cowboy 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 December 13 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Back in the Saddle

GIVEAWAY

HERNE, RUTH LOGAN
BACK IN THE SADDLE

The Prodigal Is Coming Home

It’s been a long time since Colt Stafford shrugged off his cowboy legacy for shiny Manhattan loafers and a promising career on Wall Street. But when stock market manipulations leave him financially strapped, the oldest son of legendary rancher Sam Stafford decides to return to the sprawling Double S ranch in Gray’s Glen, Washington. He’s broke, but not broken, and it’s time to check in with his ailing father, and get his legs back under him by climbing into the saddle again.

He doesn’t expect to come home to a stranger pointing a loaded gun at his chest— a tough yet beautiful woman that Sam hired as the house manager. Colt senses there’s more to Angelina Morales than meets the eye and he’s determined to find out what she’s hiding...and why.

Colt’s return brings new challenges. Younger brother Nick has been Sam’s right-hand man at the ranch for years and isn’t thrilled at having Colt insert himself into Double S affairs. And the ranch’s contentious relationship with the citizens of Gray’s Glen asks all the Stafford men to examine their hearts about what it truly means to be a neighbor.  And as Wall Street recovers, will Colt succumb to the call of the financial district’s wealth and power—or finally the courage to stay in the saddle for good?

My Review:

A fresh new series from a best selling author known for her accurate portrayal of family life. Realism abounds -- both good and bad, as Herne explores the complications that come from living in relationship both at home and in the broader community.

The Stafford men are a force to be reckoned with. Rough around the edges, decent, hardworking, stubborn to the core. But each grapples with deep wounds from their past. Patriarch Sam Stafford is finally ready to face the part he played in his broken family and willing to make amends...if it's not too late. What a wonderful set up for the Double S Ranch series.

Back in the Saddle is eldest son, Colt's journey of self-discovery. He comes home to lick his wounds and discovers everything has changed -- from his curmudgeon of a father to a feisty house manager and testy brother. He's challenged at every turn and it isn't long before his life takes an unexpected shift.

Angelina is sweet perfection . Her tough, no nonsense attitude holds her in good stead amongst a ranch of cantankerous males. She's not afraid to speak her mind or share her faith, In fact her heart for God pours into everything she does, including those around her. Even Colt who swore off God a long time ago. Their relationship grows in gentle waves as they both struggle to keep their distance. Sometimes they succeed and sometimes they are drawn together despite their better judgement. And when they do -- fireworks explode! Theirs is a slow-burn, toe curling type of romance.

A town in peril and a host of engaging secondary characters bring an extra depth to the story. This is Herne at her best. A glorious tale of restoration and love.

My thanks to the author and Multnomah for providing me with a copy of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Please note: this book does not release until March 2016. It will be pre-ordered for the reader and delivered as soon as it becomes available.

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  Back in the Saddle 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 December 13 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

December Giveaway - Week One

As always, I will contact the winners by email however thanks to the nefarious ways of the Internet my email might land in your spam folder so keep your eyes peeled! :-) If you haven't heard from me by Monday evening please email me your snail mail address at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca From time to time winners and I don't seem to connect, so I have a month time frame. If I can't reach you within four weeks your win will be forfeited.

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK'S GIVEAWAYS:

A Convenient Christmas Bride

GIVEAWAY

GIBSON, RHONDA
A CONVENIENT CHRISTMAS BRIDE

Hitched for the Holidays  

After a pupil's prank forces Anna Mae Leland to take shelter with a widowed sheriff during a blizzard, she loses her teaching job—but gains a fiancé. Josiah Miller needs a mother for his twin daughters and Anna Mae needs to protect her reputation. This business-only arrangement means the recently jilted Anna Mae need never risk the folly of love again.

Josiah has long admired the town's spirited schoolteacher from afar. In close quarters, she's an ideal friend and helpmate. Yet Christmas's arrival brings a gift neither dared hope for—a second chance at love and happiness…but only if they'll forego what's practical and follow their hearts.

My Review:

Cutest cover ever!!! A heartwarming romance filled with humour in unexpected places not to mention the antics of Josiah's adorable twins...and Christmas just around the corner. I love marriage of convenience stories and this one is a great example of why. The tenuous uncertainty that comes when two people venture into a second chance at love kept me on the edge of my seat. Loved the push/pull that ensued as Josiah and Anna Mae try to find their balance in a marriage that suddenly isn't all that convenient. A scrumptious read that will lift your spirits and keep your smiling.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  A Convenient Christmas Bride 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 December 6 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Standoff at Christmas

GIVEAWAY

DALEY, MARGARET
STANDOFF AT CHRISTMAS

Dangerous holiday homecoming

Anchorage K-9 officer Jake Nichols returns home for Christmas to recover from the accident that almost killed him—and find a little peace and quiet. But those plans are shattered when his childhood friend Rachel Hart gets caught up in a drug-smuggling ring after her aunt's best friend is brutally murdered. Jake quickly discovers that Port Aurora is no longer the tranquil little fishing town he left behind. He promises Rachel that he'll stick around until he tracks down the killer—and vows to protect her at all costs. Both of their lives are in peril as he battles against the Alaskan winter, a ruthless criminal…and his developing feelings for Rachel.

Alaskan Search and Rescue: Risking their lives to save the day

My Review:

The suspense creeps up on you from the very first page. There's the feeling that something isn't right and dread seeped into my bones. Intense. Love that exhilarating rush I get when I plummet into the middle of a spine-tingling suspenseful read. The renewal of Rachel and Jake's friendship provides sweet respite to the tense mystery. And three legged Mitch, retired K-9 extraordinaire, is just the icing on the cake. A compelling read guaranteed to satisfy discerning romantic suspense fans.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  Standoff at Christmas 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 December 6 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Until the Dawn

GIVEAWAY

CAMDEN, ELIZABETH
UNTIL THE DAWN

A volunteer for the newly established Weather Bureau, Sophie van Riijn needs access to the highest spot in her village to report the most accurate readings. Fascinated by Dierenpark, an abandoned mansion high atop a windswept cliff in the Hudson River Valley, Sophie knows no better option despite a lack of permission from the absent owners.

The first Vandermark to return to the area in sixty years, Quentin intends to put an end to the shadowy rumors about the property that has brought nothing but trouble upon his family. Ready to tear down the mansion, he is furious to discover a local woman has been trespassing on his land.

Instantly at odds, Quentin and Sophie find common ground when she is the only one who can reach his troubled son. There's a light within Sophie that Quentin has never known, and a small spark of the hope that left him years ago begins to grow. But when the secrets of Dierenpark and the Vandermark family history are no longer content to stay in the past, will tragedy triumph or can their tenuous hope prevail?

My Review:

Spell-binding. I'm utterly and completely star struck over this one. There's a magical quality to the story that took my breath away. The setting is spectacular. Dierenpark is an oasis nestled in the Hudson River Valley.  Book nerd aside: Any Trixie Belden fans out there? I couldn't help thinking that these were her stomping grounds. Even pretended that her ancestors came from New Holland. You know you're obsessed with books when you can relate a twentieth century teenage super sleuth to a nineteenth century heroine. Both fictional characters -- but forever connected in my reader's heart now. :-)

I loved the contrast between Quentin and Sophie. She is the light to his darkness and for those of you who enjoy a brooding hero, Quentin is that -- in spades! Camden does an incredible job of making him relatable even though he's quite the tyrant. His transformation from bitter atheist to hope-filled believer is breathtaking.

Sophie is buoyantly optimistic. A wide-eyed innocent that Quentin at first scorns but there's something enticing about Sophie and it isn't long before he becomes fascinated by her. Much to his chagrin. And annoyance. Can we say belligerently cranky brooding hero? Even so there are some truly tender moments between the two that left me sighing in ecstasy.

This is a story about the power of change. Each character, and even Dierenpark itself, experiences a metamorphosis of sorts and the way Camden ties diverse story threads together is sheer brilliance. Utterly, completely satisfying to my very core. A truly exceptional read.

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  Until the Dawn 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 December 6 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Deadly Christmas Secrets

GIVEAWAY

MCCOY, SHIRLEE
DEADLY CHRISTMAS SECRETS

The Christmas target

When new evidence surfaces that Harper Shelby's niece is possibly alive, Harper doesn't expect it to endanger her life. For her protection, she has to put her much-guarded trust in Logan Fitzgerald, the man who unknowingly led a killer to her doorstep. Hired to track Harper down, security and rescue expert Logan doesn't like that he's been used to find a woman who someone apparently wants dead. Now he won't leave Harper's side until he can guarantee her safety and untangle the truth from the lies regarding her sister's and niece's murders. The closer they get to finding answers, the more intent the killer becomes on making sure that there won't be a family reunion—or happily-ever-after—for Harper this Christmas. 

Mission : Rescue

My Review:

Take a deep breath before opening this book because you won't take another until you reach the end.  At least, that's the way it felt for me. A little bit creepy, a whole lot of suspense and plenty of mystery to figure out.

Harper has put up walls around her heart and she doesn't let anyone in -- except her Irish wolfhound, Picasso that is. And yes, I said Irish wolfhound. In a story. Squeal! You may find it strange that I'm over-the-moon thrilled about that, but then you didn't know my eleven-year-old self so that's perfectly understandable. Anyway, back to Harper, who is hard to get to know, incredibly contained. Reserved. Reluctant to trust. And Logan -- determined to protect, especially since it looks like he's the one that led trouble right to Harper's doorstep. The HEART team gets involved as they all strive to protect Harper from a sinister threat while trying to unravel a four year-old life and death mystery. An awesome romantic suspense (with an Irish wolfhound!!!!)

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  Deadly Christmas Secrets 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 December 6 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!