The Story Keeper

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO READ DAY

WINGATE, LISA

THE STORY KEEPER

When successful New York editor Jen Gibbs discovers a decaying slush-pile manuscript on her desk, she has no idea that the story of Sarra, a young mixed-race woman trapped in Appalachia at the turn of the twentieth century, will both take her on a journey and change her forever. Happy with her life in the city, and at the top of her career with a new job at Vida House Publishing, Jen has left her Appalachian past and twisted family ties far behind. But the search for the rest of the manuscript, and Jen's suspicions about the identity of its unnamed author, will draw her into a mystery that leads back to the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains...and quite possibly through the doors she thought she had closed forever.

My Review:

published in 2014

Spellbinding! The kind of novel that hits hard (literary sucker punches to the nth degree!) and engages a reader's heart and mind with emotions on full throttle.

I haven't met a Lisa Wingate book I haven't loved but the emphasis on stories in this one touched me in so many ways. The author celebrates the power of words and the importance of remembering and celebrating everyone's story no matter how broken or unpolished. This book really made an impact on me.

Dual timelines set in the Blue Ridge Mountains -- both depicting the struggles of women born a century a part with some eerie similarities to their stories. The complex layers of both timelines and the way they come together by the end is sheer perfection. Gorgeous character growth and compelling faith threads added to my readerly delight.

The author starts us off in present day with career driven editor, Jen, who is determined to keep her painful childhood buried in the past. Until she stumbles upon a slush pile partial manuscript that sends her back to the place and the people she's tried so hard to forget. Wingate expertly weaves in the historical timeline through the words of the manuscript but when it abruptly stops mid-story, Jen is compelled to go off on a desperate quest to search for the rest.

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Abby Craden and Bahni Turpin and they did an amazing job giving all the characters their own distinctive personalities. The Mountain dialects were really well done. A perfect match for the author's rich storytelling style. (Available on Audible Plus right now, for anyone who enjoys audio books.)

Goal Update: #5 Diversify my reading, #8 Play author catch up

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 Story Keeper, 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 February 19 2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

Twilight at Moorington Cross

GIVEAWAY

WILSON, ABIGAIL

TWILIGHT AT MOORINGTON CROSS

Amelia Pembroke is in a unique position in Regency England. She can obtain financial freedom. But in order to do so, she must marry one of two gentlemen. The trouble is, she might be falling in love with another man entirely.

1819, Kent, England -- Everything changed the moment Amelia became heiress to Moorington Cross. A young widow and patient at Cluett's Mesmeric Hospital, Amelia is stunned to learn that her doctor -- and the only father figure she's ever known -- has altered his will naming her his primary beneficiary. Such an opportunity is beyond what any Regency-era woman could dare to dream -- especially one with a sleeping disorder that find her falling asleep at the most random of times.

There is, however, a perplexing condition attached to the will: she must wed one of two named men, wholly unknown to her. Doing so would prove her with a secure future. But how can she marry one of these men when her heart is intrigued by the charming solicitor, Mr. Hawkins?

Everything takes on a new sense of urgency -- and danger -- when Mr. Cluett is found dead in his bedchamber only hours after announcing his updated will. Now Amelia only has thirty days to decide which man she will marry. But she is just as determined to uncover the truth of her benefactor's demise with the help of Mr. Hawkins. After all, this sudden turn of events couldn't merely be a coincidence -- could it?

From award-winning author Abigail Wilson, Twilight at Moorington Cross is a mysterious Regency romance full of intrigue, mesmeric treatments, and abandoned corridors that proves love is the greatest testament of all.

My Review:

Atmospheric and mysterious and deliciously intriguing. I mean, there are mysteries you don't even know are mysteries until they're solved! And the revelations keep coming right up to the very end.

Love the obscure historical details Wilson brings to light in this novel. I actually googled mesmeric to get a better understanding of the kind of treatments Amelia is undergoing. Mind boggling, that's all I'm going to say about that! And what an interesting affliction to place upon a Regency heroine. Amelia's life has been difficult, she's been judged and found wanting and eventually tucked away out of sight. She's thankful for finding a safe place to land under the compassionate (if misguided!) care of Dr. Cluett...until his outlandish proposal for securing her future. 

Married to a stranger?! No worries, Amelia, the good doctor has chosen two unlikely candidates and you get to choose! So I'm settling in to enjoy all that lovely emotional turmoil (and the welcome distraction of a certain charming solictor) when her benefactor's sudden and suspicious death throws the whole household into turmoil. 

Giddy shiver. Moortington Cross is delightfully creepy and mysterious. It seems that every one has a secret to hide, including the house itself (!) and Amelia's determined to discover them all so she can make a sensible decision about her future. And she has a whole month to do so! No pressure there at all.

Compelling read from start to finish!

Goal Updates: #5 Diversifying my reading, Uk setting, heroine with chronic condition

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 Twilight at Moorington Cross, 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 February 19 2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

A Lowcountry Bride

GIVEAWAY

WILLIAMS, PRESLAYSA

A LOWCOUNTRY BRIDE

Maya Jackson has worked for Laura Whitcomb Inc., a renowned New York City bridal gown brand, for years, and she dreams of becoming head designer. She has the talent, she just needs a chance to showcase her unique style. Due to an illness, Maya has always prioritized her career over her personal life, until her father fractures his hip and she returns home to Charleston, South Carolina. Although there for only a few months, she's thrilled to find an opportunity at the local bridal gown boutique, never expecting sparks to fly with its owner...

A military veteran and widowed father, Derek Sullivan hopes to save Always a Bride from bankruptcy in order to preserve his family's legacy. He also wants to reconnect with his estranged twelve-year-old daughter, who is still recovering from the loss of her mother three years earlier. The last thing he needs is a relationship with a beautiful, smart, complicated woman who will be leaving soon.

When Derek begins to fall for the lovely Maya, he knows there's no future. But destiny has its own plans, and these two lonely people with big hearts discover that coming home to love is the best gift life can give.

My Review:

A contemporary romance rich in history and culture and the ties that bind generations together.

What a stunning debut novel and I think it has stirred some controversy with romance readers over whether it should be classified as Romance or Women's Fiction. I'm on the Romance bandwagon because, while it's a slow-burn kind, there's a definite spark between Maya and Derek when they first meet. The interest is evident but the complications are daunting which just means the euphoria of a hard-won happily ever after at the end. :-)

And about that happily ever after...Maya has a chronic illness which will likely shorten her lifespan but...hey, this is fiction and I'm happy to imagine a new drug/procedure/medical intervention that is going to turn all that around so in my mind that happily-ever-after is for a loooonnnggg time. As someone who also lives with a chronic condition, I'm beyond excited to see that representation in a romance novel because aren't we all worthy of love? 

Williams brings depth and heart to her characters which kept me emotionally engaged. Maya's very real struggle to prove herself in a cutthroat industry is so gripping. There's one character in particular that I just wanted to throttle! Gah, but I love it when my character-protective instincts are engaged during a read. :-) I wanted to slay dragons for Maya as she finds her way both professionally and personally. 

And Derek is the right guy to be by her side on that journey...he just has to figure that out and come to terms with some...well, a lot...of things first. :-) That includes connecting with a somewhat prickly pre-teen daughter. Jamila -- and a host of other secondary characters in all ages and stages --bring light and laughter and comfort...and angst(!) to the story as well.

A Lowcountry Bride celebrates family connections and heritage and totally captivated me from the very first page. 

Oh -- and that cover -- is it not retro-cute?!

Please note: while not a Christian Fiction selection, this book is a clean read.

Goal Update: #3 Read more debut authors, #5 Diversify my reading

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 A Lowcountry Bride, 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 February 19 2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

February Giveaway -- Week Two

WON BY ALISON BOSS

WON BY SUSAN FUCHIKAMI

WON BY LANE HILL HOUSE

WON BY ROXANNE CRUZ

WON BY KAY GARRETT

WON BY JO

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

Finding Her Way Back

GIVEAWAY

CARTER, LISA

FINDING HER WAY BACK

Healing his daughter is worth risking his heart.

After a tragic even leaves Rob Melbourne's little girl traumatized, he'll do anything to help her recover -- even enlist his first love, Juliet Newark, and her therapy pup, Moose. Working with Juliet stirs up old feelings for Bob, a distraction he doesn't need. But with the dog's help, the road to healing his daughter might just give Rob and Juliet a second chance at happiness.

A K-9 Companions Story

My Review:

What a touching, hope-filled, heave-a-happy-sigh-at-the-end read! 

Lisa Carter is one of my favourite authors for the emotional depth she brings to her stories and this one is exceptional. She deals with complicated issues surrounding grief with such compassion and insight. Yes, Juliet is stuck in her grieving process -- five years after the death of her husband -- but the author conveys the complexity and individuality that comes with each personal experience. We all grieve, but we grieve differently and that's okay. I loved that acceptance, along with the encouragement to move through stagnant emotions. I hope this doesn't make the book sound heavy, because it's not for all that the characters are dealing with difficult issues. 

Moose is one of the reasons why. His spunky papillon-mix temperament makes him easy to love. He may be pint-sized but his heart is definitely moose-sized. And I loved the therapy dog part of this story. This multi-authored series is all about showcasing the amazing contributions our special canine friends can make in so many lives. And when Moose teams up with little Sophie in order to help her recover from a traumatic incident, well, hearts melt.

And then there's the ever so wary romance that sputters and stops and inches along between Rob and Juliet. Not really sweethearts in high school, but they were aware of each other and now years and life have brought them full circle. 

Just to keep everyone on the straight and narrow, the Knit-Knack Club (aka seniors on a mission that doesn't involve something crafty...well, maybe crafty in a different kind of way!) add their "purls of wisdom for unsnarling the tangles of life." (p 22) 

It really doesn't get any better than this!

Goal Update: #6 Stay current with a series

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Finding Her Way Back, 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 February 12 2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

Solo Tu : Only You

GIVEAWAY

ATKINS, NARELLE

SOLO TU : ONLY YOU

Four years ago, Sienna defied her father by moving to Australia to obtain her teaching qualifications. Her grand plan is shaken by her father's unexpected death and a trip back to Tuscany for her grandmother's eightieth birthday where she renews her close bound with her sister, Alessa.

Teacher Dave Maxwell likes the freedom of his nomadic lifestyle. He works contract-to-contract, moving to different high schools around Australia. He's in Sydney for a season, caring for his grandma while his aunt is on an extended overseas vacation.

Back in Sydney, Sienna moves in with her Aussie cousins and starts her first teaching job, torn between her dream for a future in Australia and her longing for home. Sienna and Dave work at the same school, attend the same church, and quickly become friends. They are drawn together by circumstances and an undeniable attraction.

But their idyllic time together is temporary. Can the girl from Tuscany and the boy from Australia risk everything for love?

My Review:

Cute and funny and heartwarming. Love the exotic-to-me setting in Australia and all the Aussie-isms, not to mention the Italian flare courtesy of our heroine. This makes for a great armchair travel read. Atkins really brings her readers into the climate and culture without making it all travelogue-y. If that makes any sense. :-)

There's one part in the opening scene which depicts a rousing game of beach cricket -- say what?! Now, I'm a total non-sport fan. If I'm reading a book about a hockey player (well, really, when have I ever read about a hockey player? But, just go with me on this.) I would totally skim all the sport references and game details because I'm sooooo not into all that. But for some reason I was fascinated with beach cricket and I read that scene over and over trying to picture it all but the nuances still escaped me. So then I couldn't resist googling it and, while I still don't have a grasp of the game, I'm now yearning for white sandy beaches and the roar of ocean waves. Instead I get mountains of snow and howling winds. Sigh. At least I got to visit warmer climes with Sienna and Dave.

Speaking of which -- love the romance. It builds from a foundation of friendship but we all know it's doomed to fail because she's missing her family in Italy and he's a 100% Australian guy! With a nomadic lifestyle to boot. Loved the way the author works all that out to sublime readerly satisfaction.

And one of the most striking aspects of this novel is the way the faith thread is written. Both hero and heroine are Christian but the majority of their interactions are with folks who aren't so there's this striving to live up to standards and commitments that aren't considered normal in today's culture. Sienna especially has some difficult situations to navigate through with her non-believing family and I found this to be a very honest and real portrayal of what it's like to be one apart from the crowd. Really well done. 

Solo Tu : Only You is part of a multi-authored series, A Tuscany Legacy (#7) and I did find myself floundering a bit over all the references to Sienna's siblings who appear to be heroes and heroines of previous books, and future ones too as there are two more after this one. Plus there's one over-arcing element that I think won't be resolved until the last book about mysterious paintings. It didn't take me long to find my footing and settle into the story though, so I wouldn't let not having read any of the other books be a deterrent from reading this one. This is just more of a heads up from one reader to another. :-)

Goal Update: #1 Read more indie authors #5 Diversifying my reading, Australian author, Australian setting, Italian heroine

 GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Solo Tu : Only You, 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 February12 2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

Lethal Corruption

GIVEAWAY

CHOATE, JANE M.

LETHAL CORRUPTION

Uncovering dangerous secrets could bury them both for good.

Nothing will stop deputy district attorney Shannon DeFord from prosecuting the biggest case of her career -- not even a warning at knifepoint. Unsure of who to trust, she accepts security expert Rafe Zuniga's daily protection. But when the threats turn deadly, they both know this is more than a typical criminal trial. Together, can they unravel a conspiracy or will the truth get them killed?

My Review:

I think I might have turned permanently blue from holding my breath all through this read. Tons of action including choreographed fight scenes that had me ducking and rolling right along with Rafe and Shannon! And the intricate suspense adds even more edge-of-your-seat stuff. Love that Shannon is a crusader on the side of justice and Choate made me feel all the exasperation and despair and anger over what these unscrupulous people are doing to innocent, hardworking folks. I so love it when the smarmy, corrupt guys get their comeuppance in the end though. That made my heart happy. :-)

And so did Rafe, by the way. He's got taciturn, brooding hero down pat, but with glimmers of humour. The last thing he wants to do is play bodyguard to the DDA, especially when he meets her and can't help but be intrigued. I do so love a reluctant love interest. :-) And this ex-military man is full of surprises! Loved peeling back the layers of his back story.

Also love the pithy lines of dialogue and surprise bursts of humour sprinkled throughout this intense story. Like this:

"Rafe decided he should put in for hazard pay. Shopping was a blood sport... Battle-hardened soldiers who had faced the enemy without flinching would have cowered at the hordes of women who attacked the sales racks in a fevered frenzy." (p 51)

Bwahahahaha!

Another riveting romantic suspense from Jane M. Choate.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Lethal Corruption, 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 February 5 2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck