The Amish Cookie Club

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO READ DAY

PRICE, SARAH
THE AMISH COOKIE CLUB

Every other Friday, Edna Esh and three of her childhood friends meet to bake sugar cookies for their respective church districts on worship Sunday. It's a time to give to the Plain community -- and give support to each other as they share their joys and fears.

Edna's friend, Vera Bontranger, has a problem. Her outspoken twenty-year=old daughter, Myrna, has been fired from her job. Again. Myrna's family really needs her to hip in, but she's clearly unsuited to customer service == not to mention that her sharp tongue scares away any boy who might come courting. But Edna has an idea -- and his name is Ezekiel Riehl.

A widower with four young children, Ezekial needs help. His house and his brood are a mess; his demeanor is gruff. It's no surprise Myrna takes an immediate dislike to him. Yet she has no choice but to take on the challenge -- and soon she starts to create order out of chaos. In fact, the kids begin to depend on Myrna -- and so does Ezekial. The truth is, she's fallen in love with him. But if he's to prove he's not looking for a marriage of convenience, he'll have to convince her of what's in his heart...

My Review:

published in 2018

What a fun concept to build a series around! Amish matrons, who have a handle on all the goings on of their community, meet together to bake for the greater good. And in the process, they tackle problems on their home-fronts. In this first book of the Amish Cookie Club series, the ladies conspire  to help Vera's challenging and opinionated daughter.

The story switches back and forth from the cookie club group to young Myrna's challenging adventure into childcare and home management for a beleaguered widower. And romance! Loved the mystery shrouding Zeke and the way the author builds to the big reveal. A vivid lesson on the far-reaching effects a 'little bit' of gossip can have.

A wonderful blend of humour and angst in this hope-in-second-chances romance. Plus, the author even includes some recipes at the end of the book and they all look yummy!

Alternate cover image:



GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  The Amish Cookie Club, 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 April 18 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Cottage at the Beach

GIVEAWAY

MCCLAIN, LEE TOBIN
COTTAGE AT THE BEACH

Escape to the Chesapeake Bay, where beach life is full of love, surprises and second chances.

When an injury forces K-9 officer Trey Harrison onto the sidelines, his only thought is getting back to the police force where he belongs. And he'll do anything to make that happen -- even volunteer in a small waterfront community, just to please his boss. But no one ever said Trey had to enjoy it...

Since the surgery that destroyed her dreams of having children, schoolteacher Erica Rowe has grown even more dedicated to her work with at-risk teens. So she doesn't need some cop with a chip on his shoulder putting the program's future in jeopardy. But when Trey finally connects with the students, Erica's heart melts. And when, in a tender moment, he admits he longs to have children, her heart breaks. She's convinced he'd be better off with someone who can give him everything, but she can't seem to shake the hope that maybe love is enough.

My Review:

Whoohoo -- another new series by Lee Tobin McClain and I'm in at the very start! She is a newly discovered author for me -- read my first book almost a year ago. And Cottage at the Beach is the kind of complex, emotionally-charged story I've come to expect from this author. She pulls me in and makes me feel all her characters' struggles -- like their lives matter and I'm invested in them. I don't know how she does it -- my heart's too busy tripping all over itself to figure it out. I'm just glad that she shares her talent because I love to feel my way through a novel.

While this is largely Trey and Erica's story, the author gives us a few other points of view as well as she sets up the town dynamics and the secondary characters who live there. In fact, there's one really intriguing secondary plot about a recently divorced 'older' woman and I get the feeling her story will carry over through the rest of the series. I'm really looking forward to that.

So, we have a very moody, somewhat surly injured cop (brooding hero fans you can start swooning now!) and a no-nonsense teacher who doesn't have time for a volunteer who doesn't want to be there. Woohee -- clashing wills and zinging sparks collide in a fireworks of toe-curls and butterflies. Absolutely loved the angsty romance. So many battles to fight before a victory can be claimed and I was riveted through it all.

Have to admit I fell hard for another hero as well. King, the K-9 officer in limbo after his partner is sidelined. Sniffle. King made me cry. Then there's Ziggy, the goofball doodle who is all about having a good time. He made me laugh. I'm a happy reader when fictional critters are involved in the plot!

A stellar start to an exciting new series -- The Off Season -- and thrilled that the books are being released in a timely manner. Reunion at the Shore comes out in June! Woot!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  Cottage at the Beach, 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 April 18 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Live and Let Chai

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO READ DAY

BAKER, BREE
LIVE AND LET CHAI

The first book in a delightful new beachside cozy mystery series!\
Trouble is brewing in Everly's new caf'. Can she bag the cuplrit?

Life hasn't been so sweet for Everly Swan over the past couple of years, but now that she is back in her seaside hometown and the proud owner of a little iced tea shop and caf' right on the beach, things are finally starting to look up -- until a curmudgeonly customer turns up dead on the boardwalk. With one of her hallmark glass tea jars lying right next to him and an autopsy that reports poison in his system, it doesn't look good for Everly or her brand new business.

As the townspeople of Charm, formerly so welcoming and homey, turn their back on Everly, she fights to dig up clues about ho could have had it in for the former town councilman. With a maddeningly handsome detective discouraging her from uncovering leads and a series of anonymous attacks on Everly and her business, it will take everything she's got to keep this mystery from boiling over.

My Review:

published in 2018

Eeeeppp!!! Eeeeppppppp!!!! Eeeeeeeeppppppp!!!! I am in an ecstatic dither of fangirling over this (new to me) cozy mystery series. Especially when the writing is paired with the incredible narration performed by Therese Plummer. And I do mean performance. She brings Everly and all the characters in this seaside town to life in such an amazing way.

In fact, the narrator is the reason I discovered this series in the first place. I did an audible search to see what she has narrated and, voila, I discovered one of my fave ever cozy mysteries! Have to say that Bree Baker and Therese Plummer make a lethal combination. Hence my enthusiastic bubbling. I'm such a fan that I listened to the first three books in this series back to back in two days and now I'm bereft because the fourth book doesn't come out until the end of May and I'm not sure when the audible edition will become available after that. :-(

So what has me all in a twitterpated tizzy over Live and Let Chai? Concise answer: absolutely everything! It is cozy personified...and on steroids! Really. From the catchy title and the cute cover to every blessed word within its pages. Baker is an exquisite wordsmith which means she drives home every emotion, every sensation as well as creating the perfect seaside ambiance and small town charm. I swear there was sand in my shoes when I finished this book!

And Everly is the kind of heroine it's easy to connect with. She has insecurities, wrestles with doubts and nerves but she also has an inner strength and go-to spirit that helps sees her through the tought times. She's an extrovert with a big heart.

And, oh my, (cue the fainting couches, smelling salts and fans) Grady Hayes. Ex US Marshal, new-to-town detective.  Complex. Steadfast. Focused. And a man of mystery. The meet cute is hysterical! And then Everly discovers a body and Grady goes into cop-mode and all the evidence points to Charm's newest business owner as the likeliest suspect.

So many great secondary characters -- many potential murderers among them! Baker takes time to develop relationships but the  pacing never lags. And the mystery is edge-of-your-seat thrilling. And, of course, there's humour and cute animals and the sweet hope of romance. Absolute cozy perfection.

Please note: While this isn't a Christian Fiction selection it is a completely clean read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  Live and Let Chai, 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 April 18 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

April Giveaway -- Week Two

WON BY JANA LEAH

WON BY JACKIE SMITH

WON BY WENDY NEWCOMB

WON BY MELISSA ANDRES

WON BY CONNIE LEE

WON BY PAULA S.

You know the drill: winners will be contacted if they left their email address. Otherwise it's up to the winner to contact me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca with your mailing address. 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 YOUR EMAIL OR IF I HAVEN'T BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN REACHING YOU. Books will be ordered within a week of receiving your mailing address and I'll email you to confirm your win is on its way. Give it a full month before inquiring about the status of an order to allow for processing and shipping time. Thank you!

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK'S GIVEAWAYS:

Border Breach

GIVEAWAY

TURNER, DARLENE L.
BORDER BREACH

When drugs are smuggled cross the border it's their duty to stop the culprits...at any cost.

Forming a joint task force, Canada border officer Kaylin Poirier and police constable Hudson Stevves have one objective: take down a drug-smuggling ring trying to sell a new lethal product. But when the smugglers come after Kaylin and Hudson, this mission becomes more than just a job. Can they live long enough to solve the case?

My Review:

What a great romantic suspense debut! And I love the Canadian setting and the police procedural vibe that brings insight into casework. Lots of action. Even more dead ends. And a super creepy villain who is always one step ahead. I felt like I was on the ground dodging bullets right along with Kaylin and Hudson. My sleuthing armchair got a great workout but I was still stunned by a certain turn of events. Love it when an author trips me up. And I was feeling all smug about my detective skills too. Ha!

The romance was...prickly. :-) Kaylin and Hudson have worked together before and it didn't go well so both of them have their backs up when they are thrown together by the higher ups in a special task force. There's lots for them to work through this time round -- both personally and professionally and Kaylin has some spiritual struggles that make it harder for her to let go of past hurts. A realistic portrayal that highlights the grace forgiveness can bring even in the midst of the most trying times.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  Border Breach, 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 April 11 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Learning to Trust

GIVEAWAY

HERNE, RUTH LOGAN
LEARNING TO TRUST

He's loved and lost before...but is daughter wants him to try again.

While widower Tug Moyer isn't looking for a new wife, his eight-year-old daughter is convinced he needs one -- and that her social media plea will bring his perfect match. The response is high, but nobody seems quite right for the sheriff...except her teacher, Christa Alero, who insists she isn't interested. Now their little matchmaker must convince them both to give love a chance.

My Review:

Heartwarming and hope-infusing.

There's something about the way Ruth Logan Herne meshes humour and angst into a believable, true-to-life story that pulls out all the emotional stops. (Contented reader happy sigh!)

And Learning to Trust starts out with such cringe worthy humour -- and so topical for today's social media obsessed world. Hilarious! And maybe a little bit heart-tugging because sweet little Vangie has no clue what she's started.

Then there's Christa all judgy at first because how could a father in law enforcement not be aware of the dangers of allowing children unlimited access to the Internet? Hurrumph! Tug's in the doghouse with the school and the teacher and since he's "a fixer. A negotiator. A guardian." (p 36) that doesn't sit well with him. Snort! Let the games begin!

 What a mesmerizing read! Cute kids, past heartbreak, some twisted individuals to despair over and the sweet, sweet promise of hope for a better future! All deliciously wrapped up with typical Ruthy charm. I'm still giddy just thinking about it.

A second chance romance with lots of heart and even more laughter.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  Learning to Trust, 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 April 11 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Before I Called You Mine

GIVEAWAY

DEESE, NICOLE
BEFORE I CALLED YOU MINE

Lauren Bailey may be a romantic at heart, but after a decade of matchmaking schemes gone wrong, there's only one match she's committed to now -- the one that will make her a mother. Lauren is a dedicated first grade teacher in Idaho, and her love for children has led her to the path of international adoption. To satisfy her adoption agency's requirements, she gladly agreed to remain single for the foreseeable future; however, just as her long wait comes to an end, Lauren is blindsided by a complication she never saw coming: Joshua Avery.

Joshua may be a substitute teacher by day, but Lauren finds his passion for creating educational technology as fascinating as his antics in the classroom. Though she does her best to downplay the undeniable connection between them, his relentless pursuit of her heart puts her commitment to stay unattached to the test and causes her once-firm conviction to waver.

With an impossible decision looming, Lauren might very well find herself choosing between the two deepest desires of her heart...even if saying yes to one means letting go of the other.

My Review:

Well, I'm gobsmacked. I'm not sure how to review this book because there is so much I want to say but I can't without posting spoilers. Before I Called You Mine would definitely make for an inspiring book club read. So much to talk about with so many possible viewpoints...just wow!

This is so much more than a love story -- though it's an incredibly stirring one and Joshua makes the top ten on my bookish heroes list. But it's the foreign adoption angle that brings so much depth to this contemporary romance. And angst. Lots of tears too. Honestly, it felt like someone stuck a knife in my gut and twisted it slowly at one point. So, yes, I lived through every millisecond of this emotional roller coaster ride. Lots of angst but so much heart and hope too. And humour!

(Funny side note: I've been listening to books on my social distancing walks and I totally broke into heaving sobs when Deese unexpectedly skewered my heart. Ha -- there I was blocks away from home with my eyes streaming and my nose running as I choked out sobs that sounded like coughing. I looked like a walking advertisement for what to avoid in this COVID-19 world.)

So, reader beware. Read this one in the privacy of your own home -- with lots of tissues handy and some comfort chocolate and maybe a favourite teddy bear for extra solace.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  Before I Call You Min, 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 April 11 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!